Ashland-Hanover Local – 06/03/20

ASTRONOMY

COMMUNITY Nominations received for Chickahominy and Ashland school board seats PAGE

The Universe from the Center

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Vol. 5 No. 38 | Richmond Suburban News | June 3, 2020

Moore and O’Connell lead PHHS by sharing honor of valedictorian

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor SHLAND – With 4.56 grade point averages, Joseph Moore and Sydney O’Connell share the honor of being named valedictorian of the Class of 2020 at Patrick Henry High School.

Joseph, the son of Scott and Carolyn Moore of Montpelier, has been involved in the following: Beta Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Spanish National Honor Society.

He has served as or has been a member of NJROTC Battalion Commander, NJROTC Drill Team as Assistant Drill Team Commander, NJROTC Exhibition Team, NJROTC

A

JOSEPH MOORE

SYDNEY O’CONNELL

Valedictorian

Valedictorian

Raider Team as Alpha Team Commander, NJROTC JLAB Team, NJROTC Academic Team, and NJROTC Color Guard.

Joseph also has been involved in fencing, junior varsity football, and varsity

track.

In his community, he has helped with the Hanover Christmas Mother program, Night to Shine, Fusion Formal, play guarding, Liberty Eagle Camp, PHHS Open House, Rockville Sports

Park concessions, PHacelift, NASCAR cleanup, Show Choir stage crew, dog sitting, math tutoring, Ashland Baseball Opening Ceremony Color Guard, and Color Guard for football games.

He also helped with Homecoming set-up, Fusion Formal set-up, Veterans’ Day Breakfast and Ceremonies, NJROTC Freshman Cadet Orientation, Music in the Park, Red Bag Collection for high school, and Conex box cleaning.

Joseph has been accepted at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he will be pursuing a degree in physics.

Looking ahead, he said, “I am super excited to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. It has been a dream since I was 3 years old.”

Sydney, who makes her see PHHS pg. 4

Schools have ‘more questions than answers’

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local HANOVER – It’s been a case of the world turned upside down for Hanover school officials since campuses were shuttered on March 13.

With the duration of the closure still undetermined, administrators enacted Phase One of remote learning for its 17,000 students.

Since that initial closing, it’s see GILL, pg. 3

DR. MICHAEL GILL

Hanover Tomato Festival canceled Staff Report news@mechlocal.com Hanover County Parks and Recreation recently announced that it was canceling the 2020 Hanover Tomato Festival, which was scheduled to take place in July.

In a release issued on Thursday, May 28, the department said that the safety of the community is its top prior-

ity and organizers remain committed to doing their part to see TOMATO, pg. 5

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Nominations received for Chickahominy and Ashland school board seats

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

H

ANOVER- Three candidates placed their names in nomination for two school board seats scheduled to be filled next month at last week’s board of supervisors meeting.

Incumbents Bob Hundley and Ola Hawkins expressed their desires to continue their service on the school board.

Hawkins, currently vice-chair, is seeking her second fouryear term, while Hundley has been a member since 2004 and served as chair on several occasions.

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Also asking to be considered is Dr. Jerome Clayton Ross, a local pastor and philosophy professor.

Hundley and Ross are seeking the Chickahominy seat while Hawkins is the sole candidate for the Ashland position.

Hawkins currently works at Henrico County’s Maude Trevvett Elementary School assisting students with remedial math and reading. She also enjoyed a 28-year career with Verizon in teaching and management.

As Ashland’s representative, Hawkins works with three elementary schools and one middle and high school, but said the position requires a

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020

Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

Current Chickahominy District Planning Commissioner Steve Hadra, Chickahominy board member Angela Kelly-Wiecek, C. Harold Padgett and wife Betty Ann.

broad vision.

“As school board members, we work with all schools, all children and all communities.

That’s our job and we do it,” she said.

Hawkins has been active on many school board committees, including Special Education, Teacher of the Year, Preschool Initiatives, Health and Advanced Studies.

Hawkins said her service on the board has been impactful and she wants to continue in order “to do what is right and what is best” for Hanover students.

Hundley is a lifelong Hanover resident, a product of Hanover schools and a graduate of Lee Davis High School in 1980. He and his wife Nancy have three children, all of whom have graduated from Atlee High School.

Hundley has also served as president of the Virginia School Board Association and currently represents them on the Commonwealth’s advisory board for the gifted. He works at Resource International, a civil engineering firm.

“I recognize that the priv-

ilege to serve on the school board demands an immense responsibility, and I vow to continue serving with that in mind,” Hundley said in a brief statement to the board.

Ross, a 1982 graduate of Virginia Union University’s School of Theology, has served as a professor of theology at VUU and Randolph Macon College and is currently an adjunct professor at VUU and John Tyler Community College.

He also pastors a local church.

While Ross admitted to having no experience teaching in public schools, he voiced a lifelong interest in education and its connection to religion.

Ross said he hopes “to bring some cultural sensitivity and some new ideas” to the educational table in Hanover County.

An announcement of who will serve is scheduled for next month’s board of supervisors meeting.

In other matters, the board issued a proclamation recognizing C. Harold Padgett for his long years of public service and dedication to Hanover County.

Padgett and his wife Betty Ann are preparing to move to

South Carolina, and the longtime planning commissioner said the kind words expressed at last week’s meeting could influence his decision to relocate.

“If I knew everybody loved me so much, I don’t know I’d go,” he laughed as he accepted a plaque emblazoned with the proclamation.

“I share with many citizens of Hanover whether they’re members of the Rotary of members of the American Legion or others in the community who will just miss the calm and reassuring and wonderful presence of Harold Padgett.

“So, we thought the least we could do even in this strange time that we find ourselves in, is to offer a proclamation and thanks to our dear Harold,” Chickahominy supervisor Angela Kelly-Wiecek said.

Padgett was appointed to the planning commission by then-supervisor Bob Setliff in 2001 and served on that board until his retirement in 2016. He also served on the county’s zoning appeals board.

After he graduated from the Citadel in 1962, Padgett served in the U.S. Army and South Carolina National Guard and is a member of the Mechanicsville Rotary and American Legion Post 175.

Padgett and his wife are returning home to Berkeley County, South Carolina, but he acknowledged his heart remains in Hanover County.

“Working with the county has been a real pleasure. It’s changed my life in a way that would have never happened otherwise,” Padgett said.

By his description he entered that realm of public service “by accident more or less” after working to elect Bob Setliff to the board of supervisors in 2002 and being appointed to the planning commission.

GILL Continued from pg. 1

been a constantly changing situation that has presented daily challenges for educators attempting to maintain quality instruction for all county students.

Superintendent Michael Gill admits there have been days where questions outnumbered answers, but said he’s proud of the way his staff has reacted to an unprecedented crisis and maintained efforts to provide quality instruction during these difficult times.

“Our teachers, administrators and support staff have truly risen to the challenge.

Our curriculum staff has put together our virtual and package instruction to keep our students not only engaged but also to cover the material,” Gill said.

Parents and students have also been presented with a set of unknowns during the pandemic with a myriad of questions regarding the future.

An immediate concern regards summer school. All high school summer school courses will be offered online beginning June 22.

Since virtual learning is more difficult for elementary-aged students, Gill said that summer program will be pushed back as far as possible with start times projected in August.

“A lot of that depends on guidance from the state as to when we are allowed to have students back in our buildings,” Gill said last week.

Middle school summer classes require a more “blended” approach, combining in class with remote learning and those plans are still pending state DOE guidance.

County officials also rely on the governor’s recommendations and the Virginia Department of Health’s guidelines.

“If we are permitted to do it, a blended learning approach for the middle school level, as opposed to a fully virtual model we would use if the blended approach wasn’t possible, would be a combination of in-person instruction as well as online or virtual instruction,” Gill said.

With students ending their on-campus instruction on March 13, nearly three months of in-class learning has been lost, replaced by virtual instruction or more traditionally paper packets containing assignments and lectures.

“That’s essentially three months of lost instruction,” Gill said. “We are required to certify to the State of Virginia that the remaining curriculum for the three months that we were not in school was still covered.”

Gill said Hanover accomplished that task with providing either or virtual or paper assignments that require a student’s submission in order to obtain a “meets expectations” rating. Phase II of the remote learning plan was initiated shortly after Spring Break and focused on those required instructional guidelines.

“We can certify to the state of Virginia that we have covered that material,” Gill said.

The superintendent acknowledged the shortcomings of virtual instruction and said administrators will work with teachers during the summer on how to assess students when they return in the fall.

“In any summer there is some learning loss that occurs between June and September,” Gill said. “It remains to be seen if that will be heightened this year.

Instruction will be tailored to the individual as we resume hopefully in September.”

To address those potential learning gaps, Gill said the system would employ a scaffolded system, one that teaches concepts from the prior year and build on that foundation.

“Then, we’ll circle back again and reteach and build… so that we can bridge that gap,” Gill said. “Hopefully by late fall, we are on a normal pace.”

While some school systems are considering earlier start dates for the fall session or expanded hours for instruction, Gill said Hanover will not consider opening schools before Labor Day. “We are actively working through a variety of scenarios, what we call our return to learn, and putting together a task force right now. So much of that will be dictated by those three agencies (Governor’s Office, VDOE and VDH) and we will take our guidance from them,” Gill said.

“We really have more questions than answers at this point,” Gill said. “We will be prepared for any scenario. When we do welcome our students back it is going to be a happy day but is always going to be with their safety foremost in our minds,” he added.

Hanover’s virtual learning efforts have been complicated by the lack of devices for all students.

Currently, the system is in its fourth year of a five-year technology plan that will provide Chromebooks for all middle school students this fall, and distribute devices to high school students the following school year.

When asked if officials have considered accelerating that program forward, Gill’s

response was direct.

“Yes is the simple answer on that,” he said. “Equity is always a consideration in our decision making. We are trying to provide an equal opportunity for all students.”

Distributing paper packets and boosting Wi-Fi reception around campuses are all efforts to improve and ensure that equity, but Gill admits the devices would enhance virtual learning.

“We remain on schedule for our middle school laptop initiative,” Gill said. “While I can’t make any promises at this point about accelerating the schedule for high school laptops….we are working through several logistics (budgeting, supply)… and we are in the works on that and working with the county administrator, and I am hopeful that still remains a reality before we return to learn in the fall,” he added.

Regarding sports, Gill said all decisions regarding those schedules reside with the Virginia High School League (VHSL), and options are being considered.

The superintendent said he expects those plans will be finalized in the next month. “Nothing short of a return to what our students, faculty, parents and community consider a normal school year is ever going to measure up, but I truly have the fullest degree of confidence in our staff – both in our buildings and the school board office level – to provide the highest caliber of instruction and experience possible for our students regardless of whatever the scenario might be for the fall,” Gill said.

“Frankly, they’re doing that right now.”

The superintendent said he has been overwhelmed with the commitment and dedication of his staff during this difficult period.

“The stories that I hear on a weekly, often daily, basis about teachers, administrators, support staff going above and beyond to engage students, to make sure every student in their class or on their caseload is accounted for, making home visits, checking in on the phone, really brings tears to your eyes,” Gill said. “In many regards, I believe this has been one of our finest moments…. with the amount of individuals going above and beyond to serve our No. 1 client…our students. The efforts know no bounds, and I am truly in awe of their efforts.”

Each week of virtual instruction has been a learning experience for education officials, and Gill understands the importance of a comprehensive online program.

He also recognizes the irreplaceable value of

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020 3

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals BRANCH, Mr. William Fleming, Esq. His kind and generous heart beat for the last time on May 27, 2020. He was born June 25, 1946 to George F. and Eloise Compton Branch (both deceased) in Alexandria, Va. Bill lived in Manassas, Va., with his parents until he graduated from Osbourn High School, Class of '64, where he was President of the National Honor Society, a

member of the Student Council, was voted "Best All Around" and was also a member of the Key Club in both high school and college. After high school he enrolled in RPI (VCU) in the School of Business. While there he met the love of his life, Joan Swanner. They were married before finishing college and started a family soon thereafter in their fan district

home. Bill first worked for the Va. Department of Highways and later performed the same job in the private sector. Bill then entered T.C. Williams School of Law, graduating in three years. After graduation, he and his family moved to Ginter Park and Bill began working as an Estate and Gift Attorney for the I.R.S. for 36 years and from which he retired in 2007.

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He then began a second career at McGuire Woods LLC, where he was very happily employed until his second retirement at age 73. Before his first retirement, Bill and family moved to Hanover County where he enjoyed gardening, dogs, cats, horses, chickens and goats. He enjoyed playing and coaching softball and also coached little league. Bill and Joan enjoyed restoring historic homes, collecting antiques and visiting historic places and museums.

Most of all they enjoyed family gatherings and their grandchildren's sports, plays, concerts and events. Bill and Joan were

members of Kenwood UMC for over 20 years. Left to mourn his passing are his devoted wife of 54 years, Joan; loving children, Eric and Christina, their children, Ian (Angela Creery) and Lauren; Krista Branch Pope and Rudy, their children, Maddy and Jackson; Phillip and Brenda, their children, Corbin and Archer; also his beloved sister, Georgene Burton; his nieces and nephews, and countless friends and co-workers. Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou Polen. Bill never met a stranger and loved telling and hearing a good story. He was the quintessential gentleman.

He supported envir o n ment a l protection and an i m a l rights.

He was BRANCH wellloved and will be missed by many. A celebration of his life will be announced as soon as conditions allow. Online guestbook is available at affinityfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Animals Asia.

GILL

replace the classroom teacher or that in-person human interaction,” Gill said.

The past few months have forced educators to explore new methods of instruction in a changing and fluid situation.

“We’re glad we’ve been able to adapt, but face to face is always going to preferable because it allows for different nuances and hands-on instruction,” Gill said. “That does not

with the Environmental Club, and co-captain of Speech and Debate team.

She has been a member of Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society), Beta Club, Spanish National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Student Organization for Developing Attitudes (SODA).

Her community involvement includes being a supervisor-in-training at Wings of Hope, a nonprofit organization that rescues horses and uses them to provide a riding facility for children facing challenges in life. Last summer, Sydney said she spent a lot of time volunteering at the Ashland Christian Emergency Services (ACES).

In the fall, she will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall.

“I will likely major in biology with a pre-med track. I hope to one day research or

practice medicine, possibly with an emphasis on infectious diseases,” Sydney said.

As for her years at Patrick Henry, she said, “I’ve always viewed high school as a stepping stone for my future; because of this, I’ve worked extremely hard in scholarship, extracurricular, and service to prepare myself and open all of the opportunities that I can.”

“I simply aimed to do my best in everything, all for this idea of ‘readiness’ and expanding my education. Although half of the time, the reason I studied more or put more effort into an assignment was simply for the knowledge, not for my grade,” she added.

Looking ahead, she said she hopes “to continue learning through science - more specifically, through medicine, which I believe is the perfect synthesis of my love of learning and my determination to make a difference.”

Continued from pg. 3

teachers in the classroom.

“I think that virtual learning as a technology in general provides an amazing opportunity, but nothing is going to ever

see GILL, pg. 12

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Continued from pg. 1

home in Beaverdam, is the daughter of John O’Connell and Lynda Schwartz.

As for attaining the ranking of valedictorian, she said, “I never paid much attention to my class ranking. When I was younger I imagined being valedictorian, but as high school started I thought that it was less attainable so I stopped worrying about it.”

“When I opened my transcript and saw ‘1,’ I was (happily) surprised - and even more so when I heard that Joey and I had tied! It was so unexpected to have two valedictorians, but I’m glad that we did,” she continued.

Sydney said, “I am honored to have this recognition of my hard work as I move forward in my education.”

At PHHS, she has served as historian of the World Language Club, an officer

The Universe from the Center ies, planets, and spacecraft. It’s only in the extremes that we notice any differences. (The deflections of starlight noted above were by a Note: The Keeble Observatory at Randolph- few seconds of angle.)

Next month we’ll discuss the effect of Macon College has ceased operations (including public viewing) due to the pandemic until General Relativity on time itself.

Lunar phases for June: Full Moon on further notice. Watch the web site (https:// www.rmc.edu/keeble) for updates. Or, call the the 5th, at 3:12 p.m. accompanied by a penumbral lunar eclipse (we won’t see it!); Last Keeble Information line at 804-752-3210.

Quarter on the 13th, at 2:24 a.m.; New Moon We wrote last month about Einstein’s on the 21st accompanied by an annular solar General Theory of Relativity, first published eclipse (visible from parts of Africa, India, in 1915. Recall that this is now our current and China), at 2:41 a.m.; First Quarter on best model for gravity. It states that the pres- the 28th at 4:16 a.m. All times are Eastern ence of mass or energy warps space-time Daylight. and determines the trajecMercury is visible to tories of planets and even the west in evening twilight. The underlying math, light until midmonth. while elegant, is also very Venus returns to predawn, advanced (it’s in the lanrising at 5 am.. Mars rises guage of “tensor calculus”). at 1 a.m. and will be to The hard work is teasing the south around sunrise. out a “metric” to actually Jupiter rises at 10 p.m. and describe the warp. crosses the meridian at Metro Creative Connection A common illustration 3 a.m., followed an hour reduces space to a 2-dimenlater by Saturn (rise at 11, sional flat sheet of elastic material. Masses meridian crossing at 4). placed on this sheet will distort it – the heaviLooking straight overhead at mid-month, er the mass the more it stretches. Imagine a about two hours after sunset, you will find bowling ball in this model. Now try to roll the constellation Bootes (the Herdsman). Its a marble across the sheet. In the vicinity of brightest star is Arcturus, about 20 degrees the bowling ball the marble’s path will curve. southwest of zenith. To the northwest, hanWith some skill you can pick a speed and dle high and almost vertical, you’ll see the direction which will place the marble in orbit! familiar shape of the “Big Dipper” in Ursa In 4-dimensional space time this curva- Major. To the west, look for the familiar ture even affects light. If you shine a laser “sickle” of Leo. Its brightest star, the heart of pointer across the room, the beam will actu- the Lion, is Regulus, about 20 degrees above ally fall below a straight trajectory. However, the horizon. Virgo lies to the southwest. the amount it falls is less than the diameter Spica is its brightest star, about 20 degrees of a proton so you’ll never see it. We need a left of Saturn. Low to the south you will see large mass to measurably deflect the light, say Scorpio, with the bright red Antares about 20 light at grazing incident to the sun. This was degrees off the horizon. East and northeast, first observed in 1919 during a solar eclipse. look for the Summer Triangle of three bright Photographs of the star field around the and widely spaced stars – Deneb, Vega, and eclipsed sun were compared with the same Altair. Cygnus, the Swan is to the northeast, field from six months earlier. Stars appeared with Deneb at about 30 degrees altitude. to shift their positions by precisely the angle To the east, bright Vega marks Lyra, about predicted by the theory.

50 degrees from the horizon, and Altair in That result catapulted Einstein from Aquila is below at about 20 degrees. The obscure scientist to global celebrity, with Summer Triangle will climb higher as we banner headlines proclaiming his ascension move through the long, hot summer. over Newton. That’s being a bit unfair to If readers have questions about astronomy Newton, whose Law of Universal Gravitation or science in general that you would like to see still works over huge distances and per- covered in one of these columns, please feel free fectly describes the trajectories of falling bod- to contact George Spagna at gspagna@rmc.edu.

By Dr. George Spagna Special to Ashland-Hanover Local

TOMATO Continued from pg. 1

protect all those involved with their events, including event attendees, vendors, volunteers and staff.

While restrictions have been loosened across the state, it remains important to limit gatherings to protect the health of everyone, the release said. With this in mind, organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the Hanover Tomato Festival, which was scheduled for July 10 and 11.

This year would have marked

the 42nd festival, which has never been cancelled, said Marcy Durrer, recreation program director. Each year, the festival draws thousands of people for the event centered around Hanover’s famous fruit.

The Hanover Tomato Festival is a time-honored tradition in the community and organizers look forward to seeing everyone at the 2021 event. They will stay connected with all of those involved with the event through the festival website (www.hanovertomatofestival.com), Instagram (@hano-

vertomatofestival), Facebook (@ hanoverparksrec) and Twitter (@ hanoverparksrec) as they plan for next year’s event.

“There are a variety of economic and financial components to the festival for the county. The feedback from vendors has been extremely supportive and most are already looking forward to being part of the 2021 festival,” Durrer said.

For more information. contact hanovertomatofestival@ hanovercounty.gov or (804) 3657150.

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020 5

Field Day of The Past to host drive through fair food event June 6- 7

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND -- We’ve all been longing for those fairs and festivals we have missed all Spring and, although we are not at the place where we can begin

enjoying all that entails the fair atmosphere, A Taste of Summer will provide a sampling of those things to come.

Field Day of the Past and Deep Fried Inc. have joined forces to present “A Taste of Summer,” a

drive through fair food frenzy held on the Field Day of the Past show grounds from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 6 and 7. A portion of the proceeds from the fundraising event will go to the Field Day of the Past moving campaign.

Deep Fried will be on the Field Day show grounds selling corn dogs, fried Oreos, funnel cakes, kettle corn and cool, soothing lemonade – all reminiscent of see FIELD, pg. 11

OPINION | The Local Views

LETTERS

Believe it or not, good people can disagree

By Laura McFarland Richmond Suburban News

J

ust because I disagree with you doesn’t mean I don’t like you.

Recently, I was in a group of people asked by email for my thoughts on participating in an annual event this summer that falls after the current end of the June 10 stay-at-home order issued by Governor Ralph Northam.

One by one, most of the people replying gave all of their reasons why they thought it was a bad idea to move forward with participation in the event. While I am fully on-board with making good choices, maintaining social distancing, and not putting others at risk, I am not yet ready to write off the possibility of events and activities that far off.

I am a junior member of this group, which has come to mean a great deal to me, as has the event.

Part of me hesitated to voice my opinion when so many seemed against it, but I eventually sent my reply briefly expressing my desire to participate.

I’m not saying I won’t change my mind later if Virginia’s situation doesn’t improve to an acceptable degree, but I am trying to keep an open mind.

The email conversation stayed with me for several days afterward, not because I questioned my decision but because I wondered how it was viewed by those who read it.

I couldn’t help but apply that interaction with the wider experience of living through a pandemic alongside everyone else (but at a safe distance, of course) and how people have reacted to the choices made by others.

I had already been thinking about this for a few weeks, both because of my own interactions and a great story told by my colleague, Goochland Gazette editor Roslyn Ryan. She wrote about people being shamed on social media in various incidents related to COVID-19 because of how others interpreted – or misinterpreted – their actions.

Unfortunately, the fact that so much of our interactions are happening through the lens of online communication probably skews our perception of reality to some degree. People truly do seem more apt to say mean and damaging comments when they are not looking you directly in the eye.

I have watched as people who argued to reopen everything because of the damage being done to the economy, and especially small businesses, were called unfeeling and a risk to others.

I have seen people who chose to completely isolate themselves, take highly involved precautions to reduce exposure, and call to shut down everything were called paranoid and uncaring of the people who have families to feed.

You name almost any topic right now dealing with COVID-19 and our daily lives, and you prob-

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020

ably won’t have to look hard to find people with differing opinions – opening certain retail and personal care businesses, allowing elective surgeries, wearing masks, canceling events, having one-way grocery aisles, the government’s response (any government at any level), eating out, eating at home, aggressive sterilization methods when you return from an outing, using public and state parks, transitioning back to normal, or hoarding or overbuying certain supplies, just to name a few.

The one point we might all agree on is just how overwhelming the entire situation has been in the last several weeks.

In the midst of these difficult times, it is easy to hurl our opinions at each other like the action hero throwing away the ticking bomb and watching it explode from a safe distance. It is not quite as easy to get past our righteous indignation and knee-jerk reaction to tell people they are wrong and actually have a discussion with them about why they feel the way they do and show a little kindness.

Believe it or not, good people can disagree wildly on a topic, and doing so doesn’t automatically make either of them a bad person.

We all have our own stories to tell; don’t read a few lines of a single chapter and think you know the whole story.

Laura McFarland is the editor of Powhtan Today.

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Ashland-Hanover Local.

Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2020 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.

| Reader Views

Citizens should decide whether to quarantine I am a 75-year-old grandmother and resident of Hanover County with five grandchildren, one of whom is trying to graduate from high school this year.

I have enjoyed our democracy with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all of my years in our great country until this year.

I have felt like we have been under the rule of dictators or living the life of the homeland during World War III for the last few months.

Our whole population has been under the stress of fear, emotional uncertainty and loss of livelihood by this panic.

I can only hope that when the next medical panic comes our country's leaders will have a reaction that is more logical and that gives Americans the respect and confidence that they deserve.

The majority can make sound decisions about how to handle a medical crisis without being forced to do so.

The people who should quarantine themselves are the ones at-risk or that fear getting the sickness instead of shutting down and quarantining the whole country.

Wilma J. Lawrence Mechanicsville OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices @timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

WE NEED YOUR HELP With the pandemic-related cancellations and delays, we could use your story ideas.

Contact Dave Lawrence at dlawrence@mechlocal.com with your suggestions.

For more information go to www.mechlocal.com

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Summer sports leagues see uncertain season Some leagues cancel play, others hope to compete

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – The disruptions to normal life, in particular youth and recreational sports, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue well into the summer.

Some rites of summer, such as American Legion baseball, have been cancelled outright. Others, such as Greater Richmond Aquatic League swimming, are on hold pending the timing of the rollout of phases in Gov. Ralph Northam’s Forward Virginia plan.

Right now, the Commonwealth is under Phase 1 of the easing of public health restrictions. While some aspects of pre-pandemic life have begun again, organized youth and recreational sports activities are still not allowed.

Some activities should be allowed to resume in Phase 2 of the plan, but details for that have yet to be released and, even so, would be implemented no earlier than Friday. Northam

Joel Klein for The Local

Whether or not the Greater Richmond Aquatic League holds a Champs tournament this year will depend on how quickly Virginia enters Phase 3 of Gov. Ralph Northam’s Forward Virginia guidelines for reopening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

was expected to announce guidelines for the resumption of youth sports Tuesday after this edition went to press.

Amid all the uncertainty, some things are known.

American Legion baseball announced in April that all its 2020 World Series and all regional tournaments will be cancelled.

“These times are unparalleled. And while it is distressing to think of all those youth across the nation who are disappointed to learn of the cancellation of American Legion

programs this year, it would be a much, much greater tragedy if even just one of those youth were to fall ill during a program,” said Americanism Commissioner Richard Anderson. “The Americanism Commission feels this is the right thing to do.”

The American Legion Department of Virginia likewise cancelled its season. This does not prohibit teams from playing, but there are restrictions.

“This precludes any team from using the ‘American

Legion Baseball’ name or association for the season.

Teams can conduct independent baseball operations when local and State governments give the ‘all clear’ and they will need to do this independent of Department program oversight,” the Department of Virginia announcement said.

Some teams, such as Powhatan Post 201, are trying to arrange some sort of season under another sanctioning body. Mechanicsville Post 175 will not be among them. Given the cancellation of the high

school baseball season, there was no way to scout potential members. And in the absence of a sanctioning body and the resulting difficulty of obtaining liability insurance required for the use of Hanover County baseball diamonds, the post decided to suspend operations for 2020.

Little League International announced at the end of April that it will likewise cancel its World Series and all regional tournaments for the 2020 season.

“This is a heartbreaking

decision for everyone at Little League International, but more so for those millions of Little Leaguers who have dreamt of one day playing in one of our seven World Series events,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “After exhausting all possible options, we came to the conclusion that because of the significant public health uncertainty that will still exist several months from now, and with direction from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, as well as senior public health officials and government leaders from locations where our other six World Series are held, as well as the their qualifying regional tournaments, it will not be possible to proceed with our tournaments as we’ve hosted them for nearly 75 years.”

The Little League announcement left the door open for local-, district- and state-level competition: “As each state and community will have different guidance for resuming organized youth sports, Little League International strongly encourages volunteers to confirm with their local and state health officials that it is safe to do so before resuming Little League activity after May 11. These playing opportunities could see SUMMER, pg. 8

Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020

7

SUMMER Continued from pg. 7

include not only regular season activities, but opportunities for local district, and, perhaps, state all-star tournament play to provide players, especially those moving up to a new age division in 2021, a tournament experience, if possible and safe.”

The status of local, regional, and state Little League tournaments in Virginia should be determined after Gov. Northam’s expected announcement regarding the resumption of youth sports.

Travis Holt of Mechanicsville Little League said that, as of now, Little League District 5 does not plan to hold a sanctioned district tournament this year.

Local all-star teams may play in invitationals later in the year.

Holt said that Mechanicsville Little League plans to resume play sometime in late July or early August.

“The wellbeing of our players, families and volunteers is always our top priority. As we plan to take additional measures to ensure safety and prepare MLL’s Return to Play Policies, we have to put our community first,” the league wrote in an e-mail to members.

“MLL has decided to offer a season beginning in late July/ early August and ending early October. MLL’s goal is to open safely and in accordance with local/state guidance, while preserving the Little League experience.”

Holt said that about 70 percent of members expect to participate in a delayed 2020 season.

Other local Little League organizations plan to start sooner. Tuckahoe Little League may begin practices as soon as June 11 if circumstances permit. Atlee Little League’s Jamie Batten said that Atlee plans to begin practices no later than June 15, but may start up as soon as June 13 if allowed.

The Babe Ruth and Cal

8

Dave Lawrence/The Local

With the cancellation of the 2020 American Legion baseball season because of the pandemic, Mechanicsville Post 175 will not field a team this summer. Some area youth teams, such as Atlee and Mechanicsville Little Leagues, plan to hold local competitions.

Ripken Leagues have likewise cancelled their World Series and regional tournaments for 2020 to allow more time for state and local play, but it held open the option of having some kind of postseason tournament play later in the summer if con-

Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020

ditions permit.

“We know that many of you would still like to have additional tournament opportunities run by Babe Ruth League that resemble our Regionals and World Series events, if possible,” said Babe Ruth League

President and CEO Steven Tellefsen in a statement dated May 14. “We’re currently exploring options for later summer and even fall, but for now our primary focus is on local league and state play when safely available. As we

evaluate each week and as more states begin to start play, we will report back with future plans for the calendar year.”

Other youth sports will likewise be affected by the governor’s announcement. Currently, the Greater Richmond Aquatic

League does not plan to hold meets until the state enters Phase 3 of the Forward Virginia plan. Teams should be able to resume practices in Phase 2, however.

How meets may be conducted if and when they resume remains in question.

“They’re coming up with all types of plans, like … where we have a meet at our pool, they have the meet at their pool and then we combine the events,” said Burkwood head coach Karen Seeber.

This type of meet is not unprecedented. GRAL teams often do something similar when weather conditions interrupt or postpone regularly scheduled meets. Winners and scores are determined by comparing the times in each event.

Currently, GRAL plans to hold the first meet of the season

by June 19 if Virginia enters Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan is completed by June 12. If Phase 2 is completed by June 19, the first meet of the season will be cancelled and the schedule will begin with the meet No. 2, which will have to be completed by June 26. If Phase 2 ends by June 26, meets 1 and 2 will be cancelled and the season will begin with meet No. 3, which will have to be completed by July 3.

If Phase 2 ends after June 30, the 2020 GRAL season will be cancelled.

Even if GRAL resumes action, the team landscape will be different. Some teams – mostly smaller teams – have already decided to suspend operations for the 2020 season.

Seeber said their swimmers will be allowed to compete for other teams without penalty, however.

Some Burkwood members compete as divers in the James River Aquatic Club. As of press time, JRAC has not announced its plans for the summer.

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

LEGAL NOTICES

Business & Service Directory

ADMIN. & OFFICE WORK

ADMIN. & OFFICE WORK

TOWN OF ASHLAND PUBLIC NOTICE

OFFICE MANAGER

Please take notice that on the 10th day of June, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at the regular monthly meeting of the Ashland Planning Commission, at the Ashland Town Hall, 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Planning Commission will conduct a joint public hearing with the Ashland Town Council on:

CLEANING & HOUSEKEEPING H.E.R. Cleaning & Maintenance Service Residential or Commercial Services "Let H.E.R. do the dirty Work" Call 804.762.2342 or email hercleaningservice100@gmail.com

Recruitment GENERAL In search of a builder who is experienced in building personal greenhouses, approximately 10x14, perhaps an enhanced HARBOR FREIGHT Greenhouse. Montpelier area. Please call 804883-5024 or 804-357-2172

Wanted Residential Plumber & Helper.

Good Pay, Paid Holidays, & Vacation.

Must have 3 years in the field experience. Please call 804-746-5030.

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 tohearaboutupcomingadvertisingopportunities!

LEGAL NOTICES

Ashton Lewis - Ruther Glen, Inc. has an excellent career opportunity for an Office Manager available at the sawmill facility located in Ruther Glen, Virginia.

ORDINANCE NO. 2020-06 ORDINANCE NO. 2020-06 AMENDS THE ASHLAND TOWN CODE BY MODIFYING ARTICLE XIII, "LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT M-1," SECTION 21-119, "PERMITTED USES," AND ADDING ARTICLE XV, "INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT M-2," SEC. 21-134, "STATEMENT OF INTENT," SEC. 21-135, "PERMITTED USES," SEC. 21136, "REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMITTED USES," SEC. 21-137, "AREA REGULATIONS," SEC. 21-138, "FRONTAGE REGULATIONS," SEC. 21-139, "SETBACK REGULATIONS," SEC. 21-140, "YARD REGULATIONS," SEC. 21-140.1, "HEIGHT REGULATIONS," SEC. 21-140.2, "UTILITIES," SEC. 21-140.3, "SITE PLAN REQUIRED," SEC. 21-140.4, "LANDSCAPE PLAN: LANDSCAPING, TREES, BUFFERS AND SCREENING," AND SEC. 21-140.5, "PARKING LOT CONNECTIVITY." ORDINANCE NO. 2020-06 IS CONSIDERED PURSUANT TO THE GRANTS OF AUTHORITY CONTAINED IN VA. CODE §§ 15.2-2200, 15.2-2240, 15.2-2280, 15.2-2285, AND 15.2-2286.

The ideal candidate for Office Manager will demonstrate excellent communication skills, strong organizational skills and must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Experience with shipping/receiving, invoicing/credit, and basic accounting is preferred. Five or more years of administrative experience is a plus.

Starting wage, based on experience, is $22 per hour and includes an excellent benefits package. Individuals interested in applying for this position may email their resume to: jobs.lumber@gmail.com.

A copy of Ordinance No. 2020-06 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to the Planning Department via e-mail at planning@ ashlandva.gov or through regular mail to Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005.

All interested persons may attend and express their views, however the number of people admitted to Town Hall is being limited in accordance with CDC Guidelines. Citizens are encouraged to participate electronically; please contact Matt Reynal, mreynal@ashlandva.gov, to make those arrangements. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance of the public hearing so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Following the joint public hearing, the Ashland Town Council may take action on Ordinance No. 202006.

By Order of the Ashland Planning Commission & the Ashland Town Council

CONCRETE & BRICK Bernard’s Concrete Services Concrete, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Brick, Sidewalks. Install & repair.

Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured.

References. Please call 804-874-9184

DRIVEWAYS -SEASON SPECIALLoad of Driveway Stone, delivered & tailgate spread, $275.

Screened Top Soil $275/ per load.

Also available driveway grading & bushogging. Call 804-400-9957

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Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 to hear about upcoming advertising opportunities!

Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020 9

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, June 18, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZONINGS REZ2019-00019, HICKORY HILL II, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to MX(c), Mixed Use District with conditions, and B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, on GPINs 7880-92-1335 and 7880-81-6802, consisting of approximately 51.5 acres, and located on the north line of East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) at its intersection with Providence Church Road (State Route 662). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Planned Business and Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow 42.33 acres to be rezoned to MX(c) for development of a mix of commercial (retail, office and restaurant) uses and residential uses (100 townhome units) at a density of 2.36 dwelling units per gross acre, and 9.17 acres to be rezoned to B-2(c) for a mix of commercial that may include a convenience store and a fast food restaurant with drive-through. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2020-00003, NORTH LAKE POND, L.L.C., ET AL. Request(s) an amendment to the proffers and conceptual plan approved with rezoning request C-2-15(c), Baldwin Family Partnership, et al., zoned M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, and with C-2-15(c), Am. 1-17, North Lake II, L.L.C., on GPINs 7789-52-5415, 7789-42-6349(part), 7789-43-7491, 7789-43-8140(part) and 7789-43-2172(part), consisting of approximately 35.63 acres, and located generally between the terminus of Harley Club Drive (State Route 2029) and the south line of Ashcake Road (State Route 657) beginning approximately 425 feet west of Interstate I-95. The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Destination Commerce and Limited Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would permit recreational vehicle sales, display, and storage. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland REZ2020-00011, ORANE C. HOLSTEIN Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPINs 7797-08-6638 and 7797-08-7738, consisting of approximately 2.0 acres, and located on the west line of Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656) at its intersection with Totopotomoy Trail (State Route 1265). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of flex space and offices. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland REZ2020-00016, BARBARA W. AND HAROLD E. MOORE Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8727-16-7976, consisting of approximately 11.85 acres, and located on the north line of Fire Lane (State Route 724) at its intersection with Pollard Creek Road (State Route 742). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a family member for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 5.93 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2020-00017, JANE D. AND DENNIS W. HARVEY Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8737-41-3332, consisting of approximately 9.9 acres, and located on north line of Studley Road (State Route 606) at its intersection with Studley Site Drive (State Route 1623). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a family member for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 4.95 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2020-00018, ROCK CREEK PARTNERS, L.L.C. Request(s) an amendment to the proffers and conceptual plan approved with rezoning request C-5-04(c), Helen F. and Riley B. Lowe, on GPIN 8765-10-7211, consisting of approximately 250.3 acres, zoned AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions. The property located on the west side of Flannigan Mill Road (State Route 693) approximately 400 feet north of its intersection with Calvary Lane (private road).

The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit modification to the proffers and conceptual plan to allow relocation of the subdivision’s access from Flannigan Mill Road to the subdivision road of an adjacent A-1 subdivision that intersects the northline of Westwood Road (State Route 619) approximately 0.85 miles west of Flannigan Mill Road. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor REZ2020-00020, SHOP CREEK, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RC(c), Rural Conservation District with conditions, on GPINs 7708-45-9084(part) and 7708-75-3502(part), consisting of approximately 150 acres, and located on the south line of Dogwood Trail Road (State Route 620) at its intersection with Bienvenue Road (State Route 607). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 24 building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 6.25 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS CUP2020-00002, HEIDI M. AND LAMERRO L. MASON Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.14 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a recreational facility/event venue on GPIN 7861-31-5506, consisting of approximately 11.86 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of Horseshoe Bridge Road (State Route 686) approximately 300 feet north of its intersection with West Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54).

The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2020-00004, MONARCH MOUNTAIN MINERALS AND AGGREGATES, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.16 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit the extraction of stone, sand or gravel for sale to the public or for which a permit is required by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy or the crushing, treating, washing, or processing of materials resulting from that use when conducted on the same property, on GPINs 7884-75-2349(part) and 7883-58-2775(part), consisting of approximately 1203.25 acres (CUP area limited to 250 acres), zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located at the terminus of Bullfield Road (State Route 731).

The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Industrial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam ORDINANCE ORDINANCE 20-10, AMENDMENTS TO THE RS, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL INFILL PROVISIONS An Ordinance to amend the Hanover County Code, Chapter 26, Zoning Ordinance, Section 26-61 to modify the requirements in the RS, Single Family Residential District to provide that, for districts which are determined to be “infill” by the Board of Supervisors, the provision of public utilities to lots shall only be required when (1) such services are provided in the adjacent subdivision and (2) such services are available at the property line for any of the lots in the “infill” district. (PUBLIC HEARING) Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

10

Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020

FIELD Continued from pg. 6

the fairs of our futures. Drive through the Field Day of the Past, Gate F, circle through the grounds until you get to the Deep Fried booth, place your order, pick it up and drive away knowing that you won’t be missing the fair experience forever.

Organizers ask that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 refrain from attending and request that everyone wear a mask, as per the Goochland Health Department requirements.

They also ask that you don’t stop to eat or visit while you are on the grounds.

Directions: Take I-64, Exit #173, exit south towards Broad St. Rd. go 1/8 mile and turn left down Three Chopt Rd. (Rt. 622 beside Wise’s Choice).

Proceed to Gate F, through the gate and follow the road towards the front of the field.

Field Day of the Past, sponsored by the RockvilleCenterville Steam & Gas Historical Association, has taken place for 28 years in its current location. After the 2020 show, the lease ends and the association must find a new home. Funds are needed to help find a new home and to maintain and move all the collections. The association is a (501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As such, all donations are tax deductible.

For details on A Taste of Summer, or Field Day of the Past’s moving fund, contact 804-908-1412, by email at fielddayofthepast@gmail. com, or check out the event Facebook page or website at fielddayofthepast.net.

Donations can be made on our Give-10! GoFundMe account or mailed to P.O. Box 29643, Richmond, VA 23242.

Deep fried menu and prices are: funnel cakes, $7; fried Oreos, $5; kettle corn, $ 6 (small) and $10 (large); corn dogs, $4, and 32-ounce lemonade, $5.

CALENDAR

F

| News, Updates & Listings Saturday, Sept. 19 Rescheduled The Highland Springs High School Class of 1970 will now hold its 50th Reunion at the Hill Building at Sandston Pool, located at 501 Beulah Rd. in Sandston.

Music will be presented by DJ Dalton Beagle. Dinner, drinks and dessert will be provided by Champagne Taste Catering. Bring your own mixers and alcohol.

Small coolers are welcome. The doors will open at 4 p.m.; cocktails at 5 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.; and cleanup will be at 10 p.m. The cost is $45 per person. Those who may have recently paid $50 after March 1 have been refunded $5. No tickets will be sold at the door.

For invitations or more information, contact Bill Brooks at 1970HSHS@gmail.com.

ed at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland 2 miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Roy Minnix, senior pastor, and Nycholas Greig, associate pastor. For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-270-9626.

Sundays Outside the Walls, a new Narcotics Anonymous group, has been organized and will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www. mcshin.org.

Tuesdays

Ongoing Families Anonymous Support Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at the Episcopal Church of the Creator at 7159 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. The group is a self-help fellowship for the friends and family members of addicts who are in need of understanding and healing themselves. For details, call Sandy at 804-730-4812 or email sandy. leigh@verizon.net.

Overcomers Outreach and Women’s Codependency, a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville.

For more information, call 804-366-9645 or email kjfaith1@gmail.com.

A Commanders Coffee is held from 10 a.m. to about 11 a.m. at the Beaverdam Post at 17662 Beaver Dam Rd. in Beaverdam. Members discuss issues of interest/befits of the American Legion. There also will be donuts. Eugene Truitt is the Post commander. He can be contacted at 804-746-4734.

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. For more information, visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.

Thursdays

Saturdays Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, locat-

The Rotary Club of Ashland meets at noon for lunch at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad

County spring events canceled or postponed The following Hanover County related events have been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus health issue: The K9 Heroes event at Pole Green Park has been postponed from April 18 to Oct. 3.

The household hazardous waste special recycling event at Verdi Lane that had been scheduled for April 18 is postponed. (There is expected to be another opportunity in

the fall.)

The e-waste collection event at Verdi Lane on April 25 is postponed. (Plans are to provide another opportunity in the fall.)

The prescription drug take-back event on April 25 is postponed. (Plans are to provide another opportunity in the fall.)

The “Spirit of Volunteerism” event that had been set for May 5 has been

postponed until the fall.

The “Business Appreciation Day” held by the Department of Economic Development has been postponed from May 7 until the fall.

The “Finding Value in Your Prime” active aging event has been cancelled.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

Real

ax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, email to events@mechlocal.com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to The Ashland-Hanover Local.

Ave. in in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804-496-6093 or sandrdunham@ yahoo.com.

Third Mondays The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

Second Tuesdays Hanover Family Support Group, a support group for family members of a loved one with a mental illness, meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday evening of each month at the Ashland office of Hanover Community Services located at 12300 Washington Highway in Ashland. Attendees support one another, share experiences, challenges and resources and to advocate for their loved ones. For more information, contact Kathy Redfearn, LCSW at 804-675-4230.

The Hanover County Historical Society will be conducting free tours of the Old Hanover Courthouse on the Historic Courthouse Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Tuesday through December.

The address is 13182 Hanover Courthouse Road in Hanover. For more information, visit http://www. hanoverhistorical.org/index.html.

The Clay Spring Garden Club in Ashland meets at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (except for the month of July at the First Baptist Church in Ashland off of U.S. 54. Barbara Boor is the president.

Doors are open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020 11

Ashland Town Council receives final update on budget before vote

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND–Town Manager Josh Farrar presented what he hopes will be the final edition in a budget process that has had its fair share of challenges for a public hearing last week.

It’s a process that began in February with an unofficial budget hearing that gathered public input, followed by work

sessions through the month of March interrupted by the introduction of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Right in the middle of that we started dealing with the world as we know it now,” Farrar said. “That has dramatically changed things.That led us to completely re-write the budget, especially on the revenue side, and then trying to correspond our expenditures with

what we’re seeing in reduction of revenues,” he added.

Farrar presented a $9,782,632 operating budget accompanied by a $6,313,258 Capital Projects Fund budget on April 21 and citizens were afforded an opportunity to speak on the proposed budget last week. By law, town council cannot vote on the proposed budget the same night as a public hearing is conducted.

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12

Ashland-Hanover Local June 3, 2020

“We’ll be asking you for a vote on the June 2 meeting,” Farrar told council members.

The revised budget seeks to maintain current levels of service and protect the jobs of town employees.

Farrar described this stop gap budget as a way to “get through FY21 without ruining FY22.”

“We had to shift to trying to maintain what we had before without expanding new projects or programs,” Farrar said.

“I’m hope the town will be in a position to kind of rev out of that and help our business community come out of it,” he added.

Farrar said this budget is an attempt to prepare the town for a robust recovery when the pandemic ends and the economy rebounds.

“I didn’t want to set us up too badly for FY22,” he said.

Maintaining services and salaries during the pandemic will require the use of $1,356,838 from the town’s Reserve Fund.

“It is our rainy day fund as well as our opportunity fund, and as we continue to think about the situation we are in, I don’t know if there is much more of a rainy day that could come about us than the one we are dealing with right now,” the town manager said. “If you’re not going to use it now, I don’t know what that right time would be,” Farrar added.

Using those reserve funds is a one time remedy to the shortfalls. “We won’t be able to

do that next year,” Farrar said.

He said he’s hoping for better than expected revenue returns that could lessen the need to use those reserve funds.

Early in the pandemic, several factors became evident that would affect the FY21 budget.

There was a dramatic reduction in meals and lodging taxes that forced officials to delay new programs and capital projects.

The new Town Hall and community pool projects will not be affected by the budget revisions.

The greatly reduced revenues, cuts in expenditures and overall cost saving measures all result from the pandemic and Farrar described the latest efforts in that vein.

“All in all it would be what you would expect in a pandemic. We’re going to see lower revenues so we’ve cut the expenditure side of the budget dramatically,” Farrar said.

He said the cuts could have been even deeper had the town not enjoyed a positive first three quarters of this financial year.

While sales tax revenues have not experienced dramatic reductions mainly due to continued high volume at grocery stores and other essential services, BPOL taxes will be affected in this fiscal year and the next.

Big picture, Farrar said,“We are projecting a reduction in both expenditures and revenues.”

He also noted the town’s history of spending less than expected in a given fiscal year

that could also lessen the impacts of COVID-19. Even with the cuts, Farrar said the $9 million budget continues to maintain service and staffing levels, continues a branding and marketing effort and allows investment following the crisis.

“We are going to be here to serve you as we can,” Farrar said.

He urged council members to approve a retirement incentive program that could provide additional savings this year.

The program, approved by a unanimous vote, allows town officials to offer incentives to empolyees considering retirement that would time those departures in a way that would reduce expenditures.

Employees who retire by September would be offered a $15,000 stipend of three months of salary, and those positions would remain unfilled.

“We’ve done the math and in all of those instances there are salary savings,” Farrar said.

Unknown factors remain such as what the state legislature will provide once they have a better understanding of the effects of the pandemic. The town is also poised to receive COVID-19 aid to localities that could offset some shortfalls.

Only one person commented on the revised budget during the public hearing, citing concerns for parking along some sections of Center Stree that inhibit pedestrian traffic.

Town Council was set to consider the proposed budget on June 2.

GILL

10 weeks.

“We thank them for their incredible partnership,” Gill said. “In so many ways, COVID-19 has brought out the best in people. I think this work has caused us to be reflective in so many ways— to pause and reflect on the things that are truly important.”

While the superintendent is anxious for a return to normal classroom settings, he doesn’t discount the lessons learned and acts of kindness he’s observed during the pandemic.

“This experience has been one that we will always remember. We truly are living through and making history,” he said.

Continued from pg. 4

imply that we will not continue to bolster our virtual learning opportunities.”

Gill credited students, parents, educators and the community for their commitment and dedication during the past