TOY DRIVE
COMMUNITY
Toy drive to help kids cope with COVID-19 stresses
Ashland raises funds for food banks PAGE
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Vol. 5 No. 43 | Richmond Suburban News | July 8, 2020
CARES $$ will boost schools’ laptop purchases
A
SHLAND -- Due to laptops during the 2020-2021 recent action taken school year as part of the previby the Hanover ously approved FY2021 budget. “We are grateful for the County Board of Supervisors, Hanover County continued support of the board of supervisors and Public Schools county administrareceived $4.1 million tion as we work to in the Coronavirus serve the complex Aid, Relief and needs of our stuEconomic Security dents, families, and (CARES) Act of staff during these 2020 funding. challenging times. The budget supplement covers qualNow more than ever, ifying and unexpectwe must be prepared ed expenses between to quickly pivot and GILL March 1 and Dec. 30 adapt to teaching due to the COVIDour students in a 19 public health crisis. rapidly changing environment. Purchasing laptops for all These additional funds will high school students and stu- allow us to better support students in grades three through dent learning, as well as provide five is a high priority. for the health and safety needs Middle school students are see LAPTOPS, pg. 10 already scheduled to receive
The center tent is always buzzing with activity at the Hanover Tomato Festival as was evident last year. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this year’s event, which would have been the 42nd, was canceled. To take a trip down memory lane, turn to page 13, Community, for file photos of one of the county’s biggest attractions.
COVID-19 can’t cancel memories By Melody Kinser Managing Editor MECHANICSVILLE – While 2020 will go down in history as one of the worst years in our nation, the pandemic that started the decline in the United States also struck Hanover County when the Hanover Tomato Festival was canceled. The festival, which was started in 1978 by the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department, fell victim to the coronavirus (COVID-19) when the Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department faced the tough decision of canceling this year’s event. This was a first in the event’s 42-year history.
Organizers announced on May 28 that the safety of the community is their top priority. They also assured Hanoverians and our neighbors that they remain committed to doing their part to protect all those involved with all Parks and Rec activities, and that includes those attending, the vendors, volunteers and staff. Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director, speaking on behalf of Director Greg Sager, said Parks and Rec said it was a “difficult decision to cancel the Hanover Tomato Festival, which was scheduled for July 10 and 11.” Thousands turn out every year for the festival, which has grown to include
Friday evening events and competitions, at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville. Saturday is easily the main attraction with vendors, games, contests, entertainment and, of course, the star: the Hanover Tomato. The center booth always hosts the fruit of the weekend. Let’s go back 42 years to an idea that sparked what has become Mechanicsville’s No. 1 event (the Mechanicsville Rotary/ Ruritan Christmas parade runs a close second). In need of funds for equipment and training, the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department sponsored a festival at the see TOMATO, pg. 16
Drive-Thru Food Drive set to help those hit by COVID-19 financial losses By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ASHLAND – In an effort to help local independent and Hanover County church food pantries, the Hanover County
Sheriff ’s Office is partnering with Green Top to sponsor a Drive-Thru Food Drive. The purpose of the event is to provide aid to residents who have been impacted by the coro-
navirus (COVID-19) from a financial standpoint. The food drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Green Top, located at 10150
Lakeridge Pkwy. in Ashland. Those wishing to support the food drive are encouraged to collect non-perishable food items and grocery store gift cards. Between noon and 5 p.m.
tomorrow contributions will be accepted simply by driving to Green Top and looking for the Drive-Thru signs. Donors may stay in their vehicles, while Green Top staff and some of
“Hanover County’s finest” take care of the unloading. The Sheriff ’s Office and Green Top joined in saying to the community, “We’re in this together!”
Toy drive to help kids cope with COVID-19 stresses Kiwanis Club spearheads efforts for Henry Clay, Gandy students Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Metro Creative Connection
ASHLAND -- The Kiwanis Club of Ashland is collecting new toys for students at Henry Clay Elementary and Gandy Elementary School in Ashland and hopes to expand to other schools in the county at a later date. The toy drive is to help families with children cope with the financial and psychological stress of COVID19. The toys will be distributed from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 11, at Pufferbelly Park in Ashland. The best way to help is to purchase a toy at Ashland Ace Hardware or Tiny Tim’s Toys in Ashland and deposit it in
The Kiwanis Club of Ashland is collecting new toys for Henry Clay and Gandy elementary school students to help them cope with the financial and psychological effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
the toys for kids container in the store. Ashland Ace hardware is offering 25% off toys and games for this drive and Tiny Tim’s is matching in-store toy purchases up to $1,000. For more information or interview opportunities, contact Kiwanian Art Bykonen, 804-247-4261, Spacesaver Storage Solutions, 10040 Whitesel Rd., Ashland,VA 23005, art@spacesaverva. com.
Local realtor named 2019 award winner by Weichert Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- Weichert Realtors-Home Run Realty
announces its 2019 Office Award Winner: Helen Carlow (Executive Club).
Ashland raises funds for food banks Photos courtesy of Chief Doug Goodman, Ashland Police Department
In late May/early June all Town of Ashland employees were given the opportunity to participate in a charity 5K walk/run. Employees were able to earn points toward the town’s Wellness Program and donate to a local food bank of their choice. Together, all participating town employees raised over $900. A huge thank you went to the First Baptist of Ashland, Ashland Christian Emergency Services and Faith, Hope & Victory Christian Church for the continued support they have given to the community throughout the years and especially during COVID-19.
Historical group, Extension Office seek info, photos for 300th
see REALTOR pg. 11
Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
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Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020
ASHLAND -- The Hanover Historical Museum and the Hanover Unit of Virginia Cooperative Extension Office is seeking historical information and photographs to help celebrate Hanover's 300th birthday. Those who will take part are asked to take five (5) minutes to complete this survey to compile this information. The survey can be found at: Hanover Farming History Survey, https://vce.
az1.qualtrics. com/jfe/form/ SV_eyPTq9IHijgDOE5 The survey asks: What innovations have had the greatest impact on your farming business? Participants are encouraged to share historical photos, as well as photos of antique farming equipment.
Also of particular interest is the earliest record of your family farming in Hanover. If you would prefer to send photos by replying to this email, do so. They can be scanned at the office at 13015 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland. Laura M. Maxey-Nay, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent Unit Coordinator, said, “We all know that farming was the foundation of Hanover see HISTORICAL, pg. 11
HCPS kindergarten registration underway ASHLAND -- Hanover County Public Schools is now accepting kindergarten registrations for the 2020-2021 school year. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 to be eligible. Parents and guardians may locate the school their child will attend at http://bit.ly/AttendanceZone. Parents and guardians of eligible kindergarten students may register their child as follows: 1. Complete the pre-registration form at https://register.hcps.page. Individuals without internet access or a device may skip this step. 2. Access, complete, and return an enrollment packet consisting of the following three forms: z Enrollment Form z Affirmation Regarding Expulsion Form z School Entrance Health Form Pick up an enrollment packet at any of the 15 elementary schools’ exterior Kindergarten Welcome Centers or print the forms online. Return your completed enrollment packet by United States mail to your child’s school or place the packet in a collection bin from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays at one of
the two meal service sites, John M. Gandy Elementary School or Mechanicsville Elementary School. 3. Upon receipt of a completed enrollment packet, the school registrar will contact parents and guardians to schedule an in-person appointment to review the following required documents: z Child’s birth certificate (official or certified copy) z Photo ID of parent or legal guardian Proof of residency is required. This includes providing one of the following documents, which must reflect the resident’s name and physical address: z Deed z Current mortgage statement from the lender z Current lease (signed) z Sales contract for the purchase of the residence (signed by seller and purchaser) Two of the following also are required and must reflect the resident’s name and physical address: z Current landline telephone, cable, internet, satellite, water, gas/oil, or electricity service bill z Voter registration card z Current DMV issued vehicle reg-
istration z W-2 tax document for the most recent tax year z Combined bill and receipt for personal property taxes (paid within the current year) z Bank statement, medical bill, or official correspondence from a governmental agency dated within the last two months Registration is not final until the inperson appointment occurs and the registrar receives all of the required documentation. In-person appointments for this purpose are permissible under current guidance provided by state officials. All staff and guests are expected to follow all official social distancing and related guidance issued by Governor Northam, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control. A School Entrance Health Form and immunization record is also required before the start of school. For more information, parents can email the principal at their child’s assigned school or visit the school division’s Student Enrollment Page. Information submitted by Chris R. Whitley, Hanover County Public Schools public information officer.
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SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Ashland Road, Ashland.
May 24
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 10300 block of Washington Highway/South Cedar Lane, Glen Allen. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 10000 block of Meadow Pond Drive, Mechanicsville.
May 25
Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 16200 block of Buckfast Place, Beaverdam.
Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 6300 block of Queens Lace Court, Mechanicsville.
Destruction of property, monument, value $1,000, was reported in the 13400 block of
Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 11000 block of Washington Highway/Knotty Pine Lane, Glen Allen.
DWI, BAC .15 to .20, first offense, was reported in the 7200 block of Pole Green Road/Hanover Grove Boulevard, Mechanicsville. Failure of occupant to make a report of an accident was reported in the 10300 block of Leadbetter Road, Ashland. Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 5100 block of Summer Plains Drive, Mechanicsville. ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 10400 block of Georgetown Road, Mechanicsville.
Manufacture, sale and possession of a controlled substance, Schedule I and II, were reported in the 16800 block of Mountain Road, Montpelier. Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville. Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 8200 block of Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville.
Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 10100 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.
Petit larceny building was reported in the 8300 block of Richfood Road, Mechanicsville.
Petit larceny parts were
reported in the 16300 block of Woodman Hall Road, Montpelier.
Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
May 27
Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 10200 block of Rolling Stone Lane, Mechanicsville. Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 12300 block of Verdon Road, Doswell.
“Ashland Theatre After Dark” introduces drive-in movies on Friday and Saturday nights this summer! Visit our website for details and tickets.
May 28
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 4500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville.
Do you have a news tip or story idea? If so, call Melody Kinser at 239-7897. Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020 3
EDUCATION | College and University Student News GALINA POWELL
ANDREA LINDGREN
KYLE VANDERBUSH
SCRANTON, Pennsylvania -- Galina Powell of Montpelier was among the more than 600 master's and doctoral degree candidates at The University of Scranton whose degrees were conferred at a virtual celebration ceremony on May 30. Degrees were conferred to graduates in a group who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2019, as well as January and May of 2020. A formal commencement ceremony, at which graduates will be individually recognized, will take place on Oct. 25 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre. Powell earned a Master of Science degree in health informatics from The University of Scranton. An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here (www.scranton.edu/commencement)
ROME, Georgia -- Andrea Lindgren of Ashland was named to the spring 2020 Dean’s List at Berry College. The Dean’s List honors students who posted an academic average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale while carrying a class load of at least 12 hours during the semester. For more information, visit www. berry.edu.
ATLANTA, Georgia -- Kyle Vanderbush of Mechanicsville has earned a Master of Science in Analytics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. Vanderbush was among about 4,050 undergraduate and graduate students who earned degrees during the spring 2020 semester. Students were celebrated during a virtual celebration held on May 1. They also will be honored during in-person commencement ceremonies to be held on campus later this year. For more information, visit www.gatech.edu.
CAMDEN FLEMING WORCESTER/LEICESTER, Massachusetts -- Camden Fleming of Ashland has been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society at Becker College. Fleming is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interactive Media Design, Computer Game Design Concentration.
registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.
JESSICA FULWIDER ANDREW JOYCE TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- The University of Alabama awarded some 6,326 degrees this spring. Among the graduates were: Jessica Fulwider of Mechanicsville, who received a Bachelor of Arts, and Andrew Joyce of Montpelier, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.
CHELSEA M. ROSE
DREW NEWMAN YORK, Pennsylvania -- Drew Newman of Ashland, a senior Mechanical Engineering major at York College of Pennsylvania, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2020 semester. To be eligible for this honor, a student must be
CLEMSON, South Carolina -- Chelsea M. Rose of Mechanicsville graduated from Clemson University with a Master of Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering. Rose was among more than 4,007 students who received degrees awarded in May.
JMU Deans List HARRISONBURG -- James Madison University is pleased to announce that the following students from Hanover County made the dean's list for the spring 2020 semester. Students who earn dean's list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.899. Joseph Lane of Ashland, David Smith of Ashland, Shornette Figaro of Ashland, Chloe Reichert of Ashland, John Edelman of Ashland, Brooke
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Mallorie Fodill of Mechanicsville, James Moore of Mechanicsville. Ellie Hamp of Mechanicsville, Amber Padilla of Mechanicsville, Carly Thompson of Mechanicsville, Meghan Anthony of Mechanicsville, Joshua Durbin of Mechanicsville, Jordan Harper of Mechanicsville. Brittany Townsend of Mechanicsville, Jordan Brooks of Mechanicsville, Mia Andruss
EPA announces availability of tribal Clean Air Act Grants Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the availability of approximately $77,000 in grants to fund Clean Air Act (CAA) projects for federally recognized tribes in Virginia. The CAA Amendments of 1990 established a funding mechanism to assist tribes in addressing air pollution and prevention activities within Bureau of Indian Affairs approved jurisdictional boundaries. This is the first time that the Region has been able to offer grant funding to tribes in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020
In the other EPA Regions, CAA state and tribal air grant dollars have been used to fund projects such as air quality monitoring, basic air quality assessments, emissions inventories, indoor air quality assessments and trainings, residential wood smoke reduction programs and road dust emissions reductions. These CAA grants support development of tribal air environmental programs that will achieve measurable environmental and public health results. Activities conducted under these grants may include: Identifying and investigating air pollution sources Providing community education and outreach on air quality issues Conducting needs assessments and outreach on
indoor air and asthma issues Participating in local, regional, and national air quality initiatives Performing baseline studies and creating an emissions inventory EPA anticipates awarding between one and five cooperative agreements ranging from $15,000$77,000. Proposals are due by close of business Aug. 30. Information on the Request for Proposals can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/tribal/region-3-tribalprogram. For more information about the CAA Request for Proposals, contact Michelle Moyer at 215-814-2098 or moyer.michelle@epa.gov.
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Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020 5
OPINION
LETTERS
| The Local Views
| Reader Views
From the managing editor
Thanks for years of commitment to festival By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
T
he Hanover Tomato Festival that wasn’t certainly provided a different angle in a news article. But the fact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted lives and events, including commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020, has marred this year for some time. Originally scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 10-11, the festival fell victim to the deadly virus this year. That being said, so many people who devote themselves to Hanover County in countless ways merit our thanks for what they do to year-round. At the top of a behind-the-scenes success oper-
ation are the administration and staff of Hanover County Parks and Recreation. With Greg Sager and Marcy Durrer leading the efforts, the Hanover Tomato Festival is easily the most-anticipated celebration in the county. As I head into my 13th year with Richmond Suburban News, a feeling of melancholy sweeps over me as I think about the good times with Oscar Watson and the men and women of the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department that started the festival in 1978. My official start date was May 14, 2008, so I decided to come to Mechanicsville from Winchester to see first-hand the Hanover Tomato Festival. I probably arrived around 1 p.m. -- and the place was packed! Since I didn’t know anybody,
and parking was non-existent by that time of the day, I drove through and try to absorb all I could of the people and attractions. The dedication of the BCVFD and Parks and Rec kept the festival in growth mode, with attendance exceeding 40,000 at least twice in recent years. Yes, Pole Green Park was overflowing. Without a doubt, the decision to cancel this year’s festival was the right way to go. We know it couldn’t have been easy on the organizers. They put the well-being of thousands of people that would turn out while we’re in limbo with COVID-19. This cancellation is a first, but there’s always next year. Despite this hiccup, Hanover County folks know how to party -- especially with the emphasis on the Hanover Tomato. Until next year ...
Will we ever really return to the normal life we knew? By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist As I drove by the Amtrak Station on Staples Mill Road, the massive parking lot remains empty as a nation struggles to return to some semblance of normalcy as we navigate uncertain times. I wondered how or when we will return to that normal if train stations are empty, many large office buildings sitting close to vacant remain idle, and shopping malls struggle to survive as economic conditions worsen for many retailers. The reality is there is no guarantee for the way things used to be, and a national pandemic inevita-
bly will change and alter policy and procedures, but what exactly should we expect when Phase III has worked its magic and we are on a path of return. I’m not sure anyone will again punch an elevator button without thinking of the thousands of others who preceded with an identical action, each one of them a possible link to the transmission of a virus. Or, who but the bravest, would overfill a plate at that local buffet after the food had been exposed to hundreds of customers as it waited for you to partake? A return to those forms of normal seem remote. Experts predict the pandemic could be the catalyst for an acceleration in technological updates that might seem different. For example, touchless
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Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020
light switches or voice-activated entrances and exits seem like inevitable advances to decrease human contact and diminish the spread of a highly infectious virus. All of these latest solutions represent existing technology enhanced by a national pandemic that requires flexibility and the ability to advance those innovations with speed and efficiency. Many of those adjustments seem insignificant and certainly couldn’t be considered lifestyle overhauls. It may be difficult for some portions of our society, especially those in my generation, to accept any change, or envision a world where masks may well see NORMAL, pg. 7
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.
Character matters most in times like these In recent weeks, Richmond suffered a lot. Long pent-up anger among black folks, and white folks with a "mantle of guilt" about the men and women who fought a long, hard war about an execrable economic system of their times … and for which they suffered a long and dreadful defeat. New York Times bestselling author and Charlottesville resident Alexander Green says something that can inform all of us in his book, “Beyond Wealth”, the road map to a rich life. “The future is always fraught with uncertainty. But history gives us a sense of proportion. It tells us who we are and where we’ve been. It enlarges our view. And while we sometimes fall short of our ideals, it reminds us how [it has] guided us in the past … and should still lead us today. Without history, we lose our story --- and our bearings. We forget who we are and what it has taken to come this far. A sense of history is a strong antidote to selfpity or self-importance. It inspires courage and humility. It’s not that the Founding Fathers or heroes of other generations were godlike. They weren’t. They were fallible human beings, just like us. Sometimes they made terrible mistakes or used shockingly poor judgment, just as we do. But if we take the time to read and to listen, the wisest and bravest among them will reach through the past --- across the centuries --- with voices that warn us, guide us, and lift our spirits. Their chief lesson, especially in times like these, is that courage and patience and determination matter. And that character matters most of all. These qualities may not always guarantee success. But they guarantee that you deserve it.” see LETTERS pg. 7
RETURN Continued from pg. 6
be our future must not forget accessory. It’s also unfair to allege that the new normal won’t be different, and, to some, overburdened and awkward. Consider how officials are envisioning the opening of national theme parks like Universal Studios and Disney World. Included on that list of things you won’t see at amusement or theme parks are some changes that aren’t all bad. Those torturous long lines tucked between two improperly deodorized individuals certainly didn’t resemble any suggestion of social distancing and virtual queues for rides seem imminent. That buffet breakfast with the Country Bears also is going to look different. Any forms of buffets or cafeterias may find themselves in a precarious position at your local theme park. Packed rides or rib-crushing crowds — all just a thing of the past. Now, how all of this relates to ticket prices, who knows, but crowds limited to 50 percent capacity will force market changes. It’s just one aspect of our American culture that will surely look different when we finally achieve that long awaited full reopening. Changes like the ones at
LETTERS Continued from pg. 6
T. Wade King Mechanicsville
Focus should be on impartial legal system Your article in the June 24 issue concerning a peaceful Juneteenth march and quoting various people shows how little positive change can be expected by removing his-
theme parks will be evident in every aspect of our society and in all businesses and industries. Are we all headed the way of handshakes and paper tickets? Probably. But someone once said, the more things change, the more they stay the same. And, sure, we might have access to greatly improved technology and maybe even those annoying visits to the doctor’s office can be virtually accomplished, but, make no mistake, it’s the little things we’ll miss the most. The handshakes, the hugs and that gentle nudge from a best friend may be the longlasting casualties of COVID19. I’m not naive to believe I won’t miss that whisper in my ear, or the many strangers I’ve met while standing in line waiting for a variety of things. Whatever lies ahead, I approach it with a fair amount of confidence that things will work out, and the lessons learned during a challenging period will result in positive and long overdue changes, to our technologies . . . and our lives. If compassion and understanding are the result of a few months of inconvenience and great national sacrifice, I can certainly live with digitally enhanced purchases or the death of the credit card chip reader. toric Confederate names and statues. How catastrophic for our vulnerable country in the 1860s would it have been if those honored Confederate leaders were not principled leaders who ultimately accepted the rule of law and faith in the future, above all other considerations? Their leadership brought a more peaceful end to the tragic war than would have otherwise been expected.
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see LETTERS, pg. 11
Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020 7
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.
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Baseball marks the time . . . with lessons By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – In what was probably the climactic scene of one of my favorite movies, “Field of Dreams,” the writer Terrence Mann, played by James Earl Jones, gives the protagonist – Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner – a much needed pep talk: “People will come, Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: It’s a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh . . . people will come, Ray. People will most definitely come.” A friend and former classmate of mine, Mike Sielski, a sports columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer, rewrote that scene to have Kinsella responding, “Yeah, about that . . .” As constants go, baseball is an uncertain one this year. Major League teams have opened training camps and hope to begin play by the end of the month. Still, a number of players are opting out of the 2020 season because of coronavirus concerns. It’s a reasonable position to take.
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Dave Lawrence/The Local
While many mourn the coronavirus pandemic’s toll on baseball, there are lessons to be learned from the sport on how to respond.
In any event, there are only 30 Major League teams. Only 30 metropolitan areas with a Major League ballpark – they’ll feature a bit more than a third of the number of games available in a typical regular season. We’ll see how many people will come as COVID-19 infections are on the rise in almost every state. For the vast majority of us, however, there will be no baseball other than reruns of classic games on TV. No Flying Squirrels, no Nutzy, no silly games for fans between innings.
Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020
Even non-professional and youth ranks are affected. Some leagues will play. Many, such as American Legion, will not. A handful of Legion teams – but not Mechanicsville Post 175 – will play under some other sanction. Some local Little League, Babe Ruth, and Cal Ripken teams will play, others will not. I’ve been following the epidemiological data for months, partly out of academic interest, partly out of a need to stay informed to protect members
of the community as well as of my rescue squad. I’ve been volunteering for the Virginia Department of Health tracing contacts of those who have been infected, and have had disturbing moments where a person reporting symptoms and not feeling well just quits responding – not like a hang-up, but just goes silent – and I couldn’t reach them again to find out if they were OK. The person might have been OK. They could have just dozed off. But they could have died as
I was talking to them. The latter is not a comforting thought. — Back to baseball: The Terrence Mann character in “Field of Dreams” said that “Baseball has marked the time.” There is a ring of truth to that statement. The fragmented landscape of baseball this year in many ways represents the fragmented community that makes up the United States today. Our nation resembles a Major League team full of
big egos with equally big payrolls – but no sense of team or teamwork. The egos talk big all season, but fizzle on the field in August and utterly fail in September. We are full of players who are certain they are smarter than their batting coach, yet end up mystified as to why they went 0-for-15 at the plate last week. The pandemic is getting worse. Sure, the number of deaths has been declining, but we have yet to see the effect of the recent rise in infections that began in June. COVID-19 does not kill quickly. It takes its time, often taking weeks to shuffle a soul off to its next destination. It didn’t have to be that way. We could have played as a team from the start and listened to our actual coaches, not the armchair experts who think the volume of their voice corresponds with the quality of their expertise. Baseball functions much like a nation. Yes, there are individual efforts: the catcher calls the pitches, the pitcher delivers, the batter tries to anticipate what’s coming and adjusts his swing, etc. But everyone on the field, in the batter’s box and on the bases has a role to play. A runner on first extends a lead, trying to distract the pitcher or wear him out – maybe get him to throw see LESSONS, pg. 9
LESSONS Continued from pg. 8
the ball away. A batter tries to put the ball in play to get a runner in scoring position, or if the runner is in scoring position, to get him home – even if it means sacrificing himself. Fielders try to figure out where the play is going, and, if the ball comes to them, anticipate what they can do to end or at least blunt a scoring threat. It takes teamwork to win baseball games. It takes teamwork to corral a pandemic. But that teamwork seems sorely lacking right now. I have seen too little of it in my daily life, even in my volunteer work as a contact tracer. Too many people seem uninterested in taking the basic steps needed to protect themselves and 330 million other members of the ultimate Team USA from infection. I’m not the only one who has come to a similar conclusion. “If you don’t breathe the spirit of the nation, if you don’t have a fierce sense of belonging to each other, you’re not going to sacrifice for the common good,” wrote conservative columnist David Brooks in The New York Times last week. “We’re confronted with a succession of wicked problems and it turns out we’re not even capable of putting on a friggin’ mask.” One day recently, the parent of a toddler – both of whom were reported as close contacts of a COVID-19-infected person – hung up on me as soon as I gave the reason for my call. I know the parent hung up on me because the parent had done the same thing to another volunteer the day before. The parent had no patience for dealing with us busybodies from the state trying to stem the spread of the disease. On another shift that week, I got a real patriot. The person was so patriotic – at least in terms of knowing the rights to
be expected from the state – that they told me they had the right not to talk to me, and that I should take the individual off the state’s outreach list. The person was downright hostile, in fact. I found myself surprisingly diplomatic – i.e., effortlessly finding a tactful way of inserting a verbal shiv between the ribs. I thanked that person for their concern for their community. I am not sure the person noticed the irony in my comment. I am sure, however, that the person thinks of his- or herself as a true “American” – a star on the field of citizenship. The person is of a type I have observed all my life, and one that seems all the more rampant today: One who uses any bullhorn available to proclaim their rights, but who falls strangely silent when it comes to discussing responsibilities, to discussing working with other members of the team. Speaking of team players, there is a reason why the World War II generation was called the “Greatest Generation.” That generation united as few generations had done before to combat a truly existential threat to all we on Team USA today claim to hold dear: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But many of that generation were being denied those “inalienable” rights at home. Consider the Tuskegee Airmen. The African Americans who made up the Tuskegee Airmen volunteered at a time when many of the military brass considered them inferior. George S. Patton Jr., who led an all African American tank unit in his own Third Army, wrote that Black Americans “cannot think fast enough to fight in armor.” While the Sherman tanks that made up the bulk of Patton’s armored units were fast – for tanks – they were no match for the P-47s and P-51s that the Tuskegee Airmen flew in the
skies over Europe. Both fighters were among the fastest pistondriven aircraft in World War II. The men of Tuskegee faced great discrimination at home – before, during, and even after the war when they should have been welcomed by all as heroes. Yet they stepped up, flying more than 1,500 missions – nearly 180 of them bomber escort missions with a significantly better record of bomber protection that the average fighter group. Eighty-six of them gave their lives for this country … yet many came home to have to fight Jim Crow on their return. At the time, one might argue that Japanese Americans had even less reason to fight for this country than African Americans. The Japanese – even if they were native-born American citizens – were interned as prisoners of war in their own country. Star Trek actor George Takei’s family, for example, was interned in Arkansas. As they were interned, their businesses were destroyed and their property stolen. Yet many young Japanese men served in Nisei units in the European Theatre, primarily in the 442nd Infantry Regiment. That unit suffered mightily, especially in the Italian Campaign and in the Vosges Mountains in France. Yet these men, who had every right to tell the United States to take a hike given what it did and was doing to themselves and their families, were undaunted. The 442nd become the most decorated unit for its size in U.S. military history – among them 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 19 of which were later upgraded to make a total of 21 Medals of Honor. Marine corporal Ira Hayes is another who had little reason to fight for this country, yet he did. Hayes, a Pima, was one of many Native Americans whose families had been murdered, whose land had been stolen, who had been swindled and abused by
the primarily European peoples who displaced them from their ancestral lands. Yet Hayes joined the U.S. Marines in World War II. He fought in ugly campaigns in the Solomon Islands and on Iwo Jima. He was one of the six in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic image of the raising of the second U.S. flag on Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi. And he was one of only three of the six who left the island alive. He suffered the rest of his tragically short life from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Why did he do it? Why did he fight to defend a nation that had spent centuries persecuting his people? My guess is that he was a true patriot, a true team player – one who knew his rights, but also knew his responsibilities, too. How did this nation become great? It became great because generations of its citizens – while maybe demanding their rights – were determined to fulfill their responsibilities. Sure, they might have groused about “the government,” and with
good reason, but when “We the People” needed them, they stepped up. They did not hang up or invoke their “right” to be uncooperative. If you really want to “make American great again,” you might try thinking of your community first from time to time. Be a team player. Be like the best of what we see – or at least have seen – in baseball. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
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CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING
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Fax 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 AshlandHanover Local.
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Monday through Friday, July 27-31 "Made for More" Children's Day Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27-31 at the New Highland Baptist Church at 9200 New Ashcake Rd. in Mechanicsville. The camp is for children who have completed second grades through sixth grade. Campers will have fun and games, Bible studies and worship. Several fun tracks for campers to choose from. Participants will adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. Lunch and t-shirt will be provided, as well as protective face coverings and hand sanitizing stations. The fee is $100. Space is limited. Online registration
LAPTOPS Continued from pg. 1
of our students and staff to the greatest extent possible,” Dr.
is available at https://vbsmate. com/events/nhbc/19582. For more information, contact Eric Smith, children's minister, at 804-441-5810.
L-DHS Class of ’80 Rescheduled The Reunion Committee for the Lee-Davis High School Class of 1980 has decided to postpone the reunion from June 20 to sometime in September due to the COVID-19 situation. More details will be released by the committee as soon as they have been finalized.
Saturday, Sept. 19 Rescheduled Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, said. Securing products that help to support and promote health, hygiene, and social
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Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020
Hanover County has established the Hanover Small Business Resiliency Grant Program, using $300,000 in funds provided to Hanover County under the federal government’s CARES Act, to help small businesses impacted by business interruptions related to COVID-19. This one time reimbursement grant of up to $5,000 per business establishment is available to for-profit businesses with fewer than 50 employees most impacted by COVID-19. Applications will be accepted between July 17 and July 27. Grant awardees will be selected at random and notified in August 2020. For more information, please visit HanoverVirginia.com.
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 see CALENDAR, pg. 11
distancing within each school also tops the list. A few examples include the following: z Hand sanitizing stations for classrooms and common areas z Classroom and bus sanitizing machines z Sick areas for sick students z Personal protective and medical equipment (i.e., masks, gloves, face shields, thermometers, folding cots, etc.) z Additional signage encouraging healthy habits, hygiene, and social distancing z Mobile food carts z Disposable food service trays, utensils, and other items The school division will continue to assess and prioritize additional needs during the summer as work continues to finalize plans for the 2020-2021 school year. Information submitted by Chris R. Whitley, Hanover County Public Schools public information officer.
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 10
or more information, contact Bill Brooks at 1970HSHS@ gmail.com.
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 804366-9645 or email kjfaith1@ gmail.com.
Saturdays Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Roy Minnix, senior pastor, and
REALTOR Continued from pg. 2
She was honored by the national franchise organization, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc., based on achieving specified production requirements in gross commission income or units earned in 2019. Winning Weichertaffiliated agents earned their
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 804-2491845. The website is http:// www.mcshin.org.
Tuesdays 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 804-7464734. 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 welsee CALENDAR, pg. 15
recognition from among associates in 40 states at the year's end. "Our affiliates accomplished so much last year," said Bill Scavone, president and chief operating officer of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc. "We are extremely fortunate to have such knowledgeable, dedicated and tireless realtors."
Roller Agency named 1st Place Platinum Agency Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance has named the Leah Roller Agency a 1st Place Platinum Agency during its annual sales conference held virtually this year due to the Coronavirus “Stay At Home” restrictions. Leah Roller’s Agency has been recognized as a Virginia Farm Bureau 2019 1st Place Platinum Agency. This agency was recognized as the best agency in the state for sales and service to their members. “The Roller Agency excels at ensur-
ing its members in Hanover and King Williams counties have the insurance coverage they need. We are fortunate to have these agents representing Virginia Farm Bureau and congratulate them ROLLER on this achievement,” Ray Leonard, VP of Sales, said. About Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance:
Founded in 1950, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance is committed to meeting the insurance needs of the people, families, farms and small businesses of Virginia. When Virginian’s choose Farm Bureau Insurance for their auto, home, health and life insurance they become a member of Virginia Farm Bureau – an organization comprised of over 127,000 households throughout the Commonwealth whose vision is to create an environment where agriculture can prosper and improve the lives of all Virginians. For more information, visit vafb.com.
Hanover Preschool Initiative accepting applications ASHLAND -- Hanover Preschool Initiative (HPI) is accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year. HPI is a free, full-day preschool program with experienced teachers that enables students to engage in an exciting curriculum and a stimulating learning environment.
HISTORICAL Continued from pg. 2
County, so please help us in highlighting Farming's History in Hanover. As always, thank you for all that you do to feed Hanover and the world.” The phone number is 804752-4310. The Hanover Extension Office’s website is www.ext. vt.edu. The Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/ hanovervce. Weichert Realtors-Home Run Realty is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliated office of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc. For more information about Weichert RealtorsHome Run Realty, contact Emma Mitchell at 804752-3503 or EMMALEE@ HOM E RU N R E A LT Y VA . COM.
Space is limited, and only children who will be 3 or 4 years of age by Sept. 30, 2020, qualify. Families also must reside in Hanover County and meet other eligibility requirements. The program also requires that 10% of the enrollment opportunities be available
LETTERS Continued from pg. 7
If they were respected then, more than 150 years ago, for promoting racial inequality, would they have been able to lead men to horrible deaths and would their names and lives have mattered at all? The modern context for relevant racial equality includes Martin Luther King Jr., who championed a unity with peaceful demonstrations. We may never know whether the initial tragic incident in Minneapolis was racially prompted, but we will know whether large segments of our society will accept peaceably the slow careful workings of our judicial sys-
to children with disabilities. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/hanoverpreschoolinitiative or call 804-365-4506. Information submitted by Chris R. Whitley, Hanover County public information officer.
tem as it prosecutes the case. An educated population with confidence in a diligent impartial legal system should be everyone’s main goal, undistracted by cosmetic changes to names and statues. Lawrence J. Cogut Glen Allen
Juneteenth placement deserved better I am a transplant to the area from out of state and since I have lived here, there has been a lot of controversy on the renaming of schools in Hanover County. While I think this it is a good thing to change the names, as an initial step toward reconciliation
and it provides an excellent opportunity for dialogue, I was surprised to see coverage of the Juneteeth March and Rally relegated to page 17 in your June 24th issue. Admittedly, there was a picture on the front page and I thank you for that, but an event of this magnitude deserved banner placement. This event, in the context of the national conversation on race, should have been given proper placement, and begs another question, "Is there an attempt to downplay this event and ignore the 400-pound purple gorilla in the room?" Please be responsible in not just your reporting but also the presentation of your reporting. Thank you. John J. Amoroso Mechanicsville
Got a news tip? Call Melody Kinser at 804-775-4622 If it’s important to you, it’s important to us! Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020 11
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Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Zoning Appeals has set Tuesday, July 14, 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 case, at which public comments will be accepted:
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VAR2020-00006, WOODY HALL, Requests a variance from Section 3.8 1. (d) of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, which specifies that dwellings in the former R-1, Single-Family Residential Zoning District, when located on an fifty (50) foot ultimate right-of-way shall have a minimum front-yard setback of forty-five (45) feet. The requested Variance is for (9.4) feet, which would allow a building lot to have a front yard setback of 35.6 feet. The request is made for GPIN 8716-32-0502 consisting of approximately .88 acres, located on the south line of Pembridge Drive (State Route 1716) at its intersection with Avondale Drive (State Route 1715). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy VAR2020-00007, KAREN BURKE, Requests a variance from Section 26-26. 1. (b) of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, which specifies that dwellings in the A-1, Agricultural District, when located on an eighty (80) foot ultimate right-of-way shall have a minimum front yard setback of (100) feet. The request is for a 74.4 foot front yard variance, which would allow a building lot to have a front yard setback of 25.6 feet. The property is identified as GPIN 8725-07-6532, consisting of approximately .784 acre, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Pole Green Road (State Route 627) approximately 100 feet west of Janice Avenue (State Route Number Pending). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office any regular business day, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p. m.
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C. Jason Hazelwood Code Compliance Supervisor
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, July 22, 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 REZ2019-00033, COMMONWEALTH LANDS, L.L.C. Request(s) an amendment to the proffers and a portion of the conceptual plan approved with rezoning request C-34-02(c), Am.1-11, Commonwealth Lands, L.L.C., on GPIN 7797-70-5645(part), consisting of approximately 2.4 acres, zoned RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions; and to rezone GPIN 7796-79-5932, consisting of 4.0 acres, from A-1, Agricultural District to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions. The property is located on the west line of Honey Meadows Road (State Route 2380) at its intersection with Meadow Pond Drive (state route pending). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit a reconfiguration of the previously approved conceptual plan and add nine (9) new building lots. The overall density of the Honey Meadows Subdivision with the amended plan is 2.01 units per gross acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy 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 PERMIT 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 SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS SE2020-00002, NORTH LAKE POND, L.L.C., ET AL. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Sections 26-199 and 26-206 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit gravel surfaced sales and display areas in the Route 1 Overlay District and the Ashland Overlay District on GPINs 7789-52-5415, 7789-42-6349, 7789-43-7491, 7789-43-8140 and 7789-43-2172, consisting of approximately 70.51 acres, zoned M-2(c) Light Industrial District with conditions, 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. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland SE2020-00011, MEREDITH AND DANIEL STOCKNER Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.18 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a contractor’s equipment storage yard on GPIN 7718-92-9128, consisting of approximately 5.0 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of Rockville Road (State Route 622) south of its intersection with Foxwood Lane (private road). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna 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 case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, July 16, 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 REZ2020-00009, GREGORY C. BENTLEY Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 7708-08-5310, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, and located on the west line of Watkins Road (State Route 721) approximately 0.53 miles north of its intersection with Dogwood Trail Road (State Route 620). 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 5.0 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00013, SPROUSES CORNER, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPINs 6798-48-4568 and 6799-30-3160, consisting of approximately 41.06 acres, and located on the west line of Pinhook Road (State Route 617) at its intersection with Oilville Manor Court (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of six (6) building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 6.84 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00014, GIAMBANCO INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions, on GPIN 8724-18-4699, consisting of approximately 0.44 acres, and located on the west line of Jackson Arch Drive (State Route 770) approximately 225’ south of its intersection with Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General and Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for retail and other neighborhood business uses. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville REZ2020-00015, EDDIE A. BLUNT, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7778-55-9634, consisting of approximately 17.53 acres, and located on the north line of Cobbs Road (State Route 801) approximately 780 feet west of its intersection with Old Scotland Road (State Route 2259). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 42 building lots for a gross density of 2.4 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00023, RCI BUILDERS, L.L.C. (GUM TREE WOODS SUBDIVISION) Request(s) an amendment to the proffers approved with rezoning request C-55-05(c), Judson T. Vaughan, Jr., on GPIN 7872-64-4185, zoned AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, and located on the north line of Old Ridge Road (State Route 738) approximately 1,900 feet west of its intersection with Breedens Road (State Route 694). The proposed zoning amendment would amend the cash proffer. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS CUP2020-00006, HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD Request(s) an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit the installation of accessory freestanding solar panels at an existing school on GPIN 8707-42-2766, consisting of approximately 39.96 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of New Ashcake Road (State Route 643) at its intersection with Seminole Road (State Route 1211). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2020-00007, HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD Request(s) an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit the installation of accessory freestanding solar panels at an existing school, which is located on GPINs 8707-46-1121, 8707-47-3113, 8707-47-3460, and 8707-47-6789, consisting of approximately 50.1 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located at the terminus of Learning Lane (private road) approximately 1,725 feet south of its intersection with Whippoorwill Road (State Route 653). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam 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.
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Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020
Three Rivers 4-H Livestock Club All-Stars honored ASHLAND – Five 4-H members and a past leader of the Three Rivers 4-H Livestock Club were honored on Wednesday June 24, with the highest honor: 4-H All-Star. The members are Megan Gaines, Caitlyn Giese, Marley Goodman, Reagan White and Victoria Wright. Vicki Underwood, the past leader, will receive an Adult Honorary 4-H All-Star. Membership in the Virginia 4-H All-Stars Chapter is a very distinct privilege and honor received by those who exhibit qualities of leadership, integrity, outstanding achievement, and dedication to 4-H and youth development. To become a 4-H All-Star it takes many years of 4-H involvement and service to the community. When a candidate feels ready, they begin the process of filling out the application that reflects on their years of service. That application is then evaluated by the extension unit that nominates strong candidates for the award. Once selected the candidates are then ini-
tiated as 4-H All-Stars at a one of a kind, secret ceremony during State 4-H Congress at Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, that was not able to occur this year due COVID-19, but in addition to the online ceremony this past week, the organization is looking for other ways to revise the tapping ceremony. Among the accomplishments the young ladies are being recognized for are committing countless hours to 4-H projects, learning experiences, officer positions, committee positions, program planning, 4-H camps, competitive judging and showing, recruitment and promotion and community service both in and outside of 4-H. For more information in the scholarship program (for children ages 5 to 18), contact Sharonda Lindsay, the 4-H program assistant, by email at sharondal20@vt.edu or by phone at 804-752-4310. The website is https://hanover. ext.vt.edu/programs.html.
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
LEGAL DISPLAY ADS
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the time, date and place for a public hearing concerning quitclaim of a 50’ strip of land designated as GPIN 7883-85-6637, located within Beaverdam Magisterial District in Hanover County, Virginia. All persons desiring to be heard on the above may appear at the above time and place. A plat of the subject real estate is available for inspection in the County Administrator’s Office, County Administration Building, during the regular business hours of 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. ____________________________
Frank W. Harksen, Jr. Deputy County Administrator
Department of Social Services has funds available for cooling assistance HANOVER -- Application forms for the Cooling Assistance program is available online and the Hanover County Department of Social Services is processing applications. This program runs through Aug. 17 or until the money is gone. Cooling Assistance, offered through the Virginia Department of Social Services Energy Assistance Program, helps eligible households meet costs related to cooling one’s home. This can include: z Payment of electric bills (up to $300) to operate cooling equipment; z Payment of security deposits for electricity to operate cooling equipment; z Repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pump; z Purchase of a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans; z The purchase and installation of one window unit air conditioner for households where there is no unit or where the unit needs to be replaced. To be eligible, the household must have at least one vulnerable individual aged 60 or older, disabled, or a child under age 6. Assistance is based on the availability of funds and is first-come, first-serve. Renters must have written permission from their landlord to make alterations or improvements to the property in order to be eligible. “It’s probably going to be hot and humid this summer and this weather can be very dangerous to elderly and disabled people as well as children,” said Sheila Crossen-Powell, director of Hanover County
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 11
come with parents’ permission. For more information, visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.
Thursdays The Rotary Club of Ashland meets at noon for lunch at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804-4966093 or sandrdunham@yahoo. com.
Third Mondays The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300
Social Services. “We urge anyone who would like to know more about the cooling assistance program to call us at 365-4100.” An eligible household can receive more than one type of assistance per application. New for the 2020 cooling season -- applicants that are eligible and approved will receive the maximum amount of $300 at approval. They will not need to turn in future bills for payment. Financial eligibility is based on income only. Income levels cannot exceed federal poverty guidelines by more than 30%. Applicants must provide proof of income for all household members. Electric utility bills must be in the name of a household member or the service address must be the same as the applicant’s address. The easiest way to apply for Cooling Assistance is online at www.commonhelp.virginia.gov, or by calling 1-855-635-4370 toll-free. Paper applications are on the wb at http://dss. virginia.gov/benefit/ea/index.cgi or are available at the Hanover Department of Social Services. Paper applications can be mailed, faxed to 365-4110, or returned in person. The applicant must sign all applications. For more information about the Cooling Assistance program, call the Hanover Department of Social Services at 804-365-4100 or stop by the office. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.
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 804-6754230. 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.
Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020 15
Strolling down memory lane with the Hanover Tomato Festival File photos
We thought it only fitting to share photos of the Hanover Tomato Festival through the years, so we dug into our files to bring back memories of all the good times. In 1978, the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department started out small, but -- and this is a good thing -- had to move twice as the festival grew. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this will be the first year in the festival’s history that it will not be held. Hanover County Parks and Recreation now spearheads organizational efforts for the event. Don’t worry: there’s always next year. And planning has started.
TOMATO Continued from pg. 1
station on McClellan Road. At that time, President Larry Sutton and Chief Oscar Watson joined forces to head up the festival. Once everyone agreed to hold a festival, the next issue was: What will the theme be? BCVFD members talked about the Camptown Races in Ashland and the Oyster Festival in Urbanna, so they knew they wanted a theme significant to Hanover County. What was in Hanover County? Vegetables --
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lots and lots of vegetables. And what vegetable was Hanover County especially known for? The Hanover Tomato, of course. With a theme in place, Sutton, Watson and the other VFD members organized a Fireman’s Parade, as well as contests – and that included eating tomatoes. About 300 people showed up that first year. Local homemakers were given an opportunity to show off their skills with various dishes – and plenty of samples for attendees to taste. Growth was fast becoming an issue, so the fes-
Ashland-Hanover Local July 8, 2020
tival moved to Battlefield Park Elementary School in 1999. Arts and crafts vendors joined too. The popularity of the annual event continued to expand, so another move became necessary. Also needed was additional manpower to handle the ever-increasing festival. That’s when Hanover Parks and Rec stepped in to help. In 2008, Pole Green Park opened and a new home was found. The next year, one of the largest turnouts ever – 42,000 – filled the grounds. Sadly, two of the most important men involved with the festival have passed away. Oscar Watson died in 2012 and Robby Dodd, whose farm sup-
plied the tomatoes, followed in 2017. The Saturday morning of the festival always started with Watson heading to Dodd’s farm to get the bushels of that famous Hanover Tomato. Don’t dismay: there’s always next year – and a reason to celebrate Hanover County’s favorite fruit. To stay up-to-date with the 2021 Hanover Tomato Festival, visit www.hanovertomatofestival. com. For more information, email hanovertomatofestival@hanovercounty.gov or call 804-3657150.