Ashland-Hanover Local – 07/29/20

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FAIR CANCELED COVID-19 concerns prompt cancellation of State Fair of Virginia PAGE

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Tdap booster vaccine mandatory for seventh graders PAGE

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Vol. 5 No. 46 | Richmond Suburban News | July 29, 2020

Supervisors react to removal of school names County attorney: BOS doesn’t have authority to have names overturned

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

H

ANOVER— A recent Hanover County School Board decision changing the names of Lee-Davis

High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School drew comments from a large contingent of citizens and several supervisors at last week’s meeting.

The decision and subsequent removal of placards and signs containing the names two days after the action by school officials was described as insensitive by one board member.

County attorney Dennis Walter clarified questions regarding school board decisions.

“The Constitution of Virginia and State Code provide that deci-

sions regarding the supervision and operation of schools — which includes the names of individual schools — are made by the school board,” Walter said.

“The board of PETERSON supervisors does not have the authority or ability to overturn the decision by the school

Opposition voices prevalent at DEQ Wegman’s hearing

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local HANOVER — More than 40 speakers urged the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to deny the issuance of a Wetlands permit for a 217-acre site that recently was approved for a Wegmans’ Distribution Center.

board on school names.”

During a public comment period, many speakers went further.

Marsha Boyce Rider referenced a 2018 survey conducted by school officials that revealed an overwhelming majority of those who responded favored keeping the names.

“The survey indicated by a 76 percent margin that the public was in favor of keeping the names the same,” she said. “Why wasn’t the community asked for their input like they were in 2018?” she asked.

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors approved the project in May, but the project still requires a DEQ permit to proceed.

Jaime Robb, permit manager for DEQ’s Piedmont Division, said the agency rarely denies applications although some require adjustments during the process. see DEQ, pg. 8

ASHLAND – Public comment is being solicited by the Town of Ashland for the 2020 Chickahominy TMDL Action Plan.

TMDL is defined as the total maximum daily load of a pollutant that a body of water can receive while still meeting water quality standards.

The Town of Ashland’s 2020

Chickahominy River TMDL Action Plan is open for public comment until Friday, July 31, and is available for viewing or/ and downloading at 2020 Chickahominy TMDL Action Plan, https://www.ashlandva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3489/ Chickahominy-TMDL-ActionPlan--2020.

Comments may be sent to Tom Dickerson, civil engineer, at tdickerson@ ashlandva.gov.

see SUPERVISORS, pg. 4

Ashland Museum Kid’s History Camp set Aug. 3-5

Ashland seeks comment on TMDL Action Plan Staff Report news@mechlocal.com

She contended that the newest school board members, Sterling Daniel and Kelly Evko, were pressured to vote for the changes by superintendent Michael Gill and the NAACP. “Why would Sterling Daniel, the newest school board member, be allowed to lead the charge on such an important issue over members who had been on the school board a lot longer than he has?” she asked.

Boyce-Rider also took aim at Gill over the removal of marquee referenc-

Photos submitted by The Ashland Museum

An attendee at the Kids’ History Day Camp listens intently to a program.

The Ashland Museum will hold an abbreviated history day camp for rising second through sixth grade history buffs. Camp will be held at The Center, 500 S. Center St., Ashland, 9 a.m. to noon Monday, August 3 through Wednesday, Aug.5.

Campers will participate in Covid-19 safe activities and will explore historic Ashland. There will be limited number of campers and a few openings are still available. Visit ashlandmuseum.org/category/ museum-events or email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net for more information.

Pandemic, Protests, and Promise - A Reflection on 2020 The Ashland Museum will exhibit a look back at 2020 and two of this year’s events – Covid-19 Pandemic and Black Lives Matter. see CAMP, pg. 3

Parsons’ Cause Foundation offers online programs Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -- While the Board of Directors of The Parsons' Cause Foundation is disappointed it cannot offer live performances this summer, in lieu thereof members agreed to offer several virtual programs throughout the summer.

The first one was recorded in conjunction with their friends at St. John's Church Foundation.

See https://www.historicstjohnschurch.org/ In the program, John Tucker, the president of The Parsons'

Cause Foundation, relates the details of The Parsons' Cause Trial, its historical importance, and the impact it had on the life of Patrick Henry and, in turn, Virginia and the other colonies.

To view the program, go to https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Eefsv8fRwT0.

Look for upcoming programs featuring first-person impressions of Richard Henry Lee, John Chiswell, and Elisa Poe. For more information on The Parsons' Cause Foundation Inc., visit http://www.parsonscause. org/.

PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

2020 State Fair of Virginia canceled Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

D

OSWELL – The Virginia Farm Bureau board of directors announced on July 23 the decision to cancel the 2020 State Fair of Virginia, and instead hold a modified State Fair 4-H Livestock Show. The traditional fair that was scheduled for Sept. 25 through Oct. 4 will not take place due to complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This was a difficult decision, but safety is our number one priority,” said Marlene Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director. “We’ve spent months developing plans and scenarios that would allow us to still host the fair this year, but with the ever-changing, unpredictable COVID-19 situation, we just couldn’t make it work.”

The State Fair of Virginia is an annual event that nurtures, preserves and celebrates the best of Virginia’s past, present and future through scholarship initiatives, creative programming and a focus on the commonwealth’s agriculture and natural resources industries.

In 2019, nearly 245,000 people attended the state fair.

The complexity of the event requires thousands of hours of planning by staff,

partners and vendors; planning typically begins many months before the fair’s opening day. “In a normal year, preparing for this annual event is a huge undertaking. In the midst of a global pandemic, it just wasn’t feasible,” Jolliffe noted.

Agriculture and youth are the foundation of the fair’s mission, “so our first priority was to find a way to honor our youth and allow them to be rec-

ognized for their dedication and hard work,” noted VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. “While a modified State Fair 4-H Livestock Show is not ideal, we believe it will allow our youth to showcase the yearlong effort they’ve put into raising their animals, and enable them to earn scholarship money as well.”

Pryor said every precaution will be taken to keep participants safe during the event. State fair staff are working

with Virginia Cooperative Extension employees to finalize plans for the livestock show, and those details will be announced at a later date.

The state fair has been held each fall since 2009 at its permanent home at the 330-acre Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The event was established in 1854, and was not held in 1918 due to the Spanish influenza pandemic.

“While our hearts are heavy, we believe this is the right thing to do,” Jolliffe said. “It is important that we are good stewards of our operation and consider the health and welfare of our communities.

“We are thankful for the thousands who make this magical event come to life each September. To our dedicated fairgoers, staff, sponsors, exhibitors, 4-H & FFA members, vendors, volunteers and entertainers—we look forward to seeing you at next year’s fair, Sept. 24 through Oct. 3. We will be back bigger, better and stronger.”

For more information on the State Fair 4-H Livestock Show and updated FAQ resources, visit statefairva.org.

Other activities and events at The Meadow will continue to be held following governmental guidelines and allowed capacities.

Chamber Breakfast series to offer Federal Reserve update Staff Report news@mechlocal.com

“Ashland Theatre After Dark” introduces drive-in movies on Friday and Saturday nights this summer!

Visit our website for details and tickets.

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Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

ASHLAND – An update on the Federal Reserve of Richmond will be presented from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Hanover Golf Club at 14314 Country Club Drive in Ashland.

Renee Haltom, vice president and regional executive of the Federal Reserve of Richmond, will be the keynote speaker for the Hanover Chamber of Commercesponsored Breakfast Seminar.

As the nation’s central bank, the Federal Reserve sets

monetary policy, supervises and regulates member financial institutions and provides an array of financial services.

This seminar will provide an update on the work in the Fifth District, supporting the greater Richmond area and beyond, and additional information about the broader effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the U.S. economy.

Registration fees are: chamber member, $20; member virtual, $10; non-member, $20. In-person space is limited. No day of or on-site

registration will be available.

The Hanover Chamber of Commerce is committed to protecting the health and safety of its members and community during the current COVID-19 pandemic and always.

The Gathering Guidelines detail how the Chamber will conduct in-person happenings.

Village Bank is the series/ event sponsor.

The Chamber encourages members and non-members to “stay informed through our mornings with local offi-

cials and industry experts on issues that affect our county, businesses and lives.”

Registration is $20 for member registration, which includes a hot breakfast, and limited to 35 registrations; a wait list will be enabled and opened if seats become available. A member virtual registration is $10 and a nonmember virtual registration is $20.

Payments may be made online; check or cash only will be accepted on-site.

For more information visit https://hanoverchamberva. com/event-3903747

Students entering seventh grade in HCPS must have proof of Tdap booster vaccine (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Mandy Baker, assistant superintendent of Human Resources as an “Important message for parents of rising seventh-grade students” in Hanover County Public Schools.)

All students entering seventh grade are required by law to have a Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) booster dose of vaccine.

Providing documentation early ensures a smooth transition for your child when returning to middle school in the fall.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic initially disrupted or limited services offered by local

health departments and providers, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that parents proceed with immunizations through their local care provider. Planning ahead to complete these state requirements for school enrollment will ensure a smooth and safe start when schools reopen.

The Tdap booster shot may be obtained from your doctor, a military clinic or the health department. Various medical clinics and pharmacies in the area also offer the vaccination.

Vaccinations for school enrollment are

offered at the Hanover Health Department at no cost. You will be required to provide your insurance card if you have insurance coverage.

Immunization clinics at the health department are limited at this time and you must call ahead to make an appointment.

Documentation that this booster shot has been administered must be taken to your child’s school nurse or front office staff.

The documentation must have your child’s full name, date of birth, the date the vaccine was given, and be signed by your health care provider.

The school must have proof of this vaccina-

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CAMP Continued from pg. 1

We’re interested in your experiences coping with and getting through this pandemic.

Please send us your photographs of activities social distancing, wearing a mask, drawings of pandemic life and other collectibles or artifacts. If you’re interested in talking about your experience, let us know.

We’re also interested in your experience with the Black Lives Matter protests here – photographs, posters and ephemera. And, if you’re interested in talking about your experience, let us know.

You can contact the museum by email at ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or leave a voice message at 804-368-7314.

Look for event updates on our website – ashlandmuseum.org and our facebook page.

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Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020 3

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals HODNETT, Frederick Andrew Jr., 76, of Ashland, claimed the Promise of Resurrection on Sunday, July 19, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Copenhaver and Frederick Andrew Hodnett Sr.; as well as his stepmother, Elizabeth Allred Hodnett. Fred graduated from Hargrave Military Academy as HODNETT class Valedictorian, from the University of Richmond, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the University of Virginia School of Law. He proudly served his country as a United States Army Intelligence Officer in the Vietnam War and for 20 more years in the U.S. Army Reserve. Fred felt truly blessed in his career of 33 years as Assistant Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. He felt privileged to get to know the fine people all across the state who worked with him for the Commonwealth's Judicial System. Fred was a member of the United Methodist Men at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church and of the Ashland Kiwanis Club. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Wylyn "Lyn" Letson Hodnett; loving sons, Andrew Quillan Hodnett (Melissa), Samuel Anderson Hodnett; grandchildren, Brenna Cameron and Emery Katherine; and sister, Nancy Hodnett Roberts (Bill). Fred will be laid to rest at a private family service in Chatham, Virginia. A public memorial service will be held at a later time at Duncan Memorial UMC in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pastor's Discretionary Fund at Duncan Memorial UMC.

Nomination period open for Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence HANOVER -- The Hanover County Community Services Board is announcing that the nomination period for the Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence is now open. The nomination form and further information can be found at: https://www. hanovercounty.gov/675/JeanC-Harris-Award. Nominations are due by Aug. 10.

In 2000, the Hanover County Community Services Board established an annual award in the name of long-time board member, community volunteer and advocate, Jean C. Harris.

The Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence has been given

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annually to Hanover-based individuals, families or groups that demonstrate outstanding contribution in the areas of intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health, and/or substance use. Acknowledging that many individuals, families and groups in Hanover are making a difference in these areas, up to three awards will be given this year.

A virtual awards ceremony will be presented on Oct. 28 with more details to be announced.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

SUPERVISORS Continued from pg. 1

es and other symbols in addition to deletion of the websites.

“I am also proposing the resignation of Sterling Daniel and Kelly Evko since they went against their board of supervisor who appointed them. I am also proposing the resignation of Michael Gill due to his unprofessionalism and the way he has handled this situation,” she added.

Wendy Yeoman also objected to the process by which the latest actions occurred, conceding that she knew the changes would eventually come. “I am not naive enough to believe the name would have remained, but what I am disappointed in is the way they went about being changed,” Yeoman said.”Our children in this county deserve much better.”

In addition to losing time in school and athletics due to COVID-19, Yeoman said students are now experiencing a lack of identity with the removal of school names.

“The upperclassmen at those schools — you’ve removed them from any ownership of that school. They don’t have a school. They don’t have a name. They have no association,” she said.

The ire from the speakers and the large contingency of supporters toward the school board and its administration was not limited to attendees, and several board members expressed their displeasure with the recent actions.

Mechanicsville supervisor Canova Peterson said recent actions displayed a “lack of leadership” and was critical of a move that set forth a plan for which no plan of implementation had been considered.

He noted that officials had reached an informal understanding that the school names would be changed when new schools were relocated.

“It was a logical compromise to those who wanted it

done now, and those who wanted it done never,” Peterson said.

He also was critical of the near immediate removal of the names and symbols at the campuses.

“I was not at the [Hanover County] School Board meeting, but I have a hard time thinking that the word tomorrow was in the motion to change the names,” Peterson said. “I have a hard time thinking that any specific time was in that motion. My understanding is that it was not.”

Peterson likened the process of school name changes to redistricting and said it required extensive research and planning. “That has not happened here,” he said, referring to the recent changes.

“Instead, our schools moved in with a bulldozer efficiency to see how quickly they could do away with any indication of these schools’ identity even to the point of removing the names on the public school’s website,” Peterson said.

“Our students are heading back in just a few weeks to a school with no name and a building that resembles a warehouse,” he continued.

The Mechanicsville representative referenced school efforts to prevent bullying as he said, “Right now, I think the biggest bully of all is the school board and senior administration.”

He urged the school board to reconsider its timeline and said the school board had made “a knee jerk reaction in response to pressure from the current divisive climate.”

He called the action callous and inconsiderate, and said students were not even allowed the opportunity to take photos or capture other memories “with their school still intact.”

South Anna supervisor Sue Dibble said she felt “responsible” for the recent action since her recently appointed member did not reflect her position on the changes. Dibble had voted

to retain the names when she chaired the school board in 2018.

When school board members adjourned a special meeting called to consider the name changes last month, the panel appeared deadlocked at 3-3, and Evko became the deciding vote necessary to change the names.

“This vote a couple of weeks ago has taken me by surprise,” Dibble said. “I feel a certain responsibility. I feel South Anna was not represented in the way I had hoped it would be when I moved from the school board to the board of supervisors.”

“I think of the South Anna kids as my own, and it breaks my heart to think of the pain we have caused these young people,” Dibble said. “I’m not sure how we’re going to fix this right now ... but we have really created a mess and I going to do all that I can do to try to turn this around. I hope and pray in the next week or two that we can come together as a community and get our school board to reach back out because it’s you that we represent,” she added.

“I do feel responsible for what took place and I’m going to do my best to help my school board member and the rest of the school board members and this board to turn this around and do what we can,” Dibble concluded.

Chickahominy representative Angela Kelly-Wiecek said she would not be asking for the resignation of her school board appointee, Bob Hundley.

“I have been in frequent conversations with my school board member on this issue for quite some time. I wish to reiterate that I do not believe Mr. Hundley’s actions were cowling to current pressures or simply seeking ... political correctness,” she said. “I will not be asking for Mr. Hundley’s resignation.”

Hundley voted to retain the names in 2018, but voted for the changes earlier this month.

Gill provided the following statement regarding comments from the previous evening: “I am aware of the comments that board of supervisors members and citizens made during last night’s board meeting.

Understandably, this is a complex and emotional issue, and we are sensitive to the various perspectives of our students, families, staff, alum, and our broader community.

“We are working with great care, dignity, and respect to retire the names of Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School as directed by the school board.

“I sincerely regret if anyone has interpreted our actions in any other way. I believe this is a time for unity and healing, not further division and conflict.

As we move forward, we will do everything to make this transition as dignified as possible,” he concluded.

School board chair John Axselle, Beaverdam, also responded to the comments, and noted a long-existing working relationship with the board of supervisors.

“I would like to re-emphasize our commitment to the partnership we value with the board of supervisor and our community. Our focus has always been, and will hopefully remain, providing our children the best educational opportunities possible to prepare them for a successful future,” Axselle said via email.

“We also realize the board of supervisors support us in this endeavor and we take their leadership, comments and suggestions seriously,” he said.

Axselle, who voted against the name changes, indicated concerns expressed by supervisors would be addressed.

“The Hanover County School Board, superintendent, and senior staff will be working with the board of supervisors and county administration to successfully resolve their consee SUPERVISORS, pg. 5

CARES funding received for HCPS ASHLAND -- Due to recent action taken by the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, Hanover County Public Schools received $4.1 million in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 funding.

The budget supplement covers qualifying and unexpected expenses between March 1 and Dec. 30 due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Purchasing laptops for all high school students and students in grades three through five is a high priority. Middle school students are already scheduled to receive laptops during the 2020-2021 school year as part of the previously approved FY2021 budget.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the board

of supervisors and county administration as we work to serve the complex needs of our students, families, and staff during these challenging times. Now more than ever, we must be prepared to quickly pivot and adapt to teaching our students in a rapidly changing environment. These additional funds will allow us to better support student learning, as well as provide for the health and safety needs of our students and staff to the greatest extent possible,” Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, said.

Securing products that help to support and promote health, hygiene, and social distancing within each school also tops the list.

A few examples include the following: Hand sanitizing stations

for classrooms and common areas Classroom and bus sanitizing machines Sick areas for sick students Personal protective and medical equipment (i.e., masks, gloves, face shields, thermometers, folding cots, etc.)

Additional signage encouraging healthy habits, hygiene, and social distancing Mobile food carts 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 20202021 school year. ation submitted by Chris R. Whitley, Hanover County Public Schools public information officer.

SUPERVISORS

the county, and in some cases beyond.

Destinations include McGuire Veterans Hospital.

Six months since its inception, director Lisa Adkins indicated the program is catching its second wind as riders return, and services improve.

Adkins said the pandemic not only affected riders, but also created challenges for the companies that provide those services. Hanover contracts with private providers like Roundtrip to ensure efficient service.

To celebrate the six-month anniversary, Adkins said the program is rolling out a “Gifts of 6” promotion that includes added incentives for clients.

For the first six months of the program, service was available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and riders paid $6 for a one-way ticket. Caregivers who accompany those clients are not charged.

That co-pay is eliminated

during the promotion which runs through Sept. 30, and hours have been extended to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Medical offices located in the Stony Point area also have been added to the list of destinations, and clients can utilize the service to access employment opportunities too.

DASH manager Susan Richards said, as of July 15, 165 regular riders had taken advantage of the service. Providing more than 870 trips in total, the service has received only 15 complaints during the initial six months.

The program received a $127,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and a similar request for 2021 has been approved.

Kelly-Wiecek suggested the program expand its communication efforts to include caregivers or others who may know seniors or disabled persons in need of the transportation service.

Continued from pg. 4

cerns,” he said.

“This partnership we value so much has taken years to develop and foster and has proven to be very beneficial to the citizens of Hanover County.

We will make every effort to keep it and strengthen it as we move forward,” he concluded.

In other matters considered at last week’s meeting: Since Hanover began a new service providing transportation for seniors throughout the county, more than 800 trips have been provided for county residents aged 60 or over or disabled.

After its launch in December, the program enjoyed continually increasing ridership and interest, but the onset of COVID-19 slowed that progress.

DASH provides rides for seniors aged 60 and up and disabled riders of all ages to doctors appointments, shopping or social activities throughout

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OPINION

LETTERS

| The Local Views

| Reader Views

As human beings we want to make connections

By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News

I

will be the first to admit it: I have been incredibly lucky. For the past 15 years or so, I have been able to make my living by, essentially, getting to try and figure out what makes people tick.

There are plenty of reporters who cover one particular beat or another, some who write only about business or only about politics. Those of us fortunate enough to work in what is often called “community journalism” have far fewer parameters reigning in the people we talk to or the places we go. In short, we will talk to anyone about anything, which means that for every serious, consequential story that informs readers about something that will have a serious impact on their daily lives, there also are probably at least a few stories about giant homegrown vegetables or dog fashion shows (which I love, by the way).

To do this work is to be continuously floored, again and again, by the creativity, ingenuity and, yes, sometimes the eccentricity of the people you

meet. A few years back I went to a gentleman’s home because someone had mentioned that he had a pretty impressive collection of tobacco memorabilia. As it turned out, it was among the biggest collections in the world.

I have learned, over the years, to appreciate people’s passion for a given thing even if I don’t necessarily share it, whether it is for brewing beer or hunting wild game or taking part in historical re-enactments.

Some people are happy to tell you exactly what they think whether you like it or not: I was once on the receiving end of a vociferous — and not entirely unconvincing — lecture from an inventor about why the Spork was a terrible idea (forgive me, dear reader, but to my deep regret I have now forgotten exactly why).

As one might guess, you often have no idea until you arrive for an interview exactly what you are going to learn. And you quickly learn that sometimes the story is not at all what you thought. I once had the pleasure of interviewing a newly-hired postmaster and learned that she had at one time aspired to be a professional opera

singer. With all due respect to the United States Postal Service, now they had my attention.

My point here, I suppose, is that over the years I have been extremely fortunate to get to speak with people from so many walks of life and from so many different backgrounds. And I hope you will believe me when I say that most of us have far more in common than you would ever guess.

Yes, there are differences that go along with places of origin, but there also are many more common experiences and connectors than some might guess.

What’s even better — the part that I really wanted to share — is that most people are happy to share their stories. As human beings, we want to make connections.

I hope as our cities and communities begin to open back up, we can find a renewed appreciation for the stories and experiences of those we may not think we have a whole lot in common with.

In most cases, as I’ve learned, all you have to do is ask.

Roslyn Ryan is editor of The Goochland Gazette.

Southern symbols are hitting too close to home

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist As I watched the statue of Stonewall Jackson unceremoniously removed as a crowd cheered, I wondered just how deep is Richmond’s relationship with the Lost Cause, and how engrained that legacy of defeat is woven in our heritage.

How many streets, buildings, parks, plaques and other landmarks in the city are associated with the Confederacy?

I realized how close to home that legacy can hit when I discovered that the street where I was raised, lived for decades, and where the home of my children is located was named for a

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Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

Confederate hero.

I could have gone a lifetime, and almost did, not knowing that Cutshaw Avenue was indeed a tribute to one of Richmond’s Confederates, Wilfred Emory Cutshaw.

Cutshaw was an artillery officer and lost a leg in the Battle of Saylor’s Creek shortly before Robert

E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox.

That ended a four-year military career where Cutshaw fought with Stonewall Jackson in the Valley, and thwarted George B. McClellan on the Peninsula.

He returned to Richmond after the war and was named city engineer see SOUTHERN, 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.

Former BOS member wants officers noticed When I was on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, I appreciated when citizens gave me a headsup, so here is yours.

“Proud Parent of a COP” -- my shirts were finished July y. I plan on wearing one to the next Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting, and asking during citizen time for yard signs (I saw them in yards outside Philly two years ago) and bumper stickers (my old one from the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is ragged out).

I am requesting the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, in coordination with Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, allocate funding to provide for these, in support of our law enforcement officers who provide our “Thin Blue Line”.

When people start leaving this job, it will be the good ones who leave. The idiot protestors do not understand that this is no video game and there are no do-overs.

When they lose the police, and police powers, they end up with people like me, and, believe me, they do not want that.

If the incident that happened to the young mother on the Fredericksburg 911 call had happened to either me or my wife, the outcome would have been significantly different.

Paul Harvey wrote “What is a policeman”. I encourage all to hear this. I have known many in my years, and all but a very few fit his description.

Our deputies now are the first first responders.

A time long ago in a galaxy faraway, when rescue sSquads dispatched their own, many times we were first on the scene. I remember the anxiety, fear, and adrenalin-rush responding to a “call-unknown”.

These are life experiences for me, but our deputies face these every day.

They need to know that the people see LETTERS pg. 9

CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Wednesday through Friday, July 29-31 "Made for More" Children's Day Camp continues from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the New Highland Baptist Church at 9200 New Ashcake Rd. in Mechanicsville. The camp, which started on Monday, July 27, 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. 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 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

SOUTHERN Continued from pg. 6

in 1873, tasked with rebuilding a demolished and financially challenged city. He landed the position after his former colleague, Lee, sent a letter of recommendation to city leaders urging them to hire the CSA veteran.

Cutshaw is responsible for the cityscape we now so closely associate with Richmond, including tree-lined streets with large urban parks. He is responsible for planting more than 50,000 trees throughout the city, designing the Pump House that receives high architectural marks today, and building a City Hall that still highlights a block on Broad Street in downtown Richmond. Numerous parks also were designed by Cutshaw.

For decades, Cutshaw transformed Richmond and established its Europeaninfluenced style cityscape complete with wide boulevards, statues and open space. A marker stands in Byrd Park, another of his creations,

Bill Brooks at 1970HSHS@ gmail.com.

366-9645 or email kjfaith1@ gmail.com.

Ongoing

Saturdays

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 804-7304812 or email sandy.leigh@ verizon.net.

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 Nycholas Greig, associate pastor. For more information, visit www. trinityrichmond.net or call 804-270-9626.

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-

and recognized his years of service to the city.

And it all might have ended there with Cutshaw’s reputation intact and his four years of service for the South just a blip on a resume that most considered impressive.

But two years after officials began plans to construct a Confederate Sailors and Soldiers Monument in Libby Hill Park, the project was turned over to, you guessed it, Cutshaw.

He oversaw the completion of the project and even suggested Pompey’s Pillar in Alexandria, Egypt, be used as a model for the new statue.

Raising funds for the project required Cutshaw’s full attention, and, in 1894, the lone soldier atop the pillar was unveiled and has watched over downtown Richmond for more than a century.

My better judgment tells me that Cutshaw Avenue was not named for a military hero, but rather a talented engineer whose creative efforts produced results still enjoyed today as we ride along the Boulevard, or marvel at a Pump House that provided running water

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

F

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 AshlandHanover Local.

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

throughout the city.

It reminds me that context is important, and even our heroes should not be judged by their weakest or most insincere moments, but remembered for the entirety of their contributions.

And understanding that some associations are unforgivable and cannot be erased, I suspect many Confederate leaders whose image we now find uncomfortable accomplished much more than military prowess.

That doesn't excuse their choices or their dedication to an abhorrent cause that enslaved and devalued many Americans, but it does remind us that four years does not a lifetime make.

I also understand my perspective is quite different from others, and some would argue that years of good deeds can never compensate for the damage done in those four short years, or the hopeless and inhumane cause they supported.

And no one should confuse their military

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 804-496-6093 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 see CALENDAR, pg. 10

expertise or leadership abilities with the reasoning that resulted in the construction of numerous Confederate monuments in the city.

Their construction was motivated by hate and a desire to leave a permanent message that the cause was noble, its leaders deserving of respect and memorialization and a continuing warning of non-inclusion.

Like many older Richmonders, I marveled at the beauty of Monument Avenue, and, yes, its monuments, as I drove past. And, maybe that’s part of the problem — the failure to recognize that symbols we considered appropriate were not, and for some who rode past those same monuments on that beautiful avenue, pride was not an emotion even in the mix. The statues were more of a reminder of past injustices than memorials to respected leaders.

Today’s generation will determine monuments of the future, or perhaps they will option for no such designations after witnessing the events of the past months.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020 7

DEQ Continued from pg. 1

“They rarely are denied,” she said in an answer to a question at the Monday, July 20, public hearing.

DEQ scheduled the public hearing after receiving an avalanche of inquiries from concerned citizens who have questioned the process surrounding the application. Many contend the actual wetlands acreage is much larger that Wegmans contends.

But, company officials said they relied on the expertise of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a process also endorsed by Robb.

She did, however, acknowledge the DEQ has the right to conduct its own delineation process. “It’s common practice to accept the Corps study,” Robb said.

Although DEQ will issue a recommendation in late August, the final decision rests with the state’s Water Control Board, which is scheduled to meet on Sept. 24 and issue a final ruling on the permit.

Although’s DEQ’a purview is limited to wetlands and other environmental impacts, many commenters pointed to an obvious example of racial inequity and a lack of environmental justice for the residents of the Brown Grove Community.

Residents of that 150-year-old community contend their ancestors, freed slaves emancipated after the war, are buried on the proposed site.

They also identified a section of the property as the site of the historic Brown Grove School.

Other commenters noted the historical infringement on the Brown Grove area that included construction of Interstate 95, a cement plant, a landfill and finally the Hanover Airport.

Some of those projects required land being acquired from Brown Grove that resulted in relocations for many families in the area.

“What was a tight-knit community is on longer tight”, said Renata Harris, who grew up in Brown Grove. Her ancestral home is now bordered by the Wegmans’ project in the backyard, and the Air Park in the front.

And while the social justice

8

issues were noted by many com- protocol and results by which the menters during the virtual hearing, wetlands mosaics were identified the key element in the opposing were not presented in the delineaspeakers presentation was the pro- tion report,” Cloe said. “The mosaic cess by which the wetlands were percentages obtained and reported were based entirely on subjective designated.

Most asserted that the estimates judgments rather than …. evidence.”

Brett Blose pointed out inconsissubmitted were far below the actual tencies in earlier wetlands delineaacreage designated as wetlands.

DEQ requires that wetlands tion studies and the final version impacted by a project must be miti- presented to DEQ for consideration gated, or replaced with compen- contending a reduction of impact satory credits purchased from a from 18 acres to six.

“DEQ is basing their recommenWetlands Mitigation Bank.

DEQ officials accepted Wegmans dation to approve this project on the evaluation that 12.01 compensation flawed map produced by the Corps credits were required, and the appli- contrary to procedures outlined in cant presented documentation those the (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) credits could be acquired from an manual,” Blose said.

John Lain, an attorney from approved source.

The compensatory credits were McGuire, Woods representing calculated on delineation reviews Wegmans, conceded that mosaic prepared by the Corps that identi- wetlands are difficult to delineate fied a total of 6.12 impacted acres and said his client relied on the best information available. on the site.

“These are hard Robb said sevspots to delineate,” eral federal and state Lain said. “One of agencies reviewed the most important those results and “had “It’s common no objection.” practice to accept pieces of that guid(contained in But many comthe Corps study.” ance the Corps manual) menters asked how JAIME ROBB says ‘that in general those estimates could Permit manager for wetlands determihave decreased so DEQ’s Piedmont Division nation on difficult dramatically when or problem sites studies done months must be based on earlier identified best information more impacted acres.

Some referred to the deletions as available to the field inspector interpreted by his or her professional “missing Wetlands.”

Others questioned a rarely used experience and knowledge and the method of delineation that could ecology of wetlands in the region.’ I explain those diminished numbers. think that is exactly what happened Corps delineation specialist Elaine in this case,” Lain said.

He defended Holly’s expertise in Holly utilized a mosaic method, a practice that depends on determin- the delineation process, citing her ing the percentage of water in the three decades of experience as a wetlands delineator. ground, to conduct that final study.

Lain also addressed concerns In emails obtained through FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) voiced by many speakers regarding requests submitted by concerned the environmental injustice pertaincitizens, Holly concedes the site is ing to the Brown Grove community.

Some who spoke during last week’s “difficult.”

Weedon Cloe is a wetlands sci- hearing said impacts on that historic entist and a resident of Forest Lake community were largely ignored Hills who has been active in the during the approval process.

“Wegmans wants to be a good opposition to the Wegmans‘ project.

He questioned the mosaic method- neighbor to all of its neighbors,” ology and the subjective nature of Lane said. “Specifically, they reached out to the Brown Grove community its results.

“The issue at hand is that the in February and met with some of

Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

Aerial image courtesy of Wegmans

The site of the proposed Wegmans’ distribution center is located at the southwest corner of Ashcake Road and Sliding Hill Road, down the road from the Hanover County Municipal Airport. The property is 217 acres, so it makes up most of the triangle shown.

the members of the Brown Grove Church to address concerns where it can,” Lain said.

Increased buffering, the elimination of back-up beepers to reduce noise concerns and a revamped entrance were some concessions provided by Wegmans to address concerns, according to Lain.

He also addressed concerns regarding unmarked graves on the property, and said no physical or historical evidence to support those claims were discovered on the property. He described oral accounts of residents recollections of burial sites as anecdotal.

If human remains are discovered during construction, the attorney said Wegmans would follow state guidelines when dealing with that situation. A project archaeologist will be on-site during the construction, according to Lain.

Charles Morris, who lives along Egypt Road in the Brown Grove community, said he’s sure there are graves located on the site, and said he recalls them from his childhood.

He also expressed concerns about flooding, runoff and pollution and the effect it would have on Brown Grove residents who depend on well water.

Bonnica Cottman, another resident of Brown Grove who spoke at the hearing, voiced concerns regarding wildlife that could include endangered species on the site.

“I saw a bald eagle in my back-

yard,” she said.

She also described that meeting with Wegmans and said only five people, including herself, attended, two of which were landowners in the community. “They have not reached out to the community,” Cotman said.

“They told us this was a done deal.”

Chris French, chairman of Hanover’s NAACP Environmental Committee and an Ashcreek resident, said referring to Brown Grove, “Environmental justice has not even been dealt with as a part of this entire effort.”

Rod Morgan, another resident of the area who has been active in efforts to prevent the construction, indicated efforts to encourage Wegmans to take a closer look at Brown Grove fell on deaf ears.

“At a meeting earlier this year, I encouraged Mr. [Dan] Aken and Wegmans to refer their proposal to the EJ council for review and recommendations to avoid disparate impacts on the Brown Grove Community,” Morgan said. “Mr. Aken advised that Wegmans has no interest in doing so, and that the Brown Grove community has no concerns about this project.

“I believe that we have all come to learn that this statement is not accurate. The only way that Wegmans could have believed this is through the lack of meaningful involvement and participation on the part of Brown Grove community,” Morgan said.

Ashland Train Day has been canceled due to COVID-19 Downtown Ashland Association looks ahead to 2021

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ASHLAND – The coronavirus (COVID-19) has prompted the cancellation of another one of Hanover County’s favorite events: Ashland Train Day. Maggie Beal Longest, director of the Downtown Ashland Association, said that the organization “sadly reports

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

in the community are covering their “6”, and they need this moral support now. They need to see these items displayed in communities and on vehicles so that they realize, they are not alone or unappreciated.

C.E. “Kip” Davis Mechanicsville

Resident reaches about name changes (Editor’s note: The following was sent to all members of the Hanover County School Board and Hanover County Board of Supervisors, as well as Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.)

Honorable Member Hanover County School Board Dear Member of the Board, The first thing that came to my mind last night (Tuesday, July 14) as I learned of the atrocious four votes to change the names of the two Hanover County schools were the words of Thomas Jefferson’s “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance,” and Edmund Burke’s “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good

that Ashland Train Day 2020 is canceled. This was a difficult decision for the Board of Directors, but one we feel is a necessary precaution in the face of COVID-19.”

But, the change in plans does not dampen the excitement of the board, as well as town residents and train enthusiasts from all directions.

“We look forward to host-

ing a stellar Ashland Train Day event on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021,” Longest said. She also encouraged train fans to “Mark your calendar!”

“Meanwhile,” she added, “we will be publishing virtual highlights from Downtown Ashland for rail fans of all ages. Please stay tuned to our website, ashlandvirginia.com, and social media channels

men to do nothing.”

There has never been an issue that came before the Hanover County School Board, I am certain, in which the people of Hanover County had expressed their will more clearly and more overwhelmingly. Yet, these four members ignored that clear and overwhelming voice of the people. The good people of Hanover County, ever trusting but this time obviously mistakenly trusting!

Many thanks to Chairman John Axselle and members Norman Sulser and George Sutton for doing the will of we the people of Hanover County.

The four members who thwarted that clear will of the people and bowed to the mob should resign or be removed from their positions.

Michael T. Reardon Mechanicsville

decision not to watch that channel (Fox News) ever.”

I choose to watch MSNBC, which the current occupant of the White House and his supporters refer to as “treasonists”, “fake news”, “agents of the Deep State”, ad infinitum.

The hosts of the MSNBC shows that I choose to watch play sound bytes of the ilk named Sean Hannity, Jeannine Pirro, Laura Ingraham and Tucker Carlson, spewing their hate for everybody who has dark skin, has female genitalia, had a D on the right side of his/her name or dares to tell the truth about the pandemic (which the current squatter in the White House continues to refuse to acknowledge, and has called the virus a hoax multiple times), while fawning over that squatter. The above named Fox “News” hosts don’t make any effort to deny what they have said.

I would refer to the squatter by the name has parents gave him, if he didn’t so boldly show his intent to get Vladimir Putin to help him steal the 2016 election, starting the moment he began campaigning.

“Russia: If you’re listening, do you have those 30,000 classified emails?” had to be the code word for Putin to start his

Responding to Letter about Fox News staff This letter to the editor is in response to the letter from Melvin Mozingo, which appeared in the July 15, 2020, edition of this newspaper.

In his response to me, Mr. Mozingo honestly quoted me when I said, “I made the wise

see LETTERS, pg. 10

(Facebook and Instagram) for updates.”

Speaking on behalf of the board, Longest concluded by saying, “Thank you to our Ashland community for making the past 17 years of Ashland Train Day so much fun. We look forward to our eighteenth event in 2021!”

Photo by Joel Klein/Ashland-Hanover Local

What would Train Day be without a train? CSX rolled through the town during the 2019 Ashland Train Day as the town celebrated the annual event. This year’s Train Day has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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Enrollment for new students and address change guidelines announced ASHLAND – Parents or guardians who need to enroll a new student or report a change of address for the 2020-2021 year for students in Hanover County Public Schools are asked to follow these steps: Print off an enrollment packet on the HCPS website at http://hcps.us/parents_students/student_enrollment or pick it up at any HCPS elementary school.

Mail the completed forms to your home school address (include Attention: Registrar) or Drop off the completed packet at one of the food distribution sites (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) at: John M. Gandy Elementary School, 201 Archie Cannon Drive, Ashland.

Mechanicsville Elementary School, 7425

Food Lion celebrates hundreds of employees Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com SALISBURY, North Carolina – Food Lion is celebrating nearly 300 associates, including Shannon Campbell of Mechanicsville, who have more than 30 years of service with the retailer.

Campbell, with 30 years, is among 12 associates in the Richmond area.

Regionally, Donna Curry of West Point also was honored for 30 years “Our associates serve their neighbors with passion, dedication and care each day,” said Food Lion president Meg Ham. “It’s important to us at Food Lion to take time and thank these dedicated associates for everything they do to nourish our customers, communities, and each other.

These associates have given their careers so that we can be where we are today, and the entire Food Lion organization is incredibly grateful for their commitment to Food Lion and the towns and cities we serve.”

There are 274 associates with long tenures of service who are celebrating a milestone year in 2020. And Food Lion recognizes these associates celebrating 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service with the Years of Service Award.

Each year to demonstrate the company’s appreciation and gratitude, the retailer holds a ceremony where each associate’s name, position and location are read aloud and celebrated to underscore that each one is important to Food Lion and contributed to its growth.

Joshua Kukuvka named to Champlain President's List Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com BURLINGTON, Vermont -- Joshua Kukuvka of Ashland, who is majoring in Accounting/ Finance, has been named to the Champlain College President's List for the Spring 2020 semester.

Students on the President's List have achieved a grade

10

point average of 4.0 or higher during the semester.

Making the President's List is a tremendous achievement in any year, and the global pandemic added unprecedented challenges for Champlain’s students who often juggle academics with many other responsibilities.

For more information, visit: www.champlain.edu.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 7

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.

Mechanicsville Elementary Drive, Mechanicsville.

A summer registrar will reach out to schedule an appointment to complete the registration process.

To report a change of address for a current student, email the summer registrars to schedule an appointment during the division’s summer office hours.

Appointments will be held at The Hanover

LETTERS Continued from pg. 9

dirty deeds.

I would refer to the squatter by the name his parents gave him, if he didn’t continually take Putin’s assurances (also known as outright lies) over the word of career Intelligence Officers (who have served under presidents of both major parties).

I would refer to the squatter by the name has parents gave him, if he hadn’t refused to allow staff members to testify at the impeachment hearings (which he and his disciples to this day still refer to as “that illegal, unconstitutional coup attempt”).

If Hillary Clinton had won in 2016, and then immediately started showing her obvious guilt of recruiting a foreign hostile leader to help her get that win, I would be referring to her as “her fraudulency”, “her illegitimacy”, “the naked Empress”, “thief in chief”, “commander in thief”, “she who shall not be named”, etc.

I don’t care what letter -- D or R -- appears next to an elected official’s name when it comes to corruption or election theft.

Mr. Mozingo, I’ll reverse the question you asked of me.

If Biden wins this upcoming election, with the results determined beyond a reasonable doubt (perhaps by a nonpartisan panel of lawyers and judges) to be honest (no fraud, no interference from a foreign government), will you respect that outcome and refer to him by the name his parents gave him: Joseph R. Biden Jr?!

Harold Ackerman Mechanicsville

Center for Trades and Technology at 10002 Learning Lane in Mechanicsville.

Office hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday (by appointment only).

The phone number is 804-723-2029 and the email is hcpssummerregistrar@hcps.us.

Information submitted by Chris R. Whitley, Hanover County Public Schools public information officer.

Disputing slavery as start of war How often do we hear or read, “The South fought to preserve slavery”; “The war was fought because of slavery”; “The Civil War was about slavery and not states’ rights” and so on?

Each of these so-called explanations turns on a single word or group of words, e.g., “preserve”, “about” “keep” “because of”, etc. They are used interchangeably by the media when buttressing the claim that slavery, and slavery alone, took the nation to war in 1861.

There can be no doubt that slavery played a significant role in the cause of the Civil War, but the South did not fight to “preserve”, “keep”, or “maintain” slavery; it already was protected by the U.S. Constitution and the 1857 ruling of the Supreme Court.

Why did many of the Southern states secede, and How did the Civil War begin, are two separate questions with two dissimilar answers.

What evidence supports the statement the South started the war “preserve slavery”?

Wasn’t slavery already preserved following the Dred Scott ruling in 1857?

The Supreme Court held that the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution guaranteed that citizens could not be deprived of their property and slaves were considered property.

How many Local read-

ers know about the Corwin Amendment, the original proposed 13th Amendment, which was passed by Congress on March 2, 1861 (without the participation of representatives from the seceded Southern states!)?

The Corwin Amendment guaranteed the protection of “domestic institutions”, i.e., slavery, from any future Congressional interference to include abolition.

In other words, it guaranteed the preservation of slavery forever in every state in which it existed in January 1861 (including Maryland, Delaware, Missouri, and Kentucky).

After he was inaugurated, President Lincoln signed the Corwin Amendment on March 16, 1861, and sent it to the states for ratification.

In his inaugural speech, Lincoln, when referring to this amendment, stated, “had no objection to its being made express and irrevocable”.

Kentucky, Rhode Island, Ohio, Maryland, and Illinois ratified the Corwin Amendment, but the firing on Fort Sumter brought the ratification process of the original 13th Amendment to an end.

Had it been ratified, the Corwin Amendment would have become the 13th Amendment, forever protecting slavery instead of abolishing it.

For the South, the issue of slavery was not about its preservation; rather, it was about the future expansion of slavery into U.S. territories. see LETTERS, pg. 16

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

Weather can’t stop fun for GRAL swimmers

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – Weather may have scrambled the best-laid plans somewhat, but it could not keep Hanover County’s Greater Richmond Aquatic League teams from competing last week.

Despite some delays – multiple delays in some cases – all the teams got back in the water for another week of swimming and fun, even if some of the fun was held much earlier in the day than normal.

For example, Hanover Country Club’s attempts to swim were twice postponed.

The Sharks got in the water at 9 a.m. Saturday. Pebble Creek’s Piranhas got to the pool Wednesday night as scheduled, but repeated weather delays forced them to swim at 7 a.m.

Thursday.

It might have made for some sleepyheads at poolside but did not diminish the fun.

“We adapted, I would say,” said Hanover Country Club head coach Shelby Nash. “We had a lot of swimmers saying we couldn’t be there [Saturday], but some could be there. I think it definitely went well. The kids still raced. I think all the parents and volunteers were happy to get it done.”

The Sharks were paired up against Ashland, which also had to make up a meet from the

VHSL postpones fall season

By Eric Kolenich Richmond Times-Dispatch

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Hilton Sanders (left), Finn Winegardner and Peyton Mills make a tight group in the 13-14 boys 50-yard freestyle in a Greater Richmond Aquatic League meet at Hanover Country Club Saturday in a virtual meet against crosstown rival Ashland.

previous week when the Carter Park Pool was closed because of a possible COVID-19 contact.

The Barracudas, with a much deeper roster, finished with an abundance of points, 1,263 to

the Sharks’ 701, but there was no shortage of outstanding performances to go around.

Hanover Country Club was led by an octet of quadruple winners: Samantha Cox, Jerrin,

Flinchbaugh, Mikaela Gilbert, Kaleb Kashinejad, Alana Robinson, Ryder Robinson, Charles Sanders and Miller Sweazey. The Sharks had seven triple winners: Caroline

Cox, Robbie Cunningham, J.J. Droppleman, Aiden Gilbert, Cameron Greene, Hilton Sanders and Finn Winegardner. see WEATHER, pg. 12

The executive committee of the Virginia High School League made official Monday morning what had been suspected for weeks, that there will be no public high school sports in Virginia this fall.

The league voted 34-1 to play all sports between December and June, canceling the fall football season and altering the schedules of every sport.

In the past two months, new cases of the coronavirus have climbed in the state, from 658 on June 13 to 1,127 on Friday. Despite the current plan to start this winter, VHSL executive director Billy Haun cautioned that high-risk sports such as football and basketball, can’t be played until Gov. Ralph Northam’s Phase Three restrictions are loosened. The current see VHSL, pg. 13

Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

11

WEATHER Continued from pg. 11

Ashland was led by seven quad winners: Paul Datovech, Grace Gordon, Molly Hoben, Kayla Maxey, Andi and Emma Medei, and Thomas Senfield.

The Barracudas had dozen triple winners as well: Kate Balut, Christine Datovech, Mark Dinger, Casey Dingman, Larson Flanagan, Clementine Fuller, Maxwell Griffin, Donovan Molino, Emmeline Roberts, Michael and Molly Sabo, and Samantha Senfield.

Nash, who was a long-time GRAL swimmer and assistant coach, is in her first year at the helm of the Sharks. It turned out to be a strange year to take over.

“It was definitely a rough start,” Nash said. “The whole board – five or six of us – we sat down and we were like, ‘OK, how can we make this work?’

Because we didn’t even have a plan to start with. We had an outline.”

A lot of adjustments had to be made.

“We used to do benches at the clerk of course. Now we have chairs. We went from usually having three timers. We actually went to one timer.

Everyone has to wear a mask.

I know some of the kids don’t quite understand why.”

Still, she hasn’t had to juggle everything alone.

“Everyone’s been very, very helpful,” Nash said. “Like the parents. They have been, like, ‘What can I do to help you with?’ I’ve always been assistant coach. I’ve never been a head coach, so this is all new to me, figuring out what to do – great first start. But, yeah, everyone here has been so helpful.”

In other GRAL action, Ashland, in a makeup because of last week’s pool closure, was outpointed by a much bigger, in turn, Church Run team 1,622918. The Barracudas had a pair of quad winners in that matchup – Molly Hoben and Thomas

12

Joel Klein for The Local

Pebble Creek’s Jordan Debruhl swims in the 9-10 boys 100-meter freestyle in an early morning makeup meet at Pebble Creek Thursday. He won the JV division with a time of 1:33:88.

for an 835-830 win. The Eagles were led by eight quad winners: Brennan Agee, Kiersten Armstrong, Amanda Barnard, Ashlyn and Colby Bonanno, Bella Morrison, Addison Rhodes and Sadie Smith. The Federal Club had 10 triple winners: Ainsley Agee, William Barnard III, Delaney Brown, Charlotte Bruning, Anderson Byrd, Lindsey Hair, Conner Jorgensen, Alison Nickels, Leah Sculthorpe and Ford Sprouse.

Burkood dominated Twin Hickory in a 1,896-1,008 performance. The Buccaneers were led by quad winners Bret Bednarczyk, William Conlan, Claire Ligday and Briggs Zyglocke; along with 11 triple winners: Faith Baird, Anna Cross, Dylan Croxton, Peter Czaja, Caroline and Charlotte Early, Grayson Fitch, Olivia Godard, Rebekah McLaughlin, Jacob Rose and Lennon Dave Lawrence/The Local Zyglocke.

A young Shark looks pensive as she awaits her turn to swim n a GRAL meet at Hanover Country Club Saturday.

The GRAL wraps up its seaSenfield – along with triple Roberts, Michael and Molly a trio of quadruple winners Cooper Early, Sydney Minton, son this week.

Dave Lawrence can be – Mayson and Tyler Hill and Tessa Santelli and Jonah Volles. winners Kate Balut, Christine Sabo, and Samantha Senfield.

The Federal Club’s Eagles reached at dlawrence@mechloRaintree edged Pebble Creek Kenzie Strohhacker – and five Datovech, Casey Dingman, Andi Medei, Emmeline 861.5-650.5. The Piranhas had triple winners: Jordan Debruhl, just nipped the Dominion Club cal.com.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

VHSL Continued from pg. 11

plan is contingent on the hope that more athletic activity is allowed this winter.

“As long as we’re in Phase Three and we have the guidelines we have, we’re not going to be able to play the high-risk sports as they are,” Haun said.

“Virginia will have to move out of Phase Three, or Phase Three guidelines will have to be revised to allow sports to begin.”

Under the current restrictions, lower-risk and moderaterisk sports, including golf, cross country and baseball, can be played. There was discussion of going ahead with golf and cross country, but conducting in-person sports while many school district conduct instruction online would present a challenge.

The VHSL’s plan calls for winter sports (basketball, gymnastics, indoor track, swimming and diving and wrestling) to begin Dec. 14, with the first competitions on Dec. 28. The season would wrap up Feb. 20.

Fall sports (football, cheerleading, cross country, field hockey, golf and volleyball) would commence Feb. 15, play its first contest March 1 and cease May 1. Spring sports (baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis and track and field) would start April 12, play its first contest April 26 and finalize its season on June 26.

Dates could still change, and whether playoffs will be conducted is still to be determined.

It seems clear that there won’t be state championships as usual, but the league has discussed playing a bowl-game format in which each team plays a onegame postseason. Each season would be about 60% the length of a full season.

Offseason workouts, which have started in some school districts, would be allowed to continue. Football teams at Hopewell, Powhatan and

Dave Lawrence/The Local

There will be no football in the fall for Virginia High School League schools and no championships (at least) in the fall for Virginia Independent Schools teams.

VISAA opts out of holding fall championships Staff reports sports@mechlocal.com The VISAA, which conducts state championship events for private schools in Virginia, announced Friday it would not be sanctioning any events this fall.

Goochland have resumed conditioning. But the Henrico, Richmond, Chesterfield and Hanover school districts haven’t allowed their teams to reconvene yet.

“We understand how important being part of a team is, and we want to allow that to be possible,” Haun said. “While

Private schools operate with a higher degree of autonomy than their public counterparts — the decision does not impact whether local private schools will offer sports this fall.

In a statement, the VISAA said the vote not to hold fall

championships was a unanimous one, and that a decision on winter sports would be made by early November.

Three of the major conferences in Northern Virginia, the IAC, ISL and MAC, announced last week that they would be postponing fall sports, though

the IAC said it would continue to pursue “informal competition between member schools when feasible.”

The three conferences endorsed a plan favored by the VHSL to condense all three athletics seasons into shorter windows and play all three

we may not be able to compete, we still want our teams to be able to see their teammates and see their coaches.”

The committee also considered two other proposals. In the first, the fall season would begin as normal, but only cross country and golf would be allowed.

In the second, the spring and

fall seasons wouldn’t be flip flopped, allowing baseball, softball, tennis and track and field to be played. Members of the executive committee liked its third model, because it would allow for every sport to be played.

The Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association,

which loosely governs private schools in the state, said last week that it will not sponsor championships this fall. That doesn’t stop private schools from playing their own seasons without state-wide championships. Life Christian Academy, for example, said it will play its football season.

in the second semester of the school year.

The VHSL is expected to formally ratify that plan on Monday.

Richmond’s two largest conferences, the Prep League and LIS, had not made any decisions as of Friday.

Football players who will enroll in college early, such as Hopewell running back TreVeyon Henderson, who committed to Ohio State, are effectively denied their senior seasons.

Eric Kolenich can be reached at ekolenich@timesdispatch. com.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

13

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Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

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Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020 15

LETTERS Continued from pg. 10

Lincoln was always clear he would oppose the spread of slavery into new territories, but he also recognized he had no authority to abolish slavery where it existed and that is why he faced no personal dilemma in signing the Corwin Amendment.

Historians, high school teachers, college professors, and Hollywood gloss over the fact that President Lincoln signed a congressionally

passed amendment protecting and preserving slavery in all states in which it was legal in 1861.

Once slavery was elevated later to be the single cause of the war, and following his assassination, it became essential for Lincoln to be acknowledged as the “freer of slaves” and not the President who “had no objection” to the Corwin Amendment.

As further evidence countering the perspective that slavery was the cause of the

Civil War, on July 2, 1861 (after the Civil War began), the United States House of Representatives (with no voting members from the seceded Southern states) overwhelmingly passed the following resolution: “That this war is not waged upon our part in any spirit of oppression, nor for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, nor purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights of those states; but to defend and maintain the

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Ashland-Hanover Local July 29, 2020

supremacy of the Constitution, and to preserve the Union with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several states unimpaired; that as soon as the objects are accomplished the war ought to cease.”

This Congressional resolution made it clear that the Civil War did not originate as a war to eliminate slavery.

In fact, it clearly stated when the Union was again unified, slavery could continue where it existed before the war began.

Lincoln did not send 75,000 Federal troops into Virginia on May 24, 1861, to free slaves.

Rather, his objective was to restore the Union as soon as possible.

Richard A. Marksbury, Ph.D. Lee-Davis 1969 New Orleans

I am writing you in response to your invitation to comment on the name change at Lee-Davis High School.

My name is Marty Bohannon and I am a graduate of Lee-Davis High School (Class of 1977).

I also have 12 members of my immediate family that also attended and graduated from Lee-Davis.

I now reside in Tallahassee, Florida, and keep in touch with family and friends that still live in Hanover County.

I am in favor of keeping the school name the same. My reason is simple: the school is 62 years old and is on its last legs.

I understand that the county has plans to build a new school in the next five to six years.

The property that the two schools set on is very valuable to developers and will bring a nice price when a new school

is built. Why would the county spend a ton of money to change the name of a school that is about to be replaced in the next several years?

The money spent would put a burden on all residents of Hanover County and would jeopardize education programs that benefit all students at Lee-Davis.

Lee-Davis is a blue ribbon school! I think a name change also would divide the teachers, students, and residents of Hanover County.

To me, it is basic economics.

People that want a name change will have a chance to change the name when a new school is built.

The county can take a vote at that time on names that have been submitted by taxpaying residents.

Alumni several years ago (2016?) answered a survey on whether to change the name.

The percentage was overwhelmingly in favor to keep the name.

I visit my family and friends (black and white) in Hanover at least one to two times a year. I do not hear and see a lot of the talk of changing the name of Lee-Davis.

Before writing you, I spoke with some teachers, students, and lifelong residents of Hanover County and the consensus of these people is that it is a power grab by the NAACP and a few administrative people in both schools. (L-DHS and SJMS). They stated that every election year this issue seems to arise.

Why aren’t administrators dealing with real issues within these schools?

Teachers, students and parents are outraged at the drugs, alcohol and disrespect for authority that exist today.

Changing the name of the school is not going to make these problems go away.

In closing, you asked the

question of why people do not care about the “deep scars” the school names cause? I don’t hear it and I don’t see it.

My question is that if you have such a deep hatred for the name of the school, why go there?

Why would alumni move back to this school district, if they have deep scars caused by the name of the school?

These two schools are blue ribbon schools! Why would you destroy a young community’s opportunity for a great education? Politics and power?

I’m 62 and retired.

I enjoyed my years at both schools and have had a successful career in business.

This might not mean a whole lot coming from an elderly alumnus, but I still have Lee-Davis Pride.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts.

God bless.

Marty Bohannon Mechanicsville

July 4th celebrated

Photo submitted by Katy Webb

Bear Webb celebrating 4th of July in Mechanicsville!