Ashland-Hanover Local – 08/05/2

EDUCATION

ASTRONMY

Soil & Water Conservation District awards scholarships

The Universe from the Center: Pandemic shuts down observatory

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Vol. 5 No. 47 | Richmond Suburban News | August 5, 2020

Town to apply for grant funds for COVID-19 response Return to Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The Town of Ashland intends to submit an application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

for grant funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Virginia Funding Opportunities for COVID-19 Response.

The purpose of the grant funding is to provide safety-enhancement and

rental assistance funds to town businesses as well as a training and technical assistance program.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to take input on this funding at a regular meeting

scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, in the Town of Ashland Council Chambers located at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.

The public is invited to submit their see GRANTS, pg. 5

Voter deadlines announced Staff Report news@mechlocal.com

ing our office or visit us in the office.

HANOVER – Hanover County Director of Early Voting Elections/General Registrar Virginia no longer Teresa F. “Teri” Smithson and requires a reason to vote her staff are prepared to help absentee. Starting on Sept. all eligible registered voters 18, you can cast your ballot maintain the ability to cast a in person by visballot in the Nov. iting our office.

3 General Election.

We will be open In their comfor in-person mitment to serving voting from 8:30 the voters, she said, a.m. to 5 p.m.

“For your safety Monday through and to minimize Friday, as well as risk of exposure to from 9 a.m. to COVID-19, you 5 p.m. Saturday, are encouraged to Oct. 24 and 31.

SMITHSON request a ballot and Oct. 31 is the last vote by mail.” day to vote early.

Smithson provided information for various aspects of Vote by Mail the voting process. They are: You can visit vote. e l e c t i ons . v i rg i n i a . gov / Voter Registration VoterInformation to apply Deadline to register to online or request an applicavote, or update an existing tion by calling/emailing or registration is Tuesday, Oct. visit us. We will begin to mail 13. You may go online to the ballots starting on Sept. vote.virginia.gov and click 18.

Registration; request an see VOTER, pg. 5 application by calling/email-

Photo submitted by Laura Maxey-Nay

CJ Isbell and Keenbell Farm have been named 2020 Virginia Farmer of the Year. Shown are, from left, Rachel Henley, VCE-Powhatan County; Laura Maxey-Nay, VCE-Hanover County; Jessica Isbell, Landon Isbell, Faith Isbell and CJ Isbell.

Virginia Farmer of Year: hard work, family tradition pay off Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

C

harles Edwin (“CJ”) Isbell Jr. is carrying on a 70-year family tradition at Keenbell Farm in western Hanover County.

His grandparents, Joe and Kathleen Isbell, purchased the original 175 acres in

1951.

Today, at 340 owned and leased acres, the farm specializes in grass-fed beef, pastureraised pork, free range poultry, turkeys, eggs, and specialty non-GMO grains.

“All that was on the property back in the early ’50s was a two-story wooden see FARMER, pg. 4

Learn plan addressed in town hall

By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local

ASHLAND -- A plan passed earlier this month by the Hanover County School Board that returns the majority of students to the classroom this fall is receiving a myriad of reactions from parents and teachers.

A procession of more than 80 cars recently paraded past the Hanover County Public Schools Central Office, honking horns and displaying signs that expressed their opposition to the proposed in-classroom opening.

Days later, two county professional education groups urged officials to consider a fully virtual opening for the first nine weeks of school, and a number of citizens questioned details of the plan at a town hall meeting held last week.

On the day of the virtual town hall, about 70 parents and students arrived at the Central Office in Ashland to show support for the plan that allows parents the choice of sending their kids back to school in faceto-face instruction or opting for virtual instruction at home.

Parents of Hanover County Public Schools students were facing tough choices as officials see RETURN, pg. 2

RETURN Continued from pg. 1

convened a virtual town hall meeting with only three days remaining before those decisions were due.

More than 3,400 attended logged on to the web-based meeting as school officials fielded a number of questions regarding a return to learn plan approved by the county’s school board earlier in July.

While parents may choose face-to-face instruction or virtual learning for students during the upcoming year, parents who responded to a survey in early July preferred in-class instruction for their students by a 75 to 25 percent margin.

That equates to about 4,000 students opting for virtual instruction.

Assistant superintendent for Human Resources Mandy Baker said only 5% of teachers surveyed chose the online option, but about half said they would be willing to teach virtually.

Unlike the quickly implemented plans utilized this spring, online classes in the fall would closely align with face-to-face instruction; attendance would be monitored and grades issued.

Superintendent Michael Gill conceded there are many unanswered questions, and the return to learn is subject to change as conditions change.

For example, if Governor Northam declares a return to Phase II restrictions, virtual instruction would again be the only option for most students.

“There is no perfect plan at the perfect time that is perfect

for all families,” Gill said. “Two weeks ago tonight, we had the opportunity to present the Return to Learn to the school board for their consideration.

One of the things that we acknowledged and re-emphasized time and again is that the plan could and probably would change, maybe multiple times, before the start of the school year or during the school year.”

“We understand this can change daily, weekly or even hourly,” he added.

The superintendent said an element of flexibility is built in the current plan, allowing officials to alter instruction if necessary.

“As a result, we have to be agile, to be able to pivot at a moment’s notice and we are prepared to do that,” Gill said.

Assistant superintendent for Business and Operations Terry Stone said the delivery of Chromebooks could be delayed due to increased demand and parts shortages.

Officials initially ordered Chromebooks for middle school students early this year and that order should arrive by opening day.

But, additional devices made possible by CARES funding approved by the Hanover County Board of Supervisors probably will not arrive by the start of this school year and could be delayed as long as December.

Stone said that first order will be distributed to virtual school students, and students (grades 3 through 12) in faceto-face classrooms would be allowed to use their personal devices until the second order arrives. see RETURN, pg. 16

PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

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Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020

Soil & Water Conservation District awards scholarships Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- Joshua Duggan, Sydney Inge and Derek Reisenweaver are the 2020 recipients of $5,000 scholarships awarded by the HanoverCaroline Soil and Water Conservation District. The District annually awards three $5,000 college scholarships to outstanding high school seniors Hanover and Caroline counties.

Applicants must indicate they have chosen DUGGAN to pursue academic studies in conservation, agricultural or environmental fields.

Duggan, a Caroline resident, graduated from Caroline High School in June as the 2020 class valedictorian. A member of the National Honor Society and an AP Scholar with Distinction, he received the Commonwealth Governor's School Awards for U.S. History and English.

Duggan attended the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School and was a member of the Environmental Club and

Robotics Club, among other extracurricular activities. He will attend Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, this fall, where he will major in environmental science.

Inge, a Hanover resident, graduated from Patrick Henry High School in June. A member of the National Honor Society, a Hanover Scholar, PHHS’ Beta Club, Key Club, and Ecology Club, Sydney also was the Captain and MVP of the PHHS Gymnastics Team and first tenor in the Jazz Band and INGE as principal dancer at Diane Hale School of Dance.

Inge grew up as an active member of her community as a Girl Scout for 13 years, as a volunteer with Hanover Arts and Activities Center, Hanover Food Outreach and a host of other organizations. She will attend Virginia Tech in the fall, where she will major in environmental science.

Reisenweaver, also a Hanover resident, graduated from Lee-Davis High School in June.

As an alumnus of Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts' Youth Conservation Camp at Virginia Tech, Reisenweaver went on to participate in VASWCD's prestigious Youth Conservation Leadership Institute, completing a year-long research project on prothonotary warblers.

He also independently researched and raised bobwhite quail for three years, often consulting with Virginia wildlife biologists to learn about how farmREISENWEAVER ers can implement best practices for bobwhite habitat on their land.

Reisenweaver served as co-captain of the Lee-Davis High School JV Football team, co-captain of the Varsity Football team, received the Varsity Football All-In Award, and Monthly Character Awards for Loyalty, Responsibility, Compassion, Gratitude, and Integrity, among others. He will attend Virginia Tech in the fall where he plans to major in Animal & Food Science, Environmental Science and Education.

MRMC, St. Mary’s are among state’s best Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND – Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital have been recognized as a “Best Hospital” for 2020-2021 by U.S. News & World Report.

Memorial Regional Medical Center ranked second in the Richmond Metro Area and 14th in Virginia overall. St. Mary’s Hospital ranked third in the Richmond Metro Area and 17th in Virginia overall.

The annual Best Hospitals rankings and ratings, now in their 31st year, are

designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or for common elective procedures.

“Bon Secours is honored that Memorial Regional Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital have received the second and third place rankings in the Richmond area by U.S. News & World Report in its “Best Hospitals” listings, respectively,” Faraaz Yousuf, president, Bon Secours Richmond, said. “This recognition speaks to the quality, compassionate care that our providers, nurses and clinical staff provide to our patients each

and every day.”

For the 20202021 rankings and ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 16 specialties, 10 procedures and conditions.

YOUSUF Less than a third of all hospitals received any high-performing rating, and see MRMC, pg. 16

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 8100 block of Woodbridge Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 8000 block of Lee-Davis Road/Cypresstree Lane, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 11600 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Convicted felon (nonviolent) was reported to be in possession of a firearm in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 7300 block of Aquarius Drive, Mechanicsville.

Credit card theft was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 10300 block of Colonial Estates Circle/Washington Highway, Glen Allen.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7500 block of Mechanicsville Byway/ Mechanicsville Turnpike eastbound to Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 7200 block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 16200 block of International Street,

Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Doswell.

June 11

Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

June 12

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8200 block of Meadowview Lane, Mechanicsville.

Identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 7400 block of Quiet Caper Court, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 10200 block of Lewistown Road/ Carters Heights Road, Ashland.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, second offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 3100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/ River Road, Mechanicsville.

DWI: first offense was reported in the 15400 block of Ashland Road, Glen Allen.

DWI: first offense was reported in the 13100 block of Farrington Road/Palmers Way, Glen Allen.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 10200 block of Tarleton Drive, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 7200 block of Mechanicsville

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Byway/Elm Drive, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 4500 block of Rockhill Road, Mechanicsville.

DWI, second offense in five years, was reported in the 4200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Studley Road, Mechanicsville.

DWI, BAC .15 to .20, first offense, was reported in the 6100 block of Pole Green Road/Tate Lane, Mechanicsville.

June 14

June 15

Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 11600 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 16200 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 7000 block of Marie Lane, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 9200 block of Sentry Station Road, Mechanicsville.

Hit and run personal injury was reported in the 9100 block of Atlee Road/ Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 16200 block of Pleasant Mill Road, Montpelier.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 17100 block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 11400 block of Washington Highway, Glen Allen.

Simple assault was reported in the 9100 block of Robin Ridge Road, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny building was reported in the 14000 block of Blunts Bridge Road, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 14400 block of Scotchtown Road, Doswell.

Simple assault was reported in the 8100 block of South Mayfield Lane, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 6900 block of Hebner Lane, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Burning or destroying personal property was reported in the 6300 block of Watt House Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 7100 block of Brook Way, Mechanicsville.

June 13

Simple assault was reported in the 19400 block of Landora Bridge Road, Ruther Glen.

block of Wynbrook Lane, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 7900

see SHERIFF’s, pg. 14

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Visit our website for details and tickets.

For information on submitting Celebrations announcements, contact Cindy Adams at 804-775-4616 or cadams@mechlocal.com Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020 3

The Universe from the Center: Pandemic shuts down observatory

By Dr. George Spagna Special to The Mechanicsville Local Note: The Keeble Observatory at RandolphMacon College has ceased operations (including public viewing) due to the pandemic until further notice. Watch the web site (https://www. rmc.edu/keeble) for updates. Or, call the Keeble Information line at 804-752-3210.

We’ve been writing about Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity (GTR), noting that the presence of mass warps both space and time. This is our current best model for gravity, in one sense superseding Isaac Newton’s Theory of Universal Gravitation. In another sense, it more accurately explains Newtonian gravity than replaces it. We still use Newton to send probes to Mars or Pluto, or anywhere else in the solar system.

We noted last month that one effect of the distortion of space-time is that time itself (as observed from far away) slows down the closer to the gravitating mass you get. You’ll still measure a second as a second on the Earth’s surface, but a distant observer will say that your clock is ticking slow. With precise enough clocks, the effects are measurable and in agreement with GTR. If the central mass is spinning there’s another effect on clocks. If the clock is moving in the direction of the spin that clock will run slower than a stationary clock, and slower still compared to a clock moving opposite the spin. This is a very small effect which was first calculated

FARM Continued from pg. 1

house with daylight showing through the boards and an old corn crib,” Isbell said.

“Without the steadfast support, hard work and determination of my father and wife, the realization of our farm’s vison would not be possible,” he said.

Starting out with laying hens, Keenbell Farm expanded into a feeder pig and cattle operation and eventually branched out into production of hay, corn, wheat, barley and soybeans.

Isbell’s grandfather retired in the 1990s after selling most of his operation. But his grandson continued to study and explore agricultural meth-

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in 1918 by Josef Lense and Hans Thirring. It orientation of its spin axis. A satellite launched is appropriately known as the Lense-Thirring in 2004 known as Gravity Probe B tested this, Effect, and it has been successfully measured by confirming the predictions of GTR within the several orbiting satellites. experimental uncertainty. (It’s still a very small Another effect of a rotating mass is known effect! Frame dragging produced a precession as frame dragging, in which space-time is pulled rate of .000011 degrees per year!) along in the direction of the rotation. This has Lunar phases for August: Full Moon on consequences for what is the 3rd, at 11:59 a.m.; Last known as angular momenQuarter on the 11th, at tum, which is a conserved 12:49 p.m.; New Moon quantity in classical physon the 18th, at 10:42 p.m.; ics. Picture an ice skater First Quarter on the 25th executing a spin. As she at 1:58 p.m. All times are pulls in her arms she spins Eastern Daylight. faster, and by extending Mercury is visible in them she can slow the spin. pre-dawn twilight early in But her angular momenthe month. Look to the tum doesn’t change – it’s east-southeast, about 10 to the product of her angu15 degrees above the horiMetro Creative Services lar speed and her “moment of inertia.” zon. Venus rises around 3 a.m., and will be due Extending her arms increases the moment, so east and 35 to 40 degrees above the horizon at her angular speed must decrease. The only way sunrise. Jupiter and Saturn are both to the south (classically) to change the angular momentum is at 11 p.m. Jupiter is much brighter and to the to exert a “torque.” right of Saturn. Mars rises around 11 p.m., and Frame dragging exerts a torque! Extending will be due south at 3 a.m. her arms will make her spin faster than the This is the month for the annual Perseid classical calculation and pulling them in will meteor shower, which will occur 11-14 August, slow her spin. (Note that this is opposite what with the peak expected on the 13th. The Moon angular momentum conservation tells us. It’s will be waning from last quarter, so it shouldn’t a ridiculously small effect here because our interfere. If you think you’d like to try seeing this skater isn’t massive enough. But Earth is mas- event, you’ll need to find a dark site away from sive enough that frame dragging will cause street lights and other outdoor illumination. a precision gyroscope in orbit to change the Best viewing times are typically after midnight

ods to bolster his dream of creating a viable and sustainable family farm. Following a business plan he developed with his father Eddie -- and equipped with just one heifer and $250 in savings -- he and his dad began renovations on a couple of acres in 2006.

As Isbell said, “Financially speaking, my dad hadn’t been able to have a farming career but worked full-time in the construction business. I was also doing my full-time job as a firefighter. But, with his invaluable help at night and on the weekends, we slowly and carefully converted land that had been leased for conventional grain farming and put it back into pasture for our natural meat operation. We formed an official partnership

Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020

in 2008 with the idea of placing quality above quantity and integrity above profit.”

He added, “We also began growing specialty non-GMO grains — in particular, food grade heritage or heirloom varieties — grains that are now are grown, harvested, cleaned, tested, and packaged on the farm. The timing was also right in terms of the growing ‘farm to table’ and ‘buy local’ movements.”

Today Keenbell Farm acreage is utilized for livestock and specialty grains. “All our products are sold as close to the end consumer as possible, which allows maximum retention of each enterprise’s value,” Isbell said. “Our livestock species are marketed as finished animal proteins,

cut and packaged, and sold at our on-site retail store, at local farmers’ markets, and at several area grocery stores in Central Virginia. We’ve also invested time and resources in a website and use various social media outlets.”

In all aspects of his farming enterprise CJ Isbell has had the support of his wife, Jessica, for the last 14 years.

They met when both were working at an IHOP during high school.

Isbell noted, “Jessica has made so many sacrifices throughout our marriage, dedicating her time, talents, and energy to raising our two children, Faith, 13, and Landon, 10, managing our farm store, and performing a hundred other daily farm-

until predawn twilight, since the Earth’s rotation will be carrying you into the meteor stream.

Our mid-month overhead view, about 3 hours after sunset, finds Cygnus near zenith, the Swan is flying along the plane of the Milky Way from north-northeast to south-southwest.

Cygnus lies in the direction of the Sun’s motion around the center of the Milky Way, a roughly circular orbit, which takes between 200 and 250 million years to go completely around. This is known as the “cosmic year” – and it means that the Sun and Earth have circled the Galaxy about 18 times since they formed some 4.5 billion years ago. Deneb is the brightest star in Cygnus.

Vega, in the constellation Lyra lies about 75 degrees above the eastern horizon. Altair, in Aquila, lies about 60 degrees above the southern horizon. These three stars mark the “summer triangle” – which is high overhead for this summer month.

To the south, closer to the horizon, look for the “teapot” shaped asterism which marks the constellation Sagittarius. This is the direction toward the center of the Milky Way. The Galaxy appears brightest and widest here, though the actual center is obscured by intervening dust and gas clouds. To “see” through them, we observe at very short (x-ray) or very long (infrared and radio) wavelengths.

If readers have questions about astronomy or science in general that you would like to see covered in one of these columns, please feel free to contact me at gspagna@rmc.edu.

related tasks. She is the cornerstone of our family foundation and an integral part of Keenbell Farm’s success.”

Jessica has been a member of Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers program since 2009.

On the county level, Isbell is a member and former board member of the Hanover County Farm Bureau and does volunteer work with County 4-H groups. He has worked extensively with Hanover Caroline Soil & Water Conservation District in its outreach and field day events as host and speaker.

On the state level, Isbell is an alumnus of the inaugural class of VALOR (Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results), an adult educational, leadership and professional

and public speaking development program.

VALOR allowed him to spend two weeks in Argentina in 2014 studying farming and ranching methods in a country with topography as diverse as pampas, glaciers and rain forests. He is a founding member of the Common Grain Alliance and a member of the Virginia Association of Biological Farming (VABF).

He also won the 2019 Hanover County “Legacy Farm Award.” On the national level, Isbell has been a member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers program for 11 years.

In the area of stewardship, Isbell said, “Protection of the environment is the core value see FARM, pg. 5

FARM Continued from pg. 4

of our farm and one of the keys factors we use when evaluating management decisions.

Being in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we decided to install exclusion fencing — at twice the minimum buffer from water — to keep livestock out of the farm’s lake and streams and to stimulate wildlife refuge areas.”

Keenbell Farm practices intense rotational management of all livestock raised.

Most are moved daily, but at a minimum of every three days, allowing for natural distribution of manure and preventing the buildup and potential runoff of nutrients. They also installed over 12,000 feet of underground water lines and 40,000 feet of fence line.

Isbell has worked extensively with NRCS, the local Soil and Water Conservation district and Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Isbell added, “We use precision agriculture with grid sampling and variable rate fertility application as well as planting multi-species cover crops to sustain a living cover and as a key component in our crop production cycle that has nearly eliminated the need for routine chemical applications. Through these measures we’ve been able to practically double soil organic matter, reducing erosion and increasing water/nutrient holding

VOTERS Continued from pg. 1

Friday, Oct. 23, by 5 p.m. is the deadline to request a vote by mail ballot to be mailed to you.

Monday, Nov, 2, at 2 p.m. is the cut-off for voting an emergency-only ballot in the Voter Registration and Elections Office.

The Hanover County Voter Registration and Elections Office is located in

capacities and reducing runoff potential.”

As with any farming enterprise, challenges have inevitably arisen. Isbell recalled, “Starting out, the biggest challenge was learning retail sales and navigating direct sales’ legal requirements.

Through trial and error and detailed record keeping, we’ve developed a digital recording system that tracks items both in inventory and as part of a historical data bank. This helps us figure out how to diversify our crops, livestock and products to compete and thrive in today’s market.”

Another challenge came in the form of a lack of seed cleaners and available grain processing in the region.

The solution was a decision to build their own capacity for cleaning, and, after the initial equipment installation, the investment paid for itself within the first year and propelled significant expansion as the demand for local grains increased.

Having accomplished so much in such a short time, Isbell’s future goals remain growth and family-oriented.

On the livestock side he’d like to increase and refine their hog breeding, increase overall species supply to meet increasing demand, obtain final approval for finer processing of red meats on-site, and establish online shopping and direct-to-consumer ship-

ping by the end of 2020.

On the grain side, Isbell said, “We’d like to refine the rotation and management of our no-till grain operation with minimum-to-no spray, increase cleaning capacity with additional equipment, install our new packing machine for small quantity sales, and explore the possibility of an on-farm distillery.”

He added, “Jessica and I will be encouraging and helping our children to become more involved over time in the management and operation of the farm.”

In the few moments when farm duties relax their relentless pace, CJ and his family enjoy short trips throughout his beautiful home state and getaways to Nags Head where they like to boat and fish.

CJ said, “If or when I ever retire, I’d like to take a trawler through The Loop — the Intercoastal Waterway — all the way from the Great Lakes, down the East Coast, and back up the Mississippi River to its origins.”

With such an intensely hands-on operation, Isbell said he can see the fruits of his entire family’s labors each and every day.

“I feel so fortunate to be able to carry on this important agricultural tradition,” he added. “To farm in an ecologically responsible and sustainable manner that produces healthy products is its own

the Wickham Building, Room 119, of the Hanover County Government Complex.

The phone number is 804365-6080. The e-mail address is hanovervoting@hanovercounty.gov “Want to help us make history?” Smithson asked. “Apply today to become an Officer of Elections by visiting the county’s website under I WANT TO and click Jobs at hanovercounty.gov.

GRANTS

reward in many ways. But we also receive so much positive feedback from our customers about how eating healthy food that exceeds organic standards has made a positive difference in their lives. That response keeps us accountable and motivated and makes everything worthwhile.”

Isbell was nominated Virginia Farmer of the Year for 2020 by Laura MaxeyNay, Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Hanover County, and Rachel Henley, Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Powhatan County.

Maxey-Nay and Henley said, “C.J. Isbell is the quintessential hard-working, humble, stewardship-focused farmer whose curiosity drives him to research, learn, and discover ways to improve the land, animals, and community around him. He uses field days, farm tours, 4-H youth projects, and industry conferences to encourage conservation practice among other producers.”

Maxey-Nay and Henley added, “CJ generously shares his hard-earned knowledge about pasture management, livestock nutrition requirements, organic feed grade grain, poultry slaughter,

equipment use, local meat supply, and soil health. His ability to adapt and innovate will ensure Keenbell Farm’s growth and success for many years to come.”

A distinguished panel of judges will visit the Isbell family, along with the farms of the other nine state finalists, the week of Aug. 10-14. The judges include John McKissick, long-time University of Georgia agricultural economist at Athens, Georgia; David Wildy, Manila, Arkansas, the overall winner of the award in 2016; and Cary Lightsey, Lake Wales, Florida, the overall winner of the award in 2009.

Celebrating Hanover's 300th Anniversary

Continued from pg. 1

written comments of support or concerns on the proposed CDBG COVID-19 Response funding.

Comments may be emailed to planning@ashlandva.gov.

For more information regarding this opportunity, contact the Planning Department at 804-798-1073.

The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education 17205 Mountain Rd. , Montpelier, VA 23192 Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020 5

OPINION | The Local Views

Twins bring to our lives this mystical connection called love

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

S

ixteen years ago, my world expanded by two when we welcomed twins. It was the beginning of an education, a unique realization of the special relationship humans establish after they’ve completed nine months together before ever seeing the light of day.

Placed in separate incubators after both didn’t measure up weight-wise, the connection continued even with the plastic-walled obstacles dividing them, and we’d often notice the two just staring at each other through the obstruction.

A simple movement by Jack would evoke a similar reaction by Emma. When one cried, the other teared up shortly thereafter.

That almost magical connection has strengthened with each passing year, and the power of a mystical bonding is hard to understand for those

not acquainted with twins. But, parents of unibirth siblings know and respect the phenomena and have learned to accept what can’t be scientifically explained.

While I have no idea how or why this connection evolves or what causes it, I can affirm it does exist. After you witness it daily, there’s little subtlety or doubt regarding its reality.

How does it work? I have no idea, but scientists believe that twins who evolve from a single fertilized have similar brain activity. That similarity allows them to react to situations with the same reactions. Having the same DNA could provide answers to the mystery.

But my twins are different. They are fraternal and evolved from two separate eggs and have similar, but different, DNA. But, that almost telepathic connection that Jack and Emma enjoy is clearly evident, something I suspect began more

than 16 years as they fought for space pre-birth.

While there’s no doubt these two relate to each other in a unique way, they are as different as night and day. Both wonderful in their own way, I’ve had the pleasure of observing 16 years of their journey.

Emma is a free spirit, a creative thinker who carves her own path. Compassionate and giving, her heart is open and her motives pure and sincere.

As she witnesses the progression of Jack’s Muscular Dystrophy, she remains undeterred in her efforts to assist and ensure his life is full and unobstructed.

Jack is neat and precise, his mathematicallyinclined mind focused and deliberate. While Emma’s style could be described as a crossfire hurricane, Jack’s way of doing things relies on rhyme and reason. It’s the difference between

folded clothes placed neatly on a bed and those lost in an ever-growing pile on the floor.

They ignore and accept the differences, and they have developed a sense of trust that is complexing to those who don’t understand their special relationship.

But for me, it’s been 16 years of enlightenment, almost constant entertainment and an enlightenment for which I am thankful daily — a gift that indeed never stops giving.

I don’t seek answers on why Jack and Emma are the way they are, only thanking my lucky stars I’m close enough to enjoy it.

Years ago, we learned as a family to live each day, to enjoy the moment and not question what might lie ahead. Jack and Emma exemplify that philosophy each day, and remind us that joy in our lives comes in moments.

Happy Birthday, Jack and Emma.

LETTERS | Reader Views

Lee’s treatment of slaves said to be cruel It is quite disturbing to see so many uninformed or twisted history buffs in our community -- especially when people claim that Robert E. Lee was not a slave owner and found slavery to be repugnant! Not only was Lee a slave owner but a cruel one at that.

There was almost a slave revolt at the Arlington Plantation due to

him. Lee had many writings and later interpretations of some of them were wrong.

People are confusing history with sentiment. Lee’s reinterpretation of a will, when he inherited slaves, meant that he kept them enslaved instead of freeing them as stated in the will.

He felt painful discipline was necessary for their well-being! That slavery was bad for white people, good for black people, and they must wait for divine intervention. Their own opinions that they might not want to be

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slaves didn’t enter his mind.

By 1860, he had broken up every slave family but one on the estate.

Many had been together for decades and Lee’s slaves regarded him as the worst man they had ever seen!

Michael Key Doswell

Supervisors accused of being bullies Retaliation seems to be the name

of the game these days. We see Donald Trump send Michael Cohen back to jail when he fears Cohen will release a book about him. His fixer decided to think for himself and Trump can’t take it. That decision was overturned in court and Cohen is now a free man again.

We saw something similar if you watched the hilariously comic -- yet sad at the same time -- Hanover Board of Supervisors meeting held on July 22.

In a tribute to the past, we heard

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the daughter of Jack Ward say something similar to this isn’t her father’s Hanover, and in those exact words so did Canova Peterson.

Would we want this to be the Hanover of their fathers? Both men would be in their late 80s, 90s or older and that would represent a segregated Hanover.

Mr. Peterson spoke of bullies, that our school board was bullied into their decision.

The bullies appeared to be this board of supervisors as they threatened school board members and Dr. Michael Gill [superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools] with rethinking their decisions.

After a glowing review for Dr. Gill just a month previously, all of a sudden he has fallen out of their good graces simply by removing the names of the schools more quickly than they thought he should. Some people even called for his resignation. That, sir, is bullying! If people don’t think as you do, your solution is to get rid of them.

Throughout the meeting you could hear, you didn’t vote as I told see LETTERS, pg. 7

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

you to vote and therefore you were wrong. Why do we need a school board if they are just told what to do by the board of supervisors?

Once again, people outside of Hanover reviewed the recorded meeting and wondered what century that meeting took place. This, sir, is where the lack of leadership exists.

Leadership is inclusive of dissenting opinion so that we can come to great decisions. It is not the parroting of one to another.

I wish to thank the four members of the school board for getting into “good trouble” as the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis would say.

I am grateful to Mr. Bob Hundley, Mrs. Ola Hawkins, Mr. Sterling Daniel and Mrs. Kelly Evko for doing the right thing for all students and the future economic growth of this county.

Perhaps people won’t mind sending their students to these two schools now and we can turn around our declining school enrollment.

It was clear when the board of supervisors spoke whose schools they thought the two schools belonged to. It was clear when they stated “our county” whose county they feel Hanover belongs to.

The rest of us pay taxes like you do and we should be represented as well. They are our schools and our county as well. My family has been in this county as long as most of yours have been and my service and the service of other members of our family to our schools is comparable to any of yours.

I actually heard someone almost in tears about their child’s ring matching their diploma when black kids for years have not purchased rings because of the shame they feel. It was OK to force them to not have a class ring

because no black person wants to wear a Confederate ring, but now you are so concerned about a matching ring and diploma.

Where is the compassion for others? How many of you still have your high school rings?

So, apparently the retaliation begins. The fixers are no longer following orders.

The first will be Mrs. Evko, who has so disappointed Mrs. Sue Dibble that her single sin of agreeing to change the names of schools to represent all students may bring down the ax on her tenure on the school board. Mr. Daniels has a bit more time before he is shown the door, simply for having compassion for others. Check in June 2021!

This Hanover County Board of Supervisors even tried the “okey dokey,” the wink and nod.

Why can’t you just wait until we build new schools?

Sorry, we know you have no intentions of building new schools anytime soon. Where is the proof that this is a realistic goal of yours? There is none.

No land, no proposal for land, nothing!

This is the 21st century, it is not your father’s Hanover any longer, we have grown into a community of people who want peace, racial justice and equity for all. This is what you should represent!

Pat Hunter-Jordan Mechanicsville

Reader asks about minority representation As I read through the headline article, “County supervisors react to removal of school names”, I thought to myself: Who is representing the minority of students that are impacted negatively every day by these names/mascots/symbols? After all, they are called

the minority for a reason.

The 2018 vote on the topic showed that 24% of people surveyed thought the names should be changed then, perhaps that represents the minority most affected.

If the topic was bullying, we would listen to the minority that are bullied, not the majority who are bullies or stand by and allow it to happen.

I wasn’t surprised to see an elderly white male pictured on the cover, and the comments from Canova Peterson.

(I am an older white male, to be transparent). He wants to delay the name change until the schools are moved, or some other non-specific future date. That is near the same as voting no on the change.

And to the person calling for the resignation of Sterling Daniel and Kelly Evko, I ask why we would remove the two newest members of the Hanover County School Board who have voted their conscience?

We need board members who look at the current times, and vote how they see it, not some sense of loyalty to who appointed them, disregarding the latest information on the topic up for a vote.

Diversity of thought is critical to growth.

I agree with and support the vote of the Hanover County School Board. And I stand for the minority that has been disregarded on this topic for years.

I also understand the point of Wendy Yeoman, who is concerned that current students, especially seniors, will feel like they don’t have an identity for their school. However, I will sit my 16-year-old son down and explain the issues that have led to this change, and I believe that he will be proud that our county made this decision once he understands the impact to others.

Don Tuttle Mechanicsville

Resident didn’t know about life in Klanover I live in Atlee. Like many families, we moved to Hanover within the last 10 years for the schools. I remember announcing to some friends where I was moving and having them look at me in disbelief. One of them asked, “Why are you moving to Klanover?”

At the time, I thought the characterization was unfair. I

didn’t realize what I was getting into.

From flaggers at the Christmas parade to Ku Klux Klan recruiting unchecked on public property to Confederate school names, Hanover is viewed as backward and completely out of touch on racial justice issues.

Thankfully, there are positive signs of change.

I want to publicly applaud school board members Sterling Daniel, Kelly Evko, Ola Hawkins, and Robert

Hundley Jr. for voting to change the Confederate school names. I appreciate their courage to go against the vocal residents that can’t seem to get far enough beyond their own point of view to realize that those names hurt all of us.

I fully support these school board members and I urge everyone of racial conscious to get behind and support these school board members as well.

Heather Greenwell Mechanicsville see LETTERS, pg. 8

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Ashland receives WanderLove grant for tourism marketing Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The Town of Ashland has received $10,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) DMO WanderLove Recovery Grant Program, a new grant made available to Virginia’s Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) across the Commonwealth that have been heavily impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic to fund recovery marketing initiatives.

According to Ashland officials, $866,504 in marketing grant funds were awarded to 90 Destination Marketing Organizations as part of the DMO WanderLove Recovery Grant program.

Ashland will use the VTC WanderLove

As Virginia begins reopening, there is a lot grant funds to promote the restaurants, shops, and activities in and around town -- from the of pent-up demand for leisure travel and people patio seating at its restaurants and are seeking safe, close-to-home destibrewery, to the drive-in movies at nations that allow for social distancAshland Theatre, and the bike and ing and access to open spaces. With motorcycle routes through Hanover this in mind, the WanderLove camCounty’s countryside, there are paign provides travel inspiration for options for every traveler to have fun road trips, outdoor recreation, hidand stay healthy. den gems, small towns, and Virginia’s “We are thrilled for what this gensignature LOVEworks program. erous grant from VTC will do for our “Virginia tourism is a critical sectown,” said Matt Reynal, Ashland’s tor of our economy and has been assistant town manager. “The grant heavily impacted by the coronavifunds will allow us to support our rus pandemic,” said Governor Ralph REYNAL local businesses by marketing our Northam. “Getting travelers back community’s assets directly to people on the road and spending money within driving distance so that they can experi- in our cities and towns is one of the fastest ence all that Ashland and Hanover have to offer.” ways to inject dollars back into our economy

Carter Park Pool reopens; staff member negative for COVID-19 Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The Carter Park Pool reopened at noon on Monday after being temporarily closed on Saturday due to a staff member being in brief proximity with an individual who had tested positive for COVID19.

The staff member received a negative test result on Sunday.

A part of the pool staff ’s daily schedule is to clean each surface touched by the public every 30 minutes.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 7

SJMS, L-DHS alumna not proud of names I've taken The Mechanicsville Local all over the U.S. and abroad growing up, and I still have clippings from any time I had the honor of being in the paper.

I grew up in Mechanicsville and went to (soon to be former) Stonewall Jackson Middle School and Lee-Davis High School.

8

In addition to that daily effort, all surfaces at the pool complex have been sanitized during the temporary closure.

The health and safety of its community is town leaders’ top priority.

They will continue to promote the following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: z Stay at home if you are sick, have been in close proximity to someone displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19, and/or someone who has tested positive for COVID19, even if asymptomatic. z Wash your hands often and

I'm proud of my hometown and the education I received here, but I'm not proud of the names of these schools. There are so many parts of Southern culture and heritage to memorialize and honor that pre-date and long out-last the shortlived Confederacy and these three men who waged a war against Americans to defend the practice of enslaving others.

Renaming the schools will not change that history, but keeping them the same is like insisting that we live in that history.

We can learn about these men in textbooks so they don't

Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020

do not share items with people you do not live with. z Stay at least six (6) feet away, both in and out of the water, from people you do not live with. h t t p s : / / w w w. c d c . g o v / coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-lifecoping/beaches-pools.html h t t p s : / / w w w. c d c . g o v / coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ parks-rec/aquatic-venues.html https://www.governor.virginia. gov/media/governorvirginiagov/ governor-of-virginia/pdf/ForwardVirginia-Phase-Three-Guidelines. pdf

need to be standing over us at our public schools.

It's 2020 and I appreciate the members of the school board who voted in favor of changing the names and allowing us to create a legacy that more fully represents the residents of this community.

Alexa Oswald Mechanicsville

‘... no longer my father’s Hanover’ Following the Hanover

and our communities. The Virginia Tourism Corporation’s DMO WanderLove Recovery Grants gives localities the ability to market their destination as safe and welcoming when visitors are ready to resume travel.”

Tourism is one of the Commonwealth’s largest economic engines, with visitors to Ashland spending more than $250 million in 2018, supporting 2,629 work opportunities and contributing over $3.3 million in local tax revenue.

The tourism and hospitality industries also have been among the hardest-hit by the pandemic, experiencing decreased revenue and job loss, along with the temporary closure of many tourism-related businesses. A revived tourism economy can help spur new economic activity and inject critical funds back into Virginia communities.

CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings 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

County School Board's decision to change the Confederate names of two schools, there was an outcry at the Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting to change the school board's decision.

Mrs. Angela Ward, the adult daughter of former county Supervisor Jack Ward (supervisor from 1991 to 2007), decried the school board's decision and said, "This is no longer my father's Hanover."

Bingo! So true!

It's not your father's Hanover.

Hanover is a county that is trying to prepare students for

Springs

School Class of 1970 will now hold its 50th Reunion at the Hill Building at Sandston Pool 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.

Doors will open at 4 p.m.; cocktails at 5 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.; and cleanup at 10 p.m. Cost is $45 per person. For more information, contact Bill Brooks at 1970HSHS@gmail.com.

High

the future, trying to prepare graduates to take their place in colleges with diverse student populations.

It is a county that is hoping to groom students for jobs in major corporations that are pledged to support a diverse workforce.

Are top-flight colleges and international corporations going to wonder if a graduate of a high school called LeeDavis is prepared to fit into a diverse workforce or a diverse student population?

As a child in the late 1950s when two new consolidated county high schools were

see CALENDAR pg. 14

being planned for either end of Hanover County, I heard my parents discuss the countywide controversy at the time ... whether two new fancy highs schools were even needed and what they would be called.

The controversy had nothing to do with the name LeeDavis.

The schools were still segregated then, so no one complained about the name LeeDavis.

But there were some in both ends of the county decrying the fact they would be leaving their high schools behind ... no more 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

GRAL teams wrap up shortened season

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – The Greater Richmond Aquatic League completed its pandemic-shortened 2020 season with a pair of cross county matchups and plenty of excellent performances by county swimmers.

In the biggest crosscounty pairing of the week, Burkwood’s deeper roster gave it an advantage in scoring, as the Buccaneers outscored the Barracudas 1,990.5 to 917.5. But Ashland’s top-tier swimmers – in the super varsity division – outdueled Burkwood 158-151.

Ashland head coach Kevin Trent was pleased with his undercard as well.

“When you swim Burkwood, the numbers are never in your favor,” Trent said.

“But we did have some performances I was quite pleased with. Perhaps most notably was Casey Dingman. Casey is a 14-year-old who qualified for the Champs meet for the first time. She did that in two events. So that’s a good example of long-time work paying off.

I was also very pleased with our 11-12 relays, which broke the team record in the medley relay.”

Ashland’s 11-12 mixed medley relay team of Grace Gordon, Emma Medei, Molly Hoben and Thomas Senfield won the super varsity division with a

Private schools postpone football

By Eric Kolenich Richmond Times-Dispatch

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Burkwood’s Bobby Culley (left), Sam Castle and Kennon Downes swim in echelon formation in the 15-18 boys 100-meter backstroke in a Greater Richmond Aquatic League meet against Ashland at Burkwood Wednesday. Castle finished first and Downes second in the varsity division in 1:10.84 and 1:13.16, respectively. Culley finished first in the JV division in 1:13.60.

time of 2:28.44.

The Barracudas were led by quadruple winners Christine Datovech and Molly Hoben and triple winners Kate Balut, Clementine Fuller, Grace Gordon, Emme Medei, Emmeline Roberts, Michael Sabo, Thomas Senfield and Ethan Spencer.

The Buccaneers were led by quad winners Braden Amiss,

Max Bowling, Max Jensen, Claire Ligday, Olivia Midgett and Bryce Newton. Burkwood had a host of triple winners: John Bednarczyk, Sam Castle, William Conlan, Anna Cross, Avery Cross, Ryan Cross, Natalie Culley, Grayson Fitch, Peter Frame, Kate McCormack, Rebekah McLaughlin, Anna Morrison, Jacob Rose, Livi Terry and Lilly Zyglocke.

The Federal Club edged Hanover Country Club in a battle of western county rivals 1,003-843. The Eagles were led by 10 quad winners: Ashlyn Bonanno, Colby Bonanno, Caroline Bruning, Charlotte Bruning, Catherin Callihan, Avery Duke, Lindsey Hair, Conner Jorgensen, Addison Rhodes and Sadie Smith.

They had 11 triple winners:

Sarah Abernathy, Ainsley Agee, Brannan Agee, Amanda Barnard, Taylor Olivia Brown, Anderson Byrd, Maggie McClintock, Bella Morrison, Alison Nickels, Ford Sprouse and Abigail Wang.

The Sharks were led by quad winner Sydney McAdoo and triple winners Caroline Cox, see GRAL, pg. 10

RICHMOND – Collegiate, Trinity Episcopal and St. Christopher’s won’t sponsor football this fall, but unlike public schools, they intend to host cross country meets and tennis matches in the autumn.

Competition will be delayed until after Oct. 1 to allow schools to focus on returning to the classroom before reinstating athletics.

A statement was issued by the League of Independent Schools and the Prep League, which comprises 11 private schools across the state, including Saint Gertrude, St. Catherine’s and Veritas in the Richmond area. Girls teams compete in the LIS, see FOOTBALL, pg. 11

Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020

9

GRAL Continued from pg. 9

Samantha Cox, J.J. Droppleman, Jerrin Flinchbaugh, Cameron Greene, Robert Jones, Kaleb Kashinejad, Jonathan Page, Ryder Robinson, Charles Sanders and Finn Winegardner.

10

Pebble Creek was bested by the Dominion Club 938686. The Piranhas were led by a quartet of triple winners: Ella Evanko, Mason Hill, Dillon Strohhacker and Kenzie Strohhacker.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Top, Burkwood’s Delaney Childs spreads her wings in the 15-18 girls 100-meter butterfly in a Greater Richmond Aquatic League meet against Ashland at Burkwood Wednesday. She won the super varsity division with a time of 1;14.29.

Joel Klein for The Local

Right, Ashland’s Samantha Senfield swims the butterfly leg of the 15-18 girls 100-meter individual medley at Carter Park Wednesday. She finished second in the varsity division with a time of 1:17.72. Below, Ashland’s Ethan Spencer plows through the breaststroke segment in the 15-18 boys 100-meter individual medley. He won the super varsity division in 1:05.00.

Opponent’s COVID test delays Kickers home opener

By Wayne Epps Jr. Richmond Times-Dispatch RICHMOND – In the everevolving climate dictated by the coronavirus, what was due to be the first professional sporting event in Richmond with fans in attendance since the pandemic took hold has been postponed.

The Richmond Kickers — which play in USL League One, a third-division professional circuit — were scheduled to play their home opener at City Stadium on Saturday night, against Fort Lauderdale CF. But the club announced early Friday afternoon that the game has been postponed to a date to be determined due to an abundance of caution after a member of the Fort Lauderdale

CF organization tested positive for COVID-19.

It’s the second Kickers match to suffer such a fate since USL League One began its season earlier this month, more than three and a half months late. Richmond’s season opener, scheduled to be played on July 18 at South Georgia Tormenta FC, was postponed following a positive COVID-19 test from a member of the Tormenta FC organization.

That game wound up being rescheduled to this past Tuesday, a 0-0 draw. The Kickers’ de facto season opener came at Greenville (S.C.) Triumph SC on July 25, a 3-2 loss.

According to the USL League One’s return-to-play protocols, players and other

“covered persons” within each organization — up to 40 total — must be tested for COVID-19 at least once a week.

“The individuals testing positive for COVID-19 will be isolated from the rest of the group,” Ryan Madden, USL’s vice president of communications and public relations said in early July. “There will be contact tracing. People will be put into quarantine. Additional tests will be made available to those who maybe have been in close contact to the person who tested positive. And then, as things go forward, the club and the league will continue to communicate.”

The Kickers, under Virginia’s Phase Three guidelines, were preparing to allow

a maximum of 1,000 fans into 9,000-seat City Stadium starting with their opener against Fort Lauderdale CF. Under the team’s COVID-19 readiness plan, general admission seating would be limited to 75 people per section, with face coverings required.

The club is also planning to operate with cashless trans-

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Continued from pg. 9 Alexa Welch Edlund/ Times-Dispatch

Most private schools in the Richmond area will not play football this fall, but some will compete in sports like tennis and cross country.

wiring to improve sight lines from the concourse.

But, the public unveiling will have to wait for now. The Kickers’ next scheduled match is at home against Forward Madison (Wis.) FC on Aug. 8.

Wayne Epps Jr. can be reached at wepps@timesdispatch.com.

CLOG-FREE GUT TERS

FOOTBALL and boys teams are members of the Prep League.

Benedictine, which competes independently, has not made a decision on fall sports.

Life Christian, an independent team in Chester, plans to play football. The Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools, which includes Steward, hasn’t come to a determination.

The LIS and Prep League also include Fork Union Military Academy, Norfolk Academy, St. Margaret’s, Woodberry Forest and St. Anne’s-Belfield.

The leagues said that they will consider at a later date whether they can host girls volleyball, soccer, field hockey, baseball, softball and basketball.

They currently have no plans to play football, wrestling and lacrosse, and the leagues did not address if they would consider playing football in the spring, as the Virginia High School

actions only, from parking to merchandise sales. Tickets will be digital, too.

City Stadium itself has undergone multiple improvements ahead of this season, including new stadium lights, the addition of fiber internet, an updated sound system and updated irrigation system, and the hiding of power lines and

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Other lower-risk sports will continue in the winter and spring: track and field, swimming and diving and golf. Cross country meets will feature staggered start times. Instead of every runner racing against one another, each team will run the course on its own, and each runner will be timed. The runner with the fastest time will be the winner.

At Collegiate, teams will continue to meet and work out and practice within restrictions, school athletics director Karen Doxey said. The school still wants its students to have

a team experience, even if they can cannot play games.

On Monday night, the Washington Catholic Athletic League, whose teams often schedule Richmond-area opponents, announced it won’t play fall sports either.

Benedictine, Collegiate, St. Christopher’s and Steward plan to conduct in-person classes five days a week this fall, diverging from local public school districts, which are planning remote learning to begin the year. Trinity Episcopal is planning a hybrid method.

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

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Zip Corvette has a Full Time Warehouse Position available.

Benefits offered. Apply in person or call Robin Brooks at 746-2290.

HEALTHCARE IN HOME SUPPORT SPECIALIST - Part time afternoon/evening & weekend work in your own community. Earn $10.56 per hour working with people with intellectual disabilities in their homes and in the community. Experience working with individuals with disabilities a plus, but we train the right people. Valid Virginia DMV license and background check required. Multiple positions available in Hanover, Goochland and Powhatan counties. To apply visit www.gpcsb.org, Job Opportunities, or call (804) 657-2047. Open until filled. EOE.

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Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020

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Please take notice that on the 18th day of August 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input and may take action on the following applications: REZ20-0617 & ORD2020-11 104 Maiden Lane Theresa Manning, the applicant and owner of the property at 104 Maiden Street (GPIN 7870-70-4698), is requesting to rezone her property from R-2, Residential Limited, to R-4, Residential Medium-High, with proffered conditions. The property is 0.23 acres in size and has a future land use designation of Traditional Neighborhood (1-4 units/acre).

REZ20-0616 & ORD2020-08 JOHNSON ROAD INDUSTRIAL REZONING

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Advancement opportunities available.

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12

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

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Michael Bradley, the applicant on behalf of MIG Ashland I, LLC, and the property owner, EC Real Estate, LLC, is requesting to rezone the property at 1115 Johnson Road (GPINS 7779-90-4407 and 7789-00-1636) from M-1, Limited Industrial, to M-2, Industrial. The rezoning request is a joint application between the Town of Ashland and the applicant. The applicant intends to develop the property for warehousing and manufacturing uses.The property is approximately 90 acres in size and has a future land use designation of Industrial.

Copies of the requests may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views, however, the number of people admitted to Town Hall is being limited in accordance with CDC Guidelines.

Citizens are encouraged to participate electronically; please contact Bernadette Cornelius, bcornelius@ashlandva.gov to make those arrangements. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance of the public hearing so that appropriate arrangements may be made.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 12th day of August 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input and may make a recommendation on the following applications: REZ20-0617 & ORD2020-11 104 Maiden Lane Theresa Manning, applicant and owner of the property at 104 Maiden Street (GPIN 7870-70-4698), is requesting to rezone her property from R-2, Residential Limited, to R-4, Residential Medium-High, with proffered conditions. The property is 0.23 acres in size and has a future land use designation of Traditional Neighborhood (1-4 units/acre).

ORD2020-13 Residential Monument Sign Amendment Town staff is requesting to revise Sec. 21-208 (a) (b) (c), Signs Permitted, to limit the number of monument and freestanding signs in residential districts. Staff is also requesting similar revisions to the Planned Unit Development District (PUD), Sec. 21-208 (d), Signs Permitted.

Copies of the requests may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views, however the number of people admitted to Town Hall is being limited in accordance with CDC Guidelines. Citizens are encouraged to participate electronically; please contact Bernadette Cornelius, bcornelius@ashlandva.gov to make those arrangements. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance of the public hearing so that appropriate arrangements may be made.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

PUBLIC NOTICE 2020 Community Development Block Grant Virginia Funding Opportunities for COVID-19 Response Town of Ashland, Virginia The Town of Ashland, Virginia, intends to submit an application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for grant funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Virginia Funding Opportunities for COVID-19 Response. The purpose of the grant funding is to provide safety-enhancement and rental assistance funds to Town businesses as well as a training and technical assistance program.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to take input on this funding at a regular meeting scheduled for August 12th, at 7pm in the Town of Ashland Council Chambers located at 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA. The public is invited to submit their written comments of support or concerns on the proposed CDBG COVID-19 Response funding.

Comments can be emailed to planning@ashlandva.gov For more information regarding this opportunity, contact the Planning Department at 804-798-1073.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, August 20, 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: REZONING REZ2020-00027, POCAHONTAS PROPERTIES, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8756-00-8764, consisting of approximately 10.37 acres, and located on the north line of Old Church Road (State Route 606) approximately 1,000 feet west of its intersection with Spring Run Road (State Route 628). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one (1) building lot for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 5.19 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS CUP2020-00002, HEIDI M. AND LAMERRO L. MASON, Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.14 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a recreational facility/event venue on GPIN 7861-31-5506, consisting of approximately 11.86 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of Horseshoe Bridge Road (State Route 686) approximately 300 feet north of its intersection with West Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2020-00006, 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 CUP2020-00008, HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (FIRE/EMS) Request(s) an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP-19-96) in accordance with Section 26-100.13 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to add a 3,000 square foot storage building to an existing fire station site on GPIN 8800-95-4831, consisting of approximately 3.22 acres. The property is zoned B-O, Business Office District, and located on the east line of Hanover Courthouse Road (U.S. Route 301) at its intersection with Normans Bridge Road (State Route 614). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Rural Village. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam ORDINANCE ORDINANCE 20-12, AMENDMENTS TO THE M-2 AND M-3 SPECIAL EXCEPTION PROVISIONS An Ordinance to amend the Hanover County Code, Chapter 26, Zoning Ordinance, Sections 26-175 and 26-184 to allow used auto sales as an accessory to an existing auto repair business with a special exception in the M-2, Light Industrial District and the M-3, Heavy Industrial District. (PUBLIC HEARING) Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020 13

HCSB clarifies school names transition ASHLAND – Under the directive of the Hanover County School Board, school division staff will be temporarily reinstalling the primary signage at Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School for a brief period of time while school division administration works through the transition process for renaming the schools.

The names and changing of the names at each school have been an extremely sensitive issue to many Hanoverians.

The school board recognizes that those who find the names offensive would like them removed immediately and those who are not offended by the names would have liked them to remain longer. Just as there is an ongoing process for determining the new names of these schools, the School Board is asking staff to present a formalized process for the removal of the current names that includes signage and various articles located throughout the schools and campuses.

In response to the school board’s action taken during the July 14 meeting, staff will present a plan to the school board at the Aug. 11 meeting to address the various aspects of the school name removal activities and the process for updating facilities to reflect the change in names.

The committees assigned to bring a new name recommendation to the school board for each school are currently being formed. The school board plans to vote on the new names for both schools at the October meeting.

CALENDAR

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.

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

Continued from pg. 8

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

SHERIFF’S

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

Sundays

Continued from pg. 3

Threats of death or bodily injury by letter or electronic means were reported in the 6400 block of Blackbear Trail, Mechanicsville.

June 16

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 4200 block of Market Road, Mechanicsville.

14

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 9000 block of Wyndale Drive, Mechanicsville.

Identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 7300 block of Penrith Drive, Mechanicsville.

Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020

(Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Douglas J. Apple, MD FHM, interim chief clinical officer, Bon Secours Richmond; Jake O’Shea, MD, FACEP, division chief medical officer, HCA Healthcare Capital Division; and David Lanning, MD, interim chief medical officer, VCU Health.)

RICHMOND -- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are all fighting the same battle—to protect one another, and ourselves, from a virus for which there is no vaccine and no cure.

The best possible weapon in stopping this invisible threat is to wear a mask.

Science has proven that wearing a mask significantly reduces the risk of spreading the disease and contracting it. Recent studies in medical journals, including Health Affairs and The Lancet, compared the COVID-19 growth rate before and after mask mandates in various states.

Results show that mask mandates led to a slowdown in daily COVID-19 growth rate over time. Health Affairs data suggested the first five days after a mandate, the daily growth rate slowed by 0.9 percent compared

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 804-746-4734.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 11500 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Drugs: Possession of Schedule III controlled substance was reported in the 7100 block of New Hunter Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana,

June 17

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 17000 block of Will James Lane, Montpelier.

Strangulation resulting in wounding or bodily harm was reported in the 21000 block of Green Bay Road, Beaverdam.

Credit card fraud, $200 in

to the five days prior to the mandate, and at three weeks, the daily growth rate had slowed by 2 percent. Internationally, countries that have embraced wearing masks or mandated them have had a significantly lower death rate due to COVID-19.

In Central Virginia, we are seeing infection and death rates stabilize and remain relatively low compared to other states, which is one of the reasons our region has been able to progress to Phase 3. Yet, we are not out of the woods.

As seen in other parts of the c o u n t r y, COVID-19 can surge if masks are not worn in outdoor or indoor spaces where we encounter others. We must keep at it, because masks are working.

As clinical leaders in the major health care systems in Richmond, and on behalf of the thousands of doctors, nurses, and employees throughout our health systems, we urge you to help to keep your communities safe and reduce the painful scenes we see in our facilities each day due to this awful virus.

Save a life and #MaskUpRVA. Together, we can overcome this challenge.

six months, was reported in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

first offense, was reported in the 7100 block of Janet Lane, Mechanicsville.

avoid arrest was reported in the 37 block of Interstate 95 South, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 8200 block of Fourscore Drive, Mechanicsville.

ID theft to obtain ID to

Richmond area health systems urge public to #MaskUpRVA

Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 13300 block of Auburn Mill Road, Glen Allen.

Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money, etc., under false pretense, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 10400

block of Malboro Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 86 block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Brandy Creek Drive, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 7300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

08/05-08/06

EYE HEALTH WORD SEARCH

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

HOROSCOPES

there 42. Condiment 48. Ancient Italian city 50. One who distributes payoff money 51. Guarantees 52. Highly decorative 53. Strike with a stick 54. Pie _ __ mode 55. Spanish be 56. Glued 58. A way to drench 59. Part of the body 60. Changes the color

CLUES DOWN 1. Passerine birds 2. Noisy quarrel 3. The front arm or leg of an animal 4. Early multimedia 5. Golden years 6. Large mollusk 7. Small arm of the sea 8. Persian jurisdiction 9. Atomic #81 12. From end to end

13. Adorable 17. Ma 19. Nearly falling 20. Portable conical tent 21. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues 25. Fish with high dorsal fins 29. Equal (prefix) 31. Aquatic plant genus 32. Choppers 33. Hand parts 35. Region bordering the sea 38. Well-liked 41. Nap 43. It’s used to make beer 44. Related on the father’s side 45. Senior officer 46. Delicacy (archaic) 47. Figures 49. A way to take away 56. Beloved sandwich __&J 57. Symptom typical of withdrawal (abbr.)

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, focus your attention on the things you are grateful for. Shifting thoughts to the positive can really improve your mood and upcoming outcomes.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you are used to being the center of your social circle. But take a step back and allow others to share the spotlight with you. You will be glad to you did.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20 If others are opposed to your beliefs or ideas you may need to reconsider your presentation. Accept others’ perspectives, but forge ahead with what is important to you.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21 It is time to reorganize your priorities if you have not been having any fun. Spend some time with a significant other or engage in a hobby rather than doing chores.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23 Working together is a roadmap for success. Embrace the spirit of cooperation and others will soon follow suit. Your goals will be within reach in no time.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you perform great under pressure, but too much intense focus can cause you to burn out at a rapid pace. Try dialing it back this week.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, there’s nothing you can do right now to stop change, so you’re better off embracing things as they come. Do not swim against the tide right now. Save your energy.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21 Family matters could be a cause for concern this week, Gemini. A relative needs your assistance immediately and you will have to push other things aside to make the time.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22 Do not fixate on your shortcomings, Virgo. Instead, think about all of the qualities you love about yourself this week. This will boost your confidence and improve your mood.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21 These next few weeks are an opportunity to develop personal relationships and get in touch with your emotions, Sagittarius. Think about taking a break.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20 Trouble may be developing with a partnership that is important to your career, Pisces. Do not give up and walk away. Find a resolution pronto.

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS 1. Opposite of on 4. Creator 10. No seats available 11. About springtime 12. Flagship ESPN show (abbr.)

14. Automobile 15. A matchup 16. Porous volcanic rock 18. Utter repeatedly 22. Not written in any key 23. Revolved 24. Archrival 26. Within 27. Smoker’s accessory 28. Disfigure 30. Primordial matter 31. Thrust horse power (abbr.)

34. Kisses 36. Some is iced 37. A way to derive 39. Unaccompanied by others 40. Discontinued Google app 41. Tony B. left his heart

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20 It is time to relax in regard to your professional life, Aries. If you’re out of a job, your luck could turn any day now. If you’re employed, a promotion may be on the horizon.

Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020 15

RETURN Continued from pg. 3

Assistant superintendent for Instructional Leadership Jennifer Greif emphasized that online instruction will mirror and complement classroom instruction. High school students enrolled in face to face instruction as well as virtual students will follow a modified 4x4 schedule.

While elementary students will remain in one classroom for most of the day with teachers rotating in and out, high school students will change classes during the day. “Brain breaks” will be provided for parents and teachers.

For virtual students, assignments are designed to allow students time away from the

MRMC Continued from pg. 2

only 37 earned this rating in all 10 Procedures & Conditions.

In rankings by state and metro area, U.S. News recognized best regional hospitals

computer, eliminating a situation where students spend hours staring at a computer screen.

Parents are responsible for screening students before they arrive at in-class school, checking for symptoms and monitoring temperatures, and students will be required to wear masks. Students will maintain a three feet separation at all times, and classes will be taught outside or in alternative locations to ensure social distancing.

Gill said more than 1,000 questions had been received, and a HCPS website FAQ section is updated frequently to provide answers when available, but he acknowledged that officials don’t have all the answers.

“There are many questions

that have been answered, but we know there are many more to come,” Gill said. “We also need to acknowledge up front that we are not going to have all the answers.”

A major question from parents focused on transportation and how students will arrive and depart in-class school. To achieve social distancing on the buses, students will be limited to one per seat. That will require additional bus trips and double-backs to ensure all students are transported.

Parents must request transportation when they choose virtual or in-class instruction.

One parent asked what happens if they opt for face-to-face and then discover transportation is not available. In that scenario, the student could switch to the virtual school.

Students who opt for virtual in the fall also can attend faceto-face for the spring semester.

But Stone admitted the bus situation is a work in progress, and final plans cannot be devised until student instruction selections are made.

“We will measure the number of students and go from there,” Stone said. “We know this isn’t this perfect plan necessarily but we will have to work towards it and make it as good as we can,” Stone said.

Officials will follow VHSL (Virginia High School League) regulations and guidelines regarding sports, and students who opt for virtual school will be allowed to participate in sports and all extracurricular activities at their home school.

Greif said the goal is for online students to maintain a connection with their home schools to ensure emotional stability during the transition.

Physical education will be provided as well as opportunities for AP (Advanced Placement), ACA (American Canoe Association) and IB (International Baccalaureate) classes for both online and inschool students.

Electives are available in both forms of instruction.

Another question focused on teachers who opt for virtual school and lose their positions at previous campuses and the possibility of their return to those classrooms in the future.

Greif said those requests would receive priority, but, as in any year, those schedules depend of student enrollments and

selections and could not be guaranteed.

Some career and technical classes will only be offered on-site due to the necessity of hands-on instruction in many of those career-oriented disciplines. Students who opt for virtual school will be allowed to rejoin the programs as they reenter face to face instruction.

After fielding online questions from a number of online attendees, Gill said officials will continue to update parents informing them of any changes to the plan.

“We will continue to update our frequently asked questions.

We will communicate regularly if there are any changes whether at the state level, the school level or anything else that’s pertinent and we feel you need to know,” Gill concluded.

based on high performing rankings across multiple areas of care.

In addition, Memorial Regional Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital both earned high performing ratings for common adult procedures and

conditions in recognition of care that was significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes.

Memorial Regional received high performing ratings for chronic obstructive pulmonary

disease (COPD), heart failure, hip replacement and knee replacement procedures. St. Mary’s Hospital received high performing ratings for heart failure hip replacement and knee replacement procedures.

The U.S. News Best

Hospitals methodologies in most areas of care are based largely on objective measures such as risk-adjusted survival and discharge-to-home rates, volume, and quality of nursing, among other care-related indicators.

For more information about the 2020-2021 rankings and ratings, visit Best Hospitals.

To learn more about the health care services offered at Memorial Regional Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital, www.bonsecours.com.

schools were named after an antiCatholic activist, you would be the Continued from pg. 8 first to speak out because of your Beaverdam High School, no more concern for your children attending Montpelier High School, no more a school that made them feel less Washington-Henry High School. worthy than their peers.

But, eventually, parents came In the fog of the name change together and did what was best for war, don't forget the simplest of all their children's future. ethics adages: Do onto others as you Once again, we need to consider would have them do unto you. what is best for our children's future.

Toni Radler We lead by example and maintainAshland ing a school name that stands for the fight to preserve slavery is not preparing anyone for the future.

As the lady said, it's not your father's Hanover!

P.S: Supervisor Canova Peterson, you also spoke out against the school The Department of board's decision to change the Environmental Quality (DEQ) held Confederate names of our schools. a virtual public hearing the evening You were baffled and dismayed.

You and I attended the same of July 20 for the Wegmans’ draft church and sung in the same choir Virginia Water Protection (VWP) permit. for decades.

I know if any of our county For solid reasons, the permit

LETTERS

DEQ should deny permit after hearing

16

Ashland-Hanover Local August 5, 2020

should be denied.

If the format alone were not sufficiently exasperating, the stubborn adherence of Wegmans to its faulty wetlands data pushed citizens’ ire to the stratosphere.

Speakers advocated for environmental and racial justice for the Brown Grove community; residents spoke to existing stormwater flooding in heavy rains; and wetlands and soils professionals pointed to errors in the wetlands determination that resulted in under calculation of the wetlands acreage. All solid points credibly made.

Residents have asked for an independent wetlands determination to be performed.

Will it happen?

For the sake of an honest process, it should.

Removing vegetation, moving soil around and installing stormwater detention structures contribute to environmental degradation.

Wetlands are ecosystems that support wildlife, water quality improvement and flood control, among other benefits.

The State Water Control Board and DEQ should not be pestered and bullied with a flawed argument Staff Report

by Wegmans. news@mechlocal.com A decision based on solid data ASHLAND – A virtual work sesmust be made for the good of the sion of the Ashland Parks and Recreation public and the environment.

Committee will get underway at 6 p.m.

Pattie Bland Thursday, Aug. 6.

Beaverdam District The Planning Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

The Economic Development Authority will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Town of Ashland meetings are held at Ashland Town Hall at 101 Thompson St. in Ashland.

Thank you to our Hanover County School Board members who OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS stood up and represented all of the Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 students of Hanover County by votEmail: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com ing for the school name changes.

Deadline is noon Friday Christine Eubanks for the following week’s issue.

Mechanicsville

Virtual work session of Parks and Rec Committee scheduled

Thank you for changing school names