COMMUNITY Gagnon’s mission: raise funds to help fight childhood cancer
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ENVIRONMENT Virginia Department of Forestry offers cost-share to remove ash trees from public property PAGE 5
Vol. 5 No. 50 | Richmond Suburban News | August 19, 2020
Officials outline, refine face-to-face return to school a virtual-only instruction for at least the first semester of next year’s session. Latest figures indicate about 63% of HCPS students have selected face-to-face instruction for the upcoming semester. About 9% of the county’s teaching staff has opted for virtual-only instruction for the first semester, but an
By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND -- When classrooms in Hanover County Public Schools open for face-to-face instruction on Sept. 8, more than 6,000 students won’t be there. That represents the number of parents who opted for
“We are definitely seeing more requests than usual for a leave of absence for the upcoming school year, but right now we are holding steady with about 30 vacancies in our teaching force.” JENNIFER GREIF Assistant superintendent Instructional Leadership
additional 128 teachers said they might be willing to participate in remote instruction. Jennifer Greif, assistant superintendent for Instructional Leadership, updated Hanover County School Board members on the return to learn plan at last week’s meeting, but acknowledged administrators continue to work through a number of issues regarding the opening. Less than four weeks prior to the scheduled opening of county schools, Greif said the system is experiencing a slightly higher number of vacancies than in past years. “We are definitely seeing more requests than usual for a leave of absence for the upcoming school year, but
Melody Kinser/The Local
A Hanover County Public Schools bus was making its way on Atlee Road in Mechanicsville in this file photo from 2018. The Hanover County School Board continued talks last week on the upcoming term while the nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
right now we are holding steady with about 30 vacancies in our teaching force,” she told board members. For students attending
GRASP Awards high school and college scholarships Staff Report news@mechlocal.com GLEN ALLEN -- GRASP (Great Aspirations Scholarship Program Inc.), a non-profit, college and career access organization, headquartered in Glen Allen, recently awarded 105 Last Dollar scholarships totaling $106,945 and 61 Community College Pathway scholarships totaling $59,000 to Virginia high school students gradu-
ating in 2020. GRASP also awarded 79 College Success scholarships totaling $116,100 to college students participating in GRASP’s College Success program. Hanover County scholarship recipients are: Brittany Coe, The Georgetown School; Alex Kem, Hanover High School; Barbara Lovins, Atlee High School; Alyssa Painter, The see GRASP, pg. 9
face-to-face classes, start times have been staggered to allow more efficient drop-off of students and reduce large gatherings of students in one
spot. Elementary schools will begin at 7:30 to 8:10 a.m. and see RETURN, pg. 8
Panel appointed to decide school names Melody Kinser/The Local
A bench in front of Lee-Davis High School remained the day after the names were taken off the building, as well as Stonewall Jackson Middle School following a 4-3 vote by the Hanover County School Board last month.
By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND -The Hanover County School Board approved a list of candidates that will comprise the committee tasked with renaming Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School during last week’s regu-
lar meeting. The board approved a fast track timeline that seeks to have new names in place following next month’s regular school board meeting. After nominations are received from the public, the list will be narrowed to 12 to see NAMES, pg. 16
Voter registrar, Gagnon on a mission: biking to help staff ready for raise funds to fight childhood cancer Nov. 3 election By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
Staff Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER – Hanover County Director of Elections/General Registrar Teresa F. “Teri” Smithson and her staff are prepared to help all eligible registered voters maintain the ability to cast a ballot in the Nov. 3 General Election. In their commitment to serving the voters, she said, “For your safety and to minimize risk of exposure to SMITHSON COVID-19, you are encouraged to request a ballot and vote by mail.” Smithson provided information for various aspects of the voting process.They are:
Voter Registration Deadline to register to vote, or update an existing registration is Tuesday, Oct. 13. You may go online to vote. virginia.gov and click Registration; request an application by calling/emailing our office or visit us in the office.
Early Voting Virginia no longer requires a reason to vote absentee. Starting on Sept. 18, you can cast your ballot in person by visiting our office. We will be open for in-person voting from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 and 31. Oct. 31 is the last day to vote early.
Vote by Mail You can visit vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation to apply online or request an application by calling/emailing or visit us. We will begin to mail the ballots starting on Sept. 18. 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 the Wickham Building, Room 119, of the Hanover County Government Complex. The phone number is 804-365-6080. 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.
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Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020
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ECHANICSVILLE – George Thomas Gagnon is a man on a mission: He is ready to pedal his way into raising funds to fight childhood cancer as part of the Great Cycle Challenge 2020. He will be riding for Geoffrey Thomas, who he described as “a trooper all through his life fighting and fighting. Cancer is a hideous disease and children should not have to suffer the pain that is always present. Born in 1972 and died in 1977. Always remembered and always missed.” This is Gagnon’s fourth year taking part in the fundraiser. Gagnon said he has set his goals high this year, targeting 600 miles and $10,000. Last year, he said, “I hit 400-plus miles and raised over $4,000. I ended up third in the state and 111th in the country.” He said he hopes to end the ride as the top fundraiser in Virginia. Without a doubt, as he said, “I'll be busy in September.” Why does he do it? “Because, right now, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 children are diagnosed every year, and, sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week.” Monies raised support the Children’s Cancer Research Fund “to allow them to continue their work to develop lifesaving treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.” In seeking the community’s contribu-
Submitted photo
George Gagnon is gearing up for the 2020 Great Cycle Challenge in which he will be raising funds to fight childhood cancer. This will be his fourth year taking part in the ride.
tions, Gagnon said, “Please support me by making a donation to give these kids the brighter future they deserve. Your support will change little lives.” Since he started taking part in the challenge, Gagnon has ridden and raised the following: 2017 – 193 miles; $1,139.54.
2018 – 449 miles; $2,253.84. 2019 – 440 miles; $4,061.89. He has ridden a total of 1,082 miles and raised $8,577.64. For more information on Gagnon’s ride, as well as details on donating, go to https://greatcyclechallenge.com/riders/ georgethomasgagnon.
Mechanicsville Christmas Parade canceled due to COVID-19 (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Dave Fuller and Bret Atwood, co-chairs of the Mechanicsville Rotary Christmas Parade.) The difficult decision has been made by the Mechanicsville Rotary Club to cancel the 2020 Mechanicsville Christmas Parade due to the
uncertainty and risk of potential spread of COVID-19 and the organization’s concern for the health and safety of our loyal participants, attendees, vendors and volunteers. We did not come to this decision lightly. We as volunteers spend countless hours planning, staging and working this large-
scale, free community event. It is a labor of love. The Ruritan Club of Mechanicsville raises funds every year from sales of concessions for the Hanover Christmas Mother. Please take a moment of your time to donate to this amazing organization in the amount (or more) that you
would have spent on concessions during the parade. Donations may be sent to: Hanover Christmas Mother, P.O. Box 39, Doswell VA 23047. Thank you for your understanding. Save the date for the 2021 Mechanicsville Christmas Parade, Dec. 5, 2021.
SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue June 18
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 37 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
DWI: second within five years, BAC .15 to .20% was reported in the 16200 block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.
June 19
Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 11600 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 10300 block of Cedar Lane/Washington Highway, Glen Allen.
Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 37 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
DWI: first offense was reported in the 4100 block of Spring Run Road, Mechanicsville.
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.
Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 11000 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.
Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 10300 block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland. Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 14200 block of Greenwood Road, Ashland.
Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 18100 block of Dogwood Trail Road, Rockville.
Failure to appear on felony charge was reported in the 7500 block of Courthouse Complex Road, Hanover.
Defrauding hotels and motels, $200, was reported in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Obtaining money, etc.: false pretense, larceny, $200, conspiracy, was reported in the 15100 block of Abner Church Road, Glen Allen. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 37 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville. Fraudulent application for credit card, $200, was reported in the 18900 block of Dixie Belle Lane, Bumpass. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 4000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 11200 block of Washington Highway/ Lewistown Road, Ashland. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 101 block of Junction Drive, Ashland.
MECHANICSVILLE – A Community-Wide Blood Drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, at the New Song Church Worship Center at 7450 Colts Neck Rd. in Mechanicsville. A person can donate blood once every three months. All who come to donate must wear a face mask. At this time, the American Red Cross is in critical need of donations due to COVID-19 and its unprecedented impact
on blood donations and inventory. This is very concerning and could affect the Red Cross’ ability to treat cancer, transplant, trauma and all patients
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that depend on life-saving blood. If you are a healthy person between 18 and 59 years
Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 7200 block of Shady Grove Road/ Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Profane, threatening language over public airway was reported in the 9100 block of Ventnor Circle, Mechanicsville.
Grand larceny auto theft was reported in the 18400 block of Hawkins Estate Road, Beaverdam.
Simple assault was reported in the 10300 block of New Britton Road, Mechanicsville.
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Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 10200 block of Lewistown Road/Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.
New Song Church and Red Cross invite blood donors to help during pandemic Staff Report news@mechlocal.com
June 20
old, you are urged to consider coming to donate. To adhere to social distancing, walk-ins will be allowed, but all donors having a scheduled appointment are strongly encouraged (appointments can be made even the day-of). All precautions are being taken to ensure the health of the nurses and donors. When on redcrossblood. org, search for New Song by typing in "New Song United Methodist Church" or "23111" in the search field. All donors will receive a free $5 Amazon E-card.
If you have Medicare questions, I can still help! As COVID-19 continues to spread, Humana is here for you and your Medicare needs. We can still accommodate customer service questions, answer member questions, review Medicare coverage and help with enrollments over the phone.
Call a licensed sales agent Keith Mayo Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Applicable to H6622-004. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Espanol (Spanish): (Chinese):
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Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020 3
CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings L-DHS Class of ’80 Rescheduled
Saturday, Sept. 19 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.
The Highland Springs High School Class of 1970 will now hold its 50th Reunion at the Hill Building at Sandston Pool, located at 501 Beulah Rd. in Sandston. Music will be presented by DJ Dalton Beagle. Dinner, drinks and dessert will be provided by Champagne Taste Catering. Bring your own mixers and
alcohol. Small coolers are welcome. The doors will open at 4 p.m.; cocktails at 5 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.; and cleanup will be at 10 p.m. The cost is $45 per person. Those who may have recently paid $50 after March 1 have been refunded $5. No tickets will be sold at the door. For invitations or more information, contact Bill Brooks at 1970HSHS@gmail. com.
Hanover County Public Schools ADULT EDUCATION 2020-2021 Fall Semester: September 14, 2020 – December 18, 2020 Spring Semester: January 4, 2021 – May 28, 2021
Year: $60.00 (includes textbooks) Fall Only: $35.00 (includes textbooks) Spring Only: $35.00 (includes textbooks) Registration by appointment - call 804-723-3471
CLASSES
GED® Preparation – Provides targeted instruction to help students prepare for the official GED® exams English Class – Understand American culture while learning to speak, write, and read English Conversational English – An advanced level class for the experienced English language learner
Ongoing Families Anonymous Support Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at the Episcopal Church of the Creator at 7159 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. The group is a self-help fellowship for the friends and family members of addicts who are in need of understanding and healing themselves. For details, call Sandy at 804-730-4812 or email sandy.leigh@verizon.net. Overcomers Outreach and Women’s Codependency, a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804366-9645 or email kjfaith1@ gmail.com.
Saturdays
*Distance education options available; minimum scores required
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.
Registration – Registration and testing begin promptly at the specified time. Students must bring a photo ID and class fees (cash or check).
Sundays
GED® Preparation
English Class (ELL)
The Georgetown School M/W 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Henry Clay Elementary School 310 South James Street Ashland, VA 23005 M/W 6:00-8:30 p.m.
The Georgetown School T/Th 8:30-11:00 a.m.
GED® Preparation Registration
The Georgetown School
August 27 @ 5:30 p.m. September 3 @ 5:30 p.m.
The Georgetown School M/W 8:30-11:00 a.m.
English Class and Conversational English Registration
The Georgetown School September 3 @ 10:00 a.m.
Conversational English $20.00 per semester
The Georgetown School Th 6:00-8:00 p.m. *Minimum scores required to participate
English Class Registration
Henry Clay Elementary School August 26 @ 5:30 p.m. September 2 @ 5:30 p.m.
The Georgetown School 10000 Learning Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 804-723-3471 | www.hcps.us/georgetown | adulted@hanover.k12.va.us
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Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020
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-
F
ax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, email to mkinser@mechlocal.com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to The Ashland-Hanover Local.
249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin.org.
meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.
Tuesdays
Second 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.
Hanover Family Support Group, a support group for family members of a loved one with a mental illness, meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday evening of each month at the Ashland office of Hanover Community Services located at 12300 Washington Highway in Ashland. Attendees support one another, share experiences, challenges and resources and to advocate for their loved ones. For more information, contact Kathy Redfearn, LCSW at 804-675-4230.
The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through mid December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. For more information, visit www.hanoverconcertband.org or call 804789-0536.
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
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.
Historic sites reopen with pandemic protocols in place Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND -- Preservation Virginia has reopened several key historic sites so visitors can experience first-hand centuries-old American history —but with modern-day protocols in place during the pandemic. The sites include Scotchtown in Hanover County, home of Patrick Henry, famed orator of “Give me liberty, or give me death”; the John Marshall House in downtown Richmond, where Chief Justice Marshall (Marbury v. Madison) lived until his death in 1835; and Bacon’s Castle and Smith’s Fort in Surry County. The former was occupied by Nathaniel Bacon’s men in 1676 during what became known as Bacon’s Rebellion, and is nowadays notable for its rare triple-stacked chimneys, original outbuildings and a reconstructed 17th-century English formal garden. Smith’s Fort, site of an 18th-century manor house and unfinished fort built by John Smith in 1609, also is the tract of land given as dowry by Chief Wahunsenacawh to John Rolfe upon his marriage to Pocahontas in 1614. Scotchtown and the John Marshall House
hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Bacon’s Castle and Smith Fort are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m.Sunday, as well as from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday (Mondays until Labor Day only). Per current guidance from the CDC and other agencies, Preservation Virginia staff wears masks, practice physical distancing and have daily wellness checks. At each location, there also are hand sanitizer stations and high-touch surfaces are frequently cleaned. Visitors are required to wear masks indoors (also recommended outdoors) and asked to observe physical distancing. Guided interior tours are available through “no touch” ticketing so visitors can reserve and pay for tickets in advance online at preservationvirginia.org. Interior tours are limited to groups of six at the John Marshall House and Smith’s Fort, and eight at Bacon’s Castle and Scotchtown. Guided exterior walking tours are conducted at Scotchtown, Bacon’s Castle and Smith’s
Photo courtesy of Preservation Virginia
Patrick Henry’s home, Scotchtown, is included on the historic sites that have reopened to the public. Pandemic protocols are in place for those wishing to tour Preservation Virginia sites.
Fort; Preservation Virginia recommends calling ahead to confirm availability. Admission for guided interior and guided exterior tours is $10 for adults; $9 for seniors (age 60+), military and AAA members; and $8 for children and students. Children under the age of 6are free. Self-guided exterior walking tours are available at Scotchtown, Bacon’s Castle and Smith’s Fort. Access to the grounds is $5 per person or $10 per car, where visitors receive a site map and can explore the grounds following a numbered path. “We are delighted with the reopening of
these important landmarks,” said Elizabeth S. Kostelny, CEO of Preservation Virginia. “And we recognize the importance of providing a variety of safe options for guests to determine what type of visit suits them best. Our goal is to provide the most meaningful and informative experience possible.”
About Preservation Virginia Preservation Virginia is a nonprofit organization and statewide historic preservation leader that is dedicated to preserving, promoting and serving as an advocate for Virginia’s cultural and architectural history.
Virginia Department of Forestry offers cost-share to remove ash trees from public property CHARLOTTESVILLE -- In response to the statewide decline of ash trees due to the introduction of the emerald ash borer (EAB), the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is offering financial assistance to remove dead or dying ash trees from the public landscape. Municipalities, local government agencies, non-profit entities on public lands, and/or tribal communities are eligible to apply to receive funding through this 50 percent costshare program. No private companies or landowners are eligible. To qualify for this program, the tree(s) must have a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 17 inches or greater and exhibit greater than 30 percent canopy loss. All applications must have a
removal quote or bid attached from an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist. The cost share will cover 50 percent of total removal costs as a reimbursement (up to $6,150 per organization or $30 per diameter inch) and will include an incentive payment of $200 for replacement of every tree removed under the cost-share (up to $1,200). “It’s important to maintain the tree canopy on our public lands. Costshare programs like this can support land managers who may need to remove trees but want to keep the overall canopy intact by replacing removed trees,” says Molly O’Liddy, VDOF’s Urban & Community Forestry Partnership coordinator. To qualify for the replacement tree incentive, removed ash trees
must be replaced with an appropriate caliper-sized native species on VDOF’s approved species list (https:// dof.virginia.gov/forestr y/community/VDOF%20Approved%20 Replacement%20Species%20List.pdf).
The organization is responsible for purchasing and planting all replacement trees then reporting each tree planted on VDOF’s
Trees Count survey application. Replacement trees do not need to be planted in the exact same location as the removed ash tree. Ranking of applications will be based upon a community’s need. Trees already removed do not qualify for this program. Ash trees in decline as a result of something other than EAB also do not qualify. VDOF program staff will complete a site visit upon receiving application for funding to ensure the trees meet the basic program requirements. This ash removal and replacement cost-share program is the first of its kind offered by VDOF and is very limited short-term funding. Open enrollment started on Monday, Aug. 3, and will close on Friday, Sept. 18. Ranking of applications and awards will be completed the week of Sept. 21.
About the Virginia Department of Forestry The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. With nearly 16 million acres of forestland and more than 108,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide an overall economic output of more than $21 Billion annually. Headquartered in Charlottesville, the Agency has forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide citizen service and public safety protection across the Commonwealth, which it’s been doing now for more than 100 years. VDOF is an equal opportunity provider.
Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020 5
OPINION
LETTERS
| The Local Views
| Reader Views
From the managing editor
Hanover was the only choice in moving By Melody Kinser Managing Editor hen I accepted the job here over 12 years ago, I knew I would be making my home in Hanover County. All I really knew about the county was that Patrick Henry hailed from here. Keep in mind I had spent three years in Winchester at The Winchester Star. I didn’t know anything about that part of the state when I arrived there either. To my surprise, I was strongly urged not to settle in Mechanicsville. “Bubbaville” was a term tossed around a lot to describe the community. I dismissed the stereotype being used for an area I
W
had yet to explore and experience. I have always lived near my workplace, so the same would hold true for this journey. I was fortunate enough to find a nice apartment near the office, which proved invaluable as I learned about the county. From the beginning, I was welcomed. People I have never met feel comfortable enough from reading these pages to call me by my first name. I like that. I feel safe here. I have good neighbors. There are so many conveniences nearby. While I intend to make my home here as long as possible, I want us all to take a moment to think about the positives.
I am saddened by the animosity that appears in letters to the editor and on our social media sites. I never knew the names of schools could cause so much disruption. I only hope this can be resolved soon, with all parties -- if that’s even realistic to consider -- being satisfied. With no children or grandchildren in the school system, I’ve kind of had a “I don’t have a dog in that fight” attitude. But I do -- this is my home too. I pray for a peaceful -- and hopefully agreeable -- solution. This is all about the future -- and that means the children that attend these schools. Regardless of color, religion, etc., we’re all Hanoverians. Isn’t that what matters most?!
Melvin and Howard: Santa’s Souped Up Sleigh By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist As I watched another rerun of a previously played college football game, a familiar tune filtered its way through the crowd noise and grabbed my attention. The rebroadcast was a holidaythemed bowl game, and that provided my first hint as to what the song could be. It was a catchy tune, but not one that evoked immediate familiarity ... but I knew I’d heard that song some-
where before. “It’s Melvin Dummar. It’s Melvin Dummar,” I shouted in the direction of my children. They replied with a look to which I’ve grown accustomed, that glare of puzzlement that clearly delineates a line between generations — and basically means, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” The band was playing “Santa’s Souped Up Sleigh”, a holiday tune that never gained the same attention as let’s say “White Christmas”, but still
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Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020
evokes memories for a few of us who still remember the story of its author, Melvin Dummar. It’s a story that was almost too fantastic to be real, and, in the end, several courts at various levels ruled that it wasn’t. Even with the lack of verification, the story was too good for Hollywood to pass on, and, in 1980, the movie Melvin and Howard was released. It’s based on the accounts of an everyday run of the mill working man
named Melvin Dummar, whose life up to an eventful night in the Nevada desert in 1967, was less than Academy Award material. He worked every job imaginable from gas station attendant to milkman, suffered through one unfaithful marriage, and seemed like the guy who always gets the shaft. He buried his sorrow in song, and viewed himself as somewhat of an entertainer, and in the movie dissee MELVIN, pg. 16
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.
Will change in names also change learning? I read article in The Local this week regarding putting signs back on schools. Mr. Robert Barnette, NAACP, says you "bowed to pressure from the BOS [board of supervisors]"! Really? How about bowing to pressure from the local chapter of the NAACP due to their whining and filing lawsuits to remove names? Headline news this morning (Wednesday, Aug. 12) that there will be new school names by Sept. 7. Anyone may send in their ideas. You didn't listen to the majority of Hanover constituents when we voted no change. Why would we even halfway believe you would listen to us in selecting a new name? Truth be known, you probably already have names selected and you will just slide them in the list of 12 to 15 final names and choose the one you seven select among yourselves. One hope is that, whatever the name, it will be a generic one to keep from having to deal with such stupid controversy in the future. Although I no longer have children or grandchildren who attend Stonewall Jackson Middle School or Lee-Davis High School, it will be interesting to follow the students at these schools and note if there will be any change in what they will be taught or learn from previous years! Mary Louise Smith Mechanicsville
HCSB’s action makes resident proud of county This past year has been a time of many drastic changes to our lives. Although change is inevitable, and often beneficial, it also can be stressful and throw us off balance. I am reassured by the way I have seen peosee LETTERS, pg. 7
The terrible tale of the cross-striped cabbageworm Virginia War Memorial seeks entries for By Becky Blake Hanover Master Gardener Intern I came home from a wonderful week at the beach eager to see what had happened in the garden in my absence, only to find holes in all my cabbage leaves, lots of them. Having not seen any of the little white moths with which I was familiar prior to the trip (Imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae), I was perplexed. I inspected the damaged leaves until I found the most unusual worms that I had never seen before. A search online for cabbage pests listed cross-striped cabbageworm (Evergestis rimosalis). It looked just like mine: bluish grey with transverse stripes as well as yellow and black lengthwise stripes. This story does not have a happy ending. My cabbages were riddled with holes and sadly destroyed. But, I have learned some things about this particular pest that will help me avoid them or dispatch them on the battlefield more successfully in the future. Both Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and North Carolina State Extension Services provide some good resources on garden pests. “The Pest Caterpillars of Cole Crops in
LETTERS Continued from pg. 6
ple around me adjust to these changes and show generosity and empathy for others in our community. On the subject of change, I am extremely proud of the Hanover County School Board for making the decision to do the right thing and change the Confederate names of LeeDavis and Stonewall Jackson to something less divisive and more inclusive of our whole community. I am sure it was a difficult decision, given the strong objection by many residents. However, the decision reflects an intent to move for-
Virginia” lists various Virginia pests that affect cabbages, kale, collards, broccoli, and other cole crops. My cross-striped cabbageworm was there. Though the large egg masses may appear in late May, overlapping generations, as many as four, will last through the warm season, into fall. Also, the moth, yellowish-brown in color, is nocturnal and unremarkable in appearance. It is not likely to be seen, but row covers, anchored with bricks or rocks, can prevent eggs being laid on the cabbages. VCE suggests that for home gardeners, removing the larvae by hand is the best way to control this pest. Other biological controls are parasitic wasps, tachinid flies, and other predators, natural enemies of cole crop cabbageworms. Then there is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a bacterium used in commercial formulae that provides effective control of caterpillars without harming other natural enemies. Because the larvae overwinter in garden and field debris, clearing out any garden waste in and around raised and garden beds at the end of the season will minimize the opportunities for harmful insect habitats. With such an arsenal of resources, I should surely be able to win against this enemy.
ward into the future instead of stubbornness to remain mired in a contentious past. My husband graduated from Lee-Davis High School in 1972 and my daughter from Atlee High School in 2010. I have been aware since she started kindergarten at Washington Henry Elementary School of the school names being a topic of discussion and concern among some Hanover residents. I am so glad this issue has finally been dealt with. I want to thank the school board for this conscientious decision, and say how proud I am to be a citizen of Hanover County. Jude Schlotzhauer Mechanicsville
Third-party idea offered on school names “The names and changing of the names at each school have been an extremely sensitive issue to many Hanoverians” read the statement issued by the Hanover County School Board when they decided to re-install the Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School signage. Indeed, it is a sensitive issue, which is why I and many other Hanoverians, including the membership of Together see LETTERS, pg. 8
2020 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest RICHMOND -- The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond is seeking entries for the Virginia War Memorial 2020 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest. The contest is open to all Virginia middle and high school age public, private and homeschooled students. One winner will be selected from among all middle school entries (grades 6-8) and one from high school (grades 9-12) entries. The topic for the 2020 contest is “An American Who Served in The Military During World War II Who Inspires Me.” Students can consider a member of their family, of their community, or a famous man or woman who served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces as their subject. Essays should be 500 to 750 words in length and utilize interviews and primary sources whenever possible. The two students who write the winning essays will each receive a $200 gift card and each of their teachers will earn receive a $100 gift card to purchase classroom supplies. The student winners also will be invited to come to Richmond to read aloud their essays and participate in the Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The deadline for entries for the Virginia War Memorial 2020 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. Complete information regarding the essay theme, rules, guidelines and how to enter is available online at https://vawarmemorial.org/ learn/contests-scholarships/ essay/ or by calling Virginia
War Memorial assistant education director Morgan Guyer at 804-786-2060.
About the Virginia War Memorial The mission of the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Inspire Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate
sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and the Global War on Terrorism. Located at 621 S. Belvidere St. in Richmond, the Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who have served in our military. For more details, visit www. virginiawarmemorial.org or www.dvs.virginia.gov.
PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING
“Ashland Theatre After Dark” now offers private rentals at our pop up drive-in. Call 804.401.7007 for details! Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020 7
Economic Development Authority seeks applicants to serve as directors Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Applicants are being solicited by the Town of Ashland Economic Development Authority (EDA). Those interested must reside in the town or Hanover County. According to the bylaws, the purpose of the EDA is “to acquire, own, lease, and dispose of properties to the end that it may be able to promote industry and develop trade by inducing manufacturing, industrial, governmental and commercial enterprises to locate in or remain in the Commonwealth of Virginia and to further REYNAL the use of its agricultural products and natural resources, and all other purposes as are now or may hereafter be set forth in the Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, Chapter 49, Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended (the ‘Act’).” The bylaws further state that the EDA “shall be vested with all powers that may be necessary to enable it to accomplish its purposes, and all such powers shall be exercised for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Virginia either through the increase of their
LETTERS Continued from pg. 7
Hanover, have called for a thirdparty, independent organization to guide our community through a process to discuss and change the Confederate school names and mascots. This would be part of a larger racial justice and repair process that would include an equity audit of Hanover County Public Schools, possibly done by a separate diversity and inclusion consultant. This audit would examine, make recommendations, and hold Hanover County Public Schools accountable for address-
8
commerce, or through the promotion of their safety, health, welfare, convenience or prosperity. The Authority may exercise all powers granted to it by the Act as may be in effect from time to time. The Authority shall be a separate and distinct legal entity from the Town of Ashland, Virginia and shall be, in accordance with the Act, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Seven directors, who are appointed by Ashland Town Council, serve on the Authority. Their terms are for four years. For more information, contact Joe Topham, Business Retention & Expansion Manager, at jtopham@ashlandva.gov or 798-9219. TOPHAM A downloadable printable application is available at https://www. ashlandva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/357/ Application-for-B oards-C ommittees-Commissions?bidId=. Applications are to be submitted to Assistant Town Manager Matt Reynal at mreynal@ashlandva.gov:Application. The application also may be mailed to Reynal at: 101 Thompson St., P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. The position will remain open until filled.
ing systemic racial disparities in several categories such as hiring and staffing, professional development, curricular and instructional materials, access to G/T (gifted and talented) programming and advanced coursework, discipline, and access to extra-curricular opportunities. Every time I, as an individual parent and education policy expert, have pressed the need for Hanover County Public Schools to have an equity audit conducted, the response has been: “We do those ourselves.” This defies the definition of “audit.” Furthermore, in December 2017, Together Hanover, represented by Hueina Su, insisted
Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020
on the appointment of a thirdparty, independent organization in our first public statement to the school board that called for the harmful Confederate school names and mascots to be changed. We advocated the organization’s work should start with moderating public dialogue about those names and mascots. At the following school board meeting in January 2018, in our next public statement, I expressed great reservations with the survey process that had just been announced that night. I reiterated that any feedback process needed to be taken on by an independent, third-parsee LETTERS, pg. 9
RETURN Continued from pg. 1
end from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m., while secondary schools will begin from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. and depart campus from 3:30 to 4 to p.m. Online classes are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. for elementary students and secondary instruction begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. “We don’t want everybody arriving and departing school at the same time,” Greif said. In order to ensure social distancing on school buses, double-back or additional routes will be necessary to accommodate students who request transportation. Greif said parents have responded well to the system’s request for them to provide transportation when possible. Bus routes will be announced in late August, slightly later than usual due to the unique nature of the transportation challenges. Prior to Greif ’s presentation, a number of public comments read during the meeting focused on the need for a fully virtual opening for most students, and pointed out several perceived flaws in the county’s evolving plan. Some speakers questioned a procedure that allows teachers to opt for virtual assignments, but does not guarantee a return to their routine classrooms once they choose face-to-face instruction. There also was a question regarding temperature checks and Hanover’s decision not to utilize them. Assistant superintendent Mandy Baker said checking each student would impact instruction time, and said checks are only one means of detection. School officials are tasking parents to check students each day before school for any symptoms. Other speakers opposed the plan that includes the creation of a new virtual-only
school, and the effect that could produce in communities that have established long-term and lasting relationships within their home school. Those commenters said virtual instruction that mirrors the classroom would allow students to maintain those relationships. Greif said officials have considered that and other communication, and agreed that a student’s connection with their home school, even in a virtual setting, is important. “We’ve been working on this and we’ve developed some strategies to keep that connection,” she said. “Some of the different ideas that we are implementing is a different type of counseling model and this will keep our students connected with their home school counselor. We know this is very important,” she added. She said virtual students will be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities based at those home schools, and elementary virtual classes will be organized so there are familiar faces in each class. “While a class won’t be 100% from any one elementary school, we will ensure that students are clustered so that they recognize faces as they are doing their synchronous learning,” Greif said. JROTC classes also will be closely tied to established communities and offered to online and in-class students at all three of those programs. Parents of virtual students also are encouraged to remain active in their home school PTOs, and continue other connections with the campus. Greif said the plan is poised to react to reclassifications from Governor Northam, and, while the system is opening under Phase III recommendations, it’s also
designed to transition when the need arises. “If we have to go out for Phase II or, quite frankly, if we have to do a quarantine, there will still be that continuity of learning that is so important, and that learning would be directed by the teacher who knows the student best and not as a pre-packaged option from the division, which is where our emergency plan landed last spring.” With a changing set of conditions and circumstances, it’s anybody’s guess what other alterations might be necessary to facilitate a successful return to the classroom, and superintendent Michael Gill said that moving target requires flexible responses. He also acknowledged the difficulty parents encounter when considering best options for their students. “This is a situation, this pandemic and our response on a return to learn, has created some very deep and passionate feelings,” Gill said. “Not only are we talking about the public health concern but we’re also talking about those that are most precious to us — our students.” Board members voiced unanimous support of the return to learn plan following Greif ’s presentation, an outline they had previously approved at last month’s meeting. “I think this is a good plan and I’m confident it will be a successful operation,” board chair John Axselle, Beaverdam District, said. Students begin school in Hanover County on Sept. 8. The school board plans to conduct its first in person meeting in months that evening beginning at 7 p.m. at an as yet undisclosed location. Officials are attempting to obtain a larger space to allow social distancing during the meeting.
LETTERS Continued from pg. 8
ty organization and that the superintendent and his staff, as the school board’s employees, should not be put in the position of conducting this survey. When I asked one school board member where they got this unsound survey idea, and why they hadn’t consulted with the Virginia School Board Association or another school district that has been through this, they told me with enthusiasm, “Oh, the survey was HCPS Senior Staff’s idea.” The then school board chair Sue Dibble reassured me and other advocates repeatedly that she and the Hanover County School Board trusted Dr. Michael Gill and his staff to manage the process. Now, here we are post successful name change vote -thank you, Ms. Ola Hawkins, Mr. Robert Hundley, Mr. Sterling Daniel, and Ms. Kelly Evko! The Hanover County Board of Supervisors and Hanover County School Board members who did not agree with the vote and did not like that the formerly Confederate-themed schools’ signs came down have suddenly decided after five years of overwhelmingly positive reviews and endorsements stating otherwise that Dr. Gill and his staff are bullies who have mismanaged the process. (Never mind that attorneys for the board of supervisors fighting the name changes argued recently in a court of law that they have nothing to do with school names and mascots.) Indeed, Hanover County Public Schools is not equipped to guide itself through a racial justice and repair process, or to audit itself. Hanover County Public Schools routinely appoints third-party, independent organizations to oversee and conduct other tasks, audits, and reports. So, why not in this case? If Hanover County School
Board members and leaders truly believe, as they keep repeating that, “racism and hatred have no place in our schools,” they will save themselves and us all further grief and ineptitude and appoint an entity to help us to meaningfully begin the process of racial repair and healing. The Confederate names and mascots are just symptoms; without addressing the deeper problem of institutional racism, the disease will rage on unabated. Rachel Levy, Ph.D. Together Hanover Ashland
Descriptions hurtful, insulting and wrong After reading Heather Greenwell’s letter in the Aug. 5 edition of The Local, I am compelled to respond to her gross mischaracterization of our community. While I endorse and respect Ms. Greenwell’s right to express her opinion and support for the Hanover County School Board, the use of the terms “Klanover” and “backward” to describe our fine county is hurtful, insulting and wrong. To brand our entire county with these unfair labels is beyond offensive. I find it interesting that Ms. Greenwell would use such words since it appears she is a proponent of inclusivity and respect for all people yet her terminology promotes divisiveness and contempt. My family moved to Hanover in 1998 for many reasons, not the least of which was the reputation of its citizens as being fine, upstanding, moral people. Hanover was then and continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, worship and raise a family. We take pride in being see LETTERS, pg. 10
GRASP Continued from pg. 1
Georgetown School. Gabriella Pascoe, Atlee High School; Allison Sanchez, Patrick Henry High School; Michelle Tran, Lee-Davis High School; and Ashauni Young Hanover High School. GRASP’s goal is to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity for continuing education after high school, regardless of financial or social circumstances. During the 2019-2020 academic year, GRASP implemented its programs via advisors who provide free, confidential, one-onone counseling in 87 Virginia high schools to students seeking financial aid and scholarships for continuing education after high school – whether that is technical school, community college or a four-year university. GRASP advisors now serve students and families in Virginia schools, from the Greater Richmond area, to Highland County in the west, to Lancaster County in the east, and to Mecklenburg County in the south. The highly-trained GRASP advisors are adept at navigating the maze of the college and post-secondary education financial aid process. They also have a passion for expanding students’ opportunities to learn. GRASP advisors typically assist more than 8,000 students and their families, individually, in developing postsecondary education game plans each year. The GRASP advising program and scholarships are made possible by generous donor support year after year. Last Dollar scholarships are awarded to at least one student at each school GRASP serves. The Community College Pathway scholarships are
awarded to students who plan to attend community college to receive a career certificate or transfer to a four-year college. The College Success scholarships are awarded to students who are participating in the GRASP College Success program which provides support for GRASP students currently attending college. GRASP salutes the 2020 scholarship recipients. Many of this year’s scholarship
recipients will be the first members of their families to attend post-secondary education. All have learned about the importance of continuing their educations as the next step for their future successes. This year, due to limitations as a result of COVID19, GRASP will present “GRASP Scholarship Recipient” yard signs to students at their homes in lieu of the celebratory luncheons
typically held in six regions of the state where we provide our GRASP services. GRASP was co-founded in 1983 by Sen. Walter Stosch and Dr. Ray Gargiulo. GRASP advisors work one day per week at each school. Appointments, which are free of charge, can be made through the schools’ counseling offices. More information about GRASP is available at the website, www.grasp4va.org.
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LETTERS Continued from pg. 9
Hanover County residents and like other citizens don’t consider ourselves to be “backward” in any way. Likewise, similar to many others, we proudly embrace the role Hanover played in the history of Virginia and our nation. Is Hanover’s role in history perfect? No, it isn’t, but whose is? As has been stated many times by those more eloquent than me, the important thing about history is that we
acknowledge it along with our imperfections to learn from them and avoid repeating our mistakes. It is disappointing that Hanover doesn’t measure up to Ms. Greenwell’s racial justice standards. Might I suggest she consider exercising her right to relocate to a community more deserving of her ideals. I’m confident it wouldn’t be difficult to round up a few of my fellow “backward” Hanoverians to help her pack. Scott DeNoon Mechanicsville
Retired history teacher: treason was committed I am a retired public school U.S. history teacher with 40 years of experience who now is happy to call Hanover County my home. While I have not lived here all that long, I believe my professional career and the subject I taught lend credibility to the following points I would like to make about the actions and pronouncements of
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the Hanover County Board of Supervisors at the July 22 meeting and the reactions of your readers to the same. I was dismayed by some of the mythology I read masquerading as history. To continue calling the Civil War “The War between the States” and to argue that it was not about slavery is Neo-Confederate interpretation from the school of Ulrich B. Philips and others, which has been thoroughly discredited by modern scholarship. I also was dismayed by the sanctimonious remarks by some of the supervisors criticizing the actions of the four members of the school board who voted in favor of changing the school names. There are several compelling reasons that cried out for the change: While it may or may not be true that the schools were named after Confederate leaders to discourage African American students from attending, this much is simple fact. The men for whom the schools were named committed treason against the United States government. You only need reference Article 3, Section 3 of the Constitution to understand that. To continue perpetually venerating individuals who committed treason simply does not make sense; I daresay it is unpatriotic. More importantly, no public school student should ever be shamed, embarrassed, or humiliated by the name or the mascots of their schools. Much of the anti-change commentary I read clearly applied to white members of the student body, their parents, and alumni. What of the sensibilities of African American students and the white students who were made uncomfortable by the controversial names and a mascot associated with a period of the nation’s history that has some features to be proud of but a lot to deeply regret?
I did truly enjoy some of the even-handed and compassionate letters that I read. I was relieved that some of the readers shared my concern that in the furor over the name change, no one seemed to be thinking about the interests of the African American students or of the white students who understand that change was long overdue. And what excellent parenting by the father who wrote: “… 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.” That particular passage was so very impressive, and profoundly moving. Michael Ludwig Old Church Mechanicsville
Resident: No Guilt Trip on equal meaning A few readers have tried to lay a “Guilt Trip” on the citizens of Hanover County and I am tired of it. These people want you to believe if you do not agree completely with the demands of BLM and/or Antifa and their supporters; you are a racist. This is totally wrong! Equally has an entirely different meaning to these people than what I was taught. One pointed out a “Red Neck Lane” group at LeeDavis High School but failed to mention the “Miss Black America” contest or the “BET Awards”. etc., that are reserved for “Blacks Only”, whereby the “Miss America” contest is open to people of all color. There are no “Whites Only” contests in America! Another wrote referring to Hanover County as “Klanover”, but they still elected to relocate here “For the schools”. Yes! Those same schools that car-
ried the names of Confederate leaders did not slow them down from coming to Hanover 10 years ago. Now they view Hanover as “Backwards”. Oh my … Lions and tigers and bears … Oh my! There is nothing wrong with Hanover, or its citizens! Do not let these radical, left wing extremist, Marxist, socialists shame you into feeling any guilt for things you have nothing to feel guilty or shame over. We moved to Hanover 30 years ago and many a day we have rejoiced over getting out of Richmond, and even more so in recent times. Given options which would you select: Hanover, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, or LA? I would still pick Hanover and be glad I did. Buddy Cousins Ashland
Resident: ‘Klanover’ term unfair, incorrect In response to the letter sent by Heather Greenwell in the issue dated Aug. 5, I must say the following: She is correct in thinking the characterization of her friend referring to Hanover as “Klanover” was unfair. Not only is it unfair, it is incorrect. The writer of this letter has resided in Hanover fewer than 10 years. Did she not do her research? Lee-Davis High School was built in 1959. The First Amendment of the Constitution allows us all to speak freely in public or private settings. If you don’t support a particular issue, do not attend, or, voice your opposition. In the 50 years that I have lived in Hanover County, not one single time have I been approached by a member of the Ku Klux Klan. Not one single time have I seen a cross burning in someone’s front yard. 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.
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| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
Kickers withstand late-charging Tucson By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor Saturday’s rains may have dampened City Stadium – and inundated some of the areas around it – but they could not dampen the intensity of the 90-plus minute contest between the Richmond Kickers and their visitors, FC Tucson. For most of the match, Tucson controlled the ball with a 2-to-1 advantage in possession time. But the Kickers struck in the opening minutes of the first half, added another goal just before intermission, then held off a furious Tuscon attack in the final minutes for a 2-1 win. “Our press is still not where it needs to be,” said Richmond head coach Darren Sawatzky, a former assistant at FC Tucson. “I think we’re lacking a couple of the type of player that does that. Some guys are filling in and doing a great job. “I think what we’re doing really well is at the mid-watch area, just past the half line. We pounce on things and get behind teams pretty quickly.” Ivan Magalhães put the Kickers on the board in the seventh minute. After Tucson’s Roberto Alarcon was whistled for a foul near the left sideline, Mutaya Mwape took the penalty kick for Richmond and placed it perfectly – in the air toward the right side of the box. Magalhães headed it in for the score.
Warren to focus on football By Tim Pearrell Richmond Times-Dispatch
Joe Mahoney/Times-Dispatch
Richmond’s keeper Akira Fitzgerald makes a leaping stop in the Kickers’ 2-1 win over visiting Tucson Saturday.
“We practice these a lot. Pretty much every day we have a little bit of set-piece practice,” Magalhães said. “I’ve got a good connection with MuMu (Mwape) and know where he likes to hit the ball. I just tried to get out there to get the ball and was fortunate to score.” The Kickers got their second goal in the 42nd minute. Scott Thomsen sent a cross in to Luke Pavone, who was inside the Tucson box. Pavone
fired, but his on-target shot was blocked by a spectacular dive by Tucson keeper Carlos Merancio. The ricochet bounced out to Richmond’s Matt Bolduc, who passed it to Ryley Kraft. Kraft in turn found Emiliano Terzaghi on the left side of the box, and Terzaghi spun around and whipped the ball into the right side of the net for his third goal of the season. The Kickers could not afford to relax with the 2-0 lead, how-
ever. Prior to Saturday, the visitors had scored all of their goals after 87 minutes. That late intensity was on display at City Stadium, with Tucson beating its earliest scoring time with a goal in the 82nd minute when Shak Adams took a pass form Charlie Dennis and slipped the ball past Richmond keeper Akira Fitzgerald. Part of Richmond’s problems were a pair of first-half yellow cards, including one to
Kraft, that forced the defense to be a bit less aggressive. “In the first half, you could see that me, personally, I was flying to the ball. The guy beat me on one of the plays and I brought him down,” Kraft said. “That definitely affected how I had to play. … We have to be cautious and not do anything stupid.” Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
The Richmond News Leader started naming “All-Metropolitan” teams in football, basketball and baseball in the 1950s. Girls basketball joined the list in the latter part of the 1980s, swimming in the mid-‘90s. By the late ‘90s, almost all of the area’s boys and girls sports in the region had an All-Metro team (players outside the city of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover weren’t eligible until 1992, when The News Leader merged with The TimesDispatch). While opportunities for selection in multiple sports weren’t as numerous until the past 20 or so years, a fair number of players have been All-Metro in two sports. The newspapers, though, haven’t kept a list of those who have been see WARREN, pg. 12
Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020
11
WARREN Continued from pg. 12
All-Metro in three sports. Which brings us to Atlee’s Tyler Warren. Before reporting to Penn State recently for his freshman year in football, the 6-foot-6, 235-pound Warren was first-team All-Metro in football (twice), first team in baseball (last year) and third team in basketball (this year), making him the rare local athlete to make it in three sports. “Most guys specialize today,” Atlee basketball coach Rally Axselle said. “To be All-Metro in three sports is phenomenal.” Warren was a two-time pick in football as a punter, although the group of writers and broadcasters selecting the team certainly could have put him in other positions. He was a quarterback, played multiple positions on defense and punted. Warren passed for 1,242 yards (15 touchdowns, eight interceptions) and ran for 570 yards (nine touchdowns) on offense. He averaged 38 yards punting, placing seven inside the 20-yard line. As a forward-center in basketball, he averaged 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 blocks and shot 56% overall and 34% on 3-pointers. As a junior outfielder in baseball, Warren hit .469, had a .539 on-base percentage and drove in 25 runs. A chance to repeat this year was nixed after spring sports were canceled by the coronavirus pandemic. “If he wanted to, I bet he could play D-I for any of the three sports he played,” Atlee baseball coach John Corbin said. More remarkable, perhaps, is Warren’s coaches say that while he made strength and conditioning a priority, he focused on the sport that was in-season, picking it up as if he’d never stopped. “He was just dedicated to getting bigger and stronger and better at whatever he was
12
Joe Mahoney/Times-Dispatch
Tyler Warren, a standout three-sport athlete at Atlee, will focus on just one of the three at Penn State: football.
doing,” Corbin said. “He’s athletically gifted, but he works his tail off, too.” Atlee football coach Matt Gray said the one thing Warren wasn’t going to do was limit himself to one sport in high school. Neither were his coaches. “High school … should be an opportunity for you to experience all things,” Gray said. “I think the specialization is there for college. I think that’s the way it should be handled with every kid. You’re looking at high school sports, and there’s such a demand to specialize. I think it’s a total disservice to that athlete. But that was one thing I think we celebrated and are very proud of.” Warren’s priority now is football, and he’ll play tight end for the Nittany Lions. Penn State doesn’t allow freshmen to talk to the media, so we’ll let his high school coaches talk about his ability to excel at three sports.
Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020
Football In one game, Warren threw for a touchdown, ran for a TD, made a TD-saving tackle, blocked a punt and had a lot of tackles. He played quarterback, safety, defensive end, linebacker and punter in that game. “He’s so valuable,” Gray said. “We’d have kids go down [with an injury], and he’d be beside me on the sideline and he’d say, ‘I can do it.’ He didn’t want to be pigeonholed.” As much as Gray and others rave about Warren’s athletic ability and knowledge of every sport, Gray raved as much about Warren’s character, saying it was his No. 1 strength and describing him as “super humble.” “I’m sitting in the library and I had a [college] coach come in and say, ‘Why don’t you tell me about who this kid is,’” Gray said. “I said, ‘Let’s go.’ I walked up to the librarian and I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to tell
you a name, and I want you to tell me about this kid.’ I said, ‘Tyler Warren.’ He’s a junior at this point. She said, ‘Hmmm. I know the name, but I’m not sure I could pick him out.’ “This was a librarian who sees every student in our school. When I say super humble. … I don’t think he wants to draw a bunch of attention to himself. He’s very unique and he’s different.” Warren was a great teammate, Gray said, fun to be around, a good friend, a hard worker who didn’t take his ability for granted, and a competitor. “I mean the ultimate competitor,” Gray said. “You talk about a guy who does not like losing. It doesn’t really matter [in what]. “We’d start off a team meeting with rock, paper, scissors. If he was a guy that I called up there, he was dialed in to rock, paper, scissors like he was when we were playing our rival school.”
Basketball Axselle said if Warren had specialized more in basketball, he “maybe could have been an A-10-type player.” “He’s an athlete playing basketball, but he understands how to play basketball, too,” Axselle said. “He has a very diverse game in forms of shooting. He’s not the greatest ballhandler because part of that deals with he doesn’t play that much. But he can score midrange, on 3s and in the post. That makes him tough to stop. And being a 6-5, 6-6 athlete, it’s a tough matchup because you put a little guy on him, he takes him into the post. You take a big guy and he can make one or two dribbles, and he can shoot a 3 on you.” Axselle said Warren’s “physical strength is above everybody else’s.” He’s explosive as a jumper, throwing down some thunderous dunks, and has the quickness to defend guards. “His multifaceted skill set
is what’s crazy,” Axselle said. “He goes from the football field, pounding guys, running guys over, making great passes, to shooting 3s and getting rebounds and blocking shots, to baseball. That’s probably the toughest thing to do, go to baseball. He’s just so skilled at so many different things it’s crazy.” Baseball Gray knows a major league coach who discussed Warren’s potential to be drafted in baseball. A center fielder and pitcher, Warren has “ridiculous speed,” Corbin said, and has a terrific arm and terrific power. Corbin said Warren “easily” would have hit 90-plus mph on the mound this year had there been a season. “He has unbelievable hands,” Corbin said. “The amount of power that he possesses from all the workouts he does for football and everything … “Tyler, [the ball] just came off his bat a little different. … It’s hard to describe, but he would hit balls that would like be 10 feet off the ground, and within three seconds they’re off the fence. It’s just like a ridiculous amount of power you don’t see from a normal [high school player]. That’s why I was disappointed I didn’t get to watch him this year because he was 20 pounds heavier and two inches taller.” Corbin said after Atlee lost in the basketball regionals this year, Warren “came out to [baseball] tryouts and I think it was about 48 degrees and he one-hopped the fence three or four times. And I’m just like …” “It wouldn’t surprise me,” Corbin added, “unless he finds something else he enjoys doing in the real world, to see him on Sundays [in the NFL].” Last word Gray said there is one sport in which Warren does not excel: golf. “Yet,” he said. Tim Pearrell can be reached at tpearrell@timesdispatch.com.
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HANOVER COUNTY, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FISCAL YEAR 2021 PROPOSED BUDGET AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-2507, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the FY21 Budget in the amount of $9,402,168 of federal funds distributed in accordance with the CARES Act. These funds will be used by Hanover County and the Hanover County Public Schools to make purchases related to the COVID-19 response in accordance with federal regulations. This public hearing will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia. At that time, interested persons may present written or oral statements and ask questions regarding the proposed budget amendment. Those wishing to provide comment without attending in person may leave a message at phone number (804) 365-3333 or send an email to Boardpublichearingcommentsaugust26@hanovercounty.gov. _____________________________________________ John A. Budesky, County Administrator
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ASHLAND TOWN COUNCIL Please take notice that on September 1, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at a meeting of the Ashland Town Council a public hearing will be conducted at 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, Virginia 23005 to receive public comment on a proposed amendment to the FY 2020-2021 budget. The proposed amendment would add $1,207,129 in expenditures and revenues to the General Fund. Currently, the total amount of the budget is $16,095,889. If the proposed amendment is approved, the total budget would be $17,303,018. 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. Community members are encouraged to participate electronically submitting written comments to Assistant Town Manager Matt Reynal at mreynal@ashlandva.gov, through regular mail to Clerk of Council, Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005, or by calling (804) 798-9219. A complete copy of the proposed amendment to the FY 2020-2021 budget may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-9219, 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, Virginia 23005. Any person with a disability seeking assistance is asked to contact Town Hall in advance of the meeting for necessary arrangements. Following the public hearing, the Council may take action to approve the budget amendment and appropriation. BY ORDER OF THE ASHLAND TOWN COUNCIL Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020 13
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZONINGS REZ2020-00009, GREGORY C. BENTLEY Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 7708-08-5310, consisting of approximately 10.0 acres, and located on the west line of Watkins Road (State Route 721) approximately 0.53 miles north of its intersection with Dogwood Trail Road (State Route 620). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a family member for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 5.0 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00011, ORANE C. HOLSTEIN Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPINs 7797-08-6638 and 7797-08-7738, consisting of approximately 2.0 acres, and located on the west line of Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656) at its intersection with Totopotomoy Trail (State Route 1265). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of flex space and offices. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland REZ2020-00013, SPROUSES CORNER, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPINs 6798-48-4568 and 6799-30-3160, consisting of approximately 41.06 acres, and located on the west line of Pinhook Road (State Route 617) at its intersection with Oilville Manor Court (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of six (6) building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 6.84 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00014, GIAMBANCO INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions, on GPIN 8724-18-4699, consisting of approximately 0.44 acres, and located on the west line of Jackson Arch Drive (State Route 770) approximately 225’ south of its intersection with Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General and Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for retail and other neighborhood business uses. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville REZ2020-00015, EDDIE A. BLUNT, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7778-55-9634, consisting of approximately 17.53 acres, and located on the north line of Cobbs Road (State Route 801) approximately 780 feet west of its intersection with Old Scotland Road (State Route 2259). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 42 building lots for a gross density of 2.4 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00020, SHOP CREEK, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RC(c), Rural Conservation District with conditions, on GPINs 7708-45-9084(part) and 7708-75-3502(part), consisting of approximately 150 acres, and located on the south line of Dogwood Trail Road (State Route 620) at its intersection with Bienvenue Road (State Route 607). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 24 building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 6.25 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00023, RCI BUILDERS, L.L.C. (GUM TREE WOODS SUBDIVISION) Request(s) an amendment to the proffers approved with rezoning request C-55-05(c), Judson T. Vaughan, Jr., on GPIN 7872-64-4185, zoned AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, and located on the north line of Old Ridge Road (State Route 738) approximately 1,900 feet west of its intersection with Breedens Road (State Route 694). The proposed zoning amendment would amend the cash proffer. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 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 SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS SE2020-00018, HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS (FIRE/EMS) Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-337 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to allow a second entrance along the fire station’s frontage on Fire House Road (State Route 1004) on GPIN 8800-95-4831, consisting of approximately 3.22 acres, 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). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam SE2020-00017, ANTHONY B. RHOADES Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.17 (b) of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a manufactured home in a medical hardship case on GPIN 6891-74-7002, consisting of approximately 7.1 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of Hopeful Road (private road) approximately 525 feet south of its intersection with Taylors Creek Road (State Route 610). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna SE2020-00021, CELLCO PARTNERSHIP D/B/A VERIZON WIRELESS Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with the provisions of the R-1, Single-Family Residential District regulations of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance (formerly located at Title I, Article 5, Section 3A of the Zoning Ordinance and as amended by Ordinance 07-13), to permit a temporary communications facility not to exceed 100 feet in height on GPIN 7798-70-8244, consisting of approximately 9.11 acres, zoned R-1, Single-Family Residential District, and A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of New Ashcake Road (State Route 643) at its intersection with Wychwood Drive (State Route 1218). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland 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 case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
14
Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020
FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD PUZZLE
08/19-08/20
WATER QUALITY WORD SEARCH
HOROSCOPES
46. Carpenter’s tool 47. Before 49. Consent to receive 52. Passages 56. The Duke of Edinburgh 58. Utter repeatedly 60. Linked together in a chain 62. Quality that evokes pity 63. Maintained possession of CLUES DOWN 1. U.S. military school 2. Controls 3. Away from wind 4. Grab quickly 5. Being everlasting 6. Vase 7. Atomic #3 8. Type of medication 9. Encircle with a belt 10. Belonging to you 12. American state 13. City in Zambia 16. Good Gosh!
17. Of the country 20. Helsinki district 22. 36 inches 25. Reporters’ group 26. The voice of Olaf 27. Explains in detail 29. Tooth caregiver 31. One point south of due east 34. Scottish river 36. Elsa’s sister 37. Civil Rights group 38. Line of poetry 40. Doctor 43. Fatty acid 45. Avatar (abbr.) 48. Awe-inspiring garden 50. Fall down 51. Rock icon Turner 53. Asian country (alt. sp.) 54. UK museum network 55. Stairs have at least one 57. Part of (abbr.) 58. Simpson trial judge 59. Sun up in New York 61. Exclamation of surprise
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may meet some new people who can introduce you to some other new and influential people. It is always beneficial to expand your network.
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this week you may be feeling more intuitive than ever before. It may seem like you have psychic abilities. Pick up on the feelings and bits of information coming.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20 You may be inclined to be more spiritual or metaphysical in the days to come, Capricorn. Explore all avenues of higher thinking, especially if you find it calming.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, if you have been seeking a romantic partner you may fall in love over the next few days. For those who are in relationships, the bonds of love only grow stronger.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23 Some exciting experiences are coming your way this week, Leo. You may discover a talent you didn’t know you had, or you may involve yourself in a creative endeavor.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, now is the right time to be more idealistic. Embrace that mood. Put your energy toward being sensitive to social and political conditions and get your voice heard.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you tend to be sensitive to the feelings of others, and this is a good approach that will serve you and others in various ways. Maintain this sense of compassion.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you usually approach situations rationally and scientifically, but sometimes you need to throw caution to the wind. You might be surprised with the results.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21 Business and money are going well for you, Sagittarius. You might be thinking in terms of making a big career change or even starting your own business.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20 You tend to see those people closest to you in their best light, Pisces. Encourage them to do the same if a situation arises that requires it.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21 Several powerful events have the potential to improve the positive energy surrounding you, Gemini. Bask in this warmth and the good news it is likely to bring.
THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS
CLUES ACROSS 1. Popular musical awards show 5. Speech in one’s honor 11. A state of poor nutrition 14. Not ingested 15. More lacking in taste 18. ÒPopeyeÓ cartoonist 19. Helps to reduce speed 21. January 1 greeting (abbr.) 23. Georgian currency 24. Proverb expressing a truth 28. Jewish calendar month 29. Volume measurement 30. Fair-skinned 32. Patti Hearst’s captors 33. Have already done 35. Touch lightly 36. Autonomic nervous system 39. Plant part 41. College degree 42. Military alliance 44. Tokyo’s former name
ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you feel a desire to be of service to others. Humanitarian tendencies are a trait that you should be proud to display. Keep up all of the good work.
Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020 15
NAMES Continued from pg. 1
15 names to be considered by the public. By Aug. 27, the selection committee will limit the choices to three finalists for each school, and the public will be polled on those selections. Nomination forms are available on the Hanover County Public Schools website. The committee, made up of 30 administrators, teachers, community members and students, is expected to return to the Sept. 8 meeting with a recommendation for new names for both schools. That selection will be narrowed down with a series of meetings in August, and the
LETTERS Continued from pg. 10
Not once have I experienced Klan members marching through a neighborhood or lurking about in the night. I’ve asked these same questions to residents who have been here 80 years and the answers are the same. No Klan presence or involvement in day-to-day life. It is without a doubt that any group of people or organization can be found, if you seek them out, in any county throughout our magnificent country. When I think of Hanover County, I think of hard-working people. It used to be a rural community with beautiful landscapes where children and animals could run free. Farming was strong and often you would be slowed on U.S. 301 as a combine would make its way forward. People of different ethnicities worked together. Hayrides with Christmas Carolers made their
board is scheduled to vote on the new names at its September meeting. In a related matter, the board voted 6-1 to remove all recently installed signage at both campuses no later than Sept. 7, the day before school starts. George Sutton, Henry District, made the motion, and John Axselle, Beaverdam District, provided the only opposition vote to the action. The vote reaffirms the board’s intention to have the names retired by the start of the new school year. Local NAACP president Robert Barnette said the vote is a step in the right direction after what he said were mixed signals from school officials. way through the neighborhoods. No Klan members in sight. Sure, there are people with different views everywhere, as we see and hear daily when we watch or read the news. It’s sad that hard-working people who live in, what at one time was, the country, are stereotyped as “backward and out of touch on racial justice issues”. Nonsense! Neighborhoods are diverse; for the most part people are polite and kind to one another and help each other in need. I am also saddened that many people are so judgmental without taking time to do just a little research. As was mentioned by Ms. Greenwell, Hanover County has an excellent education system. We are fortunate to have excellent law enforcement and every convenience close at hand. “Klanover” is completely undeserved and is an example of the ignorance of the person or persons who say it. Lisa S. Watson Mechancisville
For information on Celebrations announcements, contact Cindy Adams at 804-775-4616 or email cadams@mechlocal.com 16
Ashland-Hanover Local August 19, 2020
“The Hanover County NAACP applauds tonight’s 6-1 decision of the school board committing to removing the signs for Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School before the start of the 2020 school year,” Barnette said. “The Hanover County NAACP was, frankly, baffled, by the school board’s earlier direction to school staff to reinstall the signs for Confederate names it had recently voted to change,” he added. Barnette said he hopes the latest board position is final, and restated his longstanding objections to the names. “As the community and school board members remarked, the names are
MELVIN Continued from pg. 6
played those talents at a Dairy Christmas Party by singing Santa’s Souped Up Sleigh. Outside of a small Nevada town located about 150 miles south of Las Vegas in 1967, Dummar pulled his Caprice to the side of the road to relieve himself. As he walked away from his car seeking what privacy the barren desert could provide, he noticed what appeared at first glance to be a bum laying injured in the scrub hidden from the main road. Dummar assisted the man, assuming he was a misguided drunk or homeless man who had become lost in the desert. The man asked Dummar for a ride to Las Vegas, and he obliged. As the two drove through the desert, the early morning sunrise providing the backdrop for two men; one an example of the highest echelons of human achievement, the other a struggling schmuck trying to figure out where next month’s rent was coming from. In the movie, Hughes opens up to Dummar about
a shameful legacy that are harmful to Black students and families,” he said. “With tonight’s vote, the school board demonstrated its commitment to the July vote to change the names and we hope and expect that the commitment will be unwavering going forward.” Finance Director Amanda Six provided an update on potential costs associated with the name change, but said that assessment will continue and be updated before the next meeting. A future presentation will contain an outline of how the system plans to fund the changes, a schedule of facility modifications, a timetable regarding delivery of sports
uniforms and other equipment and a better idea of when and where a future auction of surplus property would be held. When officials made estimates during the board’s 2018 consideration of a name change, the cost of the changes was about $500,000. “We feel like we have a good anticipated list of what we need and we’re going to continue to fine-tune that before we come back at the next meeting,” Six said. That list includes items like gym floor resurfacing, painting of limited areas, uniforms, marquee and interior/exterior signs and materials and supplies. “We are working through those items,” Six said.
“We walked through the schools and met with the athletic staff and principals and tried to identify what we thought we needed to change,” she said, adding that more details will be provided as the process continues. Six said mementoes and other property from the two schools is being stored at each campus, and estimates are being sought for removal of decals on gymnasium floors. Surplus property can be sold by localities at a public sale or online auction, and HCPS employees cannot purchase surplus property. School officials will confer with county officials to devise the most efficient way to sell the surplus property.
his family history, a devotion to flying, and — like his unlikely sidekick for the evening — an affection for the musical note. They traveled along a two-lane highway as the skies seemed to distribute each element of the spectrum in a heavenly-divined collage of colors not yet named singing and sharing stories. When Dummar dropped the stranger off at the Sands Hotel, Hughes reportedly asked him if he had any spare change. Dummar dug in his pocket and tossed his last coins to Hughes as the walked into the kitchen area of the hotel. As he sped away in the old Chevrolet, the whole encounter seemed odd to Dummar, but, in the continuation of his mundane life, memories of the encounter were soon erased. After Hughes’ death in 1976, Dummar was running a gas station in Salt Lake, Utah, when a will was delivered to the Headquarters of the Mormon Church, a document claiming to be the Last Will and Testament of Howard Hughes. Among others named in
the will was Melvin Dummar who was listed as one of the beneficiaries and entitled to about $156 million of Hughes’ $9 billion fortune. A probate court examined the document and discovered a fingerprint on the edge of the paper that belonged to Melvin Dummar. The unassuming attendant explained he had handled the will, but had not altered or created the last wishes of one of the most eccentric entrepreneurs in history. While working at his gas station days earlier, Dummar claimed a limousine pulled in for gas, and a man had quizzed Dummar for clues regarding his identify. When the car left, the will was sitting on the desk in the office, and Dummar became scared and delivered the will to the Mormon headquarters. The changing story extinguished any chance that Dummar would share in the wealth, and Hughes’ fortunes were eventually distributed to more than two dozen relatives. Dummar never abandoned his claim to the money, and — swore to his death — the will was authentic. A retired
FBI agent investigated his claims in the early 2000s and did discover some of Hughes’ closest aides who confirmed Dummar’s story. But a judge didn’t buy it, and, again, Dummar’s case was dismissed, still believing until he took his final breath in 2018 that Hughes was compensating him for his act of kindness and compassion on that darkened night in the Nevada desert. In the movie, as the pair ride along with windows rolled down enjoying the aroma of a recent desert downpour, Dummar insists that Hughes sing his song. Now, who knows if Howard Hughes ever sang Melvin Dummar’s Santa’s Souped up Sleigh. It’s anybody’s guess, but I’d like to believe it happened. It’s a story that is so engaging, enticing and fanciful, a few facts from a less romantic world of reality should not tarnish its authenticity. Now, I relayed a much more abbreviated version of this story to my children, and they actually looked like they got it, right up the point when one looked at me and said: “Who is Howard Hughes?”