Ashland-Hanover Local – 02/03/2021

DEVELOPMENT

ASTRONMY

CodeBlue Technology relocating headquarters

The Universe from the Center: Wrapping up asteroid discussion PAGE

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Vol. 6 No. 23 | Richmond Suburban News | February 3, 2021

Public input on school budget mostly supportive

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND — Hanover County School Board members held their second public hearing regarding the proposed FY2022 budget. Since the first public hearing took place before Dr. Michael Gill announced details of the proposed spending plan last week, this week’s hearing provided an opportunity for the public to comment on the details of the FY2022 plan.

Several speakers expressed support for Gill’s $215.5 million proposal, most pointing to the teacher and staff salary increases and increased funding for mental health and counseling demands.

Both Hanover professional teachers organizations endorsed the plan and noted the positive momentum outlined in the FY2022 proposal.

President Gene Matthews said his organization as well as Hanover Professional Educators polled their members to gauge reaction to Gill’s presentation last week.

“Our members appreciate the hard work that was put into this budget as well as the collaboration that took

place between Dr. Gill and County Administrator [John] Budesky,” Matthews said. “Our associations emphatically support the improvements in the teachers‘ salary scale.”

Matthews points out the 2.5 percent across-the-board increase for all employees would be supplemented by adjustments made to the difference in pay grade levels resulting in an average pay increase for Hanover teachers of 3.7 percent.

While salary compression remains an issue in need of further attention, Matthews said this year’s adjustments are “a positive step for the county’s educators and one that our memberships greatly appreciate.”

Both organizations also endorsed the pay increases for teaching assistants and bus drivers. “These support professionals work hard and are essential to providing a quality education for our students,” Matthews said.

Gill’s budget includes: 2.5% salary increase for all employees effective July 1.

An additional $1.14 see BUDGET, pg. 9

County offering COVID vaccines

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

Submitted photo

LOVE is the word for Valentine’s Day 2021 as Hanover County continues to celebrate last year’s 300th birthday.

LOVE coming to county to celebrate 300th birthday Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -- Hanover County will host Virginia Tourism’s life-sized LOVE artwork on the lawn of the Hanover Branch Library, located at 7527 Library Dr. in Hanover, at

Hanover Courthouse from the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 10, through the morning of Monday, Feb. 15, as part of the #HereinHanoverVA campaign to recognize the county’s recent 300th birthday. see LOVE, pg. 16

Administrator John Budesky.

“But we have no limitations on the commitment of our ASHLAND— Hanover employees and volunteers to County is proceeding at full make this our No. 1 priority. speed pace to vaccinate its citiWe want every resident who zens, and those efforts were wants a vaccine to get a vaccine greatly bolstered last week with the opening of an on-site vacci- and we will work at this until nation clinic located at the old the need is addressed.”

The county administrator Food Lion in Ashland. praised the efforts Officials opened of Fire-EMS Chief the facility that Jethro Piland and offers vaccines on his staff in managan appointment ing the new facility basis only to resithat will not feature dents already regisregular daily hours tered and signed up and provide vaccifor the shots with a nations by appointpress conference last ment only.

Friday, where offiBudesky praised cials said the county BUDESKY the efforts of many is focused on getting county departas many shots in ments, the school arms as possible.

“We have some limita- system and numerous voltions in terms of supply of the unteers for making the clinic vaccine itself,” said County see VACCINES, pg. 9

Rental Assistance, Safety Enhancement grants offered Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The Town of Ashland is now accepting applications from qualified businesses for two grant programs aimed at providing continued economic support for local businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Both grant programs are being

made possible by a $460,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

“Our goal is to provide timely assistance and demonstrate our commitment to helping our local businesses weather the pandemic,” said Joshua Farrar, Ashland’s

town manager. “We hope every eligible business will apply and take advantage of this opportunity.”

RENTAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS The Rental Assistance grant program will provide rent assistance for small businesses with a see SUPPORT, pg. 2

FARRAR

CodeBlue Technology relocating headquarters Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com M E C HA N IC S V I L L E -- CodeBlue Technology, a provider of comprehensive computing technology solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, announced the upcoming relocation of its Richmond-area headquarters to the Rutland Center Office Building located in Mechanicsville.

“We are delighted to welcome CodeBlue Technology’s headquarters to Hanover County,” said Angela KellyWiecek, Chickahominy District representative on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. “It is particularly exciting because tech-based jobs are a great-fit for our workforce and, of course, Mr. [Trey] Hayden is a homegrown entrepreneur. As they serve their expanding client base, we look forward to support-

ing their continued growth and involvement in our community.”

CodeBlue Technology's extensive offerings span a wide range of services including expert consultations during the procurement of new technology, managed services including security patching, data backups and network monitoring, voice over technologies, networking, security cameras, and more.

Additionally, the company provides comprehensive public and private cloud hosting.

“We are tremendously excited to build out this new space especially designed for our team and the way that we work for our clients," said Trey Hayden, CodeBlue Technology founder and CEO. "This space is going to enable us to work more efficiently, and showcase technology for clients and prospects that visit our office.

We have also included presen-

tation and meeting space that will be open to our neighbors and community groups that need a place to meet or collaborate."

"We are very grateful to Linwood Thomas and the team of Hanover County Economic Development for pointing us towards this new location in Hanover,” he added. “It is important for business owners in our region to know that Hanover County’s Economic Development team works just as hard to support small businesses like ours, as they do for large businesses. I am extremely proud to have our headquarters in Hanover.”

Trey Hayden, a Mechanicsville native and current resident, received his degree from the School of Business at Virginia Commonwealth University after graduating from Hanover County Public Schools. Since

founding the company in 2003, he has provided leadership, time and resources to cultivate his team of nearly 30 consultants, engineers and managers.

With a diverse client list of businesses spanning many industries, including healthcare, finance and accounting, manufacturing, legal, non-profit and more, he said he shares his passion of helping clients through technology with his expert and capable team.

“I have come to know Trey personally over the last three years, and our team has worked hard to help him find the right location for CodeBlue Technology,” said E. Linwood Thomas, IV, director of Hanover County Economic Development. “Mr. Hayden is not just a business owner, but a resident of Hanover County and is also very involved in the local community. He was recently named to the

SUPPORT Continued from pg. 1

physical presence or location in the Town of Ashland who rent or lease their primary business space.

Grants of up to $10,000 per eligible business can be used to cover up to six months of rent payments for businesses that fall into one of 10 categories: tourism, accommodations, restaurants/food service, professional services, cultural & educational services, arts, recreation, retail, health practitioners, and personal care.

SAFETY ENHANCEMENT GRANTS Building on the first round of $2,000 Safety Enhancement grants offered in

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021

Hanover County Economic Development Authority to add to the list of other nonprofit organizations he serves.

I have always found the best companies in any locality are those that also give back to the community in which they are a part of. We are excited to welcome CodeBlue Technology to a small but growing list of tech-based companies that call Hanover County home.”

After completing the move in February 2021, CodeBlue will occupy 6,000 square-feet of the new Rutland Center Office

2020, a second round of funding is now available to further assist businesses with the purchase of PPE and/or to help make safety enhancements to their physical location.

The expanded grant program makes up to $5,000 per eligible business available to first-time applicants and at least $3,000 for businesses that applied and received funding in the first round of grants in 2020.

Any business in the qualifying categories located within the town’s corporate limits is eligible to apply.

Applicants for both grant programs must have a valid Town of Ashland Business License, employ no more than 20 employees, and must be up to date on

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

P R I VAT E R E N TA L S A VA I L A B L E FOR SMALL GROUPS M O R E I N F O : 8 0 4 - 4 0 1-7 0 0 7

Submitted photo

CodeBlue Technology’s headquarters will be located at the Rutland Center Office Building.

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

Building’s third floor located at 9204 Center Oak Court. The remaining two floors, each with over 5,500 square feet, are currently available for lease. This ideal location is located within minutes of Interstate 295 and Interstate 95 in a picturesque mixed-use development with many walkable amenities.

For more information about leasing office space, contact Brandon Turner, deputy director of Economic Development at 804-365-6464 or bsturner@hanovervirginia. com.

all town taxes.

Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis and all funds must be expended by Dec. 8, 2021.

While DHCD is providing the funding, administration will be managed by Town of Ashland staff.

For full details on eligibility criteria and applications for both grant programs, go to http://ashlandva.gov/117/IncentivesGrants.

For questions or additional information, contact Joe Topham with the town’s Economic Development Department at: jtopham@ashlandva.gov or 804-798-1073.

Learn more about the Town of Ashland at https://www.ashlandva.gov/.

For wedding and engagement announcements, contact Cindy Adams at cadams@mechlocal.com or call 804-775-4616

SHERIFF’S REPORTS

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 15000 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 8100 block of Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville.

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

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 18300 block of Taylors Creek Road, Montpelier.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 8400 block of Lucord Lane, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 15400 block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Grand larceny parts were reported in the 10100 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Drugs: Possession of Schedule IV controlled substance was reported in the 3700 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Reckless handling of a firearm was reported in the 16200 block of Trainham Road, Beaverdam.

Grand larceny, auto theft, was reported in the 8100 block of Walnut Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 16400 block of Washington Highway, Doswell.

Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7500 block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny shoplifting was reported in the 9200 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 10100 block of Kings Dominion Boulevard,

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 7000 block of McClellan Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 8100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Edgeworth Road, Mechanicsville.

Jan. 19

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 6300 block of Thrasher Way, Mechanicsville.

Jan. 20

Threat to extort money was reported in the 16400 block of St. Peters Church Road, Montpelier.

Washington Highway/ Sliding Hill Road, Glen Allen.

Doswell.

Jan. 18

Possession and distribution of drug paraphernalia was reported in the 10300 block of Sliding Hill Road/ Washington Highway, Ashland.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 6400 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 11300 block of Air Park Road, Ashland.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 10200 block of

False identify self to law enforcement was reported in the 200 block of South Washington Highway/ Junction Drive, Ashland.

Computer fraud to obtain services, $500, was reported in the 8200 block of Wetherden Drive, Mechanicsville.

Identity fraud, financial loss, $200, was reported in the 6400 block of Mary Esther Lane, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 10400 block of Summer Hill Road, Mechanicsville.

first offense, was reported in the 7500 block of Cold Harbor Road/Fast Lane, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 7900 block of Meadow Drive, Mechanicsville.

Passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading was reported in the 8200 block of Studley Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 9000 block of Winter Spring Drive, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 3700 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana,

Larceny or theft, 3rd or subsequent offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Brandishing firearm was reported in the 9300 block of Chamberlayne Road/Rutlandshire Drive, Mechanicsville.

Remove without authority computer data, $1,000, in the 6100 block of Parsley Court, Mechanicsville.

Passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading was reported in the 11200 block of Washington Highway/Dellwood Road, Glen Allen.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 3700 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 8500 block of Culley Drive, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 8300 block of Ellerson Green Place, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money, etc., under false pretense, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 11200 block of Egypt Road, Ashland.

DWI: 1st offense was reported in the 4500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/ Little Florida Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 11400 block of West Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Possessing a weapon on school property was reported in the 8000 block of Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville.

Lost firearm was reported in the 12000 block of Autumn Knoll Drive, Mechanicsville.

Hit and run, personal injury, was reported in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

DWI: 1st offense was reported in the 11300 block of Elmont Road/Willow Farm Road, Ashland.

Jan. 22

Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 10100 block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 6200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

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

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 9100 block of Hunters Crest Lane, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 8000 block of Signal Hill Road/Jackson Avenue, Mechanicsville.

DWI: 1st offense was reported in the 8200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Larceny or theft, 3rd or subsequent offense, was reported in the 6600 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Cause computer malfunction was reported in the 11200 block of Ashland Park Drive, Ashland.

Credit card fraud, $200 in 6 months, was reported in the 14200 block of Riverside Drive, Ashland.

Hit and run, personal injury, was reported in the 17200 block of Mountain Road/Clazemont Road, Montpelier.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 8000 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

DWI: 1st offense was reported in the 8000 block of Lee-Davis Road/Old Hickory Drive, Mechanicsville.

Brandishing firearm was reported in the 10100 block of Washington Highway/ Kings Acres Road, Glen Allen.

Grand larceny, auto theft, was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

DWI, BAC .15 to .20, 1st offense, was reported in the 10100 block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Grand larceny parts were reported in the 11200 block of Cedar Lane, Glen Allen.

Credit card fraud, $200 in 6 months, was reported in the 16000 block of Beulah Estates Lane, Beaverdam.

block of Holly Court Lane, Rockville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 11000 block of Swayback Lane, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Jan. 21

Grand larceny parts were reported in the 11300 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

Assault and battery of a family member, 3rd offense, was reported in the 19200

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 10200 block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.

Grand larceny parts were reported in the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

see SHERIFF’s, pg. 4

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021 3

Pets of the Week Photos submitted by Andrew Hodnett

The Hanover County Pound, located at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, has wonderful pets available to a good home. Charlie, Animal ID# 573743, is a 3-year-old male canine pitbull/Labrador mix. He has been neutered and has received his first set of vaccines. He is Heartworm test negative. Charlie is a sweet boy that would love to be adopted soon. He has been in the shelter since early November. Charlie is very good around people. He is obedience-trained and listens well. He loves to go on walks. Charlie would do best as the only dog in the house. He is housetrained. Charlie will make a great pet for someone looking for a loyal, friendly dog. Pearl, Animal ID# 577548, is a 3-year-old female feline domestic short-hair. She has had her first set of vaccines and is FELV/FIV test negative. Pearl is a very nice cat that was surrendered to the shelter last month.

She was more than likely an outdoor cat before she arrived.

Pearl is wellsuited to live indoors too. She is littertrained and keeps her living area clean. Pearl is super affectionate towards people. She also seems to do well interacting around other cats. Pearl will make a perfect companion for someone looking for a house cat.

For more information on these great pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804-365-6485 during the day. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday. The facility is closed on Sunday and county holidays. You also can visit the website to see other animals available for adoption at http:// hanovercounty.gov/Animals/Adopt-a-Pet/.

was reported in the 3500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Spring Run Road, Mechanicsville.

SHERIFF’s Continued from pg. 3

Simple assault was reported in the 7000 block of Autumn Park Way, Mechanicsville.

DWI, BAC .15 to .20, 1st offense, was reported in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Obstructing justice no force was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

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Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance

Jan. 23

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

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 9300 block of Charter Crossing, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 9500 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Firearms, regardless or value, not from a person, were reported in the 9500 block of Kings Charter Drive, Ashland.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 3700 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

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

Firearms, regardless of value, not from a person, were reported in the 13400 block of Blunts Bridge Road, Ashland.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021

see SHERIFF’s, pg. 5

Submitted photo

Taking part in the check presentation were, from left, Natalee Bolton, C&F Financial Center manager; William Krebs, C&F Bank regional president; Rebecca Ricardo, C2Adopt executive director; Tom Powell, C&F wealth management VP investment consultant; and Teresa Weaver, C&F Bank retail market leader.

C2Adopt receives $5,000 from C&F non-profit voting Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

R

ICHMOND – The newest C&F Financial Center opened its doors in downtown Richmond at the corner of 10th and Byrd Street in September.

Members of the community were invited to help select the winner by visiting the bank’s Financial Center to vote on their favorite entity between Nov. 9, 2020, and Jan. 15, 2021.

With almost 500 total votes, the winner was C2Adopt.

C2Adopt (formerly coordinators2inc) was founded in 1988 by two women who were frustrated with a cumbersome system that failed to prepare children adequately for adoption and in which children lingered for years waiting to be adopted.

Since that time, hundreds of older waiting children with special needs have found per-

manent families through the efforts of C2Adopt.

Today, there is are a nonprofit, Virginia-licensed agency offering training and education, placement and supportive services to anyone whose life has been touched by adoption.

The agency's unique approach to adoption is reflected in the range and types of

services we offer and the lifetime partnership we provide to adoptive and birth families and adoptees.

About C&F C&F Bank operates 31 retail bank branches and three commercial loan offices located throughout the Hampton to Charlottesville corridor and the Northern Neck region in Virginia and offers full wealth management services through its subsidiary C&F Wealth Management Inc. C&F

Mortgage Corporation and its subsidiary, C&F Select LLC, provide mortgage loan origination services through offices located in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia.

C&F Finance Company provides automobile, marine and RV loans through indirect lending programs offered in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia through its offices in Richmond and Hampton, Virginia.

Additional information regarding the Corporation’s products and services, as well as access to its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are available on the Corporation’s website at http://www.cffc.com.

The Universe from the Center: Wrapping up asteroid discussion

By Dr. George Spagna Special to Ashland-Hanover Local Note: The Keeble Observatory at RandolphMacon College has ceased public viewing due to the pandemic until further notice. We are working on a method for streaming live video from the Observatory to our website, and hope to provide that as an alternative to actual visits. Watch the website (https://www.rmc.edu/keeble) for updates, or call the Keeble Information line at 804-752-3210.

This month we’ll wrap up our discussion of asteroids. You’ll recall that all known asteroids are small and irregular in shape. Only Ceres, the largest is sufficiently massive for gravity to crush it into spherical shape – it’s now classified as a “dwarf planet.” Most are in orbits between that of Mars and Jupiter, in the so-called asteroid belt. We noted last month that there are gaps in the main belt due to orbital resonances. Most prominent of the Kirkwood Gaps are those at 2.5 and 3.3 AU from the Sun. The inner of these represents a 3:1 resonance, meaning that anything orbiting at that distance makes 2 revolutions for every 1 of Jupiter, which has the effect of nudging it into a larger orbit. Similarly, at 3.3

AU we see a 2:1 resonance.

Another group of asteroids are in a 1:1 resonance with Jupiter, following the same orbit but 60 degrees ahead and behind the giant planet.

These so-called Trojan asteroids are at what are known as Lagrange libration points. These are points of exceptional orbital stability due to the combined gravitational influence of the Sun and Jupiter. By convention, those in the trailing group are named after Trojan characters from Homer’s Iliad. The leading group are named for Greek characters. There are a few Greeks in the Trojan camp!

At least one asteroid trails 60 degrees behind in Mars’s orbit, and there are known to be two leading Neptune by 60 degrees.

The Amor asteroids have orbits between the orbits of Earth and Mars. The Aten asteroids have orbits smaller than Earth’s, though some can come close at aphelion. The Apollo asteroids actually cross Earth’s orbit. Most of these three

Cares Act housing and food resources available to Hanover County residents HANOVER -- Limited funds still remain to assist Hanover residents who are facing challenges with mortgage, rent, utility or food expenses due to the coronavirus national emergency. This assistance is available through the end of February or until funds are depleted.

Hanover County has received an extension to utilize the remaining funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and is continuing the partnership with United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg.

United Way has distributed the funding to community partners to provide direct assistance to those in need.

The following Hanover

community partners will be managing this assistance: Ashland Christian Emergency Services; ACES (food, rent, mortgage, utilities); 798-2784; www.aceshanover. org HumanKind (food, mortgage, rent, utilities); 461-3585; https://www.humankind.org/ hanover-cares-act-relief/ Western Hanover Emergency Action Team; WHEAT (food, rent, mortgage and utilities) 877-559-4328; www.wheathelp.org Funds also were provided to FeedMore to support the services of local food banks and Meals on Wheels. United Way will work with Hanover County Government to ensure that the funds are spent appropriately in order to maximize their benefit

to the intended population.

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors made the funds available from the county’s Coronavirus Relief Funds under the CARES Act. Those in need of assistance must apply to one of the listed organizations. Organizations will be assisting Hanover residents based upon availability of funding.

For more information, contact the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg (customerservice@yourunitedway.org) or the Hanover Department of Community Resources at volunteer@ hanovercounty.gov or 804365-4300.

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

categories are likely originally from the main belt, but were perturbed out by interactions with Jupiter or collisions within the belt. Some of the Apollos may well be “dead” comets. Some of the known Earth crossing asteroids have been identified as potential impact hazards with Earth – look up “Apophis” if you want to get nervous.

The greatest danger is likely from an object we don’t yet know about. You can look up some of those we do know, including impact probabilities, on www. spaceweather.com.

Lunar phases for February: Last Quarter on the 4th, at 12:38 p.m.; New Moon on the 11th, at 2:08 p.m.; First Quarter on the 19th, at 1:49 p.m.; Full Metro Creative Connection Moon on the 27th at 3:19 a.m. All times are Eastern Standard. (For time zones west of here, the New Moon happens on the 12th.)

February starts quietly for planet watchers.

Jupiter and Venus are not visible at all early.

Mercury returns to predawn twilight at mid-

Old Courthouse tours offered on second Tuesdays Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER— "Hear Ye, Hear Ye ... the Hanover County Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Old Courthouse are open for tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Society Docents, and continue as originally scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month.

Please come prepared and observe the protocols for facial coverings (masks) and social distancing. ... and just in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Pass the word, join us, and welcome back!

See you there!"

month. Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus join Mercury in predawn late in the month. Mars is visible for most of February, but it sets around 1 am. Near mid-February your overhead view about three hours after sunset finds Gemini just southeast of zenith. The two brightest stars are Castor and Pollux, “the twins” even though they’re very different stars. Castor is a binary, while Pollux is known to have at least one planet orbiting. Just northwest of zenith lie another bright pair, a bit more widely spaced. The brighter is Capella in the constellation Auriga – it’s another binary.

The fainter is called Menkelinan. Turning to look due south, that very bright star is Sirius – it’s actually the brightest star seen from Earth (other than our own Sun). Above and more to the southwest it’s impossible to miss the familiar pattern of Orion. And to the west we see Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus, and the Pleiades. Cassiopeia is to the northwest, tipped on its side so it looks like the upper-case Greek letter sigma. Leo is to the east, with its brightest star Regulus.

If readers have questions about astronomy in particular or science in general that you would like covered in one of these columns, please feel free to contact me at gspagna@rmc.edu. was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

SHERIFF’s Continued from pg. 4

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 10200 block of Lakeridge Square Court, Ashland.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 7000 block of Foxlair Drive, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7400 block of Sandy Lane, Mechanicsville.

DWI, 2nd conviction within 10 years, BAC .20,

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7000 block of Sandy Lane, Mechanicsville.

Profane and threatening language over a public airway was reported in the 14600 block of Kristy Star Lane, Mechanicsville.

Jan. 24

DWI: 1st offense was reported in the 14600 block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021 5

OPINION | The Local Views From the managing editor

Authorities adamant: Extremists will not be tolerated

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

N

ot in Ashland! That was my first thought when I read the Richmond Times-Dispatch article about leaflets with swastikas being left at businesses along Railroad Avenue.

There also was text on the leaflets with the words “We are everywhere.”

If you’re everywhere, who are you? Come out of the shadows and show your faces. If you truly believe the words that you put on paper, come forward and state your case.

Too often, people forget that Jesus was not white. He was born on the continent of Africa and his complexion could have been olive, brown or black.

And anti-Semitism is incomprehensible when God has been explicit in the Jews being his chosen people.

I’m not a theological expert, but I know The Bible and

LETTERS | Reader Views

Former Pack leader proud of Scout’s actions, tradition of all volunteers After reading the story of local Boy Scout Nathan Nyalko saving the life of a young boy from drowning, I was struck with a sense of pride to know

God’s Word.

Back to Ashland. Mayor Steve Trivett responded to the alarming “trash.” He did not mince his words either.

“Ashlanders will never be intimidated or influenced by any of the sour and sick extremisms that desire power yet deserve none. In Ashland we reserve our ‘extremisms’ for compassion, fellowship, and respect for others.”

Police Chief Doug Goodman called the action “despicable.”

“This brand of hate and division has no place in Ashland or anywhere else.”

The Chief has communicated with state and federal law enforcement officials.

Trivett and Goodman, and I fully expect all of Ashland Town Council and the Ashland Police Department, will not tolerate threats or hate crimes in their beloved community.

I’m writing this on Jan. 27, which was designated as by the United Nations General Assembly as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. That date marks the anniver-

that Pack/Troop 521 is in the hands of very capable leadership and mentors.

And all volunteers.

My grandsons are members of this Pack and are developing into fine young men.

It is instilled for all to take the Scout Oath seriously: duty, honor and promise to always help others.

Well done, Nathan, you make this community immensely proud!

George T. Gagnon Mechanicsville Former Pack leader

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021

sary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps.

The day honors the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as millions of others of Nazism. It also is encouraged to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides.

I’ve written before about the first time I saw the numbers on the wrist of a Holocaust victim. I was taking part in an editorial board meeting and had been told that this particular member was a Holocaust survivor.

Nothing could have prepared me for that image -- and it’s ingrained in my mind. She and her husband found a good life in the world of higher education in West Virginia. But she carried with her a horror we can’t imagine.

I applaud Trivett and Goodman for their strong objections to the leaflets, and I am confident that they will not accept that kind of hate in their town.

The bottom line is: God is always watching.

There may be light at the end of the tunnel

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Not a single one of us could contend the last 10 months haven’t been difficult, and waiting for a pandemic to end has become the national pastime, a dim hint of light at the end of a long tunnel.

It’s no different at our house.

Nerves are stretched thin as school continues in my living room and other access points throughout the

house, and my kids are wondering if they’ll ever be able to go out and just hang with their friends.

The isolation and uncertainty has taken its toll, but it finally looks like vaccines are available and experts are predicting that by midsummer or early fall, we could be back on a normal footing.

When aided by the wisdom that only hindsight can provide, I look back at the past 10 months with a

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sense of appreciation and respect for my children and the sacrifices made to ensure the safety of our family.

When the first case of COVID was announced, we joined thousands of families with disabled children in a frenzied mode of preparation for an unknown opponent.

Although we knew little about the virus, we were too well acquainted with the real danger it represented for our immune deficient loved ones.

We realized that extra precautions would be necessary to make sure our son Jack did not become infected. Already suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the threat of a viral infection from such a deadly source was not an option for us, or many families who live similar lives.

Jack’s numerous doctors advised all of us to stay home and keep him isolated from outside visitors who see LIGHT, pg. 7

Hanover Tavern Foundation needs Annual Giving Fund contributions Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -- The year 2020 will go down as one of the most challenging years in modern history. Those challenges did not escape the Hanover Tavern.

The staff and volunteers managed to continue to provide programs and events despite the challenges since early last year. However, Hanover Tavern Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been financially impacted because of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, which is why the board is asking for help.

Members are requesting tax-deductible contributions to their Annual Giving Fund.

Some of the community outreach made possible by donors includes: z Teaching American history to more than 4,000 students each year through inclassroom programming, as well as “History in the Heart of Virginia” field trips enjoyed by public, private, and homeschooled children from Hanover, Chesterfield, City of Richmond, Henrico, Goochland, Louisa, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania. z Delivering cultural arts through live music

and performances in our one-of-a-kind theater. z Offering free family-oriented programs and events throughout the year. z Creating and delivering continuing education summer learning programs for teachers. z Operating an onsite restaurant offering lunch and dinner, company outings, private events, weddings, and receptions. z Donating use of facilities for nonprofit meetings, civic events, and programs.

In addition to these and other programs, the Foundation is committed to preserving the national historic landmark – that members call “The Tavern” – for generations to come.

The community is asked to support the mission “to preserve, interpret, and utilize Hanover Tavern as an historical, educational, community and cultural resource for the enjoy of all” by making a tax-deductible contribution today.

To make a donation, go to https://hanovertavern.org/annual-fund/.

Sign-up period begins for Hanover Tax Relief for elderly and disabled HANOVER -- Hanover County makes real estate tax relief available for residents who are elderly or permanently disabled and who have a net worth of $200,000 or less, and combined household gross income of $52,500 or less.

The application period for the upcoming year began Jan. 4, 2021. The deadline is March 1, 2021, for the relief to be applied to the tax bills due (first half) on June 5, 2021.

Applicants must be 65 years old or permanently disabled and must own or partially own the property and have lived in it on Dec. 31. If the applicant is in a hospital or extended care facility, he or she may still qualify as long as the house is not rented or leased.

The $200,000 net worth figure does not include the value of the house and up to 10

LIGHT Continued from pg. 6

could unwittingly transfer the virus to our house.

And, that’s the way we lived for month after month, isolated and separated from our normal schedules, working and learning from home, ordering groceries online and leaving home only for the most necessary of items.

My girls made the sacrifices, opting for Zoom sessions with friends, or endless hours on the phone with others. Days turned into months and, at some point, we were identifiable homebodies, content to survive in the house, made easier by the motivation that evolved from our love of Jack.

Each sniffle or sneeze was inves-

acres around it.

The home’s owners can have a combined gross annual income of up to $52,500 and still qualify. The income of relatives living in the home is counted except for the first $10,000 of the relative’s income, which is exempted.

If an applicant qualifies for 100% tax relief, they pay no real property taxes on that qualified parcel. The discount percentage is based on a sliding scale of the total income.

About 1,276 households currently participate in Hanover County’s tax relief for the elderly and disabled program. The average tax savings is about $1,200 for those households; about 35% of the participating households pay no county real estate tax at all as a result of the program.

tigated diagnosed and dismissed as the pandemic worsened. Along with the rest of the nation, we wondered aloud when it would all end and life could return to normal.

With vaccines on the horizon and an end in sight, it occurred to me that while life will return to normal for many of us, it will remain isolated and challenging for others, specifically the ones burdened with disabilities that limit mobility.

I began to view the past months as a sort of blessing, an opportunity to witness life as access restricted or limited, the way disabled people view the world every day.

Seeing it from Jack’s point of view also allowed me to understand that major inconveniences to most of us are everyday challenges for my

Because of this program, qualifying Hanover County residents had their real estate taxes reduced by about $1.5 million last year.

Disabled applicants must provide certification of disability. This can be a statement from the Social Security Administration, a statement from the Veterans Administration, a statement from the Railroad Retirement Board or a sworn affidavit from two (2) medical doctors.

Once an application is on file, only an affidavit is needed for the following two (2) years, unless there is a significant change in income or net worth. A new application is necessary only every third year. All information on the application is confidential and is not open to public inspection.

Remember, applicants must sign up by March 1, 2021 for the relief to be applied to the real estate tax bills that will be sent out later this spring and which are due (first half) on June 5, 2021.

“This is a great program designed to help those taxpayers who most need the help,” said Scott Harris, Hanover’s Commissioner of the Revenue. “We invite all residents who think they might qualify to call our office.”

To apply, call the Commissioner of the Revenue at 804-365-6128.

If you have computer access, application forms also can be downloaded from www. hanovercounty.gov.

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

son and the millions of Americans who suffer from disabilities.

We’re staying put until our family is fully vaccinated, but we’ll approach the impending normalcy with a new appreciation of what that means for different people.

We’ll understand that discovering alternative ways to achieve a goal is important, and discovering a long lost freedom is better than great.

But, personally, I’ll look back on the past months with a new sense of admiration for my children and their ability to accept unexpected situations, adjust and thrive in the most difficult of times. Their sense of sacrifice and willingness to do whatever is necessary to protect their brother provides me with a sense of pride that no pandemic can dampen.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021 7

HCBOS denies CUP for Habitat seeks input Horseshoe Bridge venue

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local HANOVER — The Hanover County Board of Supervisors unanimously denied a Conditional Use Permit that would have allowed the operation of an event venue off Horseshoe Bridge Road in the Beaverdam District following a public hearing last week.

Owners Heidi and Lamerro Mason sought the permit, allowing them to host company meetings, baby showers, church gatherings, and other events in a 900-square-foot barn on their property purchased in 2018.

The couple began hosting events and were contacted in 2018 and 2019 and advised of code violations prompted by complaints by adjacent neighbors, and subsequently applied for the permit and held community meetings with neighbors.

The Hanover County Planning Commission denied the request in October of last year and the board deferred the matter for 60 days in November amid objections from some members.

During community meetings and communication with county officials, neighbors expressed concerns regarding noise, lowered property values and traffic, but the predominant concern expressed was in regard to a set of neighborhood covenants that prohibited any use that would adversely affect other neighbors in the subdivision and specifically banned commercial operations.

Mason presented a detailed plan for the operation at Mason Estates and defended his right to pursue the venue operation on his private property.

After making further adjustments to a set of proffers that accompanied the applica-

8

tion, Mason told supervisors the operation would be in compliance with county code.

He noted a four-foot fence would not allow any trash to escape his property, and said sound tests had ensured the decibel level was well within code limits.

Regarding the operation of a commercial operation on the site, a use prohibited in the restrictive covenants, Mason said his neighbor operates a for hire boarding stable for horses.

An equal number of speakers for and against the application spoke during the public hearing.

Bruce Spiller said she and her husband live about onehalf mile from the Masons’ property and have resided on Horseshoe Road since 1955.

After attending a community meeting last fall where noise meters confirmed the levels were well below accepted levels and speaking with the Masons, she was convinced the use was appropriate.

“It appears to me that some of the complaints seem extreme, maybe not even valid, and that those complaints are coming from residents who rarely — if ever — even pass his property,” she said. “It appears that he has bent over backwards to accommodate those requests and had proposed significant changes to the way he will run his venue.”

Mason has originally applied for a permit to host weddings and hold events in an adjacent tent to facilitate maximum guest requirements, but scrapped those requests in this final application. Events would be limited to 65 people with no more than 50 inside the barn and on more than

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021

one event per day could be held. Music would be limited to inside the barn and would end at 8 p.m., according to the revised proffers.

Spiller did not offer excuses for Mason’s apparent failure to obtain the proper permits prior to hosting events, but said she believed in his current efforts to bring the operation into compliance.

“It’s a disappointment to me that Mr. Mason did not go through the proper channels to run his business,” Spiller said. “He should have. I can also understand some of the earlier concerns about noise, traffic and protecting property values,” she added, while noting the neighborhood is often inundated with noise from Patrick Henry High School and the Hanover Country Club.

“I am ashamed that our neighborhood has not been open-minded,” she concluded.

Sylvia Newman also lives in Beaverdam and said she was unaware of any events going on at the Mason site. “That’s how low impact it’s been to our neighborhood,” she said. “I live one mile from this property.”

After being invited to a party at the site, Newman was pleasantly surprised.

“I believe Mr. Mason is a man of his word and I think he will abide by these rules; and I am very disappointed by this neighborhood,” she said.

But, other neighbors said the requested use violated the restrictive covenants and urged supervisors to deny the permit.

Patricia Harper, a neighbor who resides adjacent to Mason’s property, said she fully supports the decision made last October to deny the application.

“That decision came after see VENUE, pg. 9

on honoring HEROes Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

MECHANICSVILLE -Who’s a HERO in your life?

A HERO shows up in many different ways in each of our lives: Someone always willing to lend a hand; someone who puts the needs of others first; someone who goes out of the way to make others feel good; someone who puts themselves in harm’s way to save others.

Here’s your opportunity to thank them for everything they do. Make a gift in honor of a HERO and they will be honored at the construction of the HERO House. All donations received in honor of your HERO between Dec. 15, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2021, will be used for construction of the final home in Hanover Cove, a home that will allow Sherita and her family an affordable and stable place to live.

Choose your HERO in one or all of the following categories: First Responders Educators Military Service Everyday Share your gift and encourage others to make a gift in honor of your designated HERO. The honoree with the highest total of gifts will be named Hanover’s SuperHERO!

About Hanover HERO For the third year, Hanover Habitat for Humanity will honor the heroes in our community at our Hanover HERO celebration. Webster’s dictionary defines Hero as “a person admired for achievements

and noble qualities and one who shows great courage.” We define a Hanover HERO as someone who fulfills this definition and in addition demonstrates the spirit of Helping Encourage Real Opportunities for our neighbors and community members, we call these individuals Hanover HEROes.

HERO House?

New this year, all funds raised for our 2021 HEROes will go towards the construction of Habitat’s HERO House.

Sherita is excited to be purchasing the sixth, and final, home in the neighborhood.

The average construction cost of a Hanover Habitat home is $100,000 (not including land and infrastructure costs).

How can I help?

Beginning on Dec. 15, 2020, all cash donations received in the honoree’s name through midnight on Feb. 28, 2021, will count towards the HERO House challenge.

By sharing this honor with friends and family, you can raise the funds through individual, corporate or foundation gifts.

Make a single gift: Make a gift in honor of a HERO

in your life. Then share your gift with the honoree and your friends and family – you do not have to share the amount of your gift*. By sharing, it sends a powerful message to your network of friends, family and colleagues that this is important to you and you sincerely wish to make a difference in the lives of your community.

Make a group gift: Gather a group together and collect gifts for a specific hero – ex.

A classroom or school would collect gifts to honor a HERO teacher. Then share your gift with the honoree and your friends and family – you do not have to share the amount of your gift*. By sharing, it sends a powerful message to your network of friends, family and colleagues that this is important to you and you sincerely wish to make a difference in the lives of your community. *Hanover Habitat for Humanity never shares the amount of an individual gift.

Only the grand total received for an honoree will be shared.

About Hanover Habitat for Humanity Hanover Habitat for Humanity was formed in 1990 by a committed group of Hanover citizens who wanted to provide safe and affordable housing in Hanover County.

Since that time, Hanover Habitat has built homes for 66 families.

To learn more about the organization visit www. hanoverhfh.org.

VACCINES Continued from pg. 1

opening possible, and also commended Food Lion and the Town of Ashland for their cooperative efforts to open the facility.

“This clinic is separate, but coordinated with the clinics being offered by the CHD (Chickahominy Health District) and our regional partners,” Budesky told the gathering on Friday.

Budesky was joined by CHD director Dr. Thomas Franck and Hanover County Board of Supervisors chair Sean Davis for the opening ceremonies and press conference.

Franck said the clinic currently operated by CDH at Rsndolph-Macon College will close March 1 and those efforts will consolidate with the Food Lion site. He indicated providing vaccines to those who choose is the number one mission.

“Together, we are going to be able to achieve this goal,” Franck said. “We have the capacity to get shots in peoples’s arms and I think today’s clinic proves that.”

Deputy County Administrator Jim Taylor provided supervisors with an update at last week’s meeting on an ambitious program introduced earlier this month

by Budesky that includes a vigorous effort to register residents via hotlines, internet and in-person.

At the time of Taylor’s presentation last week, 7,700 Hanoverians had received a dose of the vaccine, and more than 1,000 have received two

BUDGET Continued from pg. 1

million investment in Phase II of the teacher salary scale enhancement with pay increases up to 6.0% (inclusive of the 2.5% raise).

Instructional assistant salary scale enhancement.

doses.

“Our first Chickahominy Health District clinic began on Jan. 4 ... and we’ve made pretty good progress in Tier 1,” Taylor said. “We are ramping up distribution to other 1b groups.

The CHD has conducted 11 max vaccination clinics, most of them held at Randolph-Macon, where 2,700 doses have been administered.

“They’ve been doing that on Tuesdays and Fridays with 400 doses at each clinic,” Taylor said. “They also do some special community clinics on Saturday where they might go out to Goochland, for example, and do a special event.”

RMC also features a senior hour during the clinics to allow older residents to easily access the vaccine. Currently, residents 65 or older with underlying medical conditions are eligible to receive the vaccine.

In the two short weeks since Budesky introduced a plan to distribute the vaccines, Taylor said, “We’ve been busy in those two weeks.”

“Our objectives at that time were to provide more information to our residents through our website and social media posts,” he added. “We also wanted to work to support the CHD with a Call Center.

We wanted to participate in regional vaccine initiatives and we wanted to start up our own Hanover County clinic to support the Health District,” Taylor said.

Regular updates are posted on the county website and social media outlets, and Friday’s opening of the Ashland clinic represent major steps in the county’s efforts to

distribute the vaccines, according to Taylor.

Residents can utilize the Call Center Hotline, 804-3653240, to access information on which grouping applies and also can complete registration for the vaccine. The Call Center also provides answers to frequently asked questions, a feature that Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard found most helpful. She called the hotline and said all of her questions were answered with the message and she did not require further assistance. “I got so much information just from the message when I called that I didn’t actually need anyone to call me back so we’ve done a great job front ending information as well as providing call backs,” she said.

Taylor said staffing has ramped up on that Call Center project that is supplemented by volunteers to man the lines. Taylor said the Center returned 500 phone calls last Saturday. “In one week since the Call Center has been open, we’ve handled 2,200 calls and called back 1,000 people, and we’ve registered 3,000 on the inquiry forms,” Taylor said.

More than 11,000 people have signed up for the vaccine in the CHD that includes multiple counties, but Taylor said the remaining task is significant. He noted that about half Hanover’s population falls into Groups 1a or 1b. Taylor said it could take as long as five months to get through that group with current vaccine supply levels.

“We have a limited supply of vaccine and it’s going to take this long to get through 1a

and 1b,” he said. “Logistically, we are prepared to deliver as soon as supplies increase. This is going to take months and we thank our citizens for their patience and understanding,” Taylor concluded.

The county also participated in a regional mass vaccination event at RIR (Richmond Raceway) where 1,900 Hanover County Public Schools employees received their first shots.

Budesky said the assistance provided by the Call Center is especially helpful for seniors who may not have internet access. “For seniors or other folks who have access issues, this is an opportunity for our staff to help them get registered and to help get them on those lists so that when we do have availability and it’s their turn we can help get them registered and they will notified to get an appointment,” Budesky said.

Although Budesky acknowledged that not all Hanover residents will opt in on the vaccinations, initial responses via the call center hotline have been brisk.

Residents who are seeking vaccines must register before scheduling for the vaccine in confirmed.

“It’ not lost on us the community’s need for those interested in receiving a vaccination, and that’s not all of our residents, but, those that are, we are going to do our very best to lead those efforts in partnership with CHD. I’m very proud of the team stepping up today, but we have a lot of work to do,” he told supervisors at last week’s meeting.

Regular updates on the efforts

also will be provided regularly at future board meetings.

Like many communities across the nation, Hanover is anxiously waiting more vaccine deliveries so more shots can be administered.

Franck said supplies should increase this week by about 16 percent making more shots available.

Franck also dispelled some earlier information that placed Virginia 50th among states in the number of vaccines provided. According to the director, that ranking has improved to 11th and the Commonwealth is 7th in the number of shots being administered daily.

Franck said all vaccines administered in the district are of the Moderna brand variety.

There are 35 health districts across Virginia that received slightly more than 100,000 doses of the vaccine in the first distribution.

“I don’t know how long it will take before every Virginian and every Hanoverian who wants a COVID-19 vaccination will be able to get one,” Davis said at the clinic opening. “To be frank, I suspect it will be several months because of limitations on vaccine supply; but I do promise you that we will continue to be proactive in doing everything we can to get people through this safely.”

In other board news, public hearings can now begin as early as 6 p.m. when evening sessions of board meetings are scheduled. The move attempts to avoid late night public hearings. Afternoon sessions will begin at 2 p.m., one hour earlier than the current 3 p.m. start time.

Bus driver salary scale enhancement.

Continued funding of increasing health care costs totaling $1.7 million.

9 positions to support mental health, counseling, and behavioral management (refocusing existing resources).

10 administrative

support staff for the Hanover County Online School (refocusing existing resources).

“Our two associations believe Dr. Gill’s proposed budget represents a major improvement for Hanover County Pubic Schools and we ask you to approve it,” Matthews said. “However,

at the same time, we believe HCPS continues to have some unmet needs, and, as a result, we ask you to continue this forward momentum in future budget cycles.”

Brett Christian, president of the Hanover Education Foundation, also endorsed Gill’s proposed budget.

“I’m here tonight to support the FY2022 proposed school budget,” Christian said. “2020 created challenges that no one could have ever imagined but through the leadership of our school division employees, perilous efforts, long days and nights, we were able to do something that many through-

VENUE Continued from pg. 8

five months of review, numerous meetings with surrounding neighbors, and as stated at the time of the decision, this is a venue that does not fit in with our small residential rural neighborhood,” Harper said.

She noted the venue facility had been operating for two years in violation of county code, and said efforts to mitigate his neighbors concerns fall short in one major area.

“What he cannot resolve is the valid concern that this type of venue would adversely affect the property values of our small neighborhood community,” Harper said.

Harper contended, since Mason continued to operate the venue after being cited by the county, the neighbors‘ confidence in his ability to operate by the rules in the future has been eroded.

Supervisor Canova Peterson, Mechanicsville, approached the pending application as strictly a land use and appropriateness issue.

“This is a land use case and we very much treasure our rural atmosphere in Hanover County,” Peterson said, pointing out that the venue business is primary in the Masons’ case.

Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard said, “A CUP is something that no one is entitled to — it is an additional opportunity on your property. Ultimately, your neighbors bought their property with the full expectation that see VENUE, pg. 16

out our country were unable to do — and that was to provide our children with the option to attend in school or virtual instruction.”

The school board is scheduled to consider Gill’s budget at its Feb. 9 meeting and Gill will present that budget to the board of supervisors the following day.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021 9

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

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03 2021

Prep wrestling: Region 4B champs at Spotsylvania H.S. 10:30 a.m.

02

Prep swimming Region 4B champs at Jeff Rouse Center 2021 Stafford, 9:00 a.m.

04

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Rebuilding R-MC women keep winning

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – The Randolph-Macon women’s basketball team, depleted by graduation of a cadre of tested seniors including All American Kelly Williams, were picked to finish eighth in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference this season.

You wouldn’t know it from the way the Yellow Jackets have begun their season. With an 82-76 win over Roanoke Tuesday and a 67-53 win over St. Mary’s of Maryland Saturday, they have started out 3-0.

The Macon women lack the dominant inside presence that Williams had given them in their run to the NCAA Sweet 16 last year. But the Yellow Jackets have a pair of seniors – Becca Arrington and Elise Knobloch – providing a steadying influence.

They have plenty of scrap on the floor and, more important, a lot of teamwork.

“This is definitely not a team right now where the starting five is always out there. It’s anyone’s day,” said first-year head coach Lindsey Burke. “We try to embody that in practice. I always try to encourage somebody to step up. You never know when it might be your day.”

That teamwork is reflected in the statistics. Against Roanoke, Cheridan Hatfield led Randolph-Macon with 27 points and seven assists.

Arrington scored 16 points with seven rebounds. And Aimee DeBell scored 13 points with a team-high nine rebounds.

10

Against St. Mary’s, Arrington scored 21 points with nine rebounds. Peyton Humphreys had a double-double with 10 points and a teamhigh 12 rebounds, and Hatfield scored 17 points. Eight Yellow Jackets scored in each game.

The game against Roanoke was a struggle. With the exception of the second quarter in which Randolph-Macon outscored the Maroons by 6 points – which proved to be the winning margin – both teams matched each other on the scoreboard frame by frame.

“This is exactly what we needed,” Burke said. “We haven’t had a game like this – we’ve only had two games so far.

We need to feel what it’s like to be in a close game and be able to pull it out at the end.”

Roanoke had five players in double figures: Kristina Harrel and Rose Sande led the team with 12 points apiece. Morgan Micallef, Kayla Kinsler and Sayre Brandstatter each scored 10.

In Saturday’s game, Karon Williams led St. Mary’s with 15 points.

ROANOKE (2-1, 0-1 ODAC) — Micallef 10, Alquiza 9, Hopson 2, Harrel 12, Kinsler 10, Brandstatter 10, Haverkamp 6, Scarborough 5, Sande 12. Totals 28 16-18 76.

RANDOLPH-MACON (2-0, 2-0) — Humphreys 9, DeBell 13, Arrington 16, Conrad 8, Hatfield 27, Hough 0, Pasqualone 3, De Guzman 0, Maiolo 4, Knobloch 2, Murray 0.

Totals 27 20-26 82.

3-point goals — ROA: Brandstatter 2, Alquiza, Sande; R-MC: Arrington 2, Hatfield 2, Dave Lawrence/The Local Humphreys, Conrad, Pasqualone, Randolph-Macon’s Cheridan Hatfield lofts a jump shot over the outstretched hands of a Roanoke defender in the Yellow Jackets’ Maiolo.

82-76 ODAC win over the Maroons in Crenshaw Gymnasium on Jan. 26. Hatfield finished with 27 points and seven assists.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021

Robertson leads Yellow Jackets past Tigers

By Rob Witham and Dave Lawrence Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND – Some nights, a player simply has the hot hand.

But when do you know it?

Randolph-Macon junior forward Ian Robertson can tell you exactly when he knew he had entered “the zone.”

“After my second shot went in, I kind of felt good,” Robertson said, recalling a stretch where the 6-foot-7 native of Lewes, Delaware, nailed four consecutive 3-point shots in the closing minutes of the first half of the Yellow Jackets’ 79-65 win over rival Hampden-Sydney Saturday night at Crenshaw Gymnasium.

“I noticed that the way they were playing defense, I was setting ball screens, and they’d send two to the ball, really trying to hound Buzz (Anthony) and leaving me wide open. I’m a tall shooter, so it was hard for them to close out on me.”

Robertson’s career-high 30 points were certainly critical, but the pace and timing of the

Rob Witham for The Local

RandolphMacon’s Iain Robertson squares up for a 3-point attempt to the cheers of his teammates in the Yellow Jackets’ 7965 win over HampdenSydney.

Robertson scored a career-high 30 points.

production made the biggest impact. His 12-point outburst before halftime turned a 29-27 deficit into a 43-37 advantage at intermission.

He missed the last trey attempt before halftime, and his first two of the second half.

But countless hours in the gym – and knowing the confidence he’s earned from head coach Josh Merkel and teammates – has given Robertson a “next play” mentality. His steal early in the second half and a layup 30 seconds later got him back

on track.

With the Tigers (0-3) hanging around, down just three, Daquan Morris took center stage, hitting a pair of triples, one from each corner, to increase the Yellow Jacket lead to nine at 53-44. Robertson returned from the bench and, with 11:11 to go, nailed a trey for a 62-52 advantage.

Robertson finished 8-of13 from beyond the arc and was perfect at the line, hitting all four free throw attempts.

Sophomore Miles Mallory

added a double-double to the tune of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Buzz Anthony had eight points as well as eight assists.

The Yellow Jackets awakened Friday morning ready to face Lynchburg Saturday. When COVID-19 protocols for the Hornets prompted that game’s cancellation, the Yellow Jackets and Tigers paired up for a last minute, non-conference affair.

Robertson and his teammates are learning just how important flexibility is when it comes to

a championship mindset this season.

“The biggest thing for us is to stay safe. Don’t do anything stupid,” Robertson quickly noted. “Let’s make sure we’re playing every day. As long as we keep getting better, keep getting our young guys involved, playing as a unit, it doesn’t matter who we play. If we’re doing what we can do, I feel pretty confident.”

Saturday’s game against the Tigers marked the second time this COVID-challenged season that the Yellow Jackets have had to schedule an opponent at the last minute. But head coach Josh Merkel would not call such last-minute schedule adjustments “difficult.”

“To say it’s difficult would be an excuse – and the other team is in the same boat,” Merkel said. “They learned that they were playing us at the same time. So we want to trust our training. We want our practice to simulate whomever we play against. ‘Anyone, anywhere, anytime.’ If we say that, we want to mean it. Our guys are just

looking forward to it.

“And then the challenge is how quickly can we figure them out before they figure us out. Knowing uour personnel and adjusting to the game and how the game is being called – whichever team is going to do that first is going to win.”

The Yellow Jackets began the week with a 79-55 home win over Salisbury Wednesday.

Buzz Anthony led RandolphMacon with 30 points, six rebounds and five assists. But the win was a team effort, with the Yellow Jackets appearing fully in sync for the first time this season.

“I think it was a lot of lessons,” Anthony said of the team’s coordinated performance. “We have a lot of younger guys on the squad. It’s understanding that every time we come out, it’s getting the best punch. Everybody wants to beat us with the target on our backs.

“We say ‘Pressure is a privilege,’ so it makes us have urgency every day to be better.”

Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

Short season poses challenges for region planning

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – Despite the looming threat of a winter storm, Hanover County’s four high school swim teams managed to wrap up their regular seasons with a pair of meets at Burkwood Swim & Racquet Club Saturday.

Winners and losers mattered less than qualifying swimmers for their respective regional meets this week.

Hanover, Mechanicsville, and Patrick Henry swimmers will head to the Jim Rouse

Swimming Center in Stafford for the Region 4B swim and dive championships Thursday morning at 9 a.m. Atlee’s swimmers will stay close to home for the Region 5B meet, which will be held at SwimRVA Thursday (start time TBA).

The shortened season has added extra difficulty to the task of assembling postseason teams with only three meets per team this season.

“It’s extremely tricky this season. Mathematically, you have to have four swim meets so that a swimmer can swim in everything,” said Patrick Henry

head swim coach Bob Flanagan.

“If they can swim only two individual events [per meet], they can swim six out of the eight.

So you go in knowing you have no way to get everybody’s times in a comparison head-to-head this year.

“You’re going to have to look at summer league times, offseason times, U.S. times and try to figure out about where a swimmer is and whether they are improving or are improving as much as the next person in certain areas – possibly without seeing them in the water in a meet event. It’s really tricky to

figure out.”

In the meets Saturday, Hanover’s boys and girls bested Patrick Henry, while Atlee’s boys and girls bested Mechanicsville High School. But all four teams had plenty of individual successes.

Hanover opened with wins in the 200-yard medley relay.

The winning Hawk boys team consisted of Sam Castle, Ben Gordon, Alex DeStephanis and Ben Schoenwiesner and the winning girls team consisted of Cere Duplissey, Kelsey Carroll, Jordyn Dillard and Meghan Powers. Gordon and Castle

were both part of the winning boys 400 freestyle relay team while Duplissey and Dillard were part of the winning girls 400 freestyle relay team.

Castle went on to win the boys 100 freestyle and 50 freestyle. Gordon won the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke, and Schoenwiesner won the 100 breaststroke. Nathaniel Eliason won the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle. On the girls side, Dillard went on to win the 100 individual medley and 100 backstroke. Morgan Pittman won the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly. Natalie Culley won the

50 freestyle, Allison Everhart the 100 freestyle and Emma Allison the 100 breaststroke.

The Patriots swept the 200 freestyle relays. The boys race was won by Paul Datovech, Andrew Senfield, Cole Nuckols and Hayden Bartz. Bartz also won the 100 butterfly. The girls race was won by Kaylie Wright, Caroline Cox, Carolyn Wright and Melanie McAdoo. Wright also won the 500 freestyle.

Raider teams swept all the relays in their meet with the Mustangs. Jason Brown, see PLANNING, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021 11

Patriots stay unbeaten, on top of Region 4B South Mustangs with 10 points, while Bennett Carlton scored nine.

The victory assures Patrick Henry one of two berths from ASHLAND – “She’s not a the South Section in the Region true basketball player.”

4B tournament, which begins It’s not what you expect to Tuesday. A top seed allows hear from a head coach about them to host, possibly King one of his best players. But George, currently in second when Patrick Henry girls basplace in the North Section ketball coach Phillip Cobb is behind Louisa. talking about his lone senior, In a year where they’ve only Ava Smith, he couldn’t pay a seen three other teams live, higher compliment.

Smith notes what’s important to The grit of Smith combined get the Patriots ready for their with the leadership of floor biggest tests of the year. general Logan Nuckols create “We need to play solid the nucleus of a Patrick Henry defense. We rely on our defense team on the cusp of another heavily to fuel our offensive playoff bid after their 58-31 win side, especially with pushing over visiting Mechanicsville the ball up the court,” Smith High School Thursday night explained. “We need to come kept their record perfect at 7-0. out strong in the first minutes While Nuckols led the Rob Witham for The Local to gain momentum.”

Patriots with 18 points and risPatrick Henry guard Logan Nuckols drives around a Mechanicsville High School defender for two The other team from the of her game-high 18 points as the Patriots remained unbeaten with a 58-31 win Thursday. ing standout T’Niyah Baylor county hoping to make Region scored 13, Smith quietly scored 4B postseason play is the Hanover boys, who saw their the Hawks, currently second seeing his team’s offensive all of her seven points in the four-game win streak end behind Monacan in the South struggles disappear is, for now, Thursday at Atlee in a 68-63 Section, to either Culpeper or an oasis of hope with less than a loss. Rival Axselle exploded for Spotsylvania for the first round week to go before a quarterfinal 27 points for the Raiders (3-3), of the Region 4B playoffs matchup, possibly against the while Drew Hollins added Tuesday, as Eastern View and likes of Manchester (8-1) or 12 points. Charlie Rohr led Courtland are battling for the L.C. Bird (9-1).

Whatever happens this Hanover (4-2) with 17 points. top seed in the North Section.

The Region 5B champion- week, for the teams to advance Braniel Santos contributed 16 ships begin on Monday. With to the playoffs next week in this for the Hawks.

The closest team to only eight teams competing most unusual of seasons, it will Hanover in the standings is this season, the Atlee boys and be a reward in and of its own Patrick Henry, whom they girls automatically qualify for to simply line up against any host Thursday night. A strong the tournaments. For Raiders team from outside of Hanover Through COVID-19 and beyond, meeting your Medicare needs is what drives finish this week could lead boys head coach Rally Axselle, County.

By Rob Witham For Ashland-Hanover Local

third period to help put the game away. All night long, as usual, Smith’s impact was felt all over the court.

“I told her tonight she was one of my dad’s favorite players,” Cobb noted, remembering longtime Patrick Henry teacher, coach and mentor Jim Cobb. “She’s got the ‘it factor’.

She hustles, she’s strong, she competes the whole game. It’s a rarity to find, and something super special.”

Smith believes her greatest growth as a player, and person, these past four seasons begins with control.

“I definitely have learned how to control my emotions on the court, especially towards myself,” Smith noted. “Each play, on either end, is a new start and that having a positive mindset is the best way to be successful on the court.”

Madison Butler led the

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021

PLANNING Continued from pg. 11

Zachary Bickel, Kennon Downes and Patrick Herndon opened with a win in the boys 200 individual medley. Brock Rempe, Jack Pritchett, Patrick Herndon and Tyler Caten won the 200 freestyle relay and Rempe, Downes, Brown, and Caten won the 400 freestyle relay. Individually, Rempe won

the 100 freestyle, Caten the 100 backstroke and Bickel the 100 breaststroke. Tyler Hill won the 200 freestyle and Alex Pruemer the 200 individual medley.

On the girls’ side, Maggie Ivie, Alison Harvey, Molly Ivie and Meredith Boggess opened with a win in the 200 individual medley. The foursome likewise won the 200 freestyle relay.

Megan Lane, Taylor Downes, Avery Jenkins and Morgan Pritchard won the 400 freestyle

relay. Maggie and Molly Ivie and Harvey each won a pair of individual events: Maggie Ivie in the 200 individual medley and 100 freestyle, Molly Ivie in the 200 and 500 freestyle, and Harvey in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke. Emily Stevens won the 100 butterfly and Avery Jenkins the 100 backstroke.

Logan Deal led Mechanicsville with a pair of wins in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly.

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GENERAL LEE HY PAVING CORPORATION 2021 PAVING SEASON JOB OPENINGS (Anticipated start date, March 1, 2021) Lee Hy Paving is a well-established Richmond based contractor specializing in Asphalt Paving and Milling, Stone Base, and Fine Grading. We operate in the greater Richmond metropolitan area, Williamsburg and the Northern Neck. We perform work in state, local municipalities and commercial markets. We are expanding our operations and looking for qualified individuals in the following divisions: ASPHALT PAVING CREWS Experienced Paving Superintendent, Roller Operators, Screed Operators, Paver Operators, Asphalt Rakers, Laborers and Distributor Operators (CDL Required) ASPHALT MILLING CREWS Experienced Milling Machine Operators, Broom Operators, Skid Steer Operators and Laborers.

DRIVERS Experienced Class B Dump Truck Drivers, Tanker Drivers (Hazmat Endorsement required) and Lowboy Drivers.

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS Experience required for all heavy equipment used in our industry.

If you feel you are qualified for one of these positions and want to work in the asphalt industry, please go to our website, www.leehypaving.com to fill out an application or fax your resume to 804-364-3073; no calls please. A good driving record is a plus with every position, so be sure to note that on your application. All applications and resumes will be reviewed and applicants will be contacted.

We are currently seeking candidates for seasonal and full-time positions.

Lee Hy offers competitive pay, benefits, overtime pay for hourly employees, paid Vacation and PTO time and a 401k Plan.

Residential for Rent Apartment Referral Services Policy Apartment referral service companies sell lists of available apartments for rent in your area.

Please read contracts thoroughly to ensure that you understand and agree to all the terms and the cancellation policy of the contract.

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021 13

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, February 18, 2021, 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: REZ2020-00041, BLANTON 13359, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7860-26-5394, consisting of approximately 7.43 acres, and located on the west line of Blanton Road (State Route 666) approximately 121 feet south of its intersection with Winston Road (State Route 696). 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 gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 3.71 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2021-00004, CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Request(s) to rescind CUP-4-83, Am. 2-98, in accordance with Section 26-20.21 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, which permitted a church-related retreat facility on GPIN 7822-78-2097, consisting of approximately 90.9 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Robert Terrell Road (State Route 712) approximately 1,750 feet west of its intersection with West Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2020-00016, JEFF AND GAYLE STONEMAN Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.14 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a recreational facility/event venue on GPIN 782278-2097, consisting of approximately 90.9 acres (CUP area is limited to a 3.59-acre portion of the subject parcel), zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Robert Terrell Road (State Route 712) approximately 1,750 feet west of its intersection with West Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2021-00002, NENA GROVE LANE, L.L.C. Request(s) to rescind CUP-20-96, for the former location of the Pamunkey Regional Library (Atlee Library) in accordance with Section 26-120.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance on GPIN 8706-12-2068, consisting of approximately 0.30 acres, zoned B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions and located on the south line of Chamberlayne Road (U.S. Route 301) at its intersection with Atlee Road (State Route 638). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy CUP2021-00003, RESTORATION CHURCH Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-120.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a church on GPIN 8706-12-2068, consisting of approximately 5.24 acres (CUP area is limited a 0.30-acre portion of the subject parcel), zoned B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, and located on the south line of Chamberlayne Road (U.S. Route 301) at its intersection with Atlee Road (State Route 638). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy CUP2020-00018, FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITY CHURCH OF MECHANICSVILLE, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-165.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a church on GPIN 8715-48-9952, consisting of approximately 0.8 acres, zoned M-1(c), Limited Industrial District with conditions, and located on the north line of Bell Creek Road (State Route 642), approximately 500 feet north of its intersection with Autumn Park Way (State Route 1556), in the Bell Creek Suites, Unit K. The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Planned Business. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy CUP2020-00015, SPS INVESTORS, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.14 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a recreational facility/event venue on GPIN 775912-9081, consisting of approximately 98.98 acres (CUP area is limited to 11.87-acre portion of the subject parcel), zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Ashland Road (State Route 623) approximately 300 feet west of its intersection with Woodson Farm Lane (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3 Dwelling Units Per Acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00024, ROXANNE S. AND LAZARO G. PERDOMO, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single Family Residential District with conditions, and M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPINs 7787-39-1265, 7788-40-0089, 7788-40-1355, 7788-40-0566, and 7788-40-0850, consisting of approximately 35.65 acres, and located on the north line of Old Keeton Road (State Route 719) at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3 Dwelling Units Per Acre) and Business-Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 64 single-family lots for a gross density of 2.0 dwelling units per acre on 32.03 acres. General office, specialty trade, and self-storage uses would be permitted on the remaining 3.62-acre portion of the property that fronts on U.S. Route 1.

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2020-00017, RAINBOW TROUT SOLAR PARTNERS, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.12 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a solar power facility on GPIN 7830-341258, consisting of approximately 84.83 acres (CUP area limited to a 45.24-acre portion of the subject parcel), zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of St. Peters Church Road (State Route 611) at its intersection with Old Mill Road (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For information on special meeting procedures regarding COVID-19, please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/696/Planning-Commission-Upcoming-and-Archive for more information.

14

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

02/03-02/04

TEA TIME WORD SEARCH

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

HOROSCOPES

50. Latin for hail 51. Between sixth and seventh 56. Maori war dance 57. Precious or semiprecious stone 58. Teeter totter 59. Deity 60. A major division of geological time 61. Fishing net 62. Small Caribbean bird 63. Field force unit 64. Japanese beverage CLUES DOWN 1. Prevents oil spills 2. Monetary unit 3. The color of the sky 4. Dough used to make tortillas 5. Popular comic strip character 6. Distinct form of a plant 7. Replenishment 8. Has its own altar 9. Expedition to see animals 10. Group of related organisms 11. His and __

13. Frenetically 17. Small integer 24. Unit of energy 25. Studies of culture 26. Taxi 27. Doctors’ group 28. Don’t know when yet 29. Former measure of length 35. Popular CBS series 36. Skin condition 37. Christian creator and ruler of the universe 38. They __ 40. Caused severe damage 41. Work done under harsh conditions for no pay 42. One point east of due south 43. Sea eagles 44. Drenched 45. State capital 47. Italian city 48. Sweetheart (archaic) 49. Brief talk 52. Popular disco group: Bee __ 53. First Chinese dynasty 54. Military vehicle 55. Chinese Moslem

$"/$&3 t +VO +VM Cancer, sometimes routines can be a good thing Ñ even if you feel as though change is needed. Knowing what to expect when other things are off-kilter can be comforting.

-*#3" t 4FQU 0DU Libra, facilitate conversations with new people to broaden your opportunities for social interaction.

This may lead to friendships or even promising business opportunities.

$"13*$03/ t %FD +BO Sometimes others do not even need to speak for you to infer what they are feeling, Capricorn. This is a good gift to have and can bring you closer to those around you.

5"6364 t "QS .BZ A financial surprise may require extra attention early in the week, Taurus. Take a step back and look at things from a new perspective as you try to adjust.

-&0 t +VM "VH A supervisor may ask you to take the lead on a project that is right in your wheelhouse, Leo. Put in the extra effort to help ensure the results will be top notch.

4$031*0 t 0DU /PW Thoughts may pop in and out of your mind, Scorpio. The trick is to figure out how to weed out the pertinent ideas from the fluff. Ask others to weigh in if need be.

"26"3*64 t +BO 'FC Aquarius, a recognition of your specific talents and skills is conveyed to you by others. It may inspire you to work on a new project or change departments.

(&.*/* t .BZ +VO Gemini, expressing how you feel to someone special is key to your personal growth this week. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and open yourself up.

7*3(0 t "VH 4FQU Your perception may be altered through a sudden modification in the way you think, Virgo. This can be a refreshing change for you and open up new possibilities.

4"(*55"3*64 t /PW %FD Emotions run high between you and your partner this week, Sagittarius. Enjoy the ride as this outpouring of emotions will strengthen your bond.

1*4$&4 t 'FC .BS Knowing and expressing just how you feel can help you to troubleshoot areas that need a bit of modification, Pisces. Be honest with yourself.

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS 1. Nuclear near reach weapon 5. Of she 8. Hyperbolic function 12. Rice dish 14. A team’s best pitcher 15. Strong and healthy 16. Induces 18. Popular manga series 19. From a distance 20. Split 21. Consumed 22. Cushions 23. All over 26. One who provides food 30. St. __ Girl, brand of beer 31. Walking slowly 32. Wood 33. Semitic gods 34. Bugle 39. 60-minute periods (abbr.)

42. Congressman 44. Plant of the heath family 46. Subdivision of an army 47. Having many different forms 49. Shellfish

"3*&4 t .BS "QS Aries, your ideas may seem a bit fantastical to the people who are closest to you. It could be time to expand your reach a little bit and pitch your thoughts to others.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021 15

Mechanicsville AARP Tax-Aide open Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE -- The Mechanicsville AARP Tax-Aide site will be open in the Mechanicsville Library again this tax season. The library is located at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place.

Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation and filing to older or lowincome taxpayers. Many individuals miss out on credits and deductions they’ve earned because they can’t afford to pay for professional tax preparation; Tax-Aide can help.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program i s the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance service.

It is sponsored by AARP and the IRS. It is now in its 52nd year.

There are nine Tax-Aide offices in

the Richmond area. The volunteers all have extensive tax training and most have experience in tax preparation.

The Mechanicsville site will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays just like last year, but the hours will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. this year. Their first open day will be Wednesday, Feb. 3. Tax returns will be prepared by appointment this year.

The procedure will be somewhat different to accommodate the fears of COVID. Beginning in January, those interested in having their tax returns done

by Tax-Aide volunteers may pick up a packet of the forms and information they need at the library.

All forms must be filled out before an appointment is made. If you've

used Tax-Aide's service before, you'll be familiar with most of the forms, but anyone that needs help with the forms may call 804-537-0662 or email MechTaxAide@gmail.com.

Appointments may be made by phone or online at the online address found in the forms packet.

When coming in for a tax session, you must bring: a photo ID for both taxpayer and spouse, a Social Security card for everyone on the tax return (dependents included), all tax forms received such as W-2s and 1099s, health form 1095-A (if you received one), and any other “Important Tax Information” you received i n the mail.

If you want your refund directly deposited into your bank account, you must bring a check with the account and routing number on it.

Also, bringing a copy of last year’s tax return with supporting documents is helpful in the preparation of this year’s return.

For anyone interested in becoming a volunteer tax return preparer, training for the current filing season i s complete, but the program is always looking for new volunteers. If interested i n volunteering for the 2021 filing season a year from now, you may apply at the website: TaxAide@ AARP.org.

More information about TaxAide may be obtained at: 888-6872277 or TaxAide@AARP.org.

Last season was cut short due to COVID, so the volunteers at the Mechanicsville site are excited to be open this year and are looking forward to doing tax returns for local folks.

Hanover-Caroline SWCD offers scholarship opportunities Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Three 2021 scholarship opportunities are available to Hanover and Caroline County high school seniors through the Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District and the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD).

The Hanover-Caroline SWCD announces three (3) $5,000 scholarships to be awarded to outstanding high school seniors in Hanover and

Caroline counties.

One scholarship will be awarded specifically to one outstanding senior in Hanover County, one to an outstanding senior in Caroline County, and one scholarship is competitive between students in the two counties.

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in conservation issues, be college-bound, pursue a field of conservation-related study and rank in the top 20% of their class.

The VASWCD Educational Foundation awards four (4) $1,000 scholarships on a state-

wide basis to aid students who wish to pursue studies in a conservation or an environmentally related field. An applicant may be either a graduating senior ranking in the top 20% of the class or a college freshman.

Deadline for both scholarship submissions is Feb. 22.

For instructions and applications for either or both of these scholarships, visit the District website at https://www.hanovercounty.gov/997/ Forms-and-Publications or contact Karen Fetty at kifetty@hanovercounty.gov.

Hanover Senior Softball League looking for softball players MECHANICSVILLE -- The Hanover Senior Softball League is looking to expand its membership by reaching out to the local community.

The league provides an opportunity for men 50 years of age or over and women 40 years of age and over to play slow pitch softball in a

friendly and safe environment.

All talent levels are welcome to participate and enjoy this friendly social time with games being played on Wednesday nights at Pole Green Park from mid-April to August.

The cost is $80 per player.

Registration deadline is March 3.

Learn more about the League by visiting HanoverSeniorSoftball.org or attend the annual meeting being held by Zoom, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Zoom information can be found on the website.

Those interested in taking part

will be introduced to the board, go over practice dates and plans for the season at this meeting.

Additional information and registration forms can be found at HanoverSeniorSoftball.org.

Information submitted by Dianne Long, secretary.

VENUE

Prichard said had there been no neighbor complaints regarding Mason’s request, the CUP would have likely been granted.

“Ultimately, I don’t think the

Conditional Use Permit is something that you are entitled to on this property.”

Beaverdam supervisor Bucky Stanley said he had received 37

emails against the pending application and only three in support and moved to deny the request.

The motion passed unanimously, Mason’s request was denied.

Continued from pg. 9

they should be able to live in it in the way they choose to.”

16

Ashland-Hanover Local February 3, 2021

LOVE Continued from pg. 1

The #HereinHanoverVA campaign on social media offers a fun, interactive way for Hanoverians to showcase achievements of the past, the vitality of the present and the promises of a bright future as Hanover County looks ahead to the next 300 years.

“What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend than with a photo of the iconic LOVE letters in beautiful Hanover County,” said Hanover County Administrator John A. Budesky. “We invite people to tag #HereinHanoverVA when they post images on their social media platforms.”

There is plenty of free parking behind the library and in the Hanover County Government Complex and there is no fee to access the LOVE letters. Visitors are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing when they are taking photos.

Visitors also are invited to admire the historic Hanover Courthouse, the third oldest in the nation in continuous use.

The Hanover Museum of History and Culture will be opening in the Historic Clerk’s Office building later this year.

“We are excited to share the LOVE in Hanover County at a spot where so many people can enjoy being a part of it, helping them to discover for themselves why Virginia is for Lovers,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Anyone sharing photos on social media also can tag #LOVEVA, Virginia Tourism’s hashtag for the LOVE letters.

Fast Facts about the VTC’s LOVE artwork: The LOVE artwork is 16 feet long and more than six feet high.

More than 250 permanent LOVE letters, called LOVEworks, exist in towns, cities and at Welcome Centers across the Commonwealth — each reflecting the uniqueness of the community in which it stands.

A full list and map of statewide LOVEworks can be found at Virginia. org/LOVE. For information on upcoming activities related to Hanover County’s 300th birthday recognition and #HereinHanoverVA, “Like” the 300th birthday Facebook page, download the app or contact hanover300@hanovercounty.gov.