Ashland-Hanover Local – 02/25/2021

FIRE SEASON

HEALTH

Spring fire season begins; 4 p.m. law now in effect

More COVID-19 vaccination questions answered PAGE

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Vol. 6 No. 26 | Richmond Suburban News | February 24, 2021

Downtown Ashland Association reports good year

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ASHLAND – Despite the setbacks created by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Downtown Ashland Association managed to present some successful events in the town.

Executive Director Maggie LONGEST

Longest submitted the organization’s quarterly report to Ashland Town Council last week “in accordance with the Fiscal Year 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)”. “Our public-private partnership is key to advancement of the downtown district,” she said.

In reviewing second quarter highlights, Longest said the Association “hosted over 180 volunteer hours …, including 88 in October, 60 in November, and 40 in December. These numbers represent volunteers’ time at official functions and do not begin to account for the

COVID-19 call center staying busy

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local HANOVER -- While a recently initiated state coronavirus hotline is up and running and should replace efforts now managed by local health districts, Hanover’s COVID-19 hotline continues to field questions and register patients for vaccines.

State officials announced the new site at a news conference last week and said residents could obtain vaccination information at 877-VAX-IN-VA. Governor Ralph Northam said the center is receiving calls at a brisk rate in its first days of operation.

County Administrator John Budesky referenced see COVID-19, pg. 2

time spent by volunteers individually.”

Longest’s report also included: The Association hosting Ashland HODGES Halloween as a service to the community.

She said the town’s “cooperation was instrumental in the creation of the trick-or-treat map and provided

financial assistance with postage.”

The Association hosted Light Up the Tracks as a promotion

of downtown businesses from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1. “Promotions included events for all businesses and organizations within the down,” she said.

“Safety was maintained and feedback was very positive.”

Throughout December, the Association used ornaments created

by Coronado Kingdom for the town’s Arts & Culture Grant as a social media giveaway, in promotion of Light Up the Tracks and downtown retailers.

In other business, council proclaimed February as Black History

Round 2: Moderna vaccine packs a bigger punch -- still worth getting

By Dave Lawrence Richmond Suburban News MECHANICSVILLE – When I got the first of the series of two shots of the Moderna COVID vaccine, it was pretty much painless save for a sore arm.

Lest readers get their expectations too high, I must warn: The kick from the second of the two shots proved quite a doozy.

My experience was not unusual. What I went through with the Moderna vaccine is similar to the experiences of those receiving the two-dose mRNA vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech.

For the second round, I had to see ROUND 2, pg. 4

Dave Lawrence, sports editor of The Mechanicsville Local and Ashland-Hanover Local, once again shares his personal experience with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. He recently received the second dose.

see DOWNTOWN pg. 16

Gill reviews details of HCPS budget proposal HANOVER -- A day after the Hanover County School Board unanimously approved his proposed FY2022 budget, Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, presented the Hanover County Board of Supervisors with the details of the $215 million spending plan.

Gill said this proposal restores the bulk of what was removed from the current budget once the pandemic struck in March of last year. When the superintendent asked the school board to approve a revised and scaled down document last year, he said the move represented see GILL, pg. 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 low-income 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, volunteerrun 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 TaxAide 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 TaxAide's service before, you'll be familiar with most of the forms, but anyone that needs help with the forms may call 804537-0662 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 Tax-Aide may be obtained at: 888-687-2277 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.

Spring and Fall Landscaping with Natives series scheduled Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – A webinar series focusing on 2021 Spring and Fall Landscaping with Natives will be presented by the Plant RVA Natives campaign, of which Hanover Master Gardener Association is a partner, will be collaborating with other campaigns across the state to offer a series of 12 webinars -- six this spring and six in the fall.

The webinars will guide you through the why and how to turn your home garden into a beautiful retreat for your family and a native habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy, renowned author of Nature's Best Hope, will kick off the series from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 5.

Recent headlines about global insect declines, the impending extinction of one million species worldwide, and three billion fewer birds in North America are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at sustaining the plants and animals that

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sustain us. Such losses are not an option if we wish to continue our current standard of living on Planet Earth. The good news is that none of this is inevitable.

Tallamy will share simple steps that each of us can -- and must -- take to reverse declining biodiversity and explains why we, ourselves, are nature’s best hope.

The sign-up cost for all 12 webinars is $10.

For more details and to register, go to: https://www.plantvirginianatives. org/webinars-landscaping-with-virgin-

Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021

ia-natives.

More details on the series is available on PlantVirginiaNatives.org.

The Plant Virginia Natives Landscaping with Natives webinar series is being coordinated and funded, in part, by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program through grants from the NOAA Office for Coastal Management to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

The webinar also is being sponsored and hosted on Zoom by Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Blue Ridge PRISM.

COVID-19 Continued from pg. 1

the new state site at last week’s Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting, where he provides a COVID update at each gathering, but said the county’s efforts would continue.

“I anticipate leaving our hotline up and running until we are confident that the state’s system can meet the needs of our residents,” he said. “We’re here in the absence of the state’s call center until further notice.”

The Hanover Call Center is receiving more than 500 calls a day and has responded to 9,200 calls since opening.

Vaccinations continue at the Ashland Food Lion Clinic, where 800 shots were issued on the day Budesky provided his update. “We’ve been very active,” he said.

A limited number of appointments are available at the Mechanicsville Turnpike CVS but those supplies are limited, according to Budesky.”I understand it’s very difficult and . . . they don’t have enough supply.”

Rides through the county’s DASH program are available to transport patients to and from vaccinations at no charge during the pandemic. The program applies to residents 60 or over or have a disability.

The Chickahominy Health District reports about 34,000 Hanover residents are registered for the vaccinations.

More than 16,000 first doses have been administered to Hanover residents and 4,000 people have received both shots.

“Supply is our only limitation,” Budesky said. “Once supply goes up, we are prepared to ramp up as quickly as we can.

We’ve been lucky enough to get additional allocations the past couple of weeks so we have added Saturday hours (clinic, by appointment only).”

At the current rate, Budesky

estimates it will require four months to vaccinate all those in the 1B category, the largest, who wish to receive it.

Budesky also told supervisors he had received feedback from regarding his budget presentation from the week before, and encouraged citizens to continue to provide their thoughts on the proposed spending plan.

“I’ve already received several calls and appreciate the thoughts and feedback on the introduced budget,” Budesky said.

Budget Director Shelly Wright provided an update on FY2022 budget revenues and the five-year financial plan.

The budget process continued at last week’s meeting with Steve Herzog providing an outline of his department’s FY2022 plan. Unlike other county agencies, Public Utilities is largely self-supporting, relying on user fees and grants to fund its projects.

Herzog presented a $41.7 million FY2022 budget with $23.4 million or that in the operating portion of the budget, an increase of 2.8 percent from last year.

The five-year Capital Improvement Plan provides $35.2 million in expansion projects and $75 million for renewal and renovation projects.

The plan includes the Hill Carter Water Storage Tank and Pump Station, and upgrades in the Suburban Service Areas at Middle Chickahominy Wastewater Pump Station and Shelton Pointe Wastewater Pump Station.

Budget Director Shelly Wright provided an update on FY2022 budget revenues and the five-year financial plan.

Wright said the largest source of revenue for the county is real property taxes, which funds 45 percent of the General Fund, followed by personal property tax that provides only see COUNTY, pg. 4

Spring fire season begins; 4 p.m. law now in effect Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com C HA R LO T T E S V I L L E -- In Virginia, spring brings increased wildfire potential and a greater threat for escaped fires.

Virginia’s spring wildland fire season and accompanying 4 p.m. Burning Law officially began Monday, Feb. 15.

The law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day between Feb. 15 and April 30 if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of woodland, brush or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.

In addition to being tended at all times, fires started after 4 p.m. should not have additional material added to the burn after midnight. If weather conditions become critical, localities often add further restrictions to outdoor burning at the town, city, and county levels. So, be sure to check with your local officials before burning.

Ninety-five percent of wildland fires in Virginia are human-caused. The majority of escaped fires result from people burning debris, such as accumulated brush piles or trash, on dry and windy days.

Virginia Department of

Forestry (VDOF) officials emphasize that citizens should take extreme caution, even within the bounds of the law, to ensure they are burning safely.

Keep your piles small, remove anything burnable from within 10 feet of your pile or burn barrel, and have water and a shovel or rake nearby.

Why 4 p.m. and why in the spring? During the spring, burning conditions become incredibly conducive to fire spread due to increased and erratic winds, drying of fuels (such as leaf litter) that are dormant this time of year, and lower humidity.

As the days start to become warmer, radiant energy from the sun shining down on dry grass, dead leaves and other materials, further dries out existing fuels, making them a tinderbox.

What may start out as a small fire can quickly escape and grow into a wildfire that engulfs hundreds, if not thousands, of acres.

After 4 p.m., winds tend to decrease and the moisture in the air and fuels increases, lessening the potential for fires to

escape.

Dave Houttekier, VDOF’s assistant director of Fire and Emergency Response, said, “The 4 p.m. Burning Law is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent wildfires.”

Emphasizing the importance of the regulation he added, “By adhering to the law and not burning before 4 p.m., people are less likely to start a fire that threatens them, their property, and the forests of Virginia.”

Starting a fire before 4 p.m. is not only dangerous, it can be costly.

Individuals found violating the 4 p.m. law can be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500.

In addition, if the fire escapes, that individual will be responsible for the suppression costs associated with putting the fire out and any damage to other people’s property as a result of the fire.

Although conditions do not predict an intense fire season, especially with the recent snow, the potential for fire can come and go in the spring.

Just a few days of dry weather can allow light fuels, such as grass, to become receptive even after long periods of wet weather.

The primary prevention message remains consistent throughout the entire season: springtime in Virginia always brings the potential for wildland fires.

Although fire officials do what they can to plan for fire while actively promoting prevention and being prepared for suppression, the citizens of the Commonwealth play the most significant role by being safe and legal with all fire.

Virginia State Forester Rob Farrell said, “The beginning of the 4 p.m. Burning Law is a great reminder that some of the best ways people can help in wildfire prevention are to wait till after 4 p.m. to burn, choose the right weather for outdoor fires, and clear an area surrounding the burn of flammable material before burning. Being smart, legal and responsible with fire really and truly is the answer.”

If you’re unsure if burning is legal or safe, call your local forester for recommendations based on your area’s fire dan-

ger conditions.

For more information on wildland fire in Virginia, visit: https://www.dof.virginia.gov/ fire/

About the Virginia Department of Forestry The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

With nearly 16 million acres of forestland and more than 108,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide an overall economic output of more than $21 Billion annually. Headquartered in Charlottesville, the Agency has forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide citizen service and public safety protection across the Commonwealth, which it’s been doing now for more than 100 years.

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SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Feb. 6

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Feb. 7

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Lee Park Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 10100 block of East Patrick Henry Road/ Providence Church Road, Ashland.

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

8100 block of Holly Lane, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 9400 block of Laurel Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in 6 months, was reported in the 10200 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Defrauding hotels/motels, $200, was reported

in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Lost firearm was reported in the 9400 block of Morrisdale Way, Mechanicsville.

Sale and distribution of marijuana, ½-ounce to 5 pounds, was reported in the 8500 block of Chamberlayne Road/Richfood Road, Mechanicsville.

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 Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021 3

ROUND 2 Continued from pg. 1

OBITUARIES | Death Notices Laura Marie Cathcart CATHCART, Laura Marie.

Family and friends mourn the passing of Laura Marie Cathcart, 40, on February 12, 2021, from effects of her lifelong challenge of Marfan Sy ndrome.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, she graduated from both Mechanicsville High School and The Braxton School of Business. An advocate for the kind treatment of people with disabilities, she shared her medical experiences, especially at the Eye Institute of Virginia and Johns Hopkins Marfan Clinic as a platform to further knowledge and treatment of the disorder. Laura leaves behind her Cathcart family; mother, Pam; father, Gene; brother, Jason; and a host of extended kin, with special mention of her cousin, Jennifer Bell; and long-standing friend, Britton Edwards. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, service will be private. Those who wish to honor Laura, past protector of her exquisite doll collection and trio of beloved cats, may donate to The Marfan Foundation at Marfan.org or The Arc of Hanover at thearcofhanover.org.

Connie Lee Miller MILLER, Connie Lee, came into this world on January 23, 1940 during an epic snowstorm in Richmond, Va. She left us February 11, 2021 in another snowstorm.

She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Martin (David); grandsons, Chris and Jesse (Anna and Tyler); her brother, Reuben “John Henry” Melton; and lifelong friend, Barbara Byrd (Ronnie). As put by one longtime friend, “Heaven just got a whole lot funner!” A lifelong advocate of enjoying her stay here, Connie was loved by all that met her. Her professional career spanned from bookkeeping to real estate sales and her own rental company.

Connie’s primary occupation was putting a smile on the faces of those in her company.

Known to her grandchildren as the “Graminator,” she created many cherished memories for all. It was a life well-lived by a lady well-loved. We look forward to seeing her again.

An upcoming “Celebration of the Life & Times of Connie Miller” will be planned in April.

travel to Saluda to the Three Rivers Health District offices.

Registration for the second shot was a bit quicker as I had already been through the process. I also had my COVID19 Vaccination Record Card, which is required for one to get a second dose – the card may also may be vital if one needs proof of vaccination to work or travel later.

As it was with the first dose, I went through a driveup vaccination setup. One vaccination site volunteer checked to see if I was on the appointment list (a requirement in this instance), another directed me to a parking space. Another brought and retrieved the registration paperwork and yet another gave me the vaccine.

As with the first dose, I had to wait on-site for observation in case I developed a severe allergic reaction.

While there, the volunteers warned me that I might really feel the effects of the second dose the next day.

Among the effects I might expect were fever, chills and fatigue. They suggested I start taking acetaminophen that day to possibly head off or minimize the severity of the aftereffects. Since I already take NSAIDs for arthritis, I did not bother with the acetaminophen. It might have been a mistake.

The rest of the day after the second shot, I felt fine. The next morning proved a different story. I woke up with chills

COUNTY Continued from pg. 2

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

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021

$50 million in revenue.

Sales taxes provide more than $26 million in funding for the budget.

“We are continuing to see positive steady growth in sales tax year after year,” Wright said. “These three categories

and a fever and just wanted to sleep most of the day. By Saturday morning, I was back to (Abby – a nod to Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein”) normal.

The fact that I was hit harder by the second dose should come as no surprise. The first dose, as an analogy, primes the immunological engine – kind of like pouring a bit of gasoline in a carburetor to help a stubborn engine start (something we used to do, and possibly shouldn’t have, back in the “old” days). The second dose gets the immune system fully engaged under its own power (like the way the .307 engine in my old Chevy Malibu would roar when I hit a good straightaway).

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that more people report side effects from the second dose than from the first. The CDC recently released data on side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech, which has been in use longer than the Moderna vaccine.

According to the CDC data, reported by vaccine recipients via the agency’s V-Safe, 74.8% of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients reported pain at the injection site after the second dose compared with 67.7% after the first. Other differences in responses between the two doses included: 50% reporting fatigue after the second dose compared with 28.6% after the first; 41.9% reporting headache after the second dose

compared with 25.6% after the first; 41.6% reporting muscle pain after the second dose compared with 17.2% after the first;

26.7% reporting chills after the second dose as compared with 7% after the first;

26.7% reporting swelling after the second dose compared with 6.8% after the first; 25.2% reporting fever after the second dose compared with 7.4% after the first; and 21.2% reporting joint pain after the second dose compared with 7.1% after the first.

Similar patterns have been reported for those receiving the Moderna vaccine.

While anaphylactic reactions can be serious, and a handful of people have reportedly died after getting the COVID vaccine – because of anaphylaxis or for reasons yet to be determined – and some people have medical conditions that should prevent them from getting the shots, the fact is that the vast majority of us

are perfectly good candidates for the shot and the majority of us who have received the vaccine so far have not had any serious aftermath.

For me, the brief misery after the second dose of the vaccine is better than the risk of serious illness or death from the disease itself.

This brings up another relevant experience I have had. A couple of years ago I got the two-dose Shingrix vaccine against shingles. I was warned it had quite a kick, and the Shingrix vaccine most definitely did. I felt like a freezing, soaking, whipped dog for a day or two after each shot.

But … I also have had shingles. I never, never, never – with maybe a few other nevers thrown in for good measure – want to have shingles again. The misery I may have felt from the vaccination was nothing in comparison to the misery caused by the disease itself.

Dave Lawrence, sports editor of The Mechanicsville Local and Ashland-Hanover Local, can be reached at dlawrence@ mechlocal.com.

account for over 70 percent of the revenue coming into the General Fund,” Wright said.

She said the county was expecting more serious declines in those revenue sources due to the pandemic.

“While we could see changes in our typical revenue streams and our workforce, Hanover was well prepared financially

to respond,” Wright said.

In addition to the budget, Wright said the county began preparing a five-year financial plan in 1999 to budget for items like building maintenance and equipment replacement and personal over a fiveyear period.

That planning allowed the county to more accurately

plan for the pandemic. “We relied heavily on this longterm financial perspective to prepare for COVID-19 economic impacts and our recovery,” Wright said.

This year’s plan predicts steady revenue receipts with an annual increase of about 3.5 percent and foresees no increase in real estate tax rates.

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Habitat seeks input on honoring HEROes RELIABILITY is a cornerstone of 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.

everything we do.

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.

Before the wind blows, a storm hits, or a tree falls, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative is already working to keep your power on. www.myrec.coop 1-800-552-3904 Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021 5

OPINION | The Local Views From the managing editor

Thanks to those who brave the elements

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

T

o the men and women who go out in all weather conditions to help others, thank you. I take this personally since my father worked for 22 years as a lineman for the electric utility company in our hometown.

Dad often would be gone for days at a time to ensure service was restored throughout the county. Every time I see posts praising the dedication of healthcare workers, Fire/EMS, law enforcement, transportation crews, and various utility providers, I think about Dad. As we kept an eye on updating weather

reports early last week, Mom talked about a major snow that had Dad working three days before returning home. She said he was soaked after having been out in the cold wet conditions.

Most of us are just relieved when services are restored without thinking about those who have been out remedying that inconvenience to us.

We are fortunate in Hanover County to rarely have significant outages. This is being written on Tuesday, Feb. 16, and I have friends in areas of West Virginia that have been without electricity since Wednesday, Feb. 10.

If you drive by crews working for us, blow your horn and give them a thumbs-up or some form of acknowledgement for their devotion

to the people they serve -- as in us.

I’ve gone to work when the snow was up to my knees and the temperature was -17. There was a state of emergency, but newspapers still came off the presses. Side note: They were stacked until delivery was permitted.

The National Guard was accommodating to a photographer as roads were practically free of any traffic.

So, I will give a shout-out to those in the media who also bundle up, layered in clothes, digging out vehicles, or trying to find a ride to get the job done.

We do appreciate all who make our lives easier by going out to help in several different capacities. The best two words are: Thank you.

Back to school: list of challenges can be daunting

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Seven months before the beginning of a new school year in September, parents and students are breathing a sigh of relief as the possibility of a return to campus seems like a real possibility.

For many, COVID-19 robbed them of their junior and senior years of high school, obliterated the lifelong memories all of us have of our years in high school and left them isolated and removed from the normal pleasures of proms and graduations.

But, the return to school for many districts presents a daunting list of challenges, and officials are scrambling to ensure a safe and efficient return to in-house instruction.

While some districts in our area are already engaged in some sort of faceto-face instruction, most have offered options, including online and virtual learning.

For those who have returned a portion of their students to in-class education, maintaining current mitigation requirements while welcoming back thousands of students produces a new

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set of problems, including capacity and transportation.

Keeping students socially distanced on campus is not easy, and opening school to all students exacerbates that problem. While academic programs and other activities can be adjusted to accommodate the regulations, capacity is more difficult to resolve.

Returning to school post-COVID will not be easy with school administrators presented with unique logistical challenges. Add those factors to a hearty set of challenges that existed before the pandemic, and it’s clear to

see the next few months will not be easy for educators.

In addition to the impacts and adjustments made necessary by COVID-19, school systems are facing a myriad of evolving challenges.

Before the pandemic hit in March 2020, teachers and school counselors were already dealing with an everincreasing amount of emotional and behavioral patterns in the nation’s classrooms.

One local superintendent said the see SCHOOL, pg. 7

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Ashland-Hanover Local.

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LETTERS | Reader Views

County working with health district to provide vaccine (Editor’s note: The following letter was addressed to Dear Community Partner from John A. Budesky, County Administrator.)

Hanover County is working with the Chickahominy Health District to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to our residents. While the health department has a plan to offer the vaccine to various priority groups, such as healthcare professionals, first responders, and older resiACh and social inequities have put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19.

The term “racial and ethnic minority groups” includes people of color with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.”

The CDC further states that “as the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination program expands, public health officials should ensure that vaccine is administered efficiently and equitably within each successive vaccination priority category, especially among those at highest risk for infection and severe adverse health outcomes, many of whom are non-Hispanic Black (Black), non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Hispanic persons (2,3).”

Please help Hanover County to communicate with all members of our community this important information about the vaccine process.

At this time people can sign up if they wish to receive the vaccine.

In order to sign up for the vaccine waiting list, people can visit www. hanovercounty.gov and click on COVID-19 Vaccine Info to find the link to register.

Additionally, people can call the see LETTERS, pg. 7

DMV closed for state holidays and observances

Library virtual programs listed Customers encouraged Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER – Librarian Carolyn Garner has released the schedule of virtual programs being presented by the Pamunkey Regional Library.

to use dmvNOW.com for 40+ transactions Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND -- All Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

full-service customer service centers will be closed on the following days for state holidays and observances: May 31: Memorial Day June 18: Juneteenth July 5: Independence Day Sept. 6: Labor Day Oct. 11: Columbus Day and Yorktown Victory Day Nov. 2: Election Day Nov. 11: Veterans Day

The holiday schedule for Thanksgiving and Christmas will be announced at a later date.

DMV customers are encouraged to save time by taking advantage of more than 40 transactions available online at dmvNOW.com.

Appointments are required for inperson transactions.

Also, some DMV Select locations, run mostly by local governments, may

operate outside of the state holiday closing schedule.

DMV Select offices process mostly vehicle-related transactions, including registration renewals, titles and license plates; driver’s licenses and ID card services are not available.

To find out if a DMV Select in your area is open on a state holiday and whether an appointment is required, visit dmvNOW.com/DMVSelect.

Sign-up period begins for Hanover Tax Relief for elderly and disabled Virtual Programs on Zoom Understanding COVID 19-Related Scams – 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. Join in as Martin Bailey, AARP Community Ambassador, shows how to stay safe from COVID-19related scams. Registration is required at https:// see LIBRARY, pg. 8

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

Hanover County COVID19 call center at 804-365-3240 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. In this way, they can be contacted when it is time to schedule a vaccination appointment.

We appreciate your assistance with this important initiative.

According to the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines, and these vaccines have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.

If I can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to call.

(The number for the administration offices is 804-365-6005.)

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. The deadline is March 1 for the relief to be applied to the tax bills due (first half) on June 5,.

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

SCHOOL Continued from pg. 6

behaviors exhibited are not unique to educators, but the age of students displaying those trends are surprising.

Behaviors once observed in 16- or 17-year-olds are now being seen in students in elementary grades, often involving students 4 or 5 years old.

The increased behavioral and counseling needs equate to more specialists being introduced to address these mounting problems, adding to a long list of financial challenges that face public education.

The pandemic and the disruptions in regular education also have affected student enrollments nationwide, and

up to 10 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.

many districts are experiencing serious declines. Parents have been exposed to many educational options and it’s not just a public/private decision for many families, according to one superintendent.

Those declines could seriously affect funding for districts at at time when the need for additional resources has never been higher.

As systems across the Commonwealth present their annual budgets, one reoccurring theme becomes obvious.

Planning for unknown circumstances and remaining flexible are vital elements for any financial plans unveiled during a pandemic.

Most of the budgets also

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.

reflect a commitment to faceto-face learning and the importance of interaction with a student and teacher, while maintaining a realistic amount of caution regarding other options that may be necessary.

While the anxiety of stakeholders who await final decisions and timelines is justified and understandable, the complexity of these challenges requires patience.

For officials frantically trying to open schools, it’s a daily moving target with changing solutions. Their willingness to adjust or amend should be commended as they attempt to plot a course that returns our students to some form of normalcy.

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.

Getting there, unfortunately, might be harder than we thought.

But none of these challenges should diminish our appreciation for the efforts of educators during this difficult period. Our children have not fallen behind or been doomed to failure, but have received instruction and support through various delivery systems. Thanks to the ded-

ication of educators, my children’s academic goals have been unaltered for the most part As a parent, I’ll trust them to negotiate the issues of the future. I also won’t forget the countless hours and their commitment to education of the legions of teachers, administrators and support staff who continued their mission in a changing environment.

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021 7

Online Hanover Master Gardeners Winter Home Gardening Series ASHLAND -- Hanover County Master Gardeners have announced the dates for their Winter 2021 Home Gardening Series.

A series of free classes will be held on Saturday mornings from 10:30 until noon.

All classes are presented on Zoom at 10:30 until noon.

You must register ahead of time for each session at http:// bit.ly/hanoverhgs to be sent a link for that session.

The series continues this week with Fire-Wise Landscaping and Practices.

Also scheduled are: March 6 – Introducing Native Shrubs and Groundcover to the Home Landscape.

March 13 – Monarchs.

March 20 – Water Quality in Your Back Yard.

If you miss the live ses-

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

Metro Creative Connection

sion, you can view the recording along with previous HGS content at https://bit.ly/ hgsrecordings. The program, “Blueberries: Nature’s Gift”, is available on the website listed.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact the Hanover Extension Office

GH U O EN RVE, ARE! G I B E H TO C S O G T L

L SMA

Donations needed for the Hanover Tavern Foundation

U ENO

at 804-752-4310 or TDD 800- 828-1120 during business hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Information submitted by Laura Maxey-Nay, Hanover County Extension Office. She may be contacted at 804-7524310 or lmaxey-nay@vt.edu.

PR

E N A OP

235 3 4 ) 55 (804

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: 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,

Tours of Old Courthouse offered Tuesdays HANOVER— "Hear Ye, Hear Ye ... the Hanover County Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Old Courthouse will now be 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. Pass the word, join us, and welcome back.

LIBRARY pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7439303. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. For more information, or if you have a special physical or communication need, contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

ages 13-19. Join in and learn how to build a game, website, or program at a CoderDojo workshop. Go to https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7366656 to sign up. This program is hosted on Discord.

For more information, or if you have a special physical or communication need, contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

grades 6-12. Grab an old t-shirt and learn how to turn it into a tote bag. No sewing required!

Starting Feb. 26, go to https:// w w w. youtub e. c om / u s e r / pamunkeylibrary or https:// tinyurl.com/prlteens to see the video. For more information, or if you have a special physical or communication need, contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

On Demand Videos

CoderDojo Workshop – 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, for

T-shirt Tote Bag -Premieres Friday, Feb. 26 for

Carolyn Garner, librarian, may be contacted at cgarner@ pamunkeylibrary.org or 804365-6214.

Continued from pg. 7

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Henrico, Goochland, Louisa, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania.

Delivering cultural arts through live music and performances in our one-of-a-kind theater.

Offering free family-oriented programs and events throughout the year.

Creating and delivering continuing education summer learning programs for teachers.

Operating an onsite restaurant offering lunch and dinner, company outings, private events, weddings, and receptions.

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/.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021

More vaccination questions answered (Editor’s note: The following FAQ – frequently asked questions – was compiled by Michelle Barnett, Hanover County public information specialist.) z How do I know which vaccination phase I fall under?

The Virginia Department of Health website offers a graphic, breaking down each phase as well as an online tool to help you determine which phase of the vaccination campaign you fall under. That online tool can be found here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ covid-19-vaccine/ Where can I go to get my vaccine?

At this time those who are eligible to receive a vaccine under the Phase 1 campaign will need to sign-up if they wish to receive the vaccine. In order to sign-up for the vaccine waiting list, you may visit the Virginia Department of Health’s online vaccine survey tool, which can be found here: vaccinate.virginia.gov Or, if you prefer to speak to someone, you can call the Hanover County COVID-19 call center to sign-up by phone: 804-365-3240 or Virginia Department of Health’s statewide vaccination hotline at 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (1-877-829-4682).

Someone from the health department will contact you to set up your vaccination appointment once it is your turn (based on the phase and vaccine supply).

If you have already signed up online or other the phone, there is no need to call or complete the survey again. z How do I register to get my COVID vaccine?

If you fall under Phase 1A or 1B of the COVID vaccination campaign, you can signup in one of two ways. If you have not already through an online survey, you can sign-up online through The Virginia Department of Health’s online survey tool at vaccinate.virginia.gov. Or, if you prefer to speak to someone, you can call the Hanover County COVID-19 call center to sign-up by phone: 804-365-3240 or Virginia Department of Health’s statewide vaccination hotline at 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (1-877-829-4682). z Will there be a choice of which COVID vaccine I get?

No. While there is currently more than one vaccine brand available to Americans, local health departments will likely have only one brand. Vaccine supplies are limited, and you should strongly consider accepting whichever COVID-19 vaccine is available to you. In general, side effects and effectiveness for the currently available vaccines are very similar.

z I have already signed-up to receive my vaccine, when will someone contact me to schedule my appointment?

Someone from the health department will contact you as soon as it is your turn and when vaccine supplies are available. In the meantime, we ask that you check your spam email folder and check for any missed calls or voicemails from numbers you don’t recognize.

Some scheduling emails and phone calls are being missed. z I registered for my vaccine on the VDH website, do I need to register again through my local health district?

No. If you have already registered online through another VDH website, you do not need to register a second time. z I think I registered online but never received a confirmation email.

You can now confirm your name is on the list in the new Virginia Department of Health pre-registration system at vaccinate.virginia. gov. Use the link at the top to check the List. z How can I volunteer to help with the vaccination campaign?

To volunteer visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/mrc/apply-to-volunteer/ z Who is staffing the Hanover County COVID-19 Call Center?

The Hanover County COVID-19 Call Center is being staffed by Hanover County employees, Goochland County employees and volunteers. z Where can I get tested for COVID-19?

The Virginia Department of Health has created a listing of testing sites in the area. The can be found by visiting: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid19-testing-sites/ z How many vaccines have been given to date?

Up-to-date information about the number of vaccines administered as well a breakdown of vaccinations administered by locality of residence: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-summary/ z Will there be any accommodations at the vaccination site for those with impaired mobility?

Accessibility will vary depending on location, however, the health department does try to accommodate those with mobility issues.

Please discuss any special needs with your appointment scheduler or alert a parking attendant when you arrive at the vaccination center. z Once I arrive at a vaccination center, how

LEGAL NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The County of Hanover, Virginia proposes to increase real property tax levies.

1. Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 3.5 percent.

2. Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $0.78 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”

3. Effective Rate Increase: The County of Hanover proposes to adopt a tax rate of $0.81 per $100 of assessed value. This is the same as the 2020 tax rate. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the proposed rate would be $0.03 per $100, or 3.0 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.” Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage.

4. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the County of Hanover will increase 6.8% from that of last year. The General Fund budget is increasing by 8.7% from the fiscal year 2021 budget.

A Public Hearing on the increase and the proposed tax rate listed above will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 6:15 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia.

The options available for providing written or oral statements are posted on the County website: www.hanovercounty.gov.

Related information is available for public inspection online and any regular working day between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in the Office of the County Administrator, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, phone number (804) 365-6005.

John A. Budesky, County Administrator

see VACCINATION, pg. 16

Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021 9

Cold doesn’t deter snow fun

The Montag family enjoyed the great outdoors, while bundled up against the cold, to spend some time in one of the recent snows in Hanover County.

Sherry Lea shared the photo above of her children taking full advantage of a snow day.

The layers of clothes to keep them war didn’t slow them down from a fun-filled outside experience. Below, Amber Wyatt of Ashland made snowmen on the front lawn

David Sage of Ashland captured a familiar sight of snowcovered vehicles.

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021

Above, Lois Mahanes Conwell snowman flag in the snow. Above rght, serene scene

by Deirdre Stevens Skogen of Ashland.

Above middle, Clara Elizabeth Frye said Lowryder was having a good time romping in the snow in Ashland.

The fact that the show nearly covered his legs didn’t stop him from playing.

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

02

26 2021

Prep football: Mechanicsville at Hanover 6:00 p.m.

02

26 2021

Prep football: Patrick Henry at Atlee 7:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Atlee finishes second in Class 5 wrestling Two Raiders, one Hawk win titles

By Dave Lawrence and Nick Vandeloecht Richmond Suburban News VIRGINIA BEACH – Atlee sent seven wrestlers to the Virginia High School League Class 5 State Championships, the most in school history.

By the time the meet wrapped up at Virginia Beach Sports Center Saturday night, the Raiders had: seven wrestlers place in a state tournament, obviously the most in school history; and two – Alex Frowert and Liam Harris – earn state championships, again the most in school history.

All the teamwork led to another milestone: a secondplace finish, the best finish in the 20-year history of the school.

The Raiders scored 112 points behind champion Brooke Point, whose wrestlers amassed 156 points. Midlothian was third with Midlothian 99 points.

Atlee head wrestling coach Gabe LaVey was pleased with the result, but it is clear he has higher ambition.

“I like to win, so a state championship would have been the obvious better goal,” LaVey said.

“But I’ll take second. I think it is the highest Atlee every had. It’s the first time we’ve ever had two

Nick Vandeloecht/Powhatan Today

Top, Hanover’s Aden Halsey stands atop the award podium as the 220-pound state champion in the Class 4 championships at Virginia Beach Sports Center Saturday.

Bottom, Patrick Henry’s Lorenzo Verdelotti works on an escape from Fauquier’s Eric Dewald in the Class 4 160-pound consolation semifinals. He finished fifth.

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Atlee’s Liam Harris (top) controls Brooke Point’s T.J. Harris in their 138-pound championship match in the Virginia High School League Class 5 wrestling championships at Virginia Beach Sports Center Saturday. Harris won the title in a 9-3 decision.

state champs. I can’t complain about that.”

Given the atypical year, the Raiders’ accomplishment was all the more remarkable.

“We followed all the COVID rules and, with all the [stuff] that we’ve had to do this year, they made it worth it,” LaVey said.

Liam Harris won his championship in the 138-pound

match. After a scoreless first period against Brooke Point’s T.J. Harris he started scoring, and with each point earned, his confidence grew and he kept adding to his lead. By the time the match and day was over, his face was a bit banged up, but he was perfectly happy with his 9-3 decision victory.

“I got a little bit beat up, but, as everyone says, you should

see the other guy,” Harris said.

“I was a little stunned in the first period when I didn’t score, because that’s usually what I do.

My thing is to score as fast as I can. Then the second period I got up to a pretty good lead and from then on he started shooting desperation attacks and I just countered and dominated.”

Frowert, the 145-pound champion, struggled to get

points against his opponent, Brooke Point’s Stephen Mainz.

Mainz took a 1-0 lead with an escape to open the second period. Frowert evened it up with an escape of his own to open the third. But the referees were parsimonious with points, and time was running out in regulation when Frowert finally got what he needed: a takedown for two points and a 3-1 victory at

the buzzer.

“It was a scramble,” Frowert said. “It was a good match. I’ve competed against him before and I knew it was going to be tough. It just really came down to how badly I really wanted it.

I wanted it really bad. I had to go for broke and I took a shot at the end.”

The Raiders had two runners-up: J.D. Haynie at 113 pounds and Daniel Martinez at 182. Their teammate Mateo Duarte finished third at 106 pounds, Will Rittenhouse was see WRESTLING, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021 11

Raider girls win Region 5B track championship

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – Weather may have made a mess of the Region 5B Indoor track and field championships schedule, and it may have made it pretty chilly when the athletes finally got to compete Sunday, but for the host Raiders, the recent rain and snow and the nip in the wind on the Atlee track could not make the wait any the less worth it.

The Raider girls, spurred by a spectacular 60-point performance by Jada Foreman, eked out a four-point win over Midlothian for the region title.

The Raider boys – despite the loss of a number of key athletes to COVID safety protocols – finished as a strong runner-up to region champion L.C. Bird.

“The kids performed wonderfully. They were wonderful today,” said Atlee head coach Neil Mathews. “They’re kids, and they’re so resilient. They’ve been off for a year. They’ve been dying to do stuff and they’re out of practice . . . but when they competition’s there, they’re competing – and that’s what they did today.”

On the girls’ side, Mathews expected a battle with

WRESTLING Continued from pg. 11

fourth at 152 and Hayden Morris sixth at 170.

Halsey learns from experience VIRGINIA BEACH – After his loss to fellow Hanover County wrestler and four-time state champion Andy Aldridge last year in the 220-pound Class 4 state championship round, Hanover High School senior Aden Halsey changed how he worked in the wrestling room.

12

Joel Klein for The Local

Left, Atlee’s Jada Foreman sets an event record of 8.60 seconds in the girls 55-meter hurdles in the Region 5B indoor track & field championships Sunday at Atlee High School. Above, Atlee’s Lora Chandler clears the bar to win the girls pole vault.

Midlothian. He expected Midlothian to do well in the final two events: the 3,200meter run and the 4x400 relay.

The Trojans did just that, win-

ning the 4x400 and claiming the top four spots in the 3,200.

But the Raider girls kept their lead intact.

“I thought that where we

would be would come down to the final two events,” Mathews said. “We had girls who had run multiple events all day long – things that they typically did

not run, relays that they were able to put just enough points out there so that we would be able to hold off that Midlothian onslaught.”

Foreman won five individual events and nabbed a second in another. She set two meet records: one with a win in the 55 hurdles, with her mark of 8.6 seconds besting that of 8.66 set

by Matoaca’s Devyn Coller in 2019; and besting her own meet record in the long jump of 17 feet, 3.25 inches set in 2019 with an 18-feet-11.5 leap this year.

She also won the 55 dash (7.38), high jump (5-0), and triple jump (37-2). Her triple jump

“I worked a lot harder and just focused on every little detail,” he said.

To Halsey, that mattered in his last high school match.

Taking on Loudoun County’s Caleb Graham, Aden Halsey dominated Loudoun County’s Caleb this year’s final to earn his first state championship in an 11-2 major decision at the VHSL Class 4 Championships at Virginia Beach Sports Center Saturday.

“I think I every won every position in that match,” Halsey said, “and that made the dif-

ference.”

Halsey said that he knew he needed a takedown in the first period, and that he knew he could get it. He did, taking a 2-0 lead into the second period. The lead boosted his confidence, and he took down Graham again to keep a 4-2 lead against his opponent’s two points on escapes. Halsey commanded the final two minutes with a 7-0 run, and he secured the bonus point via the major decision with a late-match nearfall.

“The journey and getting

here and winning it . . . it felt good,” Halsey said. “Especially after taking the loss last year, it meant a lot.”

Halsey advanced to the state semifinals with a 30-second pin of Smithfield’s Joe Sessoms in the first round. From there, he reached the final with a 3-1 triumph over Culpeper’s Bracken Hibbert. After trailing Hibbert 1-0 after the first two periods of his semifinal match, Halsey escaped him near the top of the third to tie it up, then took him down with 18 seconds left in regulation to secure the win.

Halsey, who has been wrestling since fifth grade, praised the roles of Hanover Hawks Wrestling and the Hanover Hawkeye Youth Wrestling Club in getting him to where he ultimately stood: atop the podium as a state champion.

“Without those two rooms, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I’m at.”

Halsey’s teammate Luke Hart also had a standout tournament, as he reached the final in the 152-pound weight class by defeating Amherst County’s Kylee Martin 5-0 in the first

Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021

mark was nearly 3 feet better than this year’s runner-up.

The Raiders had two other winners: Savannah Nash in the shot put with a 29 feet, 8 inch throw (Foreman was second in the event) and Lora Chandler in the pole vault 9 feet, 8 inch vault. Her teammates picked up three of the remaining four spots in the top five.

Atlee’s boys had two winners: Josh Leonard with a 2:45.22 mark in the 1,000 run and Greg Durbin, who cleared 10 feet in the pole vault.

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

round and edging past John Handley’s Simon Bishop 2-0 with a reversal in the semifinals.

But in the final, Hart narrowly lost to Caroline’s James Dosado 3-2 to take runner-up honors.

Patrick Henry’s Lorenzo Verdelotti took fifth place in the 160-pound weight class.

Nick Vandeloecht is sports editor of Powhatan Today and Goochland Gazette. He can be reached at nvandeloecht@powhatantoday.com.

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

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PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 6:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the Board’s consideration of the administrative agenda permits, 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:

Please take notice that on the 10th day of March at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input, and may make a recommendation on the following application:

REZ2019-00019, HICKORY HILL II, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to MX(c), Mixed Use District with conditions, and B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, on GPINs 7880-92-1335 and 7880-81-6802, consisting of approximately 51.5 acres, and located on the north line of East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) at its intersection with Providence Church Road (State Route 662). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Planned Business and Commercial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow 42.33 acres to be rezoned to MX(c) for development of a mix of commercial (retail, office and restaurant) uses and residential uses (100 townhome units) at a density of 2.36 dwelling units per gross acre, and 9.17 acres to be rezoned to B-2(c) for a mix of commercial that may include a single fast food restaurant with a drive-through.

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For information on special meeting procedures regarding COVID-19, please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/697/ Board-of-Supervisors-Upcoming-and-Archiv for more information.

REZ21-0203 & ORD2021-02, 500 South Washington James and Joseph Stiles request to rezone the property located at 500 South Washington Highway (GPIN 7779-97-8780) from PSC, Planned Shopping Center, to B-2, Highway Commercial. The property was rezoned to PSC in 2007 to accommodate a large home improvement store, but was ultimately never developed. The property is approximately 13.6 acres in size and has a future land use designation of Mixed Business.

Copies of REZ21-0203 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or mailed to Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005.

All interested persons may attend and express their views, however, the number of people admitted to Town Hall is being limited in accordance with CDC Guidelines. Citizens are encouraged to participate electronically; please contact Bernadette Cornelius, bcornelius@ashlandva.gov to make those arrangements. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors will meet on Monday, March 1, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., at the Hanover Golf Club, 14314 Country Club Drive, Ashland, Virginia 23005. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss current County operations and procedures and long-term strategic and operational goals.

These are open meetings and all interested parties are welcome

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY Ashland Community Preschool admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies and other school-administered programs.

to attend. Attendance may be limited due to space limitations and the number of participants at any given time. Individuals who are interested in attending these meetings should contact the County Administrator’s Office at (804) 365-6005 so that proper accommodations may be made.

For the latest in Community News, Business News, Sports and more, read Ashland-Hanover Local!

This is YOUR Community This is YOUR newspaper

John A. Budesky County Administrator

You can reach us at (804) 746-1235 Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021 13

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TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 10th day of March at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input, and may make a recommendation on the following application: ORD2021-03, Keeping of Chickens The Town of Ashland is requesting approval of ORD2021-03 to amend Section 21-182 of the Ashland Town Code to permit the keeping of no more than six (6) chickens in residential districts. Keeping chickens in residential districts would be subject to conditions such as pen material, waste removal, setbacks, and prohibiting roosters.

Copies of ORD2021-03 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or mailed to Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005.

All interested persons may attend and express their views, however, the number of people admitted to Town Hall is being limited in accordance with CDC Guidelines.

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

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GILL Continued from pg. 1

a pause in the requests, not an abandonment of badly-needed resources to fill a variety of issues.

“I used a phrase at that time . . . that we were not pushing delete on any of our priorities, simply we were pushing the pause button,” Gill said. “So as we framed this budget was to un-push the pause button and push play again. All of the things that were a priority for us last February remain a priority for us now.”

He noted a number of accomplishments and awards received by HCPS during the past year, including a high rate of graduations and the lowest dropout rate among divisions similar in size.

The county remains atop the top divisions regarding the actual amount of funding spent on classroom instruction.

Gill said those efforts have resulted in what is known as the Hanover promise, a pledge to potential employers, colleges or mentors that graduated students are well prepared for success.

“It represents the knowledge, skills and ability that have taken place since kindergarten,” Gill said. “So, the Hanover promise actually lays out in a very thorough document our commitment to an employer of what a Hanover diploma truly represents. We’re not here to do the minimum.”

Gill said a combination of one-time funds from the Commonwealth and robust sales tax returns for the final quarter of 2020 provided increased revenues to fund this year’s budget request. In addition, local contribution for this year’s budget also has increased.

Even with the state allotments to mitigate losses in enrollment of about $2.9 million, Gill said the declining numbers are not “unique to Hanover.”

Several factors, according to Gill, are responsible for record declines in 2020, 927 students in Hanover County. “Parents

are opting for online versions of learning . . . and a lot of parents are deferring kindergarten.”

This year’s budget includes a 2.5 percent increase for teachers and a continuing commitment to address compression issues in the salary scale. Gill proposed a $300 buffer separating pay grades that will result in additional raises for about 75 percent of Hanover teachers. Including the 2.5 percent salary increase and compression adjustments, some teachers could enjoy an up to 6 percent increase, with an average increase of 3.7 percent system-wide.

The proposal also restores nine additional positions addressing increasing mental health, behavioral and emotional well-being among students.

But the item that received the most attention was focused on the county’s continuation of its online school and the 10 positions reallocated for it in the budget.

Gill explained the positions are not new and do not require funding but are simply positions from other areas being reallocated to the online school.

He also responded to criticism of a plan that some described as a work in motion.

“The online school is not perfect. There are a lot of mistakes that have happened and we own those. And I’m not going to lie to you and tell you that I know exactly what the class sizes will be in the September, but we’ve learned a lot and we will continue to adjust both in the face-to-face and online environment,” Gill said.

Mechanicsville supervisor Canova Peterson asked why the Hanover Online School was listed as one of the division’s accomplishments for the year.

“I think what our real accomplishment was that we had the face-to-face and we were the only ones who did. I think that was very critical.”

“We should be disassembling the Hanover Online School, not trying to build it up.

Putting kids in bedrooms with laptops is not giving them an

education,” Peterson said.

In addition to the core academic benefits of face-to-face instruction, Peterson said kids need the interaction with others in order to develop strong coping skills and develop behavioral norms.

Gill said he included the online school in the list of accomplishments to acknowledge the intense planning and dedicated work of the many that made it possible. He conceded the program is not perfect.

“It doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

It doesn’t mean it’s without flaws,” Gill said. “It’s just a recognition of the work that had to be done.” He reiterated his goal of a return to in-class instruction for all Hanover students.

“There is nothing that would please me more than the opportunity to bring all of our students back face-to-face in September,” Gill said.

But Gill also stressed the sense of uncertainty that surrounds the issue and said no one can predict where the pandemic will be when school begins in the fall. If the three feet distancing requirements remain in place, finding space for all returning students could produce a logistical nightmare.

“Right now, there is no physical space to bring back 16,000 students. Until we get the green light from the state, all school divisions are going to have to have multiple options,” Gill told supervisors.

Having said that, the superintendent noted that, with seven months planning ahead for the fall semester, he hopes to provide face-to-face instruction for all students who apply.

“Our intent with seven months to plan . . . is to offer student/parent who wants faceto-face as an option to be able to find a way to do that,” Gill said.

“Admittedly, because of those space concerns . . . that’s going to require a whole other level of innovation — whether it’s playing around with schedules or looking at remote classrooms.

All of these things have to be on the table.”

The superintendent said those 10 positions slated for the online school are placeholders for anticipated needs, but staffing always follows the students, and positions are adjusted prior to the start of every school year.

Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard questioned Gill regarding class sizes of some of the elementary online classes.

She said some are as high as 37 students.

“I want to give you what is necessary to not have 37 children in a classroom,” Prichard said. “How do I do that?”

The superintendent said he could provide specific numbers required to address that problem within two business days, but had provided insight on that issue earlier in the presentation.

“There is only one way to adjust class size . . . more teachers,” Gill said.

There are currently 16 elementary classes whose class size is more than 30 students, according to Gill. County Administrator John Budesky updated supervisors at last week’s board meeting and said he had spoken with Gill who was prepared to provide answers at an upcoming Joint Education Committee meeting this week.

Vice Chair Angela KellyWiecek, Chickahominy District, asked for a specific listing of needs regarding capacity such as trailers. “We want to be a partner and be creative here and get children back.”

Gill said those numbers provided would reflect the number of online students as of today, but could not offer an answer to how many would be interested in the fall.

Prichard also asked if the county’s online school was needed with the advent of Virtual Virginia, a free online instructional program.

The superintendent said that platform is currently used to offer students classes that may not be offered at their campus or as a means for students to catch up on required courses.

“What we are not trying

to create is an opportunity for students not to go to school because they prefer to stay home. What we are trying to create is the opportunity for students who are not able to be served in a traditional face-toface environment to be able to do so,” Gill said.

Gill explained how he views the online school at the current time. “I see this right now in 2021in much of the same way as a program such as the Georgetown School (50 to 80 students).”

While recognizing the need for the online option’s creation during a pandemic, Chair Sean Davis, Henry District, questioned the permanency of the current online school.

Gill explained, that in a post COVID-19 environment, he envisioned an online school that would serve less than 100 students, a group comprised of students who could not, for various reasons, attend face-toface sessions.

At the current time, administrators are faced with the challenge of planning an online school that could serve thousands if the pandemic persists, or under 100 is a return to normalcy occurs.

“Why an online school versus some online options and when do we transition from one to the other?” Prichard asked.

Gill said providing those options at every campus would require teachers to pull “double duty” providing instruction in both disciplines. “It’s not just a question of efficiency, it’s one of equality because when you are pulling double duty, you’re not able to give yourself to either world, so to speak.”

Answers to those questions rely on the number of students requesting online classes and the state of the pandemic, according to Gill, but he said if requests were substantially reduced from current levels, online instruction could become a program as opposed to its own separate entity.

Supervisors also asked Gill to provide further information

MICHAEL GILL regarding proposed changes to the county’s IB (International Baccalaureate) programs currently available at all four high schools.

Facing situations where questions often outweigh answers, Gill said he understands the passions displayed when discussing the education of our children and remains committed to maintaining a longstanding tradition of excellence in Hanover schools.

“We take very seriously our motto whether it’s in a pandemic or not, and, yes, we realize stress is high and only intensified when we are talking about our children because they are the most precious things in our lives . . . Our priority is to uphold that tradition of excellence for many years to come,” Gill concluded.

Peterson noted the efforts of those 3,800 school employees and their accomplishments during the past 10 months. “I can tell we have a lot of different approaches and opinions particularly on the future of virtual education and its value, but one thing I think we can all agree on is that every educator in this county deserves the greatest of kudos for what they have been able to do under the worst circumstances that they’ve ever had to deal with.”

Ashland-Hanover Local February 24, 2021 15

VACCINATION Continued from pg. 9

will I know where to park or where to go? Will I remain in my vehicle?

Protocol for vaccination clinics vary from location to location, however, for events held

by Chickahominy Health District/Hanover Fire-EMS, there will be parking attendants instructing residents where to park and explain to them when they can enter the building. z How early do I arrive before the appointment time?

You should arrive at the vaccination center at the time of your appointment (not earlier).

We will do everything we can to minimize the wait time, however, there are sometimes unforeseen circumstances that may arise that could result in a longer wait time. It is our hope that residents will only need to wait about the same amount of time they would expect to wait at a routine medical appointment. z How many other people will be at the vaccination clinic at the same time as me?

It’s difficult to determine how many other people will be at the vaccination clinic at the same time. We hope to increase the number of vaccinations per hour we administer as we get further along in the process. There will always be systems in place to ensure proper social distancing. z Can I request my vaccination be administered at the old Food Lion location in Ashland?

DOWNTOWN Continued from pg. 1

Month. Vice Mayor John H. Hodges noted that the observance was formally adopted in 1976 “to honor and affirm the importance of Black

If the location of your vaccination appointment does not work well for you, you can decline the appointment and hope that a future clinic appointment will be available soon at the location of your choice. However, at this time, we cannot honor requests for specific locations. z I used the same email address to sign myself and my spouse up for the vaccination.

My invitation email does not specify who it is intended for, so how will I know?

The health department is working to have a name listed on the invitation email, however, in the meantime, if there is no name listed, it is up to you which spouse uses the first scheduling email (right now, it is usually for the oldest member of your household, specifically those 75 years and older). If you listed one email for both spouses, you should receive two emails, however, they may arrive at different times. z When will I receive a call/notification of an appointment?

If you have already signed-up to receive the vaccination and supplied an email address, you will receive an email with scheduling instructions when it’s your turn and as vaccinations supplies are available. If you did not supply an email address, someone will call you to schedule your appointment. The health department is currently vaccinating Phase 1A and beginning to vaccinate those in Phase 1B. Since Phase 1B accounts for about half

History throughout our American experience.”

He also said “the history of people of African heritage goes back thousands of years and includes some of the greatest, most advanced, and innovative societies in the history of

of the state’s population, it could take weeks or months to get all those who are currently eligible to be scheduled and vaccinated. Please be patient. z Why are other people getting vaccinations, and I am not?

Currently the health department is beginning to schedule and vaccinate those in Phase 1A and 1B. Phase 1B is a large portion of the state’s population, making up about half of Virginia’s residents. Since the current group is so large and at this time vaccine supplies are less than the current demand, it could takes weeks or more to get all those in Phase 1B vaccinated. The health department is prioritizing those who are at higher risk within Phase 1B, such as frontline essential workers as well as older adults with serious/high risk health conditions. z What happens if they can’t make the first vaccine appointment?

The Chickahominy Health District will continue to invite residents to future clinics, if they missed their first appointment. z How much will the vaccination cost me?

There is no charge to the resident for the COVID-19 vaccine through our vaccination clinics. z How will I know my registration was received?

You can now confirm your name is on the list in the new Virginia Department of Health pre-registration system at vaccinate.virginia.

human existence.”

“African Americans have played a significant role in the history of the Ashland community,” Hodges continued, “from the early days of the town to our present-day leaders in areas of business, education, and

Metro Creative Connection

gov. Use the link at the top to check the List. z “When can we expect those between 16 to 64 years of age with serious medical conditions to be vaccinated?”

As of Feb. 11, 2021, the Chickahominy Health District is currently vaccinating all those in priority group 1a and those in the beginning of priority group 1b. This includes health care personnel, people 75 and older, and people 65 and older with high-risk medical conditions, law enforcement, and teachers/ childcare.

As the population above becomes significantly vaccinated (roughly 70 to 80% of those wishing to be vaccinated) and as sufficient vaccine supplies become more available, vaccination efforts will expand to include: all of priority group 1b, including people 16* to 64 with certain conditions or disabilities, people 65 and older, and other frontline essential workers in priority group 1b. *Our health district has the Moderna vaccine at this time, so we aren’t able to vaccine anyone under the age of 18 years old.

government.”

The town observance, he added, “recognizes and honors its African American community and the leaders who have served on town council, including William Henderson, Melvin Hall, Anthony Keitt, Terri

Abri and Franklin Jackson, whose recent passing is lamented.”

Ashland Town Council’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2, at Ashland Town Hall at 121 Thompson St. in Ashland.

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