Ashland-Hanover Local – 03/31/2021

EDUCATION

ANIMAL CONTROL

Kindergarten registration is now open

County’ running at-large laws go into effect tomorrow

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Vol. 6 No. 31 | Richmond Suburban News | March 31, 2021

Peterson proposes 2-cent reduction in real estate tax rate

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

H PETERSON

ANOVER — Mechanicsville District’s Canova Peterson told his fellow members of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors that the proposed FY2022 budget contains something for everyone with the exception of one important element — the citizens.

TOMATO MONTH Month-long celebration of favorite fruit set (Editor’s note: The following was submitted

by Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director of Hanover County Parks and Recreation.)

As we continue to follow recommended guidance from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and Commonwealth of Virginia to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community, specifically as it relates to events and gatherings, Hanover County is proud to announce that the Hanover Tomato will be celebrated during the entire month of July, instead of one single day event.

Throughout the month of July, a series of events will be held across Hanover County, virtual and in person. see TOMATO, pg. 2

While lauding the budget’s efforts to fund priorities at pre-pandemic levels and provide salary increases for employees, Peterson said county residents also were impacted by the pandemic with many losing jobs or suffering decreased compensation and this budget should reflect an effort to provide relief for them.

“This budget addresses needs and requests from every department of the county, government and the school divi-

sion,” Peterson said. “The only group not considered in this budget is the citizens who are footing the bill for it.”

To alleviate that omission, Peterson proposed a 2-cent reduction in the county’s real estate tax rate from 81 cents per $100 of assessed value to 79 cents. The current rate is the lowest in the metro Richmond area.

Peterson praised the efforts of County Administrator John Budesky and the

county’s financial team for their efforts regarding this year’s budget, and said the document addresses many of the county’s pressing needs and more.

“There are a lot of good things addressed in this budget — both necessities and things that would be nice to have,” Peterson said at today’s board meeting.

“The most significant items are funds needed to cover pay increases and benefit see PETERSON, pg. 5

PHHS teacher named best in biology ASHLAND – A Hanover County Public Schools teacher has been named the top biology teacher in the greater mid-Atlantic region.

Patrick Henry High Photo submitted by Chris R. Whitley School biology teacher Alice Alice Scheele, a biology Scheele recently was awarded teacher at Patrick Henry the 2020 National Association High School, received the 2020 National Association of Biology Teachers’ Region II of Biology Teachers’ Region Outstanding Biology Teacher II Outstanding Biology Award.

Teacher Award, representing The region for the award an area that extends from covers Delaware, Maryland, Virginia to New York.

New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. “This award represents not just my teaching skills and abilities but also relationships with other teachers and the continuation of learning throughout my career,” Scheele said. “I have mentored and collaborated with tons of teachers in and around Hanover County Public Schools and learned

as much from those teachers as they would say they have learned from me.”

She added: “I always share my resources and ideas and continue to improve my lessons and labs. This award reflects my love of teaching and exploring science.”

Scheele, who graduated from Hanover County Public Schools, has taught for 14 years in the county. see PHHS, pg. 7

March is Women’s History Month #HereinHanoverVA HANOVER -- Hanover County’s Facebook page for the 300th Birthday Celebration has showcased a number of women business owners and entrepreneurs — past and present — during Women’s History Month in March and earlier this year.

Check out these fun spotlights that have already been posted in 2021, or will be posted soon, to continue the coun-

ty’s milestone birthday recognition and to highlight some very impressive local ladies that hail from #HereinHanoverVA: Sarah Bunger, owner, Hanover Yoga Kelly Waldrop, executive director, The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education Octavia Marsh, executive director, Hanover Cares Coalition see WOMEN’S, pg. 4

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Hanover Redmond

Author and screenwriter Sheri Holman is among the Hanover County women who will be recognized on the county’s Facebook page for the 300th Birthday Celebration.

Kindergarten registration is now open ASHLAND – Hanover County Public Schools is now accepting kindergarten registrations for the 2021-2022 school year.

Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 to be eligible. Parents and guardians may locate the school their child will attend at http://bit.ly/ AttendanceZone.

Families of eligible kindergarten students are encouraged to register their child for kindergarten by May 1. Parents and guardians of new students may register their children by completing an enrollment packet and contacting the school registrar for an appointment to complete the registration process.

They are to print, complete, and return an enrollment packet consisting of the following three forms: Enrollment Form Affirmation Regarding Expulsion Form School Entrance Health Form If parents and guardians are unable to print out these forms, they may contact the school registrar to arrange a time to pick up an enrollment packet in order to complete the documents prior to their face-toface scheduled appointment or pick up an enrollment packet from an exterior Welcome Center at one of the 15 elementary schools.

Families are to bring their completed enrollment packet, as well as the expulsion form and health form to their inperson appointment. They also must bring the child’s birth certificate (official or certified

TOMATO Continued from pg. 1

These events will have limited attendance, handled through pre-registration, with a variety of activities planned

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Pamunkey library system releases virtual programs Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

H Photo submitted by Chris R. Whitley

Laurel Meadow and Cool Spring Elementary School kindergarteners waits outside during dismissal in September 2020.

copy) and the parent or legal guardian’s photo ID. Proof of residency also is required. This includes providing one of the following documents, which must reflect the resident’s name and physical address: Deed Current mortgage statement from the lender Current lease (signed) Sales contract for the purchase of the residence (signed by seller and purchaser) Two of the following also are required and must reflect the resident’s name and physical address: Current landline telephone, cable, internet, satellite, water, gas/oil, or electricity service bill Voter registration card Current DMV issued vehicle registration W-2 tax document for the most recent tax year Combined bill and receipt for personal property taxes (paid within the current year) Bank statement, medi-

cal bill, or official correspondence from a governmental agency dated within the last two months Registration is not final until the in-person appointment occurs and the registrar receives all of the required documentation. In-person appointments for this purpose are permissible under current guidance provided by state officials. All staff and guests are expected to follow all official social distancing and related guidance issued by the Governor of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control.

A School Entrance Health Form and immunization record is also required before the start of school.

For more information, parents can email the principal at their child’s assigned school or visit http://hcps.us/parents_ students/student_enrollment.

Information submitted

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

for all ages.

Stay connected with Hanover County Parks and Recreation on Facebook (@ hanoverparksrec), Instagram (@hanovertomatofestival)

and online at www.hanovertomatofestival.com and www. hanoverparksrec.com in the coming weeks and months, as more details will be coming soon.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021

ANOVER – Librarian Carolyn Garner of the Pamunkey Regional Library has released the list of virtual programs on Zoom in April.

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

Parachute Play Tuesday, April 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ages: 8 years old and up. Let's engineer some parachutes! Go to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7611951 for a supply list and to register. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Monday, April 5, contact the library.

Family Trivia Night Friday April 9, 4:45–5:45 p.m. Grades 2-5 with family. Have a pencil and paper ready to answer questions and get ready to use your knowledge for trivia night! Fun for the whole family. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7602080.

This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs.

If you don't receive your reminder email on Thursday, April 8, contact the library.

Vegetable Garden Planning & Planting Saturday, April 10, 11 a.m.-noon. Learn about designing and planting a vegetable garden, including basics of soil, location, planning, planting, etc. Presented by Kaz Mock, Master Gardener, Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener Association. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/7608132. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. If you don't receive your reminder email on Friday, April 9, contact the library.

Foundations of Investing Monday, April 12, 6–7 p.m. Building your investor IQ starts with understanding the basics. Whether you are new to investing or need a refresher, the Foundations of Investing presentation will help you learn about: the importance of developing a strategy, the impact of asset allocation, and the influence of inflation on your long-term goals. Presenter: Kevin M Patterson, AAMS, Financial Advisor.

Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7612705. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. If you don't receive your reminder email on Sunday, April 11, contact the library.

Teen Mindfulness Tuesday, April 13, 5–5:30 p.m. Ages 12 and up. De-stress with other teens and enjoy some calming activities through mindfulness techniques. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7602151.

This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. If you don't receive your reminder email on Monday, April 12, contact the library.

Atlee Virtual Book Club Wednesday, April 14, 11:00 a.m. - noon This month’s selection is “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Richardson Place a hold on your copy today or check it out on hoopla or OverDrive. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/7607988. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Tuesday, April 13, contact the library.

Kids' Lego Club Friday, April 16, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Grades K-5. Meet other Lego fans and talk about your current creations. You can show off see LIBRARY, pg. 4

County’s running at-large laws go into effect tomorrow

H

ANOVER COUNTY -Every year, beginning April 1 through June 30, it is unlawful for dogs anywhere in Hanover County to be running off their property without being leashed.

The county’s “leash law” applies throughout the year in the suburban area.

Between April 1 and June 30, it is extended to the rural areas as well because the births of vulnerable livestock, such as baby lambs and calves, tend to take place during this period. Wildlife activity and rabies cases also generally increase in the April 1-June 30 time frame.

Any dogs caught running off their owner’s property will be impounded.

Impoundment fees are $25 for the first violation and an additional $10 for each subsequent violation within a 12-month period including a $5 per day boarding fee.

Violations also can result in uniform

Human Services Network Meeting to be held tomorrow via Webex Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The next Hanover Human Services Network Meeting will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, via Webex.

Lisa Adkins, MSW, administrator, Hanover County Department of Community Resources, said, “This is your opportunity to ‘meet’ other service providers and learn more

summons or a written warning being issued.

Each instance of a dog belonging to a particular owner running at-large is a separate violation, and an additional penalty will apply regardless of whether or not the same dog is involved.

If you see a dog running at large, please call Hanover County Emergency Communications at 804-365-6140. Any dangerous animal can be reported by dialing 911 for immediate assistance, 24/7.

For more information about Hanover County’s running at-large laws, call Animal Control at 804-365-6485.

Dogs cannot run off of their owner’s property at any time of year without a current county license tag affixed to their collar.

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

Metro Creative Connection

about available resources for Hanover residents.”

Each participant will have an opportunity to share their program updates, upcoming events and outreach needs.

Those wishing to take part are urged to register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30.

The Webex invitation will be sent after the registration is closed.

For more information, call 804-365-4302 or visit www.HanoverVolunteers. org.

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Feb. 1

Petit larceny parts were reported in the 17300 block of Pouncey Tract Road, Rockville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in 6 months, was reported in the 12400 block of West Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8000 block of Davis Avenue, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny parts were reported in the 11000 block of North Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

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

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 12000 block of Sunset Drive, Ashland.

Defrauding hotels and motels, $200, was reported in the 7100 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

was reported in the 8300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

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

Obtaining money by false pretenses, $200, was reported in the 16000 block of St. Peters Church Road, Glen Allen.

Grand larceny building was reported in the 10400 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Exploiting a mental person for money, $200, was reported in the 15100 block of Taliaferro Lane, Doswell.

Grand larceny shoplifting was reported in the 11500 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Simple assault was reported in the 11300 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 4200 block of Crown Hill Road, Mechanicsville.

DWI, 2nd conviction within 10 years, BAC .20, was reported in the 9700 block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Failure to appear on a felony charge was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Simple assault was reported in the 8300 block of Briarthorn Court, Mechanicsville.

Violation of a protective order was reported in the 4200 block of Crown Hill Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money by false pretenses

Profane, threatening language over public airway wss reported in the 18300 block of Teman Road, Beaverdam.

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 March 31, 2021 3

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals

REBECCA WALLACE

WALLACE, Rebecca Carolyn Hudson, 79, of Henrico, Va., passed away March 25, 2021, after a short but very courageous battle with lung cancer. Carolyn was born in Pulaski, Va., on February 8, 1942, to the late Robert Alfred Hudson Sr. and Thelma Harrell Hudson. She was predeceased by her loving husband, John Campbell Wallace; and her sister-in-law, Sallie D. Wallace. Voted "Friendliest" in her Pulaski High School senior class, friends and family would agree this was a trait that continued through the rest of Carolyn's life. She graduated from Radford College in 1960, where she was an active member of Sigma Kappa sorority.

Carolyn taught sixth grade at Huff Lane Elementary School in Roanoke for four years before moving to the Richmond area. She taught sixth grade at Elizabeth Holladay Elementary School in Henrico for two years. For many years, she was an active member of the Rockville Women's Club, and

she enjoyed traveling and seeing the world with family and friends. Carolyn enjoyed playing golf and loved playing with her Jefferson Lakeside Country Club and City Women golf groups. Carolyn served actively in the Prayer Shawl Ministry and as a Vestry member at St. Martin's Episcopal Church.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Ashley Wallace Borders; son-in-law, Keith A. Borders; and adored grandchildren, Colin Campbell Borders and Esme Cecily Borders of Mechanicsville; sister, Peggy Hudson Rorrer and husband, Kenny, of Pulaski; sister, Patricia "Pat" Hudson Richards and husband, Jim, of Pulaski; brother, Robert A. Hudson Jr. and wife, Beverly, of Blacksburg; brother-in-law, William "Bill" S. Wallace of Brevard, N.C.; and six very special nieces, nephews and their families. A graveside service for family and friends will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, April 2, in Westhampton Memorial Park, followed by an outside memorial service at 11 a.m. at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 9000 St. Martin's Lane, both located in Richmond, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association or the Salvation Army.

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 March 31, 2021

WOMEN Continued from pg. 1

Dani Washington, owner, Caring Transitions of Greater Richmond Mary Green, Full Pocket Farm Sarah Chapman, EAT Kitchen & Catering Sheri Holman, author and screenwriter

LIBRARY Continued from pg. 2

what you’ve made and ask questions, too!

Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7584200.

This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration one day before the event occurs. Contact the library if you don’t get your reminder email on Thursday, April 15.

Water and You: What Is the Water Cycle?

Thursday, April 22, 2-3 p.m. Presented

by Brian McGurk, Virginia Master Naturalist. Did you realize you are an important part of the water cycle? Where does the water around (and within) us come from? Where does it go? What can you do to help the Water Cycle work well for everyone? Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7613701. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Wednesday, April 21, contact the library.

Jaime Fawcett, executive director, Hanover Museum of History & Culture Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Susan Dibble & Faye Prichard, Hanover County Board of Supervisors members Lillie Pearl Fearnow, founder, Mrs. Fearnow’s Delicious Brunswick Stew “The remarkable women of Hanover have played a pivotal role in the County’s historic past starting in 1720,” said County

Administrator John Budesky. “As we look forward to the next 300 years, their leadership and creativity will ensure a bright future for Hanover County.”

For information on 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.

email used for registration one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Wednesday, April 21, contact the library.

https://tinyurl.com/prlchildrens to see the video.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Trivia Saturday, April 24, 11–11:45 a.m.

Grades 3-5. Do you know all about Greg Heffley? Test your knowledge of the first three “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books in this fun trivia game! Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7541917. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, April 23, contact the library.

CoderDojo Workshop Saturday, April 24, 2- 4 p.m. Ages 8 and up. Learn how to develop logic-based coding skills and use creative problem-solving with Scratch. Go to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7602108. to sign up. This program is hosted on Discord.

ON DEMAND VIDEOS & SOCIAL MEDIA Book Spine Poetry

Hanover Safe Place Thursday, April 22, 6–7 p.m. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month! Join Hanover Safe Place for an interactive virtual workshop on exploring the dynamics of sexual assault, who is most vulnerable to experience it, perpetrator accountability, importance of consent, and false reporting. This workshop will also discuss how to help someone after trauma and community resources available.

Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7613699. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the

Starts Thursday, April 1. Ages 18 and up. Create a haiku using the spines of books, take a photo, and submit it to ask@pamunkeylibrary.org throughout the month of April. We'll post your poems on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PamunkeyLibrary.

Plant with Kitchen Scraps Premieres Monday, April 5. All ages.

Learn how to grow plants from your own kitchen scraps! Visit the Rockville Branch Library to see our plant as it grows. Starting April 5, go to https://www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or

Make Your Own Compostable Container Garden Premieres Monday, April 12. No space for a garden? No problem! Join us in learning how to make your own compostable container garden that can produce delicious vegetables in a tiny space and make use of your extra kitchen scraps! Go to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7608122 for a supply list. Starting April 12, go to https://www.youtube.com/ user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl. com/prladults to see the video.

Curious Minds Premieres Wednesday, April 14. Ages 4 and up. Have fun at home with these simple science experiments for younger kids. Learn how to make an candy rainbow, a homemade parachute, and floating letters. Go to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7603613 for a supply list to follow along. Visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prlchildrens starting April 14.

Storytime for Grownups Premieres Wednesday, April 14.

Storytime is not just for kids! If you like to be read to, join us for a monthly short story for adults. April's story is "Exchange"

by Ray Bradbury from the collection "Quicker Than the Eye," published by HarperCollins. Starting April 14, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prladults to see the video.

Day in the Life: Museum Curator Premieres Monday, April 9. All ages.

Have you ever wondered what museum see LIBRARY, pg. 15

The Universe from the Center: Successful landings on Mars continue

By Dr. George Spagna Special to Ashland-Hanover Local Note: The Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon 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 web site 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.

N

ASA continued its run of successful Mars landings on Feb. 18 when the Perseverance rover touched down in the Martian crater named Jezero. (BTW, I’m told that even NASA and JPL folks are mispronouncing this by saying it as it’s spelled. Supposedly the correct pronunciation is closer to “Yeziduh.”)

Perseverance was launched last year on July 30 during a favorable launch window which recurs about every 26 months. The official name for this mission is NASA Mars 2020.

This is the most sophisticated rover we’ve ever deployed, and I’ll have more to say about that next month. But, for

starters, it carries the highest resolution cameras yet deployed to Mars, a microphone to listen to the sounds of winds on Mars (and the noisy rover!), and a tiny “helicopter.”

Dubbed Ingenuity, this 1.8 kg (4 lb.) drone will be the first attempt at powered flight on another planet, perhaps as early as April 8. It had to be small enough to fit in the rover without forcing the removal of other instruments. It has to be light enough to have any hope of gaining lift in the thin Martian atmosphere, only about 1% as dense as the air you are breathing.

On March 21, Perseverance dropped the debris shield that protected the folded-up drone during landing. The rover and its cargo are driving to a flat 10-meter-square spot dubbed the “airfield” where Ingenuity will be deployed. Full deployment if all goes well will take about six Martian days or sols. z Sol 1 – release the locking mechanism that holds the drone in place. z Sol 2 – cut the cables that restrain the mechanical arm and allow it to rotate Ingenuity out of its storage position. Deploy the first pair

PETERSON Continued from pg. 1

adjustments for our employees, as well as de-compression adjustments in the public safety and schools.”

The FY2022 proposal provides more than $14 million in funding to combat those salary issue costs. “In addition to this $14 million, there’s another $18 million in increased expenditures added to the budget this year,” Peterson said.

“We are very fortunate that realized revenues have come in higher than anticipated and this has allowed staff to bring us a pre-pandemic level budget,” Peterson said.

“The budget recognizes the efforts of our staff both in county jobs as well as schools for their efforts working in most unusual times we experienced over the past year,” Peterson said.

But county employees were not alone in their sacrifices, Peterson said, and the

of landing legs. z Sol 3 – finish rotation to vertical and deploy the other two legs.

All of these steps are to be monitored by telemetry and images from one of the rover cameras. At any step they are prepared to stop and evaluate

Metro Creative Connection

before proceeding. z Sol 4 – lower to 5 inches above surface. z Sol 5 – last chance to charge batteries from Perseverance. z Sol 6 – drop the drone and drive about 5 meters away while confirming communications between drone and rover.

Several days of testing will follow to assure all systems are working properly. (Remember, as easy as they

needs of citizens affected by the pandemic need to be considered.

“While our county and school employees had to work under trying circumstances, no one was laid off due to the pandemic,” he said. “On the other hand, many of our constituents in the private sector have suffered jobs that were lost or curtailed due to business closures and restrictions that reduced operating capacities by a third to half normal capacity.”

Peterson said citizens have been faced with rising fuel costs as well as increased sales taxes; and, due to higher real estate assessments, citizens are experiencing a 3% increase in real estate taxes.

“With $18 million in additional spending after the employee pay increase, I believe we can find a way to give some relief to our constituents,” Peterson said.

“If we can trim just two-thirds of 1%, then we can accommodate a reduction in the current real estate tax from 81 cents to 79 cents.”

make this look, doing anything on Mars is hard!) Then, if all goes well they will attempt the first flight using data from Perseverance to update the drone with current wind conditions.

The rotors will rev up to 2537 rpm and the drone should lift off at about 1 m/s (3 feet per second) and rise to a height of 3 meters. It will hover there for 30 seconds and then descend. Then telemetry will begin transferring back to the rover for transmission to Earth.

Over several days we should have low resolution black and white imagery from the drone and then high resolution color imagery. Perseverance will also have imagery of the flight.

Over the following 30 sols flights will go higher and farther afield.

An historical note: A small piece of fabric from the wing of the Wright brothers’ 1903 flier is taped to the underside of Ingenuity. The 1969 crew of Apollo 11 likewise carried a piece of the wing fabric to the Moon.

Lunar phases for April: Last Quarter on the 4th, at 6:04 a.m.; New Moon on the 11th, at 10:32 p.m.; First Quarter on the 20th, at 3 a.m.; Full Moon on the 26th at 11:33 a.m. All times are Eastern Daylight.

Mercury will return to evening twilight late in the month. Venus is

Peterson noted that supervisors trimmed 5% from last year’s budget during the pandemic. “So, two-thirds of 1% seems like a pretty small amount.”

“The pandemic is still with us and our citizens need some relief,” he told fellow supervisors while noting that Hanover County is scheduled to receive $20 million in additional COVID-19 relief funding during the next 12 months from the American Family Relief Act that recently passed.

“We can definitely afford this and I intend to ask my fellow board members to join me in supporting a reduction in the real estate tax rate . . . so as not to penalize our constituents with any more tax increases during these ongoing difficult times,” Peterson concluded.

There was no discussion regarding Peterson’s proposal at the meeting, but budget discussions continue with passage expected in April.

not visible at all this month. Jupiter and Saturn rise around 4 a.m.; look for them to the southeast in predawn twilight.

At midmonth, about 3 hours after sunset, your overhead view finds the faint constellation Canes Venatici at zenith. Supposedly, this asterism represents the dogs of Bootes, the Herdsman; indeed, the name is Latin for Hunting Dogs. However, the constellation is so faint that its stars were once assigned as part of Ursa Major.

It became its own constellation in the 17th Century in the star catalog of Johannes Hevelius. To the southeast, about 40 degrees above the horizon, you’ll find Saturn in the constellation Virgo, near the bright star Spica. A bit higher and toward the east southeast is Arcturus, the brightest star in Bootes. Vega is low to the northeast.

High above the southwest horizon is Mars, near Regulus. We’ve seen the last of Orion for the season, but Castor and Pollux, in Gemini are still visible, about 30 degrees above the western horizon.

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.

Face-to-face precautions Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Chris R. Whitley, public information officer for Hanover County Public Schools, released the following statement regarding those who enter schools for face-to-face studies: “As a reminder, we must all stay vigilant in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and we need your help.”

Whitley, speaking on behalf of Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent, said, “Please remember to follow these steps to help keep our students, faculty, and staff safe:

Wear your mask (correctly) Wash your hands (often) Watch your distance (always)” He asked parents and guardians to check their student’s temperature and for any other signs of illness (more information on illness signs can be found at http://hcps.us/events/ c_o_v_i_d-19_news/health_ services_update). “If they are displaying any symptoms, they must stay home,” Whitley added.

“Thank you for doing your part to keep our community healthy and safe.”

Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021 5

OPINION | The Local Views From the managing editor

LETTERS

What do you miss most about ‘normal’?

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

L

ast Tuesday, a friend posted on social media about how much she and her husband missed attending concerts.

They had left our hometown for Kentucky to be near their children, and discovered a plethora of musical opportunities.

And then COVID-19 hit and our worlds started spinning, filled with so many unknowns, including “What can I do?”, “What should I do?”, and “Do I dare do that?”

As we’ve passed the one full year mark, I’m starting to get a bit anxious about resuming some normal routine. But what will normal be for us moving forward?

I have been cautious but have not eliminated some shopping. And Mom and I continue to follow the “Shop Local” theme as often as possible.

It will be a welcome sight to see a movie “on the big screen”, in addition to getting a bucket of the best theater popcorn.

As more and more restaurants are operating with relaxed restrictions following Governor Northam’s announcement last Wednesday, it will be so inviting to enjoy dining in public.

Now, I have not gotten overly prissy because I have received two doses of Moderna (thank you very much, Chickahominy Health District!), and I single or double mask, depending on the locale and how many people may be in contact range.

Throughout this pandemic, I have been a Dr.

Anthony Fauci follower -- and will continue to heed his advice/direction.

In 2019, I had purchased the Broadway in Richmond season, with the enthusiasm of being able to take Mom to see “Hamilton”. Well, like so many events and activities, the productions were delayed or refunded. I hope we can soon see a return of the many entertaining offers at the Altria Theatre.

While we look to adapt to the ongoing changes with the potential control of the coronavirus, let’s at least be thankful for spring.

Despite seasonal sneezing, etc., I love the signs of spring -- blooming trees, blossoming flowers, and the sounds of children at play.

Going back to music, let’s try this song title from Timbuk 3 in 1986: “The Future’s So Bright (I Gotta Wear Shades)”.

Key West beckons: pick up a ukulele, find a palm tree

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist In 1975, finding a traffic jam in Key West was as rare as discovering buried Spanish treasure, but there was a signal stoplight located at the end of the Merritt Island Bridge that sometimes caused a backup. It was the unofficial front and back door to Key West proper and the waterfront area that now bustles with trendy restaurants

and high-rise hotels.

But, it was different then. Key West was still a Navy town in a community that always boasted its fair share of eccentrics, free thinkers and pirates.

At that time, its remote location had insulated the island from rampant development that had consumed much of the Florida coast.

Much of the Naval Base that now

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021

serves as a port of call to a dozen cruise ships a week was empty, abandoned.

After a week in the southernmost city, a friend and I packed our bags and loaded up a 1974 MGB destined for a more traditional Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale.

As I would learn in later visits, leaving Key West is never easy. Unlike other venues, the Keys beckon you to stay, pick up a ukulele, and find a

palm tree.

Added to that difficulty was the looming prospect of joining our friends in Fort Lauderdale with its insane collection of hard-charging partiers from across the nation compared with the tranquility of the Key West.

A local Conch had a name for it. He told us visitors are “keylobotomized” by the mystical power of the island. see KEY WEST, pg. 7

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| Reader Views

Reader offers nine reasons not to elect a school board Studies indicate it’s not necessarily the system itself that produces a strong school board, but the community’s attitude toward its schools as measured by its interest, responsiveness, enthusiasm and pride that largely determines how effective a board will be. While there’s no “cure-all” in education, an elected school board system has significant drawbacks and dangers that communities should be aware of before assuming an election is the best way to solve school -related problems.

1. Elections divert valuable time from students -- Elections are extremely time-consuming and politically contentious. Election preparation, campaigning and voting takes months of work and focus, not to mention the negative politicking between candidates. This takes time away from improving student’s education.

2. Elections are expensive -- There is significant cost associated with school board elections that would cut into what little discretionary funds the district has. Every two years, thousands of dollars would be spent on voting, mailings, and other expenses during the voting cycle, and that money should be spent on students, not candidates.

3. Elections discourage quality candidates -- Only those willing to subject themselves to the unpleasant and timeconsuming election process are considered. This means that a more highly qualified individual may be deterred simply because of their reluctance to participate in the undesirable political arena.

4. Elections involve teacher union control -- Most successful school board candidates are bought by teachers’ unions. This is because the majority of a school district’s budget goes directsee LETTERS, pg. 7

KEY WEST

PPHS

Continued from pg. 6

Continued from pg. 1

Some never leave.

But, we had already taken a week extra from a college career that was taking longer than expected, so we left a small rooming house near Duval Street and began the trek northward.

As we sat at that light on the bridge, the afternoon sun was sweltering.

We hadn’t put the top up on the car in a week and we must have looked like over-baked tourists as we toasted in the lower Keys sun.

“You guys have got it made,” an older gentleman in a big white convertible said as we sat aside each other at the light.

“Who, us?” I laughed.

“You’ll look back on these days and think they were the best moments of your life.”

“I hope you’re not right,” my friend laughed.

The light changed and he pulled the old Pontiac forward with a tip of his hat and a gleam in his eye I’ll never forget.

That was many Spring Breaks ago, and I’d like the old man to know there were a few more memorable Florida moments, but his words have gained more credence as the years have passed.

I glanced at a news report last week describing how Spring Breakers in Miami were out of hand and taking over the city.

The accompanying video revealed throngs of college students partying in crowded clubs or strategically positioned on a small beach.

I wondered if they were having the time of their lives?

For a moment, I thought of that week long ago spent in a more innocent and shy Key West, a moment in time that can never be recaptured.

Even 50 years later, the lure of a warm Gulf breeze and the smell of fresh lime still beckon, and the words of that old man still echo in my mind.

She said her favorite part of teaching is making connections with students and having fun with them exploring new ideas.

The James Madison University and University of Richmond alumna was nominated for the award by a peer last year and is one of just 22 teachers across the country to receive it.

“I am crazy passionate about biology and thoroughly enjoy continuing my learning and understanding the natural world,” she said.

“If I can't be excited about biology, how can I expect students to get excited about my class?”

Scheele, who prides herself on allowing students to “do science” as much as possible, also has presented at the Virginia Science Teachers Conference and has completed 18 credits of the Masters of Biology program from Clemson University, among other things.

“There are so many qualities that make Ms. Scheele a special educator, but the one that stands out the most for me is that she is always looking for ways to make her learning engaging, meaningful, and fit the needs of her students,” said Patrick Henry High School Principal Chris Martinez. “Whether it is in her collaborative Biology class or her Reynolds ACA Biology class, her focus is on her students and providing them learning opportunities that engage them in critical and creative thinking.”

Scheele also was the 2019-2020 Patrick Henry High School Teacher of the Year.

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

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

ly to wages, retirement and compensation for educators.

Therefore, teachers’ unions endorse and financially support the candidate that promises to protect their interests, not the interest of students.

5. Elections ensure wellorganized groups are overrepresented -- Small, local elections have the most impact on average citizens. However, it’s always the most politicallydriven special interest groups that actually show up. The result for school board elections is that a relatively small number of political activists will gain the say in our children’s education. This is how Critical Race Theory and similar agendas have so quickly taken hold in schools.

6.

Elections reduce accountability -- With a board of supervisor-appointed system, a higher and more visible authority is held responsible for the actions of the school board. In an elected system, if school policies don’t bring results, school board members are punished -- not the official that created the failed policies in the first place. An appointed system allows the public to know exactly who to hold accountable for correcting the policy instead of lying blame on the school board member who implemented it.

7. Elections eliminate equality -- Because an appointed board can’t be bought and paid for by powerful community-activist groups, they can be more intimately attuned and responsive to the unique social, economic and racial needs of all students. This authentic relationship helps build trust and communication in order to better meet the needs of students -- not cater to a politically divided electorate.

8. Elections sacrifice the quality of education: Hanover

County Public Schools are ranked in the top 20 school districts in the commonwealth (Atlee High School has earned the distinction of being a W!SE Blue Star School, one of only 74 schools in the USA that received this designation for the 2019-2020 school year).

This is no coincidence. When school board members are focused on the best interest of the students rather than elections, the result is better performing schools.

9. Elections prevent choice: Only a handful of districts offered an in-person option from the start of the school year and showed how five-dayin-person with mitigation procedures can be safe for staff and students. This was not the case for most elected school board districts who were beholden to unions and special interest groups for school opening

decisions. An appointed board had the freedom to choose what’s best for students and not be pressured to perform politics.

Jessica McLane Aylett

Social Services Board thanks support staff (Editor’s note: The following, addressed to Dear Hanover County Social Services Office Support Employees:, was submitted by Bernadette A. Cornelius, chair,) Hanover County Social Services Advisory Board.)

In honor of Office Services Support Employee Appreciation Month in April 2021, the Hanover County Social Services Advisory Board

would like to recognize all of its office service support staff and thank each of them for your dedicated service to the citizens of Hanover County.

They continue to meet the needs of this community by assisting diverse populations and providing excellence in interoffice efficiency and providing support in all areas of Administration, Benefit Programs and Family Services.

They perform their duties admirably with diplomacy and meet the challenges of a constantly changing environment by ensuring that job functions are handled in an accurate and timely manner.

The Social Ser-vices Advisory Board recognizes their individual contributions to public service and commends their many accomplishments. We thank all for a job well done.

Hanover County’s solid waste convenience centers will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 4.

Sat, April 17 at The Montpelier Center &

MontpelierCenter.org Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021 7

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

04

02 2021

Prep football: Patrick Henry at Mechanicsville 6:00 p.m.

04

03 2021

College football: Emory & Henry at Randolph-Macon 1:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Patrick Henry stays undefeated in county Patriots get in high gear after slow start to beat Hawks

By Zach Joachim Richmond Times-Dispatch ASHLAND – In Hanover County, every game is a fight.

That’s how Patrick Henry slotback Jayden Mines described the intensity of playing a local rival every week after his Patriots, ranked No. 8 in the Times-Dispatch Top 10, moved to 5-0 with a commanding 16-0 win over Hanover (3-2) Friday night.

Those two, plus fellow Hanover County teams Mechanicsville (0-5) and Atlee (2-3), are playing one another twice in this abbreviated sixgame season.

“It’s different, it’s something I’ve never experienced before,” said Patriot quarterback Jordan Allen of the local schedule.

Allen found Mines for a 22-yard score in the third quarter and added a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth.

“You’re going to get the other team’s best foot forward,” Allen said. “Everybody wants to knock us off, we’re the team to beat.”

Allen and Mines have been playing together since 44-yard reception down the left they were about 5 years old, sideline to set up Allen’s touchand that connection paid off down run.

Friday. Mines also had a leaping “We had a good running

8

Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021

Shaban Athuman/Times-Dispatch

Above, Patrick Henry’s James Epps (42) celebrates as teammate Jayden Mines (2) makes his way past Hanover player Grady Fahed (44) for a touchdown in the Patriots’ 16-0 win Friday. Left, Patrick Henry defender James Kinney (4) tackles Hanover quarterback Brandon Elrod (10).

game going, but our running back got tired, so I had to make a play, stepped in and do what I’ve got to do,” Mines said of

the catch.

Allen and Mines provided the dynamic plays on the night, but Patrick Henry leaned on a dominant defensive effort and hard-nosed rushing attack.

Lead back James Epps carried 19 times for 92 yards, and the Patriot defense held the Hawk attack to 146 yards of total

offense. Patrick Henry converted 16 first downs and limited Hanover to seven.

“It’s a team effort, it’s not one guy,” said Patrick Henry coach Ken Wakefield of the defensive effort, adding that his group was banged up in the secondary and had some young players step up.

“I’m really proud of those guys because they hit adversity and played well.”

Behind disruptive play from lineman Luke Hart, Hanover matched Patrick Henry’s defensive intensity blow-for-blow in the first half, and the game was scoreless at the break.

Wakefield said his team just needed to calm down at halftime.

“Sometimes, emotions go high, in that first half things weren’t going our way,” Wakefield said. “I just said relax, settle down, and we’ll play football and execute. We came out in the second half and that’s what we did, took the ball, drove down the field and executed.”

Behind a series of rugged runs from Epps and Allen, Patrick Henry opened the second half with a 13-play, 75-yard drive that ended in Mines’ touchdown catch.

Mines said he was frustrated before the play because his offense had struggled to get going. He caught the ball by the left sideline not far from the line of scrimmage and made a slew of Hawk defenders miss on his way to paydirt.

“I told (Allen), ‘Give me the ball, I’m going to make a play,’ and that’s what I did,” Mines said.

For Hanover, quarterback Brandon Elrod completed 7 of 19 passes for 53 yards and an interception and rushed 15 times for 45 yards. He took many hard hits and was never see UNDEFEATED, pg. 10

Raiders find groove against Mechanicsville touches on a dominant Raider performance.

“I prepared well, and we had a great week of practice” Stevens said. “I felt very ready when my number was called. . . . The blocking up front was excellent all night. I give all the credit to the offensive line.”

Stevens’ praise for the offensive line was well deserved as the unit helped to propel the Raiders to 228 rushing yards, which proved to be the difference in the game.

Raider running back Michael Fox would close out the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown run in the final seconds.

“I saw a nice hole to run through, and the line helped give me a final push to get the last few yards” Fox said.

The two schools will close out their regular seasons next week.

Atlee travels to crosstown rival Hanover, and Mechanicsville hosts playoff-bound Patrick Henry to determine which team earns the Tomato Bowl trophy.

Dan Fritz can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

By Daniel Fritz for Ashland-Hanover Local MECHANICSVILLE – The Atlee Raiders pitched a shutout on senior night, blanking the Mechanicsville Mustangs 33-0 to earn their second win of the abbreviated season.

The Raider defense stood tall all night, holding the Mustangs to 58 yards total offense.

Meanwhile, the Atlee offense overcame a slow start, in time finding a nice rhythm. Running back Eric Rankin and the rest of the Raider backfield was able to wear down the Mustangs in the second half en route to victory.

Despite the lopsided result, the game’s opening quarter saw very little action, as both offenses tried to settle into the game.

The Atlee defense was particularly staunch. On the Mustang’s final drive of the quarter, Atlee defensive back Luke Jasinski had a critical pass break up, and defensive end Braden Eastman had a key sack on consecutive plays to give the Raiders good field position to start the second quarter.

A few plays into quarter, Atlee quarterback Mike Joyce called his own number. From just outside the red zone, Joyce, who was looking to pass, stepped up and broke through the middle of the line of scrimmage on his way to the end zone to break the scoreless tie.

After another quick threeand-out by the Mechanicsville offense, Atlee would again benefit from a short a field. On this possession the Raiders leaned heavily on both Rankin and fellow running back Joseph Slade.

The two players followed their offensive line down the field before Slade punched it in for the score as the Raiders began to seize control of the game. The extra point attempt was blocked.

The Mustangs’ final posses-

Mechanicsville 0 0 0 0 — 0 Atlee 0 13 6 14 — 33 ATL — Joyce 23 run (Atkinson kick) ATL — Slade 1 run (kick failed) ATL — Stevens 10 run (run failed) ATL — Stevens 10 run (Atkinson kick) ATL — Fox 7 run (Atkinson kick)

Joel Klein for The Local

Atlee running back Eric Rankin (10) charges through the the Mechanicsville defense in the Raiders’ 33-0 victory Friday.

sion of the half would be their most promising of the night.

Quarterback Logan Harris dialed up a long run to get his team well into Raider territory. A few plays later, with the Mustangs operating in a

hurry up mode, Mechanicsville attempted a wide receiver pass that resulted in a defensive pass interference call, getting the Mustangs to within 15 yards of their first points.

That would be as close as

they would get. On fourth down, Harris threw a quick pass to tight end Aaron Maxie who was stopped a few yards short to end the half.

The Raiders continued in the second half right where they

left off, albeit with some new faces. When Joyce had to leave the game with an injury, he was replaced by Andrew Stevens.

Stevens would capitalize on his opportunity, scoring on a pair of 10-yard runs to put the finishing

RUSHING MEC: Drozdowicz 5 carries 10 yards, Callahan 2-11, Johnson 3-2, Harris 5-1, Varner 3-1, Eldridge 1-(3); ATL: Slade 12-38, Warren 5-25, Joyce 6-40, Gilpin 3-9, Rankin 14-67, Green 3-4, Garr 1-9, Stevens 4-28, Fox 4-17.

PASSING MEC: Harris 6 completions 12 attempts 36 yards 0 interceptions, Callahan 0-3-0-1; ATL: Joyce 0-4-00, Gaines 1-1-13-0.

RECEIVING MEC: Varner 1 reception 0 yards, Hairfield 1-10, Callahan 3-16, Maxie 1-10; ATL: Stevens 1-13.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021 9

Yellow Jackets thrash Tigers in ‘The Game’

By Lily Betts Richmond Times-Dispatch FARMVILLE – Saturday’s faceoff saw effective defenses from both Randolph-Macon and Hampden-Sydney, but early scores propelled Yellow Jackets to a 28-0 win in the 125th edition of The Game at Lewis C. Everett Stadium.

The win extended the Yellow Jackets’ winning streak against their rivals to seven, something Randolph-Macon head coach Pedro Arruza said his program takes pride in.

“It’s always a win that feels great to win,” Arruza said. “We put a lot of effort, a lot of sweat and work into this rivalry. It’s a big deal to us.”

The Yellow Jackets and Tigers entered the game with matching 3-0 records. But, after marching his team down to the Hampden-Sydney 6-yard line, sophomore quarterback Presley Egbers connected with freshman Ricky Mayfield (Goochland) for the first touchdown of the day. He ran for two more before halftime.

Egbers finished with 223 all-purpose yards. Sophomore Nick Hale led the Yellow Jackets on the ground with 90 yards, and sophomore wide receiver David Wallis collected 105 yards through the air.

With so many young players in skill positions, both Arruza

UNDEFEATED Continued from pg. 8

afforded much time to push the ball downfield.

Charles Rohr was the Hawks leading receiver with two catches for 34 yards, and Emory Farmer carried five times for 37 yards. It looked as though Farmer had scored on a 15-yard

10

and Egbers commended their team’s defense and senior leaders.

“We’re a young team, but we’ve got a lot of great chemistry and great leadership,” Egbers said. “Joe Glass, our captain, has been doing a great job all year rallying us with everything

that’s going on, and that’s why we’re here today with a chance to fight for a championship.”

While the Yellow Jackets rallied for 349 offensive yards, their defense capped the Tigers at 97.

Senior Tyler DeBerry led the team with 10 tackles and an

interception. Matthew Vergara and Jacob Hutchinson had five tackles apiece and combined for six tackles for loss, totaling 24 yards.

The Tigers’ defense was kept busy as well. Freshman Will Pickren nearly doubled his fullseason output with 14 tackles,

screen play in the second quarter, but it was called back for an ineligible man downfield.

That play could have altered the complexion of the contest had it stood.

Hanover missed the ensuing field goal attempt and never threatened to reach the end zone again.

Zach Joachim can be reached at zjoachim@timesdispatch.

com.

1-3.

Hanover 0 0 0 0— 0 Patrick Henry 0 0 8 8 — 16

PASSING HAN: Brandon Elrod 7 completions 19 attempts 53 yards 1 interception; PH: Jordan Allen 10-13-128-0.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021

PH — Mines 22 pass from Allen (Allen run) PH — Allen 1 run (Byrd pass from Allen) RUSHING HAN: Brandon Elrod 15 carries 45 yards; Emory Farmer 5-37; William Flora 1-11; PH: Jordan Allen 19-69; James Epps 19-92; Jayden Mines 5-10; Nicholas Sikkar

RECEIVING HAN: Charles Rohr 2 receptions 34 yards; Emory Farmer 3-7; William Flora 1-10; Jackson Currie 1-2; PH: Jayden Mines 3-67; Nicholas Sikkar 1-11; Camden Byrd 3-22; Christian Berry 3-28.

again in the fourth, and despite some decent chances for its opponents, another 19-yard throw from Egbers to Wallis provided the final scoring for the game with a little under seven minutes left on the clock.

Along with bragging rights, the win also secured the Yellow Jackets’ spot in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship, where they will play Emory & Henry (3-0) Saturday at 1 p.m. The Tigers will play in a runners-up game Saturday.

Arruza said, along with the Alexa Welch Edlund/ Times-Dispatch usual high stakes in a rivalry Randolphmatch late in the season and Macon despite some concerns about quarterback being worn down for a fall seaPresley Egbers makes the third son, that being able to play foottouchdown ball at all this spring has been a for the Yellow relief to his team.

Jackets despite “With everything we’ve the efforts of been dealing with during the Hampdenpandemic and losing football Sydney defender Will in the fall, it was crushing to a Pickren in lot of these guys,” Azzura said.

Randolph“At the end of the day, it’s been Macon’s 28-0 a tremendous lift to our guys win Saturday in mentally and emotionally.”

Farmville.

Lily Betts can be reached at and seven of his teammates also lbetts@timesdisatch.com. made five or more tackles.

7 14 0 7 — 28 The game evened out com- R-MC H-SC 0 0 0 0— 0 ing out of intermission. Junior quarterback Tanner Bernard R-MC — Mayfield 6 pass from was able to build some momen- Egbers (Vidal kick) — Egbers 1 run (Vidal kick) tum for HS-C, and both teams R-MC R-MC — Egbers 3 run (Vidal kick) were held close.

R-MC — Wallis 19 pass from Egbers Macon’s offense picked up (Vidal kick)

CORRECTION: Because of conflicting roster information, Hanover football player Jackson Currie was misidentified in two recent editions of the Mechanicsville and Ashland-Hanover Locals.

On March 17, Currie was wrongly identified as Wesley Ferguson in a photograph

taken in the Hawks’ game against Mechanicsville.

On March 24, he was wrongly identified as Hunter Robbins in the body of a story on the Hawks’ game against Atlee.

We regret the errors and thank Bill Currie for alerting us to the issue.

County field hockey teams battle through season

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – It has most certainly been a strange season for the county’s high school field hockey teams.

At times, though, it has been a bit grueling.

This past week was one of those grueling weeks, especially for Mechanicsville and Atlee, teams with shallower benches than usual coupled with busier schedules than normal. When the two teams met Friday at Mechanicsville, they were in their third game of the week.

The girls played hard, but the fatigue was taking an effect.

The Raiders, however, mustered enough energy to earn a 5-0 win.

Both Atlee head coach Heather Hodges and Mechanicsville head coach Merridee Gibson said that a lack of depth – both teams are

Joel Klein for The Local

Mechanicsville’s Hailey Pierce battles Patrick Henry goalkeeper Ella Arruza in front of the Patriot goal in the Mustangs’ 2-1 win.

fielding fewer players than normal on their varsity rosters – contributes to weary legs at the end of a long week.

“Everybody’s getting a lot

of playing time, which is good for their development,” Hodges said. “But it can be hard on their legs for sure, especially having games back-to-back like we had

Nickles is . . . safe!

this week.”

The previous night, Atlee had thrashed Hanover 7-1. The Mustangs, however, eked out a tough 2-1 win at Patrick Henry.

With one of their key players out with an injury, the back-toback battles took a toll.

“It’s been so hard because we’re so short on numbers,” Gibson said. “We added only one sub recently and then we

lost Carsyn [Poppa]. Carsyn broke her ankle at Atlee stepping in a hole. That’s a tough loss, losing your center-mid.

“It’s just been up and down.

We’ve had our triumphs – we beat [Atlee] last week – and then we had a rough game tonight. We were exhausted.”

While the Raiders won 2-0, the game looked a more even contest for much of the time.

Atlee took a 2-0 lead into intermission. But, as they added additional scores in the second half, the Raiders’ energy level improved. The Mustangs could not keep up.

While all “fall” sports have been experiencing something of a Twilight Zone season because of the timing and pandemic-era adjustments, it has had benefits.

“We have a great group of kids. We have great leadership from our seniors,” said Patrick Henry head coach Abbie Rossman. “They are just hard workers. They lead by example both in word and in deed I couldn’t ask for three more valuable leaders than those.

“Other than that, we’re young. We start six players who made the transition from JV to varsity. So we’re playing with several players who were much younger than our opponents and who are learning things and making gains day by day.

We have just meshed very well on the field as well as off the field. I can’t say enough about their composure, their patience, their willingness to try new things and to really work hard.”

R-MC lacrosse clips Eagles

Joel Klein for The Local

Joel Klein for The Local

Randolph-Macon’s Mike Nickles beats the tag attempt by Emory & Henry third baseman Hayden Milley after Nickles steals third in the Yellow Jackets doubleheader sweep Saturday.

Left, Randolph-Macon attacker Bella Samper eyes the second of her four goals as Bridgewater’s Kelli Mullen defends in the Yellow Jackets’ 19-3 win Saturday. Above, Randolph-Macon’s McKenzie Hynson (12) and Kendall Griffis battle Bridgewater’s Jodie Welsh (7) and Ashley Venit for the ball.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021 11

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021

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LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 14th day of April 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: REZ21-0203 & ORD2021-02, 500 South Washington James and Joseph Stiles request to rezone the property located at 500 and 516 S. Washington Hwy (GPIN 7779-97-8780 & 7779-97-8194) 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. 500 S. Washington Hwy. is approximately 13.6 acres in size and has a future land use designation of Mixed Business. 516 S. Washington Hwy is seven acres in size, with roughly two acres zoned as PSC and the remainder as B-2. The future land use designation is also 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 Planning Commission has set Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 6:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the Planning Commission’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: REZ2020-00012, KAY S. AND GEORGE N. FEARNOW, JR. Request(s) to rezone from R-1, Single-Family Residential District to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions, on GPINs 8705-92-4426, 8705-92-9448 and 8715-01-5905, consisting of approximately 16.42 acres, and located on the east line of Shady Grove Road (State Route 640) approximately 350 feet south of its intersection with Tipping House Drive (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Multi-Family (8-15 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 49 age-restricted townhomes for a gross density of 2.98 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2020-00035, CAROLYN S. AND EDWARD L. TYLER REVOCABLE TRUST, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from R-1, Single-Family Residential District to RM(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, on GPINs 8715-01-2362 and 8715-01-0051, consisting of approximately 7.45 acres, and located on the east line of Shady Grove Road (State Route 640) approximately 35 feet south of its intersection with Shady Knoll Lane (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Multi-Family (8 – 15 dwelling units per acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 49 townhomes for a gross density of 6.6 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy REZ2021-00004, URSULA AND CLARENCE T. HUNTER, SR. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8726-14-1254, consisting of approximately 7.53 acres, and located on the east line of Rural Point Road (State Route 643) approximately 350 feet south of its intersection with Springhill Road (State Route 787). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a family member for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 3.77 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry CUP2021-00001, WON BUDDHISM OF RICHMOND Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.21 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a place of worship on GPIN 8735-15-1153, consisting of approximately 5.84 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of Walnut Grove Road (State Route 615) at its intersection with Old Calvary Drive (State Route 1630). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2021-00001, CHICKAHOMINY FALLS ASSOCIATION, INC. Request(s) to amend the approved proffers for C-28-15(c), Am. 1-17, C Falls II, L.L.C., et al., zoned RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 7787-06-8189 (part) and located on the south line of Cedar Lane (State Route 623) at its intersection with Holly Hill Road (State Route 713). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3 dwelling units per acre). The proposed proffer amendment would extend the required completion date for construction of the clubhouse and pool to July 1, 2022.

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00019, GRANDMA MITCHELL’S PLACE, L.L.C. Request(s) an amendment to the proffers approved with rezoning request C-7-00(c), Emma Lee Davenport, and request to rezone from B-3, General Business District, and M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPINs 7884-10-0166 and 7884-10-6499(part), consisting of approximately 13.5 acres, and located in the southwest quadrant of the intersection of Verdon Road (State Route 684) and Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Industrial. This amendment would permit the development of a recreational vehicle campground. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2020-00003, GRANDMA MITCHELL’S PLACE, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-174.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a recreational vehicle campground on GPINs 7884-10-0166 and 7884-10-6499(part), consisting of approximately 13.5 acres, zoned B-3, General Business District (pending concurrent rezoning request, REZ2020-00019, to M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions), and M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, and located in the southwest quadrant of the intersection of Verdon Road (State Route 684) and Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Industrial. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam 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.

COVID-19 impact survey on farms and agribusiness set Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- Researchers in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at Virginia Tech are inviting all Virginia farms and agribusinesses to participate in a study to assess and quantify the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their farm or business.

The purpose of this survey is to understand the effects of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Virginia commercial farms and agribusinesses throughout the Commonwealth.

The survey results will help to inform Extension programming to better serve stakeholders in response to ongoing challenges.

This survey should take no more than 20 minutes to complete. The researchers will invite all participants to take part in this study again in the future in an effort to capture the evolving effects of COVID-19. Participating in the follow-up survey will help the researchers better understand the impact COVID-19 has on agricultural operations.

No personal information (name, address, e-mail, telephone number, IP address, etc.) will be collected. All data from this survey will remain confidential and anonymous.

The survey is available at: https://bit.ly/3qLd10V The survey is open to operators and managers of farms and agribusinesses with a primary location in Virginia. Respondents must be 18 years of age or older.

There are no benefits or see SURVEY, pg. 14

Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021 13

Family Fiber Days to be held at Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com BEAVERDAM -- Have you ever been curious about how cloth was made in the 18th century or how they achieved the beautiful reds, blues and yellows we often see in period paintings and portraits?

Every Saturday next month, Preservation Virginia will explore the process of producing textiles from raw wool at Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, which is located at 16120 Chiswell Lane in Beaverdam.

The programs will vary throughout the month, but each Saturday will feature a special family-friendly program with hands-on activities, demonstrations and more.

The first Saturday will

SURVEY Continued from pg. 13

rewards for participating in this study.

Results from this study may be used to communicate the effects of COVID-19 on Virginia farms and agribusinesses to state and federal agencies in an effort to secure relief.

Results from this study also may be published in the future.

include a shearing demonstration by Delly's Delights Farms, a local source for hand-dyed yarns and much more.

The last three Saturdays will feature Clotho’s Handspinners on-site to demonstrate natural dyeing, spinning and other techniques used in the 18th century.

Clotho’s, an educational non-profit organization located in Richmond, promotes handspinning through education and demonstration, to preserve our cultural heritage and promote its future in Central Virginia, as well as to provide opportunity to its members to share and understand techniques, knowledge, and love of the craft.

Grounds-only self-guided cell tours and the fiber program is $5 per person or $10 Participation in this research survey is voluntary.

The first 500 valid survey participants will be given the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $10 electronic gift card for Amazon. Participants must provide a valid email address at the end of the survey to enter the drawing.

Again, multiple entries from the same address will be disqualified. One hundred gift cards are available, so the

Photos courtesy of Preservation Virginia

Fibers hang in the sun and fresh air in the photo above, while, at right, all the implements used to create fiber are ready to use.

per car/family.

If you wish to take the guided house tour, the tour and fiber program are both

included at $8 for students, $9 for senior/AAA/military, and $10 general admission.

Preservation Virginia mem-

bers are admitted free of charge.

For more information, call 804-227-3500 or visit https://

preser vationvirginia.org/ historic-sites/patrick-henrysscotchtown for a listing of each day’s events and times.

chances of winning are at least 20% (100 in 500).

Participants may be withdrawn from the study without their consent if the research team has concerns about the validity of their answers. If an individual is withdrawn, no compensation will be offered.

Results from this study will be summarized in publications and presentations. These will be made available to all stake-

holders and the broader public upon completion of this study.

All data will be aggregated so that it will be impossible for anyone to identify information supplied by any individual respondent (farm or agribusiness).

For more information about the project, see a summary of the first-round results, available at: https://bit. ly/3jPeKAm. This survey will close at

11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on Monday, April 12.

After beginning the survey, responses will be automatically saved so that the participant may return to complete it later using the same device, and the link with which the survey was originally accessed.

If you would like a copy of the summary results, or have any questions about this study, contact John Bovay (bovay@vt.edu) or Catherine

Larochelle (claroche@ vt.edu).

If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, or concerns or complaints about the research, you may contact the Virginia Tech HRPP at 540-231-3732 or irb@ vt.edu and reference 20-617.

Information submitted by Laura M. MaxeyNay, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent, Unit Coordinator.

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021

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E-Waste Recycling event set April 17 Recycle household hazardous HANOVER -- On Saturday, April 17, Hanover County will host an e-waste recycling event at the Mechanicsville Solid Waste Convenience Center at 7427 Verdi Lane. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon.

Flat screen monitors will cost $6 per unit to recycle and flat screen televisions will cost $14 per unit. CRT (old convex style) monitors or televisions will not be accepted.

Computers, tablets and cells phones will be accepted and shredded (hard drive only for computers) at the event for a $5 charge.

Printers under 25 pounds will cost $2 per unit to recycle and those over 25 pounds will cost $5 per unit.

You will be able to pay with checks, cash and credit/debit cards.

All other electrical items (anything with a plug except appliances that contain Freon), including microwaves, will be accepted without charge. All items with plugs will be recycled.

In addition, rechargeable batteries will be accepted for recycling at this event. Be aware that these batteries can pose a fire hazard.

Hanover County solid waste facilities have experienced numerous fires related to rechargeable batteries.

Alkaline batteries or smoke detectors will not be accepted.

There are some special requirements for resi-

waste and shred event April 24

Metro Creative Connection

dents participating in this event: • All residents must wear masks.

• All residents must stay in their vehicles.

• Material being dropped off must be in the trunk, far rear of SUV/Van or bed of pick-up truck (furthest point from resident).

The contractor will remove e-waste from vehicles. This event is for Hanover County residents only (ID required). No business-generated material will be accepted. Call the Hanover County Department of Public Works at 804-365-6181 with any questions.

HANOVER -- During a special recycling event at the Mechanicsville Trash and Recycling Center on Saturday, April 24, Hanover County residents can bring household hazardous waste free recycling and personal information or documents to be shredded from 8 a.m. until noon.

For liquids, aerosols and solids, which are classified as household hazardous wastes, there will be no charge but a 5-gallon limit. These are based on container size.

Examples of materials accepted include oil based paints, flammables, organic liquids, aerosols, oxidizers pesticides, herbicides and corrosive liquids and solids including: pool, hot tub and spa chemicals, household cleaners, muriatic acid, acetic acid, drain openers, oven cleaners, grease and rust removers, glues, mold and mildew removers, art and hobby supplies and photographic chemicals. Mercury thermometers and switches also will be accepted.

LIBRARY Continued from pg. 4

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover curators do every day? Watch County public information officer. our third “Day in the Life” series episode to hear all about the role of museum curators.

Starting April 19, go to https:// w w w. youtu b e . c om / u s e r / pamunkeylibrary or https:// tinyurl.com/prlteens to see the video.

Spring fire season law in effect; no burning allowed before 4 p.m.

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com CHARLOTTESVILLE -- 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 on 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 accumu-

Poetry Break Premieres Wednesday, April 21. Take a break and visit our YouTube channel at www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.

Metro Creative Connection com/prladults starting April 21 for monthly poems to uplift lated brush piles or trash, on dry and windy days. and inspire you. This month, Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) offi- Elizabeth will read the poems cials emphasize that citizens should take extreme of our poetry contest winners. caution, even within the bounds of the law, to ensure they are burning safely. Keep your piles Fun with Seeds! small, remove anything burnable from within 10 Premieres Thursday, April feet of your pile or burn barrel, and have water and 22. Ages 5 and up. Celebrate a shovel or rake nearby.

Why 4 p.m. and why in the spring? During Earth Day with fun activithe spring, burning conditions become incredibly ties including seeds. Watch as we make seed paper to plant see FIRE, pg. 16

No batteries, tube fluorescent light bulbs, explosives or radioactive materials will be accepted.

Up to four boxes (10” by 12” by 18”), paper bags or equal of documents also will be accepted for shredding.

This event is for Hanover County residents only (ID required). No businesses will be permitted. No out-of-county materials will be accepted.

There are some special requirements for residents participating in this event: • All residents must wear masks.

• All residents must stay in their vehicles.

• Material being dropped off must be in the trunk, far rear of SUV/Van or bed of pick-up truck (furthest point from resident).

The Mechanicsville Trash and Recycling Center is located at 7427 Verdi Lane.

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

in the ground and see them grow! Visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/ pamunkeylibrary or https:// tinyurl.com/prlchildren starting April 22 to see the video.

TAKE & MAKES PRL People Starts Thursday, April 1.

How has COVID-19 changed your life? PRL People, a shared journaling project for kids and teens, is your chance to document your pandemic-related feelings and experiences, and share them with your community. Pick up a journal and draw, write, collage - whatever moves you. Return them at any library branch during the month of April. Remember: there is no limit to the number of times you can take, read through, and add to our journals. Sharing our stories is the perfect way to celebrate National Library Week (April 4-10). Please call your local branch to check for journal availability.

Felt Spring Chicks Pickup starting Thursday, April 1, at 10 a.m. This month's take & make craft for adults is adorable spring chicks. Starting April 1, stop by the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road to pick up your kit, while supplies last.

Friday Arts & Crafts Pickup starting Friday. April 23 at 10 a.m. This month's take & make craft for adults is an origami bookmark with the theme of “Mindfulness” and detailed instructions included.

Starting April 23, stop by the Mechanicsville Branch Library at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place to pick up your kit while supplies last.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021 15

Photos submitted by the Ashland Museum

Preserving oral histories, Untold Stories looks at previous programs Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- This year Untold Stories presents a special video compiled from the programs of the past seven years.

Tom Wulf, video producer, edited together clips of each

storyteller, the Community Gospel Choir, and Dr. Jamelle Wilson with an introduction

by Anthony Keitt.

The video can be found on YouTube at https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=X2r9zPbE56g.

Untold Stories is a program of oral histories about

growing up during the 1940s,

1950s, and 1960s in Ashland

and Hanover County told by Black and white residents. It has been sponsored jointly

by The Center, The Hanover County Black Heritage Society, The Ashland Museum, and Downtown Ashland Association since 2014.

While COVID-19 prevented the program from happen-

HCPS residency requirements reminder

FIRE

ASHLAND -- Have you moved or changed your address recently? Hanover County Public Schools would like to remind you of our residency requirements and policy.

If a change in the bona fide legal residence occurs, it is the responsibility of the parent(s)/ legal guardian(s) to notify the school immediately. Parents/legal guardians should provide the schools in which their children attend three proofs of residency upon a change of address.

Proof of residence shall include: z One of the following, which must reflect the resident’s name and physical address: a sales contract for the purchase of the residence (signed by seller and purchaser), a deed, a current mortgage statement from the lender, or a signed, current lease; and z Two of the following, which must reflect the resident’s name, physical mailing address, and service address: a current bill for

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.”

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

16

land-line telephone, cable, internet, satellite, water, gas/oil, or electricity service; a voter registration card; a current automobile registration card; a W-2 tax document for the most recent tax year; a combined bill and receipt for personal property taxes paid within the current year; bank statements, medical bills, or official correspondence from a governmental agency dated within the last two months.

The school division will accept only original documents for proof of residence.

Copies of all documents presented for proof of residence will be retained in the student’s cumulative file as part of the student’s enrollment documentation.

For more information, contact the school registrar.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local March 31, 2021

Continued from pg. 15

ing in person this year, you can preserve your family stories by recording interviews with family members on your phone.

The Ashland Museum has a series of questions you can use to start the conversation.

For more information, email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net.

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.

For more information, visit: https://www. dof.virginia.gov/fire/.