Ashland-Hanover Local – 05/12/2021

EDUCATION Beginning Teacher of Year hails from Beaverdam Elementary School

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MILITARY Hanover Salutes to honor seniors entering military or going via ROTC or academy

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Vol. 6 No. 37 | Richmond Suburban News | May 12, 2021

Council agrees to move Town of Ashland elections to November

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

A

SHLAND – Voters in the Town of Ashland won’t have to wait another year to decide who will represent them on Ashland Town Council following action taken Tuesday, May 4.

Current council members voted during last week’s regular meeting to hold the next election in November of this year rather than next May as was the previous cycle.

In March, the Commonwealth of Virginia mandated that local town council

elections be moved from the spring to fall.

The purpose of the change is to streamline election processes statewide.

Ashland’s action follows the guidelines of the new state law, with local and state elections being held the first Tuesday of November every two years in odd-numbered years.

Sitting council members’ terms will be shortened by six months, as well as – in the 2021 election only – shortening the time candidates for town council have to file papers for candidacy.

It was noted that town staff is working Metro Creative Connection

Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Hanover County Public Schools, in its ongoing efforts to provide memorable – and safe – commencement ceremonies, Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent, announced that the number of guests being allowed to attend graduation is now four.

“Due to a change in state guidelines, we will now be able to accommodate up to four guests per graduate at our ceremonies at the Meadow Event Park on Friday, June

18, and Saturday, June 19,” he said. “This is an increase from the initial three-guest limit.”

The ceremonies will still be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Students will sit in a pod with their guests, and each pod will be spaced 6 feet apart.

“We are delighted that we

see ELECTIONS, pg. 4

Scholarships will be provided despite cancellation of Strawberry Faire Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- Every year, the Ashland Strawberry Faire offers 10 scholarships to Hanover County Public Schools students and one Randolph-Macon College student.

The Faire committee is proud to have distributed $6,000 in scholarship funds last year, despite not holding the Faire. This was made possible due to the generous donations from vendors, sponsors, and the Faire committee itself.

“We have canceled the Faire for the second time due to the pandemic, but we are determined to provide scholarships to Hanover County Public High Schools and Randolph-

HCPS adds another guest for 2021 commencement

Macon College again,” Sharon Chidsey, board president, said.

Since the Faire committee cannot tap into general funds, the group is trying to raise money the old-fashioned way. The Faire is hosting a variety of family-friendly activities such as a walking competition, coloring contest, restaurant competition, strawberry sales, raffle and a celebration on June 12. see BERRY, pg. 7

see GUEST, pg. 4

Jay Brown named deputy county administrator HANOVER -- County Administrator John A. Budesky recently announced the appointment of Jay A. Brown Ph.D., as deputy county administrator for Administrative Services effective June 16.

Dr. Brown has been the director of the Department of Budget and Strategic Planning for the City of Richmond since 2014.

“Dr. Brown has nearly 18 years of strong leadership experience in budget, finance and strategic planning in local government,” said Budesky, who chose Brown from a field of about 65 applicants. “He has comprehensive experience supervising staff and developing strong, collaborative relationships with administration, elected officials, regional local government partners, other departments and citizens. He also is a team player who is customer focused and

is very familiar with Hanover County.

We are very excited to have Jay join our team.”

As the director of the Department of Budget and BROWN Strategic Planning for the city, Dr. Brown was responsible for developing an annual $2 billion, total municipal budget and an operating budget of $782 million. He also was responsible for the development and management of the city’s Strategic Planning process, including the continued oversight of Richmond’s results oriented, strategic planning/performance mansee BROWN, pg. 4

Special Ed teacher celebrated after first year with HCPS

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Hargrove presents part 2 of historic Hanover County documents program Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Contributed Report HANOVER -- Frank Hargrove Jr., Hanover County, Clerk of the Circuit Court, will present the second part of his program on Hanover records from the clerk’s office archives at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 20.

Hargrove has been digitizing the county records dating back to 1732.

In this presentation, Hargrove will cover documents from 1860-1980.

Email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net to make a reservation for this free Zoom presentation.

The Ashland Museum and the Hanover Museum of History and Culture (HMHC) are partnering to host the Smithsonian’s exhibition “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” when it makes its first Virginia stop in Hanover Aug. 28-Oct. 3.

Hargrove’s presentation of early documents and the stories behind them is the opening program leading up to the Crossroads exhibition stop in Hanover.

Betsy Hodges of the Ashland Museum said, “The Ashland Museum and HMHC look forward to seeing you at this and other events.”

To make a reservation for Hargrove’s presentation on Thursday, May 20, email ash-

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EAVERDAM – Abbie Robeson, a special education teacher at Beaverdam Elementary School (BES), has been selected as the 20202021 Hanover County Public Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year.

“For me, receiving this recognition is the light at the end of tunnel,” Robeson said. “Through all of the unknowns, changes, tears and laughter, this allows me to believe that I have made a positive impact on someone else's life this year.”

A career-switcher who started in sales before transitioning to education, Robeson has especially enjoyed greeting students in the morning.

“I love seeing the excitement in their faces and listening to them share stories about things that happened at home,” said Robeson, a Virginia Commonwealth University alumna. “I love being able to share that excite-

Photo submitted by Chris R. Whitley

Abbie Robeson, a special education teacher at Beaverdam Elementary School, is the 2020-21 Hanover County Public Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year.

ment each day.”

Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent, greeted Robeson outside BES on Wednesday, April 28, to share the exciting

news alongside co-workers and family members.

“Starting a new career in education in the midst of a global pandemic requires a lot of determination, resiliency, and grit,” said BES principal Dr. Glynda Smith. “Abbie Robeson demonstrated all of these amazing qualities this year. She naturally put our students in the forefront and worked to ensure they were successful.”

Each year, the division selects one new teacher for this distinguished award who exhibits several qualities, such as: being inspirational, poised, articulate, and knowledgeable; exceptionally skilled and dedicated; respected and admired by students, parents, and colleagues; and actively and meaningfully involved in their school and community.

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

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals Photo images courtesy of from Hanover County Clerk’s Office

An 1864 marriage license is among the archived records that have been digitized in the office of Hanover County Clerk of the Circuit Court Frank Hargrove Jr. Above: This 1869 Land Sale Announcement has been digitized along with records dating back to 1732 in Hanover County Clerk of the Circuit Court Frank Hargrove Jr.’s office.

landmuseum@comcast.net.

The June event will be a guided walking tour of Woodland Cemetery that will start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 3.

For more information, go to ashlandmuseum.org.

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021

CROSS, Bettie Gene, passed away April 25, 2021 in Florida. Bettie was born to Elbert and Myrtle Thompson in 1934. She married Herbert Cross, of the Cross Bros. family, and moved west. Bettie returned to Virginia to work for the ABC Board in Richmond, and later Newport News. She retired to Florida. Bettie was loving mother to Catherine and Charles; devoted sister to Annie Laura Hall; dear friend to broth-

er-in-law, Douglas Hall; to brother, Tommy Thompson (deceased); gramma to William and Ashland; aunt to Doug Hall, Susan Nelson, Eddie Thompson, Amy Thompson and John Thompson; and great-aunt to many. Bettie had 35 years sober from alcohol. She learned Zoom at age 86, and her memorial will be there June 19. Bettie loved lighthouses. Her smile was a beacon, and will remain so still to her family.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday for the following week’s issue.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS April 5

April 6

Simple assault was reported in the 14200 block of Smith Field Lane, Beaverdam.

Profane and threatening language over a public airway was reported in the 13100 block of Greenwood Creek Drive, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 17200 block of Pouncey Tract Road, Rockville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in 6 months, was reported in the 10000 block of Wintercrest Drive, Ashland.

Carrying a concealed weapon, first offense, was reported in the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Unauthorized use of vehicle, boat or animal was reported in the 14100 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8500 block of Peaks Road, Ashland.

Parkway, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 8000 block of Perrincrest Place, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 7400 block of Mechanicsville Elementary Drive, Mechanicsville.

Forging coin and bank notes was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

April 7

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 10100 block of Drawbridge Court, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 7100 block of Ellerson Mill Creek, Mechanicsville.

Reckless handling of a firearm was reported in the 6000 block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 10400 block of Atlee Station Road, Ashland.

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

Identity theft financial loss, $200, was reported in the 7300 block of War Horse Lane, Mechanicsville.

DWI, BAC .15 to .20, 1st offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Creighton

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

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

Community meetings to be held over six dates with town manager Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- Town Manager Josh Farrar will be hosting six community meetings this month to hear from residents.

“We will discuss town council elections, community health, Carter Park Pool, and any other town topic you have,” Farrar said.

The schedule is as follows: z 6:30 p.m. May 10 at Patrick Henry YMCA z 6:30 p.m. May 12 at South Taylor Park Pavilion z 12 p.m. May 13 Virtual (login information below) z 6:30 p.m. May 17 Virtual (login information below) z 12 p.m. May 18 at Ashland Library

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 10300 block of Slidingrock Drive, Ashland.

Dumping trash on a highway or private property was reported in the 7400 block of Verdi Lane, Mechanicsville.

| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

Community Rooms z 6:30 p.m. May 19 at Town Shop Pavilion (100 W. Vaughan Rd.) z May 13 Zoom Meeting -- Meeting ID: 965 6702 1424 Passcode: 367349 Phone #: 1-301 -715-8592 https://zoom.us/j/965670 FARRAR 21424?pwd=VjYzeU1mMTlq M0E1TzBCSzFZZW5oQT09 May 17 Zoom Meeting -- Meeting ID: 988 8723 4759 Passcode: 621182 Phone #: 1-301 -7158592 https://zoom.us/j/98887234759?pwd=Q0kw Wit5VmtNY1hvWFRnZjNvYyszZz09 For more information, contact Assistant Town Manager Matt Reynal at 804-798-9219 or mreynal@ashland.va.gov.

Mechanicsville.

Identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 10000 block of Woodglen Drive, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 8500 block of Richfood Road, Mechanicsville.

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

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 17200 block of Mountain Road/Clazemont Road, Montpelier.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 13300 block of Post Oak Lane, Montpelier.

Credit card theft was reported in the 6600 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

ID theft to defraud, $200, was reported in the 5200 block of Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 8200 block of Tarragon Drive, Mechanicsville.

ID theft to defraud, $200, was reported in the 14000 block of Greenwood Road, Glen Allen.

Obstructing justice no force was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money by false pretenses, $200, was reported in the 10100 block of Nina Court, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 9100 block of Odey Drive, see SHERIFF’S, pg. 19

Petit larceny building was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

April 8

746-5853

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 10800 block of McCann Place, Ashland.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 11200 block of Winding Brook Terrace Drive, Ashland.

WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER

WGU awards local students JERSEY CITY, New Jersey – The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.

Tomeca Tollar of Glen Allen has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Teachers College.

Kimberly Belet of Mechanicsville has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors see WGU, pg. 4

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 May 12, 2021 3

Democratic Primary candidates to take part in Meet and Greet on May 16 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- Meet the Democratic candidates who will be on this year’s Primary Ballot at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center lawn at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland.

Please bring a lawn chair.

All Democratic candidates running for the Democratic nomination in the June Primary have been invited to attend the Meet and Greet hosted by the Hanover Democratic Committee and Ashland District Supervisor Faye Prichard.

Those candidates who have accepted the invitation to speak to date include:

ELECTIONS Continued from pg. 1

to ensure the change is being well publicized so that prospective candidates are informed and prepared.

Town residents interested in seeking one of the two seats on the ballot must file all paperwork with the Hanover Voter Registrar & Election Office by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8.

BROWN Continued from pg. 1

agement program.

Brown has over 18 years of progressively responsible experience in public administration. He was deputy director of the Department of Budget and Strategic Planning for the city from 2010-2013.

Prior to his service in the City of Richmond, he was the assistant county administrator and director of Finance in Charles City County, from 2007-2010 after serving four years as a budget and management analyst in Richmond.

Brown earned his PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. He earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration

WGU Continued from pg. 4

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Gubernatorial Primary Candidates Sen. Jennifer McClellan and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.

Lt. Governor Primary Candidate Del. Hala Ayala.

Attorney General Primary Candidates, Attorney General Mark Herring and Del. Jay Jones.

The Democratic candidate running for the House of Delegates from the 55th District, Dr. Rachel Levy, also will attend and speak at the rally.

Levy is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination from the 55th District. As such, she is already the declared candidate and thus, will not be on the primary ballot in June.

In addition to these candidates, more Democratic Primary candidates are expected to attend and speak at the rally.

The Premiere Duo consisting of musicians Jeanette and John Creger will be performing at the Meet and Greet. The popular duo specializes in pop culture music and has starred in previous Democratic events.

“We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, May 16, at 2. There are a lot of great candidates running for the Democratic nomination. Meeting them in person, hearing them talk and express their convictions may help you decide whom to vote for in the upcoming June primary,” said Daniel McGraw, chair of the Hanover Democratic Committee.

Candidates for town council run without party affiliation and there is no primary.

Candidate forums will be scheduled close to Election Day, providing an opportunity for them to offer a personal perspective and discuss plans for their town.

For more information on becoming a candidate for Ashland Town Council, go to http://ashlandva.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/3856/Council-Candidate-Process-

2021?bidId. Questions pertaining to the date change, or how to run for a council seat, should be directed to the office of the Hanover Voter Registrar at 804-365-6080 or hanovervoting@hanovercounty.gov.

Those with questions about how town council operates and its role in Ashland’s government may contact Assistant Town Manager Matt Reynal at 804-798-9219 or mreynal@ashlandva.gov.

from Virginia Tech in 2002. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hampton University with a degree in Political Science.

He has also has attended and completed the Senior Executive Institute (SEI) at the University of Virginia and the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

In Hanover, Brown will provide leadership to the county’s Strategic Planning, organizational and performance management initiatives. He will supervise the departments of Finance and Management Services and Information Technology. He also will assist as a liaison with county partners such as constitutional officers and the registrar, as well as with the assessor’s and Internal Audit offices.

He replaces Kathy Seay, who retired in March.

“Hanover County has a strong and

fiscally sound government,” Brown said.

“I am excited about and look forward to bringing my skills to further the County’s mission and values.”

He is certified by the Virginia Government Finance Officers Association and is pursuing credential manager certification from the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA).

Brown will be a key staff member as the county moves to implement a new Strategic Plan in 2021. The Hanover County Board of Supervisors held a twoday retreat to identify goals and objectives earlier this year.

He currently lives in Glen Allen with his wife Chantel and two children, Mckinley, 8, and Ethan, 5.

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

University College of Health Professions.

Ella Divelbliss of Ruther

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021

Glen has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College

Hanover Salutes to honor seniors entering military or going via ROTC or academy Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Graduating seniors in Hanover County Public Schools that are enlisting in the United States military, have received an ROTC Scholarship, or an appointment at a military academy will be honored at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 28, during the 5th Annual Hanover Salutes Program that will be held virtually.

Those eligible to participate are encouraged to email their career counselor as soon as possible to RSVP and fill out a registration form.

Hanover Salutes is an opportunity to recognize students making a commitment to serve in the United States Armed Forces after graduation.

“Although we are unable to conduct our traditional in-person Hanover Salutes program due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

GUEST Continued from pg. 1

will be able to safely accommodate more guests as we make graduation the joyful celebration our seniors truly deserve.

Additional details will be shared by your student’s home school next week,” Gill added. of Business.

Joining in planning for Learn more at www.wgu. the Class of 2021 are: Jennifer edu.

and related health concerns, we are pleased to share that we are honoring our future heroes with a video release on social media, similar to last year,” Chris R. Whitley, HCPS public information officer, said.

The program will be available on the school district’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, “where we will recognize and celebrate all graduating seniors who have made commitments to serve in the United States Armed Forces, will be attending United States Military Academies, or have accepted ROTC scholarships,” Whitley said.

“Additionally, we will provide each student with a certificate, unit coin, and copies of the printed program in early June. Thank you for your support of our students making a commitment to serve in the United States Armed Services after graduation,” he added.

Greif, assistant superintendent of Instructional Leadership; Dr. Robert Staley, director of Secondary Education; Dr. John Wheeler, principal, Atlee High School; Kristina Reece, principal, Hanover High School; Charles Stevens, principal, Mechanicsville High School; and Christopher Martinez, principal, Patrick Henry High School.

GRADUATION DAY 2021 ceremonies to be held at Meadow Event Park Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Hanover County Public Schools, with the support of the Hanover County School Board, will host this year’s graduation ceremonies at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell on Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19.

According to Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent, two outdoor ceremonies will be held each day in the Festival Loop (one in the morning and one in the early afternoon) “to celebrate our tremendous graduates and maximize the number of guests that may attend.”

In accordance with the Governor’s executive order on COVID-19 restrictions and guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, up to three guests per graduate may attend the ceremony.

“The ceremonies will be livestreamed for loved ones who are unable to attend in person,” Gill said.

“Holding the ceremonies outside at the Meadow Event Park allows us to welcome all of our graduates and accommodate more guests at each ceremony than what would have been possible at each school’s football stadium, while also providing a safe environment,” he continued.

“We recognize that the number of guests is fewer than what is normally allowed at graduation. In these uncertain times, however, we are pleased to have crafted a plan that will allow our students to graduate together in front of as many friends and family as possible under the state’s current restrictions,” Gill said.

The superintendent concluded by saying, “We sincerely hope that this plan, which is outlined more below in an FAQ format, demonstrates our commitment to honoring the remarkable accomplishments of our Class of 2021 over the past 13 years in the best and safest way possible.”

More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

When and where will graduation be held?

We will conduct four in-person ceremonies total -- two each on Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19.

The schedule is as follows: Mechanicsville High School: Friday, June 18 at 9 a.m.

Hanover High School: Friday, June 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Patrick Henry High School: Saturday, June 19 at 9 a.m.

Mechanicsville High School: 9 a.m.

Friday, June 18 Hanover High School: 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 18 Patrick Henry High School: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 19 Atlee High School: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19

Metro Creative Connection

Atlee High School: Saturday, June 19 at 2:30 p.m.

All four ceremonies will be held at the Meadow Event Park in the Festival Loop.

How will seating work?

Students will sit in a “pod” with their guests, which will help with the visibility of the stage while also maximizing the number of people permitted in the space. The pods will be spaced 10 feet apart. More details about this, ticketing, and other arrangements will be shared by your student’s school.

Will students still be individually recognized?

Yes. Each student’s name will be called and they will receive their diploma on stage before proceeding back to their designated pod.

Why are the ceremonies not at the four high schools?

We want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend the ceremonies and celebrate our graduates. Holding the ceremonies at the Meadow Event Park allows us to do just that --maximizing the crowd size while maintaining a safe environment for all.

Furthermore, the 10-foot spacing required by the state between each graduate on the field and each guest in the stands quickly uses up the limited available space. The Meadow Event Park allows us to host two to three times as many attendees as our high school stadiums, permitting three guests per graduate. If the ceremonies were held at our high schools, only one guest per graduate would have been allowed in accordance with physical distancing requirements.

Why aren’t the ceremonies at the Siegel Center as in years past?

Indoor facilities such as the Siegel Center are see GRADUATION, pg. 20

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021 5

OPINION | The Local Views From the managing editor

LETTERS

The ‘old ways’ are not always the best ways

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor e’ve all heard the expression “That’s how it’s always been done.” Maybe -- but does that mean it’s the best way? I don’t think so.

I don’t understand how anyone, especially those of faith, can accept and perpetuate hate and intolerance.

Just because you were raised by racists is no excuse to follow that “tradition.”

Anti-Semitism is on the rise.

Muslims are targeted when most came here for a better life.

W

Americans of Asian descent are being attacked because of the ridiculous notion that they are responsible for COVID-19.

Native Americans have been victimized since the early days of this country being settled.

As a kid, I spent many Saturday afternoons with my maternal grandfather watching old Westerns on TV. Why was the Native American always the bad guy?

Police officers are retiring or resigning in large numbers because of, as the old saying goes, “a few bad apples.” I believe the majority are good men and women, but now, because of people like Derek Chauvin, they have legitimate fears.

Before the coronavirus arrived in the U.S., a

relative was a frequent traveler, enjoying retirement and new, as well as familiar, experiences.

Several countries in Europe are favorites, but the welcome mat was pulled out in recent years (interpret that as you deem fit).

Rather than old ways, maybe it’s a case of a great need for new ways. We shouldn’t have to be reminded of this country’s role on a global scale. We know who we are and we must return to a compassionate and welcoming America.

Think about what you say and do around your children. We’re never too old to stop learning. What about tomorrow? What do you want for the future?

Just think about it -- please.

Mystery of famed pirate’s last years may finally be solved

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist I’m no different from most when it comes to enjoying a good pirate story or a tale of adventure on the high seas when the skull and bones ruled the waves.

Most of these adventures are based in the in the Caribbean region, and most didn’t end well for the looters or the unfortunate victims they encountered. Famous

pirates lived a life of adventure, searching for their next mark, and sailed from port to port absent of fear of repercussion.

It all seems so glamorous on the surface, but researchers tell us the life of a pirate was no bed of roses, and many suffered unmentionable cruelty and death.

While we all marvel at the story of Blackbeard and his legendary exploits that ended in a bloody shootout off the coast of Ocracoke Island in North Carolina, he may

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not be the only seafaring felon that ended his days in North Carolina.

Following the battle, the infamous pirate’s head was reportedly chopped off and mounted on the ship’s mantle.

And now some are asking if Edward Teach (Blackbeard) was the only famous pirate who met his demise in the Tarheel State.

Jean Laffite was once the most famous of all the scavengers looting British shipping during that golden age and his band of gypsies based

in the New Orleans area plundered and scavenged the area for decades.

Ships laden with gold and silver from Cuba and other ports were routinely abducted by Laffite, and his wealth and fortune allowed the imported Frenchman to rub elbows with some of New Orleans’ finest.

Laffite and his brother Pierre operated a smuggling business that evolved into a pirating operation near the Gulf of Mexico and see PIRATE’S, pg. 8

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| Reader Views

Nation should embrace systemic unity, not racism In a social or political context, systemic defines policies, practices or beliefs that have been established as routine, a powerful adjective currently applied to describe the level of racism in law enforcement, branding and subverting those who protect society from criminals.

The death of George Floyd at the hands of a Caucasian thug, who was then a trusted public servant of the law, is tragic as is any incident of social injustice.

However, selected outliers like Derek Chauvin, despicable as they may be, indicate the need for improved vetting and ongoing monitoring/accountability, but they do not support the allegation of systemic racism in law enforcement, a conclusion widely inconsistent with the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics examination of the matter using accounts from victims, not law officers.

Regrettably, this cancerous allegation has metastasized into other areas of society.

Undeniably, racism and other forms of evil exist in the world and in America, and practitioners of hatred periodically emerge from a population of 330+ million. But systemic racism is an entirely different matter.

A rapidly declining number of Americans can vividly recall life during the pre-Civil Rights Movement era, the pervasive oppression of people of color, denying God’s children free access to public facilities, affordable housing and jobs, stripping them of their dignity.

Spearheaded by martyr Martin Luther King Jr. and the power Christianity, America embarked on see LETTERS, pg. 8

BERRY Continued from pg. 1

Berry Walk The Berry Walk is a walking competition for all ages.

Each participant will receive an Ashland Strawberry Faire t-shirt. Walking packets may be picked up from 12 to 4 p.m. on May 29 at Carter Park Pool in Ashland. Winners in various categories will receive prizes.

Flat Stella Contest Remember the “Flat Stanley” Contest? Flat Stanley is a traveling contest where kids decorate a pre-drawn figure (Stanley), and take him on fun adventures, snapping a picture with him on their travels. The Faire’s version is “Flat Stella!”

Grab a copy of Flat Stella from any Hanover County library (or download her from the Faire’s website), decorate her with color and designs, and take her on journeys between now and June 11.

Snap pictures of Flat Stella on your journeys and post on social media with #FlatStella.

There will be prizes for all participants, as well as prizes for various categories like “most creative” and “farthest traveled.” Winners will be announced at the Celebration on June 12 at the Carter Park Pavilion between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Faire is looking for the BEST Strawberry Drinks and Desserts sold in Hanover County restaurants!

Restaurants can sign up online at Ashlandstrawberryfaire.com

by May 17 to enter a specialty beverage and/or dessert to be sold between June 1-11. The Faire will showcase the participating restaurants at the Kick-Off on May 29 and take care of publicizing the com-

petition.

Customers can vote online between June 1-11 for their favorites; $1 per vote. The restaurant(s) with the most votes wins the coveted distinction of offering the Best Strawberry Drink and/or Best Strawberry Dessert in Hanover County. Winners will be announced at the Celebration on June 12 at Carter Park Pavilion between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

AT A GLANCE 12 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 29 Kick-Off Event at Carter Park Pool in Ashland z Opening Day of town pool z Berry Walk packet pickup z Flat Stella -- learn more and pick up a copy z Promoting restaurants vying for Best Strawberry Drink and/ or Strawberry Dessert z Faire swag sale z Pre-order strawberries z Saturday, May 29 Faire Swag sale at 216 Thompson St. (a Faire Board member) - same day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 12 -Celebration at Carter Park Pavilion in Ashland z PJ’s Kiwanis Grill -- free burgers, hot dogs, chips, and soda (donations appreciated) z Pick up pre-ordered strawberries z Faire Swag sale z Winners announced (Flat Stella, Berry Walk and Restaurant competition)

Strawberries!

Strawberries can be preordered online from May 3-29. Strawberries are available by the bucket ($15) or pint ($3). The last day, May 29, the committee will be at Carter Park Pool in Ashland to take pre-orders. May 29 also is the Opening Day for the pool!

Strawberry pick-up is at the Celebration on June 12 at Carter Park picnic pavilion between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Celebration on June 12 The winners for the restaurant competition, Berry Walk and Flat Stella will be announced at the Celebration on June 12 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Grab lunch TO-GO at PJ’s Kiwanis Grill at Carter Park picnic pavilion in Ashland.

Lunch is free – until the food runs out! On the menu is “Lloyd’s Butcher Blend” beef burgers, specialty hot dogs, chips, and soda.

Donations to the Scholarship Drive are appreciated. Thanks to Ashland Meat Company and the Ashland Kiwanis Club for partnering with the Strawberry Faire for this awesome opportunity!

The Faire committee also will be raffling a basket of goodies and selling Faire swag at the Celebration.

Donations to the Scholarship Drive Folks who simply want to donate directly to the Scholarship Drive may do so online at Ashlandstrawberryfaire.com or mail a check to: Ashland Strawberry Faire Inc., P.O. Box 1973, Ashland, VA 23005.

The Ashland Strawberry Faire Inc. and the Ashland Kiwanis Club are non-profit 501(c)3 organizations.

Officers of the Ashland Strawberry Faire Inc. are: Sharon Chidsey, president; Bob Flanagan, vice president; Dani Stockwell, treasurer; and Suzanne DuBose, secretary.

Directors are: Kevin Damian, Bill Gatewood, P.J. Edmonds, Betty LaPlace, Judith McKinney, Leon Stockwell and Dan DiCandilo.

SWCD accepting entries for poster, photo contests Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District announces the NACD/VASWCD Poster Contest and the VASWCD Photo Contest are now open for entries.

The theme of the 2021 National Association of Conservation Districts’ poster contest is “Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities”.

The contest is administered at the local level through the Hanover-Caroline SWCD and is open to public, private and homeschooled students in grades K-12.

Additionally, any girl or boy scout who submits a poster will receive a VASWCD Poster Contest Patch.

Deadline for local entry to the District level is Oct. 1.

Posters may be dropped off at the HanoverCaroline SWCD office at 13224 Hanover Courthouse Road, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069 or mailed to P.O. Box 446, Hanover, VA 23069.

For full information and rules, participants may visit http://vaswcd.org/poster-contest or contact Karen Fetty in the Hanover-Caroline SWCD office 804-537-3025 or kifetty@hanovercounty.gov.

Winners at the District level will be submitted to the state level Virginia Association

of Soil and Water Districts (VASWCD). State winning entries will then be sent to the NACD where one overall winner will be selected in January 2022. Monetary prizes of $200, $150 and $100 will be awarded national winners for first, second and third place, respectively, in all grade categories.

The VASWCD Photo Contest is also now open. The theme is “Conservation Through the Local Lens.” Capture those vibrant moments and express what conservation looks like through your lens! The contest is open from through July 30.

Winners will be announced in September in the following categories: Overall; People’s Choice (selected from nine honorable mentions during public online voting); Young Photographer (under 18 years of age) and Honorable Mentions.

For complete contest rules, interested persons may visit the VASWCD website at http:// vaswcd.org/photo-contest-rules.

CASA seeks volunteers for training HANOVER -The Hanover Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is accepting applications for the next volunteer training scheduled to begin June 12.

Training will be held weekly with two Saturday sessions.

The Hanover CASA program trains, recruits, and supervises volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court process.

CASA Volunteers come from all walks of life. They

have a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds.

No special experience is required to become a CASA Volunteer – just a desire to advocate for children in our community.

Potential volunteers have extensive preparation for their role through a 40-hour training program.

CASA Volunteers are appointed by the juvenile court judge and spend an average of 10 to 15 hours a month working on a case.

Support for all CASA Volunteers is offered by pro-

gram staff, as well as through ongoing training.

The Hanover CASA Program serves the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts in both Hanover and Caroline counties.

If interested in becoming a CASA Volunteer or in having a representative speak to your church, group or civic organization, contact Melanie Baker at 804-365-4296 or at mdbaker@hanovercounty.gov.

Applications are being accepted until June 5.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021 7

Library system releases list of virtual programs Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER – Librarian Carolyn Garner has announced the May schedule for virtual programs for the Pamunkey Regional Library.

Virtual Programs on Zoom Atlee Virtual Book Club -Wednesday, May 12, 11 a.m.-noon.

This month's title is "The Mystery of Mrs. Christie" by Marie Benedict.

Place a hold on your copy today or check it out on hoopla or OverDrive.

Registration is required at https:// p a mu n k e y l i br a r y. l i b c a l . c om / event/7658769. 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 Tuesday, May 11, contact the Atlee Branch Library at 804-559-0654.

Kids' Lego Club -- Friday, May 21, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for grades K-5.

PIRATE’S Continued from pg. 6

acquired millions of dollars in stolen goods during the early 1800s.

The brothers achieved celebrity status in the Crescent City and even a degree of respectability when they aided General Andrew Jackson in his defense of the city in the Battle of New Orleans that earned them a pardon from President James Madison.

Jean Laffite’s death was reported in the late 1820s, but the details and location of his demise have long since been the source of controversy.

Two North Carolina women think they have uncovered the mystery of the colorful pirate’s later life and death.

8

Meet other Lego fans and talk about your current creations. You can show off what you’ve made and ask questions, too! Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7650447. 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 Thursday, May 20, contact the Atlee Branch Library at 804-559-0654.

Firefly Science -- Saturday, May 22, 11 a.m.-noon for grades K-5.

Fireflies are amazing! Learn more about these cool beetles from an actual entomologist, and how you can become a genuine firefly scientist -- right now! Stop by the Ashland library to pick up your firefly catching kit while supplies last. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7650510. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on

The two contend in a new book that Laffite possibly fled to Cuba to escape American justice and eventually wound up in Lincolnton, North Carolina. For decades, the rumors ran wild among the city’s old-timers that Laffite didn’t die in the Caribbean or New Orleans, but lived a long and relaxed life in the tiny city of Lincolnton.

Through unrelenting research and documentation, the pair of authors established a timeline that, in their mind, establishes the presence of Laffite in Lincolnton for decades following his reported death.

Ashley Oliphant and Beth Yarborough claim the notorious pirate lived in Lincolnton until his death at age 96 under the name of Lorenzo

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021

Friday, May 21, contact the Ashalnd Branch Library at 804-798-4072.

CoderDojo Workshop -Saturday, May 29, 2-4 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Learn how to develop logicbased coding skills and use creative problem-solving with Scratch. Go to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7650514 to sign up. This program is hosted on Discord.

On Demand Videos Storytime for Grownups -Premieres Wednesday, May 12.

Storytime is not just for kids! If you like to be read to, join in for a monthly short story for adults. May’s story is "Poison" by Elmer Kelton, from the collection Wild West: Short Stories, published by Thorndike Press.

Starting May 12, go to https://www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prladults to see the video.

Poetry Break -- Premieres Wednesday, May 19. Take a break and visit our YouTube channel at www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary

Ferrer and is buried in the local cemetery.

Bolstering their claim was the discovery of a sword with Laffite’s signature on it found hanging on the wall of a local Free Mason Lodge in the small town.

The ladies believe they have unraveled the mystery of Jean Laffite in their book Jean Laffite Revealed: Unravelling one of America’s Longest Running Mysteries, and contend that Ferrer lived a quiet life in Lincolnton and never worked a day in the period he lived there. Coupled with the sword and documentation gathered through tireless efforts, the pair is prepared to accept Laffite as the second pirate who met his end in North Carolina.

Mystery solved? Maybe.

or https://tinyurl.com/prladults starting May 19 for monthly poems to uplift and inspire you. This month, Elizabeth will read selected poems by Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

Bluebirding -Premieres Thursday, May 20. Follow master naturalist Terry Atkinson as she documents her bluebird population!

Starting May 20, go to https://www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prladults to see the video.

Tour an Organic Small Farm -- Premieres Friday, May 28. Tour a local organic small-scale farm … virtually! Learn how Idlewood Farms grows vegetables without chemicals, without a tractor, and using specialized battery powered tools -- all on less than ¼ -acre of land! Send your questions for the farmers to ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org by May 15, and they’ll get answered in the video.

Starting May 20, go to https://www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

a long-overdue change in the middle of the 20th Century; today, the nation does not resemble that age in its history.

The result of King’s crusade for social justice and integration is present everywhere: neighborhoods, schools, retail outlets, clubs, hospitality venues, workplaces (including law enforcement and politics); mixed-race marriages and other forms of social interaction; people of color and Caucasians standing in line behind or with one another without prejudicial, malicious

or https://tinyurl.com/prladults to see the video.

Take & Makes Book Page Butterflies -- Pickup starting Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. for ages 18 and up. Pick up a kit at the Rockville Branch Library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Rd. starting May 1 and learn how to make beautiful book page butterflies, while supplies last.

Mother’s Day Craft -- Pickup starting Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. for ages 5 and up. Show mothers you care with easy and beautiful crafts this Mother's Day! Pick up a kit at the Upper King William Branch Library at 694-J Sharon Rd. starting May 1 and learn how to make beautiful book page butterflies, while supplies last.

An instructional video will be on the system’s YouTube channel at https:// www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary and website at https://tinyurl. com/prlchildrens.

----Carolyn Garner may be contacted at 804-365-6214 or cgarner@pamunkeylibrary.org.

attitudes, as they should; helping each other endure difficult circumstances in places like the Food Bank in Mechanicsville.

And in 2008, America did what would have been unimaginable, even for King, electing a man of color for its 44th President and re-electing him, a historic achievement that would not have transpired without massive support from Caucasians.

Yet, despite a preponderance of realities rebutting the existence of systemic racism in America, our nation is bombarded with claims, using selected outliers as proof.

The nation would be better served by focusing on systemic unity, the outcome that King envisioned, which has been emerging for decades, was watered and took root, the one marked by peace and coexistence.

Everyone has an agenda, and so does this critic of progressives who prays daily for America, not to sate ambitions but with the hope that America avoids pitfalls instigated by those who serve themselves with little or no regard for the consequences.

Daniel Corso Mechanicsville

For information on Celebrations (engagements and weddings), call Cindy Adams at 804-775-4616.

Virginia’s Community of the Year, Chickahominy Falls, expands its vision for first class amenities and quality home offerings for active adults Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

H

ANOVER– Virginia’s 2020 Community of the Year, Chickahominy Falls, Greater Richmond’s Only Agri-Community for those 55 and better, expands its vision for quality home offerings for active adults, and additional first class amenities. The Crescent Group (TCG), developer of Chickahominy Falls, announces a new section release of “Little Meadows at Chickahominy Falls,” an exclusive section of only 29 home sites, to be built by local custom homebuilder, Boone Homes, and the start of construction for “The Farmhouse”, a 5-star resort style clubhouse, pool and fitness center.

TCG & Cornerstone Welcome Boone Homes to Chickahominy Falls.

“The addition of Boone Homes, a local quality custom homebuilder, ensures a broader mix of new home choices in a variety of locations within the community.” said Mike Lang, President, TCG. “Adding Boone to the building team is a huge win for homebuyers at Chickahominy Falls” “We are thrilled to offer our signature Boone Homes custom villas in the very popular “agri-community” of Chickahominy Falls,” said Mitchell Bode, President of Boone Homes.

Boone Homes plans to offer a variety of customizable villa-style homes ranging from 2,000-3,000 sq. ft. Boone Homes is known for their personalized, partnered approach for homebuyers to design and modify their home. “We don't have a "one-size fits all", high pressure design studio,” added Bode, “Instead, after your purchase agreement is finalized, our buyers will meet with our Vice President of Construction and our in-house design professionals to ensure their home will be exactly as envisioned. We then invite buyers to meet one-on-one with our trade partners who are experts in their field to custom-design cabinetry,

Contributed photo

Above, The Farmhouse, Chickahominy Falls’ 5-star resort style clubhouse.

Contributed photos

pick out the perfect countertops and more.”

Boone Homes has already begun building a VIP list of interested and excited potential customers for Little Meadows at Chickahominy Falls.

“With the success of our custom villastyle homes in Kinloch, Bellingham at Twin Hickory and Dominion Park at Wyndham, we have many potential homebuyers engaged and excited about Little Meadows and the opportunity to own a Boone home in Chickahominy Falls,” said Bode.

Boone Homes has 30+ years of experience as a top homebuilder in Richmond. Boone Homes invites homebuyers to customize the available floor plans to personalize their home through their unique, partnered approach. Other Boone Homes communities include Reed Marsh (Goochland), Wyndham (Glen Allen), Kinloch (Manakin-Sabot) and Tarrington (Midlothian).

The Farmhouse a 5-Star Resort Style Clubhouse “Wellness and healthy living have never been more important for the 55+ homebuyer. The farm, the barn, walking trails and pocket gardens have nourished our residents at Chickahominy Falls since inception in 2019. Our team is thrilled to begin construction of the central focal point

of the community, The Farmhouse, Chickahominy Falls’ 5-star resort style clubhouse, pool and fitness center.” stated Roger Glover, principal for TCG and Cornerstone Homes.

Glover is excited about Chickahominy Falls’ clubhouse located in the heart of the community, overlooking the pond and nestled between the neighborhoods of Woodside Meadows, The Orchard, The Farmstead and River Falls.

“Ground-breaking has just begun and we expect to have the clubhouse and fitness center complete by year end.

The pool will be open for the summer of 2022.”

This past year, Cornerstone Homes has had record sales, but what is even more noteworthy is the overwhelming spirit of these residents.

“From creative driveway happy hours to weekly food trucks, and holiday themed front porches decorated by the residents, our neighbors sure know how to connect and engage with one another, even in a pandemic.” noted Roger Glover. So it goes without saying that the 180 current homeowners are beyond excited about their new clubhouse complex.

What began years ago as a vision for happier, healthier living has become a reality. It’s not just the fields of Woodside Farms that are growing a bounty of goodness. The Farmhouse, a farm-styled complex of buildings

Above, Boone Homes house. Below lakeview homes

clad in barn siding, tin roof and barn doors, will be a first-class signature clubhouse complex for the growth of more fun social and wellness activities of the community. Nearly 16,000 sq. ft. of luxurious indoor and outdoor space providing residents with a clubroom, entertaining kitchen, meeting rooms, game room, library with a fireplace, a fitness center, classroom, extensive covered patios, event lawns and more. All designed to foster health, happiness and well-being for the residents of Chickahominy Falls.

With over 50 years of combined expertise, Cornerstone and Boone both understand that every community must not only be amenity rich and low maintenance but provide a warm, inviting and healthy lifestyle where homeowners can have time and opportunities to also cultivate new friendships and pursue new interests.

For more information about

Chickahominy Falls, and to register for information and an invitation to upcoming events, visit ChickahominyFalls.com Located in Hanover County, VA, about 20 minutes from downtown Richmond, Chickahominy Falls is situated on 180 acres abutting Cedar Lane, Holly Hill Road, and the Chickahominy River. It is a first-ofits- kind and only “Agri-Community” in the Greater Richmond area blending age-qualified residences, amenities, orchards and a working farm. Over 73 of the community’s 180 acres are dedicated to the farm and orchards, outdoor open gathering spaces for harvest socials and other community gatherings, and an elaborate network of walking trails and exercise stations that wind throughout the community alongside mature trees, gardens, open spaces, a neighborhood pond and the Chickahominy River.

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021 9

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

05

14 2021

Girls soccer: Patrick Henry at Atlee 7:30 p.m.

05

14 2021

Boys soccer: Atlee at Patrick Henry 7:30 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Youth get results in first county track quad

By Rob Witham for The Local MECHANICSVILLE – It would have been appropriate for there to be a giant reset button in the middle of Mechanicsville High School’s football field Saturday as, for the first time in two years, county outdoor track and field teams were finally in action.

But what, in past years, was a huge invitational with dozens of teams from around and outside the region became, for 2021, the first “Hanover County Quad.” The headline coming out of the busy evening was that the new generation of track and field standouts were ready for their breakout moment.

All but five individual events were won by underclassmen.

One senior, Mechanicsville’s Aaron Thomas, took both the boys long jump (20 feet, 6-1/4 inches) and triple jump (38 feet, 11 inches).

In the girls competition, three seniors were victorious.

Atlee’s Rachel Mudd took the 1,600 meters in 5:28.82, just over eight seconds better than runner-up Sierra Puleo of Mechanicsville. The Mustangs’ Kassidy Owens enjoyed a dominant win in the 800 meters, finishing nine seconds ahead of Patrick Henry senior Kali Dennehy with a winning time of 2:34.47.

Hanover senior Khia Holloway bested teammate, Patriot juniors rounded out the and eighth grader, Jaelynn top five: Bekah Doolittle, Jenna Joiner, for the 400-meter vic- Dyke and Autumn Just. tory, finishing in 1:00.09. Three Atlee junior Jada Foreman

10

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021

Joel Klein for The Local

Left, Patrick Henry junior Jordan Allen earned a rest after a dominant win in the boys 300-meter hurdles in a Hanover County outdoor track & field quad at Mechanicsville High School Saturday. Bottom left, Allen in action in the race.

Bottom right, Atlee junior Jada Foreman takes the fourth of her four individual titles with a win in the girls 200-meter dash with a time of 25.80, nearly a full second ahead of Hanover’s Khia Holloway (right). Above, Hanover sophomore Luke Benhase clears 11 feet to win the boys pole vault.

took her place as the county’s fastest girl so far, taking both the 100 meters (12.72) and 200 meters (25.80). Holloway led

than two seconds ahead of fellow freshman Joniya Williams of Mechanicsville. Patrick Henry’s Logan Nuckols, known best for her prowess on the basketball court, nipped Atlee freshman Josie Rempe 51.38 to 52.17 for the 300-meter hurdles crown.

Foreman ended the day as a four-time individual winner, Hanover freshman Jada taking both the high jump (4 a triumvirate of Hawks to the next three positions in the 200, Oakcrum debuted on the var- feet, 10 inches) and the long joined by Joiner and sopho- sity scene by winning the 100see YOUTH, pg. 11 meter hurdles in 18.65, more more Emma Sell.

Currie’s slugging powers Hawks to victory

By Rob Witham for The Local MECHANICSVILLE – It’s hard enough to find the right pitch against a high-quality hurler to be able to touch them all. Thursday night at Hanover High School, Jenna Currie was blessed to hit the jackpot twice.

A pair of two-run homers for the junior catcher propelled the Hawks to their fourth win without a defeat Thursday, a 9-0 triumph over Patrick Henry, who fell to 1-3, outscored in their two games this past week by a combined 19-0.

After Hanover hit three hard drives for outs in the first inning, Lilly Parrish opened the home half of the second with a solo home run to center for a 1-0 lead. Jamie McElroy singled down the left field line in the top of the third for the Patriots, but was stranded. It was the first of four hits surrendered by Parrish, who pitched her third shutout of the young season, striking out 12 in a 76-pitch performance.

The Hawks broke it open in the fourth inning when, with two outs, Alyssa Broaddus reached on an error. Courtesy runner Brianna Michaels reached second on a passed ball, then scored as Reagan Hill roped a double to center. Melissa Acors reached on a drive into left field, scoring Hill, and bringing Currie to the plate.

On the first pitch, she launched a rocket over the center field fence, completing the four-run outburst for a 5-0 lead.

Two innings later, Currie again went to the plate with Acors on base, having reached second after a walk as Hill stole home. Patrick Henry pitcher Riley Dull worked the count full.

“I wasn’t thinking home run.

Joel Klein for The Local

Atlee courtesy runner Gianna Booker scampers past Patrick Henry catcher Jamie McElroy to score, giving the Raiders a 4-0 lead in the third inning lead in their 10-0 win over the visiting Patriots Wednesday night.

Melton, who walked after the home run, later scored the game’s final run on a fielder’s choice by Julia Mardigian.

For the Patriots, Sienna Perry was 2-for-3 on the night with a single and double.

Patrick Henry committed five errors to undermine its effort.

Thus far, Hanover’s biggest tests have come from its biggest

Dueling singles

YOUTH Continued from pg. 10 Joel Klein for The Local

Atlee junior Preston Wills (left) and Patrick Henry senior Lance Finnegan duel in a boys tennis match at Atlee Wednesday.

I was thinking good, hard base to give me a decent pitch. It was hit. It was what we needed,” the pitch that I wanted.”

Currie wouldn’t divulge Currie said. “We got to the full count and I knew she was going where that sweet spot is where

she looks to make contact, but the second launch was as majestic as the first, upping the Hanover lead to 8-0. Zoie

jump (18 feet, 1/2 inch). Sell brought the triple jump crown to Hanover with a leap of 29 feet 2-1/2 inches. Sophomore Lora Chandler of Atlee nipped Hanover freshman Macie Zazzaretti for the pole vault victory. Hawks junior Rachael

rival, Atlee. And, with the way the regular season is scheduled due to coronavirus, the Hawks can only look and see how other contenders in Region 4B are doing. The likes of Powhatan and Dinwiddie hope the Hanover County schools beat up on each other, because with only two playoff spots open in an eight-team battle, the margin for error is small.

“They have high expectations of themselves. They expect a lot,” Hanover head coach Mike Rohr said when asked how he could keep his team on an even keel. “We’ve talked a lot about not being satisfied and keep working hard.”

He also cited his team’s depth, with several players ready to break the lineup should a player falter.

Focus will be key for Hanover, as the Hawks will need to shrug off any inkling of complacency as the merrygo-round of the county softball scene continues. As for Patrick Henry, they are in desperate need of a consistent offense, which has only shown up once so far this season in a 4-2 win at Mechanicsville.

The Mustangs, who finished the week at 0-4, will host Hanover Thursday at 6 p.m., while simultaneously, Atlee (3-1) will visit Patrick Henry.

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

Turner swept the discus and shot put competitions.

On the boys side, Patrick Henry sophomore Shamar Williams swept the 100 and 200 meters in 11.03 and 22.50 respectively. Atlee junior Efe Obrimah finished second in both races, then won the 400 meters by just 0.17 secsee YOUTH, pg. 13

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021 11

Weather delays, but doesn’t stop Mustangs

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – You win some, you lose some.

The important thing for the Mechanicsville Mustangs, however, is that they got both of their scheduled games in last week despite the weather.

Mechanicsville began its week Tuesday in Hanover’s gym waiting out the rain for more than an hour. When the rain let up, Hawk staff quickly readied their diamond for a 7:30 p.m. – as opposed to the scheduled 6 p.m. – start in a battle of county unbeatens.

Hanover took advantage of a two-run first inning to leave with its unbeaten streak intact, but when both teams were scheduled to play again Friday – Hanover versus Patrick Henry and Mechanicsville versus Atlee – Mechanicsville, the original host of its game, changed venue and delayed the start for an hour and got its game in to claim a 7-4 victory over the Raiders.

The Hawks’ contest with Patrick Henry was postponed.

“It was a little rough situation both nights,” said Mechanicsville head coach Tyler Johnson. “Hanover was very accommodating letting us hang out in their gym for an hour, hour and a half. Here at Atlee, Coach (John) Corbin and I had been communicating pretty much throughout the day. We know they could get their field ready”.”

Not that many years ago, the Mustangs and Raiders would have needed kayaks and pirogues to get a game in after Friday’s rain because of its historically poor drainage. But Atlee and Hanover have both benefitted from improvements to their respective fields, and the Mustangs benefitted from being

12

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Mechanicsville’s C.J. DiNapoli scores on a steal of home while Atlee catcher Connor Konecny points out another steal attempt by Mustang Brett Allen at third in the visiting Mustangs’ 7-4 win over the Raiders on Friday night.

the only team in the county to not have to postpone a game because of last week’s weather.

“John’s done a great job on the field – the same over at Hanover,” Johnson said.

“Everybody knows that these two fields are pretty amazing.

Kudos to their coaches (including Tyler Kane at Hanover) for doing what they do.”

Tuesday’s battle at Hanover began a bit rough for Mechanicsville. They gave up a pair of runs in the first inning to the Hawks on a walk, back-toback singles, and a passed ball.

That was all the Hawks needed to win.

After that, the game settled

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021

into a vicious pitchers’ duel, with the Hanover staff recording 14 strikeouts and the Mustang staff 10. Hanover starter Seth Keller led the pack with 11 strikeouts, while closer Levi Huesman struck out all three Mustang batters he faced. Mechanicsville starter Brett Allen was no less deadly with nine strikeouts in five innings of work. Reliever Jalen Strattman struck out one of the three batters he faced.

“Tuesday was a great game,” Johnson said. “I think butterflies impacted us a little bit, but that’s no excuse. We should have put some runs up in the first inning and didn’t, and then they took advantage of some situa-

tions that we didn’t in the first. . . . We need to be better offensively, but I’m encouraged with our defense and our pitching.”

The Mustang offense did pick up Friday at Atlee, totaling nine hits – including doubles by Dallas Hairfield and Cameron Lamb.

Both of their doubles came in the top of the third inning to give Mechanicsville the first lead of the game. Lamb opened the inning with his double and, one out later, Hairfield doubled him in to make it 1-0. But the Raiders went ahead in the bottom of the inning.

Landon Scott opened Atlee’s third with a walk. Jacob Hines

was hit by a pitch. Bronson Davis puts down a sacrifice bunt to advance both, but an errant throw to first allowed Scott and Hines to score and Davis to reach third. Miguel Montoya walked to put Raider runners at first and third – still with no outs.

With Connor Konecny at the plate, Montoya gets picked off at first, but Konecny hits a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Scott and make it 3-1.

The Mustangs waste no time to respond. Strattman opens the top of the fourth inning with a single and a courtesy runner, Nolan Kruse, takes over on the base paths. Kyle

Whitlock singled Kruse to third and advanced to second on the throw, and Trevor Loving walked to load the bases.

One out later, Lamb singled to drive in Kruse and keep the bases loaded. After another out, Hairfield singles to drive in Whitlock and Loving to put Mechanicsville back in the lead for good.

Johnson said it was never going to be easy.

“There’s never going to be gimmes,” he said. “Any team in our county, we’re always going to play. Coach Corbin over there does a great job with his guys. It’s always going to be a battle.”

Still, Corbin would have liked to see his Raiders do better.

“We didn’t execute when we needed to,” Corbin said. “We didn’t get timely hits when we had runners on. We ran ourselves out of a couple of innings.

We’re not playing smart baseball yet.”

The Mustangs were especially smart on the basepaths.

Mechanicsville runners combined for six stolen bases — three by Allen and two by DiNapoli. The pair combined on a double steal in the sixth inning in which DiNapoli scored and Allen took third.

“C.J. just did it on his own. It was a good read,” Johnson said.

“It was two outs and we were being aggressive. He just took it upon himself and he did it. It was awesome. . . . Brett made it to third. We did an excellent job of baserunning tonight.”

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

Mechanicsville 7, Atlee 4 Mechanicsville 001 312 0 — 7 9 2 Atlee 003 001 0 — 4 2 2 Jalen Strattman, Dylan Robbins (4). Gunnar Stromberg, Gavin Bralley (4), Mike Joyce (6). W: Strattman. L: Stromberg. S: Robbins.

Eighth-seeded Royals pull rank on Yellow Jackets

own terms and have some closure,” Hedrick said. “Not the closure that they wanted, not the way they wanted it, but the alternative is they had control.

They had opportunities that they didn’t have a year ago. . . . I think they are for the most part at peace with that part of it.”

Randolph-Macon (23-11) did not lose the series for lack of

offense. Over the three games, the Yellow Jackets out-hit the Royals 39 to 33, but they struggled to get hits with runners in scoring position. Overall, the Yellow Jackets stranded 33 runners over the weekend compared with just 23 for Eastern Mennonite (9-13).

“We scattered our hits,” Hedrick said. “I think they did

– meaning Eastern Mennonite – did a good job of minimizing when situations got a little bit crazy. We did not do a good job with two outs, scoring runs with two outs. . . . They did an excellent job of making pitches and making plays when they needed to and we just kind of scattered our hits and weren’t able to really put anything out

there that put any pressure on them.”

Such inability to score in clutch situations over the weekend was uncharacteristic of the experienced Yellow Jacket squad.

“It’s a pat on the back to [the Royals],” Hedrick said. “We just didn’t execute.We just didn’t do what we needed to, unfortu-

nately. The guys that came up in those situations were guys that have done it, you know, multiple times in their careers, but it just didn’t happen this weekend.”

To be fair, Eastern Mennonite defense did its share of preventing the Yellow Jackets from getting the clutch hits they needed with at-times spectacular plays that seemed improbable if not impossible.

“They played out of their mind defensively, made some plays,” Hedrick said. “They’ve got one of the best defensive outfielders, outfields rather, in the league, and in particular their centerfielder (Jaylon Lee).

He can move north, south, east, west as well as anybody.”

The ending Sunday was painful, especially for the Yellow Jacket seniors. But, as host of the series, the players found it within themselves to take care of the field after play was over.

“It was sad, demoralizing, depressing, however you want to word it,” Hedrick said.

“Fortunately we have thirtysome underclassmen who needed to step up and take charge for the first time and let the – whether it be the fourthor fifth-year – seniors have their time, have their moments. . . .

But yeah, the kids were distraught. I mean this isn’t what they came back for in terms of the end result. . . . I think they saw how those they came (to a national championship) in 2018 and thought that they could replicate that. But that’s just not how sports works.”

Davis and Luke Taylor won the 800 and 1,600 meters in times Continued from pg. 11 of 2:02.58 and 4:24.54, Davis winning his race by more than onds over Jonathan Burnap of six seconds. Taylor returned to take the 3,200 meters, but only Patrick Henry in 53.16.

The distance races belonged by a half-second over teammate to the Patriots, as juniors Alex Trevor Mason.

Jordan Allen proved he is more than a quarterback, taking both the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, winning with times of 16.93 and 42.27, respectively.

Christopher DeCambre of Mechanicsville was second in the 300 at 42.56.

Allen’s football teammate Camden Byrd brought Patrick Henry victories in the shot put, tossing 41 feet 10 inches to best Atlee’s Joseph Slade by just over a foot, then defeating Slade by 19 feet in the discus with a throw of 133 feet 10 inches.

The great news is there were positives for all four teams to build on as this most unusual regular season continues. While student athletes will surely seek out results from other regional competitors in preparation for the start of postseason in June,

their energy is best spent by simply bettering themselves.

Hanover and Patrick Henry will square off Wednesday while Mechanicsville will travel to face Atlee.

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

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – RandolphMacon’s baseball team began the 2021 season as the team to beat. With five returning seniors who were allowed another year of eligibility after the cancellation of spring sports last year, and a talented crop of current seniors and underclassmen, the Yellow Jackets spent the season ranked in the Top 25 nationally.

They also began the Old Dominion Athletic Conference tournament this weekend as the top seed, hosting eighthseeded Eastern Mennonite for a quarterfinal series that began Saturday.

Randolph-Macon opened the series by hammering the visiting Royals 14-6 Saturday.

But the Yellow Jackets could not sustain the momentum, losing the second game 7-4 Saturday and the third game by the same margin Sunday to end their season with a record of 23-11.

It was a disappointing end to the season, as well as to the careers of fifth-year seniors Tyler Dunn, Ryan Duphorn, Ben Marotske, Hayden Moore, Matt Nickles, Mike Nickles, Shawn Nickles and Reece Yeargain. Despite the pain, Randolph-Macon head coach Ray Hedrick said it was preferable to the endless what-ifs of a season never played.

“Looking back at where we were in 2020 and the uncertainty these young men had, at least they had a chance to come out and go out on their

YOUTH

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Randolph-Macon starting pitcher Hayden Snelsire (21) threw a solid 5-1/3 innings, but the three runs he gave up in the first inning put the Yellow Jackets in catch-up mode from the start in their 7-4 loss to visiting Eastern Mennonite University in an Old Dominion Athletic Conference quarterfinal Saturday. The Royal’s win in the nightcap of a doubleheader forced a deciding game three in the series Sunday. Eastern Mennonite won that game, also by a score of 7-4, to advance to the ODAC semifinals.

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021 13

Kickers cap emotional week with needed win

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor The Richmond Kickers needed an emotional boost Saturday following the death of former player and coach David Bulow, 41, who passed away from complications of a stroke Thursday.

Many of the fans needed one, too, as Bulow – survived by his wife Nellie, and three children: Aaron (6), Cameron (3) and Lucy (10 months) – worked with many in the Kickers’ youth programs.

Saturday night, against a South Georgia Tormenta team known for its hard-nosed, physical play, the Kickers delivered the boost many gathered at City Stadium could use. After 80 minutes of scoreless play, Emiliano Terzaghi – who was injured late in the season last year in a USL League One game against Tormenta – broke the ice with a brilliantly placed kick into the top left corner of the South Georgia net.

Nine minutes later, on the second attempt on a penalty kick – after the referee ruled that Tormenta keeper Pablo Jara came off the line early on the first kick – Terzaghi put the ball in the net again to make it 2-0. The Kickers had to sweat out more than nine minutes of stoppage time to seal the win.

“Coming into tonight, the guys were really emotional following a really hard week,” said Richmond head coach Darren Sawatzky. “I wasn’t sure what the response would be. It wasn’t a Picasso, but we threw paint against the wall and we ended up with something at the end.”

Part of the art of painting is knowing what to throw when against the wall. Sawatzky put Oalex Anderson in for Matt Bolduc in the 74th minute.

Anderson’s speed on the wing

14

Joe Mahoney/Times-Dispatch

Richmond Kicker’s head coach David Bulow makes a point to an official during a game at City Stadium on Saturday, May 4, 2019.

proved more than South Georgia could handle. Anderson got in past Tormenta’s defense down the right side, slipped a perfect cross pass over to Terzaghi near the left of the box, and Terzaghi spun around to thread the ball through a phalanx of South Georgia defenders in the net for the first goal of the game.

Anderson beat a South Georgia defender and was fouled in the box to set up Terzaghi’s penalty kick in the 89th minute.

“Oalex is unbelievable going forward,” Sawatzky said. “You want to have that weapon at the right time of the game. We deployed him at the end and he rewarded us. Obviously he’d like to play for 90 minutes, but I don’t think any defender on the planet would want Oalex Anderson running at them in the last 15 minutes fresh.”

As for Terzaghi, he had no trouble resetting when he got another shot at the penalty kick

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021

Alexa Welch Edlund/Times-Dispatch

Richmond Kickers goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald remembers former Kickers player and coach David Bulow during a moments of silence before the Kickers’ match against South Georgia Tormenta FC at City Stadium Saturday night.

(Smetanick), Mika (Elovaara), Riley (Wichmann) – these are guys that have spent a lot of time with David. The guys in our front office, Nathan (Heintschel) and everybody who has worked here while David was here – Patrick (Wood), he had a lot of time with him – it was a really difficult week for those people,” Sawatzky said. “I’m really proud of the guys who have come in and joined our team. They understand the culture and really took care of those guys.

Tonight was all about winning a Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images game for David.”

NASCAR unveils the seventh generation of the NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet, Ford, and A GoFundMe account has Toyota cars during the NASCAR Next Gen Car Announcement on Wednesday in Charlotte, been set up to help Bulow’s North Carolina. For more, go to https://richmond.com/community/mechanicsville-local/ family at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-davebulow week. it away.” in the 89th minute.

Dave Lawrence can be “Ivan (Magalhães), Sawatzky credited the win to “I knew the goalkeeper’s tendencies,” Terzaghi said. the way the team pulled togeth- Akira (Fitzgerald), Luke reached at dlawrence@mechlo“Thankfully I was able to tuck er during an emotionally trying (Pavone), Matt (Bolduc), Ray cal.com.

NASCAR’s Next Gen cars

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Living history event spotlighting 18th century scheduled for May 29 Staff Report news@mechlocal.com BEAVERDAM – A familyfriendly outdoor living history event will be held on Saturday, May 29, at Patrick Henry's Scotchtown. Those attending will be able to explore 18th century historic food-ways, fashion, music, encampment, drills, and the firings of muskets with over 30 costumed interpreters and see what a detachment of Hanover Militia could have looked like at the outbreak of the American Revolution.

In April of 1775, Royal Governor Lord Dunmore stole a portion of the gunpowder supply of the colony of Virginia from the magazine at Williamsburg. On May 2, Patrick Henry would lead 60 mounted volunteers, known as the “Hanover Independent

Company,” to rally at Newcastle on the Pamunkey River and ride with him to demand the powder’s return or just compensation. The remainder of the Hanover militia stood ready, under arms, training, and ready for the coming revolution.

Demonstrations will include: z 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Cooking will be ongoing throughout the day in the kitchen z 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: “Shoulder Your Firelock” Drill Demonstration – (front yard of the house) z 12 and 3 p.m.: “The Sound of Discipline” Music Demonstration (steps of the house) z 1 p.m.: “What Do I Put in My Backpack?” (demonstration specifically for children) (camp) z 4 p.m.: “All Free Men 16 to 50 Years” Militia Inspection and Dismissal (front yard of

Photos courtesy of Preservation Virginia

Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown will present a family-friendly outdoor living history event on Saturday, May 29. Attendees can explore 18th century historic food-ways, fashion, music, encampment, drills, and the firings of muskets with over 30 costumed interpreters. They also will be able to see what a detachment of Hanover Militia could have looked like at the outbreak of the American Revolution.

https://www.facebook.com/ events/1566813846857527 for more details or call 804-227-

the house) The fee is $5 per person or $10 per carload, to be paid the day-of onsite. See the event page at

3500. Dawn Burnett is the cosite coordinator of Scotchtown, which is located at 16120

Chiswell Lane in Beaverdam.

Scotchtown is a Preservation Virginia Historic Site.

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors

in the 7500 block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

SHERIFF’S Continued from pg. 3

Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

April 9

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

Identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 8000 block of Dominion Park Drive, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, altering price, $500, 3rd offense, was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Stolen goods: buy/ receive, larceny, $200, was reported in the 7500 block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 14100 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 7000 block of Scotland Woods

16

Petit larceny parts were reported in the 7400 block of Brandy Creek Drive, Mechanicsville.

Carrying a concealed weapon, first offense, was reported in the 3700 block of Elm Tree Terrace, Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Failure to appear on a felony charge was reported

Road, Hanover.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 9500 block of Chamberlayne Road/McKenzie Drive, Mechanicsville.

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021

DWI, 3rd offense in 10 years, was reported in the 6700 block of Cold Harbor Road/Marie Lane, Mechanicsville.

April 10

Threats in writing were reported in the 8000 block of Sherwood Crossing Place, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 9500 block of Kings Charter Drive, Ashland.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 16100 block of Tyler Station Road, Beaverdam.

Larceny or theft, 3rd or subsequent offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. see SHERIFF’S, pg. 19

has set Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the time, date and place for a public hearing concerning quitclaim of the County’s interest in a 30’ strip of land designated as a future roadway on GPIN 7844-56-1877, located within Beaverdam Magisterial District in Hanover County, Virginia.

All persons desiring to be heard on the above may appear at the above time and place. A plat of the subject real estate is available for inspection in the County Administrator’s Office, County Administration Building, during the regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

John A. Budesky, County Administrator

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ASHLAND TOWN COUNCIL Please take notice that on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 7:00PM, the Ashland Town Council will conduct a public hearing at Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, Virginia on a proposed ordinance revision (ORD2021-10) related to: ORDINANCE NO. 2021-10 ORDINANCE NO. 2021-10 AMENDS THE ASHLAND TOWN CODE, CHAPTER 10, “MOTOR VEHICLES & TRAFFIC,” ARTICLE I, “IN GENERAL,” SEC. 10-7, “SPECIAL SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN STREETS AND IN CERTAIN AREAS” TO LOWER THE SPEED LIMIT FROM 25 TO 15 MILES PER HOUR (MPH) NORTHBOUND ON RAILROAD AVENUE FROM ENGLAND STREET TO COLLEGE AVENUE; MAKE THE SPEED LIMIT 35 MPH ON STATE ROUTE 54 FROM THE WESTERN TOWN CORPORATE LIMIT TO 400 FEET SOUTHEAST OF THE INTERSECTION WITH HENRY CLAY ROAD; AND LOWER THE SPEED LIMIT FROM 35 TO 25 MPH ON MAPLE STREET FROM ASHCAKE ROAD TO 850 FEET PAST WALDER ROAD. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-10 IS CONSIDERED PURSUANT TO THE GRANT OF AUTHORITY CONTAINED IN VA. CODE § 46.2-1300(A)(1).

A copy of the proposed ordinance may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-9219, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to Matt Reynal via e-mail at mreynal@ashlandva.gov or through regular mail to Clerk of Council, 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 Matt Reynal via e-mail at mreynal@ashlandva.gov or (804) 798-9219 to make those arrangements.

Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance of the public hearing so that appropriate arrangements may be made.

By Order of the Ashland Town Council

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE SECONDARY SIX-YEAR PLAN (FY 22-27) AND CONSTRUCTION BUDGET (FY 22) The Hanover County Board of Supervisors and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in accordance with Section 33.2-331 of the Code of Virginia, will conduct a joint public hearing on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room in the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment on the proposed FY 22-27 Secondary Six-Year Plan (SSYP) and FY 22 Secondary Construction Budget (Budget) for Hanover County. A copy of the proposed SSYP and Budget may be reviewed at the office of the County Administrator, Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia any regular work day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All projects in the SSYP that are eligible for federal funds will be included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which documents how Virginia will obligate federal transportation funds.

All persons wishing to comment on the SSYP and Budget should appear at the stated time. Persons requiring special assistance to attend and participate in this hearing should call (804) 365-6176. ______________________________________ John A. Budesky, County Administrator

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021 17

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, May 26, 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: SE2021-00011, PATRICIA M. AND ADDISON B. LEWIS Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.17.b of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a manufactured home in a medical hardship case on GPIN 8716-80-7476, consisting of approximately 5.0 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of Lee Davis Road (private road) approximately 0.54 miles north of its intersection with Pole Green Road (State Route 627).

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry 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 SE2021-00008, LIFE CHURCH Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-338 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a sign larger than permitted on GPIN 8705-56-5950, consisting of approximately 9.26 acres, zoned R-1, Single-Family Residential District, and located on the east line of Atlee Road (State Route 638) approximately 575 feet south of its intersection with Marc Gregory Court (State Route 1459). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy SE2021-00009, HATTORF PROPERTIES, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a private garage for more than four (4) vehicles on GPIN 8725-07-3709, consisting of approximately 3.0 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Pole Green Road (State Route 627) at its intersection with Janice Avenue (private road). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry SE2021-00010, CHRISTINA M. AND JOSHUA D. MILLS Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.24 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a fence taller than permitted in the front yard on GPIN 7749-38-3694, consisting of approximately 11.43 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the east line of Mountain Road (U.S. Route 33) approximately 1,000 feet north of its intersection with Stone Horse Creek Road (State Route 670). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna SE2021-00012, BRIAN AND EMILY FRASER Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with approved Ordinance No. 00-10, which permits accessory family housing units with a Special Exception Permit in the AR-2 District, on GPIN 8717-57-9968, consisting of approximately 3.44 acres, zoned AR-2, Agricultural Residential District (repealed zoning district), and located on the south line of Rotherham Drive (State Route 1790) approximately 500 feet east of its intersection with Georgetown Road (State Route 651). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry SE2021-00013, NETWORK TOWERS II, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-142.3(a) of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a telecommunications tower and related facilities, located within the “FAA Part 77 Area” that exceeds 50 feet in height but does not exceed 140 feet in height on GPIN 7797-27-8673, consisting of approximately 6.79 acres, zoned OS(c), Office/Service District with conditions, and located at the terminus of Atlee Commerce Boulevard (State Route 1383) approximately 1,750 feet southeast of its intersection with Sliding Hill Road (State Route 656). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Ashland 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 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 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. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna REZ2020-00024, ROXANNE S. AND LAZARO G. PERDOMO, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single Family Residential District with conditions, and M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPINs 7787-39-1265, 7788-40-0089, 7788-40-1355, 7788-40-0566, and 7788-40-0850, consisting of approximately 35.65 acres, and located on the north line of Old Keeton Road (State Route 719) at its intersection with Washington Highway (U.S. Route 1). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3 Dwelling Units Per Acre) and Business-Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 64 single-family lots for a gross density of 2.0 dwelling units per acre on 32.03 acres. Various light industrial uses would be permitted on the remaining 3.62-acre portion of the property that fronts on U.S. Route 1. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna 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.

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Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021

SHERIFF’S

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Continued from pg. 3

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, May 20, 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: REZ2021-00002, DAVID N. HAMILTON, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District and AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPINs 7871-10-9202, 7871-02-8509, and 7871-11-9890, consisting of approximately 170.81 acres, and located on the east line of Independence Road (State Route 669) approximately 600 feet south of its intersection with Blunts Road (State Route 716). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of 27 building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 6.33 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2021-00006, NETWORK TOWERS II, L.L.C. Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.25 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a telecommunications tower and related facilities that exceed 140 feet in height, on GPIN 8707-68-4285, consisting of approximately 13.23 acres (CUP area limited to 0.13 acres), zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Pine Ridge Road (State Route 1930) approximately 725 feet east of its intersection with Chamberlayne Road (U.S. Route 301). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry 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 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 16.36 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 3.0 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy 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.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 10500 block of Comanche Lane, Glen Allen.

DWI, BAC .20, 1st offense, was reported in the 7000 block of Jackson Arch Drive, Mechanicsville.

DWI, 2nd within 5 years, BAC .20, was reported in the 10100 block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 7100 block of Garden Park Lane, Mechanicsville.

Stalking: type not clear from record was reported in the 9300 block of Blacksmith Court, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Illegal use of gases was reported in the 9000 block of Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 8200 block of Mount Storm Court, Mechanicsville.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Circle, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 7700 block of Stand

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Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021 19

Hanover Habitat’s next home to be built in Ragan Phillips’ memory (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Amanda Gunter, director of Community Engagement, Hanover Habitat for Humanity.)

ASHLAND – As a member of the Hanover Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, Ragan Phillips left an exceptional mark not only on his fellow board members and the staff, but more importantly on the families Habitat serves. As one of Phillips’ last powerful acts of kindness, he provided a matching gift to support Habitat families.

“The way in which this community has shown kindness is powerful,” Phillips said. “It is finally dawning on me that most people are kind and that this is what makes our society work.”

Surrounded by family, Phillips peacefully passed away March 26, 2020. As his obituary stated, “we grieve his absence but celebrate his life, and thank him for showing us that being exceptional is a choice open to all of us.”

“He learned what he had to, and he changed, and so he made himself exceptional.” A year ago these words by Wendell Berry were placed on

GRADUATION Continued from pg. 5

limited to a total of 500 attendees, which would severely restrict the number of guests allowed per graduate.

What happens if there is inclement weather?

We are still developing plans for possible inclement weather, including holding indoor graduations in the Farm Bureau Building that stands next to the Festival Loop. We will communicate any changes to our plans as they are made.

Will we be able to take photos?

Yes. The Farm Bureau Building next to the Festival Loop will be set up for photos. The number of people allowed in the building at one time is limited, so we ask for your patience in this process.

I have other questions. Who should I reach out to?

We will continue to provide you with regular updates regarding graduation as they become available. For questions about graduation requirements, contact your school counselor. For ques-

20

the marquee at the Ashland Theatre to honor one of the Ashland’s most beloved residents.

Remembering Phillips and honoring his wife, Phyllis Theroux, and daughter, Meg Pienkowski and family, Hanover Habitat’s next home will be built in his memory.

Construction has not yet begun on the North Center Street home in the Town of Ashland, but Habitat’s next homeowner, Tyree, dreams of owning a home of his own.

When we met Tyree, he was sleeping in a sleeping bag, where the floor of a home office was the only space available.

When Tyree dreams of his future home, he sees a home full of his personality and flare. He can smell the crab cakes and ribs cooking in his kitchen. But the most beautiful dream is opening his front door and welcoming his granddaughter into his own home.

Tyree says “owning a home will give me something to work hard for and a place to finally call my own.” You have an incredible opportunity to continue Phillips’ legacy, double the impact of your gift, and build the safe and

tions about the ceremony, contact your school principal. Note, however, that we are still planning the ceremonies and will not have answers to every question at this moment. ***** Over the past 13 months, we have seen the resiliency of our students, especially our seniors.

We know that this final year of high school has not been normal, but we are committed to honoring you in the coming weeks and months to make sure you feel special, unique, and valued.

Thank you for your continued patience as we finalize these plans.

Joining Gill in extending their “deepest gratitude” are: Jennifer Greif, assistant superintendent of Instructional Leadership; Dr. Robert Staley, director of Secondary Education; Dr. John Wheeler, principal, Atlee High School; Kristina Reece, principal, Hanover High School; Charles Stevens, principal, Mechanicsville High School; and Christopher Martinez, principal, Patrick Henry High School.

Ashland-Hanover Local May 12, 2021

secure affordable home so many families like Tyree desperately need.

Help make his dream of homeownership come true. You may give securely online at www.hanoverhfh.org/raganmatch or mail a check to Hanover Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 2604, Mechanicsville, VA – please note “Ragan Match” on your check.

Gifts received before May 15 will be doubled

by Phillips’ generous matching gift. Your kindness will mean so much not only to Tyree, but other families working hard for a better life right here in Hanover County.

About Hanover Habitat for Humanity Hanover Habitat for Humanity was formed 30 years ago by a committed group of local citizens who wanted to provide safe and affordable housing in Hanover County. Since that time, Hanover Habitat has built homes alongside 71 families who pay an affordable mortgage.

Hanover Habitat’s repair program began in 2017 and addresses critical repairs around the home.

With our help, and the help of the community,

Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Hanover Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Housing Agency, and an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. To learn more about the organization, visit www. hanoverhfh.org.

Registration open for Youth Citizen’s Police Academy HANOVER – The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office will once again be hosting the Youth Citizen’s Police Academy. The Youth Citizen’s Police Academy will be held Monday through Friday, June 21-25.

This academy will begin each day at 9 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m.

There will be no cost to participants.

This program will be available to students who are rising 9th through 12th graders. The applicant must be a Hanover resident.

This academy is designed to give the youth of Hanover County a chance to see the day-to-day operations of their Sheriff ’s Office and will allow participants to interact with the men and women of the Sheriff ’s Office.

The academy also will offer the participants an inside look into a career in law enforcement.

The training will consist of a variety of law enforcement topics that will give the youth a better understanding of how and why the members of the Sheriff ’s Office do what they do.

For more information, contact the deputy at your child’s school or Lt. Drew Darby at the Sheriff ’s Office at 804-365-6266 or by email at dedarby@ hanovercounty.gov.

Information submitted by Lt. James R. Cooper, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office public information officer.