Ashland-Hanover Local – 06/02/2021

RECREATION Capitals help bring roller hockey rink ‘back to life’ in memory of brothers

HEALTH Technology for complex aortic valve surgeries is a game-changer PAGE

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Vol. 6 No. 40 | Richmond Suburban News | June 2, 2021

Ikenberry, May named to HCSB; vaccination efforts winding down

Democrats to determine candidates on Tuesday Republicans use convention method to select Youngkin, Sears and Miyares

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor HANOVER – Virginia Republicans chose their candidates for the Nov. 2 General Assembly last month in a convention format. On Tuesday, Democrats will head to the polls to determine their candidate for the fall election.

The Republican challengers

are: Glenn Youngkin for governor; Winsome Sears for lieutenant governor; and Jason Miyares for attorney general.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 8 for the Democrats to select from the following candidates: Governor – Jennifer D. Carroll Foy, Jennifer L. McClellan, Justin E. Fairfax, Lee J. Carter, and Terry R. McAuliffe Lieutenant Governor – Andria P. McClellan, Elizabeth R. Guzman, Hala S. Ayala, Mark H. Levine, S. “Sam” Raoul, Sean A. Perryman, and Xavier JaMar Warren.

Attorney General – Jerrauld C. “Jay” Jones and Mark R. Herring.

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local Rachel A. Levy is running unopposed for the 55th District seat in the House of Delegates.

Her name does not appear on next week’s ballot.

Teresa F. “Teri” Smithson, VREO, Director of Elections/ General Registrar, told The Local earlier that she didn’t expect much of a turnout on the 8th. “Historically, Hanover County has less than 20% turnout for these types primaries.”

Ballots may be cast in-person at the Early Voting Center. see DEMOCRATS, pg. 5

Ashland Town Council candidates must file all paperwork by Tuesday

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ASHLAND – Two seats on Ashland Town Council are up for grabs in November.

However, those interested in joining the municipal governing body must file all paperwork with the Hanover Voter Registrar by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8.

A complete list of candidacy eligibility and paperwork requirements can be found at www.ashlandva.gov/526/2021Town-Election.

Candidates vying for the seats will face off on Tuesday, Nov. 2, in the town election. In Ashland, they do not appear on the ballot with a political party.

The town also does not hold a primary election.

Voter Information Below is a list of commonly asked questions and corresponding answers about the upcoming election. If there are any further questions about the election, they can be addressed to the Hanover County Voter Registration & Elections Office. The Hanover County see CANDIDATES, pg. 5

JACKIE STUART DASH’S 301st RIDER

301st rider signs up for DASH HANOVER -- As the county marks its 301st Birthday, Hanover County is learning from its past and building toward its future.

This also could be said of Hanover DASH. Hanover DASH has been making history since Dec. 12, 2019, when it began offering specialized transportation services to adults 60+ years of age and persons with shortterm or long-term disability. This is the first formal public transportation offered by the county. Since its launch, over 4,540 rides have been completed to date.

In honor of Hanover’s 301st Birthday, Hanover DASH is celebrating its 301st registered rider. This distinction goes to Jackie Stuart of Mechanicsville, who was approved see DASH, pg. 5

HANOVER -- Beginning July1, the Hanover County School Board will welcome two new members, both announced at last Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting at the Administration Building.

Steven Ikenberry will serve as the Cold Harbor representative and Bob May will represent the South Anna District.

Ikenberry, a retired Lee-Davis High School teacher and coach with 28 years of service in county schools, will replace Norm Sulser, who retired after 16 years of service on the school board and 24 years as a Hanover County reserve deputy.

May replaces current South Anna representative Kelly Evko, who was appointed by South Anna supervisor Sue Dibble last year and placed her name for consideration for the pending appointment.

“Having served on the school board for 6½ years, I think I have a pretty good idea of what it takes to be a successful and effective school board member,” Dibble said before announcing her selection.

“Some of those qualities I believe are important are a good sound business mind with experience in preparing and managing budgets, a proven leader in business and in the community, a good listener with excellent communication skills, and, finally, a team player attitude.”

Dibble said one of the three candidates in the South Anna District “rose to the top.”

May and Evko were joined by Aleisha Miles as see HCSB, pg. 8

Capitals help bring roller hockey rink ‘back to life’ in memory of brothers

H

ANOVER -- A unique agreement between Hanover County and the Washington Capitals professional hockey team will result in improvements being made to a valued roller hockey rink at Courthouse Park.

The Matthew & Daniel Barton Memorial Rink was built 20 years ago in honor of Matthew and Daniel Barton, the sons of Doug and Carol Barton who tragically lost their lives to disease at a young age.

Both Matthew and Danny were hockey enthusiasts who loved to play.

Doug and Carol Barton coordinated the community fundraising and donated the rink to the county.

Hanover County Parks and Recreation Director Derek Stamey noted that the Barton rink has served the community for the past 19-plus years as a place for both youth and adults to enjoy the game of inline hockey.

He said it also has been utilized for many purposes such as middle school hockey, tournaments and pick-up hockey.

The rink is in need of replacement, leading the Bartons to coordinate a new fundraising effort. They collected $19,200, and Doswell Energy Center donated an additional $25,000.

Also contributing to the effort is the Washington Capitals National Hockey League team, which has a Youth Hockey Development program. Through this program, the Capitals are helping refurbish a number of street hockey rinks in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. Rinks in Virginia include Leesburg, Purcellville, Ashburn, Alexandria and Fredericksburg.

The Capitals agreed to furnish, replace and install the street hockey/inline skating rink as a donation to the county.

On May 12, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors approved a Memorandum of Understanding stating the responsibilities for each of the organizations to repair and replace the rink.

As part of their $100,000 investment, the Capitals will

replace and provide all rink boards, fencing and new plastic skating tiles. If funding allows, a scoreboard will be included. Street hockey equipment and training will be provided to all elementary and middle schools in the Hanover County Public Schools division, as well as Hanover Parks & Recreation.

Hanover County will be responsible for removing and/ or repairing existing boards, fencing, brackets and surface, installing footings for the new board system. The board committed to keeping its facility where it is (at the entrance to

Courthouse Park) and operating for at least 20 more years, and will allow the Capitals logo to be displayed on the site.

Hanover’s costs will be paid by the money raised by the Barton family and donated by Doswell Energy Center.

The total amount invested in the rehabilitation of the Barton Memorial Rink will be $144,200.

Cold Harbor District Supervisor Michael Herzberg called it a “win-win-win” for all involved, including the taxpayers.

“This is a great example

of teamwork with community partners,” said Herzberg, a member of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee.

Chickahominy District Supervisor Angela KellyWiecek said her son played roller hockey and she had spent many a chilly night out at the Barton Rink. She commended the Bartons for turning their tragic loss into a gift for others.

“It makes my heart very full,” she said.

“We are just so thrilled,” said Carol Barton. “We are thankful for all of the support, from the community and from the board and Doswell Energy and the Capitals. So many people said, ‘tell us what we can do to help’. We are very lucky to have had such support from everyone.”

Fundraising during COVID-19 times was challenging, so the Bartons set up a GoFundMe page.

Peter Robinson, director of Youth Development for the Washington Capitals, said the Barton project was “more personal” than other facilities the Capitals have helped repair

and refurbish.

“We haven’t done any other projects like this,” Robinson said. “Most of our other projects have been municipaldriven to refurbish facilities that needed an update. This is a resident-led initiative that is getting accomplished because the community came together to save a facility they love.

We’re coming in to help save something that was going to disappear. It’s been a pleasure to work with the Barton family and Hanover County on this and we’ve found it very rewarding.”Robinson said the Capitals’ participation came about as a result of someone contacting him about the Go Fund Me page.

He talked with the family and then with Dan Smith, deputy director of Hanover Parks and Recreation, who helped the Capitals get through the county’s processes. Robinson said the work could begin as early as July. He hoped it would be completed by the end of August.

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

Carter Park Pool scholarships available for Ashland residents (Editor’s note: The following was posted on the Town of Ashland’s website, https://www.ashlandva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=461.)

ASHLAND -- Full and partial scholarships to purchase Carter Park Pool memberships are available for qualifying Ashland individuals and families. Recipients must be Town of Ashland residents, current on town taxes, and household income must be at or below the figures in the chart below.

Visit the link below or call 804-798-9219 for more information. http://ashlandva.gov/Facilities/Facility/

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Details/Carter-Park-Pool-10

2021 Carter Park Pool Scholarship Matrix Persons in Family/Household 100% Discount 50% Discount 1 $12,880 $25,760 2 $17,420 $34,840 3 $21,960 $43,920 4 $26,500 $53,000 5 $31,040 $62,080 6 $35,580 $71,160 7 $40,120 $80,240 8 $44,660 $89,320 For families/households with more than 8

Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021

Photo courtesy of the Town of Ashland

The Carter Pool opened on Saturday for the 2021 season. Scholarships are available for qualifying residents.

persons, add $4,540 for each additional person. https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines The admission fee is $5 per person Monday through Friday and $9 per person Saturday and Sunday. For information on day care, call the pool.

During the season the most current information about the pool will be shared on the town’s social media accounts and posted at the pool.

The pool will be open from 12-8 p.m. see POOL, pg. 4

Registration open for Youth | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Citizen’s Police Academy

SHERIFF’S REPORTS in the 8400 block of Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

April 26

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 14000 block of Hickory Oaks Lane, Ashland.

Identity theft financial loss, $200, was reported in the 18000 block of Old Ridge Road, Montpelier.

Identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 7300 block of Jackson Avenue.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 10200 block of Kings Dominion Boulevard, Doswell.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 7100 block of Civil Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 7400 block of Hobby Horse Lane, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported

April 27

Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 6000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 10000 block of Pollen Drive, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID, $200, to defraud was reported in the 9200 block of Ivy Banks Drive, Mechanicsville.

Identity theft financial loss, $200, was reported in the 12000 block of Walnut Hill Drive, Rockville.

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

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 11000 block of North Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 10300 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 14600 block of Stone Trace Drive, Montpelier.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 12400 block of West Patrick Henry Road, Ashland.

Identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 10200 block of Aynhoe Court, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8200 block of New Ashcake Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8000 block of Rutland

Village Drive, Mechanicsville.

HANOVER – The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office will once again be hosting the Youth Citizen’s Police Academy. The Youth Citizen’s Obtaining money by false Police Academy will be held pretenses, $200, was Monday through Friday, June reported in the 7200 block 21-25. of Shady Grove Road, This academy will begin Mechanicsville. each day at 9 a.m. and con Assault and battery of clude by 4 p.m. a family member was There will be no cost to reported in the 4900 block participants. of Hanover Meadow Drive, This program will be Mechanicsville. available to students who are rising 9th through 12th gradApril 28 ers. The applicant must be a Firearms, regardless of Hanover resident. value, not from a person, This academy is designed were reported in the 16200 to give the youth of Hanover block of Hennessy Way, Montpelier.

County a chance to see the day-to-day operations of their Obtaining money by false Sheriff ’s Office and will allow pretenses, $200, was reported in the 9100 block of participants to interact with

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 18200 block of Shiloh Church Road, Bumpass.

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.

Officer Lane, Ashland.

Forging coin and bank notes was reported in the 10300 block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Hanover Habitat ReStore Vendor Fair MECHANICSVILLE – Hanover Habitat for Humanity ReStore will host a Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, in the ReStore parking lot located at 9159 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville.

A variety of vendors will be taking part.

The ReStore is a non-profit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. It was established in 2005 to provide a self-sustaining funding source to Hanover Habitat for Humanity.

All Habitat for Humanity ReStores are proudly owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and proceeds are used to build homes, community and hope locally and around the world.

This event kicks off Habitat’s cam-

paign to raise funds for a new ReStore box truck.

The ReStore truck is typically used daily to service Hanover County. Staff members pick up large corporate donations using a 2006 truck with more than 180,000 miles.

In addition to valuable pickups from donors, the truck also is used to recover and transport recyclable materials.

As always, proceeds from the ReStore fund their vision to ensure everyone has a decent place to live.

Vendor fees and special sale items throughout the ReStore during the June 5 event will go towards the purchase of a new Restore truck.

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.

Information submitted by Amanda Gunter, director of Community Engagement, Hanover Habitat for Humanity.

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 June 2, 2021 3

New technology for complex aortic valve surgeries is a game-changer Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE -Longtime Mechanicsville resident Carolyn Pendleton knew she had a disease known as asymptomatic aortic stenosis.

One day in February 2020, she was walking in her yard at her house and she collapsed. The stenosis had progressed, and it was worse, and Carolyn was brought into the emergency room at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center (MRMC) on Valentine’s Day. It was determined by her health care team, led by Brody Wehman, M.D., cardiac surgeon at MRMC, that Carolyn would need an open surgery on her heart. The timing of her surgery luckily coincided with approval of a new device which became available at Bon Secours to treat exactly what Carolyn had – a severely dilated aortic root, also known as an aneurysm.

Dr. Wehman is the first cardiac surgeon in Central Virginia to introduce this new cutting-edge technology for patients in need of a complex cardiac surgery that involves replacement of their aortic valve, aortic root and the ascending aorta.

The KONECT RESILIA aortic valve conduit (AVC) was approved by the FDA in July 2020 and is the first ready-toimplant solution for aortic root aneurysms.

“We are excited that our team at Bon Secours is the first in the central Virginia to use this new product,” continued Dr. Wehman. “Implementing this technology at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center allows us to provide a straight-forward solution for complex valve procedures and provides our patients with the best treatment possible.”

The KONECT device represents a meaningful advance-

POOL Continued from pg. 2

(weekends through June 13, and daily June 18-Sept. 6). The pool will close early for Ashland Barracudas’ swim meets. Additional dates may be added.

Seasonal memberships are being sold at town hall, and memberships also will be sold at Carter Park on select weekends before the pool season. Follow the town on Facebook for more information. Daily rates are $5/weekdays, $9/weekends, and $45/10-pass pack. The pool may be reserved after hours for private events. Contact carterparkpool@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 804-798-2520 for more information.

Everyone should bring their own chair or blanket.

No concessions will be sold at this time, and no dive-in movies are currently planned. You may bring your own food and drinks, but you are responsible for disposing of your waste. No glass containers are permitted.

Description The Carter Park Pool is an eight-lane junior Olympic-sized swimming pool (25 meters) with a separate kiddie pool for small children. The pool is open to Ashland residents and nonresidents. Annual pool memberships are available for purchase at town hall, or a daily, per-person entry fee can be purchased at the gate. Financial assistance for pool memberships is available

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021

Photo submitted by Emma Swann

Carolyn Pendleton is shown with her surgeon, Dr. Brody Wehman, right, and his physician assistant, BJ Brogan.

ment that offers surgeons a preassembled device with two leading technologies, which can streamline treatment for

patients requiring this complex and technical procedure.

In addition, the KONECT device also offers benefits to

for qualified applicants (must be an Ashland resident). A new membership system using key tags instead of membership cards was implemented during the 2019 season. Memberships went on sale April 1.

Payment methods Patrons may use cash, debit card, check, or credit card to purchase a daily pass at the Carter Park Pool. If a credit card is used, a 1.4% fee will be added to the total cost of the transaction.

Ten-Pass Pack Patrons also may purchase a Ten-Pass Pack for $45 at Carter Park Pool. A Ten Pass Pack comprises of ten visits to Carter Park Pool.

Concessions The Concessions Stand is not open at this time.

Pool Pass Scholarships Income-based financial aid is available to qualified Ashland residents for pool passes. Scholarships are available to heads of households (age 18 and over) and all family members meeting eligibility criteria (see the application above for more information). Recipients of pool pass scholarships will have maximum annual income as follows:

the patient with the advanced RESILIA tissue, which incorporates integrity-preservation technology that may help improve valve durability.

The RESILIA tissue technology also allows devices to be stored under dry packaging conditions, facilitating ease of use during patient care.

It has helped surgeons like Dr. Wehman treat patients, like Carolyn, with valve disease and a combination of issues with the aorta.

“Prior to having this device, surgeons would have to manually sew together the prosthetic valve and aortic root replacement during the surgery, often in an emergency setting,” said Dr. Wehman. “With the KONECT device, the aortic valve, aortic root and ascending aorta replacement are already preassembled as one continuous prosthetic heart valve and replacement aorta, greatly simplifying the procedure and streamlining an oth-

erwise complicated surgery.”

For Carolyn, who underwent a significant open heart operation, the use of the device shortened her operative time.

According to Dr. Wehman, Carolyn also sailed through her post-operative recovery beautifully. She was discharged home the following week without any complications.

“I wanted Carolyn and other patients like her to have the best possible technology available to them,” said Dr. Wehman. “We are thrilled that Bon Secours secured this technology in time for the surgery she needed.”

This advanced technology available at Bon Secours might provide extended valve durability for a more active patient population. “Bon Secours prioritizes access to innovative and effective technology that will ultimately help patients lead better more healthy lives,” said Dr. Wehman.

Household Size 50% Scholarship 100% Scholarship 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

$25,760 $34,840 $43,920 $53,000 $62,080 $71,160 $80,240 $89,320

$12,880 $17,420 $21,960 $26,500 $31,040 $35,580 $40,120 $44,660

Pool Parties Carter Park Pool can be reserved for private events from 8-11 p.m. every day. Contact the pool manager by email for details and scheduling at Anthony Crews at carterparkpool@ gmail.com.

Swim Team The Ashland Barracudas swim team practices and competes at Carter Park Pool. For more information, check out the Ashland Swim Team’s website: www.ashlandswim.com or contact Kevin Trent via at ashlandbarracuda@comcast.net.

CASA seeks volunteers to train 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 ten to fifteen hours a month working on a case.

Support for all CASA Volunteers is offered by program staff, as well as through ongoing

DEMOCRATS Continued from pg. 1

“You no longer need a reason to vote early,” she said.

The Early Voting Center is open for casting and in-person absentee ballot during office hours 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday, June 5, from

CANDIDATES Continued from pg. 1

Voter Registration & Elections Office can be reached by hanovervoting@hanovercounty.gov or by phone at 804-365-6080.

Q: When is the election?

A: CHANGE: The election is on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, due to a new state law that required local elections to be moved from May to November.

Q: Where do I cast my vote?

A: The polling location depends on your home address. Access the Hanover County Voting Webpage at https:// www.hanovercounty.gov/361/VoterRegistration-Elections-Office for more information.

Q: What time do the polls open and close?

A: Polling locations will open to voters at 6 a.m. Polls will close at 7 p.m.

Additional information about polling locations and services can be found at Hanover County Voting Webpage.

Q: I would like to vote but I am not registered. Where can I register to vote?

A: Access the Hanover County Voting Webpage for registration infor-

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 804365-4296 or at mdbaker@hanovercounty.gov.

Applications are being accepted until Saturday, June 5.

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

Pet of the Week Photo submitted by Andrew Hodnett

The Hanover County Pound, located at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, has wonderful pets available to a good home. Violet, Animal ID# 578583, is a 5-yearold spayed female canine/hound. She has had her first set of vaccines and is Heartworm test negative. Violet is a sweet little girl. She came to the shelter as a stray last month. Violet is a little shy from lack of socialization, but she has come a long way. She has gotten very used to the staff and has turned into a sweetheart. Violet does very well with other dogs. They seem to make her more comfortable. She also has done very well on a leash.

Violet will make a loving companion for someone willing to give her time and TLC. For more information on this great pet, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804365-6485 during the day. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Wickham building at the County Complex.

For those who have received absentee ballots, they may place them in the ballot drop box outside Smithson’s office. “It will be open 24 hours a day . . . to June 8 at 7 p.m.”

“This ballot drop box is under 24-hour surveillance, or you can hand0deliver your

vote by mail cast ballot to the Early Voting Center, the Director of Elections office, or visit your polling place on the primary election day because each polling place will have an absentee vote by mail drop bag,” she said.

For more information, visit the website at https://www.hanovercounty.gov/361/ Voter-Registration-Elections-Office.

mation.

Q: I cannot vote on Election Day. How do I vote absentee?

A: Access the Hanover County Voting Web page for absentee voting information.

Q:I am on active duty in the United States Military and cannot vote in person on Nov. 2. How do I vote absentee?

A: Access the Hanover County Voting Web page for absentee voting information.

DocumentCenter/View/3856/CouncilCandidate-Process-2021?bidId.

Candidate Information Individuals interested in running for one of the three seats must follow the Virginia Department of Elections’ candidacy filing requirements, like collecting 125 signatures of town residents, to qualify as a candidate in the Town Council Election. Candidate filing closes at 7 p.m. on June 8, 2021. Contact Hanover County’s Elections Office at 804-365-6080 for more information.

Download this form for more information on running for Ashland Town Council: https://www.ashlandva.gov/

Additional information What is Ashland Town Council?

Citizens of Ashland elect a five-member council to direct and establish the goals and policies of the town. These elected and appointed officials represent the people of Ashland and are responsible for adopting all ordinances and resolutions for the town.

Are town council members compensated?

As of July 1, 2021, council members are given a $638 monthly stipend and the mayor is provided a $765 monthly stipend.

Who can run for town council?

All individuals that meet the following residency and voter registration requirements: 1) Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia for one year immediately preceding the election; 2) Be a resident of the Town of Ashland; and, 3) Be registered to vote in Ashland.

DASH Continued from pg. 1

for the service on April 30.

Hanover DASH provides individualized trips to doctors’ offices, grocery stores, banks and formal social/recreational programs as well as to Hanover Government buildings.

The service area includes within seven miles of the county’s borders.

The Hunter McGuire VA Medical Center and the medical facilities at Stony Point also are included.

Approved riders have greater flexibility in when and how they book point-topoint, same-day rides, or for van transportation, with as little as 24 hour notice.

There is an online booking platform and mobile app for riders to book rides with ease,

and a 24/7 call center for support or additional booking assistance.

Additionally, once rides are booked, riders can get notifications via text or phone call about their upcoming ride so they will know the status of their trips.

Rides are available to residents between 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

All rides are direct, nonstop and a flat co-pay of $6 for one-way trips. Currently, the co-pay has been waived to respect the financial challenges incurred by many residents due to COVID-19.

To learn more about Hanover DASH, visit www.

HanoverDASH.org or call 804-365-DASH (3274).

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

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021 5

OPINION | The Local Views From the managing editor

This ’56 model is preparing for a big day

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ince I’ll be on staycation when this week’s edition arrives at your home, I’m writing the column on Tuesday, May 25. What stands out about this date is that I will officially become a senior citizen in all regards in exactly two months.

There are days when my head is spinning with all the mail and email about approaching my 65th birthday. I welcome the information from the Social Security Administration and Medicare, but a retirement date is a discussion for my superiors at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. My plan isn’t in the near future.

In the meantime, I do get amused by the flood of life insurance policy offers. Let’s see . . . if I’m dead, do I really care?! Nope!

I don’t have a spouse or children. My investments are already designated to the beneficiaries, so “No thanks” on the life insurance.

My will is specific in what I bequeath. I told a good friend about a year ago that I was leaving my designer handbags to her. She said, “Oh, Mel, you don’t need to do that” -- pause -- “but thanks.” I got a chuckle out of her response.

Yeah, as I’ve gotten closer to No. 65, thoughts often turn to reminiscences, especially the high school and college years. Through social media, I have reconnected with many classmates and got-

ten to know others. What a blessing!

A frequent joke is about how early bedtime has become, when it doesn’t seem that long ago that we were going out dancing at 11 p.m. or later.

Such was life in a small town. Great memories!

Seriously, though, this has been a major learning experience as I work my way through the processes of preparing for 65. I’m often reminded that my dad left us at 63 and my sister at 58.

Do I expect any significant changes in my life at 65? No, not really. I still plan to work and enjoy every day as much as possible.

I don’t need life insurance, because, as a favorite gospel song says, “I’ve got my ticket” (as in my Bible). Age is just a number -- here’s to 65.

Offering advice to graduates is not time sensitive

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist When I graduated from high school decades ago, my head was filled with advice, most of it timely and pertinent, but, admittedly, long forgotten. As I walked through a room of family members and friends shortly after the ceremony, an old friend of the family tapped me on the shoulder and whispered his version of graduation words to live by.

“Hey, kid, don’t take no wooden nickels,” he said with a gritty smile

on his face.

It’s odd that I remember those words of wisdom today, and most of the important life advice I received seems to elude me. Looking back, I’m sure the misplaced words of encouragement were well focused, and, if followed, would have made life easier at some points.

But advice is a double-edged sword, and if you decide not to take it you usually find out the same lesson for yourself. Some of us take the advice and find a need to challenge

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021

its validity. That’s all part of the process.

Even at this late stage in my life, now the father of four children, I am reluctant to offer any advice to this year’s Class of 2021, but I am resourceful enough to call on the wisdom of others to provide some sound, and sometimes humorous, graduation thoughts. Here are just a few I came up with: A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students

dressed in identical caps and gowns that “individuality” is the key to success. -- Robert Orben Your families are extremely proud of you. You can’t imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money. -- Gary Bolding At commencement you wear your square-shaped mortarboards.

My hope is that from time to time you will let your minds be bold, and see ADVICE, pg. 8

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

Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2021 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.

LETTERS | Reader Views

Audit farce must stop if we want our vote to count It is really getting old, being forced to constantly justify having doubts about the 2020 election.

The people who say an audit will jeopardize our vote and is fraudulent are the same ones that forced us to put up with the four-year investigation of the 2016 election.

Are we wrong to have our doubts?

Obama received 69,000,000 votes in 2008, in 2020 Trump received 74,000,000 votes and Biden received 81,000,000 votes.

In 2008, Obama won 873 counties, in 2020 Trump won 2,497 counties, and Biden won 477 counties.

Both Obama and Trump won 18 of 19 bellwether counties. Biden won 1 of 19 bellwether counties.

Both Obama and Trump won Florida, Ohio, and Iowa. Biden lost Florida, Ohio, and Iowa.

We saw affidavits in the hundreds and other evidence of bad behavior in the election.

We saw several states with Trump leads mysteriously shut down in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia at the same time around midnight, and then open a few hours later with Biden miraculously ahead!

We saw judges ignore the results and constitutional laws violated.

We saw rallies, boat parades, and one auto rally 95 miles long for Trump, and it means nothing?

So tell us again how Biden actually won 81,000,000 votes and lost so many algorithms.

And tell us why we are so evil and anti-American for asking that questions?

Daniel Baumann Mechanicsville

Smithson advises voters to be aware of parking at schools on election day

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor HANOVER – General Registrar/Director of Elections Teresa “Teri” Smithson is advising voters planning to cast a ballot in the June 8 Democratic Primary Election about possible parking issues since Hanover County Public Schools will still be in session for the 20202021 year.

“Historically, the primaries were always held the second Tuesday in June, which is the SMITHSON last week of school, but during the 2021 legislative session the General Assembly passed SB 1148 moving the primaries to the third Tuesday (schools are closed to students),” Smithson said.

“While we do not anticipate a large turnout for the Democratic Party Primary, we would like to inform the voters that during the hours of 7:30- 8:10 a.m. and 2- 2:45 p.m. the schools are very busy with the dropping off and picking up the students,” she said.

Smithson said that will cause parking issues at the following elementary schools: z Battlefield Elementary School. z Beaverdam Elementary School. z Cold Harbor Elementary School. z Elmont Elementary School. z Kersey Creek Elementary School. z Laurel Meadow Elementary School. z Mechanicsville Elementary School. z Pearsons Corner Elementary School. z Pole Green Elementary School. z Rural Point Elementary School. z South Anna Elementary School. z Washington Henry Elementary School.

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-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.

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Gifted Advisory Committee accepting applications ASHLAND -- The Hanover County Gifted Advisory Committee (GAC) is currently accepting applications for membership for the 2021-2022 school year.

Parents of gifted students of all ages, community stakeholders, and gifted students are invited to apply.

The Gifted Advisory Committee's purpose is to advise the Hanover County School Board of the educational needs of all gifted students in the school division, promote and encourage parent and community involvement with gifted education issues and initiatives.

Applications will be accepted through June 1.

To access the 2021-2022 GAC Membership Application, go to https://forms.gle/ KdZ5qvzE8rTZH7iR7.

Information submitted

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

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ADVICE

2021 drinking water testing clinic scheduled next month ASHLAND -- What’s in your water? Did you know that private water supplies like wells and springs are unregulated? It is therefore the responsibility of the homeowner to regularly test water quality, maintain the water system, and address any problems.

Affordable, confidential water testing and education will be offered through Virginia Cooperative Extension offices in Hanover County.

This year kits also can be picked up on Monday or Tuesday, June 14 or 15, at the Hanover Extension office at 13015 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Pick-up times on Monday are extended until 7 p.m.

Physical distancing and current COVID-19 guidelines will be followed for all events.

On Wednesday, June 16, you will drop off your samples from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Hanover Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at 13015 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland.

Participation is voluntary and confidential.

Water samples collected by participating homeowners

HCSB Continued from pg. 1

nominees for the appointment.

“This particular nominee in the South Anna District is a business owner with extensive management and financial experience and has a Master’s in Business Administration,” Dibble said prior to announcing May as her choice.

“He is a retired lieutenant colonel with 30 years of service in our Army. This nominee has coached Little League, is a church youth group leader, and was involved in the PTA and athletic groups while his children were in school,” she added.

May also was a nominee when Evko was selected last year.

“He’s a very involved granddad and is most engaged in his community. I have a great deal of respect for this individual and I look forward to working with him as a team to serve our Hanover community, and, specifically, our South Anna residents,”

8

Continued from pg. 6

will be analyzed for 14 parameters, including bacteria, metals, nitrate and hardness at a cost of $60.

Results and water system care and maintenance information will be shared at an information meeting.

All information is kept strictly confidential and results are reported only to the homeowner.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/2021-VCE-HanoverVAHWQP or contact Missy Johnson at mcjohnson@vt.edu or 804-752-4310.

To ensure a kit, pre-register by June 9.

For more information about the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, as well as many resources relevant to private water systems, visit www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu.

Information submitted by Laura Maxey-Nay, Hanover County Extension Office.

she said.

Cold Harbor supervisor Michael Herzberg said he heard nothing but positive comments regarding Ikenberry from the time his nomination was announced. The former cross country coach also is a United States Air Force veteran who served two combat tours.

Patrick Wells and Sabrina Civils also placed their names in consideration for the Cold Harbor seat.

Herzberg thanked all three candidates for their willingness to serve and acknowledged the work of current school board members.

He said Ikenberry’s two combat tours displayed a sense of community and a commitment to service that will be useful as a future school board member.

“This showed me, unquestionably, his willingness to serve all,” Herzberg said. “He was a teacher at Lee-Davis High School for 28 years and head coach of the cross country and track and field teams.”

Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021

Ikenberry and May will assume their duties at the July school board meeting.

With supplies of vaccine exceeding demand in Hanover County, County Administrator John Budesky said the county’s vaccination efforts will begin to wind down beginning this month.

The Ashland location will be open through June, but most of that period will be spent dispensing second shots for those who have already received their first dose.

“There’s been a lot of hard work over these past 14 or 15 months since we declared a state of emergency,” Budesky told supervisors. “It took a lot of volunteers . . . a lot of staff and it took a lot of people working together and, sometimes, that’s the most proud moment we have when we see residents coming together to help each other.”

Those efforts began when county officials realized that health officials were overwhelmed by the vaccina-

wear sombreros. -- Paul Freund The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

-- Aristotle The future lies before you like a field of driven snow, Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show. -- Author Unknown Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. -- Les Brown If at first you don’t succeed, do it like your mother told you. -- Author Unknown Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. -- Judy Garland Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.

-- Dr. Seuss A professor is someone who talks in someone else’s

tion initiative and there was a need for the county to assist in delivering the shots.

“We were one of the first counties in the Commonwealth to step up and open a vaccination clinic for our community and a call center for our residents,” Budesky said.

More than 50,000 Hanover residents are fully vaccinated.

He thanked Food Lion for providing a rent-free location in Ashland for the clinic and the many volunteers who manned that site for weeks.

“It has taken thousands of people to pull this off over the past five of six months,” Budesky said. A thank you celebration for all of those who participated in the efforts is planned for June 25 with more details to follow.

Budesky said the requests for appointments has steadily decreased in recent weeks and announced the end is in sight for the vaccination effort sponsored by the county.

“What we promised the community was we were going to be there

sleep. -- W.H. Auden A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business. -- Henry Ford Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. -Arnold H. Glasow My father always told me, “Find a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” -- Jim Fox. Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2021 and may your futures be full of opportunity, happiness and excitement.

And remember the words of Southern humorist Lewis Grizzard who offered these poignant words that I leave you with. “Life is a like a dogsled team. If you ain’t the lead dog, the scenery never changes.”

Oh, yeah, and don’t take any wooden nickels.

until the demand languished . . . and we are seeing that. We have far more vaccination now than we have folks that have continued interest in it and our community partners . . . have stepped up and are offering substantially more shots than even the county and health department operated clinics,” Budesky said.

“Within the next two weeks our operations at the Hanover Vaccination Clinic will come to an end,” the county administrator said.

Second shot appointments will be available through June.

“While our efforts come to a close, we don’t want to forget all of the challenges we worked through and the efforts of many people in our community. I’m proud of our team here at the county — Jim Taylor’s leadership from county administration and the board for its support in this process,” Budesky said.

“All I can say is thank you to our community for stepping up and really making a difference.”

Pamunkey Library June programs announced HANOVER -- Librarian Carolyn Garner has announced the June schedule for virtual programs for the Pamunkey Regional Library.

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

Virtual Programs Birds in the Frame — Saturday, June 5, noon-1 p.m. Grades 6-12. Expand your photography skill set! Learn from an expert how to photograph birds. Registration required - sign up online or see a staff member to register. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7731705.

This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, June 4, contact the Ashland Branch Library at 804-798-4072.

Five Money Questions for Women — Tuesday, June 8, 6-7 p.m. Ages 18 and up.

Justin Williams with Edward Jones Financial shares a perspective on a process women can use to identify financial goals and set a strategy. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7803577.

This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Monday, June 7, contact the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at 804-749-3146.

Atlee Virtual Book Club — Wednesday, June 9, 11 a.m.-noon. Ages 18 and up. Join in for a lively book discussion on Writer & Lovers by Lily King. Place a hold on your copy or check it out on hoopla or OverDrive.

Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7795622. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Tuesday, June 8, contact the Atlee Branch Library at 804-559-0654.

Summer Yard and Garden Pests — Wednesday, June 9, 6-7 p.m. Ages 18 and up.

Hanover Master Gardeners will share how to control those pesky summer yard and garden pests. Registration is required at https://

pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7803631.

This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Tuesday, June 8, contact the Mechanicsville Branch Library at 804-746-9615 Discover Richmond! — Thursday, June 17, noon-1 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Learn about tourism in the Richmond Region with Tameka Jefferson from Richmond Region Tourism.

The Richmond Region includes the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent, as well as the city of Richmond, the city of Colonial Heights and Town of Ashland.

Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7803657. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Wednesday, June 16, contact the Mechanicsville Branch Library at 804-746-9615.

Kids’ Lego Club — Friday, June 18, 3:304:30 p.m. Grades K-5. Meet and talk with other kids about your current creations, ask questions, and show off your amazing Lego builds! Registration required -- sign up online or see a staff member to register. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/7687556. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Monday, May 10, contact the Atlee Branch Library at 804-5590654.

Birding 101 for the Whole Family — Saturday, June 19, 11-11:45 a.m. All ages.

Who was that masked bird? Birdwatching, or birding, is a fun way to enjoy nature, learn about our feathered neighbors, and explore the outdoors. Presented by Virginia Master Naturalist, Dorie Stolley. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/7803678. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, June 18, contact the Ashland Branch Library at 804-7984072. see LIBRARY, pg. 15

JORDYN ROLLINS-WILLIAMS

HELENA LOUCAS

PEYTON CONTI

Three $5,000 scholarships awarded to 2021 graduates Jordyn Rollins-Williams, Helena Loucas and Peyton Conti are the 2021 recipients of $5,000 scholarships awarded by the Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District.

Hanover-Caroline SWCD annually awards three $5,000 college scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in Hanover and Caroline counties.

Applicants must indicate they have chosen to pursue academic studies in conservation, agricultural or environmental fields.

Rollins-Williams, a Caroline County resident, graduated from Caroline High School will graduate this month, ranking 5th in her class.

A member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, and James Farmer Scholars, Jordyn also held SCA class offices, served as

percussion captain for the CHS marching band, and held leadership roles in many other extra-curricular activities.

Jordyn also was recognized for perfect attendance, kindergarten through 12th grade, and received the Outstanding Leadership recognition from the Caroline County School Board.

She plans to attend Virginia Tech in Blacksburg this fall where she will major in environmental science and policy.

Helena, a Hanover resident, will graduate from Atlee High School in June.

A member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club and National Green School Society, Helena was also was active in Atlee High School's Theater Raiders Players and Show Choir.

She participated in many extra-curricular and volunteer activities in her commu-

nity and at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Helena will attend Longwood College in the fall, where she will major in environmental science.

Peyton, also a Hanover resident, will graduate from Mechanicsville High School month.

A member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Spanish Honors Society, and International Thespian Society, Peyton also participated in many extra-curricular activities and worked as a lifeguard at Battlefield Green Pool and the YMCA. Peyton plans to attend Radford University in the fall where she will major in music therapy with a minor in environmental science.

Information submitted by Karen Fetty, education specialist, Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District.

Are you having issues with delivery of your Mechanicsville Local?

If so, call Michelle Wall at 804-775-2711 or email mwall@timesdispatch.com.

Our goal is that you receive your hometown newspaper every week.

Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021 9

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

06

02 2021

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

06

03 2021

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

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Hawk girls, boys win regional tennis titles County players advance in regional singles, doubles

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – With a pair of dominating sweeps, the Hanover High School girls and boys tennis teams successfully defended their titles as reigning Region 4B team champions last week.

Even better for county tennis fans, players from all four county schools advanced in their respective regional singles and doubles tournaments.

The Hanover girls team kicked off a week of victories with a straight-set sweep of visiting Eastern View in the Region 4B girls team championship Monday. They dropped a mere three games the entire match.

Hanover’s boys had a bit more trouble in a contest delayed a day because of weather, but still swept the Cyclones on Eastern View’s home court.

For Hanover’s girls, it was their fourth-straight regional titles – keeping in mind there was no season last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic interruption, however, meant that many of the Hawk girls had never experienced the pressure of a regional tournament.

“They were very happy.

10

Joel Klein for The Local

Left, Hanover No. 1 Raine Weis defeats Eastern View’s Miranda McCoy 6-0, 6-0 in the Region 4B team tennis championship on May 24. Top, Hanover No. 2 Jordan Wood defeats Eastern View’s Elle Castro 6-0, 6-0. Above left, Mechanicsville’s Preston Edmonds defeats Caroline’s Andrew Parker 6-0, 6-0 in the first round of the Region 4B boys singles tournament Wednesday. Above right, Patrick Henry’s Lance Finnegan defeats Chancellor’s Silas Lacey 6-0, 6-1.

They were very,” Hanover head girls coach Lindsey Wyeth Hein said of her team’s reaction to the title win. “A lot of them haven’t

Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021

been a part of it before. We only new girls getting to experience her fourth straight state title had season,” Hein said. “I know she it not been for the cancellation was kind of disappointed, but have a couple of girls on the it was kind of fun.”

For one of the girls, senior of last year’s season. team that even have, you know, “We had a good team last been a part of any of that. So the Raine Weis, it might have been see TENNIS, pg. 12

Brizendine, Joyce pitch gems in DH nightcap

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – When Patrick Henry visited Atlee for a baseball doubleheader Tuesday, the two games proved a study in contrasts.

Both were close, but one had plenty offensive action. The other was a pitcher’s gem.

By the time it was over, both the Patriots and Raiders could claim a win, with Atlee earning a wild 8-7 win in the opener and Patrick Henry a 1-0 win in the nightcap – despite a no-hitter by Atlee pitcher Mike Joyce.

The most important thing about the evening for both coaches was that their teams were competitive.

“The last time we played [Atlee] at our place we didn’t play well at all,” said Patrick Henry head coach Sam Hart.

“We inched closer tonight (in the opener) and fought the entire game. Even though we had some miscues we fought through it. Basically they won it in the bottom half. At least we competed. In the second game we continued to compete.”

The Patriots led early in the opener before Atlee roared back with the help of a four-run fourth.

“We competed the first game. We definitely showed life at the end coming back – showed a little bit of heart, a little bit of character,” said Atlee head coach John Corbin. “The second game was well played.

We hit it right at people and they capitalized on our one miscue.”

The Atlee miscue came in the second inning. Patrick Henry’s Lee Smallwood reached first on an error and legged it out to third base. One out later, Jack Kaczmarek knocked him in on a groundout to shortstop.

The gems of the evening were the pitching performances

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Top, Patrick Henry’s Jack Kaczmarek (9) raps a grounder to bring home Lee Smallwood (left) from third in the Patriots’ 1-0 victory over host Atlee in the nightcap of a doubleheader on May 25.

Atlee won the opener 8-7. Left, Atlee pitcher Mike Joyce throws a five-inning no-hitter, but still gets tagged with the loss in the nightcap. Above, Patrick Henry pitcher Patrick Brizendine gave up just one hit, striking out six and walking one in earning the win in the nightcap.

by Brizendine and Joyce. Joyce got the no-hitter, but Brizendine threw a one-hitter and got the win.

“What a performance by

Fitzpatrick,” Hart said. “He’s thrown a lot and he leads us in appearances. We’ve kept him on a really short leash because of the way we had gotten such a

late start. But he threw extremely well – and we’ll take it.”

Joyce performed well for Atlee at the plate as well as on the mound, but his best swing

to help his own cause went deep – and straight to a Patrick Henry outfielder.

“The second game, early on, we squared some balls up but

right at people. That’s the way the game works,” Corbin said.

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

Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021 11

Hawks seize opportunities in 5-2 softball win over Patriots

Joel Klein for the Local

Left, Hanover second baseman Melissa Acors legs out an infield single to lead off the second inning in the Hawks’ 5-0 victory over visiting Patrick Henry Thursday. Above, Hawk shortstop Julia Mardigian dives into third base for an RBI triple as Patriot third baseman Braelyn Blackstone fields the throw.

TENNIS Continued from pg. 10

glad that we were able to have one this year.”

Weis – the reigning Class 4 state singles champion – Jordan Wood, Danielle Woolard, Juliann Webster and Kate Tunstall won their region title matches. Jamison Poythress was leading in her match when the Hawks clinched the title.

On the boys side, several Hawks had dropped a set to their respective Eastern View opponents, but the losses had little effect on the Hanover steamroller. Ethan Belote, Carson Brooks, Vance Woolard, Noah Cole and Zachariah Christiansen won their matches, while Charles Adams was leading when the title was decided.

The Hawk boys got off to a slow start, but a strong finish.

“Some of the guys cut it

12

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Left, Mechanicsville’s Brianna Velasco reaches high to deliver a serve in her and Megan Davis’ 6-0, 6-0 win over Orange’s Matilyn Carter and Katelyn Clement in a Region 4B first round match at Hanover Wednesday. Above, Patrick Henry’s Liz Hammond keeps her focus in her and Katherine Stockwell’s 6-2, 6-4 win over Caroline’s Lydia Tillapaugh and Hannah Pettigrew.

a little close in the first set,” said Hanover boys head coach Robert Blankenship. “But they got their wind under their wings the second set and were coming back with a vengeance.”

Hanover’s entrants in the Region 4B singles and doubles tournaments drew a bye last

Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021

week. Most of the county’s competitors in the Region 4B or Region 5B singles and doubles tournaments Wednesday – boys at Mechanicsville and girls at Hanover – earned their places in their respective semifinals.

One of the bigger surprises was for the Patrick Henry

girls doubles team. Patriot No. 2 Liz Hammond found herself with a new partner, Katherine Stockwell, when Patrick Henry’s No. 1, Emma Goldman, withdrew from her singles’ match earlier in the day because of heat exhaustion.

“We have never played

doubles together before,” Hammond said. “It was a little bit of an unexpected turn of events. The biggest thing was cheering each other on and giving each other advice when we noticed stuff.”

It took Hammond and Stockwell awhile to work out the bugs in their teamwork – their match was the longest of the doubles contests – but they defeated Caroline’s Lydia Tillapaugh and Hannah Pettigrew 6-2, 6-4.

Good teamwork likewise played a role in Mechanicsville’s doubles pair of Brianna Velasco and Megan Davis advancing with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Orange County’s Matilyn Carter and Katelyn Clement. Strong motivation played a role, too.

“This is my last regional before I go off to college. I want to just push my hardest and do better than I’ve done before,” said Velasco, who also advanced in singles. “That really put me

in a good mindset.”

Velasco said good communication helped the pair win.

“We kind of start talking and make sure we go through everything that we’re gong to do,” she said. “We warm up together and kind of make sure we’re both relaxed and calm each other down before we play.”

Davis said it also helps to keep it light.

“I try to have fun with it,” she said. “It’s so much easier when you’re not stressed.”

In the first round of the Region 4B boys singles and doubles tournament, Mechanicsville’s Preston Edwards and Patrick Henry’s Lance Finnegan advanced to the semifinal round. In the doubles, Edwards and Matthew Lavinder advanced for the Mustangs as did Finnegan and Holt Oley for the Patriots.

In Region 5B boys, Atlee’s Eric Ludwig advanced to the semifinal round in singles.

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YARD & ESTATE SALES 23005 - Estate/Yard Sale 121 Sunny Drive, Ashland Furniture, Nascar, Golf, Elvis, Holiday, Ducks, Bed Spreads, Yard Equipment, Kitchen, Lamps, and more. June 5, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (June 6 Rain date) 804-896-4538 - Cyndee

Recruitment CONSTRUCTION & TRADES Tolley Electrical is now hiring Electrical Foreman’s, Electricians & apprentices.

Tolley Electrical is locally owned and focusing on working on projects in the Richmond metro area. Candidate must have valid driver’s license.

Benefits: (Waiting period may apply) Vacation, Holidays, Health & dental insurance offered (Part-paid), IRA plan & Enrollment in apprenticeship program.

Applicates can apply at https://tolleyel ectric.com/pre-employmentapplication/ Company’s website: https://tolleyelectric.com

INSTALLATION & REPAIR

Commercial HVAC Service Technician Repair Heat pumps, Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning, Gas equipment, Boilers and Chillers.

HVAC Installer Replacing HVAC equipment to include split systems, packaged units, chillers, boilers, piping and Hydronic Equipment.

Special Projects Estimator/Sales Knowledge of HVAC and mechanical industries is required.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong computer skills, especially Outlook, Word and Excel.

Ability to multi-task, applying excellent time management.

Ability to read and analyze engineered mechanical and plumbing plans when necessary.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

INSTALLATION & REPAIR $$ Sign on Bonus $$ Harris Mechanical Services a 34+ year old (local) Commercial Service company is looking for: (3) positions

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Please take notice that on the 15th day of June 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input, and may make a recommendation, on the following application:

B&B Signal Company Buffer Exception Anne Tignor of Youngblood, Tyler, and Associates, and on behalf of the applicant B & B Signal Company, and property owner, B & H holdings, LLC, is requesting to reduce the rear buffer requirement (Sec. 21-236) from 50 feet to 25 feet for the property located at the southeast corner of Route 1 and Design Road (GPINs 7789-00-6591 and 7789-00-7594). The property is approximately 1.5 acres in size, is zoned M-1, Limited Industrial, and has a future land use designation of Mixed Business. The applicant intends to develop the property for a contactor’s office.

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

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

Excellent pay and benefits.

Must have good driving record and pre-employment drug testing, and background check is required. ccarter@harrismechanical.com (804) 264-2229 8816 Brook Road Glen Allen, VA 23060

Electrical Helpers Good Driving Record & Own Transportation Required.

746-3122

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 to hear about upcoming advertising opportunities!

HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALISTS CARPENTRY Carpentry Repair, Painting, Staining, Powerwashing & MORE! Call or Text, Bernal at 804-988-9866 or 804-874-9184

CONCRETE & BRICK Bernard’s Concrete Services Concrete, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Brick, Sidewalks. Install & repair.

Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured.

References. Please call 804-874-9184

DRIVEWAYS -SEASON SPECIALLoad of Driveway Stone, delivered & tailgate spread, $285.

Screened Top Soil $285/ per load.

Also available driveway grading & bushogging. Call 804-400-9957

FLOORS Phil’s Floor Sanding & Repair, LLC Upfront Customer Service, Dust Containment Sanding & Finishing. Earth friendly green choices. Free Estimates.

Offering FREE Standard Oak trim with all new sanding jobs for 2021!

Call 804-201-8283

GENERAL CONTRACTORS Purcell Construction Custom Builder Hunter Purcell 804-972-2215 www.Purcell Construction.Biz www.PurcellConstruction.Biz Custom Renovations ∂ Historical Additions ∂ Sunrooms ∂ Decks ∂ Porches∂ Siding ∂ Replacement Windows ∂ Barns∂ Stamped Concrete ∂ Kitchens & Baths ∂ Handicap Ramps ∂ T e r m i t e Damage ∂ Insurance Claims ∂ Interior & Exterior Renovations ∂ Commercial Renovating & MORE! Class A License & Insured ∂ 37 yrs exp ∂ A+ Rating with the BBB & Angie’s List Don’t Move...Improve!

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TREE SERVICE

TREE SERVICE

Short Cuts Landscape LLC All your Landscaping & bush hogging needs! Driveway Grading Available Licensed / Insured Free Estimates Call 218-8780

PLUMBING Paul Brown Plumbing - in Business Since 1983. New Residential, Light Commercial, Renovations, Additions & Service. We do it all! Senior Citizen Discounts. For free estimate, 746-5030

Full Service Tree Company.

(Removal, trimming, topping, stump grinding & firewood delivery) Offering free estimates and providing fully insured work.

Tree & Shrub Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding. Health/Risk Assessments. Insured. Free Estimates.

804-779-2170 Certified Arborist and MD LTE

TREE SERVICE Bernard’s Tree Service Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Landscaping, Cleanout, Mulching, Planting & More! Free Est. Licensed & Insured References. Please Call 804-874-9184

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Trimming & Take Downs. Stump Grinding. If it’s tree work we do it! Insured. Free Est. BBB THANK YOU!!!

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Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021 13

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, June 17, 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: CUP2021-00008, BANNER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (FAIRMOUNT CHRISTIAN CHURCH) Request(s) to amend CUP-9-89 AM. 1-16, Fairmount Christian Church, in accordance with Section 26-20.21 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, to add school-related uses on GPIN 8723-37-7812, consisting of approximately 25.84 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and M-1(c), Limited Industrial District with conditions, and located on the east line of Creighton Road (State Route 615) approximately 575 feet north of its intersection with Interstate 295.The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Multi-use. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor REZ2021-00005, WILLIAM WAYNE LAUTERBACH Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8727-71-1295, consisting of approximately 5.67 acres, and located on the south line of Studley Road (State Route 606) approximately 125 feet east of its intersection with Buck Trail (private road). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a family member for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 2.84 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2021-00006, 6127 MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE, L.L.C. Request(s) an amendment to the proffers and conceptual plan approved with rezoning request C-33-87(c), Frances L. and Wesley F. Dean, on GPIN 8725-72-7537, consisting of approximately 1.61 acres, zoned B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions. The property is located on the southwest quadrant of the intersection of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) and Pebblepath Parkway (State Route 2120). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5 – 3 Dwelling Units Per Acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit an existing bank structure to be converted to a veterinary hospital. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor 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 REZ2020-00043, BETTY F. GIRAGOSIAN, ET AL. Request(s) an amendment to the conceptual plan and proffers approved with rezoning request C-28-15(c), Am. 1-17, C Falls II, L.L.C., and a rezoning from A-1, Agricultural District, and RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions, to RM(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions on GPINs 7777-98-9007, 7777-98-4439, 7777-97-2718(part) and 7777-88-6696(part), consisting of a 14.08-acre portion of the Chickahominy Falls Subdivision (179.72 acres). The property is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Cedar Lane (State Route 623) and 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 zoning amendment would permit the addition of 48 lots to a 404-unit subdivision for a total of 452 dwelling units; this represents an increase in the overall density from 2.27 dwelling units per gross acre to 2.52 dwelling units per gross acre. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/696/Planning-Commission-Upcoming-and-Archive for more information.

14

Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021

Gill: directives for COVID-19 eased by the state (Editor’s note: The following was submitted on Friday, May 28, by Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.)

We hope you have had a great week. We are writing today to address the latest COVID-19 directives that the state recently issued regarding mask requirements and capacity limits. We hope this will help to eliminate any uncertainty or confusion you may have.

Face masks on school property: indoors vs. outdoors Since we wrote to you earlier this month, we have received updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Education regarding the Governor’s easement of maskwearing measures for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note the following: 1. Indoors: All HCPS students, teachers, staff, and visitors, in accordance with the new guidance and Executive Order 79, must wear a mask

over their nose and mouth when indoors on school property, even if they are fully vaccinated. This continues to be due to the low vaccination rates among children.

2. Outdoors: According to the updated state guidance, students, teachers, staff, and visitors who are fully vaccinated may remove their masks while outside on school property. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a mask while outside if they are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from another person.

Please note that guidance from the Virginia High School League may differ slightly from the Virginia Department of Education guidelines in relation to participation in athletic competitions.

If you have any questions, please contact your coach or athletic director.

As a reminder, you are considered fully vaccinated two see GILL, pg. 15

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

Roofing

Standard Roofing Co. 746-5110 Hotline 837-7240 No job too small - all types of roofing FREE Estimates

Licensed/Insured

STRAWBERRY Continued from pg. 7

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! Customers can vote online between June

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Zoning Appeals has set Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 7:00 P. M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following case, at which public comments will be accepted: VAR2021-00001, ROBYN WOOD Requests a variance from Section 26-31(6) of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, which specifies that family homestead lots shall front upon a private drive or road which is in a right-of-way no less than 20.0 feet in width. The requested variance is for 8.0 feet, which would allow a family homestead lot to have frontage on a minimum right-of-way width of 12.0 feet. The property is identified as GPIN 8726-60-1094, consisting of approximately 15.31 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the south line of Nedam Lane (private road) approximately 1,050 feet east of its intersection with Pine Hill Road (State Route 717). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry ZRC2021-00003, FALLING CREEK ESTATES, L.L.C. Requests an appeal of the decision of the zoning administrator pursuant to §15.2-2311 of the Code of Virginia, which specifies an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals may be taken by any person aggrieved or by any officer, department, board or bureau of the locality affected by any decision of the zoning administrator. The requested appeal is regarding the Falling Creek Estates Preservation Lot, identified as GPIN 7860-65-9120, consisting of approximately 41.33 acres, zoned RC, Rural Conservation District, located at the terminus of Poplar Valley Place (private road) approximately 1,800 feet south of its intersection with West Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam Copies of the above cases may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

C. Jason Hazelwood Code Compliance Supervisor

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.

taurant 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.

Faire swag at the Celebration.

Donations to the Scholarship Drive

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

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.

weeks after your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Capacity restrictions lifted As part of the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, the Governor has ended all capacity limits, including those for recreational sports, fine arts performances, and more.

Effective immediately, atten-

dance at our athletic events and fine arts performances, along with other school-related extracurricular activities, will no longer have a limit on the number of spectators.

Additionally, the Governor has removed all physical distancing requirements. We await guidance from the Virginia Department of Education on the impact this has for our schools. In the meantime, we will continue to follow the physical distancing

protocols we have had in place this school year.

Please note that while capacity restrictions have been lifted, our plan for graduation -- an indoor ceremony with four guests per graduate - remains in place. Please also note that it may not be possible for our schools to change preplanned, end-of-year events due to the significant effort that has already been invested into coordinating them.

LIBRARY

com/prladults to see the video.

Pick up begins Tuesday, June 1, at the Montpelier Branch Library. Ages 18 and up. The Japanese art of Kintsugi honors the history of broken objects through careful repairs made with powdered gold. Pick up a kit while supplies last.

Strawberries!

Strawberries can be preordered online can be pickuped 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 res-

GILL Continued from pg. 14

Continued from pg. 9

On Demand Videos

Poetry Break — Premiered Wednesday, May 19. Visit the YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/ prladults starting May 19 for poems to inspire you.

Bluebirding — Premiered Thursday, May 20. Follow master naturalist Terry Atkinson! Go to https://www. youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.

Tour an Organic Small Farm — Premiered Friday, May 28. Tour a local organic small-scale farm … virtually!

Learn how Idlewood Farms grows vegetables without chemicals and using specialized battery powered tools — all on less than ¼-acre of land!

Go to https://www.youtube. com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prladults to see the video.

Take & Makes Kintsugi Cactus Planter --

Clothespin Fairies -Pickup starts Tuesday, June 1, at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Ages 18 and up. Pick up a kit while supplies last.

Submitted by Carolyn Garner, cgarner@pamunkeylibrary.org or 804-365-6214.

Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021 15

FEMA to help pay funeral costs for COVID-19-related deaths in Virginia Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

R

ICHMOND – As of April 12, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) started accepting financial assistance applications for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The applications will be submitted through a dedicated call center.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time Monday-Friday.

The COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number is 844684-6333; TTY: 800-462-7585 “We appreciate the partnership with FEMA as the Commonwealth of Virginia continues to assist its residents that have been financially

impacted by the pandemic,” said Virginia Department of Emergency Management State Coordinator Curtis Brown.

“These Funeral Assistance funds will help ease some of the financial burden incurred from a tragic COVID-19 death.”

To be eligible for COVID19 funeral assistance, the policy states: The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020, for a death attributed to COVID-19.

If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant.

FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.

An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.

The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.

Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

The applicant responsible for COVID-19 funeral expenses will need to provide the following information below when they call FEMA to register for assistance.

Social Security number for the applicant and the deceased individual.

Date of birth for the applicant and the deceased individual.

Current mailing address for the applicant.

Current telephone number for the applicant.

Location or address where the deceased individual passed away.

Information about burial or funeral insurance policies.

Information about other funeral assistance received, such as donations.

CARES Act grants and assistance from voluntary organizations.

Routing and account number of the applicant’s checking or savings account (for direct deposit, if requesting direct deposit as your payment preference).

Individuals with COVID19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include: An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to

COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Families and/or applicants for funeral assistance who believe a death was due to COVID19, but was not certified as such, should be referred to the person who certified the death. This person is responsible for any amendments.

Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.

Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs.

FEMA is not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government

agencies, or other sources.

Pre-paid expenses such as the pre-purchase of a plot or other items are not eligible for reimbursement.

Inquiries directly related to obtaining a copy of a death certificate in Virginia or questions about how to request an amendment to a death certificate can call 877-829-4682.

For more information about this assistance, visit COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov. ***** VDEM works with local government, state and federal agencies and voluntary organizations to provide resources and expertise through the five mission areas of emergency management; prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. To learn more about ways VDEM is working to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery, visit VAemergency.gov.

Ashland Museum offers walking tours of Woodland Cemetery Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The Ashland Museum will offer two guided walking tours of historic Woodland Cemetery in June.

Susan Tucker, Woodland Cemetery administrator, will lead a tour at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, and Thursday, June 10.

Ashland did not have a cemetery prior to 1862.

As soldiers were dying in makeshift hospitals around town, land was needed for a cemetery.

Citizens and Confederate officers purchased land out-

16

side of town and established Woodland Cemetery.

With property purchased from Betsy Hogg Tinsley, a free Black woman, the small burial ground expanded, and, in 1876, the Virginia General Assembly granted a charter to Woodland Cemetery.

Ground penetrating radar in 2015 established site of the first graves.

Today, Woodland Cemetery is the final resting place for over 6,000 individuals, all of whom have interesting stories.

“Join us either night when Susan Tucker will share the stories of just a few of these

Ashland-Hanover Local June 2, 2021

Photos coutesy of Ashland Museum

Guided walking tours of Woodland Cemetery are scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 3 and 10.

people with ties to Ashland – our founders, RandolphMacon College professors

and presidents, Secretariat’s owner, an Ashlander connected to the aftermath of abolitionist John Brown’s execution, and Ashland’s connection to yellow fever research,” Ashland Museum

spokesperson Betsy Hodges said.

Both walking tours will last 75 to 90 minutes.

Ashland Museum members and students are able to take part free of charge and

non-members will pay a fee of $15.

Details and registration information can be found at ashlandmuseum.org or leave a voice message at 804-3687314.