Ashland-Hanover Local – 07/28/2021

COMMUNITY Hanover & Hanover County NAACP to present ‘The Truth about Critical Race Theory’

ASTRONOMY The Universe from the Center: Keeble Observatory on hiatus PAGE

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Vol. 6 No. 48 | Richmond Suburban News | July 28, 2021

‘A lot of work to do’ - Comp Plan review begins

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

H

anover County officials are planning a Comprehensive Plan Update in 2022, and planning director David Maloney laid out a blueprint for that process at a board meeting last month.

It’s the first step in a process that will involve elected officials, planning staff and the public in a series of workshops, public meetings and informational sessions.

“These are just some ideas about process and recommendations that we have received,” board chair Sean Davis said prior to Maloney’s presentation. “We wanted to lay out a format that can hopefully be presented to the citizenry ….. for them to look at and give us some more feedback.”

“It’s that time again to start thinking about the Comprehensive Plan,” Maloney told the supervisors. Virginia code requires that localities review and update their Comprehensive Plans every five years. the current plan was adopted in 2018.

Maloney described his presentation as a list of proposed issues and topics that the upcoming plan would address.

“This is the first step in preparing the 2022-2042 . There will likely be adjustments to all of

Publix presents Tomato Thursday

use adjustments and other elements of the plan.

“If our plan doesn’t demonstrate our demographics clearly the what are we really planning for,” Maloney questioned.

To initiate a workable plan that clearly defines expectations for the 80 percent of the county that is considered rural, Maloney said rural and agricultural policies must be updated as well as by right, cluster and AR development

(Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Marcy G. Durrer, recreation program director for Hanover County Parks and Recreation.)

Join Publix supermarkets for virtual cooking demonstrations every Thursday for Tomato Month.

Cooking demonstrations will feature Publix Aprons Cooking School Chefs along with local partners. Each cooking demonstration will feature the famous Hanover Tomato.

Select demonstrations also will include suggested pairings from a Center of the Universe Brewery representative.

New this year, the Publix Aprons Meals Hanover Tomato recipe booklet will be available at all Virginia Publix locations starting July 1, while supplies last.* *No purchase is necessary. Limited quantities are available.

Demonstrations scheduled include: • Skillet Pork with Red Chile Sauce • Tomato Avocado Bowls • Thai Style Grilled Chicken Thighs with Tomato Salad • Candied Tomato and Brie Tart Registration is free but is required to be eligible for prizes.

see PLAN, pg. 2

see TOMATO, pg. 4

Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local

this as we move forward to the update,” Maloney said. “It is not intended to be an all inclusive list of items and topics. Some of these items might not receive the public interest. Much of what I’m going to be presenting is what I heard from Planning Commission members, board members and citizens through a variety of zoning cases over the past five years and what my staff believes needs attention.”

Maloney organized his presentation in chapters, each of them addressing a single topic or area of interest.

Regarding growth management, Maloney said it’s imperative

For the next 12 months, county officials will be busy with the 2022 Comprehensive Plan update. Planning director David Maloney laid out a blueprint for the process for board members’ consideration at last month’s meeting. Public engagement and input is an integral part of the planning process and numerous opportunities are planned to gather public comment and suggestions. The process will include studies of gateway corridors and their future development like the Hylas area pictured left, a section surrounding Route 33 located close to the Henrico County line. A finalized updated plan is expected to be unveiled in winter 2022.

to gauge current demographic and housing trends and development patterns.

An important part of that equation is defining rural “in the context of community expectations”.

That update of important trends will be assisted by 2020 Census Bureau results available in September.

Maloney said the plan is tailored to meet the needs of county residents and relies on housing trends and patterns and other demographic to determine land

Together Hanover & Hanover County NAACP to present ‘The Truth about Critical Race Theory’ Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE – Together Hanover & the Hanover County NAACP will host a community forum on Critical Race Theory at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, at the Mechanicsville Library at 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place in Mechanicsville.

The presentation will discuss truths and expel the many myths currently circulating about Critical Race Theory (CRT). This forum is a chance for the community, educators, parents, and leaders to learn the facts about CRT, share concerns, and ask questions.

Professor Faye Belgrave, Ph.D. will be the guest speaker. She is a former Hanover resident and currently serves as director of Virginia Commonwealth

PLAN Continued from pg. 1

standards.

“We’re going to really want to dig deep and make sure our zoning ordinances follow the policies and fulfill the intent of our Comprehensive Plan,” Maloney said.

The updated plan should also include expanded guidelines for agri-business and agri-tourism according to Maloney. Policies regarding solar facilities and where to place them as requests for those uses continue to rise.

Maloney said updated policies regarding commercial and industrial development will also be addressed to ensure the county maintains a competitive tax base.

Medium and high density residential policies will also be reviewed in the upcoming process “We want to make sure we have a variety of housing opportunities,” Maloney said. Transition from those residential areas with commercial or industrial uses will

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University’s Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention.

Dr. Belgrave will begin the forum with a concise explanation of what CRT is and is not, followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Hanover community members are encouraged to participate in the forum online via Zoom or attend in-person at the Mechanicsville Library. Attendance is free. However, space at the library is limited. Preregistration is required for online and in-person attendance. Click here https://www.eventbrite. com/e/hanover-community-forum-on-criticalrace-theory-tickets-162747495139 to register.

Pat Hunter-Jordan, president of the Hanover NAACP, said, “Together Hanover and Hanover NAACP are pleased to offer this session because

also be addressed.

“We want to ensure an appropriate transition,” Maloney said.

The updated plan will require corridor studies in key areas like Pole Green Road, Route 33 and sections of the Route 1 area.

Maloney said standards and guidelines for commercial and residential development must be clearly defined so developers are clearly aware of expectations.

Maloney said that doesn’t mean all projects will look the same but establishes clear guidelines.

“We should have clearly defined standards for community design and land planning including amenities, building materials, connectivity and walkability,” Maloney said.

“That is not to say that one size fits all, but we want to ensure our development community knows what issues need to be addressed through the zoning process to ensure that the neighborhoods that you as a board are approving meet development

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021

standards that are supported by our residents.”

The plan could also address transportation challenges including further evaluation of well used corridors like New Ashcake Road, Harley Club Drive and Hylas area and tag those areas that are appropriate for future development.

“We want to have a transportation network that does not burden the existing transportation network,” Maloney said.

The revised plan will also more clearly define active living issues lie pedestrian interconnectivity among residential and commercial developments and develop options for non motorized transportation.

Regarding utilities and community facilities, Maloney said the plan could address broadband infrastructure.

“Are there policies that we need to identify that we can identify that not only identify…. to ensure our new neighborhoods are adequately connected,” Maloney said.

our community is better and stronger united in the common cause of equity and justice for all.”

Biography for Dr. Belgrave: https://psychology.vcu.edu/people/faculty/belgrave.html?fbclid= IwAR3urdjpAp1_1OV36ftx6B-8IdJ8fHy37qXyrC04e7eZlDLRBTLNWTZwWj0 EVENT REGISTRATION LINK: Hanover Community Forum on Critical Race Theory Tickets, Thu, Jul 29, 2021 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite ABOUT THE HANOVER COUNTY NAACP The Hanover County Branch was established in 1946 at the First Union Baptist Church in Mechanicsville with the dream of having an organization dedicated to the realization of the prinThe Plan should also address environmental issues and historical resources.

Economic development is also an important aspect of the upcoming plan review and Maloney said identifying areas ready for market ready expansion is important, and said the new plan should create and enhance policies that promote agri business and agri tourism.

Maloney said all of the elements presented for review are not stand alone items, and fit in an all encompassing blueprint for future development.

“These are not issues isolated onto themselves. This is why it’s a Comprehensive Plan,” Maloney said. “All of these sections of the plan and topics are in some way interrelated.”

Maloney said state code requires the plan address housing. Specifically measures must be included that provides for construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of affordable housing. “housing and economic development are not unre-

ciple of equality and justice for all. Through civil rights advocacy and community involvement we continue the struggle to achieve freedom, justice, and dignity for all. Our strength is derived from the dedication and untiring BELGRAVE efforts of our volunteers.

Individual membership, fund raising activities and corporate sponsorship allows this organization to continue serving the community. PO Box 2112, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Visit hcbnaacp.org and learn more.

lated. If it is our policy to have a strong economic base we also need to have housing that meets the needs of our workforce,” Maloney said.

Communnity revitalization could also be an integral part of the new plan.

“Maintaining existing stock is probably the most cost efficient and important element of providing housing for our residents,” Maloney said.

Maloney outlined a method to achieve the goals of the revised plan that begins with securing consultant services to assist in the process followed by the preparation of demographic and land use analysis for consideration during the review process.

By late fall, a detailed community engagement plan will be presented to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors outlining how the public will be involved in the review process.

“I know we are going to want extensive outreach,” Maloney said.

A joint meeting of the

Planning Commission and the board is planned for November, and public engagement begins in the Fall/Winter 2021-22. A draft of the new revised plan is expected in the Spring.

“Throughout the fall and winter and probably through next Spring in all likelihood , we will have a robust public engagement campaign utilizing the engagement plan that we will be presenting this fall,” Maloney told supervisors.

Final adoption of the new plan is expected in Fall/ Winter 2022.

“That’s a lot of work to be done and we realize that,” Maloney said of the “aggressive” schedule.

Board chair Sean Davis suggested the Comprehensive Plan information be highlighted on the opening page of the county’s website to allow easy access for citizens to stay engaged in the process.

County administrator John Budesky said that information will be available on the website.

Greetings, Hanover County friends and neighbors great work here, athletes, milestones like anniversaries and weddings, upcoming events and more.

So I’d ask you, readers, to take a few minutes to think about what you’d like to see in your Ashland-Hanover Local.

Do you know an unsung hero whose story would inspire others? Did you take some beautiful photos on a recent vacation that you’d love to share with your neighbors?

This is your community

By Paige Mudd Richmond Suburban News

I

hope your summer has been full of sun, relaxation and delicious local tomatoes (my personal favorite).

This week, I’m excited to pop into the AshlandHanover Local to find out what you’d like to see more of in your community newspaper.

First, a brief introduction: I’ve been a resident of Mechanicsville for 15 years.

My husband and I have owned three homes here and can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Our three kids are students at Kersey Creek Elementary and Chickahominy Middle.

This area has been my home since I started as an intern at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in the summer of 1999 while studying at Syracuse University.

I moved back for a full-time job at the RTD in December of 2000, and I’m lucky to say that the entire Richmond news team – including the staffs of the Ashland-Hanover Local and our Hanover produc-

newspaper. We want to share your stories. Email me (see contact below), and make sure to put “HANOVER” in the subject line.

I can’t wait to hear from you.

Paige Mudd is executive editor of the Richmond TimesDispatch and vice president of news for The Times-Dispatch and Richmond Suburban Newspapers. She can be reached at pmudd@timesdispatch.com.

Immediate permanent hire job opportunities with Richmond & Ashland area companies.

Full benefits provided: Paige Mudd/The Mechanicsville Local

The Mudd family in front of their home in Milestone. Paige standing between her oldest son Beau, 13, and youngest son Campbell, 7, daughter Whitney, 11, and husband, Brian.

tion facility – have been great friends and colleagues for more than two decades.

While my primary role is serving as executive editor of The Times-Dispatch, I also work with the Mechanicsville

staff. We are going through a period of transition here now, so for the time being, I’ll be your contact for story ideas or anything related to the content on these pages.

The Ashland-Hanover

Local has long been a valuable member of this community. You look to us for stories about important happenings in Hanover County government and schools, along with features about people doing

DMV: vehicular heatstroke dangers rise Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND – In 2020, 24 children in the United States died as a result of being left in an unattended hot vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

As temperatures begin to climb, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urges parents and caregivers to never leave children unattended in a vehicle – even for a minute – no matter the temperature.

When the outside temperature is 80 degrees, a car can heat up to 100 degrees in just 10 minutes.

Parking in the shade and rolling down the car’s windows have little effect on inside temperature, and as time goes by the temperature rises. Children have died from heatstroke in cars when outside temperatures were as low as 60 degrees.

“As the weather is warming up in the Commonwealth and we are traveling more frequently, we need to establish habits that will help keep our children and pets safe when we get out of our vehicles,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative.

“All hot car deaths are preventable and we - as parents, caregivers, and bystanders -- have a responsibility to keep those more vulnerable to heatstroke safe.”

Both children and pets are especially prone to being harmed by heatstroke.

Children heat up three to five times faster than adults, according to kidsandcars.org.

Pets cannot sweat like humans; they can only cool down through panting, according to the Humane Society of the United States. High temperatures can cause irreparable organ damage in pets and even death.

A good rule of thumb is to always “look before you lock,” NHTSA says. Drivers are encouraged to check the back seats of their vehicle before locking it and walking away. A helpful reminder may be to keep a stuffed animal or pet’s toy in the back seat when it’s empty, and move it to the front

• Entry-level and experienced welders $17-22/hr.

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Social Media Specialist /Admin Support $20/hr.

CALL OR TEXT AMANDA AT 804-261-4170 FOR PHONE INTERVIEW

see HEATSTROKE, pg. 4

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021 3

The Universe from the Center: Keeble Observatory on hiatus

By Dr. George Spagna Special to The Ashland-Hanover Local Note: The Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon College will be on summer hiatus through August. As pandemic restrictions are eased, we anticipate reopening for public viewing in the fall. Watch the website (https://www.rmc.edu/keeble) for updates or call the Keeble Information line at 804-752-3210.

Last month we started a discussion of star formation, describing it as a cycle of cloud collapse fragmentation, and ignition of hydrogen fusion. This month I’d like to follow in particular stars like the Sun and those of lower mass.

I’ve told my students that astronomers can be lazy. Instead of measuring stellar mass in kilograms we use another more tractable unit: the solar mass! (It’s equal to 2×1030 kg, so you can see why it’s easier to keep track of!) It turns out that mass tells the whole story, since stars in the present universe all have essentially the same composition – 90% hydrogen and just under 10% helium. A star of one solar mass will be like the Sun. Our home star formed about 5 billion years ago, surrounded by the remnants of its protostellar cloud, which would form the planets and comets 500 million years later.

Hydrogen core ignition halted the contraction/collapse phase and stabilized the star’s structure and power output. Initially a bit cooler and less

luminous it has been getting hotter and brighter over the intervening years. Present luminosity is about 4×1026 watts with surface temperature just under 6000 kelvins (10,800 ºF). Its spectrum peaks around 550 nm, not coincidentally where the human eye is most sensitive.

Fusion only involves the inmost 10% of the star, so the surface composition cited above is essentially the starting composition for the whole star. Of course, 5 billion years of fusion has decrease the hydrogen and increased the helium in that core. Eventually (in about 5 billion more years) it will have exhausted its hydrogen fuel. Remember that balance between pressure and gravity? Gravity will start to win and the core will contract. Ironically, as it does so, it will get hotter – enough to reignite hydrogen fusion in a thin shell around the core. Even more ironic is that the higher temperature means that the shell is more luminous than the core was! The star will have to adjust its structure to radiate this excess luminosity by swelling to an immense size, but the photosphere will cool dramatically.

The Sun will become a “red giant” and likely swallow the inner planets – the photosphere will be out near the present orbit of Mars.

The helium core will get hot enough to initiate fusion of helium to carbon and oxygen. (Yes, the core of some red giant in the Galaxy is the source of the oxygen you’re

breathing.) The core will not get hot enough to trigger carbon fusion, as the Sun once again becomes a red giant. Instabilities in the envelope will eventually eject the outer layers of the star, leaving behind that

Metro Creative Connection

hot carbon/oxygen core. We call that a white dwarf. Roughly half a solar mass compressed into a sphere roughly the size of the Earth.

Lower mass stars will not get to helium ignition, so they will leave behind a helium rich white dwarf.

More next month.

Lunar phases for August: New Moon on the 8th, at 9:50 a.m.; First Quarter on the 15th, at 11:21 a.m.; Full Moon on the 22nd, at 8:02 a.m.; and another Last Quarter Moon on the 30th, at 3:15 a.m. All times are Eastern Daylight.

Mercury will only be visible early this month. After reaching its greatest western elongation last month, it will be passing between Earth and Sun, too close in the sky to be seen. You may catch a glimpse

low on the western horizon right at twilight. Venus and Mars are visible in evening twilight. Look for them about above the western horizon after sunset. Venus will be very bright, now above and to the left of Mars. Jupiter and Saturn are both visible most of the night. Saturn rises around 8 p.m. and crosses the meridian around 1 a.m. Jupiter follows about 45 minutes later.

At mid-month, about three hours after sunset, we find the Summer Triangle (Deneb, Altair, and Vega) high overhead. Cygnus is at zenith, with Deneb marking the tail of the Swan. We’ve noted before that this constellation lies in the direction toward which the Sun is orbiting in the plane of the Galaxy.

The solar system is moving at about 220 kilometers per second – but, so are the stars of Cygnus, so the shape of the constellation changes very slowly over the millennia. Vega is about 20 degrees to the west of Deneb, while Altair is about 30 degrees to the south.

Turning to the northwest, we see the familiar “Big Dipper” of Ursa Major. Following the two “pointer stars” at the end of the bowl to Polaris, the so called North Star, you’re facing a fraction of a degree from true North. Extending the line brings you to the constellation Cepheus, which looks like an inverted crude line drawing of a house … you know, a triangle on top of a rectangle. Here, the triangle

Central Virginia Transportation Authority marks one-year anniversary, elects officers for 2022 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND —The Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) convened its Inaugural Annual Business Meeting on July 16. This represents the first official meeting of the fiscal year and opportunity to review organizational structure since its inception last August.

During the Annual Meeting, the

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Authority elected Frank J. Thornton (Henrico County) as chair and Kevin C. Carroll (Chesterfield) as vice chair for the 2022 Fiscal Year. This election continues the leadership of Thornton and Carroll from FY2021.

Patricia Paige (New Kent County), chairwoman of the Nominating Committee, cited the importance of continuity of leadership during the formation period of the CVTA.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021

“At this time, it’s of greatest benefit to the Authority to maintain consistency of leadership as we continue to develop as an organization and form the critical relationships to move this great achievement forward,” Paige said.

The Authority also appointed Carlos M. Brown (Commonwealth Transportation Board) and W. Canova Peterson (Hanover) to the Finance see TRANSPORTATION pg. 16

is on the bottom. A bit to the right and below Cepheus is Cassiopeia, which looks like a W rocked back a bit counter clockwise. Follow the line of the bottom two stars (the left side of the W), and on a clear night you’ll find the faint glowing patch of the Andromeda Galaxy. As we’ve noted before, at a little over 2 million light years, this is the most distant object you can see with the naked eye.

The Milky Way arcs overhead from northeast to southwest, passing through Cygnus at zenith.

Just above the southwest horizon, though it may be difficult to see through horizon clutter and haze, is the constellation Sagittarius, which marks the direction toward the center of the Milky Way. Consider the geometry. With the center at the southwest horizon and our direction of travel at zenith, just below Cassiopeia at the northeast horizon is the direction away from the center and out into intergalactic space. The northwest and southeast horizons mark the directions perpendicular to the plane of the Galaxy.

If readers have questions about astronomy in particular or science in general that you would like covered in one of these columns, please feel free to contact me at gspagna@ rmc.edu. I have now retired from Randolph-Macon College, but will continue these columns and use of this email address for the foreseeable future.

HEATSTROKE Continued from pg. 3

seat as a visual reminder when a child or pet is in the back seat.

Additionally, caregivers should be mindful of the dangers of heat when traveling with the elderly. As people age, it becomes more difficult to regulate temperature and the ability to sweat decreases, making the elderly more at risk of heatstroke than younger adults, according to the National Institutes of Health.

TOMATO Continued from pg. 1

Every Thursday, after viewing the virtual demonstration, registered participants will have one week to submit a photo, via email, of the dish they prepared based on that week's video.

All entries will be entered into a drawing to win a Publix Aprons Cooking School gift certificate.

Up to three winners will be chosen weekly.

Winners will be drawn at random and notified within 14 days of the original virtual demonstration date.

Upcoming virtual library programs HANOVER – Librarian Carolyn Garner has released the list of virtual activities for the month of July through the Pamunkey Regional Library.

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

CoderDojo Workshop Saturday, July 31, 2-4 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Learn how to develop logic-based coding skills and use creative problem-solving with Scratch. Go to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7687561 to sign up. This program is hosted on Discord.

On Demand Videos Storytime for

Grownups Premieres Wednesday, July 14. Storytime is not just for kids. If you like to be read to, join us for a monthly short story for adults. Starting July 14, go to https://www.youtube. com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prladults to see the video.

Kitchen Close-ups: Veggie Pizza Bars Premieres Friday July 16.

Looking for a healthy, refreshing snack this summer? Follow along with the video to make some easy cream cheese and fresh veggie appetizer bars.

Starting July 16, go to https:// w w w. youtub e. c om / us e r / pamunkeylibrary or https://

MEMORIES ARE FOREVER

tinyurl.com/prlchildrens to see the video.

Poetry Break Premieres Wednesday, July 21. Take a break and visit the library system’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/ pamunkeylibrary or https:// tinyurl.com/prladults starting July 21 for monthly poems to uplift and inspire you. This month, Elizabeth will read poems on the theme of “Food.”

Genealogy 101 Premieres Thursday, July 22. Find out how to get started with your own genealogy research with library resources and tools. Starting July 22, go to https://www.youtube.

The services and facilities you deserve at a price that makes sense.

REMOTE ARRANGEMENTS AVAILABLE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

see LIBRARY, pg. 10

Complete Traditional Funeral Service with Basic Casket

Pets of the Week Photos submitted by Andrew Hodnett

The Hanover County Pound, located at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, has wonderful pets available to a good home. Sully, 578992 , is a 1-year-old (estimated) neutered male Canine/Hound mix. He has had his first set of vaccines and is Heartworm test negative. Sully is a big and friendly dog. He has tons of playful energy. Sully likes to stay active and loves leash walks. He is really friendly towards most people he meets. Sully will do best being the only dog in his new home. He will be a perfect counterpart for an active owner.

Bella, 579519, is an 11-year-old (estimated) spayed female domestic short-haired feline. She has had her first set of vaccines and is FELV/FIV test negative. Bella is a nice, older girl who has been in the Shelter for a few weeks now. She was surrendered because of the owner moving.

Bella is laid back. She likes to sit and observe her surroundings. Bella is well litter trained and keeps her living space clean. She needs to go to a home that does not have dogs. Bella is an indoor cat. She will make a great housecat for someone looking for a mild-mannered cat. For more information on these great pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804-365-6485 during the day. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed on Sunday and county holidays. You also can visit the website to see other animals available for adoption at http://hanovercounty.gov/Animals/Adopt-a-Pet/.

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OPINION | The Local Views

Stay safe: Words to live by as a lifeguard

LETTERS

By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News any years ago, intent on avoiding another high school summer spent bagging fast food orders or waiting tables, I came up with what I immediately knew was the plan of all plans.

Rather than spend my time sweltering in a kitchen, I would spend it at the pool. I would join the ranks of those brilliant classmates who arrived at work each day in a bathing suit and returned to school in the fall with golden tans and stuffed savings accounts. That’s right: I was going to be a lifeguard.

While not in any way qualified for the position in terms of knowledge, I did have at least one thing going for me: my mother, a strong swimmer and former Water Safety Instructor, had my sister and me in the water from the time we were born. The pool had always been a second home — so why couldn’t it now be my office as well?

As it turned out, lifeguard jobs were plentiful in those years and the required training wasn’t unbearably difficult. They wanted to make sure

Impossible for non-citizens to vote in Virginia

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you could swim reasonably well and knew what to look out for while keeping watch.

When it came time to complete a mock rescue, as long as you didn’t toss out, say, a deck chair instead of the ring buoy, or claim you’d rather not get your hair wet, you were probably going to pass.

In fact, it wasn’t until one of the very last nights that the instructors hit us with the lesson that would very quickly reframe what exactly we were about to sign up for. That night we didn’t get in the water, and instead were ushered into a classroom filled with a dozen or so desks and a television.

For the next two hours, we watched in silence as the instructor played videos of former lifeguards describing the accidents that had happened on their watch, and the people that they hadn’t been able to save. It was wrenching.

By the time we were dismissed that night, two things had been made perfectly clear: Being a lifeguard was about far more than catching a tan, and life-altering accidents could happen in the blink of an eye.

I did end up getting a lifeguarding job that summer, and eventually went on to teach swimming lessons. And one of the first things we would go over in any of my classes was how to stay safe in and around the water. Some children I worked with loved the water and others were terrified, but my goal first and foremost was to make sure they respected it.

As you head out to beat the heat this summer at the beach, the river, the lake or the pool, I hope you have a wonderful time. More importantly, however, I hope you enjoy yourself safely and look out for those around you.

Don’t take chances when it comes to the water, and don’t put yourselves or others in potentially dangerous situations.

Oh, and if you happen to see a lifeguard somewhere perched on a chair or strolling around a pool deck, please be a dear and do what they say.

I promise he or she only has your best interest at heart— and they might even save your life.

Roslyn Ryan is editor of The Goochland Gazette.

Chincoteague pony penning is off for second year

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist For the second year in a row, the ponies won’t swim the channel to Chincoteague Island for Pony Penning

Day, a two-time victim of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officials decided it’s not the appropriate time for thousands of tourists to gather on the streets of the tiny hamlet and cheer as young ponies make their

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Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021

way to auction.

There is an online auction from July 22-29 at https://sporthorseauctions.com/. So the foals will not be grazing there for another year.

The National Park Service manag-

es one of the herds, while the Volunteer Fire Department in Chincoteague monitors the population for the other.

Each year, volunteers round up see PONY, pg. 9

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.

| Reader Views

I am writing this letter in response to Patsy Lassiter’s letter, which appeared in the 06/30/2021 edition of this newspaper. I had to think for quite some time on what I could say, without the managing editor refusing to publish my letter, or even banning me from submitting any more letters.

That being said, I felt I had no choice other than to respond.

It is important to note that what I am saying is my opinion, which I am basing on what see occurring. I don’t turn my head and pretend not to see.

I make no apologies for that. It will be quite obvious that I do not support Number 45 or any other Republican.

The first total untruth you told was when you said “thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote, and have voted in our elections.” It is a legal impossibility for non-citizens to vote or even register to vote in Virginia. It is just common sense that non-citizens are not going to show up at the city or county Registrar’s Office to register to vote, knowing they will be reported to INS (Immigration and Nationalization Service) or ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement), as being in the United States illegally.

The Virginia voter registration laws shown in the next segment are what I copied from Virginia Department of Elections. If you want to say that I fabricated that section, it is a very simple process to google Virginia Department of Elections.

To be Eligible to Register to Vote in Virginia a Person must: • Be a resident of Virginia (a person who has come to Virginia for temporary purposes and intends to return to another state is not considered a resident for voting purposes). see LETTERS, pg. 10

Lane reminds parents of new immunization requirements

BBQ DINNER FUNDRAISER Thursday, August 12

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

Pick up from 12-6pm

ICHMOND — Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane is reminding parents to make sure that their children’s immunizations are up to date, especially students and young children subject to new requirements that went into effect on July 1.

“I encourage school divisions to collaborate with local health districts to provide multiple opportunities for children and students to receive all of the required immunizations and booster shots before the beginning of the school year,” Lane said. “Many of our divisions are already doing this by taking advantage of summer learning and nutrition programs to increase convenience for parents and children, especially for families that rely on schoolbased clinics and public health agencies for much of their care.”

To align with recommendations of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the 2020 General Assembly passed House Bill 1090 amending Virginia’s immunization requirements for attending public and private schools, child care centers, nursery schools, family home day care centers, and developmental centers.

The 2020 legislation amended the Code of Virginia to require the following new immunizations and booster shots: z Two doses of properly spaced human papillomavirus vaccine for all children. The first dose is required before the child enters the seventh grade. z Two or three properly spaced doses of rotavirus vaccine, depending on the manufacturer, for children up to eight months of age. z Two properly spaced doses of hepatitis A vaccine. The first dose must be administered at age 12 months or older. The new hepatitis A vaccine requirement is an addition to the existing kindergarten immunization requirements. z Two properly spaced doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine. The first is required

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Metro Creative Connection

prior to entry to the seventh grade. The second dose is required prior to entry to the 12th grade.

See Paragraph C of § 22.1-271.2 for information on religious and medical exemptions.

The Virginia Department of Health has created a list of frequently asked questions to help parents understand the new immunization requirements.

The FAQ is available in both English and Spanish. A printable poster https://www.vdh. virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/ VDH-Vaccine-Schedule.pdf explaining all of Virginia’s immunization requirements also is available on the VDH website.

In addition, VDH and VDOE have created a Healthy Back-to-School webpage https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/backtoschool/ to help parents keep their children healthy this summer and prepare them for returning to school.

The site provides resources about immunizations, COVID-19, well-child visits, routine oral care and mental health. There is also a “Back to School Checklist” to help parents track and organize back-to-school tasks.

The new immunization requirements do not include vaccination against COVID-19.

While the CDC recommends the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children age 12 and up, Virginia state law does not require COVID-19 vaccines for enrollment in public schools.

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Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021 7

CALENDAR Saturday, Aug. 14 The Episcopal Church of the Creator at 7159 Mechanicsville Tpk. in Mechanicsville will be holding its Annual Yard Sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Furniture, housewares, electronics, toys, sports equipment, linens, books, kitchenware, and so much more will be for sale.

Saturday, Oct. 9 The Lee-Davis High School Class of 1961 is planning to hold its 60th reunion at Anna’s Italian Restaurant, in Mechanicsville. Details will be included in the invitation/ registration forms that will be mailed soon. If you are a member of this class, and need to update your contact information, contact Helen Zagos Blackwell at 804-356-9351 or email: HelenZBlackwell@aol. com.

Saturday, Oct. 9 Rescheduled The Highland Springs High School Class of 1970 has had to postpone its 50th reunion again. This will be the last cancellation. “If we are unable to have the event on the new date, we will cancel and the caterer has agreed to refund our deposit,” William Brooks said. “We will then either donate the remaining proceeds to the new school or refund the money to you after expenses.” The new date is Saturday, Oct. 9, at the Hill Building at Sandston Pool at 501 Beulah Rd. in Sandston.

Music will be presented by DJ Dalton Beagle. Dinner, drinks and dessert will be provided by Champagne Taste Catering. Bring your own mixers and alcohol. Small coolers are welcome. The doors will open at 4 p.m.;

PHHS Class of 1971 planning reunion Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Members of the Patrick Henry High School Class of 1971 will gather from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, at The Depot at Cross Bros. on Railroad Avenue in Ashland for their 50th Reunion.

According to Patricia Leonard Higgins, “Our Reunion Planning Committee is already work-

ing hard and we really need to hear from you so that you can get more information and updates! Please email either of the following classmates and we’ll get you on our Group Contact List and will be back in touch soon.

Hoping to hear from you!”

Contact: Anne Nelson Harris Morck at annenelsonmorck@gmail.com or Patricia Leonard Higgins at phiggins773@gmail.com.

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER 8

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021

cocktails at 5 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.; and good night and cleanup at 10 p.m. The cost is still $45 per person. No tickets will be sold at the door. For invitations, or more information, contact Bill Brooks at 1970HSHS@gmail.com.

Saturday, Oct. 16 The Lee-Davis High School Class of 1970 is planning a 50-year reunion and, due to COVID-19, Sandy Robbins said, “We are celebrating this reunion with the Class of 1971.” If you are a 1970 graduate or know of a 1970 graduate, contact Sandy Robbins at 804-221-2974 (sprobbins57@ gmail.com) or on Facebook at Lee-Davis Class of 1970.

Leave a name, mailing address or email address and a planning committee member will follow up. There also is a LeeDavis Class of 1970 website you can access.

Saturday, Nov. 20 Members of the Patrick Henry High School Class of 1971 will gather from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Depot at Cross Bros. on Railroad Avenue in Ashland for their 50th Reunion. According to Patricia Leonard Higgins, “Our Reunion Planning Committee is already working hard and we really need to hear from you so that you can get more information and updates! Please email either of the following classmates and we’ll get you on our Group Contact List and will be back in touch soon.

Hoping to hear from you!”

Contact: Anne Nelson Harris Morck at annenelsonmorck@ gmail.com or Patricia Leonard Higgins at phiggins773@ gmail.com.

Ongoing

| News, Updates & Listings Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions One Stop Shop (MCEF OSS) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7235 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.

Saturdays Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Nycholas Greig. For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond. net or call 804-270-9626.

Sundays All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist Rite II at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville.

A nursery will be available for infants and toddlers.

Katherine G. Dougherty is the Deacon in charge of All Souls.

For more information, visit www.allsoulsva.org.

A Healing and Recovery SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church.

The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome. For more information, call 804746-5081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@gmail. com.

Fax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, email to events@mechlocal. com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116.

Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to Ashland-Hanover Local.

Outside the Walls, a Narcotics Anonymous group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-2491845. The website is http:// www.mcshin.org.

Tuesdays A Commanders coffee is held from 10 to 11 a.m. at American Legion Post 90 at 17662 Beaver Dam Rd. in Beaverdam to discuss issues of interest/befits of the American Legion. There also will be donuts. For more information, call Post Commander Eugene Truitt at 804-746-4734.

The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, midJanuary through mid-December, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a nonstring instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. For more information, visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.

Wednesdays Hanover Rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roma's Restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek Rd. in Mechanicsville. Due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail. com for current meeting at Roma's or Zoom connection information.

Thursdays The Ashland Rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in in Ashland.

For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804496-6093 or sandrdunham@ yahoo.com.

Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Shalom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804366-6524 or email mjfaith1@ gmail.com.

Second Mondays The WEB of Hope meets from 10 a. m. to noon at the Black Creek Baptist Church at 6289 McClellan Rd. in Mechanicsville. It is one of several groups in the Richmond area that crochets, knits, sews, and quilts gifts for the American Red Cross to distributed to those in need.

Since its inception, the WEB has donated over 153,000 gifts locally, nationally and globally. If you can make it, the WEB can use it. There are so many organizations in need of help. For more information, call Laurie Wagner at 804781-0338.

Third Mondays Alzheimer’s/Dementia support group for caregivers and others who want to help and encourage those who have see CALENDAR, pg. 9

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 8

loved ones with dementia illnesses meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in Room E106 at Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more

information, contact Jennifer Bean at 804-559-2805, Mark Elliott at 804-746-8288 or the church office at 804-746-9073.

The Hanover County Community Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

Fourth Mondays The FeedMore Mobile Food Pantry will be distributing food from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First Shiloh Baptist Church at 8150 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more information, contact Heather at hshaheen96@gmail.com. see CALENDAR, pg. 10

PONY Continued from pg. 6

ponies suitable for sale to ensure the herd does not overpopulate and threaten long-term survival. Since 1924, the sale of the horses provided funding for the local fire department, and the event became known as Pony Penning Day. My first association with the event began in elementary school with a book entitled “Misty of Chincoteague” and the movie that followed some years later.

The book told the story of a young brother and sister who save their money and purchase one of the ponies. They eventually end up with Phantom, a strong-willed horse, and her foal Misty.

It’s a story that tugs at your heart strings as they make the difficult decision to set Phantom free, returning her to a life of running free on the solid sands of Assateague.

The story stayed with me, and, sometime in the 1990s, I attended Pony Penning Day in Chincoteague to get a first-hand impression of what was now a nationally recognized event.

By the time I arrived, it was not the little homespun event of its origins, and the streets of the small town were overrun with tourists. License tags on the parked vehicles revealed a variety of states, all of them transporting visitors on the journey to a remote Eastern shore town to witness the annual swim.

It wasn’t as down-home and innocent as I had envisioned

Metro Creative Connection

from the book and movie, but the event still has a unique aura of small town Americana.

Thankfully, I met some local citizens who provided detailed insight regarding the festival. Most expressed dismay at the overcrowded streets and rude tourists who invaded the tiny village, their numbers increasing with each year.

They told me one thing that had not changed in years was the familiar voice of Bernie Pleasants, a fast-talking auctioneer from Montpelier who auctioned the ponies for more than three decades.

He obtained the job unceremoniously. In the mid-1960s, Pleasants rounded up a batch of saddles and accessories and headed to the Eastern Shore for the sale. He correctly assumed that people who were purchasing a pony also might need a saddle.

Fate turned in Pleasants’ favor in 1966 when the regular auctioneer for the event failed to show, and he took the job without hesitation. He didn’t give it up for more than 30 years.

Pleasants held a lifelong ambition regarding the art of

auctioneering, and jumped at the opportunity to take the microphone. From that day forward, Pleasants’ signature Stetson hat and fancy cowboy boots were a mainstay at the auction until he retired in 1999.

To the benefit of many who learned auctioneering from the master, Pleasants didn't hold his talents close to the vest.

He began the Bernie Pleasants School of Auctioneering in Mineral, tutoring a multitude of students in the finer points.

The ponies remained paramount in his life at his Pleasant Hill Farm where he raised cattle and descendants of those Chincoteague ponies.

The recipient of several national auctioneering awards, Pleasants reportedly auctioned everything from goats to art in his long career.

Chincoteagues’ favorite auctioneer passed away in 2008, and the event continued to grow with each passing year.

And I never returned to the island for the event.

But in that single visit, I’m thankful I witnessed Bernie Pleasants as he did what he loved the most, auctioning ponies for a good cause.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021 9

History day camp

Photo courtesy of Ashland Museum

The Ashland Museum will hold its history day camp for rising 2nd-6th grade history buffs again this summer.

Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 2-6 at The Center, located at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland. Campers will explore historic Ashland and participate in games, activities, and arts and crafts. For more information, email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net or leave a voice message at 804-368-7314. Details and registration are now available.

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 9

Second Tuesdays The Mechanicsville Fellowship Club meets each month (excluding July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in Room G110 of Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville.

LIBRARY Continued from pg. 5

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

Getting Buggy with It! Premieres Friday, July 23, for grades PreK-5. Learn how to use recycled materials and things in your yard to build a bug hotel, and find out why you would want to build such a thing. (Hint: There’s a really good reason) Starting July 23, go to https://www.youtube.

10

Bring a covered dish and join in with a group celebrating faith, fellowship, friends and fun. Meetings are cancelled if Hanover County Public Schools are two hours late or cancelled due to inclement weather. To register, call the church at 804746-9073. For more information, call Janet Lewis at 804398-8947. com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prlchildren to see the video.

What is a Thaumatrope?

Pickup starting Thursday, July 29, at 9 a.m. for grades Pre-K-5.

If you like creating animations then join us for an instructional video on how to make a thaumatrope, a 19th century optical illusion toy. Starting July 29, go to https://www.youtube. com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prlchildrens to see our tutorial video.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

Be a U.S. Citizen.

Be 18 years old (any person who is 17 years old and will be 18 years of age at the next General Election shall be permitted to register in advance and also vote in any intervening primary or special election).

Not be registered and plan to vote in another state.

Not be currently declared mentally incompetent by a court of law.

If convicted of a felony, your right to vote must have been restored.

You made a truthful claim when you said “Governor McAuliffe consistently vetoed legislation to require voterID.” I Googled the claim you made, and it was fact-checked as being true. I am totally in favor of requiring governmentissued photo-identification to be able to vote or even register to vote. When I go to my voting location, I have my driver’s license in-hand, ready to present it to an Elections Officer, without waiting to be asked.

You made a mostly untruthful claim when you said “Per the Constitution, it is each state’s responsibility to ensure election integrity, but with the passage of HR1 – 800 pages focused on the expansion of voting rights – we are assured the Democrats will forever be in charge”.

Each state does in fact have its own voting laws. The next segment is what I copied when I Googled Federal laws pertaining to voting.

The Democrats will not be in charge forever, as you falsely contend.

At some point, Republicans will win elections or be handed election wins in some states General Assemblies, some states’ Attorneys General, some Governor’s mansions, and, most important to them, in the House and Senate in Washington. I will explain that

in another paragraph.

The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution of the United States (Article VI, Clause 2), establishes that the Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties made under its authority, constitute the “supreme Law of the Land”, and thus take priority over any conflicting state laws.

When the United States Supreme Court gavels back into session on the first Monday in October, the docket will no doubt be flooded with amicus briefs, requesting a ruling on HR1. I fear that same court will rule 6-3 that HR1 is unconstitutional, even when they twice ruled 9-0, in a oneparagraph unsigned opinion, against overturning the results of the 2020 Presidential election, when Number 45’s lawyers, along with several states Attorneys General, filed what can only be described as classaction amicus briefs, claiming – without so much as one scintilla of supporting evidence – that the election had been stolen by Biden.

I have to believe the Justices are terrified of the House and Senate getting Republican majorities in the 2022 midterm elections. If that happens, they almost certainly know they will be impeached for abuse of their power, for refusing to overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential election, found guilty of those Articles of Impeachment in a sham Senate trial, removed from the bench, and potentially tried and convicted of treason in Federal Court.

I fear that same Republicanmajority Senate will vote to grant themselves the authority to simply appoint nine Justices to the Supreme Court, who will then be required to take a loyalty oath to that same House and Senate, and do what is demanded of them, including overturning the results of the 2020 Presidential election and

reinstating Number 45. If they do in fact carry out such a coup, they will have perpetrated the most vile act of betrayal this country has ever endured, including when Benedict Arnold violated his oath to the Constitution and defected to the British military during the Revolutionary War. Quite a number of states with a Republican majority in the General Assembly are now in the process of passing laws which will grant legal authority to Republican majority General Assemblies, City Councils, and County Boards of Supervisors to overturn the results of elections which their candidates lose. That is not even close to anything which can be called democracy; that is called stealing elections, which is what Republican lawmakers falsely insist that President Biden did with the 2020 election. That is what those same Republican lawmakers feign outrage at when they see it happening in other countries.

When – not if – what I described in the previous paragraphs happens, that will assure the Republicans will forever be in the majority, which will allow one person to name him or her President for life. That will be the end of democracy, and the start of one-party rule -- also known as fascism. That person will be a despot, and will surely be granted absolute power to do whatever he or she chooses. He or she will surely be hated by other world leaders who were elected by some democratic or semi-democratic process.

The haters of democracy – Republicans and their voting bloc – will be celebrating in the streets – but not for long.

They will learn – just a bit too late – that an appeaser is the person who continually feeds the crocodile, falsely believing the monster will not eventually kill him. They will surely be the first people arrested and charged with treason, when

they begin speaking out against the atrocities that autocrat will certainly commit or have the military commit on his or her orders. After a kangaroo court trial and guilty verdict – with no chance of getting the guilty verdict overturned – the offender will be executed in some horrible way.

The nauseating total untruth you spewed is when you sad “Trump did more for America in four years than they will ever see again in history, but Trump was a hiccup that had to be eliminated – it was essential that he was cut off, cut down, and cut out, and every toll was used to do so.

Now the task of dismantling America can continue without interference as conservatives are bullied, sullied, shut down, and shut up. The end is close, and even the Trump-haters are not going to like it.”

There was not one thing good, moral, or decent thing that Number 45 did. There was nothing decent or moral about locking babies in cages at the U.S.-Mexico border. Number 45 did not even pretend to deny doing that. He was the happiest man on Earth, because he saw babies with brown skin being starved, crying for their parents, not having access to even having diapers and dirty clothes changed.

There was nothing decent or moral about Number 45 wanting to take health care from 10 or 12 million people.

He tried to unilaterally repeal it through Executive Order. That was quickly shot down by the United States Supreme Court.

He then tried to repeal it legislatively. That was ended when John McCain cast the final “no” vote. That was McCain’s final vote before he died. To this day, Number 45 has nothing but blind hatred for John McCain, simply for casting that “no” vote.

There was nothing decent or moral about Number 45 see LETTERS, pg. 16

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

07

31 2021

USL Soccer: FC Tucson at Richmond Kickers 6:30 p.m.

08

11 2021

Prep golf: Atlee vs. Hanover at Vinaterra G.C. 11:00 a.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

GRAL coaches balance fun, work in pool

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Old Church’s Emmy Lou Baker gives everyone at the pool a “Thumbs up!” prior to the first heat of the 8-under girls 25-yard freestyle in a Greater Richmond Aquatic League meet with visiting Goochland YMCA on July 7.

MECHANICSVILLE – The main event of the Greater Richmond Aquatic League season, Champs, began Monday after this edition went to press.

For the first and only time this season, all teams will gather in one place – SwimRVA – for the chance to earn bragging rights that will last a year.

Many of the swimmers will be veterans who have been to Champs before. But many, mostly among the youngest age groups, will be first-timers who have spent more time this season learning the strokes rather than learning to do them faster.

The key to keeping the youngest swimmers coming back is balancing work with fun, especially for those whose teams did not compete last year because of the pandemic.

“I definitely have been conscious of the fact that they didn’t really get to get out and hang out with friends as much these past these past few years as the would have in the past,” said Pebble Creek head coach Ryan Griffiths. “The swim season is a great opportunity for the kids to get back out in the world and get back to hanging out with friends and having a good time with other people rather than sitting in their homes.”

“That was something I was really conscious of from the beginning, trying to give them a really nice time in the summer.

Just get back into the normal way of going about things.”

Old Church head coach

Courtney Hurtubise calls her swimmers aged 10 or less “Littles.” She explained the challenge of preparing them for competitive swimming.

“They see the pool as fun.

It’s what they have always been exposed to,” Hurtubise said. “So when they come to the swim team, it is a challenged to allow them enough freedom to have fun, but keep it structured enough.”

While all age groups are subject to forgetting they should not run on the pool deck, the “Littles” are more prone than others to have attacks of silliness that has to be reined in.

If they get too out of control, some coaches use cooling off techniques – Bell Creek head coach Kellie Brown has them walk laps around the pool deck – but most of the time, the silliness is appreciated.

“It is fun,” said Burkwood head coach Karen Seeber. “They just keep you young and remind you that things are just not that serious, so have fun while you’re there.”

Working with the “Littles” as Seeber also calls her youngest swimmers, poses some atypical challenges, especially when Little logic collides with adult logic. Seeber recalled a bit of dialog between her and a 6-yearold swimmer.

“Okay, David, you go in Lane Five.”

“But I’m 6!”

“Just go in Lane Five. It’s just a lane.”

“But I’m 6!” see BALANCE, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021 11

New soccer team grows in Center of the Universe

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE – While Ashland has long been the Center of the Universe.

This summer, a group led by Randolph-Macon graduate Liam Hogan hopes to make it a center of the soccer universe.

In August 2020, Hogan launched Ashland Town FC, a semi-professional soccer club that he hopes will help build

community connections and spirit.

“Over the course of my time in Ashland, the idea gradually developed that this town has all of the ingredients for an exciting community-oriented soccer experience,” Hogan said.

“Soccer has been a lifelong passion instilled by my family that has taken me from playing to coaching and team media coverage, to now working to build Ashland Town FC into some-

thing that can bring joy to local people of all backgrounds and represent the greater Ashland community as a truly special place.”

Hogan played for three years at Hampden-Sydney from 2013-2015 before transferring to Randolph-Macon.

He then started a semi-pro team in Northern Virginia before selling it and returning to Ashland to complete his studies in business management at

R-MC. The team has been practicing this summer at Grover Park and Poor Farm Park. Hogan said his team features an “. . . exciting blend of local players between the ages of 15 and 23 with a wide array of backgrounds ranging from 1st team all-conference selections for their college teams to younger players with raw ability who have never had an opportunity to be part of expensive travel

soccer clubs.”

Ashland Town FC has played a number of fixtures this summer, beginning with a fixture against Club Atlético de Los Toros at Evergreen Sportsplex in Leesburg on June 12. The team has since traveled to Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach to face opponents. Its most recent match was against Grove Soccer Academy at Deep Run High School on July 24.

Hogan appreciates the response of his supporters in his community.

“The reception from players and their willingness to work on improving as people and players, along with some crucial wind in our sails from local businesses and community members has been fantastic so far,” he said.

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

BALANCE Continued from pg. 11

Seeber explained.

“This happens every week and you’re just, like, ‘Oh, okay, just go. Just go. It’s okay.’ ” she said. “But they still haven’t gotten that the lane does not correspond to their age. It is the cutest thing and it’s never happened before.”

Some of Seeber’s Littles are old souls.

“You get that one who has that adult mentality and they just look at me like, ‘Really?’ ” Seeber said. “Claire Ligday was like that – and still is. . . . She’s got a 50-year-old mindset. It’s just hilarious to see.”

One of the main challenges is teaching the youngest swimmers the strokes. Some start a breaststroke race by swimming freestyle – which results in disqualification. There are strict rules on how swimmers must do turns. Some strokes require a one-hand touch, others two hands, for example. And some strokes are more complicated than others.

“It definitely takes a lot of patience because they’ll get frustrated, especially with the butterfly and breaststroke,” said Bell Creek’s Brown. “I think to our younger swimmers. We [individual medley]. But breastbreaststroke is the hardest one actually had a lot of kids do stroke was overall the hardest. that we’ve had trouble teaching really well at butterfly and the They definitely got frustrated,

12

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Left, Old Church coach Courtney Hurtubise helps Charley Brooks learn the finer points of the freestyle prior to the 8-under girls 25-yard freestyle in a Greater Richmond Aquatic League meet with visiting Goochland YMCA on July 7. Above, Mechanicsville Recreation Association’s Brinkley Hall gets a lesson from head coach Danielle Sisson-Jones on how to properly start a backstroke race in a Greater Richmond Aquatic League virtual meet with Battlefield Green on June 23.

but just keeping a lot of patience and trying to teach it different way or explaining different ways helped.”

Ultimately, the point is to

keep the swimmers on point.

“As long as you set the expectation early on that this is a place of work and we will have fun along the way – but

after practice or before practice is your time to play with your friends – then, for the most part, you know they understand that,” Hurtubise said.

Glen Allen team falls in Cal Ripken regional Picks Highlanders Staff reports sports@mechlocal.com The Glen Allen 12u Majors 70 All Star team lost two close games and was eliminated from the Cal Ripken Southeast

Regional in Okeeheelee, Florida, Thursday.

Glen Allen fell to Tennessee 10-9 in extra innings Wednesday.

The team then lost to Florida 8-6 despite having bases

Off to Vassar

loaded in the final at-bat of the game Thursday to see their season come to an end.

Pitchers Eli Maxie (Bell Creek) and Alex Boyd led the team from the mound, each striking out 10 batters and

giving up no earned runs.

Offensively, Ryan King (Oak Knoll) and Boyd both homered, and Bryson Freeman (Bell Creek) stole home against Tennessee to send the game to extra innings.

Heading to Averett

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Hanover volleyball player Frances Anthony-Brumfield (seated, center) commits to continue her academic and athletic career at Vassar College in a signing ceremony at Hanover High School on May 26. She is joined by (clockwise, from left) Allison Anthony; Sharon Brumfield; and Hanover head girls volleyball coach Greg Knight.

Joining the Dukes

Rob Witham for The Local

Atlee football player Jamahrie Owens (seated, second from right) commits to play for Averett University in a signing ceremony at Atlee High School on June 10. With him are (seated, from left) LaTilda Owens, sister Charleigh Owens, and father, Jammie Owens; and (standing, from left) Atlee head football coach Matt Gray; his brother, Jonah Owens; his uncle, Keon Jones; and his brother, Jamie Owens.

Mechanicsville lacrosse player Chloe Ulm (seated, center) committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Radford University in a signing ceremony at Mechanicsville High School on June 11. With her are (clockwise, from left) her father, Edward Ulm; Mechanicsville Principal Charles Stevens; her brother, Lucas Ulm; Mechanicsville athletic director Tripp Metzger; and her mother, Patricia Ulm.

Spartan rower

VMI-Bound

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Rob Witham for The Local

Hanover High School cheerleader Erika Loftus (seated, center) commits to cheer for James Madison University in a signing ceremony at Hanover High School on, May 26.

With her are (clockwise, from left) her mother, Eileen Loftus; Hanover cheerleading coach Virginia Baldwin; and her father, Jason Baldwin.

Atlee football player Eric Rankin (seated, center) committed to continue his academic and football career at Virginia Military Institute in a signing ceremony at Atlee High School on June 10. With him are (clockwise, from left) his mother, Beth Rankin; Atlee head football coach Matt Gray; and his brother Mason Rankin.

Joel Klein for The Local

Patrick Henry student Kaylie Wright (seated) comitted to Michigan State’s rowing team in a signing ceremony at Patrick Henry on June 8. With her are (clockwise, from left) her grandmother, Grandmother Nita Wright; her father James Wright; and her mother, Elizabeth Wright.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021 13

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Please take notice that on the 11th day of August 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing pursuant to Virginia Code section 15.2-2204 for the purpose of receiving input, and may provide a recommendation on the following: CUP21-0706 RANDOLPH-MACON CENTER STREET RESIDENTIAL HOUSING Paul Davies, the applicant on behalf of Randolph-Macon College (R-MC), is requesting approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) for property located at 312 N. Center Street, Ashland, VA, GPIN: 7870-73-2227, to allow for dormitories in accordance with Section 21-128, Use Regulations, of the Town Code. The property is zoned HE-Higher Education, is 38.31 acres in size, and has a future land use designation of Higher Education.

A copy of CUP21-0706 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073.

Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

07/27-07/28

COUNTY FAIR WORD SEARCH

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

HOROSCOPES

CLUES ACROSS 1. Language group with Iranian influence 5. No seats available 8. Health insurance organization 11. Having a strong sharp smell or taste 13. Defunct European economic organization 14. Dutch word for ‘language’ 15. Hard to penetrate 16. When you’ll get there 17. Iranian city 18. Small fishes 20. Dry white wine drink 21. Turkish city 22. U.S.-born people 25. Synthetic resin 30. Major nerve in human body 31. Type of recording 32. Small drum 33. Alters 38. General’s assistant (abbr.)

41. Venezuelan capital 43. Free of deceit 45. Member of Ancient Hebrew nation 48. Competition 49. Launch an attack on

50. Cavalry sword 55. Spiritual leader 56. One point east of due south 57. Afflicted 59. Database management system 60. Snakelike fish 61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 62. Small drink 63. Not wet 64. Impudence CLUES DOWN 1. Father 2. Performed perfectly 3. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid 4. Thin, compact object 5. One attempting to find something 6. No longer working 7. Egg-shaped wind instrument 8. Book of Genesis character 9. Volcanic craters 10. Brand of American automobile (slang) 12. Hip hop icon Kool Moe __ 14. Bangladeshi monetary

unit 19. Self-immolation by fire ritual 23. Family of genes 24. Et __: indicates further 25. Pacific Standard Time 26. S. American wood sorrel 27. Women’s __ movement 28. Chinese hoopster Ming 29. Layers of rock 34. Patriotic women’s group 35. Solid water 36. Shade of brown 37. Very fast airplane 39. Put clothes on 40. Quality of one’s character 41. Time zone 42. Primates 44. Pleasantly 45. Metrical feet 46. Rogue 47. German river 48. Relieves from 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. Those who resist authority 58. Criticize

5"6364 t "QS .BZ Taurus, it can be difficult to know when to stop talking and start listening. It is a fine line to walk, but be patient and feel out the room before offering your input. (&.*/* t .BZ +VO Things that appear to be confusing or intimidating may not be as complicated as they seem, Gemini.

Keep doing your research and don’t be scared away.

$"/$&3 t +VO +VM Cancer, remember to treat others how you want them to treat you.

This simple approach is a great way to build lasting friendships and strong relationships.

-*#3" t 4FQU 0DU Devote some time to figuring out the details of your spending habits. A little financial discipline now may pay big dividends down the road.

-&0 t +VM "VH Get as much work done around the house as possible this week, Leo. You may soon be pressed for time, so now is the time to tackle projects.

4$031*0 t 0DU /PW Scorpio, seek others’ input when faced with a tricky situation. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all that’s needed to make sense of a perplexing problem.

7*3(0 t "VH 4FQU Have fun with family and friends in the days to come, Virgo. Make the most of this precious time to relax with those you love. It will provide the kickstart you’ve been seeking.

4"(*55"3*64 t /PW %FD Sagittarius, expect to make some progress on financial situations that may have seemed daunting in the past. A financial professional can help you navigate some confusing waters.

$"13*$03/ t %FD +BO Connecting with friends has been a priority for you lately, Capricorn. In the days ahead, pend as much time as possible with those you hold near and dear.

"26"3*64 t +BO 'FC Hidden strengths come to the surface when you are thrust into an unfamiliar situation, Aquarius. When forced to think on your feet, you realize you can adapt on the fly.

1*4$&4 t 'FC .BS Connect with your community in any way you can this week, Pisces.

Give back by volunteering or by offering financial support.

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

"3*&4 t .BS "QS Aries, you may have to tend to family matters this week. Seek input from trusted family members and work together to come to a solution that everyone can embrace.

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021 15

LETTERS Continued from pg. 10

unleashing Nazi thugs into the United States Capital, in a perverted effort to overturn the 2020 Presidential election.

He knew then, and he knows right now, that Biden won the election – fair and square – by the rules and by the laws. Even disgraced Attorney General Bill Barr has said multiple times there was no widespread fraud on the scale that would have allowed Biden to win the election by theft or fraud. Until #45, there had never been a loser of the Presidential election who refused to respect the outcome.

Before you parrot the outright lie about Hillary Clinton in 2016 -- courtesy of Fox “News” -- she conceded the day after Election Day, when it became clear she had lost.

There was nothing decent or moral about Number 45 refusing to try to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which took the lives of over 500,000 people while he just watched with joy as they gasped for air as they were dying. With that disgrace, Number 45 and the Republicans in the House and Senate have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that they have no respect for any human life when that life is no longer in utero.

In the world of the Republicans, life begins the moment the sperm fertilizes the egg, and that same life ends nine months later, if the baby is born alive. Every Republican and their voting bloc – with the exception of a very few – have demonstrated they were born devoid of any conscience, decency, honor, integrity, morality, or shame.

Number 45 tried to pressure the FDA Commissioner to

sign for a COVID-19 vaccine that everyone knew was unsafe, untested, and very likely purchased from Russia. When the FDA Commissioner refused to do that, Number 45 started to pressure the pharmaceuticals to develop a vaccine against COVID-19. He did that for only one reason. He was convinced that would increase his chance to get a second term in the White House.

The final outright untruth you told is when you said “We have a physically and cognitively impaired person in the White House, on the world stage”. Just so you’ll know, we had a lying psychopath in the White House for four years – from 2017 – 2021. That lying psychopath was Number 45, and he lied about everything he could lie about. He was so cognitively impaired he could not complete one coherent statement without going off in 10 million different directions.

My mother’s great-great-nephew, who is only 7 years old, has a much higher IQ and has more integrity than Number 45 could ever dream of having.

Ms. Lassiter – you made multiple untrue statements in your letter. By doing so, you have convinced me that you park yourself in front of the TV all day and watch Fox “News”, One America “News”, and “News” Max. The “anchors” at those channels are nothing more than designated bullhorns for Number 45 and the sycophants that make up his voting bloc. You have the right to watch those TV shows and cheer with glee as the “anchors”, who are almost certainly reading and spewing the scripts which Lachlan Murdoch (Rupert Murdoch’s son) has written for them, as a condition of keeping their jobs. You

also have the right to believe or pretend to believe anything you choose, even at the risk of your mental health.

Ms. Lassiter -- I think you and a lot of other people need to get serious help, in order to stop believing or pretending to believe anything #45 and his designated bullhorns pollute your brains with.

My suggestion is to park yourself in front of the TV all day and watch shows where you can learn about decency and honesty. Captain Kangaroo and Sesame Street would be excellent starting points. Take a look at the TV guide that comes with the newspaper. I’m fairly certain you will find the days and times those TV shows are on PBS or Nickelodeon.

You will save a lot of money on professional care, plus you will feel much better about yourself.

Harold Ackerman Mechanicsville

Praising writer for support of Youngkin After reading the voluminous rebukes of my letter, I soared in delight at Tywana Hampton’s letter that succinctly stated her support for our Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin.

Five short paragraphs said what millions of us think and believe and I applaud her articulation and courage to step out of the fold and stand for her conservative righteous principles.

I want to buy you dinner, Tywana, and continue the dialogue Patsy Lassiter Mechanicsville

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16

Ashland-Hanover Local July 28, 2021

Central Virginia Transportation Authority

During the Annual Meeting, the Authority W. Canova Peterson (Hanover) to the Finance Committee.

TRANSPORTATION Continued from pg. 4

Committee.

The Finance Committee is comprised of automatic appointments of representatives from the three jurisdictions with the largest populations and two additional members appointed by the Authority.

Brown and Peterson join Mayor Levar E. Stoney (Richmond), Carroll and Thornton on the committee. Stoney was re-elected as committee chairman.

“The work of this Committee is critical in advising the full Authority on the upcoming year’s decisions regarding project financing, “Stoney said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Richmond Region to set a strategy for bringing our regional transportation vision to life.”

The Central Virginia Transportation Authority was enacted July 1, 2020, through action of the General Assembly’s 2020 Session.

Its primary charge is to oversee collection and distribution of revenues generated through levied taxes in the Richmond Region: 7.6 cents per gallon wholesale gasoline tax (7.7 cents for wholesale diesel) and 0.7% sales and use tax.

The additional wholesale fuels tax began in July, 2020, while the additional sales and use tax began in October, 2020. Most recent financial statements report the CVTA’s receipt of more than $15.5 million in the first three quarters of the fiscal year.

Revenues collected and distributed by the CVTA must be used solely for transportation purposes benefitting jurisdictions within Planning District 15, which includes the Town of Ashland, City of Richmond and Counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan.

Over the last year, the CVTA has fulfilled the majority of its organizational objectives: estab-

lishing regular operating procedures and implementing funding distributions to the nine member jurisdictions and the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) pursuant to Virginia Code establishing the Authority. Virginia Code stipulates that 50% of the CVTA’s revenues be distributed back to the local member jurisdictions from which the revenue was generated and 15% of the revenues be distributed to GRTC for regional transit operations. The remaining 35% of the revenues are held by the CVTA and to be distributed to regionally significant projects according to a regional transportation prioritization process which is currently under development.

The CVTA will be undertaking a full agenda for Fiscal Year 2022 including the finalization of the process for project selection and mechanism of financing regionally significant transportation projects. CVTA’s Technical Advisory Committee is working to develop a recommended process and tool for consideration at the September Authority meeting. Following adoption of the prioritization process, CVTA will prepare future funding allocations and officially launch regional transportation projects across the region.

In the meeting Friday, Chairman Thornton continued to remind the seventeen-member Authority of the significance of their work.

“This is an exciting moment in our region’s history, one that we should be proud of, as the work we do here today will benefit the next generation of Richmond Region residents,” Thornton said.

The Central Virginia Transportation Authority is a newly created authority in central Virginia that provides new funding opportunities for priority transportation investments across the region. This Authority was established by the 2020 General Assembly of Virginia and RRTPO is a resource for the Authority through both expert planning advice and staff support.

Visit CVTAva.org for more information.