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Vol. 7 No. 18 | Richmond Suburban News | December 29, 2021

Hanover 300th celebration tops 2021 stories By Laura Mcfarland Managing Editor

Top 10 stories of 2021

Hanover County celebrates 300th birthday

More than 51,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered

Almost 97% of students return to face-to-face instruction

Connect Hanover broadband project announced

5 6

Brown Grove community battles building of Wegmans

School board in controversy over transgender policy

Hanover high schools hold in-person graduations

New Hanover Museum of History and Culture opens

Patriots volleyball team wins sixth straight state title

still impacting 10 COVID-19 public events

fter a year dominated by news about how COVID-19 was impacting every aspect of life in 2020 in Hanover County, seeing the community come back together and hit some pitfalls along the way was a huge part of the Top 10 stories of 2021. Topping that list with the No. 1 story on this year’s list was the reclamation of events that should have happened a year earlier – the county’s 300th anniversary celebrations. Established in November 1720, Hanover County had planned a number of events to recognize the tricentennial throughout 2020 with a grand culmination in the fall, but all of the festivities had to be canceled when the pandemic prevented large gatherings of people. Rather than chalking up the commemorations to another memory lost to the pandemic, county leaders and organizations came back strong this year with their dedication to marking this important milestone in Hanover history. County administrator John A. Budesky said in January that he considered 2021 “as the jumping off point for a celebration of Hanover County as it is today and looking forward into the future as well as remembering our past.” The county launched the #HereinHanoverVA campaign in January to honor the 300th birthday

File photo/Sara Hunt

Some Hanover County employees are shown at the Historic Hanover Courthouse, displaying their excitement about the #HereinHanoverVA campaign to extend the 300th birthday celebration into 2021. They are, from left, Sandra Moore, Conner Moncure, Gretchen Biernot and Harold Stills.

and engage the community and hosted Virginia Tourism’s life-sized LOVE artwork on the lawn of the Hanover Branch Library in February. But they were just getting started. Throughout 2021, Hanover County and its partners scheduled a wide variety of events as part of the birthday celebration. Some of the events held this year included Hanover

Night at The Diamond held Aug. 7, at which Budesky and several supervisors threw out opening pitches; Hanover Weekend at Kings Dominion over two weekends in August; the ribbon cutting of the Hanover Museum of History and Culture, which has its own place on the Top 10 list; a regularly scheduled Classic Car Cruise-In held Sept. 11 and incorporated into see TOP 10, pg. 2

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TOP 10 Continued from pg. 1

the festivities; Hanover’s Autum Fest on Sept 25 at Hanover Tavern, and Scotchtown holding a 300th Birthday Celebration and Fall Festival on Oct. 2. To preserve this “snapshot in time” of Hanover’s celebration, the county concluded the year-long birthday bash by locking a time capsule that will be housed in the new Hanover Museum of History and Culture for the next 100 years.

Face-to-face instruction

Hanover County School Board members approved a 2021-2022 Return to Learn Plan for county students on June 8. At the time, in-person instruction was the default position for the upcoming school year with only those wishing to stay virtual having to put in a request.

Vaccines administered

Coming into January 2021, some of the biggest questions people were asking all pertained to the approval and rolling out of approved COVID-19 vaccines. Were they safe? Who was eligible to receive one? Where could people find them? Hanover County did its part to help answer some of those questions with a call center that opened on Jan. 20 to field queries from the public related to the virus.

File photo/Tom Harris

Hanover County officials joined with the Chickahominy Health District in celebrating the many volunteers who helped during the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic.

But it took a major step forward in efforts to fight the virus when the county opened an on-site vaccination clinic located at the old Food Lion in Ashland to offer vaccines on an appointment-basis only. The clinic was separate from those offered by the Chickahominy Health District and other regional partners but had to be coordinated with them, which was a massive undertaking. Between Jan. 29, when the site opened, and June 25, when it held its final day, more than 51,000 vaccinations were administered. A celebration lunch was held to honor the hundreds of volunteers who made the clinic possible. Hanover Fire/EMS was in charge of the operation, which received significant support from county employees who volunteered not only at the clinic but at the call center, which handled more than 20,000 calls.

File photo/Joel Klein

Mary Douglas Roscoe, assistant principal, Cold Harbor Elementary School welcomed students getting off of the school bus.

Going into this school year, the division had a huge undertaking in planning class sizes, transportation, food service, cafeteria capacity, and more – and all of that on top of addressing the looming worries about gaps in learning. The school board initially voted against requiring masks, but that plan was foiled when Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver issued a statewide Public Health Order requiring all students aged 2 and older to be masked when inside all public schools in the state. In September, just under 16,600 out of the county’s roughly 17,000 students returned to face-to-face instruction for the first week of school, with just under 500 choosing to be served by Hanover Online School. This means that 97% of the schools’ enrollment was back receiving in-person instruction versus 62% the year before. In a comprehensive report Superintendent of Hanover Schools Michael Gill gave to the board of supervisors about the opening days of school, he described how, “The halls are much busier and livelier, and, as I make my rounds on the first day of school, … the story was the same in each of those buildings. There was an energy that has not been felt in a long, long time and we were happy to feel it again.”

Connect Hanover

This summer, county administrator John Budesky announced a new public/private partnership called Connect Hanover, which is designed to provide internet service to areas

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021

File Photo Jim Ridolphi /for The Local

All Points Broadband Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Carr presented a detailed plan for universal broadband coverage in Hanover County.

in Hanover that are underserved or have no service at all. All Points Broadband was selected to identify those areas of Hanover most in need of coverage. The company was tapped to work with county officials, Dominion Energy Virginia and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative to develop and implement a plan to deliver broadband access. Budesky said the new partnership would enable those underserved residents to access full coverage by 2026. On Dec. 13, Governor Ralph Northam announced the approval of Hanover County’s Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) grant in the amount of $13.97 million. The funding from the state will leverage the county’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contribution of $14.84 million and private corporate investment from All Points, Dominion and Rappahannock. It is anticipated that contracts and other agreements will be signed in spring 2022, with funding to become available in July 2022 and initial construction anticipated to begin in fall 2022. Buildout of the system serving almost 6,200 new residents is estimated to be complete within 24 to 36 months of July 1, 2022. In addition, Lumen Technologies, formerly known as CenturyLink, will be extending fiber service to more than 1,000 additional locations using the federal Rural Digital Opportunity Funding. These two concurrent efforts will essentially provide universal broadband internet coverage for all of Hanover County.

Wegmans battle

Wegmans Food Markets Inc. plans to build a 1.7-million-square-foot distribution center at the intersection of Ashcake and Sliding Hill roads in Hanover County. The location has outraged many since it was publicly announced in December 2019, most notably those File Photo /The Local in the historic Brown Patricia HunterJordan, president Grove community. of the Hanover The community was NAACP. founded by freed slaves more than 150 years ago and now seeks national historic recognition. Residents organized to fight the project, citing environmental justice concerns, disputed wetlands delineations, and other quality of life issues such as air quality, noise pollution and increased traffic. The Virginia State Water Control Board approved a water protection permit for the center in February at the recommendation of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ officials said almost 500 comments opposed to the project had been received while only three messages of support were received. In March, the Hanover County NAACP issued a statement condemning the state board’s decision. Then in April, the NAACP and citizens’ group Protect Hanover Inc. filed a lawsuit to suspend and set aside the permit, which would allow the destruction of at least 15 acres of wetlands on the planned site. In addition to the state’s water control board permit, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must do a separate environmental review and issue a permit in order for the project to proceed. In a five-page Sept. 23 letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the distribution center, the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation advised the Corps to “take additional steps to consider and address how the undertaking may affect the historic district and affect the ways that members of the community experience the historic district.” This ongoing story will carry into 2022.

Patriots volleyball

The Patrick Henry boys volleyball team extended a historic reign as kings of the court on Nov. 18 when it won its sixth straight Virginia High School League Class 4 state championship title. The team beat Maggie Walker Governors School for the third consecutive year to earn the title. see TOP 10, pg. 5

Arrests made in vehicle larceny case HANOVER – On Monday, Dec. 20, at approximately 5:22 a.m., deputies received a call for a suspicious male in the 5000 block of Mantilo Creek Drive. The complainant described seeing a male rifling through their vehicle in the driveway. Deputies quickly arrived on scene, obtained a description of the male subject and found that several vehicles had been rummaged through within the neighborhood. While deputies were canvassing the area an unoccupied

vehicle was observed parked on the side of the roadway within walking distance of the neighborhood. A short while later, a subject matching the description of the suspicious male was located near the vehicle. The male was identified as Damon Marville Winston, 21, of Glen Allen. He was also found to be in possession of numerous stolen items. Winston was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny (x2), Vandalism, Entering or setting in motion a vehicle and

WINSTON Breaking & Entering (F). Items were stolen from over 10 vehicles and a detached

garage. Anyone with further information about this case is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office at (804) 3656140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 7801000. Citizens can also download the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile device to submit their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous. Submitted by James R. Cooper, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office public information officer.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Nov. 15

Hit and run: Attended, property damage more than $1,000 was reported in the 15000th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier. Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 19200th block of Landora Bridge Road, Ruther Glen.

Mechanicsville.

Nov. 19

Abuse and neglect of children with reckless disregard was reported in the 10400th block of Dellwood Road, Glen Allen.

Use of profane, threatening language over public airway was reported in the 7500th block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Nov. 16

Nov. 18

Simple assault was reported in the 16000th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Forging was reported in the 14400th block of Washington Highway, Doswell.

Violation of a protective order was reported in the 10100th block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 10900th block of Leadbetter Road, Ashland.

Nov. 17

Uttering was reported in the 7500th block of Cold Harbor Road,

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 10100th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland. Hit and run with personal injury was reported in the 10300th block of South Cedar Lane, Glen Allen.

Simple assault was reported in the 13400th block of Liberty School Road, Ashland. Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 12400th block of W Patrick Henry Road, Ashland. Driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 13200th block of Ashland Road/ Cedar Lane, Ashland..

Grand larceny from an auto was reported in the 11500th block of Sun Shade Lane, Ashland. Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 14400th block of Winding Cedar Lane, Montpelier.

reported in the 17200th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 17000th block of Beaver Dam Road, Beaverdam.

Failure to appear on a felony charge was reported in the 7200th block of Courtland Farm Road, Hanover.

Simple assault was reported in the 13300th block of Folly Trail Place, Ashland.

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

Grand larceny, $500 or more, not from a person was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Nov. 22.

Failure to appear on a felony charge was reported in the 7200th block of Courtland Farm Road, Hanover.

Credit card fraud, $200 or more in six months was reported in the 19300th block of Beaver Dam Road, Beaverdam.

Grand larceny, $500 or more, not from a person was reported in the 18100th block of Mabelton Road, Montpelier.

Nov. 20

Driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 19000th block of Beaver Dam Road, Beaverdam.

Nov. 21

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 18300th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

DWI: First offense was

Christmas tree recycling offered at convenience centers through Jan. 31 Through Jan. 31, Hanover County residents can recycle Christmas trees free of charge at the Mechanicsville Trash and Recycling Convenience Center during normal operating hours (7 a.m.-7 p.m. each day except when the county is closed). All decorations and tree stands must be removed prior to recycling. The Mechanicsville Trash and Recycling Center

is located at 7427 Verdi Lane, Mechanicsville VA 23111. The county’s solid waste centers will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

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see SHERIFF’s, pg. 12

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021 3

CALENDAR

Saturday, Jan. 8 A Community Salt Fish Breakfast is scheduled from 8 to 10 a.m. at Enon United Methodist Church, 6156 Studley Road in Mechanicsville. A buffet menu including salt fish, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy, biscuits hash rounds, grits, apples, corn cakes, waffles and beverage. Admission is $10 for adults and children 7 and under, free. Carry out is available. Sponsored by Enon United Methodist Church. All profits go to the missions. For those who do not know what to do with their Christmas

tree after the holidays, the Atlee High School Band Boosters can help. Tree pickup will be provided for the following subdivisions: AshCreek, Atlee Ridge, Castlewood, Chickahominy Oaks, Cool Spring Village, Giles, Green Ridge, Honey Meadows, Kings Charter, Madison Springs, Milestone, Rutland, Summer Duck and Taylor Farm. On Jan. 8, those wishing to have their tree picked up need to: put your tree(s) near the curb in front of your house by 9 a.m. and put a check in the amount of $10 per tree made payable to Atlee Band Boosters (ABB) in an envelope and place it in your paper box or taped under your mailbox. The trees will be disposed of properly and a local organization – the Atlee High School Band – has been supported. This year more than ever, your support is needed.

| News, Updates & Listings

For more information, email atleebandboosters@gmail.com.

Ongoing 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.

at 5 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Dr. Roy Minnix For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804270-9626.

Sundays 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 804249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin.org.

Tuesdays Saturdays Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service

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

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.

the American Legion. There also will be donuts. Call Post Commander Eugene Truitt at 804-746-4734. The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through midDecember, 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 non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. Visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.

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.

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

Second Tuesdays The Hanover County see CALENDAR, pg. 8

Important safety information from Virginia Natural Gas Every day, underground pipelines safely transport natural gas – one of the most efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly fuels – to homes and businesses throughout the country. Virginia Natural Gas operates, secures and maintains the pipelines in our service territories. We adhere to state and federal pipeline safety regulations, perform extensive quality-control checks, educate the public on how to recognize and prevent natural gas leaks, and work closely with officials to develop emergency response plans.

Call before you dig Before digging on your property, state law requires you call 811 to have your utility lines professionally marked – for free! You must wait the required amount of time before you begin your project. Pipeline markers indicate the general area of the pipeline, but not its exact location or depth. A pipeline may not always be marked in all areas, so it is important to always “Call Before You Dig.” If a pipeline right of way is adjacent to your property, you have a responsibility to ensure no new installations of landscaping or physical structures are placed in the right of way, which interferes with our ability to keep the pipeline safe through routine monitoring and maintenance.

Carbon monoxide

If you smell gas, act fast!

Incomplete combustion of any fuel produces carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and has no odor, taste or color. Carbon monoxide detectors are helpful, but they are no substitute for using equipment safely. This includes having your appliances inspected once a year by a certified contractor.

Although natural gas pipeline incidents are uncommon, you can help prevent emergencies by knowing the signs of a potential problem. Even though you may not currently be a Virginia Natural Gas customer, you can play an important role in natural gas safety. Below are some tips on how to identify a possible natural gas leak, and what to do in such a situation.

Appliance safety According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency: • It is important that you have your furnace inspected by a qualified specialist. • Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shut-offs are in proper working condition. • Keep trash and other combustible materials away from your air, heating and water heating systems.

Information about transmission pipelines operating in your community can be accessed online at npms.phmsa.dot.gov, courtesy of the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS).

Pipeline integrity management is a process for assessing and mitigating pipeline risks to reduce both the likelihood and consequences of incidents. We have a comprehensive plan that fully addresses these processes, especially for locations deemed highconsequence areas.

Water heater safety

To learn more, visit virginianaturalgas.com/integritymanagementplan.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Online Survey Please take a moment to complete an online survey about natural gas safety and you at surveymonkey.com/r/PHL7LGC to help us make sure we are keeping our communities safe.

LOOK for blowing dirt, discolored vegetation or continued bubbling of standing water. LISTEN for a hissing or roaring noise near a natural gas appliance or line. SMELL for the distinctive, rotten-egg odor associated with natural gas. Natural gas is colorless and odorless, so we add a chemical odorant called mercaptan for easy detection of a suspected natural gas leak. This odorant has a distinctive “rotten egg” type odor. You should act any time you detect even a small amount of this odor in the air. Note: Be aware that “odorant fade,” while uncommon, can occur. Odorant fade occurs when a physical or chemical process causes the level of odorant in the gas to be reduced. This can happen in both existing gas pipe and new installations. Some individuals may not be able to detect the smell of the natural gas odorant because they have a diminished sense of smell, because the scent is being masked by other odors in the area or because the odorant has diminished so that it is not detectable.

If you detect even a small amount of this odor in the air: DO NOT try to identify the source or to stop the leak yourself. LEAVE the area immediately and move a safe distance away from the potential leak, while avoiding any action that may cause sparks. AVOID using any sources of ignition, such as cellphones, cigarettes, matches, flashlights, electronic devices, motorized vehicles, light switches or landlines, as natural gas can ignite from a spark or open flame, possibly causing a fire or explosion. Natural gas is nontoxic, lighter than air and displaces oxygen. In severe cases, if not used properly, it can also lead to asphyxiation. CALL Virginia Natural Gas at 1.877.572.3342, or 911 once you are out of the area of the suspected leak and in a safe place. Stay away until Virginia Natural Gas or emergency personnel indicate it is safe to return. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com/safety or call 1.866.229.3578. Para solicitar una copia de esta información en español, llame al 1.866.229.3578 o visite virginianaturalgas.com/safetyspanish. © 2021 Southern Company Gas. All rights reserved. VNG-20635

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021

TOP10 Continued from pg. 2

File Photo Jim Ridolphi /for The Local

Patrick Henry’s team has demonstrated a level of consistently outstanding performances that is unheard of, winning its first championship in 2016 and continuing to bring home the trophy in the title match every year since. The Patriots celebrated a 25-10, 25-17, 25-18 victory in the 2021 season championship. This was the fifth time out of the six championship games that the team has won 3-0. Only in 2018, in a fantastic match against Great Bridge, did they drop a set - in that case, two. Their combined score all those years is 18-2. The head coach who got the streak going, Michael Townsend, stepped down in 2019 after the first four championships. He returned for the 2021 season to lead the Patriots’ to their sixth title. The school has now had three consecutive classes in which their players have been state champions all four years they played.

School transgender policy

Amid much turmoil and controversy, the school board in November voted 4-3 in favor of rejecting a proposal to amend the current policy regarding the treatment of transgender students that would have placed the district in compliance with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) guidelines. The Virginia General Assembly passed the new policy last year and tasked the VDOE with providing local school districts with instructions regarding necessary policy changes. While the board unanimously approved a policy change to allow students to alter school records to display their preferred pronoun, they were split on a revision to the policy that would require bathroom use of their preferred identity by transgender students. In the course of the multiple meetings and workshops the school board held before and since the vote, members have heard a myriad of opinions on the subject, both for and against the board’s decision. In December, the Virginia American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a complaint against the school board in response to the vote contending the action was discriminatory and against the

law. The complaint was filed on behalf of five families who have transgender students in county schools. This is an ongoing story that will carry into 2022.

In-person graduations

Commencement ceremonies for the 2021 classes of Hanover County Public Schools – Patrick Henry, Atlee, Mechanicsville and Hanover High schools – were held on June 18 and 19 at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell. Initially, the ceremonies were supposed to be held outside, but with Northam’s decision to lift all COVID-19 mitigation measures, including physical distancing requirements and capacity limits, as a result of declining COVID-19 cases and increasing vaccination rates, File photo Joel Klein/ for The Local The Patrick Henry High Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent, School Combined Choirs announced that all four graduation virtually performed the ceremonies would be held indoors National Anthem for the in the Farm Bureau Building at the 2021 Commencement. event park. Everyone agreed getting back to the large school events was a welcome change after the pandemic put so many restrictions on everybody when graduations were being planned for the Class of 2020.

The museum houses a welcome center and exhibit space. When it opened, the new facility, in partnership with the Ashland Museum, landed a much sought after exhibit provided by the Smithsonian Museum, “Crossroads: Changes in Rural America.” While not Hanover specific, the exhibit, which ran through Oct. 3, examined rural life, past and present, through themes such as change, land, and rural identities. The museum’s second exhibit, “Common Threads of Hanover,” featured quilts and was courtesy of partners such as The County School Quilters. It opened in October.

10 Public events While 2020 represented almost across-the-board disappointment with regard to the cancellation of beloved community events, 2021 saw its share of ups and downs. The year was a mix of events that were canceled, modified or went ahead as close to normal as possible. Some of the biggest events of the year saw a range of outcomes. Early in the year, the Ashland Strawberry Faire Committee decided to cancel the 2021 event, saying they felt it was the most responsible course of action. see TOP 10, pg. 8

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A ribbon cutting was held Aug. 28 to officially open the Hanover History and Culture Museum and Welcome Center, located in the circa-1835 historic clerk’s office. The county tied this in to the 300th anniversary celebration and had a great celebration with offerings such as vendors, live music, special commemorative gifts and colonial re-enactors. Ashland officials lauded the museum’s opening both for its part in the 300th anniversary celebrations and its celebration of the county’s past.

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Patrick Henry’s Carson Cheeley (3) raises his arms in trumph as he acknowledges the Patriot faithful after championship point in Patrick Henry’s 25-10, 25-17, 25-18 victory over Maggie Walker Governors School in the VHSL Class 4 boys volleyball championship game at the Siegel Center on Nov. 18. The Patriots’ championship was their VHSL record sixth straight state title.

An evenly divided crowd packed the school board meeting regarding the transgender policy.

Local officials and elected officials joined other dignitaries to cut the ribbon on the new Hanover Museum of History and Culture and Welcome Center located in the old Clerk’s Office in the courthouse complex.

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Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021 5

OPINION | The Local Views

Far from home but close to our hearts during holiday season By Laura Mcfarland Managing Editor

espite having been a judge for the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade for several years now, I am still always amazed at the ingenuity, creativity and mad decorating skills of Hanover’s individuals, churches, businesses, civic groups, special interest clubs, student groups and so many more. This year was no exception to that tradition. The people of Hanover County did an amazing job of spreading joy, love and holiday spirit on Dec. 5 and I am so glad I was able to experience it with fellow judges Denine D’Angelo and Fran McCreight. The theme for this year’s parade was “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and I loved seeing how parade entries had fun with everything from a baseball themed “home” float to families sitting by a chimney with a Christmas tree nearby. But if I am being honest, while every single moment of the parade was fantastically entertaining, the moments that were most impactful for me both during the event and when reflecting on it in the days that followed were those entries that chose to incorporate the theme of military personnel being away from home during the holidays. I don’t want to try to list them for fear I would miss one, but there were several and they were all wonderfully done. Full disclosure – I have never served in the military. I have had several close family members who served in different branches, including my amazing sister Stefanie, who served in the U.S. Army, five years active duty and three years in the active Reserves.

File photo/The Local

Village Bank was one of several entrants in the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade to incorporate military personnel into their floats in connection with the theme, ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas.’

Stefanie finished her service to the military in late 2004. Her time in the reserves included a deployment. When we originally learned of her deployment, the assignment was for Qatar. She was a single mom to a toddler at the time, and I was so scared something would happen to her overseas. Fortunately, her orders were changed, and while she was still deployed and missing out on a huge chunk of her young son’s life, she was stationed in California instead of Qatar. As Stefanie was preparing to leave the military, I was a recent college graduate who was not yet ready to join the workforce and begin life as a “full-time adult.” So, I applied for and received a short-term work visa in England

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Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021

and flew over that December. Two other fellow graduates had chosen to do the same thing, and though we were in different parts of the country, we decided to meet up for Christmas. As I had a relaxing time with my friends, we had plenty of downtime to watch television and a big part of what we watched aside from “EastEnders” was the news. Now the day after Christmas, our trio, along with the rest of the world, would be rocked as we watched news footage of one of the worst natural disasters in recent memory, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami estimated to have killed more than 225,000 people. But up until that horrific event happened,

the news weighing most heavily on my heart was the story about an Iraqi insurgent sneaking into a mess tent at a U.S. base near Mosul on Dec. 21, 2004, and blowing himself up, leaving 22 people dead. My friends and I attended a Christmas Eve service at a local church, and the minister held a moment of silence for those killed. I wept as I sat in that pew and thought of the 14 U.S. military personnel, four American civilians and three Iraqi soldiers killed by the suicide bomber and the many more who were wounded. I wept as I thought about the men and women there on the base with them or in other locations nearby in a hostile environment and the range of emotions they must have been experiencing that I could never begin to understand. I wept as I thought of the family and friends at home learning about the loss of their loved ones, especially so close to the holidays. I will admit I am crying a little as I write this column two days before Christmas and think about the men and women who are away from home in service of our country right now. There are no words that could express the depth of gratitude I have for our military personnel and the sacrifices they make, and for all of our veterans and the sacrifices they made in the past during their years of service. So for my last column of 2021, I will simply say, I pray with all of my heart that those serving in our nation’s armed forces, wherever you are, I sincerely hope that you make it home safe and that next year, you’ll be home for Christmas, too. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

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.

For information on circulation issues, call Michelle Wall at 804-775-2711 or email mwall@timesdispatch.com. If you miss an edition of Ashland-Hanover Local, please contact her. She will assist you in ensuring you receive the weekly publication. We don’t want you to miss out on any news or sports in your community.

Pipeline officials field public’s questions By Jim Ridolphi Ashland-Hanover Local Officials from Chickahominy Pipeline LLC held an informational Zoom session last week to provide details on a proposed project that could affect landowners in Hanover County. For the past months, residents have notified county officials of survey inquiries occurring in the area and a possible natural gas pipeline that could transect the county. Hanover officials have expressed concerns regarding the efforts and have extended invitations for the company to either hold community meetings or present at a board of supervisors meeting. The proposed pipeline would carry natural gas from its generating source to the proposed Chickahominy Power Plant located in Charles City. Company officials have approached numerous landowners in Hanover and other county seeking permission to survey their land to gauge its suitability for the upcoming project. If the land meets the required criteria, efforts are made to agree on a fair market value for the easements. Company officials fielded a variety of questions submitted by viewers on the Zoom session including what happens if a landowner does not want the pipeline on their property. “If you don’t grant us the land rights then you don’t have a pipeline on your property,” said Beth Minear of Chickahominy Pipeline. “We would move on to another property owner. This is purely voluntary. We have not sought eminent domain authority and do not intend to seek eminent domain authority. We want you to want this project.” She said property owners should consider the local

benefit the project provides to the area when making a decision. She cited great jobs and environmental reliability as prominent factors. “It’s a winwin for the area,” she said. “If you don’t want the pipeline, then you don’t sign the rights agreement.” Company officials said that projects like the Chickahominy Pipeline could prevent weather related environmental problems like the ones suffered in Texas when power grids were overwhelmed when temperatures dipped in the area. “For those of you who watched the Texas debacle, they clearly disconnected themselves from the national grid. They had a weather event that they didn’t plan for… and had no backup. This pipeline is not weather dependent… so you have a reliable backup. This would definitely help as a redundant and provide a good source of energy,” Minear said. The company has not sought State Corporation Commission regulation for the project, contending the project is a single use pipeline providing service to the Chickahominy Power Station. Since no gas is being sold directly to customers, the company contends that SCC regulation is not necessary. Minear said signing an agreement to allow officials to survey your land does not equate to authorization to build on that land. It only provides the company with the right to enter the property and survey for suitability. Another participant questioned the benefit to the landowner of allowing the pipeline and how does it affect property values. “There have been a lot of studies in the area about comparables for selling your house with or without a right of way….but the benefit is to make sure that your community – the nursing home, the

grocery store, the schools, your home – has a continuous supply of reliable energy. That’s a benefit to the community and you personally,” Minear said. Each easement requires a 50-foot right of way, extended to 75 feet during construction for safety reasons, and landowners who agree to the project have input regarding the location of that easement. “It’s all negotiable,” Minear said. “It’s not like we tell you where you have to put it. You have the ability to negotiate where you want to put it.” Officials addressed a perceived lack of communication with local officials regarding the project in a letter written two weeks ago. “You saw our mia culpa, the letter we sent you a few weeks ago, and, honestly, this project was so different from the other pipeline projects that didn’t have a local benefit,” she said. “The company wanted to get a feel for constructability and the routes first to see if it’s even feasible before we started the outreach,” she added. She conceded the outreach surrounding the project left much to be desired. “It was a mistake. We should have done outreach first before an ask and I think the letter said that. We have not done a great job with outreach and we’re making up for it and hope to gain your support.” When asked if company official would be willing to attend a Hanover Board of Supervisors meeting and make a presentation, Minear said she was more than willing to accommodate. “I would love to. Invite me,” she said. But county officials have repeatedly expressed concerns regarding the communications process. There were also questions regarding funding for the proposed project. Company offisee PIPEILINE, pg. 8

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Group fitness returns Is fitness on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Hanover County Parks and Recreation is excited to announce several group fitness program offerings beginning Jan. 6, 2022. These programs will help you get and stay fit. Yoga: Relax, Refresh, Restore and Rejuvenate, Gentle/Chair Yoga and Friday Night Sound Meditation classes are great for those looking to improve the mind, body and spirit. ChairOne Fitness class is an active 40-minute exercise class for senior citizens. The dance moves are set to music, while seated in a chair.

No partner is needed in the Beginning Line Dancing and Beyond Beginning Line Dancing classes. Just put on your dancing shoes and move to the beat of a variety of music. To preregister and learn more about our fitness program offerings, visit www.hanoverparksrec. com or https://tinyurl.com/ HanoverParksandRecFitness. Should you have additional questions, contact Hanover County Parks and Recreation, (804) 365-7150 or email parksandrec@hanovercounty.gov. Submitted by Hanover County Parks and Recreation.

TOP 10 Continued from pg. 5

The 2021 Hanover Tomato Festival was canceled for the second straight year. Officials said there were still too many unknowns when planning needed to start in November 2020. However, they still paid homage to the county’s beloved famous fruit with a month-long event in July. The promotion included live music and tomato tastings, a 4K Pizza Run, a tomato-themed countywide scavenger hunt, a viewing of “Fried Green Tomatoes,” and

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 4

Historical Society will be conducting free tours of the Old Hanover Courthouse

a pet-themed event, along with several virtual offerings. Fortunately, the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade was in full force on Dec. 5, bringing plenty of holiday cheer to thousands of people along the parade route and offering many a great start to the holiday season.

on the Historic Courthouse Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Tuesday through December. The address is 13182 Hanover see CALENDAR, pg. 12

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER 8

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021

Contributed photo

The Hanover Chamber Foundation is excited to team with area businesses, as well as sponsors.

Leadership Hanover represents a variety of businesses Contributed Report news@mechocal.com The first year of Leadership Hanover is off to an amazing start! Leadership Hanover is an interactive and informative nine-month program to guide individuals through concepts and further develop skills for the betterment of their participation in business, communal and civic efforts. Leadership Hanover’s core content is for those in a transitional career phase, emerging into a leadership role or desiring their next level of leadership. This year’s Leadership Hanover class includes 18 participants representing a variety of Hanover businesses. Each Leadership Hanover session has a concentrated theme of study. Thus far, the

PIPILINE Continued from pg. 7

cials said the funding would be provided by private investors in the project. They also explained the land agents employed to negotiate the agreements do not get a commission for every signature gathered. “They are not real estate agents,” Minear said. “They are salaried employees of the company and do not have a quota that they need to meet.” Company officials maintained that they are not a regulated utility and do not supply gas service to the general public. The SCC does not agree

content has focused on self-awareness and leadership philosophy while students and faculty gathered for orientation at Hanover Tavern’s Coach House and two sessions in Covenant Woods’ Lodge. The students have been joined by esteemed guest presenters including Dr. Stewart Roberson, president and CEO of Moseley Architects, and Dr. Jamelle Wilson, dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond. They have also participated in a DiSC workshop (personality and leadership assessment) led by Todd Bradberry, CEO of Parallel Management. Leadership Hanover sessions to date have included special guest panelists John Budesky, Hanover County administrator; Toni

and contends the project does need the agency’s oversight. There were also questions regarding possible finalized routes for the more than 80-mile project that transects Louisa, Hanover, Charles City, Henrico, and New Kent counties. Officials said as soon as residents respond to surveys or allow agents to inspect and survey properties , a final route for the pipeline can be established. Minear said the Charles City site was chosen to construct the pipeline due to its proximity to power providers who will utilize the generated power.

Gorveatt, president of Cobb Technologies; Debbie Lennick, CEO and co-owner of Creative, and Leigh Sewell, president of Memorial Regional Medical Center and Rappahannock General Hospital. The Hanover Chamber Foundation is excited to team with area businesses, as well as sponsors (presenting sponsors David W. Fuller and UBS Vice President Kenny Janes; session sponsors AdviCoach, Blazer Heating and Air, McCandlish Holton P.C., RCI Builders, Shaffer Coaching & Consulting; promotional sponsor It’s A Breeze Specialties), to offer this phenomenal opportunity and grateful to experienced leaders who are sharing their time and talent to enhance the growth of leaders in our community.

Minear said Virginia is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and needs the pipeline. Another question centered on where the additional power would be used and asked if power from Virginia would be exported to other states. “The electricity will be benefitting and reinforcing the grid,” Minear said. “It is a local benefit project for the quickest growing area. The other areas will benefit as well, but the input into the grid will be in Virginia,” she added. Pipeline officials said more than 40 people accessed the Zoom meeting. Additional

questions can be addressed to info@chickahominypipeline. com. “The gas will come from a Virginia pipeline to the Chickahominy Power Plant,” Minear said. “It will provide great jobs for the area, great tax benefits for many of the areas, but yes, it is a regional transmission organization, PJM; but it’s all through put starting in Virginia.” PJM is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia including Virginia

Upcoming programs at Hanover area branch Pamunkey libraries All Pamunkey Regional Library branches will be closed on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, and Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022.

Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library In-Person Programs Instant Shakespeare at the Ashland Branch Library Saturday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. A different way to approach Shakespeare! Join in a staged reading of a different Shakespeare play each month. January's play is "Hamlet." Meet at 10 a.m. to review edited scripts, decide who is playing which part, go over any important action, talk about how to handle some of the trickier language. Bring a bag lunch for break. At 3 p.m., we will begin reading the play out loud to each other, on foot, using supplied props, getting a feel for the story through the action. The plays run between one and two hours, so we will be done by 5 p.m. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/8054640. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information. Must Love Words at the Ashland Branch Library Tuesdays, Jan. 11 and 25, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Writers, are you looking for inspiration? Need readers with a discerning eye? Join us for constructive feedback and discussion about the craft of writing on each of this month. Due to group resources, email and word processing are used to communicate outside of meetings. Access to email and familiarity with word processing is preferred. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information. Heather Weidner Talks Mysteries at the Ashland Branch Library Monday, Jan. 10, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Join mystery author Heather Weidner for an engaging talk on her

love of mysteries and her work in the genre. She has written Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers (Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries), the “Delanie Fitzgerald” mystery series set in Virginia, and the upcoming “Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries.” Her short stories and novellas have appeared in several collections, including “Virginia is for Mysteries,” “50 Shades of Cabernet,” “Deadly Southern Charm,” “Murder by the Glass,” and “Mutt Mysteries.” Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information. Cosplay & COVID-19 at the Ashland Branch Library Wednesday, Jan. 12, 7-8 p.m. COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of our daily lives, including cosplay. Come learn how the global pandemic has changed this vast category of hobbies as we know it. Get tips on how to safely and smartly plan for your next cosplay convention or event, how to incorporate health safety into a cosplay, and more. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information. Japanese Cooking for Manga Fans at the Ashland Branch Library Thursday, Jan. 13, 6 - 7 p.m. For ages 12-18. Learn how to make Usagi Ringo, Tamago Tomodachi,Tako, Ika, and Kani-fabulously cute appetizers you've seen in manga. No food will be consumed during the program. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information. Navigating Medicare and Medicaid at the Ashland Branch Library Wednesday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join us to learn more about Medicare enrollment, costs and coverage. Find out about programs available for eligible individuals to save on

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Medicare costs and where you can go to find the answers to your Medicare questions. Presented by Senior Connections VICAP Department. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information. Reading Olympians Game Challenge at the Ashland Branch Library Thursday, Dec. 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m. For ages 12-18. Bring a friend or teammate to create fun review games and trivia cards to help each other prepare for the contest. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/8076450. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information. Afternoon Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library Monday Jan. 17, 1 – 2 p.m. Read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.

Evening Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library Tuesday, Jan. 18, 7 – 8 p.m. Read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information. FAFSA Help Night at the Ashland Branch Library Thursday, Jan. 20, 6 - 8 p.m. Stop by the library for free oneon-one assistance in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with ECMC’s The College Place - Richmond. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information. Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library Friday, Jan. 21, 10 - 11 a.m. Read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.

Montpelier Branch Library Monday, Jan. 10, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Join us for a monthly discussion on our favorite mystery titles. Registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane for more information. Bath Bombs for Teens at the Montpelier Branch Library Saturday, Jan. 15, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. For ages 12-18. Melt your stress away! Learn to make bath bombs for the ultimate relaxation break. Registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane for more information. Feeding Your Dog for Optimal Wellness at the Montpelier Branch Library Thursday, Jan. 20, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. What does "all natural" mean? Are premium brands worth the money? We'll reveal marketing misnomers and identify reliable resources to help you maximize budget and your pet's health! Registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/. Call 804-883-7116 or visit the library at 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane for more information.

Hanover Branch Library

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library

Take & Make Programs Take and Make: New Year Nutrition Tips Starts Monday, Jan. 10 Stop by the Hanover Branch Library and pick up a packet with New Year nutrition tips to encourage better nutrition. Lots of information and healthy recipe ideas included. Call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive to sign up or for more information.

Lois Wickham Jones/ Montpelier Branch Library In-Person Programs Mystery Book Club at the

In Person Programs Healthy Sleep Seminar at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library Wednesday, Jan. 12, 6 - 7 p.m. Are you getting enough sleep? Find out how to improve your sleep with Medicare Specialist Deanna Scott. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/8539162. Call 804-749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Submitted by librarian Carolyn Garner.

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021 9

Sports

29 2021

Upcoming events Prep basketball: The Ville Classic at Mechanicsville 5:30 p.m./7:15 p.m.

29 2021

College baseball Rosemont at Randolph-Macon 7:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

PH athlete finds the world’s a dance stage By Christina Amano Dolan for The Local

In the early fall following his high school graduation, former Patrick Henry High School athlete Dylan Schloss set off for Dubai, ready to take center stage with one of the world’s most prestigious Irish dance groups. Schloss had been accepted to tour with Riverdance at the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, an event that had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With countries from all over the world gathering to share their cultures in the expo, Riverdance is representing Ireland in dance. Schloss, first hearing of the Riverdance tour in Dubai, talked to his parents about auditioning. He decided it “didn’t hurt to throw [his] name in the hat” and submitted a clip of his dancing. After several weeks of waiting and eventually meeting with the troupe’s executive producer, he was offered a position. “I was shocked and I was astonished. I couldn’t believe it,” Schloss said. “It’s like the original, most prestigious dance show. It’s like the NFL of Irish dance basically.” Out of over 500 young men who auditioned, Schloss was one of the few selected. He toured with the troupe for about a month and returned home at the end of November. Jessie Baffa, Schloss’ dance teacher and his “biggest motivator and influence” in dance, said it was a surreal moment when she heard of his acceptance into

Courtesy of Jennifer Schloss

Former Patrick Henry athlete Dylan Schloss (second from left) danced his way into the Riverdance troupe at the 2020 Dubai World Expo in November.

Riverdance. Baffa and her sister had previously toured with Riverdance for many years. “That’s the main goal for an Irish dancer because that’s the top,” Baffa said. “That’s the pro-

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021

fessional level.” While his acceptance into the troupe is his most recent milestone, Schloss has taken impressive strides in the world of Irish dancing over the years.

Schloss was first introduced to Irish dancing when he was about 5 years old, attending a performance with his sister and mother. After watching his sister first join the sphere of

“It really just accelerated competitive Irish dancing, his mother eventually signed him from there until I made it to the up for a beginner class at the highest level of competition you same school. His first competi- could get,” Schloss said. tion took place in the winter of 2012 when he was 9 years old. see STAGE, pg. 11 

STAGE Continued from pg. 10 

Schloss has since competed in numerous Irish dance competitions around the world, including the All-Ireland Championships and the World Championships. He has travelled to Scotland, Ireland and Canada for worldwide competitions and across the country for regional competitions. While Schloss spent many hours training for Irish dance competitions every week, he additionally juggled schoolwork with many other sports he took on. Schloss played for his school’s varsity football team and baseball team, driving straight from practice to his dance academy after school. “Being at that high level with dance, usually you don’t do other sports, usually you are just training with dance,” Baffa said. “So the fact that he was so successful in his other sports as well as dance, it just goes to show how talented he is and how hardworking and driven he is.” As Schloss has been competing internationally for a number of years, the young dancer has learned to overcome defeat. In the months leading up to the 2019 World Championships, Schloss competed in the AllIreland Championships with disheartening results. He placed 14 out of more than 20 boys in his age group. “I remember sitting in the auditorium after I got my award and I was just crying,” Schloss said. “I was just overcome with disappointment, and I knew something had to change.” Schloss said a “switch flipped” when he returned to America, and he began vigorously training in the six weeks leading up to his next competition. When he returned for the World Championships, he placed sixth in the world with the highest individual score. “It was phenomenal. I mean I went out there and I literally

Courtesy of Jennifer Schloss

Above, Dylan Schloss and the American members of the Riverdance cast play around in front of the U.S. pavilion at the 2020 Dubai World Expo on Thanksgiving Day. Far left, the Riverdance cast enjoys a desert sunrise in Dubai. Left, Dylan at his graduation from Patrick Henry with his sisters Amanda (left) and Cassidy.

just left everything I could on with the result. It was pretty when Schloss placed sixth. “You don’t have to try to the floor, I danced my heart surreal.” Baffa said it was “one of pull the passion out of him, it’s out,” Schloss said. “And I really just couldn’t have been happier the best moments of [her] life” just there,” Baffa said. “And no

matter what happened resultwise, no matter what happened with any hardships throughout dance, he would just use it as

Top, Dylan Schloss performs at Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens in July. Above, Dylan shows his medal after placing 11th in the North American Irish Dance Championships in Montreal in 2014.

motivation.” Schloss said since he is now in the circuit of Riverdance dancers, there is a chance he will be called back to tour with the troupe again. He said he will most likely accept and tour for as long as he can. “Honestly I never thought dance was something I was going to do my whole life,” Schloss said. “But it’s definitely not going to last forever. When you get an opportunity to go to a foreign country, dance and meet new people . . . that stuff is limited. I’m going to be an old man one day. I’m not going to be able to do all that stuff. So I figured why not do it and capitalize on this opportunity?” Christina Amano Dolan can be reached at sports@mechlocal. com.

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021 11

SHERIFF’S Continued from pg. 3

Nov. 23

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 16500th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier. Use of profane, threatening language over public airway was reported in the 7200th block of Courtland Farm Road, Hanover.

Nov. 25

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 15100th block of Rehoboth Road, Doswell. Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 17100th block of Hidden Lake Lane, Rockville.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Driving after forfeiture of license was reported in the 16200th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier. Violation of a protective order was reported in the 15100th block of Rehoboth Road, Doswell.

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 8

Courthouse Road in Hanover. For more information, visit http://www.hanoverhistorical. org/index.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Town of Ashland Planning Commission Public Hearing

Capital Improvements Program FY 2022-2023 through 20262027: Review recommendations for amendments or revisions to The Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The CIP is a program that spans five (5) budget years. Non-recurring projects that are capital intensive are included in the CIP. The identified projects and assigned priorities are reviewed annually by the Planning Commission and the Town Council. A copy of the proposed CIP is available for review in the Town Hall at 121 Thompson Street, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Public Notice

The Ashland Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall at 121 Thompson Street, to accept comments from the public on the following:

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Nov. 26

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Please take notice that on the 18th day of January 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct public hearings for the purpose of receiving input, and may take action on the following: REZ21-1103 & ORD2021-16, Haley Court

Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 2:00 P.M., and Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 6:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building at Hanover Courthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for Regular Board Meetings.

Nick Vignone and Robert Hensley, on behalf of the property owner Albert Coleman, request to amend proffers accepted with REZ16-0609, Bulifant Homes, to construct ten single-family detached dwellings for a total density of 3.75 units/acre. The applicants propose to amend and add proffers regarding permitted uses and density. The property is +/- 2.6 acres and is located at the western end of Haley Court and southern end of Calley Street or identified as GPIN 7870-64-2555. The current zoning, R-3, residential medium, has a minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet. The Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use designates this property as traditional neighborhood (1-4 units/acre). Copies of REZ21-1103 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 to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made. By Order of the Ashland Town Council

Third Saturday The Hanover Knitting Guild, currently meeting at Covenant Woods, meets monthly, the third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. New members are invited to join our group of fiber enthusiasts, who meet to share, support, and advance our fiber-working skills in knitting or crochet. For more information check out our web page at: https:// hanoverknittingguild.weebly. com/ or text 804-445-5923 to get your name put on our list at the Covenant Woods reception desk.

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VA residents scramble to get last Walking Liberty Rolls VIRGINIA - Once Virginia residents got wind that Virginia State Restricted Bank Rolls filled with Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s were being handed over, there was a mad dash to get them. That’s because some of these U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins are already worth hundreds in collector value. “It’s like a run on the banks. The phones are ringing off the hook. That’s because everyone is trying to get them before they’re all gone,” according to officials at the National Mint and Treasury who say they can barely keep up with all the orders. In fact, they had to impose a strict limit of 4 Virginia State Restricted Bank Rolls. So, if you get the chance to get your hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls you better hurry because hundreds of Virginia residents already have and you don’t want to miss out. You see, the U.S. Gov’t stopped minting

these Silver Walking Liberties in 1947 and there can never be any more which makes them extremely collectible. And here’s the best part. The rolls are unsearched so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value. That’s why at just the $39 state minimum set by National Mint and Treasury it’s a deal too good to pass up. But you better hurry because these Virginia State Restricted Bank Rolls are the only ones known to exist and Virginia residents are grabbing them up as fast as they can. That’s because they make amazing gifts for children, grandchildren and loved ones. Just imagine the look on their face when you hand them one of the State Restricted Rolls — they’ll tell everyone they know what you did for them.

■ GOT ‘EM: Residents all across Virginia who get their hands on these State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls are definitely showing them off. That’s because they are the only ones known to exist. And here’s the best part, these Bank Rolls are loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty coins some dating back to the early 1900’s and worth up to 100 times their face value so everyone wants them.

Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to Virginia residents Virginia residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for the next 2 days STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per VA resident has been imposed

VIRGINIA - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist. That’s why Hotline Operators are bracing for the flood of calls,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Director for the National Mint and Treasury. For the next 2 days the last remaining State of Virginia Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually being handed over to Virginia residents who call the State Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication. “National Mint and Treasury recently spoke with its Chief Professional Numismatist who said ‘Very few people have ever actually seen one of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s. But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls is like finding buried treasure. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said. “Now that the State of Virginia Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we won’t be (Continued on next page)

SILVER: one of the last silver coins minted for circulation

ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL: year varies 1916-1947

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021

LAST REMAINING: minted in philadelphia, denver & san francisco

RARELY SEEN: minted by the u.s. mint in the early 1900’s R1043R-5

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(Continued from previous page)

surprised if thousands of Virginia residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne. “That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of Virginia Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Virginia residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say. And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Virginia you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline. The only thing Virginia residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends. “Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said. “We’re guessing thousands of Virginia residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued. “We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said. The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of Virginia and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

HOW TO CLAIM THE LAST STATE RESTRICTED BANK ROLLS FACTS:

If you are a Virginia State Resident read the important information below about claiming the State Silver Bank Rolls, then call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 8:30 am: 1-800-979-3771 EXT: RWB3426

Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:

Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible. The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation. That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:

It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only Virginia State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Why are so many Virginia residents claiming them:

Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all Virginia residents are guaranteed to get them for the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.

How do I get the State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls:

Virginia residents are authorized to claim up to the limit of 4 State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls by calling the State Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-979-3771 Ext. RWB3426 starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning. Everyone who does is getting the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist. That’s a full Bank Roll containing 15 Silver Walking Liberties from the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty, which is just $585 for the full Bank Rolls and that’s a real steal because non state residents are not permitted to call before 5 pm tomorrow and must pay $1,770 for each Virginia State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Roll if any remain. R1043R-5

NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2021 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY.

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021 15

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD PUZZLE

12/29-12/30

WINTER SCENES WORD SEARCH

HOROSCOPES

49. Social insect 50. Dull brown fabrics 55. Indian musical pattern 56. N. England university 57. Portable stands for coffins 59. Iranian district 60. Envision 61. Passerine bird genus 62. Container 63. Falter 64. Tunisian city CLUES DOWN 1. Cool! 2. Passover offering 3. Swedish rock group 4. Collegiate military organization 5. Large nests 6. Beloved baked good 7. 1980s pop legend 8. Finger millet 9. Hillside 10. Surrender 12. Midway between south and southeast 14. Long, narrow strap 19. Discount 23. A type of cast

24. Large, tropical lizard 25. Half of ‘Milli Vanilli’ 26. Single 27. Big truck 28. Midway between east and southeast 29. Et __: indicates further 34. Insecticide 35. Luke Skywalker’s mentor __-Wan 36. Cast out 37. Breakfast food 39. By reason of 40. One who makes thread 41. Baseball stat 42. Breezed through 44. Frothy mass of bubbles 45. Tony-winning actress Daisy 46. Made of fermented honey and water 47. Member of a Semitic people 48. Monetary unit of the Maldives 51. Run batted in 52. Makes publicly known 53. Disagreement 54. Soluble ribonucleic acid 58. Single-reed instrument

Ashland-Hanover Local December 29, 2021

$"/$&3 t +VO +VM Always get the facts before you react, Cancer. Friends may be pulling you in different directions and want you to be on their sides. Decide what is best for you.

-*#3" t 4FQU 0DU Libra, before you dive full speed ahead into a new relationship, it is better to do your research as much as possible. This is especially true when entering a business agreement.

$"13*$03/ t %FD +BO Capricorn, your commitment to doing things the right way is admirable and has not gone unnoticed. Others look to you for inspiration, and this will benefit your career.

5"6364 t "QS .BZ Taurus, individuals often are judged by the company they keeps. Surround yourself with honest, supportive and accomplished people as much as you can.

-&0 t +VM "VH Leo, if you butt heads with a colleague or your boss, the confrontation will not get out of control. Things will blow over very shortly.

4$031*0 t 0DU /PW Your energy levels may be all over the place this week, Scorpio. Build some free time into your schedule to accommodate for when you may need to play catch up.

"26"3*64 t +BO 'FC Aquarius, you are on a mission this week to stand out from the crowd. Make sure the light is shining on you for all the right reasons. Remain humble when praise comes your way.

(&.*/* t .BZ +VO It is tempting to want to help in every situation, Gemini. But this week you may need to observe from the sidelines and let others work things out on their own.

7*3(0 t "VH 4FQU Virgo, if your workload gets out of control, don’t feel that you have to go it alone. Ask for help and it will be there. This will ensure all projects are completed on time.

4"(*55"3*64 t /PW %FD There is no need to let emotions get the best of you. Sagittarius. Your confidence will diffuse many situations as long as you are tactful and respectful.

1*4$&4 t 'FC .BS Figure out how to deliver information in an empowering way, Pisces. A positive, empowering message is likely to be well-received.

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS 1. Loud cheer 5. Defensive nuclear weapon (abbr.) 8. Type of cell 11. Oblong pulpits 13. Pitching statistic 14 Uncommon 15. Liabilities 16. Thin, straight bar 17. Oh goodness! 18. Competitions 20. __ Jima, WW II battlefield 21. Professional assn. (abbr.) 22. Italian mountain range 25. Taking possession of 30. Used in cooking and medicine 31. Water (French) 32. Parent a child 33. Sun-dried brick 38. One point south of due east 41. Female fashion accessory 43. A way of making a copy of 45. A way to debilitate 47. Wings

"3*&4 t .BS "QS Aries, group dynamics could be tricky this week. Emotions are tense and putting too many people together may lead to friction. Make a concerted effort to stay calm.