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The Universe from the Center
Modern precision timekeeping explored
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By Dr. George Spagna Special to Ashland-Hanover Local
We have been tracing a brief history of time and timekeeping. Last month I promised a final discussion on modern precision timekeeping. Recall that the year is measured by Earth’s orbit around the Sun in about 365.25 days. The second used to be defined as a fraction of the tropical year 1900, approximately one 31.56 millionth of that year, or one 86,400th of a day. But our rotation rate is not constant – it can change with earthquakes, tides, and even human activity like building large reservoirs.
That’s not a big deal for most of us, but your computers need more precision and so does science. The official time standard for the U.S. is a “cesium fountain atomic clock” in Boulder, Colorado, maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). A quick search of their web site (nist.gov) finds the following history:
In 1945 Isidor Rabi, a physics professor at Columbia University, suggests a clock could be made from a technique he developed in the 1930s called atomic beam magnetic resonance. In 1949, using Rabi's technique, NIST (then the National Bureau of Standards) announces the world's first atomic clock using the ammonia molecule as the source of vibrations. In 1952, NIST completes the first accurate measurement of the frequency of the cesium clock resonance. The apparatus for this measurement is named NBS-1. In 1954, NBS-1 is moved to NIST's new laboratories in Boulder, Colorado. In 1955, The National Physical Laboratory in England builds the first cesium-beam clock used as a calibration source. In 1956, commercial cesium clocks become available, costing $20,000 each.
In 1959, NBS-1 goes into regular service as NIST's primary frequency standard. In 1960, NBS-2 is inaugurated in Boulder; it can run for long periods unattended and is used to calibrate secondary standards. In 1963, the search for a clock with improved accuracy and stability results in NBS-3. In 1967, the 13th General Conference on Weights and Measures defines the second on the basis of vibrations of the cesium atom; the world's timekeeping system no longer has an astronomical basis. In 1968, NBS-4, Metro Creative Connection the world's most stable cesium clock, is completed. This clock was used into the 1990s as part of the NIST time system. In 1972,NBS-5, an advanced cesium beam device, is completed and serves as the primary standard. In 1975, NBS-6 begins operation; an outgrowth of NBS-5, it is one of the world's most accurate atomic clocks, neither gaining nor losing one second in 300,000 years.
In 1989, the Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded to three researchers: Norman Ramsey of Harvard University, Hans
see UNIVERSE, pg. 11
LAWS
Continued from pg. 1 or capacity to make, communicate or carry out reasonable decisions concerning his well-being or has one or more limitations that substantially impair the adult’s ability to independently provide for his daily needs or safe guard his person, property or legal interests. It is now a class 1 misdemeanor for an agent under a power of attorney to knowingly or intentionally engage in financial exploitation of an incapacitated adult who is the principal of that agent. A person may be prosecuted for a stalking charge in the jurisdiction where such person resides at the time of the stalking. Evidence of any conduct that occurred outside of Virginia may be admissible, if relevant, in any stalking trial. Law enforcement officers may make an arrest without a warrant when in close pursuit and the arrest is made beyond the boundary of the jurisdiction from which the arrestee fled. The law enforcement officer shall procure a warrant(s) from the magistrate serving the jurisdiction where the arrest was made, changing the arrestee with an offense(s) in the jurisdiction where the arrest was made, charging the arrestee with offense in the jurisdiction from where he fled and any offense(s) committed during the close pursuit where such offense(s) occurred. Those riding bicycles, electric personal mobility devices, electric powerassisted bicycles or motorized skateboards or scooters two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic and shall, as quickly as practicable, move into a single file formation when being overtaken by a faster moving vehicle. Criminal investigative files relating to a criminal investigation or proceeding that is not ongoing are excluded from the mandatory disclosure provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Exceptions are provided for attorneys representing a petitioner or inspection by an attorney or a person proceeding pro se (without benefit of counsel) in a petition for a writ of habeas corpus or writ of actual innocence. No criminal investigative file shall be disclosed to any requester except the victim, immediate family members, if the victim is deceased, or the victim’s parents or guardian if the victim is a minor. If the immediate family member and/or the parent or guardian is considered a person of interest or a suspect in the investigation or proceeding, there is a provision whereby the circuit court of the jurisdiction can issue an injunction preventing disclosure. Credit for time spent in confinement while awaiting trial will now include any time spent in pretrial confinement or dentition on separate charges that are from the same act as the violation for which the person was convicted and are dismissed or not prosecuted. New legislation clarifies that if the owner of a place to be searched pursuant to a search warrant is not present, a copy of the search warrant and affidavit shall be given to at least one adult occupant of the place to be searched. Commencing July 1, a person is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a careless or distracted manner and causes death or serious bodily injury of a vulnerable road user. The previous statute only mentioned serious bodily injury. Upon conviction, one’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle may be suspended or restricted for up to six months. Any person who knowingly (i) engages in sexual contact with an animal; (ii) causes another by force, threat or intimidation to engage in sexual contact with an animal; (iii) advertises, solicits, offers, sells, purchases or possesses an animal with the intent that the animal be subject to sexual contact; (iv) permits sexual contact with an animal to be conducted on any premises under his ownership or control; or (v) produces, distributes, publishes, sells, transmits, finances, possesses or possesses with intent to distribute, publish, sell or transmit an obscene item depicting a person engaged in sexual contract with an animal is guilty of a class 6 felony (one to five years in the penitentiary or up to 12 months in jail). A law enforcement officer or animal control officer is required to apply to a magistrate for a summons for a vicious dog if such officer is in either the jurisdiction where the dog resides or where the dog committed an act set forth in the definition of vicious dog. Currently, such action is required only if the officer is in the jurisdiction where the dog resides. Any dog engaged in lawful hunting must wear a substantial collar with a tag that identifies the name of the owner or custodian of the dog and a current phone number. Willfully, breaking, tampering, injuring or removing any part of a motor vehicle, aircraft, boat, vessel or temporarily or permanently preventing its useful operation when such actions involve the breaking, injuring, tampering with or removal of a catalytic converter or the parts thereof is a class 6 felony. This new legislation is clearly a response to the drastic increase in catalytic converter thefts. Motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers exempted from the registration requirement must be covered by motor vehicle insurance, a general liability policy or an umbrella or excess liability policy. An owner must provide proof of the above insurance within 30 days when requested by a law enforcement officer or be subject to a $600 fine to be paid into the Uninsured Motorist Fund.
Again, I emphasize the preceding materials do not address all changes to the law or all new legislation from the past General Assembly. Any questions may be addressed by calling my direct line at (804) 365-6186.
As always, my thanks to my fellow citizens for the privilege of serving as your Commonwealth’s Attorney and for your support.
Submitted by R. E. “Trip” Chalkley, III, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Hanover County.
SHERIFF’S REPORTS
April 29
Petit larceny, building was reported in the 11200th block of
Old Ridge Road, Doswell.
April 30
Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 9300th block of Willies Way
Tl, Mechanicsville. Petit larceny, shoplifting was reported in the 7400th block of
Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Grand larceny, auto theft was reported in the 10200th block of
Lakeridge Square Court, Ashland.
Petit larceny, building was reported in the 10900th block of Richardson
Road, Ashland.
Concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of
Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of
Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 9100th block of Caleb Drive,
Mechanicsville.
Using a computer to commit larceny, $500 or more was reported in the 20300th block of
Beaver Dam Road, Beaverdam.
| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue
May 1
Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 7500th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
DWI: First offense was reported in the 7400th block of Old Hickory
Drive/Mechanicsville Turnpike,
Mechanicsville.
Concealment of price-altered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of
Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
July programs at Ashland Branch library
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library
In-PersonPrograms
Outdoor Family
Storytimes Tuesdays, July 12 and 26, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
An all ages story time at the Carter Park pavilion located in Ashland. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books. Carter Park is located at 1112 Maple Street, Ashland. Register at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather.
Must Love Words
Wednesday, July 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and up.
Writers, are you looking for inspiration? Need readers with a discerning eye? Join the library 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.
Wet Art Wednesday, July 13, 11 a.m. to noon. Ages 3 and up.
Color the sidewalks around the library with some wet art, weather permitting.
Hanover Quilting Circle
Wednesday, July 13, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Grab your sewing machine, supplies and current project. This group meets the second Wednesday of every month to share ideas, fabric, skills and stories. Beginners, experienced quilters and those curious about the hobby are all welcome to drop in.
Morning Book Club
Friday, July 15, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Ages 18 and up. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.
Discover Your Watershed: A Raindrop’s Journey.
Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m. to noon.
Ages 18 and up. Join the library for the first in a three-part series. Learn about watersheds in general and the Chesapeake Bay watershed in particular, the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Best Management Practices (BMPs), and how the community can come together to support environmental literacy and install voluntary BMPs in the local watershed. Presented by Karen Fetty of HanoverCaroline Soil and Water Conservation District.
Afternoon Book Club
Monday, July 18, 1 to 2 p.m. Ages 18 and up.
Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.
Evening Book Club
Tuesday, July 19, 7 to 8 p.m. Ages 18 and up.
Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.
Back to School Vaccines
Thursday, July 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Learn what vaccines are due for school and what they protect against. A registered nurse can look at your child's vaccine record and let you know if anything is missing. If your child needs vaccines, appointments can be made for the health department at the program. Presented by the Hanover Health Department.
Submarine Escape Room
Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Ages 12 to 18. Do you have what it takes to survive a sinking submarine? Test your skills with your friends and see if you can escape the trap. Only sign up for only one time slot at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/8906725.
Jack's Jungle Trailer at Tuesday, July 26, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Welcome to Jack's Jungle, the traveling jungle zoo. Step into Jack's very own jungle trailer to see and learn about the fascinating 28 animals, in their enclosures, on the inside. There will also be animals outside of the trailer to touch and hold under supervision.
Discover Your Watershed: Best Management Practices & the Virginia Conservation
Assistance Program Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m. to noon.
Join the library for the second in a three-part series. Learn about watersheds in general and the Chesapeake Bay watershed in particular, the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Best Management Practices (BMPs), and how the community can come together to support environmental literacy and install voluntary BMPs in the local watershed. Presented by Karen Fetty of Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District.
Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.
746-5853
WEWANTTOBEYOURPLUMBER
205EnglandStreet Ashland,VA23005
Giveusacall: (804)401-7007
UpcomingEvents:
Elvis
July6 & July7 at 7pm
ThelifeandmusicofElvisPresley
WheretheCrawdadsSing
July14 & July15 at 7pm July16 at 2pm & 7pm July17 at noon July20 - July22 at 7pm
DCLeagueofSuper-Pets
Ticketsonsalesoon! July29 at 2pm
AshlandFourthFridays
FreeEvent! July29 from 5pm-8pm
Purchasetickets&seeupcomingeventsat: ashlandtheatre.org
Do you have a news tip, story idea or photo to submit? E-mail Christina Amano Dolan at cdolan@mechlocal.com
Wednesday, July 13
Enon UMC, located at 6156 Studley Road, 23116 will hold VBS for all kids ages fourth through fifth grade from 6 to 8 p.m. Children’s dinner will be served at 6 followed by Bible story, music, crafts and games. The theme is “Discovery on Adventure Island.” Registration is required and available on the website: enonumc.org or by calling (804) 746-4719, (804) 571-2990 (804) 730-1792 or (804) 723-5971.
Ongoing FISHDAY!
IT’STIMETOSTOCKYOURPOND!
Deliverywillbe: Tuesday,July19
www.fishwagon.com www.fishwagon.com
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 2 miles west of U.S. 1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Dr. Roy Minnix. Visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-2709626.
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. 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. Contact 804-7465081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com.
email:mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460TimesDispatchBlvd., Mechanicsville,VA23116
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. Contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http://www.mcshin.org.
Tuesdays
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. Visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536.
The American Legion Post 175, located at 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville, holds a “Meet and Greet, Coffee and Donut” event from 9-11 a.m. every Tuesday for the community and perspective members to meet members and learn about what they do for the community. Visit http://www. post175.org/.
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.
Th ursdays
The Ashland Rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804-4966093 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 Road Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-6524 or email mjfaith1@gmail.com.
New Highland Baptist Church hosts open basketball gym time for adults in the Christian Life Center (CLC) starting at 7:30 PM. The church is located at 9200 New Ashcake Road in Mechanicsville. Use the side back entrance to enter. Contact Jeff Fitzgerald at jkfitzgerald@comcast.net with any questions.
Civil Air Patrol, Hanover Squadron, meets Thursdays, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Road, in Mechanicsville. CAP is an awesome program for youth, ages 12- 21, as well as for adults who care about young people and want to help train America’s next generation of Leaders. You’ll find cadet life exciting if you enjoy Flying, Leadership Training, Model Rocketry, Earning Rank & Awards, and much more. For more information, visit hanover.vawg.cap. gov. You can also call or email Capt James Wright at 804-5513354 or james.wright@vawg. cap.gov.
| News, Updates & Listings
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.
Fridays
The Building Bridges group of Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. The group’s mission is to bring a message of hope and recovery to those suffering from addiction issues. They meet on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 7356 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, visit rvana.org.
Second Mondays
The WEB of Hope meets from 10 a. m. to noon at the Black Creek Baptist Church at 6289 McClellan Road 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 804-781-0338.
Th ird Mondays
Alzheimer’s/Dementia support group for caregivers and others who want to help and encourage those who have loved ones with dementia illnesses meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month on Zoom. For more information, contact Jennifer Bean at 804-559-2805 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. Contact Heather at hshaheen96@gmail. com.
The Atlee Ruritan Club meets every fourth Monday at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Rt.301. Meetings, that include dinner and a program, begin at 6:30 p.m. Ruritan is a national community service organization dedicated to fellowship, goodwill, and community service. The Atlee Club welcomes both men and women. To learn more about the club’s mission and reserve your spot for dinner, call (804) 789-9365.
Second Tuesdays
The Mechanicsville Fellowship Club meets each month (excluding July and Aug.) at 10:30 a.m. in Room G110 of Shady Grove United Methodist Church at 8209 Shady Grove Rd. in
see CALENDAR, pg. 12
