Ashland-Hanover Local – 10/21/20

ALL ABOARD!

FOR YOUR PETS

More supporters joining efforts to build Railroad Park

County announces schedule for rabies vaccination clinics

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Vol. 6 No. 7 | Richmond Suburban News | October 21, 2020

Outdoor heating aid available to patio eateries

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

Joel Klein/Ashland-Hanover Local

Burnlie Montaigne, right, is serving as the 2020 Hanover Christmas Mother. The announcement of her selection was made last Wednesday at the Doswell Community Center during the annual Christmas Mother Tea. In the photo above, Mrs. Montaigne is shown with former Christmas Mothers.

Montaigne ready for challenges of a different year for Christmas Mother

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor DOSWELL – While the goal of the Doswell Ruritan Club every year is to help the

needy through the Hanover Christmas Mother program, the 2020 Hanover Christmas Mother, Burnlie Montaigne, has what may be considered a daunting task ahead of her in

a year marred by a pandemic, economic woes, and job losses. But, no, she is enthusiastic and prepared to take on whatever challenges to ensure a Merry Christmas for all.

Montaigne was officially introduced as the 2020 Hanover Christmas Mother on Tuesday, Oct. 13, during the annual Tea. Due to see CHRISTMAS, pg. 2

ASHLAND – In an attempt to boost restaurants and breweries impacted by COVID19, the Ashland Economic Development Authority agreed last Thursday to help through an Outdoor Heating Assistance Program.

Joe Topham, the town’s business retention and expansion manager, said the heaters will make using patios “livable” for November and December.

“We can cover all the cost or most of the cost for them.”

“I think it’s a relatively modest step,” he said. “We can help some of our restaurants, who, quite frankly, don’t have a lot of cash right now.”

He did point out that the funding is available to those restaurants and breweries that

support the town’s meal tax.

Topham said the restaurant or brewery seeking a heater “has to be current with all local tax and business license.”

A question pertaining to assisting non-profits, the Ashland Museum or the Ashland Theatre arose.

Topham explained they must limit funding to ensure the $20,400 appropriation. That amount, he continued, would “cover each one (restaurants and breweries) up to that now.

Each business would be eligible for $1,200 to purchase outdoor heating devices, upp to a maximum of $300 per heating device.

In seeking approval from the EDA, Topham said he “felt comfortable with this. Plainly speaking, we collect meals tax

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see HEATING, pg. 16

Town Planning Commission defers action on R-MC CUP

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ASHLAND – RandolphMacon College President Robert Lindgren reiterated the relationship between the institution and the Town of Ashland last week as he pursued a Conditional Use Permit for a house at 301 Caroline St. However, the Ashland Planning Commission deferred any action after at least an hour of presentations and discussions.

With Vice Chair Charles Selden making a motion to deny the request going nowhere without a second, Chair Bob Flanagan said the commission had “the option to defer as well if you feel like there’s something that needs to be worked out.”

Commission members agreed to defer action “and allow the staff to present more details conditions.”

Selden suggested proffers that were involved – “sort of a reuse of the ones that were

PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

in the Howard property, and a little bit of refinement on the parking as per our discussions.

The CUP for R-MC was brought before the commission by Will Tucker, who said the request was to change the house at 301 Caroline St. from residential to office. He noted office uses as permitted in the district.

R-MC submitted the application in July to change the zoning of what had been a single-family residence. The house is vacant, but was a private residence in 2008 when R-MC had presented its Master Plan about properties.

The house is described as a Colonial Revival “or something along those lines. The R-2 designation of that site is located near the higher education area, and is considered a

Donate to Railroad Park

Image submitted by Downtown Ashland Association

Nov. 30 is the deadline for lovers of America’s railroad history to meet the $50,000 matching grant for the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park project in Ashland. Otherwise, the entire grant will be withdrawn. Research shows that the Railroad Park will strengthen our region’s economy for years to come, and the $50,000 matching grant from the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation is the very best chance to make this exciting attraction a reality. Please watch an informative video at ashlandvirginia.com/railroad. Then donate securely online, or write your check to Downtown Ashland Association and mail it to P.O. Box 33, Ashland VA 23005 (write “Railroad Park” on the memo line). Supportive organizations include the Downtown Ashland Association, Virginia Port Authority, Ashland Museum, Hanover County Black Heritage Society, CSX, Ashland Kiwanis Club, Marketing Ashland Partnership, and the Hanover County Historical Society. A permanent plaque will recognize donors of $5,000+ as Honored Founders and donors of $1,000+ as Honored Supporters. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for joining in to make this happen!

see R-MC, pg. 5

WOODY WOODWORTH AND THE PINERS Saturday, October 24, 3-5pm

CHRISTMAS Continued from pg. 1

COVID-19, the location changed this year though.

Joining Montaigne were several of the former Christmas Mothers.

“This is a most unusual time and needs are greater than ever. My hope and prayer is that people will open their hearts and wallets to help others in our county,” she said.

“There is no greater joy than to help families, children and seniors struggling at the Christmas season.”

As she looks toward her role in the fundraising endeavor, Montaigne said, “There are several events planned that have been adjusted for COVID. I will be available to visit and accept donations within the limits of COVID.”

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020

To make donating as easy as possible, contributions will be accepted through the website, www.hanoverchristmasmother.org, as well as a GoFundMe page, https:// charity.gofundme.com/o/ en/donate-widget/22415.

Montaigne pointed out that there also is a Facebook page for the organization, https://www.facebook. com/Hanover-ChristmasMother-2257583857804196.

For 31 years, the Doswell Ruritan Club has crisscrossed Hanover County gathering funds and gifts that are distributed just before Christmas.

“This year, we will not be able to give toys and food boxes,” Montaigne said. “We will give gift cards for food, clothing and toys.”

Letters are being sent to individuals and organization seeking assistance.

And, as is the tradition, Montaigne will be available “for groups that would like me to come” spread the word about the good works of the program.

She humbly said she was “honored and flattered to be asked to serve such a wonderful program. The Christmas Mother Tea allows former Christmas Mothers to meet and share their experiences.

Their warmth, dedication and commitment are amazing and I am touched to be a part of such a group.”

Montaigne did admit that she “was very surprised to be asked to serve. The Independence Ruritan Club has been a fixture in the community and these are some of the finest people I have ever known, so I feel privileged that they asked me.”

Montaigne has been a life-

long Ashland resident. She and her husband John have been married for 38 years.

They have two children, LucyKatherine (Matt Corker) and Wick (Emily) Montaigne, and four grandchildren, Fen and Rider Montaigne and Ella and Lee Corker.

“Most of my time is spent playing and chasing after my grandchildren,” she added. “I am blessed to have my family living close to us. I have two brothers and eight nieces and nephews who all live in Ashland.”

“We go to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Beaverdam and are involved in teaching Sunday School and the Carrie Rose Ellen Circle,” Montaigne said.

The mailing address for the 2020 Hanover Christmas Mother is P.O. Box 39, Doswell VA 23047.

Drug Take-Back to be held Saturday

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue reported in the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Sept. 21

Simple assault was reported in the 7100 block of Garden Park Lane, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 10300 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Exploiting a mental person for money, $200, was reported in the 11000 block of Bazile Road, Glen Allen.

Simple assault was reported in the 7500 block of County Complex Road, Hanover.

Petit larceny building was reported in the 300 block of South James Street, Ashland.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 8000 block of Ellerson Wood Drive, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny parts was

Doswell.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 12500 block of Cedar Lane, Ashland.

Obtaining money, etc., under false pretense, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 7100 block of Spicewood Drive, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 14200 block of Elletts Crossing Road, Ashland.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 8200 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Dumping trash on a highway or private property was reported in the 7300 block of River Road/Broad Neck Road, Hanover.

Public swearing or intoxication was reported in the 6500 block of Tammy Lane, Mechanicsville.

Sept. 22

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, 2nd offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Breaking and entering to commit larceny, assault and battery, etc., was reported in the 10100 block of Kings Dominion Boulevard,

Firearms, regardless of value, not from a person, were reported in the 9400 block of Wild Rose Court, Mechanicsville. see SHERIFF’S, pg. 8

HANOVER – The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, in cooperation with the Ashland Police Department and Hanover County Public Works, will hold a Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Mechanicsville Convenience Center at 7427 Verdi Lane in Mechanicsville and the Ashland Police Department at 601 England St. in Ashland. Those two locations will serve as collection sites.

This event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration-Office of Diversion Control. This provides the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal (Sites cannot accept liquids,

needles or sharps, only pills or patches). The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last fall, Americans turned in nearly 441.5 tons (more than 882,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at 6,174 sites operated by the DEA and almost 6,174 of its state and local law enforcement partners.

Overall, in its previous Take-Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in more than millions of pounds of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

The Substance Abuse

and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 24 Take-Back Day event, go to www.TakeBackDay.gov.

Information submitted

by Sgt. Steve DiLoreto, public information officer, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

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Rabies vaccination clinic slated Oct. 31 ASHLAND -- All dogs and cats (including so-called “barn cats”) are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies at 4 months of age. For dogs, you also must have tags and a valid license proving the vaccination.

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020

in the fall and w i n t e r.

Vaccines will be administered at a cost of $8 per dog or cat.

The first clinic of this fall/winter season will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 31, in the parking lot at Patrick Henry High School. The veterinarian is Dr. Scott Nevaiser.

This will be a drive-thru type clinic, with the owners and the animals remaining inside the vehicles.

The veterinarian will administer the shots at your

vehicle.

O n l y h e a l t h y, non-pregnant animals will be vaccinated and only dogs and cats (no wolves or wolfhy brids).

Metro Creative Connection Y o u will be expected to leave the vaccination area as soon as you are done. Put the rabies tags on pet's collar and keep certifications for proof of vaccination.

The vaccination is good for up to three years unless the pet has never had a rabies vaccination before, in which case it is good for one year. Put the rabies tag on the dog’s collar

and keep certificates for proof of vaccination.

Patrick Henry High School is located at 12449 W. Patrick Henry Road in Ashland.

Officials with Hanover County Animal Control said they hope to have another rabies vaccination clinic on Dec. 12 at a location yet to be announced; further details on that clinic will be announced at a future time.

A third rabies prevention clinic for this season is expected to be held on Feb. 6, 2021, at the East Hanover Rescue Squad.

For more information about rabies or the upcoming rabies vaccination clinics in Hanover County, call Animal Control at 804-365-6485.

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

Pets of the Week Photos submitted by Andrew Hodnett

The Hanover County Pound, located at 12471 Taylor Complex Lane in Ashland, has wonderful pets available to a good home. Bear, Animal ID# 576673, is a 2-year-old male domestic short-hair feline. He has had his first set of vaccines and is FELV/FIV test negative. Bear is a sweet cat that has been at the Animal Shelter for about two weeks now.

He came from an indoor/outdoor living environment.

Bear has a friendly temperament. He seems to like all people. Bear also does well with his litterbox. He is laid-back and calm.

Bear will make a good house companion. Dakota, Animal ID# 576594, is a 2-year-old female canine/husky mix. She has been sterilized and has had her first set of vaccines and is Heartworm test negative. Dakota is a very friendly and playful dog. She has lots of energy, and loves to run.

Dakota came to the Animal Shelter last month as a stray.

She does well with people and some dogs. Dakota has tons of playful energy. She does really well on walks.

Dakota will be best suited with an active owner. For more information on these great pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Hanover County Pound Facility, call 804-365-6485 during the day. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed on Sunday and county holidays. You also can visit the website to see other animals available for adoption at http://hanovercounty.gov/Animals/Adopt-a-Pet/.

R-MC Continued from pg. 2

low density residential district.

The Planning Department staff “envisions many residential uses, predominantly residential uses.

The expectation of the town falls within the parameters of the college remaining “within its current footprint.”

A need to preserve higherend housing to attract higherincome owners was addressed, with the additional goal of preservation efforts that is a theme throughout that particular area of the town.

Approving the CUP, Tucker continued, would expand the college footprint. “The college is expanding and what we have done in the past is grow taller – vertical, not horizontal.”

“If the college continues to expand its footprint, neighborhoods will become impacted by this,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the staff, Tucker said they recommend denying CUP 20-0729.

Recommend to deny CUP 20-0729.

Just as he had said at the Sept. 9 meeting, Lindgren said the college and the town are inextricably linked. He told the planning commission that he was “here to support CUP for 301 Caroline St.” He then referred to a CUP that had been approved on Feb. 8, 2012, by the commission for a house at 303 Caroline St. He said Ashland Town Council then approved the request on March 6, 2012.

The intention, Lindgren said, is “to use the facility for marketing and advancement staff adjacent to the alumni house.”

He said he had shared photos with town officials so they could “see how easy that conversion could be.

Lindgren again reviewed data he shared last month, including the relationship between the college and the town, with 119 employees

who live with their families in Ashland; an average annual payroll of $54,200 totaling just over $6.4 million. “Additionally, 48 retirees from R-MC live in Ashland, alumni, board members, fans, and Yellow Jacket fans constitute hundreds more in Ashland.”

He reminded the commission of the community spirit the college shows by providing access to the Blackwell Auditorium, fountain area, campus for special events, and a walking track trail.

“During my 14-plus years at the college, we have been on the perimeter or contiguous to our campus,” the college president said.

Lindgren pointed out that the college has only pursued CUP requests for 301 and 303 Caroline St. “Some acquisitions such as those at the intersection of England and Henry streets are attached to growth – could include retail shops as we have considered, more pedestrian-friendly environment there.”

“R-MC is not a developer and does not aspire to take over the town,” he said. Lindgren said the college receives “calls each year from individuals who want to sell us their homes in and around the college.”

Lindgren wrapped up his comments by saying he wants to “sustain the 190-year-old institution,” as well as wanting Ashland to thrive. “The college is a strong essential feature of this wonderful town. I request respectfully that you approve our CUP and allow us to proceed with 301 Caroline St. as allowed under the R-2 zoning.”

Flanagan said the commission had received a number of letters and emails about the CUP. “Those, of course, are read and taken into account. I wanted to make sure that was noted.”

Rosanne Shalf of 305 College Ave. addressed the commission during the public hearing on the CUP. “I love Randolph-Macon,” she said,

noting several family members have tied to the college. “We feel fortunate to have this institution in our town.

“The problem is, as it grows, it’s like a small cub, a bear cub, awakening and it rolls over a little bit, squashes us unintentionally and we need to push back a little sometimes,” she said.

“When the Hughes’ house was brought up for a CUP back in 2012, we had a meeting at Dr. Lindgren’s house. It was a very civil meeting, but we came away -- or at least I did – that this was a one-time thing, and it was not a precedent-setting event that the college was really going to try not to encroach upon the neighborhood,” Shalf continued.

“All those areas have buildings that are in the Historic District or eligible to be in the Historic District. I am opposed to this particular CUP because -- if you look at that block -there were three houses. Two of them are still residential houses. One of them was the center one; the Hughes house is an office but the other two are not. As residences, they are buffers for the rest of the neighborhood,” she said.

She said she was concerned with the possible change in the CUP because the street now has less parking, less lighting, and less traffic. “It is compatible with the residences to Caroline [Street] and College Park.”

“Any time we allow singlefamily residences to become an office, it becomes dead to the community. There are no longer social activities, and it has a dispiriting effect on the neighborhood and deflates the value of houses,” Shalf said.

She also said it was important for the tax base of the town and broader character to have enough housing to support the resident community. “The very neighborhoods that the college has expanded into, the town

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see R-MC, pg. 8

Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020 5

OPINION

LETTERS

| The Local Views

| Reader Views

From the managing editor

Help Ashland make Railroad Park a reality

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor he Downtown Ashland Association is yelling “All aboard!” as the organization solicits donations to match a grant to establish a Railroad Park in Hanover County’s favorite train town.

Having had many homes along the tracks and going to sleep with the sound of a train rolling by, my support is easily all-in.

For three weeks, we have been including “postcards” related to the fundraiser in this publication And, I’m pleased to say, we’ve been told that seeing them has attracted attention and involvement in getting the matching money.

T

The landscape of my hometown and communities nearby was usually hills, tracks, road, creek or river, and hills. Funny thought: Does that mean I was a Valley Girl? OK, that’s going back too far for most readers. It was an ’80s thing.

My mind wanders back to a time when hearing a train lulled me to sleep. Well, except for my three years in Williamson, West Virginia. I lived near a train tunnel and a gate at a crossing.

Well, the engineer (don’t know who it was or why he/she did what he/she did) started blaring the horn at the entrance to the tunnel. Talk about jarring. No, I wasn’t disturbed enough to ever attempt to stop the train or learn if it was a sadist in control, but there were nights -- usually 3 a.m.

-- when one would think the world was coming to an end.

But, as usual, I derailed (no pun intended).

The idea of a Railroad Park is wonderful for a town that loves its trains -- CSX and Amtrak.

Sadly, Train Day had to be canceled this year due to COVID-19, but it will return with all the fanfare one expects of the much-anticipated event.

I have a couple of great-nephews -- ages 8 and 4 -- whose great-grandfather was a railroader. To say they are avid fans is an understatement.

Now I’m feeling a bit melancholy for the sound of a train.

On behalf of those raising funds, please do what you can to help make the park a reality.

Sons Day stirred emotions of my very special gift

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Rarely a day of the year passes without some sort of special designation, but wedged in between National Lefthanders Day and National Poodle Day is something called National Sons Day. I’m sure all of those newly-designated holidays are richly appreciated by some and largely ignored by others. Truth is, many of them would go unnoticed without the over-ampli-

fied effect of social media.

But, national sons and daughters days seem appropriate to me, and I joined thousands of other proud parents in posting messages and displaying favorite photos. It’s a joy seeing the pride and devotion expressed in those thoughts and leaves no confusion regarding how much a son or daughter means to a parent, or the many others whose lives are enriched through their interaction.

I found myself paying special

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020

attention to Sons Day this year. As many of you know, my son Jack is a special gift, an inspiration to those who know and love him.

I posted old photos of Jack celebrating Coach to Cure with his Goochland football teammates. The images showed players walking with Jack, escorting him to the pre-game coin toss and including him in postgame ceremonies.

The photos had a poignant impact on me as I recalled a time in

Jack’s life when things weren’t as difficult, and how special those days of mobility were.

Muscular dystrophy has since robbed Jack of that freedom that most of us thankfully take for granted, and his life has become a countless array of challenges and obstacles with the everyday tasks of life becoming more difficult … but never overwhelming.

As the years of a cruel disease see SONS, pg. 8

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

Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2020 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.

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Did police agencies OK militia inclusion?

I recently read your militia story in the Oct. 7 issue of The Mechanicsville Local.

Buried in the story was a statement “the King William TEA Party takes no position on those invited to present information.”

I take it this means folks who are dead-set against what “militiasin-general” have been involved in during these BLM protests (against unnecessary killings of Black folks) will be allowed to voice opinion at your meetings, right?

For you see, I’m a 24-year veteran of the U.S. military (Navy and Army) and a four-year veteran of a local LEA (law enforcement agency).

I was a VANG Second Lieutenant when the State Guard was re-stood up back in 1985-86.

I want to address your organization in order to find out what your mission(s) really is/are. I want to attempt to get at what you stand for in my neighborhood.

Although the story says “we’re organizing to assist local LEOs (law enforcement officers),” I didn’t see in The Mechanicsville Local story where the VSP (Virginia State Police) or the KWSD (King William Sheriff ’s Department) gave endorsement (correct me if I overlooked).

Forgive my suspicions of militias in general. Much of this suspicion arises from the latest actions in Michigan by those I’d deem to be “hardheads.”

I’m just a patriot who’s curious about issues in my neck of the woods.

Please let me know if/when we could compare our schedules.

Sometime between now and Nov. 3 may help.

Richard “Crash” Ryder Mechanicsville Mechanicsville

Students to receive free online mental health wellness education Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- The Cameron K. Gallagher (CKG) Foundation announces Hanover County Public Schools as among the first to receive access to their new e-learning platform; CKG Mental Wellness Toolkits.

In the initial launch there are four separate toolkits with distinct focus areas. They are: Life Transitions, Mental Health Awareness, Stress Awareness and Resilience.

Hanover Community Support Services provided funding and support to make this opportunity possible for area high school students.

Each CKG Mental Wellness toolkit addresses a specific mental health topic with learning objectives.

The kits can be treated as individual educational experiences, in groups or as a set.

In addition to providing subject information, the toolkits encourage student self-reflection and skills implementation.

In a time when prioritizing mental health is critical, they are meant to meet students where they are, on screens both in school and at home.

“With mental health as vulnerable as ever especially for teens during these uncertain times, our goal is to provide an engaging educational experience so they will be inspired to pay close attention to their mental health,” said Grace Gallagher, executive director of the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation. “Our goal is to put teens in close touch with their mental health and to encourage skills and strategies that can help.”

CAMERON K. GALLAGHER The toolkits are flexible. Students can access the toolkits independently.

Teachers also can use the toolkits as a teaching resource in part or as a total educational experience. Aspects of each toolkit are interactive.

Each kit contains printable PDF tools for in class discussion or as solo assignments and later debrief.

“We have worked closely with the psychologists on our board to develop our e-learning toolkits, which seek to promote reflection and provide tools for proactive mental wellness self-care for years to come,” CKG Foundation Program Director usan Lindsay said.

Hanover County is part of an initial launch to gather first reactions and feedback. The CKG Foundation will launch the toolkits in phases and plans to offer them across the U.S. “Hanover Community Support Services (HCSS) is thrilled to partner with the CKG foundation. This partnership is an extension of our mission and an opportunity to proactively impact thousands of Hanover County residents, particularly our

youth, by providing educational opportunities and resources for mental health,” Amy Gregory, president, HCSS, said.

The World Health Organization cites anxiety and depression as the leading health concern for adolescents. By 2030 anxiety and depression will account for the cause of more than 90% of health issues in that population and depression with be the leading burden on global health. (Depression, A Global Crisis -- Deborah Wan) The disappointment and disruption from the coronavirus has been especially hard for teenagers, caught in limbo at a time when they are ready to launch. Because of COVID19 many teens are wading through complicated emotions right now.

Suddenly their safety and security is being threatened and challenged from multiple angles. (Chicago Health, Nancy Maes, April 2020)

About the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation The Cameron K. Gallagher (CKG) Foundation is a teen mental health organization dedicated to erasing stigma and providing education. The ASHLAND -- The Cameron K. Gallagher (CKG) Foundation announces Hanover County Public Schools as among the first to receive access to their new e-learning platform; CKG Mental Wellness Toolkits. In the initial launch there are four separate toolkits with distinct focus areas. They are: Life Transitions, Mental Health Awareness, Stress Awareness and Resilience.

Hanover Community Support Services provided funding and support to make this opportunity possible for area high school students.

Each CKG Mental Wellness toolkit addresses a specific mental health topic with learning objectives.

The kits can be treated as individual educational experiences, in groups or as a set.

In addition to providing subject infor-

mation, the toolkits encourage student self-reflection and skills implementation.

In a time when prioritizing mental health is critical, they are meant to meet students where they are, on screens both in school and at home.

“With mental health as vulnerable as ever especially for teens during these uncertain times, our goal is to provide an engaging educational experience so they

an opportunity to proactively impact thousands of Hanover County residents, particularly our youth, by providing educational opportunities and resources for mental health,” Amy Gregory, president, HCSS, said.

The World Health Organization cites anxiety and depression as the leading health concern for adolescents. By 2030 anxiety and depression will account for

will be inspired to pay close attention to their mental health,” said Grace Gallagher, executive director of the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation. “Our goal is to put teens in close touch with their mental health and to encourage skills and strategies that can help.”

The toolkits are flexible. Students can access the toolkits independently.

Teachers also can use the toolkits as a teaching resource in part or as a total educational experience. Aspects of each toolkit are interactive.

Each kit contains printable PDF tools for in class discussion or as solo assignments and later debrief.

“We have worked closely with the psychologists on our board to develop our e-learning toolkits, which seek to promote reflection and provide tools for proactive mental wellness self-care for years to come,” CKG Foundation Program Director usan Lindsay said.

Hanover County is part of an initial launch to gather first reactions and feedback. The CKG Foundation will launch the toolkits in phases and plans to offer them across the U.S. “Hanover Community Support Services (HCSS) is thrilled to partner with the CKG foundation. This partnership is an extension of our mission and

the cause of more than 90% of health issues in that population and depression with be the leading burden on global health. (Depression, A Global Crisis -Deborah Wan) The disappointment and disruption from the coronavirus has been especially hard for teenagers, caught in limbo at a time when they are ready to launch.

Because of COVID-19 many teens are wading through complicated emotions right now. Suddenly their safety and security is being threatened and challenged from multiple angles. (Chicago Health, Nancy Maes, April 2020)

About Cameron Callagher Cameron Gallagher was a 16-year-old who suffered with anxiety and depression. An accomplished competitive swimmer, she turned to running to help manage her anxiety.

Cameron lost her life due to an undiagnosed heart condition just after she completed the 2014 Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach.

Hashtags

#CKGMentalWellnessEducation #SpeakUp5k #NationalSpeakUp5kDay #SpeakUpClub #YouAreWorthItAll

For information on Celebrations, such as engagements and weddings, contact Cindy Adams at 804-775-4616 or cadams@mechlocal.com.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020 7

10200 block of Henderson Hall Road, Mechanicsville.

SHERIFF’S

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020

Grand larceny, auto theft, was reported in the 7400 block of Washington Arch Drive, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 7100 block of Ellerson Mill Circle, Mechanicsville.

Failure to stop for school bus with flashing lights was reported in the 10100 block of Chamberlayne Road/Mimosa Hill Lane, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, not from a person, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 6500 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in 6 months, was reported in the

SONS Continued from pg. 6

have continued to diminish and destroy, the part of Jack that makes him special has only increased. It’s the Jack who provides all who surround him with a sense of joy and love that only gets stronger as his muscles get weaker.

It’s his appreciation of life itself that offers constant inspiration to those lucky enough to surround and love him, and Sons Day gave me the opportunity to recognize just how much I appreciate

R-MC Continued from pg. 5

should be protecting.”

“Sometimes when the college buys an historic house it doesn’t take very good care of the historic character,” she said.

She closed by “strongly” urging the planning commission and town council to deny the CUP request.

Ray Martin appeared before the commission to voice his support of the college. He immediately said he was not employed by the college, but that he does volunteer by teaching some engineering classes.

“I understand the college, what they do, and how they

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 7200 block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 11400 block of Caruthers Way, Glen Allen.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 3200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in 6 months, was reported in the 11400 block of Cedar Lane, Glen Allen.

Eluding police, endangering persons or a police car, was reported in the 98 block of Interstate 95 North, Doswell.

Sept. 23

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 5900 see SHERIFF’S, pg. 16

my son each and every day.

Jack’s optimism and unbelievable courage is a constant reminder to my family of the importance of making every moment count and reminds us that wasted time on negative aspects of life simply isn’t worth the time.

On the worst of my days when nothing seems to go right, I often stop and think of Jack and how he approaches a day full of challenges with a subtle determination. When something seems too difficult or time-consuming, one thought of Jack eliminates my

anxiety.

When those photos posted on a social network, I must admit seeing Jack taking those steps brought a tear to my eye. It didn’t last long when I quickly realized it was not the way Jack would want me to celebrate.

So, I did what everyone else who is lucky enough to have a wonderful son does on a day that celebrates those gifts. I sat and thumbed through old photos and thanked my lucky stars for a gift that arrived in my life 16 years ago … and changed it forever.

do it. I got involved because I wanted to see the college develop and grow in ways to keep up with the community. Martin encouraged the commission to approve R-MC’s request.

The planning commission did talk about the issue of encroachment as members turned to the staff for further discussion as they agreed on a deferment.

In another matter, Assistant Town Manager Matt Reynal reviewed the projects included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Among projects listed were major road construction, renovations to Ashland Town Hall and Carter Pool; and single-time work that

would maintain another 15 or 25 years.

He told the commission that a review of the draft program needs to be recommended by members so that council can adopt it in January. Reynal added there is ranking process for the projects, and asked members to choose their top 10 picks. He said the time is a bit tight due to mandatory public hearings.

When asked about funding, Reynal said the town can pursue state and federal monies.

The next meeting of the Ashland Planning Commission will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Ashland Town Hall.

WE NEED YOUR HELP With the pandemic-related cancellations and delays, we could use your story ideas.

Contact Dave Lawrence at dlawrence@mechlocal.com with your suggestions.

For more information go to www.mechlocal.com

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Extra practice yields results for Mickelson Left-hander overcomes 3-stroke deficit to win

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor RICHMOND – After playing two rounds, 36 holes, of golf Saturday, Phil Mickelson would not have been blamed for calling it a day. But Mickelson, in his rookie year on the PGA Champions Tour, wasn’t happy sitting 3 strokes back of leader Mike Weir before Sunday’s final round of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic at the Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course.

So, instead of heading back to the hotel, Mickelson went to the driving range to work on his swing.

The extra practice helped.

Mickelson went from 3 strokes back of Weir to 3 strokes ahead to claim his second Champions Tour win of the season.

“I didn’t strike it as well as I wanted to yesterday and I wanted to just get the timing back,” Mickelson said. “I had been hitting the ball really well coming in at points, but – especially with the irons – I

last night. Kind of finding that rhythm and finding that swing that I wanted.”

Mickelson maintained his reputation as a long hitter, averaging 299.7 yards over the three rounds.

“It’s a huge – yeah, big – advantage when you’re carrying the ball that far,” Weir said of Mickelson. “I kind of knew that going into this week. I felt as wet as it was, the longer players were going to have a nice advantage because there’s no run on the ball. … Yeah, I think anytime you have length like that, we see in the way the game’s played now, it’s a big advantage.”

While Mickelson finished with a 17-under-par 199, he struggled throughout the tournament to hit the greens in regulation. He hit 39-of-54 greens for a 72.2 percentage and a tie for 34th place among the tournament field.

One of the shots Mickelson had to overcome was a wayward tee shot on the ninth hole.

“That kind of fried me a little bit,” Mickelson said. “I was able to play a good back nine, but you can’t, you can’t make those mistakes. And I Dave Lawrence/The Local was lucky to get away with it Phil Mickelson (right) and Retief Goosen (center) watch as Mickelson’s tee shot flies downrange on the 16th hole in the Dominion because I came back and played Energy Charity Classic at the Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course Sunday,. Mickelson overcame a 3-stroke deficit to well. That’s something I’ve been beat fellow lefty Mike Weir with a 17-under-par 199. Weir finished with a 14-under 202. working on and it will give me ended up improving on some and I hit it in there 5 feet – that something to work on here in didn’t quite yesterday, in yes- to work on.

“So, I just kind of found the shots. I think like the shot on was a really good shot to have the coming weeks as we head terday’s 36-holes, play as well as I wanted to. I hit some shots rhythm a little bit and tried to 4 where I hit an 8-iron where the confidence to take on that that weren’t okay, that I needed incorporate that today. And I there’s water tight to the pin pin. And that comes from, like, see PRACTICE, pg. 11

Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020

9

Kickers fall to Tormenta in physical match

By Zach Joachim Richmond Times-Dispatch RICHMOND – The ring of cowbells partnered with a constant drumbeat to provide the soundtrack to a sold out and palpably on-edge City Stadium Saturday night, in front of which the Kickers scratched and clawed but ultimately fell 1-0 to South Georgia Tormenta FC in a physical, penalty-filled tussle.

Although a sellout only entails 875 fans amid the coronavirus pandemic, Richmond’s second-place spot in the USL League One table going into the match with just one week to play resulted in a tense atmosphere at City Stadium. The league’s top two teams qualify for the championship match.

In Section O, the home of the River City Red Army, a Kickers fan group, Page Hayes played her drum and chanted throughout the match. She said Kickers fans were well aware of the playoff implications Saturday, and did their best to supply the requisite raucous.

“We bring the same kind of passion always, regardless of the situation,” said Hayes, who has been attending Kickers matches for six years. “We’re a 90-minute mentality, if we’re playing we’ve got to chant the whole time. So that’s what we’ll do.”

Kickers leading scorer Emiliano Terzaghi picked up an injury in the first half when a South Georgia defender rattled into him. After the match, Kickers head coach and sporting director Darren Sawatzky was unsure of Terzaghi’s status going forward.

But Sawatzky did say South Georgia, which has been eliminated from playoff contention, came into the match looking to play a physical game. Sawatzky felt the officials did not do

10

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Richmond Kickers’ defender Kyle Venter (12) clears the ball from Kickers’ territory in their 1-0 loss to visiting South Georgia Tormenta FC at City Stadium Saturday night. Richmond goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald is in the background.

enough to protect his players.

Tormenta committed 14 fouls in the match, Richmond just five.

“A team that’s out of the playoff came in and played a

Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020

center back up front and they came in throwing elbows, punching and kicking the crap out of my team to the point where arguably the league MVP (Terzaghi) is maybe out for a

while because he just got beat up,” Sawatzky said.

“That’s not an excuse, we still needed to finish what we had but they had a game plan, they came in here to kick the

crap out of us and get a win and it worked out for them.”

An altercation at the end of the match marred the proceedings, as a South Georgia player ended up in the stands after a

verbal exchange with fans, capping an all-around contentious affair.

After a rugged first half in which neither side had a clear chance on goal, South Georgia (4-6-4) took the lead at the very end of a five-minute period of stoppage time.

Tormenta midfielder Marco Micaletto thumped home a close-range shot into the far corner past an onrushing Richmond keeper Akira Fitzgerald after Nil Vinyals made a marauding run down the center of the pitch. No Kickers defender stepped to Vinyals until he was already bearing down on goal, and by that time Micaletto had found ample space on the right side and had time to slot home the finish.

After South Georgia enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half, Richmond (7-5-2) largely flipped the script in the second.

Kickers defender Matt Bolduc nearly found an equalizer in the 80th minute when his low-driven shot from the edge of the box found its way through a sea of legs. But although the stop proved awkward, the Tormenta keeper smothered the ball to preserve the lead.

South Georgia received a pair of yellow cards down the stretch for preventing Richmond from taking free kicks, and Micaletto earned his second yellow of the match and a subsequent red card in stoppage time.

The red card gave Richmond a free kick on the edge of the box, but midfielder Ryley Kraft’s effort glanced off the Tormenta wall and over the goal. South Georgia bled out the clock to see out the slim advantage.

Zach Joachim can be reached at zjoachim@timesdispatch.com.

T35. John Huston, $10,667, 73-69-71 — 213 T35. Ken Duke, $10,667, 72-70-71 — 213 T35. Robin Byrd, $10,667, 69-72-72 — 213 T35. John Daly, $10,667, 74-70-69 — 213 T35. David McKenzie, $10,667, 69-7173 — 213 T35. Jeff Sluman, $10,667 70-71-72 — 213 T35. Marco Dawson, $10,667 73-73-67 — 213 T44. Scott McCarron, $7,200, 72-71-71 — 214 T44. Tom Pernice Jr., $7,200, 70-73-71 — 214 T44. Corey Pavin, $7,200, 72-72-70 — 214 T44. Rocco Mediate, $7,200, 71-70-73 — 214 T44. Stephen Leaney, $7,200, 74-70-70 — 214 T44. Lee Janzen, $7,200, 73-72-69 — 214 T44. Jesper Parnevik, $7,200, 72-73-69 — 214

PRACTICE Continued from pg. 9

into Augusta.

“But this was a good momentum start for me. I put a driver in that I haven’t used before, trying to get a little more pop for Augusta, a little bit more carry. It might have been a little bit offline at times, but I’m working with it and it was a good successful week.”

Once on the green, however, Mickelson was deadly, topping the field with an average of just 26.7 putts per round.

“I putted really well and I hit the ball long, but I need to work a little bit on accuracy. It wasn’t too bad other than 9 where it went out of bounds,” he said.

“I hit a lot of good short irons to give me some birdie putts.

My short game was great, too.

My chipping out of the rough, which is not easy, I hit a lot of really good shots close.”

Mickelson played well out of the sand, too. After hitting his drive into a bunker adjacent to the 17th green, he made a nice pitch out to set himself up for a short putt for par – which he sank.

While Mickelson’s worst shot of the day was on the ninth hole, his best shot of the day was on the par-4 15th.

Mickelson hit a towering tee shot over trees and just over the pin. The ball landed on the green just feet away from the hole. He two-putted the green for a birdie.

“It was the best swing of the day for me,” Mickelson said. “I needed to hit a good shot there and flew it right in the center.

From where I was at, I thought it might even hit the pin. I didn’t realize it flew past, but I was just trying to get it anywhere on and it was dead solid.”

While Weir, who finished with a 14-under 202, was unhappy with his putting in the final round, he enjoyed the battle with Mickelson.

“Phil and I, we’re the same age and we’ve been competing

T44. Billy Mayfair, $7,200, 72-73-69 — 214; T52. Joe Durant, $4,629, 73-70-72 — 215 T52. Mark Brooks, $4,629, 72-71-72 — 215 T52. Larry Mize, $4,629, 75-69-71 — 215 T52. Darren Clarke, $4,629, 75-69-71 — 215 T52. Jay Haas, $4,629, 71-73-71 — 215 T52. Chris DiMarco, $4,629, 69-72-74 — 215 T52. Ken Tanigawa, $4,629, 72-75-68 — 215 T59. Scott Dunlap, $3,400, 72-71-73 — 216 T59. Scott Verplank, $3,400, 72-71-73 — 216 T59. Mark O’Meara, $3,400, 73-71-72 — 216 T59. David Toms, $3,400, 74-71-71 — 216 T59. Esteban Toledo, $3,400, 72-74-70 — 216 64. Russ Cochran, $2,800, 74-72-71 —

217 T65. Brett Quigley, $2,400, 74-70-75 — 219 T65. David Frost, $2,400, 72-74-73 — 219 T65. Mike Goodes, $2,400, 75-76-68 — 219 68 Gene Sauers, $2,000, 74-68-78 — 220 69. Tim Petrovic, $1,880, 77-75-69 — 221 T70. Shane Bertsch, $1,640, 75-73-74 — 222 T70. Bobby Wadkins, $1,640, 76-74-72 — 222 T70. Olin Browne, $1,640, 76-75-71 — 222 73. Tom Lehman, $1,400, 76-74-74 — 224 T74. Scott Hoch, $1,280, 77-73-75 — 225 T74. Frank Lickliter, $1,280, 76-76-73 — 225 76. Duffy Waldorf, $1,160, 74-75-77 — 226 77. Rich Beem, $1,080, 78-75-74 — 227 WD: Dudley Hart, Stephen Ames, Peter Jacobsen, Fred Funk

Joel Klein for The Local

Phil Mickelson hits his approach pitch on the 9th hole en route to a final-round 65 and a 3-shot victory in the Dominion Energy Charity Classic at the Country Club of Virginia Sunday.

against one another since college golf,” Weir said. “We’ve had lots of, you know, battles over the years. So there’s been plenty of tournaments that we’ve both been in the mix and trying to battle out for a win.”

Mickelson and Weir are both left-handed. There have been just three instances on the PGA Tour where southpaws finished both first and second.

Mickelson and Weir were first and second, respectively, in the 2005 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am. Mickelson finished second to Bubba Watson in the 2011 Farmers Insurance Open, and he was second to Ted Potter Jr. in the 2018 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Paul Goydos came in third with a 13-under 203. Brandt Jobe and Bernhard Langer tied for fourth with a 12-under 204.

Kenny Perry, K.J. Choi and Retief Goosen finished in a tie for sixth with a 11-under 205, and Robert Karlsson – who double-eagled the 18th hole – and Ernie Else finished in a tie for ninth with a 10-under 206.

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

Dominion Energy Charity Classic (At Country Club of Virginia, James River Course, par 72, 6,993 yards) 1. Phil Mickelson, $300,000, 68-66-65 — 199 2. Mike Weir, $176,000, 68-63-71 — 202

3. Paul Goydos, $144,000, 70-68-65 — 203 T4. Brandt Jobe, $107,000, 68-68-68 — 204 T4. Bernhard Langer, $107,000, 67-7067 — 204 T6. Kenny Perry, $72,000, 71-70-64 — 205 T6. K.J. Choi, $72,000, 72-67-66 — 205 T6. Retief Goosen, $72,000, 68-68-69 — 205 T9. Robert Karlsson, $54,000, 72-70-64 — 206 T9. Ernie Els, $54,000, 72-66-68 — 206 T11. Kevin Sutherland, $46,000, 69-7266 — 207 T11. Wes Short Jr., $46,000, 69-68-70 — 207 T13. Jim Furyk, $39,000, 71-68-69 — 208 T13. Doug Barron, $39,000, 73-66-69 — 208 T15. Dicky Pride, $34,000, 73-69-67 — 209 T15. Tom Byrum, $34,000, 71-70-68 — 209 T15. Paul Broadhurst, $34,000, 70-7069 — 209 T18. Jerry Kelly, $26,400, 74-69-67 — 210 T18. Kent Jones, $26,400, 72-71-67 — 210 T18. Tim Herron, $26,400, 75-68-67 — 210 T18. Miguel Angel Jiménez, $26,400, 74-69-67 — 210 T18. Rod Pampling, $26,400, 72-69-69 — 210 T23. Michael Allen, $19,600, 72-71-68 — 211 T23. Steve Jones, $19,600, 72-69-70 — 211 T23. Vijay Singh, $19,600, 72-72-67 — 211 T23. Jeff Maggert, $19,600, 70-69-72 — 211 T23. Joey Sindelar, $19,600, 68-72-71 — 211 T23. Scott Parel, $19,600, 69-70-72 — 211 T29. Colin Montgomerie, $14,800, 72-7070 — 212 T29. Kirk Triplett, $14,800, 71-71-70 — 212 T29. Woody Austin, $14,800, 74-70-68 — 212 T29. Steve Pate, $14,800, 69-72-71 — 212 T29. Bob Estes, $14,800, 76-68-68 — 212 T29. Steve Flesch, $14,800, 71-69-72 — 212 T35. Glen Day, $10,667, 72-70-71 — 213 T35. Willie Wood, $10,667, 73-70-70 — 213

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HANOVER COUNTY CITIZEN INFORMATION MEETING POLE GREEN ROAD WIDENING Hanover County will be holding an information meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room in the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, to present preliminary plans for the proposed widening of Pole Green Rd between Bell Creek Rd and Rural Point Rd. The meeting will be live-streamed and can be viewed at the following link: https://hanovercova.civicclerk.com/Web/Player.aspx?id=388&key=-1&mod=-1&mk=-1&nov=0

The purpose of this meeting is to present the preliminary design including the road alignment, storm water management, intersection layouts and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations early in the development of the project to allow the public to have early input in the design process.

Questions and comments will be accepted prior to and following the meeting and every effort will be made to address questions received prior to the meeting during the presentation. Questions and comments can be submitted to jevidunas@hanovercounty.gov or mailed to the Dept. of Public Works, P.O. Box 470, Hanover, VA 23069. Please reference “Pole Green Rd Widening” in all correspondence.

Individual attendance at the meeting is limited due to COVID-19 protocols; therefore, seating must be reserved in advance. Seating will be assigned on a priority basis to property owners abutting the project, on a first come basis for those wishing to attend. There are 20 spaces available. Anyone who attends will be required to wear a mask at all times. To reserve a seat, please call (804) 365-6176. For those attending the meeting in person, comments can be submitted in writing on note cards distributed at the meeting. Anyone who is unable to view the meeting on-line or attend in person and would like to discuss the project further can contact the Dept. of Public Works at the number above to make arrangements to meet virtually or in person.

A diagram of the preliminary road alignment and other exhibits can be viewed on the Dept. of Public Works web page under “Quick Links” at the following link: https://www.hanovercounty.gov/816/Roads-and-Transportation

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Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CPA2020-00001, LINDA F. & NORMAN L. SCHOOLS Request(s) to amend the Comprehensive Plan for Hanover County, Virginia, adopted February 14, 2018, pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204, 15.2-2223 through 15.2-2232 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. The proposed amendment will be a change to the adopted Comprehensive Plan as follows: General Land Use Plan Map – An amendment to change the land use designation from Suburban High (3-7 Dwelling Units Per Acre) to Commercial in the vicinity generally located on the north line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) approximately 1,000 feet east of its intersection with Creighton Parkway (State Route 1015).

(PUBLIC HEARING) MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Henry REZONINGS REZ2020-00022, LINDA F. & NORMAN L. SCHOOLS Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, on GPINs 8725-51-6043, 8725-51-8270 and 8725-61-1369, consisting of approximately 3.64 acres, and located on the north line of Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) approximately 1,000 feet east of its intersection with Creighton Parkway (State Route 1015). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban High (3-7 Dwelling Units Per Acre) (pending concurrent CPA2020-00001 to change the Land Use Plan Map to Commercial). The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of a car wash with fuel sales. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2020-00030, ANNE BULLOCK MELTON Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single Family Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8735-18-4348, consisting of approximately 3.0 acres, and located on the south line of Pole Green Road (State Route 627) approximately 1,025 feet east of its intersection with Walnut Grove Road (State Route 615). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 Dwelling Units Per Acre). The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of one additional building lot for a family member for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 1.5 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry REZ2020-00031, JASA, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to B-1(c), Neighborhood Business District with conditions, on GPIN 8707-57-3758, consisting of approximately 10.09 acres, and located on the west line of Chamberlayne Road (U.S. Route 301) approximately 350 feet north of its intersection with Pine Ridge Road (State Route 1930).

The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Commercial and Suburban General (1.5-3.0 Dwelling Units Per Acre). The proposed zoning amendment would allow offices in an existing building. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2020-00032, KEVIN COREY JAMES FAMILY TRUST, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 6798-96-4782, consisting of approximately 11.0 acres, and located on the west line of Watkins Road (State Route 721) approximately 1,000 feet north of its intersection with Dogwood Trail Road (State Route 620).

The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the sale of a portion of the subject property to allow it to be combined with an adjacent property. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP2020-00006, HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD Request(s) an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit the installation of accessory freestanding solar panels at an existing school on GPIN 8707-42-2766, consisting of approximately 39.96 acres. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of New Ashcake Road (State Route 643) at its intersection with Seminole Road (State Route 1211). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General (1.5-3.0 dwelling units per acre). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS SE2020-00014, 18th STREET DEVELOPMENT, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 3.6.2(d) of the repealed R-1 provisions of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit convalescent homes, nursing homes or homes for the aged, on GPINs 7796-94-6872 7796-95-4087, and 7796-95-7173(part) consisting of approximately 7.52 acres, zoned R-1, SingleFamily Residential District, and located on the south line of Atlee Road (State Route 638) at its intersection with Hollycroft Court (State Route 2329). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Chickahominy SE2020-00023, REBECCA AND JOHN WALLACE Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.11 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a private garage for more than four (4) vehicles on GPIN 7778-18-1208, consisting of approximately 10.01 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Cavell Lane (private road) approximately 600 feet west of its intersection with Elmont Road (State Route 626). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna SE2020-00024, FELICIA HALL Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Section 26-21.3 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a commercial dog kennel on GPIN 8707-59-4408, consisting of approximately 2.3 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the west line of Chamberlayne Road (U.S. Route 301), approximately 930 feet north of its intersection with Whippoorwill Road (State Route 653). (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020 13

Wittman to HCBOS: Broadband relief could be on the way

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

HANOVER— First Congressional District Congressman Rob Wittman provided the Hanover County Board of Supervisors with an update on pressing issues being considered in Washington, D.C., at a meeting last week.

At the top of that list were ongoing discussions regarding COVID-19 relief and the status of several bills being considered.

Wittman said two bills have been introduced in the U.S. House Of Representatives, but political posturing and the divisive nature of Washington politics is causing delays.

The Republican candidate said he could not support either of those bills, contending the proposals contained items not related to COVID “and the things they don’t address.”

“They become more about political messaging than getting solutions,” Wittman told the supervisors at a regular meeting last week.

The Montross resident said he is hopeful that ongoing discussions will yield results regarding the relief package.

“I think there is a bill there that can be agreed upon. I hope that will happen and there are continuing conversations between the administration, the leadership in the Senate

and the House,” Whitman said.

He expects targeted legislation will be introduced in the Senate this week that addresses the Payroll Protection Act and the need for its renewal. “That will help businesses that are struggling get through this.”

In addition to the aid for struggling businesses and individuals financially impacted by the pandemic, Wittman also supports liability protection for businesses that take all required precautions but still risk culpability for those who might become infected in their place of business.

“It’s about making sure there are reasonable limitations on liability,” he said.

Wittman supports extend-

ing that liability protection to schools as they attempt to reopen and could face legal challenges related to COVID. Regarding the ongoing budget process, Wittman said legislators continue to opt for a “kick the can down the road” approach by passing continuing resolutions to fund government operations.

“Unfortunately, this year we find ourselves operating under another continuing resolution ... so instead of getting all of these appropriation bills done by the end of the fiscal year, there’s a bill that says we are going to keep operating under the current conditions,” Wittman explained, noting that local and state govern-

ments do not have that option and must present balanced budgets annually.

The current resolution expires in mid-November, but Wittman predicts another continuing resolution will be introduced to fund government through January.

He told supervisors that a program begun with COVID relief funds that provides free lunches for all students will continue in the upcoming year.

“We want to make sure those things continue,” he said.

Wittman has worked closely with local governments regarding the lack of broadband in many rural areas in the Commonwealth and across the nation.

He said COVID relief funds have enabled the emergence of tele-health efforts and provided devices for millions of school children, as well as funding for wifi hotspots for better access.

A recent spectrum auction by the FCC could result in 200,000 new connections in Virginia. Internet providers awarded these spectrums will be required to supply service equally in rural and residential areas, according to Wittman.

Legislation also has passed that requires more accurate mapping regarding internet coverage, a process that Wittman said will help officials

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set October 28, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the time, date and place for a public hearing concerning the disposal by quitclaim deed of a portion of a public drainage easement across the property designated as GPIN 7796-44-9163 in the Chickahominy District.

All persons desiring to be heard above may appear at the stated time and place. A plat of the subject easement is available for inspection at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ____________________________________ John A. Budesky, County Administrator 14

Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on October 28, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption: ORDINANCE 20 -11 AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE THAT CLASS TWO AND CLASS THREE ELECTRIC POWER-ASSISTED BICYCLES, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 46.2-100 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, SHALL BE PROHIBITED ON BICYCLE AND SHARED-USE PATHS AND TRAILS WITHIN HANOVER COUNTY PARKS AND OTHER COUNTY FACILITIES. A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place. _____________________________________ John A. Budesky, County Administrator

HCSB finally decides on names for Mechanicsville schools

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND — The Hanover County School Board officially renamed two Mechanicsville schools last week. Stonewall

Jackson Middle School will become Bell Creek Middle School, while Lee-Davis High School is renamed Mechanicsville High School.

Mascots for the schools will

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TOWN OF ASHLAND PUBLIC NOTICE Please take notice that on the 3rd day of November 2020 at 7:30 p.m. at the regular monthly meeting of the Ashland Town Council, at Ashland Town Hall, 101 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA 23005, a public hearing will be conducted on:

be chosen in upcoming weeks.

The board announced its selections following a workshop session last month.

Henry District school board representative George Sutton voted against the middle school naming, while the Mechanicsville name was approved unanimously.

The school board budgeted about $500,000 last month to accommodate the changes.

In other matters, board members approved a motion requesting the Hanover County Board of Supervisors allocate $2.9 million in additional CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security)

funding to the schools for expenses related to the COVID19 pandemic.

Assistant superintendent Terry Stone said the county was informed of the additional funds released by Governor Ralph Northam days earlier.

Specifics of a plan to spend the additional allocation were not provided, but Stone said the money would be spent in a similar fashion to funds released last month.

Areas targeted for additional funding include technology transportation, facilities furniture, supplies and general personnel.

As was the case with ear-

lier CARES funding all of the allotment must be spent on COVID-related items not included in this year’s budget.

All funds must be exhausted by Dec. 31, 2021.

Stone said the board would have 30 days to consider the funding, but expressed urgency with the timeline, and said immediate action was required so the county can initiate contracts.

The Governor released an additional $250 million in CARES funding for K-12 education in Virginia last week.

During the public comment of the meeting, a number of speakers took to the podium to

express their displeasure with a committee formed to address racial and social issues in the schools.

During the public comment period, some citizens said the committee is not representative of the county, and its makeup seems to represent only one side of the issue.

Another parent objected to the recent playing of the song “I Can’t Breathe” at a Hanover school and said her students are being indoctrinated by the messages endorsed by the committee.

In an instructional highlight, Director of Technology

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whether it’s tele-health to get patients access to doctors, whether it’s businesses operating,” Wittman said. “I believe there will be more progress getting broadband to all the different corners of the First Congressional District and the State of Virginia in the next two years than we’ve seen in the past 10 years.”

In other matters, county attorney Dennis Walter presented the board’s legislative agenda for the upcoming year and requested the panel’s approval.

Many of the times contained in the agenda represent reoccurring concerns expressed in past agendas, but the item receiving the most attention made its first appearance on the list.

The proposal expressed the board’s desire for the General Assembly to consider placing safety and architectural regulations on farm buildings where more than 50 people gather.

Currently, farm buildings are exempt from building codes or safety regulations. In recent years, some farms have been used as wedding venues or other gatherings, while hunt

clubs and farm organizations have traditionally used farms for their meetings on a limited basis.

“The concern from our chief building official is when you have that many folks in a place whether it be a wedding venue or a party ... we want to make sure that there’s a minimal level of safety for those in the structure,” Walter said.

“We also want to make sure if our Fire/EMS go out there to help those folks that they’re not unduly putting themselves in danger,” he added.

Some supervisors expressed a desire to push the pause button on that agenda item, and said further discussion and public input was needed.

Only five individuals responded to the proposal, and board members feared many others were unaware of the agenda item.

“If it’s a commercial endeavor, we have special exemption process, I think we can cover that. It’s a very broad statement for us to put in there (2021 legislative agenda),” Davis said.

“We already have a tool in place to handle that concern for folks who are using it for

commercial purposes.”

Davis suggested removing that item due to possible “unintended consequences” and refer it to the Legislative Committee for further discussion.

Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard said she understood Davis’ concerns but was not willing to eliminate the requirement but was amenable to a “reconsideration.”

Supervisor Canova Peterson also said he was not convinced that the public had ample opportunity to comment on the proposed legislative agenda item and also endorsed a reconsideration either at the committee or board level.

Supervisor Angela KellyWiecek heads that committee and said she will notify the board of further discussions regarding the proposal.

Even if the item was contained on the legislative agenda, General Assembly action would be required to change the current guidelines.

County officials urged citizens who could be affected by the proposal to provide input to their supervisor.

see NAMES, pg. 16

ORDINANCE NO. 2020-16 ORDINANCE NO. 2020-16 IS A REVISION TO SEC. 4.1-10.1, “WATER QUALITY FEE FOR SMALL PROJECTS,” AND SEC. 4.1-10.2, “WATER QUALITY FEE CALCULATIONS” TO THE ASHLAND TOWN CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMPLYING WITH FEDERAL AND STATE WATER QUALITY LAWS AND REGULATIONS. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-16 AUTHORIZES A FEE FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES NOT PART OF AN APPROVED SUBDIVISION OR PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT WITH AN APPROVED BMP AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN OF $2500 AND FOR NEW ACCESSORY BUILDINGS OR FACILITIES (EXCLUDING ADA RAMPS) OF 50 SQUARE FEET OR MORE OF $1 PER SQUARE FOOT OF NEW IMPERVIOUS AREA. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-16 IS CONSIDERED PURSUANT TO THE GRANT OF AUTHORITY IN VA. CODE § 15.2-1125.

A copy of Ordinance No. 2020-16 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-9219, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to Matt Reynal via e-mail at mreynal@ashlandva.gov or through regular mail to Matt Reynal, Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005.

All interested persons may attend and express their views; however, the number of people admitted to Town Hall may be limited in accordance with CDC and Commonwealth of Virginia guidelines. Citizens are encouraged to participate electronically; please contact Matt Reynal to make those arrangements.

Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance of the public hearing so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Following the public hearing, the Ashland Town Council may take action on Ordinance No. 2020-16.

By Order of the Ashland Town Council

Continued from pg. 14

better identify underserved areas.

Vice chair Sean Davis said those improved maps will enable Hanover to be more competitive in the broadband acquisition process.

“I think your leadership was instrumental in getting those coverage maps updated with Secretary [Sonny] Perdue and the USDA because not only was it coverage but what type of access you had. Those updates put us in a much more competitive position to be able to apply for grants and those types of things,” Davis said.

Wittman also is sponsoring legislation that will provide $500 million for localities that partner with internet providers to enhance coverage.

Wittman also has suggested that $138 billion remaining from the initial CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act be allocated for broadband improvements.

“I think that’s incredibly important for all the things we see today, whether it’s schools,

Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020 15

NAMES Continued from pg. 15

Terri Hechler and Director of Curriculum Instruction Stephen Castle updated board members on the status of digital learning efforts in the past several months.

“They have worked, and I think you have seen this in the past but never more evident than this year, as two completely different departments — one working behind the scene ... and one working in front of the scene with our students,” Gill said.”They always do a fantastic job but never more so than this year.”

Hechler said the five-year technology plan is in its fourth year, but has achieved all the goals outlined for the program, including supplying devices to students, infrastructure upgrades, expanded support and learning opportunities for students and offer hotspots to more than 800 families with limited internet access.

“We completed all of the infrastructure upgrades, including new wiring switches and wifi devices and infrastructure in all of our schools a year ahead of schedule,” Hechler said. “We have a new internet server provider so we have increased reliability and more sustained bandwidth during the day and gone from a 4 GB circuit to a 10 GB circuit.“ In addition, servers are being updated to increase efficiency in order to take full advantage of the upgrades.

Since there is increased demand for devices such as Chromebooks, Hechler said old devices were retooled to serve as Chromebooks and distributed and updated for virtual and face to face students. “That really improved our student to computer ratios so our face-to-face students have access to more devices and we still have more Chromebooks coming.”

Adjusting from face-to-face to virtual and then offering both options presented its own set of

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challenges for Castle.

“As you can imagine, we did have a very quick transition to move from a face-to-face world to a virtual world,” Castle said.

“I’m happy to report we were able to make some of those changes, but it was a really quick turnaround for us,” he added, comparing the feat to turning an aircraft carrier on a dime.

Castle said professional training for all teachers made the transition easier and other summer training programs expanded resources for teachers and distance learning and a digital environment.

Classes were offered to teachers on digital curriculum planning and classroom planning. Additional funding from grants also allowed more training for staff members as the system ramped up efforts for a fall opening.

“All of that took place in a very short amount of time,” Castle said. “All of these were goals that we would normally try to accomplish over a couple of years and we did it over the course of several months.”

Castle said we are living in a Zoom and Google Meet world that six months ago would have seemed foreign. “We have this connection that we’ve never before had in our county,” he added.

Castle described the numerous innovations in virtual learning as ‘the blessing and the curse of COVID.” “We’ve had some really positive change happening despite the challenging circumstances,” he said.

“The blessing and the curse of COVID is that we’ve expanded and accelerated and are reaching more students than ever before with our technological opportunities.”

Sarah Butler has five children who are enrolled in the new online school, and her assessment of the first few weeks of school was not as optimistic as she addressed the board of supervisors regarding online learning last week.

“I moved here 10 years ago because of the schools,”

Ashland-Hanover Local October 21, 2020

Butler said. “I am highly disappointed this year with the lack of involvement for our virtual students.”

Butler said some virtual classes have up to 40 students enrolled compared to 15 in face-to-face classes due to social distancing.

“I need to know why we are not getting equal treatment in the choice that we made,” she said.

Butler said she’s not alone in her complaints regarding virtual learning and many other parents have concerns but are scared to express them.

“I want to bring to your attention that the reason parents don’t speak out is because we are ruled by bullies and we don’t want to be bullied,” Butler said.

Butler said technological issues have been the prime concern. Regarding those reconditioned laptops, Butler said two of her children's devices have needed to be returned and replaced.

“Last night at the school board meeting they spoke of how proud they were of establishing this school in two weeks,” Butler said. She also noted a lack of resource teachers for online students in areas like art and music. “Our virtual school has pre-recorded YouTube videos,” she said.

Butler said online parents have not been allowed to form a PTA, so she has requested school officials to poll parents regarding their online experiences.

“They continue to say we are only five weeks in and this will change,” Butler said. “I have kids waking up in the morning with so much anxiety they don’t want to even open the computer.”

Butler said officials need to admit that the online plan was not entirely ready for prime time and “our leader take acknowledgement for the fact that this may not have been ready and instead of continuing to toot his horn about how exciting and incredible this is, stand up and say we could do better.”

Sheehy food drive underway FAIRFAX – Sheehy Auto Stores throughout Washington, D.C.; Richmond, Virginia; Hagerstown, Maryland; and Baltimore, Maryland; areas will collect canned goods and non-perishable food as part of the company’s annual Fall Food Drive running through October to benefit food banks serving each community.

“This year, given the ongoing pandemic and effects it is having on so many families, the need to help put food on the table is much greater than in years past,” said Vince Sheehy, president and CEO of Sheehy Auto Stores. “We welcome everyone to visit us at any of our locations to join

SHERIFF’S

Continued from pg. 8

block of Dugout Trail, Mechanicsville.

Robbery on or near street was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 12300 block of Doe Crossing Lane, Glen Allen.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 98 block of Interstate 95 North, Doswell.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Meadowbridge Road/ Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Identity fraud, financial loss, $200, was reported in the 12100 block of Birchleaf Circle, Rockville.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 7600 block of Studley Road, Mechanicsville.

HEATING Continued from pg. 1

from restaurants – ultimately, [they] pay the town back.”

The goal of the Outdoor Heating Assistance Program is to aid in social distancing so that patrons of town restau-

us in this annual campaign.”

Locally, the food drop-offs are: z Sheehy Ford Lincoln of Richmond -10601 Midlothian Tpk., Richmond, VA 23235 z Sheehy Ford of Ashland -- 11450 Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005

Sheehy Auto Stores Inc. Sheehy Auto Stores is the 37th largest dealer group in the country and serves customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic. A family-owned business that began as one Ford store in 1966 in Marlow Heights, Maryland. For more information, visit www.sheehy.com.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 9300 block of Kings Dominion Boulevard/ Caroline County, Doswell.

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

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 6000 block of Green Haven Drive, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 8200 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money, etc., under false pretense, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 8100 block of Candleberry Drive, Mechanicsville.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 8100 block of Woodbridge Road, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in 6 months, was reported in the 10200 block of Lakeridge Square Court, Ashland.

DWI, BAC .20 1st offense, was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville.

Sept. 24

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 8200 block of Richfood Road, Mechanicsville.

Identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 14100 block of Cofield Lane, Doswell.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 7400 block of Oak Bower Lane, Mechanicsville.

Profane and threatening language over a public airway was reported in the 7100 block of Brooking Way, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 11500 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

rants and breweries may be safely served as the seasons change during the pandemic.

Seating capacity has been reduced indoors, and some patrons still have concerns about indoor seating.

For more information on the program, visit the Office of

Economic Development at 121 Thompson St. or call 804-7981073, fax 804-798-4892 or go to www.ashlandva.gov.

The next meeting of the Economic Development Authority will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, at Ashland Town Hall.