JOIN US FOR OUR AUGUST WOMEN'S COFFEE

Sandra Howard will be our hostess for our August Coffee on Thursday, August 26 at her home at 12540 Elmont Road, Ashland, 23005. This will be an evening Coffee this month and Sandra will welcome us to her home at 6:30 pm. Please note that the time is a little earlier than previous evening Coffees to allow a little more daylight driving time for this end-of-summer gathering.

Please plan to join us for good fellowship with old and new friends as we enjoy refreshments and catch up with Democratic news in a relaxed setting. In an abundance of care, all attendees are asked to be fully vaccinated.

Our Women's Coffees are for bringing Democratic women from all parts of Hanover together in an informal way for energizing fellowship with each other. They're great for socializing, but also for forming strong relationships to help elect Democratic candidates and promote our Democratic ideals locally and nationally. The Coffee Caucus is a group for all ages who meet monthly, sometimes in the day and sometimes in the evening, at the homes of volunteer hostesses at different locations around the county. We have no formal memberships or fees.

New friends are always welcome.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Diane Neergaard at daneergaard@comcast.net or 804-304-1951.

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

AUGUST MONTHLY MEETING: WHAT WE CAN DO TO MOVE THE COUNTY AHEAD AND DISTRICT LINES ACROSS

Our August meeting of the Hanover Democratic Committee will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14. We will again meet at the Atlee Library, 9212 Rutlandshire Drive, off U.S. 301 near Kroger.

This will be a very timely and informative meeting. We will hear from Pattie Bland, co-chair for the Coalition for Hanover's Future. The Coalition for Hanover’s Future is a citizen-based organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the land, history, and environment of Hanover County. Pattie will update us on land use issues and tell us what we can do to make our voices heard on planning cases. For more, visit the CHF website.

We also will hear from Liz White, executive director for One Virginia 2021. Liz's group has been active in the redistricting debate, trying to put an end to gerrymandering. She will update us on the hearings that the Virginia Redistricting Commission is holding across the state in July and August. For more, visit their website.

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

Comp Plan — The General Guides the Specific

by Pattie Bland, Chair, Coalition for Hanover’s Future

Hanover County is currently embarking on its 2022 Comprehensive Land Use Plan review and update, a process that occurs every five years.

This strategic planning is vital in assessing development trends and planning for future growth. As a general guide, the Comp Plan provides a framework for how Hanover will grow, laying out aspirations for how much and where the County will expand in residential, commercial, industrial and rural areas. In short, the County takes stock of its land-use planning and policies every five years in order to manage growth. So much for stilted, sober-sounding statements about the nature of the Comp Plan.

As a general guide, it plays out in specific ways and is sometimes too loosely interpreted. If any of the following seem jarring, then Hanover’s Comp Plan probably needs more specificity in its goals and objectives:

• Scoured, timbered landscapes
• Gouged ground for massive stormwater structures
• Large residential tracts with negligible green space or pocket parks
• Bucolic settings giving way to impervious surface
• Multi-pump gas station/convenience stores cropping up at quiet crossroads
• Incompatible juxtaposition of zonings (e.g., distribution centers adjacent to residences)
• Commercial creep along scenic corridors
• "Anywhere, USA" commercial development
• Increasing traffic volume and cut-through traffic on narrow backroads
• Semi-rural or rural tracts subdivided into quilt squares of six-acre turf patches Because our Comp Plan says volumes about our values, it needs to speak the best message of stewardship.

Land has intrinsic value; it must not be viewed only as a commodity. We need to work with the land in a responsible way that supports a good quality of life for its citizens. It is not the task of Hanover County government alone to chart the future. All stakeholders, meaning citizens, County officials and business interests, should join in community planning, even though a collaborative philosophy has never been a salient feature of the Comp Plan update process.

Since its establishment in 2006, the Coalition for Hanover’s Future has advocated for citizen education and participation in land use planning. Because whether land-use decisions are good or poor, citizens will reap the consequences. Be involved in decision-making. Communicate with your elected and appointed officials. Contribute your ideas for a better Hanover County. Our future should not be just handed to us.

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

SUPPORT OUR CANDIDATES

The delegate campaigns of Rachel Levy (55th) and Stan Scott (97th) are making huge waves. Please, reach out to these campaigns directly to get involved. There is something to do every day, both in-person and virtual. We are on the verge of tremendous growth in Virginia. Stay vigilant; stay informed; and Stay united. There are many great progressive organizations doing amazing things. 

RACHEL LEVY CAMPAIGN EVENTS

Tuesday Afternoon Rachel Runs for Us Canvass: Every Tuesday at 4 p.m. from now until Election Day. Sign up at www.mobilize.us/rachellevyfordelegate/event/399412

Saturday Morning Rachel Runs for Us Canvass: Every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. from now until Election Day. Sign up at www.mobilize.us/rachellevyfordelegate/event/399413

Caroline Canvass - July 24 at 10:30 a.m.: Join DC canvassers as they join members of the 55th to canvass the very important Caroline County. Info at
www.mobilize.us/rachellevyfordelegate/event/398814

Thursday Evening Rachel Runs For Us Phone Bank/Text Bank: 6:30 p.m. from now until Election Day. Sign up at www.mobilize.us/rachellevyfordelegate/event/392580

FREEDOM RIDERS

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

JULY MEN'S FORUM: LIVE/IN PERSON NAACP - WEGMAN'S UPDATE, VOTING AND OTHER IMPORTANT SOCIAL ISSUES

Come converse, mingle and socialize with your HDC friends again at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 28, (outdoors, weather permitting) to our second in-person Men's Forum in over a year, featuring guest speakers from the Hanover NAACP. It will be held at the home of John Schuiteman at 9226 Chotank Trail, Ashland.

Because of a family emergency, Rick Lux will be unable to host the Forum. Thanks to John for stepping in. Pat Hunter-Jordan, president of the Hanover NAACP, and Chris French, HNAACP Environmental Justice chair, will speak to a number of their organization's ongoing projects, including efforts against the Wegmans Development, get-out-the-vote, work with the Health District and more.

Our monthly Men's Forum, usually scheduled for the 4th Wednesday of the month, provides a candid way for Hanover's Democratic community to stay informed, invigorated and connected, with opportunities to talk politics with expert speakers in our slowly blueing county. We are grateful for your continued support. Read more

SEE YOU IN PERSON AT 7 P.M., WEDNESDAY, JULY 28 

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

97th House District Call to Caucus and Candidate Filing Form

Hanover Dems in the 97th District: here are the documents pertaining to the Call to Caucus and Candidate Filing Form. Reach out to Stan Scott at 804-833-8831 or rstantonscott@comcast.net with questions.

Call to Caucus

Candidate Filing Form

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

CARE ABOUT GOOD GOVERNMENT? THEN JOIN TEAM RACHEL

Dr. Rachel Levy is running for the House of Delegates in the 55th District. The 55th covers Hanover west of U.S. 301, almost all of Caroline County and a slice of Spotsylvania County. 

Rachel is a long-time member of the HDC, a teacher, a community activist and a leader with a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy. She lives in Ashland with her husband and 3 children. She wants to strengthen public education, increase access to health care (she believes this is a human right), preserve our environment, ensure that working people are paid fairly and enact tax reforms
. 
How can you help? Glad you asked. Check out Rachel's website (a work in progress), her Facebook page, her Twitter feed and her Instagram.
 
Please (please!) donate to her campaign here. Finally, please sign the digital petition to get Rachel or Sarah and the Democratic statewide candidates on the ballot (Thanks to Rachel and the campaigns of six other Democratic House of Delegates candidates, delegate candidates can gather signatures electronically).

Have questions? Contact Rachel's campaign manager (another HDC member!) Ashley Hall at info@rachelfordelegate.org. Help Rachel put Buddy Fowler into the retirement that he already practices as a member of the House!

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

The Hanover Democratic Committee will be awarding scholarships of approximately $500 or more to graduating seniors from each of our county high schools. 

The Melissa J. Dopp/Bobby Ostergren Scholarship is awarded yearly by the Hanover Democratic Committee to graduating Hanover County seniors with the highest level of participation and involvement in Democratic campaigns and activities. The scholarship was established to honor the late Bobby Ostergren, the former Hanover County registrar for many years, and the late Melissa Dopp, a longtime activist in the Hanover Democratic Committee. 

The scholarship is not needs-based or for academic merit; it is for students who have participated in Democratic campaigns, supported Democratic candidates, helped the Hanover Democratic Committee or participated in/started a Young Democrats Club. 

More details about the scholarship along with the application form can be found on the Hanover County Public Schools scholarship website. 

Applications are due on April 10th. We were so happy to award 13 scholarships in the past three years and look forward to awarding more this year. We encourage you to share this information widely, especially with families of Senior students. In addition, if you would like to donate funds for the scholarship fund for this year, please contact Andrea Ferment at aferment@comcast.net.

UPDATED VACCINE INFO

You can sign up for a vaccine at the new vaccinate.virginia.gov link. All individuals who have previously filled out a survey or form or signed up for a waitlist to be vaccinated through their local health district will be automatically imported into the new statewide system.

If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call the Hanover County COVID-19 call center to sign up by phone: 804-365-3240 or Virginia Department of Health’s statewide vaccination hotline at 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (1-877-829-4682).  Someone from the health department will contact you to set up your vaccination appointment once it is your turn (based on the phase and vaccine supply).

For more, go to www.hanovercounty.gov/1104/COVID-19-Hanover-Information

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

FEBRUARY TWO CENTS - THE NOTORIOUS RVG

By Jen Chambers

Three amigos from Central Virginia — Jen Chambers, Christiane Riederer, our fearless driver, and Lorna Charlton (aka Thelma, Louise and Coffee) — assisted with voter registration, awareness and getting out the vote both in key states prior to the November election and in Georgia for the Senate run-off by bringing a big lavender RV to locally organized events.  

This article explains the mission and how it was adapted for the pandemic, the progress made on the three trips and the local organizations and events that reached voters. Thank you to Dan McGraw for asking us to share our journey and being our cheering squad to welcome us back to the Center of the Universe!

It's long, so please take the time to download the PDF from here: The_Notorious_RVG.pdf

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

2021 SESSION OF THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Please join us at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24 for our second Men's Forum of 2021 where HDC's own Morgan Goodman offers a review of the General Assembly's current session. The Democratic trifecta in the House, Senate, and Governor's mansion accomplished so much in 2020, and all of us are eager to learn what's next on the agenda. 

Morgan's presentation will review the Assembly's progress on Democratic policies to date as well as addressing the bills still to be voted on. The session tentatively ends on February 27. As usual, the floor will open for questions towards the end of the program, but for time's sake, please forward them in advance if possible so our speaker has the opportunity to incorporate them into her talk. RSVP with your questions to Don Barth (donna.don@comcast.net) no later than Feb. 17.

Our monthly Men's Forum provides a candid way for Hanover's Democratic community to stay informed, invigorated, and connected, with opportunities to talk politics with expert speakers in our slowly bluing county. We are grateful to be back to our regularly scheduled programming despite the ongoing pandemic, and thank our members for their continued support. 

Join the ZOOM Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85699040716? 

pwd=cGtvK 0lwbkpZcjFmUUVSSONPZ 0FXdz09 

Meeting ID:  856 9904 0716 
Passcode:  890597 
By Phone  +1 301 715 8592 US 

RSVP to Don Barth at donna.don@comcast.net, or call his cellphone or text 856.889.5905, or leave a message on his landline 804.299.3160

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

Shop with Democrats

The Hanover County Democratic Store is now up and running correctly. You can access the store here: https://www.bsnteamsports.com/shop/HanVADems.

.You may need to copy and paste it into your web browser. The T-shirts and sweatshirts will have the new Hanover Democratic logo across the middle of the front and the polos will have the logo on the top left of the chest. 

The store will be open till January 4. When the items come in, they will be hand-delivered to your front door. Place your orders soon. These are the lowest prices that the items will ever be.

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

HCDC has a team store!

The Hanover County Democratic Committee apparel is now open! Find items that we've picked out specifically for our team. There is also spirit wear available for your family and friends. Check out the shop details below.

OUR SHOP DETAILS
- Shop Now: https://www.bsnteamsports.com/shop/HanoverDem
- Store Open From November 23 - December 21, 2020

Items will be delivered to the house of Chair Daniel McGraw. We will then distribute them to the members. Get your orders in now! These are the lowest prices that they will ever be. The expected arrival of the items is from late January to early February.

PROBLEMS WITH YOUR EMAIL? a possible fix ...

Many of you on Comcast platforms have not been getting recent emails because Comcast has updated its mail server. It is blocking forwarded mail unless you contact your email postmaster. This affects you because we forward emails through HVAdems.com. We know this is going on because we're getting a ton of bouncebacks. As best we can tell, it appears that Comcast has increased their security to require e-mail addresses to be pre-approved.

Mary Laymen has created a quick video on “How to approve emails from a person or organization in Comcast." It is located at this link: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cYXv2XNnEw.

Please watch and review the video even if you do not use Comcast internet because other Internet providers are moving to new systems. This video shows a skill that is becoming an industry standard. Share this with friends.

Appointed School Board vs. Elected School Board?

We want to hear from you about whether you believe one version of the board is preferred to the other one. Currently, we have an appointed school board. Please take this two (2) question survey and let us know your thoughts. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QWM9J7D

we need your support!

There are two runoff elections on Jan. 5, 2021, in the Georgia elections. Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff really need your support. This election is crucial to all of us and especially crucial to the success of the Biden administration. If we can win these two seats, we will break Mitch McConnell's chokehold on the Senate. Please go on Warnock's and Ossoff's websites and donate to their campaigns: https://warnockforgeorgia.com/ and https://electjon.com/

Details

Parent Category: About HDC

Hanover Democratic Women's Coffee Caucus

All Democratic and Like-Minded Women Are Welcome!  

Faye Prichard, Hanover County's only Democratic member of the Board of Supervisors will be the special guest at our February Hanover Democratic Women's Coffee at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 18. Please join in — by Zoom, of course — to hear Faye give us an update on our local government happenings.  

Our Coffees are great for energizing fellowship with other Democratic Women. Come to learn, but come to talk, too, as we maintain connections while observing social distancing. There's plenty of room for a really big group at these virtual Coffees and new friends are always welcome. For more information contact Diane Neergaard at daneergaard@comcast.net or 804-304-1951. 

Our Coffee Caucus is a group of Democratic women of all ages who, in non-Covid times, meet monthly, sometimes in the day and sometimes in the evening, at the homes of volunteer hostesses at different locations around the county for the pleasure of being with other Democratic women and to make bonds so we can better work together. During this pandemic, we are grateful to continue to meet by Zoom. We have no formal memberships or fees.

Details

Parent Category: About HDC