01/12/2012 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Local boy raises $ for blankets for homeless > page 3

Volume 58, Number 2 • January 12, 2012

Creasey and Peterson to lead 2012 Goochland Board of Supervisors Salary increase rolled back By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Goochland’s Board of Supervisors elected District 3 Republican Ned S. Creasey to be its chairman at last week’s organizational meeting. Creasey was the only one of four incumbents running for reelection to retain his seat. Ken Peterson, who defeated Planning Commissioner Courtney Hyers for the Republican nomination in District 5 and then ran unopposed, was selected to be vicechairman. Also during its organizational meeting, in keeping with campaign promises by several candidates, the new board rolled back salary increases for itself passed by last year’s board. Supervisors will continue to earn $12,000 and the chairman $15,000. District 1 Supervisor Susan F. Lascolette introduced the motion for the salary adjustment. The decision to keep salaries at their current levels was unanimous.

INDEX

Calendar Classifieds Letters Obituaries

Photo by Ken Odor

District 3 Supervisor Ned S. Creasey, right, was elected chairman of the Goochland Board of Supervisors last week. Ken Peterson of District 5 will serve as vice-chairman.

Creasey, chairing the board for the first time, said later in the week he was still learning the ropes. He said he would be open to the desires of the other supervisors in regard to setting meeting agendas. “If supervisors request it, I’ll put it on the agenda,” he said. Creasey said his top priorities are to provide for public safety, education and to streamline local government and make it more efficient and less intrusive.

13 14-15 6 7

Opinion 6 Sheriff’s Reports 9 Sports 10 TV Listings 11-13

The new chairman acknowledged the board faces another difficult budget year, after hearing Assessor Glenn Branham’s report, which noted a 4 percent decline compared to 2011 assessments. Creasey, in keeping with his priorities, said many aging Sheriff’s Office vehicles, some of which have been driven more than 100,000 miles, need replacing. That could mean belt tightening elsewhere.

“Possibly some good programs might need to be cut,” he admitted. An increase in real estate taxes to raise more money is not likely in the current environment, according to Creasey. “No, I think we all of us campaigned on no property tax increases,” he said when questioned on that possibility. The new chairman said he hoped a way could be found to slow the increase in ad valorem taxes in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District. “It’s got to be dealt with,” said Creasey. On a more optimistic note, Creasey said he looked forward to a better working relationship with the new Goochland School Board, where five new members replaced last year’s board. “There will definitely be a better relationship,” predicted Creasey, adding that some of the new supervisors had campaigned together with the school board members in their districts. Other challenges facing the county are filling key positions in county administration, said see Supervisors > page 5

Photo by Ken Odor

New School Board Chair Beth Hardy addresses the board and visitors at the first School Board meeting of the year.

New School Board hears budget preview By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

“We seek to restore credibility and trust in your School Board,” said Beth Hardy, District 4, last Wednesday night, shortly after being elected chair at the organizational meeting, along with District 5 member John D. Wright as vice-chair. All members of the board this year are new, with three incumbents who ran for re-election in November having been defeated. In other organizational business, District 2 mem-

SPORTS

NEWS

Benedictine runs past Amelia Academy

Goochlanders file suit against BOS

> page 10

> page 2

ber W. Kevin Hazzard was selected as the board’s representative to the Maggie Walker Governor’s School Board and John Lumpkins Jr. was named representative to the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School Board. One matter of particular interest to those who regularly attend board meetings was a unanimous vote to change starting times for all regular and workshop meetings to 7 p.m., with regular meetings scheduled for the second Tuesday of the see School Board > page 4

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Goochland residents sue to stop Benedictine move to River Road

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A group of Goochland County residents has filed a lawsuit challenging the Board of Supervisors’ approval of a conditional-use permit to allow the former Benedictine High School to relocate to the rural county. The complaint, filed last week in Goochland County Circuit Court, names as defendants the Board of Supervisors and the Benedictine Society of Virginia, which owns and operates the school. The lawsuit is asking for the permit to be invalidated. “My clients think the board violated the law,” said the residents’ attorney, Patrick M. McSweeney, a graduate of Benedictine who opposes the school’s move. “We’ll find out if a circuit judge agrees.” McSweeney said the board didn’t use proper language to approve the conditional use permit Dec. 6. The board had a follow-up meeting Dec. 22, which he deemed “highly unusual,” so they could “attempt to create a new decision,” McSweeney said. “It’s a tacit concession they hadn’t done it right the first time,” he said. County Attorney Normal Sales did not return a call seeking comment. The lawsuit also alleges that the county did not provide adequate public notice of the meeting by advertising it for two weeks, as required by state code. He says the Planning Commission also failed to find that the widening of River Road — a contingency of the permit — is in compliance with the county’s comprehensive plan. Now called Benedictine College Preparatory, the school has been on North Sheppard Street in Richmond for 100 years.

Photo by Ken Odor

Patrick M. McSweeney, attorney for a group of residents who have filed suit to invalidate the conditional use permit granted Benedictine to move to Goochland, testifies at the Dec. 6 Board of Supervisors meeting when the CUP was approved.

The Goochland residents who filed the suit are worried the school’s move to the banks of the James River will generate traffic and noise. “It needs to be stopped,” said David Pendergrast, a retired schoolteacher who lives on River Road.“It’s bad for the county, it’s bad for the neighborhood, it’s bad for roads, it’s bad for services out here.” Benedictine attorney Darvin E.Satterwhite said he’s taking a look at the lawsuit. “We’ll be filing an appropriate response,” he said. On Dec. 6, the supervisors voted 3-1 to grant the permit. Then-Supervisor James W.

Eads abstained, saying he objected to the decision being made by a board where four of five members were “lame ducks.” Headmaster Jesse Grapes wants to move the school by next fall to Mary Mother of the Church Abbey, where its playing fields have been located for a decade. The school has submitted its plan of development to the county, but needs approval before it can begin road work or major infrastructure repairs, such as installing a fire suppression system. Kristen Green is a staff writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Goochlanders eligible for earthquake assistance Conributed Report

Residents of Goochland County who were affected by the Aug. 23 earthquake are now included in the Individual Assistance Declaration. This announcement came after intense work by local and state officials to have the concerns of our residents heard.

Our concerns were heard, and on Tuesday the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted Governor Robert McDonnell’s request to have Goochland County added to the list of localities covered under the Individual Assistance Declaration. Individual homeowners

may now be eligible for relief for property loss/damage due to the 5.8 magnitude quake and subsequent aftershocks. Until the formal process is identified, Goochland County residents, if they have not already done so, should contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to register. They should also contact Goochland County

at 804-556-5304 to register as well. Additional information will be posted on the county web site (www.co.goochland.va.us) and through local media when it becomes available. From the Office of the Goochland County Administrator.

January 12, 2012

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PEOPLE: Personalities & Achievements

Randolph student collects blankets to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Heat Up the Homeless for the Holidaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; school, from Oakland Baptist Church and on Dec. 10, I had a table outside the Family Dollar Store in Goochland,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People could buy blankets from the store and then give them to us.â&#x20AC;? On Dec. 23, Dallas, his mother and father, John, traveled to Monroe Park in Richmond. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of homeless people are around the park during the daytime,â&#x20AC;? Dallas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we got there, we went around giving blankets to people. They all seemed happy to get one.â&#x20AC;? They handed out 45 blankets and the rest were given to the Harvest Food Pantry at Victory Christian Fellowship Church in Goochland. On their ride home from Monroe Park, Dallas said to Contributed Photo his parents that the homeless Dallas Silva, a third grader at Randolph Elementary School, people are â&#x20AC;&#x153;just like us.â&#x20AC;? urges people shopping at the Family Dollar Store in Goochland â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was impressed with to buy blanets for the homeless. how happy they were,â&#x20AC;? Sonda By Jim Fields Dallas got busy and even- said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They understood their jfields@mechlocal.com tually accumulated 60 blan- situation and seemed to have a freedom that comes with kets. Dallas Silva is in the third â&#x20AC;&#x153;I got blankets from their way of life.â&#x20AC;? grade at Randolph Elementary School. He will turn nine on Jan. 13, and he already understands that a person who can help others has an obligation to do so. Several months ago, Dallas had an idea to do a toy drive to collect toys for kids living in shelters at Christmas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We talked about it, and then one day driving him to school, we started talking about how cold it was,â&#x20AC;? said his mother Sonda. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We decided then that instead of having a toy drive that we would concentrate on blankets. In fact, Dallas came up with the idea to call the drive Photo by Jim Fields â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Heat Up the Homeless for Dallas Silva and mom, Sonda. the Holidays.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

The blanket drive might be the first of what could become more caring activities by Dallas. He still wants to do a toy drive sometime later this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It made us all feel good to help the people we gave the blankets to,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think if we want our children to be successful in life that we need to teach them to care for other people,â&#x20AC;? Sonda said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very proud of what Dallas did with the blanket drive and will certainly support his future efforts to help people.â&#x20AC;?

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It didn’t take long for the new Goochland Board of Supervisors to get a sense of the challenges they will face this year, as shortly after their organizational meeting last week, they heard Assessor Glenn Branham’s report on 2012 assessments. Branham confirmed to the board a widely anticipated decline in assessments of taxable property in Goochland. Compared to the previous year, assessments declined 4 percent, said Branham, to a total taxable value of $4,683,911,827. Assessments for 2011 had

School Board continued from > page 1 month and workshop meetings on the fourth Tuesday, all to be held at Goochland High School. Discussion of the location of the meetings arose, with District 1 member Michael E. Payne bringing up the idea of moving board meetings to the Board of Supervisors meeting room at the county administration building but that idea was shelved for the time being. The new board also unanimously approved a new Code of Ethics for itself, involving substantial revisions of the previous document, which was titled Code of Conduct. The board approved its meeting schedule, which includes not only a public hearing Jan. 24 on the Schools Budget but a new workshop meeting Jan. 17 in an as yet to be determined format to facilitate input from the public and responses at the meeting by the board members. “The idea is to open it up and make it more conversational,” explained Hazzard. But the meat of the Jan. 4 meeting was a brief overview of the Schools Budget, expected to

declined 3.8 percent. “The decrease is due to the stubbornly slow housing market,” said Branham. Rural property assessments declined even more, down 8 percent, due to a slowdown in the residential building industry, said Branham. But not all the news was bad. “It appears the recovery process has begun in the commercial real estate market,” said Branham, citing a slight increase in the 2012 figures over 2011. New construction in 2011 showed a small increase, after four straight years of declines. But the almost $22 million dollar figure for 2011 pales compared to the

$138 million of new construction five years earlier in 2006. In the Tuckahoe Creek Service District (TCSD), assessments declined by 6 percent, compared to a 2.76 percent decline in 2011. Property transfers totaled 627 in 2011, down 5 percent from 2010. Foreclosure related transfers accounted for 36 percent of these, said Branham, putting downward pressure on the market. “Until foreclosures are removed from the inventory, it will be very difficult to see increases in prices,” he told the board. Reassessment notices will be mailed January 13 and property owners have until February 14 to appeal their assessments.

be adopted at month’s end. A more detailed presentation was scheduled to be presented at the Jan. 10 regular meeting. Goochland Schools Superintendent Linda Underwood made the presentation, which involved revenue projections of just over $23,624,799 as opposed to projected expenditures of $24,174,035, for a shortfall of not quite $550,000. On top of that were some additional requests, such as more foreign language teachers at Goochland High School and in the elementary schools and more personnel at the GHS/ GMS library. Other items on the wish list were three interventions specialists, ROTC and more Career and Technical Education. All together, the added expenditures would be about another $500,000, said Underwood. Underwood also discussed possible savings in the areas of contracting out some custodial services ($190,000), reducing school days and possible reorganization of departments and leadership. Responding to an inquiry from Lumpkins, Underwood said the system could save about $100,000 for each school day eliminated. Goochland cur-

rently provides more than the minimum required number of instructional time of 180 days or 990 hours, according to the superintendent. “It’s absolutely an opportunity to save,” said Hardy later in the week of reducing school days. “The overview was just that, it’s too early in the process,” she said, when asked to evaluate the projected shortfall. Two public comment periods gave time for a number or speakers. Jane Christie told the board now is the time to review Virginia Retirement System and health insurance costs. Jo D. Hoskins gave a tearful thanks to the new board members for taking on the task of leading the school system. Michael McDermott suggested a number of changes, including video streaming of meetings, audio on the schools’ Web site (a change that has already been made), and moving to the BOS meeting room. He also asked why the budget document was not online before the meeting. The board will meet every Tuesday in January at 7 p.m. at GHS, with budget approval tentatively scheduled for Jan. 31.

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NEWS: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Going on in Goochland County

January 12, 2012

Supervisors continued from > page 1 Creasey. Chief among these are the Deputy County Administrator for Community Development position vacant since the death of Don Charles, the Human Resources Director job, held briefly this year by Ann Perkins and the Economic Development Director position now being recruited for. Peterson said this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget process would be difficult. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an especially challenging process when real estate values decline. We are just now beginning the process, so it is hard to tell where it will take us,â&#x20AC;? he said. In addition to naming its leadership, the board named representatives to several regional organizations. Peterson will represent Goochland on the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission and District 2 Supervisor Manuel Alvarez Jr. was named the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representative to the Metropolitan Planning Organization. District 4 Supervisor Robert H. Minnick will be Goochlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice on the Capitol Region Workforce Partnership. Peterson and Alvarez were also made members of the Audit Committee. The boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first meeting saw several speakers use the citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comment period to address the new board members. Goochland NAACP president Sekou Shabaka brought up the subject of recent Ku Klux Klan activity in the western end of the county, in which leaflets were thrown in driveways. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been admonished to remain silent, told it was trivial,â&#x20AC;? said Shabaka, who asked the county to â&#x20AC;&#x153;show its characterâ&#x20AC;? in response to the incident. In response, Creasey read a statement condemning the leaflets and asking for racial harmony.

George Smith lamented the lack of Goochland Courthouse signs and advocated putting the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name on the water tower. Michael McDermott submitted a list of items for the supervisors to consider, including suggestions that the board video stream its meetings and that each supervisor hold monthly town hall meetings. He also asked that all advisory committee members resign and replacements be appointed and that stipends be eliminated. The board scheduled three public hearings for its February 7 meeting, one on a proposed ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance to add microbreweries to the A-1 and A-2 agricultural zoned areas, either by right or by conditional use permit, depending on the size of the brewery, another to amend zoning proffers approved for property at 1390 Broad Street Road to extend hours of operation until 12 midnight and a third to allow a sports facility to continue operation at 4150 Broad Street Road. The board deferred until May 1 a public hearing on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan on Urban Development Areas. The board next meets on Jan. 19 in the Board Conference Room at 8:30 a.m. for a day-long budget work session.

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Photo by Ken Odor

Kimberly Jefferson, left, Director of Goochland County Department of Social Services, Debra Beasley, Director of Student Services/Special Education, Goochland Public Schools and Barbara Speas, Social Work Supervisor, GDSS, were recognized at last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BOS meeting for their work after the unexpected death of the Director of CSA/Youth Services.

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

January 12, 2012

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Time for some change And I’m not talking about the kind that jingles in your pocket, but the kind that is unfolding in county government. Or perhaps better said, has the potential for unfolding. The organizational meetings of the two boards that most affect the lives of Goochland citizens last week started off on a semi-celebratory note. The mere fact that the two went to the effort to schedule their initial meetings on successive days so that one could attend both of them was encouraging. Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, School Board on Wednesday, it seemed like an outbreak of common sense was threatening to take hold. At the BOS, they promptly chose the only incumbent from the preceding board, District 3 Ned Creasey, to be chair, with District 5’s Ken Peterson as vice-chair. Hard as we tried to get some inside dope on who would be picked we failed, as no one was telling before the vote, unlike over at the School Board, where shortly after the election the new crew made known that Beth Hardy would chair and John Wright would play back up. And at the BOS, they adopted language that indicates they will return to the agreement about rotating the leadership, although Creasey said that no one would be forced to chair the board who doesn’t want to. More common sense there. The School Board promptly changed their meeting time to 7 p.m. for all regularly scheduled meetings and workshop meetings, a welcome

change for someone like myself who has shown up for at least one 6:30 workshop meeting at 7, thus missing the only citizen comment period of the night. More common sense. And, after hearing a request during the citizen comment period that students and their families waiting for disciplinary hearings not be directed to the GHS office to wait for the end of the public meeting, which meant that everyone leaving could see who they were, the School Board asked administration and the GHS principal to change this. Yet more common sense. Still, some things stayed the same. Assessor Glenn Branham’s report on declines in county assessments prepared the new BOS for the fact that revenue from real estate taxes will be down as they prepare a new budget and the initial budget presentation at the School Board showed a possible $600K shortfall. But another welcome change was the questions put to the superintendent during the budget presentation. For instance, an inquiry by John Lumpkins elicited a dollar figure for the savings that would be gained for each day’s reduction in the number of school days per year ($100,000 per), according to Superintendent Underwood. With a shortfall looming reducing the number of days of instruction could be a viable option. So far so good for the two new boards.

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Thanks from the Goochland Lions Club The Goochland Lions Club would like to give a big “Thank You” to all who helped or otherwise contributed to the club in 2011. The Lions Club are a group of dedicated individuals that have faithfully served Goochland for over 35 years promoting sight and hearing conservation and supporting many other local programs and groups. We know some readers probably wonder where the money goes, so allow me to offer a

brief overview: The Lions Club provides examinations and prescription glasses for those who are in need, Goochland Christmas Mother, Goochland Scholarship Program, Leader Dog School For The Blind, Prevent Blindness Of Virginia, just to name a few annual projects. Also, in 2011 the Lions Club with the assistance of 4 High School seniors planted 3 Sugar Maple Trees at the High School entrance. This project was part of the Lions

Letters to the Editor The Gazette welcomes your signed letters to the editor. 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 Goochland Gazette. Send letters to: The Goochland Gazette, 6400 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 E-mail: jodor@goochlandgazette.com Fax: 730-0476

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Letters to the Editor

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January 12, 2012 Ford Peyton H. Ford, of Manakin-Sabot, passed away Dec. 17, 2011 at the age of 73. He grew up in Washington, D.C., attended Anacostia High School, graduated from American University in 1961, was a U.S. Marine, and attended Cambridge University. He worked at the Dept. of Navy, Labor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Porteous Ford. His interests included trees, Greek and Roman history, numismatics, and he loved his dogs throughout his life. He is survived by his children, Peyton R. Ford of Bethesda, Md., and Kathleen B. Ford of Alexandria, Va.; and granddaughter, Ellen L. Ford of Bethesda, Md. His family will miss him dearly. Gilliam Louise D. Mealy Gilliam, of Philadelphia, Pa. departed this life Jan. 2, 2012. She is survived by her loving family.

Letters continued from > page 6

Viewing was held Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home, Goochland, Va. Graveside services were held at Fauquier Baptist Church Cemetery. Robertson Linwood R. Robertson, 71, of Manakin-Sabot, died early Dec. 26, 2011 at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital following a three-year struggle with dementia. Robertson retired from a 33-year career at Dominion Resources in 1998, where he had served most recently as executive vice president and chief financial officer. He helped to guide the company through a national and international expansion that transformed it into one of the nation’s largest energy companies. Following his retirement, Linwood and his wife, Milly, continued their lifelong passion for travel, history, new culture and people. Robertson actively pursued civic affairs through the course of his life. He was

To citizens of the 17th Senatorial District

On January 11, 1984, shortly after 12 noon, I was sworn is as a member of the Senate of Virginia. Today, 28 years later, I write to express my sincere heartfelt appreciation for those who helped to make that journey possible. Despite my disappointment in the outcome of election 2011, I leave office having a sense of positive fulfillment and with profound gratitude for all of the courtesies extended to me as your State Senator. Throughout those glorious years, including eight contested elections, I found many wonderful people Mickey Amos throughout the 17th district, Goochland Lions Club which included 13 different Member localities. Although the geo-

Clubs International project to plant a million trees. The Goochland Lions Club year came to a close with the Lion Santa Program. Club members and Lion Santa gathered together, and with food and gifts were able to provide and deliver Christmas to local families in need. The Lions Club Annual BBQ and Raffle held every year in September is the club’s primary fundraiser. Please put this event on your calendar for 2012. Thanks again and The Goochland Lions Club wishes everyone a Happy and Safe New Year.

OBITUARIES: Death Notices a loving father and grandfather who remained alert, loving, and engaged through the course of his physical decline and retained the characteristic grace, charm, and good nature remembered by family, friends, and former colleagues at Dominion. Linwood “Linny” was born in Reedville, Va., where he worked, played as a young man on the water, and met the love of his life, the former, Milly Swift. They married in 1965. At work, he was remembered for his attention to detail at Dominion and Virginia Power and after starting in the accounting department rose through the management and executive ranks. Even after retirement, he remained a consultant to the company. Linwood was graduated from Northumberland High School and attended The University of Richmond, served two years in the U.S. Navy and three years with see Obituaries > page 8

graphic nature of district constantly changed, the friends I made, the officials with whom I worked and the citizens in each area were always friendly and treated me with respect--even when differences of opinion occurred. Please know that my wife, Dana, and I feel blessed that we were afforded this great opportunity during this phase of our lives. We have now found a renewed sense of peace and are enjoying our lives being more simple and serene. I hope my travels down life’s path will cross with many of you. In the meanwhile, may God bless each of you for the kindness you brought my way. Senator Edd Houck Member, Senate of Virginia 1984-2012

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Living Well After Cancer Healthy ealth life fe resources esource for the communit co munity A series of three free seminars featuring VCU Massey Cancer Center experts on six ways to improve the well-being of patients, survivors or anyone affected by cancer. Come learn about the health beneﬁts of these activities and the community resources available to support them.

Science Museum of Virginia, Discovery Room 6-8 p.m. January 18 Healthy Eating with Diane B. Wilson, Ed.D., R.D. Yoga with Mary Shall, Ph.D., P.T.

January 26 Exercise with Stephen Gudas, Ph.D., P.T. Tai Chi with Jo Lynne Robins, Ph.D., C.N.P.

February 2 Smoking Cessation with Linda Hancock, Ph.D. Mindfulness Meditation with D. Mark Cooper, D.Min. There is no cost to participate, but advance registration is preferred.

To register, call (804) 628-1918 or e-mail ccybulski@mcvh-vcu.edu

massey.vcu.edu

Recycle The News

Thursday

January 12, 2012

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Goochland man puts 300 acres into conservation easement Contributed Report Jim Carreras of Kilsythe Farms, LLC had a vision for his land. He saw the forests, streams, and open spaces of his property in Goochland County preserved in perpetuity. After years of consideration, Mr. Carreras took action this year and placed a conservation easement on over 300 acres of land including forests, watershed, wildlife habitat, open spaces, and agricultural areas. “By protecting this land, we’re guaranteeing that it will remain in use for sustainably managed timbering and provide watershed protection, natural habitat, scenic open spaces, and prime farmland as well”, said Jim. “It’s just good stewardship of the land.” In August 2011, Carreras achieved his goal of recording his easement. The most traditional tool for conserving private land, a “conservation easement” is a legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. In this case, the Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) helped facilitate completion of the easement for which the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is the easement holder. As the holder, DOF will ensure that the conservation goals stated in the easement are perpetually upheld. Conservation easements

Obituaries continued from > page 7 Philip Morris before graduating from VCU in 1970. Linwood was predeceased by his parents, Reginald Linwood Robertson and Alliene Righter Robertson, both of Reedville. He is survived by his wife,

allow landowners to continue to own and use their land, and they can also sell it or pass it on to heirs. In this way, private property remains in private hands while providing a benefit to the public. According to CRLC Board President, Bill Greenleaf, “Preserved lands provide an important public benefit – by protecting clean water resources, preserving farms and forests, and conserving wildlife habitat and scenic natural views.” This easement is the third conservation easement held by VDOF in Goochland County, and is one of 55 conservation easements VDOF holds across the State of Virginia. “Mr. Carreras has a long history of managing his forest land with the assistance of VDOF.” noted VDOF Forest Conservation Specialist Rob Suydam. “It is a wonderful compliment to the VDOF Goochland Area Foresters who have worked with the Carreras family over the last several decades for Mr. Carreras to ask VDOF to assist him in permanently protecting his family’s farm and forest land. The protection of 300 acres of forest and farm land, as well as the nearly 9,000 linear feet of streams and wetlands will provide significant public benefit to the residents of Goochland County, Virginia, and its citizens. Carreras’ decision to place a conservation easement on his land took a lot of time and a lot of thought. He suggested, “Anyone

interested in an easement should carefully consider it and determine whether or not it’s a good fit for the timbering or farming business now and in the foreseeable future. You have to take your time and make sure it’s right for you,” added Jim. “It is also vital to involve knowledgeable partners upfront and throughout the process, such as the Capital Region Land Conservancy and experienced legal and tax advisors with knowledge specific to conservation easements.” The newly conserved property is comprised of 287 acres of stands of forests managed for sustainable timber production, as well as streams which are tributaries of the James River ultimately feeding into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The land’s conservation values also include habitat for a variety of plant and wildlife species, open space benefit for the public, and 16 acres of fields used for rotating corn, beans, and wheat crops. The Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) is Central Virginia’s only land trust dedicated solely to serving the City of Richmond and Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, New Kent, and Charles City counties. Its mission is to conserve and protect the natural and historic land and water resources of Virginia’s Capital Region for the benefit of current and future generations. CRLC currently co-

Milly; their son, William Swift, his fiancé‚ Audra Duncan; and a very special grandson, Conner Duncan; and many dear nieces and nephews. He was an avid golfer with many friends and fellow golfers. There was a celebration of his life on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at Hermitage Country

Club (1248 Hermitage Road, Manakin-Sabot, Va. 23103), a place he gave much of his time and energy to after retirement, and where he enjoyed long walks in the dark hours of the morning. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , 262 Danny

Contributed Report

Jim Carreras has donated over 300 acres to conservation easement.

holds six conservation easements its founding in 2005. For more Capital Region Land and has facilitated the protection information, visit www.capital- Conservancy contributed to this of over 5,000 acres of land since regionland.org. report.

Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. Shealy, Karen Shealy and 38105. Nancy (Donald) Burton; six grandchildren, Jamie, Krissy, Shealy Brian, Brittany, Samantha and Clay; two brothers, Paul Samuel James Shealy, 77, of (Willie Mae) Shealy and Goochland, passed away Jan. Jerome (Vicki) Shealy; several 5, 2012. He is survived by his nieces and nephews. Family wife of 55 years, Miriam T. received friends at the Norman Shealy; children, James (Sandi) Funeral Home, Goochland,

on Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. An Eastern Star service followed visitation. Funeral services were held at Smyrna Baptist Church on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012. Graveside services were held in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smyrna Church Building Fund.

Thursday

December 31

January 1

January 3

January 4

Person overdosed at location on River Rd. W.

Suspect committed felonious assault at location on Fords Rd.

Suspect committed aggravated malicious wounding at location on Broad St. Rd. Suspect was driving on suspended license at location on Rt. 2.

Suspect was in possession of alcohol and under the age of 21 at location on Broad St. Rd. Suspect was charged with felony assault at location on Windbluff Dr.

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SHERIFF’S REPORTS: Incidents

January 12, 2012

Suspect committed petit larceny at location on Sandy Hook Rd. Suspect violated probation at location on Lillie Herb Lane.

www.goochlandgazette.com larceny at location on Lanier Rd.

and battery at location on County Line Rd.

January 6 X

Suspect committed petit larceny at location on Broad St. Rd.

January 5

January 7

Suspect committed grand

Suspect committed assault

January 8 X

Suspect committed grand larceny at location on Broad St. Rd.

Suspect was driving under the influence of alcohol at location on Broad St. Rd.

Dominion donates $250,000 to aid homeless, wounded veterans and military families Contributed Report Dominion has announced it is donating $250,000 to 10 organizations in six states that assist military veterans and their families. “Dominion is grateful for the service and sacrifice military veterans and their families have made in defending our country,” said Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion. “Some are facing hardships and going through difficult times. In recognition of Veterans Day, we are supporting programs that directly help homeless veterans and programs that benefit the wounded and their families.” Ten veteran support organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia each will receive $25,000. Dominion employees also will perform volunteer

work at some of these facilities. The grant recipients are: • Virginia Supportive Housing, Richmond, Va. – has developed eight permanent supportive housing units exclusively for homeless veterans with disabilities. VSH manages these units and provides support services to the residents. • National Military Family Association, Alexandria, Va. – recognizes the unique challenges today’s military spouses face in pursuing additional training or education. The funds will support educational scholarships for tuition, vocational training, professional certification and graduate school. • Wounded Wear, Chesapeake, Va. – provides modified clothing for wounded warriors that can be worn around prosthetics or medical devices necessary for healing. • Virginia Veterans Services

Foundation, Petersburg, Charlottesville and Staunton, Va. – supports the Virginia Wounded Warriors programs which help wounded soldiers and their families build resilience and cope with the challenges posed from a stressrelated injury or traumatic brain injury. • Homes for the Brave, Bridgeport, Conn. – establishing “Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes,” the first communitybased transitional home dedicated to homeless female veterans and their children. • Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, Boston, Mass. – provides support, advocacy programs and referral services to bereaved families of Massachusetts military personnel fallen in service. • Valor Home, Akron, Ohio – a new 30-bed transitional housing facility for veterans that will be operated by Family and Community Services, Inc.

• Community Service Alliance, Cleveland, Ohio – Sacrament House is a new housing program site that will provide 12-14 additional rooms to meet the growing need for short-term housing, and will enable CSA to meet the needs of veterans emerging from homelessness. • Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center, Armstrong County, Ohio – provides a community-based residential treatment facility for homeless veterans needing rehabilitation and support. • Scott Place Shelter, Fairmont, W.Va. – establishing a shelter exclusively for homeless veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 107,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. The agency also cites that over the course of a year, about twice that many experience homelessness. And according to the

National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, the extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income and access to health care are compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. “It is critical that we reach out to veterans in need,” Farrell said. “America’s veterans have served in many war zones, and now they need our help. The grants are funding community-based organizations because they know best how and where the money should be used.” Dominion is making the grant through the Dominion Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm. Dominion Foundation grants are funded by shareholder dollars and the cost of the grants is not borne by customers. Dominion has a long-standing record of military support. In March, Dominion joined four other energy companies in the “Troops to Energy Jobs”

pilot program designed to link thousands of future job openings in the energy industry with troops leaving military service. The company currently employs more than 1,200 veterans across 14 states. Employees currently participate in an award-winning troop support program that has delivered thousands of care packages to deployed soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dominion is the recipient of multiple military awards and recognitions and recently was named one of the “Top 20 Military Spouse-Friendly Employers” by Military Spouse magazine. In 2010, Dominion, its charitable foundation and employees invested more than $24 million and 150,000 volunteer hours in programs that help improve the quality of life for people in the states where Dominion operates power stations, natural gas and other energy facilities.

RCM&D Virginia donates more than $21,000 to Elk Hill Farm School Contributed Report RCM&D’s 18th Annual Charity Sailing Regatta raised $21,585 for Elk Hill, a Virginia nonprofit that serves at-risk children through counseling and

programs. A total of $64,755 was raised through the Regatta and Elk Hill was selected due to its commitment to helping the youth and families of central Virginia. “Elk Hill and the other beneficiaries for this year’s RCM&D

Regatta help meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said RCM&D President Robert Cawley. “We are proud to support these organizations with a financial donation and to raise awareness of their

mission via the Regatta.” RCM&D is a top privately-held insurance advisory firm operating in Virginia and throughout the mid-Atlantic. It created this unique charity opportunity 18 years ago, and the event has raised a total of

$474,000. Each year, the Regatta benefits nonprofits in the communities served by RCM&D’s seven regional offices located throughout the mid-Atlantic. Elk Hill provides at-risk children the opportunity to turn their

lives around through learning, counseling and play. Elk Hill programs include residential programs, group homes, schools, summer camps, and counseling for children and families.

Thursday

January 12, 2012

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Powhatan defeats Bulldogs in second matchup Revenge comes quick for Indians By Jim Ridolphi Special Correspondent

For the second time in seven days, Goochland and Powhatan squared off on the basketball court and the result was a split. Monday night, it was Goochland’s turn to host but Powhatan’s turn to win as the Indians left town with a 70-57 victory. The Bulldogs snatched an early lead but once the Indians drew even at six they never looked back. Powhatan’s aggressive play on the boards and young undersized backcourt shredded the usually stingy Bulldog defense to lead by as much as 19 points. “That was probably the best game we’ve played all sea-

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

Goochland’s Evan Smith (4) tries to press a stubborn Indian defense that includes Tyler Allen (22) and Chris Deleon (20).

son; the most complete effort,” said Powhatan coach Steve Washburn. Goochland coach Preston Gordon was not as pleased with his team’s performance. “I don’t think our focus was

there tonight,” he said. “I don’t think our effort was as good as it should have been. We didn’t play up to our potential.” Gordon acknowledged the Indians’ stellar defensive. “I give credit to Powhatan and

their defensive effort,” he said. “They disrupted us and forced us to take some shots that we didn’t want to take.” The Bulldogs mounted a second period comeback and drew within one late in the quarter but Powhatan’s steals and fast breaks gave the Indians a 27-23 lead at intermission. While the Indians converted on several quick second half baskets the Bulldogs remained stuck at 23. “We just couldn’t put the ball in the hole tonight,” Gordon said. Goochland had four scorers in double figures but rebounding statistics were not as kind. By the end of the third quarter the Indians had a seemingly insurmountable 49-32 lead with a large chunk coming on three 3-pointers from sophomore guard Tyler Amorese.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs leading scorer, James Brooks, was on the bench with four fouls. “We have to get it going earlier in the game,” Gordon said. “We outscored them in the fourth quarter but that couldn’t make up the deficit.” The Bulldogs (6-3) were 2-1 last week with wins over Powhatan, Cumberland and a double overtime home loss to Randolph Henry. Gordon said his team took the R-H game to two extra periods despite shooting under 30 percent from the floor. “We had a chance to win it at the end of the first and second overtime periods but just couldn’t finish,” he said. Despite the good performances last week the Powhatan loss always stings and Gordon didn’t mask his disappoint-

ment. “We gave them easy baskets,” he said. “That came from us being out of position defensively. Our kids are better than that.” The Bulldogs take on Buckingham and Amelia this week. Powhatan 70, Goochland 57 POWHATAN (3-6) — Balcom 13, Deleon 6, Amorese 18, Allen 21, Manion 0, Gerow 2, Lewis 4, Taylor 4, Ratliff 2. Totals 27 12-16 70. GOOCHLAND (6-3) — Ce. Johnson 6, Z. Johnson 0, E. Smith 0, Mattox 12, S. Smith 0, Co. Johnson 10, Adams 10, Hayden 0, Brooks 19, Talmage 0, Stone 0. Totals 21 11-19 57. Powhatan.............. 13 14 22 21 — 70 Goochland............ 8 15 9 25 — 57 3-point goals — P: Amorese 3, Deleon; G: Ce. Johnson 2, Brooks 2. Highlights — P: Tyler Allen 10 rebounds; Tyler Amorese hit three 3-pointers in the third quarter; Joe Balcom 7 for 7 FT in the fourth quarter. G: Cody Johnson 7 rebounds.

Benedictine picks up second half pace with Burgess By Jim Ridolphi Special Correspondent

Benedictine senior Jordan Burgess made it look easy as he piled up 39 points against Amelia Academy last week in a 71-47 victory for the #6 Cadets. The game high performance was just five points off the school record, but those who know Burgess will tell you personal records don’t matter much to the unselfish VCU commit. “Jordan Burgess is a warrior.” said Cadet coach Sean McAloon. “I would take 12 of him any day of the week, not only because he’s talented, but because he approaches the game the right way.” According to McAloon, the senior only has one speed— full throttle. “He prepares to play and plays hard no matter who is on the floor,” McAloon said. “If it were his mother, he wouldn’t

let her score. He is super competitive and we need to somehow infuse the rest of the team with his mature approach to playing basketball.” The 39-point performance is par for the course for Burgess. “It was a very efficient 39 — nothing forced, just pure work and effort,” McAloon said. “He is a joy to coach.” Despite Burgess, Amelia, outmanned on the floor and the bench, wouldn’t go away for the first half, and took advantage of Cadet turnovers to take what they could get offensively. The scrappy performance earned respect, but still left the visitors down 29-19 at the break. “I thought we played well the first half, but they are a very good and deep basketball team,” said Patriot coach Chaz Starnes. “Our offense isn’t capable of scoring against that kind of pressure and they wore

us down in the second half.” Starnes felt his team took advantage of the few openings the Cadets allowed but it wasn’t enough. Benedictine righted a somewhat shaky start and cruised in the second half. “I thought we came out very flat— a lot of that had to do with Amelia and some had to do with us,” McAloon said. “We were not very aggressive on both ends, especially rebounding. At half we were being out-rebounded and that shouldn’t have happened with the athletic and height advantages we had on the floor.” Former Cadet Reid Jacoby quarterbacked the offense but found few cracks in the Benedictine defense and finished with nine points. McAloon utilized a number of Cadet relievers and the Benedictine bench definitely will be a strength as the season progresses. The strong reserves

also makes the coach’s job easier. “I’m glad we have a bench we can rely on, we have had many kids step up nightly and give us a boost, from our sophomores Jalen Hudson and Faiz Shaheen, to our juniors and to our seniors,” McAloon said. “I think we can put out many different combinations and I’m confident in all of them at any time to step in and get the job done. There is no greater motivator than sitting on the bench. No one is above that on this team and that’s what I love.” On Saturday, Benedictine picked up a 60-50 win at Norfolk Christian. AMELIA ACADEMY (7-6) — Urosevic 4, Anderson 5, Jacoby 9, Howard 14, Yamsat 9, Stosic 5, Panov 0, Owens 0. Totals 16 9-16 46. BENEDICTINE (11-3) — Coppola 0, George 4, Burgess 39, Burnett 12, Gill 2, Gorski 2, Hudson 6, V. Shaheen , Fehl 2, Fleming 2, F. Shaheen 0, Wilson 2. Totals 29 12-14 71.

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

Benedictine’s VCU bound senior Jordan Burgess (20) had 39 points against Amelia Academy, five short of the Cadets’ record. Amelia Ac.............. 16 5 13 12 — 46 6 rebounds, 3 blocks; B: Jordan Benedictine...........19 10 21 21 — 71 Burgess 4 steals, 9 rebounds; Ryan 3-point goals — AA: Jacoby 2, Burnett 9 rebounds, 2 steals; Nick Howard 2, Stosic; B: Burgess. Coppola 3 steals; Charles George 3 Highlights — AA: Naanma Yamsat steals.

Thursday

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