02/18/2010 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE New Chinese restaurant opens in Goochland > page 3

Volume 57, Number 7 • February 18, 2010

Warden is honored for her service VCCW’s staff surprises Hobbs with luncheon By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Last Tuesday, Virginia Correctional Center for Women Warden Wendy Hobbs got a call from her Recreation Supervisor Denise Tabon to come to the gym. So Hobbs put on her coat and walked on over. When she opened the door she was greeted by a room full of well-wishers who had gathered to say good bye to the long-time warden, who recently took the top job the Fluvanna Correctional Center. “I was totally, totally, totally surprised,” said Hobbs later in the week. Hobbs, a 26-year veteran with the Virginia Department of Corrections, and Warden at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women since 1991, has been splitting her between VCCW and Fluvanna since December. “We know how bad they need you at Fluvanna,” said Assistant Warden Joan Kerr at the beginning of a lengthy program of testimonials and tributes to Hobbs. “We know they got the best.” Hobbs said she had thought a lunch or dinner had been planned for March to mark both her departure and the transition to new warden see Hobbs > page 4

INDEX

News Calendar Classifieds People Features

2, 5 12 14-15 4 3

Letters Opinion Sports TV Listings

Photo by Ken Odor

Cecil Wise of Wise Choice at Rockville said the rest stop closing was a mixed blessing for his business.

Merchants prep for open rest stops By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

When the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) closed Goochland’s two I-64 rest stops last July in an attempt to save money, local merchants prepared to take advantage of the change and look for new business. Now that Gov. McDonnell has

6-7 6 8-9 10-12

SPORTS Henry grabs gusto in final year at GHS > page 8

decided to reopen the rest areas, the same merchants are looking ahead to April, when the Oilville rest stops will again be available to travelers. The rest stop closing had a significant effect on some of the businesses closest to them, as travelers turned off at the Rockville and Oilville exits to find places to take a break. Cecil Wise, owner of the Wise Choice station at the Rockville Manakin exit,

T H E

said last week the rest stop closing decision was a mixed blessing. Wise, who has been in business at the location for 22 years, began opening on Sundays to take advantage of the extra traffic. “During tourist season it helped us a whole lot,” he said. He had more people coming into the store, but they see Rest Stops> page 2

L O C A L

west SERVING EASTERN GOOCHLAND AND WESTERN HENRICO

Victorian valentines at Meadow Farm

Thursday

February 18, 2010

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

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Rest Stops

hopes a sandwich shop planned for the continued from > page 1 location will offset any business lost to the rest stops. werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always happy. Other nearby stations said the rest stop â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were really upset,â&#x20AC;? he said, closing had little effect on their business. recalling customers standing in line to Centreville Exxon manager Kevin use his restrooms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My facilities couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Salmon said the closing was â&#x20AC;&#x153;sort of a handle it.â&#x20AC;? non-event for us,â&#x20AC;? although he acknowlWise said he began closing on Sundays edged he might have lost some repair again in October. work, since the rest stop staff would â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worth it,â&#x20AC;? he said. sometimes refer motorists with car trouBut he hopes that the experience had ble to his garage. a few worthwhile aspects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope I made Oilville BP and Bulletts Manager some new lasting customers,â&#x20AC;? he said. Nadia Kozreva said the rest stop closing FasMart manager Gloria Joseph, whose brought more travelers into her store, but business is located just down the road like Wise, said they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always happy from Wise, had a similar experience. to be there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like to think the people who stopped â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of people complained that they will be repeat business,â&#x20AC;? said Joseph, who had to come here because the rest stops has run the store for the last five years. closed,â&#x20AC;? she recalled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad they are She expects a fall-off in traffic but reopening.â&#x20AC;? Photo by Ken Odor

FasMart Assistant Manager Harold Alger and Manager Gloria Joseph hope they made some new customers during the time the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two rest stops on I-64 were closed. When the stops re-open, Joseph says she expects a fall-off in traffic but hopes a sandwich shop planned for the location will offset any business lost.

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Thursday

February 18, 2010

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FEATURE: The Lives We Lead

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New Chinese restaurant now serving in Manakin-Sabot Grand opening will be held February 23

CONTINUING A TRADITION OF

Caring for Your Loved Ones Call or visit Meadow Glen of Richmond

By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

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Yuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s China Bistro opened December 17 in Broadview Shopping Center, right before the first of the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major snowstorms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were real busy,â&#x20AC;? said Shin Yu, who co-owns the new restaurant with her husband Far Chiang, who is the chef. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People were shopping at Food Lion and then they would come in here to get food to take home,â&#x20AC;? said Yu of their first day in business. Both Yu and Chang have extensive experience in the restaurant business. Chiang has worked as a chef at Yen Ching and P.F. Changs restaurants in Richmond. Yu said about half their business is currently take-out. The new eatery is open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Later this month, on February 23, the Goochland County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting Grand Opening Ceremony for the new restaurant as part of their Chamber After Hours program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re delighted that, even in these trying economic times, businesses continue to be attracted to Goochland County,â&#x20AC;? said Doris Elderman, the chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s China Bistro offers not only tantalizing cuisine, but also down-home neighborliness. We hope everyone will make plans to visit.â&#x20AC;? The restaurant, which can seat up to 60 patrons inside, has a fairly extensive menu, featuring authentic Hunan and Szechwan cuisine, but it will also consider special requests, said Yu. When warmer weather returns, a patio will offer outdoor dining space for 30 more patrons.

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Yu Shin stands in front of the new restaurant she owns with her husband Far Chiang at Broadview Shopping Center in Goochland.

Yu said two factors are key to success in the restaurant business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think food quality is very important and good service is essential,â&#x20AC;? she said. Yu touted the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood Delight, which includes scallops, real lobster and King Crab. But old faithful General Tsoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chicken has turned out to be the most popular customer choice so far, said Yu.

Both Yu and her husband are originally from Taiwan. Chiang previously worked in New York City and Yu lived in Roanoke, where her parents have a restaurant. Asked about opening a business in the middle of a business downturn, Yu sounded confident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we made the right decision,â&#x20AC;? adding that they are breaking even now despite the bad weather. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are doing okay now.â&#x20AC;?

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Thursday

PEOPLE: Personalities & Achievements

February 18, 2010

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Recycle Your News

Photo by Ken Odor

Assistant Warden Joan Kerr, right, presents departing Warden Wendy Hobbs, left, with a plaque at a surprise luncheon held last week at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women. Hobbs is a 26-year veteran of the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Hobbs continued from > page 1 Tammy Brown, who was also present at the luncheon. Hobbs said she had recently talked with some of the inmates who work in the kitchen; they had kept mum about the upcoming luncheon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to talk about what Wendy Hobbs has done in the past 20 years,â&#x20AC;? said Kerr, who, after presenting Hobbs with a plaque, introduced the speakers. Elizabeth Kates Foundation President Patricia Atherholt presented Hobbs with a bouquet of flowers. Then the staff spent some time going over the many milestones achieved during Hobbsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tenure at VCCW, calling it the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honor Roll of Excellence.â&#x20AC;? Some of the achievements highlighted

were the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in the Goochland Christmas Mother program and the Goochland YMCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bright Beginnings program. Other accomplishments were the establishment of educational opportunities for inmates, in partnership with the Elizabeth Kates Foundation, and the numerous physical improvements at the facility. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you educate a woman you educate the whole family,â&#x20AC;? said Pat Atherholt, Kates Foundation president. Deep Meadow Correctional Center Warden Alton Baskerville predicted Fluvanna would see some changes with Hobbs at the helm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty much cutting edge,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know it but they are going to have a revolution there.â&#x20AC;? Several staff members came forward to speak, two breaking into song to honor

Hobbs. Most praised her ability to mentor her employees and encourage them to advance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truly been a blessing for me to spend 21 years with the best people in the world,â&#x20AC;? said Hobbs at the end of the program, which included two selections by the VCCW choir. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all have grown together,â&#x20AC;? she said. Later in the week Hobbs said her decision to leave VCCW was prompted by a request from the Department of Corrections. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was asked to go there,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They needed a change in leadership.â&#x20AC;? Hobbs said although she will now be working at Fluvanna, her days at VCCW will always stay with her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While it was a prison, it was more like a college campus,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Thursday

February 18, 2010

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Outdoor fires unlawful before 4 p.m. until April 30 Contributed Report news@goochlandgazette.com

The Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect Feb. 15, 2010 – the start of spring fire season in Virginia. This law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day (Feb. 15 – April 30) if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. A violation of this law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition to the criminal violation, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to others’ property. “Because people are the cause of more than 94 percent of wildland fires in the Commonwealth, the 4 p.m. burning law may be one of the most effective tools we have in the prevention of wildfires,” said John Miller, director of resource protection at the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). “Each late winter and early spring, downed trees, branches and leaves become ‘forest fuels’ that increase the danger of a forest fire. By adhering to the law and not burning before 4 p.m., people are less likely to start a fire that threatens them, their property and the forests of Virginia.” In 2009, there were 837 wildfires that burned 7,494 acres of forest land in the Commonwealth. This was a 36 percent

decrease in the number of wildland fires compared to the number (1,322) of fires in 2008. Similraly, the amount of acreage burned decreased 70 percent when compared to 25,704 acres that burned in 2008. Periods of wet weather during the spring and fall fire seasons were a critical factor in reducing the number of wildfires. Of the fires that did occur, citizens burning debris or yard waste continue to be the leading cause of wildfire in Virginia. Arson and equipment use also make up the majority of the fires. Fred Turck, VDOF forest protection coordinator, said, “The leading cause of forest fires in Virginia is carelessness. An unattended fire, a discarded cigarette or a single match can ignite the dry fuels that are so prevalent in the early spring. Add a few days of dry, windy conditions and an escaped wildfire can quickly turn into a raging blaze. “People living in most rural areas of Virginia are especially at risk,” said Turck. “To take a quote from Smokey Bear, ‘Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.’”

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Thursday

February 18, 2010

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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Speaking up for change We have been receiving a lot of letters here at The Gazette lately; some of these are for publication, and some are copies of letters sent to various county officials or copies of government documents or synopses of personal experiences with utility bills or real estate assessments. All of this correspondence gives us a broader view of the county, of the concerns of those that make a living or a life, or both, here. Those black-and-white, posted or e-mailed concerns range from recent clashes between parents and their school board to whether the “Flying Squirrels” is the right name for Richmond’s new baseball team. All of these letters have been an unexpected windfall to those of us who happily make room to print as many of them as possible. Because there are some weeks when we have only one or two letters to the editor, and one reader recently wrote to express weariness with frequent letters written by another reader. We understand that sentiment, as we too would like to see plenty of diversity in our editorial pages. However, we can only publish what we receive. We cannot refuse to publish a letter, if its contents are relevant to the community, solely on the basis that its writer has written in before. Especially on those weeks when few people have written, and the alternative to that letter would be a stretch of white space! If you would like to see more ideas expressed in the letters section, we would encourage you to send yours in for our consideration. And we encourage you to consider Mitchell Rosenbloom’s point, in a letter he wrote to us about the Flying Squirrels: “Also, you know the reason we lost the Braves was because we didn’t go to their games.” I agree with Rosenbloom’s sentiment-- if we don’t speak up about the issues that affect and impact our communities, if we roll our eyes passively at the opinions of others while we tacitly accept the status quo, then we may lose the very things that matter most to us, whether that be items in a school budget or a local baseball team. So, The Gazette hopes we all find our voice; expressing our views in letters to a paper, or in petitions delivered to governments, or in donations made to a food bank-- these are ways to effect a true, tangible change. - Amy Condra

www.goochlandgazette.com news@goochlandgazette.com sales@goochlandgazette.com For Classifieds: cgrant@mechlocal.com © 2010 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 8,500

Common sense with school closings After reading the update posted on the Goochland County Public School system’s Web site regarding the decision-making process for closing our schools, I was left with a sense of disappointment. We, as parents and citizens of the county, need to be more supportive and less critical of our school administrators and county officials as they make important decisions such as these. I, for one, am extremely thankful that our officials have erred on the side of caution—keeping schools

Joy Monopoli Amy Condra Charlie Leffler Ken Odor Gloria Kirkland Stephanie Childrey Brianna Maag Cindy Grant

closed, and as a result our children, teachers, bus drivers, support professionals and parents safe. While the roads in one part of the county might be bone dry others may be covered with patches of ice and be dangerous for travel. As a society, we have become too quick to judge and criticize when we’re inconvenienced. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m a small business owner of two retail stores with a kindergartener. Having her out of school for the past 8 days has been anything but convenient. However, I know that the alternative of risking her safety for my convenience is not

even a consideration. I am pleased that our school officials had the good sense to put safety above convenience. My praise and support go to Dr. Underwood, Betty Thurston and their teams! Keep up the good work that comes from using common sense—regardless of how much pressure parents may be putting on you to do otherwise! Kudos, Angela Allen Goochland see Letter> page 7

CONTACT THE GOOCHLAND GAZETTE Publisher Editor Sports Editor Staff Writer Sales Manager Sales Executive Sales Executive Classifieds

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Joy Monopoli Publisher Amy Condra Editor Charles Leffler Sports Editor Brian French Production Manager Stephanie Childrey Advertising Sales Brianna Maag Advertising Sales

Letters to the Editor

Thursday

OPINION: Letters to the Editor

February 18, 2010

Letters continued from > page 6

A need for local collaboration I hope that you survived the latest round of bad weather? Some of my neighbors just got their power back yesterday. Everybody helps each other in situations like this, plowing, providing wood, food ,etc... It is unfortunate that we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t apply the same kind of cooperation in these trying economic times, i.e., the county budget and all that flows from it. As a person who only spends what he has, I also have expectations that the people we elect to office and their appointees will try to maintain the counties needs within the available funds. Clearly no one looks forward to increasing taxes at times such as these and advocates for not spending more than one has ( of which I am an advocate) are in apparent tension with those individuals or groups who feel that certain county needs require special exemptions. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that any reasonable person would sacrifice health and safety issues in the county, even if it meant increasing taxes. When it comes to the schools there have been several letters decrying the state of our educational budget. Indeed a recent letter commented that 60 individuals spoke out in ways to preserve what they believe are important aspects of the school budget. Bless them for their joint action. As for the thousands of other county residents who have been silent on this issue, who knows where they stand but this is a participatory governing system that we have and the silence speaks to no position at all. Why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we reach out to our federal and state elected representatives, to the local colleges, universities, to retirees with special talents who might

be willing to help the county, pro bono, in its efforts, not only to manage the current financial crisis but put in place programs that will help us through this current crisis and build for the future. Everyone has a right to educate their children at home but that does not exempt them from contributing to the social contract that we have agreed to as part of the nature of our government. I realize it is the squeaky wheel that often gets the most attention but I think that we need less squeaking and more collaboration. Richard Carchman Columbia

A differing view? Just wondering, is Art Bachman on the Gazette staff? Enough already! Eileen Ford Columbia Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: We all encourage readers to submit their views and opinions, so, if there are issues you would like to see presented on our editorial page, please write us!

To the Goochland community Hadensville Company #6 Fire & Rescue Auxiliary wants to thank each and everyone for their very generous contribution to our annual portrait fundraiser in 2009. Because of your generosity, we are presenting to Company #6 Fire & Rescue a check for $8,000 that will go towards paying what is owed on Squad 67. Any further donations will be given to them. We appreciate all that you contribute to us. Hadensville Company #6 Fire & Rescue Auxillar

Food Pantry needs your help As a weekly volunteer at the Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services, I see first hand

that there are many Goochland County Residents who depend on the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Pantry to make ends meet, and some cases, survive and feed their family. During the holidays, I saw just how generous Goochland citizens are with the multitude of food donations. Now that the holidays are over, donations have slowed, but the need is still great. With over 100 families receiving food each week, our shelves are bare, The Food Pantry specifically is in need of canned vegetables and mixed vegetables, canned fruit, canned meats (other than tuna), pasta sauce, pasta of all kinds, dry beans, rice, soups (especially creamed soups), dry milk, corn meal, peanut butter and jelly. The organization maintains a list of suggested food items at their website: www. goochlandfreeclinicandfamilyservices.org/programs/familyservices/foodpantry. Please remember that hunger is a year round problem for many

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struggling families in our com- is a good baseball team name? munity. Please give generously. Lacey McRoberts Find out how you can help at 556-6260. Ralph E. Fisher Richmond

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hate the name because you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even seen them play. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I think the Flying Squirrels is a great name. GO FLYING SQUIRRELS!

Squirrels were the right choice

You should think about Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: The following the name Flying Squirrels for letters were sent in by students at our new baseball team. I have Randolph Elementary thought about the name for our new team and I like it. The other History should play names they could have chosen were Hambones, Flatheads, Rock into Richmond Hoppers or the Rhinos. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t baseball name like those names, so I thought People who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the Flying Squirrels was the best of new baseball teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, listen! the names. It would make a fanWhat do you think the name tastic mascot because the mascot should be? I think it should be could be a squirrel flying around the Richmond Historics because the stadium. Also, you know the reason we have lots of history here. We we lost the Braves was because have the Indians that lived near we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to their games. So the James River, we were one of the thirteen colonies and a lot of Presidents were born in our state. So, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you think the Historics

Mitchell Rosenbloom

Rhinos would be best Why should our new baseball team be called the Flying Squirrels? I think the Richmond Rhinos would be great for the new baseball team because Rhinos are strong and so is Richmond. I think the mascot would look cool running around in a Rhino suit. So what if we do not have Rhinos running around Richmond! Brittany Cramer

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February 18, 2010

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Bulldogs’ season ends with frustrating loss Goochland falls to team it beat twice during regular season BY JIM RIDOLPHI sports@goochlandgazette.com

oochland’s basketball season came to an abrupt and somewhat unexpected end Saturday night as the Bulldogs dropped an 81-77 overtime loss to visiting Orange County in the quarterfinal round of the Jefferson District Tournament. After notching two regular season wins against the Hornets, the Bulldogs couldn’t get started in the first half. The visitors utilized an aggressive inside game, and consistently got second and third shots at the basket. “It looked like they wanted it more tonight than we did,” said Goochland coach Oliver Courtney. “We had several chances to win the game and had a four point lead with a minute to go, but we couldn’t finish them off. That’s a problem we’ve had all year,” he added. Hornets coach Keyode Rogers said it was one of his team’s best performances and it took all of that effort to defeat the Bulldogs. “I have to give credit to Goochland,” Rogers said. “They’re a great basketball team and wouldn’t quit tonight.” Rogers indicated that his team’s tenacity was a key factor in the victory. “We were down by four at the end and didn’t give up,” he said. “We came back and hit a three-pointer to tie the game and send it to overtime. At the beginning of overtime, we went down four again but fought back.” “The guy hit a great three point shot at the end of regulation,” Courtney said. “After that, the game turned and they ran with it.” Both teams came out cold after nearly a two-week layoff and Goochland quickly fell behind the Hornets. They fought back to within two at the end of the first quarter, but the Hornets enjoyed a five-point

Photos by Jim Ridolphi

Above left: Goochland’s Corbyn Jackson, center, found the going tough on the inside against the Orange Co. Hornets.Though the Bulldogs beat Orange in both regular season meetings, the Hornets pulled out an overtime win at Goochland in the district tournament to end the GHS season. Above right: Goochland’s Willie Ezell, center, finished strong in the fourth quarter, contributing several layups in the last minutes of the game. But the effort by the Bulldogs came up short as Orange bounced back to send the game into overtime and pull out the win.

cushion approaching halftime. The Bulldogs went on an offensive spurt and ended the half trailing by just two points, 29-27. Late in the third quarter, back to back three-pointers by Goochland’s Brandon Henry and BJ Clark put the Bulldogs up 51-47. However, Orange employed an aggressive defensive press in the fourth quarter that seemed to stifle a tiring Bulldog offense. “We weren’t deep on the bench

tonight,” Courtney said. “That’s been the case all season long and they were running in players left and right so I think my guys got a little tired at the end.” The Bulldogs were up 68-65 with 22 seconds remaining when Orange guard Tres Winkler hit a game-tying three pointer to send the contest into overtime. The Hornets fought back from a four point deficit early in the extra period and finally put the Bulldogs

away with foul shots in the final seconds of the game. “I feel bad that it ended this way for the seniors,” Courtney said. Willie Ezell, Henry and Kenny Johnson played their final games for the Bulldogs in the school’s first season of Group AA play. “I feel like this team overachieved this year, but we put ourselves in a position to win a lot of games,” Courtney said. “I’m proud of what they did this year,” he added.

JEFFERSON DISTRICT TOURNAMENT Quarterfinals at Goochland ORANGE 81, GOOCHLAND 77 (OT) ORANGE (n/r) Braxton 9, Hunter 9, Jerrell 4, Seal 8, Hilton 11, Pugh 20, Powell 4, Winkler 16. Totals 33 11-19 81. GOOCHLAND (10-6) Turner 0, Miller 0, Brooks 6, Clark 14, Ezell 18, Henry 26, Johnson 0, Jackson 13. Totals 28 16-23 77. Orange ------------------- 11 18 18 21 13 - 81 Goochland ---------------- 9 18 24 17 9 - 77

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February 18, 2010

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Rimriders will roll into GHS Wheelchair event will benefit Goochland athletics BY JIM RIDOLPHI sports@goochlandgazette.com

n exciting brand of basketball is coming to Goochland High School this weekend. The Sportable Richmond Rimriders will bring their game to the school’s gym this Saturday with all the benefits going to the Goochland Athletic Department. Two games are scheduled, with the Rimriders taking on the Air Capitals from Washington, D.C. Tip-off times are noon and 2 p.m. The Rimriders play an entertaining and exciting type of basketball, with aggressive

strategies that often result in Martin said the pace is fast to be really popular with World wheelchair crashes. Despite, and furious once the game War II vets comprising many the disabilities, these athletes begins. of the teams. “We used to have are top-notch competitors “They crash wheelchairs teams come down from Fort who take the game seriously. into one another and really put Dix, Fort Lewis, WA, and all Longtime Goochland on a good show,” Martin said. over,” Martin said. “It used to golf coach Lou Martin and “What they can do is unbeliev- draw a lot of people, but the local Rimriders interest has dropped off a little able.” member Stan Both the bit. We’re trying to get that “This is great Corn planned competition and Rimriders and interest back up.” the event. Martin team plays year-round these guys really the Capitals andThe has a longstandparticipates in various are members ing relationship give it their all.” of the National tournaments throughout the LOU MARTIN with wheelchair W h e e l c h a i r season. basketball and Wheelchair basketball The $5 admission fee will Basketball official has well over five Association that benefit Goochland Athletics. decades officiatis comprised of “We’re really down this year ing the games. over 200 teams nationwide, because of the weather, and we SPORTS: Youth, High “These guys, many of them including intercollegiate and wanted to do something that Veterans, play exciting basket- youth leagues. There are 22 would stir some action and ball and their commitment conferences and seven divi- excitement,” Martin said. to the game is unequaled,” sions in the league. Martin added the crowd Martin said. “I was refereeing should be ready for some great Martin has officiated a game where one of the par- Rimrider games for the past basketball. “This is great comticipants had no arms and no 10 years. “These and these guys really School, College, Recreational, guys are really petition legs. It was amazing. He does good,” he said. give it their all. I think it should everything with his elbows.” Martin said the sport used be a great event.”

Squash tourney in Richmond Feb. 21-27 Submitted by Jackie Holt Sports Backers

Thirty-two of the world’s best squash players, including the top 12 in the world rankings, return to Richmond to compete in the 2010 North American Open sponsored by Quantitative Investment Management from Feb. 21-27. “With the top 12 ranked players in the world coming to Richmond this year, this is the strongest draw we have ever had and by far the strongest anywhere in the Americas that will be held in 2010,” said tournament director Gus Cook. The North American Open is one of the premier tournaments on the Professional Squash Association calendar with a prize fund of almost $100,000. The event is hosted by Virginia Squash, and the high-

speed action takes place on the all-glass exhibition court which will be erected in the Millhiser Gymnasium on the campus of University of Richmond. This year’s NAO will be filmed and broadcasted live over the web. “This year’s event will certainly be a lot different in terms of coverage and operation than anything we have seen before,” said Cook. “It is a measure of the level of interest in this event.” Proceeds from the event will benefit an urban youth pilot program called Squash Rocks that will raise the profile of squash among Richmond youth. For more information or to purchase tickets, for please visit the tournament website www. naosquash.com.

Riverock sports festival coming May 14-15 Event schedule announced Submitted by Sports Backers

Sports Backers and Venture Richmond has announced the sporting event schedule for this year’s Dominion Riverrock, including running, biking, kayaking and more. The second annual sports and riverlife festival will be held on Brown’s Island in Richmond, VA May 14-15, 2010. Athletes of all types and levels can register at the event’s new web site launched today, www.dominionriverrock.com. This two-day festival celebrates Richmond’s vibrant and active river life with a series of sporting events – trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, freestyle biking and ultimate air dogs – along with musical

performances, food vendors, exhibits and much more. “We are so excited about growing into our second year,” says Dominion Riverrock CoFounder Jeff Fitch. “We’ve opened sporting events to all ages and ability levels. And with all of the sports, food vendors, exhibits and a national music act each night, there’s something for everyone at Dominion Riverrock.” The following events will be featured in this year’s festival: RUNNING EVENTS (Online registration for the running events is currently open) Friday, May 14 Filthy 5k Mud Run Get down and dirty with your friends and family for this 5k race across Richmond’s Belle Isle. Throughout the course, participants plow through sev-

eral unique obstacles and into a mud pit just before crossing the finish line on Brown’s Island. Saturday, May 15 James River Scramble 10k This one of a kind off-road trail run features steep climbs, rock hopping, and magnificent river views. It is open to all participants who are up for a challenge. BIKING EVENTS (Online registration for the biking events begins March 1st) Friday, May 14 Freestyle “Slopestyle” World-class riders compete on a challenging course designed by one of the pros, Jeff Lenosky. Scoring is based on a combination of speed and quality of jumps. There will be qualifying and a final round. Saturday, May 15 Freestyle “Best Trick”

Freeriders challenge the laws of gravity as they throw 360 tailwhips and backflips in this best trick contest. Saturday, May 15 Urban Assault Mountain Bike Race Competitors can choose between the 8-mile or 15-mile loop of the famous James River Park trails, considered one of the most technically challenging urban trail systems in the country. The mountain bike course includes steep up hill and downhill single track trails, stairs over railroad tracks, tunnels, bridges, creek crossings and many other natural obstacles. KAYAKING EVENTS (Online registration for Big Air begins March 1st/ Registration for Boatercross is currently open) Fri.-Sat. May 14-15 Big Air

New this year, kayakers will launch themselves down a ramp and perform backflips and spins while trying to land upright in the canal. The qualifying round will take place on Friday and finals will follow on Saturday. Saturday May 15 Boatercross Heats of four kayaks will race head to head down the James River’s turbulent Brown’s Island rapid. The top two boats advance to the next round. In the end, the final four competitors will duke it out in the championship round of Boatercross. ULTIMATE AIR DOG EVENTS (Online registration for the Ultimate Air Dog events begins March 1, 2010) Fri.-Sat. May 14-15 Ultimate Air Canines go paws to the wall

to prove who is top dog! In the Ultimate Air competition, man’s best friends will launch themselves down a runway into a 25-foot pool trying to get as much air as possible. No fetching skills needed in this event. There will be qualifying rounds on Friday and Saturday. Finals will be on Saturday. Friday, May 14 Catch It! Catch It! Is similar to Ultimate Air, where two jumps for each dog are judged by distance. However, the dog MUST catch the object thrown for the jump to count. Saturday, May 15 Fetch It! Fetch It! Is similar to Ultimate Air, where two jumps for each dog are judged by distance. However, the dog MUST grab the object hanging over the pool for the jump to count.

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