02/23/2012 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE East end of county seeing more break-ins > page 2

Volume 57, Number 8 • February 23, 2012

Theater IV brings Tubman story to Randolph E.S. By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Photo by Jim Ridolph

Planning commission Chairwoman Courtney Hyers recognized outgoing commission members for their years of service last week and presented plaques of appreciation to them. To the right are: James Crews, Derek Murray, Joe Andrews, Lowe Lunsford, Eugene Bryce, Tommy Carter and James Melton.

Commission deadlocks Amendments go to supervisors without a PC opinion By Jim Ridolphi Special Correspondent

The Goochland Board of Supervisors will consider an ordinance amendment that would allow multi family housing in areas zoned M-1 in the county without an opinion from the Planning Commission. The 10-member panel deadlocked on a motion to approve an amendment that would open development in West Creek to retail and residential projects.

INDEX

Calendar Classifieds Letters Obituaries

Since the measure is approaching a 60-day action deadline, the measure returns to the Board of Supervisors with the 5-5 vote noted. Goochland Principal Planner Tom Coleman presented the plan designed to jumpstart growth in the eastern Goochland business park and take advantage of available water and sewer services. The proposal would allow up to 19 units per acres on 60-acre tracts in West Creek, but some commissioners questioned the move. James Atkinson said he thought the commission clearly indicated its preferences at a recent workshop and recommended the maxi-

12 13-15 6 7

see Multi-family > page 4

Obituaries Opinion Sports TV Listings

7 6 8-9 10-12

Some Randolph Elementary School students were deeply affected by a play they saw earlier this month. “Some of the students teared up,” said third grade teacher Jennifer Gates of her students’ reaction to Theater I V’s production of “Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad,” which kicked off the school’s celebration of Black History Month. “They couldn’t imagine being treated that way,” she explained. “It was a little bit heavy but good for the kids,” said Gates. The production had a special Goochland connection – Goochland High School graduate Dee Sims played the lead role as Harriet Tubman, a former slave who helped hundreds of other slaves reach freedom via the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses leading from the Deep South to the north before the Civil War. And on top of that two of Sims’ cousins, fifth-grader Aleysia Watson and her sister, third-grader Lilah, are students at Randolph. Last week Gates continued her lessons for Black History Month by reading “Freedom on the Menu,” to her students. A more contemporary story of the trials of African

Contributed Photo

Dee Sims, left, gets a hug from cousins Aleysia and Lilah Watson at her performance earlier this month at Randolph Elementary School. Sims played the lead role in Theater IV’s “Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad” to kick off the school’s Black History Month programs.

Americans, it describes the 1960 sit-in at the Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C. through the eyes of a young African American girl. The book tells the story of the progress of the sit-in, including a visit by Martin Luther King, Jr. To younger students the history of African Americans can come as a surprise, said Gates, who said her third graders are at the age where

they are just becoming aware of their differences. Gates said she tries to broaden the lesson by also talking about women’s rights. Eight-year old Oshea Funn, one of Gate’s students, said the play and the book taught him what’s important. “The heart matters, not the color of the skin,” he said. “It taught me that the color that I am is good and that we can all get together and be friends.”

SPORTS

NEWS

Goochland girls earn regional birth

Benedictine motion hearing set

> page 8

> page 5

Thursday

February 23, 2012

Free Bankruptcy Informational Session In current economic times, bankruptcy is a hot topic.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Want more? Visit us on the web at

www.goochlandgazette.com

East end of county seeing more break-ins says Sheriff Agnew

If you want to learn more, come: Thursday, March 1st County Seat Restaurant, Powhatan at 7pm Hosted by: Graham T. Jennings, Jr., Esquire www.grahamjenningsjr.com

Space is limited. Please call to confirm your seat with Mr. Jennings’ office at 804-598-7912.

MASTERS COLLISION CENTER The Collision Repair Specialists Have you had an unwanted run-in with a deer lately?

Find yourself in an unfortunate automobile accident?

Come visit us at MASTERS COLLISON CENTER for your FREE estimate! Collision damage, painting, headlight restoration, and more!!!! In house Towing Services available and ALL work is backed by a 100% guarantee for the life that you own the vehicle. FEBRUARY SWEETHEART SPECIAL!!!!! BRING THIS AD IN AND RECEIVE 10% OFF AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION!!

2549253-01

Offer Valid Feb.2-Feb. 29, 2012 5280 River Road West Goochland, VA 23063 (804) 385-8491

RECYCLE THE NEWS

Photo by Jim Fields

Goochland Sheriff Jim Agnew, left, gives residents advice on how to protect their homes from burglary at a meeting last week. At right, District 4 supervisor Robert H. Minnick talks with Michael McDermott, far right, at the meeting Feb, 16 at the Centerville Fire Station.

By Jim Fields jfields@mechlocal.com

Home break-ins, an ongoing problem in Goochland County, have recently shifted from the central county to the eastern area, according to Goochland Sheriff Jim Agnew. At a “Law Enforcement Briefing” Feb. 16 at Centerville Fire Station, Agnew told about 70 residents of District 4 that the easy access to the county created by Route 288 is one of the big reasons the eastern part of the county has seen an increase in home break-ins. A large county map on display at the meeting showed 22 red dots representing home break-ins. A total of 14 red dots were in the eastern part of the county. “Most of these people have criminal records and are stealing to get money for a drug habit,” Agnew said. “Goochland County is no longer a rural, isolated county. With Route 288 and I-64, we are now a part of the metro area and are starting to have the

same problems they have.” He said that home breakin groups from Chesterfield County, King William, Henrico and two groups from Charlottesville have been identified as operating in Goochland County. The sheriff said the culprits have a routine when it comes to home break-ins. “They are not looking for confrontation, either humans or animals,” he said. “If they ring a doorbell and someone answers, they’ll quickly find a reason to move on. They’ll go down the road to the next house and try again. “Once they find a house where no one answers the door, they’ll run around the house to the back door and kick it in,” Agnew added. “They know what they are looking for and where to look. Many of them try to be in and out of a house in four minutes.” The criminals are looking for particular houses to rob. They like ones that are isolated and off the road and like it even more if there are trees around

the house that make it difficult to be seen. Chief Deputy Don Bewkes talked about the fact that the hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. were the most popular times for home break-ins to occur. “In the early morning, most people are at work and the kids are in school,” Bewkes said. “The people that commit home break-ins will ride around for hours looking for an isolated house that doesn’t have any signs of anyone being home.” Agnew and Bewkes made several suggestions as to things people could do to discourage break-ins. “Leave a light on and change the light you leave on from dayto-day,” Agnew said. “It’s a good idea to get a timer that will cut lights off and on periodically. Leave a television or radio on. Anything you can do that might lead someone to believe someone is at home will help.” One of the reasons home break-ins throughout the metro area have increased is they are popular with the criminals that

commit them. “Home break-ins are considered non-violent crimes,” Agnew explained. “If someone is convicted of a home breakin, the sentence is usually less than two years. Often in six months, they are out and back on the street.” Both officers stressed that when someone thinks something is going on that isn’t right that they should call the Sheriff’s Office. “People think they are bothering us, but they aren’t,” Bewkes said. “You folks are our eyes and ears, and you are never bothering us when you call about something that concerns you.” The meeting was organized by Robert H. Minnick, the District 4 member of the Goochland County Board of Supervisors. “I had several constituents contact me about home breakins and who also wanted to know more about the Sheriff’s Office,” he said. “I think we had a good meeting and everybody learned something.”

Thursday

BOS takes up CIP By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Goochlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supervisors got their first peek last week at the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed Capital Improvement Program. The plan calls for $22,470,00 in county and school projects and $2,240,000 in utility projects for fiscal years 2013-2017. Some of the highlights of the plan, which generally includes projects that do not recur annually and are in excess of $50,000 are: â&#x20AC;˘ An $8.8 million radio communication system and emergency communications facility addition in FY2013 and

Want more? Visit us on the web at

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

February 23, 2012

FY2014 â&#x20AC;˘ $2.6 million for a new fire station to replace Company 6 Hadensville in FY13-FY14. â&#x20AC;˘ $2.2 million for utility projects in FY2013 including a Rivergate Pump Station upgrade, extension of the Lower Tuckahoe Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line, Hickory Haven/Samary Forest Water Line Replacement and Route 6 Water Line Extension. March Town Hall meetings (see box right) are being held to gather citizen input on the CIP and other budget items before the public hearing on the budget set for April 3.

Town Hall Meeting Schedule â&#x20AC;&#x201C; By Date * District 3, Monday, March 12, 7 p.m., Board Meeting Room

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli comes to the Goochland Tea PartySee article later this

week * District 5, Thursday, March 22, 7 p.m., Co. 1 Firehouse

* District 2, Thursday, March 29, 7 p.m., Old Goochland Middle School

THE ALBANY

Located behind BIG SAWMILL off Rt 25O, East of Zion Crossroads

For More Information â&#x20AC;˘ 434-906-4138 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Something for Everyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the kitchen sinkâ&#x20AC;?

CK IN-STO T

CARPE

MONEY SavEr!

* District 1, Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m., Byrd Elementary School * District 4, Wednesday, March 28, 7 p.m., Co. 3 Firehouse (tentative location)

Antiques, Handmade Items, Direct Sellers

Open Year Round Winter Hours Fri & Sat 9-5 and Sun 11-5

Online:

www.goochlandgazette.com

Sq.ft.

TAKE MORE TIME TO PAY!

NtItIES IN StOCk â&#x20AC;˘ LIMItEd qua

36-MONTH SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

SELECT

LAMINATE

Sq.ft.

NtItIES IN StOCk â&#x20AC;˘ LIMItEd qua

â&#x20AC;

Save hundreds on all in-stock carpet, hardwood, laminate and tile FLOOrs with special FINancing!

BEST-SELLING

CERAMIC

$109,950

99Â˘

Built on your land

Sq.ft.

Shown with Some Options

IN StOCk â&#x20AC;˘ LIM ItEd quaNtItIES

* Shown with optional brick

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the home centersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;installation specialsâ&#x20AC;? fool you... The Floor Traderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total package costs less than their total package! At The Floor TraderÂŽ, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find no mark ups, no add ons, and no extras to pay on your new flooring purchase.*

NO MONEY DOWN

BRKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;FST

HALL

DININGRM

FOYER

BEDRM #2

ARDWO H WE arE thE hOME Of

FINANCING ARRANGED

FAMILYROOM KITCHEN

BEDRM #3

E GENUIN OD

at-COSt INStaLLatION!

Sq.ft.

LOWEST RATES

ItEd quaNtItIES IN StOCk â&#x20AC;˘ LIM

Limited time offer. Builder reserves the right to make changes without notice. See disclaimer on builderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web page.

2549924-01

2529799-01

OPTIONAL

NEW! RICHMOND-EAST RICHMOND-WEST RICHMOND-SOUTH 7019 Mechanicsville Tpke. 12642 Broad St. Rd. 13617 Hull St. Rd. 804-746-5500 804-360-8223 804-639-0033 Hours: Monday-Friday 9-8, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12:30-5 Visit us online at www.floortraderofrichmond.com

*Installation available; see store for preferred installer list. Installation is to be coordinated with and paid directly to installer. Offers do not apply to previous purchases. Prices are for materials only. Limited quantities on selected floor covering. See store for complete details. Because new shipments arrive daily, brand selection may vary. Offer ends 2/29/12. Photos are for illustrative use only. Although we make every effort to ensure that our advertising is accurate, The Floor TraderÂŽ cannot be held liable for typographical errors or misprints. ÂŠ2012 The Floor TraderÂŽ. FLTR-29586

Thursday

Want more? Visit us on the web at

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

February 23, 2012

www.goochlandgazette.com

Conservation District offers scholarships Kitchens/Baths Patios/Decks New Construction Doors/Windows Sidewalks/Pavers Remodels/Additions

VA Lic. 27505-093745-A

$ Gold and Silver $

S CITIZEN SENIOR an additional

ad Receive s with this 10% Bonu DES COINS) (EXCLU

ARMED SECURITY ON DUTY

We pay signed double for je • Tiffany • welry! • Van Cleef Cartier & Arpels •R • David Yurmoberto Coin • David W an • Judith Ripka • Gucci • D ebb • Lalaounis unay • • Maubouss Buccellati in

We are a Virginia company with 20 licensed and bonded locations in Virginia and a proud sponsor of keeping your business right here in our state.

BRING GOLD - GET CA$H TODAY Gold, Platinum, and Silver

chains, bracelets, rings and watches. We pay top dollar for your estate, broken or unwanted inherited jewelry. We Testh Dental gold, gold and silver coins. ei &W g t In Fronu of Yo

Sterling silverware, sterling tea sets.

Clean out your jewelry box and storage! WE HONOR ALL COMPETITORS’ ADS

Visit NationalRedemption.com for a bonus coupon Wingate Hotel Short Pump Quality Inn & Suites Airport 13991 N. Gayton Road, Richmond, VA 23233

5203 Williamsburg Rd., Sandston, VA 23150

Exit 195 Laburnum past White Oaks Mall. Left on 1 block off W. Broad Street on North Gayton Road, (64E Williamsburg Road. Hotel is 2 blocks on the right.) 1 block west of the Short Pump Town Center Mall

Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center 1021 Koger Center Blvd. Richmond, VA 23235 (500 ft W of Midlothian Tpk. next to Johnston-Willis Hospital)

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

2539835-01 $$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

$ $ $RECORD $ $ $ $HIGH $ $ $GOLD $ $ $PRICES $ $ $ $• RECORD $ $ $ $ $HIGH $ $ GOLD $ $ $ PRICES $$$$$$

Fredericksburg Hospitality House 2801 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (Beside Lowe’s in Central Park Rear entrance to the Commonwealth Room.)

Every Thursday-Sunday 10AM-6PM

GG $ $ $ $ Bring extra $ $ $this $ $ $ad $ $for $ $an$ $ $ $ $$5 $ $with $ $ $your $ $ $sale. $$$$$$

There are two college scholarships available through the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District. Graduating high school seniors within Goochland and Powhatan counties planning to major in agriculture, environmental science, forestry or other conservation

Multi-family continued from > page 1 mum size of the developments be limited to 30 acres. He also expressed concerns that granting the by right adjustments could open up an unforeseen can of worms. Ty Querry agreed and raised concerns about increased enrollment in county schools and increased pressure on fire and rescue services. He spoke in favor of using one 30 acre tract as a test case and then reassess before proceeding with such a far reaching amendment. Querry said a slow reasoned approach utilizing a test case was the best way to proceed in considering mixed use

related subjects are eligible to apply for one or both scholarships. Four $1,000 scholarships are awarded statewide each year. The purpose of these scholarships is to give financial support to students majoring in or showing a strong desire to major in a course curriculum related to natural

resource conservation and/or environmental studies. Applicants are to be enrolled in college freshman level curriculum. Applicants must also document a class ranking in the top 20 % of his or her graduating class or a document a 3.0 GPA. Applications must be returned to the Monacan SWCD by March 8, 2012.

Applications may be obtained by calling the Monacan SWCD office at 804556-4936, at your local school guidance office, or at your local public library. Email inquiries may be directed to betty.mccracken@vaswcd. org. Completed applications can be mailed to the Monacan SWCD office at PO Box 66, Goochland, VA 23063.

zoning. “I suggest we go low and slow,” he said referring to the density levels, tract sizes and schedule. A recent independent market study indicated the need for mixed use zoning in certain areas of the county, and one former commissioner said the measure is needed. Former commissioner Bob Rich supported the ordinance change, and spoke in favor of the changes during the public hearing. “I would like to speak in favor of the issue of development within West Creek Business Park by amending the M-1 zoning to include multi family residential development,” he said. “Goochland County faces a major fiscal

opportunity. Large corporate campuses such as Capital One and CarMax for which West Creek was ideally suited, are not in vogue anymore,” he added. The changing economic climate means the future of West Creek will involve small industrial, medical and office and retail opportunities. “For this to occur on any reasonable scale, places for people to live must be planned for,” Rich said. “We need to get it done right and done now before the opportunity passes us by.” Although county planners originally requested a 75 acre tract to accommodate new mixed use projects, the proposal lowered that requirement to 60 acres. Panel chairwoman Courtney Hyers had several

concerns with the changes, and said projected tax revenue from the new project would not even cover the costs of educating additional students. Goochlander Pat Hendy agreed. “Why do we need apartments? When we need apartments, we’ll know,” Hendy said. “If you have money in your budget that is excess and you feel we can you can afford to take on more kids, don’t take on more kids. Take care of the ones we have,” she added. Hyers agreed. “I don’t think we can afford it,” she said. She also said the proposed hiring of a new economic development director could assist commercial development in West Creek and suggested waiting until that position is filled. Joining Hyers and Querry in opposing the amendments were James Melton, Eugene Bryce and James Atkinson. Those in favor were James Crews, Lowe Lunsford, Derek Murray, Tommy Carter and Joe Andrews. An accompanying amendment to establish development standards for the areas in question also failed to pass and tied with an identical 5-5 vote. In other matters, Hyers recognized the seven members of the board who have either resigned or served out their terms and will be leaving in April.

Thinking about buying or selling real estate? Call Debra!

VENTURE 2415932-01

Greg Blanchard 804-457-9426

Contributed Report

REAL ESTATE

Debra Hoffman, Principal Broker OFFICE: 784-2772 FAX: 784-2773 debra@venturerellc.com

Brown Motor Parts, Inc. Rt. 6 & 45 at George’s Tavern

5285 River Road West Goochland, VA 23063

(804) 457-4495 Hours: M-F 8am-6pm • Sales after hours by Appt.

AUTO PARTS

SALES & SERVICE

• All Makes & Models of Auto,Truck & Tractor Parts • Hydraulic Hose • Lawn Tractors • Compact and Utility Tractors, up to 75 hp • Saws and • Trimmers

Full Service Department VA State Inspections

Thursday

February 23, 2012

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

School, community and churches partner in mentoring program By Kathy Albert Contributed Report

The world of education is a complex, interconnected system and requires its leaders, participants and community to work in collaboration. An outstanding example of collaboration is the Manto-Man Mentoring groups that are thriving at BES and GES. Selected students meet once a week, over breakfast, to discuss character traits with faculty, members of the community, including volunteers from the following churches: Forest Grove Christian Church, Second Union Baptist Church, Mizpah Christian Church, and Perkins Baptist Church and the Goochland Rotary Club. James Hopkins (BES) and Andy Meiller (GES) facilitate these discussions. They use pictures and quotes from significant historical figures covered in the VA Standards of Learning, as well as their own personal experience, to initiate these discussions. Students engage and reflect upon essential values that shape their lives, illuminate goals and guide responsible decisions. They practice basic social

Contributed Photo

Standing, BES Principal James Hopkins, watches a meeting with Richard Carchman. Around the table to Carchman’s left are: Christian Lifsey, Dillion Bowman, Aiden Dobbertin, Thomas Trowbridge, Mr. Parrish,Nathaniel Southerland.

skills that enable them to communicate effectively with others. The communication skills the students practice in the discussions with these dedicated community members lead to healthy interpersonal relationships, and help students learn how to solve problems with others when they arise. Mentor Richard Carchman states that “working with the boys, the other

Goochland Commissioner of the Revenue Jean S. Bryant reminds everyone that the Goochland County business license tax is due March 1, 2012. After that date, a 10 percent penalty will be applied to the license. This is a gross receipts tax,

and if you are self-employed, or doing business in Goochland County and have gross receipts over $4,000 annually, then you are liable for a Goochland County license. Your Personal Property Vehicle and Business Equipment taxes must be paid up to date before we can accept payment for your business license.

www.goochlandgazette.com

Benedictine motions hearing set By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

A hearing on a lawsuit by neighbors to halt Benedictine College Preparatory School’s move to its Abbey site on River Road will be held April 6 in Goochland Circuit Court. Attorney for Benedictine Darwin Satterwhite said Friday there is a good chance the lawsuit will be dismissed. “That’s certainly what we hope is the result,” he said. The suit by 24 plaintiffs, filed Jan. 3, 2012, alleges the Goochland County Board of Supervisors’ granting of a conditional use permit at its Dec. 6, 2011 meeting to Benedictine for the move was invalid because it did not adopt an ordinance to that effect. The suit also alleges the board of supervisors failed to comply with public notice requirements and did not refer plans for widening nearby roads to the county’s planning commission as required by state law. The Goochland Planning Commission sent the application to the supervisors after a 6-3 vote at its July, 2011 meeting. “We believe there are no legal grounds for the suit,” said Satterwhite. He added that

File Photo by Ken Odor

A pre-trial motions hearing has been set for April 6 in a suit seeking to block the Benedictine’s move to River Road in Goochland.

work was proceeding toward the school’s target date to open in the fall of this year. “It has not held us up one way or the other.” Goochland County Attorney Norman Sales also filed a response to the suit on Jan. 23, 2012, maintaining that Goochland County should be removed as one of the three defendants in the lawsuit. Sales also maintained that the CUP was not a “rezoning” as stated by the plaintiffs and therefore an ordinance was not required.

mentors and the teachers has allowed me to feel more fulfilled than I ever have felt, giving back is the ultimate blessing” and Mentor Calvin Hopkins says “BES mentoring has been a worthwhile project because reaching boys at this age and helping them to become successful in their lives now will provide a good foundation for their future. I have enjoyed being a part of the program.”

Business license tax due March 1 Contributed Report

Want more? Visit us on the web at

To obtain a form, or for more information, please contact the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office at (804) 556-5807, or write to the Commissioner at PO Box 60, Goochland, VA 23063, jbryant@co.goochland.va.us. For the hearing impaired, you may dial 711 for VA Relay.

Now Enrolling • Early Childhood Program • Kindergarten Preparatory and State Licensed for 2–5 year olds • 2, 3 and 5 Day Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten Classes • Half Day, School Day and Before & After Care Available • Resource Classes in Library, Music and Art • Nurturing, Value-Based Environment • All Faiths Welcome

Thursday

Want more? Visit us on the web at

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

February 23, 2012

www.goochlandgazette.com

Black History Month and Beyond Guest column by Sekou Shabaka, the year. Woodson chose it because Goochland NAACP President it is the birth month of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, President Jasmin K. Williams writes in her Abraham Lincoln and writer Langston “Celebrate Black History Month” col- Hughes. The NAACP was also foundumn of Feb. 2, 2012 for the New York ed in February… ‘Race prejudice,’ he Amsterdam News the following, “Up concluded, is merely the logical result until the dawn of the 20th century, it of tradition, the inevitable outcome of was the untrue but widely held belief thorough instruction to the effect that among both whites and blacks that the Negro has never contributed anyAfrican-Americans had no history of thing to the progress of mankind.” true importance beyond slavery, even My perspective on the above inforthough there was concrete evidence mation is that a rose by any other that people of African descent had name smells just as sweet. Black hismade significant contributions to tory is world history and is just as world history on every level: socially, powerful. Time does not nor exclusion politically and economically. These diminish the brilliance of the Black contributions remained largely men and women’s achievements and unknown,unsung and unnoticed until contribution to the development of the diligent work of Woodson…” civilization. Our community may be The Woodson Ms. Williams able to reclaim some of our youth is referencing is Dr. Carter Godwin who have been swallowed up by the Woodson. Dr. Woodson was born in a-historical, a-cultural and a-political New Canton, Va. on Dec. 19, 1875. Ms. streets. If these youth understood that Williams further states: “He taught they possessed the DNA of Imhotep, himself the fundamentals of basic the Egyptian physician and archeschool subjects. By age 20, he began type of a great man; and of Tiye, his formal education… He attended the Nubian Queen of Egypt, it may college in West Virginia, Kentucky, assist them in realizing their hopes Pennsylvania and Chicago, earning a and dreams! Bachelor of Arts from the University I will continue to salute, honor and of Chicago in 1907, and a Masters forever give thanks to the heroes of degree in 1908. He earned his Ph.D the struggle against slavery, genocide, from Harvard in 1912, the second segregation, discrimination, prejudice black after W.E.B. Du Bois to do so. and any other forms of mistreatment He traveled to Europe and Asia and that has occurred and continues to attended the Sorbonne in France. occur in the United States. In addition, “… In 1926 Woodson made his I will acknowledge the longer history most enduring contribution. He of the universal Black struggle for freestarted Negro History Week, which dom and phenomenal contributions took placed during the second week of our African ancestors. of February. Why February? No, not because it’s the shortest month of see Column > page 7

www.goochlandgazette.com news@goochlandgazette.com sales@goochlandgazette.com For Classifieds: cgrant@mechlocal.com © 2011 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

Withold funds if planning commissioners don’t go? Sadly, it is now apparent that the three unelected political appointees, clinging to their unsalaried spots on the current planning commission, are attempting to return Goochland County to its dysfunctional past. Many of us thought those demons were excised last November at the ballot box. We have seen how the toxicity of two competing Boards has worked in the past. The business of the people was disrupted, delayed, and made ineffective by squabbling and incompetence. The absolute disaster of the prior school

board and supervisors set the bar to be avoided. The recent sweeping election results have already transformed old toxic relationships into major positives and now the planning commission needs the same facelift for the better. Indeed, the original idea of staggered planning commission terms came from a former Board that never expected to leave office in their lifetimes. I propose that our current Board act to prevent a complete degeneration of this current farce from turning into an expensive waste of the next year and a half left on the three holdouts terms. 1) Immediately cut from the budget the thousands we taxpayers should be

saving as if the recommended board reductions could be implemented and, 2) Come April 1st (when the resignations were requested) simply accept the seven resignations so selflessly and graciously offered and do not make any new appointments until the three holdouts see the light and depart or their terms expire. Not reappointing anyone to the old Planning Commission would prevent a quorum from being declared and therefore no meetings could take place. It would be far less disruptive to the county citizens, county staff, and businesses to have no planning commission see Letter> page 7

CONTACT THE GOOCHLAND GAZETTE Joy Monopoli Ken Odor Charlie Leffler Jim Fields Pam Sanders Stephanie Childrey Cindy Grant

Publisher Editor Sports Editor Senior Staff Writer Sales Manager Sales Executive Classifieds

(804) 239-2280 (804) 627-3249 (804) 543-9201 (804) 971-8696 (804) 746-1235 (804) 814-7780 (804) 746-1235x16

Fax: (804) 819-5529 Fax: (804) 775-4066 Fax: (804) 775-4082 Fax: (804) 730-0476 Fax: (804) 775-4051 Fax: (804) 730-0476

Contact us Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 • Office - (804) 746-1235 ext 0 Mailing Address - P.O. Box 1118, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

CLIP AND SAVE

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1118, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 746-1235 • TOLL FREE (877) 888-0449 FAX (804) 730-0476

Joy Monopoli Publisher Ken Odor Editor Charles Leffler Sports Editor Jim Fields Senior Staff Writer Pam Sanders Sales Manager Stephanie Childrey Advertising Sales

Letters to the Editor

Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

February 23, 2012

Column

Letters

continued from > page 6

For those that many desire sources and resources or who may have doubts about the Black contribution to civilization, here is a very abbreviated list of literature to start with: 1. Great Black Leaders: Ancient and Modern edited by Ivan van Sertima. 2. Africa: Mother of Western Civilization by Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan. 3. Man, God and Civilization by John G. Jackson. 4. Black Arabia and the African Origin of Islam by Wesley Muhammad, Ph.D. 5. Oldest Books in the World: An Account of the Religion, Wisdom, Philosophy, Ethics, Psychology, Manners, Proverbs, Sayings, Refinement, etc., of the Ancient Egyptians (1900) edited by Isaac Meyer.

at all rather than one of rambling and toxic meetings directed by intractable holdouts with questionable motives. Bob Marcellus Manakin

Where to begin on Sunday hunting? As I read the letters on Sunday hunting in last week’s Gazette and was struck by numerous mentions of God, human reasoning and a surplus of deer, where to begin? If God were even mildly interested in these arguments, he would have placed the deer in only those sections of the commonwealth where hunting is permitted. Nearly 200,000 deer are harvested legally in

Virginia, a number that is felt to be able to sustain the herd and provide the state revenue and hunters their enjoyment. The state in the past has raised the number of deer potentially harvestable, a course that remains available if deer surplus is really the issue. As to human reasoning and lack in other animals, that anthropocentric argument fails on purely scientific grounds but if more nuanced positions are needed, a quick glance at our current political situation in Washington should dispel that notion...maybe the county planning commission can take into account the human deer population distributions in making further recommendations and we can give folks in rural areas at least one day of peace? Richard Carchman Colunbia

■ ■ ■

Residential Interior & Exterior Painting New Construction Commercial Powerwashing Deck Sealing

Serving Goochland and surrounding counties since 1996

Jackson Earl S. Jackson Sr., 74, of Rockcastle, departed this life Sunday, February 19, 2012. Remains rest at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home, Goochland, Va. Funeral notice later. Weir Nancy Jean Fitzgerald Weir, 84, departed this life on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 at 2:37 p.m. in Kill Devil Hills, N.C. She was the widow of Eugene A. Weir; and is survived by two sons, Eugene Marcus Weir and wife, Maria, of Orlando, Fla., and Jefferson Arnold Weir and wife, Virginia, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; a daughter, Kathryn Weir Felps and husband, Marty, of Nags Head, N.C.; four grandchildren, Kylie Felps Draucker and hus-

784-7027 No job too small - all types of roofing LICENSED & INSURED

band, Adam, of Moseley, Va., Martin Jordan Felps and wife, Caitlin, of Midlothian, Va., Lt. Charles Marcus Felps, USMC and wife, Elizabeth, of Pensacola, Fla., Richard Fitzgerald Weir of Hollywood, Fla.; and three great-grandchildren, Cole Castle Draucker, Price Eugene Draucker and Bryn Logan Felps. She was preceded in death in 2010 by her husband of 56 years, Eugene Arnold Weir; and by her grandson in 2008, Logan Eugene Felps. Nancy was born on November 20, 1927 in Minden, La. After marrying, she resided in Baton Rouge, La., until 1981, when she and her husband relocated to Richmond, Va. Nancy attended L.S.U., where she was a very involved member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was an airline stewardess

for Delta Airline until starting her family. She was very involved in her communities as a member of numerous clubs and organizations. She and her husband were avid art collectors and loved travels to all parts of the world, where they added to their collection. She was a council member and hands-on worker of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The family will have a private memorial service at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of Goochland, Va. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Logan Eugene Felps Memorial Scholarship, Savannah College of Art and Design, P.O. Box 3146, Savannah, Ga. 31402, or to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard Richmond, Va. 23220-4007.

10 Cu 0% Sati stomer sfa on ction SystNew ems

DESIGN/BUILD CONTRACTOR

specials

Since 1971

Responsive, Courteous, On-time, Fairly Priced Licensed & Insured

www.jpblack.com 804-266-9601

10 off first cleaning

2554188-01

Remodeling Electrical Plumbing Carpentry Water Damage Decks Structural Repairs Termite Damage Handy Man/Home Maintenance Painting Honey-Do-Lists

Serving the entire Richmond area, call (804) 784-4354

Sales • Installation • Service www.hh-heatingcooling.com Winter Preventive Maintenance $

John P. Black, Inc.

OBITUARIES: Death Notices

■

804.556.5988

2570798-01

www.goochlandgazette.com

Roofing

GORDON’S PAINTING INC. ■

Want more? Visit us on the web at

Free telephone estimates • 804-382-7749 maidtosparklecleaning.com Residential & Commercial Cleaning Since 1998 Licensed, Bonded, Insured

49.99

LAWSON FENCING, LLC. FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

Specializing In Quality Fencing Privacy • Chain Link • Vinyl • Aluminum • Split Rail • Custom Wood • Board • Farm Fencing & Repair

(804) 357-8920

— FREE ESTIMATES — lawsonfencing@netzero.net Licensed & Insured

Thursday

February 23, 2012

Want more? Visit us on the web at SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional www.goochlandgazette.com

Bulldogs play their way in to regionals By Jim Ridolphi Special Correspondent

Goochland girls’ basketball coach Sarah Voyack didn’t know what to expect when the Bulldogs took the court last Tuesday night against Blue Stone in the first round of James River District Tournament. Would the Bulldogs come out and take control like they did many times in the first part of the season, or would they display the ineffectiveness of the second half? As it turned out, the girls utilized a little of both and escaped with a 64-48 win over the Barons. “It was like the whole season,” Voyack said. “We started out on fire similar to our first half of the season and then we had a lull in the second quarter and when we first came out in the third quarter.” The team played a textbook perfect first quarter to mount

a 24-7 lead but only added six points in the second period. The visiting Barons nibbled at the lead but Goochland maintained their composure as Blue Stone drew close in the fourth quarter. “They didn’t let it rattle them too much and didn’t fall apart when it got close,” Voyack said. “It was nice to see them react like that tonight.” The Bulldogs turned in a solid fourth quarter performance that slammed the door on the Barons. Chakiryn Jackson (18 points) and Dana Rodriguez (16 points) had hot hands from the perimeter. “We shot well from the outside,” Voyack said. “Dana and Chakiryn stepped up and hit some shots for us tonight. They were double teaming Tamara (Taylor) so it opened up some things for other girls.” The win propeled the Bulldogs into the regionals and

ends the Baron’s season. Last Thursday the Lady Bulldogs traveled to Amelia for their JRD semifinal contest. Although Goochland came up short, 53-46, they turned in one of their best performances. “We played the best game I’ve seen us play all season against Amelia,” Voyack said. “The girls came out and played a full four quarters. I couldn’t have been more proud of the way they played.” Amelia secured the win in the fourth quarter with three pointers, but the Bulldogs battled back to make it close. “It was a great game,” Voyack said. “I told the girls see Bulldogs >page 9 Photo by Jim Ridolphi

At right: Goochland’s Khayla Leabough (30) drives toward the basket in first half action of the Bulldogs’ James River District quarterfinal against Blue Stone.

Cadet wrestling caps ‘best season’ in VISAA By Jim Ridolphi Special Correspondent

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

Benedictine’s Sam Toomey pins Potomac’s Cope Whitley, one of his three wins in a row by pin.

The Benedictine wrestling team took a huge step toward regional respectability last weekend with a ninth place finish in the VISAA tournament at Hermitage High School. The Cadets had five wrestlers qualify for the state semifinals, one of the biggest rounds for Benedictine in past years. “I didn’t expect or not expect to have five semifinalists,” said Cadet coach Ryan Hall. “I knew that we had the potential to do so, and if we wrestled to our ability, that we had a very strong shot. But the state quarterfinals are all great matches with both kids squaring off having some pretty good talent across the board. That round propelled us to eighth place going into

the next round.” Leading the charge were six quarterfinalists: • 152- sophomore Cabell Thoma came up short one round away from all-state. Despite not being all-state, Thoma got us some muchneeded team points. • 126- sophomore Shane Corbin placed 5th in the state in what was considered the deepest weight class in the state. • 170- After giving up two tight 1-0 decisions, junior Ralph Toomey had a strong tournament, placing 6th in the state, despite having a 102 degree fever the day before. • 145- sophomore Sam Toomey booked his ticket to Prep Nationals by knocking off three wrestlers in a row by pin, all of whom were seeded above

him, to finish 3rd in the state. • 285- senior John Mosier overcame a loss to the eventual state champion in the semifinals to battle back and place a very impressive 4th, also booking his ticket to Prep Nationals. • 160- senior Captain Michael Logan continued winning once he reached the semifinals. He knocked off his next opponent to become Benedictine’s first ever state finalist Logan finished his last trip to states in solid fashion, wrestling against St. Christopher’s Tyler Cornette; an opponent who had beaten Logan two times previously this season, 8-5 and 4-3. “It was arguably the most exciting match of the tournasee Cadets >page 9

Thursday

February 23, 2012

more? Visit us on the web at SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional Want www.goochlandgazette.com

RCYFCC athletes excel at meets Submitted by Evelyn Circeo

River City Youth Fitness Competitive Club (RCYFCC) travelled to Orlando, Florida to compete in the 2012 Sand Dollar/Whitlow Invitational Jan. 20-22. The 15th Annual Sand Dollar meet is a national level women’s competitive gymnastics event that takes place at Florida’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Whitlow meet, a premier men’s competition, has been held in conjunction with the Sand Dollar meet for 12 years. Sami Circeo, a Level 9 athlete, brought home a first place win with an All-Around score of 34.375. She placed seventh on beam, second on vault and bars and first on floor. Additionally, Level 9 athletes Meghan Cash (4th), Kelsey McPeters (5th) and Natalie Weber (6th) all brought home medals in their age divisions. The Level 4 girls team also had a successful meet by bringing home a seventh place team award. Notable accomplishments include Kathryn Andrews’ second place AllAround finish in the 7-year-

Bulldogs continued from >page 8 to keep their heads up in the locker room after the game because they had nothing to be upset over - they left it all on the floor.” The Bulldogs traveled to top-seeded George Mason High in the first round of the regionals on Tuesday night after press deadlines. Voyack knew it would not be an easy game. “George Mason is a very good team who resembles a similar style of play to Amelia,” she said. “They have a very good post player in 6-0 junior Stephanie Cheney. We will need to slow her down and

Photo submitted by Evelyn Circeo

Rohan Aibara, a Level 7 athlete, placed second AllAround with a win on high bar, second on rings, third on parallel bars and floor and fourth on vault.

old age division. Additionally, in the 8/9-year-old division, Landin Bostion placed second All-Around, Olivia Stinnette placed third All-Around and Meredith Hern placed fourth All-Around. The boys team was led by Steven Rochelle; a Level 10 athlete. Steven placed fourth All-Around with a first place on parallel bars, second on Vault, third on rings, fourth on high bar and fifth on make some of their other players step up. They will press and trap us, and they look to push the ball in transition. So, we need to slow them down and force them to play more of a half court game and take care of the basketball.” Mason lost in the final four last year, but won two state championships in the preceding years. However, Voyack pointed out that it is tournament time so all outcomes are possible. “They will be a very tough team to beat, but if we play the way we did the other night, anything can happen.”

floor. Other notable accomplishments include Tucker Hamblen’s sixth place showing on pommel horse. Boys Team rocks Jerrell Steele The RCYFCC boys gymnastics team travelled to Williamsburg, Va. On Jan. 7 to compete in the 10th annual Jerrell Steele Winter Blast. Jakob Ammendolia, a Level 4 athlete, placed fourth All-Around with a first place medal on rings, second place on parallel bars and high bar and fourth place on floor. Connor Engelke, a Level 5 athlete, placed first All-Around, with a first place medal on floor and rings and second on parallel bars and pommel horse. Erik Engelke, a Level 6 athlete, placed third All-Around, with a first place medal on parallel bars, third on rings and fourth on floor and high bar. Rohan Aibara, a Level 7 athlete, place second All-Around with a first place win on high bar, second on rings, third on parallel bars and floor and fourth on vault. All the boys are coached by Viorel Popescu. 23 48. GOOCHLAND (10-12) — B. Jackson 2, Simmons 0, C. Jackson 18, Rodriguez 16, Zbinden 1, Robinson 2, Taylor 9, Southerland 0, Leabough 9, Ezell 5, Rosenbaum 2. Totals 24 15-25 64. Bluestone.............. 7 8 22 11 — 48 Goochland........... 24 6 15 19 — 64 3-point goals — G: C. Jackson. Highlights — G: Sydney Ezell 9 rebounds; Chakiryn Jackson, Dana Rodriguez.

AMELIA 53, GOOCHLAND 46 GOOCHLAND (10-3) — B. Jackson 2, Rodriguez 6, Robinson 0, Taylor 17, Leabough 4, Ezell 8, Rosenbaum 0, C. Jackson 9, Zbinden 0. Totals 16 14-31. AMELIA (19-3) — Baker 17, Mash 3, B. Givens 8, K. Givens 2, Rayley 0, Williams 20, Mitchell 2, Royal 1, . GOOCHLAND 64, BLUESTONE 48 Totals 19 11-21. BLUESTONE (7-12) — Walker Goochland........... 12 8 14 12 — 46 0, Sturdifen 18, Mosley 6, Pulliam Amelia.................. 5 15 13 20 — 53 0, Davis 5, Green 8, Thompson 0, 3-point goals — A: Baker 2, Roberts 11, Church 0. Totals 17 14- Williams.

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

Benedictine’s Ralph Toomey takes on St. Christopher’s Cope Whitley in a preliminary match of the 170 class in the VISAA championships at Hermitage High School.

Cadets continued from >page 8 ment,” Hall said. “It did not get settled until the third overtime where Logan prevailed 4-3 to become Benedictine’s first state champion.” Logan leaves an impressive mark on the Cadet program. “Michael is a special kid as well,” Hall said. “Not only as a technical wrestler but more importantly just a fine young man. His honesty, hard work, leadership, and fun and goofy personality, make him such a joy to be around. The thing I love most about Michael Logan is he believed we could get him to the top. He stayed humbled and worked his butt off.” Mosier also made his final state tournament a memorable one. “John Mosier tried something late in his high school career and it has helped him in his primary sport (football), in which he will continue to play at the collegiate level,” Hall said. “Two years wrestling and he becomes 4th in the state, a Prep National qualifier- that in itself speaks volume of the character and maturity John

Mosier has had both on and off of the mat. “Always with a smile on his face, I couldn’t be more excited for John to finish his wrestling career (in Prep Nationals) at Lehigh,” Hall said. St. Christopher’s captured its 11th straight VISAA title with 238 points edging out Cape Henry Collegiate. Richmond’s Collegiate School finished 12th. Hall said the tournament caps a memorable season for the Cadets, and without question the best in his three years at Benedictine. “This was the best season we have had to date,” he said. “We did not have the best dual record, we did not have the best tournament finishes, we sometimes forfeited more than a few weight classes due to injury but these young men continued to believe. They believed in me and my staff, they believed in the system, and most importantly they believed in themselves. I told them day-in and day-out, ‘keep working, we will be fine but we have to continue to work harder each day.’ That they did and were rewarded the past two weekends.”

Hall will accompany Mosier, Logan and Sam Toomey to the Prep National Tournament at Lehigh University. All three have good chances of achieving national recognition against first class competition. “Sam Toomey finished the highest a sophomore ever has at Benedictine with a 3rd place state finish,” Hall said. “If he continues to be hot, he has a chance of winning some matches. Same can be said about John Mosier. Only a second year wrestler and it being his secondary sport to football, John Mosier has understood how to control his hips and really has become a tough match up for anyone.” Likewise, the coach feels experience will aid Logan in his national efforts. “Michael Logan will be making his third trip to Prep Nationals (4th in state the previous two years),” Hall said. “Last year, Michael won his first match at Prep Nationals so that will not be anything new to him. I know he will remain focused fresh off of a State Championship and shoot for All-American status (top 8 at Prep Nationals).”

Thursday

THURSDAY EVENING 4 PM 4:30 5 PM

Want more? Visit us on the web at

TV LISTINGS: Find Local TV Shows and Movie Schedules

February 23, 2012

www.goochlandgazette.com FEBRUARY 23, 2012 10:30 11 PM 11:30 12 AM