03/11/2010 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Local drive-in donating funds to PTA > page 5

Volume 57, Number 10 • March 11, 2010

Supervisors vote to increase tax rate By Amy Condra acondra@goochlandgazette.com

Supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of advertising a real estate tax increase of up to 4 cents. Goochland supervisors voted this week to advertise possible increases to the county’s tax and utility rates. Revenue generated from higher rates would prevent the county from making deeper cuts to a recommended budget for 2011, one that, at $40.5 million, is already 7.3 percent lower than the current year’s plan. Contributing to the budget’s decline is the county’s falling rev-

enues: Real estate taxes, which are the county’s largest source of income, fell 8.2 percent in 2010 and are anticipated to fall an additional four percent in 2011. There is little to no growth expected in the county’s other sources of income, such as personal property taxes, recordation taxes, business license taxes, building permits and investment income. In response to a request from County Administrator Rebecca Dickson, supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of advertising a real estate tax increase of up to 4 cents. Dickson had offered supervisors see Budget> page 2

Photo by Ken Odor

Five-year-old Baleria Balderson (left) reads to therapy dog Bonzo last week at the Goochland Library as her sister Gisella (3) listens. They were taking part in the Read Books with Bonzo program, designed to improve reading skills for young students.

Dog helps kids learn By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Sporting a pair of thick black lensless glasses, Bonzo, a certified therapy dog owned by Dave Dilzer, listened as five-year-old Baleria Balderson read to him last week at the Goochland library.

INDEX

Calendar Classifieds News Letters Education

12 13-15 4 6-7 3

Baleria’s three-year-old sister Gisella sat close by. During a break Gisella, who has not started reading yet, showed Bonzo some pictures from another book. “It’s a non-threatening way for children to practice reading,” said Library Assistant Eileen Ford, describing the Read Books

Feature Politics Opinion Sports TV Listings

5 2 6-7 8-9 10 - 12

with Bonzo program, now in its second year at the library. “I think it’s a great program,” said Baleria’s and Gisella’s mother, Karin Balderson. “It gives my girls confidence.” Bonzo is an eight-yearold Soft Coated Wheaton see Reading > page 5

SPORTS Benedictine baseball looks toward states > page 8

GEPA, GCPS clash on budget reductions By Amy Condra acondra@goochlandgazette.com

The Goochland Education Parents Association, or GEPA, believes that a recent e-mail sent by School Superintendent Linda A. Underwood misrepresents the group’s agenda. Last week Underwood sent an e-mail entitled “the battle is on” to Athletic Director Bryan Gordon and

T H E

his wife, Goochland Elementary School principal Diane Gordon, writing, “Any way that any of the athletic boosters might be riled up enough to speak out at school board or supervisors meetings? GEPA has added elimination of the athletic director to their hit list.” The e-mail was sent as a letter to a colleague, said Underwood. “On see Schools> page 3

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Budget continued from > page 1 four options to balance the budget: Further reductions, two- or –three cent tax rate increases combined with the use of fund balance, or a 4cent tax rate increase. District 4 Supervisor Malvern “Rudy” Butler dissented, saying he felt the board should wait to find out how much the state planned to cut or contribute next year. The state is expected to reduce aid to localities, especially in public education and in compensation board reimbursements for constitutional officers such as the sheriff, treasurer and commissioner of the revenue. “I have a hard time voting on advertising anything if we don’t have figures,” said Butler. “If they cut the schools more, if they cut the sheriff ’s office or the constitutional officers, things could entirely change.” Goochland’s current tax rate is 53 cents per $100 in assessed value. Tax rates in surrounding counties include 62 cents in Louisa, 71 cents in Powhatan, 87 cents in Henrico and 95 cents in Chesterfield. In addition to balancing the 2011 budget, a 4-cent increase would restore about

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POLITICS: Government, Elections

March 11, 2010 $800,000 in 2010 revenue to fund balance and establish a higher revenue baseline for the 2012 budget, which is already facing a net challenge of $1.7 million. A public hearing will be held before any final decisions will be made regarding the rate increase, said Board Chairman William E. Quarles Jr. Supervisors also unanimously approved advertising increased utility rates for both the county and the Tuckahoe Creek Service District. Dickson said that the county’s general fund has been supporting the water and sewer systems, a trend which is projected to continue for the next few years. “I don’t think it’s any secret that utilities was a huge piece of community development focus in the past year,” said Community Development Director Don Charles of a department that, according to forensic audit results released last summer, had previously been subject to considerable mismanagement. “A significant dedication of staff resources went to the utilities department’s recovery and redirection,” said Charles, “including the hiring of a new county engineer and setting operations

and budgets in motion to wean utilities from annual general fund subsidy to a free-standing, self-supporting enterprise operation.” Dickson presented three rate options to the supervisors:

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“I don’t think it’s any secret that utilities was a huge piece of community development focus in the past year.”

Option 1 Recommended by the county Pros: 2011 revenues are enough to support expenses; future year rate increases will allow the restoration of a utility inspector in 2012 and would mean that by 2015 the county’s general fund will no longer be supporting county and TCSD utilities. Cons: Highest rate increase for customers in 2011 and in future years. Rate increases: 2011, 25 % for the county, 15% for TCSD water, 45% for TCSD sewer; 2012, 20% for the county, 5% for TCSD w, 19% TCSD s; 2013 , 20% for the county, 3% TCSD w and s; 2014 and 2015, 15% for the county, 3% for TCSD w and s

Option 2 Pros: Lower rate increases in 2011

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— Community Development Director Don Charles er in 2012; may involve legal paid, and incremental debt challenges related to debt service starts in 2012. financing “The growing liability of unpaid debt is looming,” said Rate increases: 2011, 20% County Engineer Gary DuVal for the county, 15% for of TCSD debt. TCSD water, 40% for TCSD Increases in TCSD water sewer; 2012, 5% for county and sewer rates will also water, 34% for county sewer address money owed to Rate increases: 2011, 15% 24% for TCSD water, 30% Richmond for wastewater for the county, 8% for TCSD for county sewer; 2013-2015, agreements. water, 38% for TCSD sewer; to be determined. The current tax rate is 23 2012, 15% for the county, cents per $100 of assessed 8 % for TCSD w, 22% for Supervisors also voted to value. Dickson said that TCSD s; 2013 - 2015, 15% advertise a possible four cent that rate would be evaluated for the county, 8 % for TCSD increase in the additional annually, taking fluctuating w and s. tax rate for Tuckahoe Creek property values into account. Service District users and “If there is growth, if it an increase in connection is generating more volume, fees for residential water and the recommendation is that every year we come back and Pros: Lower rate increases in sewer customers. Higher rates in the TCSD evaluate the need for rate 2011; consolidation of rates to create a unified county would help pay off the increases,” said Dickson. “Growth in any system system; elimination of grow- county’s debt for the $63 million water and sewer would assist at this point,” ing disparity between rates system. Right now, neither she added. Raising residential conCons: Both utilities expect- the principal nor the intered to lose money in 2011; est on $27.54 million capital nection fees could generate TCSD increases much high- appreciation bonds is being revenue that would take pressure off rate increases, said Butler. The board voted unanimously to advertise connection fee increases for residential water, from $3000 to $4000, and connection fee Sunday, March 21st increases for residential sewer, of Richmond an Assisted Living Residence from $4000 to $6000. These at 2 PM. RSVP by March 15. fees are the same for both county and TCSD customers CONTINUING A TRADITION OF Cons: Both county and TCSD utilities expected to lose money in 2011 and 2012; utility inspector not restored; the county’s general fund will continue to support utilities

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A public hearing on the school board’s approved budget, the proposed county budget, the proposed pro forma capital improvement program, and tax rates and utility rates will be held March 30.

March 11, 2010

Schools continued from > page 1 their (GEPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) blog, they had â&#x20AC;Ś seven positions listed with salaries totaling over $1 million. This was the first time I saw the athletic director included with central office positions.â&#x20AC;? Underwood said that she had sent the e-mail to solicit support for schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; athletic program, and was surprised that the email had been forwarded to others. After learning of Underwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s e-mail, GEPA Chairperson Jo D Hosken emailed a response:â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has come to our attention that Dr Underwood has sent out an email stating that GEPA supports the elimination of the Athletic Director. This could not be further from the truth.While we do state that there are 7 positions that make over 1 million dollars we have always maintained that there should be NOcutstoteachers,textbooksand programs.â&#x20AC;? Goochland County Public Schools (GCPS) has had frequent disagreements with GEPA this budget season, often centered on GEPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s belief that the preservation of educator positions should take precedence as the schools struggled to balance its budget. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The quality of education offered to children should be more important than anything else,â&#x20AC;? said GEPA Vice Chairperson Jane Christie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parents have asked, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut teachers, cut administration.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Teachers are the last thing they should cut.â&#x20AC;? GEPA was formed in January in order to provide a united voice for parents during GCPSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; budget process, or what Hosken referred to at the time as â&#x20AC;&#x153;an almost tyrannical approach to governing the schools.â&#x20AC;? The School Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approved $24 million plan is almost seven percent less than the current yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $26 million budget. Reductions include the elimination of the Tender Tots Program, the Virginia Preschool Initiative, the summer governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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EDUCATION: School Board and Academic News

school, the literacy and mathematics specialists and at least 12 teachers. Christie is frustrated that the School Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approved budget eliminates teaching positions and preserves administrative jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve pleased for and presented, and then what do they do?â&#x20AC;? asked Christie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ignore absolutely everything.â&#x20AC;? In a letter sent to employees on Feb. 22, Underwood wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would prefer we go through the RIF (Reduction in Force) process only once, but I have little confidence that will be the case. As of today, the proposed budget may exceed actual revenues by as much as $1.5 million. That would require an additional reduction of $1.5 million from the budget.â&#x20AC;?

Following policies set forward by the schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; RIF program, on Feb. 23 Underwood sent out 95 letters to employees whose positions might be affected. Of those positions, which are primarily comprised of teachers and instructional assistants, two are considered classified employees, said Research and Information Services Analyst Brad Franklin. All GCPS employees are considered either classified or certified; certified employees, who are usually teachers, have to be certified in order to perform their professional duties. The letters that were sent, said Underwood, were to verify the status of current employees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is all directed by policies and procedures,â&#x20AC;? Underwood said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no

personal judgment or selection in who might possibly affected by RIF.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I regret tremendously that the budget process has proved to be so decisive in this county,â&#x20AC;? said Underwood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes me sad.â&#x20AC;? Christie agrees that the process has been a lamentable ordeal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It breaks my heart, and is affecting all of our children,â&#x20AC;? said Christie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is so counterproductive . We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to waste time fighting the school system; this shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a fight, it should be a cooperative process, as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re asking for, so we can help. There is a better way to do this.â&#x20AC;? A public hearing for the budget will be held on March 30.

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

March 11, 2010

Goochland among richest counties in U.S., says Forbes By Wesley P. Hester Media General News Service

Goochland County and seven other Virginia localities are among the wealthiest counties in the U.S., according to Forbes magazine. The magazine’s annual list of America’s Richest Counties -- based on median income -- was released last week, placing Loudoun and Fairfax counties in the top two spots, respectively. Goochland ranked 16th. The rakings are based on U.S. Census Bureau data from 2008. Virginia had the strongest showing of any

state, with eight localities earning spots. All except Goochland are located in Northern Virginia. The Forbes list found rural Goochland, with a population of 20,494, to have a median household income (with half making more and half making less) of $88,552. Loudoun, with a population of 277,433, has a median income of $110,643, and with just more than 1 million residents, Fairfax’s is $106,785. The counties of Arlington, Stafford and Prince William were on the list, as were the cities of Alexandria and

Fairfax, both of which are categorized as county equivalents by the U.S. Census Bureau. Last year, Goochland residents were found to have the highest average income of any county in the United States, according to a study from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. That ranking, which looked at tax data, found the average adjusted gross income in the rural county to be $137,045. Wesley P. Hester is a reporter for The Times-Dispatch.

Shelter faces neglect charges By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

A Hadensville woman will face two misdemeanor charges of animal neglect in Goochland District Court on April 12. Annette Thompson operates the Pet Rescue Foundation in Hadensville. Two warrants were sworn out last week against Thompson, one alleging animal cruelty, a class 1 misdemeanor, in the death of a horse last year at the foundation and one alleging animal neglect, a class 4 misdemeanor. In a preliminary hearing on Monday, March 8 before Judge Edward Carpenter, the more serious charge involving the death of the horse was amended to a class 4 misdemeanor. Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Nancy Oglesby said there was not enough evidence to support the more serious

charge of animal cruelty. Maximum penalty for a class 4 misdemeanor is a $250 fine. According to Oglesby, Goochland Animal Control inspected the facility last week and found no current violations.

Former Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney Darvin Satterwhite is representing Thompson. “We don’t think the charges have any merit and expect to show that at trial,” he said Tuesday.

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Supervisors approve new church on Broad By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

After a lengthy public hearing at last week’s board of supervisors meeting, Grace Chinese Baptist Church won approval for a conditional use permit to build a 11,900 square-foot church at 850 Broad Street Road. The 22-acre site, on the north side of the road, is about a third of a mile west of the intersection with Three Chopt Road. But after a number of speakers voiced concerns over traffic on the two lane road, supervisors required the church to build both right and left turn lanes into its property. The planning commission had recommended requiring a right turn lane before a certificate of occupancy could be issued but allowed a delay until June 13, 2013, for the left turn lane to be built. After the presentation by the Planning Director, District 3 Supervisor Ned S. Creasey asked why both turn lanes were not required right away.

District 4 Supervisor Malvern R. “Rudy” Butler noted that other churches were required to have two lanes. Several speakers from the proposed church noted that only one family would be coming from the west, thus needing to turn left across Broad Street Road, but others questioned what the future would bring. “It’s a safety issue,” said David Blankenship. A number of other speakers also asked the supervisors to require both turn lanes to be built before the church could open. After the public hearing, supervisors voted 4 – 0 to require both right and left turn lanes. Supervisor Jim Eads abstained. The replacement of any trees removed on the south side of the property during construction was also added as a condition to the permit. Engineer John Matherne said the left turn lane could cost the church more than $100,000.

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FEATURE: The Lives We Lead

March 11, 2010

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Theater will host fundraiser for Goochland PTAs By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

“We’ll donate at least 50 percent of the box office proceeds from whatever double feature is on the schedule that evening,” said Heidel. Admission to the evening’s movies for this fundraiser will be $6 for adults and $2 for children. Heidel said he had also contacted Byrd Elementary School about a fundraiser for their PTA but had gotten no response so far. “We’re very excited about it,” said Beth Hardy, a member of Randolph’s PTA. “It’s a very generous offer from them.” “No one wants to see cuts being made,” said Heidel when asked about the current budget process, “but whenever revenues are down tough choices have to be made.” Asked about the recent board of supervisors decision to advertise possible real estate and utility tax increases, Heidel said he would rather see new tax incentives put into place to lure new business to the county. The drive-in will open its regular season on March 26.

A local business is holding fundraisers for three local Parent Teacher Associations. John Heidel said he will donate all or part of the admission fees at his Goochland Drive-In Theater to the PTAs of Goochland and Randolph Elementary Schools and to the Goochland High School PTA. “Having two children in the public school system, we want to be involved in the community as much as we can,” said Heidel last week. On March 13 at 6:30 p.m. the theater will show the classic children’s film, “Charlotte’s Web,” and all proceeds from the special $2 admission fee will go to the GES PTA. On the following Friday, March 19, Heidel will show “A Boy Named Charlie Brown,” with all box office proceeds going to Randolph’s PTA. The admission price for this film has not yet been determined, said Heidel. Heidel said he will host a fundraiser For more information, visit www. for Goochland High School’s All Night Graduation Celebration on Sunday, goochlanddriveintheater.com April 18.

File Photo by Ken Odor

The Goochland Drive-In Theater will host at least three fundraisers for Goochland school PTAs starting Saturday March 13.

Reading continued from > page 1

Photo by Ken Odor

Bonzo sports his reading glasses as part of the Read Books with Bonzo program, designed to improve reading skills for young students.

Terrier, said owner Dilzer, a licensed clinical social worker for Goochland Powhatan Community Services. “It’s a lovely breed, perfectly suited for work with children,” said Dilzer. When children pet Bonzo and read to him, their stress levels go down, Dilzer said. Sometimes they joke and ask Bonzo if he knows a word. “It becomes fun,” said Dilzer. Dilzer brings Bonzo to the Goochland Library once a month, from 6-8 p.m. The dog can handle up to four readers a night during a typical session. Read Books with Bonzo,

designed for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, helps kids improve their reading skills in a comfortable, supportive environment. “We see improved achievement in reading,” said Dilzer. As Baleria was finishing her session with Bonzo last week, Michelle Harman arrived with her four-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. “Elizabeth was an early reader,” said Harman. “Bonzo has helped her build her confidence,” she said, adding that Elizabeth just read aloud to her pre-school class. Harman said her daughter likes reading to Bonzo so much that she passed on having a birthday party so she could read to the dog.

When Bonzo’s school-aged friends finish reading 10 books for him, they qualify for a free book of their choice, said Ford. “You’d think they got a gold medal at the Olympics,” said Dilzer. Dilzer said he considers Bonzo a community resource. Read Books with Bonzo is a free service, said Ford, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library. “Anyone can sign up. We want referrals from everywhere,” he said. To find out more about Read Books with Bonzo, contact the Goochland Library at 556-4774 or call Dilzer at556-5400.

Thursday

March 11, 2010

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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Preserving Goochland’s fortunes “Goochland County is infused with green: Green leaves, green grass... and lots and lots of green cash.” With that line we reported last April that Goochland taxpayers had the highest average income of any county in the United States, according to a survey by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. At $137,045, average adjusted gross income here was higher than in Teton County, Wyo., Falls Church City Va., and Marin County in California. But averaging adjusted gross incomes can present a skewed picture of how wealth in a county is distributed, since a small number of extremely wealthy individuals can push the average up. This year Forbes Magazine has created its own list of the country’s richest counties, based on median incomes instead of average incomes. And, at number 16, Goochland County still ranks high. So what is the difference between an average income and a median income? Let’s say you have incomes totaling $7,210,000: $25,000, $35,000, $150,000, $2,000,000 and $5,000,000. The average income, reached by adding sample incomes and dividing by five, would be $1,442,000. The median income, reached by listing income that is the exact middle of all samples: $150,000. Goochland’s median household income, according to Forbes, is $88,552. So while not everyone in Goochland is a millionaire, most of us, according to two disparate methods of gauging fiscal worth, are doing ok. However those at the bottom of the median income list-- the person in the above example who is making $25,000-- are struggling more than those at the top. At last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, during a presentation by the Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services, those in the audience were shown photographs of projects in our community designed to help families who were in need of amenities as basic as running water. It would be disingenuous to say that Goochland isn’t doing better than most other counties; there is clear evidence to the contrary. And it would be wrong to say that there are not still people here living in severe poverty. So what can we do to help? Several citizens in our county have been saying that they are adamantly against raising taxes for services such as education and public safety. These same people frequently also say that private interests are more effective at solving problems than are government agencies. So I welcome and invite all of us in Goochland to volunteer with the Free Clinic and Family Services, to offer our combined resources for the greater good of our community. - Amy Condra

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For “Locked Out” film participants We want to thank you, Goochland Middle School, our sponsors, and especially Ron and Margaret Reynolds for contributing to a meaningful gathering on Sunday. A sense of community was created in the sharing of a story that needed to be told. We were so pleased with Ken Odor’s article about our event, but need to make one correction: Bob and I were co-producers of the film but Mason

Gazette. Our political philosophies could not be further apart. To me, it is critical that we return this country to the principles of our Founding Fathers, namely, individual rights, fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited governments. Bob and Jacquelyn Pogue So, what does that have Crozier to do with raising the property tax rate in Goochland Taxes as oppression County? When the government I am responding to Ms. oppresses the citizens with Ford’s letter in the March see Letters> page 7 4 edition of the Goochland

Mills was the director, not Jacquelyn. As founders of Community Action Dialogues for Greater Richmond, we and our volunteer facilitators look forward to hosting other dialogue events at your invitation.

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Letters to the Editor

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OPINION: Letters to the Editor

March 11, 2010

Letters continued from > page 6 ever higher taxes and other monetary penalties and mandates, the fewer opportunities the citizens have to pursue their Godgiven rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A bigger government always equals fewer citizen rights. Both individuals and governments have a responsibility to live within their means. This is the fiscal responsibility part. If we spend too much, we need to find ways to cut expenses to offset the deficit. The citizens do not represent a never-ending money stream that the government can take and spend at will. The suggestion that we increase taxes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for anyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for any reason â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at any time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is a blow to returning our country to the con s t i t u t i o n a l l y - l i m i te d republic model on which our country was founded. The more any government uses its citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money, the more expanded that government will be. An often over-looked result of progressive fiscal policies is that taxes become a threat to productivity and creativity of the American people. The cost of doing business keeps businesses from hiring new employees. With very few exceptions such as national defense, Interstate commerce and international treaties, the citizens of this country can do everything better than the government can. The citizens of this country will be more efficient in the use of the tax

money they are spared than the government will be in the use of the tax money they collect. Allowing its citizens to keep more of their hard-earned money is the basis of the free market system which will create prosperity for all of its citizens. I leave you with two quotes from one of my favorite founding fathers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A rigid economy of the public contributions and absolute interdiction of all useless expenses will go far towards keeping the government honest and unoppressive.â&#x20AC;? (Thomas Jefferson, letter to Lafayette, 1823) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Excessive taxation will carry reason and reflection to every manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s door, and particularly in the hour of election.â&#x20AC;? (Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Taylor, Nov. 26, 1798) Susan Lascolette Columbia

Appreciation for dog rescue In this time when fear and violence are constantly in the news, I wanted to write about an extraordinary act of courage and compassion that took place at a pond in Strawberry Run in Goochland County recently. I was relaxing in my armchair after a day of housecleaning, enjoying the quiet and the sense of peace that order can bring, when I heard loud and repeated barks that sounded like a dog in distress. I got in my car and drove toward the sound to see if I could discover what was amiss, and as I

drove down a road with a large, ice-covered pond on my right, I encountered another vehicle. The man in the vehicle, Dan Doody, yelled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is that your dog?â&#x20AC;? and I looked out over the pond and saw my 90 Collie mix, Jimmy, desperately trying to get out of the freezing water where he had fallen through the ice, far from shore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yesâ&#x20AC;? I yelled back and he replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go get an extension ladder.â&#x20AC;? I watched as Jimmy helplessly thrashed about, trying to get out of the water, but he just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it. Soon, Mr. Doody, Sherry, his wife, and two children returned with an extension ladder. We watched nervously as Mr. Doody placed the ladder on the ice, and, with his feet wide apart, walked out over the ice to Jimmy. The ladder wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite long enough and Mr. Doody had to slide it closer while standing upright on it. As we watched, he reached for Jimmy, but was unable to lift the heavy dog up onto the ice. Suddenly, Mr. Doody and the ladder slipped into the freezing water. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dad!â&#x20AC;? his son called out, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dad!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have to save this dog,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Doody yelled

back, and the next thing we knew, Jimmy was out of the water and scrambling and sliding back over the ice to us on shore. Somehow, Dan got himself out of the water and made it back to land. Mrs. Doody and the children helped me put Jimmy in the car, and, seeing that I was pretty shaken, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you all right?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yesâ&#x20AC;? I said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Call me if you need to,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the phone book. Are you sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all right?â&#x20AC;? I thanked Dan, but words are so inadequate in the presence of a man who just risked his life to save your dog. As the Doodys headed home, I took off to the emergency vet, where Dr. Farber and the gentle veterinary technicians warmed Jimmy, stabilized his temperatures and heart rate, and kept him overnight to ensure that he did not catch pneumonia. Jimmy is back home now with me and the granddaughters, who lost their father in a whitewater rafting accident seven years ago. We are deeply grateful to the Doody family for their kindness, and especially to Dan Doody, for his courage, compassion and extraordinary problem solving skills.

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OBITUARIES Parrish Mr. Floyd William Parrish Sr., 89, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Fountain and Martha Jane Tyler Parrish; his only son, Floyd Jr.; five brothers, George, Robert, Julian, Fountain (twin) and Nelson; seven sisters, Geneva, Celia, Julia, Mary, Ida, Martha and Lillian; and one great-grandchild, Baby Bryant. Floyd is survived by his devoted wife of almost 63 years, Phyllis Turner Parrish; four daughters, Geneva Sharpe (Earl), Betty Booker, Vera Drew (Sherman), and Alice Jones (Richard); and son-in-law, Andrew Booker; seven grandchildren, Felicia Bryant (Andy), Tracy Sharpe, Lamar Booker (Shanika), Nicole Morris, Eric Jones, Charles and James Drew; four great-grandchildren, Tiara Sharp, Mikayla and Myah Bryant

and Lamar Booker Jr.; two brothers, James and Joseph Parrish; and one sister, Catherine Young; four brothers-in-law, Franklin and Walter Turner, Al Dandridge and Roosevelt Robinson; nine sisters-in-law, Marie, Mary, Margaret, Mamie, Frances, Betty, Ruby, Margie and Gloria; devoted nephew, Steve Turner; a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Floyd was Trustee Emeritus of Ebenezer Baptist Church and served as usher for over 30 years. He worked with Marcus Weinstein from 1963 to 2006. The family received friends at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home, Goochland, Va. Funeral services were held Monday, March 8, 2010 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 5011 St. Paul Church Road, Goochland, Va. Rev. Bruce Claiborne officiated. Graveside services were held at the church cemetery.

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Benedictine looking to return to states Cadets pitching could provide spark on defense By Jim Ridolphi sports@mechlocal.com

ntering his seventh year at Benedictine High School, varsity baseball coach Sean Ryan is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming campaign. If the Cadets’ performance in recent seasons is any indication, the veteran coach has no worries. “We are 51-25 the past three years and have made the state playoffs (top eight teams in state qualify) in five of my six years,” Ryan said. “We reached the state final last year, losing to Paul VI 8-4 in the final.”

This year’s campaign will offer its own brand of challenges with a group of players occupying positions for the first time. But that’s something Ryan is not unfamiliar with. “Similar to last year, we have quite a bit of turnover,” Ryan said. “Whereas last year we had seniors step into starting roles, we have a couple of seniors and several juniors who expect to step into starting roles for the first time this season.” Even though the team lost some mound strength but strong pitching performances could anchor a solid Cadet defense this spring. “While we lost our top two pitchers from last season, Zach Joseph, Andrew Woods and Sam Dodson pitched in big situations for us, and we’ll look to them to give us valuable innings this year,” Ryan said. Joseph is a powerful left-hander and posted a 2.33 ERA last season with 28 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched. “Zach has the potential to be one of the best lefties in our area,” R y a n said.

“We have a ton of talent, but you never really know how your players will respond until you see them in game action.” COACH SEAN RYAN Benedictine baseball

“He has a ton of upside, and if he continues to work hard, he’ll put together a couple of very special years for us.” Woods will fill the number two spot and he also has experience from last season, boasting 13 K’s in 18 innings pitched. “Andrew is a big righthander who has come a long way in a short time,” Ryan said. Juniors Zach Matthews (3B/C), Jake Wood (2B/C) and Goochlander Eric Willford (RF) are other juniors on the squad who could provide a spark. The team will depend on senior Chris Dyer for leadership behind the plate and on the mound. “Chris is one of the best catchers in our area and helps control just about everything we do from behind the plate,” Ryan said. Dyer will play at Davidson next year. First baseman Chris Hogan and outfielder

Mark Measell should also offer some senior leadership for the squad. “Mark and Chris have helped us for two years, and I expect both to provide a spark to our offense and invaluable leadership,” Ryan said. Goochland resident RJ Barnes is also a senior and will play catcher, pitcher and the outfield and has the potential to contribute immediately. “R.J. has a major-league body and has a real chance to help us on the mound, in the field and at the plate.” The Cadets will feature a steady influence at shortstop in the form of senior Teddy Kozak who spent the last three seasons at second base. “Teddy has been an anchor on our infield for four years,” Ryan said. “It’s rare to have a fouryear starter, and Teddy has been a vital part to our success as a program.” Number three pitcher Sam Dodson and Trey Meyers round out the senior class on this year’s squad. The seniors have become accustomed to a demanding schedule that leaves little room for error, and Ryan believes the tough slate will demand focus and endurance. “We play an aggressive schedule where we play an average of three games a week,” he said. “Sometimes, that leaves us playing our third game while our opponents are on their second game and that can take a toll. But for us to win a state title, we would need to win three games in five days, so I believe in challenging our team by playing as tough a schedule as we can put together.” Like most schools in the area, the team has struggled to find time on the playing field due to the weather. The delays have taken a toll. “The weather has made it tough on every team in

Photos by Jim Ridolphi

Above: Junior Zach Joseph will anchor a Cadet pitching staff that combines experience with some newcomers. As a sophomore, Joseph had a 2.33 ERA with 28 strikeouts. Below left: Goochlander RJ Barnes is looking for a break out season with the Cadets. Inset: Sean Ryan is entering his seventh year as the Cadets’ coach.

the area,” Ryan said. “We’ve crammed a lot into the precious few days that we’ve been able to work out on our field. We’re a little behind our typical schedule, but it helps to have a core group that already knows all the things we teach.” The coach is hoping for the same consistency in this year’s squad that he’s enjoyed in the last few campaigns. “We entered last year with a lot of new players stepping into key positions, and we reached the state title game,” he said. “This year, we again have a lot of holes to fill with

new players. We have a ton of talent, but you never really know how your players will respond until you see them in game action.” Benedictine opens against Bishop Sullivan March 13 at The Abbey in Eastern Goochland. Ryan is keeping expectations guarded, but anticipates his combination of experience and youthful enthusiasm will serve the Cadets well in the upcoming season. “We’ve been pretty consissee Baseball > 9

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March 11, 2010

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SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional www.goochlandgazette.com Baseball continued from > 8 tent over the past few years, and that’s what I’d hope for again this year. We will be challenged by our schedule, but we have a nice mix of veteran leaders and fresh faces that should help us compete for a berth in the state playoffs.”

Denny Hamlin and friends will return to Southside

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

Senior catcher Chris Dyer is the Cadets’ do it all man. He’s one of the best catchers in the area and directs the defense from behind the File photos by Charlie Leffler and Robert Dennis plate. He also could take a turn on the mound, and Chesterfield native Denny Hamlin along with his NASCAR friends Tony Stewart and Joey Logano will once again compete in a benefit race at Southside Speedway on April 29. adds leadership.

Collegiate fields new faces Cougars’ inexperience will be a challenge BY JIM RIDOLPHI sports@goochlandgazette.com

ith a couple of major snowstorms that closed school for numerous days in February, the Collegiate baseball team finds itself playing catch up as the season approaches. “We have been on a field once in the first two weeks,”

said Cougars’ manager Andrew Slater said. “We have had to be creative in our gym space and daily practice plans. However, you cannot control the weather and everyone has been in the same boat.” In addition to the delayed start in outside practice time, the Cougars are facing other challenges as they enter this year’s Prep League schedule. The team features only three starters from last year’s squad. Slater states that “inexperience” will be one of the

team’s major challenges this year. The coach will depend on pitching experience to anchor a young and untested squad. Andrew Bronson and Robert Richardson are key returners and will provide the Cougar staff with some needed experience. The team will need both to compete against the likes of St. Christopher’s, Trinity and St. Albans. Slater is a 1996 Collegiate graduate and played baseball at University of Richmond and Auburn.

Pedal Power in Richmond Contributed report

Cycling enthusiasts are invited to attend the annual Pedal Power event hosted by GroundForce ITTM on March 20. Two-person teams connect their bikes to an energy-harnessing device that generates DC current while cyclists pedal for 30 minutes. The cycling demo shows how human energy can be converted to an alternate power source. Prizes are awarded to top teams who

generate the most watts and the Madsen Cargo bike contest winner will be announced. The event will be held at Endorphin Fitness, 8910 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA from 9-11 a.m. with breakfast served. Participants must register in

advance at www.pedalpwr.com and plan to bring their own bike to the event. Pedal Power, founded in 2009, is a non-profit organization committed to advancing energy-sustainable lifestyles through public education and demonstration events such as their signature, team cycling competition. Pedal Power educates the community on steps to reduce energy consumption and minimize impact on the environment.

Denny Hamlin Foundation will hold third annual benefit race Contributed report

Denny Hamlin, Chesterfield, Va. native and driver of the Joe Gibbs Racing #11 FedEx Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, is making his way back home to Southside Speedway in Midlothian, VA on April 29th, 2010 to race in the 3rd Annual Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown to benefit the Denny Hamlin Foundation. This year’s race will be a full blown Late Model Stock Car race featuring fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup stars Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Tony Stewart, and Denny’s race day spotter Curtis Markham racing alongside

Hamlin for 250 laps. The race will also feature the best of the best from the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and the United Auto Racing Association Series (UARA) along with a few other surprise guests Hamlin is bringing. Last year the Denny Hamlin Foundation raised over $100,000 at the event, and this year the Foundation hopes to grow the fundraising even more. “I’m excited to come back again this year with Kyle, Joey, Tony and Curtis to r a c e . This year we’ve decided to turn it into a Late Model Stock Car race against some of the top drivers in that series,” said

Hamlin. “I can’t say how thankful I am that these guys come back each year to help me raise money for my Foundation. I’ve also extended the invite to a few other friends from the Cup series, so stay tuned.” The Denny Hamlin Foundation was created in 2008 to aid in raising awareness and funding for Cystic Fibrosis research and treatment, as well as to support other not for profit corporations that focus on aiding children with debilitating illnesses. Online ticket sales begin Thursday, March 11, 2010 exclusively at www.dennyhamlinfoundation.org. All proceeds from ticket sales, an online auction and raffles will benefit the Denny Hamlin Foundation. For more information on the event, please log onto www.dennyhamlinfoundation.org.

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