03/17/2011 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE NAHS art show Saturday at GHS > page 3

Volume 57, Number 11 • March 17, 2011

CRC cancels Farmers Market By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Photo by Ken Odor

John Wright addresses Goochland School Board members with his budget concerns at last week’s meeting.

School board ponders more cuts unpleasant options March 8, as Superintendent Linda Underwood presented possible reductions should the county not fully fund the proposed schools’ budget. Ideas on the table include By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com reducing the school year to 160 days from 180, staggering Goochland School Board school start times to implemembers pondered some ment double bus runs, elimi-

School year could be reduced to 160 days

INDEX

Calendar Classifieds Letters LEW

14 15-19 6 E1

Opinion 6 Sheriff Reports 7 Sports 10 TV Listings 12-14

nating middle school sports, keeping all four furlough days (two had been proposed to be eliminated), foregoing the hiring of a math specialist and numerous others. The school board has asked for about $1.4 million more than the county has planned to provide in its most recent proposal, although it appears

the gap may narrow. In an email Tuesday to the schools’ leadership team and later forwarded by her to the Gazette, Underwood wrote, “These are not recommendations, but possible areas of reduction. I will not ask the board to make decisee Board > page 2

The Center for Rural Culture (CRC) will not operate a Farmers Market in Goochland this year. “There are just not enough vendors and customers to support two markets in Goochland,” said CRC President Kate Sarfaty Monday. She cited the large number of farmers markets in the Richmond area and the rising price of gasoline as factors in the organization’s decision. Sarfaty said the decision was reached with “tremendous sadness,” but added that it was only for this season. “It’s not to say we won’t do it again but this summer is just not viable,” she said. The fate of the Goochland Farmers Market had been in doubt ever since controversy erupted in January, when former CRC Executive Director Lisa Dearden demanded the resignation of the current and past presidents and the treasurer of the CRC, citing discrepancies in the organization’s accounting. Dearden eventually resigned and the CRC announced last month that a review of its

SPORTS

ONLINE

Soccer teams kick off a new season

Brenda Grubbs update

> page 10

> goochlandgazette.com

books by accounting firm Keiter Stevens had revealed no misappropriation of funds. At that time the CRC said it planned to continue the Goochland Farmers Market at Grace Episcopal Church, beginning in May. But the split between supporters of Dearden, who recently announced she would operate a market this year at a site in Centerville, and her former employer evidently doomed the Goochland Farmers Market, setting up the prospect of two competing markets in the same county. “I’m not pleased that they are not having a market,” said Dearden Monday, adding that she had not originally intended to start a new farmers market. She said she plans to open May 7 and has already signed up 30 vendors for her market, called My Goochland Market, located at 68 Broad Street Road in Manakin-Sabot. Sarfaty said the CRC will continue to operate the Local Roots Food Co-op, managed by Jane Conner and will also operate a community garden to benefit the Goochland see Market > page 2

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

March 17, 2011

Board continued from > page 1 sions about reductions until after the supervisors approve the county budget on April 5. At that time, we will have to make reductions in order to meet the appropriation,” wrote Underwood in her email. “I want you, and your staff, to be aware of the items that are going before the board tonight. They are dramatic and disastrous, but the best we can

do to continue doing what we must do within our shrinking means.” Leaked to the public, the email sparked a number of comments during the meeting’s first public comment period. “I think the list I saw today far exceeds the needs to mitigate the differences in this budget,” said John Wright. “I find it quite close to mental terrorism in many ways… I think we need to try and address things in a very rational and real

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manner and not try and scare everybody to death,” he said. Randolph Elementary School PTA president Kendall Hoffler said in the past four years she has seen “what feels like the dismantling of this school system.” Hoffler said what was coming out of the central office was disturbing. “It truly feels like you are trying to rile the parents up to go to the board of supervisors to get us to support funding for the school budget.” Hoffler asked the board members if they knew what was coming out from the central office to the staff. “Do you understand what the parents are hearing?” she asked. Hoffler said the system had managed “to run off one of the best administrators that we had in this county [GES principal Stacey Austin],” calling that fact “the elephant in the room.” A tearful Heather Williams said her daughter was devastated to learn that art might be cut. “I’m truly scared about the future for our children,” she said. But not all the news was bad. Assistant Superintendent Peter Gretz and Maintenance Chief Sonny Turner outlined a plan to reduce energy consumption by 10 to 12 percent, offsetting an expected increase

in electricity costs. The plan includes lowering thermostats to 70 from 72 degrees during heating season and doing away with any individual electrical devices, such as heaters, coffee makers and the like. “Unplug when possible,” urged Gretz. Actual savings would amount to about $30,000, disappointing to Turner. “My goal was to save one position,” said Turner, acknowledging that with the electricity rate increase that would not happen. Underwood’s budget presentation followed, containing revised figures on the gap between the county and the school system. Increased revenue from the state of about $39,000 coupled with decreased costs for health insurance and for VRS of about $87,000 and $112,000 have reduced the gap to about $1,186,000, said Underwood, before presenting a list of more than 20 areas that could be cut to close he gap. In addition to those already mentioned, Underwood listed, among others: • Eliminating Goochland High School golf, swimming and gymnastics • Eliminating two games from every sports schedule

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except football • Reducing art and music programs at elementary schools to SOQ levels • Instituting participation fees for all extracurricular activities • Having secondary assistant principals teach one section each • Cutting several clerical positions “I can give you 10 reasons for everything that went up on that screen for why we shouldn’t do it,” said Underwood after her presentation, acknowledging the painful nature of many of the recommendations. “I believe you are going to have to make some decisions that people are going to disagree with – that you are going to disagree with,” said Underwood. Board member James Haskell floated the idea of a joint meeting of the board of supervisors and the school board to try to iron out their differences. Chairman Ivan Mattox said he would contact board of supervisors chairman William Quarles about the possibility of such a meeting. But board member Raymond Miller cautioned that there might be legal questions pertaining to a joint

meeting of the two boards and advised consulting the schools’ legal counsel before scheduling such a meeting. On the subject of reducing the number of elementary schools, Miller said that was for consideration in future years should budget cuts continue to be necessary. The board voted unanimously to authorize a reduction in force should it become necessary. Underwood emphasized that the vote was required to take the first step of verifying employment status and did not mean reductions would actually be made. A second public comment period brought more citizen input, including specific recommendations for cuts. Penny Palen proposed eliminating a number of “unmandated” positions, including both the director of elementary and secondary education, a high school assistant principal and several others. Hoffler, speaking a second time, agreed. “If you are going to put teachers on the table you have to put administrators on the table too,” she said. The school board next meets on March 22 for its work session at the high school at 6:30 p.m.

Redistricting meeting schedule

Market

The county has set its schedule for resdistricting meetings for the five districts.Dates are listed below. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Food Bank and partner with Goochland Parks and Recreation to offer monthly canning classes. Sarfaty said the co-op concept had advantages over a market, because vendors could pick or prepare only the amount ordered by customers, thus eliminating wastage. To find out more about the co-op go to localroots. luluslocalfood.com or call Co-op Manager, Jane Conner, at 804-332-3144.

District 1 - Hadensville March 22 at County Line Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 4070 County Line Road, Kents Store, VA 23084

District 2 March 30 at Goochland Recreation Center, 2415 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA 23063

District 1 - Fife March 24 at Company 4 Firehouse, 2397 HadesvilleFife Road, Goochland, VA 23063

District 3 April 6 at Goochland County Board Meeting Room, Administration Building, 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA 23063

District 4 March 28 at Randolph Elementary School Multipurpose Room, 1552 Shepardtown Road, Crozier, VA 23039 District 5 April 7 at Company 1 Fire House, 180 River Road West, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

continued from > page 1

March 17, 2011

EDUCATION: School Board and Academic News

for 12 to 5 p.m. this Saturday, March19 in the GHS Cafeteria. Works from NAHS club members and other art students will be on display. Some will be for sale. Works by local professional artists will also be on display and available for purchase. Club vice president Kline, a sophomore, said the club has 17 members this year up from only four last year. To be a member a student must submit a portfolio and maintain at least a B average in their art classes. Club secretary Johnson, also Photo by Ken Odor a sophomore, said the event was National Art Honor Society members Nicole Diterlizzi, left, Lily Johnson and Jill Kline basically a fundraiser. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t display some of their work which will be on display this Saturday in the GHS cafeteria. see Art show > page 4

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NAHS art show Saturday at GHS arship award and for the GHS Art â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand new,â&#x20AC;? said the three Department. girls in unison, when asked if the NAHS members Nicole society had had a show before. Diterlizzi, Lily Johnson and Jill Diterlizzi, a junior and NAHS What do you do when money Kline talked about the upcoming president, came up with the idea is tight? for the show, which is scheduled event last Friday. Why put on a show of course. So members of the National ATTENTION CATHOLICS Art Honor Society (NAHS) at A private survey is being conducted to determine Goochland High School are planthe number of practicing and non-practicing ning an art show this Saturday, to Catholics in Goochland County. raise funds for their annual scholKen Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

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Thursday

March 17, 2011

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Ellis and Gonzalez appear in Pop opera at Longwood Contributed Report news@goochlandgazette.com

The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill opened at Longwood Theatre on Feb. 24 with two weekends of

jazzy stage action. The play featured two former area students— Daniel Ellis and Laura Gonzalez. The director, Professor of Theatre Gene Muto, said, “The story of Mack the Knife, made famous in popular song (Louis

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Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darin) originally dates back to 1728. The idea then was that government was corrupt, society was corrupt, and everyone was hypocritical. Those ideas rang true in the Germany of the 1920s. We wonder if they’re at all relevant today.” The Threepenny Opera is based on The Beggar’s Opera from the 1700s and was revived in London to kick off the Roaring 20s. It will feature parody, satire and story-songs, and is recommended for mature audiences. Daniel Ellis, a 2009 graduate of Goochland County High School appeared on stage as the Balladeer. He previously

performed in Othello and The Grapes of Wrath and has been active behind the scenes in other productions as assistant to the director, stage manager and assistant sound designer. Daniel, a Longwood freshman theatre major, is the son of Jeff and Robin Ellis of Goochland. Laura Gonzalez returned to the stage in The Threepenny Opera as Mrs. Peachum, who manages the gang of beggars and crooks. In last season’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, Laura portrayed a sassy Doo-Wop girl. She is a 2006 graduate of Atlee High School who won Richmond Idol 2006. Laura is a Longwood senior theatre major and the

DANIEL ELLIS

LAURA GONZALEZ

daughter of Conrad and Nancy Gonzalez of Mechanicsville. This production was collaboration between Longwood Theatre and the Department of Music’s Opera Workshop. Music director, Dr. Christopher Swanson, commented that “the students have an unbelievable experience in this class; a typi-

cal university opera workshop course does not usually offer students real dramatic training. Nor do they provide opportunities for underclassmen. At least half of this year’s class is made up of freshmen and sophomores and in the current production several of the leading roles are being performed by underclassmen.”

Art show

be shown, the girls said.Other attractions will include performances by members of the school’s dance department, live music by Riley Allison, an NAHS member who plays violin and previews by actors in costume from the school’s production of “Annie,” which runs this weekend, Friday through Sunday. Raffles, door prizes, drawing lessons and food are

among the other added attractions planned for the show. As well as talking about the upcoming show, the three NAHS officers talked about what art meant to them. “Ever since I can remember I’ve loved art,” said Diterlizzi, who said she was inspired by the beauty of horses. Diterlizzi, who works mostly in chalk pastel, will display a portrait of her pony “Fancy Lady.”

Johnson said art provided an outlet for her. “I can’t stand reality!” she exclaimed. “Art is an escape into the imagination.” She will show her picture called “Blonde Chick,” created with marker and crayon. Johnson said she also likes to work with Sharpies and water color. Kline will show her work “Mistletoe and Dragon,” created with oils, acrylics and water color, a fantasy image she said was inspired by the work of underground artist Anne Stokes. Diterlizzi and Kline both said they hope to go on to major in art in college. The club has gotten help this year from several local patrons. Dawson’s Pharmacy and Subway have made donations, as has the Goochland Rotary Club and former GES art teacher Sandra Barkley. “It’s going to be a really fun interactive event,” said Diterlizzi. “Kids will want to go to get the community involved in art.” For more information on the upcoming art show, go to art teacher Crystal NeilsonHall’s blog at http://blogs.glnd. k12.va.us/teachers/chall/.

continued from > page 3 get any money,” she explained. “The only reason we have any now is because we won the float contest at Homecoming,” she said. In addition to exhibitions of high school students’ work, art from the county’s three elementary schools will also

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POLITICS: Government, Elections

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Supervisors hear budget requests By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Goochlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supervisors convened Monday afternoon for a work session to hear budget presentations from eight departments. Animal Control Officer Tim Clough presented his agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FY2012 request of $160,153, which matched to the penny the county administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation. Clough asked the board to consider increasing boarding fees from $4 per day to $10 per day, and once owner is notified from $10 per day to $15 per day, and increase the pickup fee from $10 to $20. These increases would result in from $750 to $1,000 in additional revenue, said Clough. Clough said the county would need to consider adding a fourth staff member to the agency and expanding the animal shelter in the future. Assessor Glenn Branham

requested $303,159 for the County Assessors office, again in line with the administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation. Branham, who went from full-time to part-time last year, asked the county to consider purchasing hand held computer tablets at a cost of $8,500 to speed data collection. Commonwealthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney Claiborne Stokesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; presentation was short and sweet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I met with Ms. Dickson in December. She asked me to cut and I did,â&#x20AC;? said Stokes, whose department gets much of its funding from the state. County funds for the agency would increase by $6,474 to $182,485, less than half of the $440,452 total. Supervisor Jim Eads then asked if there was any hope for a viable noise ordinance, to which Stokes answered no, unless a device for measuring decibel levels were used. The Pamunkey Regional Library presentation by

Director Tom Shepley illustrated the changes that the austerity of the recession has caused. The Goochland branch had its hours cut from 60 hours weekly to 42 last year and Shepley reported that computer use was down by 33 percent and other services were down about 19 percent. His request was $382,991, a 2 percent reduction. Shepley said the return to a 60 hour week and the hiring of a reference librarian were desired but not included in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget. Circuit Court Clerk Lee Turner requested an additional $43,000 in funding for the full time position that was eliminated last year. The position was established in 2004 and the additional work has not gone away, said Turner. Supervisor Ned Creasey asked if fee increases would help and Turner answered in the affirmative. County administrator Rebecca Dickson said that would be

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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Same old, same old at the school board Last Tuesday’s Goochland School Board meeting was sort of like déjà vu all over again, as they say. Which might have been what one should expect, in a climate where county revenues have declined for a second straight year and reductions in spending must be made. After hearing that the county is sticking to its original plan (at least for the time being) to transfer about $700,000 less to schools for FY12 than last year, Goochland School Superintendent Linda Underwood briefed board members on areas where cuts might be considered. The list had been sent to the leadership team by email that afternoon and leaked to the community, arousing concern among many. The room was packed, although many in the crowd came to see the numerous recognitions of students that were handed out at the start of the meeting. Many of the suggestions, and Underwood emphasized that’s what they were, only suggestions, have been heard before – like staggered school opening times and extracurricular activity participation fees. Others were new, like cutting the school year to 160 days and eliminating all GMS athletics. Board member Raymond Miller’s idea of possibly closing one elementary school was definitely a new idea but one that if we understand him correctly, was brought up for study as an option for future years. Would it make sense? We don’t know but it would be a big change, requiring great adjustments by the school system. Still others seemed a foregone conclusion, given that no matter if the numbers improve a little, there is still likely to be a pretty large gap, such as keeping the four furlough days and giving up the idea of hiring a math specialist. What brought out that feeling of reliving something you’ve been through before were the comments from some speakers that school administration was just trying to rile up the parents to put pressure on the board of supervisors. We heard that last year. And suggestions that the board cut administrative positions harkened back to last year as well, when GEPA members hammered away at this point with little success. But toward the end board member Jim Haskell tried several times to interest his fellow school board members in his idea of meeting with the supervisors in order to better explain the schools budget. Well, better late than never. If having the two boards meet face to face would help tone down the obvious animosity that exist between the two bodies, it should be done. After covering both boards it’s obvious to this writer that the gulf is so wide that it’s hard to imagine that a joint meeting could do any harm. So why not give it a try? Get the two boards together and let them talk. Maybe something good would come of it. Then perhaps next year the sense of déjà vu all over again will not be so strong. - Ken Odor

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Don’t put Goodwill Store in Bellview Gardens The Goodwill Industries’ Mission Statement reads: “Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.” I support that cause and I’m willing to believe all of the Bellview Gardens residents also support it. I have a history of making donations to Goodwill Industries in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I used to live, and in Richmond, where I live today. I

Joy Monopoli Ken Odor Charlie Leffler Pam Sanders Stephanie Childrey Cindy Grant

support it because it exemplifies community involvement; people getting together to help others less fortunate. I believe the residents of Bellview Gardens more than welcome a Goodwill location in Goochland County, provided it is in a location that meets everyone’s needs and concerns. With that, I do not believe the proposed location on Broad Street and Mills Road is in everyone’s best interests. A person should always make a rational, measured decision about where to build or purchase a home. I chose to build a home in Bellview Gardens because it is a well developed, moderately affluent neighborhood with a lot of positive growth potential within a county with a lot of growth

potential. It is located in a good school district which is important to me as a parent as well as to others in the neighborhood raising families. I also chose to build here because it offers an amount of seclusion and privacy, something many people cherish. It provides an opportunity to relax in an increasingly stressful world and provides a nurturing environment where we can raise our children to become competent, responsible and successful citizens. In a ‘perfect’ world, I believe many of us in the neighborhood would be completely content not having to witness the continued build up in the county; to continue living in a see Letters > page 8

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Letters to the Editor

Thursday location on Manakin Rd.

March 7 X

Voter registration fraud at location on Sandy Hook Rd.

Suspect arrested for noncompliance at location on Gatehouse Terrace

Suspect arrested for sale/ distribution of marijuana at location on Holly Lane.

Suspect assaulted victim at location on Vernon Rd.

Suspect arrested for forgery at location on Comet Rd.

Suspect committed larceny at location on Broad St. Rd.

Suspect arrested for Hit and Run at location on Mickie Town Rd.

Suspect arrested for probation violation at location on Thacker Lane.

March 11 March 9

March 8 Unknown suspect damaged property at location on Broad St. Rd. Victim was assaulted at location on County Line Rd.

Victim abducted at location on Shannon Hill Rd.

Suspicious person reported at

Suspect assaulted victim at location on County Line Rd.

Suspect arrested for noncompliance at location on Sir James Ct.

Suspect arrested for possession of Marijuana at location on Manakin Rd.

Suspect arrested for possession of Marijuana at location on Broad St. Rd./Whippoorwill Rd.

Suspect arrested for driving under the influence at location on Community House Rd.

Suspect arrested for probation violation at location on Impala Dr. Victim was abused and neglected at location on Whippoorwill Rd.

Suspect arrested for driving under the influence at location on River Rd. W.

Suspect arrested for abduction at location on Shannon Hill Rd.

Victim overdosed at location on Forest Grove Rd.

Suspect arrested for driving under the influence at location on Timbermead Ct.

7, 2011. She is survived by one brother, Newton Thurston; Alberta Johnson, 70, of three daughters, Shirley, Columbia, went to be with Nellie and Sharon; three sons, the Lord on Monday, March, Buck, John and Ricky; and

numerous grandchildren. The family received friends Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Sheridan Funeral Home, Kents Store, Va. A funeral

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OPINION: Letters to the Editor

March 17, 2011

Letters continued from > page 6

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less densely populated environment. But I also believe most of us accept this is not a realistic expectation. Growth and development is essential for an economy to continue to thrive. This is the foundation that establishes a strong and vibrant local economy which, in turn, contributes to a strong and vibrant commonwealth and national economy. However, I believe it is important that growth and development be achieved through a responsible manner, which takes all stakeholders’ needs into consideration. I respectfully ask that you support the wishes of Bellview Gardens residents to locate the proposed Goodwill facility outside of this residential community and into a location surrounded by other retail locations for the following reasons: 1. A More Optimal Retail Location: Locating Goodwill amongst other retail establishments will better position Goodwill to attract customers who are already shopping or conducting business in the immediate surrounding retail area (e.g. grocery store customers, restaurant patrons, etc.). Every successful Goodwill center I have visited is anchored deep inside a retail/business community. This provides 360 degrees of access to the business, giving it the maximum ability to draw, attract and sustain a viable customer base. 2. Community Support: Locating the Goodwill outside of Bellview Gardens will encourage us to be supportive of having a Goodwill location in the area. We WANT Goodwill to succeed and we want it to succeed in Goochland County. We WANT it to continue performing the great work it does in the communities it serves. Building it in a location that does not inhibit our current level of privacy and aesthetic enables all of us to be as supportive as the community needs to be. The strong chari-

table donation potential of this neighborhood is very strong. Having our proud support is a win for Goodwill, its customers, the community and us residents. This is something we should all strive to achieve and sustain. 3. Strong Residential Economic Base Real Estate Tax Base: With all due respect to Goodwill Industries, we believe the proposed location in Bellview Gardens will have a negative impact on neighborhood property values. I have never seen a Goodwill establishment in such close proximity to an upscale residential neighborhood, the reason being that home owners rightfully fear it will reduce the property values of their homes. Should this occur in Bellview Gardens with the proposed construction, two outcomes are very likely to occur: a. Existing home property values will decline, reducing the valuable real estate tax base this neighborhood currently provides. b. The likelihood of attracting additional affluence to the neighborhood to purchase existing homes for sale or to purchase open lots for new construction will be greatly diminished, further reducing the tax base potential of the neighborhood. As our county, commonwealth and nation continue to climb out of one of the worst economic recessions we have ever experienced, it is important that we all bond together as a community to ensure that our economy will thrive. One way to achieve this is to develop the county in a responsible manner, which preserves the economic value of its residential communities while at the same time encouraging proper business growth. Consumer Purchasing Power: In recent years, consumer spending has averaged about 65 to 70 percent of the economy’s gross domestic product (GDP). It also continues to account for more than 60 percent of total employment in the U.S. economy. These are not insignifi-

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cant statistics. They represent the engine that drives the economy. If the proposed Bellview Gardens Goodwill development project is approved, my belief is that over time, the affluence of this neighborhood risks substantial decline, eroding the purchasing power it currently offers to the county. And if this construction proposal becomes widely known by the surrounding communities, it may have the rippling effect of discouraging residency within the county. Once people come to realize that previously residentialonly communities can be negatively impacted by having retail or commercial construction projects approved within it, they will be less likely to risk owning a home in the county. Had I known this project was under consideration before I built a home here, I would not have purchased property here and would more than likely have built in a county other than Goochland. Ensuring that Bellview Gardens retains its moderately affluent status and that Goochland county, in general, properly respects its residential neighborhood’s desire to have their homes remain valuable also ensures a greater potential to continue to draw prosperous homeowners to the county, which benefits everyone. Safety Concerns: Though this neighborhood is by no means large, it has a sizable, vibrant population of children and pets. I often see neighborhood kids walking along the streets or riding their bicycles as well as many of the neighbors walking their dogs. This neighborhood is very conducive to these activities because the streets are relatively quiet and free of traffic; especially traffic from those who do not reside in this neighborhood. With the proposed construction comes the proposal to widen Mills road in order to provide access to both customers and service providers (e.g. trucks delivering and/or receiving merchandise). This proposal will make the neighborhood roads less safe than they currently are, risking injury

to residents, especially children who may run out into traffic to retrieve a dog or cat in harm’s way. None of us wish to experience the anguish of witnessing or dealing with an injured loved one, especially a child. I know the neighborhood does not want this and I firmly believe Goodwill does not want this. Nor do I believe anyone affected by this building proposal desires addressing liability issues that may result from the increased and more dangerous traffic pattern in the neighborhood that would result from this project. All would be better served if the location of this building was at a site away from residential pedestrian traffic (especially children) which properly mitigates the risk of traffic and pedestrian related injuries. To quote Goodwill Industries’ Mission Statement again: “Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.” That their mission incorporates the phrase, “enhances the dignity and quality of life”, speaks volumes of the great work Goodwill performs. I would like to believe they also embrace other attributes that enhance the dignity and quality of life: namely, supporting residential communities wishing to remain solely residential so that they may continue to be protective, peaceful and prosperous communities. Robert and Ellen Kowalski Homeowners, Bellview Gardens

Looking at ways to grow gracefully Goochland County serves as a bedroom community to Virginia’s capital city, Richmond, providing easy access along the entire northern boundary of the see Letters > page 9

Thursday

March 17, 2011

Letters continued from > page 8 county to interstate 64, running east to west. Expansion of the metropolitan Richmond Region into previously rural Goochland County is evidenced most by the development of commercial and retail businesses along the Broad Street corridor all the way from downtown Richmond, west, through Short Pump, and now even past Centerville. The scenario is typical, as urban areas push out into the countryside across the United States. Existing and planned development of road infrastructure such as 64/295, Broad Street, Route 288, and commercial and residential development such as West Creek Office Park, with mixed-use zoning, paved the way for change in Goochland County. In an effort to preserve the existing quality of life in Goochland, planners and citizens worked together to identify community goals and plan for controlled and orderly growth as development pressures inevitably grew. In addition to the required Master and Comprehensive Plans, Goochland citizens and Board of Supervisors developed the Eastern Growth Management Plan in the 90’s as a citizen and county plan to guide growth as it occurred along Goochland County’s eastern boundary with Henrico. First, a historic overlay district was implemented along the Route 6 corridor to serve as a scenic gateway, and a means to help preserve natural and historic integrity along Patterson Avenue and the James River. Meanwhile, the Broad Street corridor was designated for commercial development. This made perfect sense, since established development patterns headed west along Broad Street from Short Pump, intersected by Route 288 joining Chesterfield, Midlothian, and Powhatan from the South, and access points to interstates 64 and 295 along the northern boundary of the county, all three meeting in Eastern Goochland on Broad Street.

In order to attract and maintain business here, it was necessary for the county to provide infrastructure and services. For this reason investment in water and sewer lines was paid for with loans that have to be repaid. Goochland is now making budget cuts to our children’s education to help service this debt. Next, they will further increase property taxes. Because most citizens cannot afford to pay higher taxes, it is necessary to attract a business tax base to help pay for infrastructure and services; such as education, waste management, water/ sewer, police, fire, rescue, and other government expenses, needed to maintain our quality of life, and attract business. Many Goochland residents are aware that a large service/ retail non-profit business is interested in coming to Goochland. Goodwill Industries is interested in locating along the Broad Street corridor at 288. The first is always the most contentious, but in this case, will serve our community with the ability to recycle and reuse household and personal items and to purchase them at a reasonable price, not to mention the obvious – Goodwill will help share the increasing tax burden we are all facing as tax payers, as Goodwill agrees to pay the hefty ad valorem tax and hook-up fees for public water and sewer, as well as ongoing county sales tax, which will help offset our debt. According to Goochland’s Comprehensive Plan 2023, the Broad Street corridor is designated for commercial use. The transition from rural and residential to business, retail, commercial and residential uses will require attention to traffic patterns and neighborhood boundaries. Concerns about issues related to safety of children playing in the streets are increasing. This will continue until the residential use is enclosed and buffered from future density and motorist traffic planned for this location, anyway. A more secluded, private entrance, adjusted to the actual residential boundaries would help motorists distinguish

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OPINION: Letters to the Editor between residential and commercial entrances, allowing for safer access to Bellview Gardens. This would also allow safe and easy access to Goodwill, and increased property value for all. This would be a win-win. I suggest we hold a design charette to facilitate a planning session where all stakeholder groups work together in an effort to create a site plan to incorporate needs, wants, concerns with county policies to ensure orderly growth and development to protect and enhance the quality of life for residents living in this high-growth area of the county, while also considering ways to realize the positive cash flow we can expect from Goodwill. Let’s work with Goodwill to ensure the structure they build meets our architectural and community standards. We owe it to ourselves and our children. Vernell Burton Goochland Realty

School system in danger There is an ugly aura of incompetence floating over Goochland County’s government. Not only are we the butt of many jokes because of our County Treasurer, but this week Dr. Underwood and the School Board have reached a new level of complete disregard for providing the children of our county with quality education. The kindergarten at Randolph Elementary was irresponsibly and irrationally disrupted on Wednesday because the superintendant of the school system announced on Tuesday that she was freezing all funding for elementary substitute teachers because the middle school substitute teacher fund was out of money. So, when a teacher had to be absent, her class was divided among the three other classes for the entire day! Per the Superintendent, this is what will happen every time a teacher is

absent in elementary school until the end of the school year. How are teachers supposed to teach under these conditions? Is it really so difficult to budget for something as basic as substitute teachers? I cannot believe we live in one of the wealthiest counties in the nation and our school board is unable to properly budget for FIVE schools. I would venture a guess that the other wealthiest counties in the nation have more than five public schools. Unless something is done, we are in serious danger of losing some excellent teachers, and maybe even a school. Tricia Miller Manakin Sabot

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SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional www.goochlandgazette.com HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW

Bulldogs young while Saints and Cougars are challengers BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

As the upcoming girls soccer season gets under way, Goochland High School is preparing for its second year in the tough Jefferson District. At the same time, perennial VISAA powerhouses Collegiate and St. Catherine’s are primed to once again compete for the LIS title. GOOCHLAND The Bulldogs return 10 players, but only four of them were starters last year, so this year’s squad will be young. Coach Tom Reid recognizes the challenges, but also sees some bright spots for his squad. “The strength should be the midfield and striker positions,” Reid said. “The defensive four and keeper are players that need to develop and mature quickly to work as a team.” Strikers Bridget Panas and Tesia Zogran should provide ample offensive punch for the Bulldogs, while midfielders Brook Engel, Amberly Marria, Kayla Cleveland and Kelsey Simmons will also contribute. “They’ve been playing soccer together for years and continue to improve,” Reid said. Cohesiveness will be the key to victory for the young Bulldogs. One of Reid’s main goals is “getting the players to work as a team in support of each other and learn to read the game well enough to compete offensively and defensively every second of their playing time.” While Reid keeps an eye on this year’s wins and losses, he will also monitor other factors that lead up to a successful season. “My goal (as a coach) is for the girls to have fun, play hard with good sportsmanship,” Reid said. “As a coach at this level it is important for the teams to learn that the team

File photos by Jim Ridolphi and Kenny Moore

From left: Goochland’s Tesia Zogran will play an important role at striker for the Bulldogs this season. Center: Collegiate’s Carrie Shadowen will be an integral part of the Cougars’ defense as they look to repeat as VISAA state champions. Right: St. Catherine defensive midfielder Amanda Kim, left, will lay it all on the line to keep her Saints in contention with rival Collegiate once again this season.

comes first while having fun.” Charlottesville, Western Albemarle, Monticello and Fluvanna are just some of the formidable foes on the Bulldog schedule. ST. CATHERINE’S The Saints are looking to improve on their fourth place state finish last year. More importantly, the team can expect another nail biting challenge from Collegiate in the LIS. St. Catherine’s returns a dominating midfield that should anchor the Saints squad for 2011. “Our midfield is a bad mix for opposing defenses; from the back to the front, speed is going to be the key to success,” said head coach Laurie Marshalek. A key player for the Saints will be Amanda Kim, a defensive midfielder who “creates traffic in the attacking zone.” Marshalek also depends on Kim for leadership and experience. “Her skills and talent can influence a match at both ends of the field,” Marshalek said. “She’s a natural leader, a

link from the freshman to the seniors and from the backline to the forwards.” The coach also has strategic goals that should make the Saints season another winner. In addition to defending the counter attack, Marshalek plans include, “Wing Play-if we use the flank players effectively, it will be a challenge to slow them down,” as another key to victory. Marshalek feels the Saints will have to be opportunistic and take advantage of openings. “Converting chances-not wasting opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net,” will be a key element in this year’s success. The coach knows the task won’t be easy, and acknowledges that expectations are high for the Saints. “The bar is set high for this program,” she said. We finished second in the LIS and fourth in the State last year. Three of our four losses came to Collegiate, who won the State Championship.” The Saints are looking for another chance at their arch rivals, and lists as one of their

team’s goals “a return to the LIS championship game.” COLLEGIATE Repeating a championship season is never easy, but Collegiate seems poised to defend as the 2011 opener approaches. The Cougars are in a reload mode, with a sprinkling of experience returning from last year’s VISAA state championship squad. “We return a strong team nucleus despite graduating 10 seniors,” said Coach Bill Rider. “We’ll need to stay healthy as we incorporate some new players into the fray.” On defense, the Cougars

will depend on defender Carrie Shadowen. “She will be called upon to anchor a new defense,” Rider said. According to the coach, midfielders Julia Sroba and Meredith Donahue “will provide creativity and trouble in the midfield.” Last year’s championship victory is providing a fair amount of optimism among the team, and Rider said the clock-beating win opened up some eyes. “Last year’s finish with the winning goal in the waning seconds of the state finals will provide reassurance that any-

thing is possible in any game,” he said. The Cougars will face regional rivals like Douglas Freeman, Mills E. Godwin and Deep Run, as well as facing its traditional LIS foes in the form of St. Catherine’s and Trinity. Rider said his Cougars enter this season with enthusiasm and a strong desire to win. “We have high expectations for ourselves, as we do each year,” Rider said. “The older players welcome the challenge of building on the success of previous seasons.”

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER PREVIEW

Bulldog boys seek better results BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

The Goochland boys’ soccer team enters this season with a clear-cut goal of improving on last year’s record. That won’t be easy as the team prepares for its second session in the Jefferson District. “Last year was our first

real experience with double A teams,” said Coach Patrick Brook. “We didn’t win as many games as we would have liked, but that has better prepared us for this season. We have stepped up conditioning as we noticed our players were tiring in the second half of play.” One of the returning players who will play a key role in this

year’s campaign is goalkeeper Chris Hawk, a junior who captured MVP honors last year. He is joined by strikers Nick Yuen and Brad Bumgarner. “We expect to see many goals from them this season,” Brook said. Midfielders Logan Stanley, see Bulldogs >page 11

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Bulldogs continued from >page 10 Jesse McWilliams and Jace Gregory also return for the Bulldogs. On defense, Lee McLaughlin and Patrick Reeder will return along with a fresh face that is expected to contribute. “Newcomer Richard Young has found his place at sweeper,” Brook said. Brook feels everything adds up to an improved squad for

SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional www.goochlandgazette.com

this season, but he realizes the difficult schedule could present problems for the Bulldogs. “We have a tough schedule this season. The Jefferson District has some talented teams,” Brook said. “We expect to be competitive against William Monroe, Louisa, and Orange. Charlottesville gave us some trouble last year, but we intend to come out strong and play each team to the best of our ability.” The coach also has a clear

Congratulations Amara Ezell Amelia Academy standout basketball player Amara Ezell, a Goochland resident, racked up post season awards this season by being named to the All State 1st Team, All-State Tournament Team as well as VCC All-Conference team and VCC All-Tournament Team MVP. Ezell scored 406 points and pulled down 346 rebounds this season to average a doubledouble 15 ppg and 12.8 rpg. Ezel also averaged 4.4 steals and 3.1 assists per game. On the season, Ezell shot 41 percent from 3-point range and 75 percent on free throws. Amelia Academy Coach

Frank Shanagerger was named the VISAA Div. III Coach of the Year after leading his team to the state quarterfinals where they fell to state runner-up Williamsburg Christian. Submitted by Malinda Z. Shanaberger

Congratulations Fury U12

idea of what it will take for the team to be successful. “Victory can only be achieved through teamwork, discipline, and old fashioned hard work,” Brook said. “We have intensified our conditioning and are working to bring out the best team we can.” While the Bulldogs will be chasing victories against some tough competition, Brook realizes the true reward is reflected by the effort displayed by his players. “We hope that this season will be a great experience for all of our players,” he said. “We are trying to foster hard-work, respect, and devotion to the team while improving the skills of our players.”

Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k sets entry record 37,400 have registered of 40,000 registrations will predicted time he listed on his be accepted. The fee for the race entry form and his past for annual race Ukrop’s Monument Avenue performance in the event, he Staff reports

The 12th annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by MARTIN’S has set an event record for the number of participants registered. As of March 8, over 37,400 were registered, breaking last year’s mark of 37,365. Over 1,400 have registered for the Virginia 529 Kids Run, which is on pace to approach or surpass the record of 2,016 who entered in 2010. Registration is still open for the April 2, race and a total

You are invited to the opening of an exhibit of images from the Richmond Times-Dispatch Photo Collection Featuring winning captions from the “What in the World is Happening in this Photo!?!” contest

10k is $40 and the fee for the Virginia 529 Kids Run is $20. Registration is available online at www.sportsbackers.org. AT&T Dash for the Cash – Staff Sergeant Joe Pena, a 35year-old member of the 392nd Army Band currently stationed at Fort Lee in Hopewell, VA, has been selected for an opportunity to win $2,500 on April 2 as the 2011 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k AT&T Dash for the Cash participant. Based on the

will be given a 1.925-mile head start on the course and will attempt to cross the finish line before any of the elite athletes running in the full 10k (6.2 miles). If he does out-run the rest of the field to the finish line, he will win the $2,500 cash prize. If an elite runner finishes first, that runner will claim both the AT&T Dash for the Cash prize and the $2,000 first place purse for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k.

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