07/21/2011 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Benedictine goes to Planning Commission > page 2

Volume 57, Number 28 • July 21, 2011

District 2 School Board race gains another candidate By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

“If the people of the county do what I think they’re going to do we will have a really highly qualified school board,” said Kevin Hazzard, 46, last week, in announcing that he is a candidate for the District 2 seat on the board. Incumbent District 2 School Board member Raymond Miller already has one challenger in Penny Palen, former

chairperson of the Goochland Parents Education Association (GEPA). All other districts have new candidates challenging incumbents, raising the possibility of wholesale change on the School Board which will take office in January. Hazzard grew up in Hanover and Henrico counties, graduating from Fork Union Military Academy in 1983. A math major at Randolph Macon, see Hazzard > page 5

District 3 Supervisor Ned Creasey, center, with Republicans Delegates Lee Ware, left, and Bill Janis. Creasey announced Saturday before about 100 supporters that he will seek another term on the Goochland Board of Supervisors.

Creasey seeks reelection in District 3 Candidate also facing health challenge By Jim Ridolphi Special Correspondent

Sometimes, it’s difficult to draw a crowd on a Saturday morning, but that wasn’t the case for District 3 supervisor Ned Creasey as he announced his bid for reelection to the Goochland Board of Supervisors.

INDEX

Calendar 16 Classifieds 17-19 Letters 6-8 Local Exchange 10

More than 100 friends and supporters gathered on the courthouse green as Creasey took his time meeting and greeting the group. Delegates Bill Janis and Lee Ware also joined the incumbent supervisor and voiced their support for his reelection bid. Sheriff Jim Agnew and Commonwealth’s Attorney Claiborne Stokes also attended to support Creasey’s run. “Put a good word out there for Ned Creasey,” Ware said. “He’s been an advo-

Obituaries Opinion Sports TV Listings

9 6 13 14-16

cate for transparency, an advocate for community services and a man who really stands with this community,” Ware told the group. Janis reminded the group of how Creasey changed the landscape of Goochland politics and government with his original campaign promises “Four years ago when we were here on the courthouse steps, Ned stepped up to this mike and made two promises,” see Creasey > page 2

Photo by Ken Odor

Kevin Hazzard hopes to be the next School Board member from District 2.

SPORTS

NEWS

Meadows commits to Purdue

School Board drops pay to play option

> page 13

> Page 4

Thursday

July 21, 2011

EDUCATION: School Board and Academic News

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Benedictine hopes for swift approval of CUP By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Benedictine Brother Nolte McCarthy, Director of Business Development for the Benedictine Society of Virginia, is hoping for swift approval of a Conditional Use Permit request to bring Benedictine School to Goochland. In an interview last week at the Benedictine Abbey site at 12829 River Road in Goochland, McCarthy said a delay would make it more difficult to open the school in the

fall of 2012 as planned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Next August, 2012 we need to move in here,â&#x20AC;? said McCarthy, who maintained that each year that two sites are maintained costs the Society $500,000. McCarthy said if the school had continued at the Richmond site tuition, currently at $14,700 yearly, would have had to increase since there was no way to increase enrollment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We cannot go over 300 students downtown,â&#x20AC;? he said. With a current enroll-

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ment of about 275 students, McCarthy said he envisions growth to perhaps 500 in the next 10 years at the new site. Plans call for a gymnasium to be built, costing between six and $10 million, said McCarthy. But Goochland Principal Planner Tom Coleman said Monday the county, concerned about water and sewer capacity at the site, recommends capping student enrollment at 395. The biggest potential bump in the road would be a delay at the Planning Commission, where a public hearing will be held Thursday, July 21, on the Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request for a Conditional Use Permit to move the school to the Goochland site. If voted on at this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Planning Commission meeting, the CUP request would Photo by Ken Odor likely be the subject of a public Brother Nolte McCarthy traces the new bus routes that would carry students to the planned Benedictine School campus in Goochland. McCarthy said 76 percent of trafffic would arrive

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see Benedictine > page 4 at the Abbey after turning off Route 6 and traveling east on River Road.

Creasey continued from > page 1 Janis said. He said Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bring common sense and accountability to Goochland County government,â&#x20AC;? he added. Janis said Creasey has more than fulfilled those guarantees.â&#x20AC;? You look at the last four years; you see how Ned has brought sound judgment, and a steady hand to his duties and responsibilities as supervisor. You can see the tremendous progress weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made over the past four years.â&#x20AC;? Creasey said he ran on a motto last election that touted â&#x20AC;&#x153;responsible, responsive and reliable leadership. I believe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve kept those promises,â&#x20AC;? Creasey said. Creasey said a change in philosophy and method was badly needed when he first

took office. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For too long, Goochland County has been entrusted to what some people would call the Good Ole Boy network,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was no transparency in either our local government or our public school system. It was a shell game played behind a veil of organized confusion.â&#x20AC;? He cited unrecorded and uncashed checks in the Utilities Department, embezzled funds in the Treasurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office and mounting worries with the Tuckahoe Creek Service District that were â&#x20AC;&#x153;just a few of the byproducts of the irresponsible and laissez-faire leadership that has been uncovered since I took office in 2008.â&#x20AC;? Creasey acknowledged thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still work to do, but did not discount the efforts

of the past four years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have spent the last four years diligently working to strengthen and improve our county,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the help and feedback from citizens like you we have been able to implement common sense accountability/accessibility measures, such as putting the Goochland County check register and recordings from the Board of Supervisors meetings online,â&#x20AC;? Creasey added. The District 3 rep also acknowledged the hazards of running as an incumbent in an atmosphere where former service is sometimes viewed as a negative qualification. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been told 2011 may not be a good year for incumbents, but what I believe is that here in District 3, with your help, it will be

a great year for this incumbent, and a great year for our county.â&#x20AC;? Turns out the announcement for re election was not the only news Creasey delivered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was recently diagnosed with cancer, but like millions of Americans who are diagnosed with cancer every year, I am determined to beat it, just as determined as I am to win this election and continue my work on the Board of Supervisors,â&#x20AC;? he said. The supervisor said he would begin treatments this week for the disease. Asked why he would continue to seek public service with such a great personal challenge facing him, Creasey said the answer was simple. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to finish what I started.â&#x20AC;?

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

July 21, 2011

Gum Springs Youth Group heads for New York on trip to repair homes By Jim Fields jfields@mechlocal.com

What’s better than a week at Virginia Beach, soaking up rays, hanging with your friends and having a good time? For 37 members of the Gum Springs Youth Group, the answer can be summed up in three words: “Giving of yourself.” The group left Saturday for Lyon, New York and will spend the week working with other groups from around the country to repair homes. The mission is coordinated locally through Gum Springs United Methodist Church, but the group is made up of young people from all around the area. “We are the Gum Springs Youth Group,” said director Ricky Rowe. “About half of the kids going on the mission and their families are members at Gum Springs United Methodist Church, but we also have members of the group that go to other churches. There are also several that are group members that do not have a regular church home.” This is the 14th mission in nine years the church has sponsored, and on Wednesday, several group members gathered to talk about why they go on missions. Courtney Rowe, like her brother Rickey, has been on all of them. “The missions give you a chance to get out in the real world,” she said. “It gives you a great feeling when you can reach out and help someone and improve their life.” Larkin Allison, a student at Wake Forest, summed up the group’s feeling about the mission when he talked about what it meant to him. “It gives me a chance to live my religion,” he said. “We get

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Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

July 21, 2011

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School Board drops pay to play option, will use county CAFR By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Goochland students will not have to pay a fee to participate in athletic activities, according to an announcement by School Board Chairman Ivan Mattox at last week’s School Board workshop meeting.

The board also received a report on the schedule of the Facilities Committee, which has been asked to study the pros and cons of a two versus three elementary school system in the county. Dr. Linda Underwood said the plan is to have an initial meeting in early August, collect additional information and come

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back for another meeting in late August. “Committee findings and recommendations will go to our leadership team to review recommendations, add to those recommendations as needed. My target to get the findings and recommendations to the School Board is end of September.” In the public comment period, the board heard several speakers ask the board to retain the current policy allowing the Good News Club to use school facilities after school at no charge, in light of the proposed new Facilities Policy that was presented as an information item. “We were waiving fees we didn’t have the authority to waive,” said Underwood. Board member Ray Miller suggested that a third group be added for non-

Benedictine continued from > page 2 hearing at the Sept. 6 meeting of the Board of Supervisors. “I’d rather be voted down 6 to 4 at the Planning Commission than see the request deferred,” said McCarthy, since a recommendation to deny would still proceed apace to the supervisors for another public hearing. Attorney Darwin Satterwhite, representing the Society, said Benedictine and the county have a fundamental disagreement on the water requirements of the proposed school. “We think they have overestimated what’s going to be used,” said Satterwhite, who said that one solution would be to cap enrollment for the first year and see what the

Photo by Ken Odor

Michael McDermott addresses the School Board at last week’s combined workshop and regular meeting. He paid his FOIA bill of $39.06 in pennies.

profit groups that may want Facilities Policy will be pre- be proceeded by a workshop to use school facilities sented to the board at its A recommendation for Aug. 9 meeting, which will see School Board > page 5

actual water consumption is for the first year. McCarthy said he is not too worried about opposition from Goochland residents, including those along the River Road corridor. “I’m not worried about Goochland, I’m worried about our alumni,” said McCarthy. Benedictine Alumnus Pat McSweeney, an attorney familiar with land use and environmental matters, said Monday he is concerned about the possibility of the school being required to connect to a central wastewater system in the future, along with transportation conditions that may be required. “To date, the Society appears to be in denial about these concerns,” wrote McSweeney in an e-mail to the Gazette. McCarthy said the school

has held two community meetings with local residents and devised a traffic plan to diffuse fears of congestion along River Road. “We bus about 80 percent of the students out here every day for athletics already,” said McCarthy. Only the basketball team still plays at the Richmond school site. McCarthy said that 76 percent of the vehicle traffic coming to the school would travel from west to east to the abbey entrance, traveling down River Road after turning left off Patterson Avenue. Four and possibly five bus routes are envisioned to bring the majority of the students to the relocated school. Only students who live on River Road would be allowed to drive west and turn left into the grounds. McCarthy said the sale of

the North Sheppard School facility to the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, announced in April, has been completed. The deal came about as an alternative to selling the North Sheppard Street property to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and leaving the school building under Catholic control. “The move is helping the mindset because we’re getting closer to where the people live,” said McCarthy. “All the bad press and all the news about moving has not killed us.” “Our parents want us to be here, our students want us to be here,” said McCarthy. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Society’s CUP request Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors meeting room in the County Administration building.

Thursday

July 21, 2011

School Board continued from > page 4 meeting. There will be no meeting on Aug. 23. In action items at the evening regular School Board meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve a resolution to access $180,000 in state funds for technology. The board also voted unanimously to approve resolutions for grant applications for Title I, Part A, Improving Basic Programs for

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

$276,000 and Title II, Teacher Quality Application Approval for $74,000. An action item approving the Parent Involvement Policy was also approved unanimously. In other business, the board voted unanimously after some discussion to accept the superintendent’s recommendation to use the combined county Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), realizing some $4,245 in savings. “It saves us some money and we still get the information,” said

board member Maxwell Cisne. The board also voted to approve school year 2011-2012 fees (minus the participation fees for athletics) and an offering by the VRS for school employees to enroll in a new Long Term Care Insurance Program. All costs would be borne by the employees. After hearing information items including a legislative update from Andrea Erard and a new proposed concussion policy, the board heard public comment for a second time, in

which Michael McDermott paid his FOIA bill with $39.06 in pennies. John Wright urged the board to consider taking ownership of the land, tower and equipment of a radio station previously offered to the schools. “There’s an incredible opportunity here for the schools here,” said Wright. At the end of the meeting the board went into closed session to begin the annual performance review of the superintendent.

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Hazzard continued from > page 1 where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1988, he also took part in ROTC through the University of Richmond and served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve, with the rank of Lieutenant. He and his wife Donna have four children in Goochland County schools and a daughter at University of Virginia. Hazzard currently serves as an adjunct professor at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College where he is president of the IT Advisory Board for the School of Business. He is also a Director at CapTech Ventures, a privately held information technology firm. Hazzard said his father Wayne Hazzard, who is running for the South Anna seat on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, encouraged him to run for School Board in Goochland. “There’s so much good you can do there,” Hazzard said his father advised him. Hazzard said he would work toward eliminating unfunded mandates. “I think we should be working to find ways we can legally not comply with unfunded mandates,” said Hazzard. Hazzard said the school

system needs to become more independent and resourceful, tapping potential money from private sources. “There are some hard times coming,” he said. “We can’t depend on the federal government.” Hazzard said he wants to find ways to improve technology in the schools while reducing costs. Although Hazzard said he is a big fan of Apple computers, he added, “I think they make the best hardware on the market but I think Rolls Royce makes the best car and I don’t own one of them either.” “I would think about switching to anything that meets our needs at the right

price,” he said, speaking of information technology. Hazzard also said he favors balancing the curriculum, with more emphasis on the arts, history and physical education. He also favors using locally grown foods in the school cafeterias as much as possible. “We have 60,000 acres of farmland in Goochland and you’re telling me you can’t buy local produce?” he asked. In ferreting out waste, Hazzard said the School Board and administration need to study how other school systems operate. “I mean researching other localities and finding out how they are doing as well as they are,” he said.

On the subject of the sometimes difficult relationship between the supervisors and the School Board, Hazzard said there needs to be “a high level of trust between the members of both boards,” saying if elected he would consult regularly with the District 2 member of the Board of Supervisors. “When it comes down to it, we’re a team.” If elected, Hazzard promised to be positive, but sounded a cautionary note. “I’m going to bring some things to light that may be difficult for people to accept but I promise to do it in a professional and courteous way,” he said.

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Thursday

July 21, 2011

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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Preserving tradition Thursday night will see, if my guess is anywhere near the mark, a large turnout at the Planning Commission meeting, as the question of whether or not the Benedictine Society of Virginia will receive a recommendation of approval to move its tradition-rich Catholic military school from its North Sheppard Street location in Richmond out to the Benedictine Abbey on River Road will be considered. Although the school’s athletic programs (minus its famed basketball team) have resided in the county for some years now, the decision by the Society to move the school as well has generated strong opposition from some school alumni and concern by the county administration and local residents. Many alumni appear motivated by that most understandable of desires, the wish to preserve the school’s traditions and the atmosphere that meant so much to them when they trod the halls of the old building. Well, not so old, since it burned in 1986 and was rebuilt, but we understand. There’s a great deal to be said for preservation of tradition and here in the United States we seem to have a penchant for tearing down old buildings and erecting something new every so often for no particular reason (although the current Benedictine School building will not suffer that fate, since it has been sold to the Richmond Diocese.) The new John Marshall High School, for instance, will never stir the same memories in pre-1960 grads as did the old building in downtown Richmond. But sometimes you have to move

to maintain tradition and according to Brother McCarthy, Benedictine as a school is likely to wither and die if confined to its current premises in the city. McCarthy cites studies that show that Catholic schools that have remained in their old inner city locations have eventually had to close, whereas those that have moved out to where their constituents live have not. That being said, by all means questions of traffic safety, access for emergency vehicles and utility problems need to be addressed. But if these issues can be successfully resolved and the school is moved to Goochland, it’s my guess that a hundred years from now, alumni will be looking back just as fondly as today’s alumni do to their old school, to the days when they walked the halls of the Goochland County Benedictine School.

Letters – We like them But we like them most when they come clearly marked as a letter to the editor and with an address and a daytime phone number, as our letters policy (printed to the right of this column) clearly indicates. We also like them when they are concise and to the point, particularly as the political season advances. We want to get as many opinions as possible into our available space, so help us out. But most of all, keep them coming.

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light. Ken Peterson, with years to be ignored. He deserves to of experience in the financial be heard. field, and with only five years Pat and Ken Atherholt We read with interest the in the county has been avidly Manakin-Sabot several letters from citizens attending and contributing to concerning needed changes the Supervisors’ meeting only see Letters > page 7 in our county administration. Several mentioned that a specific candidate with experience within the present The Gazette welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to administration would be the Goochland residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone best leader to help us change number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter the direction of our governreceived will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and ment. We couldn’t disagree not The Goochland Gazette. more! We are concerned that a Send letters to: candidate who is so familiar The Goochland Gazette, 6400 Mechanicsville Turnpike, with the present administraMechanicsville, VA 23111 Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: jodor@goochlandgazette.com tion could not see it in a new

Peterson deserves to be heard

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Letters to the Editor

Thursday

July 21, 2011

Letters continued from > page 6

Peterson has financial expertise August 2 from 10 a.m. 7:30 p.m. at Dover Baptist Church is the Republican canvass-primary for Goochland’s District 5 Supervisor. Whoever wins the canvass - primary will most likely be the next District 5 Board Member. Courtney Hyers, an associate of outgoing Supervisor, Jim Eads, is being challenged by Ken Peterson. Ken is a financial analyst and West Point graduate. The financial mismanagement and recent criminal activity are, I have discovered, just the tip of the iceberg! The huge debt-bond agreement, executed by our current Board, is a financial “time bomb” for taxpayers down the road. Jim Eads’ hand picked candidate is not the solution! We need new leadership and Ken Peterson has the financial expertise to set our great country on a new course. All of our families, homeowners and business owners have a lot at stake on August 2. They say that ‘all politics is local” and this race couldn’t be closer to home! Ruble Hord West Oak subdivision

Why change form of government? Two of the letters in the July 14 edition of the Gazette touched on the same topic: Goochland converting from the current county administrator form of government to a county manager form of government. Rita Brighton stated in her letter to the editor that

Courtney Hyers, a candidate for the District 5 supervisor’s seat supports that change. Jim Eads, the current District 5 supervisor also had a letter published headlined “Change is needed” in which Jim stated “…It is time for Goochland to change its form of government to that of a county manager form…” I have not spoken to Courtney about her views on manager versus administrator (but I am reaching out to her so we can have that conversation). I am assuming Rita Brighton is correct in her statement that if Courtney is elected to the board, she would work to make that change in government structure. Jim has been consistent in his advocacy for a change to the county manager form for the past two or three years. I recognize his position is sincerely held and one he held prior to the headlines in March concerning the embezzlement charges and the arrest of Goochland’s elected Treasurer. My skepticism about – my opposition to – changing from a county administrator to a county manager form of administration also predates this year’s events and embezzlement headlines. The arguments Jim has made for the change have never gotten much traction with me. Let me note: I am a “come here”. We built our home and moved from Henrico in 1990. Having experienced both a county manager and a county administrator form of county administration, I can’t cite any significant advantages we enjoyed under Henrico’s manager form of government versus those provided via Goochland’s administrator form. So why change? Jim believes that county government has become quite complex and that county government now requires

OPINION: Letters to the Editor skilled people to administer the services citizens and taxpayers ask it to provide. Jim and Rita Brighton both cite the mismanagement and reported embezzlement in the Goochland Treasurer’s office as the prime example of why Goochland needs to change. But in trying to make his argument for change, I believe Jim over-reaches. Quoting Jim’s letter, he stated: “Small counties, like Goochland, can no longer depend on a pool of highly qualified people to compete in the political arena, to be the county treasurer.” I don’t believe that is a valid statement. If it were, is that the case solely for the Treasurer? Goochland remains a “small county” when its voters go to the polls to elect our Sherriff; Goochland remains a “small county” when its voters go to the polls to elect our Clerk of the Court; Goochland has the same number of voters and citizens when we elect our Commonwealth’s Attorney and our Commissioner of Revenue. I haven’t (yet) asked Jim, but when I read his letter, I wondered whether he also thinks a small county such as Goochland can no longer depend on “highly qualified people to compete in the political arena” for those Constitutional positions. And…the scamp in me wonders what Jim’s thoughts are regarding small-county Goochland dividing itself into five smaller sections - and then looking to those smaller pools of citizens for five or more “highly qualified people” to compete in the political arena for election to Goochland’s Board of Supervisors. Is it possible, that since (per Jim’s letter) “there are little or no requirements to be a [member of the Board of Supervisors] (my change) except to be a resident of the county” that Goochland faces

the possibility of embezzlement and mismanagement by our elected Supervisors? Personally, I don’t think so. Consequently I don’t think Jim’s rationale for converting to a county manager organizational structure (small county = poorly qualified people) is convincing. It may be I’m naïve. It may be that I just don’t get it. However in my opinion, Goochland has been well-served by elected treasurers previously, and that Goochland can be wellserved by an elected treasurer again. My final observation: embezzlement and mismanagement does not happen solely in departments where “the boss” is an elected official. The most cursory of research will provide a list of white papers, summaries and reports detailing mismanagement and embezzlement occurring under both a “manager” and an “administrator” form of operation. Hired “highly qualified” managers are not infallible. The sad reality is that the public’s trust has been violated in a variety of ways regardless of an organizational structure. I appreciate Jim’s enthusiasm in advancing his position. I have no doubt it is sincerely held. He believes a change to a County Manager form of administration is in the best interests of Goochland’s citizens. (I look forward to confirming whether Courtney believes that too.) I’m not in agreement. I’m happy to listen to new information and to consider different perspectives. Until then – even though we voters don’t make “the best decision” in every election (whether it’s for County Treasurer, Home Coming Court, Church Deacon…or maybe even for County see Letters > page 8

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OPINION: Letters to the Editor

July 21, 2011

Letters

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continued from > page 7 Supervisor) – I’m okay relying on the citizens of our small county of Goochland to offer voters a pool of highly qualified people to compete in the political arena for these positions of public trust. Jonathan Lyle Manakin-Sabot

Public-private initiative for broadband?

It is a fully competitive enterprise, as much so as Hardee’s or Wal-Mart. If the county wants Verizon Wireless to explain its deployment strategy, perhaps it should also call in the manager of Hardee’s to explain any menu changes. Companies like Verizon, AT&T and Comcast should not be expected to deliver broadband to sparsely populated areas where the costs are high and the likely returns, if any, are low. This does not mean, however, that broadband cannot flourish in western Goochland County. There are countless examples of successful public-private initiatives that have brought broadband service into rural areas. Obviously, such initiatives require a commitment from taxpayers. Perhaps, when the economy returns to a firmer financial footing, our county leaders might consider such alternatives.

One of your readers recently chastised Verizon Wireless for what he referred to as its “degradation” of broadband service in the county. He also suggested that the company, as a “public utility,” has an obligation to maintain a high quality service. The Goochland County Chamber of Commerce would welcome the expansion of broadband service Paul T. Miller, Jr. in the county. The success President of our economic development efforts hinges to a great Goochland County Chamber of Commerce extent on the availability of broadband. However, we also recognize that nothing can be A letter to Chairman achieved by publicly batterQuarles ing one of many broadband providers. As a citizen I am expressContrary to claims made ing my concerns about the by your reader, Verizon UN Agenda21 “sustainable Wireless is not a public utility. development” infringement

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upon our cities and towns and how UDAs will change the structure of Goochland. As a citizen I believe we have begun to take a path not of our own creation. One I realize does not have to come with demands to impute mandatory legislation that would impede upon property rights and hoard citizens into human settlements. I like to think that our representatives, local and state still have some gumption to stand up for citizens of their localities against government interference when enacting legislation for UN agendas. Has our constitutional style of government been such a detriment to our way of life that we would trade it for livable communes bounded by buffered zones and limited mobility? At the very least one should study in depth about changes that encroach upon where and how we can live in our locality. Just imagine what one would find as they dig deeper into the depths of shadowy documents shrouded by a Trojan horse. Would you be willing to give up and give in to not having official elected representation? What price are we having to pay for the lost of our own identity to be self reliant to our way of self governing? The structures of human set-

tlements designed to house local citizen’s commands that property ownership eventually become an extinction whose existence is futile. Will you fight for your property rights when the bulldozer of UNAgenda21 mows down your right to ownership? That is what takes place in allowing UDAs and planned communities into the natural order of existence, working its way into communities as smart growth, open spaces, buffer zones. Just remember to not go outside the buffer zones or violate the open spaces. What about the resources needed to meet the demands of financial obligations webbed into these UDA proponents? Are we willing to deplete resources we don’t have? Is there anything about American cities and towns that is worth preserving and conserving besides the environment, animal rights and the Chesapeake Bay? Cities and towns within our neighboring areas and across America are standing up to this agenda. My prayer is that we also will be counted among those to put on the boots to kick UNAgenda21 with its UDA web out of our county. Glynda Mealy Goochland

SHERIFF REPORTS: Incidents

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

July 13

Suspect was arrested for non-compliance with Vasap at Fairground Rd.

July 14

Suspect was swearing in public at location on Manakin Rd.

Person overdosed at location on Shallow Well Rd.

Suspect was swearing in public at location on Walhala Dr.

Person overdosed at location on Kimber Ln.

Suspect was driving under the

Suspect assaulted police officer/firefighter at location on River Rd. W.

Suspect committed petit larceny at location on Dogtown Rd.

Victim was assaulted at location on Joe Brooke Ln.

July 15 X

Suspect was driving under the influence of alcohol at location on Hickory Dr.

Suspect committed credit card fraud at location on Three Chopt Rd.

Suspect committed assault at location on Devers Rd.

Thursday

OBITUARIES: Death Notices

July 21, 2011 Jenkins Bruce Clarence Jenkins, 55, of Goochland, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2011. He was born on Sept. 18, 1955 and was preceded in death by his father, Joel Franklin Jenkins. He is survived by his loving wife, Maria Carolina Jenkins; and his beloved son, Tyler Lee Jenkins. He is also survived by his mother, Essie Johnson Jenkins; his twin brothers, Frederick Parker Jenkins and Franklin Julian Jenkins (Margaret “Charlee”); and his sister, Ellen G. Jenkins and her children, Mike and Carol Visotsky. Bruce attended Goochland Elementary School, graduated from Collegiate High School in 1974, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with Surveying Specialization from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1978, a Master of Public Administration degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1997, a Master of Business Administration degree from Averett University in 1997; employed with the City of Richmond since 1982 as an Administrator that included full time or acting positions of Division Chief of Refuse Collection and Disposal, Division Chief of Sewer Maintenance, Division Chief of Surveys, Deputy Director/ City Engineer, Capital Projects Administrator, Chair of City’s GIS Executive Policy Committee, City Y2K Manager; Deputy Director of Environmental Services, Assistant Rightof-Way Manager, all in the Department of Public Works, and served as Operations Manager in the Department of Public Utilities; Chairman of Goochland Ducks Unlimited, Bass tournament fisherman in Henrico Bassmasters Club for 10 years, member of B.A.S.S., Certified Professional Land

Surveyor, Member of the Virginia Association of Surveyors, Henrico County Technology Advisory Committee, Charter member and President of Goochland Forum Club, Chairman of Pumunky (Hanover) Health District Advisory Board, lifelong member of Ponderosa Hunt Club, long time member of Cartersville Hunt Club, Goochland County Planning Commissioner and Vice Chairman, Adjunct Professor in School of Business at J. Sargeant Reynolds College; Mason of DeWitt-Clinton Masonic Lodge No. 141, Baptized at and a lifelong member of Grace Episcopal Church where he served as Junior Warden and Senior Warden, and GYAA Head Baseball Coach. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, devoted husband to his wife, Carolina; and cherished doing

anything and everything with his son, Tyler on a daily basis. Any donations are asked to be sent to any cancer institute or society of your choosing. A memorial service was held at Grace Episcopal Church, 2955 River Road West, Goochland (Courthouse), Va. on Monday, July 18, 2011. A reception followed at the church parish hall. A private graveside service was held by the family at a later date. Norman Funeral Home, Goochland, Va., assisting the family. Salmon John Emmitt Salmon, “Johnny Boy,” 64, of Goochland, passed away July 17, 2011. Survived by his wife of 46 years, Lois T. Salmon. He was preceded in death by parents, John and Virginia Salmon; sisters, Florence and Betty Jean. Survived by

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brothers, Bruce, Raymond, J.H.; sister, Bertha Linda. Visitation was held Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at the Norman Funeral Home, Goochland, Va. Graveside services were held Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at Smyrna Baptist Church, Goochland, Va.. Memorial contributions may be made to Smyrna Church Building Fund, 1312 Stokes Station Rd., Goochland, Va. 23063.

after 28 years of service in Mount Dora where he was 1965. While in the Navy, he a Past Trustee, and a memserved as Deputy Technical ber of the Mount Dora Lawn Director of the Polaris Missile Bowling Club, the Mount Program. In 1966, while teach- Dora Yacht Club, and the ing at George Washington Mount Dora Rotary Club. He University, he was asked to was preceded in death by his head the Systems Engineering wife of over 64 years, Jean L. Office of the Apollo Program Wootton and his son, Joel L. at Kennedy Space Center. He Wootton; and his sisters, Ella also served as Chairman of Gammon, Sadie Brightwell, the Launch Committee. He Martha Timberlake, and moved to Mount Dora in Byrd Garnett. Captain 1969. Captain Wootton was Wootton is survived by his Wootton Past President of T.R.O.A., a son, James William Wootton 50+ year Mason, a member of Stone Mountain, GA; Captain James Carter of Sigma Xi, a member of the Wootton (U.S.N. Ret.), 95, First Presbyterian Church of see Obituaries > page 12 of Mount Dora, FL, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2011. Captain Wootton was born on Sept. 11, 1915 in Burkeville, VA to the late James Edgar Wootton and GRILLE & SALOON Annie Winston (Carter) Wootton. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII and retired

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T H E

L O C A L

EXCHANGE west SERVING EASTERN GOOCHLAND AND WESTERN HENRICO

Bus tour Aug 20 will examine Henrico’s African-American heritage Contributed Report

Photo by Ken Odor

Henrico Concert Band Director Ralph Abernathy conducts Sunday evening’s concert at Walkerton Tavern.

In the cool of the evening By Ken Odor Media General Staff Writer The Henrico Concert band has been around for awhile, says current Director Randy Abernathy, starting as the Varina Community Band in the70s or 80s. Last Sunday evening the 56member group played a selection of marches and other music for more than 100 visitors to Walkerton Tavern. Concert goers enjoyed cool breezes as they listened to the music behind the tavern, the

band stationed in the gazebo and the spectators sitting on folding chairs on the dappled sunlit lawn. Some brought blankets and at least one visitor appeared to have been lulled to sleep by the music. Others, particularly young parents, kept a watchful eye out for toddlers who wandered about the grounds. Wayne and Frances Jackson of Tappahannock came up to see the band play and met their friend Lloyd Breeden. Both men are graduates of John Marshall

High School, where Jackson, Class of 1958, was captain of the Cadet Band. He currently plays in the John Marshall Alumni Band. “Some of Henrico Concert Band members also play in the Alumni Band,” said Jackson. But you didn’t have to know any band members to enjoy the concert, a 10-piece selection that featured tunes like the theme from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Beyond the Horizon,” and a medley of the hymns of the various services, which brought proud veterans to their feet.

One vet was Tom Baise, Henrico Concert Band member and a USAF band member from 1962 to 1966. He recalled his days traveling the world for the Air Force, playing in countries like Iran, where the U.S. is no longer welcome. Today Baise plays bassoon in the band, which practices every Monday night at Lakeside Baptist Church, said Abernathy, himself a former trumpet player for the Second Division Marine Corps Band. The band schedules about 20 continued on page 11

Henrico’s 400th anniversary commemoration will offer a firsthand look at the county’s African-American history with a daylong bus tour of significant sites on Saturday, Aug. 20. Coordinated by the Valentine Richmond History Center and the county’s Division of Recreation and Parks, “Henrico’s AfricanAmerican Heritage” will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and originate at Dabbs House, 3820 Nine Mile Road. The $30 fee includes a box lunch. Reservations are required; contact the Valentine Richmond History Center at (804) 649-0711, ext. 301. The bus tour will visit sites highlighting the important role black residents played in the develop-

T H E

ment of Henrico County, which is home to some of the oldest AfricanAmerican communities in the United States. Stops will include Echo Lake, Spring Park and the newly renovated Virginia E. Randolph Museum, the National Historic Landmark that tells the story of the pioneering educator. “Henrico’s AfricanAmerican Heritage” is the second in a series of bus tours of historical county locations being held as part of the county’s yearlong 400th anniversary celebration. For more information about the tours, visit the Valentine Richmond History Center website at www.richmondhistorycenter.com. For information about Henrico’s 400th anniversary, call (804) 501-1611 or go to www.henrico400th. com.

L O C A L

west SERVING EASTERN GOOCHLAND AND WESTERN HENRICO

A special section of The Goochland Gazette. For questions regarding this publication contact Ken Odor at (804) 627-3249 or jodor@goochlandgazette.com. To advertise in this publication contact Pam Sanders at (804) 339-9162 or psanders@mediageneral.com

Thursday

July 21, 2011

Triple Crown United States Baseball Championships Contributed Report The County of Henrico is proud to host the Triple Crown United States Baseball Championships from July 22 through July 30. Pool play games will be played at various locations throughout Henrico, including Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park, Tuckahoe Park, Dorey Park, and several Henrico County high schools. 16U and 18U bracket championship play will be hosted at the Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park. This tournament will have 84 teams from all across the United States in the 16U, 17U, and 18U age divisions. This tournament includes the 18U national All-Star game, which will be televised live by CBS Sports Network from the Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park on July 25 at 5 pm. Henrico County is pleased to offer video Web streaming of tournament games played at the Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park. Please visit www. henricorecandparks.com for the Triple Crown game schedule and to access videos of live games in progress and archived game footage.

THE LOCAL EXCHANGE WEST

www.goochlandgazette.com

Christmas in July at Short Pump Town Center Contributed Report On Saturday, July 23 Richmond-based band “Offering,” Short Pump Town Center, and 98.9 Liberty are hosting “Christmas in July.” This day-long event highlights the need to live out the same generous spirit of giving to those in need in July that is expressed so well in November and December. All money and food donations benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank. Between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., various bands will perform in the Main Plaza at

Short Pump Town Center, with a special evening concert by The Taters and Offering. Join us for Christmas cheer, bring food donations, bring the kids for fun and games, and shop in a not-so-winter-yet-oh-so-sweet wonderland while providing support for hungry neighbors throughout Central Virginia. Jen Towner of 98.9 Liberty is among the emcees for the day, along with Santa who will make an appearance as well as various Holiday Children’s Characters! A special version of traditional Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has been written for the event:

On the twelfth day of Christmas in July you are the key, With Twelve months for feeding, Holiday spirits proceeding, Tinsel isn’t stopping, Fine time for shopping, Eight elves a-swaying, Seven bands a playing, Six hours for staying, Live carols we’ll sing, For all our neighbors, Three meals a day, To give a chance to kids, families, and the elderly. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items like canned tuna, peanut butter, and canned vegetables to help those in need. “The Christmas in July program provides a good opportunity to keep hunger in

Henrico Extension’s SMART Lawn Field Day set for Aug. 13 Contributed Report The Henrico County Extension Office will offer expert lawn care advice and hands-on demonstrations of lawn products and equipment at the free SMART Lawn Field Day on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. The event will feature a variety of activities, including free

soil pH testing and plant diagnostic services; vendor demonstrations of lawn products and equipment; and consultations with Henrico master gardeners regarding lawn care, weeds, plants, turf, horticultural and other topics. In addition, County Agent Karen Carter will lead a lawn care seminar beginning at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be available as well. SMART Lawn Field Day is

mind at a time when the need is high but awareness and donations can be low,” said Fay Lohr, president/CEO of FeedMore, the umbrella organization of the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. “Summer hunger is a big issue for our area, when thousands of children don’t have access to school breakfast and lunch. Food drives like this one help ensure that no one goes without, and they demonstrate that a generous spirit isn’t limited to one time of year.” Guests will also enjoy face

painting, a coloring mural, a bounce house, and MUCH MORE! Several community groups will be hosting activities including Romp n’ Roll and the Richmond Kickers. In addition, there will be special one-day only sales offers, food samples from the Town Center merchants, the Chick-fil-A Santa Cow and the big man in red, Santa! For more information, contact Jeanine Guidry of Offering at (804) 683-4512 or via email at info@offeringband.com or visit www.shortpumpmall.com.

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concerts a year, said Abernathy, although outdoor concerts sometimes run into weather problems. “It’s one of the most cohesive groups I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” said Abernathy, who said many of the all-volunteer group have been playing since high school. The band will appear again on Sept. 11 for a memorial concert for the victims of that fateful day. To find out more about the band, visit their web site at www. henricoconcertband.com.

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Concert goers sit on the lawn with the band stationed in the Walkerton gazebo.

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Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

July 21, 2011

Goochland man completes Air Force basic training Air Force Airman Javaughn L. Jackson has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Joseph and Sheila Jackson of New Town Road, Goochland, Va. Jackson graduated in 2010 from Goochland High School.

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GOOCHLAND SELF-STORAGE

By Gregory J. Gilligan Media General News Service

Automotive retailer CarMax Inc., which put the brakes on opening new stores during the height of the recession, is poised for steady growth in the future. “The best part of our story is our growth potential,” Tom Folliard, the chain’s president and CEO, told shareholders at the company’s annual meeting recently. “It was the best part of our story before the recession and it is the best thing about us today. Now we are building back up our infrastructure to start growing again.” The Goochland County-based chain, which finished its fiscal year Feb. 28 with a healthy balance sheet and stronger sales, resumed growth last year by opening three stores. It plans to open five stores this year — two have already opened — and eight to 10 stores

Gum Springs continued from > page 3 giving of their time to help others. It’s something that I’m sure God wants me to do…. wants us all to do.” The members of the group are called campers and each

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CarMax poised to start growing again

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next year. “We haven’t talked much about growth after that,” Folliard said. CarMax stores reach about 48 percent of the U.S. population, he said. With nearly $9 billion in annual revenue, the chain has less than a 3 percent share of the highly fragmented used-car market. The company, he said, has growth potential in new and existing markets. The chain, founded in 1993 with a store on West Broad Street in Henrico County, operates 105 stores in 51 markets. It sold 396,181 used cars last year. A shareholder asked whether CarMax plans to grow internationally. Folliard said that “until we get a bigger footprint in the U.S., I don’t think we’re ready to look at international.” Folliard said the company is focused on continuous improvements to its concept, its operations

and the look of its stores. During the economic downturn, CarMax worked on lowering expenses and improving profit margins. CarMax has a team working on coming up with a new look and operation of a store, which it calls the Next Generation project. Folliard said he hopes the new store would open next year. “We hired an outside firm to take a critical look at how our customers view us and to make the existing box much, much better,” Folliard said. “It is another evolution for us to continuously improve our business.” One area that the chain has adapted over the years is its wholesale auto auction operations. Wholesale unit sales at CarMax grew 33 percent last year, compared with a 10 percent growth of comparable store used unit sales. That pace of sales growth in the wholesale operations continues this year, he said.

one received a back pack for the week. It contained tools and equipment they will need once they begin their work. A typical day starts at 6:45 a.m. After breakfast and a morning program, the groups leave for their work project sites at 8:30. They return at 3:30 p.m. and have clean-up and free time until dinner at 5 p.m. There’s an evening program, devotion and more free time from 7:30 until lights out at 11 p.m. “It’s a very full week,” said Ricky Rowe. “Towards the end

of the week when hopefully the projects are finished, we try and have a little more free time and maybe spend an afternoon at a local beach or lake.” There is a financial obligation each has to meet to be a member of the group. “It costs about $600 a person for each member of the group,” Ricky Rowe explained. “The camper and his or her family are responsible for the first $150. Gum Springs Youth Group then has all types of fund raisers to secure the rest of the money. As long as a camper

works and takes part in the fund raising effort, we’ll cover the rest of the expense for him or her.” As you are reading this story, the mission group is hard at work doing what they believe is “God’s work.” They will return Sunday, and if all goes according to plans, they will enter Gum Springs United Methodist Church shortly after the 11 a.m. service begins. If past history repeats itself, the service will come to a momentary halt, and there will be no shortage of tears and hugs for them as everyone welcomes the group home.

Obituaries

Stacey Wootton and Matthew Wootton; one great-grandchild, Ethan Wootton; and many nieces, nephews, and their children. Visitation was held on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Allen J. Harden Funeral Home in Mount Dora, FL. A funeral service was held on Friday, July 22, 2011 at the First Presbyterian

Church of Mount Dora. Dr. Thomas J. Biery officiated. Graveside services took place at the family cemetery in Amelia County, Va. at a later date. Arrangements are by Allen J. Harden Funeral Home, 1800 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757. Phone: 352-383-8178. (www.allenjharden.com)

continued from > page 9 daughter, Janice Wootton of Goochland, VA; brothers, Dr. Percy Wootton of Richmond, VA and Robert M. Wootton of Burkeville, VA; sisters, Rebecca D. Edwards and Ruth Fraker, both of Richmond, VA; two grandchildren,

Thursday

July 21, 2011

SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional

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Late bloom, early blossom for Goochland punter Meadows commits to Purdue and the Big Ten BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

For a guy who punted only 17 times during the 2010 season, Goochland High School rising senior punter Thomas Meadows is getting a lot of attention and all of it well deserved. The lack of playing time didn’t hinder Meadow’s ability to attract big time interest, most of which came from Division I colleges. “I would have to say that I was a little concerned about how that (lack of opportunities) might affect me, and it may have for Virginia colleges since they pay more attention to what happens locally,” Meadows said. “When I traveled to college junior days and school sponsored kicking camps, I was told by several special teams coaches that high school statistics are not that important to college recruiters when looking to scholarship a kicking or punting specialist. They realize that most high schools don’t put a lot of emphasis on special teams. The college kicking camps are where the actual evaluation takes place,” he explained. Meadows recently made a verbal commitment to attend Purdue University on a full scholarship where he will assume kicking duties and also compete for the punting job. Meadows is a naturally talented athlete who utilizes immaculate form to get the most from each kick. Although most of his duties on last year’s Bulldog squad involved punting, he’s also a talented place-

kicker who is deeply committed to taking his skills to the next level. Signing early was an easy decision for Meadows, who began receiving inquiries from Division I schools after his freshman season. “Major interest began to increase at the beginning of my junior year,” he said. “The University of Alabama, Virginia Tech, and Purdue showed the most interest. I was also receiving recruiting information from UVA, William and Mary, Florida State, Georgia, and the University of Richmond.” Although Richmond made the initial offer, Meadows found the Purdue deal better suited for his talents and offered a first class educational environment. “I received my first offer from the University of

Thomas Meadows

selecting the state of Indiana and a Big Ten Conference powerhouse. “The school and athletic facilities were among the best I’ve seen and the entire coaching, staff including Head Coach (Danny) Hope were very friendly,” Meadows said. “I believe that the Special Teams Coach, J.B. Gibboney, can help me take my kicking game to the next level.” He also found Purdue’s curriculum well suited to his career goals. “Purdue has a Health and Human Sciences degree in

Movement and Sports Sciences that will help me achieve my goal of becoming a college Special Teams Coordinator,” Meadows said. The combination of o p p o rRichmond. It was a full scholarship for both kicking and punting,” Meadows said. “I then received my second offer from Purdue. Purdue offered me a full scholarship for predominately a kicking specialist. I also hope to be competing for the punting duties as well.” The GHS varsity standout listed a variety of reasons for

tunities closed the deal for Meadows, who is unequivocal regarding his choice. “The educational and athletic opportunity was such a good fit for me that I found no reason to wait to make my decision,” he said. “They had a major that I was very interested in, it was a full ride, and I got along well with all of the coaches.” Meadows began kicking in 2009 after attending a Ray Guy sponsored event. Even with the late start, it was clear Meadows had a special talent with his toe and his career was off and running. “I have been devoted to kicking and punting ever since.” Goochland coach Joe Fowler said Meadows is a great prospect for the Boilermakers, but he’s focused on the upcoming Bulldog season. “Thomas is definitely a weapon for us. He has the ability to pin the other team deep in their territory and that makes it very difficult for them,” Fowler said. “He can boom the ball and now he is fine tuning the little intricacies of punting such as directional kicks and the ability to get the ball to die near the opponent’s goal line.” Meadows said Fowler has been a steady and informative influence on his career. “Throughout this entire process Coach Fowler has given me great advice on the recruiting process. He has been a great influence on me,” Meadows said. File photo by Jim Ridolphi

Though Goochland rising senior Thomas Meadows saw little action on the field as the Bulldog’s punter, that did not hinder his ability to gain national attention which led to committment to continue his football career in the Big 10 at Purdue University.

With the commitment to Purdue a done deal, Meadows is increasing his training routine, doing more drills and working on increasing reps and endurance routines. “I am currently working with Coach Gibboney on intensifying my workouts in order to get ready for the next level,” he said. “I want to work as hard as

I can for the next year in order to make myself ready for my freshman season.” Goochland has one of the strongest kick/punt combinations in the state, with Colby Cooke returning to handle the place kicking. Cooke is also the target of many college recruiters, but has yet to announce his college plans.

Halifax advances in Dixie League tourney BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

The Dixie League 15-16 year old tournament wrapped up last week in Goochland, and the home team walked away disappointed, but content in the fact they had given it their best shot. Halifax won the tournament with an undefeated record and will head to Louisiana for the Dixie League World Series later this month. After winning their first two games, Goochland faced Halifax last Monday and got off to a rocky start, giving up four runs early. “We scored one run and the game remained there until almost the end when Halifax scored five more runs,” said Goochland head coach Stratford Slater. “We mounted a rally in the last inning scoring three runs with no outs on a bases loaded triple by Cole Starke. The momentum shifted our way. It looked like the hometown boys were going to score again, but it was not to be.” The rally ended when Forrest Witt was hit by a pitch and was called out. “This unusual call kind of took the wind out of our sails,” Slater said. “Halifax was able to hold the lead and the game ended 9-4. This was the closest

any team stayed with Halifax through the entire tournament. They beat all their other opponents by at least eight runs. Their team was very strong at the plate and always seemed to be able to hit the ball in the gaps for base hits.” In their final game, Goochland kept it close until the end. “Our fourth game, against Carroll County, was a close 2-1 battle until almost the end when Carroll took advantage of some mistakes we made and ended it at 8-2,” Slater said. “The Goochland All-Stars ended up in third place for the state tournament.” Goochland’s 17-19 year old team headed to South Boston for their tournament last weekend, and so far, are showing good results in the playoffs.” The team took their first game 19-0 against Roanoke City. The entire team went on a hitting hot streak, including a bases loaded triple by Jimmy Dunnavant. In their next contest against Buckingham, Goochland jumped out 8-0 in the second inning, but Buckingham battled back and eventually succumbed to the early lead, 8-4. The Goochland 17-19 year olds continue play in the fiveday tournament this week and were scheduled to meet Smythe County next.

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