08/26/2010 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Byrd Elementary wins distinguished school award > page 2

Volume 57, Number 34 • August 26, 2010

Electronic signs stir controversy Sign ordinance change, landfill expansion both deferred By Jim Ridolphi Special Correspondent

Photo by Ken Odor

First grader Bayleigh Allen, above, looks out the window of her school bus as it arrives at Goochland Elementary School for the first day of the new school year. Below left, Teacher’s Aide Sally Hodges gets a hug from her buddy, returning secondgrader Tyler Price as he arrives for the first day of a new year at Goochland Elementary School.

Goochland goes back to school By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Fifty-five big yellow buses traveled the roads of Goochland County Monday morning, bringing students to their first day of the 2009-2010 school year. At Goochland Elementary School Assistant Superintendent Peter Gretz and new principal Stacey Austin and staff waited to greet the arriving students. Most students came on buses, but some parents brought their children for the first day. Outside, P.E. teacher Brad Jackson

INDEX

News Calendar Classifieds People Letters

3 16 17-19 4 6-10

Education Opinion Sports TV Listings

2,5 6 11-13 14-16

greeted new kindergarten students, putting a piece of tape with their bus number on their clothes to make it easier on the afternoon return trip home. School Superintendent Linda Underwood met students at Randolph Elementary School. “Goochland always does a good job,” said Underwood. “Once the initial flurry dies down the students are in the classroom and instruction begins.” Underwood said about 40 percent of the bus routes had been changed but that any problems should be ironed out by the end of the week. “It was a good start,” she said.

SPORTS Queens of hockey continue reign > page 13

Is there another sign controversy on Goochland’s horizon? Probably not. The G o o ch l a n d Planning Commission considered a measure last week that would allow limited electronic signage in the county. There seemed little support for the new ordinance, and commissioners agreed to take the matter up again in 60 days. Goochland’s Director of Planning Bob Hammond told the planning board that neighboring counties have differing views on the limitations of the evolving electronic signage trend. Most rural areas do not allow scrolling of messages and most have “static” time requirements, meaning messages must remain in

T H E

place for a certain amount of time. Acceptable light intensity levels of these signs prompted a great deal of discussion on the board. And recent studies have indicated the electronic signs might detract drivers’ attention on the highway. The commission first considered the matter of electronic signs in June, but decided to appoint a two-person committee, comprised of Bill Neal and Courtney Hyers to study the matter. Then the ordinance change was drafted. Hammond said the goal of the change was twofold: First, the measure would consolidate all of the existing sign regulations in the county. Second, it would allow limited use of electronic signage in certain zoning districts. Members of the public expressed their concerns with the proposed ordinance change. John Lewis objected to the announcement regardsee Planning page 3

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EDUCATION: School Board and Academic News

August 26, 2010

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Byrd Elementary School Principal James Hopkins, above left, and Title 1 teachers Margaret Dickerson and Sandy Kasch pose before a banner presented to BES for a previous Title 1 Distinguished School award.

Goochland school wins Title 1 award By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Goochland’s Byrd Elementary School has been named a Virginia Title 1 Distinguished School for the second straight year. BES, one of 110 schools in the state to receive such recognition, received an additional $13,658 from the federal government’s Title 1 program for use in reading improvement programs. “The Byrd staff and community have worked hard over the past years to move BES to high levels of achievement for all students,” wrote Goochland Superintendent of Schools Linda Underwood in an email to The Gazette. “I just got the email last week with the notification that we have once again been named a Title 1 Distinguished School,” said James Hopkins, who is now in his eleventh

year as principal of Byrd Elementary. Hopkins explained that BES is the only Title 1 elementary school in the county. Goochland Middle School is also a Title 1 school. The designation is determined by the percentage of a school’s students who are eligible, based on family income levels, for free or reduced lunch programs. And although the school qualifies based on the income levels of some its students, any student in need of reading remediation can take advantage of Title 1 programs, said Hopkins. BES currently has two Title 1 reading teachers, Margaret Dickerson and Sandy Kasch. The award money will be used for staff development to further enhance the school’s ability to improve students’ reading skills, said Hopkins, who said he would be

speaking with Tina McCay, Interim Elementary Education and Title I Specialist, about how to best use the award money. “We really want to make sure when they leave Byrd they have a really strong foundation in literacy,” said Hopkins of his hopes for his students. “It’s the key to life and success,” said Dickerson when asked about the importance of reading. Hopkins, a 1978 Goochland High School graduate, said reading was critical to him as a youngster. “I experienced so many things through reading,” said Hopkins. “I traveled the world by reading.” Kasch shared Hopkins’ and Dickerson’s conviction about the importance of reading in a young student’s education. “We have the best job in the world,” said Kasch. “We get to teach children to read!”

Thursday

August 26, 2010

Planning continued from > page1 ing the public hearing, stating it should have included all districts impacted by the change. Lewis also suggested a deferral to allow for more public input. Leighton Powell, executive director of Scenic Virginia, said the signs would detract from the natural beauty of the county. “You don’t need these signs that scream at you,” Powell said. “It is visual clutter and distracting to drivers.” Commissioner Bob Rich suggested the panel vote on the consolidation of ordinances but defer action on the electronic sign issue until a more in-depth study can be completed. Rich said he would spearhead the effort to organize a workshop where all members of the planning commission could study the measure and gather more input from the public. The proposal to consolidate the county’s sign ordinances gained the panel’s recommendation, but the electronic sign discussion will continue for at least another 60 days.

HCA set to build new hospital in September The commission also approved a tentative plat review for a new 97-bed hospital located on 60 acres in West Creek Business Park, on the east side of Route 288. HCA officials said they planned to begin moving dirt in September for the first phase of the project, an emergency medical center. Construction could be finished in as little as 12 months.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Phase II would follow with the construction of a medical office building followed by Phase III, the opening of a 97-bed hospital. All members presented voted to recommend approval of the application to the Board of Supervisors.

Landfill request on hold for 30 days Plans to expand the 623 Landfill and open a material recovery facility on the site didn’t attract many comments from Goochland citizens, but Planning Commissioners got an earful from Henrico County residents affected by the project. Republic Services Inc., the company seeking the expansion, operates a construction and demolition debris landfill and owns more than 300 acres in the northeastern portion of the county. Republic Ser v ices requested action by the planning commission on

seven applications, including two rezoning requests, four conditional-use permit applications and one ordinance amendment. The package expands the current landfill site, initiates a borrow pit operation and requests permission to open a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on 89 acres

gested a 185-foot buffer that included a berm to inhibit sound and offer visual separation from the residences. “As it stands right now, simply reducing it from 350 feet and installing a berm in this area does not provide sufficient buffer protection for the adja-

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to cover the landfill as it progresses on a lifespan he estimated at 15 years. Due to its location in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District, the proposed borrow site could be converted to a business park when the landfill eventually closes. The 623 Landfill cur-

You don’t need these signs that scream at you-- it is visual clutter and distracting to drivers. — Leighton Powell, executive director of Scenic Virginia

on the eastern portion of the property. Henrico residents who live near the site say the operation is not properly buffered and will represent a huge intrusion on their lifestyles. Goochland Principal Planner Tom Coleman recommended a 350-foot zone with heavy plantings. Republic Services sug-

cent property owners,” Coleman said. Andrew Condlin, an attorney representing Republic Services, said the berm would provide both sound and visual protection for the residents, with plantings on top of a 15 to 35 foot elevation. Condlin also said that the borrow operation was necessary to provide dirt

rently contributes $116,000 annually to the TCSD in taxes and user fees, said Condlin. Condlin added that the expansion, MRF and borrow operation are appropriate uses. “We are in an industrial area, not only with the landfills but with three quarries, an asphalt plant and an M-2 industrial

park just north of the H.H. Hunt property in Henrico County,” said Condlin. Steve Matthews, a resident of the West Ridge neighborhood, said he can see the landfill operations from his front porch. “This is not a neighborhood where you don’t sell simply to upgrade,” Matthews said. “It’s a place you want to stay forever.” “An M-2 zoning threatens the very reason we moved here,” the 20-year resident added. Darvin Satterwhite represented several of the affected homeowners and said the request to zone the property M-2 is a denial of the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for the county. “Heavy industrial uses are clearly prohibited in flexible zoning areas,” Satterwhite said. “It’s a violation, pure and simple.” Condlin suggested the panel defer the matter for 30 days. The commission will consider the matter at its next meeting.

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PEOPLE: Personalities & Achievements

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Goochland family returns from World Cup trip to South Africa By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

“When we travel we mean business,” said Charlotte Cerne, laughing. She was discussing her family’s recent trip to South Africa. Cerne and her husband Adeeb Hamzey recently returned from the two-week excursion, where, with their four children and two friends, they squeezed in three soccer games along with a whirlwind tour of some of the most famous sites in the country. They visited, for example, the house in Soweto where anti-apartheid activist and former South African president Nelson Mandela once lived. Although they didn’t get to see the game between World Cup winner Spain and the Netherlands, they did see games between Ghana and Germany, and Mexico and Argentina. Adeeb, Charlotte, their sons

Rami, Nidal, Tariq and their daughter Rena were accompanied by Rami’s girlfriend Allison Sih, and her sister Tiffany. Tariq, 15, and Rena, 18, still live at home. Rena just graduated from Maggie Walker Governor’s School, where Tariq is a student. Rami, 22, just graduated from the University of Southern California and Nidal will graduate in December from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, said Adeeb. They left June 20 and returned July 3. Cerne is still excited - and it shows. “It’s a wonderful country with wonderful people who were so kind,” she said. It’s the second time the family has gone overseas to see World Cup soccer. Four years ago they went to see the games in Germany. Adeeb, a native of Lebanon, described the appeal of soccer, or football as it’s known every-

where in the world other than the United States. Growing up in Lebanon, where he attended the American University in Beirut, Adeeb said, “Football was the game.” He praised the growth in popularity of soccer in America. “It’s a good game – it demands a lot. It teaches you how to work as a team,” said Adeeb. Adeeb said the U.S. players were good but have a ways to go. “They didn’t have the consistency,” he said. Soccer was the main attraction, but when they weren’t at the stadium in Soccer City, or watching games for free in the Fan Zone, they took side trips. Some of the high points were a visit to the Apartheid Museum; a visit to Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain and famous landmark near Cape Town; and a

shark cage diving expedition. Just driving the highways one saw interesting sights, said Cerne, like signs marking “high-jacking hot spots,” and widespread brush fires, some very near the highways. “It totally changed my perception of South Africa,” said Adeeb. “You can see the strength of the economy, the commercial and the industry.” The family also discovered the diversity of the population there. Beside English, Afrikaners and African people, there are many Indians, French, Lebanese and Turkish people in South Africa, said Adeeb. To keep friends up-to-date, the family kept an extensive blog, with an account of their experiences and many photos. You can see the blog at http://hamze ytravels. blogspot.com/2010/06/day-6argentina-vs-mexico.html

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Contributed Photo

The Hamzey family visit Nelson Mandela’s former home in Soweto, South Africa. From left are Adeeb Hamzey, Charlotte Cerne, Rami, Rena, Tariq and Nidal.

Thursday

August 26, 2010

EDUCATION: School Board and Academic News

YMCA’s Tender Tots program begins

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By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

The Goochland YMCA’s new Tender Tots program is starting this fall with 23 children enrolled. YMCA Program Director Jan Kenney said an Open House was held last Thursday at the Goochland Specialty Center. Key to making the program work has been the help the YMCA has received from the Goochland Rotary Club and YMCA members Shannon and Tommy Allen. The Rotary Club donated $1,000 toward start up costs for the program and put a fresh coat of paint on the walls of the Specialty Center, said Kenney. Kenney was especially appreciative of the Allens’ donation. “They have a passion for giving back to their community and making a difference in the lives of others. They gave a contribution in the amount of $8,000 that enabled the Goochland Y to provide assistance through our “Open to All” financial assistance program that allows anyone to enroll in programs regardless of their ability to pay,” said Kenney.

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Catherine Slayton, above left, Haily Slayton, Shannon Allen, Ainsley Allen, Program Director Jan Kenney and Miranda Slayton at last Thursday’s Tender Tots Open House

The Goochland Family YMCA stepped in to take over the Tender Tots program when financial pressure led to the elimination of the 27-year-old program from the Goochland Schools most recent budget. The program serves 3 to 5-year old children with full and half-day programs Monday through Friday. There is also a three-day Tuesday through Thursday option. The program uses a comprehensive academic curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten.

Kenney said the YMCA Tender Tots program will also continue to provide Goochland High School students in the Early Childhood Development Program with the opportunity to complete their training. For more information on the program contact the Goochland YMCA at www. ymcarichmond.org/goochland/default.aspx or call (804) 556-9887.

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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Choosing how Goochland changes “All is flux,” said a teacher to my high school English class years ago, quoting the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. “You cannot step twice into the same river.” Some in that class argued that Heraclitus meant that everything in the world is constantly changing; one or two others claimed that no, that that great thinker was more subtle, and that people stepping into the river stay the same, and that the very quality of change, of flowing water, is what makes a river also stay the same; that some things stay the same through the act of changing. Theories regarding change can incite intense and extended dialogue. That became clear at last week’s meeting of the planning commission, a session which apparently prompted varied opinions and a discussion that lasted a few hours longer than the norm. The question raised, was, “Should we have electronic signs in the county, especially in agricultural areas?” The world is constantly changing, say some in the county, and we should adapt. Churches, schools and businesses should be able to take advantage of new technologies, in this case signs that light up and scroll messages and can be programmed with the tap of a few keys. But we remain the same, say others, and we should maintain our nature. Goochland is a lush and rural landscape where flashing signs would be as jarring as a bullet train streaking down Route 6 or a UFO landing behind the courthouse. I tend to fall in with those taking the latter line. But I came to this opinion only after listening to the opinion of others; before that, I have to admit, I really didn’t care one way or the other.

I sat through a few of the planning meetings earlier this summer, when the issue of electronic signs was introduced and discussed, and deferred and discussed again (and people really do get passionate about this issue!). I learned a lot more than I initially wanted to know about how counties handle electronic signs, how tall the signs were, how large the sign face was, how frequently messages were changed, whether the words scrolled or faded, there is a lot more involved in these signs than I had realized. And frankly, what does it matter? Well, all these things matter, the whole point of a planning commission, of zoning decisions and permit applications and public hearings, is that these decisions matter a lot. Take a look at the counties that surround us, and think what you like about them… and what you don’t. The evolution of my opinion on this matter illustrates to me how important it is for citizens to listen to the facts, and to each other, in order to come to a well-rounded conclusion. People use the expression “slippery slope” a lot at public meetings. That expression can be so vague sometimes that it’s almost meaningless, like a lot of clichés are, but it was used rather effectively at one meeting, when a resident pointed out what that slope would lead down to: Bright lights intruding into a county that has generally liked to keep intrusions at bay. Goochland County cannot stop the world that surrounds it from continuously altering itself; but it can assert its ability to retain its character by remaining consistent in how it changes.

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In support of local businesses I have never written a letter mourning the loss of a business; but this is such a letter. Jodi Duffy did everything a good business person should do. She produced a great product and tried in every way to make Java Jodi’s a gathering place for the community. She had free wi-fi, showcased local artists and musicians, had a play area for children, supported craft groups, and provided employment. Her business entrance was a porch

with rockers and chairs encouraging people to sit and chat. She had a question of the day that not only could get you a discount but also could give us shy people a way to strike up a conversation. The closing of that business has lost us not just a great cup of joe, but torn a piece from the fabric of our community. A similar fate is happening to our county library in that its hours are shortened and its doors are now fully closed on Tuesdays. Our schools and emergency medical services have to compete for fund-

ing. Talk of taxes gets people hissing like rattlesnakes. And underlying it all is this sense of “Oh well, I’ll head in to Short Pump.” Let me explain what I mean by that last remark. At root, we Goochlanders take our money, taxes, and support to Henrico, Richmond and Chesterfield. I am a huge offender in this regard, and I can only imagine that it is absolutely irresistible if you live in the eastern end of the county. But I firmly believe that see Letters > page 7

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

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Letters to the Editor

Thursday

Letters continued from > page 6 Starbucks would not have folded if we had taken some of our business to Java Jodiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; CVS will not expire if we patronize our local pharmacies; Whole Foods will not close down if we shop at the Goochland Farmers Market. When we buy at local businesses, we not only support our neighborsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; businesses, but we also support our local tax base so we can have fully-funded emergency medical services, competitive schools, a fully-functioning library and other quality-of-life operations. Nobody else is going to come along and magically protect the quality of life that we still enjoy in this county. But I believe that if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t start making conscious efforts to explore our county and support its businesses and services, Goochland will eventually become just a place where the only choice we will have is to just park our cars and sleep in our beds here. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think we should ever turn inward entirely. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to support the Virginia Museum, Ginter, the Richmond Squirrels, and other unique institutions. But I write this letter of mourning in hopes that each of us will reflect on what we want Goochland County to be and that we (and I, especially) might try harder to assume personal responsibility for making it that way. Dr. N. C. Parrish Columbia

Working together to improve schools I read with great interest the piece regarding how well the school system performed and the very useful link the article provided to gather more data from these evaluations. It appears that the school system did ok in some areas and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;needs improvementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in oth-

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OPINION: Letters to the Editor

August 26, 2010 ers. I am sure that the School Superintendent and staff as well the School Board (and the BOS) and parents will be analyzing this for ways to improve our childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education. I would hope that at least two things happen: 1, a positive and constructive view is taken by all parties (name calling and pejorative statements are counterproductive) and 2, there is a clear recognition that meeting the state standards are the minimum(the floor) and that we all will work for our education to exceed this minimum standard in a responsible way (donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break the bank). Nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the time to work

together and help our children mental house. The same school be the best that they can be... board that controls more than half of our countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax dollars finally received, not last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard Carchman (FY 2009â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2010), but prior yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Columbia (FY 2008-2009), activity fund audit results. This same board that previously rubber stamped Reflections on the a 43-page technology plan with school board expenditures increasing 33 percent ($476,193) over 5 years now After attending last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces a $19,000 general activity school board meeting, it is quite fund deficit, an $18,000 athletapparent our county governic uniform fund deficit and an mentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frolicking fiscal frivolity $8,000 cheerleading fund deficit! is not just limited to the antics Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m on the edge of my seat waitand escapades KPMG recently ing for last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (FY 2009â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2010) brought to light on the superviaudit. Looks like we might have sorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; side of Goochlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governto cut Hendronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iPad budget or

www.goochlandgazette.com Gretzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doctoral studiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stipends! Speaking of waiting, as a now regular school board meeting attendee, where is the new and improved organization chart showing all lines pointing to King Lindaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throne which was tabled a few meetings ago? Where is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) presentation, illegibly presented by another of the kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cronies during last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school board workshop meeting? They should not use the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;tabling.â&#x20AC;? Perhaps â&#x20AC;&#x153;carpetingâ&#x20AC;? is a better term considering thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where these past unaddressed agenda items have gone, â&#x20AC;&#x153;swept under the carpet.â&#x20AC;?

Only three board members attended the meeting, with the third â&#x20AC;&#x153;quorum makerâ&#x20AC;? arriving late. Besides school administrators and a media representative, only five citizens attended - a Boy Scout needing a public meeting attendance for a merit badge, his mother, the leader of Goochlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republican Committee, myself, and my wife. Where was GEPA? Where was the Goochland Tea Party? Where were the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alleged supporters, the oft referenced, silent (and invisible!) majority? Vacation mode was not only see Letters > page 8

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Thursday

August 26, 2010

OPINION: Letters to the Editor Letters

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Recycle The News

continued from > page 7

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Fees rather than tax hikes?

I would like to voice my approval of those citizens who, like Jane Christie, take an active role in local issues. However her letter questioning school expenses is high on conjecture and low on useful, accurate information. I happen to know that she filed a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request to obtain the county cell phone details, but if she had sat down and held a considerate and rational discussion with school officials she could have learned much more, and perhaps not found it necessary to use misleading and incomplete information to create a problem where one does not appear to exist. The unfortunate loss of civility Michael M. McDermott permeating Goochland in recent Maidens times is quite distressing, and Ms. Christie’s misleading and incom-

apparent in the audience, but also on the raised dais where our school board rules their fiefdom. One board member actually asked if an item on the agenda would require a vote…duh! This same member also mentioned he could not access his school board e-mail account for two weeks! Whenleavingthemomentous meeting a few months ago where our board voted unanimously to adopt our current bureaucratically top-heavy Goochland County Public Schools budget, a fellow citizen remarked, “You can’t make this stuff up,” referring to our board’s boorish behavior. Truer words were never spoken, then, and last week.

plete information contributes to the separation between citizens and their local institutions at a time, when more than ever, we need to pull together as one. Let’s start with those pesky fees. A simple inquiry yielded the following information: The Adventure Games (an elective with equipment, supplies and entry fee) went up $10. Marching Band went up from $55 to $75 to cover the cost of uniforms, maintenance and repair on aging band instruments, etc. That’s it folks. No other fees were increased. Many of the fees are optional. If you don’t drive to school, you don’t need a parking pass. Yearbooks and chorus shirts are optional. (Note that if a family qualifies for free or reduced breakfast and/or lunch in line with federal guidelines, the fees are waived or reduced.) see Letters > page 9

August 26, 2010

Letters continued from > page 8 Regarding the AP fees; the school has never paid the cost of AP tests since those fees are determined by and paid to the College Board. In an attempt to forewarn parents of the fees involved, this year for the first time, the AP fees were placed on the fee list to give parents a heads-up over the cost of these tests. This attempt to improve communication is being turned on its head by Ms. Christie. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the old saying? No good deed goes unpunished! Note also that the state has a program that pays AP test fees for students who qualify for free/reduced - each year the school submits the paperwork to the state so our students can participate in that program. This year Goochland is participating in a new program (VASS) that will pay students $100 if they score a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP test. This will certainly offset the cost of the AP exam. I suggest that Ms. Christie makes sure her kids hit the books so she can get her AP fees back! I am informed that the fees do not cover all the costs. Ms. Christie conjectures $48,000 in â&#x20AC;&#x153;revenueâ&#x20AC;? from fees, but fails to take into account any â&#x20AC;&#x153;costs.â&#x20AC;? Even with the fees in place, the costs are not all covered by the revenue generated by fees. Talking about revenue without discussing the associated costs promotes a misleading and incomplete picture. Sometimes fees can be construed as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;regressive taxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as Ms. Christie suggests, but that does not appear to be the case here. Each school receives instructional material appropriation from the regular operating budget to help cover costs. I suppose that increased property taxes are an option in place of fees, but as indicated above, none of the non-elective fees were increased although Ms.

Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter insinuates otherwise. My kid is out of school, so I have no dog in this. However, personally, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather see the continued use of fees than face an increase in my property taxes to save a few bucks for those who are using the services in question. The fees seem reasonable to me, given that we expect the schools to prepare our children for the future. Next letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk about telecom costs. This is more complicated, and breaking out the various components of telecommunications can be complicated â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I know this because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my line of work. First, I saw the list of cell phone costs that Ms. Christie obtained with her FOIA request. The list of people provided with phones is eminently acceptable. There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a person on the list who shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a phone in my opinion. The FOIA information requested by Ms. Christie also details the chosen plans and the discounts and sharing methods used to reduce costs as much as possible. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that some thought went into this and it appears that a decision to change vendors for some of the phones was made on the basis of reception quality throughout the county, and negotiated cost savings. Ms Christie did not elect to share any of that supporting information. How about the bookkeeping? According to information I received from the school, at one time telephone costs were in Maintenance and Operations and costs for telecommunications were in Instruction. Then, the state required that a Technology Category be created and costs related to broadband, wireless, routers, servers, etc. were moved to the new Technology category. Telephones remained in the Instruction category. Equipment leases, repairs, equipment purchases are made from both. The bottom line

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OPINION: Letters to the Editor stays the same regardless of which category, and right now the lines between Instruction, Maintenance and Operations, and Technology overlap in the telecommunications area. As a side note â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Goochland received over $28,000 last year in E-Rate payments used to offset telecommunications costs. (That covers the cell phone charges!) ERate funds can be used ONLY for instruction, thus the school keeps costs in Instruction in order to qualify for E-Rate. Ms. Christie is apparently giving the school a hard time for using intelligent accounting in order to reduce costs and qualify for discounts. Had she asked, Ms. Christie might have also learned that collaboration between the schools and county saves duplication of costs, i.e. the county shares the broadband. The county is developing a wireless network that the schools may be able to share in the future. If the fees or the telecommunications costs are unreasonable, then maybe Ms. Christie could do some research and see how we compare with other counties. Perhaps she could offer constructive solutions on how to generate the funds necessary to provide children with an education and cover these costs. I see nothing in her letter that contributes to solving a problem â&#x20AC;&#x201C; only creating additional dissention and hard feelings through the use of misleading, inaccurate or incorrect information. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m tired of people blaming the government for everything. That is a basic failure to accept personal responsibility. The government is our mirror. We put them there. The blame is ours. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to accept it and do something about it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to be involved, but as fellow citizens, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see how we can work to build up, rather than tear down. What can we do FOR our community? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to come together and stop driving walls of separation between us. We are all ONE. We are all in this boat together. Patrick Gannon Maidens

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FEDERAL LIFELINE NOTICE Verizon Wireless customers may be eligible to receive reduced-rate telecommunications service under the Federal Lifeline and Link Up programs. Qualifying customers will save at least $8.25 per month. Service activation fees may also be waived if you qualify for Link Up assistance. Additional discounts are available for eligible residents of Tribal lands. You may be eligible for Lifeline and Link Up assistance if you currently participate in a qualifying public assistance program or otherwise satisfy the federal income requirements. These requirements vary by state. To receive further information about the Lifeline and Link Up program, call Verizon Wireless at 800-924-0585 or go to verizonwireless.com/lifeline. Verizon Wireless only offers Lifeline/Link Up assistance in areas where the company has been designated as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier. All Verizon Wireless plans in the designated areas include the following: voice grade access to the PSTN, local usage, dual tone multi-frequency signaling or functional equivalent, single-party service, access to emergency services, operator services, interexchange service and directory assistance, toll included. Taxes, surcharges and fees, such as E911 and gross receipts charges, vary by market & could add between 5% & 39% to your bill; 83Â˘ Administrative/line/mo. is not tax, is not pro-rated & is subject to change. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Month to Month Customer Agreement and Calling Plan, 45Â˘/min after allowance. Customers eligible for Link Up assistance will receive a 50% discount on the Activation Fee, and Verizon Wireless will waive the remainder of the Activation Fee. Limited time offer. Offer not available in all areas. Restrictions may apply. Network details at verizonwireless.com. ÂŠ 2010 Verizon Wireless NATL

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OBITUARIES: Death Notices

August 26, 2010

debra@venturerellc.com

www.goochlandgazette.com Caruso

Anthony Stanislao Caruso, D.D.S., died Aug. 19, in Richmond, of natural causes at the age of 88. Dr. Caruso was born on June 3, 1922 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the first child of Cosmo and Frances Caruso. He received his B.A. from New York University in 1943 and served in the U.S. Merchant Marine from 1943 to 1945. Following the war, he attended Temple University, where he received his D.D.S. in 1949. He did his residency in dentistry at St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan prior to his return to service as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, from 1953 to 1955. In 1953, Dr. Caruso married Eleanor Mae Zimmerman in Naples, Italy. They resided in Brooklyn, N.Y. until 1966 and then in Scarsdale, N.Y. In 2004, they moved to Richmond, Va. In his last years, Dr. Caruso, though retired from private practice, volunteered at the Free Clinic of Goochland. Dr. Caruso is survived by his brothers, Peter of La Jolla, Calif. and Alfred of Kansas City, Kan.; by his children, Dr. Anthony C. Caruso of Richmond, Va., Dr. Joseph S. Caruso of Manhattan, Karen F. DiGasbarro of St. Louis, Mo., Janine M. Caruso of Watertown, Mass.; and by his grandchildren, Alex Caruso of Richmond, Va., Christina, Phillip and Diana DiGasbarro of St. Louis, Mo. The

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family received friends Sunday, Aug. 22, at Bliley’s-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., where a funeral service was held Monday, Aug. 23. Graveside services were private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be sent to the Free Clinic of Goochland, 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Suite 120, P.O. Box 898, Goochland, Va. 23063. Elam John Fleming Elam Jr., 74, of Manakin-Sabot, passed away Sunday, Aug. 15. Survivors are his wife, Marian Elam; sons, Hunter Elam (April) of Gloucester and Robbie Hodge; daughter, Donna Elam; and grandchild, Emily Elam. Mr. Elam grew up in Richmond, served in the U.S. Air Force and retired from GE as a systems analyst. He lived in Goochland County for 37 years. Family receive friends at home on Wednesday, Aug. 18. A memorial service was held at a later date. Norman Funeral Home, Goochland, Va., is assisting the family. Smith Forrest “Rusty” Gregory Smith, of Goochland, departed this life Sunday, Aug. 15. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph W. Smith and is survived by his loving wife, Denise; and their two sons, Collin and Blake. He is also survived by his mother, Mary B. Smith of Lanexa; and his brother, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends. A memorial service was held Friday, Aug. 20, in Gum Spring United Methodist Church. Graveside services were private. The family received friends at the church one hour prior to service. Rusty was a veteran of the U.S. Marines, having served in the Gulf War. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Virginia or the Goochland Relay For Life . Online guestbook available at www.lacyfh.com.

Thursday

August 26, 2010

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Bulldogs eye familiar goal in Jefferson finale It’s back to the playoffs or bust for Bulldogs BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

Goochland head football coach Joe Fowler is approaching the upcoming season with a single-minded goal that varies little from his preparation in years past. “We begin every season with the same thing in mind, to win the district and get to the playoffs,” Fowler said as his Bulldogs prepared for their second run at a Jefferson District title. It will be the Bulldogs’ last chance at a Group AA title, as the team moves back to the Group A James River District next year. But Fowler said there is still unfinished business in the Jefferson. Last year, in their first shot to make waves at the AA level, the team fell short in the state quarterfinals, losing to John

Handley. “We’d love to get another shot at them, this time at our place,” Fowler said. The veteran coach will have to replace several key players to meet those expectations, including quarterback where Ryan Crouch and Cody Johnson are dueling for the starting role. “They’ve both looked good and so far, it’s up for grabs,” Fowler said. B.J. Clarke is also gone. He and the team parted ways and the senior transferred to Hermitage, where he is expected to start for the Panthers. But plugging the holes may not be as difficult as it appears at first glance. Fowler’s no nonsense approach and a philosophy emphasizing the basics in a wing-T style offense requires attention to detail, but not necessarily a wealth of experience. “We’re trying to work on what we do, and concentrate on doing what we do well,” Fowler said. “We’re looking for some players to step up and fill

Bulldogs get preseason recognition BY CHARLIE LEFFLER cleffler@goochlandgazette.com

Goochland football players Thomas Meadows and Trevor Jenkins both made noteworthy news over the past month. Last week, Jenkins, a senior left offensive tackle, made an early verbal commitment to accept a full scholarship to Liberty University. This year Liberty comes into the season ranked No. 20 in the FCS preseason football poll. At the beginning of August, senior kicker Thomas Meadows was named to the Ray Guy/ProKicker.com Kicking Academy National Rankings list. Meadows was among thousands of high school football players from across

the United States to attend a Ray Guy camp which was held in 30 different cities around the country. To make the National Rankings list, Meadows was individually evaluated on kicking and punting, hangtime, distance and accuracy. Meadows ranked No. 3 among kickers with an average kickoff of 63.50 yards and a hang-time of 3.72. Meadows also recorded a 100 percent accuracy on field goals. In punting, Meadows also ranked third with an average distance of 40.80 yards and a hang time of 4.11 seconds. The two category rankings gave Meadows the No. 1 rating as a punter/kicker combo. Meadows was also ranked No. 4 among punter/kickoff specialists and 16th among strictly kickoff specialists.

Photos by Jim Ridolphi

Above: David McKenna (42) and Patrick Clore (30) will play important roles in this year’s success. Left: Goochland coach Joe Fowler works with the offensive line; a unit that has holes to fill this season.

the gaps for us.” Running back David McKenna appears to be this year’s lead back, with Dustin Plummer out for most of the season due to a back injury. “It’s a big loss for us, but we have a bunch of guys who look good, so we it may be running back by committee this year,” Fowler said. Not unusual for early season practice, the defense is in better shape for the Bulldogs. Coach Dan Summitt has some key returning players including linemen J.D. Frith, Jerome Robinson, John Nash and Devontea McLaughlin. Linebackers Jess McLaughlin, Patrick Clore return and sophomore Nathan Adams and junior Vincent Stratton are the new additions at outside linebacker. David McKenna will also start at linebacker for the Bulldogs. Ryan Coles will supply the experience at defensive back while Zakell Johnson and Sammy Smith will occupy the other cornerback and safety

positions. “The challenge for this year’s defense is plugging some new kids in, but we have a lot of returners,” Summit said. He’s especially appreciative of his big defensive line, all returning starters. “We have all of our big guys up front returning, so that gives us a good start, but we’ll miss J.D. Epps at noseguard,” Summitt said. “Overall, I think we’ll be all right.” On the other side of the ball Fowler is busy shaping an offense that is debuting quite a few new faces. “I think the potential is there for us to be pretty solid,” he said. “We’re a little rough around the edges right now, but that’s to be expected.” The veteran coach will depend on a flurry of new blood to maintain his classic offensive style. “Considering what we had to replace, I think we’re in good shape,” he said. “Some kids have stepped up to fill new positions, and we’re still waiting for some others to

come around.” Fowler’s first job will be replacing Plummer in the backfield. “We’re looking for David McKenna to do some good things for us. He had a solid year last season and is a real work horse,” Fowler said. Regarding the JohnsonCrouch battle for the QB position, Fowler said the jury is still out. “Both of them had excellent sophomore seasons, and it’s close right now,” he said. “I feel confident that either one, on any given night, can get the job done.” The offensive line returns only two including Lee McLaughlin and Trevor Jenkins. Nathan Adams and Vince Stratton will fill vacated wide receiver positions. “They’re both big kids who bring a physical aspect to the position,” Fowler said. One area that needs little tinkering is the Bulldogs kicking game. Junior punter Thomas Meadows is rated one

of the nation’s best punters, and Colby Cooke returns after a stellar sophomore season as the place-kicker. “We have two kids who I believe will both end up in Division I programs,” Fowler said. “They’re both amazing. I know it’s rare for kickers to receive scholarships out of high school, but both of them have a good shot at it.” Fowler’s team opens against their traditional first game foe, Benedictine, this Friday at home. It’s a neighborhood contest that has turned into a rivalry between the two campuses. “It’s always a big game for us, and they’re always a quality program,” Fowler said. “They are a class act and they have a great coaching staff, and it’s a great way to begin our season.” This is the last year for the series between the Bulldogs and the Richmond-based Cadets who play their home games at The Abbey in Goochland County.

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August 26, 2010

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Young Cadets prepare for 2010 challenges Tough schedule will test Benedictine BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

Entering his second year as the Benedictine head football coach, Greg Lilly knows the job doesn’t get any easier. As usual, his team plays an inherently

tough schedule and has several early season tests that could set the tone for the remainder of the year. “Our schedule this year is brutal,” Lilly said. “Goochland, FUMA, Collegiate, and LCA (Liberty Christian Academy) all made the playoffs last year.” And if that wasn’t enough, this season’s slate features other

Record catch for Browder

Photo by Martin Browder

On July 10, Westin Browder of Manakin-Sabot caught a record 62 inch, 90.2 pound cobia on The Nags Head Fishing Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina.

On July 10, 2010 Westin Browder reeled in a record catch at The Nags Head Fishing Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina. Using a 14 inch bluefish as bait, Browder caught the largest cobia ever recorded on a pier that has been in existence since the 1940’s. Browder’s cobia was 62 inches long, had a girth of 31 inches and a 12 inch head. The fish weighed in at 90.2 pounds. Browder, who lives in Manakin-Sabot will be a freshman at Goochland High School this fall. Submitted by Martin Browder

playoff caliber teams that will challenge Lilly’s young Cadets. “Woodberry Forest was the top private school in the state of Virginia and Poly Prep was the number one private school in New York. Atlee and Bishop Ireton both missed the playoffs by a game,” Lilly said. “Flint Hill played in the VISAA state championship two years ago. St. Chris is much improved and is a huge rivalry game.” This year’s Benedictine team will rely on the passing arm of junior quarterback David Geary. “He’s our team leader, a very competitive young man who refuses to be outworked on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom,” Lilly said. “David is a 4.0 student and a leader in the Cadet Corps. He is a strong, accurate thrower with good pocket presence.” The Cadets will also depend on the solid running and pass catching skills of Kendall Squire, a double threat coming out of the backfield. Senior linebacker Nick Valentine will anchor the Cadets defense, and junior standout Nigel Williams will provide the muscle on the defensive line. Other players to keep an eye on are John Mosier at offensive tackle, Ben McSweeney at free safety and Charley Meyer at wide receiver and outside linebacker. “We will be young but talented — Inexperienced but athletic,” Lilly said. “I think we have the potential to

have a great passing game led by Geary but we need to continue to improve up front and protect the passer.” Lilly feels his team’s production will not lack in intensity or effort. “This year’s team has prepared well in the off season and has practiced very hard during August.” The squad kicks off its 2010 campaign against neighborhood rival Goochland, a game that is quickly becoming a

county tradition. “Coach Fowler does a great job over there, and we always look forward to playing them,” Lilly said. “Playing Goochland early helps to prepare us for the remainder of the schedule.” He knows the Bulldogs always come prepared for the first game and that’s a positive for his young squad. “It is fun but challenging preparing for and competing with Goochland because you know

Coach Fowler will have his players well trained and well prepared,” Lilly said. The coach said it’s also a good place to get a healthy dose of the high school football experience for his team. “The Friday Night atmosphere at Goochland is outstanding and is always a great place for your season opener.” The teams square off at Goochland High School this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Photos by Jim Ridolphi

Above left: Benedictine junior quarterback David Geary is a pocket passer who will lead the Cadet offense. Above: Senior wide receiver John Paul Curtin gathers in a Geary pass in a scrimmage against Blessed Sacrament.

Thursday

August 26, 2010

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Queens of hockey look to continue reign St. Catherine’s and Collegiate remain among state’s best BY CHARLIE LEFFLER cleffler@goochlandgazette.com

If Richmond sport fans are looking to find true royalty in the world of field hockey they need look no further than the teams at Collegiate and St. Catherine’s. Over the past 12 years, the two teams have combined to claim eight VISAA state championships and three runner-up trophies. In fact, 2002 was the only year that neither team reached the championship game. Collegiate holds the upper hand, with state titles in 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2009. The Cougars also were state runner-ups in 2007 and 2008. St. Catherine’s took the crown in 2000 and 2005 while being runner-up to Collegiate last season. To say that the Cougars have a long and prominent tradition in field hockey would be a drastic understatement. Collegiate first played the game as an interscholastic sport in 1926. In 1930, Constance Applebee, the lady famous for bringing field hockey to the United States, conducted a field hockey clinic at Collegiate. “I know there’s a rich, strong history and that it was one of the first girls’ sports that Collegiate had,” said head coach Karen Doxey. “They’ve always had it and they’ve always played St. Catherine’s as well.” With such a long pedigree of tradition, this year looks to be no different for either school when it comes to state status. COLLEGIATE Coming off four consecu-

tive trips to the state championship game which earned them two titles, the Cougars are in a slight rebuild mold coming into this season by only returning three starters. “A lot will be dependent on kids that were on the team last year and the JV kids coming up and what they can do,” Doxey said. To complicate matters further, senior Ann Wallace Tazwell is the only starter returning on the defensive side of the ball. “She’s going to be key because she understands what needs to be done at this point,” Doxey said. “She’s going to really have to be a good teacher, communicator and helper back there.” But because it is Collegiate, there is never a lack of talent waiting in the wings. Doxey’s task is getting them to adjust to the varsity sport played at the traditional Cougar level of excellence. “We do have some good athleticism,” she said. “What we really have to beef up is the pure field hockey skills. It’s such a skills sport.” Doxey expects senior cocaptians Ellen Geho and Becca Martin to be on the move this season. Geho was at midfield last year but may make the switch to defense. Likewise Martin may make the move from forward to mid. But Doxey feels Martin has the talent to play anywhere on the field. “She could go on any line, back, midfield or forward probably,” Doxey said. “Very, very athletic and has gained some good skills.” Speedy senior Emily Wright will take up either the forward or midfield

position. “They’re probably the four core at this point,” Doxey said. “A lot of other positions are up in the air.” Other players that Doxey will look to are senior Megan McGhee as well as juniors Austin Pruitt, Ellen Davenport and Kaitlin Letter. Doxey feels two elements will serve as keys to the Cougars’ season. The major issue is how well her players gel and communicate. Second will be how well they refine their skills as the season progresses. But despite a large number of new starters, the Collegiate tradition continues. “The expectations are probably always high just because we have high standards and we want to play good field hockey,” Doxey said. As usual, the Cougars will play a rugged schedule, facing St. Catherine’s twice as well as Trinity Episcopal, Stafford and Frank W. Cox, last year’s VHSL AAA champion. ST. CATHERINE’S In the see-saw battle

between the two private schools, this should be the Saints year to step to the forefront. After beating Collegiate twice during last year’s regular season, St. Catherine’s fell to the Cougars in both the LIS and the VISAA finals to finish the year with a 15-5-2 record. But what excites head coach Don Warner is the fact that his team accomplished so much early in their high school careers. “We were young last year,” he said. “We stared five sophomores, perhaps at time six sophomores.” The Saints come into this season with a junior-heavy squad, fielding only five seniors. Two of those will trade off at the keeper position and three with start. And though young, the St. Catherine players were making their names known across the nation over the summer competing as part of the Junior Nationals, the Junior Olympics, the National Futures as well as playing in the National Indoors Tournament and the Disney Showcase. “We had a lot of

girls go out and try to make themselves better,” Warner said. Among the players Warner will rely on this season are senior back Helen Warner who has already committed to the University of Richmond. Senior Anna Sauer will provide leadership at the forward position. A solid core of juniors will also bring talent, skill and experience to the field. Midfielder Kali Vicars is among the best in the country, making the U17 National team. Classmate Amanda Kim will also be in the mid while Abigail Rose and Peyton Smith are at backs.

Though the Saints return seven starters, Warner said those numbers are also deceptive. “If you peel a layer away, we might have seven three-year starters,” he said. “Two years ago we lost in the league finals with freshmen on the field. Lost in the state semis with freshmen on the field. Last year, with sophomores on the field we lost in the league finals on strokes and the state finals in regulation.” By the time the talented group of underclassmen graduate, they could possibly have 80 career wins. “We may not win a championship, but if we win 80 games over four years we ain’t bad,” Warner said.

Photos by Charlie Leffler

Above: Collegiate head coach Karen Doxey, left, watches as her players run drills, sprinting from the box. Far left: Senior co-captain Ellen Geho (white) battles senior, Emily Wright (green) in practice. Cutout: Senior co-captain Becca Martin along with Ellen Geho will be an important part of a team looking to make their fifth consecutive trip to the VISAA state championship game.

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