The Goochland Gazette – 07/15/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Allen announces run for School Board seat in county’s District 2 > page 3

Volume 66 Number 27 • July 15, 2021

Young resigns from county administrator post Less than a year after hire, decision to part was reportedly mutual By Roslyn Ryan Editor

After less than a year in the role, Kenny Young has resigned as Goochland’s county administrator. On July 8, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to accept Young’s resignation, stating that the parting is mutual and amicable. The board expressed its appreciation of

Young’s service to Goochland County over the past 10 months, but noted that a close alignment in strategic vision is imperative for reaching the highest level of excellence in local government. “On behalf of all the board members,” said Chairman John L. Lumpkins Jr. “We wish Kenny success in his future endeav-

ors.” Reached by phone, Young said Monday that he and board members “came to a mutually agreeable decision to part ways.” He added that he wished “the citizens, employees and businesses of Goochland see Young > 2

YOUNG

Brewing controversy Local church’s plan to open coffee shop has neighbors steamed By Roslyn Ryan Editor

n effort by a local church to get into the restaurant business is not sitting will with its neighbors, and now it will be up to county supervisors to decide whether or not to allow the project to move forward. On July 8, Hope Church’s plan to create a café-style eating establishment within their current church building, located at 12445 Patterson Ave., went before county Planning Commissioners. And while the new venture was described by pastor David Dwight as a simple, small-scale project intended to offer coffee and café-style fare with limited cooking, several county residents living near the church say they already feel like they’ve been burned. As detailed in the church’s request for an amendment to its original Conditional Use Permit (CUP), opening the planned café and coffee shop would require some renovation to the existing structure — and the installation of commercial kitchen equipment-but no modifications to the outside of the church. Kitchen renovations will not be permitted to include the installation of a hood system for ventilation, which will limit the type of

Hobbs honored for making sure residents could access vaccine By Roslyn Ryan Editor

When Wendy Hobbs was invited to attend the Sunday morning service at Antioch Baptist Church as a guest last Sunday, she knew it had something to do with her recent efforts to help make sure as many members of the congregation as possible had access to the COVID-19 vaccination. What she didn’t know, however, was that the entire day had been dedicated to her. A former prison warden and current president of the Goochland NAACP, Hobbs doesn’t get flustered easily. But even she admits that it was hard not to get just a little emotional when she looked down at her church program and realized that the church members had declared Sunday as “Wendy Hobbs HOBBS Day.” According to Antioch Deacon Dr.

see Coffee > 5 see Hobbs > page 2

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

July 15, 2021

Property Transfers 1.945 acres; Trevor B. Reid to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, $336,000. 2 parcels; Lisa L. Lingerfelt to Windswept Development LLC, $412,500. 2 parcels, Section 8, Kinloch; Allen B. King, trustee to Thomas Capps, $1,647,000. 3.199 acres; Habitat for Humanity of Goochland County to Tiffany Sims, $170,000. 49.45 acres; Maryanne E. Welch, trustee to Michael Dan, $349,000. 54.72 acres; Jerry L. Hunter, trustee to Michael G. Clark, trustee, $415,000. 6 lots, Midpoint Industrial Park; Hadensville Industrial Holdings LLC

to George R. Woodward, $425,000. Lot 1, Block B, Section 3, Dover Branch; Dover Branch LLC to Blue Ridge Custom Homes LLC, $200,000. Lot 12, Block B, Section 2, Pagebrooks; Deborah M. Davis to Matthew K. Bales, $225,000. Lot 4, Courthouse Creek; Larry E. George to Charles Aaron, $500,000. Lot 6, Section 2B, Randolph Square; George Kevin Bruce to Ryan M. Andrew, $612,000. Lots; 12594 Patterson Ave. LLC to PWC Properties LLC, $1,000,000. Parcel; Richard A. Carchman to William B. Whitlock III, trustee, $300,000.

Pets of the week

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Please welcome our new hygienist, Kelsey, to our growing practice. Call to schedule your cleaning with Kelsey or Sara. We look forward to meeting your dental health needs. 7516 Right Flank Rd., 2979 River Road W. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Goochland, VA 23063 (804) 746-1300 (804) 556-2530 elroddunhamdentistry.net

Have an idea for a community news story? Send news tips to Roslyn Ryan at rryan@goochlandgazette.com or call (804) 339-7956.

Since 1955

SPORTS

Photos submitted by Julie Lawrence

The Goochland Animal Shelter, located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in Goochland, has the following pets available to a good home: A neutered male Lab mix, about 3 years old; a black and white neutered male kitten, about 14 weeks old; and a neutered male pointer, about 2-3 years old. The Goochland Animal Shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The facility has many lost dog and cat fliers posted. For more information on these pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Goochland Animal Shelter, call (804) 556-5302. You also can visit the shelter on Facebook at “Goochland County Animal Control.”

Hobbs Elrod & Dunham

Serving Goochland County

nations. When she reached out to the Chickahominy Health District to see what she could do to further that mission, they presented her with an offer: They would give her vaccination slots if she would find the people to fill them. Hobbs, as is her nature, jumped in with both feet. Starting in February, she began using every possible resource she could think of to reach residents who wanted to be vaccinated. Oftentimes people would reach out to her with their frustrations over not being able to make a vaccination appointment and she would quickly get them signed up. On the first day she was given a list of appointment times, Hobbs said, she signed up 265 people.

She then signed up 100 more, then another hundred. By the time April came and access to the vaccine began to be open to all, Hobbs had signed up over 1,200 people. Despite the countless hours she spent on the vaccination effort, Hobbs insists it never felt like a burden to her. “I was just happy to do it,” she said Sunday. “Because the sooner they could get the shot the sooner we could get back to some sort of normalcy.” Hobbs said it was truly a joy to be able to help, particularly seniors and those who otherwise might have struggled to get their vaccine. Said Hobbs: “It was just so nice to see the relief on their faces when they could finally say ‘I got my shot.’”

vacant by John Budesky, who left Goochland on June 30 of continued from >1 last year to take on the same role in Hanover County. County well.” Young most recently Young was hired on Sept. 1, 2020, to fill the county admin- served as an assistant county istrator position that was left administrator for Loudoun

County. Until another appointment is made, the county administrator’s duties will be fulfilled by Deputy County Administrators Jo Ann Hunter and Barbara Horlacher.

continued from >1 Wilbert Ware, the recognition of Hobbs was meant to honor her for her tireless efforts on behalf of the many local senior citizens — many of them people of color — that Hobbs helped connect with vaccination appointments earlier this year. “We just wanted to recognize her and thank her for the work that she did,” said Ware, noting that Hobbs had personally seen to it that over 125 members of the church received the vaccine. Hobbs explained that it was important to her, particularly in her role as the head of the local NAACP chapter, to ensure that Black residents had equitable access to vacci-

Young

Ryan Lachniet wins the Pamunkey Mini Series, CATT PAGE 9 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ........................... 14 Letters .................................... 6 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports ...............................7-10 TV Listings ......................11-13

CONTACT US Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 Office - (804) 746-1235 Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 819-5529 Melody Kinser Managing Editor (804) 775-4622 Fax: (804) 344-8746 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor (540) 728-0549 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

July 15, 2021

Planning Commissioners to school board: Keep the new sign, but skip the animation Schools seeking four exemptions to county electronic sign rules By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Goochland County Public Schools will soon be installing brand new electronic message board signs at the entrance to Randolph Elementary School and the Goochland High School and Middle School Complex, though just how the signs will be used remains to be seen. While the Planning Commission in June voted 5-0 in favor of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) needed before the school division could install the signs, a more recent request by the schools to amend the CUP was not met with the same enthusiasm. At issue were a number of exemptions to the county’s sign ordinance that the school board was requesting, including allowing video and movement on the

screen; the changing of messages more frequently than allowed by code; and the ability to turn on the sign at 7 a.m. even if the sun was not yet up. For the sign at the High School/Middle School complex, the schools had additionally asked for permission to have the front and back of the sign display different messages, which is also prohibited in the county’s sign ordinance. Electronic message boards have been a thorny issue in Goochland for years. In July 2020, Salem Baptist Church on Broad Street Road was the first to get approved for an electronic message board under the county’s newly revised regulations. The only other such sign in the county, located at Reynolds Community College, is located on state property and not subject to county requirements. Goochland County Schools assistant superintendent Andy Armstrong explained to the Commissioners during a presentation at the July 8 Planning Commission meeting that the school board was making the request in order to “deliver a better experience for our citizens and for our students.” Armstrong

noted there would also be opportunities to integrate the signs into students’ learning experience. When it came time to make their decision, commissioners expressed concern over the idea of including video or any kind of animation on the sign, but also with the possibility of affording privileges to the school board that would not necessarily be afforded to private citizens. “My concern here is that we are trying to deal with these ordinances uniformly across the county, and it kind of gets me when a government entity comes in and wants to do something we don’t allow private citizens to do,” said District 5 commissioner Tom Rockecharlie. “They have enough privileges that the public does not enjoy. With four exemptions you might as well take the sign ordinance and throw it away.” Ultimately the commissioners voted in favor of all exemptions except for the change that would allow animation or video on the sign. The final decision on the revised CUP will rest with the Board of Supervisors.

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Rotary to hear from CSX Police Join the Rotary Club of Goochland in welcoming the club’s featured guest on Friday, July 16, Agent Josh Cease, CSX Police. Agent Cease will give an overview of CSX police & responsibilities. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Richmond Country Club.

WE ARE NOW OPEN

ON SUNDAYS from 11:30 - 8:00! Please join us. Featuring Brunch items from 11:30 - 2:30

1601 Hockett Rd. Manakin Sabot, VA

In Memory

Allen will run for District 2 School Board seat Contributed report

Goochland native Angela Allen has announced that she is running for School Board in Goochland District 2, hoping to serve the school system that has given much to her and her family. A l l e n’s family has ALLEN proudly c a l l e d Goochland home for the past four generations: Her grandmother, the late Thelma Small of Fife, was a student of Goochland schools and employed as a Reading Specialist at Kanawha and Byrd. Her father, Herman

Small, graduated from Goochland High School in 1970. Allen and her high school sweetheart, Philip, are graduates of the class of 1991. Their legacy endures through their daughter Bayleigh, a rising senior at Goochland High School. In Angela’s words, “I am blessed to have grown up and be raising our daughter in a county that has made our schools a top priority.» If elected this fall, Allen will bring more than 25 years of professional experience in strategic planning, financial management, and communications, including more than a dozen years at Capital One and several years as a business owner. Beyond her career, Allen has given her time, talents, and resources

through international mission trips, the Goochland YMCA, Goochland United Soccer Association, and Habitat for Humanity, among others. She is an active member of Ragland Memorial Baptist Church and holds a bachelor’s degree from York University. Amid the pandemic, Allen partnered with concerned parents and successfully advocated for an in-person instruction option for Goochland public school students. She also effectively collaborated with school administrators for sports and events to restore “normalcy” for students. “I am humbled to have led our community with courage during a difficult year by finding creative solutions together,” Allen said.

Allen has also expressed her commitment to fighting cancel culture tactics. “Our students are vulnerable to ideologically-divisive curriculum,” Allen says. “We need to embrace what unites us.” Passionate about empowering parents to have a voice in their child’s education, she has championed the expansion of career and technical education programs and safeguarding academic rigor of the highest standards. Allen has also committed to increased fiscal transparency and budgetary restraint in school operations. Allen said she looks forward to bringing her leadership expertise to benefit the governance of Goochland’s school system for this generation of students and the next.

Casper Porter passed peacefully on July 7, 2021 and went to doggy heaven. He was a faithful companion who warmed the hearts of all he met with his big Labrador eyes. Casper was the mascot of Tom’s Auto Service in Goochland, VA, greeting all who visited the shop. He was the best dog who will be missed terribly. Casper is survived by his best friend, Tom Porter of Goochland, VA. Please consider donating to your local animal shelter in memory of Casper.

Advertise In The Goochland Gazette! Call 804-746-1235 for details.

Thursday

July 15, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Library Calendar Atlee Virtual Book Club Wednesday, July 14, 11 a.m. - noon.This month’s title is Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/7822685. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Tuesday, July 13, please contact the Atlee Branch Library at (804) 5590654. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary. org. Animals of Legend and Lore with the Virginia Living Museum Thursday, July 15, 2 – 2:30 p.m. Grades K-5. Gather around and listen to the lore behind some of your favorite spooky animals. Visit with the animals of Virginia Living Museum and hear of the

SERVING *City of Richmond *Charles City *Chesterfield *Goochland *Hanover *Henrico *New Kent *Powhatan

legends and learn why these animals are spectacular, not scary! Registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7656528. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Wednesday, July 14, please contact the library. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org. Kids’ Lego Club Friday, July 16, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Grades K-5. Meet other Lego fans and talk about your current creations. You can show off what you’ve made and ask questions, too! Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7687557. This program is hosted virtually

Eligibility Required to Receive a FREE BOX FAN or A.C. UNIT

through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Thursday, July 15, please contact the Atlee Branch Library at (804) 559-0654. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary. org. 3D Printing at the Library Tuesday, July 20, 2 – 3 p.m. Learn about tools to teach yourself how to design 3D objects, download free 3D files, and how to get them printed at the library. Registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7822637. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Monday, July 19, please contact the Atlee Branch Library at (804) 559-0654. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org.

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questions too - the more you ask, the more you learn. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7694549. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, July 23, please contact the library. For more information, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary. org. CoderDojo Workshop Saturday, July 31, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Ages 8 & up. Learn how to develop logic-based coding skills and use creative problem-solving with Scratch. Go to https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7687561 to sign up. This program is hosted on Discord. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

Eyes of the Wild: Zanimal Saturday, July 24, 11 – 11:45 a.m. The show will feature Eyes of the Wild’s amazing rescued wildlife. You might see a Patagonian Cavy or maybe a Veiled Chameleon catching his lunch! We’ll discuss the animals, their habitats, and things you can On Demand Videos do to help preserve the environRainbow Puppets: Amazon ment and protect the amazing Adventures animals with whom we share our Monday, June 28 – Sunday, planet! Be prepared to ask some July 11. Enjoy a virtual show of Rainbow Puppets’ Amazon

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Leave It, Roll It, Move It, Take It Tuesday, July 20, 6 – 7 p.m. Learn how to handle your 401K or other retirement plans with Justin Williams with Edward Jones Financial. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7808603. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Monday, July 19, please contact the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at (804) 749-3146. For more information, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

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Adventures! Featuring fun and creepy creatures from the Amazon including a giant anaconda, piranhas, and electric eels. Starting June 28, go to https://tinyurl.com/prlsummerreading to find out how to see the video. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary. org. Invisible Ink Premieres Tuesday, July 6. Grades K-8. Earn some spy skills and follow along with our video to learn how to write a secret message with invisible ink. Starting July 6, go to https:// www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl. com/prlteens to see the video. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. Storytime for Grownups Premieres Wednesday, July 14. Storytime is not just for kids! If you like to be read to, join us for a monthly short story for adults. Starting July 14, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/ pamunkeylibrary or https:// tinyurl.com/prladults to see the video. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary. org. Kitchen Close-ups: Veggie Pizza Bars Premieres Friday July 16 Looking for a healthy, refreshing snack this summer? Follow along with our video to make some easy cream cheese and fresh veggie appetizer bars. Starting July 16, go to https:// www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl. com/prlchildrens to see the video. For more information, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

Thursday

July 15, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

As unexplained bird deaths continue to mount, residents asked to take down feeders Contributed report

Virginia is one of a growing number of states in the mid-Atlantic and greater Ohio River Valley regions currently seeing large numbers of birds that have become sick or incapacitated, or have died. Although extensive investigation and testing is underway, a causative agent has not yet been identified. Not all bird species appear to be affected; those most affected so far have been Common Grackles, Blue Jays, European Starlings, American Robins, and various finch species. At this time, there does not appear to be any indication of transmission to or impact for humans, but residents are urged to not come into direct contact with nor handle any birds until such time as a causative factor has been determined. At this time, residents are being asked to immediately do the following: • Take down all bird feeders, empty and properly dispose of any unused contents,

clean and disinfect (with 10% bleach solution) the feeders, and let air dry before putting them into temporary storage. Do not refill or replace feeders until directed that conditions are safe to resume feeding. Although there is no evidence to suggest that hummingbirds currently are being impacted by this event, it is recommended that all hummingbird feeders also should be a part of this sanitation effort. Empty, clean, and disinfect (with 10% bleach solution) any bird baths or other receptacle used to provide birds with water for drinking or bathing; do not refill until directed. Keep companion animals away from sick or dead birds. Do not touch or handle sick or dead birds unless necessary for safety reasons; where contact is necessary, wear disposable gloves that then can be disposed safely without exposing others to

potential hazard. If sick and/or dying birds are encountered, please complete and submit a reporting form (https://dwr.virginia. gov/wildlife/diseases/birdmortality-reporting-form/) to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Because of the volume of birds involved in this event, many of our local wildlife rehabilitators are being overwhelmed with requests to provide care. Before thinking about transporting any birds to a rehabilitator, call ahead and make sure the facility is willing and capable of accepting additional patients and to obtain instructions on how to legally and safely transport an animal in need of care. Additional information about this mortality event can be obtained at the website of the U.S. National Wildlife Health Center (https://www. usgs.gov/news/interagencystatement-usgs-and-partners-investigating-dc-areabird-mortality-event).

American Legion Post 215 to host Fish Fry American Legion Post 215 is inviting the community to join them for a good ol’ fish fry. The fish fry will be held on July 17 and will include 8oz crispy

golden beer battered cod, fries, and delicious slaw for $8. The Post will also have hot, freshpoured, funnel cakes for only $5. Dine in or drive through

options will be available from 4-8 p.m., at the American Legion Post 215 Hall, located at 3386 River Road West, in Goochland.

Summer nature hikes continue at Powhatan State Park Contributed report

A Native Tree Hike is provided at Powhatan State Park every Tuesday morning this summer. The one hour hike, staffed by Master Naturalists,

utilizes the Old Cabin Trail to help participants learn how to identify up to twenty native trees. If you are interested in joining the hike, please show up at the Picnic Area of Park

at 10 am. Wear appropriate shoes for hiking and bring sufficient water to maintain hydration. More information can be obtained by calling the Park Office at (804) 598-7148.

Send news tips to rryan@goochlandgazette.com.

Coffee continued from >1 cooking that can be done and also prevent any odors from impacting nearby properties. According to the request, the church will be entering into an agreement with the owners of Toast, who also own other dining establishments in the area and are members of the church, to create and operate the coffee shop and café.

“In my opinion the church is more an events space than a church.” Resident Rob Allen Dwight explained that the café would not be run as a for-profit enterprise, although the church leadership’s goal would be to break even if possible. If necessary, Dwight said, the church would be willing to provide a reasonable amount of support to the café. According to Dwight, the project would rely on microwaves and small convection

Serving Goochland County

ovens to reheat pre-prepared foods, and would not be expected to see numbers even close to the 75 occupants that would be allowed under the CUP. Above all, he insisted, the café would offer “a place for people to gather together, especially after COVID, without the pressure of a commercially driven enterprise.” But while Dwight described the café as “a ministry that welcomes people in,” those living near the church have made clear the church is already beginning to wear its own welcome thin. Several residents of the Rivergate neighborhood, which is located directly adjacent to Hope Church, said they are already dealing with significant noise issues stemming from church-related activities, including the use of what they described as bullhorns and “nightclub-style” thumping music. It has made it impossible to enjoy the tranquility they had been seeking when they moved to the neighborhood, they said, adding that the problem is worse during the fall and winter when there are no leaves on the trees. “In my opinion the church is more an events space than a

Since 1955

church,” said Rob Allen, who lives directly across the street from the church. “They are holding these events in their parking lot. So this restaurant may be serving inside but it may be serving inside while there are events outside that is supporting. So 75 limit? They can count the 1,000 people in the parking lot and say there is only 60 inside and they are still within compliance.” Allen said he had already called the Sheriff’s Department once, and “I will continue to call them when the noises are too much to bear.” Ileana Shulman told commissioners that she finds the claim that the church will be selling essentially just “cookies and coffee” difficult to believe, and agreed with several other residents that allowing the café would only exacerbate existing noise issues. While the ultimate decision on whether to approve the church’s request rests with the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commissioners appeared to hear residents’ concerns loud and clear. “Obviously there is a great deal of opposition to this,” said District 2 Commissioner Matt Brewer. “I don’t see how we could recommend approval.”

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Thursday

July 15, 2021

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Safety first: Enjoying the water requires vigilance waiting tables, I came up with what I immediately knew was the plan of all plans. Many years ago, intent on avoidRather than spend my time sweling another high school summer tering in a kitchen, I would spend it spent bagging fast food orders or at the pool. I would join the ranks of those brilliant classmates who arrived at work each day in a bathing suit and returned to school in the fall with golden tans and stuffed savings accounts. That’s right: I was going to be a lifeguard. While not in any way qualified for the position in terms of knowledge, I did have at least one thing going for me: my mother, a strong swimmer and former Water Safety Instructor, had my sister and me in the water from the time we were born. The pool had always been a second home — so why couldn’t it now be my By Roslyn Ryan Editor

office as well? As it turned out, lifeguard jobs were plentiful in those years and the required training wasn’t unbearably difficult. They wanted to make sure you could swim reasonably well and knew what to look out for while keeping watch. When it came time to complete a mock rescue, as long as you didn’t toss out, say, a deck chair instead of the ring buoy, or claim you’d rather not get your hair wet, you were probably going to pass. In fact, it wasn’t until one of the very last nights that the instructors hit us with the lesson that would very quickly reframe what exactly we were about to sign up for. That night we didn’t get in the water, and instead were ushered into a classroom filled with a dozen or so desks and a television. For the next two hours, we watched in silence as the instructor played videos of former lifeguards describing the accidents that had happened on their watch, and the people that they hadn’t been able to save. It was wrenching. By the time we were dismissed that night, two things had been made perfectly clear: Being a lifeguard was about far

more than catching a tan, and lifealtering accidents could happen in the blink of an eye. I did end up getting a lifeguarding job that summer, and eventually went on to teach swimming lessons. And one of the first things we would go over in any of my classes was how to stay safe in and around the water. Some children I worked with loved the water and others were terrified, but my goal first and foremost was to make sure they respected it. As you head out to beat the heat this summer at the beach, the river, the lake or the pool, I hope you have a wonderful time. More importantly, however, I hope you enjoy yourself safely and look out for those around you. Don’t take chances when it comes to the water, and don’t put yourselves or others in potentially dangerous situations. Oh, and if you happen to see a lifeguard somewhere perched on a chair or strolling around a pool deck, please be a dear and do what they say. I promise he or she only has your best interest at heart— and they might even save your life.

Letter to the Editor Virginia’s new marijuana policy flawed when it comes to driving Dear Editor, The recent marijuana law that took effect in Virginia on July 1, 2021 is a work unfinished and as such it

is tragically flawed. One of the most flagrant omissions relates to how law enforcement will operate in this new environment. Drug enforcement

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officers are especially trained when officers are there in Goochland or in it comes to recognizing and estab- surrounding counties? lishing drug related driving impair- Drs. Richard and Susan Carchman ment offenses. How many of these Goochland

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Goochland residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Goochland Gazette. Send letters to: The Goochland Gazette 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@goochlandgazette.com © 2021 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 8,014.

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Life through rose-colored sunglasses By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

I’ve heard visitors to the Outer Banks often complain that it looks like transplanted Richmond at peak times in the summer. It’s true, Nags Head and areas south have gained enormous popularity in recent years, and it’s the default venue for local family vacations. For families in the metro area growing up in the 1950s, there was only one beach associated with ocean and sand-filled vacations. Virginia Beach was the go-to location largely due to its small town atmosphere, family-run beachfront guest houses and hotels and a host of seafood restaurants. In the 1950s, I’m not sure anyone actually knew the road to Nags Head and a trip to the Outer Banks required serious planning and research. I visited once during those years on a business trip with my father. Although my memory is limited regarding that early visit, I do remember a recent hurricane and the damage it had unleashed on the area, and the large iconic sand dune was reduced. The extent of my childhood memories of the beach revolve around day trips to Buckroe and family vacations at Virginia Beach. The beach and the crowds were smaller than the throngs that now line the boardwalk, and the oceanfront retained an aura of days gone by. As new motels were opened on vacant lots along the oceanfront, they took their place among established old-style hotels, complete with large front porches that provided the only activity some guests required: sitting in a rocking chair and enjoying the cool ocean breeze. Three-story hotels like the Halifax, The Avamere and The Albermale were just a few that lined see Beach > page 13

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July 15, 2021

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Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland Manta Rays swimmers Andrea Rogerson (left) and Ryan Johnson swim the freestyle and the backstroke, respectively, in the 11-12 year-old age group in last Wednesday’s meet.

Manta Rays swim to victories at Old Church meet Staff Reports

In an evenly-matched meet featuring a strong opponent in hosting Old Church, the Goochland Manta Rays last Wednesday secured the combined team victory, 866-828, and saw 14 of their swimmers earn three or four first-place finishes. “Goochland was excited to squeak out a win, but we know that it was close and the win could have gone to either team,” said Goochland Manta Rays coach Helen Brown, who also added: “Old Church were great hosts and there were many photo-finish races. Very exciting night.” Brown praised the sportsmanship between the two teams and noted that “officials, coaches, volunteers and parents all were focused on the best interest of all the swimmers, not just their own team. “ Goochland’s quadruple event winners were Nathaniel Carter (boys 9-10), Audrey Darden (girls 9-10), Caroline Darden (girls 8 and under), Ryan Johnson (boys 11-12) and Andrea Rogerson (girls 11-12). Triple event winners were Madison Bostic (girls 8 and under),

Goochland Manta Rays swimmers Mady Winall (left) and Joe Hardman swim the breaststroke and freestyle, respectively, in last Wednesday’s meet.

Bailey Brown (girls 8 and under), Cora Chapman (girls 8 and under), Jude Chapman (boys 11-12), Callie Horst (girls 13-14), Skyler Mann (boys 11-12), Anneliese Rogerson (girls 15-18), Lane Ways (girls 9-10) and Mady Winall (girls 9-10). Double event winners were Lilly Beatty (girls 11-12), Joe Hardman (boys 15-18), Kara Lentz (girls 6 and under), Annika Rogerson (girls 13-14), Simon Smith (boys 13-14) and Leyton Sutherland (boys 15-18).

Single event winners were Jackson Bell (boys 9-10), Lauren Camp (girls 8 and under), Isaac Chapman (boys 6 and under), Nathaniel Harris (boys 11-12), Kane Houchins (boys 8 and under), Charlie Lawson (boys 8 and under), Paige Lentz (girls 9-10), Caroline McCory (girls 8 and under), Connor Merkel (boys 9-10), Ty Neiditch (boys 6 and under), Gracelyn Peyton (girls 9-10), Hayden Russell (girls 13-14), Lauren Scythes (girls 13-14), Benjamin

Stevens (boys 13-14), Aiden Valdez (boys 13-14) and Camden Wilson (girls 11-12). Goochland won mixed freestyle relays in the following age groups: 8 and under, 100 meters (A team of Houchins, Lawson, Cora Champman and Caroline Darden and B team of McCory, Brown, Camp and Bostic); 9-10, 200 meters (A team of Lane Ways, Carter, Winall and Audrey Darden, and B team of Peyton, Bell, Merkel and Paige Lentz) and 11-12,

200 meters (Mann, Beatty, Ryan Johnson and Andrea Rogerson). The Manta Rays’ Champs qualifiers after their fifth meet are: Cora and Jude Chapman; Kendra, Wesley and Zachary Cheatham; Audrey and Caroline Darden; Luca Gardner; Joe Hardman; Alex and Callie Horst; Ryan Johnson; Grace Kemmerly; Lucas Le; Andrea, Anneliese and Annika Rogerson; and William Ways. The Champs meet will be held July 26-27 at SwimRVA.

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July 15, 2021

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Hicks goes on tear, homers Momentum back in action 4 times in 4 games in return By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

Staff Reports

After getting called back up to the majors from Triple-A Round Rock, John Hicks made the most of his return. The Goochland High School alum was phenomenal in his debut with the Texas Rangers, hitting four home runs from July 1 to July 6 and contributing to three victories. In his first game with his new team on July 1, Hicks batted 2 for 4, scored twice and hit a sixth-inning solo home run in the Rangers’ 8-3 win over the Oakland Athletics. Facing the Seattle Mariners, the organization that drafted him in the fourth round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Hicks launched two solo home runs, once in the third inning and again in the fourth, in the Rangers’ 7-3 win on July 3. And then, going against the Detroit Tigers, for whom Hicks played from 2016 to 2019, Hicks batted 2 for 4 for 3 RBI, scored twice and

File photo by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland alum and Major League Baseball player John Hicks (left), seen during Pink Out the Park Night at Hidden Rock Park in October 2020, hit four home runs from July 1 to July 6 in his debut with the Texas Rangers.

smashed a 2-run home run in the fourth inning to help his Rangers defeat the Tigers 10-5 on July 6. Hicks added a base hit on July 7 in the Rangers’ 5-3 set-

back to the Tigers. In his first seven days back, Hicks batted an incendiary .438 (7 for 16) with four home runs, six RBI and six runs scored.

Popielarz earns 6 medals at national championships Contributed Report

Goochland High School Class of 2021 graduate Conner Popielarz recently qualified and competed in the USA National Weightlifting Championship in Detroit. Competing in the 89-kilogram weight class in both the Junior (under 20 years old) and the Open (under 25 years old) age groups, Popielarz brought home six bronze medals. Popielarz placed third in the Snatch, Clean and Jerk, and Overall total in both Photo courtesy Richard Popielarz the Junior and Open age groups. Popielarz recently committed to Goochland High School Class of 2021’s Conner Lenoir Rhyne University for the school’s Popielarz (right) earned six bronze medals at the USA National Weightlifting Championship in Detroit. weightlifting team.

POWHATAN – When it comes to volleyball, summertime in Powhatan has Momentum again. After it was sidelined in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Momentum Volleyball Club is back in action as it continues to hold camps at the Pocahontas Landmark Center this summer and therefore enable student-athletes from Powhatan County and surrounding communities to not just further develop and strengthen their volleyball skills, but come together as one community. “It’s really great to get back with team members,” said Goochland High School rising junior Nicole Brown, “and it’s really great to bond and work on what we missed during COVID.” In her first year at Momentum, Amelia County volleyball player Emma Caudill spoke to really enjoying the environment during a camp on Thursday. “I think the girls are a great group of girls,” Caudill said, “and I’ll definitely be returning.” “I like the energy that everyone brings,” added Powhatan County player Colby Wright, “and all the spirit.” To Momentum Club Director Cindy Bryant, seeing the strong number of local players is so exciting, because when Momentum started six years ago, the club’s vision, she said, was that “you didn’t have to travel to the city to play quality volleyball – that you could stay in the rural county and we could provide

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland High School rising junior Nicole Brown attacks during a drill at Momentum Volleyball Club’s all-skills camp on Thursday at the Pocahontas Landmark Center.

you with the opportunity.” With Thursday’s five-hour all-skills camp, players from the Powhatan, Amelia, Goochland and Louisa counties and beyond reinforced their fundamentals and worked on every skill, from setting to hitting to playing defense, no matter their position on their travel, club or varsity team. Bryant pointed to the club’s focus on developing the whole player and not specializing. “You have to kind of specialize on your competition court with schools…we understand that,” Bryant said, “but training-wise, we think it’s really positive to keep athletes playing every position and learning every skill; it makes them more wellrounded...” Brown described how she went from playing at the middle position to setter to right Kathryn Elliott from Goochside hitter because of Coach land sets the ball during a game at Momentum Volley-

see Momentum> 9 ball Club’s all-skills camp.

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July 15, 2021

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Win count keeps climbing Lachniet wins Pamunkey Mini Series, CATT tournament Contributed Report

Goochland native Ryan Lachniet, 17, and his dad Philip won the Pamunkey Mini Series on the Chickahominy River on Sunday, July 11, with 17.25 pounds on a four-fish limit. Forty-five boats participated. Earlier this year on Saturday, June 12, Ryan and his partner Marshall Johnson won the CATT tournament on the James River with a five-fish total of 21.89 pounds. Eighty-four boats participated in the CATT tournament. Ryan and his partners have seven wins and 15 topthree finishes in the last four years at local and high school tournaments. Ryan plans on going to fish at Campbellsville University in Kentucky in the fall of 2022. He is sponsored by Green Top Sporting Goods. Goochland’s Ryan Lachniet at the Pamunkey Mini Series. Photo Courtesy Philip Lachniet

Momentum continued from > 8 Cindy Bryant. “And I really appreciate that,” Brown said, adding that Momentum has helped her mentally. “I was really quiet, and she really helped bring out my talking on the court,” Brown said of Coach Bryant, “which really helps you all-around in volleyball and life.” “She definitely works on making sure the team plays as a team, and you focus on your attitude as well,” Phoebe Heath, who is from Colonial Heights, added of Coach Bryant. At the camp, Wright spoke to “definitely seeing all the joy that you get when you get a point – or if someone messes up, everyone goes out and

helps them; it’s really nice.” “Whenever you have people that you can feel like you’re family around” – Caudill said – “I feel like it makes you a way better player.” The Club’s staff includes Bryant, Brad Russell and Jason Musick and will also include Powhatan varsity volleyball assistant coach Doug Gagnon, who will help coach one of Momentum’s travel teams. One of Momentum’s core philosophies is positively impacting every player that the coaches meet every single day. “That’s huge – it’s a huge task, but our goal is to do that, to make a point of – seeing the player with a long face – and really reach out to her and figure out why and try to get a smile before she leaves our

gym that day,” Bryant said. “And sometimes heavy life stuff is going on in girls’ lives and you can’t produce a smile, but the impact of reaching out and following up when tough life stuff is going on, I think that’s one thing that Momentum has become known for through the years.” Bryant emphasized the importance of “just really trying to let the players know that they’re loved and cared for, not just on our court…that we care for their lives, not just their athletic skills.” “I really think Cindy… helps you personally and not just winning,” Brown said of Coach Bryant. “I think her main goal is to make you the best person you can be on the court and off the court.”

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland Little League’s Majors All-Stars compete in their first game of the Virginia Dixie Baseball state tournament at Hidden Rock Park in Goochland County on Friday.

Goochland County hosts Dixie baseball state tournaments Staff Reports

Goochland’s Coach Pitch and Majors All-Stars competed in the Virginia Dixie Youth Baseball state tournaments at Goochland County’s Hidden Rock Park this past week. The Majors opened the tournament with a narrow 2-0 setback to Charlotte County, with the opposing team holding on to win with Goochland having loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth inning. In the Majors’ three-team double-elimination bracket, Goochland’s Majors (above) and Coach Pitch (below) All-Stars compete in the Virginia Dixie Baseball state tournament. Goochland and Charlotte both defeated Prince George to rematch one another in the championship series on Monday night. An if-necessary game was scheduled for Tuesday. Visit https://richmond. com/community/goochlandgazette/ for the latest on the Majors’ progress. Goochland’s Coach Pitch All-Stars took an openinground loss to Halifax, bounced back to defeat Patrick County and concluded tournament play with a loss to Prince George.

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July 15, 2021

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Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Photos left and center by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette; photo at right by Shaban Athuman/Times-Dispatch

Goochland golfer Luke Manno reacts after driving a shot over the hill in the 2021 Class 3, Region B tournament at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club in Front Royal; Goochland’s cheerleaders compete in the 2021 Class 3, Region B tournament at Independence High School; Benedictine Class of 2021 alum Jay Woolfolk (9) runs the football in a game versus St. Christopher’s.

Scenes: Goochland 2020-21 fall sports in review Staff Reports

Goochland’s teams found success in an unprecedented “fall” sports season that was delayed to the late winter/early and mid-spring period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Goochland football went unbeaten (5-0) in the 2020-21 regular season, routed Brentsville District in the regional semifinals and finished runner-up to Independence in the Class 3, Region B championship game. While Benedictine football played only four games this spring, it never lost, going unbeaten at 4-0 and extending its overall winning streak, dating back to October 2019, to 9 straight. Goochland volleyball ended the season with a 9-2 record and was runner-up to Independence in the regional final. Goochland’s golf, cheer and cross country teams all embraced the opportunity to compete in their respective Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette regional tournaments. Cross Goochland cross country runner Jonah Bruce runs during a 2021 regular-season home meet; Goochland volleyball player Nova Wonderling rises up for the country enjoyed a dominant attack in a 2021 regular-season match at Cumberland; Goochland football players Ayden Doczi (60) and Jason Woodson celebrate a play in a 2021 regularseason home game versus Orange County; Goochland cross country runner Maggie Goodman heads to the finish in a 2021 regular-season home meet. regular season at home.

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