12/02/2010 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE GHS bake sale benefits Goochland family > page 4

Volume 57, Number 48 • December 2, 2010

New advanced programs plan for Goochland schools By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Photo by Ken Odor

Fourth grader Kenya Brooks, above, carries two plates of food at the GES Thanksgiving Feast. Fourth grader Justin Hawk, below right, and family members join in the celebration.

GES celebrates Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Feast continues to be a big hit. Retired teacher Elsie Hill, who taught at GES for 34 years, said she thought the tradition had been going on for at least 20 years. By Ken Odor For years it was collaborajodor@goochlandgazette.com tion between the fourth and fifth No one seems to know just grades but this year just the fourth how long it’s been going on, but see Thanksgiving> page 2 Goochland Elementary School’s

Tradition goes back at least two decades

INDEX

Calendar Classifieds Features News Letters

16 17 - 19 4-5 3 6-7

Education Opinion Sports TV Listings

2 6 12-13 14 - 16

SPORTS Goochland basketball previews > page 12

In a presentation to School Board members last Tuesday at the board’s regular workshop meeting, Interim Elementary Instructional Specialist Connie Foreman explained a new Advanced Programs process, designed to give more middle school students access to Honors/ pre-AP courses. “The idea was to provide more rigor and more challenge to the students at the middle school,” said Superintendent of Schools Linda Underwood. The School Board approved the new program unanimously. It will go into effect at the beginning of the 2011 school year, said Foreman. “It’s part of our whole movement county-wide to challenge schools,” said Underwood. “More students will now have access to these programs.”

T H E

Foreman said that previously middle school students had to take either all honors subjects or all regular courses. Now that has changed. “The flexibility is the number one thing,” said Foreman. A student with high potential in one subject will be able to take an honors course in that subject without taking honors courses in all other areas too. “We want to make sure we have the right placement for the students,” said Foreman, allowing them to take more challenging courses to prepare them for Advanced Placement Courses at the high school level. A meeting with the Gifted Advisory Committee is scheduled for December 9 at 7 p.m. at Goochland Elementary School to discuss the changes. Additional meetings will be scheduled at the middle school and one of the elementary schools to familiarize the public with the new program, said Foreman. see Schools> page 2

L O C A L

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EDUCATION: School Board and Academic News School Board continued from > page 1

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Underwood said the Advanced Programs should help improve student performance on SAT, SOL and Advanced Placement tests. In other business, the board learned that money for FAPT (Family Assessment and Planning Team) behavior aides may no longer be funded with money from Community Services Act (CSA), due to a ruling by the Virginia Department of Education. These aides serve to support students with disabilities so they may remain in Goochland Schools, rather than being placed in private, out of county facilities. “We are going to have to pick up this

Thanksgiving continued from > page 1 grade took part. Nevertheless, with 60-plus students and who knows how many parents pitching in, it made for a big crowd at the Specialty Center where it was held this year. Fourth grader teacher Bonnie Spencer, this year’s organizer, looking just a little frazzled as the event wound down, declared it a success. “We’re fortunate to be in a school with good parent and teacher support,” said Spencer. “It was also great that we did not run out of food.” With an array of dishes brought in from home, the selection was wide, including most all the traditional Thanksgiving favorites: turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, salads, rolls were just a few of the choices, not to mention an assortment of desserts. Chocolate cake caught the eye of Keshaun Wilkins, who

funding in January,” said Underwood. About $137,000 will be needed to finish out the school year,” said Underwood. There are 10 to 12 behavior aides, working one-on-one with students. In other action the board, at the request of the county administration, did a quick review of the “Goochland County Commission on the Future” 15 year status report. This item left some board members scratching their heads. “I’m a little perplexed,” said District 2 School Board Member Raymond Miller. “I vaguely remember it,” said District 1 member Raymond Haskell. “I don’t know why we are evaluating this,” said School Board chairman Maxwell Cisne. Underwood said that several goals

resisted the urging of his sister Sharice and his aunt Martisa Morris. He had his eye on the cake, so his aunt Martisa called his mom on the phone at work. She laid down the law, no cake until he ate his meal. Others didn’t need any urging to dig into the Thanksgiving fare. Justin Hawk sat down with a plate full of goodies with him mom Kathy, cousin Kelsey Thurston and his granddad Lee Duncan. Duncan said he came every year. “I think it brings the community together,” said Kathy, who made yams with marshmallows on top. “It’s kind of bittersweet when the kids graduate from GES.” Asked what his favorite food of the meal was, Justin replied, “I’d have to say the yams and the marshmallows.” Kenya Brooks was spotted carrying two plates of food to the seating area. She was hungry. “I could eat a live turkey!”

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www.goochlandgazette.com specified were no longer being met due to budget cuts, such as the goal of establishing a Parent Resource Center. The 95 percent goal for salaries was also a victim of the weak economy and budget cuts, said Underwood, with Goochland’s current status at about 93 percent of competitive area school systems. Another victim of budget cutting was an At Risk program for four year olds, which was eliminated because of lack of funding, said Underwood. Some goals have been met or exceeded however. A recommendation that a new high school and middle school be built by 2010 was one obvious example. In other business, the School Board approved adding Treve Hoskin from District 4 to the Facilities Committee.

Photo by Ken Odor

Keshaun Williams takes a bite of chicken at last week’s Thanksgiving feast at GES.

she joked. New principal Stacey Austin called the meal “A great tradition.” GES custodian Theresa Sims, who has worked at the school for 11 years, brought string beans and stood to the

side eating, watching the kids. “All these kids are mine,” she said. Sims, whose own children are grown, said it was great to see the kids and parents happy together each year at the Thanksgiving Feast. “Yes, I love it, she said.

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December 2, 2010

Tree lighting to be held at YMCA By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Keep your eyes open – Santa’s coming to town! December 10 to be exact. Don’t worry; he’s scheduled to come back around Christmas Eve too. The jolly old elf ’s visit is part of the joint effort of the Goochland County Department of Recreation and Parks and the Goochland Family YMCA to sponsor a community Christmas Tree lighting on Friday, December 10 at the

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

YMCA. “As a child I always dreamed of community tree lighting,” said YMCA Program Director Jan Kenney last week, as described how plans for the event came into being. Kenney said the idea came up during a meeting with County Administrator Rebecca Dickson and Recreation and Parks Director Derek Stamey about ways the YMCA could partner with the county. A 40 foot tall cedar tree at the corner of Dickinson Road and Route 6 at the

entrance to the YMCA will serve as the Christmas Tree. Supervisor Ned Creasey will lead a countdown to the tree lighting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Then Stamey and Kenney will lead the crowd singing Christmas carols and Santa will arrive in a fire truck. Kenney’s dad, Carmen D’Amore will read “The Night Before Christmas,” while throughout the entire event, which is scheduled to run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. hot chocolate, cookies and roasted marshmallows will

be available. You can roast your own at the bonfire, if you like, said Kenney. Kenney said Parks and Recreation will be doing a lot of the heavy work, setting up the stage and stringing the lights on the tree. “We just wanted to do something to strengthen the community,” explained Kenney. “With the economy the way it is some people may not be able to travel to Richmond to see all the holiday events.”

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Photo by Ken Odor

Sophomores Sarah Ragland, left, and Monique Morman offer their wares at last week’s sophomore class bake sale to raise money for the family they adopted through the Christmas Mother program.

GHS adopts local family Bake sale benefits family chosen through Christmas Mother program By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

When school let out last Tuesday for Thanksgiving break, Goochland High School students had to run a gauntlet of goodies no matter which exit they chose. The Goochland sophomore class had ringed the school with four tables loaded with cookies, brownies, pound cake and other tasty treats, all to raise money for the family they had adopted through

the Goochland Christmas Mother program. Nancy Gottwald, a volunteer with the Goochland Christmas Mother program, chose a family for the class to adopt. The students wanted to make sure it was a family with kids, so the adopted family turned out to be a grandmother raising four grandkids, said Kuhns. Next step for the students was to start raising money to buy everything on the family’s Christmas Wish List. Led by English teacher Liz Kuhns, the class held three fundraising events, raising a total of $805. Gifts donated by various teachers were valued at about $200, said

Kuhns. “Last year the kids collected money at a basketball game for the Christmas Mother,” said Kuhns. “This year we thought, why don’t we do a bake sale?” Bake sale items cost a mere 25 cents, so anyone with some change could pitch in for the good cause. “We sold $15 to one customer,” said Sara Ragland, who was manning one of the four tables along with Monique Morman. When it was all over, the bake sale netted $217 for the cause. All along it’s been a see Bake sale > page 5

Thursday

December 2, 2010

Bake sale continued from > page 4 collective effort, involving students, teachers and parents, said Kuhns. Their first fundraising effort was a canvas of the school during News 2, asking for donations, organized by one of Kuhnsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pre-AP English 10 classes. Then students in Kuhnsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; English 10 class donated all their left over Halloween and sold it during her classes. For the bake sale, more than 35 students along with several teachers donated baked goods for the sale, organized by Kuhnsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; second English 10 class.

And three teachers have already donated girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clothing and books for the family while other teachers and staff members have made cash donations to the effort. Now that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve raised the money, shopping and delivery comes next. Kuhns said several students and parents will join her in Short Pump for a shopping trip for their adopted family December 6. After the shopping trip, the GHS FBLA and sponsor, Ms. Carol Washburn, will wrap all of the gifts before sophomore, Regina Hope and her mother, Christine, deliver the gifts to the adopted family December 10.

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

December 2, 2010

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Saying goodbye to Goochland I have served as the editor of The Goochland Gazette since 2008. And over the past two-and-a-half years I have reported on the county’s news and developments, received notices of fire-rescue and sheriff ’s reports, covered school and government meetings and written features about our community’s artists, educators and entrepreneurs. I have also written a weekly column, reflecting on the trials, tribulations and triumphs of Goochland County. And I learned that if you really want to learn the newspaper business, Goochland can provide countless opportunities to pursue that craft. Although I have felt privileged to contribute to a mission that matters-- community journalism-- I have decided to take on a new challenge working for the Coast Guard in Juneau, Alaska. Some of my family members, friends and colleagues consider this move an intrepid step into the unknown, and have expressed their excitement and encouragement for my latest adventure. But I believe that when I first ventured to Goochland that, too, launched me into a place I initially knew little about-- and the next few years proved exciting and enlightening, as I learned about the people who live and work in one of the most beautiful counties I have yet seen. This will be my last issue, but The Gazette will be in good hands as our reporter Ken Odor steps in as interim editor beginning next week. He can be reached at 804-627-3249 or jodor@goochlandgazette.com. I feel lucky to have landed in Goochland for a while... and I thank everyone here for creating a county that is unlike any other place I’ve been! - Amy Condra

www.goochlandgazette.com news@goochlandgazette.com sales@goochlandgazette.com For Classifieds: cgrant@mechlocal.com © 2010 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: 8,500

Respectful citizenship As we gather with our fellow Americans giving thanks, I can’t help but see this annual celebration drawing a common thread through this publication’s last three editorials regarding societal intolerance, governmental ignorance and respectful citizenship. Bullying and intolerance are not new phenomena. Throughout mankind’s recorded history we have an endless display of disparate group’s

Joy Monopoli Publisher Amy Condra Editor Charles Leffler Sports Editor Brian French Production Manager Pam Sanders RSN Sales Manager Stephanie Childrey Advertising Sales

conflicts leading to armed conflict, mass migrations and even genocide – all of which we have witnessed in our lifetimes. Leaders, unelected and elected, of governments both large and small, have become so power drunk they are beyond the hope a 12-step program’s recovery offers. Not taking the first step – admitting powerlessness, as they sail smoothly down that magnificent Egyptian waterway we call “denile.” For an addict or an alcoholic, “one is too many, and a thousand

never enough.” Those we elect to serve all too often become blinded and wayward in the throes of their power. Yet we citizens tolerate malfeasance because there seems a certain distorted security in familiar discomfort. When dissent speaks, it is quickly silenced. Those in power scold, “You don’t have all the facts…You don’t see the big picture…You don’t understand why we have to do what we do…” see Letters > 11

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Letters to the Editor

Thursday

OBITUARIES: Death Notices

December 2, 2010 Bremner

Brown

Laura Ann Cook Bremner, died Thursday, Nov. 18. She will be remembered as a faithful communicant of Grace Episcopal Church, a Hospice Volunteer in Goochland County, and as one of “The Girls” with Nancy Wood and Ann Hamner. She is survived by a daughter, Ellen Bain Bremner Smith; a like-a-son, Michael Willis Smith; grandchildren, Dr. Michael Willis Smith Jr., Ann Maury Smith and Ashley Davies Bremner Smith; special nieces, nephews and godchildren; and her loving friend and caregiver, Mrs. Dale Henley. She was the mother who brushed the daughter’s hair a hundred times every night, told bedtime stories about an Antelope (always with a moral), and accommodated a menagerie of creatures great and small. She was the grandmother (Gram) who made a walk to the pond magic, kicked a soccer ball in her denim wrap skirt, made laboring in the garden a privilege, especially for the child wielding the hoe, and served up the best macaroni and cheese on the face of the earth. The widow of William Bremner, she will rest beside him after a private burial. The family received friends at the Norman Funeral Home in Goochland Courthouse on Sunday, Nov. 21, and celebrated her 90 years in a service held Monday, Nov. 22 at Grace Episcopal Church. It is her wish that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to the Grace Episcopal Church Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 698, Goochland, Va. 23063.

Edith Mary Belle Scott Brown, 90, of Goochland, was welcomed to her heavenly home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, Nov. 12. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Pollie Towles Scott; eight brothers, Jocob, Joseph, Daniel, James, Benjamin, Major, Allen and Johnnie Scott; and one sister, Elizabeth. She is survived by one brother, Beverly Scott of Richmond, Va.; and one sister-in-law, Betty Scott of Jacksonville, Fla.; several devoted nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. The family received friends at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home, 2530 Dogtown Rd., Goochland, Va. Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 19, at Fauquier Baptist Church, 2455 Dogtown Rd., Goochland, Va. Pastor Melvin A. Woodson officiated. Graveside services were held at the church cemetery.

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Community Tree Lighting Friday, December 10th, 2010 6:30-8:30pm

At the Goochland Family YMCA 1800 Dickinson Road, Goochland, VA 23063 Welcome the spirit of the season with your friends, family and neighbors. This joyous collaboration between Goochland County Parks and Recreation and the Goochland Family YMCA will feature caroling, holiday themed activities, cookies, hot chocolate and Santa’s big entrance at 7:30pm! Make sure to bring your camera! FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Goochland Parks & Recreation (804) 556-5854 • Goochland Family YMCA (804) 556-9887

Santa Claus Calling Program The Goochland County Recreation Advisory Commission is sponsoring a Santa Claus calling program for County children age 8 and under. Please fill out this form for each child and return it to the Goochland Parks and Recreation Department, P.O. Box 910, Goochland Va. 23063. Phone calls will be made on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, between the hours 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

ALL FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 Child’s Name _____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________ Phone # _________________ Gender ____________ Age _________ Birth Date _______________ School __________________ Grade _____________ Teacher’s Name ________________________ Favorite Subject ________________________ Worst Subject _______________________________

Harrison Michael Edwards Harrison, 46, of Silver Spring, Md., died Nov. 4. Mike was a CPA and avid Autograph Collector. He is survived by his mother, M. Carol Salmon of Goochland; his father, Horace E. Harrison (Diane) of Alamo, Calif.; his friend, Lester E. “Buzz” Coe Jr. of Goochland; and his caregiver, David Darrikhuma of Silver Spring, Md. Services were held

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CALENDAR: Community Events

December 2, 2010

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3146 or visit the library at 556-4774 or visit the library 16600 Pouncey Tract Road. at 3075 River Road West for more information. Centerville Fire and Rescue (Company 3) will be Tuesday, December 7 having their annual breakfast Parkinson’s Disease – with Santa from 7:30-10:30 Support Group – Meeting a.m. at the fire station. Come enjoy a free breakfast and for Parkinsonians and carevisit with Santa. Donations givers held at Circle Center, 4900 W. Marshall Street at are accepted. 7:00 p.m. Contact Kathy H. 10th annual holiday Morton at (804) 730-1336 extravaganza presented by for more information. the arts and crafts guild of Write On! Kids Talk Goochland from 10-2 p.m. at Dover Baptist Church, about the Library at the Heritage Fellowship Hall, 635 Cochrane Rockville Branch Submissions Manakin Rd., Manakin, Va. Librar y. accepted Wednesday, Dec. 1 For more information, please – Friday, Dec. 31. Celebrate call 457-4698. the 25th anniversary of the Beads and Wire Jewelry Cochrane Rockville Library Class at the Goochland building. We want kids 6 Branch Library at 10 a.m. – 18 years old to bring in Make a fun necklace or brace- their original poetry, essays let using different beading and or short fiction pieces (2000 wire techniques. All materi- words or less) about the als provided, but feel free to library and what it means bring your own beads if you to you. All participants will prefer. Class size is limited. be recognized at our finale Call or visit the library to celebration in January. For sign up. Refreshments served. more information call 749Sponsored by the Friends of 3146 or visit the library at the Goochland Library. Call 16600 Pouncey Tract Road.

Grace Episcopal Church Concert Series presents the Virginia Benefit Chorale at 7:30 p.m. This 15 member a cappella ensemble, directed by Steve Davis, will be singing music from Poulenc to Holst in addition to American folk music and spirituals. The VBC receives no fee for the concert, they sing to help raise money for others. Since the concert is free, we ask that you please make a donation or bring non-perishable food items. Sponsored by Grace Church Mission and Outreach to benefit the Goochland Food Pantry and the Christmas Mother. Sharon Radabaugh, organist/choir director at Grace Episcopal, is a member of the VBC. The event will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 2955 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063. For more information, please call 556-3051 or Sharon Radabaugh at 3359403. Thursday, December 9 The Gifted Advisory Committee is holding a meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. at Goochland Elementary School. The meeting is open to the public. Dr. Underwood will make a presentation about the budget and Mrs. Burdette, principal of Goochland Middle School will introduce the new GMS Honors program. Please plan to attend. Friday, December 10

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Communit y Tree Lighting from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Goochland Family YMCA located at 1800 Dickinson Rd, Goochland, VA~23063 Welcome the spirit of the season with your family, friends, and neighbors. Enjoy caroling, cookies, hot chocolate, and other holiday see Calendar > 10

Thursday

December 2, 2010

Obituaries continued from > page 7 Saturday, Nov. 13, at Norman Funeral Home, 2982 River Road West, Goochland, Va., where family received friends, followed by a memorial service. Graveside services were held at Corinth United Methodist Church will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Corinth United Methodist Church Cemetery Trust Fund, P.O. Box 896, Goochland, Va. 23063. Johnson David Johnson, of Crozier, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 17. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy Anne Johnson. He leaves a host of nieces and nephews to cherish his memory. A celebration of life was officiated by Rev. Frank Lomax III at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Graveside services followed at the First Union Baptist church, Crozier, Va. Memorial donations may be made to the First Union Baptist Church Building Fund.

Pauli Mary Elder Pauli, 88, of Richmond, passed away Nov. 16, at her home at Westminster Canterbury. The widow of Edwin F. Pauli, she is survived by sister, Helen E. Wheeler (Robert) of Richmond; brother, Alfred S. Elder (Debbie) of Willow Spring, N.C.; daughters, Carol P. Nichols (David) of Manakin Sabot, Mary Louise Pauli of Brookline, Mass. and Kathryn E. Pauli (John S. Eldred) of Shanghai, China; grandchildren, Matthew D. Nichols (Natalie) of Cockeysville, Md., Andrew B. Nichols (Laura Shackelford) of Champaign, Illinois, K. Danae Pauli of Brookline, Mass.; Alexander S. Eldred and Christopher P. Eldred, both of Shanghai, China; and greatgrandchildren, Abby and Jake Nichols of Cockeysville, Md. She was predeceased by her brother, Lt. General John H. Elder Jr. Valedictorian of her John Marshall High School class, she graduated from Westhampton College in 1943. She made her home in Springfield, Va. for 25 years, with intervals abroad as a foreign service officer’s spouse in

OBITUARIES: Death Notices Greece (1964-70) and Vietnam (1974-75). Following her husband’s retirement in 1976, she lived in Ashland for 30 years. She was an avid gardener, scrabble player and member of her church. She was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A private graveside

service was held, followed by a memorial service on Monday, Nov. 22, at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The Westminster Canterbury Foundation or Ginter Park Presbyterian Church.

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continued from > page 8 activities as we countdown to the tree lighting. Schedule of Events: 6:30 p.m. Caroling and Musical Program; 7 p.m. Tree Lighting; 7:30 p.m. Santa Claus’ Big Entrance! 7:30 8:30 p.m. Meet and Greet with Santa. Holiday activities throughout the event. For more information, please contact Goochland Parks and Recreation at 556-5854 or Goochland Family YMCA at 556-9887. The Goochland Middle School Sports Boosters will be hosting its first Auction and Spaghetti Dinner. The dinner cost $5 in advance and $6 at the door. The din-

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ner will be held in the GHS cafeteria starting at 6 p.m. The Auction will being at 7:15 p.m. in the GHS Gym. Admission to the auction is free. Tickets will be available through GMS Athletic Department. The MS Sports Boosters are in the process of collecting different donated items from local businesses to auction off to the community. Kat Simons from Lite 98 will be the guest auction mc. The boosters program is holding this event to raise money for all athletics here at GMS. Please come out and support our student/athletes. If you would like to donate any items, volunteer, or know of any businesses that might have an item to donate, please contact Patrick Gordon at 556-5320.

Saturday, December 11 The Goochland Farmers Market season is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find your favorite local food and fine arts and crafts in the off-season! This year, the Goochland Farmers Market is pleased to offer two special Holiday Markets, to be held indoors, at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Western Campus, 1851 Dickinson Road, Goochland, VA 23063. The event will be held from 10– 2 p.m. Alpacas, Food, Wine Tastings, Gifts, Fun for the Whole Family! Many of the regular market vendors will be participating in either one or both of the special see Calendar > 16

Field Day of the Past to hold open house INSIDE Goochland EMS s receives two award se for quick respon > page 3

ber 2, 2010 r 35 • Septem Volume 57, Numbe

School sports programs ask for funds est GHS and GMS requ als, money for game ofﬁci security staff By Amy Condra dgazette.com acondra@goochlan

s athletic program Goochl and’s school Goochl and High said need more money, at last al Francie Ball School Princip worksh op. week’s School Board your budget each “You build into departm ent, athletic our for not year help our athletic teams, for suppor ting middle school but in the you just in the high “We request that school,” said Ball. that address es offiitem build in a line

Photos by Ken Odor

on,” will be barn called “Clarend at the Greener The seven-stall iat, Betsy watches. grandson of Secretar Pants, as her mother Covert Action, below left, and a treat to Smarty 19 TRF Barn Tour. David Hampton, above left, gives the September Noel Fauntleroy, Barn Tour. Groom nal center is on 4 at the correctio September 19 TRF onal Center. Barn open during the James River Correcti Pastures site at

retired race Tour to benefit Secretariat’s grandson s can be seen at Jame River Correctional Center in Goochland By Ken Odor azette.com jodor@goochlandg

horses

on the racetrack? competitive times a could end up at Well, the animal nt Foundation Thoroughbred RetiremePastures, a TRF (TRF) site like Greener Program at the James Second Chances Center. Work River in the slaughOr it could find itself

a thoroughbred What happens to can no longer run racehorse when he

c cials.” School Athleti Goochl and High said that the athDirecto r Bryan Gordonabout $25,000 for pays to letic departm ent for security staff official s and $7,000 and middle school assist at high school you games. that this year, if “We anticipa te or official s, we’ll help us with security because we’ll take right, probab ly be all if the gates this year in money at our doesn’t said Ball. “If it weather is good,” money! ” s, rain, we will make such as uniform Ball said that costs page 5 see School Board>

terhouse. make alternative To raise money to 2 see Horses > page T H E

INDEX

Calendar Classiﬁeds Features News Letters

16 17 - 19 2 4 6, 8

Education People Opinion Sports TV Listings

5 3 6 12 - 13 14 - 16

SPORTS

Goochland and off Benedictine kick season > page 12

L O C A L

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As part of the annual celebration, Field Day of the Past will host its annual Holiday Open House, “A Celebration of the Season” on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. Lots of fun family activities have been scheduled for this evening. Visitors can enjoy a ride through the grounds which are lighted with holiday color. Icicles drip from the eaves of the Short Pump Garage and Grocery Store, both of which are open during the evening. Enjoy some apple cider and homemade ginger bread, made with sorghum molasses processed at our show. The gold mining equipment, the Announcer’s Stand, the Pullman Railroad Car, the Information Booth and Souvenir Shop are also decked out in lights. Color splashes across the landscape at Springfield Baptist Church and the Sorghum Mill and a huge Christmas tree hangs from the water tower. Field Day’s lit star dominates the field and can be seen as far away as Rt. 250. The Educational Building

will also be ablaze with lights. Inside Girl Scouts will be selling hot dogs, chips and cold and hot drinks. A huge Christmas tree dominates the interior of the building and children of all ages are invited to make their own decorations to hang on the tree. All supplies are provided for this activity. Field Day volunteers at the Log Cabin, which is also decorated, invite guests in for refreshments. At the Canning Kitchen, outfitted in holiday array, hot soup and ham biscuits will warm up even the chilliest of souls. There will also be some of the prettiest and most tasty sweets you have ever laid your eyes on or sunk you teeth into. Be sure to pay a visit to the 2010 Goochland Christmas Mother, and be sure to bring a donation for the Christmas Mother Program. There is no charge for admission but your donations of nonperishable food stuffs are greatly appreciated. We also have it on good authority that Saint Nicholas

will be putting in an appearance during the evening. Come out and visit with Santa and afterwards, journey over to the Post Office and drop him a line just to make sure he remembers your requests. “A Celebration of the Season” will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Field Day of the Past show grounds at the intersection of Rts.623 and 622 in Goochland County. From Broad Street, take Ashland Rd. about 1/8 mile and the show grounds are on the right, or take I-64 to exit #173, (Rockville-Manakin). Exit south and go 1/8 mile to show grounds on left. Holiday music will waft through the air as you stroll through the grounds and a bon fire will be lit to keep you toasty – or to toast marshmallows if you wish to bring some along. Parking is free. Call 804-7418468 for details. Report provided by Melinda Gammon and Field Day of the Past

Thursday

December 2, 2010

Letters continued from > page 6 These United States of America were founded by normal folks who made great personal sacrifices, risked their lives, and suffered immensely so we enjoy the many freedoms we have as Americans. Yes, our country, its founders, and leaders over time have made mistakes. We can never forget the indignities Native Americans and African

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Americans have suffered. I am grateful, and give thanks, for all who truly serve Goochland – our Sheriffs Deputies, Fire and EMS Volunteers, government staff, classroom teachers, cafeteria workers, librarians, custodians and all those other selfless “worker bees’ whom our tax dollars employ. Fellow Americans have died for our rights. Fellow Americans daily risk their lives defending the First Amendment rights I, by writing, and this publication,

OPINION: Letters to the Editor by printing, exercise. We have the right to free assembly, and most importantly to vote. In addition to giving thanks on Thanksgiving, lets all show our thanks the first Tuesday of next November at the polls. We can stop being bullied by our current county leadership, end governmental ignorance and practice respectful citizenship one vote at a time. Michael M. McDermott Maidens

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

Goochland will face a change of pace with young team BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

As the 2010 basketball season prepares to open, Goochland boys coach Oliver Courtney isn’t exactly sure what the future holds for his young inexperienced squad. When asked to describe the newest edition of the Bulldogs, one term comes to Courtney’s mind. “Young, very young,” he said. Sophomore Corbin Jackson returns to anchor the Bulldog middle, and James Brooks will provide experience at the guard position. Tim Miller had limited playing time off the bench last year and will return for the Bulldogs. However, all of the other slots are up for grabs, and the candidates are mostly underclassmen. While the Bulldogs depended on quickness to run the court last season, this year’s

squad will have a different personality. “I don’t think we’ll depend on speed as much, but we’ll just have to wait and see what develops with this group,” Courtney said. He said the team would work the ball inside to Jackson to provide a foundation for this young squad. “We’ll depend on the big guy and use him as much as possible,” he said. “That’s a lot of pressure for a young guy, but he’s proved he can handle it.” The age and inexperience on the team provide a huge test for this year’s Bulldog squad, especially when it comes to league play. “We’re mostly sophomores and juniors so the district schedule will be a challenge for us,” Courtney said. The team will have little time to catch its collective breath as the Jefferson District slate is front loaded, and the most serious challenges come early in the schedule.

“I don’t like the way they do that,” Courtney said. “It doesn’t give you a chance to see what you have as a team and get some playing time together. Starting out with non district competition allows a coach to see who is going to step up for the team,” he added. Jackson, Miller and Brooks will likely start, and Courtney is relying on his younger players to fill the remaining slots. Goochland’s backup quarterback, Cody Johnson, could provide the extra offensive spark needed at the guard position. “He did well on the junior varsity last year, so we’re hoping he can contribute on offense,” Courtney said. Because the team splits gym time with the girls’ squad, limited practice is another challenge for this year’s squad. In the past, the boys have motored up to the old high school to fill in the practice

gaps, but the youth on the team has made even that a challenge this season. “We went to the old high school last year, but a lot of these guys don’t even drive yet, so we haven’t been able to get up there.” Courtney is philosophical about the team’s return to the James River District next year. “There are strengths and weaknesses in both districts, but it’s not a cake walk in the James River. They have some athletic teams who can compete,” Courtney said. “Top to bottom, the Jefferson offers stronger competition, but the James River has its share of talented teams.” Even with the challenges, Courtney is optimistic about this year’s team’s chances. “They are a great group of kids who practice and work hard,” he said. “I’m glad to be Photo by Jim Ridolphi working with a good group of Goochland sophomore center Corbin Jackson will provide the kids like this.” muscle in the middle this season as a returning starter.

Youth has Lady Bulldog hoops looking for quick start BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

Youth will be served on this year’s edition of the Goochland girls’ basketball team. Three seniors will anchor an attack that features one junior, three sophomores and two freshmen. “We’re definitely a young team but so far I’ve been pleasantly surprised with their energy, attitude and enthusiasm,” said head coach Sarah Voyack. It’s a steep learning curve for the young Bulldogs, who scrimmage this week and open their district schedule on Friday night at Fluvanna then host rival Amelia on Monday. With a hefty Jefferson District schedule, the team will be tested early and often. Voyack will depend on her few returning players to provide leadership and experience, but she’s also

looking to her new recruits to provide a spark. “We have some young talent that we think we can work with and we have a few returning players who played some key roles last year,” Voyack said. Tamara Taylor and Carrie Mills return with the most minutes from last year. Dana Rodriguez and Briana Jackson also are returning players. “Tamara Taylor is our leading scorer and rebounder and Carrie is a returning senior,” Voyack said. “We’re young but we’ll be quick,” she added. Voyack feels her team can hopefully utilize speed and agility to compete with some tough district competition. “We feel like we can push the ball a little more this year,” she said. “We’ll try to attack the basket more.” Entering their last year in the Jefferson District, Voyack said

the move back to the James River is a mixed blessing. “Playing in the Jefferson District was a step up for us, and the tough competition made us better,” she said. “Returning to the James River District should improve our success record. There are pros and cons to the return- kind of a Catch 22 situation.” It’s still early but Voyack has some ideas on who will start against the Flucos. Forward Tamara Taylor and guard Carrie Mills have nailed down starting positions. Dana Rodriguez, Jessica Liddle, Briana Jackson and Chakiryn Jackson will likely vie for the other three starting positions. Because of their youth, Voyack is stressing the basics as her team progresses. “We’re working on the fundamentals, making lay-ups and free throws and improving our confidence,” she said. After the disappointing record

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

Goochland coach Sarah Voyack feels that so far this season her squad has shown positive attitudes and morale is high.

from last year, one of Voyack’s biggest challenges is keeping the confidence level of her team up. “Last year’s record was a confidence deflator for

us, so we’re trying to keep morale and attitudes high for this season,” she said. “So far, they’ve risen to the challenge.”

Thursday

December 2, 2010

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Benedictine wrestles with youth and experience

Photos by Jim Ridolphi

From left: Sophomore Jordan Schmeer, right, and Dallas Wood go over some moves at practice. Schmeer attained all-state status last year as a freshman. Center: Senior John Paul Curtin returns with high expectations for his senior season. Above: BY JIM RIDOLPHI Junior Michael Logan warms up for the upcoming season. Michael Logan,” Hall said. petition. what are we doing here? Special Correspondent “We also return six other “The great part about this There is more experience in Both Curtin and Logan were national qualifiers last year setWhat a difference a year starters that plan on making line up this year is that you the room, more intensity, ting the foundation for this year’s Cadet squad.

makes. Last season, Benedictine wrestling coach Ryan Hall had his work cut out for him. He was saddled with a group of Cadet wrestlers that lacked in experience and posed more questions than answers. “Last year was my first year at Benedictine and it took a while to understand the sport and get the ball rolling with a lot of new faces stepping on the mat for the first time ever,” Hall said. This year it’s a far different story. The team returns almost its entire starting lineup and likewise expectations have stepped up. “This year we return eight starters led by captains and national qualifiers senior John Paul Curtin and junior

an impact come states including last years all-state freshman Jordan Schmeer.” The coach thinks the combination of experience mixed with some talented up-andcomers could mean good things for the Cadets. “Mix these guys with some very good new faces that fill in the line-up perfectly and we don’t plan on surprising any of the upper echelon teams in the state this year,” Hall said. “We have some very high goals both individually and as a team this year that the boys have set from day one and I know that they will only continue to work hard to achieve those goals.” From top to bottom, Hall’s squad is laced with talent and should fare well in VISA com-

can pick any weight class you want and talk about a certain strength,” Hall said. “The mix of youth and experience on this team makes for a great recipe that we are all excited about. The leadership of all eight returners really sets the tone each day in practice for what this team is capable of.” The Cadets face some familiar foes in VISAA competition, and hope to repeat their CAC championship from last season. With Curtin and Logan qualifying for nationals and Schmeer joining them on the all-state roster last year, Hall is looking to build on a solid foundation. “We look to improve through hard work, dedication, and fun,” Hall said. “If we aren’t having fun, then

and believe it or not, more fun. The thing I love most about this team more than any wins or losses is the family bond that is made. My job is to make these young men good wrestlers but even better young men spiritually, mentally, and physically. The way they are there for each other is simply awesome. As long as that is happening, we are always improving. This year the Cadets look forward to meeting up with rival St. Christopher’s, who is still the big dog on the block and defending state VISAA champions. “Obviously you have St. Chris who is looking for I believe their 10th straight state championship this year,” Hall said. “I don’t think they really

rebuild but reload instead. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise of John Gordon now at the helm, clearly they will be very strong once again.” And the talent doesn’t stop there. “Without really going into detail, I would say there are about five teams that have a legitimate shot at a state title this year including Episcopal and Woodberry who also has a very rich tradition in wrestling, and then another nine to 10 others that could vie for a top 10 finish which is clearly something to be proud of,” Hall said. The Cadets’ squad currently has 27 wrestlers, and Hall is focusing on working hard

while having fun and keeping the expectations in the proper perspective. “I wouldn’t say we are exactly a state championship squad this year but that is why you wrestle hard everyday,” Hall said. “Once you step on the mat and the whistle blows, anything can happen. Win or lose to the best in the state, every team in the state this year from top to bottom will know Benedictine came to wrestle with hard work, grace, and sportsmanship.” The team begins its regular season hosting a dual meet with FUMA, Covenant and Norfolk Collegiate and then travels to Colonial Heights for the Kickoff Classic this weekend.

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