12/22/2011 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Chamber moves into new office > page 3

Volume 57, Number 51 • December 22, 2011

Davis given 5 years in fatal shooting By Ken Odor jodor@goochland gazette.com

Kwamane G. Davis of Cumberland County will spend five years in prison for the September, 2010 slaying of Dwayne Richard Hardy of Goochland. Davis, 22, shot Hardy after seeing his cousin Alvin Daniels shot in the back three times at a late night party more than a year ago in western Goochland County. In retaliation, he picked up a shotgun and pursued the shooter, Hardy, killing him with a shot to the back of the head. Davis pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter Oct. 26, when he was originally scheduled for trial on a second degree murder charge before a plea agreement was reached. Tuesday Goochland Circuit Court Judge Timothy K. Sanner sentenced Davis to 10 years with five suspended after hearing arguments from the prosecution and defense. “The law does not allow vigilante justice,” said Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney Claiborne Stokes,

INDEX

who called for a sentence of five to 10 years in prison for Davis. But Defense attorney Michael S. Davis said if a law enforcement officer had acted as his client did at the scene he would have been praised and placed blame for the shootings on Hardy. “Were it not for Mr. Hardy’s actions none of this would have taken place,” said Davis, who asked for probation for his client. The violence that led to Hardy’s death stemmed from a late night party in the 3600 block of HadensvilleFife Road on Sept. 12, 2010 when an argument between two members of rival groups escalated. Sanner rejecting the comparison of Davis’s action with that of a law enforcement officer, and lamented the gang problem that led to the shootings. Stokes said he was satisfied with the sentence. “You can’t take justice into your own hands,” he said. Davis, a former police officer for nine years, said he had hoped for more leniency in the sentence.

Calendar 13 Classifieds 14-15 Letters 6 Local Exchange 8

Obituaries Opinion Sports TV Listings

9 6 10 13

File Photo by Ken Odor

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors William E. Quarles Jr., left, and Manuel Alvarez Jr. listen to a presentation at the Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum earlier this fall. Alvarez, who won the District 2 race, outspent Quarles by a wide margin.

Money spent translates into victory in Goochland supervisor races spent their opponents, according to figures provided by the Virginia Public Access Project last week. The campaign reporting information is current through December 1, with the next filing deadline January 17. By Ken Odor In some cases, the victor outspent jodor@goochlandgazette.com the loser by a factor of four or five to one. In one race the challenger spent The winners in the four contested more than 100 times more money than Goochland supervisors’ races all out-

Same holds true in all but one School Board election contest

the loser! District 2 represented the most lopsided spending by the two candidates. Challenger Manuel Alvarez Jr. outspent incumbent and current Board of Supervisors Chairman William E. Quarles Jr. $10,374 to $100. Quarles had pledged not to accept campaign

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Benedictine downs Patrick Henry

Local artist’s work on display

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December 22, 2011

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PEOPLE: Personalities & Achievements

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Goochlanders weigh in on Grubbs’ sentence By Jim Fields jfields@mechlocal.com

Brenda S. Grubbs, the former Goochland County treasurer who pleaded guilty to 20 counts of embezzlement in August, was given a 40year sentence, with 36 years suspended, by Goochland Circuit Court Judge Timothy K. Sanner Dec. 13. Grubbs embezzled about $180,000 of county money while involved with an internet scammer, making numerous wire transfers to an overseas contact. She could have been sentenced to more than 400 years, and several of the people interviewed for this story thought that serving just four years wasn’t long enough. “It’s not fair. She should have gotten more time,” said Mary Britton. “I understand she has a hard working family and her husband stood by her. What she did, she did to us all. I think she got off real light.” Sonya Jones had some sympathy for Grubbs. “She was the victim of an internet scammer,” Jones said.

Britton

Jones

Morris

Morrison

“Some people are more susceptible to that sort of thing than others. It doesn’t change the fact that she stole the money, should have to pay it back and deserved some jail time. I’m sure the judge was as fair as he could be. She could have gotten a lot more time.” Martisa Morris believes Grubb’s sentence was too much. “I think four years is a little harsh for what she did,” Morris said. “I think the judge took it easy on her, but still, four years is a long time.

I think she should have to pay all of the money back, and I really feel bad for her family and friends.” Donna Morrison also thought Grubbs got off easy. “Four years for what she did is like a slap on the wrist,” Morrison said. “She should have to pay the money back, and she should have been sentenced to a much longer term. My heart really goes out to her family.” Phil White’s family owns Patriot Motor Sports, and he was asked to answer the question about Grubb’s sen-

tence from the standpoint of a business owner. “Personally, I am insulted by the situation,” White said. “What she did, she did to everybody in the county, including herself, her family and the people who trusted her enough to put her in office.” “I believe in the Virginia judicial system,” he added. “I don’t believe the sentence she received is as harsh as it could have been. We have situations where people are convicted of lesser crimes and get a lot more time. I believe the judge

did was what he thought was fair and right, and now she has four years to think about what she did to everybody.” Like all of the other people who commented, White said Grubbs should pay back the money she stole. “The $60,000 in her retirement fund that she returned to the county should have automatically been taken the minute she pled guilty,” he said. “She stole from everyone in this county, and even though I feel for her family, I believe she has an obligation to pay back all that she stole.”

White

Editors Note: Grubbs has made arrangements to turn over about $60,000 from her VRS retirement account (the entire balance) and an additional $40,000 to the Virginia State Treasurer. Her sentence requires her to pay the remaining $80,000 back upon release from prison on a payment schedule to be coordinated by her probation officer. Goochland County has already been reimbursed for the money embezzled by its bond on Grubbs.

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December 22, 2011

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Photo by Ken Odor

Goochland Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bonnie Creasy, left, and Administriative Assistant Barbara Trimmer at the chamber’s new office in the Courthouse Village in Goochland Courthouse.

Chamber of Commerce moves into new offices By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

The Goochland Chamber of Commerce has moved into its new offices in Goochland Courthouse. Located right next to Nadolski’s in Courthouse Village, the Chamber now enjoys 1,100 square feet of modern office space consisting of three offices, a foyer, conference room and kitchen. “It gives us a more professional presence in the county and allows us to better serve our membership,” said Executive Director Bonnie Creasy last week. Creasy said the current membership is about 300 but the chamber has plans to grow. “We have an aggressive

goal for next year,” she said, indicating she hopes to reach 350 members in 2012. “We’re seeing some growth in Goochland,” said Creasy, saying she has attended four ribbon cuttings for new businesses in the recent past. “We’re looking forward to working with the new Board of Supervisors to improve the business climate in the county,” she said. The chamber recently chose new officers to lead the membership through the new year. They are: President Travis Chewning of Luck Stone Corporation Vice-President - Josh Sojda of Weller & Associates Second Vice- President - Edward J. Lawton, Jr of

Davenport & Company Treasurer - Lisa Parrish of Lisa A. Parrish & Associates, Inc. Immediate past president is Paul Miller of the American Red Cross. Of special importance is the chamber’s annual dinner, slated for Jan. 26 at Hermitage Country Club. Richard and Kathy Verlander, parents of Cy Young Award winner and American League 2011 Most Valuable Player Justin Verlander, will discuss their new book, “Rocks Across the Pond” and talk about the importance of community. To find out more about the Goochland Chamber of Commerce visit their Web site at www.goochlandchamber.org.

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Goochland’s Supervisors would like the Virginia General Assembly to make some changes in the job requirements for two constitutional officers. “You can drop out of the school in the eighth grade and be the treasurer of Goochland County,” said District 5 Supervisor James W. Eads during discussion of the agenda at the board’s Dec. 6 meeting. That’s something that

could change if the county’s wishes are heard. As adopted, the legislative agenda asks the General Assembly “to impose minimum qualifications for the positions of 1ocal Treasurer and Commissioner of the Revenue. Currently, there are no minimum educational, training or licensure requirements for such offices.” The agenda also requests that the State Auditor be allowed to establish certain “minimum controls” over deposits, withdrawals and disbursements by the trea-

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contributions and to spend no more than $1,000 of his own money on the campaign trail. Alvarez said money spent on mailings was critical to his 806-514 victory over Quarles. “I don’t think I could have made it without them,” he said, explaining that when he went door to door many residents already knew his name and face. Yard signs were also a significant expense and important to his campaign, said Alvarez. Other districts showed similar results. In District 1, winner Susan Lascolette spent $9,193 in her campaign to defeat longterm incumbent Andrew Pryor, who spent only $2,664. Lascolette won by a 51.6 to 48.2 percent margin, 728 votes to 680. District 3 incumbent Ned S. Creasey outspent Alan Tucker $5,345 to $1,044. Creasey was the only incumbent supervisor to survive

surer and that authority to conduct an audit of all of the Treasurer’s accounts by the State Auditor of Public Accounts or by an independent certified public accountant be granted. Goochland supervisors also voted to ask the legislature to grant them the authority to require a countersignature for wire transfers or other electronic transfers by the Treasurer. Other requests including asking the legislature to lower the maximum Local Composite Index from 0.80 to 0.75, a move that would

increase state funding for the county. Goochland County AdministratorRebeccaDickson said such a change could result in about a $650,000 gain for the county. Supervisors also asked the state to appropriate funds for the construction of a bridge connecting the Tuckahoe Creek Parkway in Goochland County with Ridgefield Parkway in Henrico County, in anticipation of the opening of the HCA Emergency Center in West Creek.

Nov. 8, winning by a comfortable 71 to 29 percent margin, 750-307. Only in District 4 were expenditures roughly equal, with incumbent Malvern R. “Rudy” Butler spending slightly less than challenger R. H. “Bob” Minnick. Minnick spent $12,049 to Butler’s $11,275 and prevailed by six votes, 842 to 836, a result that triggered a recount petition by Butler recently dismissed by a three-judge panel due to a procedural error on Butler’s part. District 5 saw Ken Peterson win an uncontested race, with VPAP listing his expenditures as $0. Goochland GOP Committee Chair Ben Slone said money is a necessity in any campaign. “If you are going to run a serious campaign, especially if you are not an incumbent, you need money to create name recognition,” he said. “It always costs money to get your message out.” In the four contested School Board elections, only one winning candidate was out spent. In District 4, Phil Davis

spent $2,879 according to reports filed with Goochland Registrar Frances Ragland, whereas winner E. A. “Beth” Hardy spent only $2,087. But in the other three contested races, the victor outspent his opponents. In District 1, Michael E. Payne disbursed $6,685 to incumbent James Haskell’s $2,083. In District 2, Kevin Hazzard faced two opponents. He spent $3,427 compared to $512 by Penny J. Palen and $200 by incumbent Raymond A. Miller. And in District 3, incumbent Ivan O. Mattox went down to defeat after also pledging not to accept campaign donations and reporting no money spent. Victor John L. Lumpkins Jr.’s reports showed $2,637 spent. Although he faced no opposition, District 5 School Board candidate John D. Wright reported spending $361. The lesson? Personal campaigning may be important but having a well stocked campaign war chest can also be part of a winning strategy.

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December 22, 2011

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Business Openings Local artist’s work on display Antique shop opens in Crozier

Hand tinted historic photographs Contributed Report

Contributed Photo

The Goochland County Chamber of Commerce welcomes In A Little House with a ribbon cutting ceremony during their Grand Opening Dec. 10. Owned by Roger and Valerie Turner, the new antique shop is located in Crozier. Learn more about them at www. inalittlehouse.com.

Seafood store opens in Centerville

Selections from the work of Goochland artist Susan Bock are being exhibited at Tanglewood Ordinary Restaurant. Bock, a specialist in hand coloring black and white photographs, has created a collection that includes more than 400 images covering the period from 1861 to 1980. Nearly three dozen are on display at Tanglewood. “The work of restoring and tinting each photograph brings an intimacy and vividness to the images,” said Bock. “It is very rewarding work, and I enjoy sharing it by making it available to the public through displays like this one.” Each photograph has been carefully restored and then hand tinted with a special transparent oil mixture, which is her specialty. The result brings to life the details and realities of images of Civil War battles and soldiers, workers in the rural south, historic Richmond sites, and scenes from everyday life.

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The Goochland Chamber of Commerce helps owner Jason Cuthrall, center, open his new business, JJ’s Fresh Seafood at 1606 Hockett Road in Centerville Dec. 9. On the left is Whitney Mowbray, at right is Karen Cuthrell.

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Bock said that growing her collection is a labor of love. “I am always looking for historic images to add to the collection. I also enjoy working on private pictures for those who want family photographs restored and tinted. Bringing new life to family treasures is a special privilege.” She has been taking black and white photographs for more than 30 years. She first started hand tinting her own black and white images while living in California in the 1980s and showed her work in several galleries in the Carmel area as well as in a gallery in historic Cannery Row in Monterey. Her hand tinted collections of historic images began about 10 years ago and also include series on Women, Rural America, Sports, Northern Virginia, and a look at Black History. She shows her work at art shows in five states and has now added photographs of New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania to the always growing collections.

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The public is invited to see the display at Tanglewood Ordinary Restaurant, located at 2210 River Road West in Goochland County. It is open Thursday through Saturday from 5 – 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon until 8 p.m. Contact the restau-

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rant at 804-556-3284 or the web site at www.ordinary.com. For more information about Susan’s work, she can be reached by phone at 804.457.2455 or by e-mail at sbock@art2die4.net. Her larger collection can also be seen at www.art2die4.net.

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

December 22, 2011

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A sad ending to a sad affair Last week’s sentencing hearing for former Goochland County Treasurer Brenda Grubb’s was a sad affair for all, in this observer’s view. Although without a doubt justice had to be served, it was not a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, hearing the details of how an obviously unhappy, depressed public servant was enticed into sending hundreds of thousands of dollars of her own and Goochland County’s money to a likely fictional figure overseas. Goochland Circuit Judge Timothy K. Sanner was seemingly unswayed by the testimony of the defense psychiatrist, who portrayed Grubbs as a vulnerable individual beset with health problems physical and mental, the latter not properly treated until after her arrest in February and suicide attempt in July. One’s sympathies go out to her family, particularly her husband who has stood by her through it all. He testified at the hearing also, along with her son Jason and Rev. Tim Wilson of Perkins Baptist Church. Yet, as the judge said in his sentencing statement, Grubbs did real harm to the county and people in it, not the least her immediate family but also others. He deemed prison time necessary. And so did a sampling of Goochlanders we talked to later in the week (see story on page 2). Coincidentally, the Board of Supervisors last week approved a legislative agenda (see story page 4) that includes a request that the General Assembly consider establish-

ing minimum qualifications for the Constitutional Offices of Treasurer and the Commissioner of the Revenue, along with a plea for tighter controls on the operation of the Treasurer’s Office and the right to initiate an audit at any time, plus a request to enact legislation that requires a countersignature for wire transfers. Those seem like reasonable requests and one hopes the county’s representatives in the General Assembly will write such a bill and carry it forward.

‘Tis the season All the unpleasantness aside, however, it is the Christmas season and we hope everyone takes time out to celebrate with family and friends in whatever way they deem appropriate. Despite the travails the county has been through, it’s still a great place to live and work, full of people of good will with their fellow Goochlanders’ best interests at heart. With Christmas falling on a Sunday, we can just imagine the frenetic shopping that will take place this coming Christmas Eve. As we count ourselves among those prone to chronic procrastination, you’ll likely find us among those desperate last minute shoppers, scouring the shelves for gifts we should have purchased earlier. But it will all work out one way or another, as it always does. That said, we wish you and yours the best this Christmas.

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Votes counted in District 4 – time to move on Regarding the December 15 article “Recount reversed by three-judge panel,” I would like to comment on Rudy Butler’s statement casting doubt about the District 4 election outcome. He was quoted as saying “You’ll never know,” referring to his loss to Bob Minnick for Supervisor, and denial for a recount. I disagree with Mr. Butler’s assessment on this matter. The election was carried out in a professional and controlled manner. The votes were counted and then

recounted again, which is standard protocol. Two provisional votes were found and awarded to Mr. Butler, as they should have been. Lastly, there was no appearance of impropriety or any complaints from voters during the process. In this election, every vote did count. Mr. Butler simply does not like the fact that he lost, fair and square. Let’s all move on.

Letters to the Editor The Gazette welcomes your signed letters to the editor. 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:

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

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Letters to the Editor

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December 22, 2011 individual time and expertise and volunteer in county continued from > page 6 efforts where we can add value, be it schools, county More “Doers” boards, free clinic etc. needed in 2012 2012 is just around the corner, where are you? New Years resolution.... the legal system has provided Richard Carchman justice in the case of Mrs. Columbia Grubbs transgressions, let’s move on but at the same Departing supervisor time expect transparency offers suggestions from the new constitutional office holder. New Board of I wish to thank the citiSupervisors have many hurzens of District 5 for allowing dles to deal with, TCSD, the me to represent them on the new School Board, further Board of Supervisors. It has erosion in our real estate tax been a high honor. base, tough decisions lay at I want to congratulate the their door step. new members of the Board of We need to have realSupervisors and the School istic expectations as to Board. Citizens have spoken what they can accomplish loud and clear, and it is time but we do expect greater for a fresh start. transparency. The new School The trail is over and Board is totally brand spankeveryone is heartbroken over ing new, charged and engaged. the conviction of our forThe new School Board will mer county treasurer. What a play a pivotal role in bridging senseless act. the critically important relaWhat have we learned the tionship with the Board of past few years about county Supervisors and their charges government? (our children) in our school When I joined the Board system. of Supervisors in 2000, We also expect transparGoochland was a sleepy litency but our expectations are tle county in the midst of also transparent...prepare the a runaway economy that children for the 21st century. was transforming our counCitizen involvement is ty at lightning speed. The key to our county’s success, Tuckahoe Creek Service whether it is the gadfly or District was created, and we the doer. There has been an quickly learned our county asymmetry in the county with government structure was ill respect to the latter points. equipped to manage complex As we move into 2012 we operations of this magnitude. need more doers, at every From simple things like prolevel of the county. A clear cessing checks, to complex advantage for the county things like managing our is the solid performance of financial affairs, we were not Ms. Dickson and her office. staffed with skilled people in I think that she has and will a management structure that continue to provide the right permitted quick, corrective level of stability and forward action. Then around 2007, vision that all the newly electwe were confronted with a ed parts of the county can national economic collapse rely upon. that further compounded our We need to maintain our problems. vigilance (we have plenty of I hope that over the next gadflies) but we need to per- four years, the citizens of sonally invest more of our Goochland will consider

Letters

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OPINION: Letters to the Editor changes that will allow our county to better manage complex issues. Managing county government is a complex endeavor, and the county administrator form of government does not work for small counties that must manage complex financial affairs, like the Tuckahoe Service District. We need a county manager who can bring uniform professionalism to the table. Goochland needs to elect the members of the Board of Supervisors on a staggered term basis. This allows the citizens to quickly convey their sentiments to the board. We don’t have to wait for any authority to exercise good judgment. The citizens control the election process. With new leaders on the Board of Supervisors and School Board, it is time to examine what does and doesn’t work for us. I am excited for the improvements I see in our future because we have fresh leaders who can take a close look at our affairs. I would be remiss if I did not recognize the outstanding leadership and professionalism our new County Administrator, Becky Dickson, and new County Attorney, Norman Sales, have brought to our county. They have worked tirelessly to revive our county government. We are all indebted to them for their hard work. James W. Eads Manakin-Sabot

Parks and Recreation thanks community Goochland County Parks, Recreation & Facilities Management would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the individuals, collective organizations and the community for their partici-

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pation and continued support of the Goochland County Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration. The Department wishes to extend special thanks to the Goochland Family YMCA, Goochland Fire & Rescue and the Pamunkey Regional Library - Goochland Branch for their partnership and support throughout the planning process and implementation of this year’s festivities. Parks, Recreation & Facilities Management would like to specifically thank Ms. Rebecca Dickson, County Administrator, Mr. & Mrs. William Quarles, Chairman, Board of Supervisors, Mr. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., District 2 Board of Supervisors elect, Chief McKay, Dennis Gordon and Company 5 of Goochland County Fire & Rescue, Troy McClendon, the

Chuck

Manager

YMCA Leadership Club & Dance Troop, Sonny Turner and Betty Thurston of Goochland County Schools, and of course, Santa Claus! The Department also would like to thank and recognize all of the County administration staff who supported this event with their time and resources for the cookie drive! For more information on upcoming programs, Department sponsored special events and the Winter/ Spring 2012 Program Guide, please visit the Department website at www.co.goochland. va.us or find us on facebook to share your Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration pictures! Thank you for your continued support!

Jim

Goochland County Parks, Recreation & Facilities Management

Chris

Thanks for supporting Bulldogs football We want to thank the Goochland community for the unparalleled support that was shown to the Goochland High School football program this past season. The outpouring of support for these young men was amazing all season long. There are far too many people to list individually, and I would be fearful of leaving someone out if we tried, but no words can express the gratitude that we as a staff and team feel towards the many people who supported us throughout the season. Our send-off from GHS on Saturday before the state title game was one of the most moving things that I see Letters > page 9

Steve

Rob

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

EXCHANGE west

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

SERVING EASTERN GOOCHLAND AND WESTERN HENRICO

DECEMBER 22, 2011

The evolution of an art prodigy Contributed Report by Natalie Allen

Contributed Photo

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden receives the National Medal for Museum and Library Service award. From left are: Director Frank Robinson, Cokie Roberts, Community Member Chris Cosello, Board Chair Bill King, and Susan Hildreth.

Lewis Ginter receives top museum award Contributed Report

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden was presented the National Medal for Museum and Library Service Dec. 5 at a ceremony on Capitol Hill. The Richmond landmark was one of 10 institutions to receive the award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Journalist and author Cokie Roberts gave the keynote address. The National Medal is the highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for services to the community Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden was selected based on its work growing fresh produce for the hungry; actively participating in urban greening and water management initiatives; contributing to economic development and work-force training; and educating diverse youth and adult audiences about critical issues related to the interdependence of people and plants. “These inspiring institutions make it possible for individuals from diverse backgrounds to follow their passions and make meaningful contributions

to their communities,” said Hildreth. “Our winners are preserving endangered manuscripts from around the world, providing internet access to the residents of a small remote town, training African immigrants to be child care providers while at the same time helping to preserve their native cultures, helping teens and young adults discover career paths, and much more. The recipients of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service have wonderful stories to tell that demonstrate how libraries and museums build strong communities and transform lives.” A community member with a story demonstrating the award recipient’s impact was selected to be part of the group accepting the award. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Community Member is Chris Corsello, a young man with autism who has been volunteering at the Garden for nearly two years with his aide Lisa Watts. In addition to the medal, the winners also receive a $10,000 award and a visit from StoryCorps; Dave Isay, founder and president of StoryCorps, also spoke at the ceremony.

Cole Taylor walks into his art class and immediately gets to work. Without a word, he grabs paints and starts mixing colors together. In record time, an artistic masterpiece appears on what used to be a white canvas. He has re-created scenes of the Miami Strip, done pastel drawings of Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Libery and has dabbled in re-creations of master painters including Matisse and Georgia O’Keefe. From the sound of it, Taylor is a seasoned artist but in actuality he is a fith grader at Echo Lake Elementary School in Henrico County. His focuse and often quiet demeanor is everpresent and to get Taylor to admit that he is what most would call a prodigy would be like pulling Contributed Photos teeth. To him, art is something to do for fun and Echo Lake fifth grader Cole Taylor at modesty is only natural. “I do it for the fun of it and it kind of calms me,” work. said Taylor. His teacher, Merle James, calls Taylor the most talented student she has ever taught in ther 21 years with Henrico Schools. According to James, Taylor comes into the classroom and just does his own thing. He has a very specific process that he follows that is almost meticulous, especially for a fifth grader. “He paints differently than anyone I’’ve ever seen,” said James. “He has a plan for each piece of art he does.” Taylor spends extra time at school once or twice a week to work in the art room, he doesn’t have a specific type of artwork he likes the most but just goes with whatever he’s feeling at the moment. “It’s just been and amazing evolution,” said James. “He can paint at a level of students who are in college or plus. I think art is what he is supposed to do.” Natalie Allen is the editor of School Days, an online publication of Henrico County Public Schools.

Thursday

OPINION: Letters to the Editor

December 22, 2011

Letters continued from > page 7 have ever witnessed. Seeing hundreds of people lining the road from the high school was awe-inspiring. But the experience did not end there. As our buses traveled up Rt. 522, notably with an escort from the sheriff ’s and fire departments, people lined the road, signs heralded our support, and still others came out of their houses to cheer us on as we passed. To see the looks on the faces of our

young men as this unfolded was truly magical. While the game did not end the way the Bulldogs wanted in Salem, we hope that we represented Goochland in a way that made the community proud. Life is not an undefeated proposition. Our players carried themselves with class and dignity this season, in both victory and defeat. We could not be prouder of the way our boys handled the adversity that came with defeat on that Salem field. It is our hope that the trials and tribula-

tions, the ups and downs, the victories and the defeat, will help these young men down the road when they are playing their role as part of much more important teams: marriages, families, companies, churches, and communities. My greatest appreciation goes to the parents and families of these fine young men. Thank you for raising sons who can stare success and adversity in the eye and have the same reaction to each. Thank you for letting us contribute a small part to their growth as they

navigate the winding path to manhood. We, as a staff, have enjoyed working with this special group of players. In closing, we encourage you to please continue to support the young people of Goochland County in both academics and extracurricular activities. They will no doubt continue to make us all very proud in many ways and for many years. Joe Fowler Head Football Coach Goochland High School

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OBITUARIES: Death Notices Dunn Marion Franklyn Dunn, of Henrico County, died on Dec. 13, 2011, 33 days before his 97th birthday. He joins his beloved wife of 74 years, Edna Duke Dunn, who passed away earlier this year. He was the son of the late Robert Marion and Ellie Virginia Childs Dunn. He was preceded in death by brothers, William, James and Robert Edward Dunn; and a sister, Pearl Dunn Irving. He is survived by a son M. Frank Dunn Jr. and his wife,

Karen; a daughter, Christina Jordan Dunn; grandchildren, John F. and Richard C. Dunn and Kimberly S. McIntosh; a great-granddaughter, Jordan S. McIntosh; and special devoted niece and nephew, Mary C. Herndon and Robert M. Dunn. Franklyn joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1934 and was employed as a firemanengineer for R.F.& P. Railroad from 1942 until his retirement in 1980. He was a Master Mason for over 60 years as a member of Meridian Lodge No. 284. Family received

friends at Norman Funeral Home, Goochland, Va., Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011. Graveside services were held Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 at Forest Grove Christian Church Cemetery in Hadensville, Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Forest Grove Christian Church, 3881 Hadensville-Fife Rd., Goochland, Va. 23063.

her family. Services were held Monday, Dec. 19, 2011 at New Life Church, La Plata, Md.

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Golda Randolph Nunnally, 90, of Oilville, departed this life Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011. Family received friends at Robert Mealy Funeral Home, Goochland, Va. Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 at First Union Baptist Gordon Church. In lieu of flowers, Perry Shelton Gordon, 94, please make contributions to died peacefully Wednesday, First Union Baptist Church in Dec. 14, 2011 surrounded by her memory.

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December 22, 2011

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Cadets’ depth fells fatigued Patriots and the constant pressure seemed By Jim Ridolphi sports@goochlandgazette.com to take its toll as the third quarter began. After two early season losses, The Patriots were playing their the Benedictine Cadets are on a fifth game in a seven-day period, four-game win streak and seem to and the Cadets feature one of the improve with each contest. deepest lineups in the area, often Taking on visiting Patrick playing all 11 players during a Henry at Coach Rutt Court last game. weekend, Benedictine got off to an “We kept running a lot of guys early start and never looked back. in there, playing 10 guys early. Led by an explosive 34-point They saw new guy after new guy performance by the Cadets’ and it forced them to make some VCU bound Jordan Burgess, bad decisions,” Cadet coach Sean Benedictine coasted to an 87-55 McAloon said. “At the end of the win over the Patriots. game, I think they were just a After falling to an early 11-4 little tired.” deficit due to several turnovers McAloon said it’s a real luxucaused by a pressing Cadet ry having enormous depth on the defense, the Patriots settled, and bench. Better yet, he said the level with 3:45 remaining in the first of play doesn’t deteriorate when he half, they tied the game at 21-21. puts reserves on the floor. The Cadets responded with “We don’t have much of a fall an offensive barrage of fast breaks off on defense, and offensively, that put them up 34-23 at interthey create some baskets. It’s a real mission. advantage for us to be able to play The Patriots worked hard for so many guys,” McAloon added. every inbounds pass and basket,

Patriot coach Randy Anderson concurred on the fatigue factor, but didn’t discount his team’s effort, led by Minor’s 20 points. “The guys gave every thing they had,” Anderson said. “Benedictine is a good aggressive team. I thought we played well in the first two periods, but just wore down the second half.” Nothing came easy for the Patriots, who rarely got second looks at the basket and contended with a full court press that forced numerous turnovers. Anderson said it’s a lesson well learned for the Patriots. “It’s good for us to play teams with that level of physicality, because that’s where we want to be as a team,” Anderson said. “It gives us some things to work on going into the break, like being more aggressive on defense.” Both teams still have remain-

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ing games before the break with Patrick Henry slated to play Glen Allen this week. The Cadets have a big matchup with Middleburg Academy today (Wednesday, Dec. 21) with a special presentation from the Virginia General Assembly honoring longtime Chaplain Father Adrian. The Diamond Springs Capital City Classic kicks off on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Benedictine’s Coach Rutt Court. BENEDICTINE 87, PATRICK HENRY 55 PATRICK HENRY (4-4) — Minor 20, Mock 4, L. Dandridge 2, Holman 1, Saunders 0, Toro 2, T. Dandridge 0, A.J. Jackson 8, Morris 12, Pienkowski 0, Wiltshire 0, D.J. Jackson 0, Jones 6. Totals 21 8-14 55. Photo by Jim Ridolphi

BENEDICTINE (5-2) — Coppola 5, George 10, Burgess 34, Burnett 20, Gill 4, Gorski 3, Hudson 4, Fehl 0, Fleming 5, F. Shaheen 2, Wilson 0. Totals 36 13-18 87.

Patrick Henry’s Delano Jackson grabs a rebound in the second half of their matchup with the Cadets. 3-point goals — PH: Morris 3, A.J. rebounds; B: Jordan Burgess 13 Jackson 2; B: Coppola, Fleming. rebounds, 4 blocks, 20 first-half points; Highlights — PH: Ramon Minor 7 Ryan Burnett 9 of 16 FG.

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December 22, 2011

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