INSIDE Muscat earns rank of Eagle Scout > page 2
Volume 56, Number 52 • December 30, 2010
New book filled with local color “Bush Hogs and Other Swine” released last month By Jim Ridolphi news@goochlandgazette.com
Robin Traywick Williams could be considered a Goochland treasure, but that local notoriety is quickly taking on a regional flair with the release of her new book, “Bush Hogs and Other Swine.” It’s her second collection of humorous, homespun essays she’s compiled in her many years as a journalist and author. The collection features its own unique flavor, a blend of country Seinfeld blended with an Erma Bombeck like insight, told from a perspective that is uniquely Robin’s. “I’ve always been drawn to the ridiculousness of everyday life,” Williams explained. “My parents taught the three of us children to laugh at ourselves, and I think that is one of the healthiest lessons a child can have,” she added. Although some of the essays could be considered homespun, most apply to events that affect everyone and their daily routines, told
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with a rural spin. Author Rita Mae Brown once told Williams, “You are the country Seinfeld” and that might be the most apt description of her work. “My essays are just about the everyday things that happen to people, with a rural point of view,” she said. “Anybody can identify with my daily trials and tribulations, or those of my family, friends and neighbors: Trying to get the kinks out of the hose to water bushes during a drought, gamely trying to deal with our young daughter’s interest in a hobby that we didn’t understand, trying to get a decent family picture for the Christmas card, trying to order coffee in a foreign country (Starbucks).” She teamed up with photographer-publisher Wayne Dementi for this project, the second in a series of humorous essays.
Sara Miller
Two Goochland girls go to London for the big parade By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com
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Goochland’s Robin Williams has written a new book of see Williams > page 5 humorous essays.
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Lindsay Slone
SPORTS New bat rule to change the game > page 9
Two Goochland girls have been selected to march in the 25th annual London NewYears Day Parade. Lindsey Ann Slone of Maidens, a member of the Marching Royal Dukes band of James Madison University, will be marching in what is the second biggest single-day event in the London calendar. According to organizers, the event attracts more than 500,000 spectators.
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The JMU band’s appearance in the parade is part of a Dec. 27 – Jan.4 European tour. More than 250 of the 447 JMU band members are making the trip. “The tour is a great enrichment opportunity for our students,” said Scott Rikkers, director of the Marching Royal Dukes and assistant director of bands at JMU. “They are able to travel with their peers and friends in an extension of their college experience. see London > page 5
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A super-sized lesson in nutrition