12/31/2015 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Local churches help spread holiday cheer in Goochland> page 6

Volume 60, Number 52 • December 31, 2015

Celebrating 2015 Clockwise, from the bottom left, Goochland graduates celebrate together; Gov. Terry McAuliffe toasts the planned new Hardywood brewing operation in Goochland; Goochland resident Carolyn McCann finishes a race held in honor of her late daughter, Katie; Ruthie Whitehead takes part in Goochland’s annual Relay For Life effort.

A look back at how we lived, who we met and what we were all talking about this year in Goochland sion to show the film, which was initially pulled by Sony Pictures, came down to doing what he felt was the right thing. Local drive-in one of few theaters “This is more about the right of American to screen controversial film businesses to show a movie that customers In January, the Goochland Drive-In Theater in Hadensville screened the contro- want to see,” said Heidel. versial movie The Interview, making it one of Board of Supervisors elects first the only places in the greater Richmond area female Board chair for moviegoers to see it. Those attending the first Goochland To theater owner John Heidel, the deci- County Board of Supervisors meeting of

January

2015 on Jan. 6 got the chance to witness history. On that night, District 1 representative Susan Lascollette became the first woman in the county’s history to hold the chair of the board title. see 2015 > 3

Thursday

December 31, 2015

Goochlanders urged to share input on hiring of new leader Contributed report

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors is inviting residents to participate in a survey concerning the selection process of a new county administrator. Those wishing to take part are asked

The Goochland Chamber of Commerce is inviting members of the community to join them in the upcoming Biggest Loser Community. According to a press release issued by the Chamber last week, the challenge is intended to help encourage more activity, healthier habits, exercise and friendly competition. Those wishing to partici-

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Pets of the week

INSIDE

to visit the following web link to take a short survey on the key qualifications and traits desired in the selection of an administrator: https://novisurvey.net/ns/n/zzlte.aspx. The survey link will close on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016.

Chamber set to participate in ‘Biggest Loser’ competition Contributed report

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

pate do not need the names of teammates to sign up. They will receive a promotion code/gift card that they can give to employees or friends to sign up. The program launches in February, but participants may start using the tools on Monday, Jan. 4. For more information, contact the Goochland Chamber of Commerce at (804) 556-3811.

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 male lab, about 8 to 10 years old; a mixed breed male, about 2 years old; and a female mixed breed puppy, about 6 months old. Anyone interested in adopting a pet is urged to visit 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.”

2015:People and Places

A tropical holiday? Not so bad after all PAGE 6

SPORTS

Bulldogs fall 73-52 to Amelia in tourney PAGE 9 Calendar ................................ 5 Classifieds ......................14-15 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................8-9 TV Listings ......................10-12

Library to host genealogy workshop A Genealogy Workshop will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the Goochland Branch Library. This workshop will teach participants how to search for information to build their family trees. Those who would like to register must call (804) 556-4774.

When it came to transportation during September’s Field Day of the Past in Goochland, some people certainly didn’t mind taking in slow— as evidenced by this horse-drawn wagon, one of hundreds of examples of yesteryear living to be seen at the 2015 event.

NAACP’s Sparks-Hobbs lauded as an example of dedication, tenacity The Goochland County Branch NAACP honored Wendy Sparks-Hobbs during the group’s annual Freedom Fund banquet on Sept. 19, bringing together Sparks-Hobbs’ family, friends and colleagues to honor the organization’s current president. Calling Sparks-Hobbs “the ultimate example of what a woman should be,” Goochland NAACP Sparks-Hobbs

vice president Yvette McDermott-Thomas lauded the honoree for always displaying “such integrity, dignity and quiet wisdom.” “She is truly an inspiration,” McDermottThomas said. The youngest warden in the history of the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC), and the first black warden of the Virginia Correctional Center for Women, SparksHobbs currently serves as the Virginia DOC’s Regional Administrator for Institutions in the Central Region.

Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 Office - (804) 746-1235 x 0 Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 819-5529 Melody Kinser Managing Editor (804) 775-4622 Fax: (804) 730-0476 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Billy Fellin Sports Writer (804) 598-4305 Fax: (804) 598-7757 Cindy Grant Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 730-0476

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County Thursday

2015: A Look Back

December 31, 2015

2015 cont.from >1 Like three of the other members of the current board, Lascolette had never served in public office before being elected in 2011, and she credits the camaraderie the entire group shares for their demonstrated ability to serve effectively. “We have the best board,” Lascolette said. “Everyone is so kind, and so supportive … there is no fear of embarrassment. It’s having everyone’s support and knowing we are working as a team that makes it comfortable. When there’s an issue, we support each other, and we work things out together.”

February

ship, the local economy, planned growth, strategic planning, and, most importantly, in financial management, including strength in the areas of budgetary performance and financial flexibility and liquidity. Peterson, the Board of Supervisors representative from District 5, said he was “thrilled” with the outcome. “The S&P AAA credit rating serves as an affirmation and validation of the county’s financial health,” Peterson said. “Goochland will benefit from this rating in many ways, including an enhanced ability to attract and retain businesses, improved access to the capital markets on very favorable terms, and it will provide a transparent metric for citizens to track the financial health of their county.”

Goochland earns AAA credit rating from S&P

Local Sheriff’s Office seeks information on On Friday, Feb. 6, Standard March 1 murder

& Poor’s Rating Services (S&P) assigned the highest credit rating possible of AAA to Goochland County. In receiving the AAA rating in its first-ever attempt, Goochland also becomes the only small county in Virginia to be rated AAA by S&P, as no other county currently with a population under 60,000 is designated AAA. By comparison, Goochland County’s current population is estimated at 21,400. Goochland County Supervisor Ken Peterson, County Administrator Rebecca Dickson and Deputy County Administrator John Wack, along with Kevin Rotty of PFM, the county’s financial advisor, traveled on Jan. 12 to Wall Street to tell Goochland County’s story. During a three-hour due diligence session with S&P, county officials highlighted Goochland’s strengths in management and leader-

Goochland deputies asked for the public’s help in determining the movements of a green 2001 Ford F-150 pickup truck in the GoochlandSandy Hook-Gum Spring area after the March 1 homicide of Alvin Lynn Brooking of Sandy Hook. “We believe that the occupants of the truck may have been involved in the homicide and we are asking that anyone who might have seen this vehicle or who knows who was in the vehicle on March 1 or 2 to contact our investigators,” Sheriff James Agnew said. Brooking, 62, died from blunt force trauma to the head, the result of multiple strikes from an unknown object. No weapon was recovered at the scene.

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May

Veteran educator named Goochland’s Teacher of the Year Goochland County Public Schools announced its 2015 Teachers of the Year in May, and Goochland High School Physical Education teacher Wes Farkas earned honors as the top teacher for his school and the division as a whole. Farkas and the other winners from each individual school were recognized during the May 12 monthly school board meeting. A native of Paeonian Springs, Farkas attended Loudoun Valley High School and The College of William & Mary. He has spent his entire 14-year teaching career so far in Goochland. As the school’s baseball coach, Farkas also knows a thing or two about teamwork. Seeing students work together and learn from one another is one of many things he has come to appreciate over the years, Farkas said. “I also love seeing students find an activity or interest that they will hang on to for the rest of their lives.” Farkas said he decided to become a teacher after finding how much he enjoyed the volunteer tutoring and coaching he was doing while in college. “I decided to take my passions for athletics and helping others and put it all together,” he said.

June

Relay walkers braved showers to fight cancer Despite scorching temperatures — and a brief thunderstorm that doused the county mid afternoon —a small but spirited group took part in Goochland’s 20th annual Relay for Life effort in June. see Year-end > 7

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County Thursday

December 31, 2015

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OBITUARIES: Death Notices

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Obituaries WILBUR COFFEY JR. Wilbur “Bill” Hayden Coffey Jr., 69, of North Chesterfield, passed away after a brief illness on Dec. 21, 2015. A native of Goochland County, Bill was born in Richmond on Jan. 7, 1946, the oldest son of Bill and Kathleen “Kitty” Coffe y. Bill was Coffey a retired Human Resource Director for the Commonwealth of Virginia, serving at Central State Hospital for 22 years, and a retired high school football coach at Monacan High School in Chesterfield. Bill was an ardent supporter of young men, who participated in a sport he dearly loved. He was a teacher not only on the football field, but in the classroom where he substitute taught for a number of years following his retirement from

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state government. He prided himself on his interactions with students and his being a role model for getting students to see the value of education. For years, Bill was associated with the Chesterfield Quarterback League as a coach and Assistant Division Commissioner. Prior to becoming a coach at Monacan High School, Bill served as the League’s Northern Division Commissioner. Bill most prided himself on wanting to teach young players what it meant to become men and how to take responsibility for their actions. He always commented that “he would never know if something he said or did may influence someone from making the wrong choice or decision, but he hoped that his efforts would lead to just that.” The expectations he set for his players and students were high, however, because of his relationships with them; he knew they knew he wanted nothing but the best for them. In addition to coaching football, Bill was active his entire life coaching baseball, basketball and softball at the youth level. He also coached JV baseball and Varsity tennis at Monacan prior to his retire-

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ment from football. Bill had many varied interests during his lifetime. He was a musician, singing, playing guitar, keyboard and drums growing up. He was a member of the rock band “The Governors” for years, prior to entering the U. S. Navy in 1966 during the height of the Vietnam War. He was proud to serve his country. Before and after his military service, Bill attended VCU, majoring in History and, in 2007, he attended Averett University majoring in Business Administration. Bill’s HR experience includes employment with the City of Richmond, VCU/MCV, the State Office of Housing and the Department of Human Resources for the Commonwealth, in addition to his service with Central State Hospital. Prior to being hired by GM in 1978, Bill was a construction contractor in Fredericksburg. He was proud to be the first Virginian to be employed by GM’s Delco-Moraine Division, when they opened a plant in Fredericksburg. Bill loved life, family and his work, music and sports. He was a diehard Washington Redskins, Atlanta Braves, VCU Ram and Monacan Chief fan (he truly bled orange). He loved conversations with others, laughter and time spent with his family, especially interactions with his grandchildren. Every kid he coached became members

of his extended family and he was proud to say he treated them all just that way. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur “Bill” H. Coffey Sr.; and mother, Kathleen “Kitty” Pace Coffey; his grandparents, Horace Justin Coffey and Maggie Mae Haden Coffey and John William Pace and Mary Singleton Parrish Pace of Goochland. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Prim, of 37 years; five children, two sons, Richard Hayden Coffey and his wife, Beth Ann, of Hawkinsville Ga., Justin Hayden Coffey and his wife, Catherine “Cat,” of Chesterfield; stepdaughter, Melinda B. Carson and her husband, Randall, of Chesterfield; two stepsons, William M. Belcher II “Mike” and his wife, Trudy, of Beaverdam and Bryen E. Belcher and his wife, Deidre, of Hanover; one brother, John David Coffey of Louisa; 16 grandchildren, Sarah, Anthony, Garrett, Casey, William, Grant, Ellie, JJ and Mason, all of the Richmond area and Hayden, Josh, Anna Katherine, Ethan, Reid, Claire and Charlotte of Georgia; in addition to numerous other cousins, family members and friends. The family received friends at the Woody Funeral Home in Midlothian, on Dec. 27, with a service on Monday, Dec. 28. A graveside service followed at Byrd Presbyterian Church in Goochland. In lieu of flowers, contributions can

be made to Byrd Presbyterian Church or to the ‘Coach Coffey Scholarship Fund’, c/o Union Bank, 11361 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, Va. 23235 or any Union branch.

ARTHUR FARREN Arthur Francis Farren, 55, died peacefully Dec. 16, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin A. and Sally Farren. He leaves behind sons Jacob and Daniel Farren; former wife, Tammy Farren; a brother, Edward Farren; two sisters, Edie Salmon and Linda Ervin; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held Dec. 21, at Smyrna Baptist Church.

CARL BERKLEY Carl Jackson Berkley, of Mechanicsville, passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Allen Berkley; parents, Jackson and Flossie Berkley; and sisters, Hazel Olson and Marie Fleet. He is survived by his son, Keith A. Berkley of Goochland; sisters, Ruby Newcomb of Chase City, Edna Broom of Richmond, Marian Robertson and Christine McGraw, both of Mechanicsville. He graduated from Randolph-Henry High School, served and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy and retired from CNA Insurance Company after 25 years. He was an active mem-

ber of Mechanicsville United Methodist Church for 60 years. The family received friends at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home. Graveside services were held at Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mechanicsville UMC, 7356 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111.

RALPH GOLDING SR. Ralph V. Golding Sr., 77, a 47-year resident of Mechanicsville, passed on Dec. 24. Born on Oct. 29, 1938 in Powhatan, he attended school until the tenth grade and was a productions manager until his retirement in 2001. Ralph was preceeded in death by his wife, Catherine M. Golding. He is survived by his sons, Curtis V. of Chester, Ralph V. Jr. and Roger L. Golding; siblings, Arvil of Mechanicsville, Jerry of Goochland, James and Carlton of North Carolina, Billy Golding of Amelia, Linda Steppe of Florida, Becky Moore of North Carolina and Janice Bailey of Alexandria; as well as three grandchildren, Matthew (Jayne), Jeremy and Kendall Golding; and two great-grandchildren, Michael and Isaac Golding. The family received friends on Monday, Dec. 28, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, in Signal Hill Memorial Park.

Recent Property Transfers 1 acre; David B. Worthington to David J. Sharpe, $134,000. 1.19 acres; Jewell M. Alexander to James M. Mayo, executor, $100,000. 2 acres; Russell Meadows to Laura Meadows, $122,000. 2.4 acres; David Lowmaster to Megan E. King, $175,000.

4.09 acres; Robert A. Gragnani, trustee to Erin M. Peed, $299,000. 6.54 acres; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Matthew Tyler Gutkaiss, $114,000. Lot 27, Section 1, Parkside Village; Pouncey Tract Development Partners LLC to Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC,

$99,500. Lots 15 and 19, Block B, Clifton; Rivers Realty LLC to Chesterfield Construction Services Inc., $130,000. Lots 57 and 77, Section 3, PHase 2, Parke at Saddlecreek; Centerville Land Holdings LLC to Eagle Construction of Virginia Properties LLC, $203,874.

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

December 31, 2015

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Community Calendar Thursday, Dec. 31

and Powhatan, will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on at the Goochland Public Library. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, contact Doug Shackelford at (804) 5562409.

The community is invited to fellowship with Pastor Stevie Trent, Sr. and Second Union Baptist Church as they celebrate New Year’s Eve at 10 p.m. Annie Minter and The Divine Voices of Cumberland Thursday, Jan. 7 will be the special guest. Dress is casual.Second Union Story times at the Baptist Church is located at Goochland Branch Library 2843 Hadensville-Fife Road in are as follows: Toddler story Goochland. time begins at 10 a.m. for children 2 years old (must Saturday, Jan. 2 be accompanied by a parRelay for Life if Goochland ent); Mother Goose story will be hosting its 3rd annu- time begins at 10:45 a.m. for al Chili Cook-off from 11 children 6-24 months (must a.m. until 1 p.m. at Mizpah be accompanied by a parChristian Church, 5257 Old ent); and Preschool story time Columbia Rd. A $5 donation begins at 11:30 a.m. for chillets attendees taste each team’s dren 3-5 years old. Call 804chili and vote once for their 556-4774 or visit the library favorite recipe. Baked goods at 3075 River Road West for and beverages will also be more information. offered. Contact Judy Hackler at (804) 339-4075 or Shauna Friday, Jan. 8 Sprouse at (804) 337-1429 First Friday Films will be with questions or to enter your held at the Cochrane Rockville team’s recipe. All proceeds will Library from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. benefit the American Cancer Residents are encouraged to Society. For more informa- bring the whole crew for a tion visit www.RelayForLife. great movie on the big screen! org/GoochlandVA. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Rockville The Goochland Branch Library. Call (804) 749-3146 Library will be hosting the for more information. Magic Tree House Adventure Club from 11 a.m. to noon Family story time at the for ages 5 to 10. This event Cochrane Rockville Branch will allow participants to go Library begins at 10:30 a.m. on adventures with Annie for all ages. Call (804) 749and Jack from the Magic Tree 3146 or visit the library at House and explore with crafts, 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for games, activities, and more. more information. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Goochland Wednesday, Jan. 13 Library. Call 804-556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River A Genealogy Workshop Road West for more informa- will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 5:30 tion. - 7:30 p.m. This workshop Monday, Jan. 4 will teach participants how The Goochland Chapter to search for information of Virginia Oath Keepers, to build their family trees serving anyone interested using Ancestry Library in the counties of Henrico, Edition and HeritageQuest. Hanover, Louisa, Goochland Basic computer experience is

preferred and those and those the Goochland Branch Library who would like to register (see notice under Jan. 7). must call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library. Friday, Jan. 15 Thursday, Jan. 14

Family story time at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library begins at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. Call (804) 7493146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

The Goochland Branch Library will be hosting Rhythm & Beats from 6 7:30 p.m. for ages 11 to 18. Kids taking part in this event will be able to make noise with friends and drum with Terry Thursday, Jan. 21, Quinn. Call or visit the library Story times will be held at to sign up. Pizza will be provided by the Friends of the the Goochland Branch Library Goochland Library. Call 804- (see notice under Jan. 7). 556-4774 for more information. Friday, Jan. 22 Story times will be held at

Family story time at the Cochrane Rockville Branch

Library begins at 10:30 a.m. at 3075 River Road West for for all ages. Call (804) 749- more information. 3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for Friday, Jan. 29 more information. Family story time at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Thursday, Jan. 28, Library begins at 10:30 a.m. Story times at the for all ages. Call (804) 749Goochland Branch Library 3146 or visit the library at are as follows: Toddler story 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for time begins at 10 a.m. for more information. children 2 years old (must Ranked Top 1% of be accompanied by a parALL agents in the USA! ent); Mother Goose story time begins at 10:45 a.m. for Over 50 children 6-24 months (must $1,000,000+ be accompanied by a parHouses LISTED ent); and Preschool story time the Spring! and SOLD! begins at 11:30 a.m. for chilSTEVIE WATSON dren 3-5 years old. Call 804556-4774 or visit the library 754-4551

Goochland County Administrator Executive Recruitment Public Survey The Goochland Board of Supervisors invites citizens to participate in a survey in the selection process for a new County Administrator. Please visit the following web link to complete a short survey to assist the County in identifying certain key qualifications and traits desired in the selection of an Administrator. https://novisurvey.net/ns/n/zzlte.aspx The survey link will close on Friday, January 15, 2016. Your particiption is appreciated! Note: Survey link is available on the County’s Website Homepage under “News Flash” http://www.goochlandva.us/

Thursday

December 31, 2015

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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The best health advice for 2016? Head outside By Roslyn Ryan Editorial

The research results are in and the findings are, well, totally unsurprising. As it turns out, according to recent studies by scientists looking to see how getting in touch with nature impacts our health, being outside and getting fresh air — even only a few minutes of it a day — is really, really good for us. I know. Shocking, right? But, while most of us intrinsically know this, we still allow the million daily things on our “indoor lists” to keep us chained to our desks or zoned out in front of electronic media. I am as guilty of this as anyone — possibly more so. Case in point: Over the holiday break, some family members and I visited Washington, D.C., where we had the opportunity to tour the magnificent gardens of a home that had belonged to generations of George Washington’s descendants. Even in December the gardens were lovely, but I realized at one point, with a hint of dismay, that the thrill I experienced walking the grounds may have had less to do with experiencing history than with simply being

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outside. With all the holiday hustle and bustle, it seems, it had been awhile. Here in Goochland, of course, we have no shortage of places and opportunities to enjoy being outdoors. As much as any place I have ever known, Goochland embraces and celebrates its beauty and green space, offering dozens of ways to exercise, play, and simply just relax in nature. The idea of “getting in touch with nature” can sound a little intimidating to some (me included), conjuring images of living in tents and eating only what one can grow/catch. I will not be the first person in line to give up shopping in a grocery store or sleeping in a bed, or to voluntarily throw my smart phone in the river. But I hope to be among the many this New Year who will pledge to make logging off, getting out, and enjoying the natural world a priority. The research, as it seems, is about more than just a breath of fresh air. It’s about enjoying the beauty of the place we call home, looking after our health, and holding on to both for as long as we can.

Joy Monopoli Publisher Melody Kinser Managing Editor Roslyn Ryan Editor Billy Fellin Sports Editor Sarah Suttles Sales Representative Tom Haynie Sales Representative For news: news@goochlandgazette.com For advertising: sales@goochlandgazette.com For classifieds: cgrant@mechlocal.com © 2015 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: 8,300

Contributed photo

Spreading holiday joy in Goochland Led by pastor’s Mike Hennigan and David Clarke, the members of Victory Christian Church and Mizpah Baptist Church recently presented Christmas presents to Goochland Social Services. Annually, the churches reach out to the department to provide holiday cheer to all of the children in foster care in Goochland County. Church members shown, from left, are Ron Jenkins, Pastor Mike Hennigan, Al Martin and Pastor David Clarke.

Family enjoys ‘tropical’ Christmas break By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

My family had originally scheduled a trip to Florida to enjoy Christmas with family in Tampa, but decided the schedule was just too tight to accommodate a quick trip South. As it turned out, it felt like Florida here in Virginia as temperatures soared near 80 degrees on the days surrounding Christmas, and the heat wave is showing little sign of collapsing as the new year approaches. The weather was the talk of the season as shoppers hurried through crowded malls to complete last-minute purchases. The atmosphere in the shops was pleasant enough, and the brilliant lights and holiday music could almost make one forget the spring-like temperatures outside.

The warmest Christmas on record provided its share of advantages, and, predictably, an equally long list of negative impacts on the holidays. Outdoor skating rinks struggled with the rising thermometer and worked overtime to keep ice from turning in to slush. Skaters enjoyed the ice dressed in t-shirts and shorts in many cases. And Virginia’s ski industry didn’t break any records for the Christmas season either, as warm temps in the day prevented snowmaking operations, and there wasn’t a hint of the real stuff in the air. On the plus side, energy officials estimate the warm weather equates to savings of millions of dollars, as furnaces remained dormant and fireplaces were used only for decoration. On the downside, the extra oil adds to a global glut of petroleum

and lowered costs mean challenging times for America’s emerging energy sector. Workers who depend on cold weather for livelihoods also are affected by the holiday heat wave. The summer-like setting did not deter thousands of people from enjoying the lights and displays in downtown Richmond, and officials reported record numbers of visitors to Blackstone’s famous train exhibits and holiday activities. Likewise for Williamsburg, where visitors enjoyed all the festivities of the season, including the Yule Log, without the need for long underwear or layered costumes. Costumed carolers roamed the historic streets to the delight of visitors who stopped to enjoy their rendition of our favorite songs, many of them cold weather-themed, all with a see Holiday > page 7

Year-end continued from >3 effort in June. The largest annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a community-based effort in which participants walk — usually around a track — for up to 12 hours. To Relay organizer Val Pace, participants’ creative touches are all part of what makes Relay special. And while turnout was admittedly down this year, Pace reported happily that donations had actually held steady. That Saturday, by around 4:30 p.m., the group had already raised around $12,000. Pace said she and the other organizers were incredibly thankful or the assistance of the county in helping to make this year’s Relay a success, and also for the help provided by the Department of Corrections. Pace said she thought the weather may have kept some away from this year’s event, but there were still plenty of walkers pounding the track.

July

Hardywood Park announces new operation in West Creek Cold beer was the topic of the day at the Farm Bureau offices in Goochland’s West

Holiday continued from >6 bead of sweat rolling off their foreheads. Closer to home, the warm weather allowed us to take in neighborhood decorations on foot, something we’d never done before. And I’ll have to admit completing those last-minute chores

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2015: A Look Back

process that first began last spring. The Comprehensive Plan is essentially a road map for the county’s future growth, according to county officials, and offers a framework to help guide development. While supervisors and county planning staff “did not feel as though there were any major problems” in the previous plan, said Senior Planner Jo Ann Hunter, who presented the final plan to the board for approval, the new plan does boast several improvements. According to Hunter, the new plan is more “user-friendly” than previous versions, and several ineffective maps have been taken out. More pictures offer a better reading experience for residents, Hunter said, and a number of steps were taken to ensure that information was easier to find than it once was. The revised comprehensive plan was the result of months of work on the part of county officials and staff, including six public workshops and several meetings with area neighborhood groups. The plan was also posted on the county’s website for residents to review. It received no opposition Supervisors approve when it was presented durcomp plan ing the Planning Commission The Goochland County meeting on June 4. Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the county’s 2035 Comprehensive Land Use Plan during its meeting on Group announces plan Aug. 4, bringing an end to a to renovate Courthouse

Described as having the most perfectly preserved Jeffersonian Courthouse in existence today, Goochland County is no stranger to architectural accolades of the highest order. Now, thanks to an ambitious new undertaking by the Goochland County Historical Society (GCHS), residents and visitors to the county will be able to enjoy the historic building and its grounds in a whole new way. In partnership with the county, the GCHS’s restoration of the Courthouse Green is now underway, rehabilitating the historic architecture and transforming the grounds into a center for visitors and community activities. The project will include improvements to the outdoor space around the courthouse — including new paths, lighting, seating areas and interpretive signage — as well as a major renovation of the historic, four-room stone jail built in 1825. The Clerk’s Office, which was constructed in 1846, will be transformed into a visitor’s center. Goochland County Historical Society president Wayne Dementi said project organizers also hope to create something that will help local teachers as they work to instill in their students an appreciation for local history. “We’re hoping that this

before Christmas seemed easier without the coat and gloves. But, there is a downside. The entire inventory of sleds, scrapers, gloves, hats, boots and snowboards that rested under trees and stuffed in stockings will have to wait a few days to get a thorough test. New bicycles and scooters fared far better. The warm holidays also

South each year to dodge the falling temperatures. I get it. For those who lamented the loss of snow-blocked sidewalks and frozen windshields, your time will come and much too soon for most of us. In the meantime, enjoy the warm weather respite and remember … the cold and flu season is right around the corner.

Creek office park, but not just because the temperatures were soaring. Joining state and local officials, including Gov. Terry McAuliffe, the founders of Richmond-based Hardywood Park Craft Brewery announced plans for a $28 million expansion into Goochland County. The venture, which will feature a 60,000-square-foot brewing facility, a tap room and an amphitheater for hosting events, is expected to bring 56 new jobs to Goochland. “This is the kind of thing we talk about in terms of economic development,” McAuliffe told those in attendance, highlighting the fact that Hardywood expects to purchase over 300,000 pounds of agricultural products from Virginia farmers over the next five years. To Goochland Board of Supervisors chair Susan Lascolette the plan seems tailor-made for the county. “We believe it fits so nicely into our strategic vision for Goochland,” Lascolette said. “We plan to help this business open as soon as possible.”

August

September

offered opportunities to establish new traditions, like grilling out in late December. And even if songs like “Frosty the Snowman” did not evoke the same frigid memories with the car windows down and warm breezes blowing, this season did offer a new experience for most of us. It also confirmed the reasoning behind the flight of snowbirds

Green

www.goochlandgazette.com kind of effort will find its way into the local curriculum, so that as these children are being raised in Goochland they will also be able to see this example of their county’s history.” Once the project is completed — Dementi said the goal is to be wrapped up by early next year — planners envision a place where festivals and other events can be held, and where visitors can gather for programmed events or simply enjoy a self-guided tour of the property.

November

Goochland Schools honored with award for iPad program Goochland County Public Schools announced in November that it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program for 2015–2017 for its implementation of deeper learning with iPad Mini and iPad Air. Goochland’s 1:1 iPad program began in 2013-2014 as a pilot program in grades 3-5 at Goochland Elementary School before expanding to additional schools. This school year the program provides iPads for students to take home across the division in grades 4-7, in addition to the third grade at GES. Next year, the division

plans on expanding the iPad program to grades 3-8. The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments. “When we are visiting the 1:1 classrooms,” said Dr. James Lane, Superintendent, “we’re seeing types of student creation that just a few years ago would have been impossible, by choosing a mobile computing device. As we develop more digital content in addition to see Look back > 12

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State Champions highlight 2015 for Bulldogs, Cadets athletic programs

Photos by Billy Fellin and John Beebe

Left: The Goochland volleyball team poses with the state championship trophy following its 3-2 win over Marion in the Group 2A state title game. Right: Benedictine’s Scott Bracey runs through defenders against St. John Paul the Great at Randolph-Macon College in September. Bracey had 187 yards and a touchdown that day and had three total touchdowns in the state title win over Bishop Ireton.

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Writer

The 2015 athletic season will be one that will be remembered in Goochland for a long time. There were two state champions from Goochland High School this year, and they both shared the fact that they were undefeated in their state champion endeavors. In the spring, Chase Bernstine, then a sophomore, took the high school tennis scene by storm in his first year of high school competition. Bernstine was undefeated and

won the Conference 34, Region 2A and eventually the Group 2A state championship after defeating Maggie Walker’s Karl Katlaps 6-3, 6-0. Bernstine had also defeated Katlaps, the previous defending state champ, in the region final. Bernstine and doubles partner Joey Webb finished second in the state in doubles. According to tennisrecruiting.net, Bernstine is the top ranked player in the state, seventh in the Mid-Atlantic and 35th nationally. After all of his accolades he received in the 2015 season, the Times-Dispatch named

Bernstine the All-Metro male tennis player of the year. The second state title came when a state championship seemed on the brink of falling out of the Bulldogs’ hands on the floor of the Siegel Center. The Goochland volleyball team had dropped the first two sets against Marion in the state title game. Led by Group 2A state player of the year Madelyn Ott, Goochland stormed back to win in a thrilling five-set match to take the first volleyball state title in Goochland High School history. Ott was also named

first team All-Metro by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. While the two titles were certainly the highlights, Goochland had an overall successful year for athletics. Baseball, softball, boys soccer and girls soccer were Conference 34 champions before all four fell in Region 2A play. While the teams fell short of the state tournament goal, the Bulldogs were recognized on the state level. Now senior Scott Carter was first team in Group 2A for baseball, and now seniors Coleman Duty and Reid Chenault were

second team honorees. On the softball team, Jackie Tremain, who graduated in 2015, and now sophomore Faith Gerdes were Group 2A first team at pitcher and outfield, respectively. Hannah Herman were first team Group 2A in the midfield from the girls soccer team. Goochland’s football team had another successful season before falling in the Region 2A East playoffs to Greensville. Goochland’s Sullivan Young, KK Timberlake and Cordell Mattox was honored with first team all-state. Goochland’s county neigh-

bors, Benedictine, won its second straight title in wrestling as well as second straight title in football. In wrestling, Robert DuPont and Josh Wyland won individual state titles. In November, the Cadets repeated as state champs for the first time since winning backto-back VISAA titles in 20002001. Scott Bracey accounted for three touchdowns, two through the air, in a 35-6 romp over Bishop Ireton. Benedictine had defeated Bishop Ireton last season as well. Benedictine had an unansee Year in Review > 9

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December 31, 2015

Year in Review continued from >8 swered 28-point run in the state title game, putting the game out of reach. The run started with a Will Pittman field goal and continued with two touchdowns from Ellis Brooks, a Scott Bracey to Donaven Tennyson score, and a Bracey to Anthony Roberson

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touchdown pass. It is Benedictine’s fourth state title overall. Bracey was named first team All-Metro by the TimesDispatch As 2016 approaches, the Bulldogs and Cadets will be looking to repeat the success of 2015 as the new year provides new opportunities for every team.

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

Goocland’s Calvin Martin (3) broke lose in the first half against Wilson Memorial in the first round of the Conference 34 playoff in November. The Bulldogs rushing attack was a strong one this season, led by Martin.

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Bulldogs fall 73-52 to Amelia in tourney final By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Writer

Playing basketball during the holidays has become a tradition at Goochland High School. Entering its fourth year, this year’s Holiday Tournament featured a competitive field that provided the participating teams with some added competition and important winter break work. Due to a possible scheduling conflict with the Bulldogs’ regular season James River matchups, the tournament was moved to Monday and Tuesday with game starting times at 2 and 4 p.m. “I’m not sure how the attendance will compare to last year, but I think the daytime games probably hurt us a little,” said Bulldog coach Preston Gordon. “We’ve had decent crowds.” Goochland defeated King William, 61-47, in the opener, and Louisa disposed of Fuqua School to gain a spot in the finals. “We did everything we needed to do against King William,” Gordon said. “We made shots, played defense well and kept guys in front of us. Offensively, we executed. Today not so much.” Gordon was referring to the teams 73-52 loss to Louisa in the finals, a performance that didn’t live up to the coach’s expectations. “For some reason, we were out of sync today offensively, and we didn’t play well in transition,” Gordon said. Many of Louisa’s points came off tough play under the boards and fast breaks going the other way.

“I talked to our guys about their focus and we just have to do a better job getting back. Sometimes, we just turn around and watch after a shot,” Gordon said. The coach said he expected the team to be further along than the 2-6 record indicates. “We should be doing things better by now. At this point, we should not be losing our discipline offensively and defensively.” Gordon said he would take advantage of the holiday break to work the team and hone those skills. They took a day off for Christmas but hit the court this week for regular practice sessions. Gordon wants the team to exit the break with a new focus and determination. “We have to do a better job,” Gordon said. “Our shot making and decision making have not been the best.” As for the tournament champ Louisa, Gordon had high praise for his former troops. “I thought they shot the ball well. I give credit to those guys for their shot selection and execution,” he said. The Lions made eight three point shots in the victory. “We have to do a better job defending those shots,” Gordon said. The team will need all its tools when it returns from break to face a tough and speedy Nottoway team. “The schedule doesn’t get any easier for us,” Gordon said. Trane, Hendrick Chevrolet, Food Lion, Bella Sicilia, Big Cheese Pizza and Hardees were among the sponsors who supported this year’s holiday tournament..

Top photo by Jim Ridolphi, bottom by Billy Fellin

(Top): Colten Johnson (3) goes high for two of his second half points as Louisa’s Latrell Winkey (10) defends. (Bottom): Goochland’s Jack Twombly goes up for the block against King William’s Dylan Leach. Goochland downed the Cavaliers 61-47.

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