02/11/2016 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE In Their Own Words: Readers share stories of finding true love > page 6

Volume 61, Number 6 • February 11, 2016

Louisa man charged in Sandy Hook homicide

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Eleven months to the day after Sandy Hook resident Alvin Lynn Brooking, 62, was brutally murdered at his Sandy Hook home, the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office announced last week that it had made an arrest in the case. On Feb. 2, following an indictment by a multi-jurisdictional Grand Jury, Goochland deputies arrested Kevin L. Parrish, 44, and charged him with the first degree murder.

Parrish Brooking For Louisa resident Kristine Rachmel, 27, whose late father was Brooking’s cousin, the news brought at least a temporary reprieve from a year of anxiety and frustration. “Right now we’re feeling relief, but

we know this is only the beginning,” Rachmel said. While Rachmel said she understands that investigations take time, she admitted the long wait for answers only added to the pain she and other relatives felt in the wake of Brooking’s death. She grew up just a mile or so away from Brooking, she said, and finds it too painful these days to return to that Sandy Hook neighborhood. “Lynn was a great man,” she said. see Homicide > 4

Supervisors clear way for West Creek hotel project Approved rezoning allows developers to bring retail to local business park as well By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Contributed photo

Channel 6 evening news anchor Bll Fitzgerald visited with Goochland Middle School students last week, answering their questions about the television news business and discussing how they could document thier own lives.

News to me: Local anchor visits GMS By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Students in Cindy Charlton-Matejka’s Goochland Middle School Language Arts class welcomed a very special visitor on Feb. 4 when WTVR anchorman Bill Fitzgerald stopped by to chat about the

news business. Fitzgerald, a former English teacher who now leads the Channel 6 evening news broadcast, talked with the students about his job and urged them to become strong readers, writers and storytellers. He also reminded them that current technology allows them to become report-

ers right now. The students thoroughly enjoyed the visit, Charlton-Matejka said, explaining that Fitzgerald’s visit was part of a followup to the class’s examination of the news and news writing. “They took time this see Visit > 2

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Feb. 2 in support of a rezoning request that will bring a new retail and hotel operation to the county’s West Creek Business Park. The request submitted by West Creek Associates XC, LLC, asked for the rezoning of the 10.75-acre property from the M-1 Industrial Limited zoning classification to B-1 Business General. The property is located near the intersection of Board Street Road and Wilkes Ridge Parkway. see Hotel > 2

Thursday

OBITUARIES: Death Notices

February 11, 2016

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Obituaries following the service. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation to the charity of your choice. We must thank all the men and women at Spring Arbor on Ridgefield Parkway for the extraordinary love and care that they have given Betty over the last two years. They are all Angels. DORIS HILLMAN Doris Parks Hillman, 90, of Goochland, died peacefully of natural causes with her loved ones by her side Saturday, Jan. 30, in the care of Hospice of Virginia. She was born and raised in Parksley, a town named after her family, where she also met the love of her life and husband, A. F. “Buddy” Hillman, who preceded her in death in 2001. She worked as Goochland’s Cardwell Elementary School’s Cafeteria Manager, where many students went through the lunch line thinking of her as the “Lunch Lady.” She was a devoted member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the women’s group, taught Sunday school and participated in the prayer tree for many years. She also enjoyed being a member of the Security-ettes associated with ACCA’s Security Unit. During her last years, as she lived with her son’s family, she really enjoyed watching all types of sports and rooting for the Virginia teams, but the sport she loved most was hockey, rooting for the Washington Capitals. She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Richard Hillman. She is survived by her youngest son, Tommy, his wife, Robin and their two children, Philip (girlfriend, Sana) and Kaitlyn “Katie” (boyfriend, Behrad “B”); daughter-in-law, Linda Hillman Bonskowski (Rich); grandchildren, Michelle Mwema (Paul) and Bryan Pohl (Hilary;) and great-grandchildren, Austin Fry, Augie Pohl

and Henry Pohl. She also had two very loving sisters-in-law, Emolee Singletary, whose husband (Charles) is deceased and Beatrice Seymour, whose husband (Claude) is deceased; niece, Charri Anne (Bill) and nephew, Kip, whose wife (Sherrie) is deceased. She also loved Ebony Braxton, Victoria “Vikkie” Masuelli and Morgan Lambert like they were granddaughters. She was very grateful as was her family for the loving and devoted care provided by Linda Fleming and Valerie Carter. The family received friends Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the Norman Funeral Home in Goochland. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Oilville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church or Goochland Fire-Rescue Station #2, Crozier. ELOISE LANNING Eloise “Ellie” Lanning, 83, of Goochland, departed this life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Feb.3. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles (Jake) Lanning; and her infant son, James Booth. She leaves to cherish her memory a sister, Wanda Hunter; six children, Andy Booth, Eddie Booth (Carolyn), John Booth (Janet Williams), George Booth, Terry Booth (Kandy), Sherrie M a n n s (Dar ren); Lanning along with many loving and caring grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ellie retired from Verizon after 34 years of service. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, crocheting, and her dogs. Throughout her life, she was a devoted mother

and friend to many. She will be missed by all. Those who wish may contribute to a charity or church of their choice. The family received friends on Monday, Feb. 8, at the Nelsen

Funeral Home in Ashland, where a service took place at 2 p.m. Interment was at Signal Hill Memorial Park, Hanover. see Obituaries > 13

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ELIZABETH EADS Elizabeth Bost Eads, of Manakin-Sabot, died on Saturday, Jan. 30, in the arms of her husband and daughter, Susan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Preston Griffin Bost and Virginia Corrine Eller Bost of Lenoir, Eads N o r t h Carolina; a brother, John Benjamin Bost of Charlotte, North Carolina. She is survived by her husband, James W. Eads of Manakin-Sabot; a son, William Byron Eads of Cape Coral, Florida; a daughter, Susan Bost Eads of ManakinSabot; a sister-in-law, Jean Bost of Charlotte, North Carolina; and a niece, Valerie Lovelace of Charlotte, North Carolina. Betty was born in Lenoir, North Carolina. She attended Lees-McCrae School in Banner Elk, North Carolina, and the then women’s college of the University of North Carolina, at Greensboro, North Carolina, as it was known at that time. She was a member of the Nathaniel Bacon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Tuckahoe Woman’s Club, Hermitage Country Club, as well as various other clubs and organizations. Betty was devoted to her family, flower arranging her entire life, and often was called upon by friends to make flower arrangements. She loved music, Bridge, golf and the beach. Betty loved most of all her dog, Chip, who loved her in kind. She was a member of Hebron Presbyterian Church in Goochland. Betty will be remembered in a memorial service on Friday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m., at Hebron Presbyterian Church, 1040 Shallow Well Rd., Manakin-Sabot, with a visitation and reception immediately

(804) 754-1835

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

February 11, 2016

Registration now open for Sheriff’s Citizens Academy Contributed report

Registration is now open for any county resident who would like to take part in the Goochland County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy. Beginning on Tuesday, March 1, participants will meet each Wednesday for 10 weeks to take part in visual presentations, tours and a variety of practical exercises. The Citizens Academy is free and open to all county

Visit continued from >1 year to ask him about bias in the news, fears in reporting, and how to control emotions in reporting. I had students even asking for his autograph.” The admiration, it seems was mutual. “I taught for three years way back in the 1980s and miss the direct connection with young

Hotel continued from >1 According to West Creek Associates’ representative Thomas Pruitt, the hotel portion of the project will likely be four stories tall. While few details were available about the retail stores the developers hope to bring to the property, Pruitt noted that the site would feature 5.5 parking spaces for each 1,000 feet of retail space, well above the number typically required for a development of that size. The hotel company that will occupy the space has not yet been determined, Pruitt said.

West Creek Associates XC held a community meeting on Oct. 27 at Fire-Rescue Company 3 in Centerville to answer questions from residents about the height of the hotel, as well as the quality and style of the proposed development. In response to one resident’s concern on Feb. 2 about county emergency services’ ability to respond to a fire in a building of that size, officials confirmed that the county did indeed have the appropriate equipment. The Planning Commission had approved the project 5-0 during its Jan. 7 meeting.

Send news tips to Roslyn Ryan at rryan@goochlandgazette.com.

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Pets of the week

INSIDE

residents and business owners, as well as members of any community organization in Goochland County. Applications will be screened for activities that may disqualify them from participating in the academy. The deadline to sign up is Thursday, Feb. 25. For more information or an application, call Sgt. Steven Creasey at (804) 556-5349 or go to www.goochlandsheriff. org.

minds,” said Fitzgerald. “I’m not sure what incentive Cindy Matejka used to prep her students — the carrot or the stick — but having taught 8th graders, I can tell you it’s rare to see 60 or so kids attentive, and seemingly interested. It obviously helps us as a station to reach out into the community, but visiting GMS is so rewarding … it’s a visit that seems like a day off.”

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Brat pays visit to Benedictine cadets PAGE 4

SPORTS Photos submitted by Julie Lawrence

The Goochland Animal Shelter, located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in Goochland, has the following pets available to a good home: A female hound, about 3 to 5 years old; a female hound, about 4 to 6 years old; a Lab mix puppy, about 8 weeks 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.”

RECENT INCIDENTS AND REPORTS The following is a selection of recent calls to the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office.

February 1

2100 BLOCK OF OLD APPLE GROVE RD VEHICLE FIRE

2000 BLOCK OF OLD APPLEGROVE RD VEHICLE FIRE

6200 BLOCK OF COMMUNITY HOUSE RD DUI

9000 BLOCK OF WILKES RIDGE PL ARGUMENT

1100 BLOCK OF GOOSEWING RD ARGUMENT

RD LARCENY

RD DOMESTIC VERBAL

3200 BLOCK OF RIVER RD W DOMESTIC VERBAL

February 3

1700 BLOCK OF BROOKVILLE ST AUTO THEFT

7000 BLOCK OF BENHALL CIRCLE LARCENY

1500 BLOCK OF RIVER RD W LARCENY

2100 BLOCK OF FAIRGROUND RD DUI

4900 BLOCK OF RIVER RD W ARGUMENT

2600 BLOCK OF DOGTOWN RD ASSAULT FAMILY

February 5

3500 BLOCK OF BEAUMONT RD LARCENY

1400 BLOCK OF ROCK CASTLE RD DOMESTIC VERBAL

2400 BLOCK OF CHAPEL HILL RD ARGUMENT

February 6

February 4

2300 BLOCK OF LANIER RD AUTO THEFT

February 2

3400 BLOCK OF COUNTY LINE RD DOMESTIC VERBAL

100 BLOCK OF ROUTE 288 ARGUMENT

2300 BLOCK OF CAMELBACK

ROUTE 288/BROAD STREET

13000 BLOCK OF RIVER RD NOISE COMPLAINT

February 7

100 BLOCK OF JACKSON RD ARGUMENT

Relay meeting will be held today The Relay For Life of Goochland team captains and committee members will meet at 6:30 p.m. today (Feb. 11) at the Providence Presbyterian Church at 3388 Three Chopt Road in Gum Spring to plan

and prepare for Relay 2016. Registration and luminaria forms, as well as other information about Relay, will be available. All are invited. For more information visit www.RelayForLife.org/GoochlandVA.

Goochland volleyball receives state rings PAGE 10 Calendar ................................ 5 Classifieds ......................14-15 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 3 Opinion .................................. 6 Sheriff’s Report...................... 2 Sports ...............................9-10 TV Listings ......................11-13

CONTACT US Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 Office - (804) 746-1235 Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 819-5529 Melody Kinser Managing Editor (804) 775-4622 Fax: (804) 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

Thursday

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Brat pays visit to Benedictine Cadets Contributed report U.S. Rep. David Brat, R-7, met with the student body of Benedictine College Preparatory on Monday afternoon, speaking for nearly 40 minutes to a crowd of approximately 200. Brat represents Virginia’s 7th District, which includes a significant portion of Goochland. Benedictine is located along River Road. The gist of Brat’s message was a call to action by youth in response to the nation’s current and forecasted fiscal situation. He also discussed a wide range of topics, ranging from economic policy to national security to matters of faith. Brat deftly handled challenging questions from the student body. Afterwards, the congressman received the appreciation of Benedictine’s associate headmaster, Michael Bussman, as well as an official Benedictine green necktie. He concluded his visit by observing the school’s end-of-day formation.

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

February 11, 2016

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Contributed photo

Dave Brat addresses the Benedictine student body during an assembly in the school’s auditorium.

Contributed report

The Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District is currently offering two scholarship opportunities for local students. Graduating high school seniors and/or college freshmen within Goochland and

Homocide continued from >1 “It’s really a tragedy for all of us.” According to the Goochland County Sheriff ’s Office, Brooking died from blunt force trauma to the head on Feb. 2 after someone entered the trailer he was living in just off Whitehall Road. Brooking’s nephew, Tereall Jones, 44, confirmed last year that Brooking worked as a caregiver for Goochland resident Carroll Bush Parrish, who

Powhatan counties planning to major in agriculture, environmental science, forestry or other conservation-related subjects are eligible to apply for one or both scholarships. Visit Monacan’s Facebook page for a link to the application. The two available schol-

arships are the VASWCD Educational Foundation Inc. Scholarship and the Monacan SWCD Scholarship Applications may be obtained by calling the Monacan SWCD office at (804) 556-4936 or visiting local school guidance offices.

Email inquiries may be directed to betty.mccracken@ vaswcd.org. Completed applications can be mailed to the Monacan SWCD office at PO Box 66, delivered to 3064 River Road West, Suite F, Goochland, VA 23063 or faxed to (804)5562017.

passed away last December at the age of 84. It was his connection to Parrish, Jones and others say, that may have ultimately cost him his life. On Feb. 23, 11 members of the Parrish family filed a lawsuit to block execution of a will that named Bush Parrish’s heirs and divided his estate, valued at more than $1 million. The will, dated Nov. 14, 2014, five weeks before Bush Parrish died, named Brooking as executor. It listed among the

beneficiaries three deceased relatives and left to Brooking portions of the estate not willed to others. Parrish was one of the 11 plaintiffs in the lawsuit. He has been incarcerated the Pamunkey Regional Jail since May on charges unrelated to the Brooking case. A green truck belonging to Kevin L. Parrish matches the description of a vehicle seen driving towards Brooking’s residence on the night he was killed. According to Goochland

County Sheriff Jim Agnew, investigators had strong suspicions about Parrish’s possible connection to the crime from the beginning. The difficulty, he said, was in finding the evidence needed to make the strongest possible case. “There were certainly some folks that didn’t understand [the delay], but that comes with the territory,” Agnew said. “We knew sooner or later we would get a break, and we finally did.”

Thursday

February 11, 2016

NEWS: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Going on in Goochland County

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Community Calendar Wednesday, Feb. 10 The Goochland Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a blood drive at the Goochland Library from 3 to 7 p.m. Appointments may be made, but walk-ins are welcome.

Thursday, Feb. 11 The Relay For Life of Goochland team captains and committee members will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Providence Presbyterian Church, 3388 Three Chopt Road, in Gum Spring, to plan and prepare for Relay 2016. Registration and luminaria forms, as well as other information about Relay, will be available. The accounting team will be on site to accept donations collected to date. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wish Upon a Cure,â&#x20AC;? and each team will select a Disney theme. All are invited. For more information visit www.RelayForLife. org/GoochlandVA

Family Storytime for all ages will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Rockville Library. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Tuesday, Feb. 16 Coloring for Adults will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Goochland Branch Library, located at 3075 River Road West. Coloring isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for kids any more â&#x20AC;&#x201D; express your creativity and relieve some stress, too. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library for more information.

Goochland Free Clinic & Family Services (GFCFS) will be holding Volunteer Orientation at 5 p.m. at GFCFS, 3001 River Road West. Those interested in learning how the organization helps Goochland residents in need and how they can be part of the team of over 400 volunStorytimes at the teers are encouraged to attend. Goochland Branch Library GoochlandFreeClinicAndFam will be held at the follow- ilyServices.org. ing times: Toddler, 10:00 a.m., 2 years old with parent; Wednesday, Feb. 17 Mother Goose, 10:45 a.m., 6 Snuggle with a Book to 24 months with parent; and Preschool, 11:30 a.m., 3 to 5 Storytime will be held from years old. Call (804) 556-4774 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the or visit the library for more Rockville Library. Participants are asked to wear their coziinformation. est PJs and bring a favorite Sixty Seconds to Win It! plush friend to enjoy warm will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. and wonderful bedtime stoon Thursday, Feb. 11, at the ries. Cookies and milk will Goochland Branch Library, be provided by the Friends located at 3075 River Road of the Rockville Library. Call West. No athletic skill or super (804)749-3146 or visit the smarts required, just have a library at 16600 Pouncey Tract sense of fun as participants Road for more information. compete with your friends in fast and silly activities. Snacks Thursday, Feb. 18, will be provided by the Friends Storytimes at the of the Goochland Library. Goochland Branch Library Friday, Feb. 12 will be held at the follow-

ing times: Toddler, 10:00 a.m., 2 years old with parent; Mother Goose, 10:45 a.m., 6 to 24 months with parent; Preschool, 11:30 a.m., 3 to 5 years old. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library for more information. Friday, Feb. 19 Family Storytime for all ages will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Rockville Library. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Friday, Feb. 26 Family Storytime for all ages will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Rockville Library. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Saturday, Feb. 27 Goochland Boy Scout Troop 710 will be hosting its annual Spaghetti Dinner and Auction Fundraiser at 5 p.m. in the dining hall of the BSA Cub Adventure Camp. The camp is located at 1699 Maidens Road in Maidens. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 years old and under. Tickets are available through Troop 710 Boy Scouts or will be sold at the door. Silent auctions as well as a live auction will be held during the evening. A Black History Month Celebration will be held at 3 p.m. at the Goochland Recreational Center Shabaka Enterprises will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dr. Ossian Sweetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bitter Detroit,â&#x20AC;? a play about the peril of 1925 Detroit for Dr. Sweet written, produced, and directed by Sekou Shabaka. Featuring vocalists Jada Cook, Ms. Delisa see Calendar > 13

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Thursday

February 11, 2016

Staying ‘rural’ often means staying vigilant By Roslyn Ryan Editor

I am often reminded, when talk turns to the subject of development, of a little house in Spotsylvania County, near where my sister and I attended high school. The small, blue clapboard house was utterly unexceptional in just about every way — except for one. Like a tiny skiff adrift in the ocean, the building was completely surrounded on all sides by a sea of development. Essentially, what had at one time been a pastoral scene had been replaced by asphalt, concrete and glass. Just a few yards from the front door was a traffic-choked, fourlane highway and the back windows of the home offered a lessthan-stunning view of a bustling big name grocery store. Off to the side, where one would have expected to find a vegetable garden, a fast food joint served up burgers and fries until the wee hours of the morning. I’ll be the first to admit that I never was able to get to the bottom of why the little house remained on that postage stamp of earth as strip malls sprung up all around it. Was it one dogged homeowner who simply refused to give in to developers? Or was the house left there to remind those whizzing by

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of what the now overdeveloped and congested intersection in front of the property once looked like? Last week, during the monthly meeting of the Goochland County Board of Supervisors, a resident noted that the question of just what defines “rural” means is one that has plagued community planners for centuries. To borrow from the late United States Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, when it comes to what is (and isn’t) rural, “I know it when I see it.” The little house on the parking lot has always seemed to me a good reminder of just what can happen when “rural” meets “growth” and the latter is allowed to run roughshod over the former. Simply put, there is no way to undo the damage. Goochland County’s leaders have demonstrated a commitment to responsible growth, and to ensuring that Goochland maintains its own rural character. That fight, however, promises to get even tougher in the years ahead. Kudos to the residents who attend board meetings and circulate petitions, and those who form citizens groups and make their voices heard. Development and growth will always be a fact of life. But your efforts to help maintain a balance will be of tremendous benefit to Goochland residents both today and in the future.

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 © 2016 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

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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In your own words: Finding love In honor of the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday, The Goochland Gazette recently called on residents to share stories of how they met their sweethearts ...

Never say never Michelle Emann (shown at right, with her husband Dan): After a few years on the dating scene, I gave up due to numerous reasons. I decided to try a new online dating service called Chemistry. After a few weeks of torment and torture, one individual gentleman kept showing up in my “possible matches.” Dan and I started to talk via emails and after a month, we decided to meet for dessert and coffee. That same night, we shut down BW3s and stayed out until after 2 a.m. just talking. Agreeing to meet him was the best decision I had ever made, as we married a few years later. We’ve been together for 10 years and our love story continues to grow every day. ***

keep it down. But we were still loud enough to stop people in the hallway. There was a knock on the door, and three strangers invited themselves in to join the party. For us, the more, the merrier …

A second chance at love Debbie Markel: Tom and I “went steady” in high school until he dumped me for a blonde. Twenty years passed. I had been divorced and by then had two teenaged sons. Tom stopped at my parents ‘house to say “Hi” since his folks lived in the same neighborhood. My step-dad asked, “Would you like Debbie’s phone number? She’s single again.” Tom refused because he didn’t want to deal with a woman who had two teens. This was all unbeknownst to me. That night, my step-dad called and told me Tom had visited and wanted me to give him a call. I was surprised, but thought, “Gee, why not?” I called, Tom and I went out, and we started dating. About six months later I said, “I was surprised you wanted me to call you.” He said, “What are you talking about? I heard you had two kids and didn’t want anything to do with you!” That was 26 years ago, we’re married, and now we thank my step-dad for tricking us into getting back together again! ***

A love story made in Hollywood Terry Ebright: It was July 4th. A close friend got a suite on the 14th floor at the Hollywood Renaissance Hoteltowatchthedifferentfireworksdisplaysthroughout Los Angeles. We were partying the night away after being warned several times by the hotel staff to

Jason Ebright: My brother, his friend and I were heading back to our room after partying by the pool all afternoon when we heard music and talking. Still in a partying mood, we knocked on the door to check out the scene. Once inside, I saw this brunette across the room, and I had to meet her. So I worked my way to her by talking to all of her friends first. Meanwhile, my brother and friend left to go back to their room. Finally, I started talking to the brunette and then asked her out. Terry: And we’ve been together ever since … 12 years and counting!

Thursday

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

February 11, 2016

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As recent tragedy shows, life’s lessons come with a high cost parenting, it can sometimes make the difference between life and death. It’s a message recently driven home at my house when my children listened silently to Nicole’s story. I was reluctant to share such a horrific story with them, but realized as soon as I was finished that it was a conversation worth its weight in gold. In a world that seemed cruel and uncaring to Nicole, her death leaves a lasting legacy in its message and its warning that trust and friendship are virtues that must be earned, not assumed. I hope my children remember her story, and think of her each time they pick up a personal device and log on to a social network, and know in their hearts, that she never thought it would end the way it did. I also hope that somehow Nicole is aware of the impact her story has on millions of people and the hearts it has touched in the past few days. It’s a fitting memorial to a kid who wanted little more than most, gave plenty, and trusted too much.

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Sometimes, the lessons learned in life are accompanied by an unimaginable cost, and, in the worst of cases, the tiniest mistake can last a lifetime. That’s certainly the case when it comes to Nicole Lovell, the 13-year old from Blacksburg whose body was recently discovered in North Carolina. In a news cycle where the sheer volume of bad news often immunizes its viewers to the worst of human nature, it sometimes seems that nothing can shock us. But, somehow, this heinous murder hit too close to home for many, and the death of one innocent and challenged youth speaks volumes to the evil that does exist in the most unlikely of places. When Nicole was young, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and required extensive medical treatment that included a liver transplant. She survived the countless hours of surgeries, recoveries and medications, and assumed her role as a normal teenager at an awkward age and realizing the cruelties that often accompany adolescence. Nicole turned to the Internet to bolster her confidence, and the social networks offered her the respect, loyalty and excitement that her cruel classmates could not. As a parent, I’m all too aware that Nicole was not unique in her desire for acceptance and recognition, and too many children turn to social media to find validation they can’t discover in their everyday lives.

Nicole’s friends warned her of the dangers of contacting and communicating with boys she didn’t know. They told her that online descriptions rarely resemble the reality of the person behind the chat. Like many 13-year-olds, she ignored the warnings and continued meeting people online. The outcome of Nicole’s online pursuits could not have been predicted, for — even in the worst of cases — no one deserves to lose their life due to bad judgment. But, in this case, the lessons are real and the message is clear. Evil lurks in the recesses of our society, and social media provides an avenue for the illicit pursuits of perverts and molesters … and they come in the strangest and most unlikely of forms. The two Virginia Tech students charged in Lovell’s death seem like the most unlikely of suspects: talented students with bright futures and a lifetime of possibilities ahead of them. Nicole’s death is a shocking reminder to all parents that monitoring a child’s online activity is not only responsible

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By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

February 11, 2016

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Preschoolers completing a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) challenge? Sure! On Thursday, Jan. 28, the Mt. Gilead Preschoolers and their fathers enjoyed a fun night of children’s engineering. After a pizza dinner, fireman Keith Ware demonstrated how quickly a fireman can get dressed to get to a fire. The teams of preschoolers and their fathers were then challenged to build a fire truck and design a ramp that would help their fire truck travel the longest distance possible to “save the day!” The teams worked together to problem solve by using their engineering skills. As dad Mike Bowmaster said, “The ramp building was a great idea and getting to bring them home [was great] too. I know kids will set them up in their home and will still be playing with them — a great father kid night!” Organizers of the program offered special thanks to Home Depot and Blanchard Construction for donating materials needed for this event.

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Nate Bowmaster and his dad, John, work on their fire truck during the recent Fathers’ STEM night at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church.

‘Villages’ project raised over $1,900 By Roslyn Ryan Editor

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For Goochland artist Patti Rosner, the county’s rich history is a thing to be celebrated. And, if that celebration also can somehow benefit county residents in need, Rosner said that’s even better. Addressing the Goochland County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 2, Rosner described the inspiration behind her recently completed Villages of Goochland series, which is now displayed at the County Administration Building. Rosner said she got the idea for the series in 2013. It was dedicated in June. Each painting depicts one of Goochland’s five historic villages, areas Rosner said harken back to a sometimes forgotten part of the county’s history. Through donations and the sale of items featuring images of the paintings, such as mugs, ornaments and greeting cards, Rosner was able to both cover the costs of her materials and raise funds for local charitable organizations. During the meeting last week, Rosner revealed that she had been able to raise

File photo

Goochland supervisor Manuel Alvarez, left, checked out several of the paintings in Goochland artist Patti Rosner’s Villages of Goochland series during the official unveiling last June. Rosner is shown at the right.

$1,985 apiece for both Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services and the Goochland County Historical Society. “It has been my privilege and an honor to have my artwork serve as a legacy to the history of Goochland County,” Rosner told the board, before presenting County Administrator Rebecca Dickson with a commemora-

tive plate in honor of her continued support of the project. Praising Rosner for her efforts, board chairman Bob Minnick recalled the excitement of seeing the artist’s vision come together one painting at a time. “It’s a great project,” Minnick said. “Thank you so much for everything you have done.”

Thursday

February 11, 2016

SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional

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Photo by Billy Fellin and submitted photo

The 10 Benedictine athletes, photo at left, signed their National Letters of Intent on Signing Day — Feb. 3 — in the auditiorium at Benedictine College Prep in Goochland with their families. At right, Goochland senior KK Timberlake signed his National Letter of Intent to Virginia Union University on Signing Day.

Benedictine, Goochland athletes complete commitments on Signing Day By Billy Fellin Sports Editor

All across the nation on Feb. 3, high schools seniors made their decision about where they wanted to spend their four years of college playing sports. Some had grand spectacles where they held their decision a secret and surprised everyone by grabbing a hat out of several choices. Others already had made their decision long ago and were just setting the decision in stone. Eleven Goochland area student-athletes signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. Ten of those athletes were at Benedictine, where they all

sat at one very long table and signed their commitments in front of a gathered media crowd as well as friends, family, and faculty of Benedictine. Eight of those ten had won back-to-back state championships on the Cadets’ football team. Quarterback Scott Bracey was among the most heralded of the class, and signed his commitment to Duke. “It was pretty much the last piece of the puzzle,” he said. “It’s good to just settle down and make it official.” Bracey said that he had committed to the Blue Devils the summer after his sophomore year, so he had known his decision for quite some time. The academics as well as the athletic side of Duke attracted

Bracey to the school. “It was pretty much the best place for athletically, socially, and academically,” he said. “The team and the program are on the uprise. Everything they have going on there made me very interested.” Bracey said he will be playing receiver when he arrives at Duke. While Bracey is headed to the Atlantic Coast Conference, teammate Donaven Tennyson is heading to the Southeastern Conference in Vanderbilt. “It feels good. My coach called me this morning,” he said. “He’s excited and I’m excited to get this thing jumpin’. It feels good to be family at Vanderbilt. My new teammates are excited to get this thing started.” Tennyson said he chose

Vanderbilt over Michigan State and Tennessee as his top three choices. “It was a well-rounded decision,” he said. “I liked the coaches, the environment, and the academics. That’s why I chose (Vanderbilt).” He said he feels he can start day one for the Commodores, and will be an all-around athlete, playing wide receiver and a returner. He also said he wants to study Civil Engineering. “It’s crazy. Since day one, I’ve always wanted to play at a big level and now I’m getting my chance to play on it,” he said. “Going from high school to college football, I’m blessed and excited.” Rounding out the eight football players were Parrish Gordon

and Jace Mallory, who both committed to Old Dominion, TJ Dunn who committed to the University of Richmond, Justin Smith who is going to Norfolk State, K’Jon Coley is headed to UVA-Wise and Jake Waldrop is going to Hampden-Sydney. Baseball player Joe Triano and wrestler Trevor Thoma also signed their commitments alongside their fellow Cadets. Triano will play at Lynchburg, while Thoma is headed to VMI. At Goochland High School, defensive tackle KK Timberlake signed his commitment to Virginia Union University. Timberlake, 5-foot 10 and 260 pounds was a first team AllState selection in Group 2A for the Bulldogs this season.

On the Panthers’ release for the signing class, he is listed as a fullback. Timberlake will be joined by another Richmond-area signee at VUU in wide receiver Daekwon Spence from Thomas Jefferson. Timberlake’s Bulldog teammate Reid Chenault announced after Signing Day that he will be taking a preferred walk-on spot at the University of Richmond. Chenault was another allaround type player for Goochland throughout his four seasons, playing defense, special teams, and was the Bulldogs’ quarterback. He was named first team AllState this year as a punter. Both Timberlake and Chenault were state champions with the Bulldogs in 2012 when Goochland took down Essex.

Thursday

February 11, 2016

SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional

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Goochland boys ‘Purple Out’ a success at Goochland win thriller over Central 71-70

Photo by John Beebe

Goochland High School’s cheerleaders were part of the “Purple Out” Feb. 2 at Goochland. The T-shirts supported pancreatic, lung and prostate cancer. Proceeds from the shirts went to helping a member of the Goochland basketball family battling the disease.

Goochland volleyball receives state rings

Photo by John Beebe

Goochland’s Deion Harwood drives to the basket against Central Lunenburg on Feb. 2. Harwood led the Bulldogs with 21 points.

By Billy Fellin Sports Editor

Deion Harwood went off against Central Lunenburg on Feb. 2. Harwood scored 21 points, including five 3-point shots, and was one of four Bulldogs in double-figures as Goochland took down the Chargers in a close one, 71-70. Jack Twombly scored 18 points and had 10 rebounds

for Goochland, while BJ Snead had 13 points, five steals and five assists. Dallas Holmes added 11 points for the Bulldogs. Goochland trailed by eight at halftime, but surged in the third quarter to comeback and from there it was a down-tothe-wire game. Snead, Colten Johnson, Preston Loveland and Juan Photo by Billy Fellin Anderson were the players Goochland’s state champion girls volleyball team received their title rings on Feb. 8 at the Goochland fall sports banquet. Tennis chamhonored for Senior Night. pion Chase Bernstein also received his ring. The football, cross-country, cheerleading and golf teams also were honored.

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February 11, 2016

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