08/11/2016 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Head of veterans support group will address county American Legion Post> page 4

Volume 61, Number 32 • August 11, 2016

Strike a pose! Residents share favorite summer vacation pics. See page 8

Peterson planning state Senate run Pending November election outcome, supervisor may vie for seat in 22nd District By Roslyn Ryan Editor

BOS urges staff to tread lightly after change to Land Use regs Those using county’s popular tax deferment program must now verify their eligibility annually By Roslyn Ryan Editor

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors has approved a measure that would require residents taking advantage of the county’s Land Use program to re-validate their eligibility for the program on an annual basis. According to county staff, the change was suggested as a way to help the county assessor’s office to keep records current and ensure compliance with program requirements. The Land Use program allows residents to take advantage see Land Use > 2

Ken Peterson, District 5 representative on the Goochland Board of Supervisors, announced last week that he intends to run for the Senate from the 22nd District in the Virginia General Assembly if Sen. Tom Garrett is elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Garrett, the Republican nominee in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, will compete in the general election on Nov. 8. In the event Garrett is elected to

Congress, it would create a vacancy in the Virginia Senate. The vacancy would be filled through a special election. “The 22nd District lies in the heartland of Virginia where liberty and freedom are not just words, but are a way of life,” said Peterson. “As a fiscal conservative with a proven track record of defending freedom and liberty, both in uniform as an Army officer and as chairman of the board of supervisors

in Goochland County, I would give the citizens in the district an opportunity to vote for their next senator without having to rely on campaign promises, but instead on a proven record of results.” Peterson was elected to the Goochland County Board of Supervisors in November 2011, and served as chairman in 2013. He won see Peterson > 4

Countdown to start of school

Clothes Closet offering parents a hand Contributed report Sale offers chance to August in Goochland brings many buy clothes without things: the end of summer, hot temand the beginning of the busting the budget peratures, school year. For many parents, back

to school means trips to the malls or department stores to get those much needed clothing and school supplies. But what about those families for whom it’s a struggle just to have the daily essentials like food or electricity? How can they afford to get clothing for their children? There is one simple answer: The Clothes Closet. The Clothes Closet is the only low

cost thrift shop in Goochland. It carries a variety of items from gently used/new clothing (men’s, women’s, and children’s) to books to household items such as dishes and linens. Plus, the prices are extremely affordable. Most adult clothing starts at $4 while kids clothing starts at $2. Many major name brands can be found in the racks such as Hollister, American Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch, Chico’s, Children’s Place and more. There is also a color coding system that changes see Clothes Closet > 3

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

August 11, 2016

Land Use continued from >1 of tax deferments for certain specified land uses, including agriculture, horticulture and farming. Currently, 51 percent of the county’s total acreage is included in the program, which adds up to around 2,000 parcels. The value of the deferred revenue is $3,024,223. Though the board approved the change by a vote of 4-0 — District 3 representative Ned Creasey abstained, explaining that he has property in the Land Use program — several members expressed concern about what would happen to residents who might not realize that they needed to confirm their eligibility. “I’m just thinking about the stragglers, because there will be a few,” said District 1 representative Susan Lascolette, questioning what the procedure would be for dealing with landowners who, for one reason or another, were not aware of the change. “I’m worried about taking it from Land Use value to fair market value,” she said. According to the new program guidelines initially presented to the board, those landowners who do not submit the two-page application for revalidation will be removed from the program. They have the option to reapply the following year, but will be required to pay taxes based on the fair market value of the property until they are reenrolled in the program. Providing inaccurate or

falsified information, or failing to notify the office when there is a change in land use, can trigger roll back taxes, penalties and interest, though this would not apply to those who simply failed to revalidate their property. While board members agreed that contacting Land Use program participants through the same channels used to deliver their annual tax bills would help to make most of them aware of the change, concerns lingered about enforcing penalties for noncompliance during the first year. Speaking during the public comment period, one Goochland farm owner urged the board members to consider the potential burden they were placing on local land owners. She suggested that the board members “shouldn’t be blinded by the fact that this money is getting deferred, because a lot of it is coming back to you in income taxes. I think you should look at the big picture and see what you are asking these hardworking people to do.” Ultimately, after nearly an hour of debate and deliberation, board members made the decision to approve the measure, but also to do everything possible to ensure fairness when it comes to implementing the change. “We’ve got to tread carefully this year so we don’t have any issues,” board chairman Robert Minnick said. “We want to make sure we’re not creating some kind of monster here for our farmers and our other residents.”

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Pets of the week

INSIDE

Fern: Girl’s wardrobe leaves mom worried PAGE 10

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 male Beagle, about 1 to 3 years old; a male brown Tabby, about 16 weeks old; and a male, neutered Hound/Pit/Lab mix, about 5 to 6 years old. The Goochland Animal Shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. The shelter hours Thursday through Saturday are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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.”

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

August 1

DAMAGE PROPERTY 3800 BLOCK OF CABIN RD DAMAGE PROPERTY

1000 BLOCK WILKES RIDGE PL NOISE COMPLAINT

2900 BLOCK OF RIVER RD W HARASSMENT

1400 BLOCK OF STOKES STATION RD, DOMESTIC VERBAL

4300 BLOCK SHANNON HILL RD TREE DOWN

2600 BLOCK SANDY HOOK RD SHOTS FIRED

2900 BLOCK OF RIVER RD W HARASSMENT

4800 BLOCK THREE CHOPT RD LARCENY

2700 BLOCK OF DOGTOWN RD ASSAULT

2700 BLOCK OF HARBOUR COVE APTS, LARCENY

August 2

2500 BLOCK DANIELTOWN RD TREE DOWN 168-E INTERSTATE 64 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WITH INJURY

DAIRY QUEEN LARCENY

3700 BLOCK FOREST GROVE RD TREE DOWN

August 3 4500 BLOCK OF RIDDLES BRIDGE RD, GAS LEAK OUTSIDE

August 5

2684-BLK MAIDENS RD TREE DOWN

August 6

HUNTERS RIDGE APTS ARGUMENT

3500 BLOCK OF HADENSVILLE FIFE RD, HARASSMENT

3200 BLOCK OF DAVIS MILL RD LARCENY

2400 BLOCK OF OILVILLE RD INTOXICATION

300-BLK HOCKETT RD TREE DOWN

2400 BLOCK OF MAIDENS RD SHOTS FIRED

August 4

BENNINGTON RD, ILLEGAL DUMPING

3700 BLOCK HOLLY GROVE DR ASSAULT

1600 BLOCK OF MAIDENS RD/ OLD COURTHOUSE RD

12100 BLOCK CLAIRMONT CT PROWLER

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Softball team relishes World Series trip PAGE 12 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................17-18 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 5 Opinion .................................. 6 Sheriff’s Report...................... 2 Sports .............................12-13 TV Listings ......................14-16

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

August 11, 2016

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Ranked Top 1% of ALL agents in the USA!

Goochland and Powhatan Extension offices to offer well water testing program next month

Clothes Closet continued from >1 weekly, to ensure everything gets a discount. Items can often be found as low as $1 or 50 cents. In addition to everyday discounted prices, the Clothes Closet also has sales. This month, on Thursday, Aug. 11, everything in the store is 50 percent off. Can’t make it Thursday? No worries. Stop in any Saturday to find items already 75 percent off marked down to 50 cents. There is always a bargain to be found. What makes the Clothes Closet different from other thrift shops? It is one of the 11 programs offered by Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services (GFCFS). Anyone can shop there and

make decisions about system maintenance and water treatment. Many homeowners with wells, springs or cisterns test their water supply only when it is required for an occupancy permit or when they notice some issue with their water such as an odor, discoloration or gastrointestinal symptoms. But other potential problems can go unnoticed. Two kickoff meetings will be held, one at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12, at the Powhatan Village Building Auditorium for Powhatan County registrants, and another at 6 p.m. on Sept. 13, at the Goochland High School Auditorium for Goochland County registrants. At these brief informational meetings, participants will pick up a sample kit and get instructions to collect their

the proceeds benefit GFCFS, whose mission is to provide access to health care and basic human services to Goochland County residents. The main purpose of the Clothes Closet is to provide the basic human need of clothing to registered GFCFS clients. Every month, GFCFS clients receive credit dollars they can spend at the Clothes Closet so they are able to get much needed clothing, especially for their kids starting back to school. Donations from the generous Goochland community and surrounding areas are what fill the racks of the Clothes Closet. Donations are accepted daily. The Clothes Closet is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

household water sample. They will be asked to collect the sample at home and to drop off the sample at the Powhatan or Goochland Extension office between 7 and 9 a.m. on Sept.14. The sampling process will also include completion of a short questionnaire. Samples will be delivered and analyzed in the water laboratory at Virginia Tech. On Oct. 18, a follow-up meeting will be held at the Powhatan Village Building Auditorium to provide confidential test results, an explanation of what the numbers mean, and information on how to handle any problems that are present. For more information on the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, visit http:// www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu/ index.php. The goal of this program

Friday and Saturday. On Mondays the store is closed to shoppers, but is open to accept donations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gently used or new items are sorted by staff and volunteers, checked for condition, broken/missing pieces, stains, etc. before being tagged and placed on the sales floor. The Clothes Closet’s greatest needs are always kids’ clothing and shoes, men’s clothing, and larger adult sizes. Goochland Free Clinic & Family Services is a nonprofit organization that provides access to health care and basic human services to Goochland residents in need. For more information, visit www.GoochlandFreeClinicA ndFamilyServices.org.or find the organization on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfcfs.

is to improve water quality and health for Virginians with private water supplies, including wells, springs and cisterns. Water testing programs were held in 2013, 2014 and 2015. This year, the Extension offices are trying to get the word out so more residents will be able to participate. In previous years, some water quality issues were discovered. For example, for the 94 samples tested in 2015, the following issues were found: 5.3 percent exceeded the EPA standard of .3 mg/L (milligrams per Liter) for iron 8.5 percent exceeded the EPA standard of .05 mg/L for Manganese 39.4 percent were below the EPA minimum pH of 6.5 2.1 percent were above the EPA maximum pH of 9.2 21.3 percent exceeded

the EPA standard of 20 mg/L for sodium 3.2 percent exceeded the EPA standard of 1.3 mg/L for copper On first morning draw of water, 19.1 percent exceeded the EPA standard of .015 mg/L for lead 45.7 percent detected the presence of coliform bacteria 5.3 percent detected E. coli bacteria Contact your local extension office in Goochland at (804) 556-5841 or email whitehd5@vt.edu for more information and to register for the program to be held on Sept. 14. In Powhatan, call (804) 5985640 or email allisw2@vt.edu. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments.

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Contributed report

More than 1.7 million Virginians, including many residents of Goochland and Powhatan, depend on wells, springs or cisterns for their household water supply. Awareness and understanding are the keys to solving any problems regarding water quality, and an upcoming program offered by the Goochland and Powhatan Extension offices promises to help participants gain both. Thanks to the Virginia Household Water Quality Program (VAHWQP) at Virginia Tech, residents will have the opportunity to have their water supply tested for just $52. Through this affordable, confidential testing, they will learn about the quality of their household water supply and become empowered to

VA State Inspections

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Thursday

August 11, 2016

Peterson continued from >1 reelection without opposition in 2015. Upon being elected, Peterson spearheaded several initiatives designed to address the myriad financial woes facing the county. He headed a debt restructuring group formed to refinance the county’s service district debt, which saved the county millions of dollars and kept property taxes at their current level, significantly lower than surrounding counties. He also chaired the Audit Committee, helping the county received a clean audit report after previous audits had revealed dozens of findings, and headed a credit rating group which earned the coveted AAA rating for the county for the first time. District 2 representative Manuel Alvarez admits he has “mixed feelings” about the possibility of Peterson leaving the Goochland board, noting that his departure would be a true loss. “On the other hand that is the kind of leadership and experience we need at the state level, so I wish him success there,” Alvarez said. “We need people like Ken, who understand the impact that unfunded mandates and all state laws have on localities. I know he will

think of us every time he votes on a bill. So I do hope he can run for the Senate and will do what I can to help him get elected.” Peterson is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and is a former U.S. Army captain. Following the completion of active duty, he earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. Peterson has had a successful career in the private sector as a corporate finance professional. To current board chairman Robert Minnick, who, like Alvarez has served with Peterson since being elected in 2011, Peterson’s success on the Goochland board serves as the best indicator of how he would serve in the Senate if elected. “There is no one better equipped right now to step in on day one and respectfully argue for a return to common sense, fiscal, and economic security,” Minnick said. “Ken’s leadership and knowledge in so many different areas and facets of government would be a tremendous asset to the citizens of District 22 and I look forward to his future success in representing us in the State Senate.”

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Head of veterans support group to address Post 215 Contributed report

On Aug. 16, American Legion Post 215’s general membership meeting will host Jay Patrick, CEO of Family Liberation Services. Family Liberation Services provides food, shelter and assistance for previously homeless individuals with a focus on veterans. Seventy-five percent of their veterans are enrolled in Veteran Retraining Assistance Programs and over 80 percent

reach self-sufficiency. The Legion Family is holding a canned and paper goods drive for this shelter. Please bring items to the meeting. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to all veterans. There is also a free potluck buffet dinner at the Post Hall, located at 3386 River Road in Goochland. Further information concerning the Post can be found on the website www.goochlandlegionpost215.com. Contributed photo

Jay Patrick, CEO of Family Liberation Services, shows off a specially outfitted wheelchair featuring all-terrain tracks and camouflage.

Community Calendar Friday, Aug.12 A Teddy Bear Sleepover will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 5 - 6:00 p.m. for ages 3 -10. Participants will bring a favorite teddy bear or plush friend for a fun sleepover at the library. In addition, breakfast will be served at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Saturday, Aug. 13 A multi-family yard sale will be held from 8 -11 a.m. at 635 Manakin Road in Manakin. This event will benefit Dover Baptist Church. The Cochrane Rockville Branch Library will host Gigantic Games! from 4 -5 p.m. This event will feature largerthan-life versions of favorite games like Jenga, Pick-up Sticks, and Scrabble on the library lawn (weather permitting). Ice cream and ice cream floats will be provided by Friends of the Rockville Library. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Second Union (Rosenwald) School, located at 2843 Hadensville-Fife Road

in Goochland, will be hosting an Open Thursday, Aug. 18 House from noon to 4 p.m. Appointments Read 2 Rover will be held from 4:30are gladly accepted for other times as well. 5:30 p.m. at the Cochrane Rockville For more information, contact Calvin Branch Library. Read 2 Rover provides Hopkins at (804) 457-3132. comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to therapy dogs. Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library will host a Veterans Appreciation Event at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event will information. feature games, music, a basketball tournament, displays and military booths. Music, provided by the band Flashback, Saturday, Aug. 20 will begin at 6 p.m. This event will be Second Union Baptist Church’s Boys held at the Village Meadow, 3920 Marion Harland Lane in Powhatan. Donations To Men Ministry will be going deep sea will be welcome. For more information, fishing on Aug. 20, for a day of fun and fellowship. The price to attend this trip is call (804) 357-9524. $60. For more information, message the Second Baptist Church Facebook Page Tuesday, Aug. 16 at SUBCGoochland, or email 1865subc@ Goochland Free Clinic and Family gmail.com. Services (GFCFS) will be holding a Volunteer Orientation at 5 p.m. at GFCFS The Richmond Chapter of the Virginia (3001 River Road West). This event will Writers Club will be having its next meeting offer information on how the organiza- from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Goochland tion helps Goochland residents in need Library (3075 River Road West). For more and how to become a part of the team of information, call (804) 556-4774. This meetover 400 volunteers who make 11 pro- ing is open to all ages, and the group will grams work. To register for the Volunteer be discussing the intricacies of writing and Orientation, contact Diane Reale at dre- publishing. ale@goochlandva.us or at (804) 5566260, or visit www.GoochlandFreeClinic AndFamilyServices.org. see Calendar > 16

Thursday

OBITUARIES: Death Notices

August 11, 2016

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Obituaries BONNIE C. REED Bonnie Childress Reed, 69, of Rockville, passed away Sunday, July 31. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Mary Snow Childress. She is survived by her loving devoted husband of 50 years, Charles L. Reed Jr.; son, Jay Edward Reed; sister, Dawn Nuckols (Jeff); and brother, Buddy Childress. Bonnie worked 17 years for the Democratic State Headquarters. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home. Interment followed in Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Richmond SPCA (www.richmondspca.org).

DONALD F. WILCOX Donald F. Wilcox, 77, of Goochland County, formerly of Elizabethton, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord Monday, Aug. 1. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Helen Walsh Wilcox. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Brenda K. Wilcox; six children, Donna Carroll (Richard), Fred Wilcox (Joanne), Susan Wilcox, Neal Wilcox (Ruth), Brad Wilcox and Jason Wilcox (Kim); 13 grandchildren, Lance, Stephanie, Sarah, C.D., Brendan, Wilcox Aja, Dylan, Emma, Megan, Rilee, Kristin, Laura and Michael; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way. Don was the founder of Eastern Industries, Inc., vicepresident of Natkin & Company, co-owner of Wilcox Store in Hadensville, and director of Capitol Construction for the Virginia Department of Corrections. The family received friends on Aug. 4, at West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home. Graveside services were held on Sunday, Aug. 7, in Happy Valley Memorial Park in Elizabethton, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Mary’s Rooms, c/o Ashley Sheets, 7229 Forest Ave., Suite #200, Richmond, Va. 23226 or Cornerstone Christian Church, c/o St. Matthew’s School in Belize, c/o St. Matthew’s School, 9400 Gayton Rd., Henrico, Va. 23229.

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Thursday

August 11, 2016

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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Who stays and who goes? By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Someone asked me the other day if I had any plans to stop writing about Donald Trump, seeing as how I have already put forth a good number of columns detailing the Republican nominee’s tonedeaf statements, syntactical stumbling and tendency to place his rather large — presumably — foot in his even larger mouth. Yes, I said, I consider it quite often. In fact, I, like millions of others, would prefer to never have to think or speak or write about Mr. Trump ever again. Contrary to many who have made their aversion to Mr. Trump crystal clear, I am not convinced that he is a racist, or a bigot. In fact, I simply believe he is clueless. How else to explain the statement he made last week, when he was asked how he would feel if his own daughter was sexually harassed in the workplace. “I would like to think,” he said, “she would find another career or find another company if that was the case.” Allow me, please, to translate this into what I believe I heard the GOP standard-bearer actually say: “Ladies, the best way to deal with inappropriate sexual advances or harassment in the workplace is to go out and find another job.” Oh dear. Really? Is that what we’re going with? Decades upon decades of advancement on the

part of women in so many fields, from academia to business to politics, and this is where we find ourselves? On behalf of Mr. Trump, I would like to issue an apology to all of the women of previous generations who fought so hard to create a United States in which the women of my generation don’t have to find a new job when we tire of being harassed. I am speaking here to the women who did lose their jobs for standing up and speaking out, and those who were branded “difficult” (or worse) when they dared to suggest that respect in the workplace has nothing to do with gender and everything to do with professionalism and simple human decency. I thank God every day that I was raised by a strong woman, one who blazed her own path and taught her daughters that they deserved to be treated with respect. She would likely just laugh at the suggestion put forth by Trump last week and shake her head. I wish I could. But I sincerely don’t know what scares me more: that a serious contender for the presidency of the United States in 2016 believes this kind of hooey, or that he lacked the basic intelligence to stop himself from saying it aloud. The former if terrifying. The latter, however — considering the source — isn’t all that surprising. Please, Mr. Trump, take my advice: Look for another job.

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MetroCreative Illustration

A look back at drug stores of old By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

ike many busy Americans, I rarely venture inside pharmacies to pick up prescriptions. A creature of habit and convenience, I join the long line of customers in the drive-thru line, opting for laziness over efficiency. My last visit didn’t go as planned, and I had to go inside the drug store (do they still call them that?), and wait for my prescription. As I sat in a barren waiting area surrounded by aisles of medications and health care products, I couldn’t help but think about how much the experience has changed over the decades, and how folks today could care less about where they get their prescriptions or who fills them. For three decades of my life, my family used only one pharmacy. Although Peoples Drug Store opened shortly after we moved to Richmond and was only steps from our house, our loyalty to a small pharmacy on Patterson Avenue and the determined pharmacist remained. I’m not sure when Joe Slipow began filling prescriptions at Lafayette Pharmacy in the small shopping center at Libbie and Patterson Avenues, but he’s the first person I encountered at a drug store. My father told me Joe Slipow’s amazing story — how he was

orphaned in the Ural Mountains as a child and came to America to live with his grandparents in Richmond. I’m also not sure when he started the small pharmacy that attracted kids from Westhampton School to Willow Lawn to enjoy treats from an old-fashioned soda fountain with limited seats. On summer evenings, we would play on the fields of the old school until we were soaked with sweat and then head across the street to Lafayette for the best snow cone in the city, packed to the rim with the best cherry syrup imaginable. Over the years, our family depended on Slipow and his dedicated staff for all of our medical needs, and my mother often called on the pharmacist for advice on everyday bumps and bruises we encountered. In a world where technology centered largely on a black rotary phone, a call to our doctor and a promise to send a prescription resulted in a knock on our door only hours later. The same man delivered our prescriptions for years, and his arrivals were always on time. In what seemed like magic, hours after calling the doctor, you were opening a package and beginning a dose of medicine. When fall arrived, we purchased all of our school supplies at Lafayette, and Joe Slipow watched all of us grow up. Sometimes, that lifelong connection didn’t have the desired

results when he would tell you needed a haircut, or ask you about your grades in school. At Christmas, we purchased gifts for our parents at Joe Slipow’s pharmacy and even picked up last-minute hooks for ornaments at the small store Years later, Joe retired and others took his place behind the counter. When I became a father, I made sure the little pharmacy was a part of my daughter’s life. We visited often and she established her link with the soda fountain and its thick milk shakes where there was always enough left in the metal container for a small refill. A man known only as “Bear” became a friend and confidante to my child and many others in the neighborhood, and a link was established between those who ran and played at Westhampton in my generation and a new group of area kids. Bear, William Jones, was never too busy to assist a child, or hand out a piece of candy, and he made sure that Lafayette remained a place where everybody knew your name. Lafayette wasn’t the only pharmacy that offered that personalized down-home service back in those days, but it’s the one that provided me with those special memories. Only blocks away, Doc White’s on Grove Avenue had the same kind of dedicated following.

Thursday

August 11, 2016

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Autumn River Days will offer a chance to pitch in Contributed report

The Friends of Goochland Parks will be hosting Autumn River Days on Sept. 10, at Tucker Park, featuring activities designed to promote environmental stewardship and showcase the natural and historical significance of the park. This effort, co-sponsored

by the James River Advisory Council and the Friends of Goochland Parks, is a regional event that attracts volunteers from across the James River watershed and provides tremendous benefit to the river, its wildlife, and its visitors. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers will roam the shoreline of the James River on foot and

cruise the water in boats to clean up trash. From 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., animal educators from Maymont’s Nature Center will have live animals on-site, offering a chance for participants to interact with the native wildlife of the region — including toads, turtles, snakes and owls — and learn about the chal-

Readiness event set for Sept. 24 Contributed report

Citizens are invited to attend an event on Saturday, Sept. 24, that will offer valuable information about preparing for various emergencies. Planned in recognition of National Preparedness Month, the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edwards Jones Rockville Office at 11453 Rockville Rd. in Rockville. This series of demonstrations and activities,which is suitable for

the whole family, is registered as one of America’s PrepareAthon activities and listed on www. ready.gov/prepare. America s PrepareAthon is a grassroots campaign for action to increase community preparedness and resilience. The goal of this event is to help attendees understand what resources are available, get to know agencies that assist in a disaster, and network with families, friends and neighbors to learn how to prepare

for a disaster. Some of the participating groups include the American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle, American Radio Relay League (which will give a demonstration), Hanover County Community Response Teams, Hanover County Sheriff s Office, and the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department. Music will be provided by Rick Hollowell, and the festivities will include food and prizes as well.

lenges that they face. Also, Friends of Goochland Parks board member Terry Hazelton will be offering a stand up paddleboarding demonstration from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., showcasing an activity that combines elements of canoeing, kayaking and surfing. This year, Tucker Park at

Maidens Crossing is the only location in Goochland County for this event. Lunch, sponsored by L.L. Bean, will be served to all those who preregister. This event is being made possible thanks in part to the corporate sponsorship of Dominion and L. L. Bean. To register, visit http://www.

jrac-va.org/Registration/ CleanupRegistration.asp. In addition to cleaning up the riverbank, volunteers are also needed to help spruce up Tucker Park by assisting with Butterfly garden and trail maintenance. Contact Friends of Goochland Parks’ board member, Leigh Dunn (ldunn@ goochland.va.us) to volunteer.

New kayak, canoe launch will be dedicated The Friends of Goochland Parks, together with Goochland County Government, will be hosting the dedication of the county’s newest kayak/canoe launch at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug.

18, at Tucker Park. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to Beth Moore at bmoorecreative@comcast. net or by calling (804) 7843986. To reach Tucker Park from Route 6, head south

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Jackson Blacksmith Shop offering chance to be part of historic property Contributed report

Goochland’s Jackson Blacksmith Shop, which was registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1997, recently announced its Garden Wall Project. An honorary garden wall is being installed on the grounds of the historic Jackson Blacksmith Shop, and will feature engraved brick tiles to honor or memorialize family members, community organizations, business and individual patrons and any other person who should be recognized though this historic

landmark. “The personalized tiles are a good way to recognize, honor and remember special people in our lives,” said Jeffery Mabry of the Jackson Blacksmith Shop. “We are very thankful for the way the community has embraced this project. Interest in getting personalized tiles for the wall is really growing.” Since there is limited space, Mabry said it is important to put in orders as soon as possible. The purpose of this project is to enhance the grounds and maintain the shop property

and further the educational programs of the site. Those interested in being part of this project are asked to call (804) 556-4309 or visit JacksonBlacksmithShop.org for more information. The Jackson Blacksmith Shop will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 13, for tours, and tile orders will also be taken then. Current plans are to dedicate the finished project in late September, but orders are needed by Aug. 24, to meet that goal.

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Thursday

August 11, 2016

PEOPLE: Personalities & Achievements

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How I spent my summer vacation From beach bumming to road tripping, Goochland Gazette readers share their favorite summer fun snapshots Fun in the sun! Savannah May, left, and her brother Zachary showed they know how to enjoy their time at the beach during a trip to Emerald Isle.

Maria Peterson, a rising 5th grader at Goochland Elementary School, enjoyed her visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

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Goochland resident Alex Mounayar enjoyed his recent summer family trip to the beach, during which he enjoyed the surf and sand with his dog, Cookie, and even got to visit a lighthouse.

Sutten Compton and her son Magruder, 8, had a blast hiking on the Bike Trails at Collegiate School off Blair Road this summer, and also found time to welcome a new furry friend to their family (right). They adopted an 8-month-old terrier mix from Richmond Animal League.

Thursday

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Thursday

August 11, 2016

ENTERTAINING: Recipes, Tips and Advice

Ask Fern

Dear Concerned Mom, The teenage years have

arrived and the peer pressure is on! Shopping with your daughter may become more difficult as disagreements in trends wage, but if you continue to be by her side when she’s making selections, it can only be a good thing. It might be the opportune time to have the conversation about “no matter how cool an outfit may seem, it could send the wrong message.” Whether your daughter’s new attraction to more provocative attire is due to the desire to relate to a group of friends, an act of teenage rebellion, or a cry for help, it would be good to address these issues first to rule out any of the above. If possible, get dad involved in this heart-to-heart discussion so that your daughter knows she has your full attention, love and support. It is important to convey to her that what one wears is an expression to the world about one’s self, and that if we want the world to respect us we must dress accordingly. This does not mean that you must dictate every item of clothing. If her attire is not offensive or misleading and does not pose any great concern other than it is “different,” you may want

to pick your battles to be in better position for bigger issues that may arise. Your concern is a growing one nationally as more and more parents are on the fence when it comes to monitoring what their children wear because they fear their children will be made fun of for not following what’s in and what’s out. Fortunately, all schools have dress codes in place for this reason. But positive results cannot be brought about if these guidelines are not equally enforced at home by truly caring parents such as yourself!

Dear Fern, I am hoping you can help me with a wedding etiquette question I have. I come from a very large family and am the proud aunt to a total of 17 nieces and nephews. Well, as fate would have it, five of them are getting married this summer. I am invited to all of the weddings, and also to two more that will be for the children of close family friends. I love weddings and would love to attend all of them. Here is the issue: As a proud member of the LGTB community, I am very open about the fact that I have been in a committed relationship with my partner for over 20 years. She is the most important person in my life, and everyone in my family knows that. The problem is that not everyone in my family accepts this and some have gone do far as to cut off any communication with me. At first, of course, I was very hurt, but I have made my peace with it. My concern is that, if my partner and I attend the weddings this

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In the garden

Teen’s taste in clothing worries mom Dear Fern, I am a parent with a problem and I am hoping you can offer me some advice. My beautiful daughter is getting to the age — almost 13 — where she no longer wants to wear the clothes I pick out for her. This is not such a big deal, except for the fact that the clothes she seems drawn to are not ones that I feel are appropriate for a girl of her age. She has two older sisters who dress conservatively, but she seems much more into the kinds of clothing worn by singers in music videos — not the worst, but I am absolutely dreading shopping for school in a few months. Fern, I know I am the mother and should put my foot down, but I’m worried maybe I am being unreasonable. Many of her friends dress the way she would like to, and they are good kids. Should I just let her pick out what she wants and save my “vetos” for the things I simply can’t tolerate? Please help!

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summer, there will be tension between us and my family, and it will cause a distraction. I adore my nieces and nephews and want them all to have the most wonderful, happy memories of their wedding days. My partner has suggested I simply go alone (even though she was also invited to all of the weddings) but I feel this would be disrespectful to her. Fern, I just want to make everyone happy, but I can’t seem to find a workable solution. Dear Proud Partner, The family and friends who have requested the presence of your company on their wedding day clearly want to include you and your partner to share in their celebration! All feelings aside, you must admit these many invitations indicate some level of support, as the desire for BOTH you and your partner to attend has been evidenced. Understandably, your partner may have reservations given lack of support by certain individuals in the past, which surely has hurt you both. But there seems to be more of a group rallying around you these days than not. That makes me smile. For these individuals and yourselves, wouldn’t it be sad if you allowed the shallow opinions of a few to keep you from enjoying such a happy occasion together? Life is too short — go, enjoy and feel the love! Mrs. Smith-Cole is a wife, mother (of three), interior designer and active member in the Goochland Woman’s Club. Have a question for Fern? Send it to editor@goochlandgazette. com.

How to deal with those itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie, little cucumbers By Virginia McCown Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardener

At least those itsy bitsy teen weenie cucumbers weren’t yellow polka dotted like the bikini of the old song ... that would indicate an entirely different gardening problem! So what could be wrong? Sometimes more is not good. When things aren’t going our way in the garden we have a tendency to give our plants more fertilizer. Fight the urge! Fertilizer, particularly nitrogen, encourages leafy development but not flowering and fruit development. Yet, if you’re only getting cucumbers the size of small gherkins and watching them fall off the vines, you’re probably having a pollination issue. Pollination is impaired when the temperatures climb into the mid-90s or if there is excessive rain or cold. We had an unusually cool May in Central Virginia accompanied by the most rain on record! Many pollinators weren’t encouraged by our recent spring weather. However, if you’re still having issues with tiny cucumbers by midsummer, I believe your plants are simply not being visited by enough bees, butterflies, wasps, or birds. You may have to hand pollinate your plants with a small paint brush or ear swabs this year. It’s also a good time to make plans for next year’s harvest. You can do this by inviting more native flowering plants to attract pollinators. Easy perennials such as cone flower, bee balm, and butterfly weed could be started this year to attract pollinators for next season. There are many more native shrubs and perennials you can introduce, too. Need more ideas? Virginia’s native plants can be viewed in a natural setting at Powhatan’s native plant trail in Fighting Creek Park at the end of Mann Road near the Powhatan County Library. Plants are labeled for easy identification. For additional questions on pollination problems, encouraging pollinators or growing native plants, contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office in Goochland (804)556-5841 or Powhatan (804) 5985640.

Thursday

August 11, 2016

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Goochland CASA organization receives national certification Contributed report

Goochland’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program was recently awarded certification by the National CASA Association. This certification recognizes that Goochland CASA is in compliance with National CASA’s high standards for quality child advocacy. According to Tara Perry, Chief Executive Officer of the National CASA Association, “The National CASA quality assurance process is very rigorous, and reflects our commitment to ensure every child served has a powerful volunteer advocate working on their behalf and a strong program supporting their work. This certification says Goochland CASA has demonstrated to us the capacity to provide excellent advocacy to the abused and neglected children

within their community.” The first CASA program in the United States began in 1976, when a Seattle judge conceived the idea of using trained community volunteers to speak for the best interests of children in court, helping to ensure that they would live in a safe and loving environment. So successful was this Seattle program, that soon judges across the country began utilizing citizen advocates. In 1990, the U.S. Congress encouraged the expansion of CASA/GAL with passage of the Victims of Child Abuse Act. Today, there are more than 950 National CASA member programs across the country, with more than 70,000 men and women serving as CASA or Guardian ad Litem volunteers.

Goochland CASA was started in May 2005. Connie Reid, who continues to be a member of the Goochland CASA Board of Directors, remembers working hard those three or four years before the program in Goochland started, hoping that they could get the project off the ground. At that time, Reid says, they wondered if their dreams would meet fruition and if an organization which depends so much on willing volunteers would reach their goal. “I am amazed to see how far we have come and how much we have accomplished,” said Reid. “And I am confident we will continue to be successful!” For more information, contact Ann O. Casey, Goochland CASA’s Executive Director, at (804) 556-5876 or acasey@ goochlandva.us.

Reynolds to host Registration Super Saturday Contributed report

Reynolds Community College will host Registration Super Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 20, on all three of its campuses. During Registration Super Saturday, prospective students will be able to apply to the college, register for classes, talk to an advisor and receive information on Financial Aid and scholarships.

“For people who are still thinking about going to college this fall, this is a great opportunity to meet college advisors, program faculty and college staff who are dedicated to student success,” noted Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Thomas Hollins. Reynolds has three campuses: the Parham Road Campus at 1651 East Parham Road in Henrico County; the

Downtown Campus at 700 East Jackson Street in Downtown Richmond; and the Goochland Campus, located at 1851 Dickinson Road near Routes 6 and 632 in the Goochland Courthouse area. For more information about registration, call (804) 371-3000 or visit www.reynolds. edu. A complete list of fall semester classes is available at http://www.reynolds.edu/ classes.

Extension office to offer free Fall Lawn Care program Contributed report

The Goochland Extension office will be hosting a Fall Lawn Care Program from 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday, Aug.20, at the Goochland Library (3075 River Road West). Topics include soil testing, weed management, aeration, fertiliza-

tion and lawn care best management practices. This program will advise participants on how to take advantage of the fall season to improve their lawn, reduce weeds, and improve soil fertility in order to provide lawns with the nutrients they need.

To register for this program, contact the Goochland Extension office at (804) 556-5841. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments.

Equestrian center offering veterans appreciation event Saturday Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center will host a Veterans Appreciation Event from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12. This event will feature games, music,

a basketball tournament, displays and military booths. Music, provided by the band Flashback, will begin at 6 p.m. This event will be held at the Village Meadow,

3920 Marion Harland Lane in Powhatan. Donations will be welcome. For more information, contact Clint Arrington at (804) 357-9524.

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The great outdoors

Photo courtesy of Donna Cottingham

The eft, or juvenile stage of Notophthalmus viridescen.

Newts a common sight in Goochland By Donna Cottingham James River Master Naturalist

If these eastern red-spotted newts are so common, it seems like we would see them more frequently. Perhaps one reason we don’t is because they live an elusive life that involves extreme transformations — changing color and appearance with each life cycle. Larvae and adults rely on gills to obtain oxygen from the water, while terrestrial juveniles have lungs. Members of the salamander family, they begin life in the water, leave for a few years to live on land, and then return to live in water. In the early spring, females lay eggs in a pond or other quiet body of water. Weeks later, small, brownish larvae hatch and spend the summer in the water. In late summer they grow into orange efts, or juveniles, and leave the water to spend up to three years on land in woodland habitats. Once they reach maturity, they return to the water to breed, and then spend the rest of their adult lives living in the water. Aquatic adults can reach five inches in length and are greenish brown but retain their juvenile spots. They can live for more than 10 years. The bright orange of the juvenile stage is a warning color to predators. If attacked, their skin can secrete a toxic substance to discourage most predators from eating then. Efts often move around at night but can be seen in the daytime when the ground is moist. Efts eat worms and insects that can be found in leaf litter.

Thursday

August 11, 2016

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

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Submitted Photo

The Virginia State champion Goochland softball team holds the state flag in Louisiana at the Dixie State Tournament. Shown are, from left, first row, Taylor Michaels, Skylee Alberts, Jaylia Mills, Alyssa Barger and Marina Stratiou; second row, Cate Bryant, Kiersten Green, Kylie Stagg, Alyssa Shively, Brookelyn Green, Jasmine Price and Keeley Shoemaker; and, third row, coaches Jeff Michaels and Ted Price.

Goochland softball relishes World Series experience By Billy Fellin Sports Editor

The Goochland Youth Athletic Association’s Virginia State champion softball team had the experience of a lifetime at the Dixie World Series in Louisiana. While the outcome wasn’t what the team would have wanted, coach Jeff Michaels said that just being able to make it to the World Series was something to remember. “The experience was awesome,” he said. “It was the first time that

Goochland got to go to the World Series. It was a great experience and fantastic time for the girls.” The team only scored one run over the two games that the team played in. That lone run was on an RBI double hit by Alyssa Shively, scoring Taylor Michaels. That decline in offense was a surprise to the head coach. “We didn’t hit the ball as much as we needed to do to win games,” he said. “It was weird after we scored 65 runs in the previous tournament. We only scored one run. We just didn’t hit

the ball the way we needed to.” One of the teams that Goochland played, the team from North Carolina, was at its fourth World Series appearance in a row. Michaels said that it was really interesting to see the contrast between a team that had been there before and his team’s first time at the World Series. Despite the lack of offense and the two losses in the World Series, the team did come away with one award—the sportsmanship award. “It was a really good feeling,” Michaels said of the sportsmanship

award. “In spite of everything, our girls maintained the best sportsmanship possible on and off the field.” Michaels said that getting to the tournament in the first place was an undertaking and that he and the team were incredibly grateful to the Goochland community for coming together and helping the team achieve their dreams. “There was a lot that went into getting to Louisiana,” he said. We are extremely grateful to the corporations and individuals that helped us get there. Goochland Youth Athletic

Association’s leadership of Melody Newman, Katie Martin, they’re the commissions of GYAA, and President Drew Edwards and Katie Walsh. The four of them put a lot of effort to getting us to Louisiana and we wouldn’t have made it there without them. It was awesome to see the community to rally around the social media and the fundraising going on. It was a heartwarming and great feeling for small town Goochland.” The team took full advantage of

see Softball> 13

Thursday

August 11, 2016

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

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Submitted Photo

The Goochland softball team had the chance for a high adventure experience on the way back from the World Series. Shown are from left, Jaylia Mills, Keeley Shoemaker and Alyssa Shively.

Softball continued from >12 seeing different parts of the country, such as going on a zip line in Nashville. That bonding time was a really unique experience for the team, Michaels said. “The girls really got the opportunity to bond with the team over an extended amount of time,” he said. “Sharing that time with their teammates when they normally wouldn’t

have, that bond certainly stood out to them, the coaches and parents.” That bonding was especially significant for this team as this particular group of girls probably won’t have the chance to play together on the same field as a team ever again. Some of the players have aged out, while the core group of girls will be back for another chance at the World Series next year. “(It) was a once-in-a- life-

time opportunity for those girls,” Michaels said. “We continued to remind them of that and through the entire journey. Sometimes, the softball gods are with you and sometimes they’re not. They just weren’t with us those particular days. The girls still experienced all they could over those two days.” Billy Fellin can be reached at wfellin@powhatantoday. com or on Twitter at @BillyFellin.

2016 VIRGINIA STATE CHAMPIONS ROSTER Skylee Alberts

Jasmine Price

Alyssa Barger

Alyssa Shively

Cate Bryant

Keeley Shoemaker

Brookelyn Green

Kylie Stagg

Kiersten Green

Marina Stratiou Coaches: Jeff Michaels Ted Price

Taylor Michaels Jaylia Mills

Submitted Photo by Clair Norman

Clair Norman rides her bike during one of her most challenging aspects of the triathlon in Germany.

Triathlete sums up experience overseas in a word: magical By Billy Fellin Sports Editor

Triathlete Clair Norman had one word to describe her experience overseas: magical. “The landscape, the architecture, the spirit of the people and the profound history of the place was just amazing to experience,” she wrote in an email. “I was mostly focus on my race, my team and our cause, but these aspects of Europe were not lost on me. I will definitely go back and bring my family.” Norman was in Roth, Germany with the SpeakUp team to compete in the Challenge, the world’s largest long-distance triathlon. While the experience was certainly one that Norman won’t soon forget, the race itself came with many challenges for Norman. One such challenge was hydration, specifically water, when she was on the bike portion of the triathlon. “I would say my hydration

on the bike was not sufficient,” she wrote. “I found myself without any water at one point late in the bike portion, about 85-90 miles in. The key is not to panic, but problem solve.” So, what was the solution to this problem? While Norman said she “wouldn’t recommend it” she made a plea to some of the spectators along the course. “With the water stop miles away and no bottles on my bike, I pulled over to a group of guys who were clearly having fun cheering on the athletes and asked if anyone had any water they could give me,” she wrote. “Mostly, they had beer, but one guy gave me his personal water out of his car, which had a few sips missing. It turned out to be carbonated spring water but I didn’t care. It got me to the next opportunity for water. I was grateful.” Norman said that she feels that the swimming portion of the race was her strongest leg of the three. “I really do love to swim and

I exceeded my personal time goal,” she wrote. “I came in 10 minutes quicker than the bar that I had set of myself.” Along with the race itself, the SpeakUp team was there along with the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation to continue their mission of spreading the message of awareness of teenage anxiety and depression. Norman said that the message was very well received overseas. The message of the foundation was even more poignant as Norman’s race partner, who is from France, is dealing with mental illness in his family. “Lots of folks reacted emotionally to our story and mission and almost all wanted to know where they could learn more about the work of the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation,” she wrote. “All 15 SpeakUp team members were amazing ambassadors.” Next up is the SpeakUp 5k on Sept. 10 at Byrd Park as well as one in Tampa, Fla. As Norman said, “we can’t stop, won’t stop.”

Thursday

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August 11, 2016

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