03/01/2018 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Local artist uses talent to support Pet Lovers group > page 5

Volume 63, Number 9 • March 1, 2018

MAKING HISTORY! Bulldogs team wins first Regional basketball title for GHS. See page 9

Should they stay or should they

GO NOW? While some local parents are fine with nudging kids out of the nest at 18, others say ‘Not so fast’ By Roslyn Ryan Editor

or the woman posting to the Facebook page Goochland Moms, it started as a simple question. Why, wondered the woman, who said she is halfFilipino, does it seem that so many American parents tend to urge their children to leave home when they reach adulthood while those in other countries — including the Philippines — encourage children to stay until they marry. “Me, myself, I would never kick my kids out,” she wrote. “I mean you do have to make the correct decisions with working and cleaning and respect, and all that. [But] I would never tell them they can’t live with me.” see Leaving home > 3

GREAT HOME INTERIORS QUALITY, SELECTION, SERVICE & VALUE

County kicks off budget process No tax hike in $89.4 million budget, which includes more for schools and public safety By Roslyn Ryan Editor

As County Administrator John A. Budesky told Goochland supervisors last week during the kickoff to the county’s annual budget process, saving money is something to which he and his staff is fully committed — even when it’s especially challenging.

Budesky

see Budget > 3

Town Hall schedule announced The next round of Town Hall meetings, which will include discussions on the FY19 Budget, will be held on March 7 at Hermitage Country Club (Districts 4 and 5), March 20 at the Fife Fire-Rescue Station (District 1), and March 28 at the Central High School complex on Dogtown Road (Districts 2 and 3).

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Pets of the week

INSIDE

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 (clockwise, from the top left): A neutered male hound, about 4 to 6 years old; a spayed female pit, about 3 years old; and a neutered male hound, about 4 to 6 years old. The Goochland Animal Shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information on the Goochland Animal Shelter, call (804) 556-5302.

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Gum Spring UM church offering schedule of Holy Week events Contributed report

Gum Spring United Methodist has announced the following Holy Week schedule: March 25 Palm Sunday Services at 8:45 and 11 a.m. March 25 Easter Egg Hunt at 4 p.m. March 28 Wonderful Wednesday Community Feast/ Mission Friends at 5:30 p.m. See Community Calendar listing. March 29 Maundy

Thursday Service at 7:30 p.m. at GSUMC . March 30 Good Friday Prayer & Meditation at 7 p.m. at GSUMC. The churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sanctuary will be open for Prayer and Meditation from 7-8 p.m. March 31 Holy Saturday/ Rise Against Hunger/Stop Hunger Now Event at 9 a.m. April 1 Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m., Breakfast at 8 a.m., Sunday School at 9 a.m. and Easter Worship at 10 a.m.

Do you have community news to share? Contact editor Roslyn Ryan at rryan@goochlandgazette.com

Woodson honored with Pryor Award PAGE 19 Calendar ................................ 8 Classifieds ......................14-17 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 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 Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 730-0476

Budget continued from >1 “We are a fiscally conservative community, and we pride ourselves on our low tax rate,” Budesky said. “We seek efficiencies and cost savings whenever we can, and at this point we have wound things pretty tight.” Even so, he told board members, “We are still looking for areas where we can save.” Budesky proposed a $89.4 million County Budget for Fiscal Year 2019 beginning July 1. The County General Fund budget at $53.1 million represents a $2.7 million, or 5.3

Leaving home continued from >1 To say she received some feedback would be quite an understatement: When all was said and done over 70 area parents had weighed in on the subject, with many saying that, while they didn’t like the idea of shoving their children out the door when they turned a certain age they weren’t about to let them live with them indefinitely. One of them, Sonda Silva, didn’t mince words when it came to her own philosophy on nudging kids out of the nest. “I spend 18 years preparing them to be adults, then I let them,” said Silva, a mother to two boys, ages 23 and 15. “I understand that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances, however I feel you do your children a great disservice by allowing them to stay past adulthood. Let them fail, struggle, and in the process, grow, or rob them of the life experiences they need to sharpen their character. You can support them without financially supporting them, and they will thank you later, as will your wallet.” According to the most recent

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

percent, increase from the current year. No tax rate changes are proposed. As Budesky outlined to board members, education makes up 43 percent of the General Fund budget while Public Safety is 20 percent of General Fund spending. Some of the changes from the current year include: Public Safety funding will be increased by $576,569, or 5.7 percent above the FY18 budget The School transfer increased by $760,000, or 3.5 percent above the FY18 budget The Department of Social Services (Health &

Welfare) transfer increased by $65,342, or 10.1 percent above the FY18 budget A 2 percent merit compensation increase is proposed for all County employees. The County and Schools Twenty-Five-Year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) contains $513.5 million for forecasted projects. The first year of the CIP for FY19 includes investments in transportation, public safety, education, parks and recreation, and facilities maintenance. After hearing Budesky’s proposal, the Board of Supervisors also heard presentations from the School Superintendent Dr.

Jeremy Raley, Sheriff James L. Agnew, Fire-Rescue Chief William MacKay, and Animal Protection Director Tim Clough. A second session was held on Feb. 29, and the Board’s consideration of the FY19 budget continues March 6 at 3 p.m. The public hearing on the budget and tax rates will be held on April 3 at 7 p.m. Adoption of the budget and tax rates is scheduled for 3 p.m. on April 17. All meetings are open to the public. The County Administrator’s Proposed FY2019 Budget can be read at http://goochlandva. us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/ Item/1153.

US Census data, there are currently around 1,764 Goochland residents over the age of 18 living with at least one parent. Of that number, 1,391 are between the ages of 18-34. So why the delay in striking out on their own? Some point to the recent economic downturn, and the challenges it posed to young adults trying to snag their first job. Curt Brown, one of the posters to the Goochland Moms debate, pointed out that it isn’t always helpful for parents to assume their children will be able to move out at the same age they did. “This is where understanding how the economy works helps us understand that age isn’t a viable factor in the intended success of our children,” Brown said, noting that plenty of changes have come in the last several decades that make it more difficult to find a first job, or buy a home. While none of the parents who responded to the Goochland Moms post seemed to view children staying at home as a terrible thing, several pointed out the merits of the “tough love” approach. “Sometimes it’s not about

not loving a child,” said Melissa Black, “it’s about teaching them to be on their own. But some parents enable their kids and allow them to live at home and not contribute to the family. They just sit around, socialize, party, and are not being a productive member of society nor their own family. That is enabling. If the child is attending school or working and being responsible then fine ... [b]ut, I have seen many kids take advantage of their parents and then they never leave.” To licensed clinical social worker Junie Myers, laying the developmental groundwork early can often help head off issues when it comes time for young adults to set out on their own. In most cases, she said, children who have been hitting the appropriate developmental milestones along the way “will not want to stay.” Myers says she has worked with many families facing issues stemming from a child either not wanting to leave or returning back home. Her suggestion? Parents don’t have to shove their kids out the door at 18, but they should also make sure they are setting clear boundaries and

being clear about their expectations for how long the current living arrangement will last. “Sometimes we think we are being clear, but we all do better when there is a road map,” Myers says. For her part, mom Kennedy Jenkins says she is planning to play it by ear as her children approach adulthood — and keep the door open. “My kids will know when they’re ready to leave home,” Jenkins said, “and whenever that time comes, I’ll be there to help them start their new life in any way I can.”

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Area church hosting weekly 12-step, Al-Anon meetings Contributed report

Mizpah Christian Church, located on 5257 Old Columbia Rd. in Goochland, is inviting people to take part in the giving and receiving of support at its 12 step Recovery Program and Al-Anon meetings. The meetings will begin at 8:30 p.m. each Wednesday evening. Mizpah is located in the western part of Goochland,

just north of George’s Tavern about 1.5 miles from River Road West. Al-Anon supports those who have friends or relatives dealing with substance abuse. These meetings are in separate rooms but are held the same night to help in carpooling. For more information, leave a message on church phone at (804) 4574GOD (4463).

Elrod & Dunham Dentistry Dr. Joseph W. Elrod Jr., and Dr. Bryson Dunham are excited to provide their patients with gentle dental care in a comfortable and relaxed environment. As they stay focused on the most current trends and technologies, they are proud to offer: Implant placement & restoration Cosmetic dentistry Surgical extractions

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MARGARET A. CONLEY Margaret Ann Turner Conley, 76, of Kilmarnock, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 20. She was born June 12, 1941, in Empor ia, daughter to the late Joe Turner and Conley Josephine Sopko Turner. She retired after 20 years with VIMCO

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Obituaries

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OBITUARIES: Death Notices

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and enjoyed her retirement, from gardening to traveling along and spending time with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Samuel Roy Conley, whom she greatly missed. She is survived by her two sons, David Lee Conley of Rockville, Va. and Jeffrey Scott Conley and wife, Diana Lynn, of Glen Allen, Va.; four grandchildren, Curtis Lee Conley and wife, Laura, Lindsey Paige Conley, Jessica Blair Conley and Amber Lynn Conley; and two great-grandchildren, Cason and Adalyn Conley; as well as her two favorite granddogs, Gypsy and Panda. Mass was held on Monday, Feb. 26, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Kilmarnock. Interment followed the service in Morattico Baptist Church Cemetery in Kilmarnock. The family received friends on Sunday, February 25, at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock.

JoAnn Arnette of Ashland. The family received friends on Sunday, Feb. 24, in the Powhatan Mennonite Church, where a memorial service was held on Monday, Feb. 25. Graveside services were held Monday in the Powhatan Community Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh.com.

J. WAYNE LANCASTER J. Wayne Lancaster, 82, of Powhatan, went to be with the Lord Feb. 22, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Connie; c h i l d re n , D i a n a Lancaster of Texas, J o e Lancaster (Davina), Lancaster Annette Arrington (Linwood), both of Powhatan and Debbie Payne (Roy) of Goochland; eight grandchildren, Ellie, Layne, Cory, Ross, Okie, Daniel, Jessie, Chris; 10 great-grandchildren, Zadie, McKayla, Mitchell, Glenn, Chase, Mason, Jordan, Madison, Caylen and Colton; brother, Donnie Lancaster (Pat) of Powhatan; sister,

JOHN L. STANSBURY IV John L. “Lauren” Stansbury IV, 44, of Rockville, passed away on Feb.16, 2018, following a courageous and inspiring eightm o n t h battle with, as he called it, “the c a n c e r .” Raised in Rockville, Stansbury Lauren had a country childhood riding in the back of pick-up trucks, using a jonboat to cross the driveway when the crick rose, and going to church, which firmly grounded him as a man of faith. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School with honors, a legacy of trouble he didn’t get caught for, and a girlfriend who would

ROGER LYTTLE SR. Roger “Lightnin” Lyttle Sr., 79, of Goochland, departed this life Saturday, Feb.17, 2018. The family received friends on Thursday, Feb. 22, at Affinity Funeral Service in Richmond. A funeral service was Lyttle held on Friday, Feb. 23, at Emmaus Baptist Church in Goochland. Online guestbook at affinityfuneralservice.com.

become his wife. An English and Philosophy double major at the College of William & Mary, he once earned an A in Ethics after attending class only one time. During school, he made incredible friends, sharpened his wit, and became known to his Theta Delta Chi fraternity brothers as “Cutbait” because he was so small. Having been on the job since his earliest memories, Lauren joined the family business as the 5th generation of W.R. Stansbury & Bro. Painting & Decorating. Drawing on 110 years of experience, he took great pride in his work as a craftsman, taking care of countless homes, including some of the finest and most historic in the Richmond area. His customers were as devoted to Lauren as he was to them, often entrusting him with their house keys to come and go as needed. Lauren married his wife of 18 years, Heidi Werner Stansbury in May 1999, on the 7th anniversary of their first date. They lived in the Dumbarton area of Henrico for much of that time, renovating their first home with great care. He was blessed with three amazing sons, Linus (14), Zane (10) and Ridge (4). Lauren shared his love of the great outdoors with his boys, teaching them the peace that comes from being on the water. He was happiest when kayaking, fishing, camping, tending a wood-burning fire, spending time in New Orleans, listening to music or Howard Stern, raising a glass (well, several) with friends, throwing a great party, and simply spending time with his wife, boys, large extended family, and dear friends. His passion for sports included the New Orleans Saints, New York Yankees, Syracuse basketball,

and watching his boys at soccer, baseball, basketball and wrestling. He couldn’t stand wallpaper, bad food, and waiting for his wife to get ready to leave for the river. When the National Park Service began requiring driving permits at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, he wove a tapestry of obscenity so thick it might have harmed the habitat of endangered piping plovers more than the 4x4 vehicles driving on the beach. Lauren was quick to extend his hand to help anyone in need, kneel to talk with a child, and instruct others in the right way to do important tasks like frying bacon and folding sheets. And he was hot, too. Lauren was preceded in death by his grandparents, John L. Stansbury Jr., Alda Baskett Wickham, Wilbur Cullen Wickham; cousin, William Alexander Kitchen; and Nola, the best dog ever. He’s survived by his wife, Heidi; three sons, John Linus Werner, Zane Wickham and Ridge Bourne; his mother, Nancy Wickham Webb (Shep); father, John L. Stansbury III; grandmother, Adelaide Bourne Stansbury; sister, Sonya S. Stephens (Greg); brother, Wick Stansbury (Jaime); loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, many other loved ones on his large family tree, too many incredible friends to name, and his underwhelming dog, Merle. Lauren’s family received friends on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Bennett Funeral Home in Glen Allen. A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, Feb. 22, at Springfield Christian Church in Rockville. In lieu of flowers, Lauren’s family suggests a memorial gift to the James River Association (jrava.org/) or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (appalachiantrail.org).

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March 1, 2018

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Recent Property Transfers 2405 Incline Court, 2309 Lanes End Place, 106 Birch Circle, Manakin-Sabot; Virginia T. Goochland; Gary C. Ratay to Maidens; W.V. McClure Inc. Kikng to Eugene B. Clark III, David D. Doersch, $395,000. to Herbert S. Lipscomb III, $485,563. $282,950. 211 E Brook Run Drive, Richmond; McGurn Co. to Kristine A. Hubbard, trustee, $498,291. 610 Canoe Run Place, — Established 1897 — Manakin-Sabot; Cherie B. Charles D. Morehead, President and General Manager Evans, trustee to Durwood Allen Perkins III, $425,000. 13 Dahlgren Road, Richmond; Robert S. Douglas to Benjamin B. Hagen, $654,950. 7287 Ellingham Court, Glen Allen; Eagle Construction of Virginia Bennett West • Henrico 11020 West Broad Street LLC to Shelia S. Wiggins, Henrico’s families have trusted Bennett Funeral Homes $450,410. in their time of need for an entire century. 3161 Gathright Drive, Goochland; Elizabeth A. Landers to Tia T. Whitmer, $206,000. 359-4481 • www.bennettfuneralhomes.com

Our

Contributed photo

Addie Powell, left, Kevin Brandt and Robin Caspari display some of the art that Caspari recently sold to help support the Goochland Pet Lovers’ Promise Campaign.

Valentine’s gala raises $33K for Goochland Pet Lovers Contributed report

Over 50 enthusiastic pet lovers gathered at Goochland artist Robin Caspari’s Art Studio at Running Mare Farm on Feb. 10 to celebrate the Valentine’s holiday and the Goochland Pet Lovers Promise Campaign. The highlight of the evening was an insightful talk by Caspari about how she approaches the canvas each time she paints. With several paintings being purchased

that evening, and 50 percent of those sales being donated to the campaign, the evening was a huge success. “My entire family consists of pet lovers, and I truly admire the work being done by Goochland County and Goochland pet Lovers,” Caspari said. “I am humbled to see my art make a difference for this effort.” “We are truly humbled by the Goochland community’s support of our efforts to pro-

vide the county with a state of the art facility to house our rescued pets,” said event chair Martha Bowden, “and we are excited as we transition into our next phase, exploring programs that will continue to benefit the entire community.” For further information, please contact Wayne Dementi, President of Goochland Pet Lovers, at (804) 363-0160 dementi@aol. com.

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The Goochland Republican Women will welcome Sandra Treadway, Librarian of Virginia, to discuss the Virginia Capital Foundation Women’s Monument Project at 10

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Arming teachers: Can we talk about this? By Roslyn Ryan Editor

In the days following Feb. 14, as the terrible reality of what had happened at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School began to sink in, it wasn’t hard to find someone with an opinion on what could have been done differently, or what might have helped spare the lives of the 17 children who were lost in one of the worst school shootings in American history. It also didn’t take long for one popular refrain to once again begin popping up in headlines, editorials and social media posts. I’m speaking, here, about the notion that arming school faculty or staff members could be a potential stop-gap measure for school administrations searching for any

possible way to prevent massacres like those that have occurred at our schools time and time again. The idea was already appearing to gain some traction in certain circles last week before President Trump lent it his apparent stamp of approval. Predictably, the backlash was swift, including a veritable avalanche of op-ed pieces deriding the idea as somewhere on the spectrum between idiocy and lunacy. Before I go any further, one quick note: If the sun came up today, I probably found something to disagree with President Trump about — and arming teachers is one you can add to the list. I don’t think it is a particularly workable solution for a number of reasons, including the fact that it seems far, far too much to ask of our teachers. That said, I must admit to a

welling sense of irritation last week as I read the barrage of vitriol directed at those who suggested allowing — or asking — education professionals to carry. No, I don’t love the idea. But, for the love of all things holy, is there really anything wrong with bringing the subject forward for discussion? Is it entirely impossible that we might rationally weigh the pros and cons of an idea and perhaps use it as a jumping off point that could lead to an actual solution? Could it possibly be that the reason the problem of gun violence in this country never seems to get any better is that, at the mere mention of something they find objectionable, both sides close ranks, stop listening, and hurl rocks at each other?

It is my deeply held belief that the solution to ending school shootings lies in a combination of tougher school security measures, better training in how to identify and intercept students with mental health problems and/or violent tendencies, and overall improvements to current gun regulations. That said, I also know that I am a newspaper editor, not a public policy specialist, or an educator, or a parent of school-age children. And I know all of those people have valuable insight into how this problem can be solved, whether we agree with their initial assessments or not. We’re not going to erase the horrors of school violence overnight, but somewhere, somehow, there has to be a fix. I’m all ears.

When it comes to art, eye of the beholder matters most By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

When it comes to art, I know what I like but have no idea why, or the theory that prompted the result. On the rare occasions when I do find myself in a gallery setting, I approach the viewing casually,

usually gravitating to the works that appeal to me on a visual level. I do know enough to realize the real beauty of some of the greatest works are hidden in the stories of the men and women who created them, and knowing the artist offers a new appreciation of their work. When I heard the story of Emery Blagdon, I was intrigued by

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both his work and, probably more importantly, his life. To those who knew Emery, describing him as an artist seems appropriate, but not exactly accurate when considering his creations, a collection of unique items that he called his “pretties.” Blagdon ended his education at an eighth grade level and spent the

formative years of his life traveling and working a number of jobs, mostly at sawmills on the West Coast. News from his Nebraska home was usually bad, and Blagdon eventually lost two of his siblings to cancer. He returned to his see Ridolphi > 7

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Goochland residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Goochland Gazette. Send letters to: The Goochland Gazette 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: editor@goochlandgazette.com © 2018 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: 8,014.

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My Advice to You Ann James

Goochland “Two pieces of advice given to me and by which I have tried to live are, ‘Be true to yourself’ and ‘Always do your best.’ “I knew, from very early on, that I wanted to be a secretary. My aunt, we called her ‘Toosie,’ was a secretary and, as a little girl, I was fascinated by her shorthand ‘squiggles.’ “When I would visit her and my grandmother, I would beg her to get her little black Greg Shorthand book out and read what those squiggles Sh would go said. She into the attic, di out the dig s shor thand b book and b begin readin I would ing. th then use a pen to copy pencil squ the squiggles. “When I was a freshman in Goochland High, I took typing and shorthand under Geraldine Richardson and I still have the first typing certificate I received for ‘having demonstrated ability to type accurately at the rate of 42 words a minute.’ “I also took shorthand under Mrs. Richardson and another student, Karen Neilson, and I would race to see who would get the perfect timings. “Long story short, because I tried to do my best, I became a secretary in the office of Governor of Virginia. Knowing early on in life what you want to be tends to make you a success. “Being true to myself has made me rather vocal. As many of you know, I have never been shy about voicing a concern I might have on an issue. I know not everyone will agree with me but many times I have been told that sometimes, ‘even though I don’t agree with you, I respect you for saying it.’ “In my humble opinion, it ‘don’t get no better than that.’ “As Popeye the Sailorman would say, ‘I yam what I yam and that is all that I yam.’”

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March 1, 2018

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‘Love and Learn’ parenting class series starts April 12

Ridolphi continued from >6 farm near North Platte, and began a simplistic existence that centered on self-reliance, and Blagdon was often seen tending to his two enormous gardens. When he wasn’t working his hands in soil, Blagdon retreated to a small shed adjacent to his barn where he created what he described as magnetic machines with mystical healing powers. The eccentric inventor and artist designed and manufactured more than 400 pieces, each strategically located in the small shack alongside a multitude of Christmas lights, aluminum foil and other reflective items. Blagdon’s relatives would often visit and marvel at his healing machine. To others in town, the eccentric recluse was somewhat of a tolerated oddity, and he made lifelong friends, most of them boasting at least one visit to the machine. Dan Dryden ran a small family pharmacy in North Platte, and encountered Emery when he entered the store and inquired about acquiring some “elements” for his machine. He explained his theory to Dryden, a somewhat muddled approach to energy fields and the gravitational pull of the moon. The pharmacist

the Parenting the Love and Logic Way education program, an interactive series of four two-hour sessions, on an ongoing basis. These workshops help parents to provide a nurturing environment which encourages children to make healthy choices. It is based

on an approach to parenting that teaches young people how to be responsible, and parents how to establish healthy controls. The Parenting the Love and Logic Way program is a collaborative effort of the Goochland Department of Social Services

and the Goochland County Office of Children’s Services. It is a free program offered to Goochland County residents. The next session begins Thursday, April 12 and runs for five consecutive Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. For more information or

became good friends with Emery and supplied the elements he requested. Dryden moved away about a year later and pursued a dream of becoming a sound engineer in New York City, a path he credits to Emery’s insistence that people follow their dream. Years later, Dryden returned to Nebraska and learned of Emery’s death in 1996. The fate of the farm, and the shack containing the machine, hinged on a hastily scheduled auction to settle an estate left behind without the guidance of a will. Dryden knew the years of work that resulted in Emery’s pieces, and placed one of only two bids on the collection. He won and, for the next 18 years, he exhibited the machine around the United States and the globe. Enter the Kohler Arts Museum in Wisconsin, which offered to take the collection and display it in a permanent location, ensuring the work would stand the test of time and be available to millions of viewers. It’s a far cry from anything Emery envisioned, who described himself as an inventor, not an artist. But the works speak to a simplistic mastery of a medium, rough and unspecific, yet symmetrical and balanced. As I viewed a PBS special telling Blagdon’s story and showing many of his works,

I quickly realized the attraction and there was something about the machine that at least enlightened in an almost mood-changing fashion. Maybe, that’s what good art does — reaches out and shakes your senses. But, the real magic of the story was the man himself. Creative people around the globe search lifetimes to find their voice, their unique niche in a world of overused, non-original competitors. It’s a place many artists strive to achieve, but few actually realize. Emery found his voice in the years he worked on his pretties and constructed his healing machine. Appreciating his work and the unique style he achieved is one thing, but the real beauty for me as I looked at the works was the man behind the efforts. It’s inspiring that the works were produced minus financial or personal gain, with no intention of recognition or worldly achievement. I suppose it’s truly art for the sake of art, created for the purest of reasons. Experts will tell you there’s no real healing power in Emery’s reconstructed machine as it attracts thousands of visitors each year, but everyone who experiences it comes away changed, some for minutes, others for a lifetime. Now I’m not sure about the magnetic fields, or the

therapeutic value of Emery’s machine, but I can attest that the work does have power and influence. And when I look at it, it makes me feel better and maybe that’s the real healing power in his work. Learn more about Emery’s work and view his machine at www.pbs.org/ program/emery-blagdonhealing-machine/ or www. kohlerfoundation.org/preservation/major-collections/ emery-blagdon/.

to register, contact Mills Jones, email mjones@goochlandva. Director of the Goochland us. County Office of Children’s Space is limited, so early Services, at (804) 556-5875 or registration is encouraged. Kitchens/Baths Patios/Decks New Construction Doors/Windows Sidewalks/Pavers Remodels/Additions 20 Years Carpentry Experience

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Community Calendar cure.” Go to www.relayforlife. The American Cancer org/goochlandva or contact Society’s Relay For Life of Connie Lewis at grumblinGoochland will hold a Team hill@gmail.com for questions. Captain meeting at 6:30 p.m., All are invited to Join Gum followed by the Planning Spring United Methodist Committee meeting, at the Church on for the church’s Providence Presbyterian Wednesday, Church, 3388 Three Chopt “Wonderful Road, Gum Spring. The A Community Feast” and theme this year is “Race for a “Mission Friends.” Each Wednesday, Feb. 28

month (typically the last Wednesday of the month), a Family Style Dinner will be provided for everyone. There is no charge for this night of food and fellowship, with dinner held from 5:30-7 p.m. Also on Feb. 28, Mission Friends will be held for elementary age children. Each month, during the Wonderful Wednesday

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Feasts, Mission Friends will Call (804) 556-4774 or visit meet. Each meeting will begin the library at 3075 River Road with a short Bible lesson and West for more information. a small mission project for those in our community and Friday, March 2 beyond. The Goochland Republican New Line Baptist Church, Women will welcome Sandra located at 619 New Line Road Treadway, Librarian of will be hosting Lenten Services Virginia, to discuss the Virginia every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Capital Foundation Women’s during Lent. Each night, a dif- Monument Project at 10 a.m. ferent pastor will discuss the at Manakin Firehouse, 180 meaning of Lent. For more W. River Rd. Ms. Treadway information, call the church at holds a doctorate degree in American History from (804) 556-5506. University of Virginia and is Grace Episcopal Church author of, “Women of Mark: will be holding Morning A History of the Women’s Prayer at 8 a.m. during Lent. Club of Richmond 1894Grace Episcopal Church is 1994,” and coeditor of “The located at 2955 River Road Commonwealth: Treasures West, Goochland, VA 23063. From the Collections of the For more information, call Library of Virginia” and (804) 556-3015 or visit www. “Virginia Women: Their Lives And Times.” All are welcome. gracechurchgoochland.org. Thursday, March 1 Gum Spring United Methodist Church is offering free coffee and donuts on the first Thursday of every month from 6:30 - 8:30a.m. This is a drive thru event, and the church is located at 191 Cross County Road in Gum Spring (the big brick church near Rt. 250 off of 522). Grace Episcopal Church will be hosting a Lenten Lunch Series from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided for a $5 donation. Grace Episcopal Church is located at 2955 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063. For more information, call (804) 556-3015 or visit www.gracechurchgoochland.org. Storytimes at the Goochland Branch Library are as follows: Toddler Storytime at 10 a.m.; Preschool Storytime at 10:45 a.m.; and Mother Goose Storytime at 11:30 a.m.

The Cochrane Rockville Branch Library will host First Friday Films from 4:30 – 6 p.m. All ages are invited to bring the whole crew for a great movie on the big screen. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Rockville Library. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Family Storytimes are held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at 10:30 a.m. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Saturday, March 3 The Goochland Library will host a Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Party from 10– 11:30 a.m. for children ages 3-8. During this event, kids will have the chance to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with stories, games, and crafts. 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. Sunday, March 4 The St. Mark Baptist Church, located at 4596 Factory Mill Rd in Maidens, will be observing their annual Deacons, Deaconess, and Trustees Day at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7 New Line Baptist Church, located at 619 New Line Road will be hosting Lenten Services every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. during Lent. Each night, a different pastor will discuss the meaning of Lent. For more information, call the church at (804) 556-5506. Thursday, March 8 Grace Episcopal Church will be hosting a Lenten Lunch Series from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided for a $5 donation. Grace Episcopal Church is located at 2955 River Road West. For more information, call (804) 556-3015 or visit www.gracechurchgoochland.org. Storytimes at the Goochland Branch Library are as follows: Toddler Storytime at 10 a.m.; Preschool Storytime at 10:45 a.m.; and Mother Goose Storytime at 11:30 a.m. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Friday, March 9 Family Storytimes are held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at 10:30 a.m. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. see Calendar > 13

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Photo by Billy Fellin

Goochland’s boys basketball team celebrates with the Region 2A trophy following the team’s 55-43 win over Greensville at Goochland High School on Feb. 23. The win was the first region title for the Bulldogs.

Goochland cruises to first-ever region title 55-43 By Billy Fellin Sports Editor

Goochland’s Deion Harwood was sick during the Bulldogs thrilling Region 2A semifinal win over RandolphHenry on Feb. 21. Harwood, usually among the top scorers for the Goochland offense, only scored two points for the Bulldogs against the Statesmen, but remained a leadership presence on the floor.

On Feb. 23 in the Region 2A finals, however, Harwood was obviously feeling better. Harwood scored 21 points, including nine of the first 17 Goochland points of the game, to lead the Bulldogs to a 55-43 win over Greensville for the team’s first-ever regional title. “It’s amazing,” Harwood said of being a region champion. “It’s always a dream at the beginning of the season. Now, it’s a reality.” The Bulldogs got off to

a strong start in the first quarter against Greensville, as Harwood drained three 3-point shots, the third of which spurred a 7-0 run to end the quarter, with baskets by Kameron Holman and Quincy Snead. Goochland took command of the game from that point forward. Anytime the Eagles seemed to gain some momentum, the Bulldogs aggressive defense or the lights-out shooting of the offense swung the favor right

back to Goochland. The Eagles cut the Goochland lead to four points early in the third quarter, but Harwood responded with a 3-point shot. Greensville went to the line, but only sank one of two shots. Goochland responded with a 6-0 run to open things back up once again. While the Bulldogs were strong from the field against the Eagles in the final, their performance from the free

throw line was stellar. Goochland was 20-for27 at the free throw line, including 12-of-15 when the Bulldogs were in the one-andone or double bonus. Those easy points were salt in the wound for the Eagles, who were inconsistent at best from the charity stripe. The recipe of strong defense and offensive prowess, with the solid showing from the free throw line added up to a historic win for Goochland.

“It’s wonderful to know that the hard work these guys put in during the preseason, regular season and postseason paid off,” head coach Preston Gordon said. “Everything matters. It’s wonderful to see the hard work the coaches, managers, athletic trainers pay off.” Gordon said that the win wasn’t just big for this current Bulldogs team, but also the program, the school and the see Bulldogs> 10

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Three Cadets wrestlers earn All-American honors By Billy Fellin Sports Editor

Benedictine’s wrestling team competed at the prestigious Prep Nationals wrestling tournament at Lehigh University on Feb. 23-24. The Cadets finished 11th out of 130 schools, one team point from being in the top10. “It went alright,” Benedictine coach Ryan Hall

Bulldogs continued from >9 county. “I’m really happy and excited for Goochland County and Goochland basketball,” he said. “I told (the players) before the game that it wasn’t just about them. It was about the county that you have on your chest. It’s about the Bulldogs. It’s about the guys that have played in your shoes and been here before and haven’t been able to accomplish this. It’s about the football players, the baseball players, the volleyball players, the band…it’s about everyone in this county right now and that’s who we’re playing for. That’s what Goochland County is. We’re a tight-knit county.” Despite the prospect of a first-time region title at the onset of the game, the Bulldogs took to the court and performed throughout the game with an air of relaxed and composed play. The team seemed to not let the significance of the game get into their heads too much. “We’ve practiced a

said. “Obviously, we wanted top-10. We fell a little short of the team goal.” Benedictine qualified 10 wrestlers for the event, but only nine competed in the tournament due to an injury. The Cadets had three senior wrestlers earn AllAmerican honors. At 182 pounds, Bailey Coates finished eighth overall, Christos Avgeros was seventh in the 160-pound weight

class, and Isaiah Jones finished fifth in the nation in the 220pound weight class. The performance by Jones is the second-best finish by any Benedictine wrestler at Prep Nationals. Hall said it was bittersweet as his seniors grabbed the AllAmerican honors. “After the finished their last matches, there were some tears and hugs in there,” Hall said. “It’s been a tradition

lot,” Harwood said. “A lot of the teams that we had played before were a lot like (Greensville) and that helped a lot. The coaches got us a lot of film on them. We practiced hard every day to get ready.” Gordon said that that mindset was all about the preparation of the players, both in practice and in watching film. “Coach (AJ) Nash said he was a little worried about focus, but he told the team that they proved him wrong,” Gordon said. “Our coaches, Singleton, Nash and Turner, did a phenomenal job with film and I really want to thank those guys for their hard work they continue to do day-in and day-out. They’re a standup group. I have good kids, good coaches, good managers and good athletic trainers. The kids kept their focus and knew what they needed to do to be successful tonight.” The win over Greensville was nothing like the dogfight that the Region 2A semifinal was against James River District foe Randolph-Henry. From the second quarter on, the two teams traded the

lead or had a tied score 23 times. Snead went on a personal 6-0 run in the early stages of the fourth quarter, which gave the Bulldogs a lead that they would not give up again. Randolph-Henry would not roll over, though, as they went on a 4-0 run late in the fourth quarter to make it a two-point Goochland lead. Holman went to the foul line in the double bonus and hit one of his two free throws. The Statesmen went to the other end of the floor and put up several would-be gametying 3-point shots, but none of them fell. The dagger came when the final shot from the Statesmen seemed to go into the hoop, but ran around the interior of the rim and rimmed out. Next up for Goochland is the quarterfinals of the Class 2 state tournament, which begins on March 2. The Bulldogs will face Central (Woodstock) at Fluvanna High School, a previously determined neutral site. Harwood said that the goal now is to get the next big

now. I’ve been at Benedictine for nine years and have developed some good wrestlers. They get it and they gave me everything they had. That part was bittersweet, but like every senior class they gave everything they had. With three of them earning All-American honors, they set the staple for the program.” Brenden Barnes lost by a 2-1 decision in the round prior to the rounds which

determine All-Americans. Josh Yost and Riley Vaughan each went 2-2, Nick Johnson was 1-2, Michael Albergo was 1-1, but had to default out of the tournament due to an injury. “We lost a chunk of points there,” Hall said of Albergo’s injury. “I think he had a good shot of placing.” Dalton Collins, a sophomore, went winless at the tournament.

Despite some of the performances, Hall said that it was still a solid development process for all the wrestlers. “We view Prep Nationals as the final and biggest test of our season,” he said. “It’s the final thing for these guys for the season. We were focused and worked really hard. We have a few guys who are knocking on the door and will be back next year.”

Photo by Billy Fellin

Goochland’s Quincy Snead scored 29 points with 10 rebounds in the 62-57 win over Randolph-Henry.

trophy. “We’re going all the way to the top,” he said. “That’s our goal. It’s been our goal all season and we’re ready for it.”

Should Goochland March 5 or 6. The finals are on March 9 advance, they would play the winner of the Greensville- at the Siegel Center at VCU. Tickets for all games in the Robert E. Lee (Staunton) game in the state semis on state tournament at $10.

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