The Goochland Gazette – 08/16/2018 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE For students preparing to leave for college, a new reality awaits > page 6

Volume 63, Number 32 • August 16, 2018

GoochlandCares seeking donations of back-to-school clothing, supplies. See page 2

Agnew will not seek re-election By Roslyn Ryan Editor

AGNEW

After serving for 27 years as the top law enforcement official in Goochland, Sheriff James Agnew has announced that he will not seek reelection and will retire at the end of next year. “I believe that honesty, integrity, accountsee Agnew > 3

A nice night for a ‘Night Out’

Contributed photo

oining with communities across the country, Goochland residents gathered together at the Broadview Shopping Center in Centerville on Aug. 7 to take part in National Night Out, a nation-wide effort to promote and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community. Organized by Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Caudill, the event featured family activities, demonstrations, and the chance to chat with local officers. According to information provided by the National Association of Town Watch, the organization that oversees the program, around 38 million people participated this year across the United States and military bases worldwide.

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

A Henrico couple is mourning the loss of their son after the child’s father left the 17-month-old in his car seat in a vehicle for several hours last Wednesday. The child, identified as Riaan Gondesi, was pronounced dead see Death > 5

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

August 16, 2018

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Pets of the week GoochlandCares seeking donations for back-to-school Contributed report

It’s that time of year again! The days are getting shorter. The excitement of the new school year is building. Do you remember how it felt going back to school with a new lunchbox? Wasn’t it exciting to pick out a backpack and fill it with pencils and notebooks and rulers? The cost of back-toschool clothing, accessories, and supplies puts a strain on any family budget, and, for low-income families, preparing to go to school can be especially stressful. Every year, the Clothes Closet at GoochlandCares provides clothing and items for nearly 400 children, and many clients rely on the Clothes Closet to provide new clothing and school supplies for their children. While the YMCA’s Bright Beginnings program focuses on elementary school children, donations to the Clothes Closet will help make sure older kids also have a great start to their school year. To fulfill the demand as the first day of school approaches, the Clothes Closet currently needs: New underwear sizes toddler to young adult New lunchboxes New school supplies spiral notebooks, pens, pen-

cils, notebook paper New /Like new children’s socks — all types and sizes New /Like new children’s shoes — for classes and for sports New /Like new appropriate school clothes New /Like new backpacks The Clothes Closet relies entirely on donations to serve low-income individuals and families living in Goochland. Donations may be dropped off at the organization’s new facility at 2999 River Road West. Convenient drop-off bins are also located around the county, including at the Goochland YMCA, Bullets, behind Fire Station #3 in Centerville, at the Western Convenience Center at 3455 Hadensville-Fife Road, and at the Central Convenience Center at 1908 Hidden Rock Lane. Visit www.goochlandcares.org/donate/in-kinddonations/ or call (804) 5560202 for more information. The Clothes Closet is open to the public for shopping from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday; from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday; and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

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SPORTS

Photos submitted by Julie Lawrence

The Goochland County Animal Shelter has temporarily relocated to the County’s Central High School Cultural and Educational Complex located at 2748 Dogtown Road, in Goochland. The temporary Animal Shelter will operate at the rear of the Central High School Complex until the new shelter is completed. Citizens can continue to contact the Animal Shelter by calling (804) 556-5302. The shelter currently has the following pets available to a good home: A tan and white neutered male pit bull, about 1 to 3 years old; a sweet male beagle, about 4 to 6 years old; and a male beagle, about 2 to 4 years old. The Goochland Animal Shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The facility has many lost dog and cat fliers posted. For more information on these pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Goochland Animal Shelter, call (804) 556-5302. You also can visit the shelter on Facebook at “Goochland County Animal Control.”

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

August 6

12600 BLOCK BROAD STREET RD/RT288 S, DUI

500 BLOCK WOODSON CT, SUSPECTED RABIES

172 I64 E E LITTERING

3400 BLOCK HADENSVILLE FIFE, ILLEGAL DRUGS

3000 BLOCK SANDY HOOK RD/ MILL TRACE LN, BRUSH WOODS FIRE

10000 BLOCK HAILES HOLLOW, ARGUMENT

4600 BLOCK HODGES HIDEAWAY, LN SHOTS FIRED

August 8

August 10

1800 BLOCK RAGLAND RD, ARREST WARRANT

2300 BLOCK CHAPEL HILL RD, STRAY LIVESTOCK

4600 BLOCK SHANNON HILL, LARCENY

2200 BLOCK CHAPEL HILL RD, STRAY LIVESTOCK

I64 W W/ASHLAND RD DAMAGE PROPERTY

100 BLOCK BROAD STREET RD, ARGUMENT

2700 BLOCK CHECKETTS DR, FRAUD OR SWINDLE

2900 BLOCK RIVER RD W, HIT AND RUN

2400 BLOCK SYLVAN LN, HARASSMENT

3600 BLOCK RON DEL LN, ANNOYING PHONE CALLS

BLOCK COMMUNITY HOUSE RD, ARGUMENT

HAPPY HOLLOW DR/HUGUENOT TRAIL, VEHICLE FIRE

2900 BLOCK DANIELTOWN RD/DAVIS MILL RD, DAMAGE PROPERTY

2900 BLOCK RIVER RD W HIT AND RUN

172 I64 E WIRES ARCING

2500 BLOCK DAVIS MILL RD ARREST WARRANT

4700 BLOCK FLEMING RD ARREST WARRANT

1900 BLOCK ASHLAND RD BRUSH WOODS FIRE

12500 BLOCK PATTERSON AVE, DAMAGE PROPERTY

2200 BLOCK ROCKVILLE RD, FRAUD OR SWINDLE

3000 BLOCK RIVER RD W DOMESTIC VERBAL

2300 BLOCK CHAPEL HILL RD, STRAY LIVESTOCK

August 9

Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................13-15 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sheriff’s Report...................... 2 Sports .................................8-9 TV Listings ......................10-11

1600 BLOCK HOCKETT RD, DUI

August 7

GHS football sees first action of season PAGE 8

see Crime report > 3

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

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

August 16, 2018

College Notes Manakin Sabot resident Meera Jairath, daughter of Sanjeev Jairath and Arti Pandya-Jairath, has been named to the dean’s list for the 2018 spring semester at Furman University, in Greenville, South Carolina.

Agnew continued from > 1 ability and service to the community are indispensable qualities of law enforcement professionals and I have done my best to impart these traits into our everyday interactions with you,” said Agnew in a statement released last week. “I am convinced that we have succeeded given the fine compliment of exceptional deputies and dispatchers that work in the Sheriff’s Office.” Agnew said he was grateful for the support of the community over the years, and asked that they continue to support the department. Reached by phone last Friday, Agnew said he’d been weighing the decision for some time.

“I was always told ‘You’ll know when the time is right,’ and it is,” said Agnew, who has worked in law enforcement for over four decades. Agnew has born witness to many headline-making stories over the course of career, but admits that the past year has already brought more than its share of upheaval. At the end of last year, the tragic case of a woman mauled to death by her two dogs brought the international news media to the department’s doorstep, as did the shooting of a New Zealand man who was attempting to break into the home of a teenage girl he met online. The heartbreaking death of a 17-month-old, who died Aug. 7 after his father reportedly accidently left him in a hot car, once again put

Agnew and his officers in the spotlight. Through it all, he has remained a steady voice of reason, sharing openly what details he is able to provide and offering measured, patient responses during press conferences. He doesn’t hide his feelings about the cases the department handles, as when he strongly cautioned a room of reporters not to think of the New Zealand man who was shot as the victim in that case. To Goochland County Administrator John Budesky, Agnew will leave behind a legacy of strong leadership and dedication to public service. Agnew’s impact “is epitomized by the safety residents enjoy in Goochland,” Budesky said. “And that’s due to his leadership.”

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Backpacks of Love Fall Golf Classic

at The Foundry Golf Club

Monday, October 15, 2018 The Foundry Golf Club 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start Raindate: Monday, October 29, 2018

Crime report continued from > 2

FIRE

3100 BLOCK COOLEY RD ARGUMENT

6400 BLOCK SKYE LN ARREST WARRANT

4700 BLOCK FLEMING RD DOMESTIC VERBAL

1900 BLOCK ASHLAND RD BRUSH WOODS FIRE

2544 Pony Farm Rd, Maidens VA 23102

12600 BLOCK BROAD STREET RD/RT288 S, DUI

200 BLOCK PEMBROKE LN TRESPASSING

2100 BLOCK SHALLOW WELL RD, DAMAGE PROPERTY

1300 BLOCK BROAD STREET RD GAS THEFT

1600 BLOCK FAYETTE RD, STRAY LIVESTOCK

3000 BLOCK GATHRIGHT DR, TRESPASSING

2200 BLOCK CHAPEL HILL RD, ILLEGAL DRUGS

EAST RIVER RD, BRUSH WOODS

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2900 BLOCK RIVER RD W ARREST WARRANT

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Proceeds from this charity tournament will benefit Backpacks of Love, Inc. (BPOL), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2011 in Powhatan VA.

Contact Brenda Fulcher, Managing Director Backpacks of Love, Inc. 3035 Lower Hill Road Powhatan, VA 23139 www.backpacksoflove.org Office: 804-598-2723 Fax: 804-598-2990

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

August 16, 2018

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Obituaries JANET R. BOLLING Janet Redd Bolling, 95, of Powhatan, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018. She was born May 9, 1923, in Crozier. She was the daughter of the late Matilda and Bernard Redd. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Bolling. She is survived by two daughters, Judy Brown and BOLLING Carolyn Goodwine (Simon) of Powhatan; three sons, Kelso and Larry Bolling of Richmond. and Wilbert Bolling (Michelle) of Powhatan.; 11

grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; her “little girl,” Rev. Vera Rhyne; two goddaughters, Charmaine Taylor and Keisha Berry; two caretakers, Richard Green and Lloyd Taylor Jr.; and a host of loving family, friends and church members. Her remains rested at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home in Goochland. Funeral services were held on Monday, Aug. 13, at the First Antioch Baptist Church in Powhatan. Eulogist Rev. Vera Rhyne. Interment church cemetery.

2018. He is survived by a loving family. His remains rested at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home in Goochland. Funeral serHENLEY vices were held on Saturday, Aug. 11, at Jerusalem Baptist Church.

NICHOLAS J. PICA JR. Nicholas Joseph Pica Jr., age 40, of Goochland, passed away on August 1, 2018, unexpectedly due to complicaRICKY L. HENLEY Ricky L. Henley, 56, of Goochland, tions from severe brain injuries. Nick departed this life Saturday, Aug. 4, was preceded in death by his grand-

parents Thomas Woods and Mary Masone. He leaves behind his parents, Patricia and Rex Bias; his sister, Toni Gregory and her three chilPICA dren, Tori, Clay and Annabelle Gregory; his half-siblings, Nicolette Vitale and Susan Hargate; his many loving aunts, uncles and cousins; his true love, Beth Altman; and many members of his trucking family, including his brother-from-anothermother, Shannon Boots. Nick will be remembered by so many that loved

him for his kind and generous heart, his abundant sense of humor and his love for his family, country and the Lord. From his youngest days, he was enamored with anything that had wheels, which was evident in both his career choice and most of his favorite pastimes. There will be a gathering of family and friends at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, followed by his memorial service at 12:30 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, West Chapel, 11020 W. Broad St. in Glen Allen. Even in his passing, Nick’s generous spirit lives on thanks to his gift of being an organ and tissue donor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to DonateLife.net.

Community Calendar Friday, Aug. 17 The Rotary Club of Goochland will welcome guest speaker Charleita Richardson, CEO, Partnership for the Future. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at the Richmond Country Club. Saturday, Aug. 18 Author Ron Spessard will speak to the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Writers Club, discussing writ-

ing styles and motivational thinking. The talk will last 45-60 minutes. Spessard will also be bringing his book “Homespun” to read and sell after the meeting. For more information about Ron, visit ronaldspessard.com. The meeting will be held at the Hadensville-Fife Fire Station at 2397 Hadensville-Fife Road near George’s Tavern in Goochland. Admission to the event is $5 per person. Those who would like to attend

Fall 2018 Senior Law Days for the City of Richmond and the Counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent & Powhatan. Life Planning Documents: Wills, Durable Powers Of Attorney, and Advance Medical Directives will be prepared for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities. There is an income eligibility requirement for this free service.

are asked to RSVP no later or visit the library at 3075 p.m. Read 2 Rover provides than Aug. 17 by e-mailing River Road West to sign up, or comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they Ncc17lu@aol.com. for more information. read aloud to therapy dogs. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit The Goochland Branch Sunday, Aug.19 the library at 16600 Pouncey Library will host Crafternoon St. Mark Baptist Church, Tract Road for more inforTea: Steampunk Earrings from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. located at 4596 Factory Mill mation or to register for this for those age 16 to adult. Road, in Maidens, will host rewarding program. Participants will create their its annual Homecoming and own steampunk fashion state- Revival services from Sunday, Thursday, Aug. 23 ment with nuts-and-bolts Aug.19, through Thursday, The Goochland earrings. Snacks provided by Aug. 23. The morning mesthe Friends of the Goochland sage will be delivered at 11 Democratic Committee will Library. Call (804) 556-4774 a.m. by Pastor-Elect Rev. Dr. hold their regular monthly Tracie Daniels. On Sunday at meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the 3 p.m, Rev. Angelo Chatmon Goochland Library. All are Brown Motor Parts, Inc. of the Pilgrim Journey Baptist welcome. Rt. 6 & 45 at George’s Tavern

5285 River Road West Goochland, VA 23063

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Church in Richmond will deliver the homecoming message. The evangelist for the week will be Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis of the Mosby Memorial Baptist Church in Richmond. Dress code for the revival/ nightly services is church casual wear. Prayer and Praise Services begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. and revival services begin nightly at 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 24 The Rotary Club of Goochland will welcome guest speaker Kelly Lindquist, the Executive Director of the Goochland YMCA. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at the Richmond Country Club. Sunday, Aug. 26

First Union Baptist Church Monday, Aug. 20 Annual Homecoming and The Cochrane Rockville Revival Services are Sunday, Branch Library will host Read Aug. 26 through Friday, Aug. 2 Rover from 4:30 to 5:30 31. Sunday School starts at

9:30 a.m., followed by the Morning Worship Service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Frank Lomax III preaching and lunch following the service. Afternoon Prayer and Praise Services will begin at 2 p.m., and the Revival Service begins at 2:30 p.m. with guest revivalist, Rev. Darren Brandon, pastor of Little Zion Baptist Church in Carson, Virginia. Revival Services begin with Prayer and Praise starting at 7 p.m. and Worship at 7:30 p.m. The revivalists are: Mon. Aug. 27, Rev. James Pryor, Jr. of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Glen Allen; Tue. Aug 28 (Youth Night), Minister Kaiya Jennings, Director of Youth, Baptist General Convention; Wed. Aug. 29, Rev. Dr. Stanley Woodfolk of Evergreen Ministries, Charlottesville; Thu. Aug. 30, Rev. Lonnie Johnson, Sr. of Promise Land Baptist Church, Ameila County; Fri. Aug. 31, Rev. Dr. Theodore T. Brown of Quioccasin Baptist Church, Richmond. First Union Baptist Church is located at 1463 Cardwell Road in see Calendar > 12

Thursday

August 16, 2018

FFA hosting annual mum sale The Goochland High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) will be hosting its 3rd annual Fall Mum sale from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Sept. 7. The students will be selling assorted colors of 8-inch mums for $8 each, or two mums for $10. Proceeds will help the Goochland FFA with field trips to National FFA Convention in October.

Death continued from > 1 at 1:21 p.m. on Aug. 8, at Saint Mary’s Hospital. According to Goochland County Sheriff Jim Agnew, the child’s mother was first alerted by her son’s daycare that he had not been dropped off, then contacted the boy’s father, who had left earlier that morning with the boy in his car seat. The father had arrived at the Capitol One campus in the West Creek Business Park at around 9:30 a.m., leaving the vehicle on the uncovered top deck of a campus parking garage. At 12:31 that afternoon, after receiving a 911 call from the child’s mother, Goochland Fire and Rescue, Goochland deputies and Capitol One security all responded to the scene and attempted to revive the unconscious boy.

This case remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time. “All the indications are that this was a terrible accident,” said Agnew last week, adding that the department has now turned over the case to the Commonwealth’s Attorney, who will make the decision of and when charges will be brought forth. Riaan Gondesi is one of four children who have died in recent months after being left in hot cars. Two 5-month-old Chesterfield County twins, a boy and a girl, died in May after being unintentionally left in an SUV. On Aug. 10, a sixmonth-old baby boy died after his mother left him in a vehicle in the lot of the Emporia. According to information provided by the organization KidsAndCars.org, an average of 37 children died each year from 2013 to 2017 after being left in vehicles during hot weather.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Contributed report

Reynolds Community College is offering a 14-week “Introduction to Floral Design” class on Wednesdays from 5 to 9:05 p.m. beginning September 5 on the college’s Goochland Campus. The

class will be taught by well-known and respected Virginia Floral Designer David Pippin. Pippin has designed arrangements for the Governor’s Mansion, as well as countless Virginia weddings and special events and has taught hundreds

1.33 acres; Habitat for Humanity of Goochland County Inc. to Shara D. Mullins, $150,000. 11.041 acres; Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Matthew R. Peck, $230,000. 22.08 acres; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Kyle B. Duncan, $309,300. 26.291 acres; Jeff C. Bane, trustee to

CHFRCC LLC, $425,000. 3.91 acres; C.B. Duncan III to Three Square LLC, $210,000. 31.019 acres; George Hester to Melini Baldwin Hutchinson, $270,000. 6.833 acres; The Riverstone Group LLC to West Creek MOB II LLC, $2,039,739.

Elrod and Dunham Dentistry

welcomes Dr. Michael Marotta to its Goochland office. Dr. Marotta brings a wealth of experience after completing a two-year residency at the University of Virginia Hospital.

Long 9, Section 2, Covington; R. Bern Crowl to Peter J. Korpady, $225,000. Lot 6, Block C, HIckory Haven; Frances Bradshaw to Grayson Curry Jones, $177,400. Lots 13-15, Lane’s End; Lane’s End LLC to W.V. McClure Inc., $378,000.

Help Feed Hungry Kids in Goochland

—Dr. Jeremy Raley, Superintendent, Goochland County Schools

Please call for an appointment. (804) 556-2530 Restoration & preventative dentistry Full mouth reconstruction Root canal treatment

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of workshops and classes on floral design. Students can enroll online at Reynolds.edu. For further information, contact Reynolds Horticulture Program Head David Seward at (804) 523-5946 or dseward@reynolds.edu.

"Our school division is the beneficiary of a supportive and giving community who is making an investment of time and resources to benefit our students. I am very thankful for the efforts of all of our community partners, including Backpacks of Love, who are providing our students with meals over the weekend. It is a true pleasure to work alongside these dedicated volunteers who are working to make a difference in the lives of our students."

Implant placement & restoration Cosmetic dentistry Surgical extractions

Henrico’s families have trusted Bennett Funeral Homes in their time of need for an entire century.

Recent Property Transfers

Second Century Bennett West • Henrico 11020 West Broad Street

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Reynolds offering class on floral design

Our

— Established 1897 — Charles D. Morehead, President and General Manager

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Thursday

August 16, 2018

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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For those heading to college, it’s a whole new world By Roslyn Ryan Editor

As we wind our way toward the end of August, there is no doubt a time-honored ritual playing out in households all over Goochland. Even as I type these lines, hundreds of students across the county are preparing to take their first big step into adulthood. They are packing boxes and checking class schedules and finalizing living arrangements. After nearly two decades of learning and growing under the watchful eyes of their parents, neighbors and teachers, the time has come: They are going to college. To be sure, attending a two- or four-year program isn’t the only path to a successful adulthood —

today’s students have a myriad of options when it comes to their next step, including trade schools, apprenticeships or enlisting in the military. But a four-year program was the route I chose, and I can still clearly remember the mix of anticipation and anxiety I felt as the first day drew near. I have no doubt that the college experience has changed somewhat in the two decades since I attended Virginia Commonwealth University in the late 1990s — many changes actually happened during the time I was there. Case in point: I can clearly recall, during my freshman year, that some students would take great pride in managing to slip a bottle of water or cup of coffee past the scowling guard posted at the entrance to the university’s

library, where drinks of any kind were strictly prohibited. By the time I graduated the guard was gone, and there was a Starbucks on the library’s first floor. When my father attended college, he and his fellow students waited on long lines to sign up for classes. When I started, it was done via telephone. Four years later, it was all online. Despite all of these changes, and the many leaps forward in all aspects of post-secondary education, I have no doubt that the students nervously packing up their clothes and shopping for last-minute must-haves are feeling very close to the same emotions as the ones who went before them years ago. Sure, they may have already FaceTimed their soon-to-be roommates, but that doesn’t mean

they are entirely comfortable with the idea of leaving home for the first time. It’s tough to know what to say, I suppose, because there really isn’t any sugarcoating it: The decisions they make from here on out will be largely their own, and those decisions will have real consequences. They are taking the reins now, even if in most cases they don’t feel quite like adults just yet. All we can do, as a community, is to assure them that the butterflies are normal, that the future is bright, and that they have what it takes to get out there and reach whatever goals they set for themselves. It’s going to be scary — like so many new things they have done and will do — but in the end it is going to be so, so worth it.

From the ‘Strange But True’ file: A tale of two Rons By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

In a time with Russian interference, political investigations and mud-slinging exchanges that would embarrass a well-healed razorback, maybe a little more confusion is just what we don’t need.

That’s why I rarely address political issues in my column, and this one is no exception although it does border on that universe. I assure you we’re not close enough to get hit by any splatter. While ignoring the political news the other day, I happened across the story of two guys with

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 730-0476 Online: www.goochlandgazette.com

Publisher Managing Editor Editor Production Manager Sports Editor Sales Representative Sales Representative Sales Representative Classifieds

Joy Monopoli Melody Kinser Roslyn Ryan Denine D’Angelo Billy Fellin Tom Haynie Sarah Suttles J.R. Hammond Cindy Adams

jmonopoli@RSNVA.com mkinser@mechlocal.com rryan@gooochlandgazette.com ddangelo@mechlocal.com Wfellin@powhatantoday.com thaynie@mechlocal.com Ssuttles@mechlocal.com jhammond@mechlocal.com cgrant@mechlocal.com

the same name running for the same seat in a Kansas Republican primary this week. Ron Estes is the current representative for the district, and Ron Estes is seeking to unseat the legislator recently elected in a special election to fill a vacated seat. One of the first things Estes, or

Rep. Estes as he likes to be called, said was voter confusion could be a problem. Seriously? And the state also recognizes the potential for a debacle so the ballot will pit Rep. Ron Estes against Ron M. Estes. see Rons > 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.

Letters to the Editor GHS Football: Building on a great foundation Dear Editor, I had the opportunity to listen to the new GHS football coach, Mr. Alex Fruth, as he addressed the Goochland Rotary Club on Friday August 3rd. My initial thoughts were: what can he bring to the table? We knew we had a remarkable football program, and a great head coach in Mr. Fowler, at GHS, but what will the future bring with the new coach? Well, Mr. Fruth not only laid all my concerns to rest during his Rotary presentation, he turned me into a believer that the program is ready to build on the strong foundation in place. His goals for the program focus on academics, family, and competition. A first pillar of Coach Fruth is education as the foundation for success in any field, especially football, the sport about which he is undoubtedly passionate. He spoke about the positive impact a solid education has on the individual and his responsibility, as an educator, to instill in the young minds the value of going to the next level, as defined by the student himself through dedication and work ethic in the classroom. He understands the complexity of adolescence and the potential impact competing forces have on the minds of these young men. To help them stay focussed, he is challenging them to be the best they can be, and he is coaching them how it can be done. He is offering them opportunities through effective use of study hall, SAT/ACT prep and college application workshops, and Team tutoring to keep their grades and Team GPA in check. Acknowledging the many variables affecting their daily lives, he is teaching them how to best manage their time to accomplish their individual and contribute to Team goals. After all, they will be active members in the community and potential leaders as citizens. As a second pillar of his coaching philosophy, Mr. Fruth believes see Letters > page 7

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continued from >6 in instilling family values, as they apply to the Team and the game, in players minds and actions, on the field and off the field as well. He wants them to understand that while their individuality is important in building character, the synergy

Rons continued from > 6 Rep Estes claims Ron M. Estes is backed by Democrats and the M stands for misleading. The latter Estes replied that the M actually stood for “Merica”. Tuesday night, all the talk stopped and voters went to the polls to decide, well, which Estes was the bestest. One thing they all knew for sure that an Estes would be running against the Democrat in November. Now, I didn’t have a dog in this fight, speaking in Texas lingo, and I bet you didn’t either. But, it is puzzling that in a country of more than 340 million folks, we can’t find two candidates that at least have different names. In the Kansas case the old

hold, they start to have impact on the community by the life they lead. They can be the role model for their peers and other younger students. Self confident and having a positive message, they can be good mentors, or benefit from the advice of their mentors. Ultimately, that is how the program grows and improves.

adage hurled at politicians “you guys are all the same” really hits close to home in this case. But the confusion didn’t stop Rep. Ron Estes from winning a lopsided primary against the man he called a “fake.” When voters were asked if the name similarity caused confusion, some said they had to doublecheck their ballot to make sure they had voted for the correct Estes. Rep. Estes originally won his seat to Congress in a special election for a seat vacated by Mike Pompeo, who currently serves as President Trump’s Secretary of State. By winning the primary, Estes gains the right to run again in November against James Thompson, the man he defeated for the seat in a special election last year.

I’ve heard politics produces strange bedfellows, but having the same name seems like a bridge too far. Distinguishing one candidate from another, in some Manakin-Sabot, VA cases, is becoming more difficult in middle America, and • No Landlord Responsibilities • 7+ Years Remain expecting voters to decipher • 3% Annual Rent Increases • Fast Growing Area which Ron Estes is which seems burdensome. One voter who exited the Michael Katz polls did not agree. “If they REF Advisory INC couldn’t tell the difference then they shouldn’t be voting.” 804-339-4662 That’s probably good mkatz@refadvisory.com advice but I would caution against offering it to one candidate named Ron M. Estes. Bottom line is most of us have our fill of politics and need a short break from the insanity. Summer seemed like the perfect time for that respite. Unfortunately, the Owned & Operated by Professional Engineers 24-hour cable news cycle is SMELLS? STICKING DOORS? BOUNCY FLOORS? STICKING WINDOWS? NDO OWS? ? N NASTY ASTY AS TY C CRAWLSPACE? RAWL RA WLSP WL SPAC SP ACE AC E? WET E? Jesse Waltz, PE & Stella Waltz, Owners BASEMENT? MOLD & FUNGUS? TERMITES,, BUGS,, RODENTS S? FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? CRACK KED not getting the message.

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on the scoreboard. To compete is part of a process that includes successes and failures; and while winning is exhilarating, failing is a most valuable tool from which to learn. After all, success is but a last step in a series of prior iterative failures. This is coach Fruth’s program for GHS Football. This is his contribution to the

of the Team working together achieves more than the individual alone. This is true not only in team sports but later in adult life, especially in work environment. He wants them to turn a new page in their lives, leave all negative forces behind them and “Burn the Boat”, because there is no turning back. Once this attitude takes

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The third pillar is competition. Like in any sport, competition is key. What he learned from his mentors through his career is, as he strongly believes, that it is the byproduct of of “All theTeam Goals and Program Cornerstones”. He strongly advocates, and he wants all players to understand that it is more than the score

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Goochland community, one that strengthens the hand of potential future leaders. As a community, the least we can offer him is doing our part as parents of the aspiring young players, as a school system, and as enthusiastic fans at the games. Go Bull Dogs. Adeeb Hamzey Goochland

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

August 16, 2018

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August 16, 2018

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

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Photo by Billy Fellin

Goochland’s Connor Popielarz barrels through two Hanover defenders on his way to the end zone for a touchdown during the scrimmage between the Bulldogs and Hawks on Friday, Aug. 10, at Hanover High School.

Bulldogs football sees first action against Hawks By Billy Fellin Sports Editor

The Goochland football team got its first taste of live action football of the 2018 season. On Aug. 10 at Hanover High School, the Bulldogs and the Hawks took to the field and had some time going through

sessions where the coaches were on the field in a more controlled environment. Then, the teams went full speed for the second part of the scrimmage with no coaches on the field and full reign of the field for two quarters of play. Goochland coach Alex Fruth said that there were

some good and some bad things from the Bulldogs performance against the Hawks, but was pleased overall.” “The best part about the night was that the kids came out and were running hard,” he said. “They were competing. We didn’t have to deal with any other issues, so that part was fun.”

“We have a lot to work on, obviously, he continued. “This will be one of those things where when I watch the film on Saturday and Sunday, I’ll have to really, really go through it and see where we can improve. We need to be critical on that and we need to be our harshest critics on both offense and defense.”

The Bulldogs were indeed flying around the field against the Hawks, making plays on both offense and defense. On offense, Goochland was finding gaps in the Hanover line for chunks of yardage on the ground as well as being efficient through the air on passing plays. The Bulldogs scored a cou-

ple touchdowns on the day, one on a bruising run by No. 10, who broke several tackles to make it across the goal line for a score. Defensively, the Bulldogs made plays, such as an interception on a throw over the middle of the field during the see Football>9

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Goochland volleyball adjusting to new surroundings By Billy Fellin Sports Editor

Goochland’s volleyball team is entering a new era in 2018. As seven seniors graduated from the team with the Class of 2018 and coach Jennifer Erixon left, new head coach Rachel Jacobsen and the Bulldogs will look to continue the legacy of success that has been synonymous with the team. But, with power hitters Alexis Wiggins and Maddie Goff gone and players such as Kealie Lachniet and Faith Gerdes no longer in the red and white, the Bulldogs have a lot of holes to fill in for the 2018 season. Given the amount of turnover and the expectations that come with each Goochland volleyball season, Jacobsen said that managing those expectations is an important part of the season. “That has been a tough one,” she said. “It’s been one of those things that I’ve had to shove it off to the side. I wasn’t here for that. Good for them, I’m really excited about keeping that culture going. But, I can’t put that on them. They’re going to do what

Football continued from >8 set plays session of the scrimmage. Goochland’s defensive lineman and linebackers consistently were able to chase Hanover’s quarterbacks out of the pocket and force them to run or throw before they were ready. “That part, I honestly I’m

they’re going to do and they’re going to rock. They don’t need that pressure, though. I can have that pressure, but they don’t need it. I’m just trying to push them to be the best they can be.” Jacobsen said that thus far into the season, the Bulldogs have responded and quickly learned each new skill or technique that she has thrown at them. “They’re doing really well,” she said. “They’ve impressed me. They’re really stepping up. Each time I give them a new task, it takes them just two tries until they have it. I’ve been floored by how fast they’ve picked up on skills that I’m changing.” The team has just one senior on the roster this season in outside hitter Marge Black. Jacobsen said that Black has responded well to a change in her hitting pace that Jacobsen instituted. However, the Bulldogs are flooded with juniors in Rachel Carter, Rebecca Holcombe, Mary King, Ally Mueller, Ilaria Russell, Ellie Spencer and Trinity Wonderling. Sophomores Taylor Michaels, Cate Hinckley and Megan Harlow, along with

freshman Blair Bussells round out the roster. “We’ve got a young team,” Jacobsen said. “Watching them working together has been very, very nice to see.” Despite it being her first season, Jacobsen said that Bussells has been one player that has stuck out thus far in practice at the setter position. “She’s really rocking it,” she said. “She’s really stepping up into a leadership role that I’ve kind of shoved her into. She’s hitting, setting and doing it all. She’s everywhere and has really impressed me.” Goochland will have its first taste of live action on Aug. 15 with a scrimmage on the road against Heritage-Lynchburg. “For this scrimmage, my big goal is to see who works together,” Jacobsen said. “They’re all working really hard, they’re all on the same level and they’re all impressing me,” she added. “At this point, I’m looking to see who is going to step up. I want to see who is going to show me their true colors and see who is aggressive and who wants to win. I don’t think it’ll take them long to show me that, I’m kind of excited to see that. We’re going to try some

not concerned about,” Fruth said about the overall effort his team put together against the Hawks. “It’s the finer details of the game, like dealing with a bad penalty or incomplete pass. Dealing with those things was what I was looking for, outside of the stuff on the field.” Fruth said that he took the opportunity of the scrimmage to try players in positions which they aren’t accustomed to.

“We got out here and saw some kids play some new positions,” he said. “We’re trying some new things that haven’t done in the past. There were some cobwebs for some of the older kids and also a big learning curve.” Hanover is two classes up from Goochland’s current classification and provides a good opportunity for the Bulldogs to get the chance to play against different competition

Photo by Billy Fellin

Goochland’s girls volleyball team breaks its huddle during practice on Thursday, Aug. 9, at Goochland High School. The Bulldogs are a young team overall with just one senior.

new things, see what works and what doesn’t and use it as a learning experience together,” Jacobsen said. On Aug. 22, the Bulldogs will open their season on the road against Essex before their home opener on Aug. 28 against Central Lunenburg. Goochland will play away

from their home gym on Aug. 30 against Nottoway, Sept. 4 against Collegiate and Sept. 5 against Maggie Walker Governor’s School before its next home match on Sept. 6 against Buckingham. Jacobsen said that she hopes that the true abilities and skill that the players have

will come to the surface for all to see by season’s end. “Graduating seven seniors this past year, I don’t think many of them know their voice,” she added. “They’re not aware of how much they bring to the table. My goal is for them to see how great they are,” she said.

than they would normally face during the course of the regular season. “That’s always good,” Fruth said. “(Hanover) is going to go out and they’re going to play a brutal schedule. They’re going to play Highland Springs. They’re going to play the county schools which are always good. Lee-Davis is always going to run the ball well. It’s good in the sense that the caliber that (Hanover) has to get

ready for, that can only help us get ready. If we can scrimmage a 4A school every year, I’d do it.” The Bulldogs have one more tune-up prior to the opening game against Thomas Jefferson. Goochland will travel to Monticello to face the Class 3 Mustangs in a VHSL benefit game. Fruth said that he has a few things that he’s pinpointing for

improvement prior to heading to Charlottesville. “Conditioning is a big thing,” he said. “Mother Nature hasn’t done us any favors. We’ve been inside a lot. That sucks. Besides that, we have to tackle a lot better. We were in position several times and we weren’t able to finish the play. That was maybe a byproduct of us being inside, but tackling will be a major, major emphasis.”

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