2/14/2019 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Chamber of Commerce announces this year’s Board of Directors > page 3

Volume 64, Number 7 • February 14, 2019

Former Goochland County deputy pleads guilty to sexual assault charges. See page 2

Commission votes 4-1 to stop planned subdivision in Centerville

Johnson will retire from post County treasurer has earned praise for turning around ailing department

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Despite repeated requests that those attending last week’s Goochland County Planning Commission meeting not applaud, a number of people in the audience could not refrain from clapping as four of the five commissioners refused to support a proposal to construct a subdivision near the intersection of Rockville and Manakin Road. At issue was a rezoning request by Midlothian-based Main Street Homes to allow for up to 147 single family homes to be built on the 98-acre parcel of land located in the Centerville Village area of the county. According to Jim Theobald, an attorney representing Main Street Homes, the company’s plans for the area include high-end home see Commission > 16

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Contributed photo

Annual STEM night gets dads in on the act Zoey Weflen and her dad Adam worked together to build a “wigglebot” during Mount Gilead Preschool’s recent Dad STEM night. For more on the event, which helps introduce preschool-age children to basic science, technology, engineering and math concepts, see page 5.

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When Goochland County Treasurer Pamela Johnson officially leaves office in July, she will leave behind an office that is consistently among the best in the state when it comes to the percentage of taxes collected. Eight years into her tenure, the Goochland Treasurer’s Office is JOHNSON also among a small percentage of those in Virginia that are accredited. see Johnson > 3

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

February 14, 2019

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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.

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 neutered male mixed breed, about 8 years old, has a severe visual impairment; a spayed female lab mix, about 8 years old; and a spayed female mixed breed, about 8 years old. The adoption fee for all senior dogs is currently being waived. 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.”

Former Goochland deputy pleads guilty to 8 sexual assault charges By Laura McFarland Richmond Suburban News

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POWHATAN – A fired Goochland County Sheriff’s Office deputy pleaded guilty on Friday, Feb. 8, in Powhatan County to several charges he had an years-long relationship with a mentally disabled adult female. Jason A. Anderson, 48, of Powhatan pleaded guilty to eight total charges of sexual assault. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Gretchen Brown gave a summary of the case she would have laid out against Anderson – who has been incarcerated since his November 2018 arrest – had it gone to trial. On Nov. 19, 2018, Powhatan

detective Michael Wentworth was contacted by Anderson’s wife via text asking for help, Brown said. The wife told the detective that Anderson had admitted to her, a pastor and a family friend that he had been having an inappropriate sexual relationship with the victim for years. Through the investigation, authorities learned that Anderson was looking for an apartment to rent for himself and the victim with the intention of living there together, Brown said. She introduced into evidence a five-page letter that Anderson wrote to his wife while incarcerated that was obtained via a search warrant. Anderson wrote in the letter that he struggled with a por-

nography addiction most of his life but didn’t act on his impulses with anyone else besides the victim. Several times in the letter he said he knew what he was doing was wrong but couldn’t overcome his sexual addiction. Anderson was originally arrested on Nov. 19, 2018, and charged with rape. Anderson was hired by the Goochland Sheriff’s Office in the summer of 2014 and had worked as a school resource officer at Goochland Middle School for the three months prior to his arrest. The Goochland Sheriff ’s Office ran a concurrent investigation that resulted in his termination, according to a release see Deputy > 3

GHS boys basketball team first in district PAGE 8 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................13-14 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries ............................ 15 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................8-9 TV Listings ......................10-12

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 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 730-0476 Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor (540) 728-0549

Thursday

February 14, 2019

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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FARMERS & FLEA MARKET “Something for Everyone”

Antiques andmade Items ers H Direct Sell Located off 250 E at 78 Zion Park Court / ¾ mile from Zion Crossroads 434-906-4138 | Open Year Round Fri., Sat., & Sun. 9-5

Joe F. Weaver, CPA 286 River Road West P.O. Box 71 Manakin Sabot, VA 23103 336-302-3795 Contributed photo

Goochland Chamber introduces 2019 Board of Directors The Goochland County Chamber of Commerce kicked off 2019 with the organization’s annual event at Hermitage Country Club on Jan. 24. The Chamber’s 2019 Board of Directors was introduced at the social, which also included a silent auction. Justin Lacy served as the President for 2017 and 2018; Bob Wharton is the incoming President; Rob McMillin serves as Vice President and Ginger Rucker is the Treasurer. Shown in the back row are, from left, Kathy Johnson, Mass Mutual Financial Group; Rob McMillin, Nick Patterson State Farm; Bob Wharton, Meredith Alvis Agency, Insurers; Alan Crouch, Reynolds Community College; Candace Dillon, Essex Bank; David Fitzsimmons, PakMail. Front row, from left, Melanie Comer, HCA/West Creek Emergency Center; Stephanie Sulmer, Sheltering Arms Hospital; Justin Lacy, Financial Services of VA. Ex-Officio Members include Sara Worley, Casey Verburg, and Todd Kilduff – Asst. County Administrator / EDA. Members not pictured above are Ginger Rucker, Making It Real; Yolanda Gray, Yolanda Gray, LLC; Eddie Edwards, MEDARVA; Nancy Burton, Luck Stone; and Laura Yox, Edward Jones

of embezzling nearly $200,000 in county funds and forcibly removed from the office she’d been elected to in 2003 and 2007. Grubbs would ultimately be sentenced to serve four years of a 40-year sentence for the crime, which all but shattered local confidence in the office. Johnson told board members last week that her primary goal, upon assuming the office, “was to repair the broken trust in the Goochland Treasurer’s Office.” “This, I feel we have done,” Johnson said. As Johnson explained, the task of creating a well-functioning, efficient and complaint office required a battery of

reforms, including correcting the accounting system, balancing the books, and instituting protocols and policies where none had existed before. She insisted to the board that she had relied heavily on her dedicated and talented staff members during those difficult days, and called for them to be recognized for their efforts as she addressed the board. Despite the challenges she had faced, Johnson told board members, serving as Treasurer for the county has been an honor, “and one of the most personally rewarding positions that I have ever held.” The board members, for their part, did not hold back

when it came time to share their own thoughts on Johnson’s record. “Your leadership has been amazing,” said chairman Manuel Alvarez. “You have earned the trust of the citizens, and that is evidence of the work that you have done.” “I just think of how far we’ve come,” noted District 1 representative Susan Lascolette. “I would just like to thank you, Pam, and your entire staff. I now have the confidence it is being done right.” Johnson is expected to serve until July 1 of this year, at which point Chief Deputy Treasurer Pamela Duncan will take over the office until a new treasurer is elected.

was part of a deal with the Powhatan Commonwealth’s continued from > 2 Attorney’s Office, which sent out at the time by the agreed not to prosecute two Circuit Court charges as well Powhatan Sheriff’s Office. Anderson’s guilty plea as the outstanding rape charge

in Powhatan Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Circuit Judge Paul Cella accepted the plea and ordered a presentencing report. All eight of the remaining charges to which

Anderson pleaded guilty are Class 5 felonies and carry a maximum sentence of 10 years each. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

Treasurer continued from > 1 It hasn’t always been this way. In fact, as Goochland supervisors pointed out during their monthly meeting last week — shortly after Johnson publicly announced her intention to retire — Johnson’s efforts are largely responsible for what could be considered one of the most significant turnarounds in the history of the county’s management. It was Johnson, after all, who was appointed by Judge Timothy K. Sanner eight years ago to assume the role of acting Treasurer after then Treasurer Brenda Grubbs was convicted

Deputy

joe@joeweavercpa.com www.joeweavercpa.com Joe F. Weaver, CPA Fax: 336-736-8041 Mention my ad and receive $50 off on your initial return! Hello Goochland County! It’s tax season and I’m here to help! I now have offices in North Carolina and Virginia and would like to have you as a new client! I specialize in personal and business taxes, bookkeeping, payroll and QuickBooks consultation. Please give me a call or drop by to see me (appointment requested). My office is within the Home Masons Office at 286 River Road West in Manakin Sabot (about one block east, up the hill from the Manakin Post Office). I look forward to meeting you!

Goochland County Public Schools PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Looking for Preschool Options for Your 3- or 4-Year Old? Goochland County Public Schools is pleased to offer preschool classes for 4-year-old children at Randolph Elementary & Goochland Elementary and for 3- and 4-year olds at Byrd Elementary. The goal of the programs is to provide quality preschool experiences for eligible students. These programs are free and transportation is provided! If you have a child who will be 3 or 4 by 9/30/19, please consider applying! Applications are available online and at all three elementary schools. Completed applications can be returned to any of the elementary schools or emailed to Sonia Talman (stalman@glnd.k12.va.us). For more information, please call our Department of Exceptional Education at (804) 556-5615.

goochlandschools.org/preschool/ goochlandschools.org/preschool/

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February 14, 2019

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

7144, or angela.thurston@ Planning committee brvgs.k12.va.us. members, team captains and Saturday, Feb 16 anyone interested in working with the Relay For Life of The next meeting of Goochland 2019 will meet at the Virginia Writers Club the Providence Presbyterian Richmond Chapter will be Church Preschool Building, held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 3388 Three Chopt Rd, Gum p.m. at the Publix at 2250 Spring at 6:30 p.m. For John Rolfe Parkway in Glen more information, visit the Allen. The special guest for organization’s website at www. the meeting will be Pamela relayforlife.org/goochlandVA K. Kinney, an award-winning or contact (call or text) Tracie published author of horror, Grady, 2019 Relay For Life of science fiction, fantasy and Goochland Event Team Lead, poetry. For more information at (804) 418-5052. She may contact Susan Schwartz, also be reached by e-mail at President of the Richmond TracieGrady@gmail.com. Chapter, at Ncc17lu@aol.com Wednesday, Feb. 13

It’s Not About the Documents . . . It’s About the Results

What we will discuss: K The effect of the Federal Estate Tax law change on every estate plan. K The change to Virginia’s Power of Attorney and Health Care Laws (Advance Medical Directive) and their impact on you and your family. K How Probate and unnecessary delays and costs can be avoided. K How to provide for your own care and well-being, and that of your loved ones even if you become mentally incapacitated. K Maximizing total control of your property, your assets and your privacy during life. K The pitfalls of joint ownership, especially with family members. K How you can protect your children’s inheritance from predators, greedy nonfamily members, and bad marriages.

SEMINAR LOCATIONS AND DATES Weinstein Jewish Community Center 5403 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23226 Tuesday, February 19 • 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 • 6 p.m. Goochland Library 3075 River Road W. Goochland, VA 23063 Wednesday, February 20 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Goochland Branch Library will host LEGO Adventures from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for participants age 5 to 10. Materials for this free event will be provided — all that is required is a love for LEGOs! For more information call (804) 556-4774

Bon Air Library 9103 Rattlesnake Road Richmond, VA 23235 Thursday, March 7 • 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. West End Library 5420 Patterson Avenue Richmond, VA 23226 Wednesday, March 13 • 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 14 The Goochland Mystery Book Group will meet at the Goochland Branch Library from 2 to 3 p.m. for participants age 18 and up. For more information, call (804) 556-4774.

There is no charge but seating is limited!

Call (804) 285-7900 ext. 114 or online at www.carrellblanton.com to make your reservation

presented by

The Rotary Club of Goochland will welcome speaker Tom VanNuys, a former FBI agent, to the club’s weekly breakfast meeting. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Richmond Country Club.

James W. Garrett, Esq. and M. Eldridge Blanton, III, Esq.

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TRUST & ESTATE PLANNING PROBATE & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS PLANNING ELDER LAW LITIGATION

Wednesday, Feb. 20 Dr. Krista Edleman, MD of Richmond Gastroenterology Associates will speak and answer questions this month’s meeting of the Richmond Ostomy Association. Members and friends meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Williamsburg-A Conference Room (Skipwith entrance) of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, 1608 Skipwith Rd. For more information, contact Mike Rollston at (804) 232-1961 or email him at agriva@ comcast.net.

Friday, Feb. 22 Friday, Feb. 15

894719-01

YOU should attend if: K You want to learn about the Federal Estate and Gift Tax law changes. K You want to learn about Virginia’s new Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive Laws. K You want to protect the inheritance you leave behind FOR YOUR FAMILY’S use only. K You wish to learn more about PROBATE and how to avoid it. K You have a Will that is more than 3 YEARS OLD or it was created IN ANOTHER STATE.

www.goochlandgazette.com

Community Calendar

Wills vs. Trusts? This is truly an educational session. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion of the basics of estate planning and discover which plan is right for you and your loved ones.

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Goochland high school student Angela Thurston has organized a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. at Second Union Baptist Church (in the Fellowship Hall), located at 2843 Hadensville-Fife Road. For more information, contact Angela Thurston at (804) 833-

The Rotary Club of Goochland will welcome Stephen Beer, Rotary District Coordinator for the Van for Faison Center for Autism Project, to the club’s weekly breakfast meeting. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Richmond Country Club. Saturday, March 9 Goochland’s Company 5 (Courthouse) will be hosting its annual Chili Cook Off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chili tasters are needed for this see Calendar > 16

Thursday

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February 14, 2019

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Kitchens/Baths Patios/Decks New Construction Doors/Windows Sidewalks/Pavers Remodels/Additions

Contributed photos

’Bots take center stage at Mount Gilead STEM Night

20 Years Carpentry Experience

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Blanchard & Associates 804-457-9426 Greg VA Lic. 27505-093745-A 20 YearsBlanchard Carpentry Experience Residential Contractor, Inc.

ount Gilead Preschool hosted their annual Dad’s STEM Night on Jan. 31, and the theme for the event this year was “Robots.” Members of the Goochland High School Junkyard Dogs, including team members Austin Payne, Ryan DeLoaches, Jacob Neill, Asher Bunovich and James DeLoaches, along with Coach Stephanie DeLoaches, graciously donated their time and amazed the preschoolers with the robot they brought. After learning about robots from the team, the preschoolers and their dads were given the challenge to create a “wigglebot” that could make art designs. Everyone enjoyed using their engineering skills to design their wigglebots and to make them move in circles across paper to create designs. The last step of the challenge was to build a bridge for their wigglebot to cross. Pictured above clockwise, from the top left, excited preschoolers watched the Goochland High School Robot at work; Wilder Parrish was excited to show his “wigglebot” cross the bridge with dad Stan Parrish; and Luke Garner and his dad, Matthew Garner, showed off their engineering skills.

Spencer’s Treble Maker Music • Music Lessons for All Ages and Experience Levels • Lessons available on 10 Instruments • Music Instrument Repair

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Mark Stuart Long, executor to Raymond S. Long, $248,600. 1662 Indys Road, Maidens; Krickovic and Ziegler LLC to Donald W. Porter, $784,456. 1029 Kimberwicke Drive, Crozier; Barbara J. Smiley to William B. Murray, $590,000. 847 Manakin Road, ManakinSabot; Culula Hurt, executor to Douglas K. Daniels, $310,000. 317 Piping Rock Road, ManakinSabot; Boone Homes Inc. to Robert E.

Hart, $647,474. 12266 River Road, Richmond; Keith B. Marcus to James M. Ireland, $530,735. 2016 Shade Hunter Lane, Maidens; Jason William Dieter to Shannon Fox Edwards, $262,000. 2975 Stone Creek Drive, Sandy Hook; Aubrey Lee Lindsey III to William J. Rooney, $330,000. 3577 Whitehall Road, Sandy Hook; Jerry L. Morris to Benjamin P. Boyd, $281,000.

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Recent Property Transfers 1328 Autumn Breeze Drive, Oilville; Renovatio III LLC to Kyle H. Phillips, $501,000. 3780 Cabin Road, Gum Spring; Donald R. Vaughan II to Luis Alvarez Palacios, $151,000. 50 East Square Lane, Richmond; Stephen D. Hickman to Ronald D. Wilkins, $725,000. 1407 Grand Drive, Manakin-Sabot; Daniel E. Wilson to Jeanenne M. Pisko, $600,000. 109 Hickory Drive, Manakin-Sabot;

Debra Hoffman, Associate Broker OFFICE: 347-3878 debra.hoffman@penfedrealty.com

Thursday

February 14, 2019

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

For Northam, full record should be considered By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Make no mistake about it: Gov. Ralph Northam’s yearbook photo is awful. And the calls for him to step down have been widespread and fueled at least in part by painful memories of a past most of us would like to leave far behind. Northam will be remembered with disdain for this, and rightfully so. And yet … We have all said and done stupid things in our past, and we have all acted younger than our years. We have all cringed years later at

our choices of words, or actions, or the way we presented ourselves to the world. Thank God, then, that humans have been gifted with the capacity to change: when things progress as they should, we grow and we learn. We get better. Hopefully, as we move through life, we meet people who change our minds and shake loose our stubborn notions of how the world is and where we fit in it. In short, we become better versions of ourselves. And, perhaps most importantly of all, we admit our past transgressions and ask for forgiveness. Under no circumstances could I presume to tell anyone how to

view this mark on Northam’s character, nor would I ever suggest that his actions did not cause pain. But I would wonder what harm could come, if we are going to try someone in the court of public opinion, from entering into evidence more than a snapshot of who they were over three decades ago. Northam’s reported actions during his time as a soldier, a physician and a governor do not seem to be those of a person who devalues his fellow man or casts aspersions based on race. It is also worth noting that not a single person has come forward with allegations of impropriety on

Northam’s part, or evidence that he is anything other than an honorable man. Did he do something stupid, distasteful and classless? Yes. And yet I can say with almost absolute certainty that there will be things said and done today, in both public and private forums, that three decades from now will be realized as hopelessly tone-deaf, odious or even downright offensive. When they come to light, I hope those who caused offense have the courage to ask for forgiveness. And, God willing, those asked will be benevolent enough to grant it.

Phone sales pitches, scams seem to be multiplying By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

I was naive in my belief that the demise of land-based phone lines signaled the end of those unrelenting unwanted sales calls from pushy telemarketers or scam artists. I suppose I’ve been spoiled by the many years of cell phone service and the lack of unwanted calls or texts. For some unknown reason, I thought government regu-

lations and consumer protection agencies had solved the problem. I couldn’t have been more wrong. A call blocking company estimates that more than 50 percent of all cellular calls in 2019 will be spam robocalls and experts say the problem is likely to increase each year. During the past six months, I’ve received dozens of calls reminding me that my car warranty is running out, or how I’m paying too much for my car insurance.

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 Sports Editor Production Manager Sales Representative Sales Representative Sales Representative Classifieds

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

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

At the end of the message, I’ve selected the remove from call list option and am now convinced that prompts these callers to place your name on the Call As Many Times As Possible list. Experts recommend the best way to avoid these calls is not to answer any unfamiliar or unknown numbers, but that option does not work for those whose careers require communication from unknown sources in various locations.

And, millions of Americas have registered their numbers on a National Do Not Call list that should stop most of these unwanted class within 30 days. But, remember, the list does not include calls from debt collectors, charitable organizations or companies you have given permission to call you (remember that fine print where you checked “OK”?). Annoying is one thing, but the see Phone > 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 © 2019 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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Letters to the Editor Where is the outcry for the innocent lives put in danger by abortion bill? Dear Editor, This is a sad time for the Commonwealth. The Virginia Governor and Commonwealths Attorney have been exposed participating in what most believe to be shameful, racist behavior. Then there is the Lt. Governor, accused of committing a sexual assault in 2004, adding more turmoil to a shaken citizenry. But amid the outrage over these morally repugnant revelations a more insidious event is taking place. There is a growing cultural shift mostly ignored by the national and local broadcast media. This willful silence bears witness to a Commonwealth and a Nation progressively losing their collective moral compass. The current Virginia General Assembly narrowly tabled House Bill 2491 introduced by Fairfax Delegate Kathy Tran legalizing abortion up to birth. In a moment of unbridled honesty Virginia Governor Northam gave his “Blessing” to a practice known as murder. There is a rightful outcry against the dehumanization of Black Americans but only a whisper against the dehumanization and murder of a baby! Gov. Northam received 2.1 million from Planned Parenthood in the 2017 Gubernatorial race. The Governor, owing allegiance to Planned Parenthood and aided by the mainstream Broadcast media, drives a narrative that supports the abortion industry while intentionally ignoring dissenting opinions. More than 1,000 Pro-life Virginians and more than a few elected officials and well-known Statesmen gathered at the Capitol steps on Feb. 7 to voice their condemnation of the merciless Bill embraced by the Governor, a Pediatrician who took the see Letters > page 7

Thursday

February 14, 2019

Free parenting class offered to local residents

Brown Motor Parts, Inc. Rt. 6 & 45 at George’s Tavern

5285 River Road West Goochland, VA 23063

(804) 457-4495

Contributed photo

Phone continued from > 6 sad reality surrounding these calls is the fact that many are attempts to scam or steal from over-trusting Americans who love to talk on the phone. Using the most sophisticated of systems, these scam artists use any response from you as an authorization to steal or open accounts. Experts tell unaware victims to hang up as soon as

Letters continued from > 6 Hippocratic Oath to “do no harm.” Channels 6, 8 and 12 did not cover the event on their newscasts.

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PASTURE LAND WANTED TO BUY OR LEASE NEAR CROZIER CATTLE OPERATION SEEKS PASTURE LAND TO PURCHASE OR LEASE NEAR CROZIER, VA. WE SEEK 10 ACRES OR MORE, PREFERABLY 25 OR MORE. FENCED AND WATERED IS OPTIMAL BUT WOULD CONSIDER FENCING/ WATERING FOR A LONG TERM LEASE TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT. WOULD HONOR ANY LAND CONSERVANCY. WE WISH TO REMAIN A LONG TERM FARM OPERATION. PLEASE CALL 804-400-8398

GED Classes in Goochland Adult Education classes to prepare individuals in need of a GED or basic math and reading skills, workforce activities training, computer literacy training. Open enrollment through May 2019.

Contributed photo

Starting them young Future fox hunter James Ware braved the cold at the Capitol bell tower on Feb. 1 in support of hunting with hounds.

possible and never say “Yes” to any question. And some phone services offer blocking or tracking features that allow you to add these numbers to a no call category. Also remember that the IRS, Social Security or the DMV are not calling you and if someone identifies themselves as a representative of these or a similar agency, the call is a scam. And, there’s always the pro-

active approach that involves reporting continued and harassing phone calls to the FCC. Somehow, the whole experience of unwanted calls has caused me to doubt the sanctity of my cell phone, and what once represented a connection to a small group of friends and family has become an invitation for intrusion and invasion of privacy. Even sadder, I feel like I was the last one to know.

And how is it possible in this day where nothing can remain hidden during the intense scrutiny that takes place in a major political race, did this “Blackface” revelation suddenly come to light on the very heels of the Governors

admission of an evil agenda? Public attention was quickly and conveniently diverted away from proposed infanticide. Wake up Virginia! Stop this evil! Valerie Turner Goochland

For more information, call Capital Region Adult Education at 804-780-6039

Capital Region Adult Education Program Increasing workforce opportunities for you!

Have the Goochland Gazette delivered to your mailbox every week! ONE YEAR (52 WEEK) SUBSCRIPTION $30.00 FOR GOOCHLAND COUNTY ZIP CODES, ALL OTHERS $40.00 ACCOUNT/DELIVERY INFORMATION: Name: Street: City: ________________ State: Zip Code: Phone: 753603-01

Goochland County is once again offering the “Parenting the Love and Logic Way” education program, an interactive series of 4 two-hour sessions, on an on-going basis. These workshops help parents to provide a nurturing environment which encourages children to make healthy choices. The free program is a collaborative effort between the Goochland Department of Social Services and the Goochland County Office of Children’s Services. The next session begins Thursday, April 11 and runs for four consecutive Thursday evenings from 5 – 7 p.m. For more information or registration, contact Mills Jones, Director of Goochland County Office of Children’s Services, at (804) 556-5875; or email mjones@goochlandva.us. Space is limited.

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February 14, 2019

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Goochland basketball: best in the district By Nick Vandeloecht, Sports Editor

OOCHLAND -- The thunderous roar of the fans swelled to ear-splitting levels as, in a matter of eight minutes, a 17-point rout transformed into a one-point game. Cumberland unleashed a fiery final stand in the fourth quarter to will its way back into the game while the Bulldogs began struggling with free throws. With less than 22 seconds to play, Goochland senior Deion Harwood lined up at the free throw line for two shots to try to stretch his team’s lead to three. He missed the first try... ...and Cumberland rebounded the second, dashing towards the other side of the court. Their drive stalled out midway across the floor. Goochland senior Isaiah Matovu got a hand on the ball… ...and it came loose, rolling across the hardwood. Harwood scooped it up. He drew another foul... ...and he lined up at the charity stripe once more. He didn’t miss this time. “I had to make those, secure the game,” Harwood said. Both of his shots went through the hoop, and the opposing Dukes unleashed one last-ditch attempt at a game-tying three-pointer, but to no avail. The buzzer rang throughout Goochland High School’s gymnasium. The Bulldogs had just captured a thrilling 55-52 victory... ...as well as the James River District tournament championship. “This is the first time in my years here that we’ve won this game, so it’s very special to me, and I hope it’s special to our players as well,” Goochland head coach Preston Gordon said after the game. “We talked about leaving a legacy and, when you come back… looking up on those banners and

Nick Vandeloecht/The Gazette

Goochland boys basketball team gathered Monday after defeating Cumberland, 55, 52, to win the James River District tournament championship.

talking to your kids and talking to your friends that you bring to a game and saying that, ‘I was a part of that, and this is what we did, and this is the kind of season we had...’ “I’m very proud of our guys; I thought we did a nice job sharing the ball,” Gordon said. “Coaching staff did a fantastic job and everyone, the atmosphere was great – the band and the cheerleaders, they bring a lot, and then our fans got loud. This is Cumberland, and it’s a rivalry – oldschool, James River District rivalry… that’s a really good ball team…those guys, they have the potential to go far.” With Cumberland bouncing all the way back from a 47-30 deficit to challenge for the lead and the win in the final seconds, the Bulldogs weren’t in the kind of situation they wanted to be in at the end, Harwood noted. “But we made the best out of it,” Harwood said, “and we just know we’ve got to keep working hard for next game.” “We’ve got to do a better job finishing games,” Gordon said. “We’ve got to play better defense in the fourth

quarter…we held them to 12 in the first half…we need to do a better job of locking down.” But, as they’ve proven throughout the season, any Bulldog player who steps onto the court is a threat to make plays. Nine players took the court for the Bulldogs in their championship game Monday. All nine scored. “It’s great – it’s something we do all season, everybody’s getting buckets, and it’s just something you love to see as a four-year varsity player,” Harwood said. “I love seeing my teammates do what they do on the court.” Kameron Holman rolled out seven points in the first quarter and six in the third on the way to totaling a team-leading 17 points. Senior Isaiah Matovu added 11. JaMel Allen and Harwood contributed eight and seven points, respectively. The Bulldogs battled past early shots that weren’t falling to string together an eight-point run and lead 14-8 at first quarter’s end. Holman

poured in seven points, including a trey, in the opening stanza alone. Goochland then steadily pulled away in the second, making six free throws on six fouls called against Cumberland and getting a threepointer from Harwood. Cumberland got several looks, but missed shots kept the Dukes from keeping pace as the home team unleashed a 12-point tear and ballooned its halftime advantage to 29-12. It was JaMel Allen’s turn to take over in the second as he drained seven points, including a pair of and-one’s, in the eight-minute period. Six-foot-seven senior center Chris Jackson started gaining steam in the post in the third quarter, picking up nine points for Cumberland, but Holman went back to work on offense, netting six more in the third. Goochland then continued to make shots from the charity stripe to keep Cumberland from gaining any ground going into the fourth. That’s when the Dukes caught fire. Four players netted at least four points each – with MJ Patterson scor-

ing seven of his team-leading 15 – to slash Goochland’s lead all the way down to one within the final 30 seconds. But Harwood’s takeaway, and his clutch free throws at the end, sealed the deal for the Bulldogs, who, with the triumph, grew their winning streak to 17 straight games. Next up for Goochland is the Region 2A tournament. The Bulldogs host the winner of Poquoson and Prince Edward on Monday, Feb. 18. The Bulldogs are the defending region champions. “People are coming for us,” Gordon said. “We’ve got to be prepared.”

Bulldogs win regular season district championship Goochland Boys Basketball concluded the regular season with 15 wins in a row, a 17-3 record and the James River District regular season see Boys > 9

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February 14, 2019

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Girls BB 2nd in districts Staff Report

GOOCHLAND -- Goochland girls basketball made it to the James Rivers District finals but fell just shy of the championship, taking a 52-47 loss to Buckingham. Lanaysia Gonzalez led the Bulldogs with a double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds on Monday. Two of her teammates also double-doubled in the game. Justice Tibbs and Jalyn Burns each scored 12 points, with Tibbs hauling in 15 rebounds and Burns getting 13. Tibbs also had three assists and a steal. Goochland had won five games in a row before Monday. In their previous two games, the Bulldogs defeated Amelia 61-52 and Prince Edward 40-33. Against Amelia, Gabby Ragone and Blake Thomas led the Bulldogs in scoring with 21 points each. Burns scored 10 points and made nine rebounds and Tibbs led the Bulldogs in rebounds with 10 while adding 7 points. In the Bulldogs’ James River District semifinals victory over Prince Edward, Ragone delivered 11 points, 3 steals and 3 assists and Thomas rolled out 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist. Up next for the Bulldogs is the Region 2A tournament. Goochland will host Arcadia at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, in the first round.

John Beebe for The Gazette

Goochland’s Gabby Ragone breaks away for the two-point attempt.

John Beebe for The Gazette

Above: Goochland girls basketball’s Blake Thomas goes for a layup in Tuesday’s home game versus Amelia; below: Goochland’s Justice Tibbs goes for two.

Boys continued from >8 The Bulldogs concluded the stretch by defeating Randolph-Henry 59-50 behind double-digit scoring performances from three seniors. Isaiah Matovu led the way on 21 points, with DJ Harris rolling out 16 points and Deion Harwood making 13. In the previous game when Goochland last Wednesday hosted Nottoway on the Bulldogs’ Senior Night, J.B. Bell wouldn’t let the ball escape the basket. Utilizing his height, the six-foot-five freshman hauled in several boards on offense, piled on the putbacks and double-doubled with 17 points and 12 rebounds to help the Bulldogs win 51-39. “He did a fantastic job for us on the boards,” Goochland head coach Preston Gordon said of Bell. “We struggled early getting going. Senior night, sometimes it’s the jitters, but all our guys are capable of performing and playing well. We didn’t get off to the start we hoped we would get off to. I felt like JB, once he was able to get a feel, get in his rhythm, he was definitely able to be a huge impact player for us.” Senior JaMel Allen also delivered a big performance to help push his Bulldogs ahead. He picked up four rebounds and scored 12 points overall. Quincy Snead, who hit a key three-pointer to spark his home team in the second quarter, chipped in 10 points and four rebounds that he spread throughout the game. Senior Deion Harwood scored seven points and added five rebounds. Goochland trailed visiting Nottoway through most of the first half, staying within one possession of tying the game or taking the lead... …until Snead let loose a jumpshot from behind the arc. He fell to the floor on contact from the foul he drew while the whistle blew… …and the go-ahead three-pointer swished on through, drawing cheers from the home fans. Snead lined up for the andone, and while his free throw didn’t land in the basket, the ball did fall into the hands of his teammates on the offensive rebound, with freshman Bell capping the drive on one of his several putbacks in the contest. Nottoway would lead again, but then Allen took command. He netted two from the line to push his team back to the front, and he extended that lead by two more points from the field before the end of the half. Nottoway led once more in the third quarter, and then after Harwood landed a go-ahead basket to send his team to the point again, the visitors tied the game at 27-27.

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Bell put his team back ahead. He netted seven of his team’s next eight points and helped his Bulldogs build a multi-possession cushion in the tightly contested game. He joined his teammates Allen and Snead in making key shots from the field to stretch out the Bulldogs’ advantage in the closing stages. Wednesday’s Senior Night game honored seniors from the Goochland Pep Band and Goochland Cheer, as well as Goochland Boys Basketball seniors Allen, Harwood, DJ Harris, Isaiah Matovu and Perry SneadJohnson. “You look at Deion, he’s been a fouryear starter for us, is a phenomenal basketball player and he was able to score 1,000 points for us this year, which is a remarkable accomplishment for any high school basketball player,” Gordon said. “DJ always goes hard. He’s got a lot of grit and he always – he’s competing, always competing. He doesn’t like for anybody else to beat him, he’s so competitive.” Gordon said that this basketball season has been big for Matovu. “He’s definitely a defensive stopper for us and he’s taken on that role this year as: he’s gonna guard one of the best players, or the best player from the other team, and that’s what he likes – he’s just a defensive guy,” Gordon said of Matovu, adding: “He’s improved his game offensively, and that’s really helped us out.” Allen has been a four-year player for Goochland, and he’s helped the team defensively. “He’s continued to improve little by little and he does a fantastic job for us,” Gordon said of Allen. “He just leads by example.” While this definitely hasn’t been the basketball season that Goochland Football standout Perry Snead-Johnson wanted – he took a year off to get his body right and let it heal after fighting injuries as a junior, but has been forced to sit out this basketball season due to injuries again – but Gordon praised his toughness. “He’s a true leader. Perry’s gonna do great things. He’s one of the smartest kids that we have in the school,” Gordon said. “I really hope he gets an opportunity to play at an Ivy League school if that opportunity arises for him.” Goochland’s win over Nottoway followed up Tuesday night’s 46-41 victory on the road over Amelia. Harwood was Goochland’s scoring leader in that game with 13 points and seven rebounds while Kameron Holman chipped in 11 points and nine rebounds. Snead behind them assembled 10 points, eight rebounds, six steals and five assists.

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