02/28/2019 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Hostile homes: Building with a vengeance > page 6

Volume 64, Number 9 • February 28, 2019

Church honors first responders at annual breakfast. See page 9

Chairman of Planning Commission resigns seat

Board gets first look at 2020 budget By Roslyn Ryan Editor

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Citing tensions created by his support of two recent rezoning cases, the chairman of the Goochland County Planning Commission has resigned. District 4 Planning Commissioner John Shelhorse said in a statement released on Feb. 19 that he originally submitted his resignation in writing to county supervisors shortly after the Feb. 7 Planning Commission meeting. During that meeting, Shelhorse was the only commissioner to offer SHELHORSE his support for a plan to create a subdivision featuring up to 147 homes on a 98-acre parcel near the intersection of Rockville and Manakin Road. see Shelhorse > 2

Photo by Nick Vandeloecht

’Dogs day

GHS boys win region basketball championship

Goochland High School boys basketball player Quincy Snead reacts while cutting a part of the basketball net as part of the Bulldogs’ celebration of their regional championship win over Greensville County, 55-53, on Friday, Feb. 22. For more on the win, see page 10.

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Goochland County Administrator John Budesky presented his recommended budget for fiscal year 2020 to the county Board of Supervisors on Feb. 19, kicking off the formal part of a budget process that began in earnest last October. “Every day we are seeking to understand, what are the challenges residents are facing? What are the service needs they are requesting?” Budesky said as he opened the budget presentation, noting that county staff works hard to identify opportunities to create efficiencies and identify cost savings as they prepare the budget. Completed over several months, the process of creating the new budget culminates in a series of workshops that will be taking place over the next several weeks, ending with the formal adoption of the budget and tax rates on April 16. The proposed budget of $87.5 million see Budget > 3

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February 28, 2019

March 2 program will focus on safe, inclusive education Contributed report

A workshop titled Community Conversations: Strengthening Inclusive, Caring, and Safe Learning Environments, will be presented on March 2. Small group conversations will be facilitated as parents, students,

Shelhorse continued from >1 Shelhorse was also the only commissioner to vote in favor of a rezoning application filed by Reed Marsh, LLC, seeking to create 67 lots for single family dwellings on a 56-acre parcel at 3089 River Road West. Shelhorse said that, after receiving no response to his initial letter of resignation, he drafted an article for the Goochland Gazette’s opinion page explaining his view that the county’s current Comprehensive Plan — which had been cited by fellow commission members as being in direct opposition to the two planned projects

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Pets of the week SPORTS

and citizens discuss scenarios that occur in our schools. This event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Goochland Recreation Center, 2425 Sandy Hook Road, in Goochland. For more information, contact William Quarles at (804) 338-1748. — in fact offered ample justification for growth in designated areas. Shelhorse said he submitted the opinion piece in draft form to county staff for review, and said he received a call shortly thereafter advising him that his resignation had been accepted. The piece, titled “Right Things In Right Places, Redux,” was printed in the Feb. 21 edition of the Goochland Gazette. “I believe those serving a public body whether elected or appointed have a responsibility to be open and transparent,” Shelhorse said, adding that he “would rather be criticized for something I did than something I failed to do.”

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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

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 senior, spayed female cat, found after being hit by a car and sustaining a non-fatal skull fracture (sadly, she has diminished vision and will need to be an indoor cat); a male lab mix, about 1-2 years old; and a spayed female hound mix, about 4-6 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.”

Student’s project honors memory of late classmate Event to feature dinner, student performances Contributed report

An upcoming event at Goochland High School will celebrate the life of a Goochland High School student and help fund a scholarship created in her honor. Laura Grace Snow, a member of the GHS Class of 2019, battled Juvenile Batten Disease from 3rd grade until her death in February of 2018. Despite losing her sight during Elementary School, life was never dark for Laura Grace. During all of those years she maintained a posi-

tive outlook on life that was infectious to everyone with whom she came into contact. Laura Grace had a profound love for music and never missed an opportunity to perform at school talent shows. Her favorite artist was Taylor Swift and she could sing along to almost every song. During middle school, Laura Grace and her family got the opportunity to meet another of her favorite singers, Carrie Underwood, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Goochland High School Senior Savannah Slater was friends with Laura Grace since they were toddlers playing at Hidden Rock Park while their older brothers played baseball.

Savannah has created a scholarship in memory of Laura Grace as her GHS senior project, working with the Guidance Department, Laura Grace’s Family, and GRASP Representatives to develop this scholarship designed to open the eyes of her fellow students to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Savannah has chosen to generate funds for this scholarship by creating the Laura Grace Snow Memorial Music Festival. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, in the Goochland High School Auditorium. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for dinner and to purchase raffle see Festival > 3

Swimmers look back on standout season PAGE 11 Calendar ................................ 3 Classifieds ......................15-17 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .............................10-11 TV Listings ......................12-14

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

February 28, 2019

Community Calendar able financing to businesses in Environments, will be preThe Goochland Republican the local agriculture economy sented as a partnership with in New England. Goochland County Public Women will host a discussion Schools, the Goochland of money in politics, featurThe Cochrane Rockville Minority Student Achievement ing speaker Jeff Clements Branch Library will host Advisory Committee, and of American Promise, at 10 First Friday Films from 4 to 6 the Goochland Minister’s a.m. at the Manakin Fire p.m., and all are encouraged Conference of Goochland & House (180 River Road West, to bring the whole crew for a Vicinity. Small group converManakin Sabot). All are welgreat movie on the big screen. sations will be facilitated as come. Clements, an attorney, Refreshments will be provided parents, students, and caring is a founder and President of by the Friends of the Rockville citizens discuss scenarios that American Promise. He has Library. Call (804) 749-3146 occur in our schools. Light practiced law for three decades or visit the library at 16600 snacks will be provided. This in public service and private Pouncey Tract Road for more event will be held from 10 practice, and is the author of a.m. to noon at the Goochland information. Corporations Are Not People: Recreation Center, 2425 Sandy Reclaiming Democracy Family Storytime at the Hook Road, in Goochland. From Big Money & Global Cochrane Rockville Branch For more information, conCorporations. Previously, Library begins at 10:30 a.m. tact William Quarles at (804) Clements was a partner in a Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the 338-1748. major Boston law firm and library at 16600 Pouncey Tract served as Assistant Attorney Road for more information. The Goochland Branch General and Chief of the pubLibrary will host “Happy lic law enforcement bureau in Birthday, Dr. Seuss!” from 10 Saturday, March 2 the Attorney General’s Office to 11:30 a.m. Participants will in Massachusetts. In 2012, He Community Conversations: celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday founded Whaleback Partners Strengthening Inclusive, with stories, games, and crafts. LLC, which provides sustain- Caring, and Safe Learning Refreshments will be pro-

vided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

gross receipts under $10,000 (up from $4,000). A decrease in the county’s Peddler’s Fee could spur entrepreneurship and small business growth, Budesky said, and a cut in the Conditional Use Permit fee for those looking to erect cell towers could create incentives to help address the lack of high speed internet access in certain areas of the county. When it comes to the county’s own payroll, the budget includes a 3 percent merit increase for county employees and public safety pay scale adjustments. There will be no increase expected in the amount county employees pay toward their health care. County schools will receive a 3.3 percent funding increase (which equates to $740,000), and public safety will see a 9.4 percent increase. The public

A Capital Improvement Plan work session with the Board of Supervisors and School Board members will be held starting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12. Town Hall meetings, which will include discussions on the FY 2020 Budget, will be held on March 13, (for Districts 2 and 3, at the Central High School Cultural & Educational Complex), March 18 (for District 1, at Fife Firehouse), and March 27 (for Districts 4 and 5, at Hermitage Country Club). All town halls start at 7 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. The public hearing on the budget and tax rates will be held at 7 p.m. on April 2. Adoption of the budget and tax rates is scheduled for 3 p.m. on April 16. All meetings are open to the public.

Friday, March 1

Budget continued from >1 (a 2.6 percent decrease from this year) maintains the real estate tax rate at .53 cents and decreases the personal property tax rate by .5 cents per $100, bringing it to $3.95. Real estate tax revenue is expected to increase by 5.1 percent, and personal property tax will rise by 8.2 percent over this year’s budget. The property tax relief amount offered by the county has been raised from $800 to $900, and the personal property tax rate for disabled veterans has been decreased from $4 to $2 per $100. Small businesses in Goochland received some welcome news, as the budget presented last week maintains that there will be no fee for

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safety portion of the budget will also include funding for seven additional firefighters. The Tuckahoe Creek Service District’s ad valorem tax will remain unchanged at .32. As Budesky noted in his closing remarks, the budget he presented to the board focused on three guiding principles. “We wanted to make sure that we were introducing a budget that was sensitive to those most in need in our community, we wanted to introduce a budget that was supportive of our top priorities as a community, and we wanted to introduce a budget that supports and spurs new business growth and investment,” Budesky said. Work on the FY 2020 budget continued Tuesday, and the board will meet again on March 5 beginning at 3 p.m.

Sunday, March 3 Dover Baptist Church is hosting a Blood Drive in honor of Bobby Dervishian from 11: a.m. – 4 p.m. in Heritage Hall. Bobby was involved in a serious accident last year and required many units of blood. His family and friends want to help others this year! Please plan to come and donate a unit of blood to help others in our area. All of the blood products remain in our local area. The process should only take about 30 minutes. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and type in keyword: DoverBaptist or call Juanita Deck at (804) 8695144. see Calendar > 9

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Mt. Gilead now enrolling for preschool program Contributed report

Mt. Gilead Baptist Preschool is now registering for the 2019-2020 school year. The preschool offers a 2- or 3-day program for 2 year olds (must be potty trained) and a 3- or 4-day program for the 3 year old and Pre-K classes. The early registration fee of $25 will be offered through April 1. After that date, the registration fee will be $40.

Festival continued from >2 tickets. The Festival will include stage performances by fellow students, community choirs, and local musicians. Commemorative T-Shirts

Mt. Gilead Preschool is located two miles south of I-64 on Shannon Hill Road. For more information, contact the church at (804) 457-2938 or Glenda Hawk at (804) 432-6868. The preschool’s website, teacherpage.com/mtgilead, also serves as a valuable resource for learning about the many opportunities available at the preschool.

will be available for purchase at the festival as well as raffle tickets for some creative gift baskets donated by community members. Dinner may be purchased from the All-Night-Graduation Committee at the indoor concession stand.

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

February 28, 2019

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Obituaries THEODORE ANDERSON Theodore Cuyler Jr. “T.C.” Anderson bid farewell to a long and happy life on Feb. 12, 2019, after a brave battle with cancer. He was born in Norfolk on June 4, 1925; his predeceased parents were T.C. Anderson Sr. and Sarah Edna Russell. Also preceding him in death were his two sisters, Margaret Gordon of Harrisonburg and Ruth Taylor of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is survived by his best friend, life’s partner and love of his life, wife of 67 years, Diane Furniss Anderson; his loving daughters, Anne Manning and Susan

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Benes (husband, Hunter). He was the proud grandfather of Laura Franke (husband, Gordon), John Manning, Hunter and Madeleine B e n e s ; and greatgrandd a u g h t e r, Susanna Franke. T.C. was a ANDERSON member of the Hebron Presbyterian Church in Manakin-Sabot, where he enjoyed singing in the choir. Having spent his childhood in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, T.C. enlisted and served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. He completed a bachelor’s degree at Bridgewater College, then obtained a master’s degree at the University of Virginia and ultimately earned his doctorate in education at Nova University. He began his career in education in Rockingham County, teaching biology and coaching football, basketball and baseball. He later moved to Buchanan High School, where he served as assistant principal and ath-

letic coach. T.C. continued his career in Roanoke, where he taught, coached and served as Dean of Boys at Jefferson High School. While at Jefferson, he coached the state champion high school football team and other successful teams. Upon moving to Henrico County, T.C. became the assistant principal of Tuckahoe Middle School and was later appointed the first principal of Pinchbeck Elementary School, where he distinguished himself as an educational leader. He was then tapped to be the principal of Tuckahoe Middle School and served in that capacity for 25 years. Dr. Anderson (as he was regarded at TMS) had the uncanny ability to attract and hire faculty and staff members who were talented professionals, and together they created a school culture and family where students came first. Tuckahoe Middle was recognized with several awards during his tenure; he was always extremely proud of the accomplishments of Tuckahoe’s students, teachers and staff members. Beyond the love of teaching and learning, T.C. also loved to read, to participate

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in conversations of substance, to debate and to enjoy life. He loved the dance floor and any affair that called to break into song. He had numerous friends, neighbors and colleagues who enjoyed the great times in his and Diane’s home. He was indeed a good husband, father, coach and educator who touched many lives during his lifetime - what better way to leave this life! A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. at Greenwood Memorial Gardens on Feb. 28, 2019 (today). Donations in memory of T.C. can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. RICHARD D. HODGES Richard Davis Hodges, 54, of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, after a long battle with medical problems. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Melton Jackson and Louise Perkins, J.W. Hodges and Mary HODGES Perkins. He is survived by his wife of 5 years, Michelle P. Hodges; stepdaughters, Amber Roberts (Randy) and Taylor Morris; grandchildren, Allison and Jackson; parents, F. D. and Mary Ann Hodges; sisters, Wendy Hodges and Sarah Haney (David); nieces, Brittany, Rebecca, and Julia; as well as a host of friends who will all miss him dearly. A lifelong member of Memorial Baptist Church, Richard retired after 30 years as a safety coordinator

for the Virginia Correctional Center. He enjoyed spending his free time driving his mustang, fishing and watching UVA football, but what he loved best was spending time with his family and friends. A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb.16, at Memorial Baptist Church in Columbia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Memorial Baptist Cemetery Fund. Online guestbook available at affinityfuneralservice.com. LLOYD L. LOWMASTER Lloyd Leroy Lowmaster, 85, of Maidens, passed away Feb.15, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Ann Shepler Lowmaster; and his son, Paul Eugene Lowmaster. He is survived by his children, David Lowmaster (Liz), Janice Lowmaster and Karin Harlan (Robert); his grandchildren, Kristina Bomber (Erik), Thomas Lowmaster and Michael Harlan. Visitation was held Friday, Feb. 22, at Norman Funeral Home. The funeral was held at Elpis Christian Church on Saturday, Feb. 23, with fellowship following in the social hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Elpis Christian Church. JACQUELINE E. MABRY Jacqueline E. Mabry, 59, of Goochland, departed this life on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. She is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Jeffery Mabry; loving daughter, Dawn Mabry; mother, Margaret Copeland; sisters, Priscilla Gray, Sylvia Wimbush (Raymond) and Cynthia Copeland; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her remains rested at Rober t M e a l y Funeral Home in Goochland. Funeral services MABRY were held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at Fauquier Baptist Church in Goochland. Interment church cemetery. COLLINS D. SHEPPARD Collins Duane Sheppard, 57, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 10, 2019. Duane was a veteran, having served in the Marine Corps and Virginia Air National Guard, and was a past vo l u n t e e r firefighter and chief officer for Goochland a n d Hanover SHEPPARD Counties. He was preceded in death by his father, Collins Godfrey Sheppard; and two beloved uncles, Thomas Ragland and Lindy Ragland. He is survived by his mother, Barbara R. Sheppard; and his loving and devoted wife, Barb. He also leaves behind two sons, Garrick (Jillian) and Jarrod (Rebecca); and three grandchildren who were his whole world, Arwen, Jason and Tucker. The family held a memorial service on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Ragland Memorial Baptist Church in Goochland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Duane’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

GOP Women to host discussion on money in politics Capital Region Adult Education Program Increasing workforce opportunities for you!

The Goochland Republican Women will host a discussion of money in politics featuring speaker Jeff Clements of American Promise, this Friday at 10 a.m. at the Manakin Fire House (180 River Road West, Manakin Sabot). All are welcome.

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February 28, 2019

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Extension Office offering Salad Table workshop Class on March 16 will share tips for gardening with ease Contributed report

The Goochland Extension Office will be offering a Salad Table workshop on March 16, offering area saladlovers a chance to extend the salad growing season and grow the leafy greens they like best without straining their backs. These tables allow for

gardening at waist height, and also held avoid the pesky salad loving critters who usually dine in a traditional garden. Salad tables are portable, inexpensive to build and can even feature wheels. Anyone interested is invited to attend and learn an alternative method for growing leaf lettuce, arugula, kale, spinach, radish, parsley, cilantro, basil and more using “cut and come again” gardening methods. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Central High Cultural and Educational Complex. This is a

woodcraft project with a $50 fee to cover cost of materials. Registration is limited to 14 participants. Thos wishing to participate are asked to pre-register by calling the Goochland Extension Office at (804) 556-5841 or e-mailing sgrayson@vt.edu. *** For those who are tired of the food desert of winter and want to stimulate their minds with thoughts and plans for a bountiful spring and

summer vegetable garden, an upcoming workshop on sustainable techniques for vegetable gardening could be just the thing. Topics include planning your garden, soils and soil amendments, common diseases and pests of all major vegetables, minimal pesticide use, raised bed gardening techniques and more. A wealth of vegetable gardening information will be provided. Topics in the Vegetable Gardening Series will be covered in two sequential sessions. The program is scheduled for March, 30,

2019 at the Central High Cultural and Educational Complex from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is limited to 30 participants. This is a free program, so anyone who would like to participate is asked to pre-register by calling the Goochland Extension Office at (804) 556-5841 or e-mailing sgrayson@vt.edu. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments.

Program will highlight Prince Edward school segregation impacts These laws were used to make excuses for segregation. The concept of “separate but equal” treatment materialized from a landmark Supreme Court case in 1896 known as Plessy v. Ferguson. Within American history, this case set a legal precedent for separate but equal laws that became known as Jim Crow Laws. On May 17, 1954, Chief Justice Earl Warren stated, “Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” At that time, nine Supreme Court Justices voted unanimously to overturn Plessy v. Ferguson in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that prohibited segregation in public education, Brown v. Board of Education. All are invited to join the Friends of the Goochland Branch Library and its members at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the Goochland Branch Library, as they listen to Kristen Green give an account of how Prince Edward County Schools and its citizens dealt with integration. Refreshments will be served.

TOWN HALL MEETINGS The Goochland County Board of Supervisors and School Board have scheduled joint Town Hall Meetings in March as follows: Districts 2 & 3, Wednesday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. Central High School, 2748 Dogtown Road, Goochland District 1, Monday, March 18, 7:00 p.m. Fife Firehouse, Station 4, 2397 Hadensville-Fife Road, Goochland Districts 4 & 5, Wednesday, March 27, 7:00 p.m. Hermitage, 1248 Hermitage Road, Manakin-Sabot

________________________________________ 890736-01

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Kristen Green, the author of “Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County,” will share her story about segregation in Prince Edward County schools in the 1950s during an upcoming event hosted by the Friends of the Goochland Branch Library. Prince Edward County schools had long been a case study in “separate and unequal.” The Washington Post reported that Ms. Green’s book is essential reading because Prince Edward illustrates two instructive story lines that can become lost today amid the stirring commemorations of famous civil rights battles and the growing fury over the killing of unarmed AfricanAmericans. Racism, segregation, and inequality are subjects frequently avoided, especially in mixed groups. Even today, these uncomfortable topics are often sidelined. As early as the 1890s, laws were put into effect to ensure blacks and whites were kept apart. It was referred to as “separate but equal.”

The public is invited to attend any and all meetings!

Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

February 28, 2019

Did commission chair really have the county’s best interest at heart?

NEIGHBOR For some homeowners, serving up a dose of spite is the name of the game

quick survey: Are you bored, pentin, sick of the cold and wondering how you’re ever going to make it through these last dreadful few weeks of winter without losing your sanity? And are you also someone who enjoys a ridiculous head-to-head battle involving real estate? If you answered yes to both of these questions, have I got a story for you. OK, fine — it isn’t really a story. Rather, it s a self-guided deep dive into the rarely-discussed (but absolutely fascinating) subject of spite houses. What, you ask, is a spite house? Allow me to explain! A spite house, examples of which can be found in historical records dating back hundreds of years, is a home that has been built or modified for the express

purpose of irritating one’s neighbors or even, in some cases, one’s entire town. These homes aren’t the abodes of the merely taste-challenged, or those who innocently forget to keep their lawns trimmed and porches painted. No, what truly makes a house a home for these misanthropes is knowing that it’s giving their neighbors heartburn. It seems to be the case, at least for many practitioners of this irksome art, that becoming the owner of a true spite house can only happen under certain circumstances. Did your brother wait for you to go off to war and then gobble up almost all of the land your father bequeathed to both of you, using it for the site of his gargantuan mansion? You might want to take a page from the book of a Boston, Massachusetts, man who found himself in just that situation. The obnoxiously tall and skinny house see Spite house > 7

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Letter to the Editor

Don’t you be my By Roslyn Ryan Editor

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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.

To the Editor: To say that I was taken aback would be an understatement when I read Goochland County Planning Commission Chairman John Shelhorse’s “Right things in right places, redux” in the Feb. 19, 2019 issue of The Goochland Gazette. Read the article and you would walk away with the impression that Shelhorse’s mission is to save all county residents from higher taxes, improving our roads all the while protecting “… the rural character of our county.” I didn’t realize that as the Chairman of the Planning Commission his mission was to save Goochland County from all the evils of our modern society! One can only assume he also has a plan to correct all the problems associated with the Tuckahoe Creek Service District. In my opinion it sounds like someone getting ready to run for political office. And his fellow commissioners? He throws them under the bus with “…all due respect” because he feels he’s right and all four fellow commissioners are wrong. Why? Basically because they don’t understand the intent of the Goochland Comprehensive Plan. The main issue voiced by residents at the Tuckahoe Bridge Public Hearing was the developer’s proposal to quadruple the number of building lots allowed under the Comprehensive Plan. Each of the commissioners, except Shelhorse, cited that as one of their concerns with this re-zoning application. Four times the number of homes. I think those four dissenting commissioners clearly understood the intent of the Comprehensive Plan… Personally I can only speak to the Tuckahoe Bridge Public Hearing – I was there and spoke see Letters > page 8

February 28, 2019

Fair weather and smooth sailing It was a different era in 1959 when my parents packed us into the car and drove downtown to see the Tobacco Festival Parade. It’s hard to imagine today that, in its heyday, tobacco was king in the Old Belt of the South, and Richmond celebrated its association with many of the major manufacturers of cigarettes at the time. Floats covered in tobacco leaves and models dressed as cigarettes proudly proceeded down Broad Street to the Boulevard and then on to old Parker Field. Richmond inherited a festival that began in South Boston highlighting the region’s love of tobacco, complete with beauty pageants, elegant balls, the parade and a football game on Saturday. As we huddled in the cool autumn evening, my father called my attention to the neatly dressed and uniformly marching Hargrave Military Academy Band, but my eyes were fixed on the float that followed. It was a land schooner perched atop a truck occupied by a sailor I’d seen on local

Spite house continued from >6 he built on the shred of land that remained was just the right height to block the sunlight and spoil his brother’s view. Then there is the case of the famous Pink House, a towering monument to matrimonial malevolence. Built by a man whose wife would only grant him a divorce if he built for her an exact replica of the house they had shared, he did just that locating it smack dab in the middle of a nearly uninhabitable salt marsh with no access

Griggs do his thing, I marveled at the ease he displayed while drawing cartoons, and how his etchings turned out perfect. He took a few unrecognizable lines and eventually transformed them to a recognizable familiar face or a racing train or sailing ship. And even the best efforts of

sidekick Gilly Gull could not rile the even-keeled Griggs, who patiently listened to the complaints of his puppet colleagues. There was a lesson to be learned by each episode, but the real significance of Sailor Bob was hidden in his calm delivery, his cool mannerisms and his deliberate approach to the smallest of tasks. He would often read books on air, and just the soothing sound of Griggs’ voice made even the most tired of stories seem new and important. Over the years, Griggs became a Richmond landmark, and that old schooner as recognizable as Miller and Rhoads or Thalhimers. When Griggs wasn’t on the air, he spent time in the community appearing at special events. I distinctly remember a cold day in March when Griggs set up shop in the old mall at Willow Lawn and passed out miniature loaves of Wonder Bread. When Griggs passed away last week following a short illness at age 85, the memorials and accolades flowed to his Facebook page, many filled with heartfelt sadness at the loss of a person who many spent numer-

to fresh water. A spite house, in all its agitating-inducing glory, should not be confused with a “nail house,” a term imported from China that refers to homes owned by people who refuse to sell to developers and subsequently become tiny islands surrounded by vast seas of shopping centers and office buildings. (Decades ago, when I lived in Spotsylvania County, there was a small home on a postage stamp-sized piece of land that had been all but swallowed up by a massive strip mall. The thing I remember

most was that the windows of the master bedroom offered a perfectly unobstructed view of a fast food drive thru just feet away). To the best of my knowledge, there are no spite houses currently located in Goochland County — though if there does exist such a place I beg you, gentle readers, to inform me posthaste. In a world where anonymous Twitter jabs and Facebook rants have become de rigueur, it sure would be interesting to see someone willing to put their contempt where their couch is.

television named Sailor Bob. As the truck passed, the ship’s only occupant smiled and waved at admiring fans. Now, I wasn’t a regular Sailor Bob watcher, often opting for the Mickey Mouse Club or another local celebrity kids show called Dandy Beagle. When I did watch Bob

The Tobacco Festival and its festivities are long gone, fallen victim to a nation that turned on tobacco, at least publicly.

ous afternoons listening to and learning from. One described Griggs as a local version of Fred Rogers from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, and the comparison is valid. Both displayed a calm understanding that was perhaps better interpreted by children and too corny for most adults. The old Tobacco Festival and its festivities are long gone, fallen victim to a nation that turned on tobacco, at least publicly. Those old days of Harvey Hudson riding in a Commonwealth Ford with Gene Loving are just a memory, and the importance of the parade and the festival’s passing are rarely debated. For many, it’s a time best forgotten. But, for the thousands of children who depended on Sailor Bob to navigate them through a confusing world, his memory won’t be forgotten — and those final words of each show mean more now than ever. And, to the man who spoke them, it’s time to bid farewell and a word of thanks to Bob Griggs, known affectionately to many of us as Sailor Bob. “Fair weather and smooth sailing.”

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Thursday

IN THE GARDEN: Ideas, Tips and Advice

February 28, 2019

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Romance the Earth: Renew your vows with a soil test By Virginia McCown Contributing Columnist

My husband and I decided to once again renew our vows. We pledged to each other to do one thing again and again until we got it right. We promised we’d get timely soil tests for our gardens. Wood ashes are a wonderful soil amendment, yet wood ashes drive up the alkalinity of garden soil. This sort of love of the land is good-- just not good for our acid-loving blueberry

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bushes. Together as a couple we learned a hard lesson. The blueberry bushes divorced themselves from our garden. They died a slow death from iron chlorosis. They yellowed first and then withered. This is what happens if blueberries are planted in neutral soils (soil pH 6.5 to 7) or worse yet in alkaline soils. Blueberries thrive in soils with a pH of about 4.5. Love means never having to say you’re sorry….. baloney! Apologies are fundamental in family garden catastrophes. Spreading wood ashes in the blueberry patch—and not telling your spouse…. Well, it’s just not a good thing near Valentine’s Day.

Over time there was reconciliation. We vowed to give to each other the kind of loving gift that keeps on giving: an annual soil test. Performing a soil test early in the spring gives us time to amend the soil pH and soil chemistry before the growing season gets into full swing. The new blueberry bushes are thriving, but only after we correctly amended the soil for the new patch. Iron sulfate was just the ticket to lower the pH. There’s a happy ending for you, too. Soil test kits are economically priced and easily available from Virginia Cooperative Extension offices. The soil test not only provides information on the soil, pH, and available

levels of phosphorous, but on potassium and other essential elements or nutrients. The Virginia Tech Soil Test report also offers suggestions on how to adjust or modify problems with the soil for the particular plantings intended for your garden. Results can be received either by standard mail or email. Virginia McCown is a master gardener living in Central Virginia along with her garden and assorted creatures both great and small. For more information about soil testing and soil testing kits, contact your Cooperative Extension: Goochland office (804)556-5841 or Powhatan (804) 598-5640.

WIC benefits available through Medicaid expansion (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Anne Danforth, who is with WIC Public Health Outreach with the Chickahominy Health District.) ASHLAND — Virginia recently expanded its government health insurance coverage. This year’s General Assembly voted to add up to 400,000 individuals to Medicaid. Millions of Americans already receive health coverage through Medicaid, including pregnant women, children, seniors, and individuals with

low income or a disability. With this decision for Medicaid expansion, more Virginians became eligible for low or no cost health insurance. Enrollment began on Nov. 1, and those who qualify received access to healthcare starting Jan. 1. Those who now meet the requirements for Medicaid include: A childless adult between the ages of 19 to 64 with annual income at or below $16,754. Parent of family of three with annual income at or below

$28,677. Person with a disability with annual income at or below $ 16,754. To determine eligibility, go to covervirginia.org. The screening tool on this website takes the applicant through a series of six short questions about income and family size. To apply for coverage, call Cover Virginia 1-855-2428282 (TDD 1-888-221-1590) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

An online application can also be found and filled out at www.commonhelp.virginia. gov or www.healthcare.gov. Income maximums for family sizes are available at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ chickahominy/wic/. WIC currently has appointments available at the Hanover Health Department in Ashland and twice per month at the Department of Social Services in Mechanicsville. To schedule an appointment for WIC services, call 804-365-4335.

Letters

obviously prepared written statement. The statement he read was, in my opinion, a pro-development proclamation as to why approving the Tuckahoe Bridge re-zoning application was what Goochland County needed.

But think about it… Shelhorse “read” from a “prepared statement” that was obviously prepared “before” the Public Hearing! One must conclude that he opened the Tuckahoe Bridge Public Hearing as Chairman with his mind and his position

for approval already decided. This, to me, is very disturbing. Do we not expect the members of our Planning Commission to come to Public Hearings with an open mind — not a prepared speech? Charles Bent Goochland

continued from >6 to the Commission during the Public Hearing. At the close of the Public Hearing Chairman Shelhorse exercised the “chairman’s prerogative” and read from an

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

February 28, 2019

Calendar continued from >3 The St. Mark Baptist Church, located at 4596 Factory Mill Rd. in Maidens, will be observing its annual Deacons, Deaconess and Trustee day at 3 p.m. Rev. Marcus Lee Pastor of New Fork Baptist Church of Fluvanna will be the guest preacher. His choir, ushers, and congregation will accompany him. The public is cordially invited to come and fellowship with the congregation. Tuesday, March 5

A breakfast fit for a hero

Contributed photo

Goochland’s Byrd Presbyterian Church recently held its third annual breakfast to honor local first responders. Twenty-six 26 first responders attended, and 10 boxed breakfasts were delivered to those on call. Shawn Creasey, left, Michael Donithan and Dakota Boyles are shown enjoying their meals.

Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County A Family, a Virginia Town, a Civil Rights Battle Join the Friends of the Goochland Branch Library and its members as they listen to the riveting account of race, civil rights, and education. Virginia author, Kristen Green, will discuss her book, “Something Must Be Kristen Green, Author Done About Prince Edward County.” This was her first book! It was a New York Times bestseller and long-listed for the Andrew Carnegie Medal in Excellence in Nonfiction. The Washington Post recognized it among notable nonfiction for 2015. It won the Library of Virginia Literary Award for nonfiction and People’s Choice for nonfiction in 2016. In addition to her book, Ms. Green will discuss her research on Robert Lumpkin’s Slave Jail also known as the “Devil’s half acre.” It was a holding facility, or slave jail, located in Richmond, Virginia, just three blocks from where the capitol building sits today. It was active from the 1830s through the Civil War. Put this on your calendar for Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the Goochland Branch Library at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Look forward to seeing you there! (Photo credit: Dean Hoffmeyer)

Grace Episcopal Church will be hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome. Grace Episcopal Church is located at 2955 River Road West in the heart of Goochland Courthouse. Call (804) 556-3051 or email gracechurch2955@gmail.com for more information. Wednesday, March 6 Bethel United Methodist Church in Oilville will offer the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These hours allow the public to come and go at their convenience to experience a short observance of Ash Wednesday. Bethel United Methodist Church is located at 1981 Cardwell Road in Oilville. Visit the web site, www.betheloil.org for further information and directions. The public is cordially invited to attend. St. Mark Baptist Church will be hosting a joint Ash Wednesday service with Shady Grove Baptist church, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The service will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Mark Baptist Church, located at 4596 Factory Mill

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www.goochlandgazette.com Rd in Maidens. Pastor Reginald Cleveland of Shady Grove Baptist Church will be the guest preacher, accompanied by his choir, ushers, and congregants. Grace Episcopal Church will be hosting an Ash Wednesday Service at noon and all are welcome. Grace Episcopal Church is located at 2955 River Road West in the heart of Goochland Courthouse. Call (804) 556-3051 or email gracechurch2955@gmail.com for more information. Thursday, March 7 Grace Episcopal Church will kickoff of its Lenten Lunch Series at 11:30 a.m. A $5 suggested donation will help with the cost of lunch. All are welcome! Grace Episcopal Church is located at 2955 River Road West in the heart of Goochland Courthouse. Call (804) 556-3051 or email gracechurch2955@gmail.com for more information. Storytimes at the Goochland Branch Library are as follows: Toddler-10 a.m.; Preschool-10:45 a.m.; Mother Goose -11:30 a.m. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Friday, March 8 The Goochland Branch Library will host the monthly Goochland Book Group from 10:30 a.m. to noon for those ages 18 and up. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Family Storytime at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library begins at 10:30 a.m. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

Saturday, March 9 Goochland’s Company 5 (Court-house) will be hosting its annual Chili Cook Off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chili tasters are needed for this cherished local event, which is rain or shine, and the first place winner takes home $100. The $5 admission includes chili tasting, cornbread and a drink. To enter your own chili, e-mail courthousecompany5@gmail. com by March 1 (entry fee is $20). Proceeds go toward the ongoing station renovation project. Company 5 is located at 2710 Fairground Road. The Cochrane Rockville Branch Library will host Teen Tech Take Apart from 1 to 2 p.m. for those ages 11 to 18. Those who like to tinker with gadgets are invited to use the library’s tools to take apart a variety of small appliances, explore their inner workings, and create something new. Snacks 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. Monday, March 11 The Goochland Branch Library will host an Art Opening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., featuring an evening of art and music by the students of Goochland County Public Schools. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. Call (804) 556-4774 for more information. Tuesday, March 12 The Cochrane Rockville Branch Library will host Adult Game Days from 1 – 3 p.m. for those age 18 and up. Games, snacks and beverages will be provided by the Friends of the Rockville Library. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 see Events > 20

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February 28, 2019

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Goochland basketball: REGION CHAMPIONS By Nick Vandeloecht, Sports Editor

OOCHLAND -- Kameron Holman said it best. “It was crazy; it was close the whole game,” the Goochland sophomore guard said in describing a thriller of a championship game on Friday. “We just had to fight and play defense the whole time.” There seemed to be no other kind of way to play this past week at Goochland High School. Poquoson tied the game after three quarters in the regional quarterfinals on Monday. Brunswick forced overtime in the semifinals on Thursday. Greensville launched a 12-point run to lead by two in the championship game’s fourth quarter on Friday. But those three games this week had one big thing in common. Goochland won them all. The Bulldogs muscled their way through a thrilling three-game series to capture their second straight Region 2A championship, claim a berth in the Class 2 state quarterfinals and improve to 22-3 on 20 straight wins. “I think it says a lot about the grit and the adversity that our guys can fight through; there’s a lot of composure there,” head coach and Region 2A Coach of the Year Preston Gordon said. “These guys have been playing with each other for so long – in middle school, through JV…a lot of these guys have even played together in Little League, so they know how to play off each other.” After rolling out a 17-6 fourth quarter to deny Poquoson 46-35 and then powering past Brunswick on a 15-4 stretch in all but the last 8 seconds of overtime to win 96-89, Goochland overcame an early 19-8 deficit to swing into a 43-33 lead and then battle back against that late-game 12-point answer from Greensville to take a narrow lead on clutch plays from the free-throw line and win Friday’s final 55-53 in front of a packed house and energized crowd. The win secured the Bulldogs’ second-ever and second

Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

The Goochland varsity boys basketball team celebrates winning the regional championship over Greensville County, 55-53 at Goochland High School.

straight regional title. “We just had to play our A-game, man – they’ve got a great coaching staff, great players,” Goochland junior guard and First Team AllRegion player Quincy Snead said of Greensville Friday. “We just had to play hard and execute.” The visiting Eagles led by as much as 11 in the top of the second quarter, but the Bulldogs refused to go away, with defense clamping down to not only force takeaways on both ends of the court but also slow down the visitors’ production. Holman then delivered a five-point burst to cut Greensville’s lead down to seven going into halftime. “It was big because the team feeds off me a little bit sometimes,” said Holman, who made Second Team All-Region, “and I just want to do what’s best for the team.” It was in the second half when the Bulldogs caught fire from behind the charity stripe. Snead was zeroing in on the net from the foul line to knock down his free throws. “I had to focus,” Snead said. “Just took my time…and it went in.” Buckets from Snead and Region

2A Player of the Year Deion Harwood in the third quarter sparked the home fans into a thunderous roar while also pushing the Bulldogs back into contention. Harwood took hold of a ball and raced it to the basket where he leaped up and, with two hands, dropped it through the net. Almost immediately afterward, Snead hauled in a leaping grab that he got to Harwood, whose layup cut the lead down to one point. After Holman traded two points with the Eagles, Snead powered his team ahead for the first time since freshman J.B. Bell’s game-opening jumper; the junior maneuvered his way into the lane and sent the ball through for the go-ahead two. Goochland tapped into a rhythm and a nine-point run to lead by 10 in the fourth, but three three’s factored into a 12-point run that pushed the Eagles back ahead. Another jumper from Bell tied the game, however, and after Greensville missed two key free throws, Holman knocked down seven-of-eight from the free throw line to not only push Goochland back to the point, but also give his team momentum in the closing stretch.

“I just tune out everybody in the background,” Holman said, “and I envision the free throw going in before it goes in.” Snead added three more crucial free throws in the final minute to round out a laser-accurate 12-for-14 night from the line, and a last-ditch three-point attempt from the Eagles missed as the horn blared to signal the end of regulation – and the game. “It was a great feeling,” Snead said. “It tired us out, but we know what he had to do to get the win.” Harwood double-doubled in the championship game with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Snead led the Bulldogs with 17 points and added 7 rebounds while Holman was right behind him with 16 points. Bell delivered yet another consistent night with 9 points and 4 big boards. JaMel Allen and DJ Harris also sparked Goochland in parts of the game, and Isaiah Matovu continued his focus on keying in on the opposing team’s best player. The Bulldogs after the game got to take part in a special celebration that has been known to follow regional title victories at home: cutting down

the basketball nets. “It’s a great feeling,” Snead said. “Once-in-a-lifetime!” “We were all just excited to win; no one thought about cutting down the nets, but I told our guys: I got those nets, and everybody will get a chance to cut a piece of those two nets [up],” Gordon said. And every player and coach did, climbing the ladder and snipping away at the basket. “The memories that they’re gonna have from these past two seasons and the foundation that they are building for this program speaks volumes,” Gordon said. “They’re never gonna forget this. These moments are so special and…the fans that stuck around, they wanted to see these guys cut down the nets. I’m very proud of the support that we got from our community. I hope they all will make a trip wherever we play [in the state quarterfinals] on Friday, because we’re gonna need that support again.” Goochland playa Region 2B runner-up George Mason in the Class 2 state quarterfinals Friday, March 1, 7 p.m. at Mills Godwin High School.

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Swimmers look back on standout season By Nick Vandeloecht, Sports Editor

OOCHLAND — When Goochland senior Nick Jean looked at the teams around them in the Class 1/2 state swimming competition, he observed his team to be the “smallest team by far.” That didn’t stop the 12-strong Bulldogs from placing sixth in both the boys’ and girls’ championships and capping off what sophomore Skylar Dacey and senior Caleb Cardani said was Goochland Swimming’s best year. “We all became each other’s best friend. We all were so supportive of each other this year and we were more like a close-knit family,” Dacey said. “We were a real team. We always had each other’s backs…we were cheering for each other at every race that everyone did. It was so supportive and it felt so good to know that…the rest of your teammates were all behind you, even if you’re swimming in individual, even if you’re swimming a relay. Your whole team is behind you the whole time.” “I think we all saw the potential in each other’s eyes,” Cardani said. “I saw what we were all striving for: we wanted to be medaling at states, so we were able to push each other…and we were able to get each other there.” “It was just funny, it was just enjoyable to be here and talking to each other and crack jokes,” Jean said. “I didn’t really think of them as teammates. It was more like friends, someone to talk to, and I think that plays a huge role, especially at these big meets, because…it’s just more people you want to do something for…it’s another reason to swim well.” Jean, Cardani and Dacey were among four individual swimmers – freshman Annelise Rogerson included – who won regional titles and then placed top three at states either as individuals or as part of their relay teams. Goochland Swimming head coach Ed Boyle said that all four student-athletes were dedicated to the sport of swimming, and he praised

their hard work and their talent at the 1A/2A level. Jean was initially big into track and cross country, and he got into swimming as a means of cross-training to help him run faster. He swam for NOVA for two years, then didn’t swim again until his senior year. He’d go on to become the Region 2A champion and Class 2 state runner-up in the 100 yard butterfly. He also finished second in regionals and third in states in the 200 yard individual medley. The look and feel of the butterfly event has always worked for Jean; he said the butterfly swimming stroke “looks really cool,” and that “it has naturally been my best stroke.” He’s really enjoyed his return to swimming, and it’s something he’d consider pursuing if the chance to swim collegiately were to arise. So far he’s been accepted into the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia, although walking-on to those teams, he said, “would be super difficult.” “But it’s fun enough and I enjoy it enough to the point where I can work out enough to maybe try and walkon,” he said, “but I definitely want to do it in college” whether it’d be club or Division I. “That’d be a lot of fun.” Caleb Cardani, a senior, joined his teammates as a Region 2A individual champion, winning the boys’ 50 free and placing second in the boys’ 100 free. Cardani has been swimming all of his life; he used to swim for the YMCA for as long as he can remember until trying the sport on the high school level at Goochland with some friends last year. “I loved it. Coach Ed was definitely one of the people who really helped me get into that,” Cardani said of Coach Boyle. “He was like, ‘Just try it, and if you don’t like it, you don’t got to do it,’ and it was definitely a lot of fun.” For Cardani, it was “definitely crazy” to win at regionals in the 50 yard freestyle. “That’s kind of what I’ve been going for all year; since last year me and Ed have been like: ‘That’s our

Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland Swimmers Annelise Rogerson (from left), Nick Jean and Skylar Dacey were all top three individual placers at the VHSL Class 1/2 Swimming state championships.

goal next year. We’re gonna break all the times,’” Cardani said. “That’s what we did: I broke the times, I did everything I could, I gave it my all in that pool, and it’s definitely a lot of fun to see…all that hard work paying off.” As for his performance at states, “the fact that I placed 11th in the state for my 50 freestyle just baffled me, from not even being able to place last year because I messed up on one of my turns...it was just so cool to see that I was able to place this year, so I was super excited.” He set personal records in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events at states, and the fact that he didn’t make it to the A finals in either individual event helped motivate his performance in the Class 2 state boys’ 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Cardani and his team – also featuring Jean, Richard Hardy and Caleb McCaskill – placed third in the 200 and sixth in the 400. “I was definitely a little disappointed that I didn’t make [the indi-

Contributed photo

The Goochland boys swimming 200 freestyle relay team of Caleb Cardani (bottom row, from left), Caleb McCaskill, Richard Hardy (top row, from left) and see Swimming> 18 Nick Jean placed third in the VHSL Class 1/2 state swimming championships.

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