The Goochland Gazette – 09/19/2019 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Volunteer registrars needed for Christmas Mother effort. > page 2

Volume 64, Number 38 • Sept. 19, 2019

Goochland girls cross country takes top four spots. See page 12 G

Supervisors OK event venue for River Run Manor By Roslyn Ryan Editor

t is a frustration faced by thousands of county residents and a topic that is sure to come up during any discussion about the challenges rural residents face: the lack of access to fast, reliable internet service. Now, however, with the unveiling of an expansive new plan by the County to address broadband needs throughout Goochland, many residents may soon have the much-

A Blackstone couple has been given the go-ahead to breathe new life into one of Goochland’s most opulent properties. On Sept. 9, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit that will allow Andrew and Kim Moody to turn River Run Manor, the 40-room Greek Revival mansion built in the 1980s by coal executive William B. Massie, into a wedding and events venue. The Moodys have partnered in the venture — to be called The Estate at River Run — with Goochland residents Doug and Tamara Adams, owners of Adams International School on Route 250. The property is located on River Road, just east of Maidens Rd, and features amenities including a pool and pool house, a ballroom, and a tennis court. Kim Moody, who owns a wedding and events planning firm, said she hopes to host around 36 weddings a year on the property, many of which will be held indoors. The Conditional Use Permit issued by the county contains a number of restrictions including limiting most events to no more than 299 guests,and tightly controlling amplified sound. The Planning Commission previosly voted 4-1 in sup-

see Broadband > 3

see CUP > 8

Access granted? County announces new effort to bring Broadband access to currently unserved areas of Goochland

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

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September 19, 2019

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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 male kitten, about 8 weeks old; a female kitten, about 8 weeks old; and a male kitten, about 8 weeks 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.”

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Sheriff’s Office offering chance to dispose of unwanted prescriptions Contribute report

On Oct. 26, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Goochland County Sheriff ’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 18th opportunity in nine years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused,

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and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring pills for disposal to Co. 5 Fire/Rescue at 2710 Fairground Rd. Goochland, VA 23063 or West Creek Emergency Center at 12720 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway, Henrico VA 23238. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps,

Goochland Community Cats will host a fundraiser at Kindred Spirit Brewery (12830 W. Creek Pkwy) from 5 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 19, featuring an appearance from radio personality Kat Simons, a food truck, a 50/50 raffle and a corn hole tournament.

Donate cat food to earn free raffle tickets. For more information on Goochland Community Cats, or to donate to the fundraising effort, visit www.goochlandcommunitycats.org or find the group on Facebook.

only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 26th Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website or contact Goochland Sheriff’s Office at (804) 556-5349.

GHS Bulldogs edge Buckingham, 13-7 PAGE 10 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................16-17 Letters .................................... 6 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .............................10-12 TV Listings ......................13-15

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

September 19, 2019

Broadband continued from >1 needed access they’ve been waiting for. On Monday, Sept. 9, Goochland County Administrator John Budesky announced the county’s new 10 Steps to Broadband Internet Initiatives, a plan he described as “the foundation of a new engagement by the county to address broadband needs throughout the county.” Aimed primarily at the areas of Goochland that are currently unserved by any internet providers, the plan will marshall county staff and resources to help solve a problem that impacts, as Budesky noted, just about every aspect of life in Goochland from education to business to public safety. A new page on the county’s website will offer answers to residents’ frequently asked questions, provide progress reports for ongoing projects,

and share contact information for internet providers that offer service in Goochland. Expanded speed testing will also help accurately assess where help is most needed. For many residents, the changes can’t come soon enough. Dozens responded to a Facebook query posted by the Gazette on Monday afternoon, detailing the headaches caused by a lack of access to high speed internet (see “Your Take” sidebar, right). Over and over, residents shared the impact of poor internet service on owners of home-based businesses and on those who attempt to telecommute. Many described paying exorbitant costs for inadequate service, and of having to leave home and sit in parking lots to take a phone call or finish a work assignment. Goochland resident Dawn Carter works from home for an Arizona-based tech company, and says she often finds herself seeking out WiFi in

town after her data runs out. “Today’s jobs are largely knowledge and service jobs that require technology,” Carter said. “Thus it’s pretty clear that to boost employment in underserved and underemployed areas has a very high [return on investment] in terms of dollars and other intangibles such as satisfaction with life and reduction in unemployment.” While Budesky described the new plan as a major step forward, he also cautioned that the issue is not one that can be fixed overnight. “We know that this is not a silver bullet, so to speak,” Budesky said, “but we also knew that we were going to need to step it up if we were going to reach this goal. This is the beginning of a foundational plan that will continue to grow, and we look forward to working with our partners and our residents.” To address broadband internet availability in the

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short term, the county is establishing enhanced opportunities to access broadband internet at local access points through expanded hot spots on or within public facilities. The new hot spot locations, which will include all Goochland County Public Schools and all local fire stations, will be accessible starting in January 2020. In the long term, the county is committing $50,000 for study and implementation plans that will define focus areas and time frames to accomplish expansion efforts. In addition, the county in partnership with the Goochland County Economic Development Authority (EDA) will be committing a total of $400,000 for grants, matches, incentives, and low interest loan incentives for providers.

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YOUR TAKE We asked Goochland residents to share how a lack of high-speed internet access has impacted their daily lives... “I have literally had to get in my car and drive down to sit in the high school parking lot to get service and be able to get something done. Absolutely unacceptable in this day and age to not have this service. When I try and explain to people about our service they do not understand how bad it truly is.” — Heather Laing *** “We can’t use a Verizon hotspot, because we can’t even get cell service in my house. So we have satellite internet, and while it has improved, it still doesn’t work well after the data runs out. And working from home is not an option at all. I am a homeschooling mom, and I would love to teach from home to make money. I would love to be able to show my kids instructional videos for their homeschooling, but that’s very limited for us. In addition, my husband has taught in Goochland for 17 years and has spent much of see Your take > 4

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

September 19, 2019

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Community Calendar Wednesday, Sept. 18 Does your house often feel like a talent show featuring your child or children as the sole performers? Would your kids like to learn to build on foundational skills of voice, choreography, and acting? Triple Threat Theater is a sixweek musical theater workshop that will culminate in a live performance of “Stories from the Jungle Book.” As a special bonus, the instructor will incorporate theater terms both spoken and in American Sign Language. This class is held at the Central High Cultural and Educational Complex from 6- 7:30 p.m.

Your take continued from >3 that time staying late at school so he can enter grades and work on planning where there is a decent wi-fi connection. He has even driven out to the

This class is designed for students in grades 2 – 8 and the cost is $90 ($10 discount will be offered for second participant). For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Thursday, Sept. 19

Cats will host a fundraiser at Kindred Spirit Brewery (12830 W. Creek Pkwy) from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring an appearance from radio personality Kat Simons, a food truck, a 50/50 raffle and a corn hole tournament. Donate cat food to earn free raffle tickets. For more information on Goochland Community Cats, or to donate to the fundraising effort, visit www.goochlandcommunitycats.org or find the group on Facebook.

The Goochland Democratic Committee will hold their regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. in room 270 of the Goochland Administration Building at 1800 Sandy Hook Storytimes at the Road. All are welcome to Goochland Branch Library are attend. as follows: Toddler 10 a.m.; Preschool 10:45 a.m.; and Goochland Community

Byrd elementary parking lot to enter grades many times late at night or on weekends because he couldn’t do it at home. I’m glad the county is finally looking into some initiatives, but I’m disappointed that they waited so long and are only doing it now because there’s an

Parents and Children

Mother Goose at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20 Call (804) 556-4774 or visit A yard sale benefiting Relay the library at 3075 River Road for Life Yard will be held from West for more information. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 4005 Tabscott Road, in Columbia. All proThe Powhatan Civil War ceeds will benefit the American Roundtable will hold its next Cancer Society. meeting at 6:30 p.m. on at Goochland Community County Seat Restaurant. Eric Theater will host an Open Wittenberg will be speak- Mic Night at 7 p.m. at the ing on “Rush’s Lancers,” The Eagle Theatre at Central High Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry in Cultural and Educational the Civil War. Dinner will be Complex, 2748 Dogtown included, and the cost is $20. Road. Admission to this famContact Pat Whitmer at pat- ily-friendly fundraiser is a whitmer77@gmail.com or $5 minimum donation. For call (240) 298-0141 for more more information, contact information or to RSVP. More goochlandcommunitytheinformation may also be found atre@gmail.com or visit gvaat www.powhatancwrt.com. theatre.org.

election coming up.” — Lisa largely knowledge and service DeBusk Jones jobs that require technology. Thus it’s pretty clear that to *** boost employment in underserved and underemployed “I work from home for an areas has a very high ROI in Arizona-based tech company, terms of dollars and other and there are many times after intangibles such as satisfacthe 15GB (for a family of four) tion with life and reduction runs out I have to seek out in unemployment with jobs WiFi in town. Even for me paying a living wage. “— Dawn unlimited 4G is prohibitively Ruhlen Carter expensive. Today’s jobs are

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“Last year, I decided to test the waters on returning to college for some further education (personal computing was in its infancy the last time I attended college). When I enrolled in the course through Reynolds Community College, I chose to commute from Western Goochland to the Parham Road campus for an “inperson” class rather than an online class, because I knew our family’s Internet would be inadequate. Well, who knew? Our family’s Internet wasn’t even adequate for an ON CAMPUS class. I was required to watch videos online for the course, submit work online, collaborate with classmates online, download course the syllabus and course notes online ...We have a wireless Internet plan through Sprint. It’s not unlimited. It buffers. It randomly disconnects. It is especially slow on Mondays and Fridays. My husband occasionally telecommutes so that he can be home for the school bus or evening activities in Goochland. I was very concerned about overages the

The Rotary Club of Goochland will hear remarks from Goochland Rotarians John Kendig (Real Estate) and Don Lee (Pharmaceutical Business Owner). The meeting will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will be held at the Richmond Country Club. Crown Roofing will be hosting an Open House from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to mark its relocation to 2085 Valpark Drive, Suite C, in Oilville. All are invited, and the event will include food and beverages, samples and brochures, door prizes and more. see Calendar > 15

whole time I took the class. Imagine a family with multiple high schoolers or college kids! I’m not asking the government to give me free internet. Rather, if the government finds a way to provide some infrastructure, our rural area can have more choices in providers and types of internet service. Doing so would provide equal opportunities for our residents. If residents can telecommute or attend courses online, we can have more of our residents stay in the county during the day, reducing traffic, keeping their spending at our local stores, volunteering at our schools or on our rescue squads.” — Melissa Gibbs Carscadden *** “Not only would it help with our business and ability to operate uninterrupted. It also would allow for web meetings, online education, security, and a host of more opportunities for residents both residential and business.” — Stephen Allen

Thursday

September 19, 2019

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Symphony’s ‘Autumn Allegro’ to benefit Goochland schools By Roslyn Ryan Editor

An upcoming event at Richmond Country Club will offer the chance to enjoy an elegant evening of music, dancing and food, while supporting the Richmond Symphony and its continued efforts on behalf of Goochland County students. “Autumn Allegro, An Evening of Note,” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, and will feature music by Richmond Symphony musicians, dancing, and both live and silent auctions. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Richmond Symphony’s operations and educational programming, including the Symphony’s partnership with Goochland County Public Schools (GCPS). The evening will be hosted by the Richmond Symphony

League, a nonprofit devoted to providing financial support to the Richmond Symphony through annual fundraising, a scholarship fund and an instrument loan fund to benefit the Richmond Symphony musicians. “The Richmond Symphony League is honored to continue our support for the innovative and engaging outreach programs of the Richmond Symphony,” said RSL board president Alison Eckis, noting that support of music education remains a key focus of the organization. “We want to ensure GCPS students have the same access to music education as is provided in all the other school systems in the region, including access to the Discovery concerts with full orchestra and performances by RSO musicians in the County’s schools.”

The evening’s festivities will begin with music as guests have an opportunity to enjoy an open bar and passed appetizers while viewing the large numbers of silent and live auction items. The evening will continue with a cocktail and dessert buffet, followed by jazz and dancing. Many of the items available in the live auction will be featured on the Richmond Symphony League website (http://www. rsol.org/) in the near future, and will include Richmond Forum tickets with dinner, a ski week at Massanutten, a week at the Wintergreen Resort during the Summer Music Festival, and a wine dinner for eight at Fleming’s Steak House and Wine Bar. Tickets are $150 per person, and may be purchased online at www.rsol.org. or by emailing info@rsol.org.

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A Legislator Serving Us All in Quest of the Common Good “[Delegate Ware] has, during his 20 years in the Virginia General Assembly, been prone to frequent outbursts of common sense and occasional lapses into profound civic eloquence.” — Editorial page editors of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 2018 Delegate Ware represents Goochland citizens of the 65th House District who reside in Fife (101), Hadensville (102), Three Square (201), Sandy Hook (202), and Goochland Court House 2 (302) precincts. We invite you to join us in reaffirming an exceptional public servant in November. Authorized and Paid for by Friends of Lee Ware, Bill Edmunds, Treasurer

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Thursday

September 19, 2019

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

(smiling, crying, smirking) all the way down to an emoji version of toast. Do people really text that often about toast? They must. Emojis are fine, I suppose, for the many among us who are exceptionally pressed for time. A surgeon about to scrub in for a life-saving operation, after all, could not reasonably be expected to type that he is looking forward to his beach vacation—hence, the sand-wavesumbrella emoji. The very same logic applies for the man rushing to catch a plane who also needs to tell his wife about the very nice piece of toast he just ate. Yes, for some people emojis serve as delightful shorthand, a pixelbased poetry. But sadly, for me, this is just not the case. You see, for many years I have suffered with a seemingly incurable

mojis: The colorful little copouts for those moments when you don’t care to parse the shades of meaning between “happy,” “delighted” and “elated” and instead simply click on the tiny yellow face with the broad smile and crinkled eyes. Just so you know, dear reader, in addition to being national Talk Like a Pirate Day (I am not making that up), today also happens to be the day that, in 1982, that Dr. Scott Fahlman of Carnegie Mellon University created the first documented emoticon, a simple smiley face that would go on to usher in a veritable tsunami of symbolic stand-ins ranging from every kind of human facial function

Letter left late teen’s mother shaken, upset

form of O.L.E., known also as Overanalyzing Literally Everything. If you are similarly afflicted, you know all too well that this is no laughing matter. In addition to taking a full 15 minutes to decide which breakfast cereal to buy at the grocery store, or whether someone sounded angry in a voicemail or just blasé, people with O.L.E. are incapable of seeing even the most banal of movies without dissecting each plot point to death. It’s ridiculous, and, worse, there is apparently no cure. If you see me at the pharmacy trying to pick out a birthday card for my husband’s boss, I respectfully ask that you don’t try to talk to me during the first hour. It will only make it worse. see Emojis > 7

‘Good news’ not as rare as it sometimes seems By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

It’s nice to see the good guy win every once in a while. So, when feel good stories do arise, they are often over-reported, used as clichés or offered as condescending accompaniment to the real news of the day.

That’s not to say the stories that are real and display emotions don’t deserve coverage. Sometimes, the small victories of others who triumph in difficult situations or overcome challenges inspire and provide inspiration for all. Last week, a young Florida boy pasted a typewriter-sized piece of

paper to his t-shirt with the letters UT printed on the front. It was his idea of displaying pride for his favorite college, a homemade, but sincere, attempt to honor his Tennessee Volunteers. Apparently, some of his fourth grade classmates thought his effort too homespun, or simple, or what-

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Letters to the Editor

Symbolically speaking By Roslyn Ryan Editor

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ever attracted their bullying wrath. The boy’s teacher related the story on her Facebook page accompanied with a picture of the t-shirt. The reaction was overwhelming, especially from the UT community which immediately came to the boys defense and posted anti-

Dear Editor, This is in response to the article written by Ann A. James in the Sept. 12 issue. I am appalled at the nerve of what she says. She does not speak for me! She doesn’t know me and the suffering I have endured since [my son] Billy’s passing. I was so upset and disgusted that I began shaking when I read her words. As far as Levin White and his son are concerned, every time I am faced with either of them, they do not acknowledge my feelings and the events prior to his death. I went to White’s house and tried talking with him about a problem between his son and Billy, however, he refused to discuss it or try to resolve the situation with me. I do not support a man who thinks I am beneath him and that I do not know any better. Levin White is not the right man for Sheriff. This type of bullying stops with me. I will not be bullied like my son was in high school. Shame on you, Ann A. James for stepping on others that you do not know, to make a political point in this sheriff’s race. No one has the approval to write about my son’s case but me and the Goochland Sheriff’s department. I am satisfied with the handling of my case and I am confident that they are doing everything they can to solve it.

see Good news > 8 Christina Maxwell Goochland

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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.

Several claims about sheriff’s race inaccurate Dear Editor, In last week’s paper, I was honored to be mentioned in a letter you published that also discussed James Agnew, our outstanding Sheriff, the great Ned Creasey, and Goochland County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Sgt. and candidate for Sheriff see Letters > page 6

Thursday

September 19, 2019

Letters continued from >6 Steven Creasey. The delusions expressed in that lengthy letter motivate me to respond in part. We reside in one of the greatest counties not only in the Commonwealth but in our Country. We live in the top 10 percentile safest counties in the Country. We have very good and safe public schools. And we have the best financial rating of any County our size in the Country — and a low tax rate. This is the local election cycle year in Virginia — and nothing more. We are excelling and will continue to excel. If a small group of Citizens chose not to converse with me or others, that is their choice. Unlike the letter suggests, the history of this Sheriff cam-

Emojis continued from >6 “How are things going?” people sometimes ask me. Do you mean like right at this moment? Overall? On that project I mentioned I was hopelessly stalled on? With my five-year personal improvement plan? Wait--where are you going? Texting, as a thing, has not really been around that long, so

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

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

paign cycle did not begin on May 15. It began when Sheriff candidates began declaring unusually early in August and September of 2018 and detailed documentation from then proves that. It began with the slanders of the GCSO. I understand the nature of politics and how a challenger must attempt to attack and degrade the current administration. That is a candidate’s choice. The Goochland County Republican Mass Meeting (GCRMM) was one item in the calendar to this November election. And I can assure you that the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) is not reviewing how the GCRMM was officiated and conducted. But unfounded rumors seem to be the modus operandi of the vocal, marginal group focused on one cam-

paign. I’ll suggest the letter’s author needs to join the GCRC and then study the RPV Plan, the meeting Call, Robert’s Rules of Order to learn how meetings function. More Citizens participated in the GCRMM than ever in the County’s history by any party. Via an almost five times margin, Steven Creasey was endorsed by the Citizens attending. It’s difficult to lose, especially in such an overwhelming manner but it is a part of life. One of the most important actions politically involved Citizens must conduct is to vet candidates. This is commonly done through independent conversation with other Citizens and elected officials (both inside and out the County) and by performing research. The author of last week’s letter has

it’s understandable that some of us are still kind of figuring it out. But how, for the love of all things holy, is one supposed to decide in the midst of dashing off a quick text which of the hundreds of available emojis best sums up one’s current level of happiness/anger/ frustration/skateboarding/eating fruit? Am I upset enough about this car repair bill to type the angry little face with the nuclear mushroom cloud

exploding from the top, or does it only call for the grumpy frowny face? Maybe I’ll just throw everyone for a loop and respond to every text with the red ball of yarn. Good luck figuring that one out. By the way, there are actually people who bill themselves as Emoji Translators. They might be able to help me. [Insert face with rolling eyes here].

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the Sheriff’s department. We here in the eastern part of Goochland are seeing a tremendous amount of growth to help pay for the Tuckahoe Service district. With modern growth comes dense population, emergencies and unwanted crime. We as citizens deserve to have a Sheriff who is ready for “prime time”. One who has experience with solving crimes not just managing crimes. We have long past the era of just giving out speeding tickets. We as a county need a perWhite will provide son of extensive experience . It needed leadership is for this reason that will full Dear Editor, confidence of leadership I will There are times when cast my vote for Levin White as the”winds of change” call Sheriff of Goochland County. our name. Today Goochland County is at the brink of a Anne Mehfoud much needed new beginning in Rockecharlie

done neither and is supporting the most fundamentally challenged local candidate that I have ever seen. I plan to address that in a later diatribe. Until then, I’ll continue to work to elect the most experienced, educated, honorable, and Goochland County dedicated candidate for Sheriff, Steven N. Creasey. Sincerely, Ben Slone Maidens

Neilson-Hall is right choice for District 1 Fellow Goochlanders, Something really important is happening in the County Supervisors District 1 race, and if you weren’t paying attention, you might have missed it. The county just announced a new initiative to provide better access to broadband internet services. Poor broadband availability has been a problem for the county for years, putting our children and businesses at risk of falling behind other counties, and unable to compete in the growing economy. This new initiative looks a lot like the detailed interim solution that Crystal NeilsonHall (District 1 Supervisor candidate) has been discussing see Correspondence > 8

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Post 215 hosting ‘Christmas in September’ Contributed report

The 4th Annual Christmas in September Arts & Craft Bazaar is on Sept. 28, 2019. Hosted by the American Legion Family of Post 215 and is sponsored by Creative Memories. The Bazaar, located in the Post Hall at 3386 River Road West in Goochland, is FREE to the public and is open from 9 AM to 2 PM. Shop multiple booths, see the new vendors, register for a door prize and enjoy lunch in the Canteen. Support the Legion Family’s many community and veteran activities by purchasing

raffle tickets. Raffle items are donated by the vendors for this fund-raising event. Start your shopping early with favorites exhibitors like Pampered Chef, Stella & Dot, Thirty-One, Usborne Books and Tupperware; find one of a kind items from Natures Vintage Jewelry, Broke Down Art, Wildfire Designz, Everblooming Garden Glass and KP Knitcraft; look for handmade & quilted crafts by Billie Reid, woodwork from Vontay Crafts, Romancing the Wood and Lloyd Minter;

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active duty military (both here and those deployed), military families in need, veterans at the McGuire Medical Center, veteran’s homeless shelters, the Fisher House, Sitter Barfoot Center, the USO at Richmond International Airport as well as Goochland families and school programs such as Girls State and Boys State. For more information visit our web site at auxiliary215goochlandva.org. Come on out for a good time, support your local veterans and get a jump start on Christmas shopping!

port of the proposal — with District 2 commissioner Matt Brewer casting the lone vote against it — although a number of residents who live near the River Run Manor site expressed grave concerns about how the project would negatively impact their own quality of life. Chief among the issues raised was a desire to maintain the quiet, rural charm of the area, which is currently zoned primarily for agricul-

Good news

When the story gained national attention, UT officials extended a full scholarship to the boy when he reaches college age. Hopefully, this kid will go on to achieve great things in his life, and those kids who told him his shirt was stupid will ponder how they could have been so wrong. It’s a story that brings a smile, not unlike another event that occurred last week. When Arkansas State football coach Blake Anderson brought his team to Athens to face national powerhouse Georgia, it was the culmination of a challenging few weeks for the coach. He lost his wife Wendy in August after her two-year battle with breast cancer. When the coach arrived on the field for Saturday’s game, the usual red clad home crowd had donned pink in remem-

brance of his wife. The game served as a celebration of her life, and a commitment to remember those still fighting. “Those people didn’t know my wife, and they don’t know me,” Anderson said in reports following the game. “They didn’t have to do it and I’m very grateful, honored and honestly overwhelmed.” Two stories that are only unique in the fact they garnered national attention, but, in reality, just two of many such stories that occur each day. They are stories that reaffirm our faith in humanity and remind us that an endless stream of bad news on media outlets doesn’t necessarily reflect the state of a nation. And, it should remind us that even in times that seem hopelessly divided and partisan, the good news always outweighs the bad.

think about adding more forward leadership that can come up with practical, cost-effective solutions that will keep Goochland County better positioned and ready for any changes and growth that come our way.

Crystal Neilson-Hall is the candidate we need to keep our county focused on the future for all our citizens. Please vote for her in November!

bullying messages on social media. School officials sent the youngster a packet containing a large collection of fan paraphernalia, more orange than the boy could ever imagine. More than the cool stuff that arrived in the mail, the outpouring of support supplied a message to all young people that being creative or making your own mark is not something to be ridiculed, but more appropriately celebrated. And that message probably hit closer to the homes of those few kids who chose to make fun of the shirt when the school announced the sale of a mass reproduced replica of the boy’s design. The shirt immediately sold out and is currently the most popular item on the UT Fan Shop website.

Correspondence

804-286-4897

continued from >1

and. See new ways to put together Christmas memories at Creative Memories. Look for gift ideas at Origami Owl, Vintage Baskets, Amelia Soap & Herb Company and more. Of special interest this year is Kevin Barry who will set up his Blacksmith forge and hold demonstrations during the Bazaar. The American Legion Family is a non-profit organization of veterans and their families supported solely by donations. The donations fund our activities for veterans,

continued from >6

Don’t Wait!

CUP

continued from >7 in meetings with county staff since last winter. How many other great ideas are stuck behind the starting gates? We need to

Liza Brings Goochland

Thursday

September 19, 2019

Goochland Commissioner of the Revenue earns honor for accreditation achievement â&#x20AC;&#x153;Commissioner Jennifer N. Brown has demonstrated a commitment to Goochland County and to good governance,â&#x20AC;? said The Honorable Thomas Blackwell, President of the Association. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an honor that was earned through hard work and leadership. It signifies that the Goochland County Commissioner of the Revenue office has met the highest standards of professionalism as set forth by the Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia.â&#x20AC;? Blackwell further added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia has always been at the forefront in seeking to improve professional skills and overall performance for the good of the Commonwealth and its localities. In this, our centennial year, commissioners from around the state have worked

to attain Office Accreditation in order to ensure greater accountability and increased uniformity with respect to office procedures for all our taxpayers.â&#x20AC;? The Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia was formed out of the desire of Commissioners to promote a common understanding of the problems faced in the assessment of taxes and the administration of revenue laws. The Association encourages cooperation with various departments in state government that have a direct relationship to the Commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Various committees within the Association work to promote the education of members and to study tax issues and make constructive recommendation for changes in tax law that will benefit taxpayers and localities.

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Contributed report

Goochland County Commissioner Jennifer N. Brown was recently honored at the 100th Annual Conference of the Commissioners of the Revenue Association by becoming one of the first localities in the Commonwealth to achieve office accreditation. Accreditation is awarded only to offices which have met the rigorous standards set forth by the Commissionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association. The twelve standards set forth by the Association include education requirements for the Commissioner and staff, customer service, personnel and ethics policies as well as assessment methodology. Each office receiving accreditation has undergone an audit to ensure compliance and will be required to annually demonstrate they continue to meet these standards.

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Bulldogs edge Buckingham 13-7 in double OT Jim Ridolphi Special Correspondent

DILLWYN — Goochland only crossed the goal line on two possessions in a heated rivalry game with Buckingham on Friday. It was enough. Led by Devin McCray’s clutch play, the Bulldogs claimed a hard-fought 13-7 double overtime victory over the Knights. The scores began with a well designed firstpossession drive that covered 64 yards, and ended with the Bulldogs’ game-winning fourth-and-one conversion in double overtime. What occurred between those two scores was 48 minutes-plus of what can only be described as hard nosed football, with both teams displaying determination, tenacity and an old-school will to win. Goochland took the opening kickoff and moved the ball 64 yards despite a holding penalty that negated a long pass play from CJ Towles to McCray. Steady runs from Quincy Snead and Conner Popielarz highlighted the drive. The Bulldogs faced a critical fourth-and-two scenario from the Buckingham 12-yard line on that opening drive. Towles kept the ball and sprinted around the end for a 12-yard touchdown run that put the Bulldogs up 7-0 early in the first quarter. The Knights relied on their power running game, hitting the middle for sizable gains as they mounted a response to Goochland’s opening score. The first two drives set the tone for the game with Goochland utilizing its speed and precise running game and Buckingham responding with an inside power attack from

File photo by Jim Ridolphi/for The Goochland Gazette

Goochland’s Devin McCray (7, seen during a game versus Brunswick) scored the winning touchdown versus Buckingham.

its talented running backs. “Buckingham is a tough, physical team,” Goochland coach Alex Fruth said. “The fact that each team only had two offensive possessions during the first half shows how you had two teams that enjoy playing similar styles of eating up the clock.” Goochland’s defense refused to allow the Knights to capitalize on several promising opportunities. “Our D did a great job of bending, but no breaking,” the coach said. “Our effort was never in question.” Early in the second period, the Knights’ opening drive stalled with a fourth-and-four

stop on a run that the Bulldogs sniffed out. The Bulldogs took over on downs at the Knights’ two-yard line. The Knights got the ball back after a 51-yard punt by Goochland’s McCray, and continued their barrage up the middle to move towards Goochland’s territory. They reached the Bulldogs’ 3-yard line on a 48-yard run around the right side, with McCray running down the ball carrier to keep him out of the end zone. A false start penalty moved the ball back to the seven-yard line with 35 seconds remaining in the half. Recording their second goal line stand of the first half, the

Bulldogs stopped the Knights on two consecutive runs to preserve a 7-0 lead as the first half came to an end. “Considering we were missing two of our top defensive linemen and lost one of our inside linebackers, we just found a way to make play after play,” Fruth said. The teams continued to bash heads in a heated defensive struggle as the third quarter ended with the Buckingham offense at midfield, still searching for that leveling score. Early in the fourth, it appeared the Bulldogs’ defense had again thwarted a Knight drive, but heated emotions altered that

outcome. The Bulldogs stuffed Toney on third and nine, but a personal foul penalty and a subsequent melee resulted in several ejections. When the game resumed, the Knights had the ball at the Bulldogs’ 29 yard line with a first down. The Knights leveled the game on a 22-yard touchdown run and the point after was good to knot up the game at 7-7 with 10 minutes remaining in the contest. Towles and company went to work testing the edges of the Knights’ defense but couldn’t muster a first down, and the Bulldogs were forced to punt with 7:43 to go in the game.

The Bulldogs flirted with disaster when a bad snap forced McCray to retreat and pick up the ball around his own 10-yard line. The senior eluded a host of Knights’ defenders and carried the ball to the Buckingham 49-yard line for a first down. On a key fourth-andone situation, Towles kept the ball and converted at the Knights’ 41-yard line. But the Knights’ defense also forced the Bulldogs to go for it on a fourth-and-12 try, which fell short of the mark. “We need to find consistent play from our fullback and our offensive line. Missed assignments hurt us and some timely penalties killed drives,” Fruth said. “We have a long way to go for this group to be where we want to be.” The Knights took over at midfield with three minutes remaining and the score still tied at 7-all. With less than a minute remaining and the Knights threatening deep in the Bulldogs’ territory, Goochland’s defense came up big when Kindrick Braxton dropped Tae Toney on a fourth down, sending the contest into overtime. Goochland got the ball first from the 10-yard line but failed to move the ball and attempted a 32-yard field goal that was partially blocked and sailed wide right. Buckingham got its chance and moved the ball to the one yard line and attempted to end the contest when Toney reached with the ball for the goal line, but no signal ensued and the ball popped loose. A 20-yard field goal attempt by Wesley Snoddy was blocked. The second overtime

see Football> page 11

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Goochland sweeps Nottoway and Cumberland Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

GOOCHLAND — The ball was a moment away from hitting the floor… …until Goochland Libero Ellie Spencer dove into the picture, reaching out and getting a hand on it, keeping it in the air. Freshman Nina Smith then rushed in along the left side of the court, extending forward to bump it backwards… …but still in reach of sophomore Nova Wonderling as she ran it down… …and with her hands joined together, punched the ball high, over her head… …and across the net. Her Bulldogs finished off the wild rally with a block. “It feels awesome having that type of effort,” Spencer said. “It feels good to have everybody work hard.” It was one of the few instances on Thursday night where the Bulldogs had to reach for one of their 75 points in an otherwise commanding 3-0 sweep of Nottoway (25-9, 25-14, 25-20) at Goochland High School. “It’s really exciting to see them going after the ball and hustling after it – especially Nina,” Goochland coach Rachel Jacobsen said, referring

Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland’s Ellie Spencer (11) sets the ball while her teammates, including Trinity Wonderling (18), anticipate the next play.

to Smith, who made 4 kills Thursday. “She’s only a freshman and she’s jumping in and helping save plays…it’s exciting to see her jumping in and she’s taking it really seriously. We’re excited to have her.”

Spencer led the Bulldogs in digs on Thursday night with 19. She also mixed in some strong attacks, with one such play helping her team secure the second set point. “Ellie’s always a huge asset

PREP SCHEDULE UPCOMING Varsity Football Friday, Sept. 20 7 p.m. Goochland HOME vs. Cumberland

Goochland Varsity Sports Thursday, Sept. 19 Volleyball 6:30 p.m. Away at Central Lunenburg

Away at Fork Union Military Academy

Monday, Sept. 23 Golf 3:30 p.m. HOME vs. Mills Friday, Sept. 27 Godwin at 7 p.m. Goochland Away at Saturday, Sept. 21 Hermitage Cross Country Country Club Randolph-Henry 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 24 Volleyball HOME vs. Bluestone Wednesday, Sept. 25 Cross Country 4:30 p.m. Away at Prince Edward HS

for us,” Jacobsen said. “She has just been everywhere. She is all over the court all the time. No matter what, she is one of our most aggressive players, so it’s great to have her.” Spencer’s teammates –

Football continued from >10 began with the Knights on offense, but a fourth-down field goal attempt failed due to a botched snap. The Bulldogs appeared to capitalize on their first opportunity to end the game when Towles apparently scored on a keeper, but officials overruled the initial call, forcing a fourthand-inches try . Fruth turned to a familiar face to finish the deal for the Bulldogs.

including Ilaria Russell and Trinity Wonderling – joined her in making key diving saves on the night. Setter Trinity had 11 digs to go along with her 9 assists, Taylor Michaels made 4 digs

McCray scored on the fourth down keeper, giving the Bulldogs their first win of the season in a game that, according to many observers, neither squad deserved to lose. The senior’s effort drew high praise from his coach. “Devin made three of the biggest plays of the game. His relentless effort on defense on an early long run stopped a score and led to us having a goal line stand,” Fruth said. “That basically stopped them from putting up six.” His effort on a botched punt

as well as 3 kills and 2 aces and versatile player and outside hitter Nova had 7 digs alongside 3 kills. “Nova is always on fire,” Spencer said with a laugh. “Nova has grown so much as well, just hitting – she’s a beast in a good way.” She added that Nina Smith is “definitely rising to the occasion,” and she’s loving all the effort she’s seeing from her teammates. Outside of the Virginia Volleyball Showcase, Goochland remained unbeaten through six matches after not missing a step in a 3-0 home sweep (25-12, 25-15, 25-8) of Cumberland on Monday. Nova continued her strong showing with 6 kills and 5 digs, Trinity delivered 12 assists and 3 kills, Spencer kept up her lockdown defense with 17 digs, Nina Smith made 7 kills and Blair Bussells - building on a good game against Nottoway made 8 assists and served 1 ace against Cumberland, “They’re doing an awesome job,” Jacobsen said of her players. “I think we’re playing really scrappy – I think they’re getting a lot of stuff that maybe in the past we wouldn’t have, so I’m really excited about that.” attempt avoided almost certain disaster. “His ability to take a bad snap on punt and turn it magically into a first down was unreal,” Fruth said. “He ran over 50 yards to get a first down for us.” And, at the end of that multiposition performance, Fruth said putting him in for the winning sneak was a logical choice. “He just came up big when we needed him to do so,” he said. “That is what seniors do.” The Bulldogs host Cumberland for their home opener this Friday, 7 p.m.

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Ellis helps Saints achieve strong start Goochland girls sweep top four

Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

RICHMOND — Quinn Menger was in 7th grade when she and Claire Ellis first became teammates. Ellis was in 8th. They’ve played on 14u nationals and 15u nationals teams together in club volleyball, and they’re in their fourth season playing alongside one another for St. Catherine’s. Over the years, they’ve held each other to high standards, and as a passer-setter duo, Ellis, from Goochland, and recent Penn State commit Menger, from Powhatan, have been able to take up leadership roles on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, with each side picking up the other. They were also helping keep their teammates loose before each set on Wednesday versus Trinity Episcopal, sharing handshakes that had the appearance and rhythm of miniature dance routines. “I think one of the most important things is to always remember to have fun,” Menger said. “Even before mid-match, letting loose is very important.” “Because everyone’s here because they love the sport,” Ellis said. When play commenced, St. Catherine’s stayed in rhythm from Sets 1 to 3, sweeping Trinity (259, 25-11, 25-10) to stay unbeaten through four matches after the Virginia Volleyball Showcase at Richmond Volleyball Club. The Saints haven’t dropped a single set in their last four games. “We made sure to talk at practice, before this game [against Trinity], that we cannot make little errors because they’re going to feed off of that,” Ellis said. “We have to play our game…keep it going.” “We practice ball control at length every practice,” noted St. Catherine’s coach Skip Weston. “Ball control and playing defense keeps you in games.” And Ellis, Weston said, does a good job of running the back row; he added that she’s much more vocal than some of the younger players.

Staff Reports

Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

St. Catherine’s Volleyball’s Claire Ellis, from Goochland, receives an incoming shot from Trinity Episcopal in the Saints’ home match held Wednesday, Sept. 11.

“We need that communication,” Weston said. Ellis contributed 21 digs while sophomore Elise Williamson behind her made 11. Ellis was pretty proud of the Saints’ deep defensive effort, with Menger and senior Jessie Atkinson adding 9 digs each and freshman Bella Lupica making 7. “We just have to keep talking, and if we talk, it gets better and better,” Ellis said. “Everyone played their heart out when going for balls – they were diving.” Menger was among the Saints who made a diving save; she also rushed wide of the net to keep a point in play that one of her teammates finished off for a kill late in the match. Setting-wise, Menger tallied up 34 assists. She also had 4 kills, including an airborne shot for St. Catherine’s 16th point in the second set. Her onthe-money placement while setting

complemented the power-hitting trio of senior Jailah Channer, junior Rian Sherod and Williamson as they showcased their ability to smash the ball over with Channer mixing in a few dinks. Channer led the team in kills (14) and added 3 blocks. Sherod led the team in blocks (5) and made 13 kills. Williamson had 8 kills. “I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by experienced people who love the game just as much as I do,” Menger said. “Me calling plays... they’re flexible with it, and I think that helps a lot, because then I’m more flexible with manipulating the other team… “I love playing with them,” Menger said of her teammates, “and then the communication just gets there, and they’re there, and then I’m there, and it goes our way.” The day before their home match against Trinity, the Saints traveled the

short distance to Saint Gertrude and won 3-0. Menger and Atkinson led the team in assists with 12 and 11, respectively. Ellis and Williamson each made 10 digs. Sherod had 8 kills, Williamson made 7 and Menger had 6. Compared to last year, Weston described this year’s group as a little more experienced. “I think that we’re getting a little bit older and a lot of teams that we’re playing are getting younger,” Weston said. “We have the benefit of some experience – Quinn started as an 8th grader…and Claire started as a freshman, so we had the benefit of having them in the lineup for a long time.” Weston said he’s happy to be in the situation they’re in. The Saints played at Collegiate on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. They next play multiple matches in the Flint Hill Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 21 beginning with Norfolk Academy at 9 a.m.

CUMBERLAND Goochland’s Elizabeth Owens won the individual girls race featuring runners from RandolphHenry and Nottoway, and the girls cross country team swept the top four positions en route to dominating the meet at Cumberland High School 17-44 over Nottoway. Owens ran a 26:34 and was followed in the top four by Taylor Gagnon (26:43), Nadia Esposito (26:53) and Hayley Craig (28:07). Anneliese Rogerson (8th, 29:36), Sarah Creasey (9th, 29:41) and Megan Painter (10th, 29:42) were Goochland’s remaining finishers in the overall top 10. The boys finished a narrow runner-up in the team race to meet winner Randolph-Henry as the top 5 runners from each team tied at 42-all, with the sixth-place finisher (15th to 20th) breaking the tie. Goochland’s Jackson Hoffler ran 2nd overall (19:18) to Cumberland’s Tanner Cochran (19:06). David Johnson (7th, 21:16), Cody Ware (9th, 21:39) and Grayson Cagwin (10th, 21:53) were Goochland’s remaining finishers in the overall top 10.

File/Goochland Gazette

1st place runner Elizabeth Owens

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