The Goochland Gazette – 01/09/2020 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Local bicycle organization helped make holiday merry for children > page 3

Volume 65, Number 2 • January 9, 2020

Watkins tapped to be county’s new Deputy Fire Chief. See page 5

Fate of first local MPUD project still up in the air

Local man embracing second act as a writer

Plan includes retail, office and residential units on Broad Street

Facing down obstacles, Daniel Burruss publishes children’s tale of wily fox

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

For Goochland author Daniel Burruss, the day he saw his first book available for sale was one he won’t soon forget. “That’s when it became real to me,” said Burruss of “Larry and the Red Fox,” a chapter book geared for children age 8-13. The book, complete with Burruss’ elegant, hand-painted illustrations, tells the story of a wily red fox who is discovered one day by a hunter walking through the woods. If a story about a talking fox seems fanciful, Burruss insists that the thought of him as a published author may have once seemed equally see Fox > 3

Photo by Roslyn Ryan

Daniel Burruss, shown with his wife Gladys, insists writing has never come easily to him. Still, he says, with perseverance and support, he was able to accomplish his goal of becoming a published author.

A proposal to bring the first Mixed Planned Unit Development (MPUD) project to Goochland will likely take center stage at next month’s county Board of Supervisors meeting, after a December vote to rezone 39 acres on Broad Street was deferred to the Board’s scheduled Feb. 4 meeting. Approval of the request, brought forth by Towne & Country Partners, LLC, would make way for the development of Manakin Towne, a mixed use development featuring approximately 93,000 square feet of retail and office space and up to 245 residential units, including townhomes, apartments, and condominiums. see MPUD > 5

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January 9, 2020

County cuts ribbon on new courthouse screening building By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Those visiting the county Courthouse complex in recent weeks will likely have noticed the county’s new security screening building, which replaces the tents that had been set up for several months in front of the stately, Jeffersonian building. The 1,047 square foot screening space was officially opened Dec. 18, and is intended to provide a secure area for courthouse personnel to screen those entering the courthouse. The issue of courthouse

safety was first raised in 2018, and in September of that year the county Board of Supervisors appropriated the initial funds for the project in the amount of $450,000. In March of last year, the Board authorized Goochland County Administrator John Budesky to execute an agreement with Caspian Construction, LLC for the construction of the new screening building and appropriate an additional $283,000 from CIP reserve funds to complete the work and allow for a 7 percent contingency.

Rightly Divide and Apply (II) Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Often quoted, but correctly? Written to Christians (Eph 1:1), it is not telling lost people what to do to be saved. It is a majestic general description of God’s grace plan. Repentance and immersion (Acts 2:38) are both required but are conspicuously absent here. Did you know that about twelve of the church members at Ephesus had to be immersed a second time to be sure they were baptized properly? (Acts 19:1-5)

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Pet of the week

SPORTS

Photos submitted by Julie Lawrence

The Goochland County Animal Shelter has temporarily relocated to the County’s Central High School Cultural and Educational Complex located at 2748 Dogtown Road, in Goochland. The temporary Animal Shelter will operate at the rear of the Central High School Complex until the new shelter is completed. Citizens can continue to contact the Animal Shelter by calling (804) 556-5302. This incredibly sweet, neutered mixed-breed male is about 8 years old and has been at the shelter for over a year. He has visual impairment, and is in need of a loving, caring retirement home. 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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Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ........................... 14 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports ...............................8-10 TV Listings ......................11-13

Reynolds hosting ‘Super’ event this Saturday 11, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at its Downtown and Parham Road Campuses. Super Saturday is a chance for prospective students to apply to Reynolds, speak with a college advisor, register for classes, and learn more about Contributed report financial aid and scholarships Reynolds Community all in one morning. College will host “Super New students beginning Saturday” on Saturday, Jan. their academic journey can

Jan. 11 event will offer an introduction to the college

also obtain their Student ID and parking pass, learn their way around campus, and chat with staff about library services, tutoring, and student life. Parking is free and there will be refreshments and prizes. Those interested in learning more about Super Saturday should visit www. reynolds.edu/super_saturday.

Upcoming theater workshop will be geared to kids Old Trail Church of Christ

Goochland rallies to defeat Fluvanna PAGE 8

Does your house often feel like a talent show featuring your child(ren) as the sole performers? Would your child(ren) like to learn to build on foundational skills of voice, choreography, and acting? Triple Threat Theater is a six-week musical theater

workshop that will culminate in a live performance of “Alice in Wonderland.” As a special bonus, the instructor will incorporate theater terms both spoken and in American Sign Language. This class will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15,at the Central High

Cultural and Educational Complex from 6 - 7:30 p.m., and is designed for students in grades 2 - 8. The cost to take part is $90/$10 discount for second participant. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (804) 5565854.

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

January 9, 2020

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The Richmond Area Bicycle Association delivered 9 new bicycles with helmets to the Goochland Christmas Mother Dec. 7. The RABA Foundation sponsors an annual program called Bikes for Kids, through which the club raises the funds to buy new bikes from Walmart, puts all the bikes together and distributes them to the area Christmas Mothers. This year, RABA volunteers Dee and Suzanne Nuckols picked up the bikes from Toolbank RVA and delivered them to the Goochland Christmas Mother’s distribution center. For more information, go to www.raba.org/bikes-for-kids.

Local club to host talk on power of sleep The New Virginians, a club for women new to the Richmond area, will hold its monthly luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 at 11:15 a.m. at the Meadowbrook Country Club (3700 Cogbill

Road, N. Chesterfield, VA 23234). “The Restorative Power of Sleep” will be the topic for the luncheon. A Richmond female cardiologist (TBA) and Dr.Michael Pagano, DDS, of the VA Total Sleep Clinic will

speak about the importance of restorative sleep to our overall well-being, and specifically for heart health. They will also discuss new ways to address and cure sleep apnea. The cost for the luncheon is $30.00

for club members or guests. Reservations for the luncheon are required by noon February 5, 2020. Contact Gerri Nolan at (804) 833-1742 or Suzanne Short at (804) 379-3829 for reservations or more information.

Fox

with a stint in the Marine Corps and a career with Phillip Morris. Burruss continued to find outlets for his creativity, including painting and woodworking, but he always wished he could channel his efforts into something that could help children. It wasn’t until several ago, when he and his wife Gladys began writing to a seven-yearold relative in Kentucky who loved receiving letters, that Burruss even considered the idea that he might be able to turn some of the stories he had been coming up with to enter-

tain the little girl into a book. With Gladys encouraging him, Burruss set about crafting the chapters that would eventually tell the story of Larry and his fox family, a story that Burruss explains was designed for parents or grandparents to read aloud to children. All proceeds from the book are donated to charity. The writing process itself was no walk in the park, Burruss admits: a computer crash and several other setbacks almost led him to throw in the towel before the book was completed.

Now however, at 74, he says he is proud of what he has been able to accomplish, and glad he didn’t give up. He’s also working on a second book, this one featuring a special crow. Gladys, for her part, says she hopes her husband’s new venture will help show people that they are capable of far more than even they might realize. “I just think it is important for people to know that, even though they face obstacles or have trouble in school, that it is never too late to accomplish a new goal,” Gladys said. “I think it’s just amazing.”

continued from >1 far-fetched. Having struggled with dyslexia in his youth, Burruss admits that school was always a challenge. He also dealt with hearing loss after a childhood illness, all but ensuring that his high school years would be marked by difficulty in the classroom. Although he was smart, creative, and mechanically gifted, writing was something Burruss was glad to leave behind after graduation, which he followed

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Bike group made holiday merrier for local children

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

January 9, 2020

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Obituaries BEVERLY M. BERRYHILL Beverly “Elaine” McCarty Berryhill, 77, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2019. Born June 11, 1942, in Lancaster County, Va., she was the daughter of the late Hunter and Katie McCarty. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Charles

“Buck” Berryhill; sons, Charles Lewis “Buck” Berryhill III of Denver, Colo., Richard Hunter “Rick” Berryhill (Tracy) of Sterling, Va.; grandchildren, Richard “Hunter” Berryhill Jr. and Bryan Michael Berryhill; brother, Frank McCarty (Rubinette) of Fredericksburg, Va.; sister, Linda

Ficklin (Tom) of New Kent, Va.; and and Addison; his parents, Andrew many loved nieces and nephews. (Margaret) Swift and Eunice Liverman; his brother, Andrew Jr. (Judy); and sisCLAUDE G. SWIFT ter, Wendy (Michael); devoted friends, Claude G. Swift, 53, of Goochland, numerous nieces, nephews and family. Va., passed suddenly on December Those who knew C.G., even just a lit20, 2019. He will be greatly missed tle, lost a shining light in their lives. His by his three children, Charles, Mary smile was contagious, he had a gener-

ous heart and an outstanding sense of humor. There was a celebration of his life on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Elpis Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elpis Christian Church or Calvary Chapel Goochland. Norman Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Community Calendar Wednesday, Jan. 8 Goochland Parks and Recreation will be offering a new format to help children ages 5 to 11 learn to play tennis. In QuickStart Tennis, the size of the courts, the equipment, and even the net height has been decreased to make learning easier for children. This class will be held on Wednesdays beginning Jan. 8 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Classes will be held at Goochland Elementary School, and the cost is $50. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

improving your credit. This free financial education seminar will be held at the Central High Cultural and Educational Complex from 6 to 7 p.m., and will be presented by VACU. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Thursday, Jan. 9 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 for more info.

The Mystery Book Group will meet at the Goochland Do you enjoy bridge? Branch Library from 2 to 3 p.m. Goochland Parks and Call (804) 556-4774 for the title Recreation will be offering the of the latest amazing thriller. chance to join other bridge players with basic knowledge LEGO Adventures will be of the game. Players will rotate held at the Goochland Branch tables. This is a free ongoing Library from 6:30 to 7:30 program where participants p.m., featuring a fun night of can bring a friend or meet a free LEGO play with friends. Goochland Parks and friend. Bridge Club meets at Materials will be provided. Call Recreation will be offering a the Central High Cultural and (804) 556-4774 or visit the class to help discover effective Educational Complex from 10 library at 3075 River Road West strategies for saving money, a.m. to2 p.m. For more infor- for more information. managing spending and mation, call (804) 556-5854. The Goochland Parks and Recreation Staff is inviting all to join them as they explore exciting and different sports from around the world. This program — Established 1897 — will focus on teaching the skills Charles D. Morehead, President and General Manager and techniques needed to play touch rugby, handball, cricket, and much more. Kids will be split into two age groups 6 to 8 and 9 to 12 for this 6-week program, designed as a fun, noncompetitive class. Sport Around the World will be held at Byrd Elementary School from 3:30 Bennett West • Henrico to 5:30 p.m., and the cost is $60. 11020 West Broad Street Henrico’s families have trusted Bennett Funeral Homes For more information, contact in their time of need for an entire century. Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

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Educational Complex from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for players ages 50 and older. All levels of players are welcome to take part in this free ongoing program. For more information, call (804) 556-5854. Goochland Parks and Recreation will be offering karate, offering students the chance to learn techniques including kicking, punching, blocking, sparring and partner work. Emphasis will be on philosophy and discipline of the martial arts to increase students’ selfconfidence and physical condition. This challenging program is for those age 7 through adults and will help participants lead a healthier life. Please note, a $25 one-time Karate association fee will be taken at the door for first time students. This program is held at the Goochland Sports Complex from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and the cost is $70. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Goochland Parks and Recreation will be a Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO class, offering a program designed by engineers and architects to teach children to learn with LEGO Bricks. Using axles, gears, motors, and bricks, project kits motivate children by reinforcing S.T.E.M. based principles while enhancing selfesteem, improving fine motor skills, and teaching important classroom lessons such The Canasta Club meets at as organization and following the Central High Cultural and directions. Models are either

ed at 2955 River Road West in the Goochland Courthouse. This will be a service of healing prayer and communion, and is offered monthly to the Goochland community every second Saturday. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call (804) 556-3051 or visit the church’s website Friday, Jan. 10 at www.gracechurchgoochland. Goochland Parks and org. Recreation will be offering the Hook a Kid on Golf program, Monday, Jan. 13 allowing children in grades K-5 Now the world’s leader in art get to learn the game of golf. Participants will be putting, programs for kids has new prochipping, and swinging away grams for adults (ages 16+): Art while playing games and having Splash. Participants in this profun with a sport they can play gram will relax and have some for life. This 7-week program fun creating your their personal will be held on Fridays at Byrd masterpiece in this group class. Elementary School from 3:30 - This class will be held at the 5:30 p.m., and the cost is $60. Central High Cultural and For more information, contact Educational Complex from 6 Parks and Recreation at (804) 7:30 p.m., and the cost is $25. For more information, contact 556-5854. Parks and Recreation at (804) The Goochland Branch 556-5854. Library will host Friday Book Group from10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit Tuesday, Jan. 14 the library at 3075 River Road The Goochland Branch West for more information. Library will host a Genealogy Class from 10 a.m.–noon, offerSaturday, Jan. 11 ing the opportunity to learn The Goochland Democratic how to search for information Committee will hold an organi- to build a family tree using zational and monthly meeting Ancestry Library Edition at 9:30 a.m. at the Goochland and HeritageQuest. (Basic Library. All are welcome to computer experience is preferred.) Anyone who would attend. like to attend is asked to regGrace Episcopal Church ister online or call (804) 556will be holding a Prayer Service see Calendar > 13 at 5 p.m. at the church, locatkid-powered or fully motorized. Bricks 4 Kidz is held at Goochland Elementary School on Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., and the cost is $85. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Thursday

Watkins to be Deputy Chief for Goochland Fire-Rescue Contributed report

After a highly competitive search, the County of Goochland and Chief Dillard Edward â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eddieâ&#x20AC;? Ferguson Jr. have announce dthe selection of John Michael â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mikeâ&#x20AC;? Watkins as Goochland Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Deputy Chief of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services. Chief Mike Watkins comes to Goochland County from Hanover County Fire-EMS, where he currently serves as an Operations Battalion Chief. As WATKINS Deputy Fire Chief, he will focus on Fire-EMS operations including overseeing the functions of administration, training, and emergency management. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are super excited to have Chief Watkins join our team here in Goochland County. Mike has a stellar reputation and brings the skills, talents, and leadership abilities we need to continue the FireRescue Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advancement, serving our citizens and meeting the future demands in our jurisdiction,â&#x20AC;? stated Fire Chief Eddie Ferguson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have known Mike for many years and worked with him on several regional/state committees

and boards and look forward to his help here in Goochland County.â&#x20AC;? Chief Watkins was challenged to service in high school by his father and has been part of fire and emergency services for over 28 years. During college, he volunteered with Forest View Rescue Squad and Blacksburg Rescue, worked for the Safety Department at Kings Dominion, and served in the Virginia Army National Guard. He started his career with Hanover County in December of 1996 as one of two full-time field paramedics, and he has been part of Hanover County Fire-EMS for the past 23 years. He has served as a firefighter medic, EMS supervisor, fire company officer, and Training Officer supervising EMS programs and the J. Sargeant Reynolds Paramedic Program. In 2014, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and led the Training Section which oversaw volunteer, career, and high school academies. Since May 2018, he has been serving as an Operations Battalion Chief. Chief Watkins obtained his Paramedic from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 1996 and completed his Bachelors of Nursing from VCU. He has also received his Masters of Public Administration from Virginia Tech. He is an EMS Education Coordinator, Fire Instructor II, Registered Nurse, and Critical Care Nurse. Chief Watkins was accepted into the National Fire Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Fire Officer Program and is on track to graduate in 2021. Over his career, Chief

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Watkins has been part of starting or developing several programs, including serving as part of the initial flight crew for VCU LifeEvac, an early leader of the Hanover Technical Rescue Team, a writer of the Rapid-Sequence Intubation patient care guideline, and developer of the ALS Field Training Program. In addition, he serves on several state and regional committees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very pleased to welcome Chief Watkins to Goochland County and look forward to the contributions he brings to serve the citizens of Goochland and the career and volunteers of Goochland County FireRescue & Emergency Services,â&#x20AC;? shared Goochland County Administrator John Budesky. Chief Watkins is especially proud of his wife Ami, and his children, Wyatt and Tess. The whole family is excited about the future with Goochland County Fire-Rescue. Chief Watkins was selected after an extensive and competitive hiring process. He will officially start in his new role on Feb. 3, 2020.

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The Goochland County Historical Society will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Was Virginia the 18th Century â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Garden of Edenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;?â&#x20AC;? at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. Ever wonder why so many plants have â&#x20AC;&#x153;virginianaâ&#x20AC;? in their names? Join Master Gardener and history buff

Cathy McCarthy on exploring how military issues, politics, and religion created a perfect storm of influences resulting in many New World plants being named after Virginia. This talk will offer tips on how to grow some of those plants to create a historic

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Garden of Edenâ&#x20AC;? on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own. This meeting will be held at the Goochland Public Library Meeting Room, 3075 River Rd W, Goochland, VA 23063. For more information, call the library at (804) 5564774.

MPUD

munityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rural character. During a community meeting on June 19, 2019, representatives from Towne & Country Partners, LLC presented an overview of the project and exhibited the site layout, making the case to the dozens of residents in attendance that a master-planned, mixed use project be a far greater asset to the community than the commercial development already allowed by the existing business zoning district. According to information provided by the county, the MPUD classification is

intended to provide a mixture of retail service, office, civic, and residential uses within a single zoning district. This type of zoning â&#x20AC;&#x153;facilitates more productive and efficient use of land by allowing a range of land uses at various densities and with flexible application of development regulations.â&#x20AC;? In order to move forward on an MPUD project, a detailed master plan is required, as well as a proposal that provides for interconnectivity, walkability, and mitigation of impacts to the surrounding community.

continued from >1 The property is located at 68 Broad Street Road, in an area designated by the 2035 Comprehensive Plan as Commercial and Centerville Village Core. While the plan received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission in September, many residents living near the site of the proposed development have expressed concerns about potential traffic issues, a lack of owner-occupied dwellings, and the impact on the com-

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Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

January 9, 2020

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will has A requiem for face time (not Facetime) Good been constant By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Can we talk? No, seriously — I’m asking: can we? Allow me to explain. As a general rule, I am not someone who loves going to the doctor. And so it was the other day, suffering from a particularly nasty sinus infection, that I remembered hearing about the new(ish) concept of doctors appointments by phone. Since it was Sunday and my doctor’s office was closed, I decided to give it a try. Cut to 15 minutes later: my “visit” is over, my credit card has been billed, and there is a prescription waiting for me at my pharmacy just up the road. No need to go in, they have a drive-

thru window. Wait … what? Fortunately, the pharmacy is just a few minutes up the road from the grocery store, where I had already placed my order online. No need to go in there either— a smiling high school-age kid brought it right to the car. On the way home I grabbed lunch (curbside pick-up) and got gas (pay at the pump). I kicked myself for forgetting to deposit a check at the ATM, but then remembered I could just take a picture of it on my phone and deposit it that way. While I was out, a delivery driver dropped off a pair of sneakers I had ordered, right onto my porch. A few hours later, a friend text-

ed me to see if I was feeling any better. I texted back that I was. And there you have it: By the end of the day I counted at least 10 separate interactions I’d had that involved far less face-to-face communication — and in some cases none at all — than they would have a decade ago. And while I can’t say that I exactly minded, I would be lying if I said it didn’t give me pause. Do I love sitting in a doctor s waiting room, or standing in line to buy groceries? Not even a little bit. But it is certainly amazing just how much face time we have managed to remove from our daily lives. Two decades ago a sociologist published a book opining about how our fast-paced lives and anti-social leanings had

rendered the front porch almost obsolete. I d give anything to know what she d say about the way we live now. A child born this year will be born into an age of worldwide instantaneous communication and cures for all manner of disease. They will be able to attend college on a computer and, yes, visit the doctor over the phone. And yet it’s hard not to wonder just how much is lost when people are no longer forced to interact with each other for longer than it takes to swipe a card or hand over an order. Let’s just hope in a world where science fiction has become reality and hyper-connectivity the norm, we haven’t forfeited our ability to actually connect.

Twenty years later — and we’re still here By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

Dec. 31, 1999, wasn’t an ordinary New Year’s Eve. It was ominous in that there were two looming scenarios: 1) the world was going to end, and 2) computer systems would crash, causing massive outages in how we operated, especially in our workplaces at that time. I don’t remember who came up with the term Y2K but it was probably the most used word of 1999. I was already past the era of any big New

Year’s Eve festivities attracting me out into the night to welcome another year. But, as 2000 approached, there was an uneasiness about what would happen when the clock struck midnight. The only preparations I made were workrelated with four copies of our system’s operations on either CDs or zip drives (remember those?). The publisher, production manager, a safe deposit at the bank our newspaper company used, and I had those copies. Sidebar: They were updated when our country was attacked

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

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Joy Monopoli

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Melody Kinser

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Roslyn Ryan

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Nick Vandeloecht

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Denine D’Angelo

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Classifieds

on Sept. 11, 2001. I was editor of a daily newspaper 30 miles south of my hometown, so I told Mom I’d come spend the night with her -- and we’d see what, if anything, happened at midnight. It didn’t seem like it had been that long that my party nights began between 10 and 11 p.m. In 1999, it was a struggle to stay awake until midnight. But we were determined. We watched one of the New Year’s Eve TV see Still here > 7

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Gazette 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: rryan@goochlandgazette.com © 2020 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.

in tough times By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

I rarely indulge in end of year wrap-up type stories. It seems much too routine, cliche and rehearsed for my pursuits, and never mind the fact that every columnist in America is or has completed writing their 2019 reflections. This year seems a bit different as we enter a new decade, a moment in time that usually provides hope and optimism for the future. With conflict and natural disaster claiming the first headlines of 2020, it seems best to focus on some of the people that were more than worthy of my attention as I choked out the last 52 columns. As I glanced back over the past 12 months and my contributions, I realized that — with all the strife, confusion and misfortune in our world — there are still amazing special people performing incredible feats of kindness and compassion. It made me consider that this evolving sense of self-think and evolving tribal alienations is perhaps a reflection of a society, but maybe not the people who comprise it. Perhaps, the real hope for 2020 does not lie in the ability of governments or conglomerates to solve what sometimes seem like impossible problems, but in the one remaining constant in turbulent times: the good will of people and their ability to blossom. In 2019, I told the story of a group of football fans who began a new tradition at the University of Iowa. At the end of the first period in every home game, the teams and fans stand and salute children being treated at the adjoining Children’s Hospital, many of the kids suffering from chronic and critical illnesses. It was a small gesture with enorsee Good will > page 7

Thursday

January 9, 2020

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Puzzles: Fountain of youth for the mind? Many people enjoy the challenges posed by puzzles such as crosswords, word finds and Sudoku, among others. Some even wonder if puzzles are more than simple fun and something that can actually benefit the brain. The idea that there’s a correlation between exercising the brain through puzzles and improving its function, much in the way that lifting weights can strengthen the muscles of the body, seems reasonable. Studies are ongoing, and the reviews are mixed. A 1999 study examining crosswords that was published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found no evidence to suggest crossword puzzles reduced age-relat-

Good will continued from >6 mous meaning that captures the attention of a nation. In a similar category, I continued the story of a local football team that continued a decade-long relationship with a child with a terminal disease. The team dedicated a game to him, raised money and awareness, and, more importantly, displayed a sense of personal compassion that won’t be forgotten. That child happens to be my son Jack, and the team involved in those heroic efforts is the Goochland Bulldogs varsity football team. But, it’s the continued support of Jack’s many friends and supporters in the Goochland community that always make the columns regarding their efforts easy to compose and a labor of love. These are only small examples of the meaningful work performed daily by the peo-

ed declines in cognition. However, research published a year later in Psychology of Aging suggested that crosswords, when done by older subjects, seemed to partially attenuate the negative effects of age on memory and perceptual speed tasks. Researcher Keith Wesnes, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Exeter in England, studied the impact of crosswords on attention, reasoning, and memory. Wesnes found a direct relationship between solving puzzles and the accuracy of varying ranges of functions, including reasoning, attention and memory recall. Puzzles can keep the brain active. Tangible results not withstanding, one can

ple who surround us, live in our neighborhoods without recognition. I’d like to think they represent the real story of America as we move into a new decade. By far, the column that evoked the most response was a piece regarding the early morning memories of a paper boy. It seems many people, and not just boys, remember carrying papers door-to-door. Many said it was that early entry into entrepeurship that inspired them to achieve success in their lives. And my sister also liked the column, but quickly pointed out what seemed to her like a glaring omission. She sent a message reminding me that she also spent numerous mornings helping with that paper route. As usual, she’s right and I stand corrected. I wrote more than a few columns recalling past events, people, products, and each seemed to resurrect specific

reason that engaging regularly with word-based puzzles can improve vocabularly fluency and keep people in tune with turns of phrase and even current events. Even though studies are ongoing, there is some belief that doing puzzles can slow decline in memory among healthy individuals as well as those who have been diagnosed with dementia. A 2014 trial funded by the National Institutes of Health found that the benefits of cognitive training for older adults can last as long as 10 years. The researchers recommended that older adults try any cognitively stimulating activity, such as solving crossword puzzles and playing cards. — MetroCreative

memories for different readers. One composed and sent the nicest compliment of the year when they posted, “Your memories make me think of my memories and that puts a smile on my face. Thanks!” But other responses were polite, honest and revealing. “I like the way you write, but sometimes don’t know what you are talking about.” I suppose that comment is generation-based, and I understand the sentiment. So with all the turmoil and challenge the news of the day may present, I’ll continue to search for the path less travelled and tell the stories of a few, or the obsolete … or the forgotten. After all, we are, indeed, a nation of individuals on separate paths, united in a vision for a better tomorrow, each with a story to tell and something significant to offer. Those are the stories I’ll be looking or in 2020.

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Parks and Rec offering class in Tai Chi Goochland County Parks and Rec will be hosting a class in Tai Chi on Thursday. Jan. 28, offering a chance to learn a discipline aimed at exercising

the entire body and strengthening the mind. This is a 6-week session for participants ages 50+, held at the Central High Cultural & Educational

Complex from 9- 10 a.m. The cost to take part is $60. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Still here

Midnight comes and goes. We were still in her living room watching TV; the world had not ended; and there were no reports of major computer crashes. Throughout 1999, the airwaves had brought Prince’s “1999” out so we could “party like it was 1999.” Actually, the lyrics follow the “end is near” theme. Nonetheless, the

song, released in 1982, was an anthem of sorts — or so it seemed. New Year’s Eve is comical to family and friends in my age range. The joke going around heading into 2020 was “9 p.m. is the new midnight.” In my case, that was accurate. Twenty years — wow, and we’re still here. Make the most of this new decade.

continued from >6 shows while listening to the hoopla heading into the ball drop countdown from New York City. So here we were in the house in which I was raised waiting to see what the new year would bring. Or would it end?

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Thursday

January 9, 2020

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

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Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

From left, Goochland’s Quincy Snead (22) guards Fluvanna’s Kobe Edmonds; Kam Holman (24) at right, drives against pressure; Walker Murray, at right, defends late in Monday’s home game.

Down 18 after 3, Goochland rallies and wins By Nick Vandeloecht, Sports Editor

GOOCHLAND – Visiting Fluvanna had knocked down 13 3-pointers. Kobe Edmonds was on fire. Freshman Bobby Gardner met the buzzer with a layup, and his Flying Flucos ended the third quarter leading Goochland by 18 points. But within the next 3 gametime minutes, the lead was 4. The Bulldogs went full-force with the full-court press and quickly landed shots off of the turnovers they created. Senior Quincy Snead poured in 10 points – 4 from the free-throw line, 6 off of takeaways – as he and Kindrick Braxton combined for a 13-0 run to thrust the Bulldogs back into the mix. Edmonds stayed hot, breaking the run on a bucket. So did the Bulldogs. They drew fouls, and Goochland’s clutch leaders Snead and Kam Holman chipped three more points off the visitors’ lead

from the charity stripe. Snead hit a jumper in traffic. Braxton and JB Bell each hit a putback, and Walker Murray netted two off a drive. And then Holman, with his team down 74-70, drained three from the upper-left arc. And then Murray forced the turnover… …and that led to Holman putting-in the assist and drawing the and-one… …while sending Goochland into a 75-54 lead, and the crowd into a jubilant roar. Holman added the and-one from the line. Edmonds tied it briefly again, at 76-all. Murray knocked down an inbounded pass from behind the arc for three points with 20 seconds left, pushing Goochland back to the point. Holman then hit an insurance layup off of a flurry of the Bulldogs’

rebounding attempts, capped by a block from Bell. Edmonds fought back, shrinking Goochland’s lead back down to one. But with 16 seconds to play, the Bulldogs worked their way through the forest of Fluvanna’s pressure, and Holman drew the foul one last time. He netted the last two points from the line to cap his team’s fiery 39-point quarter. “I just try to take smart shots,” Holman said. “I don’t rush anything – I just let it all come to me naturally.” The defense held firm against the Flying Flucos’ final drive, and Goochland slammed the book shut on an explosive, high-octane, comefrom-behind classic to complete the 18-point rally in the final 8 minutes and edge-past Fluvanna 83-80. “It was great, loud – intensity…I loved it,” said Holman. “I live for games like those.” While the Bulldogs blossomed

with the press, the seed for their success was planted in the second quarter, when junior Jack Hoffler – who got the start in Monday’s thriller – swatted away Edmonds’ shot off the fast-break to unleash the thundering cheers from the home crowd as his block soon led to Holman hitting a three off a teammate’s kick-out pass. “That really motivated our guys and just lit a fire under us,” Goochland head coach Preston Gordon said of Hoffler’s block. “He performed well for us – really proud of what he gave us tonight, and it was only 3 points, but he’s one of our best free-throw shooters and he knocked down some clutch free-throws for us. He gave us more than just offense.” Snead led the Bulldogs with 26 points and added 8 assists and 6 steals. Holman netted 23 points and added 4 steals. They combined for 25 points in the fourth quarter alone. Snead also had the hot-hand in the first quarter, scoring 11 points, and

he didn’t turn the ball over. Holman made 9 in the second. Braxton was next for Goochland in scoring with 9 points. “He’s been playing his heart out – and I’ll be the first one to say this, he knows this – he’s not a basketball player, he’s a football player. But he’s a tremendous athlete and he loves to compete,” Gordon said of Braxton. “He’s aggressive. He’s a warrior.” Edmonds scored a game-high 34 points for Fluvanna. Monday’s wild game was the ideal catalyst for revitalizing a rivalry between Goochland and Fluvanna. The two head coaches, Gordon and Heath Bralley (Gordon also referred to him by his nickname “Heater”) are great friends and go back a ways. They were at Emory & Henry College together. Bralley worked for Gordon’s mother Dianna Gordon for over 10 years when she was princi-

see Basketball> page 10

Thursday

January 9, 2020

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

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File photos by Jim Ridolphi (Goochland football) and Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Benedictine football’s Henry Dolan, from left, and Malik James (55) and Goochland football’s Devin McCray (7) and Will Stratton (81) made the 2019 Times-Dispatch All-Metro football teams.

Goochland, Benedictine student-athletes earn All-Metro Staff Reports

Goochland High School and Benedictine this past fall were represented by their student-athletes on the 2019 Times-Dispatch All-Metro football and volleyball teams. Versatile Goochland High School senior Devin McCray was named to the utility spot for First Team All-Metro on defense. McCray, a 6-foot 180-pounder, is back on the All-Metro team after recording 16 tackles, 10 assists and four interceptions, earning Class 3, Region B defensive player of the year honors. According to the TimesDispatch, he did a little bit of everything at Goochland, starting as a quarterback before transitioning to running back last year, also punting and returning kicks. In 2019, he carried 46 times for 429 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 20 passes for 364 yards and five touchdowns. He has signed to attend

and play for the University of Richmond. McCray’s teammate Will Stratton was named to Second Team All-Metro for defense at linebacker. Stratton, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound junior, recorded 80 tackles (including 50 assists, 8 tackles for loss and 4 sacks), one forced fumble, five fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. Stratton also had an incredible number of blocked kicks (punts, PAT’s, field goals) with seven. McCray and Stratton were both key contributors to a talented Goochland Bulldogs team that bounced-back from their loss in the 2018 state final and a season-opening defeat to Lafayette in 2019 to reel-off 12 straight wins, capture the Class 3, Region B championship and reach the state semifinals. They were a possession away from defeating Hopewell, who in 2019 was the sole VHSL state cham-

pion from the Richmond area. For volleyball, Goochland High School’s Trinity Wonderling was named to Second Team AllMetro. Across 23 matches, the 5-foot-7 senior setter totaled 10.5 blocks, 27 serve-receives, 38 aces, 98 kills, 168 digs and 315 assists. Wonderling was a key contributor to a highly talented Goochland volleyball team that rolled-out 22 straight wins, captured the Class 3, Region B championship and reached the 2019 Class 3 state semifinals. From Benedictine, both Henry Dolan (defensive back) and Malik James (defensive line) made First Team All-Metro for defense. Dolan, a 5-foot-8, 175-pound junior, recorded 38 tackles, five interceptions and four tackles for losses. According to the TimesDispatch, when the starting running back got hurt, he joined the offense, rushing 200 times for 1,003 yards and 12 touchdowns,

displaying a toughness that belies his size. He also took snaps at quarterback when Benedictine’s second-string QB went down in the Cadets’ Homecoming game versus Woodberry Forest. Dolan was named to VISAA’s Second Team All-State. James, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound senior, played both ways for Benedictine, recording 58 total tackles, 17 tackles for losses, six sacks and two forced fumbles on defense. According to the Times-Dispatch, on offense he was the best lineman for a team that rushed for more than 190 yards per game and claimed the VISAA Division I state title. He was voted co-player of the year in the VISAA, and he has committed to Army. Both Dolan and James were part of a relentless defense that was key to the Cadets going 10-2 overall and winning the 2019 VISAA Division I state chamFile photo by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette pionship, 14-6 over rival St. Goochland volleyball’s Trinity Wonderling made Second Team All-Metro for 2019. Christopher’s.

Thursday

January 9, 2020

THE BULLDOGS’ BEST 5 OF 2019 Goochland football returns to state semis The Bulldogs shook off a season-opening loss to Lafayatte to roll-out a 12-game winning streak, win the Class 3, Region B championship and put up a tough fight against the Hopewell Blue Devils, who won the Class 3 state championship. It was the Bulldogs’ third state semifinals appearance in the last four years. A standout senior class, featuring but not limited to Luke Agee, Kindrick Braxton, Dakhari Burgess, Connor Duncan, Ethan Ford, Devin McCray, Quincy Snead, NyJavion Timberlake, Le’Shon Washington and Hunter Willms, included players who started in or contributed to part or all of an incredible four-year stretch in which Goochland football compiled a staggering 51-5 record.

Bernstine wins 5th state tennis championship Class of 2019’s Ryan Bernstine tied his older brother Chase in state championships with five when he went 17-0 in singles and won his 2019 state singles final, 6-0, 6-1 over George Mason’s Chris Kim. Ryan now plays at Virginia Tech along with Chase.

Goochland boys basketball delivers historic year The Bulldogs’ boys basketball team’s first-ever trip to the state semifinals in 2019 built upon what was a historical year before, as 2018 marked the first time that Goochland had reached the state quarterfinals. Deion Harwood ended his senior season this past March with over 1,000 career points. He double-doubled with 22 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs to their first state quarterfinals victory, 60-47 over George Mason.

Goochland volleyball reaches state semifinals Rachel Jacobsen led the Bulldogs to the state semifinals in just her second year as the team’s head coach. Goochland’s 22-1 team featured the best of both worlds, as the five seniors were complemented by young talent including junior Taylor Michaels, sophomores Blair Bussells and Nova Wonderling and freshmen Nicole Brown and Nina Smith.

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

Goochland High School alum and MLB pitcher Justin Verlander concluded the 2019 season with his second career American League Cy Young Award, and his first with the Houston Astros. Verlander in 2019 reached 3,000 career strikeouts, delivered his 3rd career no-hitter and threw 300 strikeouts in a single regular season for the first time in his career.

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Basketball continued from >8 pal at Fluvanna. Bralley, who is in his first year as the Flying Flucos’ head coach, called Gordon and asked for a letter of recommendation for the job. “He’s a really great friend of mine, and he always spoke very highly of what we were doing as a basketball program over here and…he never thought that he would get that opportunity,” Gordon said. “I’m super-duper proud of what he’s been able to accomplish this year in his first year. He’s got a great group of guys, they play really, really hard and they’re young. They’re gonna make some noise in the Jefferson District this year, and if they continue to play the way they did tonight, they can make some noise in the playoffs if they put some more pieces together.” The Flying Flucos continued their razor-sharp shooting from their 59-24 win over Madison County for three quarters against Goochland, making 8 3-pointers in the first two periods and 5 in the third. “We knew what they were gonna run; we did not execute our defense the way we should have,” Gordon said. “They made their shots, they shot lightsout…we’ve had a lot of other teams shoot the ball really well here and it’s not because of bad defense, but our defense wasn’t where it needed to be in the first half.

Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland’s Jack Hoffler (11) guards Fluvanna’s John Rittenhouse.

“Second half, we got a whole lot better.” At halftime, Gordon said that assistant coach AJ Nash mentioned the following to the team: “We’ve weathered the storm before. We’ve weathered this right now. Most teams aren’t gonna shoot the ball this well consistently for four quarters.” Gordon said that Nash was “absolutely right.” After the third, Fluvanna didn’t make any more three’s. “If they’re gonna shoot the ball that well for four quarters, they deserve to win,” Gordon said. “However our guys got a fire underneath of them… we got in a rhythm with our press, and we made plays. We finished.”

“Everyone says defense wins games,” Holman said. “We got in the press, we got a few steals and that just flipped the whole game around.” Gordon spoke to the need for his team to tighten up some things defensively. “Giving up 80 points at home is uncharacteristic of our defense,” he said. “We can fix our gaps and our holes.” It was a very physical and emotional game for both teams. “These guys, they know each other, they’ve played AAU together or against each other,” Gordon said with a smile. “It’s good to see this rivalry – I don’t think there was any harm…it was just physical. You’re gonna have games like that. And I’m

proud of our guys for not backing down, being down 18.” He’s also proud of their fans. “They easily could’ve left. They stayed through it. They cheered us on. They were there, jumping up and down – and they’re emotional…I’ve got family members yelling at me from behind the bench...‘Get it together!’” Gordon said laughing. “It’s good. We have a great community. We have great community support for our athletic program, and I’m super-duper proud to be here.” It’s not the first time the Bulldogs have come back from a steep deficit. A couple years back, they fell behind Nottoway by at least 28 points, yet they rallied to pull-off the win in overtime. It was a wild one – one that you remember, Gordon said. Just like Monday’s game. He’ll remember this one, too – and not just for the fact that his team came back from down 18 to win it. He’ll remember it for it being the first time that he got to play against his good friend “Heater” as an opposing coach – and he’s hoping for many more to come. “Fluvanna played really well tonight and I wish them the best of luck,” Gordon said while adding, with a laugh, “just not when he’s playing against us.” Goochland was slated to play Central Lunenburg this past Wednesday (Jan. 8) at home.

PREP SCHEDULE UPCOMING Varsity Sports

Justin Verlander wins 2019 Cy Young Award

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Friday, Jan. 10 Swimming 6:30 p.m. Goochland away vs. Orange County, Powhatan at Goochland YMCA Girls Basketball 7 p.m.

Goochland HOME vs. Bluestone Boys Basketball 7 p.m. Goochland away at Bluestone Benedictine away at St. John Paul the Great. Monday, Jan. 13 Girls Basketball

7 p.m. Goochland HOME vs. Patrick Henry Tuesday, Jan. 14 Girls Basketball 7 p.m. Goochland HOME vs. Buckingham Boys Basketball 6 p.m.

Benedictine HOME vs. Woodberry Forest 7 p.m. Goochland away at Buckingham

Hermitage High School Swimming 6 p.m. Goochland vs. Appomattox County, Nandua, Prince Edward Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Hampden-Sydney Wrestling Boys Basketball 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Goochland away vs. Benedictine away at St. Hermitage, J.R. Tucker at Anne’s Belfield

Thursday

THURSDAY EVENING 4 PM 4:30 5 PM ESPN

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E (3:00) The Daily Line (N)

8-ABC

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( Dr. Phil (N) ’ Å

6-CBS

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35-FOX

(11) . The Steve Wilkos Show

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(12) , 12 News First at 4PM

65-CW

(13) 4 Hot Bench

Hot Bench

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January 9, 2020

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