The Goochland Gazette – 04/02/2020 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE GHS basketball players named to All-Region team. > page 7

Volume 65, Number 14 • April 2, 2020

Budesky to be Hanover’s top administrator County’s top exec to stay until June, says serving Goochland has been ‘an honor’

Deputies take precautions, then carry on By Roslyn Ryan Editor

As the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak forces many Goochland residents to remain at home, there are still many, including first responders, who don’t have that option. For Goochland’s Sheriff’s Office employees, going to work each day means putting themselves

at risk. And while the office remains closed to the public, deputies are still out working to help keep residents safe. According to Goochland County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Palmer Clifford, calls for alarms have been down in recent days, likely because so many more residents are at home during the day. As Clifford noted, policing in a pandem-

ic requires some concessions to ensure first responders’ safety. Deputies have been equipped with Personal Protective Equipment and are following CDC guidelines with regard to social distancing, Clifford said, not just at the office but on calls as well. see Deputies> 3

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

After nearly four years as Goochland’s County Administrator, John A. Budesky has announced that he will leave the role this June to become the next county administrator for Hanover County. “It has truly been an honor to serve the board of supervisors and the citizens of Goochland County,” Budesky said in a statement Budesky released last week. “I am extremely proud of the entire staff and leadership team that we have grown and developed over my tenure. Together we have accomplished a great deal for our residents and business community. Goochland is in good hands as I make this transition, and will be well into the future.” Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Budesky will continue serving Goochland County through June 30, allowing an orderly transition to occur. During this period, see Budesky> 2

At GoochlandCares, food shopping goes online

Photo by Roslyn Ryan

GoochlandCares food pantry manager Terry Ebright spent last Monday afternoon packing grocery bags full of items for clients, many of who have been going online to preselect their orders. The process is new for GoochlandCares, and was created as a way to keep food pantry customers and staff safe during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. For more on how GoochlandCares is adapting to the outbreak, see page 4.

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

April 2, 2020

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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 tan/white male pit, about 1-2 years old; a sweet, neutered male hound, about 2-4 years old; and a spayed female pit, about 1-3 years old. Please note: The Goochland Animal Shelter is currently waiving adoption fees. 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.”

Budesky continued from >1

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he and the Goochland County Board of Supervisors will begin the search for a new County Administrator. For Budesky, taking the job in Hanover won’t necessarily mean leaving Goochland behind. “I have developed a great number of professional and personal relationships within Goochland and value the trust and respect we have developed in just under four years,” Budesky said. “I will truly miss the Goochland Team. However, I look forward to being a great neighbor and regional partner with this special community for years to come.” Budesky, who has served as county administrator since Aug. 1, 2016, has focused during his tenure on improving and enhancing the services offered to the community.

Since he was hired, Goochland earned its second AAA rating and became the smallest county in the nation to achieve a AAA rating from Moody’s Investment Services. He kicked off the multi-phase replacement of the county’s financial system as well as established an innovative 25-year capital improvement program. In addition, the county initiated and completed multiple projects including construction of the new Animal Shelter, Hadensville Fire Station 6, the Emergency Communication Center & Operations Center, and the renovation of the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center. “On behalf of the board of supervisors, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation and at the same time reluctantly accept Mr. Budesky’ s resignation as the Goochland county administrator,” said board of supervisors chair Susan Lascolette. “Mr. Budesky has

been a valued member of our leadership team and has contributed immeasurably to our success. While we are losing an outstanding leader, I take comfort in knowing we are gaining a trusted regional partner. We wish him the very best in his new position.” Prior to serving as Goochland County’s county administrator, Budesky worked as a Hanover County deputy county administrator. He began his local government management career as a department head in Washington County, Maryland, and also served as county administrator of New Kent County from 2005-2009 before being named executive director of the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. His more than 25 years of local government experience also includes city management experience from Hagerstown, Maryland, and Manassas.

Former resident finding success in the modeling world PAGE 12

Classifieds ......................12-14 Letters .................................... 6 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................7-8 TV Listings ........................9-11

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) 344-8746 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746 Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor (540) 728-0549

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

April 2, 2020

Planning Commission votes against Elks’ plan for lodge By Roslyn Ryan Editor

A plan by a Richmond-based charitable organization to move into Goochland was met with strong opposition by dozens of county residents on March 5, as the group sought approval from the county Planning Commission. The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Richmond Lodge No. 45 was seeking to revise the conceptual plan for 5.82acre parcel near the Parkside Village community to allow a lodge on the property instead of the previously proffered retail and commercial uses. According to Jeff Geiger, who is representing the group, Lodge 45 has been active in the Richmond area for over 100 years, providing support to area veterans, active service members and children. The Lodge also sponsors a Boy Scout Troop. In exchange for approval, the group has agreed to forgo some of the traditional fundraising opportunities, including Turkey Shoots. They will also bar overnight RV parking. Many residents of nearby Parkside Village, an age-restricted community for those age 55 and above located near the intersection of Pouncey Tract and Ashland Road, had several concerns about the project, including the potential for increased noise and traffic. Some pointed out the Elks, being a nonprofit organization, would not contribute to the tax base the way that a retailer would. Others took issue with a plan to store equipment trailers at the rear of the

property. A number of those who spoke during the public comment period also raised the issue of alcohol consumption on the premises, and the potential problems it could bring. Ramon Jackson, a retired law enforcement officer who lives in the neighborhood, told commissioners that he had seen many examples of people getting out of hand at large gatherings where alcohol was served. “Any time you have more than 100 people drinking alcohol at an event, you are going to have a problem,” Jackson said, adding that hiring one security guard for an event would do little to quell any disturbances. When it came time to vote, District 5 commissioner Tom Rockecharlie made clear he did not have any issue with the organization itself, but rather wanted to make sure to safeguard the rights of the many Parkside Village residents who, when they bought their homes, had “expected a small neighborhood with a shopping center.” “I don’t think the Elk’s Lodge, or anybody’s lodge, follows the Comprehensive Plan,” explained Rockecharlie. He was joined in his opposition by District 2 commissioner Matt Brewer and District 3 commissioner Carter Duke, and all three voted to deny the request. District 4 commissioner Curt Pituck was the sole representative who supported the plan. District 1 commissioner John Myers abstained. The request now moves on the county Board of Supervisors, who will ultimately decide whether to approve or deny it.

Recent Property Transfers 2332 Bexley Wood Run, Goochland; Ashley Brown Smith to Reginald Pace, $345,000. 12123 Branch Overlook Drive, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to David W. Bristow, $436,044. 311 Broadfield Lane, Manakin Sabot; Keith Winchester to Navin Gupta, $749,000.

2988 Creekwood Lane, Sandy Hook; Michael A. Liptak to Brandon E. Martin, $400,000. 611 Dover Bluff Circle, Manakin Sabot; Andrew S. Clark to Malcolm P. McConnell III, $1,050,000. 4710 E Gray Fox Road, Gum Spring; Carol M. Stoneman to James Noel, $193,000.

1611 Huntsman Circle, Oilville; William L. Huffard to Andrea Nash, $541,000. 2331 Lanes End Place, Maidens; Mary S. West to Steven J. McCarthy, $495,000. 2731 Ravenwood Road, Columbia; Barry D. Boothe to Belen Bobonis, $300,000. 12653 River Road, Richmond; Albert J. Kraft III to D. A. Thomasson, $699,500.

Deputies continued from >1 If a call can be investigated over the phone, a deputy will call and gather information. When deputies respond to a call for service, they will ask the caller to meet the responding deputy outside if possible. Citizens calling for both Sheriff ’s Office and Fire Rescue response should expect to answer a few questions regarding travel and contact with potential COVID-19 carriers. Clifford made clear that the measures put in place to protect deputies’ safety will not impact the level of service the GCSO provides to residents. “As the safety of our citizens is always our number one priority, we are still available 24/7, responding to calls and investigating all crimes while proactively patrolling Goochland County,” he said.

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New GCSO program helps residents get their prescriptions To encourage social distancing, the Goochland County Sheriff ’s Office (GCSO) Community Division is available to assist with delivering prescriptions to qualifying community members living in Goochland County. The GCSO Community Division will pick-up prescription medication at the local pharmacies listed below and deliver those prescriptions to older adults and other county residents who are identified as having a higher risk of serious health complications if they were to contract COVID19. Pharmacies available for GCSO pick-up and delivery: Goochland Pharmacy at 1956 Sandy Hook Rd. Dawson’s Pharmacy at 2728 Fairground Rd. Qualifying community members can take advantage

of the program by following these steps: Call your pharmacy and refill your prescription. Pay for your prescription over the phone. Tell your pharmacist that a Goochland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy will be picking the prescription up. Find out when the prescription will be ready for pickup. Call the Sheriff’s Office at (804) 556-5349 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and tell them you would like to have a deputy deliver a prescription ready for pick-up at a local pharmacy. A GCSO deputy will contact you when your medication is ready to be dropped off. When the deputy comes to your house with the prescription(s), the recipient will be required to show the deputy a valid photo ID in order to prove ownership and sign for the prescription(s).

BEREA BAPTIST CHURCH Join us at our growing church in worship Palm Sunday, April 5, and Easter Sunday, April12 and, every Sunday, until our doors are open again Live At 9:30AM Go to YouTube on your cellphone or your TV and, type in Berea Baptist Church for our live services. God has a great plan and a purpose for you. Come join us as we seek to recognize the plan that He has for each of us! Our passion is to praise Jesus Christ together through songs, giving, and the preaching of God’ s word. 15475 Ashland Road, Rockville, VA 23146 (804) 749-3597

Thursday

April 2, 2020

Bank hosting food truck event Essex Bank will be hosting Food Truck Friday on April 3, featuring Curbside Creations from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. According to Essex Bank’s Rebecca Woody, the event is being held “to help out small businesses and give different options for lunch and dinner in the area.” The bank is located at 1949 Sandy Hook Rd, and more information is available at Facebook.com/EssexBankGoochlandCourthouse. Kitchens/Baths Patios/Decks New Construction Doors/Windows Sidewalks/Pavers Remodels/Additions

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For GoochlandCares, much of response to virus outbreak created from scratch By Roslyn Ryan Editor

GoochlandCares Executive Director Sally Graham knows that no one can predict what the coming weeks and months will look like as the county continues to deal with the impact of the worldwide novel coronavirus outbreak. Still, she said last Friday, she and her staff know that they likely have not yet seen the worst of what is in store. “We think there is going to be a significant impact on many of our programs,” said Graham, who oversees a wide array of services at GoochlandCares including the facility’s food pantry and free clinic. Not only does Graham expect the medical staff will treat a number of patients suffering from coronavirus as time goes by, but they will also be working to offer financial and other forms of assistance to the many who have lost jobs. Right now the facility does not have access to testing, she noted, so anyone suspected of having the virus is directed to remain at home and to seek emergency care if needed. Other needs have been easier to meet, though maintaining safety has

required embracing new methods. Registered food pantry clients, for example, are now able to visit the GoochlandCares website and virtually “shop,” with items from their list packaged and ready for pick-up 24 hours later. Graham admitted Friday that all of the current policies and procedures now in place to deal with the COVID19 outbreak (see sidebar, right) had to be put in place quickly once the scale of the crisis became clear. Some programs, like the Clothes Closet, have had to be temporarily shut down and staff has been shifted around to pitch in where they are most needed. Still, Graham said it has been inspiring to see the way many of the key players in charge of supporting residents’ needs—including GoochlandCares, the county school division, Social Services, the Sheriff’s Office and the county’s Fire and Rescue personnel— have all come together to meet the challenges they are facing. On Friday, she sounded tired but resolute. Everyone at her organization knows they are facing a challenge few could have foreseen, Graham said. “And we are trying to prepare for that.”

GoochlandCares will remain in operation, though some new policies now in effect To our Goochland Neighbors, GoochlandCares is open. GoochlandCares is monitoring the Corona virus situation carefully. Our goal is to protect our clients, clie volunteers and staff while continuing to pr provide vital services aas resources allow. To t that end, our plan f at least the next for ttwo weeks includes m minimizing personto-p to-person contacts by changing program Graham delivery and cancelling group meetings/activities. GoochlandCares will update procedures as necessary as we strive to provide the most basic services. We are asking clients who need services to call programs’ extensions for instructions instead of walking in. We continue to answer the phone, staff the front desk, and deliver programs as follows: Medical clinic patients call (804) 5560405 see GoochlandCares> 5

Our

Second Century County to residents: Consider hanging — Established 1897 — Charles D. Morehead, President and General Manager

on to some cleaned-up clutter for now Convenience centers struggling to keep up as people use forced time home to tidy up

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By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Consider it one more item on a seemingly endless list of daily activities impacted by the current COVID-19 outbreak: with so many residents forced to stay at

home, many are passing the time cleaning out sheds and ridding their property of unneeded furnishings. The problem, Goochland County Administrator John Budesky says, is that now the convenience centers are having a hard time keeping up. During a weekly update delivered via internet on March 26, Budesky asked residents to consider curtailing the number of large loads they have been bringing to the county convenience centers in recent weeks. While Budesky assured residents that county services remain available to them

despite the fact that local facilities are currently shut down, he also thanked them for their patience as the convenience centers catch up with the sudden explosion in the amount of trash being dropped of. Budesky said the county is not currently restricting convenience center use, and he hopes they do not have to go that route. He also reminded residents that county parks remain open to the public and encouraged those who visit to maintain the recommended social distance of six feet between themselves and other patrons.

Thursday

April 2, 2020

Local offices remain closed to public but county staff still on hand to help Meetings cancelled, hearings postponed as seventh COVID-19 case confirmed here Contributed report

Beginning the week of March 30, Goochland County government offices will be open with reduced operations across all agencies during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. until further notice. All county buildings were closed to the public beginning on Friday, March 20, and will remain so until further notice. Departments are still staffed by employees who can assist citizens over the phone and via email. Citizens are encouraged to call ahead or visit http://www. goochlandva.us for the latest information before attempting to visit any county buildings in person. Citizens are further encouraged to call in advance and schedule telephone appointments with departments and agencies. For convenience, there is a silver “envelope depository” drop box built into the brick wall near the Registrar’s Office door of the County Administration Building located on the Sandy Hook Road side of the building if you need to drop something off. Please ensure it is noted for the office or individual it needs to go to. County parks remain open to the public, but park goers are encouraged to continue the practice of social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings of 10 or more and group activities. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the issues citizens have accessing internet services. At this time citizens can take advantage of Wi-Fi Hotspots at all six fire-rescue stations, the county administration building, and all Goochland County Public School buildings; for more information visit http://www.goochlandva.us/1101/Goochland-Area-WiFiHotspots. In addition, there are limited resources our community can access for free through private providers, information

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on these resources is available at http:// www.goochlandva.us/1109/COVID-19Community-Info-Resources. Goochland is committed to working with national, state and regional partners in implementing steps to safeguard our community. We share the community’s concern regarding COVID-19 and will continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). As of Sunday, March 29, VDH has confirmed that seven positive COVID19 cases exist in Goochland County. Any questions about the cases should be directed to Caitlin Hodge, Population Health Manager with the Chickahominy Health District (caitlin.hodge@vdh.virginia.gov). Stay informed of upcoming Goochland County government meetings by visiting www.goochlandva.us, following on Facebook at @GoochlandCountyVA and on Twitter at @GoochlandGovtVA. The county will be releasing additional details on how to participate in Board of Supervisors meetings in the coming weeks.

April Planning Commission meeting is now cancelled The board of spervisors adopted an emergency ordinance on March 26, which gave permission for public bodies, including the Planning Commission, to alter their regular public meetings (or cancel them) in light of the current public health guidelines recommending against people gathering together. The applicants for the April 2, 2020 Planning Commission meeting have been contacted and voluntarily deferred the public hearings on their cases to the June 4, 2020 meeting. The only other items on the Planning Commission agenda (the election of officers, calendar adoption, and Bylaws adoption) have also been deferred to the June 4 meeting. Accordingly, the April 2 Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled.

GCPS continues free meal program for all students

Goochland County Public Schools is supplying free meals to all students as follows: Breakfast and lunch is being served at the school locations below from 9 a.m. until noon. (pick up at the same time) Byrd Elementary Bus Loop at 2704 Hadensville-Fife Road Randolph Elementary Bus Loop at 1552 Sheppard Town Road Secondary Complex Bus Loop at 3250-B River Road West In addition, the Sunshine Food Bus is serving meals at: Company 1 Firehouse at 180 River Road West from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Company 3 Firehouse at 52 Broad Street Road from 11 to 11:30 a.m. County Line Church at 4070 County Line Road in Kent’s Store from 12 to 12:30 p.m. Company 6 Firehouse at 4810 Three Chopt Road from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m.

Chickahominy Health District now has hotline The Chickahominy Health District has launched a hotline to answer coronavirus (COVID-19) questions for residents of Goochland. For the General Community call (804) 365-3340. For Health Care providers call (804) 365-3341. The phone lines are currently open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For medical assistance, contact your primary care provider or urgent care facility.

Sources to help Goochland residents stay up to date Goochland County on Friday, March 13, declared a local state of emergency as a precautionary measure over the global outbreak of the coronavirus. For updates and more information, go to: Goochland County (www.goochlandva.us) Virginia Department of Health (http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/)

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GoochlandCares continued from >4 Food Pantry clients: Call (804) 556-0300 when you are in the parking lot. Dental emergencies: Call (804) 556-0405 Sexual Domestic Violence: Call 1-804-980-6267 Financial Assistance, Home Repair and other needs: Call (804) 556-6260. Registration: Call (804) 556-0711. The Clothes Closet is closed to shoppers, and not accepting donations Medical Transportation is suspended.

We are suspending Volunteer activity, meetings and orientation. Call (804) 556-0712 or email dreale@ GoochlandCares.org Because many of our clients work hourly jobs and may have their hours cut, we expect the demand for our services will increase. We are continuing to accept food donations and you can order food to be shipped to GoochlandCares or donate online at www. GoochlandCares.org More to come as the situation changes — and it will change! Thank you for your support. Sally Graham is the executive director of GoochlandCares.

“Your Home is My Business” P.O. Box 67 Powhatan, VA 23139 bruce@thehousegeek.com www.thehousegeek.com

(804) 921-8367

Bruce Blackwell State Licensed Home Inspector #3380000220 NRS

Unshakable

Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;” Through the millennia, since Adam and Eve, God has been in control even when circumstances seemed terrifying. Natural disasters, wars, upheavals in the routine, and disease do not nullify God. Our current worldwide struggle with COVID-19 is no different. The Hebrews verses 26-28 use “shaken” four times. God may allow a serious “shaking” of things from time to time but His Kingdom (His church) is unshakable! Pray! Obey! “The Lord sat as King at the flood; Yes, the Lord sits as King forever.” (Psalm 29:10)

If you’re interested in further study of God’s word, meet with us Wednesday evenings at 6:30. Details on our website.

Old Trail Church of Christ

oldtrailcoc.com | oldtrailcoc@gmail.com

Thursday

April 2, 2020

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Letters to the Editor United States’ current coronavirus strategy will ruin the economy

MetroCreative Photo

More than ever, small business needs our help By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Many years ago, while driving along a remote two-lane highway in rural Maine (which, spoiler alert, is pretty much all of Maine), I noticed a sign tacked to a roadside tree. It was just big enough to see as I whizzed by it, and also, to be honest, pretty tough to ignore. There in large, red handdrawn letters it read “Bob’s Tropical Fish, one mile ahead on the left.” I may have neglected to mention that this was February, which means it was brutally cold, and that the area in which I was travelling didn’t seem to have so much as a service station anywhere in the immediate vicinity. If memory serves, it was just one endless ribbon of road flanked on either side by an infinite sea of snow-tipped evergreens.

Fortunately, if my own personal philosophy for living could be summed up in one sentence, it might read something like this: “If you ever have the chance to check out a tropical fish shop in the middle of nowhere, in the coldest place you have ever been in your life, and that shop is run by a guy named Bob, you should not let the opportunity pass.” And so it was that I found myself, on an otherwise bleak and sunless mid-winter day, spending the better part of an hour chatting with Bob, a man with a personality as vivid and bright as the fish gliding through the handful of gurgling tanks in his little shop. I soon learned that Bob had always loved tropical fish and had always wanted to share that passion with others, hence the business. But as for my question about why he chose to

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set up shop in a location that was so far off the beaten path, he just smiled, shrugged, and fixed on me with a look that said very simply, “Why not?” No, he wasn’t ever going to become rich or build his business into a multinational conglomerate, he admitted, but he loved what he did and his customers seemed to love him. I left that day without a fish, sadly, but I did carry away a newfound sense of respect for small business owners like Bob, those who venture into the marketplace without hefty advertising budgets or gleaming showrooms (Bob’s building, I’m pretty sure, also was his house). To this day, I still think of him when I consider the often monumental challenges small business owners face, and all of the ways they enrich the communities they serve.

Now, of course, with the blow dealt by COVID-19, what was once merely difficult has grown exponentially so. And we as a community need to help. Make no mistake about this: I am not asking you to do any of our local Goochland businesses a favor. Instead, I am simply asking you to let them show you why they deserve your business, and how much value they offer their customers. Sadly, some of these small businesses remain shuttered for the time being, but once they reopen they are going to need our support more than ever. If you haven’t already, take a chance and let yourself be wowed by what our local vendors have to offer. As I learned one wonderful wintry day in Maine, you certainly won’t regret it.

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: (804) 344-8746 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.

Dear Editor, The current hysteria and panic about the Coronavirus throughout the U. S. and especially in New York, New Jersey, Seattle, and New Orleans are disturbing but totally predictable. Our urban areas have become so congested with people living on the edge of economic survival that they are just one small disaster away from total chaos in their lives, whether from a storm, earthquake, power failure, or disease. Urban folks are unable or unwilling to keep a few months’ supply of everything needed for any type of emergency. If you live in Goochland, that’s what you do. The bare shelves at both of Goochland’s Food Lion stores don’t bother me at all. Except I cringe at the inefficiency of Food Lion after an employee told me the store room in the back was stacked to the ceiling and they just didn’t have enough workers to put the stuff on the shelves. I have to wonder if Food Lion ever heard about working overtime or at night? So I go to Short Pump now. At age 72, I have survived several U.S. pandemics. I had the 1957 flu and the Swine flu in the 70s so bad that I wished I could have died. Every time I travel I come home with a disease from Europe, Egypt, and Olympic National Park recently. Disease is part of life, some survive and some don’t. We are all going to be six feet underground eventually. To put the Coronavirus into perspective, some Google research shows 34,200 people died from flu during the 2018-2019 flu season with 35.5 million people catching the flu in the U.S. During the 20172018 flu season in the U.S., 61,000 people died and 45 million were sick from the flu. see Letters > page 11

Thursday

April 2, 2020

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

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Decision delayed to May Staff Reports

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Goochland High School senior Quincy Snead surveys the court in a 2019-2020 home season varsity boys basketball game versus Randolph-Henry.

Snead, Holman make All-Region By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

GOOCHLAND — There were times in practices when agile, athletic, multisport standouts Quincy Snead, a senior, and Kameron Holman, a junior, wanted to compete against each other on the court as a means of improving one another, making their teammates better and making themselves better. “They’re humble. They’re competitive in a lot of ways,” said Goochland head boys basketball coach Preston Gordon. “They’re good character kids. Deep down they love their teammates and they want to be there for them. “ The versatile leaders contributed to history, helping the Bulldogs’ varsity boys basketball team reach the state tournament for the first time two years ago, and then the final four for the first time last season. This year, they led

Goochland to an 18-6 season and an appearance in the regional quarterfinals in its first year moving up to the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 3 state division. Both players earned postseason accolades. Snead, who also scored his 1,000th career point in his final high school game, made First Team AllRegion on the Class 3, Region B team while Holman made Second Team All-Region. “I’m just proud of what they have been able to accomplish individually, but also, when they are making those accomplishments individually, it helps us collectively as a team,” Gordon said. “What they can accomplish individually helps us as a county for people to say, ‘Hey, we have outstanding athletes.’” Game after game, Snead made plays wherever he was needed on the court, as evidenced by his slightly surreal season statline. In 23 games

played this year, the 5-foot9 senior totaled 328 points, 144 rebounds, 114 steals and 113 assists, meaning that he averaged 14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, five steals and five assists per game. “It speaks volumes for how he played the game of basketball and for being such a smaller guy. He was always one of the smallest guys on the floor and he played with the biggest heart,” Gordon said of Snead. “He had a knack for the game of basketball. He gave his heart in everything every time he stepped out on the floor. “To average five steals is pretty special and it says a lot about just playing the game of basketball.” Some of what he did was just innate. It came naturally to him. Gordon also said that, when you’re the second leading scorer on the team as was the case with Snead, but

File/Goochland Gazette

Goochland’s Kameron Holman goes for a layup in a see Basketball> 8 2019-20 regular season home game.

CHARLOTTESVILLE — One day after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ordered that all Virginia schools remain closed through the rest of the academic year, the Virginia High School League held a conference call last Tuesday morning with its VHSL Crisis Management team to discuss all options relating to spring sports and academic activities after the current academic year ends. The VHSL Crisis Management team unanimously recommended to delay any final action until May. “While we recognize the importance sports has on our students and communities, the COVID-19 threat is real and people need to follow all the regulations and recommendations from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], Virginia Department of Health and the Governor. We must make that our number one priority,” said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun. “The Crisis Management team overwhelmingly felt a decision on an extension to the spring sports season should be put on hold until May. Any options for the spring sports season will require that COVID-19 is no longer a threat and poses no health risks to our student-athletes or the public. “This is extremely serious and a lot has to happen before May for us to extend the season,” Haun said. “In every situation, every decision we make has been, and will be, made in the best interest of our student-athletes and public safety.” As of now, a decision is still expected to be made in May after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order that is in place until June 10 for all state citizens. In addition to discussing COVID-19, the Crisis Management team discussed other obstacles that would have to be resolved before implementing any options for the spring sports season for athletes. If there is an option that allows games

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Goochland boys’ hoops season

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From left, clockwise: Goochland’s Kayshawn Smith grips the ball in traffic during a home game versus Randolph-Henry; Khalil Holman powers his way into the key; Kindrick Braxton (30) defends against a Lee-Davis player; Walker Murray (3) drives to the net; J.B. Bell looks to make a play in Goochland’s game against Lee-Davis. Bell was recently named to Prep Hoops’ Virginia All-Sophomore Honorable Mentions Bigs squad. Bell, who is 6-foot-7, averaged 12 points and eight rebounds this season and shot 49% from the field as well as 67% from the free-throw line.

Delayed continued from >7 to be played during the summer, there will be no 2020 VHSL champions recognized for spring sports.

The first week of July is also a total dead period. The VHSL Executive Committee would need to take action and provide a one-time waiver to allow teams to practice and play. Any athlete who signs a professional contract

(Major League Baseball has its draft and signing in the second week of June) will not be eligible. Outside of VHSL, Richard Kemper Jr., the executive director of the Virginia Independent Schools

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Basketball continued from >7 you’re also averaging five assists, “you’re getting it done offensively.” “He had two guys that he delivered the ball to a whole lot, one being Kameron and the other being J.B. [Bell]. Those guys were huge for us this season,” Gordon said. “But Quincy did a lot for us offensively as well as defensively.” Holman, who at 5-foot-10 is also relatively smaller in the basketball world, led the Bulldogs on offense by tallying up 367 season points and averaging 15.3 points in 24 games played. He needs less than 250 points to reach 1,000. “He’s got an upside both on the football field as well as the basketball court – just a pure athlete, and knows how to score,” Gordon said of Holman. “He does a great job of turning it up. He definitely rose to the occasion when we played [regional opponent] Manassas Park.” Holman was one of multiple players, including Kindrick Braxton, who were tasked with guarding one of Manassas Park’s best players, who before that game turned in a 36-point performance against George Mason. But against Goochland, that player was held to 12 points. Holman throughout the season showcased plenty of speed, vertical ability and a knack for defending. Gordon expects that he will need to bring more defense to match his offensive play in this upcoming season. “I think for us to be successful, he’s going to have get some more steals. He’s going to have to get more rebounds,” Gordon said. “Those are going to be key for us.” For Gordon, it’s been a pleasure to coach Snead. While his career ended on a tough note with that 63-61 regional quarterfinal loss to Manassas Park, and he was unable to play baseball this spring due to the school closures that effectively cancelled VHSL’s 2020 spring seasons, Snead will look to compete on the collegiate field next year in football and, potentially, in basketball as well, depending on which school he attends. Holman will be back next year. “Kameron has an opportunity as a junior to rise up as a senior and be a leader for our program next year,” Gordon said, “and I think he’s up for that challenge.”

Athletic Association, issued the following statement last Monday: “As a result of Governor Northam’s decision to close all public and private schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia for the remainder of the 2019-2020 aca-

demic year in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) will not sanction any championships for the spring 2020 season.”

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