The Goochland Gazette – 05/21/2020 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Goochland High’s Anne Marie Hudak named division-wide Teacher of the Year. > page 4

Volume 65, Number 21 • May 21, 2020

COVID-19 community testing to be held in Goochland Thursday. See page 14

Parents await word on when students could return to class

Phase one begins

Gift of $2.5 million to Benedictine will honor brother, son By Roslyn Ryan Editor

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

As students and parents across the county close in on the end of another school year—one that has played out very differently from the way anyone likely predicted—there is one question they are probably asking on a daily, if not hourly, basis: what is going to happen in the fall? While Gov. Ralph Northam told reporters earlier this month he remains optimistic that Virginia students could be returning to school as early as August, provided current measures continue to slow the coronovirus outbreak that prompted schools across the nation to shutter last March, some Goochland parents said they still have many concerns about how that next step will play out. In response to a question posted by The Gazette on the Goochland Moms Facebook page, some cautioned that the lack of access to high speed internet in many areas of the county is an issue that will have to be addressed if schools remain closed, while others were concerned about safety if they reopen too quickly.

Olivia Garber, an employee of Eccoti Italian restaurant, wiped counters at the restaurant last Friday, the first day that the state was allowing many restaurants and other businesses to ease some restrictions put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Though the restaurant has patio seating, Eccoti co-owner Robin Vitale said she will likely wait until restrictions are loosened further before doing anything other than take-out service.

see Schools > page 2

OUR BIG MEMORIAL DAY SALE

Thanks to the generosity of two alumni families, Benedictine College Preparatory announced on Monday that has received the largest charitable donation in the 110-year history of the school. The combined gift of $2.5 million was announced in a ceremony conducted in the nearly completed gymnasium of the River Road school. That building will now be named The McMurtrieReynolds Pavilion, in honor of two late Benedictine graduates. Alex McMurtrie Jr. and Randy Reynolds Sr. jointly announced that they were presenting the school with the gift in honor of a pair of family members, both graduates of Benedictine, who have passed away. Monday’s pledge, made in conjunction with the school’s fund drive, The Campaign for Benedictine, pushed the total donations past the campaign’s target goal of $20 million. The pavilion’s new name will be unveiled during a grand opening celebration on Aug. 28. That celebration will also include the introduction of the plaque that details the two people in whose honor

Photo by Roslyn Ryan

see Gift > page 3

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Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

May 21, 2020

Hebron Presbyterian moving Bible School to online format

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Pet of the week

SPORTS

Hebron Presbyterian Church in Manakin-Sabot will be offering “Powered By Jesus: VBS To-Go” this summer, after being forced to cancel Vacation Bible School due to the coronavirus outbreak. Through this program, families will be able to pick up a kit of supplies and access YouTube videos to have VBS/Kids’ Bible Camp at home. The deadline to pre-register is June 1, and more information is available at the church’s website, www.hebronpresbyterian.com.

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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 available this very sweet hound, who has been in the shelter since December. He is a neutered male about 4-6 years old and is very shy, so he will need to go to a home that can work with him to gain his confidence.The Goochland Animal Shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call (804) 556-5302 or visit the shelter on Facebook at “Goochland County Animal Control.”

Senior spotlight: Meet GHS’s Victoria Lopez PAGE 7 Classifieds ......................12-14 Letters .................................... 6 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................7-8 TV Listings ........................9-11

Debra Hoffman, Principal Broker

OFFICE: 347-3878 debra.hoffman@penfedrealty.com

Love Lessons

1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19 We love, because He first loved us.” God is the original lover. Mankind (whether acknowledged or not) learns it from God. It is not self-taught. And the real antidote to fear is love. Are you a fearful person? Learn to love. How? Learn to love by learning from God in the Bible (His word). And here’s what is also interesting – anybody in this world who loves (even the hardened atheist) is reflecting something of God. God gets all the credit for any act of love anywhere. It’s traced back to Him. If you’re interested in further study of God’s word, meet with us Wednesday evenings at 6:30. Details on our website.

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Schools continued from >1 “I’m frightened of my children sitting in enclosed spaces with shared air for hours a day as recent contact tracing evidence is showing that as very dangerous regardless of social distance,” said Peggy Finsk. “If I have the choice, I probably won’t send them unless this whole thing is under control, meaning, a thorough understanding of contagiousness, effective precautions, asymptomatic and symptomatic identification, treatment, and contact tracing, which I am hopeful for but wary to expect.” To Goochland resident Wes Royer, the best approach might be one tailored to individual families’ needs. “Parents who are not trained professional teachers and may already have jobs, [so they]

cannot be expected to be ad-hoc home-school teachers much longer,” Royer said. “And realizing that not all families have access to affordable high-speed internet access, another option could be to offer a hybrid approach where parents can elect to send their kids to school or continue virtually, streaming or web-conferencing in-person classes to remote students. Universities and community colleges figured this out several years ago and have continued with less disruption, and now public K-12 may need to do the same as both an emergency option and as a new normal. In short, we need more than one approach; we need smart options.” Goochland County School Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley told school board members on May 12 that the decision to reopen schools is one that will be ultimately made

at the state level, and that any steps Goochland takes will be made with the safety of students and staff as the top priorities. Raley told school board members he understood how much anxiety and uncertainty residents are feeling, and noted that conversations about next steps are happening on a daily basis. Among his own top concerns, Raley said, are internet capabilities for students while schools remain closed, as well as being able to provide the needed personal protective equipment and sanitation supplies once schools open. Regardless of what the next few months hold, Raley said, the ultimate objective remains getting students and teachers back in the classroom. Learning will continue no matter where it takes place, he said, “but I do look forward to the time when we are all back

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

May 21, 2020

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Recent Property Transfers 12140 Branch Overlook Drive, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Scott W. Richards, $461,992. 1508 Camberley Drive, Manakin Sabot; Robert L. Nolda Jr. to Sharon E. Hazelton, $525,000. 3074 Double Eagle Court, Louisa; James S. Donatelli to Michael B. Rush, $437,000. 162 Grayash, Richmond; Cheri Benenson Wolff to Thomas H. West, $575,000. 140 Honey Locust, Richmond; Morton G. Thalhimer III to A. Byron Johnson Jr., $800,000.

2510 Langdale Terrace, Maidens; Micah Rocca to Michael P. Cooper, $311,000. 841 Prestburg Lane, Manakin Sabot; Calvin Barker Jr. to Michael S. Ellis, $935,000. 552 Rochelle Road, Richmond; Truett Real Estate Investments LLC to Daniel W. Duke, $203,000. 356 Swinburne Road, Manakin Sabot; Boone Homes Inc. to Lani M. Spencer, trustee, $629,395. 4491 Walton Road, Louisa; David Lowmaster to Charles Alexander Mills, $249,500

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Contributed photo

Alex McMurtrie Jr. and Randy Reynolds Sr. jointly announced on Monday that they were presenting Benedictine with a $2.5 million gift in honor of McMurtrie’s brother and Reynolds’ son, both graduates of Benedictine.

Gift continued from >1 these contributions are being made. Alex McMurtrie Jr., who graduated from Benedictine as Valedictorian in 1953, made his donation in honor of his older brother Edward McMurtrie, a member of Benedictine’s Class of 1942. Following a year at Belmont Abbey College, Edward was drafted into the United States Army, training as a scout swimmer and attending the underwater demolitions school. While preparing to participate in Operation Overlord, Edward died in in 1944, during a training exercise in Norfolk, Virginia. “He was my older brother, and I looked up to him,” McMurtrie said of Edward. “I am honored to make this gift in his memory. I hope that his story it will inspire the work ethic and patriotism of future generations of young people.” The Reynolds gift was organized by Randolph “Randy” Reynolds Jr., in honor of his son Sean Reynolds, a member of Benedictine’s Class of 2015. Sean was the pipe major in the Benedictine Bagpipe & Drum Band. He led the Cadets in their performances at the battlefields in

Normandy, France to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Operation Overlord. Tragically, Sean Reynolds died in an automobile accident in October 2017. “Sean was his happiest at Benedictine,” said his father. “He loved the school, his friends and his mentor, Major Jesse Grapes. Sean excelled in the structured environment that Benedictine offers to young men. His positive attitude and spirit is greatly missed. He especially loved going on runs with his mentor and practicing his bagpipe songs. We are eternally grateful to Major Grapes and what he did for Sean.” Alex McMurtrie Jr. attended the former Cathedral High School in Richmond, where he excelled as a student and basketball player, until his father’s untimely death. Thereafter, he transferred to Benedictine where he was the drill instructor for the school’s Band Company. He would go on to attend the University of Notre Dame, where he played on the freshman basketball team and graduated Cum Laude. McMurtrie earned a juris doctor degree from Georgetown University. A lawyer by training, he also served in Virginia’s House of Delegates from 1972 to 1982. Randolph Reynolds Jr., has served as

a Principal of Reynolds Development, a board member at Virginia Commonwealth Bank, an executive committee member on Benedictine’s campaign board and a former sales manager at Reynolds Metals Company. The McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion is a 65,000-square foot building that will include three baskeball courts, seating for 2,000, a skybox, an indoor track, classrooms, a military Hall of Valor to honor graduates who served in the United States military and a Hall of Fame to recognize those who excelled in their athletic endeavors. It is graced with a colossal 97-foot bell tower as its entranceway, reminiscent of the tower that sits at the school’s former site in the Richmond museum district. The Campaign for Benedictine kicked off in April 2019. It was designed to provide funding for three distinct components, including a state-of-the-art gymnasium, an endowment to fund future scholarships for Cadets and an endowment to fund faculty and staff professional development. The Reynolds and McMurtrie donations will be applied to the gymnasium portion of the campaign.

Elrod and Dunham Dentistry welcomes new patients with comprehensive, gentle dental care for all ages.

Elrod & Dunham Dentistry wants to say THANK YOU for your continued support and confidence in us as your dental healthcare provider during the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic. As always, the safety of our staff and patients is our top priority. Several measures have been put in place to ensure a safe and healthy office environment. We cannot express how elated we are to see all of your smiles again! Oral health is an essential factor to your overall health. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your appointment, please do not hesitate to call us.

We are ALWAYS here for you!! We look forward to meeting your dental health needs. 7516 Right Flank Rd., 2979 River Road W. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Goochland, VA 23063 (804)-746-1300 (804) 556-2530 elroddunhamdentistry.net

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

May 21, 2020

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Goochland High School’s Hudak named 2020 Teacher of the Year By Roslyn Ryan Editor

If the residents of a certain area community happened to peek out of their windows on the afternoon of April 24, they might have witnessed an unusual sight: walking briskly down the street bearing balloons and flowers were several members of the Goochland County School administration, including superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley. The purpose of the visit? To surprise the school division’s Teacher of the Year, Anne Marie Hudak. While in any other year the Teacher of the Year announcement would have been made during the annual “Evening of Excellence” awards banquet, ongoing Hudak coronavirus precautions meant that things had to be done a bit differently this time. “I hope she’s home,” joked Raley as the three approached Hudak’s front door, broadcasting the entire operation live on Facebook. Fortunately Hudak was home, but after being informed that she had been selected as the county’s top teacher for 2020 she quickly turned the attention to her colleagues. “There are so many wonderful teachers in Goochland, it almost feels unfair to be recognized like this,” Hudak said, adding, however, that she sincerely appreciated being selected. Hudak, now wrapping up her fourth year as an English teacher at Goochland High School (GHS), had already been recognized as the GHS Teacher of the Year for GHS. And while she may not have been able to receive a congratulatory

handshake or hug due to social distancing guidelines, that didn’t stop her colleagues from letting her know how they felt about her. One person who nominated her described Hudak as someone who can always be counted on to remain positive and calm regardless of how busy she is. “Ms. Hudak gives her all to her job,” said another, “and brings genuine warmth and enthusiasm to the lives of her students.” Goochland High School principal Dr. Chris Collier described hiring Hudak as one of his best decisions. “She was my first hire,” Collier said, “and she was an absolute steal. She has been simply amazing.” Hudak will now compete for the Mary Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year award. Among the other outstanding Goochland County Public Schools teachers and staff honored this year were: Ms. Diane O’Connell, Byrd Elementary School Ms. Caroline Van Ness, Goochland Elementary School Ms. Whitney Neiditch, Randolph Elementary School Ms. Alexis Lewis, Goochland Middle School Mr. Frank Eldridge, Lead Custodian, Byrd Elementary-Employee of the Year Ms. Mary Beth Geiger, Goochland Elementary-Volunteer of the Year Ms. Mary Frances Roll, Randolph Elementary-Elementary Rookie of the Year Ms. Alex Gerkin, Goochland HighSecondary Rookie of the Year GCPS Food Service Team-Team of the Year

County seeking residents’ feedback as search for new administrator goes on Contributed report

The County of Goochland, Virginia has retained Baker Tilly to conduct a search for a new County Administrator. Before they begin reviewing candidates, the Board of Supervisors would appreciate receiving input from Goochland County residents regarding their thoughts on

the experience, management and leadership characteristics they would like to see in Goochland County’s next County Administrator. Goochland County residents are encouraged to complete a survey, which is accessible on the County website (www.goochlandva.us). Responses are confidential

and will go directly to Baker Tilly. Please respond no later than Monday, June 8, 2020. The County values input from the Goochland community and thanks you in advance for taking the time and effort to participate in the process for the next County Administrator.

Thursday

May 21, 2020

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GoochlandCares Food Pantry Manager Terry Ebright, left, Mill Forest HOA coordinator, Laura Richmond, and Goochland Rotary Club project coordinator, Kevin Kelly, along with driveway donors Jim Otto, Vern Fleming and Rich Salon illustrate the idea of a neighborhood “Cleaning Supplies” Drive with neighbors leaving donated items by their mailbox for volunteers to pick up.

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Goochland Rotary Club hosting cleaning supply collection drive By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Among the most effective ways to help curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus is to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene. But for many Goochland residents with limited access to resources, being able to purchase the needed supplies presents an additional challenge. Cleaning items such as hand sanitizer, all-purpose cleaner, bleach and laundry detergent are items that cannot be bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as food stamps, making those items even harder for people to obtain. Recognizing that cleanliness is key to a healthier community, the Goochland Rotary Club will be holding a community-wide cleaning supplies drive for GoochlandCares Food Pantry during the month

of May. “This unique drive comes at a time when people’s awareness of the COVID-19 crisis includes the need to maintain especially clean home environments,” said Sally Graham, Executive Director of GoochlandCares. “We have been receiving numerous requests from clients for cleaning supplies every day and we are grateful that the Goochland Rotary Club, in addition to their recent donation of $2,000 for food, is now poised to carry out this Cleaning Supplies Drive across Goochland.” The neighborhood drive will take place on Saturday, May 30. Rotary project leaders Kevin Kelly and Vern Fleming are asking residents to watch out for flyers being distributed that will provide further details about the drive. Supplies being collected include laundry detergent, allpurpose cleaner, bleach, soap,

paper towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, disinfectants and similar products. In addition to the neighborhood drives, collection boxes will be placed at the Centerville Food Lion, 30 Broad Street Rd, Manakin-Sabot and the Goochland Courthouse Food Lion at 2704 Fairground Rd in Goochland. These collection points will be open from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 and 30. Donations can also be made electronically at GoochlandCares.org/donate or a mailed to GoochlandCares 2999 River Rd. W. Goochland, VA 23063 Anyone interested in learning more about this drive is urged to contact Terry Ebright, Goochland Cares Food Pantry Manager at (804) 556-6200, Kevin Kelly at (804) 357-9005 or Vern Fleming at (804) 513602-7715.

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Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

May 21, 2020

Crisis’ toll on mental health should not be ignored By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Let’s be honest: For some, life under lockdown has not been an entirely terrible thing. Among the less painful parts of being told to stay home for some people include the chance to ditch long commutes (and the requisite fill-ups), spend a little more time with family, and even tackle some projects around the house that probably wouldn’t have ever been completed without this recent quarantine. And yet, if we are going

to be honest we should be totally honest, and that means noting that the proverbial glass for many Americans these past few months has been tough to view as being half full. Many glasses these days, in fact, are looking pretty empty. It has been estimated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness that one in five adults is battling some form of the condition. If you are among them, there is a good chance that you have been hit hard these past few months. If one were to sit down

and attempt to design a scenario that could bring more varied types of stress — economic, health, family — I doubt you could come up with a worse one than what many people across the nation are facing right now. So much of life as we knew it has been upended, and, even as we celebrate moving into Phase One of the recovery in the Commonwealth, so many unknowns remain in front of us. As many have pointed out in recent weeks, the unprecedented measures we have been forced to take to

combat the viral threat have left few unscathed. Even if you have managed, like the vast majority of Virginians, to avoid being physically sickened by the coronavirus, it’s unlikely you have escaped any impact to your mental health. What’s important to remember, both for those dealing with mental illness themselves and for those who care for them, is that there are resources available to help. In Goochland, those resources include the G o o c h l a n d - Po w h a t a n

Community Services Board (CSB), which can be reached at (804) 556-5400, and GoochlandCares, at (804) 556-6260. Both of these organizations can assist those who feel overwhelmed by the ongoing crisis find access to the help they need. If you need assistance, please reach out. If you know someone else who might, please pass these numbers along. The battle against COVID-19 may have forced us to distance, but that doesn’t mean we have to face these challenges alone.

Letter to the Editor Masks’ effectiveness is misunderstood by many who wear them Dear Editor, This mask thing has become really funny, especially with the silly designs being worn by women. A few days ago I visited Kroger at Short Pump and everyone in the store was wearing a goofy mask except me. Then two days later I visited a Food Lion in Goochland and

almost no one was wearing a mask. Either Goochland folks have been reading my letters or country folks just have more common sense than Short Pump yuppies. Anyway, let’s review the mask hysteria. The vast majority of facial masks only prevent the transmission of bacteria and not virus germs which are small enough to pass through most masks. Masks need only be used by someone who is already infected by the coronavirus to keep those folks

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 344-8746 Online: www.goochlandgazette.com

Publisher Managing Editor Editor

Joy Monopoli

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Melody Kinser

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Roslyn Ryan

rryan@gooochlandgazette.com

Sports Editor

Nick Vandeloecht

nvandeloecht@powhatantoday.com

Production Manager

Denine D’Angelo

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Sales Representative

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Classifieds

from spewing out virus infected spit droplets by coughing or breathing. The rest of us don’t need a mask to prevent catching the virus unless we get up in the face of an infected person. So the mask hysteria is quite a farce. Again I say that touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose is the prime way to catch the virus. So carrying alcohol wipes and using them frequently on your hands and everything you touch is the best

way to prevent catching the coronavirus, not wearing a goofy mask. I have also taught myself to use the back of my arm to scratch my face when it itches instead of my fingers. Now I have to ask where are the wealthy physicians who live in Goochland County who have not written a letter with their advice? Are they afraid to refute the government propaganda? Art Bachman Gum Spring

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.

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Memorial Day message isn’t quarantined By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

As a child, we celebrated Memorial Day in much the same way we recognized other summer holidays — by decorating our bikes and staging a parade. I guess anyone from that generation will recall the importance of bicycles in our daily existence. A pile of bicycles hastily parked beside a playground was a regular sight in our neighborhood. Our bikes became a mystical vehicle that could take us anywhere. If you were playing Cowboys and Indians, the horse below us had two wheels and spokes. On other occasions, the bikes became ships on open water preparing to do battle. And when Memorial Day rolled around, these same bikes became our floats for a neighborhood organized parade. It would be the finale in a day of cookouts, badminton games and runs though the sprinkler. Any backyard would do serving as a prep area, filled with colorful streamers and homemade signs hung from wagons that would be pulled by the little ones who hadn’t crossed the line to two-wheelers. We unwound rolls of red, white and blue crepe paper, and entwined it meticulously in the spokes of our wheels. A clothespin and playing card strategically attached to a fender support provided the roar of a real engine. We placed colorful streamers in the ends of our handlebars, and attached pinwheels to our forks. In a simple truth that becomes apparent to all as years pass, the real fun of the parade was the preparation. The rewards of sharing a common goal with friends, working together and seeing a project through from start to finish are what I remember most about those see Memorial Day > page 11

Thursday

May 21, 2020

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

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Senior spotlight: Goochland’s Victoria Lopez Staff Report

In her return to Goochland High School, Victoria Lopez quickly made an impact on this year’s girls basketball team. The 6-foot-1 senior became one of her unit’s most consistent double-digit scoring threats, and she brought plenty of defense through her rebounding and blocking abilities. She could also double-double, as evidenced by her 13 points and 20 rebounds recorded in a 75-26 win over Central Lunenburg on Jan. 8. Lopez helped her Goochland girls basketball team win the James River District Championship and achieve an 18-7 record. She was also named to First Team All-District. But it wasn’t supposed to be her final season as a high school student-athlete. Lopez was also set to play for the Goochland High School girls soccer team this spring, further bolstering a deep and talented roster of players who sought to build upon last year’s regional semifinalist season and final record of 12-6. But then the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States, leading to all schools closing across the state, and also to the Virginia High School League subsequently cancelling all spring sports for the year. Lopez talked about how she got into soccer, her favorite memories, the life lessons she’s taken away from the game and her future plans. Goochland Gazette: How did you first get into soccer? Victoria Lopez: My dad has also loved soccer and when I saw my older sister J.J. get into it and saw how much she loved it, I decided to try it out and truly enjoyed the sport.

QUICK GLANCE Name: Victoria Lopez Spring sport: Soccer Position: Midfield/striker Parents: Jaime and Olga Lopez Post-graduation plans: Attend Liberty, earn nursing degree it’s not always going to go your way, so we have to learn how to take a loss and turn it into our motivation.

File/Goochland Gazette

GG: How tough was it for you to find out there would be no spring season due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Lopez: It was really heartbreaking, especially because I am a senior and this was my last chance to play on a team.

Goochland’s Victoria Lopez (15) goes for a layup in a 2019-20 season girls basketball game. Lopez, a senior, was gearing up to play on the Goochland High School girls soccer team this spring before the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of 2020 spring sports.

and to the team that helped you stand out and/ or contribute? Lopez: I feel that I am very aggressive and my effort motivated the team to try their best as well. GG: What made you enjoy or fall in love with the sport? Lopez: I love how competitive the game is, and it brought my family together, which made me love it even more.

GG: What was it like playing with your team in that sport? GG: What do you feel you brought to the field Lopez: It was a very happy environment. We

GG: What will you look to do either with sports or in general, and has losing the spring season affected your thoughts on always have a good time even when we are what the future might hold for you athletically and/or academically? running. Lopez: It hasn’t changed my mindset. I have GG: What was a favorite memory from a goal to become a nurse and I won’t let this games, practices and/or hanging out with obstacle stand in the way of that your teammates? Lopez: One of my favorite memories of this GG: Is there anything you would like to add? season is when we went away for a scrimmage Lopez: I really appreciate everything that the and it was really cold, so all of the girls crowd- coaching staff, athletic director, school and athletic trainers have done for me throughout my ed into the restroom to stay warm. high school career. GG: Are there life lessons or takeaways that I know that last year I wasn’t here, but I was really go beyond the field that the game has helped happy that I made the decision to come back. There is really no place like Goochland and its you to see or realize? Lopez: Life isn’t always going to be easy and athletic program.

VHSL, American Legion cancel 2020 seasons Staff and Contributed Reports The Virginia High School League Executive Committee on Thursday, May 7, voted 31-0-1 to cancel all spring sports and activities for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. “This extremely difficult decision was made knowing the great disappointment our student-athletes, academic activity participants, coaches, administrators, parents and their communities will experience. We

share those same feelings as well,” said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun. “We especially grieve with those senior athletes and activity participants who will not have an opportunity to represent their school or wear their school jersey one final time after years of hard work and dedication. “Any options for the spring sports season would require that COVID-19 no longer be a threat and pose no health risks to our studentathletes or to the public. Sadly, the situation has not changed and has made it impossible to have a spring season without putting people at risk.

“While we recognize the importance sports has on our students and communities, we need to follow all the regulations and recommendations from the Governor, the Virginia Department of Health and the CDC. Every decision we make, and will make looking forward, will be in the best interest of our student-athletes and the public. Safety will always be our number one priority.” The American Legion Department of Virginia recently also ruled that there will be no baseball seasons under the auspices of the American Legion due to the COVID-

19 restrictions. But according to American Legion Post 201 in Powhatan County, if teams want to play, they can, but the American Legion won’t be the sanctioning body. Post 201 still plans to put together a baseball team and play as a United States Specialty Sports Association team late in the summer, provided that the following occur: the current statewide restrictions mandated by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam are lifted or lessened by that time; Post 201 secures a playing field; and enough time remains to make it practical for teams to play games.

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Scenes from Goochland cross country’s season

File photos/Goochland Gazette

From left: Goochland girls cross country’s Marissa Schroder emerges from the wooded section of the home course; Goochland boys cross country’s Cody Ware swings through a corner; the Goochland and Buckingham boys cross country teams warm up for a meet at Leakes Mill Park in Goochland County. Highlights for Goochland cross country this past year included the girls team winning the James River District cross country championships and senior Anna Kate Wirsing winning the individual girls district championship race in 21:31.

Goochland High School’s girls cross country and boys cross country teams take off at the start of their respective races during a cross country event at Leakes Mill Park in Goochland.

From left: Ella Kamencik (left) finishes a home race; the Goochland High School boys country team stands together during postrace activities; Jackson Hoffler dashes to the finish line.

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