The Goochland Gazette – 09/24/2020 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Several local shelter pets still in need of forever homes. > page 2

Volume 65, Number 39 • September 24, 2020

Rassawek CUP would pave way for more events, camping space By Roslyn Ryan Editor

LET’S DANCE GCPS honored for focus on innovative teaching practices

Contributed photo

Young dancers stay focused during a recent class at Goochland’s Aspire Dance Academy, which managed to continue providing instruction despite the COVID-19 pandemic. For more on the studio, now in its ninth year, see page 3.

Contributed report that improve student learning and promote Last week, the Virginia State Board of college and career readiness, and good citiEducation recognized Goochland County zenship. Public Schools (GCPS) as one of 15 “School The divisions are the first to earn the desDivisions of Innovation” for designing and ignation, which was authorized by the 2017 implementing alternatives to traditional instructional practices and school structures see Schools > 2

Plans are underway to bring a bit more bustle to Goochland’s western end. On Sept. 3, Goochland County Planning Commissioners gave a unanimous stamp of approval to a plan that would allow a number of new additions to the 1,025-acre Columbia Road property known as Rassawek. While Rassawek owner Joe Liesfeld has been hosting the wildly popular annual Rassawek Spring Jubilee for the past 10 years, drawing upwards of 10,000 visitors, the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) he is seeking would allow for up to four large scale events (defined as drawing over 1,000 people) per year without a special events permit A designated portion of the property has been used for several years as a destination for weddings, family gatherings and corporate events, but Liesfeld’s requested CUP would allow for an unlimited number medium events (250-1,000 people at a time) and smaller events (less than 250 people) to see Rassawek > page 5

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

September 24, 2020

Property Transfers 0.56 acres; Patrick M. Brown to David Clarke Sr., $160,000. 1.261 acres; Terra LLC to Maruthi LLC, $225,000. 2 acres; Roland P. Clement III to Jason Caldwell, $208,000. 3 acres; A. Austin Wallace IV, trustee to Paul Collins Jr., $300,000. 3 parcels; Robert Edwin Kent to Woodland Resources LLC, $270,000. Lot 13, Forest; Otway B. Wallace to Loretta Williams Tabb, trustee, $895,000. Lot 14, Section 2, Readers

Branch; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Frances Smith Shreve, $640,715. Lot 42, Block F, Section 3, Holland Hills; Atlantic Trustee Services LLC to Freedom Mortgage Corp., $391,400. Lot 56, Section 2, Readers Branch; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Ernest William Brach, $584,005. Lot 8, Block A, Kingsbridge; Stedman Oakey to Clyde H. Toms, $525,000. Lots, Section 4, Parkside Village; ME PV4 LLC to Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC, $875,000.

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Pets of the week SPORTS

Photos submitted by Julie Lawrence

The Goochland County Animal Shelter currently has the following pets available to a good home: Spayed female brown tabby, about a year old; a neutered male black cat, about four years old; and a male Beagle mix, about 4-6 years old. The shelter is located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane, in Goochland, and 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.”

Schools continued from >1 General Assembly. “I think it is fair to say that innovation has never been more important in public education than today as schools across the commonwealth and nation focus on improving distance learning in the face of a pandemic, while addressing inequities in opportunities and outcomes,” Board of Education President Daniel Gecker said. “I congratulate the leaders of all these school divisions for creating innovative plans to address the challenges in their schools and engage their students in deeper learning across the curriculum.” Goochland County Public Schools was recognized for work in developing a “deeper learning index” to measure depth of student learning and for expanding authentic work-based experiences. “No matter how challenging the circumstances, our

division continues to stay focused on providing our students and our families with the most engaging and innovative experience possible,” said Dr. Jeremy Raley, GCPS Superintendent. “To be recognized among only 15 of the 132 divisions in the Commonwealth with this honor is a testament to the talent of our staff and the support of our School Board and our community”. Other divisions recognized by the Board of Education included Buchanan County Public Schools, Hampton Public Schools, Henrico County Public Schools, Hopewell Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, Middlesex County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, Poquoson Public Schools, Roanoke County Public Schools, Salem Public Schools, Staunton Public Schools, Virginia Beach Public Schools, West Point Public Schools, and York County Public Schools.

“Virginia’s 132 school divisions have a history of sharing innovative and promising practices to improve student learning and outcomes and the School Division of Innovation recognition program is a means of institutionalizing this collaborative process,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane. “I look forward to visiting all of these school divisions to see how their innovations are transforming teaching and learning.” To earn the School Division of Innovation designation, a local school board must submit a plan meeting criteria set forth in the Board of Education regulations governing the recognition program. Divisions earning the designation must submit an annual report to the Virginia Department of Education on progress toward meeting the goals and performance targets in their plans. Divisions retain the School Division of Innovation designation for three years.

Looking back at the youth softball season PAGE 7 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................12-14 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 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) 775-4010 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

September 24, 2020

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Q&A

For Young, new job offers chance to solve problems on a more personal level Recently, the Goochland Gazette got the chance to catch up with Goochland’s new County Administrator Kenneth Young, who officially took over his new role on Sept. 14. Young most recently served as an Assistant County Administrator for Loudoun County, Virginia, where he oversaw the County community development agencies which included the Young Departments of Economic Development, Building and Development, Planning and Zoning, and served as the liaison to Virginia Cooperative Extension Loudoun County.

What are your thoughts about moving from a larger population center like Loudon County to a smaller, far less populated rural locality like Goochland? Do you see similarities in the pressures facing both places?

of the western portion of the county. However, Loudoun’s proximity to D.C. brings its own unique challenges, particularly in transportation. Loudoun as an organization is very large and as you promote further up in the organization you can begin to get siloed and only work on very specific issues. One of the benefits of working in a smaller community like What do you enjoy Goochland is having the abil- most about serving ity to get involved in all areas of the organization and work with citizens and organizations on a more personal level throughout the community.

Loudoun County, Virginia, was a great place to be over the last several years and prepared me well to be ready to take on the Goochland County Administrator position. Loudoun is like Goochland County but operates at a much faster pace with growth challenges on the eastern portion What do you think of the county, while trying to are the county’s best preserve the rural character “selling points”?

In troubled times, studio has offered outlet Contributed report

In our current environment where “normal” has a new meaning and virtual is common, energetic children are afforded limited opportunities for movement. As they spend their school day sitting behind a screen, the need for exercise and creative outlets is more imperative than ever. Local Goochland dance studio Aspire Dance Academy, has been consistently providing such an outlet for children throughout this pandemic. Focused on providing normalcy and consistency, Aspire provided uninterrupted dance

instruction since the pandemic began 6 months ago. Initially instructing virtually, and then as Phase 3 allowed, adding in-person instruction in a safe, healthy, and limited capacity environment. In this way, Aspire maintained efforts to develop an individual’s coordination, balance, flexibility, and creativity in an atmosphere that encourages safe social peer development, all while honing the passion for dance. The studio even ensured dancers were afforded a live performance opportunity to celebrate their accomplish-

The residents and community of Goochland – The residents have been so kind and friendly in welcoming me to the community. The residents and businesses are very engaged in what happens in the community and have been very generous with volunteering their time and fundraising efforts to serve the community. The location – You can enjoy living in a more suburban area in the eastern portion of the county or you can enjoy living in a more rural setting in the western portion of the County. You also can enjoy all the leisure activities the county and region have to offer no matter where you live. The County also offers several majestic settings that I cannot wait to enjoy this fall.

ments of last year, by holding a safe, socially distant dance showcase performance in late June. As one parent commented, “We are just grateful our dancer still gets to do what they’ve worked so hard for all year.” On Sept. 14, Aspire began its 9th season of instruction, including online and in person classes for children and adults. While the world is ever changing, Aspire will continue to ensure students, new and returning, can count on the joy of dance as one consistency in our “new normal.”

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the county needs to improve the way it I truly enjoy serving on addresses matters of behalf of the public and hav- racial discrimination ing the opportunity to have a and injustice? in the role of County Administrator?

positive influence and ensuring I recognize the challengthe community continues to ing times we are in right now. be viewed as a great place to As a local government leader, live, work, and enjoy. I always strive to ensure the organization hires the most As the first person qualified person and best fit of color to serve for the position, while strivas a Goochland ing to ensure the organization is reflective of the citizens we County Administrator, serve. particularly during While interviewing for the a time when position I learned that the conversations about Goochland County Board race have dominated of Supervisors has previthe national news cycle ously appointed women and persons of color to the only for several months, two positions for which they is there anything you directly hire (County Attorney would say to those and County Administrator). Goochland residents In the past they have hired a

who have made clear in recent months that

see Young > 4

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Obituary

Page

JOHN E. PAGE John Evan Page, 63, passed away September 14, 2020. His parents, Robert Evan Page and Sally Ann Brainerd Page, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sisters and their husbands,

Barbara and Timothy Brooks and Susan and Mark Hollins; his nephews and their families, Peter and Kim Brooks and their daughters, Asher and Amelia, Daniel and Ashley Hollins and their daughter, Peyton and son, Brooks and

Michael Hollins. John graduated from Goochland High School in 1974, where he played football and managed the basketball and baseball teams. John enjoyed playing softball for many years as a teen and young adult. John was a

longtime employee of Goochland Auto Parts (NAPA) at both the Manakin and Courthouse locations. After his retirement, John loved to drive around and visit zoos and aquariums. He kept busy by watching sports, reading,

solving crosswords and building jigsaw puzzles. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Goochland Cares or to your favorite zoo or aquarium. The private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Community Calendar Road (Route 603), featuring Relay for Life will be hold- lots of items. Contact (804) ing a yard sale from 8 a.m. 291-8069. to 4 p.m. at 4205 Tabscott Road (Route 603), featuring Thursday, Oct. 1 lots of items. Contact (804) 291-8069. The Pamunkey Library will be hosting Artober Virtual Art Exhibit from Thursday, Saturday, Sept. 26 Oct.1- Saturday, Oct. 31, for Relay for Life will be hold- those ages 18 & up. Send us a ing a yard sale from 8 a.m. photo or scan of your visual to 4 p.m. at 4205 Tabscott medium of choice, along with Friday, Sept. 25

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ily history research - genetic genealogy. Millions of people all over the world are using cutting edge tools to better understand their family history and discover more ancestors. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7126718. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. This program is for those 18 and up.For more information or if you have a special physical or commuThursday, Oct. 8 nication need, please contact Professional genealogist ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or Lisa Greaves will help you get a call the Mechanicsville Branch handle on one of the most rap- Library at 804-559-0654. idly advancing areas of fam-

Young continued from >3

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black man to be the County Attorney, a woman to be the County Administrator, a woman to be the County Attorney, and now they have appointed me, a black man to be the County Administrator. I think the current Board and prior Boards should be commended for hiring the most qualified people for these jobs over the years regardless of whether they were a man or a woman or because of the color of their skin. These actions are rooted in the Boards vision, which is one of the things that attracted me to apply for the

position: “A prosperous and vibrant community rich with history and opportunity where the citizens and their rights and freedoms are protected.” Racial discrimination and injustice have existed my entire lifetime and my personal experiences have been different in every community I have lived and worked. I do not think you can take all the issues going on at a national level and in other communities and relate them directly to what happens locally. I cannot really speak directly to Goochland residents’ experiences because I have not experienced what they have

nication need, please contact Join the Atlee Virtual Book ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Atlee Branch Library Club to discuss “The Last at (804) 559-0654. Telegram” by Liz Trenow. Stop by the Atlee Branch Library to pick up a copy curbside Saturday, Oct. 10 or at the circulation desk or Learn how to make your download it from hoopla in our Digital Library (https:// own soaking salts, sugar scrub, tinyurl.com/prldig ilib). and lip balm. Then, relax your Registration is required at worries away with an indoor https://pamunkeylibrary.lib- Spa Day! Starting Oct. 10, cal.com/event/7099827. This go to our YouTube channel program is hosted virtually at https://www.youtube.com/ through Zoom from 11 a.m. user/pamunkeylibrary or visit to noon, and the meeting link www.tinyurl.com/prlteens to will be sent to the email reg- watch the video. This program istered 1 day before the event is for those age 12 and up. occurs. This program is for For more information or if those 18 and up. For more you have a special physical or information or if you have a communication need, please special physical or commusee Calendar > 11 Wednesday, Oct. 7

experienced. However, I believe that each one of us comes to the table with our own unique experiences and perspectives. It will take all of us together, not just local government officials to make a difference. You really cannot tell what is in a person’s heart simply by looking at them and coming to our own assumptions and conclusions. As a community and individual citizens, we must be open to learning more about one another. We need to be willing to listen to each other and have the conversations, no matter how difficult and uncomfortable they may be. We cannot change the

past, but we have the opportunity to define our future, together. I am hopeful that as a community we will be able to do that.

Do you have a mantra or particular guiding principle that you rely on when making difficult decisions as a community leader? There are two that come to mind: “It is better to be approximately right than precisely wrong” Warren Buffet “Knowing is not enough. We must apply. Willing is not enough. We must do.” Bruce Lee.

Thursday

Rassawek continued from >1 be held on the property, provided all safety and sanitation requirements are met. Also included in the proposal is a 10-site campsite that would primarily be used by vendors taking part in events and shows on the property; a small country store located in a preserved historic building; a zipline; and a small private airstrip to be used for bring-

ing antique aircraft onto the property. In addition, Liesfeld is requesting permission to use several structures for short-term rental use, including two cabins, three converted train cars and three units to be developed at a later time. Now that the Planning Commission has signed off on the CUP, the plan must go before the Goochland Board of Supervisors for final approval. Rassawek, which takes its

name from what was once a nearby Monacan Indian Village, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy both the natural beauty of the land and the artistry of the craftsmen who created the many buildings and other structures dotting the property. Liesfeld purchased the property in 2000 and has spent the years since working to save historic buildings that would otherwise have been demolished. Among those he has brought to Rassawek and made available

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for display is the “Saylor” cabin, a dwelling thought to be built in 1844 painstakingly moved one floor at a time and reconstructed on the property. A greenhouse, originally from James Madison’s home, Montpelier, was another prized rescue. In 2017, Liesfeld created Rassawek Ventures, a nonprofit that runs the Spring Jubilee and is expected to host the property’s first Rassawek Autumn Festival in 2021.

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September 24, 2020

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

The things you forget: Often burdens of others go unseen By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Years ago, I worked in a small restaurant that employed a number of high school-age kids, most of them there to make what older folks used to call “walkin’ around money.” Most seemed to be able to handle the responsibilities of the job without much trouble, but there was one young man, around 17, who always seemed to be rushing in the back door at the last minute, hurriedly tucking in his wrinkled uniform shirt that some days looked suspiciously as if he’d worn it the day before. Occasionally his mind seemed far away, and on those days he would often make mistakes — messing up orders or forgetting to check on his tables. “Get it together,” I would tell him, annoyed at having to pick up his slack yet again. “What is with you today?” A few years after I left that job, I learned that he had been living on his own after his mother had died, and was working at the restaurant in addition to another job to support himself and his younger brother. I tried not to forget that. A few years after that, I was living in a small apartment next door to a man who perpetually complained about everything. He was literally the most unpleasant person I had ever met. He mostly kept to himself, but if you gave him an opening he would not hesitate to unload a torrent of things that were irritating him or medical ailments he was suffering. I avoided him like the plague and referred to him by an unkind nickname behind his back.

After he eventually moved out, I learned from the landlord that he had decades before volunteered to serve during the Vietnam War, had seen fierce fighting in one of that war’s most gruesome battles, and had seemed never to fully recover from injuries and psychological trauma suffered during his time overseas. I tried not to forget that. Another few years, another job, and a safety inspector who seemed utterly devoid of any personality whatsoever. Prickly and unyielding, he snapped at people for minute infractions and seemed uninterested in any conversation outside of listing whatever problems he observed during his visits. I hated dealing with him, and prayed he would be fired or at least transferred far away. One week I found out that we would not be seeing him for a while, because he had to travel with his young daughter to New York for her cancer treatments. She’d been battling it for years and had been in and out of hospitals for almost her entire short life. I tried not to forget that. Over the years I’ve tried not to forget any of it— the many, many times I saw a situation from only one perspective and never stopped to consider any other. With quite a few years behind me now, I hope I am better at remembering the fact that so many people I come in contact with are carrying some heavy burden I will never know. It’s a simple truth but one that’s worth remembering — even when it’s easier to forget.

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Letters to the Editor When voting, best to value actions, results over words Dear Editor, My recent letter published in the RT-D generated considerable response from fellow readers. There were a number of positive comments from friends and acquaintances, a few letters posted in support and two who took the low road of personal attacks on me and President Trump. My years of experience have taught me that opposing views on important issues are often expressed in direct proportion to the unassailable facts of the initially stated opinion. The factual premise is ignored and visceral hatred rears its ugly head. So goes the body politic. I will confess that I’m prone in honest debate to tell someone what I’m going to tell them, telling them and then telling them what I told them. So here goes the latter phase. The overriding issue in this presidential election is who is focused on what’s really important to the nation. Donald Trump is bombastic, given to overstatement, exaggeration and crude language. Prior to entering the political arena, he started a number of businesses that failed and he

declared bankruptcy of those entities as allowed under our tax code. However, his core business and brand not only survived but flourished. Is that not a lesson in success? That aside, the important issue is not what he often says or that he tweets things overstated or unsavory. The important thing is what he does. I will repeat the three things basic to the strength and security of our nation and the foundation of Jefferson’s proclamation of “live, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”: national defense including effective borders, judges who follow the constitution and don’t legislate from the bench, and a strong economy providing jobs opportunities for all citizens regardless of race, creed or color. They are irrefutable and President Trump’s accomplishments on each of these basic issues are clear and undeniable. We have a choice this November between someone who says good things but does bad things, and someone who says bad things but does good things. I, for one, opt for the latter.

When preparing to vote, don’t forget about amendments

Dear Editor, Of course, we know we are voting for US President, US Senate and US Congress this year, but don’t let the two constitutional amendments on the ballot take you by surprise. Amendment #1 creates a bipartisan commission for redistricting. We all should care about how the lines are drawn for Virginia legislative districts and Congressional districts because that determines who will represent us in the Virginia legislature and in Congress. It is my belief that whether you are a Democrat or Republican, you will benefit when district boundaries are determined by a bipartisan commission. This exact redistricting bill passed in the Virginia legislature in 2019 and again in 2020 on a bipartisan basis which lead to this amendment being on the ballot this year for the citizens to decide. Currently, the Virginia legislature and the Governor make the redistricting decisions. Under this amendment, a bipartisan commission of eight Democrats and eight John Shelhorse Republicans is created. While Manakin-Sabot this amendment isn’t perfect, it goes a long way toward creating fairness in the redistricting process. I believe it is WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS better to remove the ultimate The Gazette welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to decision from the hands of Goochland residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone those who have the most to number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter gain by gerrymandering the received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers district lines. Please consider and not The Goochland Gazette. voting YES. Amendment # 2 removes Send letters to: The Goochland Gazette local and state taxes for one 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 personal vehicle for a veteran Fax: (804) 344-8746 E-mail: rryan@goochlandgazette.com with 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disabil© 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. ity. I typically do not support CAC Audited Circulation: 8,014.

see Letters > page 11

Thursday

September 24, 2020

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

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Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland County Youth Athletic Association’s softball teams continued their fall ball seasons this past week, with the Darlings taking on Powhatan last Wednesday.

Scenes from Goochland youth fall softball

Players in Goochland County Youth Athletic Association’s Ponytails age division take on Powhatan in last Wednesday’s game at Hidden Rock Park. The Ponytails division team, the Bulldogs, were slated to play Powhatan again this Wednesday (Sept. 23) at 7 p.m. on Hidden Rock Park’s field No. 4. For more GYAA softball games listed for Sept. 23 – Oct. 1, visit https:// richmond.com/community/goochland-gazette/news/scenes-goochland-youth-athletic-association-fall-softball-in-action/article_2a8fe3a8-fcda-11ea-83b1-5714b9d60adb.html.

Thursday

September 24, 2020

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

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VHSL unanimously approves calendar Virginia schools set to start play this year in December By Tim Pearrell, Richmond Times-Dispatch

File photo by Jim Ridolphi/Goochland Gazette

Kameron Holman competes in a 2019 postseason game.

Jackets offer roster spot to Kam Holman Staff Reports

Kameron Holman last Tuesday announced via social media that Randolph-Macon College’s football program has offered a roster spot to the Goochland High School senior. In his junior season, Holman caught 21 passes for 422 yards and seven touchdowns, added 22 tackles (15 solos) and three interceptions at defensive back and made Second Team All-State at wide receiver. He and his Bulldogs went

12-2 in 2019, won the Class 3, Region B championship and reached the state semifinals. The 5-foot-10 Holman was also Goochland’s boys basketball team’s leading scorer for the 2019-20 season, averaging 15.3 points in 24 games played. He needs less than 200 points to score the 1,000th of his career. Holman earlier this summer received his first collegiate offer from NCAA Division II school Chowan. He’s also been offered a roster spot on Christopher Newport University’s football team.

The Virginia High School League’s executive committee unanimously approved a condensed calendar that has schools starting play in December and finishing in late June. The executive committee voted in late July not to play sports this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic, instead rearranging the three seasons to start with winter sports, followed by fall and spring. On Thursday, it approved a plan it floated a few weeks ago to have teams play 60% of their normal regular-season games, have a shortened time frame for regional playoffs, and have two rounds of state playoffs. Region playoffs in football will have four teams; state quarterfinal rounds in all sports have been eliminated. Under the VHSL’s “Championship + 1” format, teams that do not advance to regional tournaments can schedule another game, as long as it is completed by the deadline for region playoffs. “The VHSL executive committee acknowledges that no plan is perfect,” VHSL executive director Billy Haun said in a statement. “We are in unprecedented times in which we have been forced to create a temporary new normal. “We understand this plan, or any plan, will not meet the expectations for those wanting a normal fall, winter, and spring sports season.

“This plan, however, will allow student-athletes and academic activity participants the opportunity of having a season and playing for a state championship.” Decisions to play or not play this fall have varied around the country. As of Sept. 17, 14 state high school associations were playing fall sports as normal, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. Twenty-nine states were having modified fall seasons. Seven states –Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, California, Oregon and Nevada — plus the District of Columbia were not allowing fall competition (Delaware voted last week to resume fall sports but was awaiting approval from the Delaware Board of Education). In 32 states, football was being played as normal or in modified seasons. A “Let Them Play” rally seeking the return of high school sports in Virginia was held at the state capitol earlier this week, with about 50 players, parents and coaches attending. The VHSL, however, issued a statement signaling its intention to stick with its plan to delay sports until December. Haun said it was done “through much collaboration.” Thursday’s vote was 33-0. Haun said an online petition for the “Let Them Play” movement had about 5,000 signatures. He also said league staff and the executive committee had received “numerous emails,” the majority about football, from parents basically outlining four concerns: frustration that players have been participating in club

sports during the summer but can’t play in the VHSL; mental and emotional strains for players not being on a team; missing out on scholarship opportunities; and other states playing. “Losing last spring’s season was very difficult, and now not having competitions in the fall is difficult,” Haun said. “We … are career educators. Along with parents, we want to do what’s best for our approximate 190,000 student-athletes, our 318 member schools who participate in our activities. … I just want everybody to understand … that we all feel the same way.” The state is under Phase Three guidelines, which include physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices, and limiting attendance, among other things. Club sports have interpreted some of the guidelines differently than the VHSL, which has taken a more conservative approach with the state’s 132 school divisions operating in various ways. Sixty-eight divisions are fully remote, according to the state Department of Education. Ten are in person; 25 are partial in person; 25 are all hybrid; and four are partial hybrid. Haun has said the league doesn’t believe high-risk sports such as football and basketball can be played until the restrictions are loosened. He and VHSL associate director Tom Dolan talked with the governor’s office last Thursday, and “the information that was shared with us is there likely will be no change in Phase Three guidelines any time soon.” Under the VHSL plan, region playoffs will be conducted in one week. For

region playoffs except for football, each region will determine the number of qualifiers and the format, but only one team will advance to the state semifinals in all sports. Football generally has eight-team regionals, but teams can only play one game a week, and the plan has only two weekends to play games. Football teams will have seven weeks to play six regular-season games, starting Feb. 22 and running through Friday, April 2. Regionals can begin on Wednesday, April 7, and run through Saturday, April 17. The state semifinals will be on April 24, with the championship games on May 1. Basketball teams can start practice on Dec. 7 and start play on Dec. 21, with 14 regular-season games. Regional tournaments will run from Feb. 8-13. The state semifinals are Feb. 16 with the finals Feb. 20. For sideline cheer, teams may begin cheering 12/21, but Jan. 6 is the first day stunting is allowed Spring sports will start play April 21 or 26, with the state finals finished by June 26. The VISAA, which conducts state championship events for private schools in Virginia, is not sanctioning any events this fall. Almost all private schools in the area are not playing football in the fall, although some are planning to have other sports such as cross country, tennis, field hockey and volleyball. Life Christian, based in Chesterfield County, has said it will play at least four football games out of state. Some other private schools around the state have scheduled games as well.

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