The Goochland Gazette – 10/08/2020 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE “Pink Out The Park” event helped raise funds for St. Jude. > page 8

Volume 65, Number 41 • October 8, 2020

Bridges of Hope event to be held online this year

Sheriff’s Office awarded sixth accreditation by state group

Annual GoochlandCares fundraiser will feature stories from supporters

Contributed report

As communities across the nation continue to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, GoochlandCares is moving its signature community event and fundraiser – Building Bridges of Hope – online. And as the organization navigates this “new normal,” its members are asking local supporters to reflect on the impact GoochlandCares has on their lives. How does GoochlandCares help in Building Bridges of Hope? Here are some of the group’s most inspiring stories so far. Maggie, a new client, was hit hard by the pandemic. For her, GoochlandCares is Building Bridges of Hope from Worry to Wellness. “I never thought I would need assistance from someplace like GoochlandCares,” said Maggie, who lost her job and health insurance in the spring. Then her fiancé was furloughed. All see Fundraiser > page 3

Contributed photo

Lisa Coles, staff member of the GoochlandCares Clothes Closet, shares a message inspired by the organization’s annual “Building Bridges of Hope” fundraiser.

The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office has, for the sixth time, been awarded accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC). The Commission is made up of law enforcement agencies and associations such as the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The Commission is responsible for creating professional standards and administering the accreditation process to measure and evaluate the success of law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VLEPSC’s accreditation process evaluates all elements of a law enforcement agency, including organization, management, operations and administration. Accreditation is a significant accomplishment for any law enforcement agency, but especially significant in the first year of a new sheriff’s administration. The Goochland see Sheriff’s Office > page 2

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Thursday

October 8, 2020

County agency to take part in virtual career event on Oct. 22

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Pets of the week

INSIDE Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ........................... 14 Letters .................................... 6 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................8-9 TV Listings ......................10-12

Contributed report

The Goochland County Economic Development Office is partnering with several other local groups to present a free virtual career event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22. This event, which is free and open to the public, will offer participants the opportunity to connect and chat live with employers from various industries. The first hour will be reserved for veterans. Those wishing to register are asked to visit https://vcwcapvirthiringevent.easyvirtualfair.com. To learn more about the hosting agencies, visit Virginia Career Works at www.vcwcapital.com; Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Social Services at https://www.chesterfield.gov/569/Social-Services; City of Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building at http://www.richmondgov.com/CommunityWealthBuilding/; Department of Labor and Industry at www.doli.virginia.gov/ apprenticeship/; Goochland County at https://www.goochlandva.us; or the Virginia Employment Commission at https:// www.vec.virginia.gov/.

Sheriff’s Office continued from >1 County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the thorough review process conducted by the accreditation team and the commitment of the Commission to excellence in the law enforcement profession.

CONTACT US Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 Office - (804) 746-1235 Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 775-4010 Photos submitted by Julie Lawrence

The Goochland County Animal Shelter currently has the following pets available to a good home: A neutered male lab mix, around 2-4 years old; a neutered male kitten, about 4 months old; and a neutered male beagle, about 4 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.”

Have an idea for a community news story? Send news tips to Roslyn Ryan at rryan@goochlandgazette.com or contact the Gazette at (804) 339-7956.

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

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Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

October 8, 2020

Fundraiser continued from >1 of a sudden, this household of six was struggling. Maggie contacted GoochlandCares to see if she could have her high blood pressure monitored and get her medication. She now gets her prescriptions for $5 each, and also uses the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. The VITA tax preparation assistance program was especially helpful in making sure Maggie kept as much of her hard-earned money as possible so she can take care of her family. For donor Kathy Scott, GoochlandCares is Building Bridges of Hope from Compassion to Action. Moved by the tragic loss of her brother, Kathy is helping fund roof repairs and replacements by supporting the Critical Home Repair program. Kathy’s inspired donations are having lifesaving impacts on neighbor’s lives while helping heal her heart. Long-time volunteers Sarah and Richard Dixon feel GoochlandCares is Building Bridges of Hope from Empathy to Involvement. “COVID-19 really reminded us how much we value our time volunteering in the Food Pantry. We are so lucky to be a part of GoochlandCares. We know our time and efforts are helping our neighbors. Since we retired, GoochlandCares has become a central part of our routine.” How is GoochlandCares Building Bridges of Hope in your life? Share a selfie and let us know! #BBH2020. Go to www.bit.ly/2020BBH for printable signs - or make your own! GoochlandCares provides a lifeline to critical services including medical and dental care, financial assistance, critical home repair, clothes closet, food pantry, sexual and domestic violence services,

medical transportation, emergency housing, case management, mental health care and GED/ESL classes. The organization will be accepting donations through Oct. 20 for Building Bridges of Hope 2020. Donations can be made at GoochlandCares.org. GoochlandCares is a private, 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that provides basic human services and health care to our Goochland neighbors in need. GoochlandCares envisions an equitable community in which all persons have their basic needs met, empowering them to lead lives of selfdignity and well-being. Visit www.GoochlandCares.org or contact Adair Roper, aroper@ GoochlandCares.org or (804) 556-6260. GoochlandCares can also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/goochlandcares.

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Monacan SWCD approves funding for area farmers Contributed report

At its September Board meeting, the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District approved approximately $260,000 dollars of funding to area farmers and landowners. The funding is from the Virginia Agricultural Cost Share Program (VACS). The purpose of this funding is to

cover a portion of the cost for farmers to install conservation practices to reduce erosion and nutrient runoff to improve water quality. This funding will implement approximately 144 separate conservation practices in Goochland and Powhatan counties. These practices included converting erosive cropland to permanent

grassland, installing fencing and excluding livestock access and waste from streams, continuous no-till cultivation of crops, and several new practices to more efficiently use and prevent runoff in the application of nitrogen and phosphorous from cropland. The grant of funds from the Virginia Department of Conservation

and Recreation for this program is the largest amount of funding the Monacan District has received in the last ten years. There are still funds available to assist other farmers and landowners with installing additional practices. For information, contact the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District at (804) 556-4936.

Recent Property Transfers 12210 Bremner Ridge Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Richard J. Dumont, $581,474. 1531 Camberley Drive, Manakin Sabot; Kiwi Real Estate LLC to Susan Cedillo, $685,000. 6187 Community

12272 North Crossing House Road, Columbia; New Cooke, $362,000. 4975 Hill Road, Kents Drive, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Ventures Real Estate LLC to Richard A. Lindgren Jr., Store; Carol Maines to Sean C. Fitzgerald, $255,000. see Property > page 4 $253,800. 418 Elm Creek Drive, Manakin Sabot; John Moss to Elrod & Dunham Jason Scott Fields, $495,000. 5218 Fox Field Farm Dentistry Court, Goochland; Billy Lee Llewellyn Sr. to Benjamin L.

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BUT NOT OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR LOVED ONES. "The care and comfort my mother has received while living with you has been beyond exemplary. This is a very difficult time with unprecedented situations continuing to arise and the very best of care continues each day at Our Lady of Hope."

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.

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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

October 8, 2020

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Community Calendar Thursday, Oct. 8 Professional genealogist Lisa Greaves will help you get a handle on one of the most rapidly advancing areas of family 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

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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 communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Mechanicsville Branch Library at (804) 5590654. Wednesday, Oct. 7 Join the Atlee Virtual Book Club to discuss “The Last Telegram” by Liz Trenow. Stop by the Atlee Branch Library to pick up a copy curbside or at the circulation desk or download it from hoopla in our Digital Library (https://tinyurl.com/prldigilib). Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/7099827. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon, and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. This program is for those 18 and up. For more

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information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Ashland Branch Library at 804-798-4072.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Tuesday, October 13

Learn how to make your own soaking salts, sugar scrub, and lip balm. Then, relax your worries away with an indoor Spa Day! Starting Oct. 10, go to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or visit www.tinyurl. com/prlteens to watch the video. This program is for those age 12 and up. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Mechanicsville Branch Library at (804) 5590654.

STEAM: Let’s Explore Space! Learn all about space in the first part of this STEAM mini-series for kids. Kids ages 6 and up can enjoy some books about space, sip on a galaxy smoothie, and show your crafting skills by creating a star map. Starting Oct. 13, go to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or or visit www.tinyurl. com/prlchildrens to watch the video. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Mechanicsville Branch Library at (804) 559-0654.

Monday, Oct. 12 Are you new to homeschooling? Take part in a Panel Discussion for New Homeschoolers for an informative discussion on homeschooling issues, tips and tricks, and more with experienced homeschooling parents. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7126856. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom from 2 p.m. to 3 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

Property continued from >3 Construction of Virginia LLC to Deborah A. Niemeier, $422,914. 2804 Preston Park Way,

Thursday, Oct. 15

and up. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Ashland Branch Library at (804) 798-4072. Friday, October 16 Family Trivia Night will be held from 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. for those in grades K-5. Have a pencil and paper ready to answer questions and get ready to use your knowledge for trivia night. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7102081. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom, and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at (804) 7493146.

www.tinyurl.com/prlchildrens to watch the video. This all day event is for children 6 and up. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Goochland Branch Library at 804-556-4774. Thursday, October 22 The upcoming November election is critical and could mean the difference between freedom and oppression. For the future of our children and grandchildren, the Goochland TEA Party wants to motivate and awaken all Americans to take a stand against the fundamental threat to the spiritual and moral foundations of our Constitutional Republic. At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Goochland High School, AFR Talk Radio Hosts Sandy Rios and E.W Jackson will be our guests for a power packed evening to motivate and inspire all of us to stand and fight for the Republic. Socialism vs. Communism, violence in the streets, racial tensions and BLM, the fight over the courts, Freedom of Speech and Religion, all of it will be presented with the same passion Sandy and EW bring to the radio microphone each day. If you want your friends and neighbors to find motivation and purpose in this fight for freedom, join us for this informative and inspiring evening! Please

Backyard Citizen Science will offer the opportunity to find out more about citizen science opportunities that you can do in your own backyard! Starting Oct. 15, go to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/ user/pamunkeylibrary or visit https://tinyurl.com/prladults to watch the video. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call your local branch. This all day event is for those ages 18

During STEAM- 21 Elephants, the second part of the library’s STEAM mini-series for kids, particpants will enjoy a reading of “Twenty-One Elephants” and “Still Standing” by April Jones Prince. Then, they will find out which materials they can use around the house to build their very own bridge. Starting, Oct. 20, go to the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/ user/pamunkeylibrary or visit

Sandy Hook; Chesterfield Construction Services Inc. to Todd J. Peacock, $463,175. 1910 Shallow Well Road, Manakin Sabot; James G. Meredith to Yevgeniy V. Nikulin,

$278,450. 2483 Three Oaks Lane, 303 Sweetbriar Drive, Maidens; Jennifer Murphy to Richmond; Vernon W. Norris Timothy Cook, $388,500. Jr. to Edward J. Marrin III, 833 Woodcove Court, $475,000. Manakin Sabot; Boone Homes Inc. to Peter Suyama, $848,092.

Tuesday, October 20

see Calendar > 13

Thursday

October 8, 2020

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Master Gardener training program now taking applications Contributed Report

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who promote environmentally sound horticulture in their communities. If you have an interest in becoming a master gardener volunteer, now is the time to complete your application for an opportunity to gain indepth knowledge about gardening and give back to your

community. All applications for the Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener training program for 2021 must be turned in by November 15, 2020. The program offers more than 50 hours of instruction on a broad range of horticultural topics including garden flowers, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect/ plant disease identification, weed management, soils and

plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, home fruit production, lawn care, and water conservation. Classes will be held twice weekly in the mornings from January through April, via both virtual and socially-distanced in-person sessions. All classes are taught by Virginia Tech extension specialists, agents, and local experts. In exchange for training,

‘Praise in the Park’ set for Saturday Contributed report

Walton Park in Mineral will ring out in song on Saturday, Oct. 10 with “Praise in the Park,” a celebration of God’s grace and mercy for His people. The free event will start at 10 a.m. and will feature five groups from Louisa County coming together in praise and worship. “We are so excited to have you all come praise the Lord with us,” said Lynne Runnett. Runnett is a member of The Mustard Tree, a group of area women who are seeking to disciple other women to fully know God and be rooted in His word. This is the first event the group has sponsored and the family-focused event is open to everyone in the community. Starting off the day will be Raised to Life, a praise group from Mechanicsville Baptist Church in the Boswell’s Tavern area of Louisa. The ensemble started three years ago as a praise group at the church and from there have felt God leading them to go out into the community to spread the good news of His son Jesus and to lead people to Him.

Taking the stage next will be One Accord Gospel Band, founded in 2013. All the band members hail from Louisa County coming from Mt. Hope Baptist Church, County Line Baptist Church, Laurel Hill Baptist Church, Zion Travelers, and St. Thomas Baptist Church. Their mission is to exalt God our Father in Heaven, edify the body of Christ and evangelize through the ministry of music and God’s holy word in Jesus name. Formed in 1985, Skystone Bluegrass Band will play at noon. Carrying on the memory of its founder, Monty Monteith, who passed away in 2019, the traditional bluegrass and gospel band continues to spread the love to God through its music and message. Amplified Youth Ministry, comprised of current and former Louisa County High School students, will follow Skystone and take the mics about 1 p.m. The band features Jamori Harris, Ryland Burgess, Chris Gaines, R. J. Morris and Juan Wells. Rounding out the day will be Journey Praise!, the

praise band and worship team from Journey Church CVA in Gordonsville. A desire to spread God’s love to the community has led them to participate in numerous events. Between bands there will be a time for devotions, testimony and prayer as well as information on The Mustard Tree and its programs. “One thing this time of physical isolation has reminded us of is how truly precious it is to fellowship with one another,” Runnett said. “Even though we will be socially distanced, we will be spiritually united in Him!” Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets and to pack a picnic lunch and refreshments. Social distancing and all Covid regulations will be followed, including wearing masks at the event. There will be hand sanitizing stations around the park for additional precautions. For more information, visit The Mustard Tree’s Facebook page and join us at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10 at Walton Park, 600 E. Sixth Street, Mineral, next to Duke Oil Company for a day of praise, worship and hope.

Advertise In The Goochland Gazette! Call 804-746-1235 for details.

participants are asked to volunteer time to their county’s Virginia Cooperative Extension program with at least 50 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training to earn their certification as a Master Gardener. The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of

the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening while others staff plant clinics or displays at community events. They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with press releases related to gardening. The Master Gardener coordinator in the County

Extension office decides how volunteer time can be best utilized. Tuition for the training class is $140 (cash or check). Limited scholarships are available. Applications can be acquired online at www. gpmga.org or by calling the Goochland Extension Office at (804) 556-5841 or the Powhatan Extension Office at (804) 598-5640.

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Thursday

October 8, 2020

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

As old photographs show, this too shall pass dentally stumbled upon the most interesting video, one that offered both an education and a change of perspective. The short little slideshow was incredibly simple in its execution, just a handful of very old black and white photos of Richmond locations — most, it seems, taken around the time of the Civil War — juxtaposed with recent pictures taken in the exact same places. In frame after frame history gave way to modernity, as dirt roads became four-lane highways and wide-open spaces transformed into new centers of com-

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

As no one needs to be reminded, the internet can be a strange and sometimes dangerous playground in which to spend time that could often be put to far more productive use. Much of the time spent arguing on Facebook, for example, would be better used alphabetizing your spice cabinet or reorganizing your sock drawer — at least then something good would come out of it. The other day, however, I acci-

merce. Particularly striking was the way the tremendous destruction photographed in Richmond after the Civil War has long-since been covered over by the hands of time and progress. What a powerful reminder, I couldn’t help but think, of how the world continues to move forward. The events that feel Earth-shaking today will no doubt be recorded in the history books, but even the deepest scars left by the calamities of our day will be so faded in just a few generations that they may scarcely be noticed. We are living in a strange time

that often feels unprecedented in its trials and tragedies. But it’s also important to place some of the issues we wring our hands over in a larger context. The debate that makes headlines around the world today will be little more than a footnote in a few short years. The vast majority of our daily struggles won’t even merit that. Will grasping this make it easier to weather some our own personal storms? I’m not entirely sure. But if it takes a quick look at a scattering of old photos to remind us that “this too shall pass,” I’d call that time well spent.

Finding true happiness? Surprise – it can often be tricky By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

A man much smarter than me once provided me with a tidbit of wisdom that lived in my mind long after his years on this earth had passed. To paraphrase, he told me to find true happiness, one must keep the things that support and inspire, and release everything that falls short. In other words, deciphering what is important in one’s life is much more important than worrying about things that are not essential.

But, therein lies the dilemma. How do we decide the things in life we have to have and weighing them against the things that are not? The theory provides an ongoing chart of how to approach life with a positive attitude, but, admittedly, also poses a myriad of judgments that are often not easily decided. In reality, many of us consider items in our life that are essential simply based on longevity. We sometimes continue doing the things the same way because “it’s the way it’s always been done.”

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

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Joy Monopoli

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Classifieds

Take for example, a recent presidential debate that left many questioning the legitimacy of these events. There’s certainly no doubt that the Sept. 25 fiasco bore little resemblance to what we all define as a debate. Additionally, it’s difficult to identify any useful information that evolved from 90 minutes of adult rants. The dust had hardly settled when commentators and others called for an end to a process that most of us thought was a longheld tradition in political campaigns.

At first glance, the thought of canceling the remaining two debates seemed like an overreaction to what was a difficult to watch version of political chaos; but after some reflection, I, too, have been convinced that additional debates with these two candidates would be an exercise in futility. But, many expressed a loyalty to the process, and used the familiar argument of stating the debates represented political traditions and should continue. see Happiness > page 7

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Gazette welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Goochland residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Goochland Gazette. Send letters to: The Goochland Gazette 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: (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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Letters to the Editor Casting ballot early was efficient, pleasant experience, says voter Dear Editor, Thanks to all the poll workers who are making in-person voting possible in Goochland! I voted last week and it was so quick and efficient to just walk into the Parks and Recreation building where the multiple voting machines were all set up in the spacious clean gymnasium. The Officer of Elections took my identification, asked my name, checked my address and handed me a ballot to mark and pointed me to the voting booths. After marking my ballot, as always, there was a pleasant person waiting at the machine where I inserted the ballot and watched my vote be counted. My vote was number 289! Then I was given the “I Voted Today” sticker and was driving home in under 15 minutes. There were only two other voters present at the time I voted. What a nice experience that was. I feel so good to know in Goochland we can all vote in person early and in such a nice environment doing our civic duty. God Bless America. Patricia Hendy Manakin-Sabot

Those who steal local campaign signs should find better things to do To the Editor, So my Trump campaign sign was stolen from my property by a no doubt ignorant liberal democrat hoping Trump will be defeated. Young people who steal yard signs are no doubt low-income idiots with no future due to their poor education and lack of job skills, so I completely understand their frustration and lack of opportunities in life. see Letters > page 7

Thursday

October 8, 2020

New area attraction promises to offer a haunting good time Contributed report

Starting Oct. 9, those looking for a one-of-a kind experience should head out to the historic Belmead on the James for the scariest haunted trail in Central Virginia, the Total Terror Haunted Attraction. This half-mile outdoor haunted trail is produced by the Total Terror crew, with original props and hand-made

masks to give thrill seekers an experience unlike any other. The trail was designed from the ground up to provide an intense and frightening walk through a forest that is sure to send chills down the spine. Total Terror will be open Fridays and Saturdays in October, starting October 9, from 7-11pm. Tickets are $20 per person and are available

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

on-line through the website at www.totalterrorhaunt.com, or by paying cash at the door. Established in 2011, Total Terror was moved to Belmead on the James in 2020 to allow further room for expansion. Plans are already in progress for a large October Festival in 2021, adding other fall festivities such as a corn maze and pumpkin sales.

Property continued from >6 But the socialist democrat stealing of my yard sign, rioting, looting, and recent aberrant democrat behavior will only cause me to be more dedicated to all Republican candidates.

www.goochlandgazette.com The solution I have suggested before is to catch these ignorant democrat miscreants and send them to Federal Job Corps centers to be reeducated and learn a trade. Perhaps the poorly educated democrats could learn to earn a decent living in a capitalist society and maybe

Manakin Sabot, a member of the Class of 2023 Robert Taylor Tucker of Manakin Sabot, Va. (23103), a member of the Class of 2023. The President’s List com-

prises the top echelon of students among full-time, degreeseeking undergraduates, as determined from those with at least 24 W&L-graded credits contributing to their grade point average.

Happiness

for Kennedy. It’s also interesting to note that one of those iconic debates was held remotely with one candidate on one side of the nation and the other on the opposite coast. I was surprised to learn that another presidential debate was not held for 16 years after that momentous broadcast. Apparently, the necessity of a national debate for presidential candidates had not been clearly established. As conventions evolved and politics became somewhat of a form of entertainment for American viewers, the importance of presidential debates became instilled in American political psyche, and, for decades, it wasn’t a matter of if they would be held but rather how many and where. I’m still trying to decided exactly what is essential and what’s not in my life, and the decisions don’t seem to get easier as the years go by. But, in

the past few days, I’ve become convinced that I can live without presidential debates, especially this year. Watching grown men behave like school yard malcontents is not a productive use of my time. Having said that, it’s a shame that something that could be a valuable resource for American voters has devolved to a shouting match and exchange of personal insults. But, perhaps tradition also provides a solution to the current state of political debates. Perhaps, Donald Trump and Joe Biden should take a page from those first debates where candidates were separated by thousands of miles and still managed to produce a substantive, informative exchange of ideas. Perhaps, these candidates, not unlike many of our children, sometimes perform best when they are separated.

continued from >6 Immediately, the thought of abandoning presidential debates felt like an affront to traditionalism. After all, this is the way we’ve always done it, right? The history of presidential debates as we know them began in 1960 with the Richard Nixon-John F. Kennedy debates, at the time when a novel ideal dreamed up by media types looking to expand the popularity of broadcast news, and install television as the new go-to tool for all things political. The pair held three debates, but most remember the iconic contrast presented at one event where Nixon was covered with sweat and Kennedy looked cool as a cucumber. In actuality, it was not the substance, but the vision that prompted many voters to pull the lever

stop bothering the rest of us who are successful. The Chinese and North Koreans are successful with their reeducation camps and we can do better with our Federal Job Corps Program. Art Bachman Gum Spring

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Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

From left: Lynda Caudil throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Monday’s games on Pink Out the Park Night at Hidden Rock Park; members of Goochland Youth Athletic Association’s softball program stand together with a sign honoring the Hicks family; John Hicks and Lynda Caudil share a moment together after Hicks caught the ceremonial first pitch from Caudil.

Supporting the fight against breast cancer Pink Out the Park Night at Hidden Rock Park raises funds for St. Jude By Nick Vandeloecht, Sports Editor

GOOCHLAND – Karen Hicks had three sons who came through the Goochland Youth Athletic Association, so she became a familiar face – and came to mean very much – to people in the program. She was always at the fields, and she was known for always being positive, talking with anyone and everyone and cheering on the players. And she did so while fighting breast cancer for the last five years. She was an inspiration to her friends, family and community surrounding her, and she remained steadfast in her faith. Karen passed away on Sept. 21, 2020. On Monday

night, Goochland Parks and Recreation and GYAA, in a partnership to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, paid respects to Karen with a special opening ceremony on Field No. 1 at the picturesque Hidden Rock Park as part of their Pink Out the Park Night. The pennants, base lines, bases, even the on-deck circles – they were all painted pink, and the youth baseball and softball teams who encircled the diamond incorporated pink into their uniforms in remembrance of Karen and everyone who has fought breast cancer. Lynda Caudil, who is two years in remission, threw the first pitch in Monday’s ceremony. Catching the first pitch was Karen’s youngest son, John Austin Hicks. “It’s awesome that they were able to put it together and it’s for a great cause, and it’s something very dear to my family’s heart with losing my mom recently,” John said. “It’s awe-

some that they were able to get everybody out here and raise a lot of money for St. Jude.” John also caught a first pitch in another game that was very special for him and his family last year in July. It was at Comerica Park when he was playing for the Detroit Tigers. Throwing the ceremonial pitch to him that Friday night before the Tigers’ Pink Out the Park Game was his mom, Karen. “It was really special – I think both her and I both got a little emotional there that day. Getting to have her on a Major League field with me . . . it’s something I’ll cherish forever,” he said, “and not knowing the future at that point and now looking back on it, it’s even more special.” All proceeds, donations and concession sales from Monday are slated to go to St. Jude, which was near and dear to Karen. John said she donated every month. “It’s something that – talking with Dad after everything that happened . . . all the

money that she used to donate, he [said] we’re still going to donate it in memory of her,” John said. “Hopefully, at some point, we can find a way to control this disease a little bit better than we can now.” Monday’s ceremony also recognized and honored GYAA contributor Katie Martin, who is battling breast cancer. She sat on the GYAA board for a decade, coached countless girls in softball through the program while her daughters were growing up and spent countless hours at the baseball field watching her son play. Prior to the ceremonial first pitch, a moment of silence was held for Karen, and for all who have been affected in some way by breast cancer. “This is just another incredible example of how this community rallies around a cause,” Deputy County Administrator Derek Stamey said during the ceremony. “In today’s world where a lot of folks can’t get along, Goochland’s a shining example of how folks can come together.”

Above: players on the Goochland Youth Athletic Association Tigers team line up for the opening ceremony that honored and remembered everyone who has been affected by breast cancer; below: a sign made in memory of Karen Hicks stands above Field No. 1 at Hidden Rock Park in Goochland.

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Workout attendance strong well ahead of the season Sessions averaging around 20 runners for Goochland XC By Nick Vandeloecht, Sports Editor

GOOCHLAND – For Virginia public schools, cross country is still a good ways away. The first official practice won’t be until February because of the rearranged and condensed 2020-21 athletic year. But with the prolonged wait comes more weeks to prepare, and twice a week in the evenings, Goochland’s runners have embraced that opportunity with the cross country team’s optional workouts. Goochland girls cross country coach Andrew Meiller has been impressed by the turnout. The workouts are not mandatory, yet on average, around 20 runners are coming out to get in the extra mileage – and do so together – while also practicing social distancing and safe practices. “It’s very refreshing; I’m very happy about it,” Meiller said of the numbers. “It’s surprising – I was expecting maybe 10 to 15 tops . . . seeing these guys out here – and they’re motivated and they’ve got great attitudes – it just makes me really excited for the season.” Senior runner Grace Juran was also surprised when she saw the 20-plus people that they’ve had. “And it’s been pretty continuous,” she said. “It’s really nice to see everyone out here dedicating their time just like I am.” The social interaction the runners get through the workouts has been important. At Thursday’s session,

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland runners Jonah Bruce (from left), Grayson Cagwin, Reid Dameron and Jackson Hoffler run together during a Thursday cross country workout at Goochland High School.

the student-athletes ran at what Meiller called a conversational pace, meaning they were able to run and talk at the same time and get to know one other a little better. Freshman Luke Farkas said “it’s definitely good to see different people,” and freshman Megan Reid noted that it’s definitely easier to run when you have others to pace you and help you. “I think that’s a lot better than having to run by yourself,” she said. “I love it. I love meeting the new people and new girls,” Juran added. “I really love the opportunity the school gave us.” “I’m glad that we’re still being safe while we’re doing it, though,” senior Reid Dameron said. “But isolation is really addicting, and so it’s good to have these things you can go out and do so you

Goochland girls cross country coach Andrew Meiller talks to the runners during a Thursday workout.

just don’t get addicted to just being alone.” There’s structure and motivation to be found, noted Farkas, who also spoke to the importance of staying in shape during this time “staying ready to run.” The workouts also give

the returners and new runners a chance to build continuity with one another and improve so that, when spring rolls around, they’re “already in mid-season form” since the upcoming season will be shorter than usual because of the condensed schedule,

senior Jack Hoffler noted. “Knowing that you’ve got such a long way until the start of the season, it helps you just start to build up your miles,” Hoffler said. “You can take advantage of having the months to prepare and try and get to be your best version of yourself, especially for me being a senior.” “I think it’s good to utilize the time that we have,” Megan Reid said, “and start getting a head start.” Meiller pointed out that the more they do now, the easier the workouts will be later on – it’ll be easier for the runners to go faster in the future because they’re building a base now. He’s also encouraged them to run on their own outside of the twice-a-week sessions. “I just like having more time to prepare – it’s not like just starting a couple weeks

before the season and getting right into it,” Farkas said. “I like having more time to just adjust and get faster and better.” Megan Reid said she’s been running a lot more than usual and that she started back in March in getting ready for the season as she expected it to start sooner. She’s looking to keep up that consistency. Dameron expects to be faster this year, and Juran, who was out for a month with an injury last year, has been focused on consistency, upping her mileage a little bit and putting in strength training with the goal of injury prevention. Juran is also planning on running unattached in the races at Pole Green Park this Saturday, Oct. 10, to see where she’s at in regards to run times. Hoffler said that, if they were partaking in a normally scheduled season this fall, his times would be faster at the start than they were last year. “I can say that I’ve been more consistent leading up to this season,” he said. “I’m hoping to keep that going . . . when we actually start races.” Dameron feels that he and his fellow seniors have seen the runners get better and progress, and he’s hoping for a stronger season after injuries prevented them from doing their best last year. The first practice for the VHSL cross country season is slated for February 15. First contest date is March 1. Between now and the official season’s start, the runners are focused on building up miles and staying healthy. “I think it’s good that we’re all out here,” Megan Reid said. “Come the season, I think we probably just should try our best with the circumstances that we have.”

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Previewing Collegiate girls tennis team’s 2020 season By Nick Vandeloecht, Sports Editor

GOOCHLAND – After the League of Independent Schools made the decision official to hold its fall season for girls tennis – which has been deemed a low-risk sport in relation to COVID-19 – Collegiate dominated its first match, sweeping Veritas 7-0 and winning both exhibition matches on Thursday. This year’s 14-player unit is stacked with experience and talent. Helena Huff, who was the 2019 All-Metro girls tennis player of the year, is back at Collegiate following a year in Atlanta. She returns to the team as the No. 1 singles player.

Holding down the No. 2–4 courts in Thursday’s season opener were freshman Elizabeth Mendoza, senior captain Nora Willett and Powhatan resident and senior Kayli Shenk. The top four players, all of whom are returning players, each swept their Veritas opponents 10-0. Collegiate’s strong sophomore core includes returners Claiborne Dillard, Lucy Ottley and Emma Eldridge. They all picked up singles time last year as the team dealt with injuries, and the coaches could see how that time on the court helped them. “Those three are back this year with a lot more confidence in point construction

and aggressive play,” said Collegiate head girls tennis coach Allyson Brand. Strengths and gains across the team include first serves, stronger groundstrokes, confidence in setting up and finishing off points and attacking the shorter balls. She added that McKenna Boardman, who moved up from JV last year and played at No. 6 in Thursday’s lineup, is “super consistent,” showcasing that strong consistency in her groundstrokes. Several new protocols are in place for this season as the COVID pandemic continues. There will be no doubles play, meaning that LIS teams will only play singles matches this fall. But with that change, the

number of singles matches that count has bumped up from six to seven. Matches are conference-only, and no spectators are allowed. While at the matches, players have to stay six feet apart and wear masks off the court; when they’re on the court, they can take off their masks, but have to maintain 10 feet of distance. Each team is allowed to serve only with their own tennis balls. The home team is responsible for changing the scorecards and, when the players switch sides, they cross on opposite sides of the net. While the team definitely misses doubles, and they won’t be able to draw from the

energy of spectators’ support because of safety protocols in place, being able to still play this season is huge for the girls, Brand said. Even when they held open courts this summer, she noted that, “on the court, with their mask off, I could see the smiles.” “You can tell – the community, the camaraderie, seeing their friends out there, working hard,” she said. The Cougars are coming off of a 13-5 season in 2019 in which they finished runner-up to St. Catherine’s in the LIS tournament and reached the VISAA state semifinals. This year’s modified season, to Brand, will be a successful one if everyone: stays safe

and healthy; is able to improve in something; and is able to come out through the whole season and continue to play tennis. RESULTS Collegiate 7, Veritas 0 Helena Huff (C) d. Ally Duell (V) 10-0; Elizabeth Mendoza (C) d. Delphie Garrison (V) 10-0; Nora Willett (C) d. Peyton Davidson (V) 10-0; Kayli Shenk (C) d Bevie Sievers (V) 10-0; Claiborne Dillard (C) d. Betsie Rabke (V) 10-2; McKenna Boardman (C) d Breslin Siewers (V) 10-4; Lucy Ottley (C) d M Kleinschuster (V) 10-1 Records (after Thursday): Collegiate 1-0, Veritas 0-1

Richmond Raceway president talks changes to Cup slate By Nick Vandeloecht, Sports Editor

In one of its biggest moves in years, if not decades, NASCAR made sweeping changes with its 2021 Cup Series schedule. Three new racetracks – the Nashville Superspeedway oval and the road courses of Road America and Circuit of the Americas (COTA) – will join the lineup, and two returning venues will feature new configurations. Indianapolis will switch its Cup race from the oval to the road course, and in one of the more surprising shifts, the spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway will be run on dirt. Richmond Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier described the changes as “energizing.” “I’ve been in this for over 20 years now, and to see some of the big swings that have happened, it’s pretty amazing

. . . excited about that, excited about some of the changes,” Bickmeier said. “I know the fan reaction’s been positive to it, so that’s good to see, and certainly thankful that we’ll have NASCAR back here for two races again in Richmond.” Amidst all of the changes to next year’s lineup, Richmond Raceway, celebrating 75 years in 2021, will see its two Cup race dates stay the same. Similar to its original 2020 plans before the COVID-19 pandemic, the 0.75-mile short track will hold its spring race on Sunday, April 18 during the daytime, and its fall race – the second event in the 10-race playoffs – on Saturday, Sept. 11, at night. Official start times have not yet been announced. “I think our job is to try to make the two races look different,” Bickmeier said of having a day race and a night race. “We had done all night

racing here for a number of years, and, look, that’s a big part of our brand, was racing under the lights, we get that, we understand that – but we have an opportunity with a Sunday afternoon race to do something that’s different.” And while the schedules for the Xfinity and Gander RV & Outdoor Truck Series have not yet been released, Bickmeier pointed to the possibility of additional events and/or races in other series prior to the Cup Series’ Toyota Owners 400 in April. “Really it’s not just the Sunday – it’s what we do on Saturday, what we do on Friday, what we do on Thursday – everything leading up to the Cup Series race,” Bickmeier said. “I do think it’s important as promoters to try to find the uniqueness in both of your events, and that’s really our job: to change things up a little bit, have some fun with it,

do something that’s different.” Both races will be oneday Cup shows, meaning that teams, as they’ve had to do this year because of COVID, will not practice or qualify. That will be the case for 28 of the 36 points races. Practices and qualifying sessions are only expected for the Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the championship race in Phoenix and races on the new tracks and configurations. Bickmeier, however, feels that most of the changes that have come with that shift to one-day shows have been pretty positive. “I’m not opposed to the one-day show. I’m not opposed to the no-practice,” he said. “But no practice means that we have to entertain our fans when they’re here. We’ve got to provide the value that they want for their ticket purchase, so how do you do that? You’ve

still got to try to make the drivers available to them. Is it music? Is it Q&A’s? Autograph sessions? “We’ve had pieces and parts of those throughout our race weekends already, but now you’ve got to put an even bigger focus on it if you’re a track that doesn’t have a practice session or qualifying or something like that,” Bickmeier said. “It’s changed, but with that, we’ve got to put our heads together and see what kind of creative things we can come up with to keep our fans entertained.” The 2021 slate will feature six points–paying events on road courses – seven if you count the Clash exhibition race on the Daytona road course. “I’m excited to see Road America, I’m excited to see Circuit of the Americas,” Bickmeier said. “The drivers in our sport have gotten so good at road course racing, and it’s fun to watch.”

As for covering Bristol with dirt, it won’t be the first time it’s happened. The half-mile concrete oval hosted dirt races in 2000 and 2001 with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and dirt late models. But don’t count on seeing Richmond Raceway covered in dirt anytime soon. “I have not talked to anybody about even remotely thinking about doing that,” Bickmeier said. “But here’s why I say that, too . . . one of the things that we like and that we promote, that we market is that we’re the only three-quartermile that the Cup Series races on. “You can’t compare us to anybody else,” Bickmeier said. “We race different, the cars race different here, it’s a blend of really fast cars on a short oval, and they carry a lot of speed here. It just makes us different, and I like that uniqueness about us.”

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