The Goochland Gazette – 11/05/2020 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Legion Auxiliary wraps up successful hurricane relief project > page 5

Volume 65, Number 45 • November 5, 2020

County hosting COVID-19 clinic

The art of KINDNESS

Contributed report

A free COVID-19 testing event and seasonal flu vaccine clinic will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Hadensville FireRescue Station 6. The free COVID-19 Testing event and seasonal flu vaccine clinic will be conducted drive-thru style at Hadensville Fire-Rescue Station 6 located at 4810 Three Chopt Rd, Louisa, VA 23093 in western Goochland. Individuals will access the free drive-thru COVID-19 Testing and flu vaccine

Young nonprofit founder’s donated art supply kits help bring joy to children in need By Roslyn Ryan Editor

If there was one thing that became immediately apparent after meeting 10-year-old Ava Rajappa last Friday, as she arrived at the Goochland Cares building to drop off 150 of her homemade art kits for area children, it just might be this: A person doesn’t have to be very big to have a big impact on the lives of others. Rajappa, a student at Henrico’s Kaechele Elementary School, arrived with boxes full of the colorful kits, each one stuffed with art supplies and other fun items for children whose families are facing homelessness or other hardships. The donation Friday brought the total number of kits Rajappa has donated through the non-profit she founded, Art Love, to more than 2,600 since she began her effort back in May. Rajappa says she got the idea after hearing about see Art kits > 3

see Testing > 5

Local input sought for housing study Contributed report

Photo by Roslyn Ryan

Ava Rajappa, 10, recently donated 150 of her popular art kits to GoochlandCares. The kits are distributed through Art Love, the nonprofit Rajappa founded last year.

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Have you had the opportunity to take one of those beautiful leisurely fall drives around our beautiful county recently? You know, you are in no hurry; the air is crisp, windows are down, and the scent of falling leaves is wafting in. You notice the houses decorated for the season. Perhaps see Housing > 3

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Goochland County and the Goochland Anti-Litter and Recycling Council will celebrate America Recycles Day on Saturday, Nov. 14 with a special tire amnesty, tire recycling and document shredding event. The event will occur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Fairground Property located at 2744 Fairground Road at the intersection of Sandy Hook Road (Route 522) and Fairground Road (Route 632). There is a 10-tire limit per person and participants must show proof of Goochland County residency. Tires of any

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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size up to 42 inches off the rim will be accepted. Secure document shredding is available for up to five bankers, no larger than 12” x 24”, per person. Paper clips and staples are acceptable, but plastic bindings must be removed. The America Recycles Day Celebration on November 14th is being held in conjunction with a Countywide Litter Clean Up Day that will focus on picking up garbage, litter & debris from Goochland area roads. The Countywide Litter Clean Up will occur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will focus on

roads near Byrd Elementary School (2704 Hadensville Fife Road), Central High Cultural and Educational Complex (2748 Dogtown Road), and Goochland County Fire Rescue Station #3 – Centerville (52 Broad Street Road). Citizens can register for the Countywide Litter Clean Up by contacting the Department of General Services main office at (804) 556-5340 or by email at litterfreegoochland@goochlandva.us. For more information or questions about the America Recycles Day Special Event, call (804) 657-2025 or email djones@goochlandva.us.

Goochland County Parks and Rec once again honored for excellence Contributed report

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.

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County hosting tire amnesty, document shredding events Contributed report

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Goochland County Parks and Recreation was recently recognized for their marketing efforts with the Snapshot Moment Award at the virtual 65th Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS). Highlighting each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards. With the change of the 2020 VRPS conference to a virtual platform, VRPS kept the fanfare and prestige of the ceremony with a zoom presentation for the nominees. This state-wide program honors individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in several areas during the previous year. VRPS received 97 applications vying for awards in 14 different categories. Judged by a jury of its peers, Goochland County

Parks and Recreation received the Snapshot Moment Award for Hidden Rock at Sunset, for the category Population 25,000 and Under. Hidden Rock at Sunset is a stunning sunset photo captured by Goochland County Parks and Recreation staff at the Hidden Rock Park Complex as the sun was setting. The photo and recognition serves as a reminder of the wonderful amenities and breath-taking views that can be found at Goochland County Parks and Recreation facilities as well as in the greater Goochland community. Goochland County Parks and Recreation and the County’s General Services department maintains eight public recreational and historical facilities including the Hidden Rock Complex, Central High Cultural and Educational Complex, Goochland Sports

Complex, Courthouse Green and Trails, Leakes Mill Park, Tucker Park, Matthews Park, and the Reynolds Recreation Complex. These facilities offer amenities including historical buildings, interpretive signage, mountain biking trails, athletic fields, picnic shelters, dog parks, playgrounds, and access to the James River. For more information on all Goochland County Parks and Recreation has to offer please check out the Goochland County Fall 2020 Community Guide available at https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/ Vi e w / 7 1 5 9 / Co m mu n i t y Guide-Fall-2020?bidId= and Goochland County Parks and Recreation’s website at https:// www.goochlandva.us/236/ Parks-Recreation. This recognition is just the latest for Goochland see Parks and Rec

SPORTS

Bike race takes over Leakes Mill Park PAGE 8 Calendar ................................ 7 Classifieds ......................13-14 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................8-9 TV Listings ......................10-12

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

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November 5, 2020

Parks and Rec continued from >2 County Parks and Recreation. Previously they were recognized with the 2019 Excellence in Virginia Government Award for Community Enhancement

Housing continued from >1 housing is something you usually take for granted. You are not alone. Most of us only think about housing when it directly impacts our family’s well-being, or we see the coolest jack-o-lantern ever! But what does housing really look like in Goochland? How does Goochland measure up when it comes to housing? That is what a group called HousingGVA has been meeting about for the last year. This group has set out to understand the full scope of housing in Goochland and has been asking questions such as: Does Goochland have the housing resources needed to meet current and future needs? Are the people who work in Goochland able to live here? Do current housing options reflect the values of the community? Does housing enhance the Goochland

Art kits continued from >1 a young girl in Connecticut who had embarked on a similar project. “Sometimes, when I am scared of Covid-19 or overwhelmed with my school work, I do arts and crafts to calm me down,” she said. “I am hoping other kids who have similar feelings will be able to use the art kits we donate to feel better when they are anxious.” A grant from Dominion

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Wilder School of Government for Goochland’s Central High School Cultural and Educational Complex. The 2018 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in the Silver Medal category

for Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing, related to the creation of a sustainability program for the park. The 2016 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in the Honorable Mention category for Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing,

quality of life that we hope for ourselves, our families, and our neighbors? What are the community’s housing goals? What do the citizens of Goochland want and need when it comes to housing? In 2019, then Goochland County Administrator John Budesky asked GoochlandCares to assemble a diverse team of community members who have expertise or knowledge of housing in Goochland. Representing Goochland County departments, nonprofits, civic groups, and community members, HousingGVA was launched. Members include Manny Alvarez, Knight Bowles, Paul Costello, Nancy Davis, Carol Dunlap, Vernon Fleming, Stacy Gill, Sally Graham, Greta Harris, Martha Heeter, Wendy Hobbs, Caitlin Hodge, Kimberly Jefferson, Fred Karnas, Todd Kilduff, James Melton, Mike Hennigan, Joe Morgan, Neil

Spoonhower, Tommy Pruitt, Jeremy Raley, and Sekou Shabaka. HousingGVA needs your help! With a grant from Virginia Housing Development Association, the committee hired housing experts, hdAdvisors, to assess our housing situation. The assessment is slated for completion in Spring 2021 and will include existing data as well as responses from a community-wide survey. In this survey, we want to hear about your dreams, needs, concerns, and hopes for housing in Goochland. Visit http://gvahousingneeds.questionpro. com to have your opinions count! We need to hear from folks whether you live inside or outside the county lines. If you do not have internet access, please call Carol Dunlap at (804) 556-0400 and we will mail you a paper copy. Your voice and all voices are important!

Energy helped fund the purchase of supplies for around 400 of the small, colorful kits, and Rajappa’s older brother Kavi, 13, kindly stepped in to help with the website and other operational duties for the project. “It’s been a real family effort,” said Rajappa’s mother Julie, who along with her husband Arun has been thrilled to see her daughter’s idea take off. Also thrilled? The children who have received the art kits each week, many of whom have faced challenges made

even more difficult by the ongoing pandemic. “Our children absolutely love these, and they ask for them,” said Jan Liptak, the assistant manager for the GoochlandCares Food Pantry, sharing that Rajappa’s project has allowed children cooped up by the pandemic to enjoy a creative outlet they otherwise might not have had. “I think this comes at a perfect time,” said Liptak. “She is just awesome.” For more on Art Love, and how you can help, visit, https://www.art-love.org.

related to the creation of an outdoor classroom. In addition, they were recognized by the VRPS with the 2018 Best New Renovation/ Addition (Bricks and Mortar) Award – Population 25,000

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and under category for the Central High School Cultural and Educational Complex, 2016 Best New Facility Award (Parks, Playgrounds, Greenways and Trails) – Population under 25,000

category for Matthews Park, 2015 Best Promotional Effort – Traditional Award – Population 25,000 category for the Fall 2015 “History Edition” see Award > 4

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Obituaries JAMES T. HODGES James Thomas Hodges, 82, of Sandy Hook, Virginia, left this world to join his wife on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. He is survived by three sons, Ronald of Chesterfield, Va., Steven of Henrico, Va. and Lee of Lawrenceville, Ga.; three sisters, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Goochland County. Online guestbook is available at www.lacyfh.com.

17, 2020. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved parents, CAROLINE V. LONIGRO Glen and Caroline Virginia LoNigro, Michelle LONIGRO 22, of Henrico, went to be with LoNigro; the Lord on Saturday, Oct. siblings, Charlie and Heather

LoNigro; grandparents, Susan and Charles White and Virginia LoNigro; aunt, Laura Brady; uncle, Tommy LoNigro; cousin, Julia Bird. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Anthony “Poppy” LoNigro. Caroline was a recent graduate of Penn State University. She was very involved with her sorority,

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Public Meetings Interstate 64/664 Corridor Improvement Plan – Round Two You are invited to view an enhanced project website to learn about the Interstate 64/664 Corridor Study and provide input on potential targeted safety and congestion solutions

The Commonwealth Transportation Board, with support from the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, is developing an I-64/664 Corridor Improvement Plan. The plan will be developed as part of a data-driven study to (i) identify key problem areas along the corridor, and (ii) identify potential solutions and areas for additional review and study. You are invited to provide additional input on the I-64/664 Corridor Improvement Plan online during the second in a series of online feedback opportunities for this plan. The purpose of this second round is to gather public input on safety and congestion improvement recommendations on the I-64 and I-664 corridors in the Commonwealth. The study team has updated the project information website to provide details about potential solutions to the problems identified during the first round of public input.

Phi Sigma Rho. Caroline was very passionate about helping children and families of children that have been diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Caroline’s sorority along with other sororities at Penn State were very active with Thon, an organization that held a 46-hour dance-off to raise money for the children and families with cancer. Her family received friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Richmond, Va. 23229. A celebration of her life was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at the funeral home and was officiated by Father Michael Renninger with St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She was laid to rest in Westhampton Memorial Park following her celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Thon, 227D Hetzel Union Building, University Park, Pa. 16802.

97, of Columbia, Va., went to be with the Heavenly Father on October 25, 2020. She was born on August 27, 1923, to the late Frank and Berta Hawk. Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Charles A. Thurston. She is survived by four THURSTON children, Shirley Blevins (Jimmy), Mildred Taylor, Lois Salmon and Howard Thurston (Linda). She is also survived by many other family and friends. Frances was a school bus driver for Goochland County for many years, a cafeteria worker at Goochland Elementary School and Goochland High School before then retiring from the Department of Corrections. Services will be private due to COVID19. Arrangements are being FRANCES A. THURSTON handled by Norman Funeral Frances A. Hawk Thurston, Chapel in Goochland, Va.

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Award continued from >3 Program Guide, 2014 Best New Program – Population under 25,000 category for Tucker’s Tots Preschool Program, 2014 Best New Renovation/ Addition – Population under 25,000 category for the Central High School Gymnasium, 2013 Best New Facility – Population under 25,000 for Leakes Mill Park, and 2013 Best New Renovation/ Addition – Population under 25,000 for the Goochland Sports Complex.

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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‘Internet Safety for Seniors’ Nov. 23 On Nov. 23, Martin Bailey, AARP Community Ambassador, will discuss how seniors can stay safe while shopping and visiting online. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7212275. This virtual program, which takes place from 10:30-11:30 a.m., will be hosted through Zoom.

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The Juniors from The American Legion Auxiliary of Goochland’s Unit 215 and the Suns of the American Legion (SALs) would like to express their thanks for the community support received for their Humanitarian Relief Project. Under the guidance of the Junior co-leaders Melissa Clay and Heather Bryant and SAL leader Chuck Warden the group assembled 30 Snack bags, 50 Cleaning Kit and 50 Hygiene Kits, a tote of toys and a tote of extra snacks. The buckets were donated by Lowes, the drawstring bags donated by State Farm for both Hygiene kits and as snack bags and EZ Ship made the labels used to identify the kits and totes. Items were delivered to St. Charles Louisiana which was devasted by two hurricanes a month apart. Pictured with Heather Bryant, Melissa Clay, the Juniors, SAL member and the supplies assembled for St. Charles.

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Testing continued from >1 clinic via the Three Chopt Rd. entrance to Hadensville FireRescue Station 6. Individuals planning to participate are encouraged to pre-register for a COVID-19 test by calling (804) 351-6206. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged; walk-ins are welcome, and no insurance is required. The free drive-thru

flu vaccine clinic is open to ages 6 months and up while supplies last, please wear short sleeves. One of the best defenses against the flu is getting your flu vaccine! Individuals participating in the COVID-19 Testing and flu vaccine clinic are required to wear a face covering. All individuals should remain in their vehicles at all times, unless otherwise instructed. Goochland County encour-

ages all residents to get the seasonal flu vaccine this year. Individuals unable to attend the COVID-19 Testing event are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or local pharmacy about opportunities to get tested for COVID-19. Individuals with questions about the COVID-19 Testing and free seasonal flu vaccine clinic, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th, should call (804) 351-6206.

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

November 5, 2020

A day for parents-turned-teachers to get some well-deserved praise By Roslyn Ryan Editor

As you’ve probably noticed, these days almost every single date on the calendar offers something to celebrate. Don’t believe me? A quick internet search reveals that today happens to be National King Tut Day. You might fix yourself a meal worthy of a Pharaoh to celebrate if you’re not too stuffed from celebrating National Sandwich Day yesterday, or preparing for the National Men Make Dinner Day tomorrow. Of course, it’s one thing to get a little silly on National Absurdity Day

(Nov. 20), or do a little do-si-do on Nov. 29, which is National Square Dance Day. But there is one upcoming observance that I am hoping we can pay a little extra attention to this year. This Sunday, Nov. 8, is National Parents as Teachers Day. And while the day was originally set aside as a time to reflect on the role parents play as teachers of more general, character-focused things — work ethic, honesty, discipline — this year the date takes on a bit more significance. If you happen to be a parent of school-age children, 2020 has probably been pretty challenging (I won’t

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Classifieds

tell you how a good friend with three kids and a slow internet connection described it, but it rhymes with “swell”). Not only have you had to deal with the regular trials of life during a pandemic, but you likely also found yourself suddenly thrown into the role of substitute teacher as well. God bless all those homeschooling parents who chose the lifestyle long before “COVID” was even a whisper on the wind, but, as many have found out this year, running a tiny, multi-age school out of a kitchen or a guest bedroom is not for the faint of heart. see Parents > 12

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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With election done, its now time for nation to go forward By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

It’s difficult to write a column two days before what many are calling the most important election in American history. Listening to a crescendo of news in the final days of the campaign, the end game is confusing, and if the dire predictions ring true, neither of the results will bring resolution or unite a nation that seems hopelessly divided. It’s certainly not the first time an election has been described as the end all-be all, and implications described as earth-shattering. Truth be known, following each of the elections I’ve witnessed, a country awoke the morning after and began a routine that revealed no semblance of monumental change or disastrous consequences. On the day after election, many have glowed in the warm embrace of victory, while others vowed to fight again and carried on with disappointment but not disillusionment. There’s no doubt many of us are experiencing those same emotions on the day after what seemed like an election season that appeared to test the norms or traditions of political tradition. I’m guessing that a look back at history reveals a detailed history of hotly-contested elections in America, and a legacy that is filled with outrageous incidents of uncivil behavior by a few who could not accept the will of the majority. In reality, disappointment on the day after is an integral element of our political culture, and accepting governance from those who did not garner our vote is part of a democratic process. A detailed see Day after > page 7

Thursday

Day after continued from >6 and unwavering system of checks and balances ensures the views of the minority are not silenced by an election. If past experience can be relied upon as a future indi-

“On this day more than others, it’s important to recognize the real strength of our nation lies in its people.” cator, not much has changed as we seek our second wind after an election season that was exhausting, eternal and substantially annoying.

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

November 5, 2020 The sheer number of political advertisements convince me that there is, indeed, too much money in campaigns, and rhyme and reason long ago took a back seat to power and privilege. With no crystal ball, I’m not sure what any of us are feeling when these thoughts are actually published, and it’s recorded with the realization that providing thoughts on events that have not yet taken place is precarious at best. I’m not sure if your candidate won or lost, but I hope we have, like in past years, elected a president with results that leave no questions or interpretation as to the winner. Even with the recent political atmosphere that I will admit seems unprecedented, I believe a nation will once again look toward each other for solutions and civility and resist actions that

further divide or intensify. On this day more than others, it’s important to recognize the real strength of our nation lies in its people, its neighborhoods and its communities. We interact with neighbors everyday who hold differing political views, and extend our hands to help those in need without regard to political affiliation. We routinely unite and achieve common goals with no importance attached to how we voted, and celebrate our differences. Perhaps, we should learn to govern with that same sense of unity. So, that’s my hope for the day after this election. I suppose it’s the same hope that has bolstered voters on the first Wednesday in November for decades: The belief that our differences make us stronger, and there are no winners and losers on this day after, only participants.

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Community Calendar (jcshively@comcast.net).

Friday, Nov. 6 Join the Rotary Club of Goochland as the group welcomes guest speaker Bob Mooney, CFO of Phlow Corporation (a pharmaceutical company). The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Richmond Country Club. Guests may intend in person, or by ZOOM. Please e-mail Jay Shively

Friday, Nov. 13 Curious about Tarot Cards? Presented by Kris Waldherr, author of “The Lost History of Dreams,” participants in an upcoming virtual program can learn about the origin of tarot cards as simple playing cards of 14th century Italy used in

elaborate parlor games among the nobles and more successful merchant class, and see the elaborate hand-painted artwork of what used to be an expensive toy for the rich. Go to https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/7212755 to register. This program, which takes place from 7 – 8 p.m., is see Calendar > 12

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

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Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

From left: Goochland rider Chris Caul zooms down the opening stretch, kicking off his bid to become King of the Mill in the cycling races at Leakes Mill Park on Saturday; Andrea Rogerson gets ready to begin the Queen of the Mill race as the youngest entry and Goochland Mountain Bike Teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole representative in the race; Collin Handy rounds a corner on the course.

King, Queen of the Mill crowned in bike races Staff Reports

alloween morning opened at the scenic Leakes Mill Park with a pair of 9.5-mile individual time trial cycling races hosted by the Goochland Mountain Bike Team to determine the King and Queen of the Mill. King of the Mill honors went to Chris Caul, who led an all-Goochland top five rounded out by Macon Grier in second,

Alex Dahlgren, from Maidens, gets ready to kick off the Queen of the Mill time trial bike race.

Christopher Brewer in third, Collin Handy in fourth and Matt Whitford in fifth. Five entries raced for Queen of the Mill honors, with Jewel Bartels of the Colonial Revolution (New Kent County) winning the crown and teammate Autumn Bartels finishing second. Goochland MTB rider Andrea Rogerson, the youngest in the race, finished third. Colonial Revolution rider Brooke Bartels placed fourth and Alex Dahlgren, from Maidens, took fifth.

Goochland Mountain Bike Team rider Macon Grier nears the end of the King of the Mill race.

From left: Jewel Bartels puts together a winning time trial to take the crown in the Queen of the Mill cycling race at Leakes Mill Park; Gavin Brooks crosses a bridge on the course; Christopher Brewer crosses the finish line to record the third best time in the King of the Mill time-trial race; Dawson Handy descends into a downhill corner that takes him into the woods.

Thursday

November 5, 2020

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

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VHSL sports all set to resume in December By Tim Pearrell Richmond Times-Dispatch

A day after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam eased some restrictions on recreational sports — thus allowing high school athletics to resume in December — the Virginia High School League on Friday released its return-to-play guidelines. The amendments made by Northam were to his executive order on temporary restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. Per the VHSL’s guidelines, indoor and outdoor recreational sports are permitted as long as the total number of attendees doesn’t exceed the lesser of 250 people or 50% of the venue’s occupancy load. Races or marathons can have up to 1,000 participants, provided that staggered starts separate runners into groups of 250 or less. Screenings of coaches, officials, staff and players for COVID-19 are required before admission to a venue. Earlier guidance said participants in any sport should maintain 10 feet of physical distance where practicable. That is not in the amended order, although the state’s Phase Three guidelines recommend that at least 6 feet of distance should be maintained for most settings. Among the guidelines, there “should be no hugging, highfives, handshakes or fist bumps,” and pregame and postgame handshakes are eliminated. Some sports will have modifications. Basketball will not

have jump balls, with the visiting team getting the first possession of the game. In boys lacrosse, there won’t be face-offs — a coin toss will determine possession to begin the game — and body contact/checks are illegal. In girls lacrosse, there won’t be draws; the visiting team gets first possession, with alternating possessions thereafter. Wrestling is considered a higher-risk sport by the National Federation of State High School Associations. The VHSL guidelines do not limit contact but recommend, among other things, that in practice wrestlers should be paired in pods of four and should be exposed to only one teammate in the pod; the pod should remain the same for a minimum of two weeks; and schools should take mandatory breaks every 10 minutes to allow wrestlers to sanitize their hands. The complete list of guidelines are on the VHSL’s website, www.vhsl.org. The state has been under Phase Three guidelines since July 1. The VHSL said during the summer that some of those restrictions would need to be loosened before higher-risk sports, such as football, could be played by the state’s public schools. The Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association plans to release its safety protocols for winter sports on Nov. 6. Earlier this week, VHSL executive director Billy Haun gave an inkling the change

was coming when he told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the league was on track to begin practicing and playing games after submitting guidelines to the governor’s office and the state Department of Health. Winter sports are scheduled to start practice Dec. 7-14 and start playing games Dec. 21-Jan. 6, according to the revised format approved in September by the VHSL’s executive committee. Fall sports, which were pushed back because of the pandemic, are scheduled to start practice in February and run through May 1. Spring sports are scheduled to start practice in mid-April and run through late June. “This amendment by the Governor clears the way for all of our sports to play,” Haun said in a news release. “We appreciate the time, effort and input staff received while preparing this document. Adherence to these guidelines will offer a safe reopening for our students, coaches, staff, officials and communities once we start playing in December. Additionally, we appreciate the close collaboration and guidance from the Governor’s office, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).” Haun said earlier this week that decisions on whether or not to play will be up to local school divisions. The state’s 132 divisions are operating in various ways — fully remote, in person, partially in person, hybrid or partially hybrid — accord-

ing to the state Department of Education. Goochland High School athletic director Joe Fowler said: “We plan to resume all sports that the VHSL recommends.” “There will be challenges, but we will do everything we can to facilitate our athletes’ and coaches’ return to competition,” Fowler said. Powhatan High School athletic director Tim Llewellyn said the school is planning on playing all sports. “I am excited for our student-athletes who have been working hard with their out-ofseason workouts with the hopes of having a season,” Llewellyn said. “The VHSL has laid out strict protocols that we will have to follow for athletes, coaches and fans. Our coaches and athletes that have been working out are already used to following the protocols we already had in place.” Chesterfield County schools spokesperson Tim Bullis said in an email that the county school system’s plan “is to review these new VHSL guidelines and the VDOE/VDH information with our local risk management team to see what can be adapted at each school site with our existing programs. In the meantime, our high schools have had active voluntary conditioning sessions that started in September, and we will follow the existing VHSL protocols for out-of-season conditioning until the projected VHSL opening dates in December changes the format.”

“We intend to play high school sports,” Henrico County schools spokesperson Andy Jenks said in an email. “Over the course of the next month, we will make sure that we have met all VHSL guidelines to practice and play.” Hanover County schools spokesperson Chris Whitley said in an email that the school system was evaluating VHSL’s guidance but had not made a final decision. “Keeping our student-athletes safe is critical during this pandemic,” Northam said in the VHSL’s news release. “I know I join many parents in looking forward to the safe return of school sports. VHSL has been a tremendous partner throughout the COVID crisis, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness and diligence they have put in development of these guidelines for returning to play.” The VHSL’s 39-page document was assembled after looking at information from medical committees, the Department of Health, individual sports, the NCAA, coaches, advisory committees, and schools. The document says the guidelines are “meant to decrease potential exposure to respiratory droplets by encouraging social distancing, limiting participation in administrative tasks to essential personnel and allowing for appropriate protective equipment. Recommendations include: cleaning and disinfecting; mask protocols; transportation; and how to run activities safely for

individual sports and activities. If someone tests positive for COVID-19, the guidelines say “schools must follow their safety plan as well as adhere to Virginia and local Department of Health guidelines in determining a comprehensive plan of action.” Henrico High School boys basketball coach Vance Harmon said it was “exciting news that we are starting the return-toplay process.” “The VHSL is taking every [imaginable] precaution to ensure the safety of all participants,” he said. “I’m grateful that the student-athletes are getting a small taste of normalcy.” Cosby High School football coach Pete Mutascio called it “a great step forward” and said coaches and athletic directors “will now have to see how these guidelines can be met.” Highland Springs High School girls basketball coach Franklin Harris said he’s just looking forward to having games. “Great for the players,” he said. “Any recommendations we have to deal with, no big deal. What everyone has gone through this year, how we sit, wearing a mask, cleaning, it’s a little bump in the road. They are getting to play, and those still being looked at by colleges can be seen. Don’t look for the negative. It’s time to be positive, and if we are, it will work.” -- Nick Vandeloecht contributed to this report.

Collegiate girls tennis stays unbeaten on Senior Night Staff Reports

Collegiate girls tennis remained perfect in team play going into its last two matches of the 2020 fall season with a 7-0 sweep of St. Anne’s-

Belfield on the Cougars’ Senior Night at Robins Campus in Goochland. Collegiate also improved to 52-4 in total singles matches played. The home team earned five bagel sets in its top seven matches. Kylee

Sanderson, playing at No. 7, blanked Emma Finley-Gillis 10-0, and Helena Huff, Elizabeth Mendoza, Nora Willett and Lucy Ottley won 10-0 over Eloise Granville, Haley Couling, Caroline Lang and Meredith Payne,

respectively. Emma Eldrige denied Reese Couling 10-3, and Powhatan County’s Kayli Shenk routed Lisa Ng 10-2. The teams also played one exhibition match, and it was a competitive one, as Sarina DePalma

edged out Lily Wiley 9-7 to complete the overall sweep for Collegiate. The Cougars took an 8-0 team record into their final week, with road matches at St. Gertrude’s on Tuesday and at Trinity on Friday.

Thursday

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November 5, 2020

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