The Goochland Gazette – 12/31/2020 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Benedictine Cadets basketball program off to 2-1 start > page 9

Volume 65, Number 52 • December 31, 2020

From the pandemic to the Presidential election, a look back at the stories residents were talking about during a year we won’t soon forget

A year like no other

Goochland opens new security screening building at Courthouse

File photos

It was a year of change, loss and, in some instances, even hope, as residents grappled with the effects of the coronavrus pandemic and the global push for social change. Clockwise, from the top left, Eris Crouch wipes down tables at Goochland Restaurant; marchers take part in a peaceful demonstration in support of social justice and equality; the late Father Adrian Harmening; Goochland Animal Shelter staff celebrate the opening of the county’s new state of the art animal shelter and adoption center.

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Months before the coronavirus pandemic hit, most residents were focused on things closer to home, including long-awaited improvements to several county facilities. Among those improvements was the county’s new security screening building, which replaced the tents that had been set up for several months in front of the stately Jeffersonian courthouse. The 1,047 square foot screening space provides a secure area for courthouse personnel to screen those entering the courthouse. The issue of courthouse safety was first raised in 2018, and in September of that year the county Board of Supervisors appropriated the initial funds for the project in the amount of $450,000. In March of last year, the Board authorized Goochland County Administrator John Budesky to execute an agreement with Caspian Construction, LLC for the construction of the new screening building and appropriate an additional $283,000 from CIP reserve funds to complete the work and allow for a 7 percent contingency. see Review > page 2

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Recent Property Transfers 1312 Autumn Breeze Drive, Oilville; Mark Haynes to Bland L. Motley, $551,500. 12252 Bremner Ridge Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Randy Lee Thompson, $645,687. 1261 Cardwell Road, Crozier; Christina R. Marmarou to Brandon Eckel Mackey, $392,500. 272 Creekmore Place, Goochland; Legault Homes LLC to Susan M. Bradley, $389,520. 1892 Fairground Road, Maidens; Wade H. Martin Jr. to Jeffrey M. Corbin, $560,000.

Elrod & Dunham

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Dentistry

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Review continued from >1

Benedictine, St. Gertrude announce plans to co-locate

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

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

www.goochlandgazette.com Early last summer, Goochland County Animal Protection was called to pick-up a small, long-haired, dog that had wandered into a local citizens yard, the dog, “Mash” was scared, unapproachable, and infested with fleas, ticks, and maggots. Goochland Pet Lovers, through its Dr. Lori L. Elliott Medical Fund, provided funding to cover the cost of the grooming clippers and medications needed to bring Mash back to good health.

3933 Fouree Farms Lane, Columbia; Christopher Lee Hornstra to Emanuel Alexander Jarrell, $250,000. 569 Hill Grove Road, Manakin Sabot; David O’Leary to Robert Edwin Wadkins, $665,000. 881 Kempston Lane, Goochland; Boone Homes Inc. to Susan Cox, $743,384. 691 Manakin Road, Manakin Sabot; Christopher M. McCarthy, trustee to Jorge O. Mendoza, $385,000. 1555 Rock Castle Road, Goochland; Annette B. Jones to Johnny Dean Taylor, $540,000.

Elrod and Dunham Dentistry

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

December 31, 2020

Seven years after Benedictine College Preparatory made the move from Richmond to Goochland, another pillar of Richmond’s Catholic community announced that it will be following suit. On Jan. 17, leaders from Saint Gertrude High School announced that they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Benedictine to establish a formal partnership and co-locate in the coming years. “This announcement is about much more than a new home for Saint Gertrude,” said Sr. Joanna Burley, Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters, and Fr. Jonathan Licari, Benedictine’s Canonical Administrator, in a joint statement. “It is about strengthening the foundation of Catholic education for our young men and women, now and well into the future.” The two independent schools — long united by their origins in the Benedictine Catholic Order and once located only blocks apart in Richmond’s historic Fan District — will formally operate under the newly-formed umbrella organization of the Benedictine Schools of Richmond, though the schools will continue to operate independently with a continued emphasis on single-sex education.

Watkins selected as new Deputy Fire-Rescue Chief After a highly competitive search, it was announced that John Michael “Mike” Watkins had been hired as Goochland County’s new Deputy Chief of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services. Chief Watkins came to Goochland from Hanover County Fire-EMS, where he served as an Operations Battalion Chief. He officially began his new role on Feb. 3, 2020.

Work on accident-plagued intersection gets underway Work on the intersection of Route 288 and Broad Street began in March, about 18 months earlier than originally planned. While the project had been a priority for years, supervisors began looking at the intersection with renewed urgency last year after Oilville resident Yvonne Bullington was killed in a crash at the site on March 26, 2019. The contract for the work was awarded to Curtis Construction on Dec. 18, 2019.

County’s Callihan inducted into Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame Just a few months after being inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame, Goochland resident Floyd Callihan received another honor. see Callihan > 3

SPORTS

St. Gertrude opens season with four straight wins PAGE 8 Classifieds ........................... 14 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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December 31, 2020

Callihan continued from >2 On Feb. 1, the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol dedicated the Col. Floyd B. Callihan briefing and classroom at the organization’s Richmond headquarters. Callihan, whose own WWII service included serving aboard the USS Block Island, has become well-known for his tireless support of veterans causes, and was the driving force behind the creation of Goochland’s Post 215. He also led the charge in 2004 to have Virginia’s Route 288 designated as the WWII Veterans’ Memorial Highway.

Supervisors grant CUP for Moss Mine

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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mously given the go-ahead by the board on Feb. 4, Chair Susan Lascolette’s response was understandable. The project, after all, which will include over 90,000 square feet of retail and office space and 234 residential units just off Broad Street in the Centerville Village district, had gone through countless iterations as developers received feedback from residents concerned about everything from traffic to property values. “I don’t think any other developer has ever held as many meetings with the community,” said former supervisor Manuel Alvarez, who spoke out in support of the project during the public comment period. Like several others in attendance, Alvarez praised developer Scott Gaeser and Towne and Country Partners, LLC for their willingness to repeatedly tweak their plan. Manakin Towne, once completed, is expected to feature the county’s first apartments outside the West Creek development. The project will also feature 39 town homes and eight dwellings described at lofts. The residential portion, referred to as Phase 2, will not be permitted to start until at least 45,000 square feet of commercial space is in use on the File photo 39.58-acre site. With all county schools closed due to COVID-19, Goochland Elementary School first grade

Goochland County supervisors in February gave the green light to a plan set to bring gold mining back to Goochland. On Feb. 4, the board unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Buckingham resident Paul Busch to set up a mining operation at 4835 Shannon Hill Road, a 45-acre property known throughout the area as the Old Moss Mine. Founded in 1835, the mine was a source of gold and silver before being abandoned around 1939. A similar CUP for a mining operation was approved in 2014, but expired last July 2019 before any min- Biden was pick for ing took place. Conditions for county Democrats maintaining the CUP include Goochland voters left little screening the area and adher- doubt as to their choice for ing to an approved groundwa- the Democrat who would ter protection plan. face Donald Trump in the November election, with forFirst MPUD project mer Vice President Joseph approved by board Biden picking up 61.03 perIt isn’t at every Goochland cent of the county votes in County Board of Supervisors the Democratic Presidential meeting that the conclusion of Primary held March 3. Of a public hearing is followed by the 3,927 votes cast, Biden an audible sigh of relief from had 2,509 votes, followed by the board chair. In the case Vermont’s Sen. Bernie Sanders of the county’s first Mixed with 692, former New York City Use Planned Development Mayor Michael Bloomberg (MPUD), which was unani- with 480, and Massachusetts’

teacher Kelley Taylor sent a message to her students.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren with 312. Several candidates who had already dropped out of the race were still able to grab a few votes, including former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg (28), and Minnesota’s Sen. Amy Klobuchar (26).

County responds to pandemic threat Simply put, “It really is unprecedented,” said Goochland County Administrator John Budesky of the novel coronavirus — or COVID-19 — outbreak that

the county found itself facing in early March. Budesky, along with his administrative team and partners from across the region, quickly began working to map out a course of action for dealing with the outbreak, and Goochland declared a state of emergency on Friday, March 13, alongside Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and the City of Richmond. Although there were no presumed positive cases of COVID-19 in Goochland at the time, the county would soon close all county facilities to use by the public after nor-

mal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.), and cancel all nonessential public meetings. While there were soon reports of large scale shortages of basic supplies such as bottled water, paper towels and toilet paper, there were also many examples of residents pulling together to help others in need. Scores of residents took to social media to offer help, from providing food assistance to children to helping elderly residents advised not to leave their homes. For his part, Budesky said that the county would continue to work around the clock

to respond to the coronavirus threat, striving to manage fears and offer support. “First and foremost we want to thank our residents for their patience,” Budesky said. “We want them to know that we have the best interests of our residents and our local businesses at heart, and are going to do whatever it takes to maintain their physical and mental well-being, and their financial well-being. We take all of these issues very seriously.”

Goochland Pharmacy celebrates 40 years When it came time to snap a celebratory photo in honor of Goochland Pharmacy owner Peyton “Pete” Taylor’s 40th year in business, it wasn’t hard to get a crowd of Taylor’s family and close friends in on the action. The reason? Many of them were already working right there in the store. Ever since the pharmacy opened in 1980, Taylor said, he has worked to make sure that everyone who walked through the door felt welcome. To this day, it remains a place where customers are treated like family and a number of his employees actually are family, including both his daughter and mother-in-law. Taylor likes to point out that working in a pharmacy is the only job he’s ever had, having gotten his start at 16 as a pharmacy technician in his home town of Charlottesville. “I love what I do, and I’ve been doing it for 40 years,” Taylor said. “How many people can say that?”

Local library finds ways to connect As the county continued to brace for impact from the worldwide coronavirus outbreak, the Pamunkey Regional Library system announced that it too would be closing to the see Coronavirus > 4

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December 31, 2020

Coronavirus continued from >3 public. But while volunteers were told to stay home and patrons could no longer enter the building, the crisis did little to deter library staff from making sure that residents could still have access to what they needed. In addition to extending the borrowing time on books and movies, Goochland Library Branch Manager Janet Melton said that libraries in the area had quickly mobilized to provide curbside service to residents who needed to check out materials. Across the Pamunkey Regional system, staff members also got to work assembling personalized “Cheer Packs” for young library patrons, featuring books (parents may call in to provide information on their child’s favorite author), coloring sheets and other items. The staff at the Goochland Library even posted encouraging notes and colorful posters on the door. “We miss you,” said one, while another reminded patrons that “This too shall pass.”

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Goochland schools close for remainder of the school year With Governor Ralph Northam’s announcement that all Virginia public schools would be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, Goochland School Superintendant Dr. Jeremy Raley quickly sought to reassure anxious students and parents. “Although I know that our students and our team join me in our shock and sadness at this announcement, we know that this measure is being taken to ensure that we keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy,” Raley said in a letter posted on the school division’s website. “This measure will also hopefully ensure that we can open our doors again in August with extra enthusiasm for another amazing year.” Northam’s order applied to all K-12 schools in the state, both public and private, and came as the coronavirus continued to spread in Virginia. Richmond-area school districts had already announced that schools would be closed until at least April 13. Raley said he understood that the news would take an

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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Hundreds gathered at Goochland High School on the evening of June 19 to begin a peaceful march to the county courthouse. The march, scheduled to coincide with the Juneteenth holiday, was described by organizers as a way of calling attention to racial inequality in Goochland and around the world.

emotional toll on families, many of whom were already strained by financial and other concerns due to the outbreak. “Like all divisions in Virginia, we did not leave our schools a week ago Friday imagining that it would be our last day together in our buildings,” Raley said. “Our work to ensure some continuity in learning and operations was being conducted in anticipation of returning to schools before June. Fortunately, we have a team in Goochland that will put its tremendous talents to work in the days and weeks ahead to develop plans that will allow us to adapt to these historic events with the same energy that distinguishes us on any day as the best.”

Administrator, John A. Budesky announced that he would leave the role in June to become the next county administrator for Hanover County. “It has truly been an honor to serve the board of supervisors and the citizens of Goochland County,” Budesky said in a statement released last week. “I am extremely proud of the entire staff and leadership team that we have grown and developed over my tenure. Together we have accomplished a great deal for our residents and business community. Goochland is in good hands as I make this transition, and will be well into the future.” Under Budesky’s tenure, Goochland earned its second AAA rating and became the County Administrator smallest county in the nation Budesky announces to achieve a AAA rating from Moody’s Investment Services. move to Hanover He kicked off the multi-phase After nearly four years replacement of the county’s as Goochland’s County financial system as well as estab-

lished an innovative 25-year capital improvement program. In addition, the county initiated and completed multiple projects including construction of the new Animal Shelter, Hadensville Fire Station 6, the Emergency Communication Center & Operations Center, and the renovation of the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center. “On behalf of the board of supervisors, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation and at the same time reluctantly accept Mr. Budesky’ s resignation as the Goochland county administrator,” said board of supervisors chair Susan Lascolette. “Mr. Budesky has been a valued member of our leadership team and has contributed immeasurably to our success. While we are losing an outstanding leader, I take comfort in knowing we are gaining a trusted regional partner. We wish him the very best in his new position.”

Hudak named 2020 Teacher of the Year for GCPS Division If the residents of a certain area community happened to peek out of their windows on the afternoon of April 24, they might have witnessed an unusual sight: walking briskly down the street bearing balloons and flowers were several members of the Goochland County School Division administration, including Dr. Jeremy Raley. The purpose of the visit? To surprise the school division’s Teacher of the Year, Anne Marie Hudak. While in any other year the Teacher of the Year announcement would have been made during the annual “Evening of Excellence” awards banquet, ongoing coronavirus precautions meant that things had to be done a bit differently this time “I hope she’s home,” joked see Teachers > 5

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December 31, 2020

Teachers continued from >4 Raley as the three approached Hudak’s front door, broadcasting the entire operation was live on Facebook. Among the other outstanding Goochland County Public Schools teachers and staff honored this year were: Ms. Diane O’Connell, Byrd Elementary School Ms. Caroline Van Ness, Goochland Elementary School Ms. Whitney Neiditch, Randolph Elementary School Ms. Alexis Lewis, Goochland Middle School Mr. Frank Eldridge, Lead Custodian, Byrd ElementaryEmployee of the Year Ms. Mary Beth Geiger, Goochland ElementaryVolunteer of the Year Ms. Mary Frances Roll, Randolph ElementaryElementary Rookie of the Year Ms. Alex Gerkin, Goochland High-Secondary Rookie of the Year GCPS Food Service Team-Team of the Year

Benedictine mourns loss of beloved priest Disciplined, fair, steadfast, faithful. To anyone who attended Benedictine College Preparatory at any point over the last 65 years, Rev. Adrian W. Harmening could have been summed up with those words. But it was also clear on May 18, as news of Harmening’s death spread throughout the community of students, faculty members and alumni who had known him, that another adjective was just as fitting: beloved. In July 1955, shortly after being ordained as a priest, Father Adrian arrived at Benedictine High School in Richmond for a one-year assignment that would end up lasting over six decades. Over those years he would serve as a teacher, disciplinarian, and

eventually a principal. His goal, he liked to say, was to make saints out of all of his students. Up until his last day, it was reported, Father Adrian could still recall the name of each student who had attended Benedictine during his time there. He desired, above all, to serve God: “All I ever wanted from the time I could walk,” he said, “was to be a priest.”

Goochland opens doors to new shelter, pet adoption center As she made her way through the bright, spacious hallways of the county’s new animal shelter on a warm sunny day last June, shelter coordinator Julie Lawrence could barely contain her excitement. Though she’d had a front row seat to the shelter’s journey from its earliest days, she still couldn’t quite believe it was finally complete. If the county’s new animal shelter sounds like a dream come true for local pet champions, that’s no accident. In fact, it’s exactly that. The new 13,941 square foot state of the art facility incorporates a municipal animal shelter, an adoption center, and an in house spay/neuter clinic far surpassing the size of the former Animal Shelter. Located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane, it is a shining example of county and community collaboration that will benefit Goochland County for many years to come. Development and construction of the Goochland Animal Shelter and Adoption Center was possible through county funds and generous community contributions through the Goochland Pet Lovers. “I am extremely proud that Goochland has delivered on our commitment to build a shelter that is well constructed and that will serve the community for many years to come,” said then

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County County Administrator John A. Budesky. “We are grateful for the gracious and ongoing support and our partnership with Goochland Pet Lovers. The shelter reflects our desire to create a caring environment our residents and pets deserve.” Planning for the new shelter began in January 2015, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in August 2017.

Stamey named as interim county administrator On Wednesday, June 10, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors named Deputy County Administrator Derek L. Stamey as Interim County Administrator effective July 1, 2020. “The Board of Supervisors has complete faith that the county is in good hands with Mr. Stamey as Interim County Administrator,” said Chair Susan F. Lascolette, “his expertise, ability to engage, initiative and willingness to take on large challenges is a testament to his ability to lead and inspire. We look forward to working with him during this orderly transition.” In October of 2009, Stamey began serving as the County’s Director of Parks, Recreation, & Facilities Management, overseeing the divisions of Parks and Recreation, Goochland Extension Office, and Facilities Management. In December 2016, he became Deputy County Administrator for Operations overseeing Animal Protection, General Services, Parks & Recreation, Goochland Extension Office, and Major Capital Construction. Stamey was awarded the Marcia Mashaw Outstanding Assistant Award by the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA) on June 20, 2019 in recognition of a number of accomplishments, including his leadership role in renovat-

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Organized by the group ing and restoring the Central High School Cultural and Goochland United, the march saw demonstrators make Educational Complex. their way from Goochland High School to the county Peaceful protest many holding march calls attention Courthouse, signs and calling out for social to racial injustice justice reform. It was the second gatherLooming thundershowers and reports of counter protest- ing that month in support of ers did little to deter a group of equality, following a demonaround 200 from taking part stration held at the County in what organizers described Administration building on as a march for solidarity on June 6, and was timed to coincide with Juneteenth, a holiday June 19..

celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. To Goochland native Crystal Johnson, the demonstrations around the country felt unlike than anything she had seen before. “I feel like it’s different this time,” Johnson said. “I love seeing all the different faces,” Johnson said. “I’m excited.” Demonstrators stayed largely on the sidewalk as they moved in a line toward the see Protest > 12

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Putting his best foot forward Of all the photos we saw this year, this shot of Goochland resident Ezra Baier-Miles playing in a muddy creek near his home was one of our favorites. Perhaps it was the young man’s determination to enjoy the world around him despite all that the pandemic had taken away, or maybe the photo just reminded all of us grown-ups of those days when nothing brought more worry-free happiness than simply splashing in the nearest body of water (even if it was just a puddle). Photo by Amanda Miles

Long, sad year also offered moments of hope By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Truth be told, when it came time to go back through all of the editions we published this year and compile our annual “Look Back” story, I

didn’t exactly rush to get started. I’m sure most of our readers won’t find this hesitance to look backward all that surprising, particularly given the year we’ve had. In so many ways, 2020 has been a doozy. No matter your stance on

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the country’s response to COVID19; or the civil unrest that rocked the nation on the wake of George Floyd’s death; or even the long, strange road to Election Day and its aftermath, just about everyone will agree on two things: one, this was one of the

strangest, darkest, most tumultuous years in recent memory, and, two, we’re not exactly sad to see it go. Of course, as at most jobs, “I don’t feel like it” doesn’t usually qualify around here as a reason to avoid see Year’s end > 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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A matter of saving the space By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

I have to admit I didn’t realize the benefits of learning to type as I sat in Ms. Griffin’s typing class decades ago. Years later, I’m glad I paid attention to at least a portion of what she had to say. Her words still ring in my mind, “a,s,d,f, j,k,l.” It was a different time when the typewriter was king, and watching someone who had mastered the art was almost hypnotizing, their fingers moving as a blur as letters quickly became words. Those two semesters of typing have opened a world of opportunities for me, and rarely a day passes that I don’t use those skills to produce copy. For many, me included, typing has become easier than writing by hand, and taking notes on a tablet seems much more efficient that pen and paper. I’m willing to bet my kids have never seen a typewriter, but they’ve spent a lifetime on keyboards, and, truth be told, they type at a much higher rate of speed than me. So, I was a bit surprised by a question posed by one of them in recent weeks. “Do you put one space or two at the end of a sentence?” one asked. “One,” I answered without hesitation. She explained that some people used two spaces to separate sentences and her teacher said that either way is correct. “No way,” I replied. I explained how the AP Stylebook was the definitive authority on all such matters and it clearly stated that one space after the period was sufficient. When I attained my first job in see Typing > page 7

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December 31, 2020

Typing continued from >6 journalism, I was an habitual “two spacer,” relying on those lessons learned in Ms. Griffin’s class. I quickly learned that those two spaces looked more like a parking lot when it came to newspaper design, and vowed to never hit the space bar more than once. Following my daughter’s inquiry, I noticed that many people cling to the two-space system. I scanned my emails to gauge just how many people

were insisting on remaining grammatically incorrect and using two spaces to separate sentences. After some research, my suspicions were confirmed and I learned the two-space interval is a leftover phenomenon from our typewriter days. It seems the two spaces were necessary to delineate sentences and allow the eye to follow the copy more easily. When computers entered the picture, formatting made the extra space obsolete, but it was never identified as

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“Researchers and scientists have tracked the path of your eye as you read sentences and some say the extra space makes reading and comprehension easier.” incorrect. It took the path of the Oxford comma, a sort of accepted form of self-expression not deemed correct or incorrect. After reading several articles on the subject, I realized my daughter was not the

only person who questioned the wisdom of having two accepted systems. Researchers and scientists have tracked the path of your eye as you read sentences and some say the

www.goochlandgazette.com extra space makes reading and comprehension easier. I don’t discount those findings, but I told my daughter that writers who used two spaces were living on borrowed time, and modern keyboarders would one day be unaware that the controversy ever existed. And, honestly, who really cares if the extra space survives or what the AP Stylebook dictates? I suppose it’s the same group that grimaces when

people put those name tags on their homes and leave in the extra apostrophe. After our discussion, my daughter said the decision to use one space or two seemed like more of a personal choice issue. Out of respect for her father, she made the choice to use only one. I felt like it was a small victory for the sanctity of the AP Stylebook, but somehow a dig on Ms. Griffin and her dedication to that second space.

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When local libraries were forced to close due to the pandemic, library staff hung handmade signs on the doors and windows to help lift patrons’ spirits.

Year’s end continued from >6 work that needs to be done. So, with that in mind, I finally bit the proverbial bullet, fired up the laptop and began the look back at the year so many of us would rather forget. It was a strange thing to read over the stories we were covering back in the early part of the year, in those heady days when we took so much of our daily routines for granted and had no idea what awaited the entire planet just a few weeks ahead. I had forgotten the way COVID-19 unfolded, slowly at first and then with a terrible swiftness as schools, businesses and local government offices

shuttered. Suddenly, so much of what we knew was gone, or at least suspended in a sort of terrible holding pattern. There was misinformation and memes about toilet paper, fingers pointed and dozens of different theories on how long the pandemic would last and how best to go about our daily lives in this strange new world. Oddly, what I hadn’t counted on when I began my look back was getting the chance to be reminded of the many positive stories we were able to witness this year. Many of those were related to the pandemic — including stories about the incredible resilience and kindness Goochland residents showed in the face of so much sadness and uncer-

tainty — but not all of them. Over the course of the past 12 months we have had the chance to meet so many inspiring residents of all ages selflessly donating their time and talents to help their community. We have welcomed a wonderful new county administrator, a tireless Christmas Mother and enough selfless, passionate local teachers to fill an issue all their own. To all of those who came together to help this community survive 2020, we here at the Goochland Gazette offer our most sincere gratitude. It may not be a year we want to remember, but your kindness, compassion, fortitude and giving spirit are all things we won’t soon forget.

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Saint Gertrude opens season on 4 straight wins By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

GOOCHLAND -- The Gators’ defense made their lead loom larger than it looked. Holding a 5-point advantage over visiting Catholic in a rematch from the week prior, Saint Gertrude translated its stalwart defense into gameclinching points from the foul line to win 43-35 and remain unbeaten in their new home gymnasium – the McMurtrieReynolds Pavilion – going into Christmas Break. “Our defense really stepped up; we emphasize playing helpside defense when we play man-to-man and I think they did a really good job of that, understanding their rotations,” Saint Gertrude head coach Robyn D’Onofrio said Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette after the game. “The commuFrom left: Saint Gertrude senior Nan Kerner (3) rises for an attempted layup and Kerner’s teammate, sophomore Sam Smith (14), attacks the basket in the nication was excellent.” Gators’ home game at the McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion last Tuesday versus Catholic. The Gators won 43-35 to improve to 4-0 before the holiday break. “After so much practice together, we just are like a little family, and we know how to play with each other and talk – and talk through difficult screens or their plays that they throw at us,” said senior Nan Kerner, who led the Gators with 14 points on Tuesday. Seven different players found the basket to give Saint Gertrude a 30-14 lead at the half, but the visiting Crusaders closed the gap over the third quarter, getting the Gators’ advantage down to 4 points before Kerner hit two free throws for a 38-32 lead going into the fourth. The Gators were able to regroup in their timeouts, and D’Onofrio said they gave the green light to other players whom she noted “maybe don’t have as obvious of a role when it comes to the scorebook” to “step up and be offensive and

see Gators> 9 From left: Junior Kayla Ford (21) communicates with her teammates in last Tuesday’s game; sophomore Erin Woodson (4) works to defend against Catholic.

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December 31, 2020

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Benedictine basketball heads into holidays with 2-1 start Staff Report

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

From left: Benedictine senior Jackson Cray (10) drives the ball into the opponents’ arc in last Tuesday’s home game versus Catholic at McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion; senior Jeb Cray jumps up for a layup; senior Whit Williams rises up to defend a layup by an opposing player from Catholic last Tuesday.

Gators continued from >8 defensive threats.” “Because they are in practice; sometimes they just take a backseat to some people,” D’Onofrio said, “and it was really nice today to see – even though you might not see it in the statline – just what great things that so many of the players were able to contribute.” Maintaining their composure was also key. “We have a mature group of seniors” in captains Kerner, Kaitlin Puccinelli and Katie Pilot, D’Onofrio said. “Their leadership out there on the floor – all three of them were out there at the same time at some point – that’s invaluable.” Guards Kayla Ford and Sam Smith also contributed to the Gators’ defensive stands and offensive drives up front. They combined for six points

in the second quarter to help bolster Saint Gertrude’s lead going into halftime. “Sam came through huge for us – she always just plays such gritty defense for us, and she was able to put some buckets in, which is a huge feather in her cap, because she practices hard all the time and she’s just such a great asset to the team,” D’Onofrio said. “Kayla plays such an unnoticed role all the time at point guard, and this time, she was able to get some buckets and she was able to get some great looks, and defensively, she played a great game all around. “It was really nice to kind of see them – especially in our little surge there – make some headway.” Passing was a strength for the Gators throughout, with Kerner in one early instance driving into the paint, then flipping the ball amidst pressure to her teammate Kate

Samson on her right. Samson netted the easy bucket. “Their defense was very tight, so I knew – they collapsed on me a lot … I could find nice kickouts to other shooters,” Kerner said. “It helped a lot, because our shots were falling most of the night.” Samson rebounded well in the early stages of the fourth quarter, and the Gators weaved their way through the Crusaders’ late-game fullcourt press to earn trips to the foul line. Free throws made by Kerner and sophomore Erin Woodson – who with a big step inside landed a key short jumper earlier in the quarter – lifted the Gators’ lead out of the visitors’ reach. Woodson finished the night with 9 points. Samson and Ford each scored 6. Saint Gertrude is now 4-0, having won all four of its games at home. “It’s great; I’m excited for

GOOCHLAND -- After three tightly contested quarters, Catholic unleashed a 21-0 run in the fourth to deny Benedictine 55-32 in last Tuesday’s home game at McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion. Seniors Jackson and Jeb Cray combined for 17 of the Cadets’ points, with Jackson scoring 9 and Jeb 8. Jackson hit three 3-pointers, including one in the corner off of a nolook pass from his brother, and Jeb drove hard for four layups to help keep the score tight through the first three stanzas. The Cadets sank six 3s overall, with Hudson Williams knocking down two in the first half and senior Whit Williams draining one from the top of the key in the first. The Cadets are 2-1 going into the holiday break.

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

From left: Cherese Lampkins (10) drives to the basket; Kate Samson rises to defend the shot.

day is a good day that we’re what’s to come and more dif- win more.” “Just happy to be with the playing basketball, so we’re ficult games like this,” Kerner said, “and just can’t wait to girls,” D’Onofrio said. “Every just very happy to be together.”

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