The Goochland Gazette – 02/04/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Goochland Woman’s Club helps collect gifts of comfort for veterans > page 6

Volume 66 Number 5 • February 4, 2021

Health district shares details on vaccination priority groups Healthcare personnel, frontline workers among those eligible for vaccine Contributed report

tices had come so far that he was awarded the 2020 James River Grand Basin Clean Water Farm Award from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. So how did he do it?

Based on limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Chickahominy Health District is vaccinating Priority Group 1a and has begun to vaccinate some of Priority Group 1b including People Age 75+ and People Age 65+ with an underlying medical condition. Below are the priority groups that the Chickahominy Health District is currently vaccinating in partnership with our local and regional partners. To learn about the COVID19 priority groups (Phase 1a, Phase 1b, and Phase 1c) please visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/. Priority Group 1a: Healthcare Personnel and Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities Priority Group 1b: Frontline Essential Workers (Police/Fire/Hazmat, Corrections and Homeless shelter workers, and childcare/ PreK-12 teachers/staff), People Age 75+, and People Age 65+ with an underlying medical condition At this time those who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under Phase 1a and Phase 1b can complete the Chickahominy Health District’s COVID-19 online vaccine survey tool, which can be found here: https:// forms.gle/fS8wcHMeBej1gMpA8. If you

see Nuckols > 3

see Vaccine > page 5

Photo by Liza Dameron

Catching some (chilly) air Rhett Grimes used Sunday’s snowfall — the first of the season — to get in a sledding session. For more photos of residents enjoying the winter weather, see page 13.

Local farmer honored for commitment to water quality By Roslyn Ryan Editor

When Goochland resident Ronnie Nuckols took over the management of his family’s Overhome farm in 2010, having just retired from his excavation business, he knew there

was plenty that he didn’t know. But he also suspected there were a number of significant steps he could take to improve the operation, which he and his brothers had inherited from their father in 2008. It was a steep learning curve, but just over 10 years later Nuckols’ farming prac-

Thursday

February 4, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Property Transfers 2 parcels; S. Barbee Cox III, trustee to Cox Property LLC, 11000000. 7 lots, Section 1, Mosaic at West Creek; HHHunt Mosaic LLC to HHHunt Homes LC, $670,500. Lot 2, Section 1, Block A, Kinloch; Richard A. Lareau to TTF Management LLC, $269,000. 11.531 acres; Charles Stribling Jones to Christopher Travis Tucker, $195,000. 2 acres; Michael Leabough to Virginia A. Clark, $185,000. 3 lots; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to O.J. Pruitt Jr., $290,000. 6 lots, Section 2, Readers Branch; Readers Branch Partners LLC to Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC, $750,000.

SPORTS

7 lots, Readers Branch; Readers Branch Partners LLC to Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC, $875,000. Lot 14, Tuckahoe Creek; Tuckahoe Creek LLC to Michael Chalifoux, $275,000. Lot 2, Dawnington Sabot; Louis A. Craig to Ronnie Thomasson, $323,800. Lot 3, Section 2, Huguenot Hills; Lorraine M. Charlton to Sinisa Milanovic, $205,000. Lot 6, Section 2, Three Oaks; ALG Trustee LLC to Solodar Properties LLC, $229,000. Lot 7, Tuckahoe Creek; Tuckahoe Creek LLC to William Jerome Butz, $234,950. Lot 81, High Grove; Jackie H. Ford to Emily Loving, $460,000.

A trophy won by Karyl Cook’s riding instructor, Bruce, attested to his skill as a rider. Though sometimes brusque, Bruce would go on to become a trusted friend and advisor to Cook. Courtesy photo

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As novice rider learned, ‘gruff’ instructor had a heart of gold Editor’s note: This week the Gazette continues with the new series we’re calling “Tell Me a Story,” in which we ask our readers to share with us a favorite story about something that happened to them or a family member. Karyl Cook Contributing Writer

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It’s funny how common interests and circumstances can be the basis of unlikely friendships. Twelve years ago, I lived in the Chicago suburbs working at a stressful corporate job. As the pressures increased, my concerned husband encouraged me to pursue horseback riding lessons and finally one day I took the plunge. I called a local stable

and asked about beginner riding lessons. “Great! What age is the rider?” asked the barn manager. “Ummm, 50,” I sheepishly responded. After stunned silence, she replied “Oh, let’s put you with Bruce”. Upon meeting Bruce, a gruff, retired factory worker and former Reigning Horse show winner, I wasn’t exactly sure how our chemistry would work out. Bruce correctly sized me up as someone with more enthusiasm than ability or confidence. We began my lessons on an elderly mare. “C’mon old girl, pick up the pace!,” he would yell leaving one to wonder if he was addressing me or the horse. I soon realized why Bruce, with his blunt feedback, didn’t have any sensitive pre-teen girl stu-

dents. He had his tacking ritual including barking not to bang the bit on the horse’s teeth. “Open them choppers” he would instruct the horse every time he bridled one. His statement, “nothing like putting a brush to a horse to make your troubles disappear” resonated, as the barn became my haven. As our lessons and friendship progressed, Bruce decided I should ride his horse, Buster, his pride and joy, a 23-year-old buckskin dun gelding with a temperament much like his owners. Buster was Bruce’s most successful partner on the national Reigning Horse circuit. I felt honored and intimidated as see Bruce > 5

GHS boys post 77-51 win over Amelia PAGE 9 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ........................... 13 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 3 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) 819-5529 Melody Kinser Managing Editor (804) 775-4622 Fax: (804) 344-8746 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor (540) 728-0549 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746

Thursday

February 4, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Obituary RUSSELL T. ANDERSON Russell Thomas Anderson, 92, of Kents Store, Va., passed peacefully on Monday, January 18, 2021. Russell was born on November 1, 1928, to his late parents, Otis and Annie Anderson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Gene Anderson. Russell is survived by his son, Thomas Anderson (Donna) of Kents

Store, Va.; granddaughter, Laura Rambler (Chris Allen, fiance); great-grandchildren, Anderson Rambler and Austin Rambler; and sister, Dorothy Vogt of Louisa, Va. Thank you to the wonderful caregivers, Susan and David Woodson, Lois Coles and Connie Reid, for the excellent care they provided Russell in the last moments of his life. There

will not be a visitation due to COVID-19 and a private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hadensville Volunteer FireRescue Department Company 6, 4810 Three Chopt Road, Hadensville, Va. 23093. Arrangements are being handled by Sheridan Funeral Home in Kents Store, Va.

Nuckols

Director Keith Burgess, noting that Nuckols’ efforts have resulted in water quality improvements that will deliver benefits for generations to come. “If he is going to do something, he’s going to do it right.” Over the next several years he continued forging ahead, fencing out most of his woodlands to contain the livestock on approximately 125 acres of productive pasture land. He began attending pasture walks and meetings hosted by the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council and subsequently attended the VFGC Grazing School in 2013. To gain more control over his grazing livestock, he further subdivided some of his pastures and now manages 19 permanent paddocks and subdivides them with temporary electric polywire. By implementing these improved grazing management strategies, Nuckols has been able to increase his grazing days, and his pastures are now more productive and resilient than ever. The total production more than makes up for the 50 acres lost in the buffer areas devoted to streams and pond exclusion. As though his work-on farm were not enough, Nuckols

has also demonstrates his commitment to conservation and education through public service. He has served as director of Monacan SWCD since 2011 and regularly attends meetings of the VCE Beef Cattle 360 discussion group, where he makes valuable contributions. He has hosted high school and community college field visits, Goochland Livestock Club meetings, and an Envirothon training. Others notice his efforts and promote them: In 2013, he was awarded the Monacan Soil and Water Clean Water Farm Award. In 2018 he won the VFGC Outstanding Forage Producer Award and was featured on Cattlemen to Cattlemen. In 2019, he won the NCBA’s Region I Environmental Stewardship Award. Despite all this acclaim, Nuckols stays grounded. His stated goal is to continually improve the soil and water resources on the farm and ultimately leave it in better condition than he found it. The farm is a Century Farm, and in 2016 Nuckols and his wife enrolled the farm in a perpetual Conservation Easement to ensure it stays in agricultural production for perpetuity.

continued from >1 For Nuckols, the key to success was in being unafraid to seek out help. Back in 2010, rather than try to figure things out on his own, Nuckols quickly began asking questions of anyone and everyone who might be able to offer insight into the best path forward. Recognizing that underproductive pastures were a key issue, he reached out to several successful producers in the area and began attending local educational meetings hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD), and the local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office personnel. He worked with the Monacan SWCD to develop a basic grazing system and took advantage of cost sharing programs to install over 15,000 linear feet of stream exclusion fencing and provide vegetated buffers around streams and ponds in the pasture. As he continued to improve the property, Nuckols’ maintained his focus on finding the best information he could. “It’s just the type of person he is,” said MSWCD District

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Library Calendar

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Grades 3-5. Do you know all about Greg Heffley? Test your knowledge of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series in this fun trivia game! This program will be held from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and is intended for children in grades 3-5. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7373815. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom. For more information, or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. Monday, Feb. 8 The Virginia Poison Center will present information on disinfectant safety during a presentation from 11 a.m. to noon. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7439629. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. For more information, or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. Wednesday, Feb. 10

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dren in grades 2-5. Registration required more information, or if you have a speat https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ cial physical or communication need, event/7365994. This program is hosted please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. virtually through Zoom. For more information, or if you have a special physical Saturday, Feb. 20 or communication need, please contact Enjoy an informative session with ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. Anne Geyer with Agriberry, during which she will discuss the benefits of Saturday, Feb. 13 Community Supported Agriculture Find out what you need to know to (CSA) and how they work. Learn about make your surroundings the best they the berry-growing process and how to can be with a landscape design class pre- become a member of a local CSA, too! sented by Jean Cauble, a Master Gardener This session will take place from 11 a.m. with the Goochland Powhatan Master to noon and registration is required at Gardener Association. This class will be https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ held from 11 a.m. to noon, and registra- event/7439142. This virtual program is tion is required at https://pamunkey- hosted through Zoom and the meeting library.libcal.com/event/7430612. This link will be sent to the email registered virtual program is hosted through Zoom one day before the event occurs. For and the meeting link will be sent to the more information, contact ask@pamunemail registered one day before the event keylibrary.org. occurs. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication Thursday, Feb. 25 need, please contact ask@pamunkeyliMartin Bailey, AARP Community brary.org. Ambassador, will demonstrate how to stay safe from COVID-19-related scams. Thursday, Feb. 18 This program will run from 10:30 – Are you interested in understand- 11:45 a.m., and registration is required ing IRS-related scams? Martin Bailey, at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ AARP Community Ambassador, will event/7439303. This virtual program is demonstrate how to stay safe from hosted through Zoom and the meeting these scams. This program will be held link will be sent one day before the event from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Registration occurs. For more information, please is required at https://pamunkeylibrary. contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. libcal.com/event/7439142. This virtual program will be hosted through Zoom Saturday, Feb. 27 and the meeting link will be sent to the Those age 13-19 are invited to take email registered one day before the event part in the CoderDojo workshop, duroccurs. For more information, or if you ing which they will learn how to build a have a special physical or communica- game, website, or program. This program tion need, please contact ask@pamun- will take place from 2 - 4 p.m. and is keylibrary.org. hosted on Discord. Go to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7366656 to sign up. Friday, Feb. 19

This month’s Atlee Virtual Book Club selection is “The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder” by Joanna Fluke. Stop by your local branch library to pick up a copy or place one on hold, or download it from hoopla as an ebook or audiobook, or OverDrive as an ebook. The meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to noon and registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7438285. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. For more information All children in grades K-5 are invited or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@ to take part in the Kids’ LEGO club from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Meet other LEGO fans pamunkeylibrary.org. and talk about your current creations. You can show off what you’ve made and Friday, Feb. 12 ask questions, too! Registration required Get ready for Family Trivia Night! at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ Have a pencil and paper ready to answer event/7366033. This program is hosted questions and get ready to use your virtually through Zoom and the meeting knowledge. This event offers fun for the link will be sent to the email registered whole family, and is intended for chil- one day before the event occurs. For

On Demand Videos Storytime for Grownups Premieres Wed., Feb. 10 Storytime is not just for kids! If you like to be read to, join us for a reading of “The Sick Rat and the Healthy Rat” by David Sedaris. Starting Feb. 10, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/pamunsee Calendar > 12

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

February 4, 2021

Bruce continued from >2 I sat down on Buster’s couchlike back with Bruce reminding me he let very few people ride him. Though I knew Buster had skills far beyond mine, it became quickly evident. He turned with just the slightest movement of the reins, causing our first canter to look like a student driver out in her dad’s Ferrari. From his vantage point, Bruce just smirked. With Bruce’s help, I realized my dream and bought a gelding I named Cash. We continued to meet weekly for lessons and trail rides where we talked about our respective and differing lives. Also, during that time, my husband and I bought land in Virginia which would be our retirement horse farm. Bruce excitedly volunteered to help us lay out pastures and trailer Cash out when we were ready to move. Sadly, neither Cash nor Bruce made it here to Virginia. One lesson day, I tacked Cash waiting for Bruce to arrive. He didn’t show up, which was very unusual since he came to see Buster every day. That night, I received a frantic call from the barn manager saying that Cash was having seizures. I rushed to meet the veterinarian at the barn to get the grim news that it was likely the horse would have to be euthanized. I asked again about Bruce, missing him and his counsel but he was still not answering calls. The next day, the barn manager drove up to Bruce’s home to find him dead from a heart attack. I also lost Cash that day but vowed in my grief to honor Bruce’s memory with building our horse farm in Virginia. Today, my husband and I own three horses on our Goochland farm. It was no coincidence that our first horse purchased here was a buckskin dun gelding who could be Buster’s twin. I think of Bruce with gratitude every time I tack a horse, following his exact ritual including telling my equine friend to “open them choppers”. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Please send your contribution to rryan@ goochlandgazette.com. Submissions must be 600 words or less, and feature the story of something that happened to you or a family member. For more information, contact Gazette editor Roslyn Ryan at (804) 339-7956.

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Be aware of SAD symptoms this time of year Contributed report

As fun as winter can be, many people struggle with the transition from warm weather and long, sunny days to cold weather and reduced hours of sunlight. Sometimes mistaken or misidentified as the “winter blues,” this phenomenon is known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, SAD is a type of depression. The NIH notes that a person must meet full criteria for major depression coinciding with specific seasons for at least two years to be diagnosed with SAD. The American Psychiatric Association says symptoms of SAD can be distressing and overwhelm-

ing and even interfere with daily functioning. The APA notes that SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain that’s prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter. As the seasons change, a shift in a person’s biological internal clock or circadian rhythm can lead to them being out of step with their normal routines. That can contribute to various symptoms, including: Feeling sad or depressed Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed Changes in appetite, usually eating more and craving carbohydrates Loss of energy or increased

fatigue despite increased sleep hours Increase in purposeless physical activity or slowed movements Feeling worthless or guilty Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide The weather can’t be changed, but people can speak with their physicians about the following strategies to overcome SAD. Light therapy: According to the APA, light therapy involves sitting in front of a light therapy box that emits a very bright light. In the winter, patients typically sit in front of the box for 20 minutes each morning, and they may see some improvements within one to two weeks of beginning treatment.

Light therapy is usually continued throughout the winter. Medication: The APA notes that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a type of antidepressant that are sometimes prescribed to treat SAD. Spending time outdoors: People with SAD who don’t typically spend much time outdoors when the temperatures dip may notice their symptoms improve if they make a concerted effort to spend time outdoors in winter. Rearrange rooms in the home: The APA notes that rearranging rooms and furniture in a home or office to allow more natural light in during the daytime can help improve symptoms of SAD.

Fund helps residents afford needed pet care Contributed report

Goochland County residents facing financial hardship can now receive support for their pets’ preventive care through Goochland Pet Lovers’ Good Neighbor Fund. The Good Neighbor Fund is available to Goochland residents with an income level up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Good Neighbor Fund may provide funding for the following

services: Spay or Neuter Flea and Tick Prevention Cats: Distemper/Upper Respiratory and Rabies Vaccination Dogs: DH(L)PP and Rabies Vaccination Puppies: 2+ vet visits until they reach 16 weeks of age Medical Grooming Deworming

Minor medical issues Dog License Implant Microchip (Paid for through the GPL Microchip Fund) Collar, leash, and/or carrier as needed and available According to the US Census Bureau, over 15% of Goochland residents make less than $26,000 a year. Goochland Pet Lovers does not want pets to have to be surrendered because of pet care costs.

Founded in 2016, Goochland Pet Lovers also financially helps promote the adoption of pets at the Goochland County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, run by Goochland Animal Protection, through its Dr. Lori L. Elliott Medical Fund and dog training program. For more information about Goochland Pet Lovers, visit www. goochlandpetlovers.com.

Chamber of Commerce to host ‘Reverse Raffle’ in March Contributed report

The Goochland Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with the Goochland Business & Community Foundation to do a Reverse Raffle. A Reverse Raffle is when all the tickets are pulled and the last three pulled are the winners. The Chamber has also added

Vaccine continued from >1 previously completed the Virginia Department of Health’s “When Can I Get Vaccinated” online tool, then

the twist that every 25th number wins $25. The Third Place Winner will receive $175. The Second Place Winner will receive $375. The First Place Winner will receive up to $2,500 (or half of net ticket sales). Tickets will be drawn on the 1st of March starting at 5 pm. This is currently slated to be a virtual

event. Tickets are $25 each and are being sold by the Chamber staff and Board of Directors as well as online. The funds raised will be used to help support the Goochland Chamber and their efforts within Goochland County. Tickets are on sale now at the

Goochland Business Center via the Goochland Chamber of Commerce. Drawing will be held on the 1st of March For more information, visit the Goochland Chamber of Commerce’s website at https:// www.goochlandchamber.org/ or call (804) 556-3811.

there is no need to register again. The health departments vaccine supply is currently limited, and they are doing their best to serve you and your loved ones. After you register and vaccine is available, someone

from the health department will contact you to schedule your vaccination appointment once it is your turn. Have questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Check out the

Virginia Department of Health’s FAQs at https://www.vdh.virginia. gov/covid-19-faq/vaccination/ or contact the Chickahominy Health District at chdvaccine@vdh.virginia. gov or call (804) 365-3240.

Thursday

February 4, 2021

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Woman’s Club delivers comfort to local veterans The 2020 pandemic negatively impacted citizens across the nation, to include our cherished veterans who gave so much to protect our freedom here in the United States. The Goochland Woman’s Club partnered with other General Federation of Woman’s Club (GFWC) members across the state of Virginia to support the SWEATS 4 VETS Campaign. This initiative collected new sweat suits to be donated to hospitalized male and female veterans recovering in Veteran’s Administrative Hospitals throughout the state of Virginia. The campaign ran from November through December, 2020. Fourteen GFWC Virginia clubs participated resulting in a total donation of 216 sweat suits (33 to Hampton VA Hospital; 159 to Richmond VA Hospital; 24 to Salem VA Hospital). The Goochland Woman’s Club donated 47 sweat suits and 17 pairs of socks. At the left, Jane Polk, President GFWC Goochland Woman’s Club delivered 47 sweat suits and 17 pairs of socks to Celeste Corrigan, GFWC Virginia Project Coordinator for SWEATS 4 VETS. Photo by Dennis Corrigan.

To leaders who remain nameless: ‘Thank you’ By Roslyn Ryan Editor

I address this week’s column to all the elected community, state and national leaders — from board members in one-stoplight towns, to mayors, councilmen and councilwomen, members of

Congress and everyone in between — whom I don’t know. Thank you. Thank you so very much. I don’t specifically know who you are, and I want you to know that I appreciate that. And while I may have heard your name attached to a headline-making

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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Roslyn Ryan

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piece of legislation in a far-away town, I know absolutely nothing else about you and for that I am so grateful. Owing to the fact that you have never done anything ridiculous enough to warrant national media attention — such as find yourself embroiled in a campaign finance

investigation or on the receiving end of harassment allegations — you have distinguished yourself as elected representatives who understand that the reason you have been elected is to make things better for your constituents, not make see Thank you > 7

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local 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: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@goochlandgazette.com © 2021 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 There is still time left for residents to fight Cumberland Landfill Dear Editor, The proposed 1200-acre mega landfill in Cumberland County, Virginia is not a done deal – far from it. This major project requires three permit approvals by the Department of Environmental Control (DEQ) – solid waste, water, and air. Water permit approval by the Army Corps of Engineers and VDOT approval since they are looking at re-routing Pine Grove Road. Green Ridge Recycling and their affiliates report the Notice of Intent (part of the solid waste permit) is approved by DEQ which is not a true statement. DEQ did send a letter to Green Ridge on Dec. 11, 2020. If you closely read the verbiage in the letter it states, “the Notice of Intent and the Part A application appears to be administratively complete…”. This is not a final approval but rather a step in the process which allows the DEQ to begin the technical review of the Notice of Intent and Part A application. Here are a few facts to remember: Cumberland County Board of Supervisors approved the Host Agreement on Aug. 2, 2018 after a whirlwind approval process taking less than 35 days. Green Ridge did not submit the Notice of Intent and Part A application until Jan. 20, 2020. DEQ had to request additional information from Green Ridge on more than two times before they gave the approval addressed. Next required steps on the Solid Waste Management Permit Part A are: (1) Completion of technical review; (2) public hearings by DEQ on the Notice of Intent and Part A application; and (3) correction of identified weaknesses by Green Ridge. Don’t give up: This is the best

see Letters > page 13

Thursday

February 4, 2021

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Looking back: Daring to be great By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

Not many noticed the small obituary in the local newspaper in a small community in Florida, and fewer still knew of the man named in the listing. Glenn W. Turner passed away at his home on Jan. 8, 2020, the small article said. I wondered if this could be the same Glenn Turner who swept the country like wild fire back in the 1970s and ‘80s with a motivational program called Dare to Be Great that engulfed thousands of Americans and became a lifestyle for hundreds of his followers. I, too, would be unaware of this information if it had not been for a hearty group of my friends who got on the Turner train in the late ‘70s, and dedicated themselves to something called the Challenge to America. As it turns out, the Challenge was Turner’s latest attempt to become a millionaire. The son of a sharecropper in rural Georgia, Turner had dropped out of school in the eighth grade after excessive bullying due to a speech impediment and physical defect. He initially started a cosmetics company that enlisted a sales force that invested in

Thank you continued from >6 a bigger name for yourself. There are literally dozens of ways you could have raised your profile: You could have picked a petty, pointless fight with a fellow representative and escalated it into a social media flame war. You could have gotten caught enjoying a romantic getaway with someone other than your spouse.

usually to North or South Carolina, join others and travel the state recruiting people to join the challenge. I was never tempted to join them, although they would visit my small apartment in the Fan on a regular basis in an attempt to gain my support. My problem was the vague nature of the venture and why it was

necessary to invest thousands of dollars so I could eventually become rich. Obviously, I’d never heard of a Ponzi scheme. For months, my friends spent every weekend traveling the backroads of the Carolinas in a high energy house party that left them almost exhausted by Sunday night. One of my friends finally caved to their constant persuasive tactics and agreed to join them on a weekend jaunt. He described a nightmarish sequence of events where overfilled buses stopped at small venues and overran the place with unbridled enthusiasm to the point of hysteria. “Every time the bus stopped, all the people got out and ran around the bus yelling “Money, money, money,” my friend said. After one night on the road, he rented a car and drove back to Richmond. And, then as suddenly as it had started, it all ended and there was never another mention of the Challenge or Glenn Turner. I was never sure how many of them invested and how many just took the bus rides hoping for a stray million. What had once been a source of pride and motivation for this group was now a sort of badge of shame, or so it seemed. To this day I’ve never

heard one of them mention the Challenge or Glenn Turner. I can only assume it didn’t end well for them. Later I learned that Glenn Turner had been on the Feds’ radar for many years and barely escaped prison time in the early 1970s for running fraudulent schemes in Florida. His luck finally ran out for good in the mid-1980s when he was imprisoned in Arizona for similar activities. After six years in prison, Turner returned to the motivational speakers circuit minus the Lear Jet and reported $300 million of wealth. The Florida castle he began as a symbol of his influence sat largely uncompleted. But, Turner kept selling. Sure the crowds were older, and smaller, but the Georgia sharecropper who had been to the top of the success ladder and also experienced the lower rung never lost belief in his power to be great. At a seminar in the 1990s, Turner told a sparse crowd who paid $39 to hear his get rich tips that life was more about happiness and less about wealth. He told them to find one, then the other will follow. “If a man with a hairlip and an eighth-grade education can be happy, so can you. I like myself. Do you like yourself?”

You could have lied about your military service or educational achievements, or disparaged someone else’s. You could have cursed a police officer, insulted your colleagues and helped stoke a fire that became an insurrection (quick note: these last three are taken from the Virginia Senate’s censure of Sen. Amanda Chase last week, which, whether you agreed with it or not, certainly alleged

some eyebrow-raising behavior). The point is, Men and Women Who Remain Unknown, because you did none of these things you were instead able to devote the lion’s share of your time to helping the people who elected you in the first place. You didn’t waste time, you didn’t seek the spotlight — you just got down to business. As we continue into this

New Year with a new administration facing a host of incredibly daunting challenges, wouldn’t it be nice if our leaders could pledge to bring honor to their offices and behave in a way that made their constituents proud? To those who have been elected to serve, please prioritize making headway over making headlines. The people you represent deserve nothing less.

the company. Turner quickly realized his real magic lay in his story, the rags to riches tale that inspired those who followed him to display complete allegiance. Back to the late ‘70s and the group of friends who recruited everyone they knew to attend the events held each weekend. They would load up several cars each weekend, head south

“And, then as suddenly as it had started, it all ended and there was never another mention of the Challenge or Glenn Turner.”

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February 4, 2021

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Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland senior Brandon Avram (left) swims the butterfly leg of the boys 200-yard medley relay in Goochland’s Senior Night swim meet featuring Powhatan at the Swim Quest Aquatic Center in Midlothian on Saturday; Goochland senior Lucas Edwards swims in the boys 200-yard freestyle.

Swim teams earn individual wins, honor seniors By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

Goochland’s swim teams earned multiple first-place finishes in Saturday’s Senior Night meet featuring Powhatan at the Swim Quest Aquatic Center. Anneliese Rogerson, a junior, led the way for Goochland in the individual events with two wins. Swimming the second heat of the girls 100-yard freestyle, Rogerson notched a blistering time of 58.91 seconds to win the overall event and record the meet’s second fastest time for both boys and girls in the 100 free. She also won the girls 100 breaststroke, in which she’s the defending Region 3B champion, in 1:17.27. Rogerson joined teammates Bayleigh Allen, Adele Wheatley and Madalynn Thompson in winning the girls 200 medley relay in 2:12.21, as well as teammates Wheatley, Allen and Abby Pillion in closing out Saturday’s meet by defeating Powhatan in the girls 400 freestyle relay in 4:24.41. Senior Brandon Avram, who last year was among Goochland’s state qualifiers in the boys 200 medley relay, won Saturday’s boys 50 free in 25.46, a narrow 0.17 of a second ahead of Powhatan’s

Brandon Vallent. Avram also took second in the boys 100 free in 1:01.94. Avram’s teammate Tyler Davis improved on his own seed time in the 100 free with a first-place swim of 57.21. Davis also challenged Powhatan’s Wyatt Malkerson for the win in the boys 100 breaststroke, but ultimately took second place in 1:19.81. Senior Rachel Wilson took command in the girls 100 backstroke to win the event in 1:25.78, and she kicked off the Bulldogs girls’ individual swims on Saturday with a third-place swim of 3:02.53 in the 200 free. Adele Wheatley dominated the girls 200 individual medley (IM) by more than 33 seconds with a first-place time of 2:32.78, and she added the fourth-best overall swim in the 100 free behind her teammates Davis, Rogerson and Avram with a time of 1:02.72, placing her in second in the girls event. Abby Pillion and Gavin Hazelton were the sole swimmers in the 500 free, with Pillion swimming a 7:05.64 for the girls and Hazelton swimming an 8:03.88 for the boys. Hazelton and Davis joined Joe Hardman -- who along with Avram qualified for states last year in the 200 medley relay

Goochland senior Rachel Wilson swims to a first-place finish in Saturday’s girls’ 100-yard backstroke; Goochland’s Rachel Bratton was among the seniors honored during the Senior Night meet.

-- and senior Lucas Edwards in defeating Powhatan in the boys 400 free relay with a swim of 4:28.05. Hardman, Davis and Avram added a second-place swim of 2:02.41 in the boys 200 medley relay along with teammate Leyton Sutherland. Edwards and Hazelton joined Avram and Sutherland in taking second in the boys 200 free relay in 1:58.51. The relay team of Thompson, Wilson, Pillion and senior Rachel Bratton took second in the girls 200 free relay in 2:14.28. Edwards added placements of second in the boys 200 free in 2:40.96 and third in the 100

Goochland junior Anneliese Rogerson swims to a first place finish in the girls 100-yard freestyle in Saturday’s Senior Night meet at the Swim Quest Aquatic Center in Midlothian.

breaststroke in 1:30.82, and Hardman took second in the boys 100 back in 1:06.39 and third in the boys 50 free in 26.85. Bayleigh Allen, who along with Rogerson and senior Skylar Dacey were among last

year’s state qualifiers in the girls 200 medley relay, took second in the girls 50 free in 30.76. Her teammate Pillion took third in the 50 free in 31.33. Hazelton added a thirdplace finish in the boys 200 IM in 3:02.01.

Goochland also honored its seniors with Saturday’s meet. Avram, Bratton, Edwards and Wilson were part of the mid-meet ceremonies, and Dacey has also contributed to Goochland swimming’s successes both this year and overall.

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February 4, 2021

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Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Monster 4th quarter ensures 77-51 win for Goochland By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

Unleashing a monster 31-point fourth quarter with the help of unrelenting pressure, Goochland’s varsity boys basketball team sailed away from James River District opponent Amelia for a 77-51 victory to improve to 5-4. “It definitely shows us what we can do when we all play together,” said senior Kameron Holman, who doubled his points total in the fourth quarter to lead all players in Friday’s game with 22 points. “I think that we’re capable of a lot if we put our mind to it.” Ten different players scored for Goochland on Friday. “I’m proud of everybody,” said Goochland head coach Preston Gordon. “I’m just proud of the way that our guys are playing right now.” With the Bulldogs ramping up the full-court press in the fourth, Holman let loose in the opening moments of the stanza, capitalizing on takeaways to hit back-to-back layups – including one where he crossed under the basket and flipped it up and into the net – and also knock down a jumper to bookend an 11-0 run that his team started late in the third. “I just know that my team’s going to find me when I’m open, and they build off the energy that I bring,” Holman said, “so I just try to stay up and keep my energy up so they can feed off me and then we all play together.” “We’ve run this for a long time, and it’s good to see our guys make reads and we had a couple different guys in different spots. We talked about…if the ball goes a certain way, the rotations that we need to make depending on how many guys they put up,” Gordon said,

“and I thought our guys did a good job adjusting to that and just really talking and communicating…I think the pressure kind of wore (Amelia) down.” While the Raiders kept the game tight all the way into the third quarter and were able to tie the Bulldogs at multiple points, Goochland continuously found a way to get ahead. Goochland senior Jack Hoffler stretched the lead at the end of the first quarter to 17-14 when he turned and shot a jumper off of an assist from Holman. Amelia tied Goochland late in the first half, but Holman, around the 3-second mark, dashed inside the arc and knocked down a shortdistance jumper to put his Bulldogs up 31-29. In the third, with the Raiders trailing by one possession, Hoffler kick-started what would become an 11-0 run when he knocked down his third and final 3-pointer of the night. To Hoffler, who scored 13 points overall on Friday, the Bulldogs’ fourth-quarter effort “showed that when the game gets close, we can come together and run our press right, run our offense right and extend the lead.” “We just had to come out here and play our hardest, and on defense we turned it up,” said Goochland junior De’Andre Robinson, adding that it gave them momentum for the rest of the offense. Robinson brought a strong presence in the post for Goochland, coupling 7 points – including 5 in the first half – with four rebounds. “We’ve been working in practice – Coach (Justin) Fitzgerald has done a good job working with him…and

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland’s J.D. Mills (15) passes the ball to a teammate in Friday’s home game versus Amelia; Gabe Liptak goes for a layup against pressure from Amelia’s Parker Costley.

Goochland’s De’Andre Robinson prepares to shoot a free throw.

he’s really working hard…he’s making sure he’s got his footwork down,” Gordon said of Robinson. “He’s so big, he’s so strong – some guys think that they can just foul him.” But Robinson has also been knocking down his free throws. “From JV to this year, he’s more consistent, he’s more confident, and I can really see

the growth in him right now as a basketball player,” Gordon said. “He’s just adding another dimension to what we’re able to do and not just be so guardheavy.” Hoffler added four rebounds and two assists. In looking back on the 3-pointer he made in the third quarter and the run that

followed, Hoffler said: “Plays like that are good because it really gives you a momentum-swing, it gets the whole team involved…it brings the energy up from the bench, from the stands, from the JV team and from us on the floor.” “I think he’s become a little more patient with his shot,” Gordon said of Hoffler. “He’s coming around; he’s shooting the ball really well for us…I think his percentage (from the field, which was recently around 48%) will go up even higher, because now he’s being more selective with his shots that he’s taking, and with that comes other guys stepping up – you can see it with Kam, you can see it with Gabe (Liptak), and I don’t think there’s one particular guy that’s saying ‘Hey, I’m going to be the leader tonight.’ It’s a shared responsibility for our guys.”

Liptak, whom Gordon said has given the Bulldogs an extra spark, followed up Hoffler’s 3 with a drive to the basket for a layup, and he scored 8 of his 12 points in the second half, including 3 from behind the arc in the fourth quarter. Liptak also had two steals. J.D. Mills knocked down a couple of key buckets in the first half and added another for 6 total points. He also had three assists. Senior Kyle Goff chipped in 6 points, including a 3-pointer, as well as a team-leading five rebounds and two steals. “Kyle played physical – we told him he had to play physical against those guys (from Amelia) because they’ve got a big lineup,” Gordon said, “I thought he did a good job.” In addition to Holman scoring 22 points, Gordon noted it was remarkable for him to also have three rebounds, five steals and five assists. “Scoring 22 and still having five assists, you’re sharing the basketball, and that’s one of the things that we talked about before the game, is: let’s make smart decisions. That goes a long way: smart decisions with our passes, smart decisions with our shot selection,” Gordon said. “I thought our guys took that to heart and really executed our game plan.” “It just shows that we’re coming together more and more, starting to gel more,” Hoffler said of Friday’s win. “We’re just looking better.” Liptak noted that the team prides itself on its defense. “Especially in the fourth quarter, we’ve got to learn how to lock up teams, and that’s what’s been getting us to the playoffs these past few years,” Liptak said. “We just keep that energy going, and that’s what gets us there.”

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