The Goochland Gazette – 04/29/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE With pollination, little things can often add to a big difference > page 5

Volume 66 Number 17 • April 29, 2021

When is

a noise a

NUISANCE? After two years and countless hours of research, a committee appointed by the Board of Supervisors has finally come up with an answer By Roslyn Ryan Editor

n the spring of 2019, Goochland resident Richard Willis had finally had enough. Fed up with the noise coming from neighboring properties — noise the Maidens resident said included crowing roosters, barking dogs, and roaring ATVs — Willis appealed to the County Board of Supervisors for help. Willis, as it turned out, was far from the only person in the County dealing with nuisance noise. In response to a May 22, 2019, community listening session, during which 75 residents see Noise > 3

Supervisors vote to adopt FY22 budget Plan includes increases in local school and public safety spending, 16 new positions By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Goochland County Supervisors voted unanimously on April 20 to approve the County’s FY22 budget, a fiscal plan that includes $65.2 million in expenditures. According to Goochland Deputy County Administrator for Administrative Services Barbara Horlacher, the figure represents an increase of 12.9 percent ($7.5 million) over last year’s budget, owing largely to the fact that last year’s plan had been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The budget approved last week includes a $1.2 milsee Budget > 3

VDOT still working to clear February ice storm debris By Roslyn Ryan Editor

While warmer weather may be helping some area residents to forget the scourge of last February’s ice storm, damage from the weather event continues to haunt VDOT debris removal crews. According to a report presented to county supervisors earlier this month by VDOT Residency Engineer Marshall Winn, the 14 counties in the department’s see VDOT > 2

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

April 29, 2021

Serving Goochland County

Pets of the week

Kitchens/Baths Patios/Decks New Construction Doors/Windows Sidewalks/Pavers Remodels/Additions

Since 1955

SPORTS

Greg 804-457-9426 20 YearsBlanchard Carpentry Experience

VA Lic. 27505-093745-A

Blanchard & Associates 804-457-9426 Greg VA Lic. 27505-093745-A 20 YearsBlanchard Carpentry Experience Residential Contractor, Inc.

GOOCHLAND SELF-STORAGE Photos submitted by Julie Lawrence

Clean Storage Facilities at a Convenient Location • 6 sizes available • From $59 a month • On call 7 days a week • Conditioned units available 81827-01

Oilville Business Park • 784-4949 Located at Oilville exit on Rt. 617

www.goochlandselfstorage.com

Elrod & Dunham

Dentistry

Elrod and Dunham Dentistry welcomes new patients with comprehensive, gentle dental care for all ages.

The Goochland Animal Shelter, located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in Goochland, has the following pets available to a good home: A spayed female tabby, about 8 months old; a neutered male Pitbull about 2-4 years old; a neutered male Shepherd mix, about 4-6 years old. The Animal Shelter is currently accepting donations of kitten dry and canned food as they are coming into kitten season. For any monetary donations please make payable to Goochland Animal Shelter The Goochland Animal Shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The facility has many lost dog and cat fliers posted. For more information on these pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Goochland Animal Shelter, call (804) 556-5302. You also can visit the shelter on Facebook at “Goochland County Animal Control.”

County first in region to offer expanded walk-in hours for its vaccination clinic Contributed report Goochland County has announced that it will offer residents expanded walk-in hours for the COVID-19 vaccine once again, the first locality in the region to do so. The county is accepting walk-ins at the Goochland Vaccination Clinic located at the Central High School Cultural and Educational

VDOT continued from >1

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

Richmond district are projected to be $25 million dollars over budget from debris removal alone due to the storm that knocked out power for weeks in and around Central Virginia and left trees strewn across powerlines and roadways. District 4 representative Don Sharpe pressed Winn

Complex at 2748 Dogtown Road, Goochland, VA 23063. Walk-in hours are Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Walk-ins are for first dose only, for individuals age 18 and older who live or work in Goochland County. Proof of age will be required. The Goochland Vaccination Clinic is offering the Moderna

after the presentation for more information on what he descried as the potentially lethal problem of road-blocking trees that had been cut back just far enough to clear the roadway. “Anyone that has to go off the road for any reason, that tree is going to decapitate everyone in the vehicle,” Sharpe said. The people cutting the trees “seem to be leaving them as close to the yellow

vaccine currently. Individuals ages 16-17, as well as any other community members who want the Pfizer vaccine, should check vaccinefinder.org to schedule an appointment with pharmacies and medical providers offering it. For more information on the County’s vaccination effort, visit www.goochlandva. us.

line as possible, which is just unsafe.” Sharpe said he has received numerous calls from District 4 residents about the issue. Winn assured board members that crews continue to work on the problem, and said VDOT is expected to have the bulk of the trees fully removed by the end of this month. What residents have seen completed so far, Winn said, “is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Goochland girls lacrosse takes field for first time PAGE 7 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................12-14 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................7-8 TV Listings ........................9-11

CONTACT US Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 Office - (804) 746-1235 Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 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

Sherry promoted to Director of Community Development Contributed report

Goochland County is pleased to announce that Maureen “Jamie” Sherry has been promoted to Director of Community Development. She assumed her new role on April 16, 2021. Jamie oversees the Department of Community SHERRY Development, including planning and zoning, building inspections and environmental land development. She served

Noise continued from >1 shared their views on the subject, the Board of Supervisors moved to appoint a group of representatives to serve on a Citizen Noise Committee. This month, after nearly two years of work, the group’s 75-page document was presented to the Board and is expected to be the subject of a public hearing at the Supervisors meeting scheduled for May 4. According to information provided by the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office, the Sheriff received nearly 950 calls about noise between 2008 and 2018 (Goochland is currently one of the only localities in the area without a noise ordinance). Among the tasks faced by the committee, first and foremost, was defining just what constituted a noise violation. According to the report, “It is a violation of this article for any person to intentionally or unintentionally make repetitive noise, or allow the making of repetitive noise, except the noises exempted below, on residential property that, by reason of its volume, pitch, duration, repetition, and time of day, unreasonably

Serving Goochland County

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

April 29, 2021

as Assistant Director of Community Development for the past 1 ½ years. “With over 20 years of experience in planning and zoning, as well as specialized leadership and emergency management training, I am confident that Jamie will be a great asset and leader for the department and the organization for years to come,” remarked County Administrator Kenny Young. Jamie holds a Master’s degree in Regional and Urban Planning and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a Certified Zoning Administrator. Prior to her employment with Goochland

and substantially disturbs or interferes with someone else’s peaceful enjoyment of residential property they own, rent, or occupy.” Exceptions, according to the ordinance, include agricultural activities; approved business or commercial activity on residential property; companion animal noises; hunting that is lawful under state and local laws and regulations; activities permitted by zoning, special events permits, parade permits, fireworks permits, or other governmental approvals; multi-family structures operated by a management company; and activities for which noise regulation has been pre-empted by federal law. Those seen as creating a noise violation would need to be notified with a letter sent by certified mail, and eventually face civil penalties of up to $250 for a first offense and $500 for all subsequent offenses. The committee’s report received a generally favorable response from board members, though the group continues to grapple with the line between protecting residents’ rights to enjoy peace and quiet and robbing oth-

County, she served as Principal Planner/ Zoning Administrator for Dinwiddie County, City Planner for the City of Colonial Heights, and County Planner for Henrico County. Jamie is also a member of the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials and the American Institute of Certified Planners. “Jamie has been an invaluable member of Goochland’s Community Development team and is well qualified to take on this new leadership role,” remarked Jo Ann Hunter, Deputy County Administrator for Community and Economic Development and Public Utilities.

ers of the ability to use their property as they see fit. And therein, of course, lies the most difficult challenge facing any governing body that attempts to regulate a community’s noise output: At what point does one resident’s hobby become another resident’s headache? According to the committee’s report, prior to 2007 the County had a noise ordinance under which noise which was “unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary” constituted a criminal violation. In 2009, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that noise ordinance standards such as “unreasonably loud and annoying” were unconstitutionally vague for criminal noise violations. In response, the county’s noise ordinance was repealed. While there are plenty of Goochland residents in support of some kind of noise control measure, County supervisors received a number of calls, letters and e-mails from those who opposed any attempt to restrict what they can do on their own property. Even the committee itself was somewhat divided on the issue, with some mem-

bers insisting that the County should not adopt a noise ordinance at all. The issue of shooting has been a particularly thorny topic, with some committee members reportedly suggesting that an exemption be included in the ordinance not just for hunting but for all lawful shooting as well. Despite the fact that some residents will almost certainly oppose the measure, most on the Board appeared in favor of moving ahead to the public hearing. When it was suggested that the County could consider another community meeting to get more feedback before any official action, District 4 representative Don Sharpe insisted that any more meetings would be “insanity.” District 1 representative Susan Lascolette agreed that the time had come to move forward. “It’s been two years, and these people need relief,” Lascolette said. “To delay it any further — my conscience won’t let me do that.” The full text of the ordinance is included with the committee’s report and available on the County’s website at https://www.goochlandva. us/1050/Noise-Committee.

Since 1955

Budget continued from >1 lion increase in the school budget over last year and a $2.4 million increase in public safety. It also includes 21 new full time positions (16 of which are in public safety) and a 3 percent merit increase for County employees. Horlacher told Board members that the budget increases will be supported by revenues, including a $3.9 million increase in real estate revenue and a $2.4 million increase in personal property revenue.

She also noted that the County’s total budget — a number referred to as the “all funds budget”— will come in at $54 million dollars over FY21, owing in large part to planned capital improvement projects such as a new elementary school, cyclical information technology improvements, new fire and rescue vehicle purchases and the planned renovation of the County’s Fire Training Center. The County will also see a revenue impact from sewer and water user fee increases due to a recent rate study.

3042 Poorhouse Road, Goochland, 23063

‘Coming Soon’

20 Acres, 20 minutes to Rt 288/Short Pump 2400 sf Brick Rancher

$549,500

Stunning Property! In Farm Use, currently has Cattle on it.

Debra Hoffman, Principal Broker

OFFICE: 347-3878 debra.hoffman@penfedrealty.com

WE ARE NOW OPEN

ON SUNDAYS from 11:30 - 8:00! Please join us. Featuring Brunch items from 11:30 - 2:30

1601 Hockett Rd. Manakin Sabot, VA

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

April 29, 2021

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Obituaries MARC R. AMOS Marc R. Amos, 51, of Crozet, Virginia, died unexpectedly on April 17, 2021. Marc is survived by his wife, Esmeralda Meraz Amos; and daughters, Karina, Katia and Klarisa. He is also survived by his parents, John and Judy Amos of Goochland; his sister, Courtney Banton (Bill) of Las Vegas; and brother, Reed Amos, also of Goochland. AMOS Marc was raised in Goochland County and graduated from Brigham Young University. While at BYU, he took two years off from school to serve as a Spanish-speaking missionary. After college, he graduated

from George Mason University Law School. While attending law school, he met and married Esmeralda, who was a graduate student at George Washington University. Marc spent his professional career as an immigration law attorney. Marc eagerly helped anyone in need and was an advocate for the less fortunate. He was a blessing to his family and friends. Marc was a devoted family man who took delight in the many years he coached his daughters’ soccer teams. He was an active member of his church and held numerous positions in service to his church over the years, including being a seminary teacher for church youth. A funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 1275 Timberwood Blvd., Charlottesville, Va. at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021. A private viewing for

his family will be held before the service. Interment will follow at the Mt. Moriah Methodist Church Cemetery at 4524 Garth Road, Charlottesville, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. SHIRLEY S. HOLMAN On Sunday, April 11, 2021, Shirley Sue Holman, 86, passed away peacefully in hospice care in Richmond, Virginia. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Jack Alvis; her two sons, Steven Holman and Richard “Rick” Holman Sr.; brothers, Henry Darrell Kosechata, William “Billy” Kosechata and Teddy Warren Jones; and sister, Suda Kaye Ross Dugan. She was the born on

October 25, 1934 in Walters, Okla., to the late Suda Tahsuda Kosechata, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 88. Shirley was the oldest of eight children. She was a proud member of the Comanche Nation based in Lawton, Okla. She attended Ft. Sill Indian School also in Lawton, Okla. She was a retired telephone operator at Ft. Belvoir in Alexandria, Va. and a Motor Pool Supply assistant. She was a longtime resident of Goochland, Va. Shirley enjoyed watching sports more than anything. She was the number one fan of the Washington Redskins, the Washington Nationals and absolutely loved watching golf. She also loved her soap operas, her classic country like Merle Haggard and her rum and diet Pepsi. She loved playing cribbage and poker and loved having her nails painted. Mostly, she

loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her son, Ronnie Burgess (of her and Bobby Burgess); her son, David Holman; her grandsons, Richard “R.J.” Holman Jr. (Amy Holman), Ron Holman (Kathryn Holman) and Mike Holman; granddaughters, Melissa Holman, Ginnie Gregory (Mark Gregory), Shannon Holman and Crystal Holman; sister, D. Clo Kosechata Larsen, Evie Kosechata Henson, Jean Ross; many greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews. She will be interred in Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, Va., after a brief graveside service with family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Goochland County Animal Protection in Goochland, Va. Arrangements are being handled by Norman Funeral Chapel in Goochland, Va.

Upcoming Library Events Librarian Carolyn Garner has announced the May schedule for virtual programs for the Pamunkey Regional Library. She also noted that Children’s Book Week will be observed May 3-9. For more information on how to celebrate, go to www. pamunkeylibrary.org.

Virtual Programs Author Chat with Melissa Face — Tuesday, May 4, 4-5 p.m. Join in for a chat with Melissa Face, author of “I Love You More Than Coffee”, an essay collection for parents who love coffee a lot and their kids … a little more.

Our

Second Century — Established 1897 — Charles D. Morehead, President and General Manager

Bennett West • Henrico 11020 West Broad Street

Henrico’s families have trusted Bennett Funeral Homes in their time of need for an entire century.

359-4481 • www.bennettfuneralhomes.com

Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/7710446. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Monday, May 3, contact the Ashland Branch Library at 804-798-4072 or email ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org. Upper King William Virtual Book Club — Saturday, May 8, 11 a.m.-noon. Join in for a great online book discussion. This month’s title is “Valentine” by Elizabeth Wetmore.Register at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7658730. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, May 7, contact the Upper King William Branch Library at 804-769-3731.

College: How to Get There from Here — Tuesday, May 11, 6-7 p.m. Join in for “College: Getting There from Here,” presented by Edward Jones Investments. The discussion will focus on establishing a college savings goal, strategies to help achieve the goal and the features and benefits of 529 savings plans. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7658786. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Monday, May 10, contact the Rockville Branch Library at 804-749-3146. Atlee Virtual Book Club — Wednesday, May 12, 11 a.m.noon. This month’s title is “The Mystery of Mrs. Christie” by Marie Benedict. Place a hold on your copy today or check it out on hoopla or OverDrive. Registration is required at

https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7658769. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Tuesday, May 11, contact the Atlee Branch Library at 804-559-0654. Kids’ Lego Club — Friday, May 21, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for grades K-5. Meet other Lego fans and talk about your current creations. You can show off what you’ve made and ask questions, too! Registration required at https://pamunk e y l i b r a r y. l i b c a l . c o m / event/7650447. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration one day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Thursday, May 20, contact the Atlee Branch Library at 804559-0654.

Firefly Science — Saturday, May 22, 11 a.m.-noon for grades K-5. Fireflies are amazing! Learn more about these cool beetles from an actual entomologist! Stop by the Ashland library to pick up your firefly catching kit while supplies last. Registration is required at https://pamunk e y l i b r a r y. l i b c a l . c o m / event/7650510. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to the email registered. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, May 21, contact the Ashalnd Branch Library at 804-798-4072. CoderDojo Workshop — Saturday, May 29, 2-4 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Learn how to develop logic-based coding skills and use creative problemsolving with Scratch. Go to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7650514 to sign up. This program is hosted on Discord. see Calendar > 5

Thursday

In The Garden

With pollination, it’s often the little things By DanaDee Carragher Contributing Writer

Insects are so small they sometimes escape our notice. However, they are responsible for a huge task. Eighty-seven percent of plants are pollinated by insects while only 13 percent are pollinated by wind. The vast majority of food plants are insect pollinated, so to support our food web, we need to support insects. The good news is gardening for these pollinators can also have beautiful results. For your own pleasure and education, take a stroll in the Bayscaping garden in front of the Science Museum of Virginia. This garden was started in 2009 with native plants that attract honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, birds and other beneficial wildlife. Further, the plants filter out contaminates that contribute to pollution in storm water runoff. Native plants are indigenous species that were present here prior to the settlement by Europeans. You’ll see lush grasses, walkways cascading with colorful flowers, and the soft hum of bees and flashes of butterfly wings will make you an instant convert. Add to that ease of maintenance and you’ll want to kick your lawnmower to the curb. Specifically, Monarch butterfly larvae thrive on milkweed. Plant enough in your garden so you can accept some plant damage on plants meant to provide habitat. Among the 140 species of milkweed, three grow particularly well in our area: Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), and Rose or Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). For more information on growing native plants attrac-

Serving Goochland County

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

April 29, 2021

Since 1955

Extension Office once again offering chance to ‘smarten’ your lawn Contributed report

Photo by Bill Carragher

They may look small, but insects like this dragonfly do the bulk of the pollination work needed by food plants — around 87 percent.

tive to butterflies of all kinds, contact your local Cooperative Extension office (goochland. ext.vt.edu) or the Virginia Department of Conservation (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/ natural-heritage/save-themonarch) Gardeners can also consider keeping bees. Bees are the main pollinators for fruits and vegetables. While the European honeybee contributes to the production of many billions of dollars worth of crops in America every year, there are over 3,600 species of bees native to North America. Many of these native bees are more efficient and effective pollinators than honeybees. John Heyel urges friends and neighbors to consider keeping native bees in their backyard. “I have kept Orchard Masons for the past 15 years. They are simple to

keep – I think I spend 1-2 hours a year maintaining their habitat and for under $30 you can buy a simple habitat setup off the internet. They are fun to watch, and the kids love to see them emerge from their tubes in the spring. They only fly for about 2 months out of the year (April and May) and they are non-aggressive. You don’t need a bee suit, veil etc; since they rarely sting (they are not protecting a honey store like honeybees). My kids and I would hold them in our hands as they emerge from their winter cocoons and then flew.” Vegetable gardens benefit from more pollinators nearby. The simple act of keeping bees often enhances fruit and vegetable production because of all the pollination that the bees achieve. To learn more about supporting native bees visit www.xerces.org/publications/ fact-sheets/nests-for-native-

bees . When gardening for pollinators it is also important to avoid pesticides. Mosquito companies are popular and many of their products kill all flying insects, including pollinators. Investigate alternative pest inhibitors before you get the big guns out. A few very small things done by home gardeners may make all the difference to the host of butterflies, bees, bats and birds in their backyards. And that would be a really big thing. DanaDee Carragher is a certified Master Gardener through the Virginia Cooperative Extension and a member of the Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener Association. If you are interested in learning more about GPMGA programs or how to become a master gardener volunteer please visit gpmga.org.

Want to improve your lawn? The Goochland and Powhatan Extension offices are offering a lawn evaluation and best practices program called SmartLawns. Master Gardener volunteers will schedule a visit to your lawn to measure the total lawn area, evaluate the existing lawn and take a single soil sample. Soil samples will be analyzed at the Virginia Tech Soil Testing lab. Based on the results of the soil analysis and the on-site evaluation, you will be provided with a lawn maintenance and nutrient application plan to help you achieve a healthy and attractive lawn. To enroll in this program, please contact or stop by either the Goochland or Powhatan Extension office to obtain an enrollment form and a home owner lawn presurvey. Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 14, 2021. Return the completed enrollment and survey forms to either Extension office along with a check for $20 payable to the “Treasurer of Virginia Tech”. Please provide a survey plat or a hand drawing of your lawn area along with the completed enrollment forms. Additional soil tests for specific areas of your lawn may be requested for $10 per sample. You may hand deliver or mail your completed form, check and survey plat/drawing to the Goochland Extension Office, 2748 Dogtown Road, Goochland, VA 23063 or to the Powhatan Extension Office, 3910 Old Buckingham Road., Powhatan, VA 23139. Once they are received a date and time will be scheduled for your site visit. For questions, please call the Goochland office at (804) 5565841 or Powhatan office at (804) 598-5640.

Calendar continued from >4

On Demand Videos Storytime for Grownups — Premieres Wednesday, May 12. Storytime is not just for kids! May’s story is “Poison” by Elmer Kelton, from the collection Wild West: Short Stories. Starting May 12, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/ prladults to see the video. Poetry Break — Premieres Wednesday, May 19. Take a break and visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/ prladults starting May 19 for monthly poems to uplift and inspire you. Bluebirding — Premieres Thursday, May 20. Follow master naturalist Terry Atkinson! Starting May 20, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prladults to see the video.

Thursday

April 29, 2021

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

For students, support matters more than ever By Roslyn Ryan Editor

During the recent Goochland County School Board meeting, there were several agenda items that didn’t require much more than a cursory look-over and a quick vote of approval from the board. This is the way it typically goes at public meetings, after all — not everything is headline grabbing. On this night, however, there was at least one item on the schedule that had everyone’s attention. There to deliver a presentation on how the school division has been working to address the mental health needs of both students and staff, Dr. Jennifer Waggener and members of her team spent several

minutes detailing a number of different initiatives school psychologists, guidance counselors, mental health counselors and others had created. Outlined in their presentation were the facts and figures, as well as descriptions of programs ranging from Red Ribbon Week — a week set aside to focus on mental health and substance abuse prevention — to the numerous workshops aimed at helping parents communicate with their children. Unseen, of course, because these things are not easily measured, were the many thousands of ways both big and small that this focus on mental health and wellness has impacted lives in our community for the better. Especially over the past year,

many of our youngest residents have been walloped by a maelstrom of changes. From loss of social interaction to having to navigate a new and sometimes confusing world of online learning — not to mention watching the adults in their lives occasionally crack under the pressures of quarantine life — students may never have had a greater need for mental and emotional support. Thankfully, GCPS had a team of sensitive, caring, vigilant employees who were there to meet that need. Years ago, as one school board member pointed out after their presentation, schools may not have placed quite the same emphasis on ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for students. Many of us who

are well past our school years may remember teachers and administrators as stern authority figures bent on “toughening” students up. These days there are plans in place to help students in crisis, and watchful eyes looking for signs that a young person may need extra support. Gone — hopefully — are the days when mental health issues were hidden or seen as signs of weakness. Now students know there are places to turn, and that they are not alone. It is a good thing for all that school environments have evolved. And it is a very good thing, indeed, that Goochland students know that they have a compassionate team of professionals always looking out for them.

Need for blood expected to increase as we return to ‘normal’ By Laura McFarland Editor

From one needle to the next, my right arm isn’t very happy with me right now. After recently getting my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, I decided to give blood during an American Red Cross Blood Drive held April 6 in Powhatan. I used to be a fairly regular donor but will

readily admit this was the first time I have given blood since before the pandemic. Preparation actually started before it was time to donate. The Red Cross asks that people get ready by getting a good night’s sleep the night before donating, eating healthy foods, and drinking extra liquids. My appointment was at 3:30 p.m., and I showed up on time. A

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

Publisher Managing Editor Editor Production Manager Sports Editor Sales Representative Classifieds

Joy Monopoli

jmonopoli@RSNVA.com

Melody Kinser

mkinser@mechlocal.com

Roslyn Ryan

rryan@gooochlandgazette.com

Denine D’Angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com Nick Vandeloecht nvandeloecht@powhatantoday.com Tom Haynie

thaynie@mechlocal.com

Cindy Adams

cgrant@mechlocal.com

smiling woman greeted me when I walked through the front door, signed me in, and took my temperature. Then she showed me inside a larger room where the blood drive was being held since the Red Cross is currently not sending out its bloodmobiles. After I was fully checked in, I was taken over to one of the donation beds and my arm readied by a cheerful woman named Amanda.

She completed the process pretty quickly and mostly painlessly. Before I knew it, I was walking back out the door with a packet of Nutter Butters, a too-tight bandage around my arm, and the knowledge that I had done something to help people in my community. In the past, when I couldn’t donate because of low iron levels, I see Blood > 11

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.

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Iconic snack: Once hidden gem is now a grocery staple By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

I pass by the refrigerated section near the deli most days without noticing the seemingly unending selection of prepared side dishes. Rarely do I even notice the familiar logo that sits atop neatly packed containers of Mrs. Marshall’s Potato Salad. I thought back to the first time I tasted what some consider the South’s finest potato salad rivaled only by its closest competitor, Sally Bell. I was fortunate to have my first helping served up by Mrs. Marshall herself. But, she wasn’t the one responsible for the well-guarded recipe. For that story, you have to go back an additional generation. In recent years, the iconic potato salad has become synonymous with all things Richmond, and the tasty treat is available at markets throughout the area. Back in the early 1980s, the only way to obtain Mrs. Marshall’s potato salad was to go see Mrs. Marshall. She ran a small shop on Strawberry Street and served the best ham biscuits that were lovingly heated and dabbed with homemade mayonnaise. Coupled with a scoop of her freshly made potato salad, it was Southern cuisine at its finest. I became an instant regular and visited the small shop several times a week, always seeing Mrs. Marshall, and, in the early days, Mr. Marshall greeted customers in the small lobby. Robinson Street still maintained a sense of neighborhood in those days complete with small familyowned businesses. Before supermarkets beckoned shoppers to the edges of the city, small neighborhood centers provided goods and services to see Potato Salad > page 11

Thursday

April 29, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Goochland girls lacrosse plays first-ever game By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

GOOCHLAND – Megan Painter played lacrosse when she was attending middle school in Powhatan for two semesters. When she moved to Goochland, her new school didn’t have a lacrosse program, but she raised the question: “Can we start one?” She reached out to Goochland’s Athletic Director Joe Fowler to find out how they could get the team started, and with a meeting one morning before school, the process to build the team began, and Painter started reaching out to find prospective players. Lydia James, who is from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and had coached lacrosse for five years back home, saw an advertisement in the newspaper, and one of her friend’s dads had said they were talking about something with the coach. When she moved to the area, James knew that lacrosse was something she couldn’t give up. She reached out, and from that point on, James and Painter worked together on getting Goochland’s girls’ lacrosse team started. The team was able to get in two weeks of practice, but in March of 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a nationwide shutdown and the cancellation of spring sports. That didn’t deter them. Over the course of this past year, the seven players who had started with James continued their preparation and kept putting in the work. They reached out to their friends, and eventually, the first-ever Bulldogs’ varsity lacrosse team grew to 19 players. Because of the pandemic

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland High School’s first-ever varsity girls lacrosse team takes a photo together following their first-ever game on Monday at home versus Fuqua.

Goochland head lacrosse coach Lydia James (left) talks to the players during Monday’s season opener versus Fuqua.

and the way that the Virginia High School League athletic seasons were subsequently reshuffled and condensed for this school year, Goochland’s new team only had two weeks to practice before its first game. One half of the team was brand new, and while the other half had been practicing

stick skills, James said they had learned the game this past week. But when they faced Fuqua on the field in their first-ever lacrosse game together, the Goochland Bulldogs were able to put together what they learned and score four goals in their debut.

In the scorebook, the game was a 14-4 win for Fuqua, but to James, it was the best first game she could’ve asked for. “I think that they did an incredible job,” James said of her players. “To be able to get four goals your first game is very impressive. I couldn’t have asked for a better first

game for us this season.” “It’s really cool to be able to play again first of all just because it’s been a few years, and just watching everyone grow is something that is so cool to see,” Painter said. “Kids weren’t able to catch or throw two weeks ago, and now they’re already catching

balls, they’re getting more confident. You can just see the confidence growing and just people being ready more as the past two weeks have gone on and just getting closer to the team.” Multisport athlete Ella Walton scored the Goochland girls lacrosse program’s firstever goal, and she did so to cut Fuqua’s lead to 4-1 during the first half. Joining Walton in scoring the Bulldogs’ first four goals were Marina Stratiou – who was also Walton’s varsity volleyball teammate and one of the main setters – as well as Julia Phillips and Sarah Wright. Phillips scored her goal off of a fast break by Rayanna Tibbs, who also played on the varsity basketball team. Tibbs was able to take off downfield after successfully defending against a Fuqua player to force a loose ball, with Tibbs

see Lacrosse > 8

Thursday

April 29, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Goochland boys tennis opens season with 8-1 win Staff Reports

Virginia High School League’s spring sports are now under way, and Goochland’s boys tennis team, after waiting more than a year to get back onto the court, kicked off their 2021 season with an 8-1 triumph over Chancellor. Sophomore Evan Bernstine, who was slated to move to the No. 1 singles line last year as a freshman, opened his varsity career on the court with an 8-0 victory over Evan Gaulard. Evan is the younger brother of multi-year state champions and Virginia Tech players Chase and Ryan Bernstine. Senior and No. 2 Adam Webb began his final high school season with an 8-0 win over Silas Lacey, and sophomore Alex Peskin, also playing his first varsity career match, defeated Trent Sites 8-3 on the No. 4 line. Like Webb, Jacob Taylor (No. 5) and Dallas Silva kicked off their senior seasons with 8-0 wins over Alex Blair and J.P. Clark, respectively. In doubles, senior Reid Dameron joined Peskin in defeating Chancellor’s No. 2 team of Gaulard and Sites 8-4. Goochland’s No. 1 team Evan Bernstine and Webb routed Lacey and Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette Jason Ransome 8-2, and No. 3 team Taylor and From left: Goochland’s Adam Webb warms up prior to Monday’s season-opening boys tennis match versus Chancellor; Goochland’s Evan Bernstine reacts prior to the start of Monday’s singles games; Goochland’s Alex Peskin serves. Silva blanked Blair and Clark 8-0.

Lacrosse continued from >7 scooping up the ball to secure possession. Goochland’s players and coaching staff, featuring James and Hannah Yates, praised the efforts of goalie Caitlin McDermott, who had only been in goal for a week. “For them to be able to get in here and get on the field and be able to keep up with the other girls…be able to communicate with one another – being able to put all of the pieces that they’ve learned in the past two weeks together into this game and watching that they were actually able to put it all together I think is the biggest strength of it all,” James said, “because we didn’t have enough girls to do a scrimmage yet, so they’ve only been doing drills and practices; this

was their first experience, so for them to get out here and know where they’re supposed to go…it shows they put in the work, not just in practice, but outside of practice, too.” After team bonding the day before the game, James said Painter and Wright decided to go run around the field a few times to bolster their preparation for opening day. While the team features athletes who have represented Goochland in other sports – including volleyball player Libero Blair Bussells and swimmer Bayleigh Allen – there are also a few players on the team who have never played sports before, James said. “That means: You’re going out of your comfort zone and giving us a shot, and that means so much to me,” James said, “and the girls who haven’t played sports before,

Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland’s Megan Painter (center) possesses the ball in Monday’s season-opening home game versus Fuqua.

I’ve actually had to stop and be like: ‘Wait, you actually have never played sports before?’ Because they’re trying so hard

and they’re so committed to this team that you would’ve never guessed that this is the first time that they’ve been

part of a team.” As the season progresses, James’ biggest point of emphasis is for the players to have fun. “That’s the biggest thing about lacrosse, and that’s the No. 1 reason I love it, is because I have fun,” James said, adding: “I want them to continue to get to know each other and grow a team bond and create that family, and, ultimately, I want them to leave this season being able to say: ‘I learned something about lacrosse; I was able to grow and improve…’ I just want them to walk out of this season being like: ‘Yeah, if I was thrown into a lacrosse game right now, I know that I can be great.’ Just confidence is key and helping them grow their confidence throughout the season.” Painter praised coach James, saying, “She’s done so much for us.” And of her Goochland team, she added: “I’ve always wanted a team that I’ve been

really close with, and now I feel like I’ve made connections that are really cool.” Wright added: “Right from the start, we have a whole new group of girls just two weeks in, and they’re so dedicated, so I’m really thankful for all the hard work they put in, and I don’t know about everybody else, but I had a lot of fun.” “I just could not have asked for a better group of girls,” James said. “Each individual girl that I have on my team, I am so thankful for for completely different reasons. Each one of them is so unique and has their own beautiful personality, and just to be able to grow with each one of them and see where these amazing young women are going to end up, and be part of their growth, is truly the most rewarding thing as a coach or a person, so I’m just glad to be here.”

Thursday

THURSDAY EVENING 4 PM 4:30 5 PM ESPN

(4)

C (3:00) NFL Live (N) (Live)

NBCSW

(7)

E (2:00) Trackside Live! (N) (Live)

8-ABC

(8)

6-CBS

(9)

Serving Goochland County

TV LISTINGS: Find Local TV Shows and Movie Schedules

April 29, 2021

Since 1955

APRIL 29, 2021 11 PM 11:30 12 AM