The Goochland Gazette – 06/03/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE A few tips to help keep pets safe as summer temperatures climb > page 5

Volume 66 Number 21 • June 3, 2021

Raley: Coming academic year to see return of pre-pandemic learning style By Roslyn Ryan Editor

The topic has come up with renewed urgency on social media in recent weeks, as panicked Goochland residents seek reassurance that the unwelcome visitor sunning on their porch steps or slipping out from under their deck is harmless. Fortunately, according to Mike Clifford, Chairman of the Virginia Herpetological Society’s Education Committee, only one of the 16 species of snakes found in the Goochland

After over a year of operating under COVID-19 restrictions, Goochland County Public Schools (GCPS) are expected to return this fall to a learning experience that, according to GCPS superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley, will look very much like it did before the pandemic. In a message posted to the GCPS website on May 19, Raley confirmed that students are expected to return to in-person learning five days a week on Monday, August 23, 2021. “We have seen health conditions improve significantly over the past several months,” Raley noted. “As improving Raley conditions persist, our division’s health plan will continue to be informed by guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Virginia Department of Education.” Goochland’s public school division has been delivering in-person instruction since October, and it has not seen and COVID outbreaks this school year. “As we transition to 2021-22, our students and staff will continue to remain safe

see Snakes > 3

see GCPS > page 2

Courtesy photo

Local family enjoys unique ride-along Need a lift? The Cheatham family recently received a special treat, after taking part in a silent auction at Goochland Elementary School. They were the top bidders for a chance to ride to school in one of the County’s new Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles.

Something slithering got you scared? You’re probably safe to get most of us out of the house and into the great outdoors. Unfortunately, there is at least one thing that will send some of us running right back inside again: a snake sighting. Maybe we’re just uncomfortable sharing our outdoor living spaces with members of suborder Serpentes, or maybe we have an actual By Roslyn Ryan psychological condition (ophidiophobia, or fear Editor of snakes), but one thing is for certain: Plenty As summer approaches and backyard BBQ of people are less than thrilled to see any snake season officially kicks off, it doesn’t take much anywhere near their homes.

While many of us harbor a fear of snakes, expert says most around here not dangerous to people

Thursday

June 3, 2021

Property Transfers 74712 Brandiston St., Glen Allen; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Howard M. Price, $446,018. 1679 Centerville Parke Lane, Manakin Sabot; Esther S. Beattie to Rogel Venson, $490,000. 3446 Forest Grove Road, Sandy Hook; Lucas S. Reams to Joshua R. Bennett, $460,000. 1406 Grand Drive, Manakin Sabot; Daniel E. Wilson to Alejandro J. Otanez, $929,000. 2401 Incline Court, Goochland; Johnny D. Taylor to John Nuttycombe III, $450,000. 2105 Jockey Ridge Road, Maidens; Krickovic and Ziegler LLC to Terry R. Nicholas, $989,288. 2 Lower Tuckahoe Road, Richmond; James M. Hong to Robert W. Ferguson, $65,000. 15752 Mosaic Creek Blvd., Richmond; Style Craft Homes Inc. of Virginia to Waltraud M. Long, $435,057. 14005 Mosaic Nook, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to Gregory B. Vida, $421,795. 404 Pagebrook Drive, Richmond; David W. Wright to Shelley Richardson, $284,950. 3085 Rock Cress Lane, Sandy Hook; Brennan S. Collier to Bernard Leonard Kassner, $644,000. 2025 Sycamore Creek Drive, Manakin Sabot; Merrily J. Powell, trustee to Deshawn Chapman, $847,000. 2152 Thoroughbred Pkwy., Goochland; Robert C. Lawrence to Jerry Michael McMillen, $450,000. 1467 Windsor Way, Manakin Sabot; Brian E. Broadway to Michael P. Flanagan, $775,000.

GCPS continued from >1 in our classrooms, in our hallways and cafeterias, and on our buses,” Raley shared. “We will all be energized by getting back to face-to-face interactions and all of the social elements that make for an engaging, well-rounded school experience.” Raley also shared his appreciation for the efforts of both students and staff over the past year. “As the current school year comes to a close, we’d like to thank our entire school community, once again, for your support throughout 202021,” Raley wrote. “We could not be more proud of our students, families, GCPS team members, and our entire Goochland community.” Start and end times for 2021-22 are 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for elementary students and 9:05 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. for middle and high school students.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Second Union Rosenwald School Museum honors 2021 college scholarship recipients Contributed report Second Union Rosenwald School (SURS) Museum, Inc. is sending congratulations to the outstanding Goochland High School graduates chosen as SURS 2021 scholarship awardees! They each received a $500 scholarship in memory of the late Mr. William Quarles, Jr. Each was selected after displaying outstanding academic achievement and community services. The organization wishes all

of them educational and personal success as they embark upon a new beginning in their lives. Ryan DeLoach and Elizabeth Owens will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall. Ryan DeLoach will be enrolling as a Rodman Scholar of Engineering student. Elizabeth Owens has been enrolled in the nursing program, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Certified Nurse Practitioner.

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In the fall, Jasmine Johnson will attend Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), majoring in pre-nursing on the pre-med track with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Megan Bowers will be attending Christopher Newport University in the fall. She will be pursing her degree in biology with a minor in leadership studies. She wants to become an anesthesiologist.

Contest offers chance to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay Contributed report Clean the Bay Day, Virginia’s long-running annual litter cleanup, is coming back in a new way the first week of June after being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. Last year was the first time the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Virginia tradition missed a year since the event began in 1989. Since that hiatus, Clean the Bay Day has been reimagined as a week-long cleanup across Virginia. The new format allows anyone to participate safely and help restore the environment by either cleaning up litter anywhere, planting native plants, or installing a rain barrel. Volunteers take action on their own time and pace at any convenient location, then log results online. CBF encourages volunteers to follow state and federal guidelines on mask use and social distancing. Before 2020, for 31 straight years on the first Saturday in June thousands of volunteers gathered at hundreds of cleanup sites across Virginia and recovered over 100,000 pounds of litter every year. This year, rather than a one-day event, Clean the Bay Day will run from May 31 through June 5. Volunteers are encouraged to post videos and photos on social media and enter to win prizes by using the hashtag #CleanTheBayDay. “The reimagined Clean the Bay Day makes it easier than ever for people to pitch in to restore their local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay,” said CBF Clean the Bay Day Coordinator Kristin

Since 1955

Webb. “Have a few minutes free? Grab a trash bag and gloves and do a litter cleanup in your neighborhood. Want to get out of the house with the kids? Do a cleanup in a local public park.” Those interested in volunteering can find more information or register at www.cbf.org/clean. Families or friends can form a virtual team and report progress through the Clean the Bay Day online portal, where their actions can be visible to others taking part in the event. Registration and reporting results are required to participate and win prizes. “We’re fostering some friendly competition as people report their results on the Clean the Bay Day webpage and post photos and videos on social media,” Webb said. “This is going to bring people together and result in even more people taking action. From Charlottesville to Richmond to Virginia Beach to Northern Virginia, I can’t wait to see reports and photos rolling in of how everyone is doing their part for our waterways.”

All look back at the GHS tennis season PAGE 7 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................12-14 Letters .................................... 6 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

June 3, 2021

Serving Goochland County

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Since 1955

“Your Home is My Business” P.O. Box 67 Powhatan, VA 23139 bruce@thehousegeek.com www.thehousegeek.com

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Photos courtesy of the Virginia Herpetological Society

The Northern Black Racer is often confused with the Eastern Ratsnake, but is a duller black and very fast moving when frightened. They generally inhabit brushy areas, field edges, and open woodlands.

Snakes continued from >1 area is venomous. That snake, the Eastern Copperhead, can be identified by its two-tone brown color with wide darker markings on the sides and narrower markings on the back (see sidebar). So that very long, shiny black snake with white flecks (Eastern Ratsnake) you saw making its way across your lawn is nothing to worry about, nor is the reddish brown one you glimpsed in your pond (Northern Watersnake). But if you still need additional reassurance, according to Clifford, consider this: In Virginia, all harmless snakes have round pupils--the three venomous ones have elliptical pupils. Don’t feel like getting close enough to see a snake’s pupils? Read on for more help identifying a few of the snakes you might see around here:

Adults are shiny black, usually with some white flecks on the back. They are calm-natured snakes commonly found near barns, sheds, and other human structures where they prey on rodents. Ratsnakes are excellent climbers of tall trees, feeding on birds and their eggs. The Northern Black Racer is often confused with the Eastern Ratsnake, but is a duller black and very fast moving when frightened. They generally inhabit brushy areas, field edges, and open woodlands. Racers feed on a wide variety of animal prey including rodents, frogs, lizards, and even other snakes.

The Northern Watersnake is mistakenly called a “water moccasin” but it is actually a harmless, non-venomous species. These semiaquatic snakes can be found in a variety of wetland habitats including swamps, ponds, creeks, and the James River. Northern Watersnakes come in a variety of colors and patterns but The Eastern Ratsnake (aka. typically are two-tone brown with Black Ratsnake) is Virginia’s largest snake and one of the most common. see Identification > 4

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The Northern Copperhead is the most widespread and common of Virginia’s three venomous snakes. Copperheads are found in wooded habitats throughout the state, including rural, suburban, and even some urban areas. They are generally calm-natured animals that lie quietly, depending on their excellent camouflage to escape detection. However they will strike if accidently stepped on or otherwise threatened. Bites can be serious if venom is actually injected, causing much pain and swelling. However, human fatalities are extremely rare. If you find a copperhead, leave it alone. Some bites occur when people try to kill or move the snake.

Please welcome our new hygienist, Kelsey, to our growing practice. Call to schedule your cleaning with Kelsey or Sara. 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

Thursday

June 3, 2021

Obituary Ms. Louise M. Bowles It is with great sadness that the family of Louise M. Bowles announce her passing on Friday, May 14, 2021, at the age of 90. Louise will be lovingly remembered by her d a u g h t e r, Linda, of BOWLES

North Carolina; and her brother, Roy, of Virginia; and many, many nieces and nephews and other close family members and friends. Preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm M. Bowles; Louise was a fun loving mom and wife with great musical skill at the piano. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice.

as wildlands. They feed on a variety of animal life including continued from >3 earthworms, frogs and toads, some reddish markings. They salamanders, insects, and spifeed mostly on frogs, fish, and ders. crayfish.

Identification

A few more facts

The Eastern Gartersnake is the “Official State Snake of Virginia.” The species is common in Goochland County and throughout the Commonwealth. Along with its close relative the Common Ribbonsnake, the Eastern Gartersnake is easily recognized by the light colored stripe down the middle of its back. The gartersnake is highly adaptable and can be found in suburban backyards as well

About half of Virginia’s snakes lay eggs; the others are live-bearing. All three venomous species are live-bearing, so any snake eggs you find are from harmless species. No snakes are vegetarians; they only feed on other animals. Snakes shed their outer skins several times per year; the sheds are inside-out replicas of the snake’s scales, including the eye covering.

3042 Poorhouse Road, Goochland, 23063 Sunday, June 6, 2-4 Open House

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Library Calendar Librarian Carolyn Garner has special physical or communication need, announced the June schedule for virtual pro- please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. grams for the Pamunkey Regional Library. Summer Yard and Garden Pests — Wednesday, June 9, 6 - 7 p.m. Ages 18 & Virtual Programs up. Hanover Master Gardeners will share Birds in the Frame — Saturday, June how to control those pesky summer yard 5, noon - 1 p.m. Grades 6-12. Expand and garden pests. Registration is required your photography skill set! Learn from at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ an expert how to photograph birds. event/7803631. This virtual program is Registration required - sign up online or hosted through Zoom and the meeting see a staff member to register. Registration link will be sent to the email registered 1 is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.lib- day before the event occurs. If you don’t cal.com/event/7731705. This virtual pro- receive your reminder email on Tuesday, gram is hosted through Zoom and the June 8, please contact the Mechanicsville meeting link will be sent to the email Branch Library at 804-746-9615. For more registered 1 day before the event occurs. If information or if you have a special physiyou don’t receive your reminder email on cal or communication need, please contact Friday, June 4, please contact the Ashland ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. Branch Library at 804-798-4072. For more Selecting Plants for Landscape Design information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact — Saturday, June 12, 11 a.m. - noon. Ages 18 & up. Jean Cauble, Master Gardener ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. with the Goochland Powhatan Master Five Money Questions for Women — Gardener Association, discusses how to Tuesday, June 8, 6 - 7 p.m. Ages 18 & select the right plant for the right place to up. Justin Williams with Edward Jones ensure its survival and a pleasing design Financial shares a perspective on a pro- of your home landscape. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. cess women can use to identify financial com/event/7803639. This virtual program goals and set a strategy. Registration is is hosted through Zoom and the meeting required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. link will be sent to the email registered 1 com/event/7803577. This virtual program day before the event occurs. If you don’t is hosted through Zoom and the meeting receive your reminder email on Friday, link will be sent to the email registered 1 June 11, please contact the Goochland day before the event occurs. If you don’t Branch Library at 804-556-4774. For more receive your reminder email on Monday, information, please contact ask@pamunJune 7, please contact the Cochrane keylibrary.org. Rockville Branch Library at 804-749-3146. For more information or if you have a Discover Richmond! — Thursday, June special physical or communication need, 17, noon - 1:00 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Learn please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. about tourism in the Richmond Region with Tameka Jefferson from Richmond Atlee Virtual Book Club — Region Tourism. The Richmond Region Wednesday, June 9, 11 a.m. - noon. Ages includes the counties of Chesterfield, 18 & up. Join us for a lively book discus- Hanover, Henrico and New Kent as well as sion on Writer & Lovers by Lily King. Place the city of Richmond, the city of Colonial a hold on your copy today or check it out Heights and town of Ashland. Registration on hoopla or OverDrive. Registration is is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.librequired at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. cal.com/event/7803657. This virtual procom/event/7795622. This virtual program gram is hosted through Zoom and the is hosted through Zoom and the meeting meeting link will be sent to the email link will be sent to the email registered 1 registered 1 day before the event occurs. day before the event occurs. If you don’t If you don’t receive your reminder email receive your reminder email on Tuesday, on Wednesday, June 16, please contact the June 8, please contact the Atlee Branch Mechanicsville Branch Library at 804-7469615. For more information or if you have Library at 804-559-0654. For more information or if you have a a special physical or communication need,

please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. Kids’ Lego Club, Friday — Friday, June 18, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Grades K-5. Meet and talk with other kids about your current creations, ask questions, and show off your amazing Lego builds! Registration required - sign up online or see a staff member to register. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/7687556. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Monday, May 10, please contact the Atlee Branch Library at 804-559-0654. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org. Birding 101 for the Whole Family — Saturday, June 19, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. All ages. Who was that masked bird? Birdwatching, or birding, is a fun way to enjoy nature, learn about our feathered neighbors, and explore the outdoors. Presented by Virginia Master Naturalist, Dorie Stolley. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7803678. This virtual program is hosted through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, June 18, please contact the Ashland Branch Library at 804-798-4072. For more information, contact ask@pamunkeylibrary. org.

On Demand Videos Poetry Break — Premiered Wednesday, May 19. Visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/prladults starting May 19 for poems to inspire you. Bluebirding — Premiered Thursday, May 20. Follow master naturalist Terry Atkinson! Go to https://www.youtube. com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https:// tinyurl.com/prladults to see the video. Tour an Organic Small Farm — Premiered May 28. Tour a local organic small-scale farm … virtually! Learn how Idlewood Farms grows vegetables without see LIBRARY > 14

Thursday

June 3, 2021

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Goochland Rotary Club looking back Meet local Rotarian on 25 years of service to community RICH SALON Contributed report On October 13, 1995, Rotary International announced the launch of the Goochland Rotary Club. Twenty-five Goochland residents became charter members on November 14 at the Richmond Country Club. Weekly meetings were held at the Virginia Farm Bureau building. The Goochland Rotary Club’s first president was Broocks Robertson, who offers “while forming the club, I was so impressed as everyone responded enthusiastically YES to forming the club. We knew the club would succeed with such positive and generous attitudes. What better reflection could there be of the Rotary motto, Service Above Self. We knew, from the very start, that this was the beginning of something big for Goochland County.” The club now boasts 63 active, and 8 honorary, members. Current President Jay Shively notes that this club is one of the fastest growing clubs in the country, and credits this growth to “the energy among club members for community service, and the family culture in Goochland of caring for one another. It’s the best of all worlds.” “Our club has completed too many community service projects over these 25 years to report on all of them in this article,” offers Wayne Dementi, Chair of this 25th Anniversary Celebration. “So, let’s mention those which have met the test of time, and have had lasting impact on the quality of life in Goochland,” he added. Perhaps the best-known project is the Rotary Woodchuckers Program, founded in 2003, and currently headed up by Joe Morgan. “We believe we have delivered at least 1,500 loads of wood to needy homes in Goochland since we started,” says Morgan. “Goochland Rotary is one of our best, and

most supportive, community partners,” stated Sally Graham, Rotarian and Executive Director of GoochlandCares. “From hosting food drives, to delivering holiday meals, to volunteering for daily operations, Rotarians are there for us,” Graham added. Another relates to the support Rotary has offered to the Goochland Christmas Mother, which has been done in every one of its 25 years. “In fact, the club boasts 6 members who have served as Christmas Mother, including Marian Elam, Robin Hillman, Marc and Elizabeth Jones, Joy Kline, Rachel Parker and Kavis Winston,” observed Kavis Winston, former Christmas Mother, and active Rotarian. Support to the Goochland Public School System has extended into many areas. Most recently, Rotary completed an Essay Contest for 4th and 5th graders, who answered the question, what changes has your school made that you think were the most creative and helpful, and would you like continued when the pandemic is over? “We were delighted to receive 63 essays this year,” commented Cyndy Brown, Executive Director of the Goochland Education Foundation. Another ongoing project has been the donation of books to 4th-graders. For the past two years, Rotary has distributed the book entitled “Wonder.” Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley offered praise and appreciation to the Goochland Rotary Club for the wide range of initiatives, including STEM program, student mentoring and even the formation of the Interact Club at Goochland High School. “Rotary is a wonderful community partner for our schools, which has clearly helped us to be one of the top school systems in Virginia,” offered Dr. Raley. A stretch of River Road was adopted by our

club in 2004. Roadside Cleanup is a regular activity of the club, offered Jim Popp, Project Chair. “Many Goochland citizens will remember the annual Christmas Symphony, performed by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and held at Goochland High School,” remembered Adeeb Hamzey, adding “We enjoyed filling the auditorium, and making joyful noise together.” A more recent initiative has been Rotary’s partnership with the county in adding elements to Goochland Parks. An exercise trail was added at Hidden Rock Park in 2019 in support of the new animal shelter. A disc golf course as well as a Bar-B-Q picnic area are soon-to-be additions at Tucker Park and at Hidden Rock Park. “When Bright Beginnings started in 2008, Goochland Rotary was there to ensure that every child had the essentials needed to begin the 1st day of school with confidence,” quoted Jan Kenney, current Rotarian and Executive Director of the Goochland Family YMCA. “Over 2,000 Goochland County School Students have been provided with clothing, shoes and school supplies over these many years,” Kenney added. “Rotary partnered with the Goochland Historical Society in developing a local history curriculum for the 4th grade within the Goochland Public School System,” offered Chris Dunn, current President of the Goochland Historical Society. In recognition of these 25 years of service to the Goochland community, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors presented a resolution to the Goochland Rotary Club at its June 1 Board of Supervisors meeting. County Administrator, Kenny Young stated “The Goochland Rotary Club has been a true point of light in our county. We are blessed.”

Being a primary source for advice and guidance on various careers, Rich Salon is a “must see” professional. Describing himself as a “Human Resources professional, and a Career Transition Coach,” Rich is a primary source for those seeking guidance in their careers. A Goochland resident now for 15 years, Rich and his lovely wife Laura, along with son Cory and daughter Mary, have determined that Goochland is the best place to live. Rich has lived in San Diego, and across the street from Lake Michigan and SALON Lake Norman, but Goochland is the best. “We couldn’t have chosen a better place for opportunities both personal and business related, than Goochland County,” Rich said, smiling broadly. Cory and Mary are both graduates of Goochland High School. Continuing, he adds, “And while I’ve been fortunate to work with such stalwart companies as Circuit City, Home Depot, Penske, and Lowes, in working with members of the Goochland Rotary Club, during my recent tenure as president, I was pleased not only with our club’s growth in outreach activities, but being able to stabilize our membership as well.” — Frank Wentzel

Simple precautions to help keep pets safe as temperatures climb Contributed report Warm weather brings many changes. Warm weather can make travel more enjoyable and affords people more time to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors. It’s best to keep safety in mind when soaking up the sun. That’s important for all members of the family, including pets. Cats and dogs are as susceptible to heat-related illnesses as their human companions.

seizures, a body temperature of 104 F or higher, stupor, increased heart rate, or excessive panting. Pets can suffer from heat stroke, according Placing water-soaked towels on the pet’s feet, to the American Red Cross. Certain breeds of head, neck, and abdomen can bring down its dogs are highly susceptible, particularly those temperature. with short snouts, such as pugs and bulldogs. Excessive exercise in hot weather, lack of appropriate shelter outdoors and leaving a dog in a hot Be cautious of hot surfaces car may precipitate an episode of heat stroke. It’s Humans wear shoes on their feet for protecimportant to get the pet out of direct heat right tion, but pets do not have that luxury. Think about away and check for signs of shock, which include how hot your feet can feel when you scurry bare-

Recognize heat stroke

foot across hot sand en route to the shoreline or to cross a deck to get to the pool. When the sun beats down on surfaces, those surface temperatures rise quickly. According to a 2010 study by Liberty Home and Pet Services, at peak afternoon sun and an ambient temperature of 95 F in southern Florida, the temperature of cement was measured at 125 F, red brick at 135 F, blacktop at 140 F, and grass at 102 F. Individuals who think a car is safer

see Pet safety > 11

Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

June 3, 2021

Opossums amazing? Actually, yes By Roslyn Ryan Editor

here is a story occasionally told in my family about my mom. Shortly after moving to Richmond, my mother came in from taking out the garbage in a state shock. “My God!” she reportedly exclaimed to my father, trying to regain her composure. “I just saw the biggest rat I’ve ever seen out by the trash can.” As it turned out, upon further investigation, what my mother had actually seen was one of the many opossums that could occasionally be seen moseying through the alleyways and backyards of our neighborhood. But after spending much of her life in urban and heavily populated suburban neighborhoods, it seems she had never run across one. Truth be told, I can’t remember the first time I came in close contact with an opossum myself, but can report that until recently, after two decades of living in what most people would call “the country,” I no longer paid them much mind. The same went for many other members of Kingdom Animalia, including deer, raccoons, bats, turkeys, snakes, and even the occasional fox that darted across the road in front of my car in the early mornings. Lately, however, that’s been changing. It started the other day, while driving to work, when I had to hit the brakes

hard to avoid hitting a deer that had bolted out from a thick stand of trees along the roadside. For whatever reason, the animal veered and ran a few dozen yards ahead, staying in view long enough for me to see the effortlessly elegant way that it moved, something I’m not sure I ever took the time to appreciate in the past. What an incredible creature, I thought to myself, and I have been taking it for granted all this time. Later on, I began to think about some of the other wildlife that so many of us have been living alongside for most of our lives, particularly those that we may turn our nose up to on occasion. I thought, in short order, about opossums. Would there be any way to find them worthy of wonder? Fortunately, in this internet age, it didn’t take long to find the answer: yes! I won’t spoil the thrill of finding out for yourself just how fascinating opossums are, but I will share just a few facts. Did you know that opossums are the only marsupials that are native to North America, or that Captain John Smith is credited with naming the opossum during his visit to the New World in 1608? How about that they are largely impervious to snake venom, or that they have been referred to as “Nature’s Little Sanitation Engineers,” since they often eat dead things and, by doing so, rid their habitats of disease? How about the fact they can eat up to 5,000 ticks a year? That’s pretty neat (though I don’t envy the person who had to find a way to calculate this). Opossums basically are, in a word, awesome (though yes, Mom, they do kind of look like rats). And with the newfound knowledge in hand, I am pleased to say that I have begun a quiet but determined quest to begin looking with renewed curiosity at more of the “wild things” I come across on a daily basis. I’ll keep reporting back, but I’d also love to hear from our readers about what they find especially interesting in our neck of the woods. It’s a wild world we live in, after all, full of as many fascinating things as we are willing to open our eyes to.

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Kicking off summer with a memory of picnics past By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

In addition to denoting one of America’s most solemn holidays and celebrating the brave men and women of our Armed Services who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, Memorial Day weekend also has become the nation’s unofficial start of summer. Like many families, we spent part of the weekend lounging at the pool and grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, but, most importantly, the bulk of the time was spending time with the ones who mean the most to us. Aside from the most important significance the holiday represents, that accompanying concept of Memorial Day brings back a myriad of memories from past experiences and the excitement that only the beginning of summer can bring. As a youth, we spent both the beginning and end of summer at my grandmother’s house in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The old house was big enough for several families to gather and enjoy the peacefulness and solitude of rural, at that time, Maryland. It always seemed pleas-

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antly different, almost foreign, as we settled in, and the clean cool air was a welcomed respite from hot and humid days and nights in Montgomery, and, later in life, Richmond. While it might seem hard to imagine today, the highlight of our weekend was always a road trip that included a picnic lunch. The destinations were foreign and exotic to me and my cousins, but the picnic lunch that always accompanied had become predictable and well-anticipated. Preparation for the outing began the day before, as my grandmother butchered and fried dozens of pieces of chicken in a huge cast iron pan on the stove. The aroma was almost too enticing to endure, but not tempting enough for any of us to enter Nannie’s domain as she performed her magic. That might explain why I’ve not met a single person in my family who has her recipe for fried chicken. While the chicken cooked, she prepared several pans of homemade rolls, the kind that tasted just as good cold as they did when heated. The next morning, we carried out numerous boxes of food and loaded them into the several cars that would transport over a dozen anxious travelers on our journey. The destinations were varied but many times included historical sites like Harpers Ferry, Antietam or Gettysburg, and also included places like Beverly Beach or Cowen’s Gap. Before we reached any of those sites, my uncle, who drove the lead car, searched and always found a wayside park, usually located beside a stream. Wayside parks were then wellmaintained and clean spots to picnic. see Picnics > page 11

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June 3, 2021

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Goochland boys tennis team runners-up in region By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

GOOCHLAND – Goochland’s boys tennis team put together a standout 2021 season as it reached the Class 3, Region B championship match and ended the 2021 season with regional runnerup honors and a final team record of 9-3. “I have seen great growth in our team this year,” said head coach Tommy Webb. He noted that the Bulldogs’ No. 1 player, sophomore Evan Bernstine, was a big addition to the team. The younger brother of former individual and doubles state champions and current Virginia Tech Men’s Tennis players, Chase and Ryan Bernstine, Evan Bernstine assembled an unbeaten run in singles during the team season and ensured that the Bulldogs had at least one win in their three team setbacks in 2021. Coach Webb’s son, No. 2 player and senior Adam Webb, was also very strong, winning all but one of his regular-season matches, with the lone loss coming to powerhouse Collegiate. Coach Webb added that No. 4 player and sophomore Alex Peskin has seen much

Photo courtesy Goochland Tennis

Goochland High School’s boys tennis team stands with the Class 3, Region B tournament runner-up trophy.

improvement this season. “I expect him to occupy one of the top positions on the team next year,” Webb said. Remaining seniors Reid Dameron (No. 3), Jacob Taylor (No. 5) and Dallas Silva (No. 6) all had winning records and were crucial to the team’s success. “They were all basically new to tennis their freshman year,” Webb said, “and were formidable players by their senior year.” Several other players on the team also stepped up during the season when injuries and conflicts prevented some of the starters from playing. As a result, players like

Ryan Bowers, Charlie Alston and David Townsend were able to add singles wins and/ or contribute to doubles wins during the season. Senior Luke Thrasher also won his doubles match with Taylor against Appomattox Regional Governor’s School on Senior Day. All seven of Goochland’s regular-season wins were by margins of 7-2 or greater. After that standout stretch, the Bulldogs hosted all three of their opponents in the regional tournament. Goochland opened the week by overtaking Lightridge 5-3 with two key wins in doubles in the first round.

Dameron and sophomore Peskin partnered up to win their doubles match, and Bernstine and Adam Webb defeated Abhinav Maddi and Bhuvan Maddi on the No. 1 doubles line 6-4, 6-3 to secure the overall team match. Bernstine won his singles match on the No. 1 line before the other five lines finished their first sets. He swept Abhinav 6-0, 6-0. Senior Dallas Silva at the end of his No. 6 singles match kept his points going until his opponent hit the ball out. Silva persevered 6-4, 6-2 over Shriker Sirubhusgann to help tie the match at 3-all after singles. Peskin’s powerful ground-

strokes persisted into the closing games on the No. 4 singles line; he was also able to run down short single-bounces that fell into shallow court and keep them in play, sometimes forcing a mistake by his opponent. Peskin bounced back from a 2-1 deficit in the second set to pull away and secure his match 6-3, 6-2 over Anish Devireddy. On Wednesday in the regional semifinals, Goochland dominated, securing the early win in singles over Warren County 5-0. Bernstine, Webb and Peskin won bagel sets over Michael Kelly, Austin Herring

and Antonio Torizzo, respectively. Taylor defeated Evan Martin 6-1, 6-3 and Silva routed Kendyll Doebler-Branch 6-1, 6-1. Goochland hosted Maggie Walker Governor’s School on Thursday in the regional finals, and the Green Dragons prevailed 5-1 for the Class 3, Region B championship. But Bernstine’s dominant stand on the No. 1 line continued as he swept Akhay Pappu 6-0, 6-0. The singles regional tournament was set to begin Tuesday, June 1 at 9 a.m. Evan Bernstine will represent Goochland. The doubles regional tournament will begin Thursday, June 3 at 9 a.m. Bernstine and Adam Webb will represent Goochland. Goochland High School will host both tournaments. As far as the team goes, Goochland boys tennis is projected to feature seven juniors next season. The young team will also move to the Jefferson District, featuring schools from the Charlottesville area and nearby counties. But Coach Webb added that the team has “many upcoming eager players” from whom he has “seen much improvement.”

Goochland softball walks-off for 8-7 triumph over Buckingham By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

Goochland’s softball team completed a sweep of this past week’s home games to improve to 5-3 after routing Bluestone 10-2 in last Tuesday’s Senior Night game and walking-off 8-7 against Buckingham on Thursday. The Bulldogs scored 3 runs in the final half-inning against Buckingham, and sophomore Maya Jandzinski delivered the game-winning single.

Goochland trailed Buckingham 6-2 after four innings, but tightened the visiting Knights’ lead to 6-5 in the bottom of the fifth. Jasmine Price and catcher Brookelyn Green walked in Abrielle White and Price, respectively, and Chelsey Farthing scored on a wild pitch. Buckingham extended its lead in the top of the seventh on an RBI single. But in the bottom halfinning, back-to-back singles from Goochland’s Farthing and Price brought home Farthing to make it

a 1-run ballgame, and, later in the frame, senior Madison Dyer, who was the courtesy runner for pitcher Price, was able to reach home and tie the game. From there, Jandzinski slammed a line-drive single into center field to plate senior Megan Harlow for the winning run. Farthing batted 2 for 2 with 2 runs and an RBI, Price had a hit, scored a run and added 2 RBI. White had a hit and scored 2 runs. The Bulldogs’ patience at the plate

was rewarded as they took eight walks against the Knights. White and Green each walked twice. Price’s strong pitching game throughout the season was on display once more, as she scattered one hit, an earned run and three walks across four innings in relief. She also struck out eight batters.

see Softball > 8 Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

Goochland senior Samantha Proffitt swings at an incoming pitch in last Tuesday’s Senior Night game.

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June 3, 2021

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Goochland girls tennis team ends season in regionals Staff Reports

After her first season at the helm of Goochland’s girls tennis team was cut short, head coach Brett Alvis was able to lead her Bulldogs to four team triumphs this season and an appearance in the Class 3, Region B tournament. “Last season was so disappointing. It was my first year coaching, and I had a great group of seniors filling up most of my lineup. We had been practicing a lot and felt really prepared for a strong season. Unfortunately, COVID-19 shut us down right before our first match, and then my lineup graduated,” Alvis said. “I had no idea what to expect going into this year and was unsure if I’d even have a team.” She had seven girls show up from the start. “We were a small team, but

committed to improving our game, to each other and to good sportsmanship,” she said. There were challenges to overcome in the beginning. One of the team’s two seeded juniors from the previous season was out due to injury, and two of the players were completely new to the sport. “To say we were an inexperienced team would be an understatement!” Alvis said. But in their first match of the season, which was on the road and at Chancellor, the Bulldogs emerged victorious with a 5-4 team triumph. “It wasn’t until our first match against Chancellor that I saw the true potential and determination of these seven girls,” Alvis said. “Fully expecting us to lose graciously, I looked around at the different courts to see a completely different picture.”

Softball continued from >7 The triumph helped show the amount of work that the Bulldogs have put into working and improving on all facets of their game – hitting, bunting, infield and situational play all among them – since they opened the season on a 7-5 setback to the Knights. “Our whole game has improved from the very beginning of the year,” said head coach Wayland Colwell, who also praised this year’s team depth and its strong group of players who can come off of the bench and contribute. In their 10-2 victory over Bluestone last Tuesday, the Bulldogs unleashed 6 runs in the second inning to take the lead for good. Harlow batted 3 for 4 and added 2 RBI. Farthing totaled 3 RBI, scored a run and hit a double. Jayden Staton batted 2 for 3 with 3 runs and an RBI.

She saw her players’ competitive drive, and she added: “they were playing really good tennis.” As the season progressed, Goochland added three more team victories, defeating Buckingham 7-2 and 9-0 and Appomattox Regional Governor’s School 5-0. “We may not have won every match, but each time, our singles and doubles game improved dramatically, “ Alvis said. “Fast-forward to our last regular-season match against Buckingham and this team looked polished, confident.” Freshman Anna Stamey and Genevieve Williamson were playing like upperclassmen, said Alvis, who added that seniors Kendall Griffis and Taina Ramirez “brought such joy to doubles.” Senior Layla Allen “was a force” at the No. 5 singles seed, and doubles pair Margaret Townsend and senior

Senior Samantha Proffitt batted 2 for 3 with 2 runs, a double and an RBI. Dyer scored 2 runs and had a hit, and Jandzinski hit an RBI triple. Price earned the completegame win in the pitcher’s circle and held Bluestone to 2 runs (1 earned), two hits and four walks in seven innings pitched. Price also struck out four batters. Last Tuesday’s game honored the contributions and efforts of second baseman Ryane Barlow, Dyer, third baseman Harlow, center fielder Proffitt and left fielder Keeley Shoemaker, who scored on her own game-tying triple and the opponents’ throw to help her Bulldogs walk-off 10-9 over Nottoway the week prior. “Our seniors have contributed an awful lot,” Colwell said “They’ve also led by example... they’ve stepped up to the plate when it’s been needed, and they’ve helped with some of the other girls that are younger, too. They’ve helped with coaching them, too, on the field.”

Photo Courtesy Brett Alvis

Goochland girls tennis players Kendall Griffis (from left), Taina Ramirez, Genevieve Williamson, Heather Raley, Anna Stamey, Margaret Townsend and Layla Allen.

Heather Raley “were beautifully in sync,” Alvis said. “It was a match and a season that I won’t soon forget,” Alvis said. Goochland qualified for regionals after finishing the regular stretch 4-4. The team’s season ended with a 5-0 loss to George Mason on the road in the first round of regionals. The No. 2 singles line did not finish

Colwell said that Proffitt is a very big part of the team, praising her good bat and her really good range in the outfield. Colwell also complimented Barlow as a very steady second baseman. “You can really count on her for a lot of the hard hits that come her way,” Colwell said. He called Harlow a very active and very smart third baseman who covers a lot of range and can get her team out of predicaments with her play from third base. Dyer, as she’s shown this past week, has been able to come off the bench and contribute to her team’s victories, and Shoemaker has been a very steady player for the Bulldogs in the outfield. “She’s a good person that you can count on up there at the plate in situations...I know she’s come up many times when I’ve needed somebody to lay a bunt down,” Colwell said, “and you can always depend on her to get it down and advance that runner.”

its match due to George Mason reaching five wins at that point, but Alvis said that Raley was making a comeback. “All scores aside, I am so grateful to have been able to coach these incredible girls. I would take a small group of kind, inexperienced players with heart and dedication over a half-committed team double their size any season,”

Colwell noted that coaches Richard Barlow and Bailey Grandstaff have been key in the development of this year’s team. He also praised the play of Green behind the plate, pointing to her strong arm and ability to throw out runners as well as keep runners from stealing bases on her. Additionally, Staton has given the Bulldogs another very steady presence in the infield, and right fielder White has brought timely hits at the plate. Staton, Price and Farthing can all play short stop in addition to other positions. Goochland will play its final home game of the regular season against Randolph-Henry on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. before playing Amelia in a June 8 doubleheader starting at 4:30 p.m. “They’re a good bunch of girls; I’ve thoroughly enjoyed coaching them this year,” Colwell said of his players. “They’re very polite, they want to learn, they listen to you and they go out there and they work hard and they do their best to do what they’re supposed to do.”

Alvis said. “Their sportsmanship was commended almost everywhere we went, making me extremely proud to have returned to tennis at Goochland High School, where I played once myself. “I am so excited to continue coaching in Goochland,” Alvis said, “and look forward to building the girls tennis program that built me.”

Another home sweep Staff Reports

Goochland’s track and field teams swept Cumberland in Wednesday’s home meet. In the sprints, William Hoffler won both the boys 100-meter dash (11.4 seconds) and the 200 (24 seconds); Amore Jackson won the girls 100 (13.4); Casontiah Braggs won both the girls 100 hurdles (20 seconds) and the 300 hurdles (1:02.5 minutes); Ben McCray won both the boys 110 hurdles (17.9) and the 300 hurdles (47.1); Jaydon Edley won the boys 400 (53.8), and Leilani Burgess won both the girls 200 (28.6) and the 400 (1:10.9). In the distance events, Jack Hoffler won the boys 800 (2:05.3); Alex Rosenbaum won the boys 1600 (6 minutes); Grace Juran won the girls 1600 (6:07); Luke Farkas won the boys 3200 (12:27), and Megan Reid won the girls 3200 (14:52). In field events, Rosenbaum won both the boys discus (98 feet, 9 inches) and the shot put (26 feet, 1 inch); C.J. Towles won the boys high jump (5 feet, 2 inches); Burgess won the girls triple jump (28 feet); Jackson won the girls long jump (14 feet), and Wyatt Davis won the boys long jump (17 feet, 7 inches). Goochland added relay wins in the boys 4x100 (46.3), the girls 4x100 (56 seconds), the boys 4x400 (3:42.2) and the girls 4x400 (5:04.6).

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