The Goochland Gazette – 10/7/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE For many, high school gridiron offered life lessons not found elsewhere. > page 6

Volume 66 Number 39 • October 7, 2021

Increase in building has kept county inspectors on the move

Fire-Rescue truck from Goochland donated to Charles City

Sept. 30, 1927 - Sept. 30, 2021

Col. Floyd B. Callihan

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Amid an ongoing building boom in Goochland, the County’s Building Inspection department has been completing up to 17 inspections a day, crisscrossing the county ensuring all new construction projects meet code requirements. “Across the board, we are seeing almost double the number of permits,” Deputy County Administrator Jo Ann Hunter told County supervisors during last month’s board meeting. But while the department has managed to keep up with the tidal wave of new permits — including a 45% increase in residential building permits and a 51% increase in commercial permits — all of the extra leg work inspectors are putting in each day may actually be putting the county at a disadvantage. According to Hunter, the Insurances Services Office (ISO) sets the optimum number of inspections completed per day at 10 in order to insure that those inspections are done thoroughly. Any more than that, Hunter explained to County supervisors last month, and the risk of something being missed increases. Currently county inspectors are averaging around 17 inspections a day, which could negatively impact the county’s ISO

Thanks to a donation from the Goochland County Fire-Rescue Department, a locality about 70 miles south of Goochland has gained a needed piece of equipment at a critical time. Early last month, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors authorized the donation of a surplus fire tanker and accessories to Charles City County Fire Department. According to Charles City Fire and EMS Chief Jimmy Johnson, the donation of the 20-year-old truck will allow Charles City to maintain operations after the recent breakdown of one of its trucks. “It could not have come at a more perfect time,” said Johnson. Charles City’s fire department is composed of volunteer companies and a small group of career personnel. The county is one of several in the region that enjoys a cooperative relationship with Goochland Fire-Rescue. As Goochland County Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson told board members, Goochland recently replaced this fire tanker with a new 2021 Pierce Kenworth tanker. According to Ferguson, the older tanker was decommissioned based on maintenance costs and overall condition after serving the department for the last 20 years. The truck was valued at between

see Inspections > 3

File photo

Goochland’s Col. Floyd B. Callihan, who died last week at the age of 94, is seen here holding a photo of one of the many planes he flew. Callihan will be remembered by many for his tireless service to the community and to Virginia aviation. For more on Callihan’s life, see page 2.

see Fire truck > page 3

Thursday

October 7, 2021

Serving Goochland County

Callihan remembered for devotion to aviation, Goochland community

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

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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WWII veteran served as mentor, led effort to have Route 288 named in honor of veterans By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Asked on Tuesday morning to talk about the impact Col. Floyd B. Callihan had on those who knew him, Goochland American Legion Post 215’s Commander Chuck Worden thought for only a moment before concluding that he couldn’t do it. The reason? “You don’t have a big enough newspaper.” Worden was able to say with certainty that Callihan, a veteran of World War II CALLIHAN who died Sept. 30 at the age of 94, will be remembered by all who knew him as a man who always left things better than he found them, always fought for the things he believed in, and never missed an opportunity to help his community. “He was a wonderful man,” said Worden, who decided to pursue the Post Commander role after being encouraged by Callihan, himself a former Post Commander, 13th District Commander of the American Legion, past State Vice Commander of the American Legion and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “He was a very humble man, but his presence spoke volumes. He touched the lives of many, many people.” Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1927, Callihan was already showing an industrious streak by the time he was in high school, spending much of the time he wasn’t studying working in a local pie shop. With the United States embroiled in war in the Pacific and in Europe, he left school in 1944 before he finished his senior year to join the U.S. Navy (he would eventually be awarded his diploma). Assigned to the carrier USS Block Island, Callihan spent his days helping to protect the Atlantic shipping lanes from the threat of German submarines, which had been sinking large numbers of American military transports. It was during this time, Callihan remem-

bers, that he first fell in love with the idea of flying as he watched the pilots take off and land on the carrier’s deck. Callihan began taking flying lessons in 1953, the same year he joined the United States Air Force Auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), as a warrant officer in the Northfield Senior Squadron. He quickly earned his private pilot’s license, and would eventually earn his multi-engine and commercial licenses as well. After years of dedication and perseverance — during which he was credited with 16 “finds” and six “saves” as a search and rescue pilot — Callihan achieved the rank of full Colonel and was appointed Commanding Officer of the CAP’s 1,500-member Virginia Wing. Serving from 1980-1983, he oversaw a program that would be rated first in the nation in operational readiness, a distinction for which Callihan was honored by the United States Congress in 1981. Throughout his career, Callihan earned high praise for his willingness to roll up his sleeves and get things done, from producing a comprehensive safety manual for the Virginia Wing (still in use today), to negotiating a 100-year, $100 dollar lease with Chesterfield County for a new Wing headquarters at Chesterfield County Airport. Callihan’s reputation for generosity and humility was well-known, said John Myers, a fellow Navy veteran who came to know Callihan through his affiliation with Post 215. Simply put, Myers said, “I have never in all my life heard anyone say a bad word about Floyd Callihan.” Among his many accolades, Callihan was named Virginia Wing Senior Member of the Year; Virginia Wing Safety Officer of the Year and the Middle East Region Safety Officer of the Year. His proudest accomplishment, he always said, was having lead the charge in 2004 to have Virginia’s Route 288 designated as the WWII Veterans’ Memorial Highway. Perhaps, as Worden noted, one of Callihan’s most notable qualities was his ability to bring people together and lift up those around him. “He would always tell me, once I became Commander, that I needed to make sure I was getting out during the meetings and talking to people,” Worden said. “He would always say again and again, ‘Make them feel welcome.’ And that is something that has stayed with me ever since.”

Since 1955

SPORTS

Goochland football shuts out Fluvanna PAGE 9 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ........................... 14 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports ...............................9-10 TV Listings ......................11-13

CONTACT US Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 Office - (804) 746-1235 Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 819-5529 Laura McFarland Managing Editor (804) 363-1577 Denine D’Angelo Production Manager (804) 775-4624 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor (540) 728-0549 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

October 7, 2021

Fire truck continued from >1 $10,000 and $40,000. Goochland County Attorney Tara McGee advised board members that both state law and County policy allow donations of surplus property to other localities. Said Board chairman John Lumpkins, “We are just delighted that it worked out.”

Inspections continued from >1 rating. The county’s ISO rating is what helps determine homeowners insurance rates in a community, and the lower the score (on a 10-point scale) the better the rating. Unfortunately, said Goochland Building Official Gary Fisher, “the ISO has a one-size-fits all model when it comes to localities, and their idea of an inspector’s duties is 10 inspections per day. It doesn’t take into account how big an area they are covering or the population density.” The upside, said Fisher, is that despite the challenges the County has faced it has still maintained a rating of 2 on the commercial side and 3 on the residential side, both of which are considered outstanding for a county of Goochland’s size. Another reason to remain optimistic, Hunter noted, is that the County currently has an opening posted for a commercial inspector. While the role remained unfilled during the initial few weeks after it was advertised—due in part, Hunter surmised, to the fact that a neighboring county had posted the same job at a slightly higher pay rate— the new inspector, once hired, should help bring the number of inspections per inspector back in line with ISO recommendations.”

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

GCPS named best in Richmond area County school division lauded for excellence, teachers praised Contributed report

For the fourth year in a row, Goochland County ublic Schools (GCPS) has been named Best District in the Richmond area by Niche, a national school informa-

tion website. Niche also recognized GCPS teachers as best in the region. “We are pleased with the Niche rankings and are proud that our teachers were recognized for their dedication to our students,” said Dr. Jeremy Raley, GCPS superintendent. “We truly have the best teachers. There have been multiple challenges over the past two years, but our teachers have risen to

the challenge every time to maximize the potential of all of our division’s learners. I also recognize and applaud the work of all of our GCPS employees. We could not be named the ‘best’ without their extraordinary efforts to ensure that every aspect of our division meets our community’s high expectations. I am honored to work in the best school division in Richmond!”

Niche, the leading platform connecting students and families with colleges and schools, releases an annual ranking of schools and districts throughout the United States. Niche’s rankings provide a more personal view of a school by combining user input — ratings from current students, alumni, and parents — with quantitative data from sources like the U.S. Department

of Education to evaluate teachers, resources and facilities, extracurricular activity opportunities, and more. Niche ranked GCPS in the top 10% of divisions statewide with an overall ranking of 11 out of 131. Niche also gives school districts and schools letter grades in several different areas, including safety. On this measure, GCPS ranked 14 of 132 state-wide.

VICAP Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program FREE FALL WORKSHOP

BECOMING A LOVE AND LOGIC PARENT® A Six-Module Interactive Parenting Workshop Brought to you by Goochland Department of Social Services

WHEN: October 26th, November 9th, th

November 16 , November 23 (4 Tuesday evening classes)

The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) is part of a national network of State Health Insurance Programs. As the Medicare Open Enrollment Period approaches, it is important that all Medicare beneficiaries review their current coverage and understand what options they have for the next year. Our counselors are available to assist during your transition to Medicare, through your plan search during the Open Enrollment Period or to answer questions about your existing coverage.

COUNSELING TOPICS - MEDICARE

TIME: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE: Goochland County Administration Building: Room 270, 1800 Sandy Hook Rd., Goochland, VA 23063

COST: FREE!

IN THE FOUR SESSIONS, PARENTS WILL LEARN HOW TO: • Avoid un-winnable power struggles • Put an end to arguing, back talking, and begging • Stay calm when their kids do incredibly upsetting things • Set enforceable limits • Guide children to own and solve their own problems • AND MORE! Please RSVP by contacting the Goochland County Office of Children’s Services at 556-5875 or mjones@goochlandva.us

Original Medicare Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) Medicare Advantage (Part C) Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs (LIS)

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) Long-Term Care Insurance Medicare Appeals and Denials Preventing, Detecting and Reporting Healthcare Fraud, Errors and Abuse

SERVING THESE LOCALITIES Locally, VICAP is sponsored by Senior Connections, CAAA and serves the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, Powhatan, Goochland, Hanover, Charles City & New Kent.

CONTACT VICAP AT SENIOR CONNECTIONS VICAP Intake Line: (804) 343-3014 Email: vicap@youraaa.org If you are outside of Senior Connections service area and would like to locate your local VICAP office, call 1.800.552.3402. This product was supported, in part, by funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Dept. of Health and Human Services. Points of view or opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Thursday

October 7, 2021

Sheriff’s Office warning residents to watch out for latest telephone scam Contributed report

The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of a phone scam going around from an individual posing as Detective Jim Woods from the Richmond City Sheriff ’s Office. The callback number appears as the legitimate number for the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office: (804) 646-4464. The caller states he is calling because of the recipient’s failure to appear in court, and that he needs the recipient to appear at the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office for a signa-

ture verification. Recipients of this call have remarked on how legitimate it sounds, as the number calling is the real number to the Sheriff’s Office and the caller has the recipient’s full name and address. Please be advised that the Sheriff’s Office will never call about an issue of this nature. To verify the validity of the call, please hang up and call back the number you know to be legitimate. For more information, call the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 5565349.

THE SHRINE OF THE BLACK MADONNA SANCTUARY BOOK OF THE MONTH

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Obituaries COL. FLOYD B. CALLIHAN Col. Floyd B. Callihan, USAF Aux (Ret.), of Goochland, departed this life on his 94th birthday, September 30, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Shirley Lett Callihan; daughter, Susan Callihan of Goochland; sons, Lt. Col. Douglas Callihan (Debbie) USAF (ret.), of Tucson, Arizona and LTC Glenn CALLIHAN Callihan (Karen) US Army (ret.) of Glen Allen; three granddaughters and one grandson. A devout “Champion of Individual Liberty” and a proud WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Callihan was a retired owner of Lett Hardware, a licensed commercial multi-engine pilot and ham radio operator K4ROG, former Virginia Wing Commander of the Civil Air Patrol, past commander of Goochland American Legion Post 215, past 13th District Commander of the American

Legion, past State Vice Commander of the American Legion and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. One of his proudest achievements was spearheading the drive to name state route 288 and the 288 bridge as the WWII Veterans Memorial Highway and WWII Veterans Memorial Bridge. In October 2019, he was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Historical Society Hall of Fame. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 6, at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St., with interment to follow in Westhampton Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Goochland American Legion Post 215 Construction Fund, P.O. Box 1062, Goochland, Va. 23063. COL. MATTHEW P. KALAN Col. Matthew P. Kalan, of Goochland, Va., passed away September 17, 2021. He is survived by his sons, Patrick Kalan and wife, Cornelia in Midlothian and Pat’s three children, Brooke, Erin and Dana Kalan, plus Steve Kalan and wife, Lori in Wilmington, N.C. and their three children, Molly, Matthew and Benjamin Kalan. Col.

Kalan was born in New York, N.Y. on July 19, 1931, and later married Susanne Shurte in 1956. Born to Helen Leonard, a 1st-generation Scot and Matthew Kalan, a 2nd-generation immigrant from Austria, Col. Kalan was the oldest of five kids. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Military Science from the University of Omaha in 1968. The Col. went as an enlisted man to Officer Candidate School in Fort Sill, Okla. He participated KALAN in the Bulldogging Events on the OK rodeo circuit. The Col. led men in Korea, Vietnam and the ROTC program at U of R. He earned the Bronze Star, Air Medal and Vietnam Gallantry Cross, plus a dozen more commendations. He participated in the American Legion, Goochland Economic Development Authority and served as an electorate in statewide politics. There will be a service for Col. Kalan at Byrd Church in Goochland, Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 12 p.m.

The Isis Papers: Keys to the Colors By Dr. Francis Cress Welsing KELLEY AUCTIONS presents PUBLIC ESTATE AUCTION From Estate of L. Andrew, Sr., and Lillian Duke Saturday, October 9, 2021 - 1:00 P.M. (**Preview @ 12 Noon day of sale**)

17250 Journey’s End Lane (Off State Route 715) Beaverdam, VA 23015 Including: Coins, crocks, lanterns, bells, vintage toys, large lot of primitive tools, furniture, and much, much more. 50+ years collection of rare and unique antiques.

Food + Water + Drinks available for sale BRING A CHAIR This is an outdoor auction with COVID protocol respected! Check www.AuctionZip.com for updated listings and pictures AUCTIONEER’S NOTES: ABSENTEE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO SALE. 6% VA SALES TAX. NO BUYERS’ PREMIUM. TERMS: CASH, OR VALID CHECK. AUCTIONEER ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR LOSS OF PROPERTY OR INJURIES. ALL SALES FINAL. PAYMENT MADE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. ALL ITEMS WILL BE SOLD AS IS WHERE IS.

Hunter “Dee” Kelley, Auctioneer, VA License # 2907002934

Cell 804-683-4612

Library Calendar In-Person Programs Friday, Oct. 8 Friday Book Group at the Goochland Branch Library will be held from 11 a.m. noon. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/8158080. Call 804556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Thursday, Oct. 14 Aging Gracefully: Prevent Falls, Please! will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. This program is for those ages 18 & up. Carolyn M. Velletri, MS, OTR/L, CCM will guide you through ways to successfully make your home senior friendly. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.

com/event/8156042. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please email ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at 804-749-3146.

Tuesday, Oct. 26 Mystery Book Group at the Goochland Branch Library will be held from 10 – 11 a.m. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/8158144. Call 804556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for Thursday, Oct. 21 Impacts of Alzheimer’s the title of our latest amazing and Dementia will be held thriller. at the Cochrane Rockville Saturday, Oct. 30 Branch Library from 6 - 7 Outdoor Storytime and p.m. Understand the signs Costume Parade at the of Alzheimer’s, find out Cochrane Rockville Branch about what to watch for, Library will be held at 11and learn tips for approach- 11:30 a.m. Register at https:// ing someone about memory pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ concerns. Presented by the event/8285752 to attend an all Alzheimer’s Association ages Storytime outdoors at the and Edward Jones Financial. library. Dress in your favorite Registration is required at costume and bring a blanket to https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. enjoy some fun songs, rhymes com/event/8308141. call the and books! For more inforCochrane Rockville Branch mation or if you have a speLibrary at 804-749-3146.

cial physical or communication need, please contact ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at 804-749-3146.

Virtual Programs Winter Seed Sowing Saturday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. - noon. Winter seed sowing is a low cost, easy, and fun way to germinate seeds during the coldest months, while getting a head start on flowers and coolseason vegetables for spring planting. Join Master Gardener Connie Sorrel as she demonstrates this method, using repurposed materials, soil, and seeds — just in time for winter. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/8158164. For more information, contact ask@ pamunkeylibrary.org or call (804) 556-4774.

Thursday

October 7, 2021

Serving Goochland County

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Since 1955

Salem Baptist to host autumn event Salem Baptist Church presents Light Up The Night a community fall night out on Oct. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 465 Broad Street Manakin-Sabot. All are welcome for Trunk-or-Treat, free food, games, Hayride, and family fun.

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

Photo by Nicole Melton

Goochland students Sawyer Shonts, Kaelyn Roy and Stephen Dick take part in rehearsals for the upcoming ‘Peter and the Starcatcher,’ adapted from the popular children’s novel of the same name.

Have an idea for a community news story? Send news to rryan@goochlandgazette.com or call (804) 339-7956.

GHS to present ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ Production set to debut Oct. 15 centers on Peter Pan origin story Contributed report

The Theatre program at Goochland High School kicks off another year with their fall production of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” The play is written by Rick Elise and adapted from the popular children’s novel of the same name by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. GHS will present the play in three performances at the high school: Oct. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m., with a matinee Sunday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. Fans of J.M. Barrie’s beloved story of Peter Pan will enjoy this exciting adventure that imagines Peter and the Lost Boys’ origins. Pirates, sailing ships, and a trunk full of magical mystery will occupy

the stage as GHS Drama students bring action, humor, and songs to life. When asked why he chose this show to present, GHS’s Drama teacher Neil Burch explains that the process of staging it is meant to encourage the students (and audience) to think about the issues of growing up: How do our experiences from childhood help shape our perspectives of the ever-so-changing world? Although we all grow up in some ways, what joys do we carry on from our youth to help create our identity? “And this particular show emphasizes collaboration,” he adds. “We have students stepping up into leadership roles and because they are so invested, they come to rehearsals excited and enthusiastic. In particular, they’ve enjoyed working out the jokes and the comical moments in the show.” The Drama program was hit hard by COVID-19 over

the last 18 months, with the Spring 2020 musical canceled and other shows presented as recorded, streamed events. This year the program and the students are working hard to bring live theatre back to Goochland High School, and they hope to see the community fill auditorium seats. “Peter and the Starcatcher” was produced by Heather Wilckens, who teaches at Goochland Middle School. Goochland High School alum and vocal teacher Jaleel Jackson assisted with musical direction. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and are available at the box office prior to each show, payable by cash or check. However, due to limited seating for social distancing, it is advised to purchase tickets in advance at www. drama.goochlandschools. org. Note that tickets are now available from Ticket Spicket, the same online site used for Goochland athletic events.

Sale ends October 11th.

BIRD SEED AND SUET SALE

OFF

ALL SEED AND SUET

1360 Gaskins Rd, Henrico VA 23238 Located in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center Monday thru Saturday 10am to 5pm • Sunday noon to 5pm 804-741-2473 • Yardbirdsrva.com

Thursday

October 7, 2021

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

High school football more than meets the eye By Roslyn Ryan Editor

f all the wonderful things we associate with the fall, one of most anticipated for many in a small community like Goochland is the chance to take in a high school football game. It’s a great time — especially when your team wins— and I can think of far worse ways to spend a Friday night. Maybe though, occasionally, is it possible that we make just a bit too big a deal about it? It is, after all, just a game. I suppose there was the one time, years ago when I was working as a sports reporter, that I saw a local team’s scrappy young quarterback help his team battle back from losing by three touchdowns at the half to being just a few yards away from a win that would have sent them to the state championship. Despite the heroic effort they couldn’t quite get there, and I watched from a few feet away as the quarterback crumpled to the ground, completely devastated. His coach had to go out and get him — physically lift him to his feet — and it was the first time I realized how often a coach ends up becoming a surrogate father to his players. I guess I’ve seen a lot of things happen on a high school football field, come to think of it, and some of them were pretty memorable. I’ve seen both miraculous catches and unfathomable fumbles. I’ve also been witness to more than a few questionable calls, and I vividly remember interviewing a coach once after one such call had almost certainly cost him a win. I could tell he wanted to talk about the referees but was holding back, so I cautiously asked if thought the officiating was a factor. He sighed. “I’d like to complain about the things that didn’t go our way, but that’s loser talk,” he said. “The bottom line is that we

should have played better.” Oddly, I don’t remember the team they played that night, the score or really anything else about that game, but nearly two decades later I still think about what the coach said, particularly when I’m faced with the opportunity to blame someone else after my efforts fell short. One night not too long after that I heard about a young man whose mother had passed away suddenly just a day before the last football game of his senior year. He played the game in her honor, lifted up by the love and support of his teammates. I have seen high school football make fast friends out of kids from vastly different backgrounds, and I have seen great coaches motivate

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young men to believe in themselves and put everything they had into achieving a goal. And then I’ve gotten to see them achieve that goal, against tremendous odds, and begin to understand that if they could do this, what else might they be able to do someday? So yes, high school football is a splendid thing indeed, a good time that can bring a community together and offer even a kid from a no-stoplight town the chance to feel like Superman for a fleeting few minutes on a crisp autumn evening. It can build character and break down barriers and give people something to cheer for when they can’t find anything else. But it is, after all, just a game. Isn’t it?

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.

Laura McFarland lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com Roslyn Ryan

rryan@gooochlandgazette.com

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

thaynie@mechlocal.com

Cindy Adams

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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

Letters to the Editor Too many questions still unanswered about impact of marijuana use Dear Editor, Marijuana products legally sold in Virginia must comply with specific measurements for quantity (e.g. THC and other cannabinoids) and quality (e.g. mycotoxins, heavy metals) of materials — see 18VAC110-60-30 in the Code of Virginia. At present there are no requirements for pesticides or other chemical additives. Observations over many years, published in numerous medical journals, have reported that there are risks in use by pregnant women and adolescents. Cannabis psychosis is not a newly reported phenomena, and is generally associated in 15% of users. In the current environment where THC levels can approach 30% THC (versus older values of 3-5%), no consideration in the law is given to the impact of this large change in THC content. The psychoactive cannabinoids are readily absorbed in fatty tissues, therefore allowing for longer term exposure to the individuals. Unfortunately, many of these issues were not addressed in the current law. How Virginia may respond to these and other important issues in the future, and the risks to current legal users, remains an unfortunate open question. Richard Carchman Goochland

County animal shelter and staff are sources of pride for Goochland Dear Editor, I agree wholeheartedly with Penny Pearsall (Goochland Gazette (Sept. 9, 2021), the long-time President of FLAG. I too am so see Letters > page 7

Thursday

Serving Goochland County

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

October 7, 2021

Since 1955 Paid Political Advertisement

Correction

Vote Blakely Lockhart for

Delegate in the 56th District • Strengthening public schools • Expanding access to healthcare • Keeping Goochland’s air and water clean

Contributed photo

In a photo published in last week’s Goochland Gazette, the Eagle Scout helping to carry the Goochland Day banner was incorrectly identified. The young man (pictured above) is Trevor Brown. We sincerely regret the error.

Upcoming Events The Alpha Epsilon Chapter DKG is sponsoring their annual yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat. Oct.16, at the Salem Baptist Church Pavilion, 465 Broad Street Rd, Manakin-Sabot. The sale will feature books, furniture, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter decorations, household items, and craft supplies. Proceeds will fund the Brenda Simms teacher grant and educational programs in the

Letters continued from >6 happy to celebrate the one year anniversary of the opening of the new Goochland County Animal Protection facility! This was made possible by donations from citizens and organizations What an accomplishment! It would be just a building if it had not been for the hard work of the employees of this County agency. The officers in the field are hard-working

Goochland County Public Schools. For more information, call Paula Curle and leave a message (804) 784-5735. Emmaus Baptist Church will be hosting a Community Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 8. The sale will be held at 2104 Sandy Hook Rd and tables are available for rent. For more information, call Gail at (804) 888-5808.

and caring. The staff led by Julie Lawrence are super dedicated to the cleanliness, feeding, and care of all of the animals brought into the facility. I have had many interactions with Julie and the staff over the years and always found them to be responsive and eager to answer my questions and concerns. Julie has been with this agency for more than eight years. I know there have been times that because of the limited facilities, she took animals home with her to care for them

and probably saved their lives! Finally, they have a facility worthy of the job they have been performing every day. I am thrilled for all of them! After all of these years, they finally have pleasant surroundings for the job that that they do. Do yourself a favor and stop at the Shelter and ask Julie for a tour and see for yourself how great it is. Sincerely, Jonni Farish Goochland

Vote Early: 1876 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA 23063 Request Absentee Ballot: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/ VoterInformation/Lookup/absentee

Vote on Election Day (November 2nd) at your normal voting precinct Paid for by Friends of Blakely Lockhart

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HOME: Ideas, Tips and Advice

October 7, 2021

Since 1955

In The Garden

Savings plan: Use this year’s crop to gather next year’ seeds By Pat Lust Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener

eorge Washington, is reported to have said that, “It is miserable for a farmer to be obligated to buy his seeds; to exchange seeds may, in some cases, be useful, but to buy them after the first year is disreputable.” Many folks are once again valuing his perspective. Why save seeds? Have you bought a stack of seed packets lately and paid attention to the price tag? Just think about how much money you could save by harvesting your own seeds and trading with friends and neighbors. Seed saving can also be very satisfying. You will have treasures for your own future gardens and for sharing with friends and neighbors. If you are interested in exchanging seeds beyond your circle of friends and neighbors, google the “Seed Savers Exchange” in Decorah, Iowa. There you can join hundreds of other seed savers who are interested in trading seeds. As you choose the plant from which to save seeds, think about what desirable qualities you want: Flavor? Yield? Color? Hardiness? Larger fruit? Additional items to keep in mind include: Isolate target plants – both in time and space – to prevent unwanted crosspollination. Avoid hybrids and patented varieties. Hybrids will not “come true” next season, and saving patented varieties might get you into legal complications. Grow enough plants to have plenty

of the fruit to eat and share as well as plenty for collecting seeds. Identify the prize fruit and save it for seed. Avoid the temptation to eat the best. When harvesting seeds, timing is important. Choose fully developed seeds that are just about ready for natural dispersal. The good seed saver competes with Mother Nature to get the best seeds at the right time. For the beginning seed saver, the perfect place to start is with beans. Just let the beans ripen on the vine for a month or two after the good-eating stage, and then pick them. If the beans rattle in their pods, you know they are ripe. Remove the pods and lay the beans out to dry for at least two weeks before packaging them. For more experienced seed savers, tomatoes can provide an interesting challenge. There are two methods for preparing tomato seeds for storage. The simplest way is to remove the seeds from the tomato, rinse them, and use a sieve to clean off as much pulp as possible. Then, spread the seeds in a single layer on a paper plate and wait a week or so for them to dry. Peal the seeds off and package them. A more complex method allows you to remove the natural germination inhibitor from the tomato seeds. Put the seeds into a glass. Add a little water and cover loosely to keep out flies. Store them in the sun for a few days to ferment. Add water, swirl around and pour off the floating debris. Repeat several times. (This stew may smell a bit.) Finally, pour the seeds through a fine sieve and continue as above.

ke basil With annuals like atch for and zinnias, just watch seed formation. Collect the seeds, separatee seeds n thorand chaff, and clean oughly to remove plant debris that may host fungi, insects or moisture. Dry seeds thorng. oughly before storing. To store seeds, you nvecan buy seed enveour lopes or make your per own by using a paper ore bag. Do not store ags seeds in plastic bags in as this may retain moisture. Be sure to nlabel each containnt er with the plant variety and date of n, collection. Then, n store your seeds in a cool, dark, dry, pest-free environment until you are ready to plant your next garden. The USDA recommends the ideal storage condiure below 50 degrees tion as a temperature ess than 50 percent Fahrenheit and less humidity. For more details about seed saving techniques visit www.seedsavers.org/ learn. As your summer garden comes to a close, saving a few seeds will set you up for success in the spring.

MetroCreative Photo

Pat Lust 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.

Partnership with Reynolds will help train tomorrow’s teachers Contributed report

Reynolds Community College recently announced new partnerships serving residents of Goochland County. On Sept. 9, Reynolds signed a firstof-its-kind agreement with Goochland County Public Schools (GCPS) to address a growing K-12 teacher shortage. The agreement builds on the long-standing success of the

Reynolds Advance College Academy at Goochland High School, which enables students to earn an associate’s degree from Reynolds while still in high school. The new partnership will create a local pathway for GCPS students interested in K-12 teaching to complete their Associate’s Degree with a Specialization in Teacher Prep at Reynolds, and then transfer to a Virginia four-year institution through

a dedicated articulation agreement to complete an additional degree for teaching in the K-12 field. The program will start in the fall of 2022. “This exciting partnership with Goochland Public Schools is another step forward as Reynolds addresses the needs identified within our community,” said noted Dr. Bruce Sofinski, Dean of the School of Humanities and

Social Sciences at Reynolds. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to leverage our existing dual-enrollment relationship with GCPS as together we address the need for future K-12 teachers in the most effective and efficient ways possible. I expect this work will be an example as Reynolds develops similar initiatives with other school systems in the Greater Richmond region.” Dr. Stephen Geyer, Assistant

Superintendent of Instruction for GCPS, added “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Reynolds Community College. This new programmatic pathway is the result of forward thinking, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment by both Reynolds and Goochland County Public Schools to find a way to make it happen for students.”

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October 7, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Photos by Joel C. Brown

From left: Goochland’s Deontae Quarles (54) and Kai Burton signal that the ball belongs to the Bulldogs following a play on defense; Tyler Black (19) kicks a ball held by Mason Gregory (25) for a field goal; C.J. Towles is held up by Easton Bowman in celebration of a touchdown during Friday’s game at Fluvanna. Goochland defeated Fluvanna 28-0 to improve to 3-2.

Goochland football shuts out Fluvanna 28-0 Staff Reports

Goochland football put together its most dominant showcase of the fall season with Friday’s 28-0 shutout of Fluvanna. Senior C.J. Towles shined on both sides of the ball. At quarterback, he completed 5 of 10 passes for 83 yards and ran the ball six times for 80 yards and touchdown rushes from 1 and 16 yards out in the second and fourth quarters, respectively. His longest run of the game was a 50-yard sprint that set up his goal-line rushing TD. On defense, Towles caught two interceptions, including one that he returned to the end zone in the first quarter for his team’s first touchdown of the night. Gabe Liptak carried the ball 12 times for 81 yards and a second-quarter goal-line touchdown, and Derek Pierce had two catches for 44 yards. The Bulldogs’ offensive line paved the way for their skills players to tally up 306 total yards (223 rushing, 83 passing). Friday’s triumph marked the first season shutout for Goochland’s defense, which, win or lose, has played standout football in every single game this fall. It held Fluvanna’s offense to 120 yards total, all rushing.

Goochland’s Derek Pierce fields a catch on Friday.

In addition to Towles’ two picks on defense, Enrique Alvarez recovered a fumble. Nick Cotner added a blocked kick on special teams. Corey Mullins was in on a team-leading 10 tackles, and two of Alex Rosenbaum’s tackles were for loss. Cotner and Deontae Quarles each added a tackle for loss. Kicker Tyler Black put his Bulldogs on the scoreboard with a 34-yard field goal. He added 1 PAT and also sent one kickoff into the opponents’ end zone for a touchback. Goochland, which improved to a winning record (3-2), will host Charlottesville in its Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Goochland’s Gabe Liptak (10) runs the football. De’Andre Robinson (4) blocks.

Thursday

October 7, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Photos by Joel C. Brown

From left: Goochland’s Nicole Brown serves, Audrey Dolan receives the ball, Nina Smith (30) and Laura Lee Baldwin react prior to a set and Nova Wonderling attacks in last Tuesday’s road match.

Goochland volleyball defeats Orange in straight sets tough Albemarle County teams with a resounding straight-sets victory Goochland volleyball bounced (25-15, 25-11, 25-11) over Orange back from a rough week against two County last Tuesday. Junior setter Staff Report

Nicole Brown racked up 17 assists served 3 aces. Libero Blair Bussells led and added 2 aces and a kill in the win. the team defensively with 11 digs. Goochland defeated Deep Layla Ford and Nina Smith each tallied up 9 kills and a block, and Ford Run 3-2 on Monday and will host

Fluvanna County on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The Bulldogs will also play at Charlottesville next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

St. Christopher’s fends off Benedictine in rivalry game Staff Reports

Benedictine’s most explosive play of the contest, a 52-yard passing touchdown from Wes Buleza to Will Moore with four minutes to go. St. Christopher’s finished with 198 yards of offense (60 rushing, 138 passing) and Benedictine mustered 282 (120 rushing, 162 passing). For Benedictine, Buleza completed 7 of 15 passes for 130 yards, a touchdown and an interception, and Darryl Edmonds had three catches for 68 yards. Benedictine will host Georgetown Prep on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. - Zach Joachim of the Richmond Times-Dispatch contributed to this report.

In a hard-fought rivalry game at Benedictine, St. Christopher’s fended off the hosting Cadets 14-7. Nikkos Kovanes had touchdown catches for the Saints on both sides of the ball, with both of his scores coming in the second quarter. Kovanes first put the visiting team on the scoreboard with an interception that he returned to the end zone for a score. His touchdown grab on offense came on the Saints’ very next drive. After his team converted a third-and-long on a 62-yard screen pass down the right sideline to Jacob Zollar, Kovanes hauled in an 11-yard pass over the middle from quarterback Joshua Powell. Xavier Mears (12 carries, 80 yards) had a couple Alexa Welch Edlund/Richmond Times-Dispatch hard-nosed runs in the fourth quarter to give his Cadets Benedictine’s Wes Buleza carries the ball against Saint a much-needed jolt of energy. His efforts helped lead to Christopher’s Trent Hendrick on Friday at Benedictine.

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Since 1955