The Goochland Gazette – 11/04/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Goochland’s Past: Once upon a time, coal was key resource in the county > page 2 Volume 66 Number 43 • November 4, 2021

Marker to highlight significance of Central High School By Roslyn Ryan Editor

It wasn’t long ago that Goochland’s Central High School came close to being demolished. Having fallen into disrepair, the building that had once served as the county’s high school for black children, had come to be seen as a burden

on the county. With no buyers stepping forward and no obvious use for the structure, some began floating the idea of doing away with the building altogether. That idea didn’t sit well with some residents, particularly those who had fond memories of their time at the school and remained proud of the education they had received there.

They were among those who challenged the county to find a way to preserve what they saw as a key piece of local African-American history. What followed was an effort that would ultimately result in a new life for the historic building and recognition of its value to so many. In 2015, a Central High School Committee comprised of members from the

community was formed by the county and charged with evaluating sections of the Central High School Building and making recommendations for its reuse. The committee ultimately recommended a proposal to preserve and reuse the historic building, create a community facility for citizens, and expand programmatic space for Parks and Recreation.

Truck carrying biosolids overturns on I-64

On Saturday, Nov. 6, Goochland County will unveil and dedicate a historical marker recognizing Central High School. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. and will be followed by self-guided tours of the renovated cultural and educational complex. see Central High School > 3

Goochland to celebrate ‘America Recycles Day’ with shredding event Contributed report

Goochland County Fire-Rescue was called to the scene of an overturned tractor trailer last week, and arrived to find the truck’s driver trapped and a wide swath of what was determined to be biosolids covering the roadway. The truck’s driver was transported by MedFlight to a nearby trauma center and the road was reopened by that afternoon. For more on this story, see page 13.

Contributed photo

Join Goochland County and the Goochland AntiLitter and Recycling Council in celebrating America Recycles Day early on Saturday, Nov. 6 with a special tire amnesty tire recycling and document shredding event. The event will occur For more from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. information 6 at the Fairground property on efforts located at 2744 Fairground to keep Road at the intersection of the county Sandy Hook Road (Route green, see 522) and Fairground Road page 6 (Route 632). There is a 10-tire limit per person and participants must show proof of Goochland County residency. Tires larger than those on an average sized pick-up truck will not be accepted. Secure document shredding is available for up to five bankers, no larger than 12” x 24”, per person and participants must show proof of Goochland County residency. Paper clips and staples are acceptable, but plastic bindings must be removed. For more information or questions about the America Recycles Day Special Event, call (804) 6572025 or email djones@goochlandva.us.

Thursday

November 4, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County

Goochland History Revealed

Since 1955

SPORTS

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

(804) 921-8367

Bruce Blackwell State Licensed Home Inspector #3380000220 NRS

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Cadets crush outgunned Crusaders PAGE 9

Located in Sought after Wyndham. Enjoy the amenities which include golf, tennis, swimming, exercise areas and the lake! Presented in excellent shape, offering 2890 sf, this Transitional Home has formal living and dining rooms, 1st floor office, cathedral ceilings/fireplace gathering room open to the renovated Gourmet Kitchen (all the bells and whistles) and large screen porch. 2nd floor offers 3 bedrooms, plus the Primary Bedroom with renovated Fabulous Primary Bath. Appointments start November 5. Offers will be presented November 9. $565,000!

Debra Hoffman, Associate Broker

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

Goochland Historical Society/Photograph courtesy of Mary K. Trubul.

Years ago, coal played key role here Elrod & Dunham

Dentistry

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

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

Jenkin Jones (wearing derby) and Louis Gordon are pictured here near the rotor of an abandoned water-powered turbine on the Dover Mines property. Coal had been mined in the Manakin area since 1740. At its peak, the Dover Coal Mines Company provided coal to places as far away as Philadelphia.

Property Transfers 12333 Beech Hall Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to George Vranian, $701,381. 2436 Bridgewater Drive, Maidens; Richard G. Williams to Peggy Foraker, trustee, $775,000. 521 Creekmore Place, Unit 6A, Richmond; Legault Homes LLC to Patrick D. Riendeau, $380,465. 3035 Hadensville Fife Road, Goochland; Kathleen

Pitman Smith to James Willie Baker, $442,000. 3251 Hazel Lane, Goochland; Pedro Ezequiel Rodriguez to Daniel Dominguez Martinez, $210,000. 2404 Maidens Road, Maidens; Carter Home Builders LLC to Diehdre Jeannine Gregory, $405,000. 500 Meadow View Lane, Manakin Sabot; Virginia M. Street to Walter Scott Street

IV, $1,070,000. 7444 Park Village Blvd., Glen Allen; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Lindsey B. Dodd, $478,677. 3009 Preston Park Terrace, Sandy Hook; Emerald Custom Homes LLC to Christopher R. Beran, $459,385. 814 Rockford Road, Manakin Sabot; Kathleen M. Rogers to Amanda Enkey, $418,500.

Calendar ................................ 4 Obituaries .............................. 5 Classifieds ........................... 14 Letters .................................... 6 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 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Dave Lawrence Sports Editor (804) 239-7387 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746 Denine D’Angelo Production Manager (804) 775-4624

Thursday

November 4, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Central High School continued from >1 Renovation and restoration work on the original 1938 building and subsequent 1953 additions began in 2016 and was completed in 2018. Renovations included restoring the school’s original theater, classrooms, and creation of dedicated display space for Central High School memorabilia. The hallways are lined with photos from Central High School and a kiosk displays digitized yearbooks from the school as well. In 2019, Goochland’s Central High School Committee and associated work on the Central High Cultural and Educational Complex were recognized with a 2019 Excellence in Virginia Government Award for Community Enhancement

Contributed photo

Governor Ralph Northam tours Goochland’s new Greenswell Growers’ state-of-the-art hydroponics facility. Greenswell Growers has collaborated with Goochland High School’s Career and Technical Education program to provide curricula that teaches students about Controlled Environmental Agriculture, marketing, operations and logistics, mechatronics and culinary arts.

Greenswell Growers offers real-world opportunities to Goochland students Internships part of division’s work-based learning initiative Contributed report Goochland County Public Schools’ efforts to connect students with work-based learning opportunities was on prominent display at Friday’s grand opening celebration of Greenswell Growers’ state-of-the-art hydroponics facility. Greenswell’s partnership with GCPS includes assisting with curriculum development and providing students with realworld experiences. Addison Winston, a Goochland High School senior, interns at the company. “It’s really amazing what they’re doing because they’re finding new

ways to integrate agriculture with modern technology,” Winston said at a recent Goochland School Board meeting. Her fivemonth internship has given her a front-row seat to the company’s efforts to open a facility that is expected to produce about 3.7 million pounds of leafy greens for distribution across the mid-Atlantic over the next three years, all with 95% less water consumption and carbon-neutral energy. The GCPS Work-Based Learning program is comprised of school-coordinated workplace experiences that are related to students’ career goals and/or interests, sometimes integrated with instruction, and performed in partnerships with local businesses and organizations. “This is a really great opportunity for students in Goochland,” Winston said at the school board meeting. “My internship has helped me a lot in my

college pursuits. My dream is that someone younger than me, a student, maybe a junior or sophomore, will look at what I’ve done and want to intern for the company as well.” GCPS and Greenswell are working together to create engaging course work that will give each student academic and hands-on experiences meant to prepare them for careers of the future. Greenswell Growers has collaborated with GHS’s Career and Technical Education program to provide curricula that teaches students about Controlled Environmental Agriculture, marketing, operations and logistics, mechatronics, and culinary arts. Greenswell Growers’ ribbon-cutting was attended by Governor Ralph Northam, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger, and GCPS Superintendent Jeremy Raley, among other state and community representatives.

from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Wilder School of Government. The community is encouraged to join Goochland County on Nov. 6 for the latest recognition of the Central High School facility, which is bringing new life to the county in ways that very few thought possible. The school, once a symbol of division, has become a beacon for community unity. Items for the school’s museum display case are being collected the week of Nov. 1 in advance of the unveiling ceremony. For more information on the display case, contact Gloria Turner at (804) 4574290 or Calvin Hopkins at (804) 457-3132. For more information about the event, contact Goochland County Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

THE SHRINE OF THE BLACK MADONNA SANCTUARY

BOOK OF THE MONTH The Fire Next Time By James Balwin

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 Advertise In The Gazette! Call 804-746-1235

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

November 4, 2021

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Community Calendar Thursday, Nov. 4

Friday, Nov. 5

Saturday, Nov. 6

Make & Take Movie Night will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. for those ages 12-18. Spooky Season never stops! Bring a friend and join us for a movie and craft night at the library. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/8285918. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

Join the Rotary Club of Goochland to learn more about how the local club supports projects in Virginia and internationally. Speaker David Rosenthal, Chair, District 7600 Foundation Annual Fund, will share what Rotary is doing in the region. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Richmond Country Club.

Second Union Rosenwald School Museum will hold its 2021 Annual Meeting and Membership Drive at Second Union Baptist Church, 2843 Hadensville Fife Road, Goochland, VA 23063. This event will start at 3 p.m. and the guest speaker for the evening will be Ruth CookeJohnson, an alumnus of Second Union School. Please RSVP to Calvin Hopkins at (804) 457-3132 or email: jule0424@gmail.com.

Auction will benefit local shelter Goochland Pet Lovers will host its annual Raise Your Paw Online Auction from 6 – 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14. Join the group online to bid on an assortment of auction items and gift baskets, and to enjoy a program showcasing all of the work GPL does on behalf of animals in Goochland County. For more on Goochland Pet Lovers, visit www. goochlandpetlovers.com.

A DIY Paper Clay Bowls class will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 1 – 2 p.m. for ages 12-18. Join us for a fun crafting session involving paper clay. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/8180613. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Tuesday, Nov. 9 A program entitled What Happens When the Paychecks Stop? will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Find out how to budget for retirement expenses with Justin Williams of Edward Jones Financial. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/8397114. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Friday, Nov. 12 Join

the

Rotary

Club

Goochland to hear from Goochland Christmas Mother, Ann Casey. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at the Richmond Country Club.

11 a.m. – noon, 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, Nov. 12, please contact the library. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit Friday Book Group will be held the library at 3075 River Road West at the Goochland Branch Library for more information. from 11 a.m. – noon. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. Create a Hanging Macramé libcal.com/event/8158080. Call (804) Plant Shelf during an upcoming 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 program at the Cochrane Rockville River Road West for more informa- Branch Library from 12:30 p.m. tion. 2:30 p.m. This program is for ages 14 & up. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ Saturday, Nov. 13 event/8156070. Call (804) 749-3146 The Purple Hearts Relay team or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey will be hosting a Stamp Card Bingo Tract Road for more information. on at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 4768 Join Mount Gilead Church, from Shannon Hill Road, Columbia. The 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Hunter’s cost is $20 for 6 faces. Food and drink Lunch, (Brunswick stew, hot dog, will be sold and all proceeds will pie and drink) for $8, or take a quart benefit the American Cancer Society. of stew to go for $8. The church is Masks will be required inside. located at 4768 Shannon Hill Rd, in Columbia. Winter seed sowing is a low cost, easy, and fun way to germinate seeds Join Goochland County Parks during the coldest months, while get- and Rec for KumaCon, a day of ting a head start on flowers and cool- anime, comics, manga, cosplay, season vegetables for spring plant- games, contests and more! This coning. By sowing seeds outside under vention will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 natural light and temperature, seed- p.m. an will feature both live and virlings are hardier and stockier than tual panels, cosplay contests, raffles, seeds sown indoors under artificial tabletop gaming, a fully stocked venconditions. Join Master Gardener dor room, food trucks and an anime Connie Sorrel as she demonstrates café to sit and enjoy your snacks, this method, using repurposed mate- treats and meals! Come celebrate rials, soil, and seeds -- just in time for with us as we introduce the very first winter. Registration is required at convention of its kind right here https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ in Goochland County. We hope to event/8158164. This program will be see you there! $15/person. For more hosted virtually through Zoom from information call (804) 556-5854.

Ongoing Parks and Recreation Programs Zumba Gold Tuesdays, Oct. 19-Nov. 30, 4:305:30 p.m. Zumba Gold is a modified form of Zumba for active older adults that recreates the original Zumba moves at a lower intensity. $45/6 week session or $7 drop in fee. For more information, call (804)

556-5854. Zumba Mondays and Wednesdays, Oct. 18-Dec. 1, 6 -7 p.m. Zumba is a dance fitness format that will include pop, hip hop, and international music with dance rhythms that incorporate interval

exercises. These dances will help you tone target areas on your body and absolutely increase your confidence as this class is a judgment free zone. This party is for everyone regardless of their fitness level. The goal is to have fun and keep moving! $45/6 week session or $7 drop in fee. For more information, call 804) 556-5854.

Tai Chi for Health Tuesdays and Fridays, Nov. 30-Jan. 21, 9 - 10 a.m. Tai Chi is an effective exercise to improve health and well-being. Join us for a 6-week session to exercise your entire body and strengthen your mind. The central focus of Tai Chi is to enable the qi, a life force, to flow

smoothly and powerfully throughout the body benefiting improved health and balance, increased flexibility and strength, and reduced stress. You can choose to take one or two days a week. $60/one day a week or $120/two days a week. For more information contact Goochland County Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Thursday

November 4, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County

Obituary

NANCY SUNDIN SUNDIN, Nancy Armstrong, On September 17, 2021 at 2 p.m., Nancy Armstrong Sundin was taken off life support. She had been at Westminster Canterbury for two months and was not improving, so she was taken to St. Mary’s emergency room on September 14. At the E.R., she was immediately sedated, put on a respirator and moved to the ICU. She was suffering with multiple lung diseases. She was also a Type 1 Adult Diabetic, so she had no immune system to fight infections. Even with all the modern drugs she was taking to fight the infections, her body’s ability to survive continued to fail. She fought courageously, but there was no hope for recovery. She was only 69 years old. The entire family was present when life support was withdrawn. Pastor Ray Roberts married our daughter, Elisabeth and Chris Duffey with Nancy in the patient room. Even though Nancy was unconscious, she received her wish to feel with her soul this monumental event; she was fighting so hard to attend the wedding on October 23. The old saying “Adversity does not build character it just reveals it” applies to Nancy’s noble character, self-reliance and personality to overcome obstacles with dignity. The last week of her life, Nancy was coordinating hair appointments and for a nurse to accompany her to the wedding. Nancy was even helping Elisabeth

finalize logistical needs for the wedding. That was Nancy at her best - always willingly thinking of other people’s needs. Nancy was the glue to the family and relatives. Over the years, she coordinated many reunions, birthdays, graduations and other festive events at our houses and other locations. The essence of Nancy’s personality was that she was charismatic, socially engaging and vivacious. She was able to always make people feel welcomed. She had an infectious smile and anytime she entered a room, there was an aura of friendliness which touched everyone. She was a loving and nurturing mother and wife. The entire family is now devastated with her loss and emotionally exhausted. Nancy Lynn Armstrong was born on May 18, 1952, to Roger and Irene Armstrong and grew up in Milltown, N.J. The family eventually relocated to Tulsa, Okla. in 1972, following Roger Armstrong, the father who worked for Williams Companies in Tulsa. She graduated from University of Oklahoma in 1974 with a B.S. degree in education. She was in Gamma Phi Beta sorority and was very outgoing, which led to her selection as the Roughneck Queen with her long blond hair during football games. As the Roughneck Queen or Sooner Princess, she sat next to the Conestoga Wagon driver with her long blond, beautiful hair. After the OU team scored, the wagon would race around the field stadium. After graduating from OU, Nancy worked for the next eight years as a U.S. schoolteacher on the island of Guam for the Air Force and then later in Germany, teaching the soldiers dependents. Nancy was adventurous; she wanted to see the world and had no hesitancy to travel overseas. She learned many activities, such as certification in SCUBA diving, life guarding, skiing in Germany and overall, travelling extensively throughout the far east of Japan,

then in Germany and Europe. In Germany, Nancy lived in the little town of Goppingen in the southern part of Germany. She taught the Army servicemen’s children at Cooke Barracks Kaserne, where units of the First Infantry Division were stationed. Nancy taught third grade and was an immediate “Rockstar” with her students and all the parents. Her natural talent to motivate her students to want to learn is what made Nancy so inspiring. Nancy has always possessed a multidimensional level of charisma. There was just something about her personality which enabled her to motivate both children and adults. She exuded confidence, excitement and endless energy at whatever event or activity she was doing. She met her future husband, Eric Sundin, who was an Army Officer assigned to the First Division. In July 1980, Nancy and Eric were married in Tulsa and then returned to Germany for one more year of his assigned duty tour. Eric resigned from the army in 1982. After they returned to the U.S., Eric was hired by Control Data in Richmond, Va. She was also on the P.T.A. boards and organized many social events for the both the parents and their children. Nancy joined many organizations: Tuckahoe Women’s Club, Garden Club, Blue Star, DAR and served on many of the church’s committees. She was always volunteering and was an asset to the entire community. Nancy was fiercely patriotic since her father was in Europe during WWII. When Carl, our son, went to Iraq with the Army’s Third Infantry Division for 16 months in 2007 during “The Surge,” Nancy was one of the key leaders in the local Blue Star Chapter. She sent a constant stream of care packages to the soldiers in Iraq, who were in Carl’s unit. The family was fortunate to have vacation homes at Martha’s Vineyard, the Outerbanks and Wintergreen. She really enjoyed having her friends

Since 1955

FISH DAY!

come to OBX and Wintergreen during the various seasons and always had plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Nancy always took being a parent very seriously and provided the support, nurturing and guidance to all three of our children. As a result, all three graduated from college in four years and all now have great jobs to support their own families. All the children’s successes are a direct result of Nancy’s loving involvement and providing valuable guidance as they navigated college and finding their first jobs after graduation. The family misses her tremendously; we all are

better human beings for observing her character and following her example of graciousness to help other people when sadness, bad heath or tragedy happens. Nancy is now happy in Heaven with all her relatives, whom she loved dearly. Nancy is survived by husband, Eric; three children, Carl Alvar II, Drew Armstrong and Elisabeth Irene; siblings, Patti Bentley of Escondido, Calif. and Craig Armstrong, Gretchen Tomko; and her mother, Irene Armstrong of Tulsa, Oklahoma. A graveside service will be held, 3:00 pm Friday, January 28, 2022 at Arlington National Cemetery.

IT’S TIME TO STOCK YOUR POND!

Delivery will be:

Tuesday, November 16 Montpelier 1:00-1:45 @Montpelier Feed & Seed Goochland 4:15-5:00 @Southern States LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

FISHWAGON To Place an Order Call

1-800-643-8439

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You’re invited Historical Marker Dedication At Central High School November 6th, 2021 10AM 2748 Dogtown Road, Goochland, VA 23063 Items for the school’s museum display case will be collected the week of November 1st. For more information on the display case, contact Gloria Turner (804) 457-4290 or Calvin Hopkins (804) 457-3132. For more information about the event, please contact Goochland County Parks and Recreation at 804-556-5854.

Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

November 4, 2021

If you want to divide drivers into two groups, you might perhaps do it this way: There are those who wait until they get home to get rid of whatever trash they may have in their vehicle, and there are those who simply throw that refuse — be it a bottle, a bag or whatever else that is fling-able — out the window. To the former group, I think I speak for all residents of Goochland when I say “Thank

As it turns out, tossing trash out the window of one’s automobile used to be a fairly common occurrence. you.” To the latter group, I have just one word: Why? To be sure, not all of the trash and debris seen alongside the road in Goochland is due to the actions of those who simply can’t be bothered to find a trashcan. Sometimes it comes down to carelessness

when transporting trash to the transfer station, or some other unintentional act. Sadly, however, there is no way that this accounts for all of the roadside rubbish. Curious about the habit some people have of using the roadway as a dumping ground, I did a quick Internet search. As it turns out — and this was news to me but perhaps won’t be to some of our senior readers — tossing trash out the window of one’s automobile used to be a fairly common occurrence. In fact, according to some historians, it wasn’t until Lady Bird Johnson, First Lady and wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, took up the cause, that any real headway was made on curtailing the process. What Mrs. Johnson did, by pushing for the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 was bring enough attention to the issue that people began thinking twice before tossing their trash out onto the road. While she wasn’t the first anti-litter campaigner, she may have been the most high-profile. Eventually, it seems, her efforts paid off. While roadside trash has never fully disappeared, those who toss it face harsh public scrutiny and hefty fines if caught by law see Litter > 7

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing columnist

Photo by Suzanne Coats

Page Evens and John Festa of the group Clean Goochland recently took part in a roadside clean-up event along Manakin Road.

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 344-8746 Online: www.goochlandgazette.com

Publisher Managing Editor Editor Sports Editor Sales Representative Classifieds Production Manager

Joy Monopoli

Since 1955

The thread that binds a community

Pitching in to keep Goochland beautiful By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Serving Goochland County

jmonopoli@RSNVA.com

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

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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.

Fighting fires by its very nature is a dangerous and demanding job, and finding individuals to perform that duty is becoming more difficult with each passing year. While the number of paid fire/EMS staff has steadily increased in the past decade, recruiting and retaining volunteers becomes more difficult with each passing year. Volunteer fire departments are vital and integral parts of the public service community but have experienced a decrease in the number of those willing to serve in recent years. For small communities, it’s been a constant struggle to maintain the numbers necessary to provide vital services. Towns and localities with less than 10,000 people often depend solely on the efforts of volunteers to staff their fire departments. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, volunteer fire departments across the country save taxpayers more than $139 billion in firefighter costs annually, and volunteers comprise about 70% of America’s firefighting force. Communities like Goochland, Powhatan and Hanover are experiencing those same difficulties in attracting and retaining volunteers in their programs, all of which enjoy a proud tradition of longstanding volunteer fire departments and auxiliaries in their localities. And while the number of volunteer recruits diminishes, the number of calls has exploded across the nation. Many of the communities affected have aging populations where the volunteer pool is limited, and doing the physically demanding work is just too difficult for some residents. Often a younger generation of newer residents have not established a community bond, which makes public service less of a priority. see Volunteers > page 7

Thursday

November 4, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

‘Brews for Birds’ event set for tonight at Kindred Spirit Fundraiser will help local food pantry serve those in need By Roslyn Ryan Editor

What’s better than enjoying a few brews on a lovely autumn afternoon? Doing so for a good cause! All local beer lovers are invited to kick off the holiday season on Thursday, Nov. 4, at Goochland’s Kindred Spirit Brewing for the annual Brews for Birds event benefitting the GoochlandCares

Food Pantry. Each week, the Food Pantry provides food for nearly 250 families in the community. Brews for Birds will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 12830 West Creek Parkway. Admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door and includes one craft beer. Tickets are avail-

able at www.bit.ly/Brewsforbirdstickets. GoochlandCares is a private, 501(c) (3), non-profit organization that provides basic human services and health care to Goochland residents in need. Visit www.GoochlandCares. org or contact Adair Frayser, afrayser@ GoochlandCares.org or 804-556-0301.

Goochland seniors surpass state-wide graduation rate Contributed report Just over 97% of Goochland High School seniors graduated on-time in 2021, nearly five percentage points ahead of the state average of 92.3. Factoring in students who earned their GED, 98.1% of GHS seniors completed diploma requirements. With a drop-out rate of 1.9%, GHS seniors also stayed in school at a much higher rate than the state average of 4.3%.

“We strive to connect with our students and help them stay engaged in their school experience,” said Dr. Jeremy Raley, GCPS division superintendent. “Through our CTE and work-based learning options, and our many curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, we have created a school environment that meets the educational needs of all students. Our community’s support continues to pay dividends, and I’m

thankful that our efforts have reaped life-long rewards for our students.” Additionally, more GHS graduates earned Advanced Studies Diplomas than the state average. Of GHS’s graduates: 73% earned an Advanced Studies Diploma (State average: 52.8%) 24% earned a Standard Diploma (State average 38%) “Our students did extraordinary

things last school year,” said Dr. Stephen Geyer, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. “Even with the challenges brought about by COVID during almost a year and a half of their high school careers, GHS seniors remained focused on their goals and had great levels of success. Earning a high school diploma is vital to a young person’s future, and we’re excited to see what our GHS alumni accomplish!”

Luck Stone expands presence in North Carolina Contributed report Luck Stone, the nation’s largest family-owned and operated producer of crushed stone, sand and gravel, announced the acquisition of North Carolina-based Ararat Rock Products, which operated quarries in Mount Airy

Volunteers continued from >6 In addition, businesses who once supported and provided jobs for the volunteers by allowing flexible schedules in order to meet community emergencies are few and far between, and volunteers often work at hourly paid regular jobs that do not offer that same flexibility. The demands are great and the rewards measured by the appreciation of a community and the pride instilled by

and Eden. The purchase marks one of the largest acquisitions in the company’s nearly 100year history and significantly expands Luck Stone’s presence in North Carolina beyond its quarry operation in Pittsboro. Ownership transitioned to

Luck Stone on Oct. 1 with the quarry locations now open for business as Luck Stone’s Mount Airy and Eden Plant locations. In 2018, Luck Stone experienced significant growth in the Southeast through the acquisition of Willow Oak in

Kershaw, South Carolina and Stephens Industries in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, Luck Stone’s Kershaw Plant and AtlantaStephens Plant are in their third year in business and have propelled the company’s concerted growth effort in the Southeast.

doing a job well and lending a helping hand. The time and effort required to serve is also significant, as volunteer firefighters require the same training as career employees. And one cannot discount the burnout factor associated with volunteer fire/EMS employees. Calls have steadily increased, accounting for a 300% increase in the past decade. There’s also a substantial risk of injury or illness associated with the work, and many forms of cancer are linked to hazardous materials encoun-

tered routinely by firefighters and EMTs. It’s also important to recognize that volunteering does not always equate to hauling heavy equipment up numerous flights of stairs while wearing pounds of burdensome equipment. Many departments are emphasizing the need for volunteers to perform other duties like clerical work, maintenance and education programs. The bottom line is these volunteers are needed more now than ever, not only for the vital services they provide,

but for the overall health of a community. When volunteers are involved, it often indicates a vibrant community where residents take the role of public service personally. For most of it, the concept of volunteer fire departments is as American as apple pie or a Labor Day Parade down Main Street. It’s also important to recognize the amazing will of those who sacrifice so much to ensure their communities are safe and residents feel taken care of, and the important thread that volunteers provide.

Protect the ones you love,

Litter continued from >6 enforcement. While nothing may be able to fully prevent litterbugs from peppering the roadsides with refuse, a new group is seeking to address the issue. Clean Goochland, formerly the Goochland Anti-Litter Committee, held a cleanup Saturday along Manakin Road with 10 volunteers and is looking to hold several more events in the near future. Along with other initiatives aimed at roadside trash, the work they do will most certainly beautify Goochland. We applaud them for their efforts, and thank them and all other residents who participate in clean-up efforts for helping to keep Goochland the lovely place that so many of us enjoy. Less litter is possible, after all, but we all have to pitch in.

get your flu shot today.

@vaccinatevirginia

Thursday

November 4, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

In The Garden

Dedicated gardener finally has own pawpaw patch By Virginia McCown Contributing columnist

If you’re over 90-years-old you just might remember The Pawpaw Patch song. Tucked away in our collective memory, this American native fruit tree has become so rare most of us have never tried one. “Why do you insist on growing a tree that grows a fruit you never tasted?” I was asked nearly 20 years ago. “Because it’s the only way I’ll ever get to try one!” I retorted. Growing pawpaw trees became an obsession. To begin, I ordered pawpaw seeds on-line. After sowing these magic beans, it took nearly 15 years for the first pawpaw fruits to form. In 2017, I patiently watched my fruits grow month by month, week by week. Did I finally get to taste my first pawpaw? Yes! But this nearly didn’t happen. During the early morning hours of a mid-September day, a coven of white tailed deer gathered at my paw patch. Young deer — even those never having seen or tasted a pawpaw — cannot resist its delightful tropical aroma, its lure. Had I not been an insomniac out fetching my newspaper in the predawn darkness, this could’ve easily been a tale of bitter disappointment. So come join me on my pawpaw growing journey…

How I grew my own pawpaw patch The American pawpaw, Asimina triloba, is a deciduous tree grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8 which includes the Gulf Coastal plain to southern Michigan. According to Kentucky

State University Cooperative Extension’s Pawpaw Planting Guide, “Most named cultivars originated in the Midwest, which is the northern portion of the pawpaws’s range.” After several failed attempts growing bare root pawpaw whips ordered from cheap mail order catalogs, I ordered seeds on-line from a grower in Arkansas. Much of Arkansas is U.S. Hardiness Zone 7 which is the same as most of Central Virginia. I wasn’t given a specific cultivar when I received my seeds in the mail. Back then, I didn’t think to ask. Every bare root whip I ordered never lived through its first winter. Then I ordered a container grown pawpaw from a respected mail order grower. Initially it struggled but later thrived. Pawpaws have a long and delicate tap root that can easily be damaged. This can be problematic when transplanting young trees. The pawpaws I grew from seed are my fruit bearers today. Pawpaws are an understory tree. This is why they are often found in nature along river banks. The soil should be slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7). Good drainage is essential. The pawpaw is a small tree rarely growing over 25 feet. For example, my 19-year-old trees are no more than 15 feet high. I suggest choosing a permanent growing area that is screened from late afternoon summer sun. If starting from seed, seeds should receive a period of cold, moist stratification for 70 to 100 days. In other words, place your seeds in a sphagnum moss-packed plastic bag. Store this bag in a refrigerator (40 degrees F) for at least two months. The seeds will germinate in about two to three

weeks, and the shoots will emerge later. For the first several years, don’t expect much. The root system will be working hard on establishing itself. Saplings will begin to bear fruit when the trees reach about six feet in height. This requires at least five to eight years. I suggest growing as many paw paws as possible. At least two flowering trees are required for fruiting. Fall planting is recommended in Virginia for many shrubs and trees. However, pawpaw seedlings or nurseryordered pawpaw trees should only be transplanted in spring. This is important because unlike most young trees, pawpaws go completely dormant in winter.

Plan to save time by purchasing trees Pawpaws bought from nurseries, are either saplings or grafts. The saplings are usually one to two-years-old at the time of purchase. Grafted trees are generally two to threeyears-old at the time of purchase. Again, if fruit production is desired, purchase at least two trees. Established pawpaws often send out suckers. Warning: digging out these suckers for eventual transplanting is seldom successful. The tree roots are simply too delicate and shock too easily. Early Care for Young Pawpaws It’s recommended when first planting young pawpaw trees in their new home, the trees should be planted eight feet apart. Naturally, trees should be watered immediately after planting. Special care should be taken throughout the first two years. Consistent

moisture is vital. A fertilizer (20-20-20) should be applied every few weeks during the first several growing seasons.

How many Pawpaws does it take to make a Pawpaw? At least two. Pawpaws are not self-pollinating. Since pawpaws in my area hadn’t existed in many years, I wasn’t sure if its natural pollinators existed either. Pawpaws form small reddish- brown bell-like flowers in early spring before the pawpaw tree actually leafs out. When my pawpaw patch finally had two separate flowering pawpaw trees, I took a Q-tip or ear swab and cross pollinated my trees by hand. According to Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension’s Pawpaw Planting Guide, “Using a small, flexible artist’s brush, transfer a quantity of fresh pollen from the anthers of the flower of one clone to the ripe stigma of the flower of another clone.” I tried as hard as I could to replicate the patterns of native bees. I went from tree to tree and then back again every day for at least a week. The stigma of the flower is ripe when the pistils are green. Pollen grains resemble yellow dust. I witnessed tiny bees visiting my pawpaw flowers as well. Success! After the flowers withered, the medium green oblong leaves of the pawpaw began to leaf out. It was after the eight-inch leaves formed, and by May, I observed ten little quarter-sized pawpaw fruits forming. By the time September arrived, I was down to five fruits. When I heard on the local news that James River

Contributed photo

While fall planting is recommended in Virginia for many shrubs and trees, pawpaw seedlings or nursery-ordered pawpaw trees should only be transplanted in spring.

Park was beginning to harvest pawpaws, my own pawpaw watch in Cumberland County began. The fruits can weigh up to 16 ounces and are up to six inches in length making the pawpaw fruit the largest fruit native to America. Pawpaws are soft when ripe and emit a pleasant tropical aroma. You can telll pawpaws are ripe when they fall from the tree with a light shake.

Taste’ em! A ripe pawpaw tastes like a blend of mango and banana all in a custard-like texture. I love them! Unfortunately, the pawpaw has a few problems preventing it from becoming a commercial fruit. Pawpaws simply have no shelf life. The skin is very thin and bruises easily. Their window from ripe to rotten is only a few days. What to do? Eat’em fast. Good news: The fresh pulp can be frozen. It can also be substituted for bananas in banana bread recipes, or used as an ingredient in chutney, fruit

salsa or homemade ice cream.

Not for pleasure alone Like many native plants, pawpaws are hosts to native animal species. Eurytides marcellus, the zebra swallowtail butterfly, is an especially beautiful one. Their larvae feed on young pawpaw foliage. Since the pawpaws’ leaves do not form until after the flowers begin dropping, the butterflies pose no threat to pollination and fruit formation. The zebra swallowtail larvae should not be confused with Malacosoma americanum commonly known as spring webworms, tent worms or Eastern tent caterpillars. These caterpillars are the dark furry worms that weave silky webs around the branches of black cherry, apple, or crabapple trees. Virginia McCown is a master gardener and master food volunteer living in Central Virginia along with her garden and assorted creatures both great and small.

Thursday

November 4, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Cadets crush outgunned Crusaders By Dave Lawrence Richmond Suburban News

GOOCHLAND — Benedictine may have struggled a bit earlier in the season, but a spectator would not have suspected anything amiss with the team with the Cadets’ performance at their homecoming against Catholic High School of Virginia Beach Saturday. It wasn’t even close, except for maybe at the opening kickoff. Benedictine dominated the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense and ultimately shut out the Crusaders 53-0. “The offense was efficient in the first half, particularly in the first quarter,” said Benedictine head football coach Greg Lilly. “The defense did a good job of getting three-and-outs. So we were able to get up early, which was good.” Benedictine (6-3) led 39-0 at halftime and was able to get plenty of playing time for athletes lower down the depth chart. But the starters saw plenty of action, too. “The kids just played hard. And we were good up front,” Lilly said. “We were good up front on both sides of the ball. We did a good job of blocking on the offensive line — did a real good job of controlling them offensively with our three down guys. Among them was nose guard/defensive tackle T.J. Baldwin. Saturday, he anchored a three-man front for the Cadets, and the wall he was a part of made life difficult for the Catholic offense. “We just executed as a team,” Baldwin said. “I feel like when we play together as a team, when we play together offensively and defensively, nobody

can stop us.” Baldwin said setting the tone early was key. “As soon as we received the ball, we put some points on the board,” he said. “Once we get that cushion, all we’ve got to do is execute.” Baldwin certainly held up on his portion of the line. “I clogged up the middle, got a couple of stops in the backfield, TFLs (tackles for loss). I’m pretty sure I got a sack,” he said. He said that the players on the field got a big boost from the sidelines. “The sidelines were energetic, electric,” Baldwin said. “I love it when the sidelines are energetic. And I love it when the defense plays like we did today.” The Cadets struggled a bit early in the season, but Lilly feels they are finding their way now. “We started off really well, played really well in a couple of scrimmages,” he said. “Then I felt like we played a little tight at the beginning of the season. I feel like we’ve developed a little more confidence. The kids are playing with a little more emotion, playing a little harder, playing with a little more confidence this last three or four weeks.” Goochland drops a close one ORANGE — Goochland head football coach Alex Fruth expected his team might have some trouble containing Orange quarterback Paul Poirier. In the end, the Bulldogs did. Poirier scored three touchdowns, two of which came in a pivotal fourth quarter, to Dave Lawrence/Richmond Suburban News

see Cadets > 10 Benedictine’s Freddy Barber (42) gets around the left end and down the sideline for a big touchdown run in the Cadets’ 53-0 win.

Thursday

November 4, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Dave Lawrence/Richmond Suburban News

Benedictine running back Nick Howe (48) powers through a crack in the Catholic line for a touchdown in the Cadets’ 53-0 win over the visiting Crusaders Saturday afternoon.

Cadets continued from >9 lead the Hornets to a 27-24 come-from-behind victory over Goochland Friday night. The stats reveal how close the game was. Orange finished with 25 first downs to Goochland’s 19. The Hornets amassed 432 yards total offense (344 on the ground, 88 in the air) to 417 for the Bulldogs (232 on the ground, 185 in the air). Goochland quarterback C.J. Towles completed 11-of-19 passes, one a 28-yard touchdown toss to Jason Woodson, with no interceptions. He ran for another 71 yards, including a 7-yard scoring run. But his counterpart, Poirier, would not be denied a win. He carried the ball 28 times for 142 yards. Christian Simpson added

122 yards on 12 carries. Poirier completed 5-of-16 passes for 88 yards and an interception. After falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter — seven of the points coming on a Poirier 9-yard touchdown run — the Bulldogs erupted for 24 points in the second. Then, after a scoreless third quarter, Poirier engineered the Orange comeback. The Hornets first score of the quarter came on a 21-yard Poirier run. The game-winning score came on Poirier’s 1-yard run. Dave Lawrence is sports editor of the Mechanicsville Local and Ashland-Hanover Local. He can be reached at dlawrence@ mechlocal.com.

OC — Bryant Chiles 7 run (Austin Frazier kick) GC — Jason Woodson 28 pass from C.J. Towles (Tyler Black kick) GC — C.J. Towles 7 run (Tyler Black kick) GC — Gabe Liptak 31 run (Tyler Black kick GC — Tyler Black 33 field goal OC — Paul Poirier 21 run (Austin Frazier ick) OC — Paul Poirier 1 run (kick failed) RUSHING GC: Gabe Liptak 16-118, TD; C.J. Towles 13-71, TD; Omarion Quarles 5-34; Jamason Pryor 3-10; Team 1-(1). OC: Paul Poirier 28-142, 3TD; Christian Simpson 12-122; Bryant Chiles 9-80, TD.

PASSING GC: C.J. Towles 11-19-0, 185 yards, TD. OC: Paul Poirier 5-16-1, 88 yards. RECEIVING GC: Derek Pierce 4-75; Eyan Goochland 0 24 0 0 — 24 Pace 3-54; Jason Woodson 3-37, TD; Gabe Liptak 1-19. OC: William Orange 14 0 0 13 — 27 Lewis V 2-32; Bryant Chiles 1-25; OC — Paul Poirier 9 run (Austin Christian Simpson 1-17; JaePharoah Carpenter 1-14. Frazier kick)

RSN Wants You! Do you love sports? Do you love telling stories? Do you have the chops to write compelling tales – and to do so on a deadline? If so, Richmond Suburban News wants you! RSN is seeking sports correspondents (stringers in newsroom lingo) to help our staff cover the blizzard of events in the Hanover, Powhatan, and Goochland communities we serve. We feed on a steady diet of high school sports, with some college competition (in Hanover) and the occasional professional

event. The work is mostly nights and weekends. But we pay our correspondents in coin of the realm rather than the oft-promised “exposure.” We prefer people with some journalism training – published clips (even as a student reporter) are best – and need people who can consistently turn around compelling content on time and to the assigned length. For more information, contact sports editor Dave Lawrence at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

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