The Goochland Gazette – 12/09/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Is robot parenting the wave of the future? Let’s hope not > page 6

Volume 66 Number 48 • December 9, 2021

Low cost retailer could be headed to western Goochland Dollar General reps say store would be good fit, neighbors remain concerned By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Western Goochland is now one step closer to becoming the site of the county’s third Dollar General store, after the county Planning Commission voted 3-2 last week in favor of a rezoning request that would allow the retail giant to set up shop near the intersection of Hadensville-Fife Road and River Road West. The project had previously come before the planning commission in

October, but was deferred after a lengthy meeting during which those living near the site of the proposed store shared concerns about a host of issues ranging from traffic safety to loitering. Despite several updates to the proposal, residents attending the Dec. 2 planning commission meeting appeared skeptical that those changes would serve to make the project a bet-

ter fit for the area, a largely residential and agricultural area already home to two convenience stores. To area resident Charles Purvis, allowing the new store would bring an unwelcome injection of commercial development to an area where residents simply don’t want it. “In reality, people just don’t live in or move to western Goochland to be near a corporate discount retail

Local children enjoy a festive evening with Santa

store development,” said Purvis. In the eastern part of the county that ship’s already sailed,” he said, “but for the western part of the county, that’s not why I moved there, and I don’t think that that’s why people live there and have lived there for years.” The owners of both nearby convenience stores addressed commissioners see Store > 3

County first responder earns award for heroism By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Retail Merchants’ (RMA) 31st Annual Valor Awards was held Thursday, Dec. 2 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC) to honor the region’s first responders. And among those singled out for special recognition was Goochland’s own Jared Brooks. Brooks, a firefighter-EMT, was honored for his actions on the evening of March 10, 2021, (see sidebar, page 7) when he pulled a man from the burning wreckage of a car that had overturned in a ditch on Shannon Hill Road. Brooks is a volunteer at Hadensville Station 6 as well as a career firefighter with Chesterfield County Fire and EMS. Created by Retail Merchants and key community partners in 1989, the Valor Awards Contributed photo

Goochland youngsters got the chance to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the county’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3. For more photos from this year’s event, see page 8.

see Valor > 7

Thursday

December 9, 2021

Elrod & Dunham

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County

Goochland History Revealed

Dentistry

Since 1955

SPORTS

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

Goochland girls lose first game at home PAGE 9 Photo courtesy Goochland County Historical Society

French general Lafayette was among storied tavern’s distinguished guests Protect the ones you love,

get your flu shot today.

@vaccinatevirginia

Powell’s Tavern was a popular colonial era stopping place. It is mentioned in several sources, including the Bolling diaries. Lafayette was one of its many visitors. The original portion of the tavern is the frame structure in the back, the addition was added at a later date to enlarge the popular stop. This photograph was taken in the 1950s when it was owned by Dr. Campbell.

Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ........................... 14 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports ...............................9-10 TV Listings ......................11-13

Recent Property Transfers 12323 Beech Hall Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Jan B. Hansen, $628,471. 2400 Bridle Ridge, Goochland; Richard J. Mangiere Jr. to Joseph Gordon Fairservice, $468,000. 2528 Crest Hollow Court, Goochland; Karl K. Shook to Gary Rumburg Alston, $627,000. 3747 Forest Grove Road, Sandy Hook; Samuel V. Long Jr. to Zane S. Moody, $385,500. 1127 Getaway Lane, Goochland; Beverley Boyden Clary III to Christopher T. Anderson, $295,500. 1918 Hounslow Lane,

Manakin Sabot; Edward S. Shulman, trustee to Michael C. Denton, $600,000. 903 Kinloch Point Lane, Manakin Sabot; Kinloch Development Corp. to G. Don Faison Jr., $350,000. 12284 North Crossing Drive, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Richard John Mangiere, $578,000. 1545 Oak Grove Drive, Manakin Sabot; Rebecca Royals to Ryan McGuinness, $601,400. 2840 Preston Park Drive, Sandy Hook; Chesterfield Construction Services Inc. to Steven Paul Lovgren, $425,965.

5055 River Road West, Goochland; Daves Construction LLC to Hunter L. Davis, $260,000. 1208 The Forest (boundary adjustment), Crozier; D. Andrew Monticelli to Loretta Williams Tabb , $185,175. 12321 Beech Hall Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to James A. Cox, $594,577. 7480 Brandiston St., Glen Allen; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Harry E. Francis Jr., $492,142. 318 Broadfield Lane, Manakin Sabot; Ian D. Martin to James C. Barden Jr., see Property Transfers > 3

Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 819-5529 Laura McFarland Managing Editor (804) 363-1577 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Robby Fletcher Sports Editor (804) 380-0497 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746 Denine D’Angelo Production Manager (804) 775-4624

Thursday

December 9, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

VDH, Pamunkey Regional Library now offering COVID-19 antigen at-home test kits at no cost Move intended to help increase access to testing Contributed report

Last week, the Pamunkey Regional Library, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) began the distribution of COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits at no cost. Customers can now pick up a virtually-guided Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Test from the

Store continued from >1 during the public hearing, urging them to consider the impact of allowing Dollar General—a corporation with more than 17,000 stores in 46 states — to set up shop so close them. “Dollar General is a huge corporation—I’m a small guy,” said Alvin Patel, owner of the Citgo station at 5260 River

Property Transfers continued from >2 $935,000. 623 Dover Bluff Court, Manakin Sabot; Bruce R. Stevens to James Gregory South, trustee, $1,512,511. 13001 Fresci Court, Richmond; Schell Brothers Richmond LLC to Velva C. Bennett, $588,178. 1854 Hawk Town Road, Maidens; James M. Buchanan

library, use it in the privacy of their home and receive digital test results in 15 minutes. The program is designed to increase access to COVID-19 testing, especially among rural, remote, under-resourced communities, and other vulnerable populations. “We are pleased to work with public libraries to provide another testing option for our community and to increase accessibility,” said Dr. Laurie Forlano, DO MPH, Deputy Director, Office of Epidemiology. “Testing continues to be important to stop

the spread of COVID-19, particularly as we enter the holiday season when people gather.” The at-home test kit uses the eMed digital platform. You will need a mobile device or computer to create an account and to join a virtual testing session with an eMed assistant who will guide you through the testing process. Once the test has been completed, you will receive a test result within 15 minutes, and eMed will report the results to VDH. You can request a free test kit from any of the 10 branch libraries by following the

Road West. “I can’t compete with them.” Representatives for Dollar General, including attorney Kerry Hutcherson, naturally saw the situation somewhat differently. Pointing out the parcel of land in question had been designated for commercial use for many years, Hutcherson suggested that residents should have known a business of some kind would eventually come.

“If you are not going to do it here, where are you going to locate these services?” Hutcherson asked the commissioners. Hutcherson also pointed out that Dollar General does not consider convenience stores or fuel stations to be direct competitors. Goochland is already home to Dollar General locations in Gum Spring and ManakinSabot.

II to James Stanley Rauth Jr., $500,000. 4137 Hidden Acres Drive, Louisa; Rosolino Taormina to Eric Vestre, $370,000. 904 Madison Court, Maidens; Theodore L. Ortwine to Henry C. Krohn, $654,000. 725 Manankin Towne Lane, Manakin Sabot; James C. Barden to Jackye Kim, $1,250,000. 1498 Oaken Croft Lane, Crozier; Elizabeth K. Louisell

to Kyle Ward, $612,000. 308 Piping Rock Road, Manakin Sabot; Boone Homes Inc. to Anurag Bhatia, $726,810. 459 Rivergate Drive, Richmond; Susan Stravitz Kemp, successor trustee to Kamran Q. Khan, $1,570,000. 422 Shadow Creek Lane, Manakin Sabot; Niki S. Bawa to Thomas E. Gress, $710,000. 4340 Valley Lane, Kents Store; Susan A. Powell to Caleb Bickley Gibson, $290,500.

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guidelines at https://tinyurl. com/prlcovidtest. VDH recommends that tests be used within two weeks to avoid expiration. Those who are feeling ill are urged to call their local branch library, email ask@pamunkeylibrary.org, or text (804) 3316726 to arrange curbside pickup or send someone to pick up the test kit for them. For more information, visit the VDH’s library program webpage or email testinginfo@ vdh.virginia.gov. Other testing sites/options can be found on the VDH testing locator page.

While the plan for the Hadensville-Fife store has cleared the planning commission hurdle, it will still need to be approved by the Goochland County Board of Supervisors.

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Thursday

December 9, 2021

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www.goochlandselfstorage.com Goochland Community Theatre presents

"An Awfully Classy Christmas" two short plays written and directed by Patricia Walker: "Awfully Wedded Wife" and "Bard in a Five-Piece Band" December 10 and 11 at 7:00 PM and December 12 at 2:00 PM Central High Cultural and Educational Center 2748 Dogtown Road Goochland, VA 23063 Tickets: $12 Students and Seniors $15 General Admission

ASHLEE D. FALLEN Ashlee Dawn Fallen, of Sandy Hook, Va. passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at her home. She was born May 14, 2008 in Henrico County, Va. She was the daughter of Jeffrey Scott Fallen and Cynthia Dyer Fallen; and sister of Olivia Rose Fallen. She was a member of MCJROTC and Girl Scouts. She is also survived by grandparents, Peggy Lacks Dyer of Halifax, Robert and Brenda Dyer of Ashland, Va., Dolly and Jerry Dyer of South Boston; godparents, Malcolm and Dawn Dill; uncle, Michael Dyer of Richmond, Va.; FALLEN aunts, Renee Walker of North Carolina and Shawnee Francis of Halifax; numerous other family and friends; and especially her Girl Scout family. She was preceded in death by grandmother, Martha “Polly” Langford; grandfather, Red Irby. Graveside services were held Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at the Trinity Gospel Church Cemetery, 9470 Kings Highway, Drakes Branch, Va. at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Jack Stewart officiating. The family received friends at the cemetery for one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at www. powellfuneralinc.com. Arrangements are

Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. www.gvatheatre.org

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by Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn a job with Southern Railroad working all over the Carolinas and Virginia. He later Avenue, South Boston, Va. 24592. became a professional engineer and worked JOHN S. THORNTON JR. at Froehling & Robertson and then Virginia John Stuart Thornton Jr., beloved hus- Power (Dominion Power), where he became band, father and grandfather, passed away a SCUBA hard hat diver and was a founding on November 22, 2021, at age 79. He is sur- member of the Civil Engineering Dive Team. vived by his loving wife of 51 years, Ronnie His time on the dive team became the basis Richardson Thornton; his two sons, John of many of his stories. He lived an active life Stuart Thornton III and was a member of many organizations, (Sarah) and David Allen including the V.M.I Keydet Club Board of Thornton (Macon); Governors, Ducks Unlimited, the Sons of and two grandchil- the American Revolution, the Cavalier Rifle dren, Hayes Thornton and Pistol Club, the DOGS (Distinguished and Ozzy Thornton. Old Gentlemen Shooters), Deep Run Hunt His grandchildren lov- Club and Hebron Presbyterian Church. ingly referred to him as He also founded and funded the John S “Ducky,” while count- Thornton Jr. 64 Rifle Scholarship that is still THORNTON less others referred to awarded annually to members of the VMI him as “Uncle John.” Whether he was telling Rifle Team who exemplify spirit, determistories about hunting, his rustic family cabin nation and a commitment to excellence. or “Hoot the Attack Beagle,” John was a gift- His many other interests included history, ed storyteller with a frequently humorous geology, travel and his hunting dogs, which take on life. He was also the kind of guy who lived very well under his care, along with could find a new friend in the margins of a a patriotic love of country. He was never crowd. There will be many John Thornton more at home than when he was at his river stories that will be told over the years. place. A celebration of John’s life will take Born in Charlottesville, Virginia on June place next year at a date that hasn’t been 4, 1942, John grew up in nearby Culpeper, chosen yet. Donations in John’s memory where he developed a love for the outdoors, can be made to the VMI Keydet Club, P.O. especially hunting. John graduated from the Box 932, Lexington, Va. 24450 and St. Jude Virginia Military Institute with a degree in Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude civil engineering. After graduation, he took Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

Community Calendar Friday, Dec. 10

Tuesday, Dec. 14

Friday, Dec. 24

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 (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

GoochlandCares is looking for volunteers, especially in the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. The next volunteer orientations are Tuesday, Dec. 14 and Tuesday, Jan. 4. Sessions are by Zoom. For more information contact Diane Reale at dreale@goochlandcares. org or (804) 556-0712.

All are invited to join Beulah Baptist Church in Kents Store (1633 Kents Store Way) for the church’s annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. For more information, call (434) 589-2245.

Join the Rotary Club of Goochland as the club’s guest on Friday, Dec. 14, to hear Jamie Bosket, President, Virginia Museum of History & Culture. The meeting starts at 7:30 am at the Richmond Country Club. Visit www. goochlandrotary.com to register and pay the $20 breakfast fee.

Join the Rotary Club of Goochland on Friday, Jan. 4, to hear Rotarian Joe Morgan discuss Habitat for Humanity. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Richmond Country Club. Please visit www.goochlandrotary.com to register and pay the $20 breakfast fee.

Saturday, Dec. 11

Bennett West • Henrico 11020 West Broad Street

Since 1955

Obituaries

GOOCHLAND SELF-STORAGE

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

Serving Goochland County

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

A Holiday Gift Wrap Workshop will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 1 - 2 p.m. for those ages 14 & up. Bring up to 3 gifts (no larger than a shirt box) and leave with three uniquely wrapped gifts. Registration is required. Call (804) 7493146 for more information.

Friday, Jan. 4, 2022

see Calendar > 5

Thursday

December 9, 2021

Local theater to stage holiday production Contributed report County theater lovers are invited to enjoy the upcoming holiday offering from the Goochland Community Theatre. Written and directed by Patricia Walker, “An Awfully Classy Christmas” features an approximately 30-minute one-

Calendar

act play titled “Awfully Wedded Wife” (how many things can go wrong with this Christmastime wedding?) followed by a short play titled “Bard in a Five-Piece Band” (a comic mixture of Shakespeare and Classical music in a staged reading). The show will be performed on Dec. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

pay the $20 breakfast fee.

continued from >4 Friday, Jan. 11 Join the Rotary Club of Goochland on Friday, Jan.11, to hear Barry Moore, CEO of Virginia Better Business Bureau speak about the work of the bureau. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at the Richmond Country Club. Please visit www.goochlandrotary.com to register and pay the $20 fee. Friday, Jan. 18

Ongoing Parks and Rec Programs Hatha Yoga Mondays, Dec. 6-Jan. 10, 6 -7 p.m. Hatha yoga incorporates poses, breathing, and deep relaxation. Participants should bring their own mat. $60 for 6 week session. For more information, call (804) 556-5854.

Friday, Jan. 25

Zumba Gold Tuesdays, Dec. 7-Jan. 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Zumba Gold is a modified form of Zumba for active older adults that recreates the original Zumba moves at a lower intensity. $20 for 5 week session or $7 drop in fee. There will be no class on Dec. 28. For more information contact Goochland County Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Join the Rotary Club of Goochland on Friday, January 25, to hear Kate Waddy speak about Secretariat. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at the Richmond Country Club. Please visit www.goochlandrotary.com to register and

Zumba Mondays and Wednesdays, Dec. 13-Jan. 19, 6-7 p.m. Zumba is a dance fitness format that will include pop, hip hop, and international music with dance rhythms

Join the Rotary Club of Goochland on Friday, Jan. 18, to hear Ken Peters, Pastor of the Bridge RVA Church. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at the Richmond Country Club. Please visit www.goochlandrotary.com to register and pay the $20 breakfast fee.

Serving Goochland County

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

at The Eagle Theater at Central High Cultural and Educational Center, 2748 Dogtown Road, Goochland, VA 23063. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information, visit www.gvatheatre.org.

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! There will be no class on Dec. 27 and 29. $38 for 5 week session or $7 drop in fee. For more information contact Goochland County Parks and Recreation at (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. There will be no class Dec. 21, 24, 28, or 30. For more information contact Goochland County Parks and

Recreation at (804) 556-5854. Forever Young Holiday Brunch Thursday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Join us for our Forever Young Senior Brunch! Enjoy a delicious brunch and the sounds of live music. Wear your best holiday sweater and have a good time with friends! $12/person. For more information contact Goochland County Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

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Karate Mondays and Thursdays, Jan. 30-March 24, 6:30-8 p.m. Students will learn techniques including kicking, punching, blocking, sparring and partner work. Emphasis is on philosophy and discipline of the martial arts to increase students self-confidence and physical condition. This challenging program is for ages 7 through adults and will help participants lead a healthier life. You can choose to take one or both days a week. ($25 one time Karate association fee taken at door for first time students.) $150 for two days a week or $100 for one day a week. Call (804) 556-5854.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

E-mail calendar submissions to editor@goochlandgazette.com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Wednesday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to The Goochland Gazette

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Thursday

December 9, 2021

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Next up for robots: Raising kids? By Roslyn Ryan Editor

ere’s a quick question for you: Remember when robot-vacuums were considered cutting edge? How about self-parking cars? Voicecontrolled homes? Remember when learning about all of these things felt like you were standing on the edge of a strange, new landscape

in which modern technology was working overtime to ensure your waking hours would pass with as little stress or strain as possible (push-button adjustable “smart beds” could pick up the slack at night, but that technology suddenly seems positively quaint by comparison). Depending on your needs, I suppose all of these advances are just fine. After all, if a tiny robot can handle the vacuuming and you don’t really need to get up to adjust the thermostat, there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with outsourcing our daily tasks to non-sentient beings. Right? I used to think that, I really did. And then the other day I happened upon an online ad for a new product that appears to offer the chance to take “outsourcing” to a whole new level. In the simplest terms, this new tech “miracle” is a robot that promises to help young children with social and emotional learning. It promises them friendship, adventures, and a place to share their secrets. It also offers a personalized experience designed to help improve social skills and increase confidence. Kids lucky enough to be gifted this robot are able to read stories to it and even do relaxation exercises. How to categorize this new product is still kind of up in the air. At over $1,500 (plus a yearly subscription

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

jmonopoli@RSNVA.com

fee), it seems pretty strange to call it a toy. It isn’t really a gadget either, at least not in the sense of a smart phone or a tablet. And that, I suppose, is where the sad part comes in. What this robot seems to be, even if its inventors did not explicitly intend for it to be, is a replacement. And what it is replacing is just about everything many of us consider sacrosanct about childhood: friendships, pets, parental guidance and even boredom (yes, boredom, that great driver of imaginative play). Please don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there is some use viable use for this kind of tech. Maybe for some children in certain circumstances — those with special needs, perhaps — it could serve a purpose. But in just about any other case, and I’m just being honest here, it seems sort of…disturbing. I don’t want to be the “well, back in my day” kind of person, but nothing about a child relying on a robot for socialization and friendship seems right. Yes, real live people can be cruel — especially kids — but they also offer the kind of complex, nourishing, character-enriching relationships that go far beyond anything even the savviest programmer could recreate. And the idea of a parent handing off the task of reading with a child to a computer is just plain depressing. If this is some kind of harbinger of what’s to come, I’m finding it tough to get on board. This Christmas, as parents go about picking out gifts to fill up stockings and stash under the tree, I kind of hope the mini-robot friend won’t be among them. Call me old-fashioned if you want to (I’ll cop to that) but I think we’ve probably given the robots just about enough to do. Let’s keep the child-raising for ourselves.

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

Robby Fletcher

rfletcher@powhatantoday.com

Tom Haynie

thaynie@mechlocal.com

Cindy Adams

cadams@mechlocal.com

Denine D’Angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com

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

You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

I didn’t pay much attention when Arlo Guthrie released “Alice’s Restaurant” in 1967 and could not have predicted the enormous popularity the song would enjoy for generations. I was never sure exactly what the song was about, and its length made it difficult to decipher the lyrics. It’s even more difficult to understand how the song became a Thanksgiving favorite, but I heard it on several radio stations last week. Some even played the 18-minute full version of the recording. That still didn’t quench my thirst for knowledge regarding the song and its holiday connection, so I searched for answers. Here’s what I found. In the fall of 1967, Guthrie and musician friend Rich Robbins were in Massachusetts. The talented son of folk hero and icon Woodie Guthrie, Arlo, was contemplating a career as a park ranger as they stopped to visit a friend. The pair was visiting their friend, Alice, who lived in a church outside of Stockbridge. She had planned a huge Thanksgiving dinner for her friends at the church that was often the gathering place for what locals called “a bunch of hippies.” The next day, Guthrie and Robbins decided to help Alice clean the mess left behind by the gathering and piled the huge pile of debris into the their VW van and headed for the dump. But, the dump was closed, and the pair searched for alternative sites. In desperation, the pair finally settled on a hillside that was infamous as an illegal dumping site, and unleashed the load down the hill, where it joined other discarded items. see Restaurant > page 8

Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

December 9, 2021

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Creasy will retire from Goochland Chamber in 2022 Contributed report

The Goochland Chamber of Commerce has announced the pending retirement of Executive Director Bonnie D. Creasy in early 2022. Creasy has served as executive director since June 2010. She was a member of the board of directors as owner of Classic Insurance Services for seven years prior to her appointment as executive director. During her tenure, Creasy successfully implemented computer programs for the day-to-day record keeping of the Chamber membership and finances. Over the years, she oversaw the implementation of an internet website, social media platforms and videography for conducting communication and Chamber business using the most modern technology available. Membership increased significantly under Creasy’s leadership. Eleven years ago, when she became executive director, five new memberships each month was average. She set a goal of 20 to 40 new members per month. The goal was achieved for some time. While the membership grew significantly, the pandemic and fluctuating economy has resulted in these numbers being more difficult to attain. The Annual Golf Tournament has increased in participation over the years and serves to fund the scholarship program of the Chamber. Creasy initiated many new programs including the Business Expo, the Women in Business Luncheons and participation as co-host of the Career Day for Middle & High School students through the Career Technical Education program. Nancy Burton, Chamber of Commerce President, said, “We are sad to see Bonnie Creasy retire. She has devoted herself to promoting the business community of Goochland County and we have achieved so much success thanks to her wonderful leadership. We wish her well in her retirement and look forward to honoring her at our Annual Event in January.” The Chamber will hold its Annual Event on Jan. 27, 2022, at Hermitage County Club. Registration is available on the website, www.goochlandchamber. com.

Contributed photo

In addition to being honored by the Retail Merchants’ Association on Dec. 2, Goochland Firefighter/EMT Jared Brooks was presented with a Lifesave Award by Goochland County Fire-Rescue. Pictured here, from the left, are Chesterfield Captain Bryce Ford, Goochland District Chief Chris Brooks (Jared’s father), Firefighter/EMT Jared Brooks, Chesterfield Fire Chief Loy Senter and Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson.

Valor continued from >1 celebrate the courageous acts of Richmond region first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The event acknowledges the community’s appreciation for these men and women, and their families. This year’s Valor Awards recognized a total of 42 honorees from both 2020 and 2021. The honorees represent first responders from a variety of agencies, including

Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. The morning was emceed by Tom Silvestri, retired publisher of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “The annual Valor Awards are a celebration of gratitude honoring these men and women who have dedicated their lives and given so much of themselves for the betterment of our community,” said Nancy Thomas, president and CEO of Retail Merchants. “It honors not only them, but also their families who graciously share their First Responders with all of us.” Honorees are nominated by

The following recap of firefighter/EMT Jared Brooks’ actions on March 10, 2021, was provided by Goochland County Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson Jr. On Wednesday evening March 10, at 9:43 p.m., Goochland County Fire-Rescue Companies 6, 4, and Ambulance 650 responded to the 5200 block of Shannon Hill Road near Interstate 64 for a vehicle overturned and on fire. Updated information informed the responding units the vehicle was actively on fire and there was a patient trapped. At 9:45 p.m., two minutes later, Company 6 volunteer FF/EMT Jared Brooks initiated his response in his personal vehicle from home, and because of the updated information communicated by

area fire/EMS and police chiefs based on three sets of criteria which the nominees must meet in order to receive a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Valor Award. Criteria for each classification are as follows: GOLD – The highest level is awarded to an individual in recognition of an act involving extreme personal risk – which is clearly above and beyond the call of duty. SILVER – Awarded to an individual in recognition of acts involving great personal risk. BRONZE – Awarded to an individual in recognition of acts

the Goochland ECC, he elected to respond directly to the scene instead of to the fire station. He arrived on the scene in under three minutes finding a vehicle with heavy damage overturned in the ditch line, with a patient trapped with the engine compartment and the interior dashboard heavily involved in fire. The fire and smoke were impinging on the patient and without hesitation and without his normal personal protective firefighter equipment ensemble, FF/EMT Brooks sprang into action reaching inside the vehicle, freeing the patient trapped legs and feet from underneath the burning dash, pulling the patient outside the vehicle to safety. FF/ EMT Brooks returned to the burning vehicle checking and reaching back inside again, for

involving unusual personal risk beyond what is expected while performing one’s usual responsibilities. Bronze awards may also be presented to officers who demonstrate unusual judgement, zeal, or ingenuity. The public was welcome to attend the annual breakfast. Tables or individual seats may be purchased online at retailmerchants. com. Proceeds from these sales, in addition to sponsorships, allow first responders and their families to attend the breakfast ceremony at no cost.

other occupants. At 9:48 p.m., three minutes after responding from his home, FF/EMT Brooks communicated over the radio he had pulled one patient out of the burning vehicle. At 9:52 p.m. Engine 661 arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire and initiated patient care. The patient was airlifted to a nearby Trauma Center, also a Burn Center. There is no doubt that the actions FF/EMT Jared Brooks took on this day minimized additional life-threatening injuries and resulted in saving a life. FF/EMT Brooks did not have his firefighter personal protective clothing with him, which is normally kept at the fire station, and he sustained first and second degree burns to his hands and was also treated at the Burn Center.

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December 9, 2021

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A holiday high note Goochland’s annual tree-lighting ceremony offered a chance to gather together (and get in a few good words with St. Nick)

Contributed photos

Pictured, clockwise, from the left, Goochland 2021 Christmas Mother Ann Casey graciously accepts a donation check from Acting County Administrator Manuel Alvarez for the Christmas Mother organization; local dancers smile after a fantastic performance in front of the county’s Christmas tree; a young girl shares her Christmas wish with Santa.

Restaurant continued from >6 Police Chief William J. Obanhein, known as Officer Obie in the song, arrested the pair for littering hoping it would provide a warning to others and serve “as an example to others who are careless about the disposal of rubbish.” Although widely accepted as a protest song, Guthrie later explained that the song was more or an antibureaucracy rant about the arrest and a series of events that followed.

So, besides the fact that Alice’s dinner takes place on Thanksgiving, it’s hard to understand the connection with an 18-minute anti whatever song and one of America’s favorite holidays. When Guthrie appeared on WBAI in New York for an interview, the station played the full-length version of the song. After that first airing, the station used the song in a pledge campaign on Thanksgiving and listeners who donated were rewarded with an airing of the song officially titled Alice’s Restaurant

Massacree. Guthrie described the song as a series of events that happened surrounding the dinner at Alice’s, and although many considered the song an anti-war anthem, the artist said it was more about anti-idiocy. From those humble beginnings, the song became a Thanksgiving favorite, played in large cities and small communities each year usually at noon as families sit and gather for the holiday. Guthrie and Robbins were convicted of littering and fined, and the

story was filed away as an absurd memory of a set of unusual circumstances told in the form of a song until… Guthrie appeared at the Draft Board months later where he was denied admittance to the armed services on the basis of that arrest and his criminal record as a litterbug. As Robbins and Guthrie watched that bundle of trash cascade down the hillside, little did they know the incident would provide Guthrie an exclusion from the draft. I suppose that’s where the anti-war theme of

the song is derived. On Thanksgiving Day at noon, I turned on the radio in my car to confirm what I had learned, and, sure enough, the song was playing on several stations. And now, I too am convinced that Alice’s Restaurant has essentially become the Thanksgiving Song, which leads to another question to be pondered. While we have songs for almost every holiday, there weren’t really any songs that I associated with Thanksgiving…. until now.

Thursday

December 9, 2021

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

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Photo by Robby Fletcher

Senior guard Jenika Carter drives toward the baseline in Goochland’s game against Madison County on Dec. 3. The Bulldogs would fall to the Mountaineers 67-26.

Goochland girls basketball loses first game at home Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

The first two games of the season haven’t exactly gone according to plan for the Goochland Bulldogs, but at this stage of the season, it’s all about getting this roster on the same page after losing four key seniors. In a 67-26 loss to the Madison County Mountaineers, their second loss in as many games, the Bulldogs struggled with turnovers and the Mountaineers were sure to take advantage. The Bulldogs lost to the Monticello Mustangs in the season

opener on Dec. 2, 62-24. After the game, head coach James Harris said he’s still in the process of figuring out how to best maximize his team’s potential. “I keep working on the game and understanding where we need to be,” Harris said. Seven consecutive turnovers put the Bulldogs in a hole early in the first quarter, with the Mountaineers scoring the first 14 points of the game before senior guard Emmy Paulin put the team on the board with their first two points coming from the free throw line.

Down 19-5 at the end of the first quarter, Goochland was able to calm things down a bit by turning to a full-court press that rushed Madison County into mistakes of their own. Offensively, the Bulldogs found their way into the paint and found most of their scoring opportunities from the charity stripe. Both Paulin and guard Jenika Carter, the team’s senior leaders at the forefront of the offense, were most effective in getting points on the board, combining for 21 of Goochland’s 26 points on the night.

see Basketball > 10

Photo by Robby Fletcher

Guard Emmy Paulin goes for a contested layup against Madison County’s Lindsay McDaniel on Dec. 3.

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December 9, 2021

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Cadet wrestlers show out at Greg Stanley Memorial Kickoff By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Entering the 2021-22 season as a bonafide powerhouse after winning five state titles over the past seven seasons, Benedictine wrestling started its new campaign in mid-season form, with two first-place finishers and three more finishing in the top-five at the Greg Stanley Memorial Kickoff at Brentsville High School on Dec. 4. Out of the 10 schools to attend the all-day invitational, Benedictine fin-

ished seventh in total points with 120. The 120-pound sophomore Brycen Arbogast and 132-pound senior Dyson Dunham came out victorious at the invitational, with both taking firstplace honors in their respective events. The two Cadets are already considered strong contenders to win individual VISAA titles this season, and their performances in the team’s first major showing proved to be a big first impression for Benedictine. Arbogast scored 28.5 team points and dominated his five matches, win-

ning three by fall, one by tech fall and the first-place final by decision in a 6-4 win over Woodbridge’s Tyler Tanev. Dunham was also a dominant force on the mat, winning two of his matches by fall and three by tech fall, including the final against Westfield’s Robert Rerras. Other notable finishes for Benedictine include a third-place finish for freshman Lane Foard, who weighs in at 126 pounds, and fifthplace finishes for 138-pound junior Brady Bollander and 132-pounder

Jackson Foldes. Bollander and Foldes are both newcomers after transferring to Benedictine. Foard made a strong first impression for the Cadets, winning his first three matches by fall, including a 91-second pin on Forest Park wrestler Stychowski Wesley in his second match. Though he would lose in the fifth match by a major decision against Grassfield’s Logan Robinson, he made up for it with another win by fall in the third-place match to finish the day with a 4-1 record.

Bollander had some impressive pins as well. He won by fall in his first matchup with Kettle Run wrestler Josh Young, and also finished strong with a pin over May Cuyler of Brentsville District in the fifth-place match. In Foldes’ fifth-place matchup against Lake Braddock’s Jacob Charlesworth, he won a tough contest in a 4-3 decision to finish the day with a 3-2 record. Benedictine has a quick turnaround for its next day of wrestling, with the team going to Fairfax High School on Dec. 10 for the NOVA Classic.

Basketball continued from >9 At halftime, Goochland trailed Madison 37-16, but the 18-11 scoring difference in the second quarter showed the fight the Bulldogs had despite their first quarter struggles. In the third quarter, Goochland’s press continued to thwart Madison’s scoring output. The Bulldogs held the Mountaineers to just 10 points, but scored just four points themselves, with Paulin and Carter scoring a basket apiece. In the fourth quarter, a Paulin steal and score with 6:30 left in the game was a particularly nice highlight, but turnovers again proved to be troublesome. Madison took advantage of Goochland’s mistakes, and came away with the victory. Despite the result, Harris said he was proud of the fight his team showed when they got down early. “They don’t give up,” he said. “Down the line I can see us turning things around in this new district. We’re just feeling out everything, we’ve got a young team.” Goochland had a few days to regroup and find its footing before its next game on Dec. 7, a home matchup with disPhoto by Robby Fletcher trict opponent Albemarle High Goochland center Lyric Dickerson blocks a shot attempt by Madison County’s Ara Jenkins in the fourth quarter of Madison’s 67-26 win on Dec. 3. School.

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