The Goochland Gazette – 12/16/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Goochland history: Do you remember the “Great Snow” of 1940? > page 2

Volume 66 Number 49 • December 16, 2021

Libraries back open, but visitor numbers still down Tom Shepley wanted to deliver to Goochland supervisors. Like so many other institutions both public and private, libraries across the region have spent over a year waiting and watching to see when—or if—their daily operations might By Roslyn Ryan begin to resemble what they looked like before Editor the COVID-19 pandemic. On Dec. 7, during a presentation to the Judging by the tone of his voice, this wasn’t Goochland County Board of Supervisors, the news Pamunkey Regional Library director Shepley admitted that while the numbers show

Director says changes to users’ routines caused by pandemic may be a factor

Pamunkey Regional Library (PRL) system’s circulation is bouncing back, library visits are lagging behind. “It’s been tough to get people back,” said Shepley. “They are not coming back to spend time in our building, have meetings or use the computer — and that’s been hard.” According to the numbers Shepley presented, total library visits for this year have come in at 322,888, significantly down from the 515, 638 visitors the PRL system welcomed in 2019.

A big day for broadband in Goochland

Adding an additional burden are changes to library hours due to budget cuts, Shepley explained. If a person was used to visiting the library at a certain time or on a certain day, he said, it can take a long time to get that person back. To Goochland County librarian Carolyn Garner, some of the reduction in visits may be due to the upheaval in people’s lives as see Library > 2

County couple’s house remains a holiday highlight By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Photo courtesy of Governor Northam’s office

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, Senator Tim Kaine and Governor Ralph Northam viewed maps of the state’s current and future broadband coverage areas during an event at Goochland’s Fire Rescue Station 6 on Monday. That afternoon, Northam announced the award of $79 million in Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grants to help Goochland and 13 other surrounding localities gain access to broadband internet access. For the full story, see page 3.

Hoping to offer a little extra joy to the area this holiday season, a Goochland couple is once again bringing their dazzling Christmas display to life in front of their Rockville home. For the tenth year in a row, David and Bobbie DeHart’s vast collection of inflatables and countless feet of twinkling lights will offer a holiday treat to area residents, many of whom have made a trip past the DeHart home a beloved annual tradition. It isn’t an easy feat to pull off year after year, admits David, who spends about two weeks pulling out and setting up each section of the display, taking care not to damage the more delicate pieces. He admits he and Bobbie even thought seriously about throwing in the towel last year after an animal attack destroyed several cherished inflatables. see Lights > 5

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

December 16, 2021

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Goochland History Revealed

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Bulldog girls show off grit in first win PAGE 8 Photograph courtesy of the Knight Bowles family and the Goochland Historical Society

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Great Snow of 1940 turned county into wonderland for local children The children pictured here standing in the middle of the River Road West are some of the gang who now call themselves the “Courthouse Kids.” The building to the left is Gathright’s Store, which stood on the site of an 18th century tavern that burned in 1896. The building across the street is the old tavern that faced the Courthouse Green. In the 1920s it was the home of Major James Graves and later housed the newly formed Bank of Goochland. Pictured here standing are, from the left, Jimmy Wash, Snow Wash Webster, Lois Parker Henley, Knight Bowles, and Lela Wash Richmond. Kneeling in front is Ann Bowles Davis.

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Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................13-14 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................8-9 TV Listings ......................10-12

continued from >1 they attempt to return to some semblance of normalcy. Garner pointed out that the numbers in Goochland are trending up — so far this year the branch has seen over 15,500 visits compared to 13,478 last year — and added that she sees even brighter days ahead. “I’m sure there are going to be some changes [going forward,” Garner said, “but I

doubt they will last forever. Once things start evening out and we have more in-person programs and other activities, I think the numbers will start coming back up.” What is also important to note, Shepley said, was how much local libraries have been able to do despite the impact of COVID-19 — and also because of it. While a number of programs have been significantly curtailed or suspended, the branches have been provid-

ing patrons the ability to pick up materials curbside and also check out internet hot spots and Chromebooks. This month, the Pamunkey Regional Library system has also partnered with the Virginia Department of Health to provide COVID-19 antigen at-home test kits at no cost (see story on page 7). The project, which as of last week had already distributed 350 tests, is expected to be available until the end of December.

Advertise In The Goochland Gazette! Call 804-746-1235 for details.

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

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December 16, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Photo courtesy of Governor Northam’s office

Governor Ralph Northam speaks to assembled local and state officials about the $79 million in Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grants expected to help the county achieve universal access to broadband internet service over the next three years.

New grants will pave way to universal broadband access By Roslyn Ryan Editor

County residents living in areas of Goochland without reliable access to broadband internet service may soon have an opportunity to get connected, with the announcement by Governor Ralph Northam on Monday that his administration will award $79 million in Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grants to Firefly Fiber Broadband. Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, and its partner Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), have undertaken a $288 million project to bring universal access to gigabit speed broadband service to 36,000 unserved homes and businesses in 13 counties in Central

Virginia. Elected officials from each county in the project voted to contribute funds, totaling $33.5 million. During a board meeting on Sept. 7, county supervisors voted unanimously to participate in Firefly Fiber Broadband’s Regional Internet Service Expansion (RISE) project, which includes a 2022 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) broadband grant application and local matching funds of up to $3,637,500, money that will come from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds. The RISE project is comprised of Firefly Fiber Broadband, Dominion Energy Virginia, Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC), Rappahannock Electric

Cooperative (REC), and the localities of Albemarle, Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Powhatan. The fiber construction will take approximately three years to complete and will include 4,000 miles of fiber. Dominion Energy Virginia will support the extension of broadband to unserved areas by deploying middle-mile fiber that Firefly will use to connect end-customers to the internet. The announcement was made Monday afternoon by the governor at Goochland’s Fire Rescue Station 6 to a group of county officials, local and elected officials, directors, supervisors, first responders, business partners, and Firefly employees.

“Broadband access impacts every facet of our daily lives, from education to business to health care,” said Northam. “It’s a necessity for navigating today’s digital world, and this new funding will close Virginia’s digital divide with universal broadband by 2024.” Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine, and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger participated in the presentation and spoke about the profound impact Firefly’s plans for universal broadband will have on the 13 counties included in the proposal. Gary Wood, Firefly president and CEO, called the occasion, “a landmark day for broadband in rural central Virginia.” “Thanks to the critical funding provided by the feder-

see Broadband > 4

Have an idea for a community news story? Send news tips to Roslyn Ryan at rryan@goochlandgazette.com or contact the Gazette at (804) 339-7956.

Thursday

December 16, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Obituaries WILLIAM LEE JOEL II U.S. Marine William Lee Joel II, of C o r p s Richmond, Va., passed b e f o r e away February 6, 2021, in continuSacramento, Calif. with his ing studies loving family by his side. He in interior was 87 years old. Bill attenddesign at ed St. Christopher’s School the New and graduated from Brown York School JOEL University in 1955the day of Interior after he married Merry Pick, Design and his kindred soul through life. Pratt Institute. He returned to He went on to serve in the Richmond in 1959 to man-

age the interior design business of the family-owned Richmond Art Company. In later years, he took over as president of the home furnishings store. Bill specialized in color and lighting. He designed and furnished rooms in the Governor’s Mansion, R F & P Corp. Headquarters, the Wickham Valentine House, Shirley Plantation, among others, as well as many resi-

VATI provides targeted financial assistance to extend broadband service to areas that are unserved by an internet service provider. Projects were selected through a competitive process that evaluated each project for demonstrated need and benefit for the community, applicant readiness and capacity, and the cost and leverage of the proposed project. The level of funding awarded is based on infrastructure needs. The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission served as the lead applicant for the grant application. Firefly’s Regional Internet Service Expansion (RISE) Project was launched this year

to expand broadband to parts of 13 counties, making highspeed internet accessible to more than 45,000 locations and 112,000 Virginians. The RISE project includes 5,000 miles of fiber construction and will cost $330 million to complete. The project will be executed by partnering with other area utilities to complete the fiber build, using funds secured from the VATI grants and county contributions to aid with construction costs. For more information about the RISE Project, visit http://www.fireflyva.com/ rise. Firefly is also the internet service provider (ISP) for the CVEC fiber build, a $130 million plan to install over 4,500 miles of fiber-optic cable in the 14 counties it serves, providing broadband internet access to all of its 38,000 members. The fiber network will be completed in 2022 and uses laser beams and glass fibers to move data at speeds of up to one gigabit per second, delivering world-class communications to CVEC members served in their electric territory. The fiber-optic network will be installed on and adjacent to existing overhead and underground electric distribution lines, utilizing the existing infrastructure. Firefly celebrated a milestone of connecting 10,000 customers in October.

Broadband continued from >3 al government and made available through the VATI program, we can now assure that every family and business in central Virginia will have access to reliable, affordable internet service equivalent to the best in the United States. We appreciate the hard work and support of Governor Northam, Senator Warner, Senator Kaine and Representative Spanberger as well as the support of the supervisors in each of the partner counties.” Administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development,

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dential interiors. He was also active with the American Society of Interior Designers, Barksdale Theatre designing and building sets for many productions, Retail Merchants Association, The Richmond Forum, to name a few. One of Bill’s passions was model trains and after he retired, he built an elaborate, computerized, two-guage system of trains, tunnels and villages in

his basement. He and Merry also loved travel, particularly through Italy and France. In 2002, he brought the extended family to Taormina, Sicily for an unforgettable Christmas. Bill rarely missed a summer in Goose Rocks Beach, Maine. He loved working on the family cottage, which was built in 1892 and being on the water, fishing and sailing with his family, or canoeing with his

college roommates. Bill is survived by Merry; daughters, Taryn, Dana, Wendy and Holly; and eight grandchildren. A celebration of Bill was held in Maine in July for family and friends. In loving memory of Bill and his devotion to art and Richmond’s history, his family suggests any donations be made to The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay St., Richmond, Va. 23219.

Community Calendar 5 week session or $7 drop in fee. There will Byrd Presbyterian Church will host its be no class on Dec. 28. For more informaAnnual Lessons and Carols Worship Service at tion contact Goochland County Parks and 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. The story of Recreation at (804) 556-5854. Christ’s birth will be shared through Scripture Zumba readings, the singing of carols, and special Mondays and Wednesdays, Dec. 13-Jan. musical performances by RVA Brass and Premier Duo. A freshly prepared brunch will 19, 6-7 p.m. Zumba is a dance fitness format that will be served for all to enjoy following the service. include pop, hip hop, and international music In addition, Byrd Presbyterian Church will with dance rhythms that incorporate interval host a Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship and Communion Service at 6 p.m. on Friday, exercises. These dances will help you tone tarDec. 24, 2021. All are invited to celebrate with get areas on your body and absolutely increase the congregation during the holiday season your confidence as this class is a judgment and throughout the year. Byrd Presbyterian free zone. This party is for everyone regardChurch is located at 2229 Dogtown Road in less of their fitness level. The goal is to have fun and keep moving! There will be no class Goochland. on Dec. 27 and 29. $38 for 5 week session or $7 drop in fee. For more information contact Friday, Dec. 24 Goochland County Parks and Recreation at All are invited to join Beulah Baptist (804) 556-5854. Church in Kents Store (1633 Kents Store Tai Chi for Health Way) for the church’s annual Christmas Eve Tuesdays and Fridays, Nov. 30-Jan. 21, Candlelight Service on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. For 9-10 a.m. more information, call (434) 589-2245. Tai Chi is an effective exercise to improve health and well-being. Join us for a 6-week Ongoing Parks and Rec session to exercise your entire body and Programs strengthen your mind. The central focus of Tai Chi is to enable the qi, a life force, to Hatha Yoga flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the Mondays, Dec. 6-Jan. 10, 6 -7 p.m. Hatha yoga incorporates poses, breathing, body benefiting improved health and balance, and deep relaxation. Participants should bring increased flexibility and strength, and reduced their own mat. $60 for 6 week session. For stress. You can choose to take one or two days a week. $60/one day a week or $120/two more information, call (804) 556-5854. days a week. There will be no class Dec. 21, 24, 28, or 30. For more information contact Zumba Gold Goochland County Parks and Recreation at Tuesdays, Dec. 7-Jan. 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Zumba Gold is a modified form of Zumba (804) 556-5854. for active older adults that recreates the original Zumba moves at a lower intensity. $20 for see Calendar > 5 Sunday, Dec. 19

Thursday

December 16, 2021

GoochlandCares offers a number of unique ways to give during holidays Contributed report

Do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping? Or do you prefer to shop from your sofa? Either way, there are creative ways to help neighbors in need, especially now. The team at GoochlandCares recently offered several helpful suggestions: Do you have HSA/FSA funds that expire at the end of the year? Use your funds to buy critically needed supplies and donate them to GoochlandCares or another nonprofit. The CARES Act expanded the list of items that qualify for pre-tax purchasing. Current needs at GoochlandCares include allergy and

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

asthma medications, over-the-counter pain medications, feminine hygiene and dental hygiene products, first aid supplies, and vitamins. For a list of eligible products go to: www.bit.ly/HSAFSAeligibleitems. Check out our Amazon Wishlist at www.bit.ly/wishlistgoochlandcares. Have purchases shipped directly to GoochlandCares. And remember to use AmazonSmile. You shop and we receive a donation from Amazon--it’s that easy! Turn your holiday food purchases into donations. Sign up for Kroger Community Rewards and select GoochlandCares as your nonprofit. Consider adding a few items to your

“nice” list to donate to GoochlandCares. The Food Pantry is always in need of non-perishable staples like soup, cereal and rice. The Clothes Closet needs new underwear and new socks (all sizes), and sheets and towels. Thank you for making a difference in our community and in the lives of the most vulnerable among us. GoochlandCares is a private, 501(c) (3), non-profit organization that provides basic human services and health care to Goochland residents in need. For more information, visit www.GoochlandCares. org or contact Adair Frayser, afrayser@ GoochlandCares.org or (804) 556-0301.

Since 1955

Goochland County Parks and Recreation at (804) 556continued from >4 5854. Forever Young Holiday Karate Brunch Mondays and Thursdays, Thursday, Dec. 16, 10 Jan. 30-March 24, 6:30-8 a.m. -12 p.m. Join us for our Forever p.m. You can choose to take Young Senior Brunch! Enjoy one or both days a week. a delicious brunch and the ($25 one time Karate assosounds of live music. Wear ciation fee taken at door for your best holiday sweater first time students.) $150 for and have a good time with two days a week or $100 for friends! $12/person. For one day a week. Call (804) more information contact 556-5854.

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The display of holiday inflatables at David and Bobbie DeHart’s Rockville Road home has steadily grown over the past decade. t i c k e t s s ta r t at $ 2 5

Lights continued from >1 Fortunately for local light lovers, they reconsidered. All the work — and occasional aggravation — is worth it when they see the joy on the faces of those who ride by each

year, said David, who has been known to dress up as Santa and wave to passing motorists on occasion. “It’s one of those things that doesn’t cost people anything to enjoy, and hopefully helps them forget their troubles for a little while,” said

David. “We really just want to add a little joy to people’s lives.” The DeHart’s holiday exhibit, located at 2375 Rockville Road, is lit every evening from 5:20 p.m. until 12:30 a.m., then turned back on from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

every morning (“We do that for the children who ride the school bus,” David explained). All are encouraged to use the DeHart’s circular driveway to experience the full effect of the display, but are also asked to remain in their vehicles for safety reasons.

8 0 4 . 3 4 4 . 0 90 6 x 2 2 4 | e t i x . c o m

A d d i t i o n a l M a j o r s u p p o rt f ro m The Richard S. Reynolds Foundation The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation

Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

December 16, 2021

What’s in a name? Sometimes a surprise By Roslyn Ryan Editor

It’s an old question, to be sure, but one that hasn’t seemed to lose its relevance. For people who find themselves, through sheer coincidence, sharing a name with a famous — or perhaps even infamous — individual, the answer is probably a bit more complicated. Sure, it’s probably no big deal being Michael Jackson or Larry Bird or even Elizabeth Taylor, other than the occasional giggle when you buy a plane ticket or get pulled over for speeding.

Over the years I’ve met a Sally Field, a Bill Clinton and even a Michelle Pfeiffer. They have been unfailingly good natured about it, but I suspect it must get old from time to time. Making things even stranger, sometimes a name that evoked one thing suddenly changes. I knew a woman once who shared a name with a famous television homemaker. My friend didn’t mind the constant mention of their shared moniker — until the TV star fell from grace and landed in the pokey for financial shenanigans. She never let on, but I’m pretty sure after that my acquain-

tance liked the link a bit less. And then, of course, there are those whose name is suddenly imbued with a whole new kind of meaning, one they likely never saw coming. Take, for example, my friend Brandon. I’m not going to reveal his political leanings, but let’s just say that Brandon has been enjoying the heck out of his newfound “name notoriety.” Everywhere he goes, whenever he says his name, at least one will not be able to stop themselves from saying it: “Let’s go Brandon!” Friends have peppered his

front yard with signs. At least one person has bought him a beer. For Christmas, I’m willing to bet he gets a few new t-shirts bearing a nod to his name’s sudden popularity. Does he mind? He says not at all — he’s just enjoying it while he can. Pretty soon the world will move on, and his neighborhood will have one less celebrity. But for right now, quite unexpectedly, he’s relishing his 15 minutes of fame. What’s that you say? What strange times we live in? I would certainly have to agree.

Letters to the Editor Dedication of county first responders on Thanksgiving helped save local business Dear Editor, I just wanted to take the time to write a letter of appreciation for Goochland County’s hard working Firefighters, Rescue, Sheriff ’s department and first responders. On Thanksgiving night, my husband and I received a call that smoke was coming out of the roof of our restaurant, Sunset Grill. A county deputy

was driving down Broad St., noticed the smoke and called it in. Upon arrival, we found the parking lot full of Goochland County firefighters and rescue first responders. A total of 15 people came out on Thanksgiving night to help with our situation. What could have been a catastrophe wasn’t. The small gas explosion and fire in the kitchen was extinguished by our fire suppression system, keeping the damage contained and to a minimum. My point of this letter is to

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recognize these hard-working individuals that got up from their dining table and left their families on Thanksgiving night to come to our rescue. When we tried to thank everyone, they simply said they were doing their job. As a small business owner in Goochland County, we wanted to recognize these people to let them know, they are valued and appreciated! The next time you hear or see a fire or rescue unit, please stop and think about the hardworking individuals behind that wheel or in that truck that risk

their lives every day to save yours. A special Thank you to: Chris Jones, Eddie Ferguson, Jeremy Lee, Tony Gordon, Brian Moore, Tim Immekus, Michael Mills, Justin Pennington, Matthew Louria, Michael Trapani, Andrew Beagle, Paul Smith, Robert Breschel, Fred Carter, Daniel Coughlin Jordan Malpass and Doug Davies. You are much appreciated. Leslie and Chris Whitney Owners of Sunset Grill Manakin Sabot see Letters > page 7

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.

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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.

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Fighting the FAFSA battle, but not winning By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

FAFSA! They are five letters that strike fear into every parent who has ever picked up a pen and tried to complete an application for their child to receive a scholarship or student aid in order to attend college. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a document required for any student to be considered for financial aid for tuition, board and other college expenses. Anyone who has attempted to fill out one of these forms could be easily convinced a college education is required to complete the process. I recently heard one parent express what many are experiencing as deadlines for completion quickly approach. She explained that she and her husband have advanced degrees and still found completing the FAFSA form almost overwhelming. The amount of financial information required is staggering, and many of the questions require documentation that has long ago found its place lost among dated bank statements and tax returns. One parent said she and her spouse spent an entire weekend attempting to complete the FAFSA challenge. We’ve been working on it for weeks at my house, and every time I open the application, I get that same feeling I remember from my days in statistics class. It’s that clueless approach, I’m sure, that makes the process harder than it has to be; or maybe not. Some educators have noted see FAFSA > page 7

Thursday

December 16, 2021

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Library offering free rapid COVID-19 tests The Pamunkey Regional Library (PRL), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is distributing COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits at no cost. Customers can pick up a virtually-guided Abbott BinaxNow COVID19 Antigen Card Home Test from the library, use it in

Letters continued from >6

Incoming governor needs to fix new marijuana law issues Dear Editor, I hope that the incoming governor elect will take serious and deliberate action with respect to the current recreational cannabis legislation. In a state that ranks near the bottom nationally with respect to mental health, to have this tragically flawed law remain on the books makes Virginia’s new motto more like Virginia is for Dopes (or Dopers). Hard to imagine how a Governor who is also a physician, who is committed to doing no harm, supported and signed this legislation into law. To whose advantage is this law? Some say follow the money. Will the state have enhanced revenue, or will the black market thrive? Will new agencies arise, such as the Cannabis Commission’s office, where the highest salary range provided is not for the head of the Commission, but for the diversity and equity official-not bad, if the purpose is to spread misery equally. Just look to other states that have passed this kind of legislation and see who gains and who pays the price. Where are the medical, scientific, financial and legal leaders in the state,

the privacy of their home and receive digital test results in 15 minutes. 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

many at state funded institutions, who have been studying marijuana’s impact across their respective fields on this legislation? How will delta 8 THC derived from hemp — a psychoactive chemical also found in marijuana — be addressed? There are so many flaws with this law that the role of the Commission is farcical — the horse has already left the barn Richard Carchman Goochland

Proposed store would bring host of problems with it Dear Editor, Once again I am grateful to the Goochland Gazette for coverage of local issues. The most recent issue of the Gazette featured a story about the Goochland County planning commission’s decision to allow a Dollar General store on Rt. 6, where Hadensville Fife intersects River Road West. What in the world were they thinking? First of all, the county is already well supplied with dollar stores. Anyone who needs one can find two on Rt. 250 (one in Centerville, the other in Gum Spring) and one in the Courthouse Village. We don’t need another. More important than the number is the nature of dollar stores. A quick internet search brings up the following: ProPublica, 6/29/2020: dol-

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 PML’s ten branch libraries. For more information, visit the VDH’s library program webpage or email testinginfo@vdh.virginia.gov.

lar stores are crime magnets; Business Insider, 10/23/2021, a dollar store in Indianapolis, Indiana was robbed four times in three months; CNN, 6/26/2020, in Dayton, Ohio, 24% of commercial robberies occur at dollar stores. And closer to home: Times Virginian, 11/4/2021, Pamplin Dollar General armed robber sentenced; ABC13 News, 1/18/2021, armed robbery at Lynchburg Dollar General; Fox 10 News, Mobile, Alabama, 12/8/2021, armed robber held customer and cashier at gunpoint before fleeing. The site of the proposed Dollar General is in a wooded area, adjacent to homes on River Road West and Hadensville-Fife. It would present an easy target on heavily traveled River Road West, with easy access to many local roads that are less well traveled. At present, this area of the county lacks a sheriff’s substation, so emergency services are delayed. Because most dollar stores deal in cash, they are attractive targets for robbery. Notice on the doorway, the measuring tape to aid law enforcement with height descriptors for robbers seen on security cameras. Is this the right business for the rural west end of the county? I think not, and hope the Board of Supervisors does also. Thank you, Linda Sasser Columbia

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Byrd to host ‘Lessons and Carols’ this Sunday Byrd Presbyterian Church will host its Annual Lessons and Carols Worship Service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19. The story of Christ’s birth will be shared through Scripture

FAFSA continued from >6 the difficulty in completing FAFSA could be a factor in declining college admissions across the country. One administrator said some parents and students simply give up on the process and delay or dismiss plans for college. And students who don’t have parents with those advanced degrees often are responsible for completing the forms on their own, a daunting task for the most ambitious of learners. I understand that thorough financial records and other information are neces-

readings, the singing of carols, and special musical performances by RVA Brass and Premier Duo. A freshly prepared brunch will be served for all to enjoy following the

service. All are invited to celebrate with the congregation during the holiday season and throughout the year. The church is located at 2229 Dogtown Road in Goochland.

sary to ensure federal assistance goes to the students who truly need it, but making that process overburdensome could be contributing to exactly the opposite. In other words, the students targeted for aid are the least prepared to fill out complicated financial forms. Assistance is available and guidance counselors and other administrators willingly offer help in filling out the forms, but some of the dicier elements require parental input. One parent said the process required him to retrieve financial documents from years ago. There could be light at

the end of the tunnel. One local administrator said federal officials have heard the chorus of complaints regarding FAFSA, and a new simplified form is scheduled to be released in 2023. Deciphering what the feds might consider simplified is anybody’s guess, but any relief is a well welcomed relief for parents who are struggling with the current process. Now, that doesn’t provide immediate relief, but offers promise for an easier process in the future. But, FAFSA will remain a part of our lives for years to come. The applications are due annually.

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December 16, 2021

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Bulldog girls show grit in first win By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Whatever it takes. Adorned across their warm-up tees during their pregame shootaround, the phrase has served as a rallying cry for Goochland basketball this season. In their 42-39 win over Maggie L. Walker, their first of the season, the Bulldogs did whatever it took to hold on in a tight fourth quarter contest that saw three lead changes and two ties. Led by Jenika Carter’s 23-point, four-assist performance, the Bulldogs caught fire from deep in the second half with five of their six 3-point makes coming after halftime as they stunted a tough Green Dragons team at home. “The first win is always a good one, it kind of gets everything going on a roll,” head coach James Harris said. “That’s going to give us a spark for the rest of the season and we’ll go from there.” Even on the road, it felt like a home game for the Bulldogs, with every bucket and controversial call generating the kind of reaction you’d expect from a game within Goochland’s own gym. In the first quarter, defense was at the forefront for both sides, with Goochland forcing six steals and eight turnovers after the first eight minutes, although they’d be down by two going into the second quarter. The Bulldogs played an aggressive brand of on-ball defense all game, with junior Rayanna Tibbs and senior Shaniyah Morris being noticable impact players on that end. Morris led the team with four steals, and was a constant pest for Maggie Walker guard Phoebe Johnson in the back-

Photo by Robby Fletcher

Junior forward Rayanna Tibbs wrestles a rebound away from Maggie Walker’s Phoebe Johnson in Goochland’s 42-39 win over Maggie Walker on Friday.

court. In the second quarter, Carter took over on offense, scoring 10 of the team’s 12 points in the second quarter, with one particular highlight being a layup off a gorgeous bounce pass from Emmy Paulin to open up Goochland’s scoring. That would be the first of three assists from Paulin to Carter, and their connection would prove to be even more lethal in the third quarter. Down 18-17 going into the half and fighting through a four-minute scoring drought

to kick off the third quarter, that Paulin-Carter connection was the catalyst for the Bulldogs’ scoring barrage that got them back in the game. Paulin buried back-to-back threes on the left wing, both assisted by Carter, and got in on the playmaking herself with an assist to Carter for a 3-pointer of her own. The 9-0 run gave the Bulldogs a 26-24 lead, and though the Green Dragons responded with a 6-0 run of their own, Carter calmed things down with another three just before

the end of the quarter to cut the deficit down to one, 30-29. “All it takes is one shot to be knocked down and we have that motivation going,” Carter said. The fourth quarter proved to be a true nail-biter, with the Bulldogs finding a hero in senior Erla Thorkelsdottir, who had a dominant eightpoint quarter to lead the way. It seemed Thorkelsdottir was always in the right spot to make a play, getting her points from an offensive rebound put-back, two con-

secutive layups courtesy of some impressive passing vision from Carter and a mid-range jumper near the free throw line that put Goochland up 40-35 in the final minute. The Green Dragons hung around despite Thorkelsdottir’s dominant finish, even cutting the lead down to just one point with nine seconds left, but the Bulldogs were able to hold on when Carter iced the game from the free throw line. “It feels amazing,” Carter said. “We’re starting to work a

lot better as a team, and we’re starting to pick up each other’s chemistry.” The Bulldogs proved to the people in the stands and to themselves that they would do whatever it takes to win on Friday night. How this win pushes them forward for the rest of the season is up in the air. Goochland will look to ride this momentum into their next game against Douglas S. Freeman on Dec. 14. Robby Fletcher can be contacted at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.

Thursday

December 16, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Goochland evens record in home-opening win By Rod Short Contributing Writer

The crowd was there, the cheerleaders were loud and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Goochland’s Bulldogs harnessed that energy and some hot shooting to take control early to defeat the Maggie Walker Governor’s School, 57-36. The victory evened its early season record to 1-1. The win eased the sting of an earlier lopsided 93-44 loss to the VHSL’s Jefferson District rival Albemarle. Goochland’s return to the Jefferson for the first time since 2011 fills the void left when Powhatan moved to the Dominion District. Following the JV team’s strong 57-27 victory, Goochland’s varsity jumped out to an early first quarter lead only to see Maggie Walker cut the lead to just three after the Bulldogs ran into some foul trouble. Leading 12-9 at the beginning of the second frame, Goochland knocked down some shots while playing a stout defense to extend that margin to 28-9 with just under four minutes left. The Green Dragons came alive afterwards, but managed just two baskets during the second frame as the first half ended with Goochland up 30-14. Needing to knock the chill off its cold shooting performance, Maggie Walker left its locker room early at halftime to warm up. It made little difference as Goochland held the Green Dragons to just two baskets halfway through the third quarter while extending its own lead 41-18. Maggie Walker’s attempt to points as the third ended with throttle the Bulldogs by get- Goochland up 44-22. ting more physical resulted “We’re not a very tall in almost more fouls than team this year, but we’ve been

Photos by Rod Short

Above, Gabe Liptak was aggressive on the floor winning this scramble for the ball while scoring 15 points for the night. Left, following a scramble for the ball, Zach Summers sunk a last-second 3-pointer. coached to not be afraid to use ble third quarter. “We’re ready our bodies and get in there after when it does become more loose balls,” guard Gabe Liptak physical.” said about the rough-and-tumGoing into the final quarter,

the Green Dragons outscored the Bulldogs slightly as the players fatigued, but Goochland’s reserves kept the victory in

hand as the score showed a 57-36 final score when the final horn sounded. At the end, Goochland’s outside shooting produced 12 three-pointers to overcome Maggie Walker’s distinct height advantage in the middle. That, along with some hard-nosed defensive play in the paint, gave the Dawgs a solid, confidenceboosting early season win. “It was the first home game and we had the jitters, but I was glad for our guys that we got the win,” head coach Preston Gordon said afterward. “We got a lot of energy from our fans tonight. I told them to enjoy this win, but there are still a lot of things we need to work on. It’s going to take some time.” The work that Bulldogs had put in to improve over its opening season loss showed. “We had to work on our transition defense, which was a big thing, as well as taking care of the ball,” said senior guard Gabe Liptak from the winning locker room. “Limiting our turnovers was a big difference between our first game and tonight.” Leading scorer J.J. Cox agreed. “We put more effort into playing harder in practice and did mental drills to get our heads right before this game. We want to do more of the same in the next game and play with intensity on defense,” Cox said. After playing Maggie Walker again on its home floor, the Bulldogs will entertain Fluvanna on its home floor on Friday, Dec. 17. The Dawgs will then host its own holiday tournament with Caroline County, New Kent and James Monroe slated to attend on Dec. 21 and 22. All game times will begin at 7:30 pm. Rod Short can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com

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