The Goochland Gazette – 12/23/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Goochland history: The year electricity finally came to Rock Castle > page 2

Volume 66 Number 50 • December 23, 2021

Volunteer remembered as ‘best in the business’ By Roslyn Ryan Editor

SMITH

It would be nearly impossible to estimate how many thousands of lives Samuel “Sammy” Smith Jr. touched during his many decades of service with Goochland’s Fire-Rescue department, but at least one

thing remains certain: those who worked alongside Smith saw him as a towering figure. “He was known as one of the best in the business,” said Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson, who spoke during Smith’s funeral service on Dec. 7. “He always knew what to do while remaining

calm and handling every situation with grace and a personal touch of dignity.” Those who knew him point out that Smith, who died on Nov. 26 after a long battle with cancer, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of dedication to Goochland County Fire-Rescue, beginning from the day he joined Centerville’s Company 3

Fire Department in 1965 at the age of 17. From there he would go on to become a charter member of the Centerville Rescue Squad and serve in roles ranging from secretary to first lieutenant of Company 3. He also served in the United States Marine see Smith > 3

GCPS students turning down offers to attend Maggie Walker Officials say increasing number of program choices could be reason By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Contributed photos

County once again rallies around Christmas Mother From the Rotary Club to the Sheriff’s Office and so many groups and individuals in between, volunteers turned out on Saturday, Dec. 11 to help deliver the Goochland Christmas Mother packages to those in need in the county. Pictured at the right, members of the American Legion Junior Auxiliary also stopped by the distribution center to present 2021 Christmas Mother Ann Casey with the proceeds they collected by selling their hand-painted ornaments.

Each year, Goochland County Public Schools offers the opportunity for the district’s academically gifted eighth grade students to apply for admission into the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, a public regional magnet high school in Richmond. But while Goochland is typically awarded seven of the program’s slots, this year school officials say they have seen some students turn down the placements they were offered. According to GCPS advanced programs specialist Beth Fowler, four of the seven eighth grade students at Goochland Middle School selected to attend the program declined the see Walker > 3

Thursday

December 23, 2021

Library offering 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 at home test from the library, use it in the privacy of their home and receive digital test results in 15 minutes. The at-home

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

Since 1955

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Summitt leaves behind defensive legacy PAGE 8 Photograph courtesy of the Goochland Historical Society

At long last, electricity for Rock Castle Christmas of 1939 was a bright one for Rock Castle residents for it was in December that electricity was finally brought to that area. Up until that time, power for the Rock Castle rail road station was furnished from Powhatan County just across the James River to the south. The station sat between the tracks and the river and Coghill’s store sat on the upper side just west of the station. The store burned in the late 1930s. Pictured here is station Captain John W. Dabney. John and his wife Mollie lived on Rock Castle Road.

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1 acre; Eliza L. Robertson to Carolyne McLeod, $200,000. 2 parcels, 5.4 acres; Bonnie P. Shelor to Neil C. Shelor, $200,000. 2.51 acres; Charles W. Swanson to James Viola, $279,000. 3.774 acres; William K. Arnold to Brian Keith Graham, $240,000. 6.22 acres; Lil C. Tyler to Walter Brandon Sullivan, $205,000. 9 lots, Readers Branch; Readers Branch Partners LLC to Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC, $1,125,000. Lot 13, Centerville Business Plaza; GT Properties LLC to Sprouses Corner LLC, $1,250,000.

Lot 18, Section 9, Kinloch; Barry E. Welsch, trustee to Paul V. Kanitra, $999,000. Lot 2, Section 2, Oilville Business Park; River Breeze Properties LLC to 2556 Turkey Creek LLC, $250,000. Lot 3, Block G, Section 2, James River Estates; William C. Darr to Sarah Bryan Heard, $385,000. Lot 44, Tuckahoe Creek; Tuckahoe Creek LLC to Jonathan A. Leon, $211,150. Lot 9, Block C, James River Estates; Charles M. Byrd to Joel E. Hahn, $459,500. 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.

Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................15-18 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................8-9 TV Listings ......................12-14

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 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 23, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Making holidays brighter Janet Honeycutt and Bruce Behringer were among The Elizabeth Kates Foundation board members who recently assembled holiday treat bags for inmates at VCCW. The group produced 600 bags filled with lotion, chapstick and masks. Photo by Donna Cottingham

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Smith continued from >1 Corps, 2nd Marine Air Wing stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, in Beaufort, South Carolina during the Vietnam War. Smith was involved in many community service organizations, and was a Master Mason and member of DeWitt Clinton Lodge #141. He was also a member of The Goochland Rotary Club for more than 25 years with perfect atten-

Walker continued from >1 offer, marking the second year in a row that school officials have approached students on the program’s waiting list. This year, said Fowler, she was even able to get far enough down the list to offer a place to an applicant who had not initially been accepted into the program. Fowler shared this development during last Thursday’s December school board meeting. Responding to a question from school board member John Wright, Fowler said she was not certain at this point if the numbers point to an emerging trend. “It’s certainly something we want to keep an eye on,” said Fowler. “If we go a third year of going beyond the waitlist, at that point I would say it is a trend.”

dance. Even after founding his own business — Smith’s General Store — in Centerville in 1976, Smith was fully dedicated to serving his community. Friends and colleagues remember numerous occasions when Smith would leave the store to answer fire-rescue calls, especially during the week when he knew there were fewer volunteers available. To Ferguson, Smith’s dedication and deep sense of community were evident in every aspect of his life.

“Everyone can rest assured that Sam Smith Jr. left his mark on the Fire-Rescue Department in Goochland County,” said Ferguson. “He was a friend and mentor to all of us. We’re grateful for Sammy’s wisdom and his service to the department and to the citizens of Goochland County. He’s going to be missed by all.” Samuel Smith is survived by his wife Bobbie Terry Smith; one son, Stephen Smith; a daughter, Sarah Campbell; a granddaughter, Samantha Smith; and one brother, Tim H. Smith.

When it comes to why the students offered the once-coveted placements are declining them, Fowler said she sees a number of potential reasons, chief among them the sheer number of choices currently available to Goochland’s academically gifted students. In addition to seeking a placement at Maggie Walker, GCPS students can take part in the Blue Ridge Regional Virtual Governor’s School program or the increasingly popular Advanced College Academy (ACA), which offers students the opportunity to earn an associate degree while completing the requirements for their high school diploma. Of the three options, only the Maggie Walker program requires students to attend a different school full time. “I think some of these students are saying, ‘If I can have some of the same

academic opportunities and still be able to attend school with my friends and the people I’ve known since elementary school, that’s what I’d like to do,’ ” said Fowler. “I think it’s a hard thing for them to turn down.” The good news, Fowler said, is that the division’s efforts to reach students of color appear to be paying off. While the division did not see any of the 31% of students who identified as being a member of a recognized minority group apply to attend Maggie Walker in 2019, this year that number has risen to 31% of applicants. Fowler attributed this in part to initiatives including placing a special emphasis on reaching out to minority students and hosting sessions like “Application 101,” a program offered to any student seeking help with the application to attend Maggie Walker.

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December 23, 2021

Since 1955

Protect your home from cold-weather disasters when leaving town Burst pipes just one possible cause of mid-winter woe Contributed Report

Holiday cheer was put on ice for one Virginia family when they returned home from an extended Christmas vacation to find multifloor water damage from a burst pipe in the attic. Ann Hardee, a Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. field claims manager, recalled a stream of water flowing outside from under

that customer’s front door had turned to ice in the 2018 incident. “In this case, they turned the thermostat down to 55 degrees while they went out of town for a threeweek Christmas holiday, but we had a cold snap right after Christmas,” Hardee said. “It was cold as the dickens!” As in many newer homes, the hot water tank was located in the attic. A pipe leading to the tank had frozen and burst in the cold snap, causing extensive water damage on the second and first floors, resulting in $100,000 in losses. “We had to gut that house back

to the stud walls,” Hardee said. “And everything had to be removed from the house. It was catastrophic, to say the least.” Even with the thermostat set in the 50s and sink cabinets left open, pipes in the attic can still freeze. Hot water tanks often are installed in attics to enhance the square footage of living spaces. “We handle many claims related to losses caused by hot water heaters in the attic,” Hardee said. “And those claims are more frequent during a warm winter when temperatures suddenly drop down to the 20s.” Inhabitants of newly constructed

homes should be aware of this possibility, she said, and take precautions. Bump the thermostat into the 60s, and have a neighbor, friend or family member periodically check on the house. The same goes for secondary homes that are inhabited sporadically. “Major losses can happen overnight,” Hardee added. “Have somebody come by and check things out.” VFBMIC’s property experts also recommend letting faucets drip during extreme cold and insulating pipes that are most susceptible to freezing, such as those running along exterior walls. Inspect and replace

weather stripping, if necessary, and caulk around windows and doors to ensure your home’s interior stays cozy when temperatures plummet. If a snowstorm hits, use a snow rake to promptly remove accumulated snow to prevent roof damage. In addition, take steps to prevent ice dams—thick ridges of ice that build up along a roof edge and prevent melting snow from draining. Finally, perform routine roof maintenance throughout the year, inspecting and repairing any damage to fortify your home against winterweather disasters and extend the life of your roof..

Community Calendar Friday, Dec. 24, 2021 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. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 Join the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library for “Growing Fruit Trees in Our Region,”

a virtual workshop that will offer insights on how to grow fruit successfully in our area. This workshop will be presented from 11 a.m. to noon by Don Smith, Master Gardener, Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener Association. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/8518093. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered one day before the

event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, Jan.7, please contact the library. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Medicare Specialist Deanna Scott. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/8539162. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

Wednesday, Jan. 12 A Healthy Sleep Seminar will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 6- 7 p.m. Are you getting enough sleep? Find out how to improve your sleep with

Friday, Jan. 14 Friday Book Group will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 11 a.m. – noon. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.lib-

cal.com/event/8158080. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Tuesday, Jan. 25 The Goochland Mystery Book Group will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 – 11 a.m. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/8518074. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

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. see Calendar > 5

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Thursday

December 23, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Habitat Goochland announces $200K grant to help build two new homes Contributed report Co

On Dec. 9, PlanRVA sh shared the Partner for Ho Housing Affordability’s announce announcement of the regions affordable housing grant recipients. A total of $3 million dollars w were awarded to help develop 263 new affordable housing units in the Greater Richm Richmond area. Habitat for H Humanity Goochland Co County has been s selected to receive a $200K grant. This will enable them to build two houses in Goochland before July 2024. “This award is game-changing for our community,” said Habitat Goochland Board P President, Brad Duty. “ “The board is excited to begin these projects

Calendar continued from >4 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. 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

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

and help get two more families into safe and affordable houses. It is going to mean a good deal of additional work, but in the end, two more families will have homes.” “This grant along with other donations from our generous community will allow Habitat Goochland to build two additional houses in the next two years. This will be in addition to the one house we currently build each year,” explained Habitat Goochland Executive Director Jamie Camp. “We can’t overstate how important this grant is to the community we serve. We can start these projects immediately because we will have the funding available. That hasn’t happened in the past; we had to start the year fundraising but now, we can start the year building!” Habitat Goochland will hold a workshop on Jan. 8, 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. Karate Mondays and Thursdays, Jan. 30-March 24, 6:30-8 p.m. 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.

2022, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Goochland Central High School on Dogtown Road. This workshop will include information from USDA on applying for a first home as well as information from the Habitat board on how to complete the application and the process taken to review the applications. If anyone in the community is interested in volunteering to serve on a committee, to help on the construction sites, to help with events, or to help with office support, there will be a volunteer session from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 8 at Goochland Central High School. Any questions about the workshops can be directed to Jamie Camp at habitatgoochland@gmail.com.

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Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

December 23, 2021

One ornament, a lifetime of memories Editor’s Note: This column was previously published in Decemb December 2017. We are sharing it again here in honor h of all the families getting back togethe together this year after being apart for the holidays holiday in 2020. We wish you a Merry Christmas aand a beautiful continuation of those important import family traditions. By J Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Contrib

Every parent will tell you one of the t Christmas season is greatest joys of the watching your kids place ornaments o on the tree. A child’s fascin fascination with a Christmas tree begins almost at birth, an the magic of decoand r rating a tree hopefully never goes away. We have a system around here. After seven decades of enjoying the presence of a fresh cut tree in my house, my tthreats to go artificial fall on deaf d ears around here. My kkids know that despite my protests, I’ll make th that trip to a local tree lot that’s becoming increasingly hard to find and pick out the first tree that fits in my trunk. Over the years, my desire for perfection has lessened regarding trees aand a few dozen other

things. So, I performed my duty recently and placed the tree in the stand and secured it. “Why do you turn the screws in so far, Dad?” one of my children asked. That answer will become apparent as the story progresses. Moving on, Emma and I put the lights on and all of my children placed the ornaments in less than strategic places on the tree. I’ve also learned that aged fathers who sit in a chair and point can’t expect superior results, another fact I’ve learned to live with. As one of my children prepared to put a single red ball on the tree, I jumped from the chair and said, “I’ll put that one on the tree.” They gave each other that familiar look that parents recognize— you know the one that clearly indicates their assurance that you are indeed crazy. But, it’s amazing how one ornament can evoke a lifetime of memories of Christmases long ago…. all the way back to the first one I can remember. We were jammed in a small apartment waiting for our first house to be built, my father working and my mother staying at home keeping my sister and me. Even at that young age, I quickly learned the importance of Christmas and the meticulous measures surrounding our tree. My father searched for the perfect tree at the perfect price, the second factor more of a necessity than a preference. He always found it and carefully placed it in a bucket full of water outside to ensure its longevity once it entered our small apartment. The green tree was always adorned with large shiny red balls, all uniform and perfect in size and splendor. I didn’t appreciate it

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then, but I later learned the history of the red balls that were stored in green and cardboard colored boxes that had been taped so many times it was hard to distinguish where original corners were located. The balls were about all that was left from my family’s restaurant in Montgomery, Alabama – the locally famous Pickwick Cafe. My grandfather operated the Montgomery landmark for over five decades. Every Christmas, PaPa as we knew him, would put a large tree up in the center of the restaurant and decorate with those red balls, many dozens of them he had acquired while he visited relatives in Corsica, the place of his birth. He made many trips home and always returned with more balls for the famous yuletide tradition. When the restaurant closed, the balls were divided among his sons and daughter, and each guarded the collection like a prized jewel, eventually passing some of the balls down to their children. Back to that first Christmas in that small apartment and an excited 3-year-old who had just caught sight of probably the coolest peddle fire engine on earth sitting near our Christmas tree. While my sister dove under the tree and retrieved dolls and other nonessentials, I immediately climbed in the driver’s seat of the fire engine truck. My feet barely reached the firm pedals, but eventually I began to move across the small floor from one end to the other…. and then straight into my father’s most creative holiday achievement, our Christmas tree. Some balls were saved as the tree slammed against the wooden floor, but many others see Ornament > 14

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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For soldier’s loved ones, a longtime wish granted By Roslyn Ryan Editor

For the family of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, Christmas came just a bit early this year. Cashe’s loved ones had been waiting for years for the late soldier, who died in 2005 from injuries sustained in a roadside bomb attack, to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor. It was a path fraught with bureaucratic hurdles and many frustrating delays—and required the dogged persistence of those who knew in their hearts that Cashe was deserving of the honor—but on Dec. 15, 2021, Cashe’s family was able to witness President Joe Biden deliver the long-delayed award. While the topic of race continues to dominate much of our national conversation these days—and Cashe’s award makes him the first African-American to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War—his family has gently suggested that this fact not be the focal point of his story. “He is not just a black soldier who earned the right to the Medal of Honor,” said his sister Kasinal White. “He’s a soldier who happens to be black.” White told reporters earlier this year that she would prefer Cashe be remembered as a man so dedicated to his fellow soldiers that he literally walked through flames to save their lives. Cashe’s story is as a testament to the incredible selflessness and bravery of those who serve our nation every single day. And it also illustrates the way that persistence, patience and a fundamental desire to set things right will almost always win out in the end.

see Valor > page 14

Thursday

December 23, 2021

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Visit bewellva.com for more information about suicide, healing, and wellness. If you are interested in receiving services, please reach out to Goochland Powhatan Community Services at 804-556-5400 or 804-598-2200. We are a Lock and Talk Partner in Preventing Suicide.

This message is sponsored by the Rural Substance Abuse Awareness Coalition of Goochland and Powhatan. Visit rsaac.org for more information

Thursday

December 23, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Summit leaves behind defensive legacy By Jim Ridolphi For The Goochland Gazette

When the Goochland Bulldogs take the field for the 2022 football season, a familiar face will be missing from the sidelines. The coaching staff might notice the absence of his unique arrival on the sidelines, shaking the hand of every coach on the staff and providing a familiar request to his head coach prior to kickoff. “Score more than 21.” It was an inside communication understood by all, for throughout his tenure, few teams scored more than 21 points on the Bulldogs defense. Defensive coordinator Dan Summitt, the man who directed those vaunted defenses, decided early this summer that the 2021 season would be his last hurrah, but admitted that leaving won’t be easy. “It’s been such a large part of my life for so many years, and I’m sure I’ll miss it,” he said last week. “But, I decided this was the right time to step back.” In addition to his defensive coordinator duties, Summitt is athletic director for Goochland Middle School and also is on the GHS baseball coaching staff, both of which he plans to continue. Self described as an “under the radar guy,” the coach didn’t make a big deal regarding his intention to leave the sidelines. “I told my seniors that we would be going out together,” Summitt said. “Their last game would be my last game.” It’s been quite a ride — a success story for a kid from Southwest Virginia who developed a love for football as an outside linebacker at Rye Cove High School. It’s the culmination of a

Photo by David Hawki

Dan Summit (center) is honored at the Goochland fall sports banquet by current Bulldogs head coach Alex Fruth (right) and athletic director Joe Fowler (left).

football coaching career that included five seasons as the Bulldogs’ JV coach, two years as varsity linebackers coach and 16 seasons at the helm of Goochland’s defense. Serving under two head coaches, Joe Fowler and Alex Fruth, the team compiled a 182-43 win loss record, and the defense held opposing offenses to a stingy 13.6 points per game. The team also appeared in 18 consecutive playoff games during Summitt’s tenure, played in four state championships and captured two state titles. Add to that 10 James River District championships, six regional titles and one Jefferson District crown, and it’s easy to see it won’t be easy to replace Summitt. It also won’t be easy to replicate a style of defense that

offered no clues as to what was coming next. “We were a hybrid defense most of the time,” Summitt said. “That means part traditional and part nontraditional.” Teams that often entered Goochland with what they thought was a clear understanding of how the Bulldog defense worked often were left scratching their heads as they exited with a loss. “We kept our opponents guessing what we were going to do,” Summitt said. “To some this seemed crazy, but it worked.” The coach said he often focused on what the other team did well and planned a defense that would take that part of the game away. “We wanted to take away what they did well. That made teams uncomfortable.

You take away their favorite play and make them do things they don’t want to do,” he said. “I was always thinking what we can do to disrupt the offense. Defense has always been my passion.” Versatility was a huge element of Summitt’s defenses and he displayed an uncanny ability to convey a willingness to think outside the box to achieve success. “Once we ran a play with two linemen, four linebackers and five defensive backs, somewhat unheard of in high school football, but it worked,” Summitt said. “It worked because we had great kids. Good kids who listen and execute make great contributors to the team – and society.” After five years coaching junior varsity, Summitt joined

Joe Fowler’s staff in 2004 as linebackers coach, and he was named defensive coordinator in 2006. The pair could not have envisioned what lay ahead, or the lasting friendship that would develop between the two, who both had Southwest Virginia roots. Fowler said Summitt’s expertise in finding the right player for the right position provided the consistency needed for success. “He had a knack for fitting kids into spots even if they weren’t the prototypical body type for their position. We don’t get to go out and recruit kids, and you have to work with the kids who are walking our halls. Dan always was able to adapt his scheme to put those kids in a position to be successful.”

Fowler also noted Summitt’s ability to take away an opposing team’s best weapon. “Whether it was a team that wanted to throw it every play like Essex or a team that wanted to run it every play like Giles, Dan always got the kids in the right spots to slow them down. It’s impossible to express how integral Dan has been to our success here. His defense was always top-notch and was the reason we won a lot of games over the years,” the coach said. Fowler also noted the scope of Summitt’s influence on the program and the variety of tasks he accepted. “As much as anything, Dan understands what coaches at a school of our size need to do for us to have success. We don’t have a huge faculty to draw from, and our coaches have to wear a lot of hats,” Fowler said. “Whether that is supervision, laundry, mowing or painting lines on the field, Dan was always willing to do whatever it took to make us successful. To say that he will be missed by the football program is a huge understatement.” For example, that big “G” in the middle of the field of each home game was painted by Summitt, and he could often be found lining the field or cutting grass. When Fowler decided to step down and accept the athletic director job at GHS in 2017, Alex Fruth was chosen to replace him as head coach. “We all knew he was the right guy,” Summitt said. And Fruth allowed Summitt to continue his unconventional, but often traditional approach to defense… and the wins kept coming. “I’ve always loved the fact

see Summit > 9

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December 23, 2021

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Goochland basketball coach strives to help community There are a lot of different ways that people address Kenneth Johnson Jr. To those on Goochland’s boys basketball team, he’s coach Johnson, one of the assistants on the bench alongside head coach Preston Gordon. To those in the classes he teaches at Goochland High School, he’s Mr. Johnson, a kind and respected special education teacher. And to the teachers and students he works with at Grand Canyon University, he’s just Kenneth, a student pursuing his master’s degree in special education and teaching. Johnson, who finished his master’s program on Dec. 22, has been around the Goochland community for most of his life. After graduating from Goochland in 2010 and being a talented athlete on both the football and basketball teams, he found himself playing basketball at Richard Bland College for two years. After receiving his associates degree there, he then went to the University of Lynchburg to get his bachelor’s in crimiRobby Fletcher/The Goochland Gazette nology and sociology. There, Goochland boys basketball assistant coach Kenneth Johnson Jr. instructs his players he found inspiration in helpduring a matchup with Fluvanna County on Dec. 17. ing at-risk youth by working

with Dr. Aaron Smith. Smith was behind Man 2 Man, a mentoring program for young men of color that Johnson said was influential for him when deciding what he wanted to do as a profession. “That kind of got me into wanting to work with at-risk youth not only with their work but just with any problems they were facing at home or in the school,” Johnson said. After leaving Lynchburg, he found his way back to Goochland, where he wanted to make a positive impact in the community he grew up loving. “I was blessed to be around some positive people and coaches, and that really made me want to come back,” he said. Now as a coach for the Bulldogs, Johnson is using all he’s learned as both an athlete and as a mentor to introduce meaningful life lessons to student-athletes that they can apply to their lives, both on and off the court. “Just knowing the kids on a personal level is great and I try to implement a lot of life lessons that we can learn when playing the sport of basketball,” he said. “Whether that be being consistent, teamwork, making sure we are accountable for what we do, and just

building relationships and carrying ourselves in a positive manner. Just implementing these things that can help not only when we’re young, but also as we get older and start getting to our professional careers.” And while Johnson is currently learning new life lessons as he goes through his own academic career, he’s always made sure to honor those who have inspired him through his own journey. People like former Bulldogs football head coach Joe Fowler, Johnson’s parents Laverne and Kenneth Sr., and coach Gordon have all played a part in Johnson’s journey to helping as many people as he can. Johnson’s journey doesn’t end with getting his master’s, and he knows there’s plenty more steps to fulfilling his passion of helping as many kids as he can. Still, he’s enjoying every step of the way in Goochland, a place he’s proud to call home. “I love the community of Goochland. It’s a great community and I’m blessed to be a part of it,” he said. “And working with the school system: the teachers are great, the administration is great, the school board is great, the coaches are great. It’s just a blessing to be working in Goochland, I’m blessed.”

chance to send their coach off with a bang. “Thank you for not only all of the great coaching memories on the ball fields, but also being an exemplary role model for myself and many other young men in the Goochland community. Being a part of the mid 2000s teams will live with me forever; and you sir, helped make those memories as great as they are,” wrote former quarterback Brian Jordan, member

of the 2006 state championship team, on a Kudoboard last week. With his usual humility, Summitt accepted the accolades at last week’s banquet and held a ceremonial football denoting some of his successes close to his chest. For those who follow, he left a simple but powerful bit of advice. “To future coaches out there, you’ll get the most our

of your players by developing positive relationships with your players. Build them up, don’t tear them down. Correct them when they are wrong and praise them when they do it right.” Where will be Dan Summitt be when the Bulldogs take the field this fall? “I haven’t decided,” he smiled. “I don’t know how it will feel not being on that sideline, but I’m sure I’ll miss it.”

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Summit continued from >8 that Dan has let his guys play fast. He kept our defense fresh, aggressive and very unpredictable,” Fruth said. But it was Summitt’s unique ability to connect and motivate young players that also drew Fruth’s admiration. “Dan’s connection with the players allowed for us and him

to get so much out of our guys each year. He would have been a total nightmare to prep for if I was on the opposite sideline! Our success over the years has a lot to do with Dan and his defenses.” With all that, Summitt credits the success to a group of kids who were willing to commit, work hard and never give up on the field. “We always had great kids who were ready to buy in to

what we were trying to do. The wins and championships were great, but watching boys grow into men and learning to cooperate with others or handle adversity and adapt to situations was even more important,” he said. “Sure, they learned football, but learned more about life.” Last week, many of those old players joined current members of the team for their Fall Sports banquet and a

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December 23, 2021

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■ VIRGINIA AREA RESIDENTS CASH IN: It’s hard to tell how much these unsearched Vault Bags loaded with rarely seen Gov’t issued coins that everyone will be trying to get could be worth someday. That’s because each Vault Bag is known to contain nearly 3 pounds of Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s including all those shown in today’s publication. In addition, after each bag is loaded with over 200 rarely seen coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks are never searched to determine collector values. So you better believe at just $980 these unsearched Vault Bags are a real steal.

Rarely seen United States coins up for grabs in Virginia -zip codes determine who gets them Unsearched Vault Bags loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s and worth up to 50 times their face value are actually being handed over to residents who find their zip code below and beat the 48 hour order deadline VA RESIDENTS: IF YOU FIND THE FIRST THREE DIGITS OF YOUR ZIP CODE BELOW. CALL: 1-800-869-3164 UV32073 201 220 221 222

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“The vaults at Federated Mint are going empty,” said Laura A. Lynne, Director of Coin and Currency for Federated Mint. That’s because a decision by Federated Mint to release rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins, some worth up to 50 times their face value, means unsearched Vault Bags loaded with U. S. Gov’t issued coins dating back to the 1800’s are now being handed over to U.S. residents who find the first three digits of your zip code listed in

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today’s publication. “But don’t thank the Government. As Director of Coin and Currency for Federated Mint, I get paid to inform and educate the general public regarding U.S. coins. Ever since the decision by Federated Mint to release rarely seen Gov’t issued coins to the general public — I’m being asked how much are the unsearched Vault Bags worth? The answer is, there’s no way to tell. Coin values always fluctuate and

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there are never any guarantees, but we do know this. Each unsearched bag weighs nearly 3 pounds and is known to contain rarely seen Morgan Silver Dollars and these coins alone could be worth $40 - $325 in collector value each according to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins. So there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search through all the coins. But you better believe at just $980 these unsearched Vault Bags are a steal,

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“said Lynne. “These are not ordinary coins you find in your pocket change. These are rarely seen silver, scarce, collectible and noncirculating U.S. coins dating back to the 1800’s so we won’t be surprised if thousands of U.S. residents claim as many as they can get their hands on. That’s because after the bags were loaded with nearly 3 pounds of Gov’t issued coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade R1054R-2 (Continued on next page)

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December 23, 2021

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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ISSUED COINS SEALED IN EACH BAG:

Silver Morgan Dollar 1878-1921

Silver Liberty Head 1892-1915

■ UNSEARCHED: Pictured above are the unsearched Vault Bags being handed over to Virginia residents who call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the 48-hour deadline ends. And here’s the best part. Each Vault Bag is loaded with over 200 Gov’t issued coins, including all the coins pictured in today’s publication, some dating back to the 1800’s and worth up to 50 times their face value. Each coin is verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above before the bags are securely sealed and the dates and mint marks are never searched by Federated Mint to determine collector value. If you find your zip code listed, call 1-800-869-3164 EXT.UV32073 immediately.

Silver Walking Liberty 1916-1947

Silver Peace Dollar 1921-1935

Silver Ben Franklin 1948-1963

(Continued from previous page) quality of very good or above, the dates and mint marks were never searched to determine collector values and the bags were securely sealed. That means there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search all the coins,” said Lynne. The only thing U.S. residents who find their zip code printed in today’s publication need to do is call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the 48-hour deadline ends. This is very important. After the Vault Bags were loaded with over 200 Gov’t issued coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade quality of very good or above, the dates and mint marks were never searched to determine collector values. The Vault Bag fee has been set for $1,500 for residents who miss the 48-hour deadline, but for those U.S. residents who beat the 48-hour deadline the Vault Bag fee is just $980 as long as they call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the deadline ends.

“Remember this, we cannot stop collectors from buy ing up a l l the unsearched bags of coins they can get in this special advertising announcement. And you better believe with each bag being loaded with nearly 3 pounds of Gov’t issued coins we’re guessing they’re going to go quick,” said Lynne. The phone lines will be ringing off the hook beginning at precisely 8:30 a.m. this morning. That’s because each unsearched Vault Bag is loaded with the rarely seen coins pictured left and highly sought after collector coins dating clear back to the 1800’s including iconic Morgan Silver Dollars, a historic Peace Silver Dollar, stunning Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars, the collectible Silver Eisenhower Dollars, spectacular Silver Liberty Head Half and Quarter Dollars, rarely seen Silver Franklin Half Dollars, high demand President Kennedy Silver Half Dollars, beautiful Silver Standing Liberty Quarter

Dollars, American Bicentennial Quarters, rare Liberty V Nickels, one cent Historic Wheat Coins including 1943 “Steel Cents”, one of the beautiful Winged Liberty Head Dimes, scarce Indian Head one cent U.S. coins and the last ever minted Buffalo Nickels. “With all these collectible Gov’t Issued coins up for grabs we’re going to do our best to answer all the calls,” said Lynne. Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the U.S. Gov’t issued coins. That means U.S. residents who find the first three digits of your zip code listed in today’s publication can claim the unsearched bags of money for themselves and keep all the U.S. Gov’t issued coins found inside. If you f ind your zip code listed, c a l l 1 - 8 0 0 - 8 6 9 - 3 16 4 E X T.U V3 2 0 73 immediately. Just be sure to call before the deadline ends 48 hours from today’s publication date. ■

FEDERATED MINT, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. FEDERATED MINT, PO BOX 1200, MASSILLON, OH 44648 ©2021 FEDERATED MINT R1054R-2

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