The Goochland Gazette – 03/10/2022 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Local pup “Captain” looking still looking for his safe harbor > page 2

Volume 66 Number 10 • March 10, 2022

Once a refugee from Ukraine, resident now wants to help war’s victims

Board signs off on bond for sewer pipe project By Roslyn Ryan Editor

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine now entering into its third week, one Goochland couple with strong ties to Ukraine is working to help those impacted by a war that has already claimed thousands of lives and touched off a humanitarian crisis that continues to grow increasingly dire by the day. Ostep Zagorodnyy, came to the United States from Ukraine with his family in 1992, when he was 18 years old. They were refugees, fleeing religious persecution, and Zagorodnyy says to this day he has never returned. He does have cousins and many friends still living in Ukraine, ZAGORODNYY however, and says the past few weeks have left him feeling desperate to help in any way he can. “At first, I felt helpless,” said Zagorodnyy, who has managed to stay in contact with people he knows in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Lviv, though communication in the latter see Ukraine > 2

of veterans to help keep his vision alive. The stroke has left Delbridge unable to operate the truck, which could have spelled the end of the passion project into which he had already invested so much. But thanks the assistance of volunteers from the Marine Corps League

Goochland County is now one step closer to a permanent fix for an 11,000-foot section of sewer pipeline that has caused numerous headaches over the years, the most recent being a rupture last July that spilled 300,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Tuckahoe Creek. On March 1, county supervisors unanimously approved a resolution to issue a water and sewer bond to be sold to Virginia Resources Authority to fund sewer improvements of up to $7,040,000. The board also approved a resolution amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 county budget by appropriating $7,990,000 in the county Department of Public Utilities’ rehabilitation and replacement fund. The July 27, 2021, pipe rupture, which made headlines across the region and led to a health advisory being issued for all water activities between Goochland and Richmond, involved a 48-inch force main pipe coming from the Eastern Goochland Pump Station at 12320 Patterson Ave. The break was discovered

see Truck > 3

see Pipe > 3

File photo

Rockville resident Herb Delbridge, here with his Purple Heart Fire Tuck in 2014, earned his own Purple Heart medal while serving in Vietnam. Delbridge said he created the memorial as a way to thank and honor veterans.

Thanks to help from fellow veterans, local man’s iconic fire truck rolls on The Purple Heart Truck will make its next appearance on March 29 By Roslyn Ryan Editor

When Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Herb Delbridge first debuted his nowiconic Purple Heart Firetruck back in 2014, the Rockville resident was hoping to help show fellow veterans that their service and sacrifice was appreciated. Now, after suffering a debilitating stroke last year, Delbridge is looking to that same community

Thursday

March 10, 2022

Ukraine continued from >1 has become more challenging. Then a friend, Goochland resident Levin White, suggested that Zagorodnyy and his wife Ausrine, a native of Lithuania, consider joining him in creating a nonprofit to try and get needed supplies into the hands of Ukrainian citizens suffering in the wake of continued attacks. From that seed of an idea, the Lift Up Ukraine foundation was created. Now the group is setting up donation sites around the county to help collect everything from clothing to first aid kits for Ukrainians in need of assistance. Among the items the group is seeking: Thermal clothing Socks Underwear Mobile electric stoves Knee pads (military)

Tactical gloves Backpacks First aid kits Sleeping bags Mats for sleeping Hats White said that as of Tuesday the group was still working to get its website up and running, but in the coming days more information should ba available at www.liftupukraine.org or on Facebook at “Lift Up Ukraine.” Donations can also be made at any Atlantic Union Bank. Zagorodnyy, reached at home last Sunday, says he believes that the country he remembers for its beauty and rich history will ultimately prevail in the battle for its future. “They will win,” said Zagorodnyy. “They will win. If they can get the things they need to defend themselves, they will win this war.”

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County

Pet of the week

Since 1955

INSIDE

SPORTS Black wins second pole vault state title PAGE 8 Photos submitted by Julie Lawrence

“Ahoy matey, this is your Captain speaking. I have been shipwrecked at the Goochland Adoption Center and am in need of rescue from this island. Don’t get me wrong, me shipmates are great and the grog is not too shabby, but this Captain needs a home port to call my very own. I am a friendly scallywag who is ready to set sail with other doggies! I have been vaccinated, tested, chipped and, shiver me timbers, they even neutered me! Avast me adoption fee is sponsored! So row yourself over to the Adoption Center and let me join yer crew.” The Goochland Animal Shelter, located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in Goochland, has many lovable pets available for adoption. For more information on these pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Goochland Animal Shelter, call (804) 556-5302. You also can visit the shelter on Facebook at “Goochland County Animal Control.” The shelter’s hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to the shelter is asked to make donations payable to Goochland Animal Protection.

Recent Property Transfers 611 Canoe Run Place, Manakin Sabot; Craig A. Sherouse to James Charles Moore, $520,000. 4721 E Grey Fox Road, Gum Spring; Caitlyn Moore Duplessis to Christopher R. Newell, $290,000. Lot 1, Section 4, Breeze Hill; Hunton Station LLC to Christopher Kumar Gupta, $175,000. Lot 9, Section 4, Breeze Hill; Krickovic and Ziegler LLC to Charles Devlin Hammond, $155,000. Parcel; James Jeffrey Staples to Katie L. Huffman,

$1,100,000. 12042 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to Randall Jordan, $429,165. 12048 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to David G. Burgess, $465,295. 3933 Whitehall Road, Sandy Hook; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Leyda Hernandez, $350,000. 1.33 acres; Carolyn S. Carter to Cameron Carter, $150,000. 10.24 acres; MidAtlantic IRA LLC

to Boone Homes Inc., $525,000. 11.11 acres; Gary Bruce Powers to Trek Properties LLC, $399,000. 16.974 acres; John Randolph Amos to Habib Smajlagic, $505,000. 18 acres; Riverstone Real Estate LLC to Bristol Oak Hill Partners LLC, $9,380,000. 19.96 acres; Celia A. Rafalko to Sheri Ruddy, $998,000. 2.49 acres; Dawn Renee Rudolph to Angela Ross, $250,000.

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

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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March 10, 2022

Serving Goochland County

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Since 1955

4-H Camp registration now open Goochland County Jr. 4-H Camp registration is now open for youth between the ages of 9-13. Camp applications will only be accepted through the website portal. Email the Goochland Extension Office at caylaks98@vt.edu for a direct link to the 4-H Camp

registration site. Spots are given on a first come, first serve basis and are reserved for Goochland County residents. For more information, contact Cayla Walker, Goochland County 4-H Agent, at caylaks98@ vt.edu or (804)556-5873.

WE ARE NOW OPEN

Photo courtesy of Herb Delbridge

Rockville resident Herb Delbridge found what would become the Purple Heart Fire Truck sitting on the side of the road nearly a decade ago. Mechanicsville artist Ken Hayden was tasked with the monumental task of bringing Delbridge’s vision to life.

ON SUNDAYS from 11:30 - 8:00! Please join us. Featuring Brunch items from 11:30 - 2:30

1601 Hockett Rd. Manakin Sabot, VA At the corner of Broad St. and Hockett Rd

Truck continued from >1 and the Henrico County Fire Department, the Purple Heart Firetruck is back in service, traveling to area events and offering anyone who might lay eyes on it a window into the tremendous sacrifices made by veterans from all branches. The truck, a once-dilapidated 1983 Ford diesel firetruck that Delbridge spent tens of thousands of dollars restoring, now bears a number of painstakingly hand-painted scenes that provide a glimpse into what Delbridge experienced as a young Marine pla-

toon sergeant serving near the demilitarized zone in Vietnam in 1967. On one panel near the back, nurses come to the aide of wounded soldiers. On another section, a pair of boots, a gun and a helmet serve as a memorial to a fallen comrade. President George Washington, the creator of the Purple Heart medal, is depicted on several areas of the truck, including one scene in which he appears to be gently handing a medal to a wounded Marine. Each branch of the military is represented somewhere in the display, and each is hon-

ored with its own flag, flown from separate corners of the truck in holders painted to resemble bamboo. The work was done by Mechanicsville artist Ken Hayden, who spent over four months working day and night on the vehicle. Delbridge’s wife, Linda, says that the fact that her husband’s work can go on is a true gift. “Their hearts and souls are in this, which is wonderful,” she said of the veterans who have stepped in to help. “The guys are determined to keep this thing on the road for veterans of all wars.” She said that, although the

stroke robbed him of the ability to verbalize his appreciation, her husband remains grateful as well. “He wishes he could say it,” Linda said. “But it’s in his heart and the guys know it.” The Purple Heart Firetruck is scheduled to make its next appearance at Mission BBQ (5440 Glenside Dr.) from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. on March 29. The truck will be stationed in front of the restaurant in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day. For more information on the truck and its upcoming appearances, visit www.purpleheartfiretruck.com.

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DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) Positions available at Monacan Services Day Support. Hourly DSP position working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Mon –Fri 8am- 4pm

IN HOME SUPPORT SPECIALIST Part time afternoon/evening & weekend work in your own community working with people with intellectual disabilities in their homes and in the community. Experience working with individuals with disabilities a plus. Multiple positions available in Hanover, Goochland, and Powhatan counties.

VAN TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS Part-time. Transport individuals to and from facilities in Goochland and Powhatan Counties. Qualified

Pipe continued from >1 about three hours after it occurred, and the total cleanup of that incident cost around $130,000. According to Goochland

County director of public utilities Matt Longshore, the pipe has been repaired and is now running at a reduced capacity. However, Longshore said, the current situation “does not serve the long-term needs of the county.”

Dewberry Engineers, the firm hired by the county to study the pipeline issue and provide recommendations for a permanent fix, recommended full replacement of the 11,000-foot stretch of pipe, and provided a cost estimate

of around $7.13 million. Longshore told board members that the project is estimated to take around two years to complete, including the preliminary field engineering and design phases as well as construction.

applicants must be 25 yrs. or older. Must be able to work morning hours and late afternoon hours. A valid VA Driver’s License w/good driving record, pre-employment drug screening, and criminal background check required. $13/hour.

All positions are open until filled unless specified otherwise. For full job descriptions and to apply visit

www.gpcsb.org EOE

Thursday

March 10, 2022

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Obituary JOHN ANDERSON John Edward Anderson, 78, of Goochland, passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022, at the Community Hospice House in Richmond, Va. John was the son of the late Corbett and Audrey ANDERSON Anderson

of Haysi, Va. He is survived by his wife, Paige; brothers, Clark Anderson (Dale) of Mechanicsville, Ken Anderson (Janice) of Haysi; daughter, Michele Farren (Alan) of Chesterfield; grandsons, Tim Farren (Ashley) and Justin Farren. John worked in the funeral industry for many years, starting at Woody Funeral Home in Richmond. John had a special bond with those who shared his passion for cars and neighbor-

Goochland Community Theatre presents

MARCH 11TH @ 7 PM MARCH 12TH @ 8 PM MARCH 13TH @ 2 PM

Purchase tickets online at gvatheatre.org or at the door. Follow Goochland Community Theatre on Facebook! Goochland Community Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

3315 Three Chopt Rd, Gum Spring, VA 23065 g din n Pe

hood friends. Friends visited with family on Monday, March 7, at Affinity Funeral Service in Richmond. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of John to Bon Secours Community Hospice House at bsvaf.org. MARILYN H. PALMORE Marilyn H. Palmore passed into the loving arms of her Lord, Jesus Christ on February 15, 2022, at the age of 96. She is survived by her brothers, Donald C. Phillips and Robert J. Phillips (June); daughters, Sandra H. Hargett (Terry), Kathryn H. Sullivan (Alex) and Kendall H. DuVall (David); grandchildren, Kristen M. Covey, Clark Sullivan, Daniel S. Perkins

(Hillary), Connor Fairburn, Megan J. Stewards (Davey), Casey J. DuVall (Charlie); and great-grandchildren, Jacob C o v e y, Jessica Covey, Jacob Lewis, Evan Perkins, J a m e s Perkins and Finley Stewards. PALMORE She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Brooke M. Perkins; and great-grandchildren, Joshua and Jonathan Covey. Marilyn was a woman full of joy, great faith and strength with a sense of humor that was like no other. She was an animal lover, raised and

showed champion dachshunds and volunteered for FLAG in Goochland County. She was instrumental in the founding of The Dachshund Fancier Club of Central Virginia. Marilyn loved and nurtured members of Salem Baptist Church for many years; cooking and serving meals for the various ministries of which the Women’s Ministry held a special place in her heart. She sang in the choir, served in missions and on various committees in both Salem and Bonsack Baptist Churches, where she was a member of both for many years. Marilyn retired from the Post Office in Crozier, Va., after 25 years of service to the community, where she loved her postal patrons, calling them

neighbors and friends. She had many wonderful memories of Crozier riding the beautiful Goochland countryside with friends from Locust Bend Stables and enjoying lunch at the North Pole Restaurant. She loved cooking and sharing meals, gardening and serving her Lord Jesus Christ. Her greatest joy was her three girls, Sandy, Kathy and Kendall. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to GoochlandCares, 2999 River Road West, Goochland, Va. 23063 or GoochlandCares. org. A graveside service was held at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens on March 4, 2022 in Roanoke, Va.

Library Calendar Friday, March 11

Saturday, March 12

Friday Book Group at the Goochland Branch Library from 11 a.m. - noon. Registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Starting from Seeds from 11 a.m. - noon. Selecting, collecting, preserving and preparing seeds before planting them and watching the magic of germination. Presented by Pat Lust, Master Gardener, Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener Association. Registration is required at https://pamun-

k e y l i b r a r y. l i b c a l . c o m / event/8790526. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, March 11, please contact the library. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West

for more information.

Tuesday, March 22 Goochland Mystery Book Group at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 – 11 a.m. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com. Call (804) 556-4774 for more information.

Goochland Rotary Club For Sale $225,000 20 minutes to Short Pump / Wegman’s 5 minutes to Goochland Courthouse Amenities 1250 Sq Ft Open Living Area to Dining and Kitchen / 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths / Wood Floors / Brick Fireplace / 2 Storage Sheds / 1.5 Acres

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

The following is a list of Friday, March 11 upcoming Goochland Rotary Pat Edwards and Adeeb Club meetings. All are wel- Hamzey will discuss the come and there is no charge HANWASH Global grant for for breakfast. Haiti. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at The Residence Inn at Short Pump.

Friday, March 18 Carey Stagg will talk about the upcoming Goochland Day. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at The Residence Inn at Short Pump.

Friday, March 25 Lt. Gregory Jones will give an overview of the Med-Flight program. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at The Residence Inn at Short Pump

Goochland Community Theatre will Complex, 2748 Dogtown Road, Goochland. Admission is $12 for students and seniors, and $15 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased at the door or at gvatheatre. org. Goochland Community Theatre is an all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit organization.

Local theater will present Peter/Wendy by Jeremy Bloom, directed by Dillon White, at on Friday, stage ‘Peter/Wendy’ March 11 (7 p.m.), Saturday, March 12 at (8 p.m.), and Sunday, March 13 (2 p.m.) starting on Friday at Central High Cultural and Educational

Thursday

March 10, 2022

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Former MCJROTC participant continues to thrive Contributed report

When Tiffani Burdick enrolled in the Marine Corps Junior ROTC (MCJROTC) program as a high school freshman, she didn’t realize how impactful the program would be to the rest of her life. Now a student at the University of Virginia, Burdick says she’s not sure where she would be without MCJROTC. “I learned many things in my MCJROTC courses,” Burdick said. “The two that stick out the most to me are confidence in myself and my abilities and leadership exposure that I could never have received from any other high school program.” Currently, 76 eighth through 12thgrade Goochland County Public Schools (GCPS) students are enrolled in MCJROTC, and USMC Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Kevin A. Williams, Senior Marine Instructor, wants to encourage other students to take a look at the division’s program. “One misconception is that our cadets are in the program to go into the military,” Williams said. “Unlike a typical CTE program where people are interested in being, for example, a heavy equipment operator after graduation, very few of our students will go into the military. And that’s perfectly okay with us. We don’t recruit for the military. Our congressionally mandated mission is to provide a citizenship program to help young people understand a little bit better about citizenship and about leadership.” Williams is working toward his

master’s degree in education supervision and leadership and says that some of the things that he learned this semester are what he teaches his students. “They use some different terminology, but it’s the same,” he said. “So, you can wait to be a master’s student and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars, or we can teach it to you now for free in the 10th grade. Everybody can benefit from learning about leadership.” There are no pre-requisites for enrollment – beyond a positive attitude. “We want them to be able to physically perform some of the things that we do part as of our curriculum, but if they have that positive attitude and that motivation to be here, we’ll work with them,” Williams said. Female students are also encouraged to enroll. “Young women tend to do very well in this program,” Williams said. Staff Sgt. Dan Strong’s daughter is currently a sophomore and has been in the program for two years. “What she loves about it is that it puts her on a level playing field with the guys,” Strong said. “MCJROTC does a really wonderful thing of teaching young men and young women that they can work well together. MCJROTC puts them in situations where it challenges them to take each other seriously.” While recruiting for the military isn’t part of the program’s mandate, Williams and Strong both said they would do whatever they could to help

a student interested in the military as a career. Burdick said she developed her love of the Marine Corps through her participation in the program. “Because of this, I applied for an NROTC (Marine Option) scholarship and earned it, and my degree at UVA will be in elementary education. Upon graduation, I will be commissioned into the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant,” she said. The scholarship Burdick earned pays for her tuition and pays her a stipend to cover some of her other expenses. She has excelled at UVA and is currently in a significant leadership billet within her battalion. “I loved my experiences in GCPS even beyond my MCJROTC experiences,” she said. “I love that Goochland County has teachers that become invested in their students’ lives, even beyond their high school years.” Students are required to wear a uniform, but only once a week. And prospective students shouldn’t be intimidated by the two Marines running the program. MCJROTC isn’t like the stereotypical boot camp experience. “Yelling and all of that, we don’t do that here,” Williams said. “We want to help students to become successful in whatever it is that they want to do after high school, and we really would like to have an opportunity to help more young people become better adults for the future of the country.” For more information about MCJROTC, email Lt. Colonel Williams at kawilliams@glnd.k12.va.us.

Courtesy photo

Now a student at the University of Virginia, Goochland High School graduate Tiffani Burdick is majoring in elementary education. Upon graduation, she will be commissioned into the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant.

School boundary adjustment committee reviewing maps Contributed report

As the Goochland County Public Schools (GCPS) elementary school boundary adjustment process moves forward, community members will soon have draft maps to review, an opportunity to hear more about the process, and a chance to share their thoughts through a community survey. The Elementary Boundary Adjustment Steering Committee continued their work this week with reviews of maps and other data relat-

ed to school enrollment. The committee, comprised of parents, community members and division staff, is charged with recommending a boundary adjustment map to GCPS superintendent Jeremy Raley, who will then make a recommendation to the school board in May. Small-group discussions resulted in four draft maps that adjusted boundaries to reduce overcrowding at Randolph and Byrd elementary schools and take advantage of additional capacity that will be available

at the new Goochland Elementary School when it opens. Committee members then discussed the four draft maps, including how each impacted building use, neighborhoods, proximity, transportation and student demographics. Cooperative Strategies consultant Matt Sachs used GIS software to make additional adjustments suggested by the committee with the goal of developing two draft maps for the community to review. Community members are encouraged to participate in a survey that

opened on March 9 and will close on March 23. The survey will be available online, and limited paper copies will be placed at division schools in the main offices. Links to the survey are now available on the division’s website, https://goochlandschools. org, by clicking on the “Boundary Adjustment” button on the homepage. To gather additional input, a community meeting will be held on March 16 in the Goochland High School auditorium starting at 6 p.m.

The committee’s two draft maps will be available for review, and additional information will be provided to attendees. A dedicated project website, https://coopstratprojects.com/gcps/, includes links to enrollment data, frequently asked questions, and presentations. Draft maps will also be available on the site. The superintendent is scheduled to make his recommendation to the school board at the May 10 regular meeting.

Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

March 10, 2022

Senior dog helps owners savor slower pace By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Buddy doesn’t have a birthday, but I don’t think it’s ever bothered him too much. Like most things, he takes it in stride. Buddy is a Labrador retriever, which makes him a member of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It’s easy to see why. Like most labs, Buddy is sweet natured and patient but also protective. There were some tense negotiations with an Amazon delivery driver early on, but they quickly came to an agreement: packages are now delivered with a side of bone-shaped treats, and the pleasantries are kept to a minimum. “Thank you for coming, now please get off my porch.” As I mentioned last week, I have always been terribly fond of handed-down things and those inherited from people I love, and that category includes Buddy. He belonged to my father-in-law first, and the two enjoyed the kind of unfettered, carefree bachelor life that

seemed to suit them both just fine. Even the one disagreement they had—about Buddy breaking the “Stay Off The New Sofa Rule”— was solved in short order: Buddy would only lounge on the sofa when my father-in-law was at work, and my father-in-law would pretend he didn’t know about it. After my father-in-law passed away, there wasn’t any question in our minds that Buddy would come and live with us. He was perhaps a little less sure about the arrangement. We already had a dog, after all, one that is short and round and moves through the world like a cannonball. He is as rowdy as Buddy is placid and does not understand personal space or boundaries. I wouldn’t say it was a perfect fit from the start, but Buddy, as is his nature, has made the best of things. As the years have gone by, Buddy has acquired a list of nicknames, the most oft-used one lately being Old Buzz. I’m not sure why we started calling him that, but these days, with the gray beginning to show on his face and his

pace slowing down, it just seems to fit. Like most older dogs, Buddy is pretty clear about his likes (treats, long naps) and dislikes (loud noises, getting his feet wet) and he is both intuitive and sweet. While I would not describe him as overly affectionate, he has an uncanny knack for knowing when someone has had a tough day. On those occasions he has been known to sidle up and simply sit quietly next to you, a gentle presence offering comfort and the occasional paw on your arm. Someone asked me recently how old Buddy was, and I was forced to admit that I wasn’t exactly sure. I do know that he’s not a young dog anymore, and that our time with him will probably be over before too long. When the time comes to say goodbye, our hearts will surely break. Like so many senior dogs, Buddy brings us daily comfort as well as the reminder that life is short and one should never turn down a treat. He may not have a birthday, as I mentioned, but he’s worth celebrating every day.

Letter to the Editor Leaders must protect local water supplies Dear Editor, Delegate Ware, the patron of House Bill 1200, recommended changes to current regulations that would enhance protection of our environment. The changes did not relate to any specific project, but protection of Virginia’s environment. Yet, for the third year in a row, Green Ridge and their affili-

ates made the bill all about them and the proposed mega landfill in Cumberland County. It is time for our Delegates and Senators to wake up and remember we have only one environment and have a responsibility to protect it—this includes protecting our water supply. There are many things that affect our water supply that we do not have control over such as climate change, floods, and earthquakes. We need to preserve what we have! Protecting private wells is a con-

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

cern for all Virginians – not just one locality. The Virginia Department of Health website reports the majority of households in 60 of Virginia’s 95 counties are dependent on private wells. The number of households connecting to private wells is increasing faster than those connecting to public water supply systems. However, there is no protection for private wells as there is for public water. Yet, it is a known fact, all landfills leak increasing the potential

for contaminating Virginian’s water supply. Thank you Delegate Ware and Senator Hashmi for purposing these changes; unfortunately, the bill was tabled and did not get out of sub-committee. Perhaps some day those responsible for approving these types of changes will see the need—just hope and pray our lawmakers wake up in time! Do your part—help protect our environment! Betty Myers Cartersville, Va.

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 © 2022 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

A nation going far too fast? By Jim Ridolphi Contributing columnist

I think the combination of advanced age and frayed nerves has contributed to my hesitancy to drive with the ease I once did. In recent months, however, that naturally progressing tendency has been magnified by the amount of crazy drivers on the roads. When I made this complaint to my friends or colleagues, they told me it’s a matter of perception, and I’m just noticing reckless drivers more than I did in the past. I contend that’s because there are more people driving more akin to professional race drivers than responsible human beings. So, I wondered if there was any data available that would bolster my position that Americans are becoming increasingly negligent on the highways. It seems I’m not the only one who has noticed a rash of red light runners, lane changers and disengaged drivers. My theory is bolstered by the fact there were more traffic deaths in 2020 despite the reduced volumes of traffic on the roads due to the pandemic. While Americans drove less in 2020, an estimated 38,680 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes—the largest projected number of fatalities since 2007. This represents a about a 7.2% in fatalities over 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some experts have surmised that after being cooped up at home for extended months, Americans took to the road with a vengeance once restrictions ended. Unfortunately, that enthusiasm resulted in more accidents and an increased number of road rage incidents. Now, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve witnessed drivers ignoring stop lights or speed limits in past months. Last week, I heard the roar see Fast > page 7

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March 10, 2022

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Fast continued from >6

Photo courtesy of the Goochland Sheriff’s Office

County’s D.A.R.E. program reaching out to homeschool families The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office is currently reaching out to obtain interest from families who would like their children to participate in the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office Homeschool D.A.R.E. program. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is a 10-week session that has been designed to provide students with the knowledge and tools they need to resist drugs, alcohol and other high-risk behaviors. Since COVID-19 restrictions have lifted and students are back in schools, Goochland County Sheriff’s Office was pleased to reignite the D.A.R.E. program this year. In looking ahead, Sheriff Steven Creasey would like this 10-week program to also be provided to all interested families with homeschooled children in the fifth and sixth grades. The homeschool D.A.R.E. program will meet once a week for 10 weeks, participate in writing a D.A.R.E. essay, and culminate with a D.A.R.E. graduation party and presentation of the essay winner. For more information, contact Goochland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. John W. Lancaster at (804) 556-5349 or jlancaster@goochlandva.us.

Friends of Goochland Parks seek new members Contributed report

Friends of Goochland Parks (FOGP) is currently recruiting new members to assist with their goal of enriching the recreational and leisure opportunities for citizens and visitors through the county’s park system. Their mission is to protect, preserve and showcase the parks’ natural and historic features. Founded with the goal of building out Tucker Park, Friends of Goochland Parks has now expanded to support and assist all Goochland County Parks. To help with these fundraising efforts, FOGP members organize and attend multiple events throughout the

year, including the popular RiverFest concert held in the fall at Tucker Park. This group has raised money for multiple park projects including the Tucker Park primitive boat launch and stage, outdoor fitness equipment at the Central High Complex and educational signage at Leakes Mill, Hidden Rock and Matthews parks. Friends of Goochland Parks is a volunteer-led 501(c)3 nonprofit. Those who are passionate about parks and would like to make an impact in the community are urged to contact FOGPcontact@gmail. com or jkronberg@goochPhoto contributed by Friends of Goochland Parks landva.us for more informa- The Friends of Goochland Parks aims to protect, preserve and showcase the parks’ tion. natural and historic features, including its wildlife.

of a car engine hitting passing gear as a vehicle raced by on the right shoulder of the road. Although the fear has not prevented me from performing my daily routine, I do have concerns for young drivers gaining experience on roads that often look like a scene from the “Fast and Furious” franchise. With two teenaged and inexperienced drivers in my household, the thought of that person racing through a fully red signal worries me even more. I’m not sure of the connection between the pandemic and our current situation on American roads. Sadly, personalities change when one turns an ignition key and aggressive driving is one of those things differently defined by a nation with millions of drivers. On some days, America’s roadways seem like a blurred combination of maniacs or morons with few landing in the middle zone. My research revealed one interesting reason that might explain a nation in a hurry. That opinion stated that going faster on the roads is a natural reaction to such a long period of lost time, wasted in the minds of some. This anxiousness to make up for lost time was blamed for the increase in speeds. Experts, however, contend the speeding and reckless driving began during the pandemic when drivers faced little traffic and traveled road that seemed eerily vacant. That sense of open air allowed drivers to press harder on the gas pedal. My neighbor thinks the current trend of maniac motorists is simply explained. “There are too many selfish (expletive deleted) on the road. They don’t care about anybody else just as long as they get to where they are going,” he said in an unapologetic tone. I must admit I’m even less prepared to offer an explanation after doing my research, but it did acknowledge that it’s not just me expressing concern over an increased insanity on our byways. Hopefully, things will return to normal in time and we’ll only witness one car running a yellow light instead of three racing through a fully red signal. Until we get there, watch your butt!

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March 10, 2022

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Black wins second pole vault state title By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

oochland junior Tyler Black is no stranger to winning in the pole

vault. The multi-sport athlete that was also named an AllState kicker in football this season was already the regional pole vaulting champion coming into the VHSL Class 3 State Championships after a remarkable 14-foot mark, but Black had eyes on an even bigger goal: defending his 2021 pole vault state title. Black succeeded in that goal, once again becoming the pole vault state champion with a 13-3 result. This was Black’s third appearance in states in the competition, with his freshman year resulting in a sixth place finish and his sophomore year earning him his first state title with a 13-foot vault. Black’s 2022 result was one of the best not just in his class, but in the state, with his 13-3 finish being good enough to win both the 5A and 6A meets. Black was among 12 competitors from 10 different schools to compete in the event, and his result put him ahead of second place vaulter Dylan Sawyer of Brentsville by 6 inches. With Black prioritizing his kicking this season, he says he had to take advantage of every practice rep possible in the pole vault if he wanted to improve. Even with less preparation than usual, he still found a way to build off his previous title-winning result. “Going into this indoor season, pole vault was taking a

back seat to my goals for kicking,” Black said. “This made it key for me whether it was practice or a meet, that I make clean jumps and not waste my energy in order to get the most out of every jump.” Black’s practice time was dedicated to working on his foot placement and body position in order to get better jumps. “When I am practicing with my dad, he continuously stresses how important it is to strive for perfection, whether it’s where I plant my foot for the jump or how far I rock back on the pole,” he said. “This continuous stress on my body position throughout each jump helps me continue to improve on those movements and, in turn, helps me to jump higher and higher.” While his back-to-back titles mark a high point in his high school athletic career in general, Black’s focus on football, he says, is his top priority. Still, he intends to continue competing in the sport that he has dominated for the past two seasons. “Right now the outlook with next season’s plan is a bit blurry due to my commitment to kicking and punting,” he said. “My best guess right now is that I will keep it on the low in order to keep football on the forefront of my mind but still strive for as much success as possible in track.” Black wasn’t the only Bulldog to compete at states. Sophomore Jadelyn Taylor was the other individual performer to compete, as she finished in eighth place in the girls 55-meter hurdles final. Taylor qualified for states thanks to her second place finish at the Region 3B Indoor Track Championships held at Woodberry Forest School on Feb. 19.

During the regional race, Taylor sprinted for a stellar time of 9.69 seconds, less than a second off from winning the event. At states, Taylor had an even better time than her regional finish, completing the competition in 9.32 seconds. She was 0.27 seconds off from a third place finish. Fluvanna County senior Shea Hart won the hurdles competition, completing the track in 8.64 seconds. Goochland’s 4x200 relay team consisting of Taylor, Deja Taliaferro, Chyna Tyler and Amore Jackson were also there to compete for a state title, and they finished with a respectable 1 minute, 55.14 second result to finish in 12th place. The relay team qualified after placing third in the regional competition with a collective time of 1:57.56. At states, Cave Spring High School left the winner in the competition, hitting the finish line in 1:50.87. For team competition, Heritage High School in Lynchburg won the girls track and field title with 86 team points, while Abingdon High School’s men’s team won with a final result of 97 points with Heritage’s men finishing behind them in second place. Black’s pole vaulting victory earned Goochland 10 team points for a final finish of 16th place among 33 competing schools. The state championship wraps up yet another successful year of indoor track for the Bulldogs, who will transition right into the spring season as they hope to see even more success from the program. File Photo Robby Fletcher can be Goochland High School junior Tyler Black competes in the Class 3 outdoor track and field state reached at rfletcher@powhat- boys pole vault on June 18, 2021, at Liberty University. antoday.com.

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March 10, 2022

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Gators, Cadets see seasons end in VISAA playoffs By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

t wasn’t necessarily the expectation for either Benedictine or Saint Gertrude to end their seasons before the VISAA Division I final, but despite their seasons ending earlier than they hoped, there are still plenty of positives to take away. For Benedictine (21-5), led by first-year head coach Matt Murrer, they fell in the VISAA quarterfinals to No. 3 Bishop O’Connell, 87-58. Benedictine had previously eliminated Woodberry Forest in their opening playoff matchup in a 67-51 home victory on March 1, but Bishop O’Connell presented a new challenge that the team simply couldn’t overcome. Woodberry Forest, meanwhile, played Benedictine for the third time this season in that playoff opener, with the two splitting series coming into the tournament battle. Led by senior Jaden Daughtry, the Cadets took a nine-point lead into the half, and proceeded to run away with it late to advance to the next round. Overall, it was another solid season for the program despite the early elimination, though they’ll undoubtedly be missing the impact left by seniors Daughtry and Colin Cury, both of whom played over 20 minutes per game. Daughtry leaves as Benedictine’s leading scorer over the course of the season as well as a 1,000-point scorer in his Cadets career. The efficient, high-flying guard leaves the program averaging 23.6 points per game, and though his Benedictine season may be over, he’ll have a chance to showcase his skills once again

File Photo

Photo by Robby Fletcher

Left, Benedictine senior Jaden Daughtry goes up for an uncontested dunk in the Cadets’ season-opening 83-55 win over Banner Christian on Nov. 29, 2021. Right, Saint Gertrude junior Sam Smith handles the ball up the floor in the Gators’ home playoff win against the Catholic Crusaders on March 2. Smith added a team-high eight assists during the contest.

at the 18th Annual 804 All-Star Game held at Virginia State University’s Multi-Purpose Center. While Daughtry has yet to commit to a path beyond Benedictine yet, he’s received offers from schools like New Mexico State, Charleston Southern, Jackson State and Old Dominion. Looking ahead to next season, Benedictine will have nine returning players, five of whom will be seniors, including explosive guard Davin Cosby, who was second in scoring

behind Daughtry with 22.8 points per game. Sophomore Michael “M.J.” Winstead and junior Joshua Hughes will be slated for bigger roles after each averaging 24 minutes per game. As for the Gators, their playoff run lasted into the VISAA Final Four, where the season ended in a 55-41 loss to the top-seeded St. Paul VI Panthers. Junior Sam Smith led the team in scoring with 13 points along with three rebounds, and fellow junior Erin Woodson added 11 points

herself, but the Panthers’ defense was key in holding the usually high-scoring Gators to just 41 points. Before matching up with the Panthers, the Gators had a tough quarterfinals matchup with the Catholic Crusaders that they pulled out with a 60-51 win behind a 29-point outing from Woodson. The Gators had to hold off a strong start from the Crusaders, who hit three early 3-pointers in the first four minutes to take an 11-4 lead. Catholic’s offense saw them spread the

floor out with five shooters on the perimeter, leaving plenty of room to maneuver in the paint off of their off-ball screening actions. It took some time for the Gators to adjust to this style, but once they did, they locked things down. It certainly helped that the offense was flourishing as well, with Woodson, senior Kate Samson and freshman Ava Fulkerson all pitching in as scorers to hold off the Crusaders. The second quarter saw seven lead changes in an

offense-heavy performance, but two corner threes from Woodson and another 3-pointer from the slot by Fulkerson contributed to the Gators taking a four-point lead into the half. Another Fulkerson three kicked off an early 5-0 run for Saint Gertrude, while two more early triples from Woodson, including a side-step jumper that had a well-timed seal by Samson, punctuated a huge third quarter that gave the team a 47-39 lead entering the fourth quarter. Increased on-ball pressure from the Crusaders made things interesting late in the game, with the increase in liveball turnovers and a few nice baskets from the Panthers cutting the lead down to five with four minutes left to play. The Gators were able to use some clock in the final minutes, avoiding the pressure with quick decisions on the perimeter, but what really proved to be the dagger was a corner jumper by junior forward Madelyn Mitchell to make it a six-point game with 1:55 left. The Crusaders continued to make things interesting with a response bucket and a full-court press, but Saint Gertrude was able to break that press and force multiple intentional fouls. With some late free throws by Woodson, the Gators were able to hold on for what would be their last win of the season. Despite not getting back to the championship game that they won last season, the Gators still had plenty of highlights throughout the season, including separate win streaks of six and seven games, a first place finish in the Capital City Classic and a well-fought playoff win against a worthy opponent.

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March 10, 2022

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