The Goochland Gazette – 06/09/2022 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Lovable shelter dog Lulu Bell awaiting a forever home > page 3

Volume 66 Number 23 • June 9, 2022

Goochland hires new heads of HR and finance departments By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Construction. Twenty-one seniors were recognized as Honor Graduates for academic success that placed them in the top 10% of their class. Thirty seniors graduated from Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School. Fifty-three students earned an associate degree in the division’s Advance College

Goochland has announced several organizational changes taking place this month, including new hires in the county’s human resource and finance offices. According to information provided by the county, Shaletha Dyson has been named as the new human resources director. Dyson most recently served as an HR Division Chief for the City of Richmond and has experienced progressive growth throughout her career. “I am excited to join the Goochland Team and I’m looking forward to DYSON working with everyone,” said Dyson, who replaces Jessica Rice and officially began her Goochland career on June 1. Carla Cave has been named as the county’s new finance and management services director. Cave most recently served CAVE as the finance director for Amelia County, and has experience working as an auditor for local governments. Asked about her new role, Cave said that she is “excited to meet every-

see Graduation > 3

see Staff changes > 2

Photo courtesy of Matt Caratachea

Members of Goochland High School’s Class of 2022 watch a fireworks display during their graduation ceremony on June 5. For more photos from the event, see page 8.

Class of 2022 marks graduation By Roslyn Ryan Editor

For the 210 members of Goochland High School’s class of 2022, last Saturday evening offered the chance to reflect on the tremendous accomplishments they had achieved over the past four years. Among those milestones:

Four students were recognized for their perfect attendance for all four years of high school. Jenessa Lee Coles, Trevor Tyler Lucy, Joshua David Williams, and De’Andre Malik Robinson, maintained perfect attendance for all 13 years in Goochland County Public Schools. Six students became the first graduates of the Academy for Architecture and

Thursday

June 9, 2022

Staff changes continued from >1 one – stop by anytime!” Cave replaces Mary Anna Twisdale, and, like Dyson, began her new role on June 1. In other local government news, Parks and Recreation has expanded to Parks, Recreation and Community Engagement. Jessica Kronberg will continue serving as the director. The department will continue to provide quality programming and facilities, as well as take on county communications, and all grounds and mowing operations. As part of the change, Carl Lacy has been promoted to assistant director of grounds, and Angelia Miller to assistant director of recreation. As announced previously, Victor J. “Vic” Carpenter will

be the county’s next county administrator and will begin his new role on June 20, 2022. Carpenter most recently served as the county administrator for Kershaw County, South Carolina, and has more than 25 years of local government experience. Carpenter has served as president of the South Carolina Managers, Administrators and Supervisors Association and has been actively involved in his community through Rotary International, Kiwanis and as president of the Boys and Girls Club. He previously led his county to receive the All-America City Award, oversaw the construction of numerous buildings and managed record fund balances as well as effectively used excess fund balances to provide needed capital upgrades for the county.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Goochland History Revealed SPORTS

Photo courtesy of the Goochland Historical Society

Historic structure is last in the state The Lock-keeper’s House at Cedar Point was built in 1836 at a critical point in the navigation of the James River and Kanawha Canal. Half of the ground floor was the Lockkeeper’s residence and the other half was a tavern. On the third floor there were separate sleeping quarters for men and women, each with an exterior door. It is the only authentic Lock-keeper’s house remaining in Virginia. The Goochland County Historical Society believes it is a unique treasure that should be made available to the public as a museum, representing an important era in Goochland’s development.

Jade Taylor wins state title for Bulldogs PAGE 10 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................14,16 Letters .................................... 6 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports ...............................9-10 TV Listings ......................11-13

Recent Property Transfers 0.96 acres; MT Designs LLC to Dustin Wayne Smith, $219,000. 4 lots, 39.695 acres; WJL Properties LLC to David R. Derian, $1,050,000. 7 lots, Section 1, Tuckahoe Bridge; Windswept Development LLC to W.V. McClure Inc., $1,368,000. 3840 Cabin Road, Gum Spring; Catrina W. Case to Shelby Nadeau, $295,000. 2686 Dogstown Road, Goochland; Timothy Allen

Meadows Jr. to Vahdet Melatic, $269,000. 4748 Fleming Road, Louisa; Thomas J. Bossi to Scott A. Kiebler, $285,000. 2475 Hillstream Drive, Rockville; Nancy Arnold to Shannon G. Jacobs, $484,000. 639 Longfield Road, Manakin Sabot; David E. Acey, trustee to John P. Middleton, $779,900. Lots 20, 65, 70 and 78, Section 3, Readers Branch;

Readers Branch Partners LLC to Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC, $500,000. 12287 North Crossing Drive, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Bruce E. Killian, $682,095. 2492 Perkinsville Road, Goochland; Debra S. Reed to Daniel Flippen Jr., $380,000. 4952 Shannon Road, Kents Store; Joseph J. Jankowski to Kyle P. Johns, $345,000.

Church car and bike show fundraiser set for June 11 Jerusalem Baptist Church will hold its annual Car and Bike Show Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 11 at the church, located at 994 Three Chopt Road, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103. The registration cost is $15 from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. In addition, there will be trophies, door prizes, a dessert contest, various types of entertainment, food, singing and fun for all. Interested vendors may contact Melissa Jones at (804) 852-8090 to reserve a table prior to the event. The rain date is June 18. All proceeds will benefit the JBC Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact A.B. Taylor at (804) 514-8649, Howard Leabough at (804) 337-5511 or Melissa Jones at (804) 852-8090.

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

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

June 9, 2022

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Pet of the week Come meet Lulu Bell! Lulu is out to retire and in need of a retirement home. Lulu is great with people including kids and other dogs. Lulu loves the indoors and is constantly searching for her next spot to take a nap. She’s a +10 years old lab mix and up to date on all vetting. The Goochland Animal Shelter, located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in Goochland, has many pets available to a good home. For more information on these pets, 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 Pet Lovers.

WE ARE NOW OPEN

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

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

Photo submitted by Sidney Warren

Graduation continued from >1 Academy, a partnership with J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Fifty-nine seniors earned the Early College Scholars Award for earning at least 15 hours of college credit while completing the requirements for an Advanced Studies diploma. And 159 students graduated with an Advanced Studies diploma. During the ceremony, several speakers congratulated the class and shared words of wisdom. Lorena Maier, the Class of 2022 salutatorian, said she was “lucky to grow and learn alongside such a united, powerful group of individuals. I’ve never seen such unwavering support and dedication.” She also encouraged her fellow graduates to “never take anything for granted. As our sophomore year showed us, the world can change in an instant.” Valedictorian Grace Becraft asked her classmates to focus on those relationships that keep them grounded and never forget the value of strong

community ties. “Today, I am feeling undeniably grateful for the relationships that I have built at Goochland High School,” Becraft said. “I am thankful for the opportunities to have grown and learned from my friendships here as a bulldog. I am thankful for the relationships that I made with my teachers, who guided us all with more grace than we deserved. I am thankful to have lived in a community where parents taught their children to love one another well. “I am thankful to have studied next to students who pushed me to consider ideologies that challenged my own,” she continued. “And most of all, I am thankful for parents who consistently spoke life into me and pushed me to become the woman that I am today.” School Board chair Michael Newman noted that the high school experience of the Class of 2022 was “not normal or easy. But you have persevered, and today you have arrived. Your school board is so proud of you and all of your accomplishments.” Goochland County Public

Schools superintendent Jeremy Raley noted that the graduating seniors will take many different paths after graduation. “After tonight, some of our graduates will enter directly into the workforce, while others will continue their studies at different schools, colleges, and universities,” Raley said. “We also have graduates who have chosen to serve our great nation in the United States armed services. Regardless of their path, I firmly believe our graduates are poised and ready to tackle the many challenges they will face during their journey through life. I wish each graduate nothing but the best as you transition to whatever may be next.” Goochland High School Principal Christopher Collier encouraged graduates to take what they learned at GHS and inspire others to greatness. “Know that your decisions, your words, and your actions matter. You matter, no matter how different we are from one another. So, choose to be yourself while valuing and respecting the individuality of others. I know that each and every one of you is ready to make a difference in the world!”

FOR SALE!!! Wildlife Twenty Farm. 2208 Fairfield Rd, Goochland, VA 23063

HORSES !!! LOCATION!!! 20 Acres. Great Location! 20 m to Short Pump/Rt 288 Brick Cape / 1st Floor Living / Expandable Upstairs / Covered Porch / 3 Car Heated Brick Garage / In-Ground Pool / Aisle Barn w/3 Stalls-12x12 (Space for 2 more Stalls) & Tack/Feed Room / 3 Board Fencing - 3 Pastures / Large Level Area for Riding. $925,000

Debra Hoffman, Associate Broker

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

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

Thursday

June 9, 2022

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road Friday Book Group will be West for more information on held at the Goochland Branch this program. Library from 11 a.m. – noon. Call (804) 556-4774 for more A Paracord Bracelets and information. Keychains workshop will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 1 – 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11 for ages 12 and up. Visit the Jerusalem Baptist Church Rockville Branch Library to will hold its annual Car and learn all about knots and make Bike Show Fundraiser from 10 your very own paracord bracea.m. to 5 p.m. on June 11 at the let or keychain! Supplies will be church, located at 994 Three provided. Call (804) 749-3146 Chopt Road, Manakin-Sabot, for more information. VA 23103. Registration cost is $15 from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. In Tuesday, June 14 addition, there will be trophies, door prizes, a dessert contest, Learn how to protect your various types of entertainment, income during retirement, food, singing and fun for all. create a foundation to protect Interested vendors may con- against unexpected events, tact Melissa Jones at (804) 852- and address rising health care 8090 to reserve a table prior and long-term medical care to the event. The rain date is costs at “Protect What You’ve June 18. All proceeds will ben- Worked For,” a workshop at efit the JBC Scholarship Fund. the Cochrane Rockville Branch For more information, contact Library for those age 18 and up. A.B. Taylor at (804) 514-8649, This program will be held from Howard Leabough at (804) 6 – 7 p.m. Call (804) 749-3146 337-5511 or Melissa Jones at for more information. (804) 852-8090

Friday, June 10

81827-01

Oilville Business Park • 784-4949 Located at Oilville exit on Rt. 617

www.goochlandselfstorage.com

Our

Second Century — Established 1897 — Charles D. Morehead, President and General Manager

Bennett West • Henrico 11020 West Broad Street

Henrico’s families have trusted Bennett Funeral Homes in their time of need for an entire century.

359-4481 • www.bennettfuneralhomes.com

For subscription information or delivery questions contact:

Michelle Wall 804-775-2711

email: mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Since 1955

Community Calendar

GOOCHLAND SELF-STORAGE

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

Serving Goochland County

A virtual regenerative gardening workshop will be held at the Goochland Library from 10- 11 a.m. for ages 18 and up. This workshop will focus on valuing our soil, treating it with respect, and investing in its future, as well as rebuilding soil in partnership with Mother Nature. The program will be presented by Pat Lust, Master Gardener with the Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener Association. Registration required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/8882472. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom. The Zoom meeting link will be sent to the email registered before the event occurs. Contact the Goochland Branch if you do not receive this email.

Wednesday, June 15 Action Figure Art Class will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. for ages 12-18. Meet local artist Curtis Brown and learn techniques to draw your own superhero action figure. All supplies will be provided. Call (804) 556-4774 for more information.

Thursday, June 16

at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9160799. Call the Rockville Branch at (804) 749-3146 or visit the library for more information to register for this rewarding program.

Saturday, June 18 Outdoor Family Story Time will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 11– 11:30 a.m. Join the library for an all-age storytime to sing songs, learn rhymes, and listen to stories. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books! Storytime is held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

Sunday, June 26 The annual Jerry A. Allen Memorial Education and Scholarship Recognition of Graduates & Awards Service and Luncheon Cookout will be held at 10 a.m. at Fauquier Baptist Church, located at 2455 Dogtown Rd. in Goochland. The speaker will be the Rev. Dr. LaVerne J. Briggs, associate minister of Riverview Baptist Church in Richmond. Come share in the service and bring your tents, lawn chairs, family and friends. The music ministry will be provided by Fauquier Baptist Church Gospel Chorus, with music ministry musician/director Elder Kenyatta Smither. All CDC guidelines will be observed.

Read to Rover will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 4:30 5:30 p.m. or children in grades K-2. Read 2 Rover provides Monday, July 4 comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read Goochland Recreational aloud to Colby or Pepper, the Center’s annual 4th of July cellibrary’s therapy dogs. Space is ebration will be held on July 4 limited. Registration required from noon until 6 p.m. at 2415

Sandy Hook Road Goochland. Vendors and food trucks are needed. For more information, call (804) 784-4358.

Sunday, July 10 Area families are encouraged to visit Beulah Baptist Church, located at 1633 Kents Store Way, in Kents Store, Va. for the church’s VBS Jerusalem Marketplace. Attendees will travel back into Bible times— without setting foot outside their own community. Adults may participate by attending with their children, or attending the church’s Adult VBS class, and those in preschool through 6th grade are urged to register today. Children under preschool age must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be held on July 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and July 11-13 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Early registration is available at https://www.beulahchurchonline.org/.

Wednesday, July 20 Action Figure Art Class will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. for ages 12-18. Meet local artist Curtis Brown and learn techniques to draw your own superhero action figure. All supplies will be provided. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Wednesday, Aug. 16 Action Figure Art Class will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. for ages 12-18. Meet local artist Curtis Brown and learn techniques to draw your own superhero action figure. All supplies will be provided. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Thursday

June 9, 2022

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Two GHS students earn full scholarships Contributed report

For recent Goochland High School (GHS) graduates Litia Turner and Alex Rosenbaum, figuring out how to fund their college dreams has always been a priority. Now however, thanks to hard work and a keen focus on their futures, both have earned full scholarships. “We are extremely proud of both Litia and Alex,” said Renee Ferrell, TURNER G H S ’ s director of school counseling said. “I know that they are going to go out into the world ready to make a name for themselves and make a difference!” After maintaining an over 4.0-grade point average in high school, Turner will attend the University of Richmond on a full, four-year scholarship in the fall. While at Goochand High School she was a member of Interact Club, Junior Achievement, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Bulldog

Advisory Committee for Equity in Education. Turner also participated in Partnership for the Future, a nonprofit organization that partners with Richmond-metro schools to help low-income or first-generation students get to college. Through Partnership for the Future, Turner attended personal and professional development workshops, participated in community service projects, interned with the Alzheimer’s Association, and was mentored by local business leaders. “It’s an amazing program, and I give kudos to them,” Turner said. “I don’t think I would be here without Partnership for the Future.” Rosenbaum will attend Virginia Tech on a full ROTC scholarship covering all costs except room and board. After summer internships and Officer Candidate School, he will be a commissioned officer in the Marines. Rosenbaum participated in the Goochland High School Marine Corps JROTC program during his freshman and sophomore years and was an Advance College and Blue

Ridge Academy student at GHS. He also played football, ran track, was on the robotics team, played band in middle school, and started wrestling in his junior year. After placing fourth in the state this year, Rosenbaum plans to continue wrestling at Virginia Tech. When it comes to their course of study, Turner said she is interested in studying business administration and marketing. Her interest in business was piqued by her experiences at Wal-Mart. “I just got interested in understanding business and marketing segmentation,” Turner said. “My boss let me look at a couple of numbers that the store did last year, and I’m interested in data and learning how the business world works.” Rosenbaum plans to be a physics major at Tech and, looking to the future, is considering medical school after his military career. Both military service and medicine are part of Rosenbaum’s family – his brother is in the Air Force, and his sister is currently in medical school and will be commissioned in the

Photo courtesy of Goochland County Public Schools

Recent Goochland High School senior Alex Rosenbaum, left, will attend Virginia Tech on a full ROTC scholarship this fall.

Air Force after her graduation. Rosenbaum encouraged younger students to apply for scholarships. “I would tell others to apply for everything, even if you don’t think you’ll get it, because there is money out there to help you pay for

college.” Turner agreed. “I would say only that if you feel as if you’re capable of going to college, you have to apply yourself,” she said. “Get connected with your teachers and look into career options,

do what you like, not what other people like, and apply to the colleges you feel like you best fit in, not other colleges that everybody else is applying to. There are options out there, and there are people who want to see you succeed.”

STORE CLOSING SALE – OWNER RETIRING! Hours: Mon thru Sat 11- 6 (Closed Wed) Sun Noon - 5

HUGE DISCOUNTS • EVERYTHING MUST GO!

9012 Hermitage Rd - Richmond, VA

Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

June 9, 2022

Random ‘pile of books’ rekindles love of reading By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Last week, I’ll admit, was pretty great. Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of my wonderful sister, my husband and I got the chance to spend the week in a seaside house nestled in a quiet little outpost in Virginia Beach, a place so lovely it was hard to remember there was a bustling city just a few miles up the coast. I’ll save you the sun-soaked details, but I will mention one very special amenity I didn’t expect to find in the house. Situated in the living room, flanking each side of a gigantic television set, were two shelving units crammed full of books. Now, as I may have admitted a time or two in these pages, I don’t really get the chance to read as

much as I once did, meaning that I have become the sort of person who goes to sleep each night next to an ever-growing stack of books I “have been meaning to read” but never quite get to. The months roll by and the stack gets taller, losing out far too often to a television show or a magazine. Each day last week, however, having been nudged off the beach by the midday sun, I found myself drawn again and again to the seemingly random collection of books arranged on those shelves. As it turned out, what first seemed to be largely a collection of murder mysteries and romance novels (nothing wrong with those, of course, just not my cup of tea) actually contained a host of treasures just waiting to be plucked from the shelves. There was a volume of Sherlock Holmes mys-

teries, an illustrated guide called “Wonders of the World,” and a slim volume that promised to share all I would ever need to know in order to retire rich. There were plenty more there, too, and for the rest of the week those two tall shelves served as something of an “all you can read” buffet, offering up book after book to sample and enjoy. There was a travel guide about Italy, an Audubon birding guide and a wellloved copy of “Profiles in Courage,” a Pulitzer-prize winning book written in 1956 by then-Sen. John F. Kennedy that I had always wanted to read. Reader, to be clear, I finished none of these books while I was at the beach. Instead I read parts of them, flipped through pages and pictures, enjoyed various passages and then leapt on to the next fasci-

nating offering that caught my eye. If I felt a moment’s guilt for my haphazard approach and failure to finish what I had started, I quickly brushed it aside. This was reading for the pure sake of enjoyment, after all, and I was out to soak up as much as I could. I share this not just as a way to connect with my fellow bibliophiles out there but also because Monday marked the start of the Goochland Library’s Summer Reading program, an effort aimed at encouraging young people to fall in love with reading the same way so many of us older people did years ago. Even in a world where reading for pleasure can seem somewhat old-fashioned, our local libraries are doing their best to instill that see Reading > 7

Connecting with kids growing up way too fast By Emily Walls Ray Contributing Columnist

We are raising our children and grandchildren in a different world from the one in which I grew up. Recent and not-so-recent events make me nostalgic for a simpler time when as long as children were home before dark, or listened for a whistle or the ringing of a bell, they could play outside with neighbor-

hood friends carefree. Neighbors knew each other well enough to caution each others’ children without threat of a lawsuit because they understood each others’ intentions and knew each other well from church or through farming or business. Or because they socialized after worship with pancakes and bacon at each others’ houses, where children, parents, and grandchildren of friends grew comfortable around one another.

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

Now it seems as though these institutions of family, church and friendly neighbors have been turned upside down or are nonexistent for far more of us than in the past. I miss that for my children and grandchildren, because it contributed to a sense of safety and security for me as a child living in an adult world. If the adults knew how to be friends, then my see Children > 7

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Goochland residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Goochland Gazette.

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

Some words of wisdom – if I’m asked By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

Let’s face it, it’s at best precarious for a senior citizen to even make an attempt at offering graduating high school seniors any form of advice or tips for the future. But, many will attempt to do just that as the season of celebration begins where parents, loved ones and friends take pride in the accomplishments of their children as they embark on future journeys. Some will seek valuable careers that require advanced training or certificate programs. Some will continue educational pursuits at four-year colleges, community colleges and trade schools across the nation. Still others will seek a different path in the military or workforce. As they take those final steps across a stage, accept a diploma and shake hands with officials, few seniors will likely hear the many quips of advice thrown at them, and even fewer will find value in the words of a generation that is leaving them a world they find less than perfect. “Why would we listen to anything that generation has to say,” one senior recently said in response to a speech given at his graduation. “Look at the mess they have left us.” While I understand the sentiment, I must remind this year’s graduates that others have faced eras of political unrest and seemingly unsolvable problems, or have made those first steps to adulthood in times that offered minimal certainty of a positive future. Many of my fellow graduates gathered their diplomas and promptly began tours in Vietnam. Remaining classmates see Wisdom > page 13

Thursday

June 9, 2022

Children continued from >6 world and my place in it felt safer. But somewhere in this postmodern world, that began to change, and the world doesn’t even feel like the same one in which I grew up. Children don’t get to be children long enough anymore. Their lives are controlled, programmed and planned out so tightly that there is no time for imagination and pure play, or even honest work like cleaning their rooms. How did so much change so fast? We hear it all the time, “These children grow up too fast.” As a grandparent, I can look back to holding a tightly wrapped grandson, looking for a resemblance to members of the two families from which his ancestors come. Suddenly, we fast forward to teething, toddling, counting, ABCs, rhymes, loose teeth, soccer practice, high school foreign language, college major, job interviews, marriage proposals—wait a minute! I am moving too fast. My grandson is only in middle school. Yes, I exaggerate, but sometimes it does seem like life is speeding by in Sonic the Hedgehog fast motion. And if the world is changed, then it seems almost cruel that in their rapid social growth, my grandchildren have grown too old to touch, much less kiss! Growth charts and child rearing books don’t give clear cut answers, so I guess it must depend on each individual. Some are more concerned than others about body image, age and the opinions of others. So I recently tried resorting to tricks to steal some sugars. “Pretend you are five, and kiss me,” I wheedled my oldest grandchild. He wasn’t having any of those tactics. “I’m not five,” he said,

and resumed a YouTube search about bearded dragons. Okay, fair enough. I tried it with the younger grandchild. He wasn’t interested in pretending anything either, but he did let me give him a peck on the cheek. The boys are now “tweens.” I take their privacy into account, because it is no longer cool to have family members show affection. People might think we actually know each other. That’s why kids want to be dropped off around the corner of the school so it looks like they hiked the miles instead of getting a lift from parents or grandparents. I recall about the same time in development when my children no longer wanted me to sponsor a club or volunteer in the classroom. Oh, they didn’t mind so much if I brought donuts for the whole class and dropped them in the main office, but chaperoning a field trip where I might have to discipline a student? That wasn’t okay in their eyes and I understand why. There are other things, like me not being seen getting out of the car during car pool line, (will they see that I’m an elder?) or accidentally calling a child’s nickname instead of the preferred grown-up formal name. Why? Because kids moving into higher grades have to figure out where they fit in the grand scheme of things, anticipating a big change like moving from elementary to middle school. We know peer pressure is at an all-time high during these tween years. When I grew up, elementary school ended at sixth grade. To be honest, I was a late bloomer. I got my last doll at Christmas in grade six, still wore bobby socks with my penny loafers and saddle oxfords, and con-

Serving Goochland County

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor cerned myself more with my favorite characters in books than real live boyfriends or parties. It came as a surprise when I received a printed invitation to a Twist party. But I attended, turning ankles and hips to the tune of Chubby Checkers’ cheerful chorus. After that, my friends and I learned The Pony, The Monkey, and other popular dances, wearing bell bottoms like Sonny and Cher. I watched Soul Train and Dance Party to see what other kids in the world were doing for fun. Frankie Vallee and the Four Seasons crooned “Sherry,” and we danced like Egyptians doing the Camel Walk. So I eventually also felt the need to “keep up.” By the time my own children grew into teens, it was Britney Spears and Madonna who influenced what many girls wore (ugh!). Too much (or too little) too fast! Technology entered the scene with Instant Messages (IMs) and email. Then there was the fun game, “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?” There were some educational games like Age of Empires, which taught history and geography in exciting ways. When Harry Potter came along, many teachers (including this one) sighed with relief that students who previously had no interest were excited about reading. I still remember a sharp intake of breath in the film scene of the Hogwarts’ dining hall with all the lights and pumpkins at Halloween. It was an event! My two personal favorite books to teach were “Where the Red Fern Grow” and “Freak the Mighty,” two novels and films about friendship, sacrifice and family. So I guess I’ve answered my own question. To continue closeness and oneness

with my grandchildren, I need to do something simple: share my time with them and be open to controlling and discussing honestly what they are experiencing. Out of this I may have opportunities to share or read a story, work a puzzle, or grow a garden. One of my friends’ children read a whole book with grandparents several states away during the Pandemic using technology. Another friend started and continued a family newsletter every two weeks during this time of isolation and social distancing. Each child wrote a column, took photos and crafted captions, interviewed distant family members, and sent the items through the mail. It was a brilliant record of this family’s experiences for multi-generations. That same family read “Tom Sawyer” aloud together. Admittedly, when I tried to do a family read aloud it fell flat. But I’m not giving up. So if the world is not the same, how can we provide a safe place for our children and grandchildren to be carefree? I think we do it with much prayer, return to church activities, intentional attempts to get to know neighbors and parents of our children’s school friends, and create time and space where we can be present but not intrusive. As they play with imagination, we can let them discover instead of spoonfeeding facts and how tos. We monitor and limit their exposure to social media by finding alternative activities like cooking, reading together, playing board games, card games, drawing and teaching them to sing classic songs. This will be very challenging, because they are now wellprogrammed to the status quo. Those of you wise caregivers who didn’t relent to the pressure of cell phones

Since 1955

and the “everybody’s doing it” philosophy, you are the fortunate ones. Continue to set an example. For the rest of us, it won’t be easy. I have a feeling it’s the actions we take that will make the difference, so let’s make an effort to pick up a baseball, or basketball, or Lego set, or share a graphic novel with a tween, or listen to the music they like without acting like our grandparents did about Elvis Presley’s swiveling hips. We can’t afford not to make

Reading continued from >6 love of discovery in children of all ages. For more information on Goochland’s Summer Reading program, email ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or

the effort. Within a loving fence of awareness and protection, we can hope they will experience a little freedom to be who they are: children. Emily Walls Ray is a freelance writer, tutor, and former teacher of English and creative writing for Goochland County Public Schools from 2007-2020. She enjoys gardening, reading, church, and sewing, but most of all, being a grandmother. To read more of her stories, visit her blog at https://writetouchblog. wordpress.com/.

call the Goochland Branch Library at (804) 556-4774. And if, like me, you happen to find yourself in a quiet corner this summer with a stack of books that simply called to you from a shelf, I hope you find as much joy in the pursuit as I did.

Thursday

June 9, 2022

Serving Goochland County

GHS GRADUATION

Since 1955

Goochland graduates

Joy, accolades—and even fireworks—all part of special day for GHS Class of 2022

Photo courtesy of E. McCauley

Photos courtesy of Matt Caratachea

Thursday

June 9, 2022

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Bernstine and Rustin win region titles By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

ntering the Region 3B Boys Singles Tennis Final, junior Evan Bernstine faced a familiar foe on his homecourt at Goochland High School on May 31. Just a week prior, Bernstine and the Bulldogs matched up against Maggie Walker and their No. 1 player Alex Percey in the opening round of the regional team tournament, which Maggie Walker won despite Bernstine winning his match. In their rematch in the grueling 90-degree heat, the reigning regional champion Bernstine already had an idea of what to expect against the Green Dragons talent, and that knowledge as well as his championship pedigree proved beneficial as he lost just one game en route to a 6-1, 6-0 victory that gave him his second straight region title and a chance as repeating as the Class 3 State champion. In the final game of the first set, Bernstine got the ball

past Percey in a variety of ways, winning every point in the game with an ace, a beautiful corner setup that led to a smash shot down the middle and a charge to the net off his serve that saw Bernstine calmly lob the ball over the net for the winning point. “It felt good,” Bernstine said. “I was just getting to the ball and making my shots. It was super hot today so it was just about getting him tired before I did.” That one loss against Percey was the only one Bernstine would have in the entirety of the singles tournament, as he swept Culpeper County’s Hudson Luke and James Monroe’s Connor Franklin all on the same day. The very next day, Bernstine paired with junior Alex Peskin to win yet another region title at the Goochlandhosted tournament. Like in Bernstine’s singles tournament run, the duo lost just one game all afternoon, combining for a 24-1 record in four sets, with the opening round being a win by default. In the region final,

Bernstine again faced Percey and the Green Dragons, with Percey pairing with sophomore Ethan Choe for a shot at revenge. The Bulldogs wouldn’t let them get that opportunity, taking complete control thanks to another tone-setting performance by Bernstine on the baseline and some quality finishing in front of the net by Peskin to pick up another big win that sends Peskin to the Class 3 State Tournament to accompany his teammate. States will once again take place in Blacksburg, Virginia at Virginia Tech’s tennis courts on June 10-11. Bernstine, who has two older brothers currently at Virginia Tech, says he’s looking forward to being back in the famed sports town to defend his state title. “I’m excited to visit the town of Blacksburg and get a good three or four days up there and play some tennis and just enjoy all of it,” Bernstine said. Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.

Photos by Robby Fletcher

Above, junior Evan Bernstine scores a point to win the first set of the 3B Regional final against Alex Percey on May 31 at Goochland High School. Bernstine has now won two region titles in his time at Goochland. Right, junior Alex Peskin delivers a serve in a match against Powhatan on March 15. Peskin won the doubles region title alongside Bernstine.

Goochland’s softball season ends in Brentsville loss By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Coming off a miraculous comeback win in the opening round of the Region 3B Regional Tournament, the Goochland softball team made it as far as the regional semifinals before seeing its season come to a close. Traveling to Brentsville District to take on the top-seeded Tigers, who would ultimately win the region title, the Bulldogs

played hard and had plenty of hitting success as the underdogs, but the Tigers’ dynamic offense proved too much to handle in a 17-6 final on May 31. Goochland had plenty of quality performances at-bat, including a three-hit, tworun performance from junior Jayden Staton and runs from senior Jasmine Price and juniors McKenzie Jones and Jaylia Mills. In her final performance as a Bulldog, Price also pitched over

five innings and struck out two batters. While Goochland did what it could on offense, it was another story for Brentsville, who had four multi-hit batters and 12 hits total. They were led by a fiverun, five-RBI performance from Ellie Post. Still, a three-run third inning from the Bulldogs actually made it a tied game at 4-4, but a ninerun barrage in the sixth inning from the Tigers would end the

game before the seventh inning ever started. The Bulldogs finished the season with a 7-11 record and a 6-7 record in the Jefferson District. While seniors Price, Abrielle White and Karsyn Martin wave goodbye to their time with the team, the Bulldogs will have tons of returning athletes with experience in a tough district that the Photo by Robby Fletcher team proved they could compete Senior Karsyn Martin catches an out at first base in Goochin after their first year. land’s 7-6 win over Warren County on May 26.

Thursday

June 9, 2022

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Jade Taylor wins state title for Bulldogs By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Just eight days separated the 3B Regional Outdoor Track and Field Championships and the Class 3 State Championships, and within those eight days, sophomore Jade Taylor became both a region and state champion. Closing out a miraculous sophomore season that saw Taylor be a constant name within every top-5 result list for hurdles and sprinting events, she traveled with five Goochland teammates to the state championships held at Liberty University’s track in Lynchburg and left with a historical moment in Goochland track history. In her regional performance that won her first place in the 100-meter hurdles, Taylor lept and ran her way to a 16.08-second finish for her first of two region titles. In her states run, she improved

Taylor finished 14th with a time of 52.21 seconds. In the relay event, she joined sophomore Leilani Burgess, freshman Katie Futrell and junior Amore Jackson in a race that was between 15 schools from across the state. Goochland finished 10th in that event, completing the race with a final time of 51.91 seconds. Rustburg’s relay team won the event outright with a time of 49.42 seconds. Burgess competed in two individual events for the Bulldogs as well, sprinting to the finish line in the 200 and 400-meter dash finals. The speedy sophomore Contributed Photo had her best performance in Leading the pack in the 100-meter hurdles event at the VHSL Class 3 State Championship at the 400, clocking in at 1:01.25 Liberty University on June 3, sophomore Jade Taylor leaps her way to a state title-winning result for a ninth place finish among that clocked in at 15.58 seconds. Taylor also competed in the state finals for the 300-meter 17 sprinters. hurdles and the 4x100 relay. Burgess later finished in 16th in the 200 with a run that on that time to finish at 15.58 like a lot, but Taylor’s region the 300-meter hurdles and the timed in at 27.37 seconds. time would’ve placed her in 4x100 relay for the Bulldogs. seconds. Senior Alexander After winning her second Rosenbaum, in his final perThe difference between fifth place at states. Taylor also competed in region title in the 300 hurdles, formance in the discus comhalf a second may not seem

petition for Goochland, also left his mark with a solid showing at Liberty, finishing fifth among 16 throwers. After an incredible throw in regionals that was measured in at 138 feet, far beyond every other throw, Rosenbaum outdid himself yet again in states. His 138-03 mark was a remarkable feat for the multisport senior, who is going to Virginia Tech next fall. Maggie Walker senior Ross Bazzichi won the event with a 163-02. With 10 team points at the end of the meet, the girls team finished in 21st place in states, while Rosenbaum’s performance earned Goochland four points to place the boys at 35th. With the season wrapped up, the Bulldogs now look ahead to improving throughout the offseason in time for the indoor track and field season next year. Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.

Collegiate sports: 32 athletes named to All-State teams Staff Reports Goochland Gazette

The Collegiate Cougars wrapped up the spring sports season with tons of success on the field that’s getting 32 athletes recognized as All-State selections. After the girls track and field team finished as the runner up in the VISAA State Championships and the boys finished third, 15 athletes were given All-State honors: M.K. Myers, Lauren Lucy, Audrey Fleming, Gabi DeGlau, Micaela Allen, D’Yan Robinson,

Catherine Horner, Page Wells, Sophie Sloan, Eliza Sloan, Stan Craig, Jonathan Yackel, Hugh Williams, Will Neuner and Max McManus. On the boys tennis team, Tiberius Colina was named to the first team, while Graham Bor and Reid Coleman were second team All-State. For the lacrosse teams, the girls squad saw Amani Kimball-McKavish was a first team selection and teammates Kendall Boggs and Reynolds Hester made the second team. The boys team saw James Beeghly and Eli Petty make the

first team and Bobby Marlatt make the second team. After a great season that ended in the state semifinals, the girls soccer team had Ryan Lewis and Keaton Rahman on the first team and Kate Smigelski on the second team. Also, the baseball team had four players honored, including Pearse Riendeau and Donovan Williams on the first team and Collin Kimball-McKavish and Hayden Rollison on the second team. Photos by Shaban Athuman, Robby Fletcher and Daniel Sangjib Min Rounding out the honorees From left to right: Girls lacrosse player Kendall Boggs was a second team All-State addition, was softball player Jordan Gross Cougars senior Keaton Rahman was a first team All-State honoree after an impressive soccer season and boys lacrosse star James Beeghly was a first team All-State member. on second team All-State.

Thursday

Serving Goochland County

TV LISTINGS: Find Local TV Shows and Movie Schedules

June 9, 2022 THURSDAY EVENING 4 PM 4:30 5 PM

Since 1955