INSIDE Alvarez honored for service as interim county administrator > page 5
Volume 66 Number 27 • July 14, 2022
New fee will cover electronic summons system By Roslyn Ryan Editor
Running afoul of the law in Goochland County is about to get a little more expensive. On July 6, county supervisors approved a local ordinance change that will allow for an additional $5 fee to be added to the costs faced by those convicted in any criminal or traffic case in which local law enforcement charges a violation of any statute or ordinance. The new fee will be used to support an electronic summons system that local law enforcement officials say will help increase both efficiency and accuracy for deputies in the field. The change was requested by Goochland County sheriff Steven Creasey, and mirrors the system already used by the Virginia State Police. While the ordinance change was approved unanimously by the board, board chairman Neil Spoonhower admitted he’d initially had a hard time embracing the idea see Fee > page 2
Inside the lines A look back at the county’s long, strange road to redistricting and why some local voters still feel left out By Roslyn Ryan Editor
I
t isn’t unusual for Goochland County general registrar Ryan Mulligan’s office phone to ring early and often on days when local voters head to the polls. The morning of June 21, however, was different: the residents on the other end of the line were upset because they had showed up to vote in the primary and were unable to cast their ballot. The reason for this was simple: Like many residents of Goochland, the voters calling Mulligan that day did not realize that the recent redistricting process, which concluded on April 15 when the new county voting maps officially took effect, had moved all Goochland voters from the 7th district into the 5th district, which did not hold a primary that day. But while the explanation given to those vexed voters was relatively straightforward—they had the right day, just the wrong district—the event was part of a longer and far more complicated narrative, one that begins with pandemic-related 2020 census delays and includes a post card mailed to all county voters that left many confused and concerned.
Looking for your notice? While all county voters received a postcard in June with recent voting changes, those cards did not reflect some voters’ new information. According to Goochland County registrar Ryan Mulligan, any resident whose precinct or polling place has changed will be getting a second postcard in the mail before this year’s November election.
see Redistricting > page 3
MetroCreative Graphic
County to seek input on plan for Centerville Contributed report Goochland residents will have the chance tonight (Thursday) to offer input on the future of Centerville and what changes they would—and wouldn’t—like to see moving forward. After postponing the meeting several weeks ago, the county is hosting the community input session at 7 p.m. at Grace Chinese Baptist Church, located at 850 Broad Street Road, Manakin Sabot, VA 23103. This meeting will include a short presentation of the initial draft concept of the plan. Interactive polling will also be conducted during the meeting. Attendees are asked to bring a smart phone or tablet to participate. For those unable to attend in-person, the meeting can be streamed via zoom at the following link: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/84022369819?pwd= UIPTcKhpGLum3TwKIhCeZ ad_bZUJMy.1. Zoom participants are encouraged to have two devices, one for streaming and one to participate in the interactive poll. For more information visit www.goochlandva.us/VillagePlans2022. For questions or comments on the Centerville Village, contact centervilleplan22@goochlandva.us or call (804) 556-5840.
Thursday
2
NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County
July 14, 2022
Wiseman, $315,000. 3.5 acres; Henry Wray Mills to ZGB LLC, $500,000. 5.82 acres; Pouncey Tract Partners LLC to ZGB LLC, $485,000. 7477 Brandiston St., Glen Allen; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Joanne L. Davis, $496,154. 6609 Cottage St., Henrico; Bundle of Joy Properties V LLC to Bundle of Joy Properties Manakin Sabot LLC, $1,800,000. 1741 Fishers Pond Drive, Maidens; Steve Thompson Builder LLC to Bonnie Proffitt Horton, $879,243. 908 Hermitage Road, Manakin Sabot; Robert Eric Walker, successor trustee to Lynn R. Douglas, $625,000. 4501 Lakeview Road, Gum Spring; William T. Vallow to Kristina W. Benzel, $397,500. Lot 24, Tuckahoe Creek; Tuckahoe Creek LLC to Penny Round Properties LLC, $299,950. 1161 Manakin Road, Manakin Sabot; Henry N. Ware Jr. to Kristin A. Glover, $1,060,000. Parcels; Riverstone Real Estate LLC to Eagle Construction of Virginia, $4,100,000. 2703 Salmon Lane, Goochland; Law Investments Inc. to Kristen Taylor Cassell, $250,000. 3935 Whitehall Road, Sandy Hook; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Amanda Parker, $400,000. 3 acres; Justin M. Small to Mackenzie Lewis, $232,000. 5 lots, Section 4B, Mosaic at West Creek; HHHunt Mosaic LLC to HHHunt Homes LC, $504,540.
Since 1955
Goochland History Revealed
Property Transfers 1 acre; Patricia Larch to Samuel Ramirez Ruiz, $170,000. 2 parcels; IRSH LLC to Asgard Broad Street Properties I LLC, $850,000. 7.57 acres; Anne E. Wenzel to Meredith FarrarOwens, $250,000. 165 Buttonbush Drive, Richmond; Robert E. Leisy Jr. to Gary J. Renaldo, $800,000. 2389 Chapel Hill Road, Goochland; Nicholas G. Frezza to Paul Vincent Ward III, $320,000. 4617 Hadensville Farm Lane, Mineral; Billy R. Mullins to Edward F. Marcelle, $490,000. 1321 Hounslow Drive, Manakin Sabot; Shu Hui Wang to Thomas M. Wellman, trustee, $610,200. Lot 1, Section 4A, Mosaic at West Creek; HHHunt Homes LC to Craig E. Clark, trustee, $518,760. Lots 15 and 16, Swanns Inn Estates; Krickovic and Ziegler LLC to Factory Mill Farm Properties LLC, $160,000. 1281 Marlin Road, Goochland; Lydia Lefevers to Don S. Simmons III, $345,000. 3001 Preston Park Terrace, Sandy Hook; Janice Clark Evans to Barbara Hernandez, $455,000. 607 Sawdust Drive, Manakin Sabot; Reed C. Amos to Bryan Thomas Wadey II, $438,000. 366 Swinburne Road, Manakin Sabot; Boone Homes Inc. to David E. Acey, trustee, $761,206. 12028 Talavera Terrace, Henrico; HHHunt Homes LC to Kim T. Frawley, $523,020. 5872 Three Chopt Road, Louisa; Ellie Owens LLC to Matthew S.
Serving Goochland County
SPORTS
Photo courtesy of Goochland Historical Society
Store served as bustling area post office Originally Sublett’s Store, Clarke’s Store at Manakin was, for many years, both the Manakin Post Office and a gathering place for residents of the area. The Dover Mines Post Office was established here in 1868 and in 1909 the name was changed to Manakin Post Office (Dover Mines at one time was a bustling area— in addition to the post office it had coal mines, a coach maker, four general merchants, a saw mill and a doctor). The Clarke family of Manakin ran this classic country store and post office until the death of the beloved postmistress Miss Mary Clarke in 1961.
.60
Cost of a first class postage stamp as of July 10, 2022. In 1888, the cost was .02 cents.
163
Number of U.S. addresses, in millions, served by the United States Post Office.
$1K
Annual salary of Benjamin Franklin, the nation’s first post master, in 1775. (facts.usps.com)
DID YOU KNOW? In 1889, Goochland was home to 28 post offices. These included Bula, Caledonia, Cardwell, Dover Mines, Elk Hill, Fife’s, Goochland Court House, Hadensville, Irwin, Issequena, Johnson’s Springs, Lee, Licking, Maidens, Oilville, Peers, Pemberton, Perkinsville, Rock Castle, Sabot Island, Sandy Hook, Shannon Hill, Slabe, Stokes, Tabscott, Three Square, Vinitaville and West View.
Three Cougars named to All-Metro Team PAGE 8 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................10-11 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .................................8-9
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
Fee continued from >1 of an additional fee. “This was actually a little tougher than I thought it would be,” Spoonhower
said. “On the face of it, I’m not a big fan of adding fees on top of the cost of doing something wrong. But then I looked at the time savings for our officers who are working on the sides of very dangerous roads.”
Spoonhower said using the electronic system would also be of value in situations where illegible handwriting could make it more difficult to decide a case. The change is expected to go into effect on Aug. 1.
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
July 14, 2022
Photo by Sidney Warren
Goochland, has many pets available to a good home. For more information on these pets, call (804) 556-5302. 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.
Goochland Sheriff’s Office hosting National Night Out Aug. 2 The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting National Night Out on Aug. 2 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. This free fam-
ily event will be at the Goochland County Courthouse complex, located at 2938 River Road West. National Night Out is an annual
community-building campaign that promotes law enforcementcommunity partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. For
more information, contact the Goochland Sheriff ’s Office at (804) 556-5349 or visit sheriff’s office on Facebook.
Redistricting
pandemic-related delay in providing the state with the information needed to finalize new Congressional, State Senate and House of Delegates districts. This delay meant that localities like Goochland—which rely on the state lines to map out their own districts for offices such as supervisors and school board members—were also held up. The state information was released in December of 2021, Mulligan said, which meant his office could not complete the local redistricting until 2022. However, because 2022 is a federal election year—and a democratic primary was scheduled for June in the 5th District— the Virginia Department of Elections said that localities needed to have the redistricting process complete by March 21, a deadline Mulligan said would have been nearly impossible to meet. The state would eventually relent and say that localities only needed to have their Congressional district lines finalized in Virginia’s VERIS voter registration system by March 21. Perhaps more
importantly, it gave localities that were holding primaries priority when it came to using the VERIS system. Mulligan says he was told that he would be able to go into the system and update the Congressional lines, then go back in later and change the local district information. This, unfortunately, is where things get strange. Because only one democratic candidate—Josh Throneburg—qualified to be on the ballot for the June 21 primary in the 5th district, the primary was cancelled. And because the primary was cancelled, Mulligan says, he lost his priority status to update Goochland’s information in VERIS. While this might not have been a major issue, Mulligan’s office had months before signed on to be part of a statewide mass mailing that would inform voters of all redistricting changes. The mass mailing was done by a third party and, as Mulligan explained, offered significant cost savings to the county over having to send out the infor-
mation on its own. There was just one problem: the company publishing and sending out the postcards was getting its information from VERIS. This meant that the postcards— while they did show that Goochland had moved from the 7th to the 5th districts—also featured outdated information about local precincts. Meanwhile, the county had already publicly released and posted the new information on its website, leading to confusion among residents not sure if the postcards or the county’s information was correct. “Everybody is looking at these maps and the information is different,” said Mulligan. “Now they are confused and upset, and they think someone is lying to them.” One key thing for residents to know, Mulligan said, is that those whose first postcards showed inaccurate information will be receiving an updated postcard before this November’s election for Congress. “If there were changes,” Mulligan said, “you will get another notice.”
continued from >1 Right now, as Goochland County Electoral Board chair Pam Johnson explained to county supervisors during the board’s monthly meeting on July 6, the goal is to continue to spread the word about the recent voting changes to as many residents as possible and avoid the kind of confusion that took place on June 21. “We will do whatever we can do to make the voting in Goochland as seamless as possible,” said Johnson. While all voters were already informed by mail that the county is in a new Congressional district, those who may have been shifted to a new precinct have not yet been officially notified by mail (the information is available on the county’s website at https://www.goochlandva.us/1198/Official-ElectoralDistrict-Maps---2022). So why the delay? As Mulligan explained in an interview last Friday, the issue can be traced back to the 2020 United States Census, and the
Since 1955
3
Animal shelter hosting open house
Pet of the week Buffy is not a vampire slayer, she is a toy slayer. This beautiful buff girl is great with other cats and loves those humans. She is about 9 weeks old, up to-date on all of her vetting, and is chipped. If you’re in the market for a spunky snuggle bug Buffy the toy slayer might be the huntress you’ve been waiting to adopt! The Goochland Animal Shelter, located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in
Serving Goochland County
Goochland Pet Lovers will be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Event and Open House from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on July 21, offering visitors the opportunity to take a tour of the Goochland County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. The Braise N Smoke food truck will be on site, and the shelter’s volunteer coordinator will be available to share what volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, email friends@goochlandpetlovers.com. The shelter is located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in Goochland. Kitchens/Baths Patios/Decks New Construction Doors/Windows Sidewalks/Pavers Remodels/Additions
Greg 804-457-9426 20 YearsBlanchard Carpentry Experience VA Lic. 27505-093745-A
Blanchard & Associates 804-457-9426 Greg VA Lic. 27505-093745-A 20 YearsBlanchard Carpentry Experience Residential Contractor, Inc.
For subscription information or delivery questions contact:
Michelle Wall 804-775-2711
email: mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116
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
Thursday
4
NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County
July 14, 2022
Serving Goochland County Since 1955
Obituaries
CLAYTON
MARY LOUISE CLAYTON Mary Louise Flynn Clayton, 76, of Goochland County, Va., passed away peacefully July 3, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wendell P B Flynn and Verna Suydam Flynn. She was married to John T. Clayton for 37 years. She was a loving mother to her children, Michael Gamage, Rachel Hubley (Erik),
Jason Gamage (Michelle); grandmother to grandchildren, Ellen, Adora, Mason and Carter; sister to Elizabeth Flynn. She had many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. The family received friends Wednesday, July 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Norman’s Funeral Home in Goochland, Va. A funeral service was held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, Virginia at 2
2022. At the age of 91, Judy peacefully went to be with the Lord in Heaven. Judy was a loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. She was born in Indiana, lived most of her adult life in Goochland, Virginia and lived the last six years in Florida. Judy always loved a party and JUDITH T. MELTON Judith Turner Melton, any chance to be with her many November 26, 1930, to July 1, treasured Goochland friends. She p.m. on July 7. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Goochland Historical Society, The National Audubon Society https:// www.audubon.org or St John’s Episcopal Church Cemetery Fund, Columbia, Va.
Community Calendar Thursday, July 14 Goochland County is seeking community input for the Centerville Village Plan. The Centerville Village Plan Community Meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 14 at 7 p.m.. The meeting will take place at Grace Chinese Baptist Church, located at 850 Broad Street Road, Manakin Sabot, VA 23103. This meeting will include a short presentation of the initial draft concept of the plan. Interactive polling will also be conducted during the meeting. Attendees are asked to bring a smart phone or tablet to participate. For those unable to attend inperson, the meeting can be streamed via zoom at the following link: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/84022369819?pwd =UIPTcKhpGLum3TwKIhCe Zad_bZUJMy.1. Zoom participants are encouraged to have two devices, one for streaming and one to participate in the interactive poll. For more information visit www.goochlandva.us/VillagePlans2022. For questions or comments on the Centerville Village, contact centervilleplan22@ goochlandva.us or call (804) 556-5840.
workshop will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 1 – 2 p.m. for those ages 13 and up. Bring your teen for an afternoon craft session and leave with a pair of trendy fish earrings! Space is limited. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/8911804. Call (804) 556-4774 for more information. 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 for more information.
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. Saturday, July 16 Call (804) 556-4774 or visit A DIY Fish Earrings the library at 3075 River Road
West for more information.
Thursday, July 21 Read to Rover will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 4:30 5:30 p.m. for those in grades K-2. Read to Rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to Colby or Pepper, the library’s therapy dogs. Space is limited. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/. Call the Rockville Branch at (804) 749-3146 for more information.
Tuesday, July 26 Goochland Library will host Mystery Book Club from 10 - 11 a.m. for those ages 18 & up. Join the group to discuss the mystery title for the month. Call (804) 556-4774 for more information. The Goochland Library will host Gyotaku Fish Printing from 3 - 4 p.m. for those ages 18 and up. Practice the art of Gyotaku Fish Printing and explore the underwater world of possibilities. Bring a prewashed white T-shirt or pillowcase to decorate and take home. The library will host Gyotaku Fish Printing again from 4 - 5 p.m. for those ages
see Calendar > 5
will be lovingly remembered and missed. Judy is survived by her three children, Frankie Smith (Jim), LB Melton (Frieda), Hunter Melton (Melodie); four grandchildren, Taylor, Josh, Wyatt and Madison (Zak); and two greatgrandchildren, Tanner and Easton. It was Judy’s wishes to be cremated. A celebration of her life will be at a later date in Goochland, Va.
COVID-19 vaccine now available for kids, clinics set for July and August Contributed report Beginning this week, the Chickahominy Health Distric is offering the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months through 4 or 5 years old, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. Families have several options for where to get their children the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination sites may include: Local health departments (including Charles City, Goochland, Hanover, and New Kent) Community clinics (managed by the local health department)
Pediatric and family medicine offices Federally qualified health centers Retail pharmacies (for children ages 3 years and older) Those wishing to get their children vaccinated at a Chickahominy Health District clinic (either at the local health department or at one of the special community-based clinics) should make an appointment by contacting the district’s COVID-19 Call Center at (804) 365-3240 or by requesting an appointment online: https://tinyurl. com/VaxCHD. The district will be holding special clinics — catered for this youngest age group — during the months of July and August.
These health district clinics will be conducted by appointment only and a parent and/ or guardian must accompany their children. For additional COVID19 vaccination options, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877829-4682), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (TTY users can call 711). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages. Everyone 6 months and older is now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and health officials urge all Virginians to get their vaccination. For more information on COVID-19 in Virginia, visit vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
Workshop will focus on ACE issues Contributed report BeWellVA, a collaboration of Central Virginia’s seven Community Services Boards, is offering a free virtual workshop to raise awareness about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), provide resources to help children and adults who have experienced ACEs and offer strategies for prevention.
Experiencing distress or a disturbing event is called trauma. ACEs are traumatic events in childhood that include abuse, neglect or household dysfunction. Children and adults who have experienced ACEs are at a higher risk of having longterm health problems, experiencing mental illness and abusing drugs or alcohol.
This free workshop will be held on Thursday, July 21 from 10 a.m. - noon, and registration is required. Those who would like to register should visit https:// richmondbehavioralhealthauthority.wildapricot.org/ event-4788690 or contact Octavia Marsh at (804) 8155781 or BeWellVA04@gmail. com.
Thursday
July 14, 2022
Serving Goochland County
NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County
Supervisors’ resolutions honor Alvarez, Parks and Recreation
Photo courtesy of Goochland County
Departing interim county administrator Manuel Alvarez Jr. receives the resolution of recognition from the Goochland County Board of Supervisors on July 6. Pictured, from left, are supervisors John Lumpkin Jr., vice chair Don Sharpe, chair Neil Spoonhower, former interim county administrator Manuel Alvarez Jr., and supervisors Susan Lascolette and Ken Peterson.
Photo courtesy of Goochland County
Goochland County sheriff Steven Creasey presents outgoing interim county administrator Manuel Alvarez Jr. with a plaque to show the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office’s appreciation for his hard work and contribution to Goochland County over the last 10 months.
Contributed report It seems strange that western Goochland is a “Food Desert” when it’s that time of year local home gardens often end up with more vegetables and fruits than can be used. A “Food Desert” is defined as a rural area where the population lives more than 10 miles from a supermarket or large grocery store, and most rural areas do not have modes of public transportation. Additionally, job opportunities in rural counties are more concentrated in lowwage industries with higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Right here in Goochland County, over 2,000 senior citizens, persons with disabilities, adults and children face hunger every day, often skipping meals. The only chance to get food is often through food stamps, church pantries and non-profit organizations like GoochlandCares. For families who live in poverty, the three most requested items are dairy products, lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. All are often unavailable at food pantries. One of the weekly challenges facing the GoochlandCares Food Pantry is providing nearly 225 families with fresh and nutritious produce, baby food and nonperishables. Local gardeners and community mem-
continued from >4 12-18. Call (804) 556-4774 or more information.
Wednesday, Aug. 17
Photo courtesy of Goochland County
5
Local gardeners urged to keep food pantry in mind
Calendar
Representatives from Goochland County Parks, Recreation and Community Engagement joined Board of Supervisors Chair Neil Spoonhower in receiving this resolution. Pictured, from the left, Goochland County Parks, Recreation, and Community Engagement assistant director of grounds Carl Lacy, assistant director of recreation Angelia Miller, and director Jessica Kronberg receive the resolution from Board of Supervisors Chair Neil Spoonhower.)
Since 1955
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.
bers can donate their fresh vegetables and fruits to GoochlandCares Food Pantry in Goochland Courthouse. Baby food, macaroni and cheese as well as other nonperishables are always needed and can be donated. “Healthier diets can mean fewer trips to the doctor and contribute to overall well-being,” said Sally Graham, executive director of GoochlandCares. “Our vision is to provide access to the highest quality of services for our clients that is possible. That includes fresh produce and healthy food options in the Food Pantry.” The Food Pantry at GoochlandCares accepts donations of fresh produce plus backyard eggs, non-perishable food items, dish soap and household products like toilet paper. Receiving hours for food donations are Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For further information on the food pantry, contact Doug Chiles at (804) 5560201 or at dchiles@GoochlandCares.org. GoochlandCares is a private, 501(c) (3), non-profit organization that provides basic human services and health care to our Goochland neighbors in need. GoochlandCares envisions an equitable community in which all persons have their basic needs met, empowering them to lead lives of self-dignity and well-being.
Working hands-on with direct contact throughout the Buying or Selling process. Resident and Real Estate CALL Broker DEBRA! Specializing in Rural Property for Over 30 Years
Debra Hoffman, Associate Broker OFFICE: 347-3878 debra.hoffman@penfedrealty.com
Thursday
6
July 14, 2022
OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor
An ode to one of summertime’s favorite snacks after all, appreciates the simple things in life, celebrates tradition, and is probably not one to be lured by slick marketing or flash-in-thepan trends. In fact, a true tomato sandwich aficionado doesn’t even need a pan, just bread, mayo, a homegrown tomato, a good sharp knife, a shaker of salt and the heel of their hand to squash all that deliciousness together. Should someone hint that, perhaps, a sandwich without meat or cheese or arugula or whatever is somehow not hefty enough to be worth eating, wish that person a blessed day and head off briskly in the other direction. They are not our kind of people and probably never will be. Instead, endeavor to surround yourself with those who value
By Roslyn Ryan Editor
It’s hard to deny: Sometimes the very best things in life are the most uncomplicated. And when it comes to illustrating this basic principle, most of us rural dwellers need not look much farther than one of the best summer-time snacks every created by man, that time-honored trio of ingredients that defies the world’s most gifted culinary minds to outdo. I’m talking here, of course, about the tomato sandwich. I’ve long been of the opinion that you can tell an awful lot about a person by their stance on this beloved Southern staple, and possibly even everything. A person who loves a good tomato sandwich,
quality and eschew overcomplicating things. “Nature is pleased with simplicity,” said no less a man than Sir Isaac Newton. “And nature is no dummy.” If we were inclined to get into the finer points of what makes the perfect tomato sandwich we could be here all day, and frankly getting into an argument over anything other than baseball in the sweltering heat of Virginia in mid-July seems a foolish waste of precious energy. But I will say that I firmly believe that true perfection in this case comes down to sourcing the main ingredient. In other words, yes one can enjoy a perfectly decent tomato sandwich with a sliced specimen from the grocery store. If this is the only kind you have ever
had, however, I am sorry to say you have been living a life less than the one you deserve. Fortunately, there is a fix: All you need to do is find a friend—or even just a kindly neighbor—with a garden patch, and solicit one, fat, ripe tomato (trust me, they’ll be happy to oblige). Take that tomato, still warm from the garden, and make yourself a sandwich. Use a little extra mayo—maybe even a dash of pepper—and eat it over the sink if you don’t have extra napkins. Reader, you will not be disappointed, nor will you ever look at a bursting summer garden again without appreciating the bountiful gifts nature offers us. As the late, great Ira Gershwin once said, “Who could ask for anything more?”
Tell Me a Story ‘Unchecked bag’ nearly spoiled sisters’ beach trip Editor’s note: The following contribution is part of the Gazette’s continuing series “Tell Me a Story,” in which we ask our readers to share tales from their own lives or the lives of family members. Mary Long Mobley Contributing Writer
My sister Phyllis and I used to pack our suitcases and head to the beach for the weekend. Those were the days before husbands and babies, and even boyfriends. At the beach we lingered over hamburgers or pancakes at Mammy’s Kitchen, baked in the sun with no thought of our skin one day being
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
60 years old, and walked for hours to the pier and back, sidestepping tides and picking up shells. Most of those memories are buried underneath a tall stack of years, but one trip peeks over the top, not because of something that happened at the beach, but because of the nerve-racking start.
In preparation for our journey from North to South Carolina, my sister and I filled our suitcases with swimsuits, Coppertone lotion and flip flops. Then we loaded her sage green Chevelle and drove away with her behind the wheel and me see Tell me a story > 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
Memories can’t erase new reality By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist
Is there anything more satisfying than sitting on an old front porch and rocking away in a chair that’s seen it’s hundredth coat of park green paint? It’s a summer ritual often overlooked by today’s generation, but an important rite of seasonal passage for many of us who remember those unencumbered nights where only the sound of worn wooden rockers hitting a worn collection of old boards can be heard. Those summers on the porch somehow provide a timeline of my life and represent different periods — some of great change—in my life. My first memories are of my Mother swinging my sister and I on what was called a glider. Few homes in Montgomery, Alabama lacked one of metal swings that usually arrived in a set of one large swing and a chair to match. On those hot nights when not a breath of air moved, she’s gently rock us to sleep on that glider. I remember it as a calming quietness that marked nights in the deep south, the stillness only interrupted by the unpredictable outburst of cicadas hiding in the old trees that overlapped the street. When we moved north, the venue changed, but gatherings on the porch became a summer tradition at my grandmother’s house in Maryland. Her porch was more designed for relaxation sporting a line of old rockers where the details in the small carvings that decorated the legs and arms were no longer distinguishable, long ago covered by the umpteenth coat of paint. The best seats were reserved for family members boasting the most seniority, and one did not dare occupy a seat reserved for another. It see Reality > page 11
Thursday
July 14, 2022
OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor
Serving Goochland County Since 1955
7
‘Operation: Success’ still works, but no longer secret By Emily Walls Ray Contributing Writer
We all hit a slump every now and then in life. For me, it kind of comes in patterns, with sometimes decades between the significant highs and lows. I’m not talking about clinical depression, or black moods that seem to hang around forever. I’m talking about the kind of dip that comes along when I’ve gotten into a rut, or let boredom or even fear keep me from trying to do something about whatever it is I want to change. When I was in my early twenties, such a drop in my motivation and outlook occurred at work. How I came to deal with this crisis at such a young age impacted my demeanor and perspective for the better. I have employed the same strategy at later times in my life, mostly with some measure of success. Here’s my story: It was the end of the 1970s and I was employed as a staff writer at Mississippi State University. The public relations department was composed of a small but energetic staff specializing in print and television/radio media. As a land grant university, there were plenty of stories about research in engineering, architecture, veterinary medicine and agriculture, along with a lively theater program and healthy business school. During the decade the university boasted a student who became Miss America, and a one day-to-be up and coming writer named John Grisham often visited the library with a trunk of books in which he was trying to drum up interest. But I was struggling to prove myself. It was my first job as a writer, and I had already been stung by a letter of complaint about a “fluff” story I’d written about fashion. (Remember, this was the time of investigative journalism, where
Tell me a story continued from >6 in the passenger seat, our sights set on Myrtle Beach four hours away. We drove out of the parking lot of our apartment and headed east, then turned left at the stop sign. A few
newfound taste of success after joining a gym, taking up swimming and exercise classes, and enjoying a growing network of new friends. Since COVID, choosing friends wisely and making a commitment to nurture relationships formed at church, book groups, and the like has become a priority. But would I be able to balance homeschooling and the other important things in my life? After all these decades, still thinking at a keyboard (this time an iPad rather than a typewriter), I began tapping out a list of thoughts about how I can successfully change my schedule, attend to the needs of family, and still make time to take care of myself. Not surprisingly, my old secret mission name, “Operation: Success” popped up on my screen. My list of opportunities grew, and my anxiety lessened as I added joining homeschool groups, sharing and swapping materials, and setting up field trips and social events so we can make new friends. I can do this. This time, I’m obviously not keeping “Operation: Success” a secret, and I look forward to new experiences, experiments, and growing in confidence over yet another big change in my life. I am thankful to God for providing resources, as He always does in every transition. He is faithful. Writing has, for me, been a lifelong opportunity to sort out ideas and work toward a fulfilling and productive life. I look forward to sharing some of my adventures in this latest ‘campaign.” Wish me success!
people were “exposed” for shock value and readership.). I felt let down at a staff meeting when I raised my hand and said “I have a wonderful idea” that fell flat. (Note to newbies: setting yourself up is never a good idea.) I began to doubt whether writing was the career where I belonged, as I don’t like conflict or bad news generally. But a chance lunch with a college counselor who worked in the building next to mine turned into a serendipitous meeting. Knowing this smart, stylish young woman had earned her doctorate from my own alma mater, The University of Alabama, I was eager to add her to my developing network of other young professionals. As we ate our salads and talked about the Christmas break that would be coming up, we meandered into the pitfalls of too much sugar in Christmas foods, contributing to the holidays blues. To my delight, my new acquaintance made some practical suggestions as to how to manage some of the stresses of any holiday. We parted with her offering to give me more examples. I went back to my office intrigued, and sat down to think at my I B M Selectric typewriter (this was before computers) making a list of story ideas. To my surprise, my list grew from “preventing sugar blues” to “cooking for one,” to benefits of exercise classes offered on campus, and many more. I expanded my list based on tips from other sources on campus—a research grant about solar power, an alumnae Navy pilot assigned to the U.S.S. Enterprise. Sports was well covered by other writers, and I was looking for a niche. The faculty was full of experts on every subject. My initial interview resulted in three separate press releases, in which I was able to quote other professionals on
campus. The stories usually included short side bars, or bullets with practical suggestions for everyday problems. Then I began to make a list of the newspapers and wire services in the state that I particularly wanted to target or had some bearing on the story. My enthusiasm picked up and I decided to turn the whole effort into a personal challenge. I grabbed a crisp new folder and labeled it “Operation: Success.” The title was catchy, and I decided to keep the whole plan a secret to make it more exciting, and yes, fun. I continued to branch out to gather stories from the architecture school, which was hosting a conference in which several award-winning architects I would hear about through the decades spoke. I made press packets for the conference, for a visit from Jesse Jackson when he came on a campaign trip, and for a guest appearance of former child star Margaret O’Brien (think Beth in the 1949 version of “Little Women.”) My “Sugar Blues,” story was the first to be picked up by the Associated Press. It ran in all the major newspapers of Mississippi, and the Memphis Times-Dispatch. My supervisor mentioned my success during one of the staff meetings, where I was learning to be a little more reserved or savvy. The point is, I began to see positive results for “Operation: Success.” I enjoyed my newfound confidence and the growing package of clippings. Fast forward 15 years or so, after I had joined the U.S. Air Force. I had an opportunity to use the “Operation: Success” secret strategy again; yes, I even made a file folder. I had reported from South Korea back to the United States after two years doing a very difficult job. My second year there left me mentally and physically worn out, and not in my best shape. This was not
how I wanted to report to my new job at Space Command in Colorado Springs. But I had no choice, so I brightened up and put my best foot forward. I found a Weight Watchers pilot program and secretly began attending every Saturday morning. The literature the pilot program researchers provided was excellent (and yes, it went in my new “Operation: Success” folder). I began to feel positive about some of the changes I was recording. I used portion control, not starvation, and worked out at the base gym, though I kept my “Operation” a secret. Over a period of about six months, I finally stopped safety pinning by then baggy pants and bought new, crisp, smaller sized uniforms. My energy level was high, and I had begun to make friends with some of the other young women at the gym. I needed their support and positive influence to stay motivated. Why had I limited myself to what I thought I deserved when I was down? I needed a little confidence, and once again, “Operation: Success” proved to be the vehicle for my efforts. It proved helpful later on when I began to apply to the Virginia Commonwealth University Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing. I just kept adding stories to my portfolio, and eventually was accepted. This led to a teaching career that took me to Goochland, where I met and taught so many wonderful young people (whose photos and successes are now heralded in this newspaper). Now retired, I recently felt a little daunted by some upcoming changes in my life. I will homeschool my grandchildren this upcoming school year. However, this will require considerable commitment and sacrifice of some of the retirement freedom I’ve enjoyed. Certainly giving to others has always been a priority, but I had felt a
Emily Walls Ray is a freelance writer, tutor, and former teacher of English and creative writing in the GCPS system 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/
seconds later, Phyllis noticed a flashing blue light in the rear view mirror, flagging us down. Neither of us could imagine the infraction that warranted the police’s attention, for then as well as now, there are no citizens on Planet Earth more law-abiding than my sister and me. I knew she had come to a
complete stop at the sign and had adhered to the speed limit, and the fact that we were being pulled over by the law stumped both of us. In respectful obedience, Phyllis slowed down and pulled onto the shoulder of West Market Street. We sat there in the car, barely a mile from our apartment, dumfounded. As the
uniformed policeman exited his cruiser and approached the driver’s side, Phyllis rolled down the window. Then, in a scene that could have been scripted for Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz, the officer said, “Miss, there’s a suitcase on top of your car.” In morbid embarrassment, my sister and I muffled our laughter
as the policeman reached for the culprit and slid it onto the back seat. We thanked the young man for saving my dusty blue Samsonite from bouncing across West Market Street, and when the flashing blue light had faded into the miles behind us, we laughed all the way to Mammy’s Kitchen.
Thursday
8
July 14, 2022
SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional
Serving Goochland County Since 1955
Three Cougars named to All-Metro Team By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor
The Richmond TimesDispatch’s All-Metro boys soccer teams were announced on July 11, and the list is filled with Collegiate Cougars that helped push the team forward to its first VISAA state championship since 2001 this past season. The Collegiate team that went 21-0-1 saw junior forward Matthew Jenkins and senior defender Colin Ryan featured as members of the first team All-Metro list, while senior Robert Westermann was part of the second team. Jenkins led the attack for the title-winning Cougars with his on-ball speed at the front of the team’s offensive attack. A balanced forward that creates for himself as much as he sets up his teammates around him, Jenkins finished the season with a team-high 17 goals to go with 10 assists. Jenkins also had a knack for delivering in the clutch, scoring six game-winning goals during the season. Jenkins was also an AllState first team selection as
File Photos
Left, Robert Westermann (right) fights for the ball with the keeper during the 2021 VISAA Semifinals. Westermann was named a Second Team All-Metro Honoree. Right, Collegiate Matthew Jenkins and St. Christopher’s John Collier vie for the ball during the VISAA boys soccer semifinals at City Stadium Nov. 10, 2021.
well as an All-Prep League and United Soccer Coaches All-South Region selection. Ryan was largely responsible for being the backbone of the Collegiate back line and was named as a United Soccer
Coaches All-American, along with earning VISAA and Prep League player of the year honors. When on the field, opposing attackers struggled to generate chances whenever Ryan
was anchoring the defense, only allowing six goals in his time on the field while helping the team record 15 shutouts. Ryan also added one goal and three assists this season. In his final season, play-
maker and free kick marksman Westermann added the All-Metro selection to a long list of senior season accolades, including mention on the first team All-State list and an AllPrep honoree.
Westermann recorded a team-high 13 assists to go along with six goals, good for fourth on the team. Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.
Manta Ray Roundup: Swim team beats Dominion Club Staff Report Goochland Gazette
A week after winning a home meet against Wellesley, the Goochland Manta Rays swim team traveled to take on the Dominion Club, and once again finished with a winning total score. In the road meet, the Manta Rays scored a combined 969
points to the Dominion Club’s 887, with boys winning their competition 438-304 to help give the Manta Rays the edge. One of Goochland’s top results ended up being the last event of the day in the Mixed 15-18 200-yard medley relay. With a group consisting of Cole Malkerson, Anneliese Rogerson, Joe Hardman and Leyton Sutherland, the relay
team won by just under six seconds over the Dominion Club’s relay team, cruising to a 1:56.37 time that earned Goochland 14 points. In the mixed 13-14 200yard medley relay that happened just before, Goochland again finished with time to spare, as the team of Andrea Rogerson, Zachary Cheatham, Ryan Johnson and Charles
Bradbury finishing at 2:07.44, with the Dominion Club finishing at 2:14.91 in second place. Goochland had multiple swimmers record results that beat their seed times, including 8-year-old Lauren Camp in the 8 and under 25-yard butterfly event, where she finished at 28.22 seconds with a seed time of 31.72 seconds. In
the boys 15-18 50-yard backstroke, 15-year-old Goochland swimmer Nathan Getter slid just under his 35.87-second seed time with a finish of 35.25 seconds, which put him just ahead of Hardman in the same competition, who finished with a time of 35.72 seconds. Across all ages, the Manta Rays had standout perfor-
mances in the pool like 6-yearold Madelyn Anderson, who finished at 24.68 seconds and in first place during the 6 and under 25-yard freestyle event. The Manta Rays hope to continue their winning ways when they host a meet with Chestnut Oaks on Wednesday, July 13 at Goochland Family YMCA. The meet starts at 6 p.m.
Thursday
July 14, 2022
SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional
Serving Goochland County Since 1955
9
GUSA U11 boys soccer wins Ultimate Cup Tournament By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor
The Goochland United Soccer Association U11 boys soccer team won the 2022 Ultimate Cup Rec Weekend Tournament in a championship game that went to an enthralling penalty shootout that went in GUSA’s favor. The game-winning penalty came off the foot of Wyatt Babson, who launched the GUSA Vikings ahead to championship glory in a thrilling 4-3 final against the Richmond Strikers Spiders. On the other end, Vikings goalie Lincoln Seredni made the winning save in net to hold off the Spiders. The Spiders made it to the championship fresh off a close 1-0 semifinals win of their own, but their luck ran out when they faced the Vikings. On the road to the championship match, the Vikings also faced the Richmond Strikers Hokies in the semifinals. The Vikings won it handily with a 5-2 score that sent them onto the final at Striker Park. They also won two games and drew in another in their bracket, defeating the Richmond Strikers Cavaliers squad 9-2 and finishing with a 2-2 tie against the Strikers Spiders The team is coached by Ryan Boggs, and the roster features Wyatt Babson, Joey Vaughan, Max Nagle, Blake Boggs, Brayden Ford, Kaiden Ellis, Ramiro Mejia, Lincoln Seredni, coach Ryan Boggs, Copeland Carter, Luke Pushinsky, James Laster, Jesse Laster, Jacob Moody, Ali Ganyuma and Boden Dewey. The GUSA U11 Vikings hold up their championship trophies after beating the Spiders in a 4-3 finish.
Contributed Photo
Collegiate, St. Catherine’s tennis players named to All-Metro team By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor
The boys and girls All-Metro tennis teams, announced on July 1, featured multiple Collegiate tennis players and one St. Catherine’s player after the spring season. From St. Catherine’s, senior Madeleine Carithers was named a first team AllMetro selection for the second year in a row after leading the Saints as their leader on the baseline. Since her freshman season, Carithers has been the No. 1 singles and doubles player for the Saints, and she’s steadily improved in each season she’s played for the school. Along with her addition on the All-Metro team, Carithers was also an All-LIS and first
team All-VISAA Division I honoree. She finished the season with a 12-4 record in singles competitions and a 11-5 record in doubles. For Collegiate, four Cougars were mentioned for All-Metro, with Elizabeth Mendoza leading the team as the lone first team mention. Following Mendoza was a second team All-Metro appearance from senior Ty Colina on the boys side and an honorable mention for Graham Bor and Reid Coleman. After being named VISAA Division I player of the year, LIS MVP and a key factor in Collegiate winning LIS and VISAA titles, Mendoza made a serious case for also being named the All-Metro Player of the Year, though that title
was given to Clover Hill star Sia Chaudry. Mendoza went 19-2 in singles and 16-1 in doubles this season, with her only losses coming against No. 1 singles and doubles opposition from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. and the No. 1 singles player from Episcopal High School. In the VISAA team state final, it was Mendoza’s skill on the courts that helped push the team to the title, defeating Potomac High School No. 1 Lauren Foster in a tight 11-9 contest and later won 7-5 in the doubles final alongside Rita Taylor. Colina, also named the team MVP after the season, helped Collegiate earn the two-seed in the VISAA boys
File Photos
Left, St. Catherine’s senior Madeleine Carithers was mentioned as part of the first team All-Metro girls tennis list for the second year in a row. Right, Collegiate sophomore Elizabeth Mendoza was named first team All-Metro after being the VISAA player of the year.
state tennis championships, where they ultimately lost to St. Christopher’s School. Colina was also named to the VISAA first team All-State
list. Colina’s teammates Bor and Coleman were also AllState members, with both making the second team this
season, and Bor making the first team in 2021. Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.
Thursday
10
CLASSIFIEDS: Call (804) 746-1235 x 3 to place an ad.
July 14, 2022
Business & Service Directory CONCRETE WORK Bernard’s Concrete Services Concrete, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Brick, Sidewalks. Install & repair. Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured. References. Call or Text 804-874-9184
POWER WASHING Affordable Quality Wash Houses, Decks & More! Lic & Ins. Call 804-550-2345 /873-5125. Serving Goochland for over 25 years. Angie’s List Highest Rating!
ROOFING & RELATED Davidson Roofing Co. Residential Roofing & Repair Specialists. Lic/Insured GAF Master Elite Contractor BBB /Free Estimates 804-672-0540 www.davidsonroofing.com
TREE SERVICE Bernard’s Tree Service Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Landscaping, Cleanout, Mulching, Planting & More! Free Est. Licensed & Insured References. Call or text 804-874-9184
Short on Cash?
Become an independent contractor, delivery carrier QUALIFY FOR A
$1,500 SIGNING BONUS
Benefits of this part-time, contract opportunity with the Richmond Times-Dispatch team: • Manage your own schedule and free up most of your day; work only 3-4 hours between 1-6 a.m. daily • Excellent supplemental income – Earn up to $1,800 per month All you need is a dependable vehicle and a valid Virginia driver’s license for consideration. Signing bonus is for a limited time, so don’t miss out. Contact us NOW at Richmond.com/Carriers or (804) 649-6872 to learn more.
Get Those Projects done! Over 30 years of experience...tree removal, tree trimming, brush clearing, mowing, mulching and debris removal. For free estimates call, text or leave a message at 804-241-0911.
WINDOW TREATMENT Alexander & Company Draperies, Curtains, Pillows & Bedding. Custom Sewing.
804-304-3780
Residential for Rent Apartment Referral Services Policy Apartment referral service companies sell lists of available apartments for rent in your area. Please read contracts thoroughly to ensure that you understand and agree to all the terms and the cancellation policy of the contract.
HOUSES UNFURNISHED 3 bedroom rancher. Available August 15th or September 1st 2284 Chapel Hill Road, Goochland, Va. 23063. $1,175/ Month + 1 & 1/2 months security deposit required. Must have references. Call: 804-929-1700 for more information.
Serving Goochland County Since 1955
Getting job done right still matters By Jack Agnew Contributing Columnist
Back in the 1980s, I sold a really large item to a country boy in Richmond. I measured with tape and by eye. The delivery site was really tight, but it could be done, so we finalized the sale. A driver named Kenny was assigned to the delivery. He was usually really competent but must have been having a bad day, because once he arrived at the destination, he said he couldn’t finish the job. He told the buyer that he’d have to take the item back so it could be dismantled, and later reassembled on-site. Very wisely, the older gentleman exclaimed, “Well, I’m amazed!” “Why do you say that?” Kenny asked. The buyer said, “Jack told me you could back that truck up a rat’s behind with no Vaseline!” “Did Jack say that about me?!” the driver questioned (I hadn’t). “He sure did!” the customer answered. “He was bragging on you, man!” “Well, wait a minute, let me try,” Kenny said. “Before I go, I’ll try it one time.” He nailed it the first time. Kenny left it in the exact spot the buyer wanted, no problem at all. As he pulled out of the driveway everyone was happy, and the older gentleman definitely earned his PhD in psychology that day. Another working class story was about Brent, a man from the coal fields of Appalachia, who started working for Charles Luck at his Nottoway County stone
quarry. He was a shovel operator down in the pit. After they would dynamite the walls of granite, blowing them up into boulders and debris, the shovels would go in and pick up huge mouthfuls to load the quarrysize, off-road dump trucks, called euclids. They would then take the boulders to the rock crushers and the jaw crusher. One day when Brent was still new on the job, one of the euc drivers climbed the ladder to the machine and said, “Hey old man, are you any good with that shovel?” Brent looked him in the eye and asked, “Do you have a dime on you?” The guy checked his pockets and found one, so Brent said, “Look at the date real good, and then throw it out in front of my shovel.” After working the controls, he told the driver, “Go look on top of the second tooth from the right.” The younger man was blown away. His dime was sitting on top of that tooth. After that, Brent was pretty famous for being one of the best operators anybody had ever seen. It really matters—you’d think you would just pick up a rock and drop it in the truck, but that’s not it. If you’re careful, a lot of times you can get two boulders with one swing, or a bigger mouthful of debris. You can be good at it or just “at it,” and Brent was definitely a master. There’s a scripture in the Bible that says, “Whatever your hands find to do, do with all of your might,” and that’s certainly the way this gentleman went about his work.
Thursday
July 14, 2022
Reality continued from >6 didn’t matter, the steps handled the overflow on the busiest of nights like the Fourth of July, when everyone gathered on Miss Lilly’s porch to see the fireworks from the Ag Center just across the tracks. Those peaceful memories of past Independence Days stand in stark contrast to the latest images of the holiday on display after a gunman opened fire on innocent parade bystanders as they prepared to celebrate. There was something distinctively sad as I browsed through a collection of still images from the attack and its aftermath. Many caught my attention, but one stood out in its statement of the devastation of human lives coupled with the disruption of a national holiday that seemed to exemplify a growing feeling of doom in our country. The image depicted an abandoned street decorated with American flags and other patriotic symbols strewn with rapidly abandoned lawn chairs, backpacks and other personal items. The street, the celebration, the confidence of a community were eerily deserted as a single car sat abandoned with a crumpled American flag. Our nation is again forced to deal with enormous tragedy, its impact heightened by the timing of the attack, and many are left to ponder the future of a nation that some think has lost its way. It leaves me treasuring those lost moments on the various porches in my life, longing for that sense of security and peace that I, like most Americans took for granted . . . . and looking forward to the day when the madness ends and families in the future can gather on their porches or attend parades to celebrate without fear and trepidation.
CLASSIFIEDS: Call (804) 746-1235 x 3 to place an ad.
Serving Goochland County Since 1955
11
LEGAL NOTICES
Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICES V I R G I N I A: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF GOOCHLAND MARY CARR DAVIS, ADRIENNE W. HARRIS, KEVIN R. JONES, LAWRENCE C. MITCHELL, NORMAN B. SALES, JANE C. TALLEY, HERBERT D. UNDERWOOD and VALERIE D. WEATHERLESS, TRUSTEES OF FIFTH BAPTIST CHURCH, VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY and YVONNE NUTALL, EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF JEAN EVELYN BRAXTON, DECEASED Plaintiffs, v.
Case No. CL22-368
deceased, and made parties hereto by the designation "Parties Unknown," and any unknown persons who may claim any title, right, claim or interest in the aforesaid real property.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
An affidavit having been made and signed that the names and whereabouts of the said Defendants and their heirs, devisees, creditors and successors in interest are unknown, it is hereby ORDERED, that each of said parties appear on or before August 23, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. and do whatever is necessary to protect their interest in said real property.
Goochland County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, August 2, 2022, 6:00 PM Goochland County Administration Building 1800 Sandy Hook Rd., P. O. Box 10, Goochland, VA 23063 Board Meeting Room Suite 250
Entered: 6/14/2022 BY: Timothy K. Sanner, Judge I ASK FOR THIS: Darvin E. Satterwhite, p.q. P. O. Box 325 3013 River Road West Goochland, Virginia 23063 (804) 556-4012 (804) 556-4849 Fax VSB No. 21887 Counsel for Plaintiffs
IRENE BRAXTON PITTMAN, DELORES MAGDALINE HOPKINS, LYNWOOD EVANS FORD, WILLIAM HENRY BRAXTON, MICHELLE ELAINE BRAXTON,
THE UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO MAY CLAIM ANY TITLE, RIGHT, CLAIM OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN LICKINGHOLE DISTRICT OF THE COUNTY OF GOOCHLAND, VIRGINIA, CONTAINING 15.6± ACRES, AND DESIGNATED AS TAX MAP PARCEL NO. 301-0-82-A, GPIN 6758-93-6905, LOCATED IN THE WEST SIDE OF U.S. ROUTE 522 (SANDY HOOK ROAD) APPROXIMATELY 3/10 OF A MILE NORTH OF THE INTERSECTION OF STATE ROUTE 724 (BULLDOG WAY) AND U. S. ROUTE 522 (SANDY HOOK ROAD) AND ALSO MADE PARTIES HERETO BY THE DESIGNATION "PARTIES UNKNOWN," Defendants. ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to quiet title to real property located in the Lickinghole District of the County of Goochland, Va. containing 15.6+acres, and designated as Tax Map Parcel No. 30-1-0-82-A, GPIN 6758-93-6905, located on the west side of U.S. Route 522 (Sandy Hook Road) approximately 3/10 of a mile north of the intersection of State Route 724 (Bulldog Way) and U.S. Route 522 (Sandy Hook Road) and to compel a sale or partition of the said property in which the following defendants may have an interest: Irene Braxton Pittman, Delores Magdaline Hopkins, Lynwood Evans Ford, William Henry Braxton, Michelle Elaine Braxton; and William Jefferson Braxton, Major Braxton, a/k/a Major Lee Braxton, Ophelia Walton, Irene Virginia Braxton Sire, Lawrence Wesley Sire, Ollie Braxton a/k/a Ollie Nicholas Braxton, Naomi Braxton f/k/a Naomi F. Senior, Lucille Braxton Thomas, Horace Thomas a/k/a Horace Lee Thomas, Adell Braxton Carter a/k/a Odell Carter, William Alvin Braxton a/k/a Alvin Braxton, Calvin Stanley Bollin Braxton, Leslie Jones a/k/a Lesley Jones, William Braxton, Lucy J. Cottrell Braxton, Odell Braxton a/k/a Odell Jones Braxton, if living, or their respective unknown heirs, devisees, creditors and successors in interest if they be d d d d i h b h d
IF YOU HAVE COMMENTS ON THESE PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS, PLEASE SEND COMMENTS TO BOSCOMMENT@GOOCHLANDVA.US OR CONTACT 804-556-5811. PLEASE CHECK WWW.GOOCHLANDVA.US FOR ANY UPDATES REGARDING THIS MEETING.
WILLIAM JEFFERSON BRAXTON, MAJOR BRAXTON, A/K/A MAJOR LEE BRAXTON, OPHELIA WALTON, IRENE VIRGINIA BRAXTON SIRE, LAWRENCE WESLEY SIRE, OLLIE BRAXTON A/K/A OLLIE NICHOLAS BRAXTON, NAOMI BRAXTON F/K/A NAOMI F. SENIOR, LUCILLE BRAXTON THOMAS, HORACE THOMAS A/K/A HORACE LEE THOMAS, ADELL BRAXTON CARTER A/K/A ODELL CARTER, WILLIAM ALVIN BRAXTON A/K/A ALVIN BRAXTON, CALVIN STANLEY BOLLIN BRAXTON, LESLIE JONES A/K/A LESLEY JONES, WILLIAM BRAXTON, LUCY J. COTTRELL BRAXTON, ODELL BRAXTON A/K/A ODELL JONES BRAXTON, IF LIVING, OR THEIR RESPECTIVE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST IF THEY BE DECEASED, AND MADE PARTIES HERETO BY THE DESIGNATION "PARTIES UNKNOWN," and
View county meeting: https://www.goochlandva.us/1154/County-Meetings
Countywide Ordinance amending County Code Sections 11-27 (Competitive sealed bidding) and 11-28 (Competitive negotiation) to align the County’s procurement provisions with state law updates enacted by the 2022 Virginia General Assembly District 4 - CU-1985-00002A Application by Hilary and Jonathan Angus requesting amendment to Conditional Use Permit CU-1985-00002 for veterinary services to remove the transfer restriction condition and allow for an equestrian school and horse riding stable on 40.887 acres at 1625 Cardwell Road on Tax Map Nos. 55-1-0-59-0, 55-1-0-59-A, and 55-1-0-58-B. The property is zoned Agricultural, Limited (A-2). The Conditional Use Permit is required by County Zoning Ordinance Section 15-112 in accordance with Section 15-282.B. The Comprehensive Plan designates this area as Rural Enhancement.
Community News In Focus This is YOUR Community. This is YOUR Newspaper. For the latest in... Community News, Business News, Sports, Engagements and Weddings, Birth Announcements, Student News, Letters to the Editor, Calendar, Obituaries, and Classified Advertising read The Goochland Gazette!
District 5 - CU-2007-00007B Application by Markel Properties, LLC and Richmond Strikers Soccer Club, Inc. requesting renewal of Conditional Use Permit CU-2007-00007A for an athletic field on a 38.7-acre portion of Tax Map No. 64-20-0-4-T at 12575 West Creek Parkway. The property is zoned Industrial, Limited (M-1). The Conditional Use Permit is required by County Zoning Ordinance Section 15-262. The Comprehensive Plan designates this area as Prime Economic Development. District 4 - RZ-2022-00006 Application by PDC TN/FL LPIV, LLC requesting a rezoning of 105.038 acres from Agricultural, Limited (A-2) to Industrial, General (M-2), with proffered conditions, at 1990 Ashland Road on Tax Map Nos. 47-1-0-107-0, 47-1-0-108-0, 47-1-0-109-0, and 48-1-0-18-0. The Comprehensive Plan designates this area as Flexible. District 4 - CU-2022-00007 Application by PDC TN/FL LPIV, LLC requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow building height up to 120’ on 105.038 acres at 1990 Ashland Road on Tax Map Nos. 47-1-0-107-0, 47-1-0-108-0, 47-1-0-109-0, and 48-1-0-18-0. The property is currently zoned Agricultural, Limited (A-2). The applicant is requesting the property be rezoned to Industrial, General (M-2) in companion case RZ-2022-00006. The Conditional Use Permit is required in the Industrial, General (M-2) District by County Zoning Ordinance Section 15-273. The Comprehensive Plan designates this area as Flexible.
Meeting accommodations including interpreters are provided upon request (804) 746-1235 • Toll Free (877) 888-0449 P.O. Box 1118, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 News: news@goochlandgazette.com Advertising: sales@goochlandgazette.com Classifieds: classifieds@goochlandgazette.com
Telephone: 556-5811 (TDD 711 (Virginia Relay)) E-mail: countyadmin@goochlandva.us. Website: www.goochlandva.us.
Thursday
12
July 14, 2022
Serving Goochland County
CLASSIFIEDS: Call (804) 746-1235 x 3 to place an ad.
Since 1955
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Custom Built Storage Sheds, Barns, Garages and Animal Buildings
Tye’s Antiques Your 1 stop shop for all Restoration • Refinishing • Caning • Rush • Upholstery
Call Tom Tye at (804) 484-4451
www.tyesantiques.com Email Tom at luvitold@comcast.net
Southside Virginia’s Oldest Storage Shed Manufacturer 1627 Anderson Hwy, Cumberland VA 23040 *Pricing Online www.buggytop.com buggytop18@outlook.com 804-492-4444 Like us on Facebook
$105
Initial Pest Control Treatment
Family Owned and Operated Since 1974
Installs & Service — Residential & Commercial Duct Cleaning • Air Quality Testing • Tankless Water Heaters
804-784-4354 • www.hh-heatingcooling.com
15% OFF
ANY SERVICE CALL
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Price Match Guarantee
FREE
Termite Inspection Call for Details
$105 per quarter up to $3,000 Sq.Ft.
Does Not Include Real Estate Inspections
With this coupon, New Customers Only. Exp. 08/31/2022
With this coupon, New Customers Only. Exp. 08/31/2022
$55/ Mos
Mosquito Treatment up to 1/4 Acre
With this coupon, New Customers Only. Exp. 08/31/2022
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 40 YEARS 804-794-7738 www.spencespestcontrol.com
VA Master Plumber Lic. #2710069383
We Service ALL your plumbing needs.
ROOFING & WINDOWS
Working Owner and Operator
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
Call Today! 804-405-8979
804-708-1234 • crownroofingva.com
Learn more of our efficient and safe water filtration systems.
Free Water Testing Call us at 804-598-6359 or visit us at certh2o.com
Specializing In Quality Fencing Privacy • Chain Link • Vinyl • Aluminum • Split Rail • Custom Wood • Board • Farm Fencing & Repair
(804) 357-8920
— FREE ESTIMATES — lawsonfencing@netzero.net Licensed & Insured
JSJ PLUMBING CORP. “Serving Goochland & Surrounding Counties” New Construction, Renovations & Repairs, Water Filters, Well Pumps, Gas Piping, Light Commercial 342 Robertson Town Road Bumpass, VA
25 Years Experience 804-556-3472 • C 804-241-6513 Fax 804-556-9162 Family Owned & Operated lisa.jsjcorp@gmail.com Licensed & Insured
Standard Roofing Co.
Ricky Stephens
SERVING CENTRAL VIRGINIA WITH QUALITY WATER FOR OVER 36 YEARS!
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
Roofing
RICKY STEPHENS PLUMBING NJ MPL #12851
LAWSON FENCING, LLC.
784-7027 Hotline 837-7240 No job too small - all types of roofing FREE Estimates
Licensed/Insured
TO PROMOTE YOUR SERVICES IN THIS DIRECTORY, CALL 746-1235 X2 OR EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@GOOCHLANDGAZETTE.COM