The Goochland Gazette – 07/08/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Goochland publisher, Louisa author earn gold for ‘Horn’ book > page 3

Volume 66 Number 26 • July 8, 2021

Partnership marks ‘major milestone’ in effort to bring broadband to entire county

School Board OKs contract for new GES Virginia-based firm MBP tapped to head up project, vote still needed on funding

Contributed Report

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

While it remains to be seen if Goochland voters will support a bond referendum on the ballot this November to incur a $60 million debt for a new elementary school, the Goochland School Board voted recently to sign a contract with a construction management firm to oversee the project. On June 8, board members voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with McDonough Bolyard Peck (MBP), a Virginia-based company that specializes in building schools. The $585,709 contract is one that school division leaders have given plenty of consideration, said Goochland County Public School Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley. “Building a new school is not something that happens every day,” said Raley, “and we want to make sure that any work we do to build this project is representative of the community, is a school building that we can be proud of, and is a school building that represents the hard work of our tax payers and the dollars see School > 3

A thrilling finale to the Fourth

Photo by Angela Allen

The Goochland Middle School parking lot proved a great place to take in the county’s wildly popular Fourth of July fireworks display, which returned last Sunday after being on hiatus due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Efforts to significantly expand broadband internet service in Goochland County moved forward with the announcement of a regional partnership among nine Central Virginia counties and the energy utilities serving the region. Goochland County, Dominion Energy Virginia, Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to advance a regional partnership that aims to deliver fiber-optic broadband service to unserved and underserved households and businesses, subject to regulatory approvals. The project is intended to cover all possible locations in Goochland that do not have access to broadband meeting the minimum qualifying service speeds that the Commonwealth of Virginia has established, which are 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload from a fixed wireless or wired connection. Dominion and REC are both installing fiber to improve system reliability and resiliency. Firefly will then lease the “middle-mile” fiber to provide broadband access. see Broadband > 2

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July 8, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

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The Goochland Animal Shelter, located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in Goochland, has the following pets available to a good home: A neutered male Lab mix, about 3 years old; a black and white neutered male kitten, about 14 weeks old; and a neutered male pointer, about 2-3 years old. The Goochland Animal Shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The facility has many lost dog and cat fliers posted. For more information on these pets, as well as the many more still in need of homes at the Goochland Animal Shelter, call (804) 556-5302. You also can visit the shelter on Facebook at “Goochland County Animal Control.”

Broadband continued from >1 “This partnership marks a major milestone in the County’s efforts to ensure reliable, high-speed broadband internet services for all Goochland households and businesses,” said John L. Lumpkins Jr., chair of the

“This partnership marks a major milestone in the county’s efforts to ensure reliable, highspeed broadband internet services for all Goochland households and businesses.” — John L. Lumpkins Jr.

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Goochland County Board of Supervisors. “Broadband internet is essential for access to education services, new

job opportunities, attracting new businesses, and supporting rural agriculture in the County.” Fostering partnerships with providers to incentivize expansion of service to unserved and underserved areas of the county is a priority of the County’s 10 Steps to Broadband Internet Initiative. How to be sure your home or business is included: Please visit www.fireflyva.com/rise/ from your home computer using your home internet connection and follow the link to complete a short survey providing your address and what internet service options you have. If you only have access to satellite or cell phone for internet service, you are considered unserved. If you have connections to a fixed wireless service or have DSL or other phone service and your speeds do not reliably meet the 25/3 threshold, you are considered unserved. If you have fixed wireless or wired internet ser-

vice, you will be asked to run a speed test once you have completed the survey; satellite or cell phone services will not be required to run the speed test. It is important that you visit www.fireflyva.com/rise/ and complete the survey from your home computer using your home internet connection. The regional partnership includes the localities of Albemarle, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Louisa, and Powhatan along with Dominion Energy Virginia, Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, a whollyowned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. The project is intended to cover all possible locations in these localities that do not have access to broadband meeting the minimum qualifying service speeds that the Commonwealth of Virginia has established which are 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload from a fixed wireless or wired connection.

Taking a look back at St. Gertrude’s 2021 basketball season PAGE 10 Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ........................... 14 Letters .................................... 6 Obituaries .............................. 4 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports ...............................9-10 TV Listings ......................11-13

CONTACT US Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 Office - (804) 746-1235 Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 819-5529 Melody Kinser Managing Editor (804) 775-4622 Fax: (804) 344-8746 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor (540) 728-0549 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746

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Serving Goochland County

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

July 8, 2021

Since 1955

Goochland publisher, Louisa author win gold for ‘The Hunting Horn’ Contributed report

The Hunting Horn, written by Grosvenor Merle-Smith, of Louisa, and published by Dementi Milestone Publishing, of Manakin Sabot, was awarded a gold medal as the outstanding nonfiction book in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This year’s contest drew over 4,500 entries from 46 U. S. states, Canada, Europe and Australia. The award is designated as an IPPY and is presented by the Independent Publishers’ Association. Grosvenor Merle-Smith, the author, who is an ex-MFH and huntsman of numerous packs created an extensive resource book on the History of the English Hunting Horn used primarily for fox hunting from the 18th century to the present day. Exquisite photographs, interesting period graphics and historical descriptions of the huntsmen that used them from America’s first President, George Washington to Parson Jack Russell.

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Library set to host coding workshop

School

Contributed Report The Pamunkey Regional Library will be hosting a CoderDojo workshop on Saturday, July 31, from 2 - 4 p.m. This program is for those ages 8 & up. Learn how to develop logic-based coding skills and use creative problem-solving with Scratch. Go to https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/7687561 to sign up. For more information, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

that support public education. It is critical that we get this right.” In addition to the new elementary school at the corner of Bulldog Way and Steeplechase Parkway, the requested $60 million would be used to create a 34,000 square foot addition on the side of the county high school to be used for Career and Technical Education and STEM programs, as well as the creation of a wrestling facility and an auxiliary gymnasium.

continued from >1

Parking lot and bus loop improvements at the county’s high school and middle school complex would also be part of the package. Raley noted that the new debt incurred for the project is not expected to result in a tax increase for residents. Jim Yatzek with MBP assured those in attendance that his firm is committed to delivering an excellent new facility that will be reflective of the community. “It is important to get this right,” Yatzek said, “so that this school can continue serving the community for the next 60-70 years.”

If all goes according to plan, said Yatzek, the school is expected to be completed by August of 2024. Raley acknowledged that there some uncertainty will remain about the path forward until the voters decide the debt question in November, but said school leaders felt the need to begin laying the groundwork for the project as soon as possible. “We don’t want to get too far ahead of this process,” Raley said, “but if we are to open this school [in 2024] work needs to begin behind the scenes so that we can be on time for that.”

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Thursday

July 8, 2021

Obituary ROBERT A. MANNELL Mr. Robert Alley Mannell, 87, of Richmond and Deltaville, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord June 23, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joan Magee Mannell. Also surviving are his son, Robert Benjamin “Ben” Mannell and his wife, Ashley Mannell and their children, Clementine, C h l o e and Clara; d a u g h t e r, Lindsay G r o s e MANNELL and her husband, Michael Grose and their children, Lara, Samantha, Grace and Jacob. The family will receive friends for a memorial service on July 14 at 11 a.m., followed by food and refreshments at Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Rd., Midlothian, Va. To leave condolences for Robert, please visit dignitymemorial.com/ obituaries/midlothian-va/robert-mannell-10246304.

Summer nature hikes being held at Powhatan park Contributed report

A Native Tree Hike is provided at Powhatan State Park every Tuesday morning this summer. The one hour hike, staffed by Master Naturalists, utilizes the Old Cabin Trail to help participants learn how to identify up to twenty native trees. If you are interested in joining the hike, please show up at the Picnic Area of Park at 10 am. Wear appropriate shoes for hiking and bring sufficient water to maintain hydration. More information can be obtained by calling the Park Office at (804) 598-7148.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Monthly Library Calendar have a special physical or communication need, you ask, the more you learn. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7694549. please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom Kids’ Lego Club and the meeting link will be sent to the email used Friday, July 16, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. for registration 1 day before the event occurs. If you Grades K-5. Meet other Lego fans and talk about don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, July your current creations. You can show off what 23, please contact the library. For more information you’ve made and ask questions, too! Registration or if you have a special physical or communication required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. event/7687557. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to CoderDojo Workshop the email used for registration 1 day before the event Saturday, July 31, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Ages 8 & up. occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Learn how to develop logic-based coding skills and Thursday, July 15, please contact the Atlee Branch use creative problem-solving with Scratch. Go to Library at (804) 559-0654. For more information https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7687561 or if you have a special physical or communication to sign up. This program is hosted on Discord. For need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. more information or if you have a special physiUKW Virtual Book Club cal or communication need, please contact ask@ Saturday, July 10, 11 a.m. - noon.Join us as 3D Printing at the Library Tuesday, July 20, 2 – 3 p.m. Learn about tools to pamunkeylibrary.org. we discuss Love and Ruin by Paula McClain. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary. teach yourself how to design 3D objects, download libcal.com/event/7808640. This program is hosted free 3D files, and how to get them printed at the On Demand Videos virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will library. Registration required at https://pamunkeyRainbow Puppets: Amazon Adventures be sent to the email used for registration 1 day library.libcal.com/event/7822637. This program is Monday, June 28 – Sunday, July 11. Enjoy a before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting virtual show of Rainbow Puppets’ Amazon reminder email on Friday, July 9, please contact the link will be sent to the email used for registration Adventures! Featuring fun and creepy creatures UKW Branch Library at (804) 769-3731. For more 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive from the Amazon including a giant anaconda, information or if you have a special physical or your reminder email on Monday, July 19, please piranhas, and electric eels. Starting June 28, go to communication need, please contact ask@pamun- contact the Atlee Branch Library at (804) 559-0654. https://tinyurl.com/prlsummerreading to find out For more information or if you have a special physi- how to see the video. For more information or if keylibrary.org. cal or communication need, please contact ask@ you have a special physical or communication need, pamunkeylibrary.org. please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. Atlee Virtual Book Club Wednesday, July 14, 11 a.m. - noon.This month’s Leave It, Roll It, Move It, Take It Invisible Ink title is Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. Registration Tuesday, July 20, 6 – 7 p.m. Learn how to handle Premieres Tuesday, July 6. Grades K-8. Earn is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/7822685. This program is hosted virtually your 401K or other retirement plans with Justin some spy skills and follow along with our video to through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to Williams with Edward Jones Financial. Registration learn how to write a secret message with invisible the email used for registration 1 day before the event required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ ink. Starting July 6, go to https://www.youtube. occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on event/7808603. This program is hosted virtually com/user/pamunkeylibrary or https://tinyurl.com/ Tuesday, July 13, please contact the Atlee Branch through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent prlteens to see the video. For more information or if Library at (804) 559-0654. For more information to the email used for registration 1 day before the you have a special physical or communication need, or if you have a special physical or communication event occurs. If you don’t receive your remind- please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. er email on Monday, July 19, please contact the Animals of Legend and Lore with the Virginia Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at (804) 749Storytime for Grownups Living Museum Premieres Wednesday, July 14. Storytime is not 3146. For more information or if you have a special Thursday, July 15, 2 – 2:30 p.m. Grades K-5. physical or communication need, please contact just for kids! If you like to be read to, join us for a monthly short story for adults. Starting July 14, Gather around and listen to the lore behind some of ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. go to https://www.youtube.com/user/pamunkeyyour favorite spooky animals. Visit with the animals library or https://tinyurl.com/prladults to see the of Virginia Living Museum and hear of the legends Eyes of the Wild: Zanimal Show! and learn why these animals are spectacular, not Saturday, July 24, 11 – 11:45 a.m. The show will video. For more information or if you have a special scary! Registration required at https://pamunkey- feature Eyes of the Wild’s amazing rescued wild- physical or communication need, please contact library.libcal.com/event/7656528. This program is life. You might see a Patagonian Cavy or maybe a ask@pamunkeylibrary.org. hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting Veiled Chameleon catching his lunch! We’ll discuss Kitchen Close-ups: Veggie Pizza Bars link will be sent to the email used for registration the animals, their habitats, and things you can do Premieres Friday July 16 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive to help preserve the environment and protect the your reminder email on Wednesday, July 14, please amazing animals with whom we share our planet! see Calendar > 13 contact the library. For more information or if you Be prepared to ask some questions too - the more Creating Backyard Habitat Wednesday, July 7, 2 – 3 p.m. Beth Farmer, owner of Garden Gate Landscape & Design, shows how even a small yard can be landscaped to be a good wildlife habitat with a combination of native trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses to provide shelter and food. Registration is required at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/7822545. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email used for registration 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Tuesday, July 6, please contact the Ashland Branch Library at (804) 798-4072. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

Thursday

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

July 8, 2021

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

To those facing addiction, she offers a lifeline Peer Recovery specialist Robyn Hantelman leans on training and personal experience to help people find a path to recovery By Roslyn Ryan Editor

ften when people meet Robyn Hantelman, it is on one of the worst days of their lives. Hantelman, a Recovery Coordinator with Goochland Powhatan Community Services (GPCS), works with those facing the scourge of opioid addiction, offering them a path forward after the disease has ravaged their lives. Working closely with a team of mental health professionals, Hantelman often slips into people’s lives immediately following a crisis of some kind, such as an overdose, and assists in helping them craft a path to recovery. “What we are seeing is the fact that people just don’t know where to go,” says Hantelman, who describes her role with GPCS as one in which she tries to “meet HANTELMAN people where they are.” Sometimes that means helping someone connect immediately with recovery services. Other times it may involve providing a person struggling with addiction access to harm-reduction tools such as Naloxone — used to treat overdose emergencies and often referred to by the brand name Narcan — or test strips that will tell them if the drugs they are using contain fentanyl, an often deadly additive. She tells people that she isn’t there to get them in trouble or force them into recovery, she is simply there to help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of drug overdose deaths in the United States has quadrupled since 1999, and over 70 percent of the 70,630 overdose deaths in 2019 involved an opioid. Many of the deaths since 2013 have involved synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Through Hantelman’s work with the Rural Overdose and Outreach Team (ROOT) project, a collaborative effort between GPCS and the Powhatan-based Emergency Services Solutions, she sees scores of people for whom opioid addiction has become a virtual prison. And regardless of where she meets them, or where they are in their journey, Hantelman

Help available for family, friends of those struggling with drug addiction The Rural Overdose and Outreach Team (ROOT), will be hosting meetings for friends and family of those impacted by the disease of addiction. The Stronger Together program will meet at the Powhatan County VRS building (3920 Marion Harland Lane, Powhatan, Va. 23139) on the first and third Wednesdays of each month beginning July 7. This is a hybrid event, and anyone who would prefer to attend via Zoom is welcome to do so. The meeting ID is 980 9078 6534 and the password is “family.” For more information call (804) 613-8856 or e-mail rhantelman@goochlandva.us.

arrives with the understanding that many addicts are desperately to reclaim their lives. “People do want recovery,” she explains. “They just don’t know how to start.” *** If Hantelman seems particularly sensitive to the plight of people facing opioid addiction, it is because she knows their struggle first-hand.

MetroCreative photo

Now over three years into her own recovery journey, Hantelman first encountered opioid drugs the way so many others have: in a doctor’s office. Prescribed powerful medication after a string of health issues, Hantelman says she found herself reeling when doctors — watching the opioid crisis beginning to unfold — would no longer prescribe her the drugs. The former cheerleader and National Honor Society student, now caught in the grip of addiction, would soon see her life begin spiraling out of control. As Hantelman puts it, she was on the brink of losing nearly everything — including her marriage and her son — when she finally found her path to recovery. Because Hantelman is a recovering addict herself, she is intimately familiar with the other side of the addiction battle: she doesn’t just help other addicts to embrace the daily challenges of recovery, she lives in the space herself. Several years ago, she made the decision to become a Peer Recovery Specialist, a role that requires state certification and makes use of the life experiences of those recovering from addiction and those who have struggled with mental health challenges. Now she is one of only around

800 such specialists in the state, and the only one currently working for GPCS. Asked if she had any concerns that becoming a Peer Recovery Specialist would pose a threat to her own recovery — the work can be emotionally draining, after all —Hantelman admits that she did at first. “It’s a balancing act,” she says, but also a challenge she feels called to take on. “We keep what we gain in recovery by giving it away. Doing this work—it helps me too.” For more information about services available at the Community Services Board, including Recovery Supports, please contact the CSB at (804) 556-5400 and ask for Robyn Hantelman. Goochland Powhatan Community Services (GPCS) Crisis/Emergency Services are available to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis in Goochland or Powhatan counties 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (804) 556-3716. The CSB also offers a Same-Day Access Unit to help individuals start mental health or drug and alcohol treatment services, as well as to assist individuals in times of mental health crisis. Other services specific to substance use disorder provided at GPCS include Outpatient Therapy, Case Management, and Psychiatric Medication Management.

Thursday

July 8, 2021

Serving Goochland County

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Since 1955

Instrument brings back memory of great man By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

The family that swims together wins together Joe (2nd) and Katie (3rd) Hardman and Cheryl Smith (2nd) placed in their respective age groups in the Annual Fourth of July swim at Lake Monticello. Contributed photo

Seeing privilege often requires taking the long view By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Ask yourself this: What makes a person privileged? I’m probably not going to be named to any prestigious Who’s Who lists in the immediate future, but I guess, by some people’s stan-

dard, I’ve achieved a certain degree of “success”: I have a job, a house, a car that mostly runs. My bills get paid and I enjoy a vacation now and then. These days, however, some might look at my life and the modest gains I’ve achieved and suggest that at least some of it has been due

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Joy Monopoli

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Melody Kinser

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Roslyn Ryan

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Denine D’Angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com Nick Vandeloecht nvandeloecht@powhatantoday.com Tom Haynie

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to white privilege, that lighteningrod concept that has set fire to a million Facebook comment sections and left plenty of television commentators foaming at the mouth. And to those people, I would very respectfully say just one thing: I agree with you. Why? Because it’s true.

I can all but guarantee you that no one in my family ever partook in the evils of slavery. But that certainly doesn’t mean that they did not enjoy certain benefits that others did not, simply because of their skin color. Yes, they had plenty of see Privilege > 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. Send letters to: The Goochland Gazette 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@goochlandgazette.com © 2021 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 8,014.

The old accordion rests on a small table among other artifacts in my sister’s living room as a silent, but solemn, tribute to the man who played it. I suppose to some it would seem an odd accessory to display, but to those who knew him, nothing could better capture the nature of a man than that old well-worn Hohner accordion. Few of us have the distinction of being instantly remembered by a single object. My uncle obtained the instrument while serving in the Army during and after World War II, and dragged it home with a collection of German beer steins and other acquisitions from his extended tour of the country. He left behind a community of friends, relationships and memories of what he once told me were some of the best years of his life. But to the benefit of all that encountered him, Uncle Dudley did return to Gaithersburg, Maryland, and his dream of returning to Germany remained unfulfilled until late in his life. But, the memories of his stay remained strong throughout his life. We knew none of this as we gathered around him as children and begged him to play the accordion. On some occasions, he’d tease for hours as we waited eagerly and suffered a severe sense of disappointment when he would wander close to the instrument, but not pick it up. And, when it seemed all hope was lost and the long-awaited concert would not occur, he’d scoop up the finely-tuned squeeze box and belt out a series of tunes, all recognizable. In retrospect, I suspect his actual musical ability on the accordion see Dudley > page 7

Thursday

July 8, 2021

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

Serving Goochland County

Camp named Habitat Goochland’s executive director Contributed Report Habitat for Humanity Goochland County has selected Jamie Camp, a career marketing and development leader, as its next executive director. Camp will succeed Beth Moore, who served as executive director for four years. CAMP

“Jamie is a positive and energetic development professional. She has a clear plan to expand our organization’s reach with the community we serve,” said Habitat Goochland Board President Brad Duty. “The board is excited to work with Jamie as our new executive director and confident that Habitat Goochland will be strongly positioned under her guidance to thrive and grow in the years to come.”

Prior to joining Habitat Goochland, Camp has served as a higher education consultant focusing on workforce solutions, development, and communication. She was formerly the director of development at a small state college where she created and managed a large outdoor festival and built relationships in the community. “I appreciate the board’s confidence in me, and I look forward

to working with them and the Goochland community. Habitat Goochland has been in existence for almost 25 years, and I feel it is the best kept nonprofit secret in Goochland. I am here to help change that and to bring awareness to our organization and the work our board and volunteers do to strengthen this community. It’s an incredible story built by remarkable people and I can’t wait to tell it.”

Your Health

Use caution to prevent heat stroke this summer Remain aware of danger signs, drink plenty of water Contributed Report Summer weather draws many people outside. Warm air and sunshine can be hard to resist, even when temperatures rise to potentially dangerous levels. Sunburn may be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of spending too much time soaking up summer sun. But while sunburn is a significant health problem that can increase a person’s risk for skin cancer, it poses a less immediate threat than heat stroke, a well-known yet often misunderstood condition. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency and the most severe form of heat illness that results from long,

Privilege continued from >6 their own obstacles to overcome and earned the right to be proud of what they accomplished. Yes, plenty of other ethnic groups (including my hardworking Irish and Italian forbearers) faced discrimination and prejudice. But, for as many generations as there

extreme exposure to the sun. During this exposure, a person’s built-in cooling system may fail to produce enough sweat to lower body his or her body temperature, putting his or her life at risk as a result. Heat stroke develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can prove fatal. The elderly, infants, people whose occupations require them to work outdoors, and the mentally ill are among the people with an especially high risk of heat stroke. Obesity and poor circulation also increase a person’s risk of suffering heat stroke. Alcohol and certain types of medications also can make people more at risk for heat stroke. One person may experience heat stroke differently than another. In addition, because it develops so rapidly, heat stroke can be hard to identify before a person is in serious danger. But Johns Hopkins Medicine

have been in this country, my family members also could shop in any store, attend any school, participate in any election, pursue any career path and dream almost any dream that they desired. They were able to work hard and reap the benefits of their hard work, benefits that were eventually passed on to me. And it is a privilege. Being white in America, is not, and

notes that some of the more common heat stroke symptoms include: Headache, Dizziness, Disorientation, agitation, or confusion, Sluggishness or fatigue, Seizure, Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, High body temperature, Loss of consciousness, Rapid heartbeat, and Hallucinations.

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and sports drinks that can help your body maintain its electrolyte balance, when spending time outdoors. In addition, avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, soda and tea as well as alcohol.

Wear lightweight, tightly woven and loose-fitting clothing in light colors. Always wear a hat and sunglasses when going outdoors, and use an umbrella on especially hot days. Take frequent drinks during The simplest way to prevent heat outdoor activities and mist yourself stroke is to avoid spending time out- with a spray bottle to reduce the likedoors in the sun on hot days. If lihood of becoming overheated. you must go outdoors, do so when Heat stroke is a serious threat temperatures are mild and the sun on hot summer days. Because heat is low, such as in the early morning stroke can escalate rapidly, people or evening. must be especially cautious and In addition to being wise about mindful of their bodies when spendwhen you spend time in the sun, you ing time outdoors in the summer. can do the following to prevent heat —MetroCreative stroke.

has never been, a first-class ticket to a life of ease and luxury. Unless you were born into wealth, there remains just one way to get it: White, Black, Brown or any other shade, you have to earn it. But to deny that it has never had any advantages is to turn a blind eye to historical fact. Whether you can see my privilege or not, I assure you it’s always been

there. And I’m OK with that. It doesn’t mean I didn’t work hard for what I have, or that I never had any hardships to face. It simply means that when it came time to find a seat at the table, my place there was never in question. As I heard a wise man mention in an address to a local organization recently, “I’m not here to tell you what to think. I’m just trying to make sure

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Dudley continued from >6 was limited. It’s not an easy instrument to play, and, to my knowledge, he had no formal training. His routine was always the same. He closed his eyes and searched through a few chords for a starting point, and then joined in with a melody tapped out on tiny keys on the opposite end of the bellows. His foot tapped like a bass drum as he performed his melodies, and the most patriotic of tunes required an accompanying march around my grandmother’s large dining room table. And, yes, he took requests and somehow, could always devise something that sounded familiar to your request. Although he always seemed hesitant to perform and, at some times, the expressions on his face were almost painful as he played a song, Uncle Dudley played that accordion for hundreds of children throughout the years. I’m not sure what motivated him, but I thought in later life the accordion was his personal reminder of a life that might have been, far away in a different country. Dudley maintained relationships with many of his old German friends, and, as a child, I remember him speaking of Fritz and other German friends. I hope that old accordion maintains its well-deserved place of dignity in years to come. Perhaps, few will remember the story of Uncle Dudley and his accordion, but for the dozens of a generation who grew up with the man and that musical instrument, it will remind us of his kindness, compassion and ability to make special memories that last a lifetime. And for those of us who were lucky enough to benefit from his compassion and love of family, one glance at that old accordion tells the story.

you have all the facts.” Believing that being white has not historically bestowed certain benefits, or that white privilege as a concept doesn’t exist, simply flies in the face of reason. Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, changing history — or reality — is one privilege none of us have.

Thursday

July 8, 2021

CLASS OF 2021 GRADUATION

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Photo by Wendell Powell Studios

Benedictine College Preparatory Class of 2021

St. Gertrude High School Class of 2021

Photo by Wendell Powell Studios

Thursday

July 8, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

From left: Members of Saint Gertrude’s girls basketball team celebrate winning the VISAA Division I state championship over Catholic, 56-36, on Feb. 26, 2021, in the McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion; Saint Getrude player Erin Woodson (4) is introduced in the starting lineup by Class of 2021 student-athlete and captain Kaitlin Puccinelli during a 2020-21 season game.

Winter scenes from 2020-21 for Benedictine, Saint Gertrude This past winter season was a special one in that it not only featured the debut of varsity basketball games in the brand new, state-of-the art McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion at Benedictine’s campus in Goochland County, but it also ushered in a new era with Saint Gertrude’s girls basketball team making the transition from Richmond to Goochland County and playing its home season in the Pavilion. Saint Gertrude went on to win the VISAA Division I state championship and finish the year with a final record of 15-3. Benedictine’s boys basketball team, led by head coach Mark Royster, went 7-5 and concluded the season in the VISAA Division I state semifinals. Royster, according to Richmond Times-Dispatch reporter Zach Joachim in early June, is stepping back after coaching in the Cadets program for 26 seasons. He took the head coaching role in 2018 and also served on the committee that helped design the new McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion. Joachim of the Times-Dispatch highlighted Royster’s hopes to take a step back, gain a different perspective and take a much-needed break after a taxing year of coaching through the pandemic, as well as his plans to remain closely involved with the Benedictine community; he hopes to cheer on his Cadets from the stands in a packed McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion next season.

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

From left: Benedictine’s Anthony Fisher goes for the basket in the lane; Whit Williams (5) and Cody Herman defend; Kate Samson (44) goes for a layup; Nan Kerner (3) attempts a jumper.

Thursday

July 8, 2021

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

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Photos by Nick Vandeloecht/Goochland Gazette

From left: Max Moreno works to pin an Amelia opponent, Gabby Ragone contests an Amelia player for a loose ball and Reid Dameron hauls in a loose ball as Jack Hoffler (11) looks on.

Scenes: Goochland 2021 winter sports in review Staff Reports

Goochland High School’s winter teams were the first from the school to compete following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The boys (6-5) and girls basketball teams (3-5) both reached their respective regional tournaments. Goochland’s wrestlers placed fourth in the region and saw Ayden Doczi and Alex Rosenbaum place third and John Summitt, Jordan Duke, Corey Vincent, Riley Hite and Max Moreno all finish fourth. In a non-COVID year, all seven would have gone to states. In swimming, Anneliese Rogerson competed individually and as part of a relay with teammates Bayleigh Allen, Abby Pillion and Madalynn Thompson at states. In indoor track and field, Tyler Black won his first regional and state championships in the pole vault with respective leaps of 13 feet, 6 inches and 13 feet. Kam Holman goes for a layup, Emmy Paulin puts the ball up in the post, De’Andre Robinson maintains possession and Reese Vincent reacts after a pin.

From left: Adele Wheatley swims the breaststroke leg of the girls 200-yard individual medley, Taylor Whitfield claims possession of the basketball and Lucas Edwards swims the freestyle.

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