The Goochland Gazette – 01/19/2023

job-seekers

All the rage: What is fueling the anger seen on roadways these days? See Page 6

County unveils new tourism plan focusing on local dining, historic sites

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

Local residents have always known what a special place Goochland County is, and now county leaders are looking to spread the word and bring in revenue at the same time.

On Jan. 3, county supervisors gave their unanimous stamp of approval to Goochland’s new five-year Tourism Strategic Plan, a document created through a partnership between the county’s Economic Development and Parks and Recreation departments that outlines how the county will seek to draw tourists to the county’s considerable dining, recreation and historic offerings.

“We believe increasing our tourism presence will help existing businesses and expand the county’s revenue base,” said Goochland economic development director Sara Worley, who presented the plan during the board of supervisors’ January meeting.

THE THREE “R”S: ROTARY, RANDOLPH AND READING

School board approves contract for new GES

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

At their meeting on Jan. 10, the Goochland County School Board voted 5-0 to approve a contract for $44,906,315 with Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. for the construction of the new Goochland Elementary School. The Goochland County Board of Supervisors

voted unanimously to appropriate the necessary funding for the project at their Jan. 3 meeting.

“We are excited to move this project forward and are very grateful for the support of the board of supervisors,” division superintendent Jeremy Raley said. “Unexpected cost increases

may have jeopardized this project, however, through collaboration, teamwork and perseverance, we are now able to construct a school that will meet the needs of our students, teachers and community for decades to come.”

The initial design for the project began in September 2021 as staff

worked alongside the school division’s project management firm, MBP, and the project architect, Stantec. Several design adjustments were made throughout the process to account for factors associated with soaring inflation

INSIDE: Program offers support, mentorship for

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Members of the Goochland Rotary Club stopped by Randolph Elementary School last Friday to drop off copies of the book “A boy called Bat.” Each student received a copy of the book as part of the Rotary Club’s effort to support student literacy. For more photos from the event, see page 5.

Worley

Program works to uplift, empower local job-seekers

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

For people looking to enter—or, in many cases, reenter—the workforce— charting the course ahead can prove particularly daunting. Even if they know the direction in which they want to head, potential job-seekers may still lack the resources, support or training to find long-term, meaningful work.

According to Scott Summers, a volunteer with the international nonprofit Jobs for Life (JfL), these are exactly the kinds of challenges his organization seeks to address.

For the past several years, Goochland’s JfL chapter has been offering the program’s 16-lesson series of classes aimed at helping connect people seeking employment with the guidance, skills and mentorship they need to succeed.

Sponsored by Hope Church and held at the GoochlandCares facility on River Road in the Courthouse area, the weekly classes are biblically based and cover topics such as creating an action plan, building a resume and improving interview and networking skills.

Classes always begin with a meal, a part of the program Summers says is about more than just getting a quick bite to eat.

“It’s really about fellowship with the instructors and the other participants,” he noted, explaining that the meals are typically purchased or prepared by volunteers with the program.

Other volunteers, including business leaders from the local community, step in to teach the weekly classes and provide mentorship and skill development. Participants complete homework assignments and work diligently on how to approach potential employers and how to prepare for interviews.

The key, Summers said, is showing people that their goals are in reach and providing a clear pathway to get there. Each participant is assigned a mentor—referred to in the program as a champion—to offer support, guidance, assistance and a sense of community that helps the student complete the course and overcome employment barriers.

COVID-19 dealt a blow to the program’s momentum, Summers said, but he and other volunteers remain committed to reviving a resource he said has already helped many local residents to find full-time work.

While the JfL program is rooted in Biblical teachings, Summers pointed out that participants do not need to identify as Christian to take part.

“We’re not trying to convert anybody,” he said. “But we do want them to know that they are loved. We love them, God loves them and that can only have a positive effect.”

Goochland’s Jobs for Life program is currently organizing its next series of classes. For more information, contact Ginger Lowery at Goochlandjfl@ gmail.com.

GOOCHLAND HISTORY REVEALED

YEARS AGO, COAL WAS BIG BUSINESS IN GOOCHLAND

Between 1770 and 1780, coal mining in the Manakin area became as established industry. In 1836, it was estimated that almost three million bushels of coal from the richmond Coal Field, including Manakin, were shipped annually from richmond and Manchester to cities along the East Coast. For much of the 19th century, Manakin was dominated by the dover Mining Company. In addition to its mining activities, the company owned a commissary, a farm, a smithy, a sawmill, a gristmill and houses for managers and workers. The dover Company Commissary, pictured here, stood until the 1920s, when it was dismantled for it’s brick.

RECENT PROPERTY TRANSFERS

3 parcels, Readers Branch; Readers Branch Partners LLC to Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC, $40,500.

12326 Beech Hall Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Sharada Muthusubramanian, $761,969.

2506 Carver Oaks Court, Rockville; W.V. McClure Inc. to Michael Forstbauer Morris, $598,527.

Lot 1, Crossroads West; Bryan A. Mott to Bruce M. Nuckols, $220,000.

Lot 3, Section 2, Grand Ridge; Starwood Corp. to Joshua Saxon Kelley, $335,000.

Lot 5, Farms at Hadensville; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Melissa Y.

Spencer, $339,950.

Lots 58 and 59, Section 2A, Mosaic at West Creek; HHHunt Mosaic LLC to Schell Brothers Richmond LLC, $277,858.

15642 Mosaic Creek Blvd., Richmond; Style Craft Homes Inc. of Virginia to Derek Robert Woolwine, $525,165.

Parcel; SRF-Goochland LLC to John-Paul Pluta, $225,009.

12360 S Readers Drive, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Michael R. Bray, $697,388.

2475 Shady Oaks Trail, Maidens; Sara Elizabeth Smith Rowe, trustee to Michael L. Salisbury, $438,000.

13 E Square Lane, Rich-

mond; Richard E. Dolan Jr., trustee to Warren Maxwell Pace Jr., $850,000.

12025 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to Dolores G. Harvey, $492,150.

2.259 acres; Origin Medical Group LLC to J.R. Walker & Co. LLC, $275,000.

12317 Beech Hall Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Michael D. Guerin III, trustee, $663,000.

2505 Carver Oaks Court, Rockville; W.V. McClure Inc. to John Michael Rich, $670,936.

5151 Georges Farm Lane, Goochland; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Mark E. Weatherford, $450,000.

Gators win three games in five days PAGE 7 ALSO Calendar ........................... 4 Obituaries 4 Opinion ............................. 6 sports 7-8 Classifieds ................... 9-10

CONTACT US

Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 Office - (804) 746-1235

Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 819-5529

Laura McFarland Managing Editor (804) 363-1577

Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956

Robby Fletcher sports Editor (804) 380-0497

Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746

Denine D’Angelo Production Manager (804) 775-4624

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GOOCHLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HONORS FORMER COURT

CLERK AGNEW

now retired, longtime Goochland County clerk of the circuit court dale W agnew received a resolution of recognition from the Goochland County Board of supervisors on Jan. 3. agnew retired at the end of last year after 40 years of service. Pictured here, from left to right, are supervisors Charlie Vaughters, Ken Peterson and neil spoonhower, agnew, and supervisors susan Lascolette and John Lumpkins.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY

Move by VDOT aimed at helping prevent damage to overpasses from tall vehicles

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recently installed overheight vehicle detection systems on five interstate segments approaching the cities of Richmond, Colonial Heights and Petersburg. The systems were installed primarily to help prevent damage to interstate overpasses with a short vertical height clearance in the cities by alerting overheight vehicles before they reach the bridge. Visible alerts now signal drivers to pull over in designated areas to make alternate plans and prevent bridge strikes.

The new detection systems will flag overheight vehicles at the following locations:

„ I-95 north at mile marker 41.5 (Templeton) in Prince George County

„

I-64 west at mile marker 207.4 (two miles east of Bottoms Bridge) in New Kent County

„

I-95 south mile marker 88.7 (just south of Lewistown Road) in Hanover County

nance engineer. “Many of the overpasses within city limits have existing low vertical height clearances, and most have Richmond city utilities such as gas and water running beneath the bridge decks. The same concerns extend to bridges in Colonial Heights and Petersburg.”

lays for other drivers while those incidents are cleared.”

„

I-64 east at mile marker 172.6 (just west of Rockville) in Goochland County

„

I-85 north at mile marker 60 (one mile south of Route 460) in Dinwiddie County

“We have seen 54 bridge strikes on interstate overpasses in the City of Richmond since 2018,” said Tanveer Chowdhury, Richmond district mainte-

“Until the bridges can be replaced and the vertical height clearance raised, these warning systems will ideally reduce bridge strikes and costly damage to VDOT infrastructure and our trucking partners’ equipment,” said Robb Alexander, Richmond District traffic operations director. “Additionally, bridge strikes can close one or more lanes of traffic and cause heavy de-

The Richmond region’s first overheight detection system was installed at the Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge on Route 156 in Prince George and Charles City counties in 2017. Since its implementation, the bridge has seen a 100 percent decrease in bridge strikes and a major improvement in operations, with fewer incidents requiring drivers to use a detour route that can add up to 30 minutes to their travels. Similar systems also exist in the Hampton Roads region.

To learn more about Virginia Department of Transportation’s bridge program, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/info/bridge.asp.

OBITUARY

OBITUARIES

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18

yoga will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 4 – 5 p.m. for ages 18 and up. anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to bring a mat and join in for a yoga session that aims to promote strength, flexibility and balance. The class will be led by certified instructor, Kathleen Tsengas. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

— 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-5 with caregiver. Enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

MONDAY, JAN. 23

and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

Call

HARRIS, Shirley, 81, of Goochland, Va., passed away on January 9, 2023, with family by her side. she was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore (Buster) and Inez Lowry; her sister, doris Thurston; and brothers, Walter Lee Thurston and Theodore Lowry Jr. she is survived by her sister, Virginia a . Ward; daughter, Linda Gardener; son, Charles harris Jr.; and two grandchildren, Layla and samantha. Visitation was held January 12, 2023, at norman Funeral home in Goochland, Va., between 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services were held on January 13, 2023, beginning at 1 p.m. with Bishop ambus Bailey officiating. Interment will be held in the Greenwood Memorial Cemetery at a later date. norman Funeral Chapel will be handling the arrangements.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

THURSDAY, JAN. 19

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

The relay For Life of Goochland and Louisa planning committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. at GG’s Pizza (2031 Broad st rd in Maidens). This committee plans events to share resources on cancer prevention, detection and treatment with the community and to fundraise for the american Cancer society. all are welcome to join the committee.

Goochland Bridge Club will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 3 – 5 p.m. for those ages 18 and up. The Goochland Bridge Club is for those who want to learn how to play or those with a basic knowledge of the game. Each week there will be instruction and play time. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

Family storytime will be held at the Cochrane rockville Branch Library from10:30 — 11 a.m. Participants can enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more. Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract road for more information.

Serving Goochland

up. The Goochland Bridge Club is for those who want to learn how to play or those with a basic knowledge of the game. Each week there will be instruction and play time. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

County Since 1955 NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

Family stor ytime will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 — 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-5 with caregiver. Families will enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

TUESDAY, JAN. 24 Mystery Book Club will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 – 11 a.m. for those ages 18 and up. Participants will discuss the group’s chosen mystery title for the month. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

yoga will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for those ages 18 and up. Participants are asked to bring a mat to take part in the session, which will promote strength, flexibility and balance. The class will be led by certified instructor, Kathleen Tsengas. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

The Goochland Branch Library will host read to rover from 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. for children in grades K-5. This event will offer children the opportunity to practice reading in a relaxed environment with a trained therapy dog from Caring Canines. Call the Goochland Branch Library to reserve a time. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

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

read 2 rover will be held at the Cochrane rockville Branch Library from 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. for those in grades K-2. read 2 rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to Colby or Pepper, the library’s therapy dogs. space is limited. Call the rockville Branch at (804) 749-3146 or visit the library for more information to register for this rewarding program.

FRIDAY, JAN. 20

The rotar y Club of Goochland will welcome n eil s poonhower and Kevin Carroll, who will discuss Goochland and Central Virginia Transportation authority. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. at The residence Inn short Pump at the notch, 1800 Wilkes ridge Circle.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 yoga will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 4 – 5 p.m. for ages 18 and up. anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to bring a mat and join in for a yoga session that aims to promote strength, flexibility and balance. The class will be led by certified instructor Kathleen Tsengas. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

Family stor ytime will be held from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Goochland Branch Library for children ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Participants will enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

yoga will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for those ages 18 and up. Participants are asked to bring a mat to take part in the session, which will promote strength, flexibility and balance. The class will be led by certified instructor, Kathleen Tsengas. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

Send news items to rosyln ryan e-mail: rryan@goochlandgazette.com or call (804) 339-7956

THURSDAY, JAN. 26 a Gospel d iscussion Group hosted b y the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints will be held at Goochland Library (3075 river road West) from 7-8 p.m.

SPORTS page filler

Family stor ytime will be held at the Cochrane rockville Branch Library from10:30 — 11 a.m. Participants can enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes, and much more. Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract road for more information.

Family stor ytime will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 — 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-5 with caregiver. Families will enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

FRIDAY, JAN. 27

The rotar y Club of Goochland will welcome sally Graham, executive director of Goochland Cares. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and will be held at The residence Inn short Pump at the notch, 1800 Wilkes ridge Circle.

Do you have a sports story idea or photo to submit? E-mail Robby Fletcher at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com or call 804-380-0497

Toddler and Preschool stor ytime will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10

First Friday Films will be held from 4 — 6 p.m.at the Cochrane rockville Branch Library. all are encouraged to round up the neighborhood crew and catch a full-length feature film the first Friday of every month! Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract road for more information.

Family storytime will be held at the Cochrane rockville Branch Library from 10:30-11 a.m. Families will enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more!

Toddler and Preschool stor ytime will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 — 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-5 with caregiver. Enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes

Email: paidnotices@ timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue. Do

The Goochland Branch Library will host a program entitled “Black rebellion in Early america” from 7- 8 p.m. for those ages 18 and up. Participants will enjoy a presentation provided by the John Marshall house. This talk features Gabriel’s Conspiracy, the German Coast uprising, and nat Turner’s rebellion. refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

Family stor ytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract road for more information.

Toddler and Preschool storytime will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10-10:30 a.m. for children ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Participants will enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

MONDAY, FEB. 6

Sports story idea or photo can be submitted to Robby Fletcher at email: rfletcher@ powhatantoday. com or call 804-380-0497

The Goochland Branch Library will host Goochland Bridge Club from 3-5 p.m. for those ages 18 and

Do you have a sports story idea or photo to submit? Contact Robby Fletcher at email: rfletcher@powhatantoday.com or call 804-380-0497

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices @timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

The Goochland County Library will be hosting Cupcake Wars for kids ages 13-17 from 6 – 7 p.m. d o you enjoy cupcakes and expressing your creativity? Visit the library for a friendly and exhilarating cupcake decorating competition. registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/9750255. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

Got a news tip? email ryan@ goochlandgazatte. com if it’s important to you, it’s important to us!

Family stor ytime will be held from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Goochland Branch Library for children ages 2-5 with a caregiver.

Shirley Harris

Program offers clothing help for families

Understanding that there are many families in the Goochland community for whom meeting basic needs is a challenge, the local nonprofit Shrine of the Black Madonna Sanctuary has stepped up to help alleviate one of those burdens.

Through the organization’s Children’s Clothing Assistance Program, local families may be eligible to receive up to $50 per child per month during the school year to provide clothing and shoes, including attire for organized sports. In order to qualify for this program, the children

Board

From 1

and supply chain disruptions, all in an effort to reduce the overall cost of the project. This project will be funded using the bond financing approved by voters in November 2021 and additional local funding sources.

“Given the significant unanticipated economic changes that have taken place since we began design, we have worked diligently to adapt to those changes and

ensure that we build a school that provides the learning environment our students and staff need to thrive while also recognizing the many financial needs of our community,” Raley said. “The school board, board of supervisors, school staff and county staff all have worked to make this project a reality while upholding good stewardship of tax dollars. Our community’s children are the beneficiaries of this work, and I am extremely grateful for the unwavering support we have received for this project.”

must be Goochland residents enrolled in grades PreK through 12. Families must meet income requirements and return supporting documentation for continued eligibility in the program. For more information, visit www.blackmadonnainc.org, or call (804) 363-7578.

The school division will give an official Notice to Proceed on Jan. 12, with construction starting in a few weeks. The new Goochland Elementary School is slated to open for the 2024-2025 school year, with substantial completion expected on May 31, 2024, and final completion on June 28, 2024.

Additional information about the process and links to documents are available on the division’s website at https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/new-gesconstruction-project.

Goochland Rotary visits Randolph Elementary

In an effort to promote reading and support literacy, the Goochland Rotary Club recently visited Randolph Elementary School to donate books for the students. Pictured in the top photo is Rotarian Robin Hillman. In the bottom left photo is Goochland County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley. In the bottom right photo is Rotarian Wayne Dementi.

Tourism

From 1

According to Worley, the most recent data available shows visitors spent $44.8 million in Goochland in 2021, of which $1.8 million came back to the county in local taxes.

Worley said she and her team are hoping they can grow that figure with a focused effort highlighting the many unique entertainment and educational offerings in the county.

So what does Goochland have to rely on when it comes to drawing those tourism dollars? Plenty, said Worley, pointing to the many local craft beverage and food operations in the county, as well as outdoor recreational op-

portunities centered on the James River and the county’s many parks. Agritourism remains a significant draw for visitors thanks to the county’s many local farms and facilities such as Deep Run Hunt Club, Worley noted, and there are a plethora of interesting sites to draw in those who enjoy history.

“Goochland has great historic assets and a lot of folks don’t even know about them,” said Worley, pointing to sites such as Goochland’s Second Union Rosenwald School Museum and the county courthouse, a celebrated example of Jeffersonian architecture.

There are some issues to address, Worley said, including a noted lack of overnight accommodations in the county. Better signage will

also be need to direct visitors to local attractions.

Worley said plans are underway to create new marketing materials and a dedicated web site for the tourism initiative, and that her team is considering options such as establishing a tourism ambassador program. They would also like to work more closely with the Goochland County Historical Society—Goochland has its 400th birthday celebration coming up in 2027—and possibly attract a company that would offer river rafting or kayaking tours.

Worley and her team are also using funds received from the American Rescue Plan to create five-day trip itineraries that they hope to have finalized by the end of the month.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FROM THE EDITOR

For many, old building was more than bricks and mortar

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

I’ve always looked on with a certain envy at those who run eagerly into the future, never looking in the rearview mirror and rarely pausing to mourn for what once was and will never be again. To them, the future is everything: what’s new, what’s next and where are we headed?

Maybe some can relate, but that’s never been me. For as long as I can remember I have been missing things, not in a sad way— like the way one misses people—but feeling the absence nonetheless. I’ve learned over the years that it doesn’t really matter what it is. I look back fondly on things we don’t use anymore (rotary phones, typewriters) but also things we don’t do much anymore (write letters, go to the movies). I miss personal things, like the way my grandmother’s house smelled, but also things shared by millions—the opening music for the Johnny Carson show, or the way people used to dress up when they flew on an airplane.

Some people would say, of course, that it’s not the rotary phones that people like me miss but rather just the way life was “back then,” back before things got complicated and everything started moving so fast. And I know every generation has their own version of this list (someone almost certainly at some point complained about those “newfangled rotary phones”). But maybe it’s no coincidence that so many of the things I pine for are woefully inefficient or inconvenient by today’s standards. Do I hate QR codes? No. But sometimes I just miss holding the darn menu. Have I ever bingewatched an entire season of something?

Sure. But does anyone else ever long for the feeling of setting aside a certain night to watch a show and the excitement of having to wait a whole week for the next episode?

Perhaps this sort of longing is why last week, when I got the call about the Exxon in Centerville being torn down, I instantly felt that little pang we all feel when time surges forward and leaves something we cherished behind.

As I wrote this column the messages were still coming in in response to a Gazette Facebook post asking readers to share their memories of the service station, which has been a Goochland landmark for nearly a century.

For many long-time residents, the building represented so much more than bricks and mortar. It was where they met up for a morning cup of coffee, caught up on the local news or even had their first job. Some say that the kind of personal, friendly service they received there over the years is something they don’t see much anymore, echoing a complaint heard often as more small independent businesses are replaced by chain stores.

Time is marching forward as it always does, and bringing hard-earned and needed progress with it. And as much as it is a mistake to forget our history, it is also unwise to remain stuck in it. This week, however, if you happen to drive by the small patch of Goochland where the Centerville Exxon stood for so many years, I hope you will give one last tip-of-the-cap to a relic of the county’s past.

It had a good run, as they used to say, and it will be deeply missed.

Why road rage may be on the rise

JIM RIDOLPHI Contributing Columnist

There’s a war happening in America every day. No, I’m not talking about the dysfunctional goings on in Congress or continuing debates regarding vaccinations. I’m referring to the battle that occurs daily on America’s roadways and the increasing irritability of drivers on our highways.

The number of aggressive drivers has increased steadily since America went back to work following the pandemic. As more of us head back to the office, the country’s roadways are once again

filled to capacity, including nightmarish rush hours and lengthy backups.

Problem is, our patience has apparently grown thin when we’re behind the wheel. According to AAA, eight of 10 American drivers admit to some form of aggressive behavior on the roads, some even conceding their involvement in road rage incidents.

While aggressive driving is a challenge to overall safety on the road, road rage takes that frustration to another level.

It’s important to note the distinction between the two. Road rage occurs when a driver deliberately uses dangerous driving to

inflict physical harm on another driver. Aggressive driving is more familiar to all of us and we’ve all seen that aggressive driver weaving in and out of traffic at high speed, barely escaping collisions with other vehicles.

The reasons for road rage are as varied as the persons committing the acts, according to Psychology Today. In addition to increased traffic, stress and displaced anger can be factors.

In other words, people are transferring their frustration at the office or home to their automobiles.

Please see ROAD RAGE, Page 10

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A note to our readers

star ting with the Feb. 1 edition, the Goochland Gazette will change its publication day from Thursday to Wednesday. as always, readers can find free copies of the Gazette on racks at several local businesses. also, readers can find each edition of the Goochland Gazette for free at https://issuu.com/goochland gazette. That website also has years’ worth of past editions available.

Gators win three games in five days

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

From the outside looking in, Saint Gertrude’s basketball schedule may have looked daunting with four games in five days, but the VISAA giants had little issue with the busy slate of games, going 3-1 in that span and moving to 13-3 on the season.

The Gators started off with a convincing 50-30 road win over the St. Catherine Saints on Jan. 10, who fell to 6-7 after their second loss of the season to the Gators. They’ll play for a third time this season on Jan. 21.

Saint Gertrude’s game the next day was just as convincing, with the team riding off the momentum of its previous victory with a 63-34 win over Trinity Episcopal at home.

For their third game in three days, the Gators faced a roadblock after those two runaway victories, with the team seeing an 11-game winning streak end at the hands of the Shining Star Sports Academy.

The 65-51 loss was SGHS’s first game to be decided by five points or less since a one-point victory over TPLS Christian Academy on Jan. 4, with the Gators nearly toppling the tough academy team out of Petersburg, but falling just short.

After getting a day of rest, the Gators bounced back with their third win of the week, beating Winston-Salem Christian in another close thriller that this time went in their favor, 50-47.

One of the most consistent performers behind Saint Gertrude’s stellar week was star guard Erin Woodson, who averaged 28.7 points per game in the four-game span, including two 30-point showings. Her best performance as a bucket-getter came against Winston-Salem, who had trouble defending the senior star that ultimately carved them up for 35 points on 10-of-23 shooting and 11-of-12 shooting from the free throw line.

Behind Woodson’s 35 points, the

Gators were able to score in double figures in the last three quarters of the game, including a 15-6 scoring advantage in the third quarter that was crucial to the Gators pulling away with the three-point victory.

Against Shining Star, she also put up a double-double, recording 30 points and 10 rebounds. She was lockdown defensively against St. Catherine’s and Trinity, recording a combined nine steals in the two games.

Sam Smith also had a great week leading the offense, record-

ing 22 assists in four games, with her best facilitating performance coming against Trinity. Smith dished 10 of her team’s 18 assists in the game, setting her teammates up with clean looks on the way to 49% shooting efficiency and a blowout win.

Sophomore Ava Fulkerson was a reliable scoring presence during the week as well, scoring in double figures in three of the four games. Her best performance, a 13-point night with two steals over Trinity, helped the team score over 60

points for the 10th time this season.

With the team riding high with one of the best records in the VISAA and fresh off an 11-game winning streak, the Gators are in a groove with 12 games left to play in the season as they look to compete for another state title.

The Gators continue their season with a meeting versus the Covenant Eagles on Jan. 20. The Gators travel to Charlottesville, Virginia for the matchup against their VISAA counterpart, who

holds a 7-6 record on the season. That game tips off at 6 p.m.

The next day, it’s their rematch with the Saints at Highland Springs for the fifth annual Athletes for Awareness Girls Basketball Classic. The matchup is one of eight games during the day, with the classic using basketball as a vehicle to bring awareness to the causes of sickle cell anemia, diabetes and mental health. That game starts at 10 a.m.

robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Guard sam smith led the Gators with 22 assists in four games last week, helping the team go 3-1 in that span and 13-3 on the season.

Goochland High selected for VHSL Fall Sportsmanship Honor Roll

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

How you play the game truly is an important part of athletic events. In recognition of their good sportsmanship, fall sports teams for Goochland High School were named to the Virginia High School League (VHSL) 2022-23 Fall Sportsmanship Honor Roll.

VHSL’s Sportsmanship Honor Roll recognizes schools that had no player or coach ejections or programs placed on warning status during each sports season.

“We are proud to have started off the school year on the right foot and hope to continue that through the winter and spring seasons,” GHS athletic director Joe Fowler said. “Sportsmanship is an expectation for all of our student-athletes and coaches. This expectation is established by our coaches and reinforced by the parents. As the only public high school in the county, we represent more than just our school. When you wear

a “G” on your chest, you are representing the entire community.”

For the 2021-22 school

year, GHS received the VHSL Stay in the Game award for having no sportsmanship violations for the

entire school year.

“I believe that our core values contribute to the high expectations that we

cipal Michael Wright said. “I want to commend our coaches for always maintaining a high standard of excellence and for modeling good sportsmanship, no matter the outcome of our games.”

With a positive fall season of sports, the expectation is to extend that honor roll recognition into the winter and spring sports as well.

have for our athletes to be responsible citizens in the classroom and during competition,” GHS interim prin-

“VHSL activities are an extension of the classroom, and teaching sportsmanship is an essential part of the education process. In addition, sportsmanship is one of the greatest skills we can instill in our student-athletes,” VHSL executive director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun, Ed.D., said. “Let’s celebrate this fall’s VHSL Sportsmanship Honor Roll, say thank you to the student-athletes, school staff, and community members of these schools recognized during the fall season, and challenge all our member schools to be on the winter honor roll.”

Goochland track impresses at FUMA Mini Invite

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Goochland’s indoor track season continued on Jan. 11 with its second appearance at Fork Union for a FUMA Mini Invite that featured 14 schools competing with their region championships on the horizon next month.

The Bulldogs had multiple events lead to some noteworthy results for their athletes, including a states-qualifying result in the high jump from junior Leilani Burgess, a new school record set in the 1000-meter run by junior Kadin Nitsch and another

strong day from reigning 100-meter hurdles outdoor 3A state champion Jade Taylor.

Burgess was outstanding in both of her events at Fork Union, finishing in the high jump with a top result of 4 feet, 10 inches. In their previous FUMA Invite on Dec. 14, Burgess placed second in the high jump with a 4-06.00 result. In her states-qualifying jump this past week, Burgess was one of four jumpers to have a 4-10.

Burgess also finished strong in the 300-meter dash, placing third with a

45.80-second run that was less than a second off from both the second and first place runners.

Aside from Burgess being states-bound, Nitsch’s performance was one of the biggest of the meet for the Bulldogs, with the junior setting a new school record with his 1000-meter run at 2:54.48. His milestone run was good for fifth place in a field of 21 runners.

Nitsch also performed well in the 1600-meter run and in the 4x800 relay, the former ending in a third place finish in 4:59.37 and the latter resulting in the

Bulldogs placing fourth out of eight teams with a final time of 9:28.26. Nitsch was the closing runner in the relay, joined by teammates Drew Meiller, Will Browning and David Johnson.

As for Taylor, the champion hurdles runner was as dynamic as she’s been all season, winning the 55-meter hurdles with a blazing 8.94-second outing that beat 10 other runners.

It was also a good day for senior Charlie Alston, who took home second place in the high jump at 5-06, second in the triple jump in 40-10.75 and sixth in the

long jump at 18-08.25.

In the boys 55-meter hurdles, freshman Jerry Fry had a great day for the Bulldogs as well, placing second behind Western Albemarle’s Rutger Pittman with a time of 8.43 seconds. He was 0.16 seconds from a first place finish.

Both of the 4x200 relay teams also turned in second place finishes for the Bulldogs, with the girls team finishing in 1:58.46 and the boys team recording a time of 1:42.01.

There were also seventh place finishes from junior Megan Reid, sophomore

Amaya Wilkerson and senior Amore Jackson in different running events. Reid got her result in the 1000-meter run in 3:35.92, Wilkerson earned her result in the 500-meter dash in 1:35.26 and Jackson ran a 8.15-second mark in the 55-meter dash. Jackson later placed seventh in the long jump as well, with a result of 13-07.

Next up for the Bulldogs track team is a meet hosted by Collegiate on Jan. 27.

robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com.

PHOTO BY JOEL BROWN

Goochland high school’s fall sports teams earned recognition after their respective seasons with a mention on the VhsL 2022-23 Fall sportsmanship honor roll.

CLASSIFIEDS

PUBLICHEARINGNOTICE

GoochlandCountyBoardofSupervisors PublicMeeting

Tuesday,February7,2023,6:00PM

GoochlandCountyAdministrationBuilding

1800SandyHookRd., P. O.Box10,Goochland, VA 23063

BoardMeetingRoomSuite250

Viewcountymeeting:https://www.goochlandva.us/1154/County-Meetings

IFYOUHAVECOMMENTSONTHESEPUBLICHEARINGITEMS,PLEASE SENDCOMMENTSTOBOSCOMMENT@GOOCHLANDVA.USORCONTACT 804-556-5811.

PLEASECHECKWWW.GOOCHLANDVA.USFORANYUPDATES REGARDINGTHISMEETING.

District 3–RZ-2022-00003 –Applicationby TruettRealEstateInvestments, LLC requesting arezoningof49.372acresfromAgricultural,Limited (A-2)toResidential,Limited(R-1),withprofferedconditions,onFairground Roadapproximately ¼milewestofMaidensRoadon TaxMapNo. 43-1-0-4-0.TheComprehensivePlandesignatesthisareaasSingle FamilyResidential,LowDensity. Thiscasewasdeferredfrom September6,2022toFebruar y7,2023,applicanthasrequesteda deferralofthisapplicationtoApril4,2023.

District 4–CU-2022-00015 –ApplicationbyCapitalBroad,LLC requesting aConditionalUsePermitforunhostedshortterm rentaland publicassemblyplaceon15.2acresat250BroadStreetRoadon Tax MapNo.47-9-0-5-0.ThepropertyiszonedAgricultural,Limited(A-2). TheConditionalUsePermitis requiredbyCountyZoningOrdinance Sec.15-112,inaccordancewithSecs.15-285.Gand15-290.The ComprehensivePlandesignatesthisareaasRuralEnhancementArea.

Countywide –ZOA-2022-00006 –AmendmenttoZoningOrdinance Sec.15-56(Pre-applicationsandapplications)to revisethecommunity meeting requirement.

Countywide –ZOA-2022-00007 –SubdivisionOrdinanceAmendment repealingArticle10(AccessManagement)initsentirety.Thissectionhas beenmovedtoArticle23oftheZoningOrdinance.

CountywideOrdinanceamendingCountyCodeSecs.2-26 (Officialelectoralmap,defined),2-32(Electiondistrictdescriptions)and 2-43(Precinctdescriptions)tocomplywiththe recentchangestothe GoochlandLouisaboundary.

Userswhoneedaccessibilityassistancecancontactthe CountybyphonethroughtheFederalInformationRelay Serviceat1-800-877-8339forTTY/Voicecommunication.

Meetingaccommodationsincludinginterpretersare providedupon request DeputyClerk:804.556-5811 E-mail:countyadmin@goochlandva.us. Website:www.goochlandva.us.

PUBLICHEARINGNOTICE

Gooc hlandCou nt yPla nningCommission

Thursday, February 2, 2023,6:45p.m.(note belowstar ttimes) 1800 SandyHookRd.,Board MeetingRoom Suite250, Goochland,VA23063

Meetingis Open to the Public View county meeting:htt ps://w ww.goochlandva.us/115 4/County-Meet ings

IF YOUHAVECOMMENTSONTHESEPUBLIC HE ARINGITEMS,PLE ASE SENDCOMMENTSTOPCCOMMENT@GOOCHLANDVA .USORCONTACT 80 4- 556 -5 86 3.

PLEASE CHECKW WW.GOOCHLANDVA .USFOR ANY UPDATESREGARDING THIS MEETING .

6:45 p.m. –Board Follow Up 7:00 p.m. –PublicHearings

County Wide ZOA-2022-0 0002–Amendment to ZoningOrdinance Secs.15-102, 15 -112,15-132, 15 -142,15-152, 15 -162,15-172, 15 -182,15-192, 15 -204,15-214, 15 -232,15-242, 15 -252,15-262, and15-272(Uses andstructurespermit tedbyright(P) or by conditionalusepermit (CUP)) to allowenergystorage facilities by conditionaluse permit in theAgricultural,General (A-1), Agricultural, Limited(A-2),Industrial, Limited(M-1),and Industrial,General (M-2)Districts;toallow principalsolarenergy facilitiesbyconditionaluse permit in theAgricultural,General (A-1)District;toallow supplementar ysolarenergyfacilities by conditionalusepermit in theIndustrial, Limited(M-1),and Industrial,General (M-2)Districts; andtoallow accessor ysolar energy facilities as apermit teduse in allzoningdistricts exceptthe Agricultural, Intensive (A-3)District;toamend Sec. 15 -500 (Definitions)toadd solar-related terms; andtoamend Sec. 15 -289 (Renewableenergy) to addusestandards. Staf fwillbe requestingdeferralatthe meeting.

2022 District 5 ZR Z-2022-0 0004–Application by Tuckahoe Lands, LLCrequestingarezoning of 14.298 acresfromAgricultural,Limited (A-2)and Residential,Limited (R-1)to Residential, Limited(R-1),withproffered conditions,toallow 17 single -familylotsat 12310River Roadon Ta xMapNos.64-1- 0-75 -0 and64-1- 0-75 -A .The Comprehensive Plan designatesthisareaasSingleFamilyResidential, MediumDensity

Anyone mayattend to express opinionsont heabove. Full text of theabove informationis availableint he PlanningO f fice, 18 00 Sand yHook Road,S uite 28 0 Goochland, VA 23 06 3 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. –5:0 0p.m. Meeting accommodationsincluding interpreters are provideduponrequest . Telephone:5 56 -5 86 0( TDD711 (V irginia Relay)) E-mail:count yadmin@goochlandva.us. Website:w ww.goochlandva.us.

LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS LEGALDISPLAYADS

Road Rage

From 6

An incident that occurred in Hanover County on Labor Day involved a man firing shots at another vehicle. The suspect was eventually captured in Montana.

In my mind, driving

Calendar

From 4

Participants will enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

Family storytime will be held at the Cochrane rockville Branch Library from 10:30-11 a.m. Families will enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more! Family s torytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract road for more information.

Friday Book Group will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 11 a.m. – noon for those ages 18 and up. Join the library to discuss the monthly book choice. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

MONDAY, FEB. 13

The Goochland Branch Library will host Goochland Bridge Club from 3-5 p.m. for those ages 18 and up. The Goochland Bridge Club is for those who want to learn how to play or those with a basic knowledge of the game. Each week there will be instruction and play time. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

a workshop entitled “avoiding the Pitfalls of Medicare” will be held at the Cochrane rockville Branch Library from 67 p.m. Take part in this workshop to learn how to simplify

should be a collaborative effort, and operating a vehicle is probably not the best spot to confront issues that face us all in a challenging society.

And using a turn signal is a simple courtesy that, along with other common sense measures, could make our roads a safer place.

the decision making process with Bryan Gay of Boomer Insurance. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract road for more information. yoga will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for those ages 18 and up. Participants are asked to bring a mat to take part in the session, which will promote strength, flexibility, and balance. The class will be led by certified instructor Kathleen Tsengas. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information. an action Figure ar t Class will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. for those ages 10-18. Participants will meet local artist Curtis Brown and learn techniques to draw their own superhero action figure. registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/event/9986055. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

THURSDAY, FEB. 16

Family storytime will be held from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Goochland Branch Library for children ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Participants will enjoy a fun time with books, singing, rhymes and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information. read 2 rover will be held at the Cochrane rock ville Branch Library from 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. for those in grades K-2. read 2 rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to Colby or Pepper, the library’s therapy dogs. space is limited. Call the rockville Branch at (804) 749-3146 for more information or to register for this rewarding program!

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

You may be in a meditative mood this week, Aries. You may think about mundane things or even complex issues. It’s an ideal time to stay indoors and relax with your thoughts.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

Obligations to friends or family could interfere with other things you had intended, such as spending time with your partner. As more people call upon you, step back and consider.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

You have a strong desire to clean and organize your home this week, Gemini. Spring cleaning certainly comes early. Conquer that clutter.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

All of that extra work on the job will pay off in the days to come, Cancer. Expect an email or personal meeting from a supervisor to discuss.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Practical matters, such as the household budget, may need your attention this week, Leo. A big purchase is on the horizon, so get your finances sorted out.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

Giving back to the community can boost your morale, Virgo. Think about offering to shop for an elderly neighbor or volunteer at a food pantry a few days a week.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Careful penny pinching may now result in a nice nest egg you can use any way you desire, Libra. Enjoy the fruits of your labor when you can loosen the pursestrings.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, a sense of duty to loved ones may have you taking on tasks that you otherwise may never consider. Your willingness to pitch in won’t go unnoticed.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Don’t be surprised if the people you help this week are willing to go to bat for you in the future. Consider any assistance you provide an investment in friendship.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Some people know exactly which buttons to push to get a rise out of you, Capricorn. Try to be the bigger person and turn the other cheek.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

A momentary loss of confidence may catch you off-guard, Aquarius. Brush these feelings aside and take on any task or challenge that comes your way.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

Nostalgia could hit you hard this week Pisces. Enjoy an unexpected trip down Memory Lane. Contact others who might enjoy it as well.