Goochland Elementary student takes top spot in spelling bee

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

Goochland County fifth grader

Jermaine Harris admits he was just a bit nervous on Jan. 30 as he prepared to compete in the Goochland County Public Schools annual spelling bee. But after fall- ing just short of the top spot last year—he came in fourth place after stumbling on the word “alibi”—Harris knew he would have to set those nerves aside. Fortunately, he had learned a trick or two over the years to help improve his chances. When it came to words like “switcheroo,” which he wasn’t quite sure about, he simply thought about his trusted Nintendo Switch (Harris is a big videogame fan) and then sounded out the rest of the word.

When playwright Dakota Jones found the courage to address his own mental health needs several years ago, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he knew it was something he needed to do for himself. Now he hopes the play he wrote during that tumultuous period in his life will help others to overcome the stigma often associated with seeking help.

“Portrait,” a work Jones cowrote with fellow Old Dominion University theater student Sydney Johnson, will be brought to the stage by the Goochland Community Theatre (GCT) this month, marking the theater company’s first production of the year. As the organization works to put the disruptions of the pandemic behind it, Jones said last week that he hopes his story will resonate with

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Goochland History Revealed

IN 1944, THE GOOCHLAND HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM TOOK THE COURT

In 1893, just two years after the game of basketball was created by dr. James naismith, the first women’s basketball game was played at smith college. no men were allowed in the gym, and doors were locked and windows covered to ensure privacy. By 1900, high school teams for men and women had been formed and attitudes were changing. rules for both men and women were adapted to fit the increasing skills of the players. In 1944 these young Goochland high school women were playing two-court basketball and only the forwards were allowed to score. The back of the photograph lists the names of the women in no particular order: Marion Parrish, evelyn Bagby, LaVerne harris, Mildred Bradshaw, Mary hawk, edna Brooking, Irma Parrish and Thelma dorey.

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12007 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to Elizabeth Buttrick Burton, $570,230.

3065 Tranbycroft Way, Sandy Hook; Robert J. Bolm to Laura Alice Larkin, $600,000.

The process has not been easy, Jones admitted.

“This is a very personal story, and I’m terrified about what people are going to think about it,” Jones said frankly, but added that he also knew he couldn’t let his fear stand in the way.

“Portrait” revolves around the challenges of its main character, Nicole, a young artist who moves to New York to pursue her career. Already struggling emotionally, she soon suffers a personal tragedy that upends her life.

Jones said the main question of the play is “How does one go on with their life when it is completely different than it was the day before?”

While Jones, who also serves as the creative director for GCT, hopes his story resonates with audiences, the three scheduled performances are intended to provide support for the community in several other ways as well. According to GCT publicity director Melissa Carscadden, representatives from the local Community Service Board will be on hand at two of the shows to speak with anyone who might feel the need to discuss mental health support. Representatives will also be present from Team Mat-

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The $138.7 million budget represents a $14.3 million or 11.5% increase from the previous budget and would begin on July 1. The thew Matters, an Ashlandbased group working to get a suicide awareness and prevention license plate approved by the Virginia DMV. Enough people must pre-register for the plate in order to get it approved, and applications will be available at the theater.

Goochland Community Theatre president Jennifer Layton said she hopes those who attend the performances are able to come away with a deeper understanding of how addressing mental health challenges can change lives.

“Everyone deals with mental health issues,” Layton said. “This is not just about the play, it’s something that impacts us all.”

Layton said the play is intended for all audiences, but cautioned that there is adult language in the performance as well as some mature themes.

To Goochland Community Theatre vice-president Crystal Neilson-Hall, one of the most notable aspects of the production is the fact that it was written by a Goochland resident.

“I love having the opportunity to showcase how much talent we have here in Goochland,” NeilsonHall said. “We normally get to display the amazing acting abilities of our community members, but this time we are getting to show off their outstanding writing talents as well. Also, stepping outside of the box

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county general fund budget at $86.5 million represents a $12.1 million or 16.2% increase from the current year.

As Carpenter related, priorities for the FY 2024 budget include enhancing the core services of education and public safety. Total planned investments in of an established/existing play has really allowed others within our group see the possibilities of expressing themselves beyond the role of actor in the future, especially amongst the kids who participate in Goochland Community Theatre’s other productions.”

As for Jones, much of his early trepidation about bringing “Portrait” to the stage has now given way to excitement. The cast is “phenomenal” he said last week, and he’s even optioned the play so that other theater companies can perform it in the future.

Jones said he still works daily to maintain his own mental health, and being able to see his journey transformed into art has been a gratifying experience. Watching the talented cast take his words and make them come to life “has just been so cool,” he said.

“Portrait” is set to open at the Eagle Theater (2748 Dogtown Road in Goochland) on Friday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m., with additional performances set for March 18 at 7:30 pm. and March 19 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students, senior citizens, military members, teachers and first responders.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.gvatheatre.org or call (804) 424-0555.

The strategy clearly worked: After several rounds, Harris secured the top spot by correctly spelling the word “churned.”

It was a thrilling moment for Harris, but also for the many teachers and fellow students who for years have watched him blossom from a child who initially struggled in school to someone who now serves as a role model to his peers.

Of course, few were more proud of Harris’ achievement than his parents, Renee Agard and Melvin Harris, and his twin brother Jermarie. Agard was also quick to credit her son’s teachers at Goochland Elementary School with helping him to thrive both socially and academically.

“The GES staff has been tremendous,” Agard said, noting that much of Jermaine’s success has been due to the support and care he was shown by his teachers starting on his first day as a GCPS student. “They are just absolutely awesome.”

One of those teachers, Francine Maynes, said she has loved working with Harris and described his progress over the years as “inspiring.”

“Even more remarkable than sharing in his academic achievements has been the joy I’ve felt in watching him grow as a person,” Maynes said. “He is one of the sweetest, most gentle, compassionate children I have ever had the pleasure to teach and I cannot wait to see what he accomplishes during his life.”

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Community Calendar

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

Do you have a sports story idea or photo to submit?

The rotar y club of Goochland will welcome Matt Longshore, director of public utilities for Goochland county. 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.

Contact Robby Fletcher at email: rfletcher@powhatantoday.com or call 804-380-0497 ends on Tuesday, March 28, and the fee for the class is $75. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

answering questions regarding rotar y accounting. 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.

rfletcher@ powhatantoday. com or call 804-380-0497 Got

SATURDAY, MARCH 4 s tr ength Training- s aturday, which will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for those ages 12 and up looking for a way to get into, or return to, the world of fitness. This program ends on saturday, april 22, and the fee for the class is $25. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Do you have a sports story idea or photo to submit?

Contact Robby Fletcher at email: rfletcher@powhatantoday.com or call 804-380-0497

Do you have a sports story idea or photo to submit?

MONDAY, MARCH 6 hatha yoga incorporates poses, breathing, and deep relaxation. This class if for those 18 and up, and will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. There will be no class on March 13. Participants should bring their own mat, and the program ends on Monday, april 17. The fee for the class is $60. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 adult Karate will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for those age 16 and up. students will learn techniques including kicking, punching, blocking, sparring and partner work. emphasis is on philosophy and discipline of the martial arts to increase students’ self-confidence and physical condition. This challenging program is for adults only and will expand upon techniques and skills learned in the main Karate program. There is a $5 discount for participants enrolled in the main program as well. The instructor for this class is Goochland silkisondan Karate and the fee for the class is $100. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Quickstar t tennis is designed to help children ages 5-9 learn to play the exciting game of tennis! The size of the courts, the equipment, and even the net height, have been decreased to make learning easier for children during this program, which will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. These changes will ensure the success of all participants, even if they have never picked up a racquet. The program

Tucker’s stor ytime will be held at central h igh from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for ages 2 -5. Participants are encouraged to stick around after and spend some time in the bouncy house! children attending this free event must have a caregiver. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

Therapeutic recreation: Paint night will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. for those ages 5 and up. a Parks & rec staff member will work with each participant on whatever they need and all material will be provided. This event is for persons with disabilities or special needs. The fee for the class is $15 and caregivers may attend at no additional cost. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

The rotar y club of Goochland will welcome Fletcher Johnson, director of donor and community engagement for Liberation Veteran s ervices. 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.

Family Game night will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at central high for those ages 5 and up. Play some of the many board games we have to offer or bring your own favorites! The fee for the class is $5. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

Mini c h efs: s t . Patty’s d a y will offer those ages 5-11 to celebrate the holiday by cooking some treats. register your child to come make, eat, and enjoy all things around st. Patty’s day. The class will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and the fee for the class is $20. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

The rotar y club of Goochland will welcome Bill Mulvihill, who will be speaking about the global grant for students in africa and

It’s a kids night in! children ages 5-10 are invited to join Parks and r ecr eation for a Kids n ight In! Leave the kids to have dinner, play games, do a craft, and watch a movie while you have a night out. This event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and dinner will include a slice of pizza. note if your child has any allergies. The fee for the class is $20. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

The nra home Firearms safety, a three-hour basic pistol course that satisfies Virginia’s concealed carr y Weapons permit classroom instruction, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. for those ages 21 and up. Please do not bring a weapon to class. The fee for the class is $50. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 a Garden rock Painting class will help kick off the Parks & rec hidden “rock Garden” from 10 to 11 a.m. Materials will be provided, and registration is highly encouraged for this free program. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854. come tr y out Goochland Parks & r e creation’s newest fitness program, core resistance! This class, which will be held from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and is for those ages 15 and up, uses resistance bands to help build and strengthen the core. Participants may bring their own mat if they choose. The program ends on saturday, april 29, and the fee for the class is $25. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

Karate students will learn techniques including kicking, punching, blocking, sparring and partner work. e m phasis will be on philosophy and discipline of the martial arts to increase students’ self-confidence and physical condition. This challenging program, which will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is for those ages 7 and up

(including adults) and will help participants lead a healthier life. a $25 one-time Karate association fee will be taken at the door for first time students. The instructor will be Goochland silkisondan Karate. The program ends on Monday, June 12, and the fee for the class is $150. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

Karate students will learn techniques including kicking, punching, blocking, sparring and partner work. e m phasis will be on philosophy and discipline of the martial arts to increase students’ self-confidence and physical condition. This challenging program, which will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is for those ages 7 and up (including adults) and will help participants lead a healthier life. a $25 one-time Karate association fee will be taken at the door for first time students. The instructor will be Goochland silkisondan Karate. The program ends on Thursday, June 15, and the fee for the class is $150. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

Zumba is a dance fitness format that will include pop, hip hop, and international music with dance rhythms that incorporate interval exercises. These dances will help you tone target areas on your body and absolutely increase your confidence as this class is a judgment free zone. This party is for everyone regardless of their fitness level. The goal is to have fun and keep moving! This class for ages 13 and up will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. and the program ends on Wednesday, May 10. The fee for the class is $45. For more information, contact Parks & r ecreation at (804) 556-5854.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Zumba Gold is a modified form of Zumba for active older adults that recreates the original Zumba moves at a lower intensity. This class is or those 50 and above and will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The program ends on Tuesday, May 9, and the fee for the class is $25. For more information, contact Parks & recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Local Masons Take Part In Cornerstone Ceremony

Jim Worley, Mark agee, and Kenny caviness (not pictured) from dewitt clinton Masonic Lodge 141 in Goochland, attended the 100th anniversary of the Laying of the cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic national Memorial in alexandria on Monday, Feb. 20. Thousands of Freemasons from across the United states and the world were in attendance. This was a oncein-a-lifetime event and the local Masons were ecstatic to be part of it. Located on a hill in Olde Town alexandria, the George Washington Masonic national Memorial is open to the public and features an exhibit on the history of Freemasonry that will be interesting to history buffs young and old.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO