Marker to commemorate integration of GHS

ROSLYN RYAN

Editor

In 1965, 11 years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional, 14 black students became the first to desegregate Goochland High School. Now, a marker set to be installed in front that school— now Goochland’s County Administration Building—will honor those students’ courage.

Last week, in a presentation to the Goochland County Board of Supervisors, Goochland County Historical Society president Robin Lind detailed the events that led up to the students’ enrollment at the previously all white school, including a class action lawsuit filed by parents seeking an injunction “to provide for the prompt and efficient elimination of racial segregation in public schools of

Goochland County.”

Back then, Lind noted, the county school division was comprised of a high school for black students—Central High School— that enrolled 1,100 students and a high school for white students that enrolled 900 students. There were also two white elementary schools (Goochland and Cardwell) and three black elementary schools (Randolph, Kanawha and Byrd.)

Even nine months after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination in public facilities, Lind said, Goochland County schools remained segregated.

In response to the suit, the Goochland County School Board adopted a “Freedom of Choice” plan on June 8, 1965, for the desegregation of the schools in or-

After an investigation triggered by the claim that a county official had violated the Goochland County Board of Supervisors’ code of ethics, Goochland county attorney Tara McGee issued a memorandum on March 10 stating that she had found no evidence of wrongdoing. In the document, which was sent to Goochland county administrator Vic Carpenter, McGee addressed several accusations made by Goochland residents Lauren Comstock and Jenifer Strozier against District 1 supervisor Susan Lascolette. Both Comstock and Strozier alleged in their compliant that Lascolette, who is now in her third term as a member of the board, had worked in conjunction with the special interest group No Left Turn in Education to attempt to influence Goochland County School Board policy; had made two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the county school

School Notes

Goochland school division celebrated as Virginia Values Veterans employer

Goochland County Public Schools (GCPS) recently completed the training requirements to become a V3Certified Employer through the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program.

Virginia’s V3 program increases awareness of resources available for veteran recruiting, hiring and retention and assists companies and organizations with progress toward achieving veteran-hiring goals. Goochland County’s school division currently employs 11 veterans.

“We are proud to include several veterans among our current workforce in Goochland County Public Schools and are excited to become a V3-certified employer,” said GCPS assistant superintendent Andrew Armstrong. “We believe participating in this program will help us attract and support future employees, and we are proud to be an employer of choice for veterans.”

Daniel M. Gade, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, wrote in a congratulatory letter that the department appreciates GCPS’s commitment to veterans.

“You have the full support of the VDVS team as we move forward together to increase employment opportunities for Virginia’s veterans in pursuit of the of the Governor’s goal to make Virginia the best place for veterans to live, work and raise a family,” Gade wrote. “We know industries like yours are on the lookout for talent, and our nation’s veterans have proven to be knowledgeable and talented. Linking them with employment opportunities will help get our veterans on the road to a new career.”

GCPS cadet’s senior project supports fight against hunger

When Goochland High School senior and Marine Corps JROTC cadet David Johnson was planning his senior project, he decided to help tackle worldwide hunger.

On March 5, Johnson led a local Rise Against Hunger food packaging event in the JROTC building and brought together 40 volunteers from the JROTC and the local community. The volunteers packed 10,000 meals that will be distributed by the Rise Against Hunger organization to fight hunger in the developing world.

Johnson raised funds to pay for the costs of the meals and organized the packing event. In just over two hours, the team that he put together was able to pack the meals, palletize them, and prepare them for shipping to those in need. Johnson had previously worked with Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit based in Raleigh, North Carolina, through his church.

“I really like the organization and think that their approach to eradicating hunger is the best model and produces the best results,” Johnson said.

According to Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Daniel Strong, Marine Corps JROTC instructor, the cadets are excited to continue the relationship with Rise Against Hunger.

“Rise Against Hunger distributes nourishing food by partnering with schools, which reinforces the need for education to break the cycle of poverty in areas that most need it,” he said. “We look forward to working with them again in the future.”

Contributed by Goochland County Public Schools.

Goochland History Revealed

THE YEAR ‘MISS MARGARET’ MADE HISTORY

Margaret Kean Miller, known locally as “Miss Margaret,” was the first woman to be elected to public office in Goochland and was the last of her family to serve as clerk of court. Miss Margaret began her career as deputy clerk to her brother, Peter Guerrant Miller. she is shown here in 1948, at work in the first clerk’s office in Goochland county. While Peter and Margaret worked at the clerk’s office, their sister Kate, with whom they lived at reed Marsh, operated one of the two switchboards in Goochland and ran the central office of the Goochland Telephone company from their home.

Property Transfers

1.01 acres; Michael Leabough to Jennifer Arnette, $274,000.

2 parcels; HHHunt Mosaic LLC to Schell Brothers Richmond LLC, $277,858.

3.79 acres; Meghann E. Wraight to David Woodson Jr., $340,000.

8 acres; R. Michael Vandeweghe, senior administrator to John Fogg Twombly V, $426,864.

2504 Carver Oaks Court, Rockville; W.V. McClure Inc. to Kelly Ann Mulligan, $612,145.

625 Dover Bluff Court,

Manakin Sabot; Gary Gerard Hingst, trustee to Peter Breidt Conn, $1,860,000.

5920 Long Lane, Louisa; Ian M. Carr to Joshua L. Allen, $255,000.

Lot 23, Section 9, Kinloch; Kinloch Development Corp. to James Thomas Carpenter, $825,000.

Lots, Section 2B, Mosaic at West Creek; HHHunt Mosaic LLC to Style Craft Homes Inc. of Virginia, $493,904.

15646 Mosaic Creek Blvd., Richmond; Style Craft Homes Inc. of Virginia to Linda Conley, $559,131. 12659 River Road, Richmond; Bradford J. Richards to Joseph Miller III, $900,000. division seeking the parent and guardian contact information for all enrolled students and information on the Black Lives Matter curriculum; and had been seen laughing during a Feb.14 school board meeting as those speaking out in support of transgender students were addressing the board.

5009 Shannon Hill Road, Kents Store; Blanchard & Associates Residential Contractor Inc. to Clarence Salley, $350,000.

12011 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to Alcinda S. Sager, $516,650.

200 Wildplum, Richmond; John W. Mulligan to Jason Evans Logan, $852,000.

As McGee noted in her analysis of the first complaint—concerning Lascolette’s involvement with No Left Turn In Education—a document Lascolette is alleged to have provided the group on how to influence school board policy does not constitute evidence of inappropriate behavior.

“[T]here is nothing in that document which advocates for discrimination, promotes illegal activity, or criticizes individuals or groups,” McGee wrote. “Moreover, contrary to the allegation in the complaint, there is nothing unacceptable, illegal, or unethical about a special interest group organizing its members to appear and speak at public meetings.”

Even if Lascolette was a member of No Left Turn in

Jermaine Harris Represents Goochland In Regional Spelling Bee

Jermaine harris, a fifth grader at Goochland elementary school, represented Goochland county in the 49th annual richmond Timesdispatch regional spelling Bee held March 9 in Mechanicsville. he competed against 21 other division winning spellers. Jermaine made it to the third round by successfully spelling cactus and donate.

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Education, McGee wrote, “membership in that organization is not inconsistent with serving on the Board of Supervisors.”

Concerning Lascolette’s two FOIA requests, McGee similarly found no evidence of an ethical violation.

“The two requests accurately cite to and follow the state law procedure for FOIA requests,” McGee wrote in her memo. “The opportunity to request records pursuant to FOIA is available to every resident of Virginia, including members of the Board of Supervisors; there is nothing illegal or unethical about these actions.”

McGee also concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to support the accusation that Lascolette was openly laughing at those who harassed LGBTQ supporters and called them “groomers” during a Feb. 14 school board meeting.

“These allegations describe a chaotic scene in which there were several messages being conveyed at the same time, but there is no evidence that either of the identified communications prompted Mrs. Lascolette’s laughter,” McGee said. “Correlation is not the same thing as causation. There is no evidence that

-der to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Shortly thereafter, in the fall of 1965, 62 black students transferred to white schools. The 14 students admitted to the high school—one each in grades 11 and 12, two each in grades 9 and 10, and eight in grade 8—will be recognized by name on the planned marker.

“It is their courage and example, and the courage, endurance, grace and commitment of their parents that we celebrate with this historic marker,” said Lind.

“These Goochland citizens believed in the better angels of our nature and challenged the county to live up to its ideals.”

Linda Glover Minor was an eighth grader when she became part of the group that would ultimately end segregation in Goochland County Schools. Minor told board members that she and her former classmates appreciated the work done by the Goochland Historical Society, the Goochland NAACP and the county to ensure that their contributions were recognized.

Minor, who would go on to have a distinguished career as a Goochland County Public Schools teacher, noted that all 14 of the pioneering students graduated with their respective classes. Ten of the students still live in Goochland.

“Although there were obstacles, and there were challenges, we did meet with many successes,” Minor said.

Once the site for the marker had been determined, it was Minor who interviewed her former classmates (two are now deceased) to secure their approval to be recognized on the marker in front of the county administration building.

Mrs. Lascolette’s laughter was prompted by either of the identified communications and nothing which eliminates the possibility that her humor might have been in response to a private comment from someone sitting next to her, from something she saw on her phone, or was prompted by any number of other possibilities.”

McGee also concluded that a letter the editor authored by Lascolette and printed in the March 1 edition of the Goochland Gazette did not contain any statements “which criticize the School Board or encourage discrimination against any person or group.”

In response to McGee’s findings, Comstock on Monday questioned whether the allegations she and Strozier had made were investigated thoroughly, particularly given the fact that the county attorney is hired by the Board of Supervisors.

“I don’t think our complaint was taken seriously, or investigated properly and without bias,” Comstock said. “The decision seemed preemptive and the bias led to inaccurate interpretations of information and records.”

Royer “Monk” Knight Lewis Jr.

LEWIS, Royer “Monk”

Community Calendar

WEDNESDAY,

MARCH 15

Mini chefs: st. Patty’s day 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 and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

Thursday Month Day, 2022

ObiTuary SubMiSSiOnS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3

Knight Jr., of springfield, Va., was called home on February 27, 2023, at the age of 89. he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Kathleen “Kitty” Lewis. he is survived by his daughter, helen Lewis; his siblings, ann Ward (Paul), John Lewis (shirley) and Barbara enos; his sisters-inlaw, Peggy O’sullivan and deloris Fagan; and numerous nieces and nephews. roy graduated from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1956 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.s. army. he was stationed in Berlin where he played a critical role in the interception of secret russian communications during the cold War. he later worked in new york for Western Union and Washington d.c . where he was instrumental in developing the nascOM network in direct support of the space shuttle challenger and the Tdrs-a relay satellite. roy was the pillar of his family and known for his wonderful sense of humor. his kindness and generosity to others knew no boundaries. he will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the american Parkinson a ssociation.

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Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday for the following week’s issue.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

The United Methodist Women of Gum s pring United Methodist c hurch will be hosting their spring craft and Bake sale from 8 a.m. to noon in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 191 cross country road in Gum spring.

The fee for the class is $45. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

The rotar y club of Goochland will welcome Bill Mulvihill, who will be speaking about the global grant for students in africa and answering questions regarding rotary 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. It’s a kids night in! children ages 5-10 are invited to join Parks and recreation 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 and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Karate students will learn techniques including kicking, punching, blocking, sparring and partner work. e mphasis 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 and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

SUNDAY,

APRIL 2

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Wednesday March 29

Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

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 and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Serving Goochland County

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Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com

Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

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News tip, story idea, community events, photos, birth announcements, 40th anniversaries & above or 80 yr. old birthday & above announcements submissions can be emailed to rryan@goochlandgazette.com or call 804-339-7956.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 derek Blumenthal, a representative of chosen People Ministries, will be speaking at co nnecting Point c hurch of The nazarene’s 6 p.m. service. The program being presented is Messiah in the Passover. chosen People Ministries was founded in 1894 by Leopold cohn, a hungarian rabbi who came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah of Israel. From humble beginnings in Brooklyn, new york, chosen People Ministries has grown into a worldwide ministry with outreach centers in argentina, australia, canada, england, France, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Ukraine and the United states. This meeting is open to the public and connecting Point would like to invite the christian and Jewish community to attend. For more information or to register, visit connecting Pointe’s Facebook Page at facebook.com/ connectingPointe. a love offering will be received during the meeting. The church’s address is 591 Broad st. road, Manakin, Va 23103.

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

Goochland’s Local emergency Planning committee’s (LePc) next meeting will be on March 29 from 4:30 – 6:30 in the Board Meeting room 250, 1800 sandy hook road Goochland Va 23063. Guest speaker will be the Goochland sheriff’s Office on active shooter response for Businesses. There will be limited seating: rsVP by March 27 to rhillman@goochlandva.us or 804-556-5366.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

Since 1955

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

MONDAY, APRIL 10

The c hurch of Jesus c hrist of Latter d ay s aints will be holding a meeting from 7 – 8 p.m. at the Goochland Library. a ll are welcome.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 a Garden rock Painting class will help kick off the Parks and 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 and recreation at (804) 556-5854. come try out Goochland Parks and recreation’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

THURSDAY, MARCH 30 have you tried Zumba? Zumba is a dance fitness format that will include pop, hip hop, and international music with dance rhythms that incorporate interval exercises. a class for ages 13 and up will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. and the program ends on Wednesday, May 10. These dances will help you tone target areas on your body and absolutely increase your confidence as this class is a judgment free zone.

Karate students will learn techniques including kicking, punching, blocking, sparring and partner work. e mphasis 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 s ilkisondan Karate. The program ends on Thursday, June 15, and the fee for the class is $150. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Goochland county Fire-rescue and emergency services will be sponsoring a free 22-hour community e m ergency r e sponse Team(cerT) training class at the henley Fire-rescue Training center on 2485 Old cour thouse road Goochland. classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. starting on april 3 and ending May 1. One saturday class will be held on either May 6 or May 13. For more information, or to register for the class, e-mail GoochlandcerT@Goochlandva.us or call (804) 556-5366.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 hatha yoga incorporates poses, breathing, and deep relaxation. Participants in this class, which is for students ages 18 and up and held from 6 to 7 p.m., should bring their own mat. The program ends on Monday, May 15, 2023 and the fee for the class is $60. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue. Roslyn

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Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

Tucker’s storytime will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 2 -5. come enjoy a story at central high, then stick around after and spend some time in the bouncy house! For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854. a beginner’s quilt /quilted pillow will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for ages 18 and up. In this three-session class, participants will get an introduction to quilting while making a classic throw pillow. Week 1: cutting and piecing techniques.

Please see CALENDAR, Page 5

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