INSIDE A haunting in Goochland County kids go all out for Halloween > page 16
Volume 59, Number 42 • November 6, 2014
Goochland resident Del Clay, a disabled veteran, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. Now, his family and friends are in a race against the clock to get him the treatment he needs
High schools plan to host Veterans Day observances Contributed Report
Contributed photo
Shirley Christian presents the Scott-Prosser family with the keys to their new home.
Habitat dedicates 20th home
Community rallying to support ailing veteran
Contributed Report
Just in time for the holidays, a Goochland family has a brand new home of their own. Goochland Habitat for Humanity celebrated the dedication of its 20th home on Oct. 19, handing over the keys to the Scott-Prosser family. To begin the ceremony, George Price, president of Goochland Habitat for Humanity, introduced the invocation by Rev. Rosemary Price. Knight Bowles then shared some thoughts on the history of the Goochland chapter’s founding, with instrumental accompaniment provided by Bert Henley. Bowles pointed out that the ScottProsser family had not only put in the requisite number of “sweat equity” hours required to obtain their see Habitat > page 2
By Roslyn Ryan Editor
M
embers of a Goochland group are hoping the community will continue to rally around them as they work to secure life-saving treatments for a decorated military veteran. The Pray4Clay Warriors will be holding several benefit events in the coming weeks to help raise funds for Del Clay, a county resident currently engaged in the battle of his life. Clay, a recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries sustained while serving two tours in Iraq, was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2013 and eventually learned that he has a particularly rare form of the disease. The diagnosis is not Clay’s first brush with serious illness. While on his final deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2011, Clay
suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury as a result. After a lengthy stay in a military hospital, Clay was declared medically retired. According to those working on behalf of Clay and his family, doctors have said that the only treatment that could extend Clay’s life is a medical trial currently underway in Houston, Texas. “All we can do now is to keep pushing forward,” said Melissa Clay, Del’s wife of nearly 30 years. “It’s been heart wrenching but we have turned over every rock...we’re just never going to give up.” The Pray 4 Clay Warriors organization is attempting to raise $15,000, money that will help pay for the first of six treatments Clay will require. The group has already raised around $1,800 thanks to a benefit concert held at see Clay > 2
Goochland resident Del Clay, shown with his grandchildren Caleb and Annabelle, is hoping to travel to Texas in December to undergo treatment for pancreatic cancer.
American Legion Post 215, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Goochland High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps will present a ceremony honoring veterans at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 2014 in the Goochland High School auditorium. This follows the tradition started in 1947 when the first Veterans Day was observed, paying tribute to all those who serve and have served in the military. The guest speaker this year will be Col. Catherine Hundley, who is retired from the United States National Guard. Col. Hundley holds the unique distinction of being the first female to be promoted to the rank of Colonel in the history of the Virginia Army National Guard. In 1997, she also became the first female from the Virginia Army National Guard to graduate from the U.S. Army War College. The ceremony is open to the public and all are invited. For more information, call (804) 708-0513. Benedictine College Preparatory School will be hosting a Veterans Day see Veterans Day > 2
File photo
Goochland High School’s new Marine Corps JROTC unit will host a Veterans Day gathering at the school on Nov. 11.