INSIDE INSI Grape chosen as Grapes president of future presid Bene Benedictine Schools of Ric Richmond > page 3 Volume 65, Number 15 • April 9, 2020
Goodwill donations surge, but could pose a challenge
Staying connected
Local farm markets to debut web shop option By Roslyn Ryan Editor
By Roslyn Ryan Editor
As the chief operating officer for Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, Bill Carlson wants to make one thing very clear: Your donations are still very much appreciated. In fact, Carlson said last week, it is those donations that will help fuel the organization’s goal of connecting people with employment opportunities and training, a mission that will likely become even more critical in the coming months as unemployment due to COVID-19 brings a tidal wave of people in need of assistance. Carlson knows some may have seen news Carlson reports in recent weeks featuring piles of bagged donations sitting outside of shuttered Goodwill locations across the United States, as residents with a sudden influx of time on their hands have begun emptying closets and cupboards en masse. The problem, said Carlson is that the donations dropped off at the closed locations are sitting outside and getting ruined because there is no one to process them. see Goodwill > page 1
Contributed photo
Goochland Elementary School first grade teacher Kelley Taylor sent a message last week to her students, whom she has not seen since Goochland County Public Schools were shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak on March 16. For more on how the shutdown has impacted teachers, and an update on the school division’s plans for the rest of the school year, see page 5.
Among the millions across the nation who have been hit hard by limits on public gatherings, farmers might not be the first group many think of. For Lisa Dearden, however, the agricultural community — particularly small, local growers — are always top of mind. Dearden, the current Executive Director of RVAg, said last week that she remains concerned about local growers, particularly since the state-wide lockdown to help stop the spread of COVID19 has effectively shuttered the weekly farmers markets that help connect growers Dearden with consumers. That, coupled with the fact that the spring growing season appears to be ahead of schedule this year, has had Dearden looking for any possible means to help keep things moving forward. Her solution? Move the markets online. Starting in May, market customers will be able to virtually shop from six area markets through the RVAg Marketplace. Orders will be placed online, and picksee Market > page 4