INSIDE Several local shelter pets still in need of forever homes. > page 2
Volume 65, Number 39 • September 24, 2020
Rassawek CUP would pave way for more events, camping space By Roslyn Ryan Editor
LET’S DANCE GCPS honored for focus on innovative teaching practices
Contributed photo
Young dancers stay focused during a recent class at Goochland’s Aspire Dance Academy, which managed to continue providing instruction despite the COVID-19 pandemic. For more on the studio, now in its ninth year, see page 3.
Contributed report that improve student learning and promote Last week, the Virginia State Board of college and career readiness, and good citiEducation recognized Goochland County zenship. Public Schools (GCPS) as one of 15 “School The divisions are the first to earn the desDivisions of Innovation” for designing and ignation, which was authorized by the 2017 implementing alternatives to traditional instructional practices and school structures see Schools > 2
Plans are underway to bring a bit more bustle to Goochland’s western end. On Sept. 3, Goochland County Planning Commissioners gave a unanimous stamp of approval to a plan that would allow a number of new additions to the 1,025-acre Columbia Road property known as Rassawek. While Rassawek owner Joe Liesfeld has been hosting the wildly popular annual Rassawek Spring Jubilee for the past 10 years, drawing upwards of 10,000 visitors, the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) he is seeking would allow for up to four large scale events (defined as drawing over 1,000 people) per year without a special events permit A designated portion of the property has been used for several years as a destination for weddings, family gatherings and corporate events, but Liesfeld’s requested CUP would allow for an unlimited number medium events (250-1,000 people at a time) and smaller events (less than 250 people) to see Rassawek > page 5
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