The Goochland Gazette – 09/30/2021 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Local organization hosts event to raise awareness of drug overdose fatalities > page 2

Volume 66 Number 38 • September 30, 2021

Former supervisor to be remembered Saturday By Roslyn Ryan Editor

NUCKOLS

Though Lawrence Nuckols touched countless lives over the course of his 79 years on Earth, only a handful of people were able to say goodbye when Nuckols passed away in March of last year after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. But while COVID-19 safety measures may have delayed the opportunity, those

who knew Nuckols will finally be able to pay their respects to the former County supervisor and respected business leader this Saturday during a memorial service scheduled for 3 p.m. at St. Matthews church (1606 St Matthews Lane). Born at his family’s home on Ashland Rd. on Nov. 24, 1940, Lawrence Bolling Nuckols was already working at the Esso station in Centerville by the age of 14, often riding his bike or using his father’s

tractor to get there (he would go on to buy the station by the age of 21). He would go on to serve his in the National Guard, raise a family with his beloved wife Anne, and serve as a County supervisor for over 25 years. He was also elected as Magistrate/Justice of the Peace for eight years in 1965, earned Lifetime Member status with the see Nuckols > 3

A great day for a parade Photo by Elizabeth Thorsteinson

Members of the Goochland Woman’s Club took part in the Goochland Day Parade on Saturday, joining numerous other local organizations and businesses in welcoming the event back to the county’s Courthouse area after a nearly 20-year hiatus. For more photos from the parade and the Goochland Day festival, see page 11.

Schools continue weighing balanced schedule By Roslyn Ryan Editor

As Goochland County Public Schools continues to explore the possibility of instituting a balanced calendar for the school division— meaning that the current number of instructional days would remain the same but would be spread out differently throughout the calendar year — school officials have been holding a series of public meetings focused on the topic. While the majority of those meetings, which began earlier this month, also include presentations on the upcoming school bond referendum, a significant portion of the questions raised during the virtual meeting held on Sept. 7 centered on just what a balanced schedule would look like for GCPS students and their families. Cautioning that the plan is only one that the division is considering and there are no definite plans to move forward at this time, Goochland County school superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley explained that balanced calendars — sometimes referred to as “year-round school” — are intended to help see Schedule > 4

Thursday

September 30, 2021

Salem Baptist to host autumn event Salem Baptist Church presents Light Up The Night a community fall night out. October 30th 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. 465 Broad Street Manakin-Sabot. All are welcome for Tunk-or-Treat, free food, games, Hayride, and family fun!

KELLEY AUCTIONS presents PUBLIC ESTATE AUCTION From Estate of L. Andrew, Sr., and Lillian Duke Saturday, October 9, 2021 - 1:00 P.M. (**Preview @ 12 Noon day of sale**)

17250 Journey’s End Lane (Off State Route 715) Beaverdam, VA 23015 Including: Coins, crocks, lanterns, bells, vintage toys, large lot of primitive tools, furniture, and much, much more. 50+ years collection of rare and unique antiques.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Property Transfers 7416 Aldeby St., Glen Allen; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Clyde S. Taylor, $551,496. 3267 Bayberry Lane, Goochland; Lisa P. Phoenix to Everett I. Madden II, $510,000. 1592 Cartersville Road, Goochland; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Dallas Keith Mullens, $252,500. 1 Deer Run Drive, Manakin Sabot; Christopher E. Pollard to James Edward Schreiber, $750,000.

806 Hockett Road, Manakin Sabot; John G. Dailey to Thomas Nyambok, $317,000. 5255 Island Court, Goochland; Luther M. Bristow III to Marton Z. Smilek, $435,000. 1740 Old Orchard Lane, Manakin Sabot; Frank H. Reichel III to Stephen Jacobs, $760,000. 4541 Peters Creek Road, Columbia; Victoria Donhauser to Chase Marshall Colyer, $330,000.

3115 Rock Cress Lane, Sandy Hook; Kevin J. Savoy to John E. Baldwin, $575,000. 5054 Shannon Hill Road, Kents Store; Michael A. Baudinet to Dustin B. Hevener, $455,000. 1826 Summer Wind Lane, Maidens; James M. Barden to James Michael Bradbury, $585,000. 7168 Yare St., Glen Allen; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Lisa Ann Ferris, $566,840.

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Food + Water + Drinks available for sale BRING A CHAIR This is an outdoor auction with COVID protocol respected! Check www.AuctionZip.com for updated listings and pictures AUCTIONEER’S NOTES: ABSENTEE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO SALE. 6% VA SALES TAX. NO BUYERS’ PREMIUM. TERMS: CASH, OR VALID CHECK. AUCTIONEER ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR LOSS OF PROPERTY OR INJURIES. ALL SALES FINAL. PAYMENT MADE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. ALL ITEMS WILL BE SOLD AS IS WHERE IS.

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Local cyclists earn wins, podium finishes PAGE 12

Journalist and author Beth Macy, whose book Dopesick focuses on the scourge of addiction, presented her insights on overdoses in rural Virginia during a recent event held by the Rural Substance Abuse Awareness Coalition (RSAAC) of Goochland and Powhatan.

Calendar ................................ 4 Classifieds ......................18-23 Letters .................................... 6 Opinion .................................. 6 Sports .............................12-14 TV Listings ......................15-17

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Contributed photo

Local group hosts annual Overdose Awareness Day Contributed report

The Rural Substance Abuse Awareness Coalition (RSAAC) of Goochland and Powhatan recently hosted the second annual International Overdose Awareness Walk on Aug. 28, 2021, at Rassawek Vineyards. The purpose of the event is to end overdose deaths, remember without stigma those who have died, and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. RSAAC’s plan to end overdoses involves raising awareness of the organizations and

resources that provide support, prevention, treatment, recovery, and a sense of belonging and inclusiveness to those impacted by addiction. From Aug. 21 to Aug. 27, team participants logged their steps and RSAAC spotlighted community resources on their Facebook page. These actions helped to drive conversations within the community about the impact of overdoses in Goochland see RSAAC > 17

Laura McFarland Managing Editor (804) 363-1577 Roslyn Ryan Editor (804) 339-7956 Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor (540) 728-0549 Cindy Adams Classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746 Denine D’Angelo Production Manager (804) 775-4624

Thursday

Serving Goochland County

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

September 30, 2021

Since 1955

Next mobile vet clinic set for December Goochland Pet Lovers will be holding its next mobile vet clinic on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 2 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Goochland Elementary School, offering the chance for residents in need to receive financial assistance for preventative and basic pet care. Covered expenses include spay and neuter services, vaccines, flea and tick protection, medical grooming, deworming, dog licenses, microchipping and access to collars, leashes and carriers as available. To make an appointment, call 556-LOVE. More information and an application can be found at www.goochlandpetlovers.com or by calling (804) 556-5683 or e-mailing GNF@goochlandpetlovers. com.

Nuckols continued from >1 Co. 3 Fire Department, and was a lifetime member of the Chamber of Commerce. Nuckols served on the Board of Directors at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and was a founder of the former Bank of the James, Commerce Bank of Goochland, and the Bank of Goochland, where he served as Chairman of Board. As a successful land developer, Nuckols helped create several neighborhoods including Hoofprint Hills and Fox Downs. He and Anne also helped to found and develop Sycamore Creek Golf Course in Goochland. If Nuckols’ life story sounds like a tale about the value of good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to one’s community, that may be because it actually was. As a child, when he wasn’t working at the service station, Nuckols could often be found milking cows or doing other chores on his family’s farm, or taking part in Boy Scout activities. To say he was well-liked by his peers would have been an understatement. At Goochland High School, where he served as Student Body President, his classmates voted him as Friendliest, Best Personality, Most Polite, Best All Around, and Most Likely to Succeed.

Goochland resident Sheila Alvis knew Nuckols for most of his life, and remembers him as a man who would always do whatever he could to help someone in need. “If anything was wrong, I could always call Lawrence,” Alvis said, recalling the day she came home after running some errands and realized someone had broken into her house. “I jumped back in the car and went straight to Nuckols’ Exxon,” she said. Nuckols went back to the house with her, made sure the intruder was gone, and stayed with her until the police arrived. “He was just that kind of a friend,” Alvis said. According to those who knew him, Nuckols was also a tremendously hard worker. When Nuckols joined the Army National Guard Reserves and was stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky from September 1959 to August of 1962, his parents helped to run the service station while he was gone so he could continue his operator, ownership when he returned. According to his daughter Sandi, Nuckols worked nearly every day from open to close, only leaving for a very short lunch, a family dinner around the table, and a quick nap. The station was closed on Thanksgiving Day, since that was Nuckols’ only “hunting” day with family and friends (Sandi says the outings were more about telling

jokes and enjoying time in the woods than actually hunting), and on Christmas Day. Sandi noted that just about any young man that lived near the Centerville/ Rockville area during those years was probably employed by her father at some point. Most worked at the gas station, pumping gas, wiping windshields, and checking oil. Some employees were sent out to go get car parts, chase cows that got out, pull cars out of ditches in the snow, or anything else Nuckols could find for them to do. “If you worked for him,” said Sandi, “you definitely have a story to share.” On Sept. 7, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution celebrating the life of Lawrence Nuckols and honoring him for his years of dedicated service. The resolution praised Nuckols for his significant contributions “to the advancement and welfare of the community most notably as a member of the Board of Supervisors and as a local business owner; who was well known for his kindness and generosity, and exhibited the qualities of vision and leadership throughout his tenure as an elected official.” The resolution went on to say that “the Goochland County Board of Supervisors hereby notes with great sadness the loss of Lawrence Nuckols, a thoughtful mentor, good friend and respect-

ed public servant and community leader in Goochland County.” Lawrence Nuckols is survived by Anne Ellis Nuckols, his wife of 59 years; two daughters, Penny and Sandi; four grandsons, Larry, Ellis, Seth, and Landon; and two great-grandchildren, Dixon, and Dixie.The family encourages anyone who would like to share a story about Nuckols at his memorial service to contact Sandi at sandyatccc@aol. com.

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Library Calendar In-Person Programs cal or communication need, Friday, Oct. 8 Friday Book Group at the Goochland Branch Library will be held from 11 a.m. noon. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/8158080. Call 804-556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. Thursday, Oct. 14 Aging Gracefully: Prevent Falls, Please! will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. This program is for those ages 18 & up. Carolyn M. Velletri, MS, OTR/L, CCM will guide you through ways to successfully make your home senior friendly. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/8156042. For more information or if you have a special physi-

please email ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at 804-749-3146. Thursday, Oct. 21 Impacts of Alzheimer’s and Dementia will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 6 - 7 p.m. Understand the signs of Alzheimer’s, find out about what to watch for, and learn tips for approaching someone about memory concerns. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association and Edward Jones Financial. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/8308141. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at 804-749-3146.

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Tuesday, Oct. 26 Mystery Book Group at the Goochland Branch Library will be held from 10 – 11 a.m. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/8158144. Call 804-556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for the title of our latest amazing thriller. Saturday, Oct. 30 Outdoor Storytime and Costume Parade at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library will be held at 1111:30 a.m. Register at https:// pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/ event/8285752 to attend an all ages Storytime outdoors at the library. Dress in your favorite costume and bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books! For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library at 804-749-3146.

Virtual Programs

N DI

Winter Seed Sowing Saturday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m.

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Serving Goochland County

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

September 30, 2021

Since 1955

Schedule continued from >1 - noon. Winter seed sowing is a low cost, easy, and fun way to germinate seeds during the coldest months, while getting a head start on flowers and cool-season vegetables for spring planting. By sowing seeds outside under natural light and temperature, seedlings are hardier and stockier than seeds sown indoors under artificial conditions. Join Master Gardener Connie Sorrel as she demonstrates this method, using repurposed materials, soil, and seeds — just in time for winter. Registration is required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/8158164. This program is hosted virtually through Zoom and the meeting link will be sent to the email registered 1 day before the event occurs. If you don’t receive your reminder email on Friday, November 12, please contact the library. For more information or if you have a special physical or communication need, contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Goochland Branch Library at (804) 556-4774.

maximize opportunities for student development and combat what educators and researchers for years have referred to as “summer slide,” the regression that occurs when students are away from school in between grades. As Raley explained, students would not be required to attend more than the current 180 days of instruction that they currently do, and would see a calendar that featured numerous two-week breaks throughout the year and optional opportunities for academic enrichment during those breaks. When it comes to those additional opportunities, which school officials refer to as “intercessions,” students could engage in a range of activities, from test prep to college visits or even work-based learning experiences. The key, said assistant superintendent Steve Geyer, is that the programs would be optional. “What we want to do is give students choice,” said Geyer. “They can take a break when they want to take a break, but if they wanted to take part in an intersession that opportunity would be there.” Raley insisted that families

will be given plenty of notice before any changes to the school calendar are made, and also made clear that the division intends to help ease the transition if and when they are. “We’re here to work together with families,” Raley said. “That’s the beauty of being in this school division — we can work with families and we have those strong relationships.” Below are dates and locations of both bond referendum and balanced calendar meetings. All meetings start at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Virtual Bond Referendum Meeting Zoom: shorturl.at/dAEJ4. Meeting ID: 837 2910 5337, Passcode: 404275 or Dial (301) 715-8592, Oct. 11, Bond Referendum/Schools’ Balanced Calendar/New GES Design, Byrd Elementary, 2704 Hadensville Fife Road, Oct. 18, Bond Referendum/Schools’ Balanced Calendar/New GES Design, Goochland Elementary, 3150 River Road West, Oct. 26, Bond Referendum/Schools’ Balanced Calendar/New GES Design Randolph Elementary, 1552 Sheppard Town Road, Oct. 28, Virtual Bond Referendum/Schools’ Balanced Calendar, Google Meet: meet. google.com/sxi-wksz-esf.

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September 30, 2021

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

For those in agriculture, danger is familar foe By Roslyn Ryan Editor

s anyone who has ever lived in a farming community knows, there are certain minor inconveniences one expects to encounter from time to time. Sometimes you end up downwind from a freshly-fertilized field. Sometimes an errant cow ends up in your yard. Sometimes you find yourself stuck behind a tractor, inching your way down a winding country road. If you happened to have moved to the country from the city, as I did over two decades ago, these things might admittedly throw you at first. City life has plenty of its own quirks, of course—and its own questionable smells—but it doesn’t always quite prepare a person for life in a place where farming is a thriving part of the local economy. Truth be told, a significant number of those who spend their lives in cit-

ies and suburbs may not have any real concept where the food they eat comes from, or the challenges faced by the men and women who produce it. They certainly know they are stuck behind a tractor, and perhaps late for work, but they might not understand that the man or woman behind the wheel of that tractor is part of a vast network of farmers, ranchers, fishermen and forestry workers who keep store shelves stocked and food on our tables. In order to help raise awareness of the challenges faced by agricultural workers, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) recognized last week as National Farm Safety and Health Week. “The dedication and diligence of Virginia’s farmers and agribusinesses are why agriculture remains the largest private industry in the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring last week. “National Farm Safety and Health Week provides the

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 344-8746 Online: www.goochlandgazette.com

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opportunity to thank Virginia’s agricultural workers and to promote safety for farmers and farm families to reduce the risk of injury, illness, and death as they do their jobs.” In addition to being two of the Commonwealth’s largest private industries, agriculture and forestry are also Virginia’s most hazardous occupations. Farmers and forestry workers are at high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries, noise-induced hearing loss, skin diseases, and high levels of stress associated with these occupations. And it isn’t just the physical toll of the industry that must be addressed. “Agriculture can be physically challenging, but an often overlooked component of farmers’ overall health is the mental burden of farming,” see Farmers > 8

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Goochland residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Goochland Gazette.

Laura McFarland lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com Roslyn Ryan

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Nick Vandeloecht nvandeloecht@powhatantoday.com Tom Haynie

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Send letters to: The Goochland Gazette 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@goochlandgazette.com © 2021 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 8,014.

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Letters to the Editor Allen remains best choice to fill county school board seat To the Editor, I am writing to support Angela Allen for the District 2 Goochland County School Board. Angela is a neighbor who I know would be a highly vocal representative for conservative values in our school system. If you look at Angela’s qualifications, you will see that Angela is a thoroughly bedrock part of our Goochland community and Goochland voters cannot find a better choice for our School Board. Art Bachman Gum Spring

Allen has personal stake in education and skill set to do the job Dear Editor, I would like to put a spotlight on Angela Allen running for our School Board for District 2. She is a proud 4th Generation “Goochlander.” She is a Christian, wife, mother and community leader. Her daughter is a “Bull-Dog” senior following in her Mom and Dad’s foot steps. Public education is one of America’s most vital institutions. Angela is passionate about teaching our children about the opportunities available to all in America through hard work and dedication. She wants to empower parents to have an active voice in the education of their children — after all, they were their first teachers. She wants to protect our students from divisive propaganda and cancel culture tactics. We should embrace what unites us. She is also committed to fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints. She has 25 years of experience in this area. A vote for Angela Allen is giving support to safeguard the core prinsee Letters > 8

Thursday

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September 30, 2021

Since 1955

THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO LET OUR GUARD DOWN. 6 ft.

Wear a mask over your nose and mouth

Stay at least 6 feet away from others

Avoid crowds

Find your free vaccine

We’re all tired of COVID-19. But with new and more dangerous variants of the virus here in Virginia, we have to stay committed to stopping the spread. Please do your part by following the steps above. Find your free vaccine at Vaccinate.Virginia.gov or learn more by calling 1-877-VAX-IN-VA.

We’re not finished yet.

Thursday

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

September 30, 2021

Letters continued from >6 ciples of education and forging opportunities for achievement. She has years of experience of promoting motivational thought and work ethics. Your vote would insure our students

“[Allen] wants to protect our students from divisive propaganda and cancel culture tactics. We should embrace what unites us.” would receive the best education possible and prepare them for their future challenges. Sincerely, Dan and Gloria Gibson Sandy Hook

Poll workers put community at risk by not wearing masks Dear Editor, Though I appreciate the convenience of early voting,

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I was saddened to see four unmasked poll workers the morning of September 24 when I arrived to vote. As someone protective of my own health as well as that of all others in my community, I have been vaccinated. I continue to wear a mask given the reality of cases among the unvaccinated, the rare breakthrough cases among some of the vaccinated, and the continuing deaths and stresses on the health care system caused by pandemic virus variants. I asked these poll workers if they were vaccinated. They all responded yes. Then I noted, “but not wearing masks.” These were their responses: it’s a personal choice; only 1% of vaccinated people have break through cases; I have allergies and don’t like to wear a mask. I understand. No one likes wearing a mask. So why do it? Unfortunately, vaccination against this virus has become a political issue, an issue of personal freedom and choice, ignoring the ethics required to live among others in a community. For a variety of reasons, many citizens choose not to be vaccinated. But becoming vaccinated and wearing a mask is how we protect one another from a virus that can cause death and lingering symptoms for the most seriously ill. It is a personal choice to protect my fellow citizens from youngest to eldest. It is a personal choice to understand the reality and danger of this virus. It is a personal choice to reduce the spread of a virus that can infect me without causing symptoms, only to infect and kill my neighbor. It is a personal choice to suffer the discomfort and annoyance of wearing a mask to protect those I encounter in my community. I remain dismayed by the irresponsibility of unmasked poll workers. Linda Sasser Columbia

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Mammoth failure of yesteryear almost forgotten amid opening of new campus By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

It was a cold damp day in 1963 when we all stood in amazement as truckload after truckload pulled up and dumped its load of concrete destined for the top of our new gymnasium. As the first students at a new school, it didn’t take much to break the monotony of the school day. We should have felt lucky. John Randolph Tucker was Henrico County’s newest high school, and it was barely completed when we began school a week late in September. So, we stood on the still clay-stained sidewalks and watched tons of concrete as it was poured on to a triangular-shaped roof of our nouveau-designed showplace. Throughout the years, we stomped, cheered, graduated and did everything else in that gym you can imagine. Famous

drummer Buddy Rich even played a concert in the old gym. And when the place really got wound up, you could almost feel it shake during a heated basketball game or enthusiastic pep rally. Turns out our observations were much closer to accurate than we thought at the time. Attending school at a small college in North Carolina, I rarely paid attention to the national news, but, as I passed a television set in the Student Union, I heard the name Tucker High School in Richmond. In September 1970, the beautiful, state of the art, nouveau design gym collapsed into a heap of tons of concrete shortly after students had gone home. Not only did the collapse evoke fear in the many students and parents who had spent hours in the gym, it had far more serious consequences.

The same architect built two other gyms in the county with the same design, and buildings at Varina and Henrico High Schools had to be demolished and rebuilt in more traditional box-style buildings. Poor design, faulty concrete, and other factors were cited as reasons for the collapse. As I heard the news, I couldn’t help but think back to that day when we stood between classes and watched concrete being poured on a roof. “Do you think it’s a good idea to pour concrete on a roof?” one of my classmates joked that day. Turned out, it wasn’t. Tucker opened its new campus this year, and again lays claim to being the newest campus in the county. It’s a marvel of modern architecture that will serve the county well into the future, gymnasium hopefully included!

Shady Grove Baptist Church hosting Family Country Fair Shady Grove Baptist Church, located at 3384 Oakland Church Rd. in Gum Spring, will be hosting a Family Country Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. This free family event will feature a family costume

contest (no scary costumes please), as well as food, games and plenty of treats. Due to COVID concerns, anyone wishing to attend is asked to RSVP at www.tinyurl. com/familycountryfair or contact the church at (804) 5563453.

Farmers

local farmers are or the complexity of the issues they face every day. But I hope we can all take this as a reminder that what they do every day touches each of our lives in countless ways. “I’ve always beloved that the most important people on the planet are the ones who plant the seeds and care for the soil where they grow,” said country music legend and longtime farming advocate Willie Nelson. Amen.

continued from >6 said Brad Copenhaver, VDACS Commissioner. “Severe weather, low commodity prices, trade issues, increased debt, and the coronavirus are stressors affecting Virginia’s agricultural producers. As we have noted a time or two in these pages, it’s understandable that those who did not grow up in an agricultural community may occasionally forget just how important our

Contributed photo

While Goochland County schools have been back in session now for several weeks, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to slip in one last back-to-school photo. Pictured here are Sawyer and Fynn Hagen, who were all smiles as they got ready to start their first day.

Thursday

September 30, 2021

Volunteers needed for Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener Class Contributed Report

mid-April. The majority of classes are planned to be inperson but virtual instruction through Zoom will be used as a backup in case of COVID restrictions or inclement weather. The location of classes will alternate between the Goochland Extension Office and the Powhatan Extension Office. Instructors will include Virginia Tech extension specialists, agents, and local experts. All participants are asked to volunteer time to their county’s Virginia Cooperative Extension program with at least 50 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training to earn their certification as a Master Gardener. The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs and t h e

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In The Garden

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who promote environmentally sound horticulture in their communities. If you have an interest in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer, now is the time to complete your application for an opportunity to give back to your community while gaining in-depth knowledge about gardening. All applications for the Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener training program for 2022 must be turned in by Nov.15, 2021. To prepare participants to become volunteers, the program offers more than 50 hours of instruction on a broad range of horticultural topics including garden flowers, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect/plant disease identification, weed management, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, home fruit production, lawn care, and water conservation. Classes will be held twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting Jan. 18 and running through

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abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening while others staff plant clinics or displays at community events. They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with educational writing related to gardening. The Master Gardener coordinator in the County Extension office decides how volunteer time can be best utilized. Tuition for the training class is $140 (cash or check). Limited scholarships are available so all those with an interest are encouraged to apply. To begin the online application process visit www. gpmga.org and follow the instructions on the homepage. If you have any questions, call the Goochland Extension Office at (804) 556-5841 or the Powhatan Extension Office at (804) 598-5640.

Vote Blakely Lockhart for

Delegate in the 56th District • Strengthening public schools • Expanding access to healthcare • Keeping Goochland’s air and water clean

Vote Early: 1876 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA 23063 Request Absentee Ballot: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/ VoterInformation/Lookup/absentee

Vote on Election Day (November 2nd) at your normal voting precinct Paid for by Friends of Blakely Lockhart

Thursday

September 30, 2021

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

Goochland voters have several ways to cast ballot Contributed Report

Early voting has now begun in Goochland County and across the Commonwealth. As of Friday, Sept. 17, residents can cast their ballot by visiting Goochland County’s Voter Satellite Office location in Goochland County Parks and Recreation’s Goochland Sports Complex building at 1800 Sandy Hook Rd, Goochland, VA 23063. During the 2021 November General Election, voters will have the opportunity to cast a vote for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, House of Delegates member, and two county bond referendum questions – one on

public schools and the other on public safety. In addition, voters in District 2 will also be able to cast a vote for District 2 School Board member. Voters are encouraged to know what is going to be on the ballot. Sample ballots have been posted to the Elections and Voter Registration webpage (www.goochlandva.us/vote) of Goochland’s website. Information on the two county bond referendum questions is available at www.goochlandva.us/bonds or by emailing GVABonds2021@goochlandva. us. The two bond referendum questions, if passed, would authorize Goochland County to issue up to $96 million in

general obligation bonds to pay for county and school division capital projects. The Voter Satellite Office location is now open for early voting during normal office hours, Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. continuing until Friday, Oct. 29. There will also be special hours on two Saturdays, Oct. 23 and Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Oct. 30 is the last day to vote early. Dedicated parking for voters 65 or older, voters with disabilities, and early voting is in front of the Goochland Sports Complex and the Office of the General Registrar’s build-

ing. The dedicated parking is accessible from the Sandy Hook Road (Route 522) entrance behind the County Administration Building. Below are important reminders from the Office of the General Registrar as voting for the 2021 November General Election gets underway. Ballots for the November 2, 2021, November General Election are now available. The form and link to request an Absentee Ballot is available at www.goochlandva.us/vote or https://vote.elections.virginia. gov/VoterInformation. The last day to request an Absentee Ballot to be sent to you is Friday, Oct. 22. Applications to

request an Absentee Ballot can be returned in person at the Office of the General Registrar located at 1876 Sandy Hook Rd, Goochland, VA 23063, by mail to the General Registrar at PO Box 1013, Goochland, VA 23063, by fax to 804-556-6323 or by email to vote@goochlandva.us. Your voted ballot can be returned by mail to PO Box 1013, Goochland, VA, 23063. Ballots can be returned in person during normal business hours to the General Registrar at the Office of the General Registrar 1876 Sandy Hook Rd, Goochland, VA 23063 or at the Voter Satellite Office at the Goochland County Sports

Complex 1800 Sandy Hook Rd, Goochland, VA 23063. Drop off locations will also be available at polling places on Election Day. Please visit the District Information page www.goochlandva.us/vote for a list of those addresses. The deadline to register to vote or update an existing registration for the 2021 November General Election is October 12. The 2021 November General Election will occur on November 2, 2021 with all precincts open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on elections and voter registration call (804) 556-5803, or email vote@goochlandva.us.

Seniors urged to be aware of techniques used by scam artists Contributed Report

AARP Virginia regularly sends out scam alerts to notify residents of popular scams that are being by criminals to take advantage of people. They advise people to be aware of the scenarios and make sure those who may be vulnerable know what signs to look for as well. Grandparent Scams: Criminals know that fear is the best motivator, and nothing drives fear more than a loved one in trouble. This is why scams targeting grandparents seem never to go away. If someone calls claiming to be your grandchild, or some

authority calling about your grandchild who is in trouble or danger, it’s most likely a scam. It’s certainly a scam if the caller directs you to send money fast to resolve the problem. Your best move is to hang up and call your grandchild or reach out to family who would know his or her whereabouts. Smishing: As more of us catch on to scam calls to our smartphones and block them or don’t answer them, scammers have taken to texting. “Smishing” is the term of art: SMS + phishing. Just as scammers phish by casting a wide net with email, so they do with smishing. The same

things that we suggest in order to avoid phishing attacks apply to smishing. But texts live in this space of immediacy – scammers know we are likely to respond much faster to a text than an email. To thwart their efforts, take a pause and consider the message. Is this really my bank, or Amazon, or PayPal, or the IRS texting me? Don’t click links – access the company or agency in a way you know to be safe and see if there’s an issue. Otherwise, don’t engage. AARP Imposter Scams: One of the most effective things that criminals can do to gain your confidence is imper-

sonate an organization that you do business with and trust. Sadly, no one is immune from this. Not even AARP. Recently, the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline has been receiving calls about a scam involving phone calls from someone claiming to be with “AARP Security Systems” (or something similar sounding). We are told the first question they ask is whether you own your home and then they hang up. We haven’t yet heard from anyone who lost money or sensitive information to these scam calls, but that could always change. Don’t engage

with anyone claiming to be from AARP Security Systems, and if you get a call like this, let us know by calling the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360, or reporting it on our scam map (www.aarp.org/scammap). Scam Tracking Map: Did you know that if you are aware of a specific scam, you are 80% less likely to engage with it, and if you do engage, you’re 40% less likely to lose money or sensitive information? A great way to share what you know to protect others, and to learn more to better protect yourself, is to visit the AARP Scam-Tracking Map (www.aarp.org/scam-

map). You can explore scams being reported in your geography and submit scams you’ve heard about or encountered. We’re all in this together – let’s share what we know so the next target doesn’t become the next victim. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.

Forest landowners’ retreat will offer tour, tips on wildlife management Contributed Report

Central Virginia landowners can learn more about actively managing their forest lands during the 11th annual Forest Landowners’ Retreat, to be held Oct. 22-23 at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center

near Appomattox. Topics will include forest management planning, timber sales, wildlife management, basic tree identification and measurement skills, and more. A tour of the AppomattoxBuckingham State Forest will

showcase pine and hardwood management strategies that woodland owners can use. Sponsoring partners for the retreat are Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Virginia

Forest Landowner Education Program. The program starts early on Friday, so Thursday night lodging is available and encouraged. Two registration options are available: with Thursday and Friday night

lodging at $95 per person or $170 per couple; or a commuter option without lodging at $55 per person or $90 per couple. Meals included with all options are Friday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Saturday breakfast and lunch.

To register online or download a brochure, visit https:// forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/landownerprograms/retreats.html. The deadline to register is Oct. 8. For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon at 540231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.

Thursday

September 30, 2021

GOOCHLAND DAY 2021

Serving Goochland County Since 1955

A day to celebrate

GOOCHLAND Thousands gathered last Saturday under a picture-perfect blue sky for the much-anticipated Goochland Day festival and the triumphant return of the county parade, a beloved local tradition not seen in nearly two decades.

Contributed photos

Clockwise, from the top left: Eagle Scout Sammy Mattice; one of the many classic cars featured in the parade; Yvonne McDaniel with Princess Daisy the Unicorn; Kristen Salmon, owner of BEE Creative by Kristin, putting the final touches on a young festival-goer’s makeup; Goochland High School’s festive float; and cousins Bentley Null and Zoey Weflen.

Thursday

September 30, 2021

SPORTS: Youth, High School, College, Recreational, Professional

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Western Albemarle football wins 17-7 over Goochland By Billy Fellin Special Correspondent

Goochland and Western Albemarle’s football teams both had unique, nagging problems throughout their Jefferson District matchup on Sept. 24 at Goochland High School. For the Warriors, it was penalties. For the Bulldogs, it was turnovers. But the turnovers, not to mention a stout Western Albemarle defense, ultimately won out in Goochland’s 17-7 setback on Friday. “(The) first guy I ever worked for, we had team goals,” said Goochland head coach Alex Fruth. “One of the things he always talked about was: you have to win on turnover margin and on special teams. We didn’t do a very good job of that tonight. When you have turnovers and screw up a punt, it comes back to bite you. Our defense played their tails off, but we’ve got to give them help on offense.” The turnover bug hit early and often for the Bulldogs. On the first drive of the game, the Bulldogs threw a ball that went off the hands of a Goochland receiver and right into the hands of a Western Albemarle defender. Following a missed field goal by Western Albemarle, Goochland was driving down

Billy Fellin/Goochland Gazette

Goochland’s Derek Pierce (9) goes up for the grab and comes down in-bounds for the Bulldogs’ lone touchdown of the night in a Jefferson District matchup against Western Albemarle at Goochland High School on Friday. Western Albemarle won 17-7.

the field, aided by a roughing the kicker call on the Warriors, when the turnover bug struck again as the Bulldogs’ ball carrier fumbled for another turnover. The short field allowed the Warriors to convert a touchdown in two plays as Kaden Morrow scored on a 24-yard run.

Following another Western Albemarle interception and an ensuing drive where the Warriors committed back-toback penalties that allowed Goochland’s defense to hold firm, the Bulldogs’ offense started rolling toward its only score of the night. Goochland began chewing up yards on the ground

and was aided by two Warriors penalties, including a defensive pass interference that moved the Bulldogs into the red zone. Quarterback C.J. Towles took to the air and found Derek Pierce in the end zone for a Goochland score and a 7-7 game just before halftime. The Bulldogs appeared to be finding their footing to

start the second half before the turnover bug reared its ugly head again on back-to-back drives. Goochland’s defense had forced a three-and-out from the Warriors to open the half and Goochland was driving before another fumble gave the ball back to the Warriors. “(Western Albemarle’s

defense) isn’t fancy,” Fruth said. “They just do a great job of rallying to the point of attack. We’ve got to find our groove up front. It’s a work in progress.” The Bulldogs’ defense would take the ball right back as Western Albemarle tried to orchestrate a big play on a long pass toward the end zone, but Pierce made an overthe-shoulder catch and stayed in-bounds for the interception. Goochland’s offense got one first down on the ensuing drive and set up to punt, but a fumbled snap deep in Goochland territory was recovered for a touchdown and a 14-7 lead by Western Albemarle. Fruth said it was frustrating that the Bulldogs weren’t able to capitalize on some of the Warriors’ mistakes throughout the game. “Totally,” he said. “I feel like we shot ourselves in the foot repeatedly.” The Bulldogs’ offense couldn’t gain any steam after that and Western Albemarle drove down for a 35-yard field goal to make it the 17-7 final. The Bulldogs tried for some late-game magic on their final drive, but a long pass ended up in Western Albemarle hands once again. The loss takes Goochland to 2-2 on the year. The Bulldogs travel to Fluvanna on Oct. 2.

Goochland roundup: golfers 3rd in Jefferson District tournament Manno leads Bulldogs in team podium finish Out of eight teams, Goochland’s golf team placed third overall with a score of 330 in the Jefferson District golf tournament held last Monday at the Old Trail Golf Course in Crozet.

Sophomore Luke Manno had a standout day, leading Goochland with his total of 72, which individually placed him in the top four. Also helping Goochland take third in the district were Matthew Floegel (83), Will Gravely (84) and Gintas Putinas (91). Gravely and Manno also earned Second

Team All-District honors. Host team Western Albemarle won the team tournament with a total of 294, and Albemarle took second with a score of 323. Albemarle’s Addie Doroh was the top golfer in the tournament, shooting a first-place total of 68. Charlottesville’s Preston Burton and Western’s Elsie MacCleery

tied for the second-best individual total (69), and Western’s Jack Crombie tied with Manno for the fourth-best total (72). MacCleery was named the Jefferson District’s Golfer of the Year, and Western coach Darren Maynard was named the district’s Coach of the Year. Goochland is slated to play in the Class 3, Region B tourna-

ment at Mattaponi Springs Golf losses to Trinity Episcopal Club on Tuesday, Oct. 5. and Friendship Collegiate and a 28-10 triumph over Woodberry Forest on Sept. 10. Benedictine was initially slated to play Woodrow Wilson, Benedictine football will but the game was listed as host rival St. Christopher’s in being cancelled. this coming Friday’s matchup St. Christopher’s is 4-0. at 4 p.m. The Cadets are 1-2 The Saints outscored their following season-opening first four opponents 169-13.

Rivalry game ahead

Thursday

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September 30, 2021

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