The Goochland Gazette – 10/13/2022

Goochland Fire-Rescue puts on a show

County looks to get ahead of requests for solar facilities

As demand continues, Goochland leaders want to improve guidelines

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Eying continued interest in the potential of bringing solar energy projects to Goochland, county supervisors last week voted unanimously to begin the process of amending the county’s current ordinance governing those operations.

Photo courtesy of Goochland Fire-Rescue County residents had the opportunity to get an up close look at the many services offered by Goochland County Fire-Rescue during the department’s Fire-Rescue show on Oct. 8 at Goochland High School. Held to kick off National Fire Prevention Week, the event featured numerous demonstrations and activities aimed at helping reduce the risk of fire injuries and deaths. For more photos from the event, see page 8.

Sharpe ‘put his heart and soul into everything he did’

Memorial for late District 4 supervisor set for this Saturday

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Meeting as a board for the first time since the death of District 4 rep-

resentative Don Sharpe, Goochland County supervisors opened their Oct. 6 session by expressing their appreciation for Sharpe’s service.

“To say that we are going to miss Don is a drastic understatement,” said board chairman Neil Spoonhower of Sharpe, who died unexpectedly on Sept. 17. A small bouquet of white flowers was placed on the dais in front

on the empty chair where Sharpe had sat since being elected in 2019. He had served as vice chair this year, and, as Spoonhower noted, “put his heart and soul into everything he did.”

Spoonhower related a conversation the two had shortly before Sharpe passed. “He said ‘Neil, you need to tell me if you don’t think I’m being

While he didn’t have an exact number, assistant director of community development Ray Cash told board members on Oct. 6 that he and other county staff members field inquiries almost daily from residents and those outside the county about solar projects of varying scales. And while Goochland currently has just one large-scale solar collection facility—the once-popular term “solar farm,” Cash pointed out, has fallen out of favor since no farming actually takes place—the projects have been cropping up in neighboring counties at a steady pace. Louisa, for example, already has 5,600 acres approve for solar facilities.

The idea now, Cash explained to the board, is to make sure that the county has a solid plan in place that will allow Goochland to capitalize on the demand for the projects while also maintaining the county’s rural nature. Currently, Goochland’s county code allows for

County Sheriff’s Office to host drug take-back event

Contributed report

On Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 23rd opportunity in 11 years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Area residents are encouraged to bring pills for disposal to Co. 1 Fire/Rescue at 180 River Rd. W. Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103 and Co. 5 Fire/ Rescue at 2710 Fairground Rd. Goochland, VA 23063. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked. For more information, contact Goochland Sheriff’s Office at (804) 556-5349.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

Goochland History Revealed

Sheriff made quick work of illegal still

Recent Property Transfers

133.12 acres; Wheat Development Investments LLC to Robert Clarke Hunter, $475,000.

3 parcels; Songbird LLC to Songbird Land Investment LLC, $2,825,000.

6 lots, Section 1, Tuckahoe Bridge; Windswept Development LLC to W.V. McClure Inc., $1,218,750.

6337 Community House Road, Columbia; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Damien C. Watters, $299,950.

13004 Fresco Court, Richmond; Schell Brothers Richmond LLC to Mary K. Beasley, $616,438.

2400 Incline Court, Goochland; Joseph Azor to Sybil Janel Karjala, $575,000.

Lot 17, Section A, Aldwyck; Featherston Service

Station Inc. to Franklin B. VonBechmann, $239,000.

Lot 6, Section 4, Breeze Hill; Krickovic and Ziegler LLC to Jason Craig Kaiser, $165,000.

2730 Maidens Loop, Maidens; Maidens Loop on the James LLC to Cognito Moto LLC, $250,000.

2738 Poorhouse Road, Goochland; Carter Home Builders LLC to Justin Cochrum, $365,996.

12361 S Readers Drive, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Scott S. Linham, $651,654.

3660 W Rocketts Ridge Road, Sandy Hook; Vertical Builders LLC to John Kendall Dreyer, $480,905.

61 E Square Lane, Richmond; Willem M. Vet to

Natalia J. Vet, $839,000.

116 Willway Drive, Manakin Sabot; Matthew Franklin Stainback to Drew W. Good, $425,000

1.27 acres; Donald James Sedok to F. Roland Millican Jr., $150,000.

2.5 acres; John A. Luke Jr. to Duval Investment Properties LLC, $180,000.

5.479 acres; Spencer Proffitt Chase to Sarah Nell Means, $492,000.

12242 Bremner Ridge Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Tracy Deuell, $762,242.

1623 Fox Downs Lane, Oilville; Martin P. Brady to Justin Allen Sledd, $875,000.

1464 Hockett Road, Manakin Sabot; Gilbert Owen Sharpe III to Travis Davis, $226,000.

Pet of the week

Who loves long floppy ears, besides us I mean? If you do, have we got your future soulmate in Odessa. Odessa is still a puppy, about 5–6-monthold, fully vetted, chipped. Odessa is an absolute sweetheart with everyone and everything. She is one happy, playful, and affectionate Tricolor houndy! Odessa is the type of dog that will bring a smile to your face in minutes. Her purpose in life is to be a goofy, happy spirit and we need someone who wants that in their life to adopt her. If that sounds like it

might be you swing by and meet our long eared, tricolor, superstar Odessa. Odessa is good on leash and weighs about 30 pounds.

The Goochland Animal Shelter, located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in Goochland, has many pets available to a good home. For more information on these pets, call (804) 5565302. The shelter’s hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. -2 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity seeking prospective families

Contributed report

Habitat for Humanity of Goochland County is now accepting applications for the two homes they are building in 2023. Construction on these homes begins this winter.

All of the following qualifications must be met before the family selection committee can begin to work with a prospective family:

Solar

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the use of solar panel provided the set-up does not produce more than a home or business would typically use.

Larger scale solar energy collection facilities are currently allowed in the county’s agriculturally zoned land only with a conditional use permit (CUP).

Under the revised policy Cash presented to the board, the county would allow businesses located in industrial areas the flexibility to use rooftops of existing structures for solar panels that could produce energy for sale back to utility companies. The structures used would need to be those already in use for the business, and could not be constructed specifically for solar production.

The ordinance would also help lay out clearly defined rules and procedures for large, utility scale solar projects, including mandating that the facilities be located only in agriculturally zoned areas and limited to contiguous sites between 30 and 1000 acres.

Setbacks would be required, including a provision that would locate solar col-

Applicants must earn a minimum of $25,000 annually.

They must have good credit.

They must have a need for safe and affordable housing.

They must live or work in Goochland County.

They must sign and complete a USDA release form and email it to habitatgoochland@gmail.com

lection facilities at least 150 feet from any property with a residence, as well as what Cash described as significant wooded landscape buffers for screening the projects from public view.

As Cash pointed out, much of the recent county-level discussion on solar energy has been driven by the state’s Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy, which has a stated target of reaching zero emissions in all sectors by 2045.

Cash said the interest he has seen in solar production has come largely from outside the county, but added that there has been interest from county residents as well.

Board members did raise concerns about what recourse the county would have if a solar collection facility developer failed to properly remove equipment and other materials associated with the site once it was no longer in use, though the new ordinance language does include a provision requiring solar collection facility developers to obtain a surety providing for the decommission of each site.

Developers would be required to return the site to its natural state within one year, and could not dispose of solar

Once the signed USDA release form is received, the family selection chair will contact applicants to discuss their housing situation. The USDA release forms can be picked up at 2948 River Road W., downloaded from the goochlandhabitat. org website, or requested by emailing habitatgoochland@gmail.com. For more information regarding this process, call (804) 750-3125.

panels or recycle them in Goochland.

The board’s vote cleared the way for the matter to be added to the Planning Commission’s upcoming agenda, and District 1 supervisor Susan Lascolette predicted that the matter will likely draw strong reactions from those both for and against the ordinance change.

She and other board members, however, agreed that the time was right to address the issue.

Board chairman Neil Spoonhower said he was “ecstatic” that the board is discussing solar energy production now before a large-scale project was in front of them. “Proactivity is something you don’t often see in government, so that fact that we are doing this now, when we can be thoughtful about what we want for our residents, is really good.”

“The more minds you bring to a problem, the better the answer,” said District 5 supervisor Ken Peterson. “It is time to bring the citizens in, because they are going to be able to envision things that we haven’t been able to. Hopefully that will yield a better solution—they can envision more consequences and we can address those up front.”

Sharpe

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effective, because the people deserve that,’” Spoonhower said.

District 1 supervisor Susan Lascolette said she has received countless calls over the past few weeks from Goochland residents who wanted to express their appreciation for Sharpe, who had gained a reputation across his own district and beyond for his willingness to sit down with anyone and discuss whatever issues they were facing. Said Lascolette, “He contributed so much.”

To District 3 supervisor John Lumpkins, the fact that Sharpe was so committed to fostering the board’s spirit of cooperation was one more reason he will be missed. “Oftentimes we have to pinch ourselves at how well we respect one another, and Don was a big contributor to that,” said Lumpkins, who also paused to thank Sharpe’s wife Carolyn and the rest of his family for allowing Sharpe to give so much of his time and ener-

gy to his community. Prior to his service on the board, Sharpe spent years serving on the Recreation Advisory Commission, Goochland Leadership Enterprise Board and Friends of Goochland Parks, and was an active member of Goochland Rotary. Once he was elected to fill the seat previously held by Robert Minnick, he quickly gained a reputation as someone who stood firm in his beliefs and treated all he encountered with respect regardless of their views.

Closing out the board’s remarks, an emotional Ken Peterson of District 5 said he had lost a dear friend, and added that he will cherish the time he was able to serve with Sharpe.

As efforts to find an interim representative for District 4 continue, a memorial service for Sharpe is planned for Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. at Ragland Memorial Church. For those who are not able to attend, the service will be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel at “Ragland Memorial Baptist Church.”

Advertise In The Goochland

Photo by Sidney Warren

GoochlandCares fundraiser set for Oct. 19

Contributed report

GoochlandCares will celebrate 70 years of providing hope to neighbors in need at the organization’s signature annual event, Building Bridges of Hope, on Wednesday, Oct.

19 at Salem Baptist Church in Manakin Sabot. The keynote speaker for the event will be Manual Alvarez, former Goochland County supervisor, who will offer an insider’s view of the success and future of

GoochlandCares.

Attendees can enjoy breakfast at 7:45 a.m. or lunch at 11:15 a.m., to be followed by an inspiring 45-minute program featuring client testimonials about how GoochlandCares has made a difference in their lives.

Building Bridges of Hope is a free event. Attendees include longtime supporters, community partners, volunteers, and new friends who wish to learn more about their neighbors and how to help. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring a friend or two.

Salem Baptist Church is located at 465 Broad Street in Manakin Sabot. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 12 at (804) 556-0205 or online at GoochlandCares. org. For more information, call (804) 556-0205.

Community Calendar

Thursday, Oct. 13

Toddler and Preschool Storytime will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 - 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-5 with caregiver. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes, and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Friday, Oct. 14

Family Storytime will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 10:30 –11 a.m. Participants will enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes, and much more. Family Storytime is for children up to 5 and their caregivers. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

Friday Book Group will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 11 a.m. – noon for those ages 18 and up. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

The Rotary Club of Goochland will hold its Club Assembly. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at The Residence Inn Short Pump at 1800 Wilkes Ridge Circle.

Saturday, Oct. 15

The Cochrane Rockville Branch Library will host a Paint-A-Long Mushrooms workshop from 1 - 2 p.m. for those ages 12-18. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend and create an adorable seasonal mushroom painting. No experience is needed and all supplies will be provided. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

Pumpkin Decorating will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 2 - 3 p.m. for those in grades K-5. Participants will decorate pumpkins and share their favorite designs. All supplies will be included and registration is required. Call (804) 556-4774 for more information.

A Teen Pumpkin Contest will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 3:304:30 p.m. for those ages 12-18. All supplies included will be included and registration is required. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Goochland County Parks and Recreation and the Matthew Smiles Foundation will come together for a 5K Color Run at 7 a.m. Matthew Cabral was a young boy that was full of life and love. In December 2020 the Cabral family and the world lost Matthew to suicide. The Cabral family founded Matthew “Smiles” to help other families find the help they need. The funds raised from this race will help with depression and suicide awareness in youth. The cost to participate is $30. For more information, contact Goochland County Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

Nothing says “Fall” like a well-placed DIY sign on your front porch. Join Bee Kreative and paint a pre-drawn wooden sign for your porch. Want to make your own? No worries! The other side will be blank for you to express yourself. Wood slice and all materials will be provided. Come ready to paint and have a good time! This program will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and the

cost is $45. Participants must be at least 16. For more information, contact Goochland County Parks and Recreation at (804) 556-5854.

St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1484 Hockett Rd (Rt. 623), Manakin Sabot, will be holding a multi-community yard sale from 9 a.m. – noon.

Tuesday, Oct. 18

The Goochland Branch Library will host Chess Club from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. for those ages 12-18. This event will offer be a night of chess with friends, and all skill levels welcome are. Registration is required. Call (804) 556-4774 for more information.

Thursday, Oct. 20

Read 2 Rover will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 4:305:30 p.m. for those in grades K-2. Read 2 Rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to Colby or Pepper, the library’s therapy dogs. Space is limited and registration is required. Call the Rockville Branch at (804) 749-3146 for more information.

Toddler and Preschool Storytime will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 - 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-5 with caregiver. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes, and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library for more information.

Friday, Oct. 21

Family Storytime will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 10:30 –11 a.m. Participants will enjoy a fun time with books, sign-

Photo courtesy of Goochland County Public Schools

Goochland High School’s Calypso Gilstrap, left, and Catherine Richards were recently honored for their efforts to use virtual reality to help students learn real world skills.

Goochland High School effort earns RVATech Community Impact Award

Contributed report

Goochland High School, led by library media specialist Calypso Gilstrap and instructional technology coach Catherine Richards, have been awarded the RVATech Community Impact Award for using virtual reality (VR) to support student learning.

Goochland High School offers two classes of 3D Animation and Virtual Reality, where 47 students learn to program educational experiences for VR. Over the past three years, this course showed the promise of using VR in education to solve the problem of providing students with real-world skills. To ensure equitable experiences and maximize the potential of all Goochland students, GCPS recently began integrating VR tools into more

classrooms. Since February 2022, in collaboration with the Goochland Education Foundation, GCPS has integrated over 30 VR devices into secondary classrooms for problem-based learning and experiences to engage learners in deep learning.

A few examples of using VR to support student learning include:

Students in Unified Physical Education (students with physical disabilities) were able to use VR apps to exercise while wearing heart rate monitors to ensure they maintained the same level of fitness as their classmates playing indoor soccer.

A sixth-grade inclusive math class created paper airplanes in VR and compared the experience and flight to paper airplanes in real life.

English language learners and AP English students immersed themselves in virtual communication while learning languages related to their content studies.

All ninth-grade English classes explored India while studying “Life of Pi” to look for influences of French colonization on the architecture in India.

Over 96% of Goochland High School teachers were involved in at least one crosscurricular learning experience during the 2021-22 school year, many of which included VR as part of the unit. The devices are also available in the high school learning commons for students to utilize during their free time. During this self-choice time, a diverse

How sweet it is

Voting remains important, but process is now easier

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Writer

Well, those midterm elections we’ve heard about for the past two years are right around the corner, and early voting has begun in localities across the Commonwealth.

And right on cue, my absentee

ballot showed up in the mail, a welcomed variation to my normal voting routine that began when I cast my first ballot in the 1968 presidential election.

In the years that followed, I never missed an election day at the polls, and I approached the process with utmost respect and responsi-

bility. There was something about the atmosphere at the polls that reinforced my belief in the system.

I hope going to the polls still holds that intrigue for most Americans, but, honestly, I’ve found that absentee and early voting has a certain appeal, especially for those who no longer are enamored by the

crowds and confusion of the polling place.

Early voting has gradually become the choice for many Americans, and proponents of the process assert the relaxed voting schedule has opened the process to more Americans.

That dog won’t hunt, but that’s no problem

By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Every year around this time, as the temperature dips and the leaves begin to waft down in a swirl of red and gold, we are reminded at our house of a simple yet enduring fact about our dog Bo.

That fact? He’s a failure.

Please don’t misunderstand, he’s plenty good at a number of the things one would expect from a companion animal. He’s positively terrific at getting petted and at accepting treats, with the latter talent most likely to blame for what our kind veterinarian refers to as his “sturdiness.” He is wonderful at keeping the house safe from the squirrels that scamper along the railings of our back porch (not a single one has made it inside) and at knowing what time he is supposed to be fed (his internal clock would make a Swiss watchmaker proud). He is gentle with children, good on a leash and is working hard to add to his repertoire of tricks, which now includes rolling over at least two out of every 10 times he’s commanded to do so.

Publisher Joy Monopoli jmonopoli@RSNVA.com

Managing

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Laura McFarland lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com

Editor Roslyn Ryan rryan@gooochlandgazette.com

Robby Fletcher rfletcher@powhatantoday.com

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

In fact, the only real reason anyone could ever call Bo a failure is that he technically failed at the one thing he was originally supposed to do, and that was hunt. The family member who gifted him to us, just after we lost our previous pup, had intended to use him to retrieve birds but soon realized that it was a losing battle. Perhaps frightened by the sound of the gun, or simply misunderstanding the assignment, Bo could never be persuaded to bring back a blessed thing.

I think it may still bother him a little, this blemish on his otherwise

County students participated in the Crunch Heard Around the Commonwealth to

from Stillhouse Creek Farm in Batesville, Virginia.

Photo courtesy of Goochland County Public Schools

Tell Me a Story

Memory of medic still brings a smile

Editor’s note: The following contribution is part of the Gazette’s continuing series “Tell Me a Story,” in which we ask our readers to share tales from their own lives or the lives of family members.

you didn’t want the Hershey bar with almonds, why didn’t you just say so?”

Mike was hilarious.

*

Dog

By Jack Agnew Contributing Writer

Oneof the medics when I served in Vietnam seemed to have a natural gift of comedy. Mike could find amusing aspects to almost any situation unless it was a tragedy or someone was hurt. He could make a dog laugh.

One of the Army’s goals was to try to win the hearts and minds of the South Vietnamese people. Handing out candy in the villages was one of the ways they attempted that. That medic was standing up in the back of a Jeep one day, facing to the rear of the Jeep, handing out candy bars in a village. A six-year-old lad in a loincloth ran up to the crowd of kids surrounding the back of the Jeep, and pulled a cocked and loaded, stolen, U.S. army .45 caliber pistol out of the back of his loincloth, and shot Mike right in the chest, and then ran off. He had been put up to it by one of the Viet Cong insurgents living in the village.

The medic said, “You would think as I’m falling out of the back of the Jeep getting ready to faceplant on that dirt road, that I would have thought of Mom, or home, or girlfriend, or life flashed before my eyes or something, but all I could think of was, “If

*

During the mid-1970s I was working on one of the more famous farms on Route 6, east of Goochland Courthouse, owned by an old Virginia family. They were great people. I was going to college in Richmond at the time, trying to work my way through.

One day I went to the old plantation home and saw the matriarch of the family leaning out of one of the windows, sloshing a mixture of cow manure and water onto the brick. I didn’t know what she was doing at first, so I asked, “Ma’am, may I help you?” She said, “No, I’ve got it. I’m just trying to make this horrid new brick on the addition look like it belongs.”

I guess a lot of people wouldn’t understand, or would think it was weird to throw manure on your home, but I totally agree with her. It was an older estate, and she didn’t like the bricks not matching. The manure would speed the growth of the ivy and moss, in addition to staining the brick, so it would look more like the rest of the mansion.

A really sweet, classy lady.

lation area, which was in kind of a tough section of the city at the time. I was carrying the papers on nine routes by myself because I couldn’t get enough kids who were willing to carry them; it was that rough. The guy that had been in charge of that had moved to the adjoining area, he said he was just burned out.

There were about 20 carriers under my supervision, and on my first day they gathered around my car to meet the new guy. They told me, “Put your money in your sock when you’re collecting, don’t hide it in your shoe. They’ll pull your shoes off looking for your money, but they won’t take your socks off.” I said, “Man, how many of you guys have been robbed?” Just about every hand went up, it was a little startling. And these were 12- to 14-year-old young lads out there trying to make a buck.

I was thinking that night about what I could do, so I threw a handful of .38 caliber pistol bullets on the dashboard of my car, right in front of the driver. It was a pretty good pile of them, and back then guns weren’t so prevalent.

Voting continued from >6

In fairness, there are many arguments both in favor of or against early voting and reformed absentee requirements, but it’s hard to dispute the convenience and ease the adjustments made to the system have produced.

And it’s also important to note that with record numbers of Americans taking part in the process, it’s hard to imagine just what polls would look like if all of us were required to show up in person.

Not surprisingly, the debate regarding extended early voting and no excuse absentee access is divided among party lines.

Some contend that voters who wait until Election Day to cast a ballot benefit from additional access to information regarding the candidates. Those who oppose the expansion of early voting also point out the increased cost to campaigns when extended voting periods are available.

Americans who choose to access the absentee system, I submit the benefits outweigh the risks, a belief reinforced by the belief that the more citizens participate in the voting process, the more representative the outcome.

from

perfect record. Sometimes when he’s curled up on the couch and a bird sounds off outside, he’ll begin to huff and puff as if he knows he’s expected to do something. But once the feathered

Another part-time job I had in the mid-70s was circulation supervisor for the former Richmond News Leader, the afternoon paper. I would meet the kids that were in my circu-

The next day the kids gathered around my car to talk to me when a couple of them exclaimed, “Man, those are some big bullets! Do you have a gun for them?” I said, “That I’m not going to tell you. But you tell everybody you know that the new supervisor just got out of the Army from the combat zones in Southeast Asia, he’s crazy as a bed bug, and there are bullets all over his car. Tell them the guy is scary crazy!”

Supporters of expanded early voting point to clear indications that the process increases access for many groups of Americans and reduces congestion at the polls.

And few could refute the increased popularity of early and absentee voting.

In 2020, more than 45% of Americans chose to vote either by mail or early at the polls, and experts predict that number will increase.

As one of millions of

foe has flown off, he looks somewhat relieved to return to his nap.

As I may have mentioned in these pages a time or two, Bo might look at first like God’s idea of a pretty good joke, or at least what a pup would look like if it were assembled from leftover parts. He is solid but not stately, with

a barrel body and stumpy legs. He is surprising fast but also fairly uncoordinated, so he sometimes looks like he’s trying to run in several directions at once. Nevertheless, he is loved.

The past few weeks have been a blur of activity around our house for various reasons, which means Bo and I haven’t

had many opportunities to head out for our autumn walks around the lake near our house. When we do though, Bo never fails to dive headfirst into the experience. Every leaf and twig is examined, every squirrel put on notice. He revels in the autumn air and looks for all to see like the King of the Forest.

In 2020, more than 45% of Americans chose to vote either by mail or early at the polls, and experts predict that number will increase.

But I still recognize and remember the feeling of standing in line with neighbors at the local firehouse and feeling that immense pride that accompanies what seems like more than just a civic duty.

For those who have not registered or have not cast a ballot in years, make this the year you take that step to sign up and vote.

For early voting information, contact you county registrar for open dates and hours of operation.

So yeah, maybe he didn’t cut it in his first career. Maybe he is shaped like a Turkish ottoman and doesn’t know very many tricks. But since he found where he was supposed to be, Bo has passed every test with flying colors.

This dog may not hunt, as they say, but he’s been a good boy all along.

Few could refute the increased popularity of early and absentee voting.

group of students has spent time mastering the devices, experimenting with creation, and encouraging teachers to utilize them in lessons.

In addition to Gilstrap and Richards, several other GCPS teachers and community partners played significant roles in the development and support of the division’s VR efforts:

Brent Rose pioneered VR in GCPS by starting a VR Development class at GHS.

Cyndy Brown and the Goochland Education Foundation funded the expansion of the VR program.

Bruce Watson supported the development and continuation of VR and the expansion into more GHS classrooms.

Matt Caratachea supported the integration of virtual reality into instructional practices and expansion into the Learning Commons.

Bruce (Doc) Davies is a community partner who has helped with grant writing and consulting for the VR program.

Goochland Fire-Rescue show offered plenty of fun, fire-prevention tips

Itwas a day of fire and EMS demonstrations, helpful safety tips and plenty of family fun, as Goochland Fire-Rescue welcomed the county to its highly-anticipated Fire Rescue show at Goochland High School on Oct. 8.

I never had a minute’s trouble, nothing happened the entire time I worked there. The guy that took my place had just started working there when he got caught with a baseball bat coming around the corner at the old Dove Street apartments. He was in a coma for three weeks, and almost died.

A gentleman from the neighborhood told me years later, “Those kids told everybody about the bullets. It was talk of the area for about a day or two. They told everyone!”

I guess it worked, I don’t know. Something did.

“The Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services wishes to thank all who attended and supported our community risk reduction event, as well as our sponsors, contributors, and exhibitors,” said Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson. “A Fire-Rescue Show is already being planned for next year in early October 2023, coinciding again with Fire Prevention Week. The date will be announced soon.”

Goochland Fire Prevention poster contest winners

Goochland County students were recently asked to draw, color, or create a poster promoting the 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape,” or any fire safety/prevention message. Winners got the chance to be “Fire Chief” for the day and ride in a fire engine.

School Winners:

Byrd Elementary School

Grades K-2 co-winners: Ryker Potter, Ruth Townsend Goochland Elementary School Grades K-2 Winner: Ben Lucas Knotts

Grades 3-5: Avery Loving

Randolph Elementary School

Grades K-2: Caeson Barnes Grades 3-5: Lilah Appel

Exceptional Education Co-Winners: Alexandra Hedges, Alex Weller

Photos courtesy of Goochland County Fire-Rescue

Photos courtesy of Goochland County Fire-Rescue

Children trick-ortreating with adults may be able to venture a bit further in pursuit of treats, but it is generally safer to stay close to home where surroundings are familiar. While no one wants to put a damper on Halloween festivities, it’s important that everyone celebrate safely.

Calendar

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ing, rhymes, and much more. Family Storytime is for children up to 5 and their caregivers. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

The Rotary Club of Goochland will welcome Warren McCrickard, executive director of Boys to Men Mentoring Network of Virginia. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at The Residence Inn Short Pump at the Notch, 1800 Wilkes Ridge Circle.

Saturday, Oct. 22

Help keep kids safe this Halloween

Contributed report

book “Birchbark Chronicles.”

In this book, Pat journals her daily life in an Adirondack cabin and her reflections of early years growing up in Virginia. Copies of her books will be available for purchase. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Thursday, Oct. 27

Toddler and Preschool Storytime will be held at the Goochland Branch Library from 10 - 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-5 with caregiver. Enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes, and much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Friday, Oct. 28

When

Halloween arrives each October, most people are interested in the entertaining aspects of the holiday in addition to the abundance of sweet foods that are there for the taking. Even though fun may be foremost on the brain, it is important for everyone keep safety in mind as well.

A State Farm insurance study that analyzed four million fatalities between 1990 and 2010 discovered children are twice as likely to die on Halloween as they are on any other day of the year. Data published in the Wall Street Journal indicated children between the ages of four and eight are 10 times more likely to be fatally injured by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year.

While no one wants to put a damper on Halloween festivities, it’s important that everyone celebrate safely.

Keep weekdays in mind

Halloween falls on a Monday in 2022 and that could be more dangerous than if it fell on a weekend. According to Autoinsurance.com, which conducted a study that analyzed 24 years’ worth of data provided by the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), injuries to children and pedestrians in general were higher on weeknight than weekend holidays, with most accidents occurring between 6 p.m. and 7 pmprime commuter time. Exercise extreme caution walking around this year.

Opt for paint over masks

Medical masks may still be worn by some families as precautions against COVID-19. However, when it comes to Halloween costumes, face paints are preferable to masks and other face coverings. Masks tend to limit visibility, which can lead to kids tripping and falling, or even not being able to see cars or other pedestrians. Follow safety instructions when using face paints around the eyes and mouth.

Improve visibility all around

In late October, the sun sets at 5:50 on average (for New York City according to 2021 data). Sunset will occur earlier the more north one is located latitudinally. With darkness descending during peak trick-or-treating times, it’s imperative that children carry flashlights or glow

sticks or utilize reflective tape on their costumes so others can see them.

Traverse familiar areas

Children trick-or-treating with adults may be able to venture a bit further in pursuit of treats, but it is generally safer to stay close to home where surroundings are familiar. This reduces the propensity for getting lost or wandering into sketchy situations. Older kids allowed to venture out on their own would be wise to stay close to home as well. Neighbors can assist if something goes awry and there’s less chance of getting turned around.

What homeowners can do

Even though safety is largely on the shoulders of trick-or-treaters, homeowners and renters can do their part to ensure the safety of those enjoying Halloween hijinks. Make sure walkways to doors are clear. Have additional lights on pathways or overhead to improve visibility. Contain pets indoors, as they may become skittish on Halloween with extra crowds and noises. Don’t run the risk of kids getting scratched or bitten.

—MetroCreative

Gum Spring United Methodist Church will host the UMW Fall Craft and Bake Sale from 8 a.m. – noon at 191 Cross Country Road in Gum Spring. The sale will offer handmade crafts and homemade baked goods.

Providence Presbyterian Church, located at 3388 Three Chopt Road, is celebrating its 275th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration will feature a bluegrass band, games for kids, Brunswick stew and Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson reenactors from noon – 2 p.m. All are welcome.

Tuesday, Oct. 25

The Goochland Branch Library will host Mystery Book Club from 10 - 11 a.m. for those ages 18 and up. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

The Goochland Branch Library will host an Author Book Talk with Pat Garber from 7 - 8:30 p.m. for those ages 18 and up. The award-winning local author will discuss her

Family Storytime will be held at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library from 10:30 –11 a.m. Participants will enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes, and much more. Family Storytime is for children up to 5 and their caregivers. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

The Rotary Club of Goochland will welcome Drew Mugford, principal of Benedictine College Prepartory. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at The Residence Inn Short Pump at the Notch, 1800 Wilkes Ridge Circle.

Sunday, Oct. 30

The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office will host Candy, Costumes and Cops from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, offering local families a chance to one again enjoy this Halloween drive-thru trick or treating event. The event will be held in the Courthouse Circle, 2938 River Road West.

MetroCreative Photo

Pierce’s pick-six leads Bulldogs to victory

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Through the power of their stout defense, the Goochland Bulldogs have pieced together back-to-back victories.

Head coach Alex Fruth’s team won its second consecutive game to move to 2-4 on the season and 2-1 in the district after knocking out Charlottesville High School (0-6) on the road in a lowscoring 7-6 finish on Friday, Oct. 7.

The Bulldogs have allowed just six points in the last two games combined and have averaged a respectable 12 points allowed per game.

The lone score of the night came on the defensive side of the ball for the Bulldogs, with junior defensive back Derek Pierce making the highlight play of the day by jumping in front of an underthrown pass to the sideline for a 22-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Pierce’s big play comes on the heels of another major play in a Bulldogs victory, as the junior also had a fumble recovery nearly taken back for a touchdown in the team’s

21-7 victory over Albemarle on Sept. 30.

The defense also forced a second quarter fumble that was recovered by the

Bulldogs when junior JaQuel Young burst off the edge and forced a strip-sack that fell into the hands of junior linebacker Corey Mullins to set

the offense up at the Black Knights 39-yard-line.

The Black Knights were able to generate 207 yards of total offense and 110 on

the ground compared to the Bulldogs’ 74 yards of offense and 81 yards on the ground, but the Bulldogs defense was able to consistently get off the

field and make the stops needed to hold the home team to their fourth game scoring in single digits this season.

The Black Knights had chances to steal the lead back late in front of their home crowd, but the Bulldogs continued to fight down the stretch and hold off any attempts at a potential game-winner.

With four games left on the season and the team riding the biggest wave of momentum it has seen all season, the Bulldogs are looking like a team that is coming into their own at just the right time.

Next up for the Bulldogs is a meeting with the Monticello Mustangs (1-5) at home on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

Last season, the Bulldogs ran away with one of their most dominant performances of the season versus the Mustangs, toppling their opponent in a 55-3 beatdown on the road on Oct. 15, 2021.

After a matchup against Monticello, Goochland will have tough three-game stretch to end the season with matchups against Albemarle, Orange County and Louisa County, who hold a combined 15-2 record this season.

Goochland volleyball holds off Louisa County in four sets

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

a five-set thriller on Western Albemarle’s home court two days later on Oct. 6.

Goochland

volleyball had an eventful week of play as it approaches the final games of the regular season. Taking on Louisa County at home on Tuesday, Oct. 4, Goochland (6-6) won its sixth game of the season with a four-set victory over the Lions before falling in

It was Goochland’s first of three regular season meetings against Louisa County, who the team topped with sets of 25-19, 25-15, 15-25 and 25-23.

The matchup versus Western Albemarle was Goochland’s second meeting against the Jefferson opponent, who won the first matchup in a

three-set road victory over the Bulldogs. This time though, the Bulldogs put up a great fight, nearly toppling a Warriors team that’s ranked second in the district with a 15-5 overall record by winning the second and third sets to take a 2-1 lead before the Warriors stormed back and won the fourth and fifth sets.

Against Louisa, Goochland controlled the opening set

despite some self-inflicted errors and a handful of serves hit out of bounds making it a closer score.

Sophomore opposite hitter Avery Jastremski had a monster showing to start the game, including a powerful kill to make it a 7-3 Bulldogs lead early. Senior Layla Ford scored the winning point on an ace to lead the Bulldogs into an even better second set.

In the second set, senior Nina Smith led the way with five of her 12 kills for the game and scored three of the first five points for her team to force a Louisa timeout.

The Lions had a run to close on the Bulldogs lead at 11-9, but the Bulldogs ran away with it from there thanks to strong defensive play at the net from Ford and Jastremski, who double blocked for a

point to make it a 23-14 lead. Ford again scored the winner after spiking one down on an assist from junior Adele Wheatley.

The Lions had their best set in the third, which they took control of early while the Bulldogs looked a little out of rhythm. Down 14-8, the Bulldogs went on a run to draw the deficit down to one

Photo by Joel Brown Goochland defensive back Derek Pierce (9) leads the way on a tackle of a Charlottesville ballcarrier alongside teammates Nik Cotner (33) and JaQuel Young (40) in a road game on Oct. 7.

‘Field hockey family’ on display as Trinity beats Collegiate

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

The Richmond field hockey family was on full display amid constant mist and intermittent rain Tuesday afternoon at Trinity Episcopal, where Olivia Schmincke’s fourth-period breakaway goal was the difference in the Titans’ 2-1 victory over visiting Collegiate and top recruit Callie Rogers.

In the latest VISAA poll released on Monday, Trinity (112) is the No. 1 team in Division I with 59 votes, followed by Norfolk Academy in second with 53 votes and Collegiate (7-2) in third with 50.

The Titans and Cougars are intertwined programs, said players and coaches on both sides. Relationships among club teammates and familiar adversaries go back to childhood, and there were plenty of smiles and hugs to go around in the postgame handshake line.

“They have weapons all over the field, they’ve always been well-coached, it’s a traditionally strong program with a history of strong field hockey teams,” said 24th-year Titans coach Margie

Volleyball

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at 15-14, but the Lions gained separation to finish the job and extend the game to one more set.

That’s where the Bulldogs took control and finished the job in an intense finish. It was a particularly great set for senior Nicole Brown, who was the primary playmaker with six of her 19 assists in the fourth set alone.

Her connection with Smith led to two notably impressive

Snead of Collegiate.

“It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is or what field it’s on, they’re going to play their A-game and make you play your best to come out with a win.”

First-year Cougars coach Kelsey Smither, who in the offseason succeeded longtime Collegiate coach and athletic director Karen Doxey, echoed her counterpart when asked about the significance of the matchup.

“All of the kids play for a lot of the same clubs, they train together, they know each other and are familiar with how each other’s plays,” Smither said.

“It was a really even, fun, competitive game. ... They capitalized on their opportunities, and that was the difference.”

The Cougars got an early lead a little more than 2 minutes into the first period when Izzy Lee scored on a corner. But Trinity didn’t take long to answer, leveling the score at 1-1 about 6 minutes later when Ella Shirey rifled a shot into the cage.

Snead said all the things her group had focused on during the week – ball movement, creating space with off-ball motion and

receiving the ball actively – culminated in Shirey’s goal.

“We were really proud of the them,” said a smiling Snead of her group.

Nearly three full periods of back-and-forth action in which neither side established real control ensued, before Schmincke got lose on a breakaway, dribbled past an onrushing Cougars keeper, and slotted home her shot before turning to celebrate with her teammates.

“As soon as I saw there was one girl in front of goal I was like ‘This is it, this has to be the goal.’ Honestly, whenever I score like that I kind of black out,” said a laughing Schmincke.

“I just know to stay composed, keep it simple and don’t overthink it. That’s what I did and I was able to get the goal.”

Snead said her staff made the decision late to move Schmincke from the midfield to the forward line, and it paid dividends.

“Her speed and her desire to find the cage with the ball is unmatched,” Snead said of Schmincke.

The Titans constantly marked Rogers, trying their utmost to allow her minimal

time on the ball. Trinity junior Darcy Kopsinis said the beginning of the game was an “emotional rush” before her side settled in, and that Schmincke’s winner was indicative of how her Titans like to play.

“We pressured high together, we were working together, and Olivia got that touch and right away everyone was jumping all over the place to support her,” Kopsinis said. “It shows how much of a team and how supportive we are.”

Collegiate had its fair share of possession and chances, but was consistently thwarted in the final phase of attack by a stalwart Titans defense led by vocal senior keeper Valentina Ambrogi-Torres.

Snead added that defender Anna Riesser, just a freshman, showed “unbelievable” poise on a handful of Collegiate’s breakaway opportunities.

Trinity stonewalled a couple late Cougars penalty opportunities to secure the victory as the

few hundred fans in attendance roared their approval for a wellfought tussle between two of the area’s elite programs.

“A lot of us have known each other since we were too young to remember,” Ambrogi-Torres said of the Collegiate-Trinity matchup.

“We all are intertwined, it really is one hockey family and playing against them is for me a time to grow, we’re all here to make each other better, I just want the best for all of us.”

kills early to help the Bulldogs jump out to a quick 9-5 lead.

The lead grew to 15-10, and after a timeout, a 3-0 run pushed that lead to 18-10, though Louisa County was able to score the next four points after that.

At 18-14, the two teams saw what was no doubt the most exciting point scored of the evening with a rally that was nearly 90 seconds long with multiple highlight digs on the Lions’ end and some relentless shots from multiple Bulldogs that threatened to score. In the end, it was Jastremski who finished the

job, but both teams earned a standing ovation for their efforts on the play.

Goochland head coach Rachel Jacobsen says the team prepares for lengthy rallies with a lot of free ball plays, which have no serve to start and take away time between plays, allowing for a fastpaced practice which builds up stamina.

“The girls on the court did a great job staying focused until the whistle, that’s what plays like that come down to usually – focus and stamina,” Jacobsen said.

Despite the Lions mak-

ing them earn everything, the Bulldogs ultimately won with a final point from Ford, who again finished a set with a crafty tip play over the net to give the Bulldogs a muchneeded victory against a quality opponent.

Goochland plays again on Thursday, Oct. 13 in a road matchup against Charlottesville at 6:30 p.m. Goochland defeated Charlottesville earlier in the season in three sets at home on Sept. 20.

Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.

Photo by Robby Fletcher Sophomore Ava Garrison (26) hits the ball over the net in the third set of Goochland’s 3-1 victory over Louisa County at home on Oct. 4.

Photos by Eva Russo

Left, Collegiate’s Katherine Martin (6) and Trinity’s Ella Shirey (1) scramble for the ball during Tuesday’s game at Trinity on Oct. 4. Right, Collegiate’s Callie Rogers (16) dives for the ball during Tuesday’s game at Trinity.

Chesterfield Health District Encourages

All Residents to Get Vaccinated for the Flu

Contributed report

In preparation for the 2022-23 flu season, the Chesterfield Health District encourages everyone six months and older who lives, works or plays in Chesterfield County, Powhatan County, and the City of Colonial Heights to receive their annual influenza (flu) vaccine.

“With the flu season quickly approaching, please be sure to continue to do your part to protect yourself and loved ones,” said Chesterfield Health District Direct Alexander Samuel, MD, MPH.

Flu season, the period of highest influenza activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, cases often peak in January or February.

A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.

You should get the influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-toperson when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

For the 2021-22 flu season, Virginia spent 11 weeks at widespread. During that season, Virginia reported 4,977 influenza infections, 24 outbreaks, one influenza-associated pediatric death and 3,895 pneumonia, influenza and/or COVID-19 associated deaths.

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:

Get vaccinated;

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds;

Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand; and

Stay at home when you are sick.

Visit www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/ to find a location near you to get the flu vaccine. It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. For more information, call the Chesterfield Health Department at (804)-748-1691.

INTERIMAPPOINTMENT BOARDOFSUPERVISORS,DISTRICT4 PUBLICNOTICE

TheGoochlandCountyBoardofSupervisorsinvitesqualifiedvotersinElection District4toexpresstheirinterestinfillingtheinterimroleasBoardmemberfor ElectionDistrict4bycompletingtheapplicationavailableontheCounty’swebsite at:https://www.goochlandva.us/formcenter/boards-and-commissions-13/boardsand-commissions-application-56

Allindividualsseekingconsiderationareinvitedtosubmittheirapplicationby 5:00p.m.Monday,October17,2022.

Tobeeligible,individualsmustresidewithintheDistrict4boundariesadoptedafter the2021redistricting.

TheBoardofSupervisorswillbemakingthisappointmentatitsmeetingon November1,2022.Thepersonappointedshallexerciseallpowersoftheoffice andshallserveuntilthequalifiedvoterselectarepresentativethroughGeneral ElectiontobeheldonTuesday,November7,2023,andtheelectedcandidate hasqualified.

TheBoardofSupervisorsisthegoverningbodythatoverseestheoperationof countygovernmentandhaslegislative,executive,andquasi-judicialpowersthat implementand,asnecessary,refinethelocalapplicationofstatelawandpublic policy.TheBoardofSupervisorscollectivelyisresponsiblefortheadoptionof anannualbudgetoutliningtheexpendituresofallbranchesoftheCountyon afiscal-yearbasis,capitalimprovementplans,countypolicies,programsand projectsfortransportation,theenvironment,landuse,healthcare,humanservices, housing,economicdevelopmentandmanyotherservicesthatdirectlyimpactall countyresidentsandbusinesses,approveorrejectlanduseproposals,andmake appointmentstovariousauthoritiesandcommissionsthatservecountyresidents andbusinesses.TheBoardalsoappointstheCountyAdministratorandCounty Attorneytoprovideprofessionaloversighttoday-to-daycountyoperations.

TheBoardofSupervisorsmeetsaminimumofonetimemonthly;additionally, Boardmembersparticipateincountlesscommittee,constituent,andother relatedfunctions.

PUBLICHEARINGNOTICE

IFYOUHAVECOMMENTSONTHESEPUBLICHEARINGITEMS, PLEASESENDCOMMENTSTOBOSCOMMENT@GOOCHLANDVA.US

PLEASECHECKWWW.GOOCHLANDVA.USFORANYUPDATES REGARDINGTHISMEETING.

2022District5;2011District5-CU-2022-00012ApplicationbySteven& LauraMaestrellorequestingaConditionalUsePermitforadetachedaccessory familyhousinguniton15.01acresat6RoadsEndLaneonTaxMapNo.67-100-24-0.ThepropertyiszonedResidential,Limited(R-1).TheConditionalUse PermitisrequiredbyCountyZoningOrdinanceSection15-152,inaccordance withSection15-285.A.TheComprehensivePlandesignatesthisareaasSingle FamilyResidential,MediumDensity.

2022Districts4&5;2011Districts 4&5-CU-1989-00014BApplication byColumbiaGasTransmission,LLC/TCEnergyrequestingamendmentto ConditionalUsePermitCU-1989-00014Atoexpandtheexistingnaturalgas compressorstationon29.6acresat1436HermitageRoadonTaxMapNo. 58-1-0-24-0.ThepropertyiszonedAgricultural,Limited(A-2).TheConditional UsePermitisrequiredbyCountyZoningOrdinanceSection15-112. TheComprehensivePlandesignatesthisareaasRuralEnhancement.

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PUBLICNOTICE

NoticeisherebygiventhatVirginiaElectric andPowerCompany(VMRC#2022-1772)has requestedapermitfromVirginiaMarineResourcesCommissiontoinstallone(1)aerialfiberopticcabletoexistingpolesacrossa40footsectionofBigLickingholeCreekadjacent toRockCastleRoadinGoochlandCounty.

(VMRC#2022-1772)athttps://webapps.mrc.vi rginia.gov/public/habitat/comments/.Wewill acceptcommentsbytheUSPSprovidedthey arereceivedwithin15daysofthisnoticeto: MarineResourcesCommission,HabitatManagementDivision,380FenwickRoad,Bldg96, Hampton,VA23651.

SAFE BACKPACK WORD SEARCH

HOROSCOPES

It may be tempting to throw your weight around and assert power in a situation, Aries. But this may backfire in the long run. Try to be a team player.

Taurus, someone close to you may be driving you crazy, and you’re tempted to let them know. However, go with the flow instead and enjoy this calmer approach.

Gemini, an important decision must be made in the days ahead. Take a calm approach and do your best to keep your emotions out of this discussion.

Once you involve others in a situation, it can be difficult to dial back their involvement, Cancer. Consider whether you should ask for input or go it alone this week.

Leo, rather than shouting from the rooftops how much you love a person, it may be better to take a more subtle approach. Reel in your excitement for the time being.

Keeping secrets is not the way to go, Virgo, especially when they are kept from someone close to you. Why all the smoke and mirrors? Be open and honest with yourself and others.

A financial situation may be worked out this week or even inflamed, Libra. The only way to stay ahead is to keep careful track of your expenditures.

Be honest with yourself about your needs, Scorpio. If you don’t feel like socializing in a loud and public manner, organize a group to come over for some more quiet R&R.

Getting involved with chores and other tasks can occupy your mind with some busy work, Sagittarius. After a brief mental break, you can return to more serious tasks.

Finances may get a boost this week as a new income stream falls into your lap, Capricorn. Investigate it fully before getting deeply involved.

Opening up about your personal life may relieve some pressure and stress that you have been feeling, Aquarius. Find someone who doesn’t have a close stake.

spread the word about a big idea until you are sure about it and ready to move, Pisces. Don’t let others steal your thunder.