The Goochland Gazette – 12/08/2022

Dearden will bid farewell to market world

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

Call it a farm farewell.

Lisa Dearden, whose name has become synonymous in and around Goochland with bustling local farmers markets, has announced that she will be retiring from the world in which she’s been a staple for 17 years.

“This day has finally come,” Dearden said in a recent Facebook post, explaining her decision to close down several of the markets she currently oversees and transfer ownership of at least two others, including the Goochland Courthouse Farmers Market. But while she has since been able to find an individual to take over her nonprofit RVAg—thereby preserving all of the markets for now— Dearden said last week that her decision to step down is final.

“I am definitely ready to retire from it,” Dearden said, explaining that mounting health challenges and family responsibilities played the biggest role in convincing her it was time to step away.

Dearden, whose move into the world of local markets began when she was sidelined by a serious injury nearly two decades ago and looking for a way to stay busy, su ered a traumatic brain injury in March of 2021 when a freak storm ripped through the Goochland Courthouse market. A subsequent stroke last July left her further depleted, Dearden said.

Given those challenges, “I simply cannot do the complex work that an

INSIDE: Henley earns first place at Young Farmers Discussion Meet

ORDER UP: SUPERINTENDENT DONS APRON AT BES

Reynolds eyes new future for county campus

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

When it comes to the future of Reynolds Community College, which is now celebrating its 50th year of service to the Commonwealth, Reynolds’ president Dr. Paula Pando knows there is plenty of reason for optimism.

The school remains focused on the everchanging needs of its student population, Pando told Goochland County supervisors during a presentation last month, and a growing number of high school students in Goochland continue to take advantage of the Advanced College Academy program, which o ers them the chance to earn as associate’s degree before they even graduate from high school.

What remains to be seen, Pando said, is what the future holds for the college’s Goochland campus, an expansive 90acre site located in the Courthouse area.

First constructed in 1980 at 21,000 square feet, and with a new 46,000-square-foot building added in 1999, the state-owned facility is now underutilized due in part to the popularity and convenience of online learning, she said.

The question now, Pando said, is “how do we utilize this resource better than we are today?”

The college has been participating in the ongoing discussions about the future of the Courthouse area and has been

Goochland County firefighter-paramedic receives 2022 Bronze Valor Award. See Page 5

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Goochland County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley took serving students to a new level on Dec. 1, when he joined the Byrd Elementary School cafeteria sta to serve meals during lunch.

Dearden

Pando

executive director must do in order to sustain an organization with so many spinning plates,” Dearden said.

Two decades ago, after completing a certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and earning a degree in horticulture, Dearden began volunteering for the Center for Rural Culture, which ran a farmers market in Centerville. She became president of the organization’s board the following year, then became its first executive director. She left that organization in 2010 and soon founded Manakin Market, which was one of the largest farmers markets in the region for many years. Goochland Farmers Market in Courthouse followed.

Dearden was a founding steering committee member of the Virginia Farmers Market Association and went on to become the board treasurer, and also led an initiative to get the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Agriculture to gather four times a year for two years, with market managers from all over the state.

Even when the COVID-19 pandemic forced

a radical rethinking of how to connect local farmers with consumers, Dearden persevered, managing to open two new markets and open an online market that delivered to eight different locations.

Still, said Dearden, working through the pandemic “was one of the hardest things I’ve had to go through as a business owner.”

Dearden gives full credit to her team for pulling together and helping to keep the markets going through those challenges, and for standing by her as she recovered from her stroke. She said she’s also thrilled to have found a “highly qualified, and very organized” individual to take over her nonprofit at the beginning of 2023, though she said she was not yet ready to share any further details about the new leadership.

Calling her decision to retire “bittersweet,” Dearden said last week that she knows she’s doing the right thing and takes pride in the difference she was able to make for the local agriculture community.

“Every journey has an end, and I’m getting ready for another journey,” Dearden said. “I’m pretty excited about it.”

SHARING CHRISTMAS WISHES

This youngster was lucky enough to enjoy a chat with santa during the Goochland county Tree Lighting festivities on dec. 1. The popular annual event draws hundreds of families from around the area to enjoy music, games and, of course, the much-anticipated visit from st Nick himself.

CONTACT US

Toll Free - (877) 888-0449 Office - (804) 746-1235

Joy Monopoli Publisher (804) 775-4614 Fax: (804) 819-5529

11.3 acres; ro nald h artzheim Jr. to Tracy T. Thatcher, $175,000.

3.28 acres; c rone Properties LL c to Jason a . Wilmoth, $337,450.

5.23 acres; darrell m . Jessee, executor to Joseph e. messenger, $177,000.

12311 beech hall circle, manakin s abot; e agle c onstr uction of Virginia LLc to Gail b. Wright, $649,943.

3417 c edar Plains r oad, s andy h ook; d ouglas d. Peterson to makayla barbara benjamin, $365,000.

4204 drew ridge drive, Goochland; robert b. masi to John W. Lancaster, $595,000.

212 h ickory d rive, m anakin sabot; steven L. Kamb to Natalie mae yurecka, $510,000.

Lot 1, Kimberwicke; christopher

L. d a vis to Lauren m c b ride, $170,000.

Lot 15, section b, rockville commerce center; mcconnell Properties LLc to 2350 Greystone LLc , $340,000.

Lot 25, Tuckahoe creek; Tuckahoe creek LLc to charles carrillo, $289,950.

Lot 3, s ection 3, b reeze h ill; Kirckovic and Ziegler LLc to Gregory P. Provenzo, $200,000.

Lot 41, Tuckahoe creek; Tuckahoe creek LLc to Zachery Frederick, $231,750.

Lots 4 and 6, section 2b, mosaic at West creek; hhhunt mosaic LLc to st yle craft homes Inc. of Virginia, $246,951.

20708 Louisa r oad, Louisa; hadensville estates LLc to amelia daves, $335,000.

15612 m osaic c reek b lvd.,

richmond; style craft homes Inc. of Virginia to susan L. young, trustee, $504,775.

15622 mosaic creek blvd., richmond; st yle craft homes Inc. of Virginia to William Walter beasley, $521,367.

15738 m osaic c reek b lvd., richmond; schell brothers richmond LLc to John W. s chilling, $655,255.

300 Pipiing rock road, manakin sabot; boone homes Inc. to barklie W. Zimmerman, $696,295.

1611 reed marsh Place, Goochland; boone homes Inc. to rober t Gittleson, $660,165.

2309 stanwood drive, Goochland; Kyle Levin hynson to harry James Oelenschlager, $280,000.

4086 Three chopt road, Gum spring; James h. massey Jr. to anthony collins, $320,000.

Laura McFarland managing editor (804) 363-1577

Roslyn Ryan editor (804) 339-7956

Robby Fletcher sports editor (804) 380-0497

Cindy Adams classifieds (804) 775-4616 Fax: (804) 344-8746

Denine D’Angelo Production manager (804) 775-4624

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY

Henley takes first in Discussion Meet

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Goochland’s Rachel Henley recently took top honors in the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers Discussion Meet in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, during the VFBF Annual Convention.

Collegiate Discussion Meet at an American Farm Bureau Federation event a few years ago.

“I thought it was so cool, but I never had the confidence to do it,” she said.

ner! It was great discussion, and we heard lots of fresh ideas.”

riculture in the Classroom.

Fire-rescue offers tips to cook safely

Henley was inspired while watching VFBF young farmer Sarah Rudolph of Wythe County earn first place in the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet in 2020 and decided to try it herself in VFBF competition later that year.

First runner-up in this year’s VFBF Discussion Meet was William “Bear” Lloyd of Washington County. Other finalists were Ashley Kuhler of Shenandoah County and Dr. Amanda Weakley-Scott of Madison County.

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Henley

The Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting in which discussion and active participation are expected from each contestant. Relevant topics are presented to competitors, who are judged on their discussion skills, understanding of important agricultural issues and ability to build consensus.

Henley first witnessed a

“This has been a huge professional development opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone,” she reflected after winning this year. “And it was tough competition this year. Everyone had something really good to bring to the table. Honestly, I feel so honored, and in some ways shocked, that I squeaked by to be the win-

Henley grew up riding horses in Hanover County, where she participated in 4-H and always had an interest in livestock. Her husband, Thomas, is a fourthgeneration farmer on their dairy and grain farm. Henley is involved in the farm’s agritourism component, including sunflower festivals and educational programming for students and other community members.

She is also a full-time Virginia Cooperative Extension agent in Powhatan County.

Additionally, Henley has been involved in the VFBF Young Farmers Program and served on the Goochland County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee for about 10 years. She also volunteers for Virginia Ag-

Henley and Lloyd will receive a travel package to the 2023 AFBF Annual Convention in Puerto Rico, where Henley will compete for national honors.

With 133,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group.

Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed to supporting Virginia’s agriculture industry.

Submitted by Alice Kemp, communications coordinator for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

As the holidays approach, Goochland County FireRescue and Emergency Services has partnered with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) to show best practices while cooking on the stovetop.

Nearly half of all home structure fires in the U.S. are cooking related. Read and share these tips to stay safe in the kitchen.

Cooking Safety Tips

„ Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time.

„ Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

„ Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

„ Keep a fire extinguisher available.

„ Make sure children

and pets stay at least 3 feet away from a hot stove.

„ Keep the handles of pans on the stove turned inward, this prevents people from bumping into them and keeps pets from jumping up and hitting them causing a fire or causing someone to get burned.

„ Remove oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packages, towels, trash or anything that can burn from the stovetop, so that way it will not catch fire.

„ If a fire does occur on the stove, remember to use a nearby lid or cookie sheet to cover the pan to limit the amount of fuel, such as oxygen.

„ If a fire extinguisher is needed, remember P. A. S. S. – Pull Aim Squeeze and Sweep.

„ In case of an oven fire, turn off the oven and keep the door closed until it is cool.

„ If you have a fire in your microwave oven, turn it off immediately.

COUNTY LEADERSHIP TEAM TAKES ON BIKE BUILDING CHALLENGE

recently, the Goochland county executive Leadership team gathered for a day of professional development and teambuilding. at the conclusion of the retreat, the leadership team engaged in the “bikes Team building challenge.” as a result of this challenge, the group successfully built and donated six bicycles to Goochlandcares. Goochlandcares, a local nonprofit organization, has been providing support for neighbors in need since 1952. Their mission focuses on ensuring that everyone has access to basic human services and health care. While bicycles are occasionally donated, they do not last long. currently, Goochlandcares serves over 2,500 neighbors in need, including 225 families that shop weekly at the Food Pantry. Frayser said their clients are looking for basic needs such as sheets, blankets, socks and underwear.

Goochlandcares is always seeking partners for their mission. anyone interested in donating, volunteering or becoming a partner should contact Goochlandcares at (804) 556-6260.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

The rotary club of Goochland will welcome Jonathan Lyle of the monacan soil and Water conservation district. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and will be held at The residence Inn short Pump at the Notch, 1800 Wilkes ridge circle.

Friday book Group will be held at the Goochland branch Library from 11 a.m. – noon for those ages 18 and up. Join the group to discuss the monthly book choice! call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

MONDAY, DEC. 12

Goochland bridge c lub will be held at the Goochland branch Library from 3 – 5 p.m. for ages 18 and up. The Goochland bridge club is for those who want to learn how to play or those with a basic knowledge of the game. each week there will be instruction and play time. call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 river road West for more information.

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

r ead 2 r o ver will be held at the c ochr ane r ock ville b ranch

Library from 4:30 — 5:30 p .m. for children 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 required at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal.com/event/9562747. call the rockville branch at (804) 749-3146 or visit the library for more information on how to register for this rewarding program.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

Join Goochland c ommunit y Theatre for its holiday production

of “a c hristmas c arol...more or less,” — a comedy by s tephano LoVerso and m ary Irey, directed by b eth h olt. The play will be performed Friday, d ec. 16 and s aturday, d ec. 17 at 7 p.m., and s unday, d ec. 18 at 2 p.m. at The eagle Theater at central high cultural and educational complex, 2748 dogtown road, Goochland. admission is $12 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission. conc essions will be available. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at gvatheatre.org. Follow Goochland community Theatre on Facebook

for updates on this production and others.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

Join Goochland community Theatre for its holiday production of “a christmas carol...more or less,” — a comedy by stephano LoVerso and mary Irey, directed by beth holt. The play will be performed Friday, dec. 16 and saturday, dec. 17 at 7 p.m., and sunday, dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at The eagle Theater at central high cultural and educational c omple x, 2748 d ogtown road, Goochland. admission is $12 for students and seniors, $15 for

general admission. concessions will be available. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at gvatheatre.org. Follow Goochland community Theatre on Facebook for updates on this production and others.

The Goochland branch Library will host crafternoon: holiday Paper clay Ornaments from 1 – 2 p.m. for those age 18 and up. sign up for an afternoon of making beautiful paper clay ornaments for the holidays. refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. call (804) 556-4774 for more information.

Reynolds

From 1

actively engaging with county leaders on possible uses for the space, she said.

One option that has been discussed, Pando said, is to use the building for public safety or as an incubator site for small businesses.

Pando said the key will be finding a use that best serves the needs of the county and its residents.

“We know we’re serving a lot of Goochland stu-

dents,” she said. “But how do we best serve the community?”

During her presentation, Pando noted that the college currently counts 290 Goochland residents among its enrolled students, and has provided $303,331 in aid and scholarships to Goochland students.

Pando said there are 285 students currently enrolled in the Advanced College Academy, and an additional 33 students are enrolled in dual enrollment courses through the college.

Elk Hill awarded challenge grant

$250K will fund facility improvements for Goochland campus

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Cabell Foundation has awarded a $250,000 challenge grant to Elk Hill in support of its “Welcome Home” campaign, an effort focused on capital improvements to Elk Hill’s Goochland campus. The campaign centers on the primary living and learning spaces for its residents and students.

Elk Hill’s Goochland campus has two therapeutic group homes for boys ages

11 through 18; the Harambee School, which provides individualized education and behavioral support for children with special learning needs; recreation spaces; a dining hall; a chapel; a ropes challenge course; and the Elk Hill administrative offices. Included in the project is renovation and repair of the residential cottages that were built in the 1980s. The $667,000 project involves replacing drafty single pane windows and upgrading HVAC systems to make homes more comfortable for residents; replacing roofs, decaying porches and siding with products that are more durable and provide a welcoming first im-

pression; upgrading bathrooms; replacing flooring; and transforming an unused space into a woodshop where kids can expand their woodworking experiences.

These upgrades will increase resident comfort, reduce operating costs, decrease future maintenance requirements and extend the life of buildings.

The administrative building on campus, built around 1836 and recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, is also in need of repairs and improvements. A new roof, interior painting, shutter reconstruction and floor repairs are included in the campaign. This historical renovation will be

completed with significant care to honor its history as well as the generosity of the Scott family, who donated the Greek revival home and 300-acre property to Elk Hill in 1970.

Elk Hill serves over 900 children across central Virginia each year through five therapeutic group homes, three day-schools, extensive school- and communitybased mental health programs, prevention services, and therapeutic summer day camps. Elk Hill is committed to enabling children and families to transform overwhelming challenges into successful futures.

To learn more, visit www. ElkHill.org.

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Scams aren’t always high tech – some of the most common are about as old fashioned as they come. In 2021 there were 33,000 reports of incidents involving mail carrier robberies and mail theft, up from 24,000 in 2019, according to the US Postal Inspectors (USPIS). What

were the thieves looking for? Personal checks that can be washed and rewritten to anyone for any amount.

The simplest way for criminals to find mail to steal is to look for mailboxes with a raised flag, which often contain bill payments with personal checks included. An -

other way is for criminals to steal a master key that opens the blue boxes from a postal worker. These “arrow keys” sell for between $5,000 and $10,000 on the black market. Once they have a personal check, thieves can “wash” the ink off with household chemicals and fill it out to a new recipient for whatever

amount they wish.

To protect yourself, deposit any mail containing checks, cash or sensitive personal information in collection boxes as close to the indicated pickup time as possible — or better yet – bring them inside the post office for mailing.

Submitted by AARP Virginia.

FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC HONORED FOR VALOR

On Thursday, dec. 1, Goochland county Fire-rescue Firefighter Paramedic morgan d. Kingston was recognized with the bronze Valor award during the 32nd annual Valor awards held at the Greater richmond convention center. Kingston was honored for his actions on may 29, 2022. On that day, he responded as part of the Water rescue Team to an incident on the James river near Powhatan state Park. responding to the scene, rescuers were told that an individual who could not swim was caught in a tree in the water and was not wearing a life jacket. during the course of the boat rescue, Kingston leapt from boat 605 into the muddy, swift current of the James river. Kingston reached the victim, secured a floatation device, and assisted the person safely into the boat. representatives from Goochland county, Goochland county Fire-rescue and the Goochland county sheriff’s Office attended the Valor awards to recognize and honor Kingston and members of the richmond area public safety community that serve and protect their communities. Pictured above are Goochland county board of supervisors chairman Neil spoonhower, left, and Kingston.

Celebration of the Season set for Saturday

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The simple joys and beauty of the holiday season will descend on the Field Day of the Past show grounds at Redfield Farm in Amelia from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, when the Rockville-Centerville Steam and Gas Historical Association opens the grounds for its annual holiday festivity, “A Celebration of the Season.”

Decorations and lights will illuminate the activities scheduled for the eve-

ning’s event. Guests can visit Santa’s Workshop, where an array of toys from the past will showcase the difference in yesterday’s child’s play from the gadgets and toys of today’s childhoods. A “post office” will be ready to receive letters to Santa. Guests can bring their own letters or write them on the grounds. Each letter mailed to St. Nick will be personally answered by the Jolly Ole Elf himself.

Children (and even those young at heart) can help decorate the Christmas

tree, which will be the centerpiece of the activities. Supplies for making handmade ornaments will be available at the event. A holiday setting complete with sled and colorful decorations will provide an ideal location for pictures.

Of course, no holiday event would be complete without Santa, who will be making an appearance during the celebration.

Admission to the event is a donation in the form of nonperishable food stuffs

or monetary donations to the Amelia Christmas Father. Any proceeds from the event will benefit local charities and nonprofit organizations.

The Field Day of the Past show grounds are located on Route 360, 5 miles east of Amelia. For more information, visit Facebook or the website www.fielddayofthepast.net or call (804) 741-8468. The RockvilleCenterville Steam & Gas Historical Association is a 501©(3) organization.

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The holiday season is a special time of year. Many factors combine to make the holiday season so unique and festive, and that includes all the effort people put into decorating their homes.

Much thought is given to holiday lighting arrangements and which tree to buy, but it’s equally important to consider pets when decorating. Many common household pets are naturally curious, and that curiosity can make it difficult to decorate safely come the holiday season. But various pet-proofing strategies can ensure holiday decorations and displays aren’t compromised by four-legged friends this season.

„ Secure the Christmas tree — Much like other residents of the home, pets may be mesmerized by a glowing Christmas tree. Pets may sniff around the tree or investigate it closely, which can increase the chances

that it tips over. That poses a significant safety hazard and underscores the importance of using a sturdy stand. Fastening the tree to a wall, much like one might do with a television that isn’t mounted, adds a further layer of protection from tip-overs.

„ Block off the base of a live tree—Live trees need water to stay green and keep their needles throughout the season. That water could prove enticing to thirsty pets. Drinking water from a tree stand could increase the risk of the tree tipping over, and the water could upset the stomach of pets

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND FIRE-RESCUE

GOOCHLAND

SCHOOL LEADERS TAKE PART IN ANNUAL 5K

several Goochland county school leaders recently braved frigid temperatures for the annual Virginia school board association 5K in Williamsburg. Pictured, from left, are assistant superintendent andrew armstrong, school board member Karen horn, school board member sandra barefoot-reid, GcPs superintendent Jeremy raley, school board member John Wright and assistant superintendent steve Geyer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FROM THE EDITOR

One simple step could save your life

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

Of all the things we’re told to do because they are good for us, some are admittedly more difficult than others.

In the “hard” category, one could certainly put losing weight (don’t get me started); developing and sticking with an exercise regimen (likewise) and cutting out vices like smoking (I have never smoked, but I’ve known plenty of people who have either quit or tried to, and the effort certainly appeared Herculean to say the least).

For most of us, these kinds of things are going to be a lifelong challenge. But then there are the other measures, the ones that every single one of us can do with very little effort—things so easy we would be almost crazy not to do them. Stay out of the lion enclosure at the zoo— check. Don’t take a bath with a hairdryer—check. And finally, perhaps the biggest no-brainer of all, wear your seatbelt every time you get in a vehicle. Every. Single. Time.

If we’re going to be honest, we can go ahead and admit that

it’s easier sometimes to ignore the simple logic of buckling up. Maybe you’re just running up the street to the market and can’t imagine you’ll need it, or maybe you are just thinking about too many things at once as you start your commute. But, when it comes right down to it, there are two simple truths to bear in mind when it comes to deciding whether or not to use your seatbelt. One is that seatbelts save lives. And two is that your life is worth it.

According to preliminary statistics recently released from

the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), our region has seen a sharp increase in the number of people killed in crashes who weren’t wearing a seat belt.

As of Oct. 31, 81 people who weren’t properly secured in a seat belt or car seat died as a result of crashes in the Richmond region since the beginning of the year. That is compared to 66 over the same time last year, indicating an increase of 23%.

“We provide this data to give

JIM RIDOLPHI Contributing Writer

Public service is a demanding pursuit. In addition to the infinite number of hours required to fulfill legislative duties, elected officials are faced with endless travel, a slew of late night meetings and an endless stream of buffet dinners.

As I covered local government for years, I never encountered a person more suited to meet those challenges than Donald McEachin.

The congressman lost his decade-long battle with cancer last week, leaving a void in the state political landscape that will be difficult, maybe even impossible, to fill. Respected by both parties for an unwavering work ethic and sense of fairness that appealed to both sides of the aisle, McEachin will be most sorely missed by a group of constituents who formed a bond of trust through his years of dedicated service.

Publisher Joy Monopoli

Managing Editor laura McFarland lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com

Editor Roslyn Ryan rryan@goochlandgazette.com

Sports

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

The Gazette 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. send letters to: The Goochland Gazette 8460 Times-dispatch blvd. mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: (804) 344-8746 e-mail: editor@goochlandgazette.com

I’ve also spent a few hours at those community meetings, supporters dinners and local political events. Early in that process, I met McEachin at a local legislative update dinner in Goochland that began a decades-long professional relationship.

Over those years, I developed a respect for a politician that, in my estimation, did what most of us expect from our elected leaders. I also admired his tenacious and dedicated willingness to listen to constituents, meet with reporters and make transparency

gave all as long as he could

Farm Bureau president: Historic funding for conservation practices is a boon for farmers

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The president of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation said that the General Assembly’s passage of full funding for agricultural best management practices is a historic decision.

“Virginia Farm Bureau—on behalf of our state’s farmers—has been advocating for full funding of agricultural best management practices since 2009,” VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor told farmers from across the state on Nov. 30 during the organization’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates.

A total of $295 million for the July 1, 2022, through

June 30, 2024, biennium was allocated in the state budget to help farmers implement conservation practices.

“This is an unprecedented amount of funding,” Pryor continued. He advised the farmers in attendance that if they were considering implementing conservation practices on their farms, now is the opportune time to do so.

“Farmers have always been stewards of their land, and they want to continue preserving our natural resources for the next generations, but conservation practices can be costly,” Pryor explained. “Now that this funding has been allocated, I know many of you will take advantage of this opportunity to improve the state’s farmland and help keep our waterways healthy.”

Pryor also noted that Farm Bureau helped ensure that $1.55 million was included in the state budget for retention of Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and for hiring additional ones.

“The boots on the ground that these agents provide is invaluable to our farmers,” he said.

“Together We Grow” is the theme of this year’s convention, which was held in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, through Dec. 1.

Pryor told Farm Bureau’s volunteer leaders that 2022 was overall a successful year for the organization.

Farm Bureau not only met its membership goal for a sixth consecutive year, but then went on to surpass it by nearly 900 additional members, counting 133,163 members for 2022. “This is truly

remarkable, and we couldn’t have done it without all of your help,” Pryor told county Farm Bureau leaders.

Another success in 2022 was a record-breaking amount of donations raised for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, which provides free agriculturethemed resources to educators. A total of $430,000 in donations was raised this past year, Pryor reported. He added that Virginia Farm Bureau continues to focus on farmers’ mental health and stress management.

“We partnered with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which launched a new AgriStress Helpline to provide farmers with mental health support,” Pryor said. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is staffed

by crisis specialists who have access to Virginia databases of agricultural and health resources.

Additionally, Farm Bureau is collaborating with VDACS and other organizations to offer workshops for people who routinely interact with farmers. Targeted toward co-op employees, farm supply businesses, Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and loan officers, the workshops will help them recognize signs of stress and mental health difficulties.

With 133,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed to supporting Virginia’s agriculture industry.

if the tree was treated with pesticides prior to being brought home. When decorating with a live tree, make sure the base of the tree where the water will be is blocked off. A small fence around the tree could keep curious pets away. The room where the tree is located should be locked or inaccessible when pets are home alone.

„ Inspect and conceal light wires—Wires can become frayed over time, and that could pique pets’ curiosity. Lighting wires should always be inspected prior to decorating and frayed or damaged wires should be thrown away, even if it means replacing lights. If wires are still sturdy, conceal them along the base of the wall using a cable concealer, which prevents pets from chewing on them.

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folks a look at what’s going on right now in their communities,” said acting DMV commissioner Linda

McEachin

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a staple in his repertoire.

Like many who knew him during this time, I watched as he changed physically as he relentlessly battled cancer, never short of energy or enthusiasm or too busy to meet with a line of constituents. No dinner or meeting was too small for Don, and no issue too insignificant to consider.

Prior to his election to

Ford, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Each of these numbers represents a real person and many are people in your community. We all have the power to make a difference by buckling up, slowing

down and never driving distracted or impaired.”

Throughout the Commonwealth, 822 people have died in crashes so far this year, a 2% increase over last year.

While not all of those

lives may have been saved by the use of a seatbelt, it’s safe to say that there are number of people being mourned this holiday season who didn’t need to die.

As you hop in the car and go about your day, even

when it take a few seconds you don’t think you can spare, remember the one very tiny step you can take to ensure that you and your passengers are protected.

It could make all the difference in the world.

„ Avoid lighting candles—Candles should not be lit in homes with pets. Even candles on shelves that are seemingly beyond pets’ reach can be hazardous, as pets, especially cats, have a way of accessing spaces they seemingly shouldn’t be able to reach. Use electric candles in lieu of traditional ones.

the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, McEachin served in both houses of the Virginia General Assembly, and also was a founding partner in McEachin and Gee Law Firm.

Throughout his career McEachin was known for his unwavering dedication to equal rights and environmental justice and served on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C), the House Committee on Natural Resources

(Natural Resources), and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.

A graduate of St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, McEachin was the son of an Army veteran and a public school teacher, and never forgot his local roots when representing his constituents.

He graduated from American University in Washington and obtained his law degree from the University of Virginia. McEachin also held a mas-

ter’s degree in divinity from the The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.

A special election will be scheduled to fill the seat won by McEachin in November but no timeline has been announced by the governor.

Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia fought back tears as he remembered his friend and colleague on the floor of the House last week.

“May we all seek to honor Donald’s life and legacy by

working to build a future in which everyone has access to clean air, water and soil,” Scott said. “Madam Speaker, this body has lost one of its most dedicated public servants and fiercest advocates for justice and equality, and he will be deeply missed.”

That loss will be felt hardest by those who benefited the most from his life of dedication and commitment — his constituents and those who knew and loved him.

„ Speak to a vet about seasonal plants and flowers before bringing them into the home—Pet owners can speak with their veterinarians before bringing poinsettias, holly and other seasonal plants and flowers into their homes. Some pets could suffer allergic reactions if they eat certain seasonal plants, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and speak to a vet before including live plants and flowers in decorative displays.

Pryor

Goochland wrestling is back

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

After a 2021-22 season that saw five state qualifiers and a team that has continued to trend in the right direction, Goochland wrestling is back and looking like it might be even better this time around.

Led by head coach Jeremy Wampler in his third year on the job, the Bulldogs showed promise and a belief last season that they could soon become a top program within the Jefferson District, as evidenced by their 18-14 record and an appearance in the VHSL Class 3 State Tournament from Alex Rosenbaum, Grant Heidel, John Summitt, Dawson Lewis and Reese Vincent.

Rosenbaum and Heidel graduated after strong senior seasons, leaving Vincent as the state qualifier with the most success on the big stage for the Bulldogs, but that leaves room for a collection of solid performers to step up to lead the team this season. An experienced group featuring five seniors and 14 returning wrestlers, veteran contributors like Summitt, Patrick Harlow and Riley Hite are slated to lead the charge and aim to compete for a region title.

The Bulldogs are also looking to build consistency through the efforts of guys like Seth Conrad, Nick and Noah Daniel and Jackson Warren, all of whom will be asked to step up with another year of experience under their belts.

Arguably the team’s most skilled wrestlers are Vincent and Summitt though, with both experienced and battle-tested entering their senior seasons. In states last season, Vincent went 2-2 during the tournament, responding to a tough opening round loss with an 8-4 win by decision against Fluvanna County’s David Taylor and winning by fall in the next consolation round in just over two minutes against Heritage wrestler Pait Perice.

In Summitt’s state tournament appearance, he went 1-2, with his win coming in the first consolation round by a 7-2 decision in a matchup with Tabb’s Zachary Coulson.

Just making the tournament was an accomplishment in itself, but the two stars undoubtedly hope to achieve even more in their final time on a Goochland mat. Seeing how those two develop even further will be one of the more intriguing storylines for Goochland this season.

Hite, competing in the 150/157-pound class, also has plenty of expectations surrounding him in his senior year, already proving himself as capable of competing with the top wrestlers on the team and among their respective competition. Considering it’s his last year as a Bulldog, it’s now or never for him to make a big run and a potential appearance in the state tournament.

Someone that’s been noted as a potential dark horse to make a big impact for the team is junior Ethan Winter, who will be wrestling in the 175-pound weight class. Winter is only in his second year as a wrestler, but Wampler says that he’s a natural athlete with a knack for picking techniques and lessons up quickly. The fast-learning Winter already appears to be applying those lessons on the mat.

As far as new faces to watch, the Bulldogs have freshmen Ociel Escalera and Cannen Harlow joining the squad with the hopes of making an impact in Year 1. Junior William Mendoza is also a new addition to the team.

The strong core of returnees and intriguing newcomers should make Goochland the kind of team that can build on its previous success if all the pieces fall together and everyone can stay healthy. A hard-working group

that Wampler says has helped him figure out the balance between commitment and dedication, while also making the experience of wrestling an enjoyable one, the team enters the season with strong bonds that start with the veterans and trickle down to the underclassmen.

What’s become clear is that the interest in wrestling in Goochland is reaching an all-time high that starts with the success of the high school squad and carries over into the growing Young Dogs middle school wrestling club, which already has over 30 wrestlers and has set up multiple scrimmages with surrounding schools. Soon, there’s hope that an official middle school team can come to fruition, further creating a talent pipeline that leads into the high school team.

The Bulldogs have a big test early in the season with a fourteam meet hosted by Albemarle

on Dec. 7 that also features Western Albemarle and Fluvanna County. They’ll also compete in a tournament hosted by Patrick Henry (Ashland) on Dec. 10. It’ll be a quick turnaround after the Patrick Henry meet, as they’ll travel to Hermitage four days later for a tri-meet with Patrick Henry, then get back on the road two days later for a quick turnaround against Dinwiddie.

The Bulldogs will have to once again prove to their competition facing them across the mat that they’re not a team to be taken lightly, and with familiar faces across the board, a coach that’s earned the trust of his wrestlers and a winning culture that is quickly developing, there’s true belief that they can be a true regional contender once the postseason gets underway.

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

FILE/GOOCHLAND GAZETTE

senior riley hite, seen wrestling King William’s Trevor black in a 2020 match, enters the 2022-23 season as one of Goochland’s top returning wrestlers.

Bulldogs basketball returns with new hope

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Basketball season is back in Goochland, and the Bulldogs are returning to the court with the hopes of building off of last year.

The girls team will be led by a new head coach on the sideline in Warren Kempf. After last year’s team finished with a 2-16 record and lost all five starters and coach James Harris in the process, Kempf will be tasked with steering the program into a new direction in his first year on the job. Luckily for Goochland, Kempf is a good candidate to lead the way, having had a successful tenure at James River, where he led their team to a 52-42 record during his time with the Rapids.

Goochland’s completely new starting five features two seniors in forward Nevaeh Flemming and guard Faith Turner as well as junior Dakota Higgs and sophomores Emily Pierce and Kyndall Shapiro.

Sophomore Sydney Jones joins the team as well to provide some backcourt depth for Kempf’s Bulldogs.

The two seniors Turner and Flemming have already stepped into natural leadership roles for the young Bulldogs and will be relied upon to handle most of the team’s scoring and more difficult defensive assignments. Turner, a fleet-footed guard with a good handle and an aggressive drive to get to the rim for a layup, looks to be a logical choice for the team’s top scorer entering the season.

A big challenge the team will have to overcome this year is a lack of varsity experience across the board, with just one player holding any varsity minutes from last year, though five players have experience at the junior varsity level. The focus will be building on every performance and learning from early-season mistakes that are likely to come as the team meshes and works together against a tough schedule.

The boys team sees head coach Preston Gordon return for his 12th year at Goochland and his 16th as a coach. Like his coaching coun-

terpart on the girls team, Gordon also has a team with zero returning starters, though his group does possess some varsity experience.

Players like Jamason Pryor, Kedrick Quarles, Justin Morton, Nik Cotner and Jackson Beam are projected to slide into the starting five this season after the team lost J.D. Mills, J.J. Cox, Gabe Liptak, Omarion Quarles and De’Andre Robinson.

Last year’s starting five had talent and plenty of scoring options that could show up on a given night, but struggled to generate wins in a competitive regional field, finishing the season with a 4-16 record. Like last year’s team, the new version of the Bulldogs shouldn’t have many issues with scoring, especially out of their backcourt that’s headlined by Pryor, who could be the star that leads the way for the Bulldogs.

Pryor, coming off an excellent football season for Goochland as a star running back, steps into a leadership role as a senior with an electric playstyle and speed off the

dribble to attack the rim and earn trips to the free throw line. Last season, the 5-foot-8 Pryor averaged 7.3 points per game with 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in a deep backcourt. Those numbers will all likely jump up with increased minutes and greater on-ball responsi-

bilities.

Joining Pryor in the backcourt will be Morton and Quarles, with Morton coming into his senior season having averaged 2.8 points per game and 2.4 rebounds per game as a junior. Standing at 5-foot-10, Morton has the size and muscle

to be a big help on the glass for a guard, something the Bulldogs will need to focus on with a relatively small starting lineup.

Quarles, brother of Goochland multi-sport star and current Old Dominion football player Omarion Quarles, has a big chance to prove himself with a starting role in his junior season as well.

In the frontcourt, Cotner and Beam will be the size and ballmovers down low for Goochland, with Cotner coming off a season where he averaged 5.4 points per game and 3.8 rebounds. Beam, a newcomer standing at 6-foot-3, is the tallest player in the starting lineup.

New additions on the bench include junior Darius Rivers and freshman JoJo Johnson. Rivers just recently played for the Goochland football team, where he played quarterback and moved around in the secondary. Johnson is a 6-foot-3 wing that gives Gordon size on the perimeter that will come in handy in certain matchups.

The girls team already opened up its season with a matchup on Dec. 1 against Caroline, and will face Powhatan, William Monroe, Charlottesville and Louisa County in December before they receive a two-week break that transitions into their January schedule.

The boys team starts its season off with a matchup against the Powhatan Indians, who are 1-1 entering the contest. They also face Maggie Walker, Charlottesville, Louisa County, Liberty Christian, William Monroe and New Kent for their December matchups.

Both teams will surely need time and a lot of practice to gel together with completely different starters than the ones fans saw last season, but with a new coach leading the way for the girls team and a roster of varsity-experienced athletes and some potential star power for the boys team, there should be a lot of electrifying basketball in Goochland this season.

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

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Goochland senior Faith Turner goes up for a layup in the team’s matchup against caroline on dec. 2.

FILE PHOTO

senior guard Jamason Pryor (2) returns to the bulldogs basketball team after an impressive football season.

GoochlandPowhatanCommunityServices (GPCS)hasreceivedanunsolicitedproposal underthePPEAfordevelopmentof a10,000 sq.ftofficebuilding,constructedbasedonthe needsofGPCSandtobeleasedon along-term basistoGPCS.TheproposedlocationofthefacilityisintheCourthouseareaofPowhatan CountyadjacenttothePowhatanCountyAdministrationbuilding.GPCSintendstoevaluatetheproposal,maynegotiateaninterimor comprehensiveagreementwiththeproposer basedontheproposal,andwillreceiveforsimultaneousconsiderationanycompetingproposalsthatcomplywiththeproceduresadoptedbytheBoardandthePPEA.Anyinquiries aboutproposalsmaycontactCarinneKightat (804)556-5400.

PUBLICNOTICE

NoticeisherebygiventhatVirginiaElectric andPowerCompany(VMRC#2022-2161)isrequesting apermitfromVirginiaMarineResourcesCommissiontoinstallone(1)aerialfiberopticcabletoexistingutilitypolesacross a20-footsectionofWhitehallCreekadjacent toWhitehallRoadinGoochlandCounty.

Youmayprovidecommentsonthisapplication (VMRC#2022-2161)athttps://webapps.mrc.vi rginia.gov/public/habitat/comments/.Wewill acceptcommentsbytheUSPSprovidedthey arereceivedwithin15daysofthisnoticeto: MarineResourcesCommission,HabitatManagementDivision,380FenwickRoad,Bldg96, Hampton,VA23651.

PUBLICNOTICE

NoticeisherebygiventhatVirginiaElectric andPowerCompany(VMRC#2022-2227)isrequesting apermitfromVirginiaMarineResourcesCommissiontoinstallone(1)aerial cabletoexistingutilitypolesacross a12-foot sectionofMillCreekadjacenttoHickoryHill RuninGoochlandCounty.

Youmayprovidecommentsonthisapplication (VMRC#2022-2227)athttps://webapps.mrc.vi rginia.gov/public/habitat/comments/.Wewill acceptcommentsbytheUSPSprovidedthey arereceivedwithin15daysofthisnoticeto: MarineResourcesCommission,HabitatManagementDivision,380FenwickRoad,Bldg96, Hampton,VA23651.

Inre:RandolphW.McElroy,deceased (W20-12)

SHOWCAUSEAGAINSTDISTRIBUTION

Itappearingthat areportoftheaccountsof TCVTrust &WealthManagement,Inc.,byBryanA.Stark,agentfor,ExecutoroftheEstateof RandolphW.McElroy,deceased,andofthe debtsanddemandsagainsttheaboveestate havebeenfiledintheClerk’sOffice,andthat sixmonthshaveelapsedsincethequalificationoftheExecutor,onmotionoftheExecutor;

Itis ORDEREDthatthecreditorsof,andallothersinterestedin,theaboveestatedoshow cause,ifanytheycan,onthe 20thdayofDecember,2022at1:30p.m., beforethisCourtat itscourtroomat2938RiverRoadWest, Goochland,Virginia,againstthepaymentand deliveryoftheEstateofRandolphW.McElroy, deceased,tothedistributeeswithoutrequiring refundingbonds.

ENTERED:11/15/2022

TimothyK.Sanner, JUDGE

IASKFORTHIS:

MaureenC.Ackerly(VSBNo.43534)

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ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

Someone thinks you are up to a challenge this week, Aries. Dive right in and prove them correct. There’s much you’ll get done, but leave some time for leisure.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

There’s not much you can’t accomplish these next several days, Taurus. The key will be knowing just where to pull back so that you can do each job well.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

Think before committing to a project that is expected to take a long time, Gemini. While you may have a lot of free time right now, that may not be the case in a few weeks.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, health concerns may come to the forefront this week, whether it pertains you or someone close to you. Empty your schedule so you can devote the utmost attention.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, despite many looming deadlines, you are surprisingly relaxed about all the things you need to accomplish. Maybe that is because you have a lot of help.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

Some unexpected time off has dropped into your lap, Virgo. Figure out if a small vacation or weekend getaway might be just what you need right now. Then make it happen.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

A career change could be on the horizon, Libra. Do your research before you take the full plunge into new waters. Maybe test things out before making a firm commitment.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

Home improvements could be coming soon, Scorpio. They’ll interfere with your daily schedule for a bit, but the results will be well worth any disruption.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Your hospitable nature is a perfect match for the entertaining you will be doing this week, Sagittarius. Expect a houseful of people on one or more days.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Spending certainly is up during the holiday season, but you may need to keep a closer eye on what is going on with your finances, Capricorn. Don’t lose sight of your budget.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

A few interesting possibilities may come across your desk, Aquarius. Look at them with a critical eye and get a second opinion before moving forward.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

Too many things seem like a priority right now, Pisces. You need to weed through all of your responsibilities and tackle the most urgent.