The Goochland Gazette – 03/29/2023

PAGE 2

Volume 67, No. 13 • Wednesday, March 29, 2023

A growing need: Food pantry sees spike in visits as pandemic SNAP benefits expire. See Page 2

Nutritious and delicious

Goochland teen hosting dining event series aimed at sharing love of healthy food

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

Get ready for a whole new way to fill up your plate.

For Goochland resident Zoe Hitaffer, 16, an early interest in fitness and nutrition quickly developed into a passion for sharing what she’s learned with others. Now Hitaffer is on a mission to help people understand that food can be both healthy and tasty, and that preparing meals that check both boxes doesn’t have to be a major undertaking.

Beginning on Friday, April 7, Hitaffer will be hosting a weekly pop-up dinner event at Goochland Restaurant aimed at introducing diners to the kinds of healthy, no-fuss recipes that she has been perfecting in her family’s kitchen for the past four years.

The idea for the weekly cooking event came after Hitaffer met Goochland Restaurant owner Christine Fauver and the two began discussing how Hitaffer might be able to reach out to the local community in some way. When Fauver offered the use of her space (Goochland Restaurant currently closes at 2 p.m.), Hitaffer jumped at the chance.

What followed was a flurry of menu planning and logistical problem solving, all of which eventually came together to create a schedule of four eve-

Raley named chief of staff at VDOE

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

Nearly seven years after coming to Goochland County Public Schools, GCPS superintendent Jeremy Raley is preparing for his next chapter.

On March 22, Gov. Glenn Youngkin named Raley the Commonwealth’s next chief of staff to the superintendent of public instruction at the Virginia Department of Education.

The move will bring to a close a tenure during which the school division reached a number of milestones, including significant facility and safety improvements and both state and national recognition for academic excellence.

Under his leadership, GCPS was recognized as the top school division in the MetroRichmond area for four years by niche.com and as an Apple Distinguished School Division.

Raley also oversaw the approval and design phases of the new Goochland Elementary School, which is set to be completed next year.

food as a way to improve

Restaurant,

own

nings, each of which has its own theme. The first dinner is titled Spring Picnic and features items ranging from triedand-true deli favorites (egg salad sandwiches) to fancier—yet still healthy— fare like chicken caprese wraps and watermelon prosciutto salad. Other menus include the Soup and Salad Soi-

ree, the Cinco De Mayo Fiesta and the Mother’s Day Celebration on May 12. These days, when she isn’t working out, completing her school work or experimenting in the kitchen, Hitaffer spends what little spare time she has

There were certainly significant challenges for Raley as well, including the COVID-19 pandemic that left school division leaders across the nation scrambling to continue educating students who were no longer allowed to attend school in person.

Raley has also had to contend with a number of controversial issues in recent years, including, most recently, challenges from parents and other community members regarding transgender bathroom policies and the books made available to students in the school libraries.

Even during the most difficult times, however,

INSIDE: Agee played key role in telling county’s story,

Raley

Hitaffer

PHOTO BY ZOE HITAFFER

Goochland teen Zoe Hitaffer says she first took an interest in preparing nutritious

her

health. Now, through her upcoming dinner series at Goochland

she's hoping to share what she's learned with others.

Food pantry sees spike in visits as pandemic SNAP benefits expire

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families and individuals. In the last three years households and individuals eligible for food assistance received an additional sum each month as part of a pandemic-era increase to combat hunger. The additional SNAP benefits ended on Feb. 28, causing recipients to lose the additional pandemic income. The benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income, but on average a family of three could lose nearly $285 per month from their supplemental food budget due to the decrease in their benefits.

Because of the SNAP benefits reduction and inflation, the GoochlandCares Food Pantry has seen a rise in the need for food. “Usually, we see 200-210 households a week,” said Doug Chiles, GoochlandCares food pantry manager. “Since the SNAP benefit reduction at the end of February, the need for food has increased visits to 240-250 visits per week.”

GoochlandCares will be hosting an annual spring food drive on April 22. However, the food pantry needs food until the drive.

“April 22 is a month away,” said Chiles. “We need nonperishable items, personal and household supplies now more than ever.”

The food pantry always

GOOCHLAND HISTORY REVEALED

accepts food donations from individual citizens, businesses, churches, schools, civic organizations, neighborhoods and others.

Donations may be dropped off at GoochlandCares, located at 2999 River Road West. A staff member or volunteer will accept the donation or donations can be placed in bins or boxes at the far end of the building just outside the food pantry.

Donations are accepted Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, only canned items are accepted and can be placed in the drop off bins located outside the food pantry door.

Food Pantry shopping hours are Monday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Friday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Those who have questions or need further information about donations or organizing a food drive are asked to contact Dominic Alexander, director of volunteer engagement, at (804) 556-0400 or dalexander@GoochlandCares.org or Doug Chiles, food pantry manager, at (804) 556-0201 or dchiles@GoochlandCares.org. More information can also be found at www.GoochlandCares. org.

AGEE’S PASSION FOR HISTORY

HELPED SHAPE LOCAL MAGAZINE

helene Barret agee (1904 -1984) was born helene natalie Barret and grew up at her father’s family home, Mount Bernard, on route 6. The daughter of dr. Morris Barret and helene natalie nestorowitsch, she developed an interest in history at an early age. she is best known for her history book “Facets of Goochland.” however, her contributions extend far beyond that title. she contributed a number of articles to the Goochland historical society’s Magazine, such as “anyone for Ghosts” and “Monterey.” her “historical sketch” of the county appeared in the very first issue (spring, 1969). In this photograph, taken in June 1938, helene (holding dog) is pictured with Benjamin Temple Barret, dr. Morris Barret, John syme Barret and helen nestor Barret (dodge).

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

100.002 acres; SRFGoochland LLC to Arthur E. Havens III, $275,000.

2.18 acres; Terri A. Fleming-Davis to Jason R. Wells, $365,000.

4.139 acres; West Creek MOB II LLC to Emerson Ventures LLC, $1,993,530.

7004 Benhall Circle, Glen Allen; Thomas P. Bradshaw to Daniel J. Lohss, $627,000.

2432 Chapel Hill Road, Goochland; Walter Brandon Sullivan to Benjamin Smith, $320,000.

4724 Fleming Road, Louisa; Heirloom Reclaim and

Design LLC to Tyler Roy Campbell, $412,000.

Lot 11, Section 9, Kinloch; Kinloch Development Corp. to Ronald M. Landess, $690,000.

Lot 4, Legacy Pointe; Newton G. Lohr to Robert Carrel, $350,000.

5251 Loving Springs Lane, Goochland; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Maylin Sobeyda Martinez Hernandez, $329,950.

302 Piping Rock Road, Manakin Sabot; Boone Homes Inc. to Steven Pearson, $732,290.

4158 Royal Ridge Court, Louisa; Curtis C. Lauver to Brent M. Pannill, $450,000.

4400 Spring Rock Road, Gum Spring; Jeffrey E. Brock to Arul David Selvarayan, $500,000.

12015 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to Theresa M. McDonnell, $535,725.

1.451 acres; Jerry G. Jennings to Jacob Anthony Perkins, $199,900.

2 parcels; Elijah W. Owen to DKJC LLC, $180,000.

Please see PROPERTY, Page 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY PETERSON AND GOOCHLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Dining

From 1

left posting mouthwatering photos of whatever she’s been cooking up to her Instagram page (www.instagram.com/ zoellaluella/) along with the recipe and nutritional information for each dish. Hitaffer says she wants to help people

Raley

From 1

Raley insists he has never considered it anything other than an honor to serve the Goochland community.

“I have never worked with teachers, administrators and support professionals with the same level of talent, passion, optimism and unwavering focus on what is most important – the students and families we serve,” Raley said in a

understand that eating for health doesn’t have to involve boring, bland foods or forgoing your favorite treat every single day.

The dining events at Goochland Restaurant are all part of that goal.

“Mainly I want it to be a fun night and show how it can be enjoyable for people to try healthy food,” said Hitaffer.

statement last week.

“GCPS thrives and prospers because of its dedicated and talented staff, supportive families and strong community, and I will look back on my time in GCPS and the work we accomplished as a school division with great pride.”

Raley will start work at the VDOE in mid-April and will work with the Goochland School Board to ensure a smooth transition.

“Dr. Raley is a unique individual and a team player,”

devisee to Stratford L. Slater, $166,800.

“I want them to enjoy themselves, get excited and maybe even go home and try cooking some of these things on their own.”

Hitaffer’s healthy dining night series will kick off on Friday, April 7 from 4:30 — 8:30 p.m. and each event is reservation only. Reservations, which are capped at 40 people for each night,

said Sandra P. BarefootReid, chair of the Goochland County School Board.

“The board and I will miss his dedication to GCPS. His diligence and commitment to purpose deserve credit for the successes of GCPS during his tenure as superintendent. We recognize that our loss is certainly the Commonwealth of Virginia’s gain. To that purpose, our sadness is assuaged by the knowledge that all of Virginia will benefit from this change.”

must be made at least seven days in advance by messaging @zoellaluella, calling (804) 651-9155 or emailing its4zoe@gmail.com. Guests are urged to include their name, contact information and whether they are dining in or ordering for takeout.

The Goochland Restaurant is located at 2966 River Road West in Goochland.

Reached by phone last Friday, Raley said he was proud of the role he’d played in strengthening the school division and providing students with what he saw as “an exceptional academic experience.”

“I believe the future is bright for Goochland County schools,” Raley said. “This organization is bigger than any one person, and that’s what makes this school division so successful.”

SPRING&SUMMER RIDING DAYCAMP

APRIL3-7&APRIL10-14

JUNE5-AUGUST18

9:30AM- 4:30PM

Alllevelsofriders, beginnersthrough advanced,Ages7-16.

2ridesdaily, ParentPresentation onFridayafternoon.

levelgreenriding.com/camp-program Or Call804-794-7463.

3047Poorhouse Rd. Goochland,Va

COMINGSOON!

33.31 acres; Janet R. McGee to 1102 Shallow Well LLC, $2,225,000.

1285 Autumn Breeze Drive, Oilville; William H. Bowen to Randall Douglas Stone, $849,950.

4008 W Chapel Drive, Goochland; Diego A. Gomez Romero to Amanda M. Moody, $330,000.

1739 Fishers Pond Drive, Maidens; Le-Minh Ho to Paul D. King, $690,000.

Lot 1, Block A, Section 3, Kinloch; Satish K. Gupta to ABE Investments II LLC, $390,000.

Lot 23, Tuckahoe Creek; Tuckahoe Creek LLC to Krishna Gautham Vanam, $319,950.

5250 Loving Springs Lane, Goochland; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Steven A. Bracciodieta, $359,950. Parcel; Cathy Herweyer,

3858 River Road West, Goochland; Emerald Custom Homes LLC to James Edward Brooking III, $414,950.

765 Snead Road, Manakin Sabot; Raab Chucker Reibach to Kelvin Whitcher, $553,100.

12013 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to Teri Lee Casey, $484,280.

305 Willway Drive, Manakin Sabot; Maria Appelberg Becker to Jhimy Ortuno, $3,595,000.

1.01 acres; Michael Leabough to Jennifer Arnette, $274,000.

2 parcels; HHHunt Mosaic LLC to Schell Brothers Richmond LLC, $277,858.

3.79 acres; Meghann E. Wraight to David Woodson Jr., $340,000.

8 acres; R. Michael Vandeweghe, senior administrator to John Fogg Twombly V, $426,864.

2504 Carver Oaks Court, Rockville; W.V. McClure Inc. to Kelly Ann Mulligan, $612,145.

625 Dover Bluff Court, Manakin Sabot; Gary Gerard Hingst, trustee to Peter Breidt Conn, $1,860,000.

5920 Long Lane, Louisa; Ian M. Carr to Joshua L. Allen, $255,000.

Lot 23, Section 9, Kinloch; Kinloch Development Corp. to James Thomas Carpenter, $825,000.

Lots, Section 2B, Mosaic at West Creek; HHHunt Mosaic LLC to Style Craft Homes Inc. of Virginia, $493,904.

15646 Mosaic Creek Blvd., Richmond; Style Craft Homes Inc. of Virginia to Linda Conley, $559,131.

12659 River Road, Richmond; Bradford J. Richards to Joseph Miller III, $900,000.

5009 Shannon Hill Road, Kents Store; Blanchard & Associates Residential Con-

tractor Inc. to Clarence Salley, $350,000.

12011 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to Alcinda S. Sager, $516,650.

200 Wildplum, Richmond; John W. Mulligan to Jason Evans Logan, $852,000.

850sfCottage,builtin1940.2Bedrooms/1Bath/ LivingRoom/Kitchen/DiningRoom/MudRoom 5.5Acres,Open/PerfectforHorses $240,000

WillbeonthemarketMarch1st/ OfferswillbepresentedMarch7th!

DebraHoffman, AssociateBroker OFFICE:347-3878

debra.hoffma n@penfed re alty.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

Karate students will learn techniques including kicking, punching, blocking, sparring and partner work. e mphasis will be on philosophy and discipline of the martial arts to increase students’ self-confidence and physical condition. This challenging program, which will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is for those ages 7 and up (including adults) and will help participants lead a healthier life. a $25 one-time Karate association fee will be taken at the door for first time students. The instructor will be Goochland s ilkisondan Karate. The program ends on

Thursday, June 15, and the fee for the class is $150. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

The United Methodist Women of Gum s pring United Methodist c hurch will be hosting their spring craft and Bake sale from 8 a.m. to noon in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 191 cross country road in Gum spring.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

derek Blumenthal, a representative of chosen People Ministries, will be speaking at connec ting Point c hurch of The nazarene’s

6 p.m. service. The program being presented is Messiah in the Passover. chosen People Ministries was founded in 1894 by Leopold cohn, a hungarian rabbi who came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah of Israel. From humble beginnings in Brooklyn, new york, chosen People Ministries has grown into a worldwide ministry with outreach centers in argentina, australia, canada, england, France, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Ukraine and the United states. This meeting is open to the public and connecting Point would like to invite the christian and Jewish community to attend. For more information or to register, visit connecting Pointe’s Facebook Page at facebook.com/connectingPointe. a love offering will be received during the meeting. The church’s address is 591 Broad st road, Manakin, Va 23103.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

Goochland county Fire-rescue and emergency services will be sponsoring a free 22-hour community e mergency r esponse Team(cerT) training class at the henley Fire-rescue Training center on 2485 Old courthouse road, Goochland. classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. starting on april 3 and ending May 1. One saturday class will be held on either May 6 or May 13. For more information, or to register for the class, e-mail GoochlandcerT@Goochlandva.us or call (804) 556-5366. have you tried Zumba? Zumba is a dance fitness format that will include pop, hip hop, and international music with dance rhythms that incorporate interval exercises. a class for ages 13 and up will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. and the program ends on Wednesday, May 10. These dances will help you tone target areas on your body and absolutely increase your confidence as this class is a judgment free zone. The fee for the class is $45. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Zumba Gold is a modified form of Zumba for active older adults that recreates the original Zumba moves at a lower intensity. This class is for those 50 and above and will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The program ends on Tuesday, May 9, and the fee for

the class is $25. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

adult karate students will learn techniques including kicking, punching, blocking, sparring and partner work in this class, which will be held from, 6:30 to 8 p.m. This class is for students ages 16 and up and will place an emphasis is on philosophy and discipline of the martial arts to increase students’ self-confidence and physical condition. This challenging program will expand upon techniques and skills learned in the main Karate program. a $5 discount will be offered for participants enrolled in the main program as well. The instructor for this class will be from Goochland silkisondan Karate. Fee for the class is $100. For more information. contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854 for more information.

MONDAY, APRIL 10

hatha yoga incorporates poses, breathing, and deep relaxation. Participants in this class, which is for students ages 18 and up and held from 6 to 7 p.m., should bring their own mat. The program ends on Monday, May 15 and the fee for the class is $60. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

Tucker’s storytime will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 2 -5. come enjoy a story at central high, then stick around after and spend some time in the bouncy house! For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854. a beginner’s quilt /quilted pillow will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for ages 18 and up. In this three-session class, participants will get an introduction to quilting while making a classic throw pillow. Week 1: cutting and piecing techniques. Week 2: Machine quilting techniques. Week 3: Make block into pillow sham. Fabric needed: 1/8 yard background, 1/8 yard churn dash fabric, 1/8 year inner border, 1/2 yard outer border and backing. Other supplies to bring: neutral color thread for piecing (White, black, or gray) coordinating thread for quilting (matching your fabric) 12” pillow form sewing Machine in good working order with the instruction manual. Basic sewing supplies: scissors, seam ripper, pins, 6x24 ruler, cutting mat,

OBITUARY

Charles Grady

Grady, charles O., better known as “Tator,” passed away peacefully on March 21, 2023. he was preceded in death by his parents William and avis Grady; and his brother clarence reuben Grady. he is survived by his children, cindy (Barbee) cox, sherry Grady and Larry dean Johnson (Valerie) who he raised as a son; grandchildren, Brandi (Kevin), Lindsay (david) and nicole; and great grandchildren, nellie, James and sullivan. he is also survived by his three brothers James “Jim,” Vernon “skeeter” and Marion Lee “Puggy” Grady and many more family and friends. he also leaves behind a special friend, Vicky Kennedy. In his early years, he worked at Goat hill Farm. he also worked for Parrish Motor co. and J. e. Liesfeld. Then, later in life, he returned to his love of farming, at Greenfield Farm until his retirement. Tator had some unique hobbies, which included driving his #99 Ford at local tracks like southside speedway, south Boston speedway and Langley Field speedway. he also enjoyed singing Karaoke with friends. he will be fondly remembered as “santa” in the communities of Goochland and cumberland. Visitation took place on Friday, March 24, 2023, at norman Funeral home located at 2982 river road West, Goochland, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. a funeral service was held at Mizpah christian church, 5257 Old columbia rd., Goochland, on saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2 p.m., with a graveside following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either american cancer society/relay for Life (Goochland & Louisa) http://relayforlife.org/ goochlandva or Goochland Volunteer Fire/rescue association (Fife, company 4) https://gvfra.wufoo.com/ forms/r1i5hr4h0y0jwd0/.

rotary cutter. recommended: 1/4 in presser foot for your machine. Program ends on Wednesday, april 26. Fee for the class is $40. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at 804-556-5854.

Mini chefs: hop into spring will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for ages 5-11. Let’s hop together into the spring season and make some wonderful spring treats! register your child to come make, eat and enjoy all things around springtime festivities! The fee for the class is $20. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

all are invited to attend an upcoming community Music Jubilee hosted by elpis christian church, located at 2703 elpis church road in Maidens. The event, which will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. will feature live music, community fellowship and light refreshments. seating will be available but attendees may bring lawn chairs if they wish. a receptacle will also be

on site for Goochlandcares food pantry donations. This event will be held rain or shine.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

come visit the beautiful countryside of eastern Goochland for an outdoor spring tent revival at hebron Presbyterian church, Manakin sabot, from 5 to 8 p.m. This event will offer a wonderful opportunity to hear inspiring speakers and uplifting music, and to renew your spirit as the church celebrates our risen Lord. Invite your friends and neighbors! More information can be found at www.hebronpresbyterian.com. a food truck will be on site, and this event will be held rain or shine.

MONDAY, APRIL 24

strength Training-Monday aM will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. come work on building your strength! This class is for anyone looking for a way to get into, or returning to, the world of fitness. This

Please see CALENDAR, Page 5

Local day program strives to help young adults with disabilities thrive

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

When their son Christopher graduated from high school several years ago, Nora and Tom Carroll knew they wanted to help him find a place where he could thrive. As Nora explained recently, Christopher has Cerebral Palsy, is non-verbal, and is legally blind and deaf.

“Even with all of Richmond’s offerings for the special needs community, we quickly realized that there was a void for our son,” she said. “The options for Christopher were limited to an adult day support programs geared to seniors which was not the thriving environment a parent would want for their young adult.”

Determined to give Christopher the same opportunities for an engaging and enjoyable life that their other children had found, in 2020 the couple partnered with several other area families to form the nonprofit Nest Academy RVA, a day program for young adults with complex disabilities. On May 6, the Goochland-based program will host its fourth Fun Walk at Salem Baptist Church from 10 a.m. to noon. Re-

Calendar

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program ends on Monday, June 12, and the fee for the class is $25. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

Forever young spring Brunch will be held from 10 a.m. to noon for those ages 50 and up. a delicious brunch will be provided as well as music entertainment. The fee for the class is $15. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

strength Training will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. for those ages

cently, Nora took some time to share details about the program’s founding and how she hopes it will help families like hers meet the needs of their children.

Did you have any concerns about taking on the challenge of creating this program?

Absolutely – this type of program takes a lot of resources. But in December of 2019 these resource appeared to me in the form of a volunteer teacher, a bookkeeper, a database manager and a nonprofit board of director, most of whom were parents of young adults facing the same challenges. My business background and strong will to create opportunities for young adults like Christopher overshadowed concerns we had about taking on this challenge.

What were some of the early challenges?

Nest was born at the height of the COVID pandemic. Early on, Nest activities were as simple as getting families together for walks and to meet up in a park pavilion, where we could be socially distanced but still create a sense of community and opportunities for our members

12 and up. This class is for anyone looking for a way to get into, or returning to, the world of fitness.

The program ends on Thursday, June 15 and the fee for the class is $50. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

Quilter’s night Out will be held 5 to 10 p.m. for those 18 and up.

Join Michele holt from My Quilting Beehive for Quilter’s night Out! Bring whatever project you would like to work on and enjoy pizza and salad for dinner while sewing and socializing. The room will be set up with an ironing station and cutting station. each month

to create friendships and have fun. In less than three years, Nest has experienced tremendous growth. We now have 21 members.

What does a typical day look like at Nest?

A typical day at Nest would start in the gymnasium of Salem Baptist Church in eastern Goochland. We have been so fortunate to enjoy terrific community support, the most significant of which is the generosity of Salem. Salem allows Nest to use the church Monday through Thursday for classes.

You can hear as members roll in with their caregivers, greeting each other as any group of young people would. While most of our members may be non-verbal, they are heard! They really are like every other young person their age, craving some independence (especially from parents), belonging and friendship. They find that in the Nest Community.

We have a full-time teacher who leads classes in a “topic of the day” and then an interactive activity like giant Jenga. Each activity is adapted to the abilities of our members and designed to maximize engagement. We do STEM

there will be a demonstration of a quilt block, ruler, or technique. and there will be door prizes! If you are having trouble with a project, Michele is an experienced quilter and quilt teacher who can help you with your quilt questions. cost of $20 includes dinner (pizza, salad, drinks) What to bring: sewing machine, project of your choice to work on and all the supplies for it. Basic quilting supplies: scissors, thread, seam ripper, rotary cutter, rulers, and power stripe. The fee for the class is $20. For more information, contact Parks and recreation at (804) 556-5854.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

The Goochland – Powhatan

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

alex hayes, one of the original founding members of nest, enjoys a pontoon boat ride on the James river. The boat had been specially outfitted to accommodate wheelchairs, and six nest members were able to enjoy time out on the river.

activities, music therapy and play lots of adaptive games. Nearly every week, Nest members can be found participating in Adaptive Adventures. These are a series of field trips made possible by grant support of local partners like KOVAR and Altria. This week for example, we were adaptive rock climbing and next week the class will meet at The Glass Spot in

Master Gardeners a ssociation will hold its 17th annual spring Garden Festival on 2022 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at reynolds community college, 1851 dickinson road in Goochland. This annual outdoor event hosted by the GoochlandPowhatan Master Gardener a ssociation (GPMGa) in cooperation with reynolds community college and the Virginia cooperative extension is a free, family-friendly celebration of all things related to gardening, and will feature the always popular GPMGa Plant sale. Online registration for these educational opportunities is available at http://www.gpmga.org or contact the Goochland cooperative extension office at 804-556-5841.

Richmond to create handblown Easter eggs. We do adaptive boating and adaptive gymnastics. While Nest classes are here in Goochland, we have created partnerships throughout the community to offer diverse experiences for our members.

What do you hope those taking part in the Nest program take away from it?

Our goal is to create a truly inclusive community, where every young person has the opportunity for friendship, belonging and continued growth. For our members, Nest is the only community engagement available after high school. Our members are counting on Nest to be a lifeline for many years to come. That’s why sustainability is so important for Nest as an emerging nonprofit. Other participants such as parents find a network to learn how to navigate the complex special needs world as it come to lifelong issues such as financial planning. Lastly, Nest volunteers are another critical component who can take away from their volunteer experience that they have enriched the lives of these young adults with either a friendship or fundraising support.

What is the most rewarding part of doing what you do?

The most rewarding part has to be seeing the smiles of Nest members. Knowing that instead of facing the isolation high school graduation or even summer can create, they are thriving in a vibrant community.

For TikTokers, future is still bright FROM

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

Virginia senator Mark Warner doesn’t like TikTok. What’s more, if that fact puts him at odds with the roughly 150 million Americans currently using the app on a daily basis, he doesn’t seem particularly concerned.

“As chairman of the intelligence committee, I believe TikTok poses a national security threat, and before all the potential bad action takes place, we ought to act,” Warner said in an interview with Politico last week.

Warner, of course, is no stranger to the sweeping influence of social media, though YouTube seems to be his preferred method for reaching the masses (Warner remains, to date, the only elected official in American history to achieve internet infamy vis-à-vis a tuna sandwich). So perhaps it comes as no surprise that, when asked what would become of the current crop of content creators who count on TikTok for their income, Warner did not seem overly concerned. They’ll find another

platform, Warner said, and possibly do even better. But while this might in fact be true, it fails to take into consideration the fates of those who can’t imagine sharing hairstyling tips, fashion advice, political advice, marital advice, lip-synch demonstrations, life observations, tasteless jokes, recipe tips, parenting advice, product recommendations, I-hate-my-job rants, fitness programs, travel diaries and videos of pets doing funny things in any other social media realm.

Sen. Warner, what about them? Don’t they deserve a say?

As a public service, and as a show of support for all those professional TikTokers who may very well soon be out of a job, I’d like to offer a few suggestions on how they might put their skills to good use once time runs out for TikTok.

1. Serve as the new Roundabout Ambassador for VDOT: No, this position does not technically exist…yet. But with as much influence as TikTok creators seem to wield, it’s a good chance they could help the Commonwealth sell citizens on the one idea almost all of them love to hate. An added bonus? What better place to show off your viral dance moves than the center island of a new traffic circle?

2. Arts in the Park: It’s tough to ignore the performative aspect of TikTok, even if you’re not a regular user. Those who compile the most views often do so by acting out scenes or participating in self-directed skits (I once saw a woman engaged in a vicious pretend fight during which she played both parts. All three of us lost). Would it

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be such a stretch to have these TikTokers perform for their communities? Picture summerstock but with more toilet humor and catchier music. The product placements might be a bit distracting, but come on—this can’t be the first time you’ve seen Hamlet and Ophelia delighting in a $300 juicer.

3. Town Crier: Admittedly, it’s been many, many years since this once-vital community role faded away. And it’s going to feel a bit stuffy to have to start every sentence by yelling out “Oyez, oyez, oyez!” But with their penchant for sharing news, gossip, advice and whatever else, unemployed TikTok stars will find plenty to love about this job. Yes, the annual salary is $0. But the outfit is totally chic in a retro, Old English sort of way and the big brass bell is going to be every influencers’ must-have item for summer.

TikTok friends, it’s going to be alright.

Keep creating, keep dancing, keep being utterly ridiculous, no matter the platform.

We’ll keep watching.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Parents have the right to do the teaching if they choose

Dear Editor, I have been following the news about proposed changes to policies within the Goochland school system. If I understand it correctly, there seem to be differences of opinion regarding multiple issues: the availability of certain books in the library, the content of certain history classes, the use of restrooms by certain groups, and more.

It seems to me that there is a very simple solution that has not been offered up yet, at least that I have read in the press surrounding the topic.

When a student’s guardians have multiple concerns about the content and environment surrounding the education of their offspring, they often decide to home school their child. When you home school, you can control every aspect of that student’s education and social life. You can even introduce subjects like religion, that are not offered in public schools.

You do not have to be formally educated as a teacher, but there are stipulations around the credentials of the instructors, as well as ways to monitor progress,

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

to ensure the child is progressing satisfactorily. My home-schooling friends tell me that there are options such as evening teaching, online learning, shared teaching, and other methods to accommodate working parents. The Virginia state requirements are available with the click of a search button.

I have many friends who home school and they all have one thing in common –they would rather put their energy into making a customized learning experience for their children than making a ruckus and expecting the rest of the world to solve their problems. Tinkering too much with what appears to be an outstanding school system in Goochland is a dangerous proposition. I would hesitate to implement changes that could negatively affect student outcome and the school experience itself to accommodate what appears to be a handful of noisy outliers.

Liza Brings Manakin Sabot Supervisor’s actions violate public’s trust

Dear Editor, Why would a member of our Board of Supervisors

Please see LETTERS, Page 7

News tips, story ideas, community events, photos, birth announcements, milestones, anniversaries (40 years & above) or birthdays (80 yrs. old & above) can be emailed to editor@ goochlandgazette.com.

METRO CREATIVE ILLUSTRATION

Find the time for the simple moments

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

It’s a good thing I like wind chimes.

As this column is being written, I am sitting on my deck on a gorgeous sunny day enjoying the first real outside workday of 2023, meaning the time spent writing and returning emails but not tied to my desk.

The only potential negative to the beautiful 74-degree day is the strong wind, but other than the constant but harmonious wind chime concert emanating from behind me, I avoided any actual downsides by not bringing paperwork outside and tightening

the screw on the stand holding the umbrella shading me from the sun.

It is a peaceful day, if not necessarily a quiet one. The frogs croaking in the nearby woods, the neighbor’s laying hens clucking in their pen, the cawing birds circling something in a nearby field, and the bugs occasionally buzzing my head in apparent dive bomb patterns all provide their own symphony of sound. The barking of dogs in the distance and low hum of the particularly loud traffic on the nearby major road aren’t too distracting. All that is missing is a neighbor partaking of some firearm target practice to make

the day’s composition complete. A minute ago my neighbor, who is a talented and avid gardener, shooed one of her inquisitive dogs out of her compost heap, not wanting him to eat something he shouldn’t be consuming. His tail was between his legs for all of five seconds before he found a beloved dog toy to enjoy and was off somewhere to chew on it instead. Days like these are a great way to relax while working on more serious stories such as writing about board meetings held earlier in the week. Traversing the intricacies of the county’s budget aren’t nearly as onerous when the view and atmosphere are this pleasant. A

beach setting with the crashing of the waves as a backdrop would be even better, but I will take what I can get.

As someone whose life has been divided between cities, suburbs and country living, I like that I can still take moments like this to appreciate my current rural surroundings and not take them for granted. Do I wish the bugs would leave me alone and the nearby dog that just started up a constant stream of barking was a little less distracting? Absolutely. Are those influences enough to chase me away from the serenity of this moment? Absolutely not.

If you read this far and are

still expecting some big hidden message, sorry to disappoint. This is and was always meant to be a celebration of a simple moment in time when the problems weighing on my mind were briefly drowned out by the wind rattling against the gutter and the still-barren trees silently waving their branches, almost as if they were dancing to the beautiful peals of the wind chimes. With the apparent arrival of spring, I hope all of our readers get a chance to enjoy a similar moment of serenity.

Laura

McFarland may be reached at

Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

From 8

request parent and guardian information from GCPS through a FOIA request? I asked District 1 supervisor Susan Lascolette this question at the recent District 1 Town Hall meeting and was told it was none of my business and not the business of the people whose information she demanded. This is a disrespectful and wholly unsatisfactory answer.

The concerned parents and guardians I have spoken with about this were shocked to know Lascolette received their personal information and are very anxious about her intended use of this information.They do feel it’s their right to know why she requested it and what she is using it for. Lascolette screams about “privacy.” What about the privacy of the parents and guardians she’s trying to marginalize?

So again… why would a county supervisor who controls the purse strings of our public schools, who organizes protests against them, who is heavily

involved in groups looking to dismantle them, smiles at school board meetings when supportive parents of LGBTQ+ kids are called “groomers,” and questions the teaching of comprehensive Black history demand the contact information of these parents?

Why? The only logical use of this information is to campaign for herself or her hand-picked anti-public school candidates. This is unethical. Or perhaps it is to target the parents supportive of Equity and Inclusion. This is unethical and vile. Pick one. We doubt she’s using it for her Christmas card list.

And please know, this is not just progressives and Democrats. The actions of this board member and others hasn’t gone unnoticed amongst solid Republicans in Goochland fed up with the far right takeover and what may be a successful take down of our public schools. Superintendent Raley is leaving. Expect an exit of our best teachers and families to follow if the wishes of Ms. Lascolette and her extremist candidates win in November. They just might. And if they do, Goochland won’t be such a

sought after address for homes or businesses.

Moderation is the key. Extremism is winning. Contact your supervisor and ask them why one of their board members has requested this information. Demand an answer. For now, they aren’t responding and their silence either indicates they are perfectly fine with her reprehensible behavior or makes them complicit. We have the opportunity to bring sanity back to Goochland. Please help us.

Sincerely,

Jenifer Strozier Goochland

Board member must be held accountable for her actions

Dear Editor, A few weeks ago, GCPS families received a prompt to update their privacy preferences around their personal contact information. Was this just a routine reminder? No. This was the school system wisely giving families the opportunity to tighten down

security on this information following a request from one of our county supervisors.

District 1 representative Susan Lascolette made a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request asking for the personal contact information for GCPS parents and guardians. As required by law, GCPS had to release what they had, but made the preference changes in effect for the future.

But this begs the question: Why did Lascolette demand private parent and guardian contact info via the Freedom of Information Act from our school system? When asked at a District 1 town hall meeting, she told the questioner it was none of their business. I beg to differ.

Ms. Lascolette, I am asking. Why did you demand private parent and guardian contact info via the Freedom of Information Act from our school system?

Through FOIA requests, we also learned Ms. Lascolette has:

- Questioned the use of supplemental Black history curriculum that is not being used by our schools. Why is she interfering with curricular offerings at all?

- Met with school board mem-

ber Angela Allen to organize special interest group funded attacks on our school board. Is this how you spend your time representing us?

- Attacked Dr. Raley in emails and texts. How do you expect we will be able to attract a quality candidate for his vacancy if this is how you act?

- And of course, Ms. Lascolette disgraced her office when she sat and laughed during public comments at the Feb. 14 school board meeting when I and other speakers were called “groomers” by a heckler for speaking up on behalf of the civil rights of transgender students and reminding the school board to follow federal law instead of spending tax dollars on litigation, making a spectacle of our county in the news. Would you rather litigation be the way we spend our tax dollars?

Families and citizens, please be aware and ask her and her other colleagues on the Board of Supervisors the same questions. This is unethical, inappropriate and embarrassing.

Submitted,

Laura Kassner, Ed.D. Sandy Hook

Virginia’s native witch hazel: First or last to flower?

VIRGINIA MCCOWN

Contributing Writer

There was a creaking sound in the house.

“Witch Hazel is coming to get you!” the sister warned. Fear and angst possessed the boy.

“So I was really crying when my parents came home. I really let the tears flow…” the boy recalled. Was his sister grounded for life for being so mean? No one really remembers, yet everyone knows there never really was a witch in our family called Hazel.

Witch Hazel is a shrub, a Virginia native species (Hamamelis virginiana) and nothing to fear. Early pioneers from Europe confused our native plant with European hazel, long considered to have divining powers. The plants’ rods were sometimes used to “dowse” or “witch” for water. Native Americans dried the leaves and bark to prepare a liniment for muscular aches and bruises. To this day, witch hazel is used as a mild astringent for purchase by itself or as an ingredient in

many products.

Q. Where can I find it?

A. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) belongs to the Sweet Gum family of about two dozen genera and 100 species of trees and shrubs. Its golden fall foliage is easiest to identify in autumn here it’s found in the “understory” or woodlands of nearly every Virginia county. It grows in deep soil near streams at forest edges. A deciduous shrub, witch hazel’s dark green scalloped leaves emerge in spring. Yet before this, last year’s pods must pop open into spidery, yellow flowers on leafless branches. In Central Virginia, witch hazel’s autumn cycle concludes in mid-January. Hamamelis is from two Greek words meaning “fruit” and “together with.” The shrub produces this year’s flowers just as last year’s capsules or pods are ripening on the branches. It flowers and spreads seeds at the same time!

Q. Can I grow witch hazel using cuttings?

A. Yes. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office

for instructions.

Q. Can I grow witch hazel using seeds?

A. Yes, but you must replicate natural growing conditions or practice seed “scarification.” Again, the Cooperative Extension can give you instructions.

Q. Can I purchase witch hazel from nurseries?

A. Yes. Virginia nurseries sell native witch hazel. Take special care to purchase Hamamelis virginiana as that is a shrub native to Central Virginia. H. vernalis, is native to North America but not Central Virginia. H. mollis is Chinese witch hazel.

Q. Can I plant witch hazel in groupings?

A. Yes. Hedges of witch hazel can be used as a windbreak for wildlife. The shrub is also a good choice as an ornamental on smaller properties. Witch hazel does best in partial shade like many native plants. It tolerates a wide range of conditions. Soil should be moist, acidic and well drained. Witch hazel tolerates clay soil. Height

can be expected to reach 15 feet to 20 feet.

Q. How does witch hazel work as a medicinal plant?

A. Witch hazel contains a chemical called tannin. When applied directly to the skin, witch hazel helps reduce swelling, repairs broken skin, and fights bacterial infection. Commercially it’s sold as a clear distilled liquid.

Threats to native witch hazel

Habitat destruction. Commercial and residential development, irresponsible farming practices as well as aggressive timber harvesting endanger all these habitats. The Virginia Native Plant Society (vnps.org) cautions home gardeners not to forage for fully developed wild witch hazel shrubs. The organization recommends only nursery grown plants be purchased.

Other than habitat threat, witch hazel has no serious pests. It tolerates being gnawed on by Japanese beetles,

leaf gall aphids, and weevils. Powdery mildew is an occasional disease.

Basic recipe for a topical witch hazel solution:

Gather 1 tablespoon dried and crushed witch hazel twigs and leaves.

On a stove, in one cup of water, heat over low heat and cover. Do not boil. Cook for one half hour.

When finished, strain through cloth and allow to cool.

The solution will be brown in color and will not be clear like the familiar distilled witch hazel solution sold in stores. If the homemade solution is not used immediately, it should be refrigerated. Refrigerated, it should last for one week to 10 days. It is not recommended witch hazel be ingested or taken internally.

Virginia Mccown is a master gardener living in central Virginia along with about a half dozen creatures both great and small.

Even with proper care, Leyland Cypress can’t always thrive

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Leyland Cypresses are common visitors to the Goochland Extension Office lab. These nonnative, fast-growing evergreens are popular as a screening tree, but they are prone to a number of issues. Some issues are preventable. Homeowners who plant Leyland Cypress as a screening tree often give in to the temptation to plant trees very close–all the better to block an unsightly view, right? This approach can work if you are willing to thin the trees as they grow and age. Otherwise, they quickly begin to suffer the consequences of overcrowding.

Other common problems are less preventable. Leyland Cypress are prone to infestations of bagworm, scale, aphids, and mites, and fungal diseases like root rots and certain cankers. Recently, we had a client bring in some branches from his Leyland Cypress trees. The trees were still pretty young and had been planted a couple of years back, but they had never exhibited Leyland Cypresses characteristic rapid growth. Then in the last couple of weeks, the branches had started dying back. We couldn’t see anything under the microscope, and incubating the sample didn’t produce any signs

of a pathogen. We discussed cultural practices with the client–were the trees mulched too deeply? Did the area drain well?—and still couldn’t find a smoking gun.

Finally we arranged for a site visit and found what we were looking for. A canker had formed on the main stem of each of the infected plants. Both Seiridium and Botryosphaeria canker attack Leylands and are incurable. In this case, the culprit was probably Botryosphaeria because the cankers were deep with little to no oozing, and the dead needles were retained by the branch. However, we don’t know for sure.

Unfortunately, there was nothing for the client to do other than remove the trees and replace them with another species. Because of the issues we often see with Leylands, we don’t recommend them. There are both native (Eastern Red Cedar, Southern Magnolia, American Holly) and non-native (Japanese Cryptomeria, Green Giant Arborvitae) replacements for Leylands available. Native trees are well adapted to our conditions and have the added benefit of supporting native insects and wildlife. Not all of these trees grow as fast as Leyland Cypress, but they will have fewer issues.

Use a mix of species in a screening planting to create a lovely multi-textured effect, cut down on pest issues, and reap the benefits of both fast- and slowergrowing species. But remember: proper spacing is still important! Have a question about a plant, insect, or soil? The Goochland Extension Office is here to help!

Give the office a call at (804) 5565841 and speak with either Bob or Nicole. Drop-ins are welcome at our office at 2748 Dogtown Road between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

s ubmitted by the Goochland e xtension Office

Understanding beavers as friends, not foes

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

While many people find it difficult to coexist with beavers on their property, others are interested in ways to live peacefully with the engineering mammals. Wildlife conservation expert Skip Lisle was at a residence off Maidens Road recently to lend an expert hand to several landowners in the area who decided killing beavers was not their best option for coping with them.

Lisle, who holds a Master’s Degree in wildlife conservation, has spent most of his life helping landowners, national parks and various government agencies overcome issues with beavers. His interest in the animals first began when he was a teen living in Vermont, where he created several devices to help his parents prevent a road from flooding on the family property after beavers dammed a culvert.

“Beavers are very adaptable creatures and many people don’t realize how beneficial they are,” said Lisle. He explained that beaver dams can create fertile wetlands that can support quality wildlife habitats for other animals. In Nevada, beavers turned an area of the desert into a wetlands oasis that now supports mule deer, Sandhill cranes and other wildlife. In fact, many states are re-introducing beavers back into the wild.

Beavers build dams to protect their lodges, and the vegetation that grows in the newly flooded area becomes food and

building materials for them. Wetlands created by beaver dams can increase biodiversity, replenish drinking water aquifers, trap and store carbon, and store ground water in dry areas. One small town in Alaska even gets its drinking water from a large reservoir created by a beaver dam. Scientific studies prove beaver ponds are also beneficial to fish. Not only do the ponds support insects and invertebrates for fish food, they also provide a safe nursery to protect young fish from predators. Additionally, beaver ponds also provide refuge, food and cover for a wide variety of ducks. Although they were once a thriving species with numbers in the hundreds of millions in North America, beavers nearly went extinct as settlers trapped and killed them. On the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Meriwether Lewis wrote in his journals about waters everywhere teeming with beavers. In fact, he even wrote that the men enjoyed hearty meals of cooked beaver tails. Realizing the benefits that eco-engineering beavers bring to the environment, Lisle has spent years advocating for beavers and perfecting the device that he first created as a teenager. Today he calls his device the “beaver deceiver,” and travels the U.S. helping to settle human-beaver conflicts by installing his flow device.

With spring in the air, watch out for common allergy triggers

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The human body is a well-oiled machine that is a wonder of biological efficiency when working properly. The body’s immune system is integral to keeping a person healthy, and it does that by recognizing foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, and then launching an attack to eradicate them. Sometimes, however, the body treats outside substances as harmful when they’re really just nuisances. This is the case with allergens.

Allergens, according to eMedicine Health, trigger an immune system response to various sub-

stances the body deems harmful. In turn, the body overreacts to these substances, triggering allergic reactions. Allergic reactions may occur in one person and not another. The immune system produces antibodies, which can cause certain effects, including inflammation of the skin, sinuses, digestive system, or airways, depending on the allergen, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Many things can trigger allergies, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 50 million people in the United States have allergies. Here’s a look at some of the more common al-

lergies that tend to rear their heads when weather warms up.

Pollen

The air is filled with pollen come the spring and summer. Freshly blooming grasses, trees, flowers, and even weeds produce an abundance of pollen this time of year. It may coat vehicles outside and make its way indoors when people throw open windows to enjoy warm breezes.

Pollen allergies are quite common and cause runny, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchiness of the skin or roof of the mouth in some instances.

Decongestants tend to be recommended when pollen count is high. It’s also best to leave windows closed during these times.

Mold

Mold are very small fungi with spores that float in the breeze like pollen. Mold thrives in damp areas. Mold may grow unchecked after spring rains or in piles of damp leaves. It also can be found in musty basements or bathrooms. Using a dehumidifier indoors can help alleviate mold, but outdoors it may be a little more challenging to control. When doing yard work in damp areas, wear a mask to avoid

breathing in spores.

Dust mites

Chances are the arrival of spring may trigger the desire to do a little cleaning. In turn, it’s highly likely that dust will be disturbed, and along with it, dust mites. WebMD says dust mites are microscopic and people may not even know they are around. Keeping a home free of dusty items can reduce dust mite numbers. Also, cover mattresses, pillows and wash sheets weekly in hot water to help alleviate dust mite infiltration.

— Metrocreative content

submitted by donna cottingham, James river Master naturalist.

PHOTO BY DONNA COTTINGHAM

sixty feet of 12-inch double walled polyethylene pipe, coated mesh and special filters are part of the device that will allow water to flow through the spillway that the local beavers were once constantly blocking. The rust-proof device is weighted to rest on the bottom of the pond to maintain a steady water level.

Scorching Cadets push win streak to five

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

After a comeback at home against the Collegiate Cougars fell short on March 17, the Benedictine baseball team has been on a tear, running off five consecutive wins since that 7-4 loss to bring its season record to 6-3.

Road wins against Flint Hill and St. Paul VI started off the streak, before the Cadets stayed at home for the next three games, beating Walsingham, Greenbrier Christian Academy and Bishop O’Connell in their own ballpark. The Cadets outscored their five opponents 38-9 in that span, shutting out Walsingham and Bishop O’Connell.

Three different pitchers earned wins over the five games, with juniors Riley Roarty and Eli Ranson earning two and sophomore Jake Wise earning the other. The lefthanded Ranson has been humming bullets past the plate to start the season, tossing six strikeouts in the 6-2 win over Flint Hill and in the 13-4 win over Greenbrier, allowing just a total of four hits in 10 innings.

The young hurler Wise also put on a show in the 8-0 shutout of the Walsingham Trojans, a 6-2 team that suffered its worst loss at this point in the season to the momentum-riding Cadets. In Wise’s five-inning appearance, he struck out eight batters, allowed only two hits and didn’t walk a single batter on the way to the team’s third straight victory.

Great pitching has led to lowscoring outputs for their opponents, but the Cadets have been dynamic when it’s their turn to bat. They’ve averaged 7.6 runs per game over the five-game sample, while recording 9.8 hits per game. The best offensive performance came in the win over Greenbrier, where the Cadets finished with 15 hits, 11 RBIs and home runs from senior Terrence Rhodes and junior Sam Kaczmarek.

Rhodes was unstoppable in the

win, connecting on the ball with four hits, a first inning homer, a third inning double and two singles. His home run on his first appearance over the plate came on a 3-1 count, where he sent the ball sailing past the center field fence for his team’s first run of the day.

He was also great in the 7-3 win over St. Paul VI on March 18, a week before the Greenbrier matchup. The senior was a per-

fect four-of-four on his at-bats, scoring three of the team’s seven runs to help bring them the road win.

When Roarty wasn’t making life miserable for opposing batters, he was finding success of his own on his at-bats, connecting on 8-of-17 attempts during the win streak with four runs and six RBIs.

The Cadets have an opportu-

nity to continue their winning ways when they take on Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy at home on Wednesday, March 29 at 4:30 p.m.

The out of state Eagles will be a very interesting matchups for the Cadets, with the Eagles just starting their season on March 25 and coming into the season ranked 18th in the Ohio Division II Prep Baseball Report preseason

power rankings. With the Eagles entering into enemy territory, they’ll have to prepare for a Cadets team playing their best ball at this point in the season while showcasing talent across the board that allows them to beat any opponent they face in a variety of ways.

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

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Benedictine’s Jorden Olivera swings on a ball against the collegiate cougars on March 17. The cadets have won five straight since their loss to the cougars.

Outdoor track season opens with Fluvanna Invitational

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

The outdoor track season is upon us, and the Goochland Bulldogs have already hit the tracks running for their first competition at Fluvanna High School on March 25.

The Fluvanna County High School Invitational hosted 15 competing schools, with the Bulldogs finishing ninth in the girls standings and 10th in the boys.

Head coach Stephen Ferguson, who is in his fourth season in charge of the team, says the team has strength in its leadership as well as its cast of sprinters and jumpers, which was evident in their first appearance of the outdoor season.

Junior Leilani Burgess was a true standout for the girls, recording strong results in three different individual events. Her eighth place mark in the 200-meter dash came from a 28.26-second time in the sprinting event, but she improved even more in the 400, placing fourth out of 34 runners with a time of 1:04.05. The best result came when she participated in the high jump, where her 4-foot, 10-inch leap got her second place out of 17 jumpers.

Burgess’ teammate Jade Taylor also had some highlight performances, including a third place run in the 100-meter hurdles against 21 competitors. Her time of 16.87 seconds was one of three runners to produce a time under 17 seconds, with Charlottesville seniors Evelyn Brantley and Jaelyn Lynch taking the top two spots.

Taylor also placed eighth in the 300 hurdles with a 54.30-second mark, this time going up against a smaller 17-runner field.

Freshman Ailey Black made her presence known in her first outdoor competition with a sixth place showing in the pole vault, where her 7-06 jump beat eight competitors, five of which were upperclassmen.

Rounding out a strong first day for the girls team was a seventh place showing from sophomore Mia Hyman on her discus throw.

The young thrower launched the disc to a measurement of 77-02, earning her a top-10 result in a field of 43 throwers.

On the boys side, the top result came from the 4x100 relay team, which gave Goochland its only first place performance of the day with a 45.68-second mark. They beat second place Orange

County by 0.02 seconds in a true photo finish.

In their individual performances, junior Jack Alston continued to impress with his run in the 100-meter dash, where he placed 10th out of 61 runners with a time of 11.79 seconds. Not to be outdone, senior Charlie Alston took the silver in the triple jump with a 40-05.75 jump.

Later in the 400, senior Wyatt Davis earned yet another top-five mark for the Bulldogs, placing

fifth with a time of 55 seconds flat.

Junior teammate Lucas Weaver was close behind in ninth with a time of 56.28 seconds.

Junior Kadin Nitsch, who is coming off a productive indoor track season, had a good running result as well, finishing in ninth in the 1600 with a time of 4:50.10 against 46 other runners.

It was a step in the right direction for the Bulldogs in the first display of their talents against a crop of competitive schools. With

a roster featuring many experienced athletes across the board in running, throwing and jumping events, the Bulldogs have set their sights on competing with the best over the course of this season.

Next up for the Bulldogs is a meet at Monticello High School in Charlottesville, Virginia on Wednesday, March 29. Goochland will be one of six teams competing.

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

FILE PHOTO

Junior Kadin nitsch opened the outdoor track season by placing ninth in the 1600-meter run at Fluvanna high school with a time of 4:50.10 against 46 other runners.

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•INVOCATION

•PLEDGEOFALLEGIANCE

1.PresentationofResolutionRecognizingApril23-29,2023asCrimeVictims’Rights Week

2.Chair’sComments

3.CountyAdministratorComments

4.RequeststoPostponeAgendaItemsandAdditions,DeletionsorChangesintheOrderofPresentation

5.CitizenComment

6.ApprovalofActionMinutes:February21andMarch7,2023Minutes

7.Reports

a.VDOT

b.NewCountyStaff:None

c.FireRescueReport

d.Planning &DevelopmentActivity

e.AccountsPayable

f.BroadbandReport

g.BoardReports

8.ConsentItems

BOARDOFSUPERVISORS

Susan F. Lascolette,District1

NeilSpoonhower.,District2

JohnLumpkins,District3

Charlie Vaughters,District4

KenC.Peterson,District5

TIME:2:00 P.M.

a.ResolutionamendingtheFiscal Year2023GoochlandCountyBudgetbybudgetingandappropriating$73,125intheSocialServicesFundforadditionalstateandfederalfunds received

b.AuthorizationforCountyAdministratortoexecute five(5)on-callengineeringservicestermcontracts 9.NewBusiness:None 10.DinnerBreak 11.6:00p.m. -ChairCallsMeetingtoOrder 11.CitizenComment

12.PublicHearings:

a.PublicHearingtoConsidertheProposed2023RealEstate TaxRate,6:00PM

b.PublicHearingtoConsidertheProposedFiscal Year2024CountyBudget,withproposedamendments,theProposedFiscal Year2024SchoolBoardBudget,withproposedamendments,theProposedFiscal Year2024 -Fiscal Year2048CapitalImprovementProgram,andtheProposed2023 TaxRates,6:05PM

c.OrdinanceamendingtheCountyFeeSchedule,Appendix CtotheCountyCode:toincreasetheutilitieswaterandsewervolume,service,andconnectionfees;todecreasetheitinerantmerchantannual permitfee;toaddanitinerantmerchantpermitfee;andto removetheitinerantmerchant7-dayconsecutivepermitfee

13.Adjournment:TheBoardofSupervisorswilladjour nasfollows:

 Tuesday,April18,2023,4:30PMCountyBudgetAdoptionMeetingand 6PMpublichearings,meetingisopentothepublic.

 Tuesday,May2,2023,12:30PMBoardofSupervisorsAuditandFinanceCommittee,ConferenceRoom270,CountyAdministrationBuilding,1800SandyHookRd.,meetingisopentothepublic.

 Tuesday,May2,2023BoardofSupervisors 2PMRegularMeetingand 6PMPublicHearings,meetingisopentothepublic.

INFORMATIONONLY:ThePlanningCommissionwillhearthefollowingitematitsmeetingonApril6,2023.ThisitemcouldbescheduledforpublichearingbytheBoardonTuesday,May2,2023.

CountyWide

ZOA-2022-00002 –AmendmenttoZoningOrdinanceSecs.15-102,15-112,15-132,15-142,15-152,15-162,15-172,15-182,15-192,15-204,15-214,15-232,15-242,15-252,15-262,and15-272(Usesandstructures permittedbyright(P)orbyconditionalusepermit(CUP)toallowenergystoragefacilitiesbyconditionalusepermitintheAgricultural,General(A-1),Agricultural,Limited(A-2),Industrial,Limited(M-1),andIndustrial, General(M-2)Districts;toallowprincipalsolarenergyfacilitiesbyconditionalusepermitintheAgricultural,General(A-1)District;toallowsupplementarysolarenergyfacilitiesbyconditionalusepermitintheIndustrial, Limited(M-1),andIndustrial,General(M-2)Districts;andtoallowaccessorysolarenergyfacilitiesas apermitteduseinallzoningdistrictsexcepttheAgricultural,Intensive(A-3)District;toamendSec.15-500(Definitions) toaddsolar-relatedterms;andtoamendSec.15-289(Renewableenergy)toaddusestandards.

Thisis adraftagendaonlyandissubjecttochange

PUBLICHEARINGNOTICE

Gooc hland County Board of Su per visor s

Pu blic Meeting

Tu esday, Ap ril18, 20 23 ,6 :0 0PM Gooc hland County Ad minist rationBuilding

18 00 Sandy HookRd., P. O. Box10, Gooc hland, VA 23 06 3

Board Meeting Room Su ite2 50 View county meeting:htt ps://w ww.gooc hland va .u s/1154/Count y- Meetings

IF YOUHAVECOMME NTSONTHES EPUBLIC HE ARING ITEMS, PLEASESEND COMME NTSTOBOSCOMME NT@GOOCHL ANDVA.USOR CONTACT8 04-55 6- 5811.

PLEASE CHECKW WW.GOOCHLANDVA .USFOR AN YUPDATES REGARDING THISME ETING .

District 3-R Z-2023 -0 0001-A pplicationbyI-64Industrial, LLCrequestingarezoningof39.8acres from Agricultural,Limited (A-2)toIndustrial, General (M -2), with proffere dconditions,locate don Pony Farm Road approximately650 fe et northwestofits inter se ction with OilvilleRoad on Ta xMapNo.33-1- 0- 5- 0. TheComprehensive Plan designates thisareaasIndustrial. Applicantis requestingadeferral of thisapplication to theBoard of Super visors June 6, 6PMMeeting.

County wide -ZOA-2022- 0000 6-A mendment to ZoningO rdinance Se c. 15 -56(Pre-applications andapplications)torevise thecommunit ymeeting re quirement. County Staf fisr ecommending withdrawalofthisapplication.

District 4-CU-2023 -0 0001–A pplicationbyLuckStoneCorporation re questing aConditionalUse Permit forasphalt mixing plant on an 11.27-acre por tion of 137.386acres at 2115 AshlandRoad on Ta xMapNos.48-1- 0-10 -A and48-1- 0- 47-0.T he proper ty is zone dIndustrial,General (M -2). TheConditionalUse Permitis re quire dbyCounty ZoningO rdinance Se c. 15 -272.The Comprehensive Plan designates this areaas Industrial.

District4-R Z-2023 -0 0002-A pplicationbyGoochlandCounty,Virginiarequestingarezoningof 5acres from Industrial,Limited (M -1), with proffere dconditions,toBusines s, General (B -1), with prof fere dconditions,at theeastern line of Hocket tRoad approximately9 00 fe et northofits inter se ction with TuckahoeCre ek Park way on Ta xMapNo.58- 32-3 -53-A. TheComprehensive Plan de signates thisareaasPrime Economic Development.

District 5-R Z-2022-0 0004-A pplicationbyTuckahoeL ands,LLC re questing arezoningof 14.298 acre sfromAgricultural,Limited (A-2)and Residential, Limite d(R-1) to Residential, Limited (R-1),withproffered conditions, to allow17single-family lots at 12310River Road on Ta xMapNos. 64 -1-0-75 -0 and64-1- 0-75 -A .The Comprehensive Plan designates thisareaasSingleFamily Residential,MediumDensit y.

Userswho need accessibilit yassistancecan contactthe County by phonethrough theFederalInformationRelay Service at 1- 80 0- 877- 8339 forT TY/Voicecommunication.

Meeting accommodationsincludinginterpreters areprovided upon request

DeputyClerk:804.556-5811

E-mail: countyadmin@goochlandva.us.

Website:www.goochlandva.us

PUBLICHEARINGNOTICE

Gooc hlandCou nty Plan ning Commission

Thursday, April6,2023, 6:45 p.m. (note below star ttimes)

1800 SandyHook Rd., BoardMeeting Room Suite250, Goochland,VA23063

MeetingisOpen to thePublic

View county meeting:htt ps://w ww.goochlandva.us/115 4/County-Meetings

IF YOUHAVECOMMENTSONTHESEPUBLIC HE ARINGITEMS,PLE ASE SENDCOMMENTSTOPCCOMMENT@GOOCHLANDVA .USORCONTACT

80 4- 55 6- 58 63 .

PLEASE CHECKW WW.GOOCHLANDVA .USFOR ANYUPDATES REGARDING THIS MEETING .

6:45 p.m. –Board Follow Up

7:00 p.m. –PublicHearings

County Wide

ZOA-2022-0 0002–A mendment to Zoning OrdinanceSecs. 15 -102, 15 -112,15-132, 15 -142,15-152, 15 -162,15-172, 15 -182,15-192, 15 -204,15-214, 15 -232,15-242, 15 -252,15-262, and15-272(Uses andstructurespermit tedby right(P) or by conditionalusepermit (CUP)) to allowenergystorage facilities by conditionaluse permit in theAgricultural,General (A-1), Agricultural,Limited(A-2),Industrial, Limited(M-1),and Industrial,General (M-2)Districts;toallow principal solarenergyfacilities by conditionalusepermit in theAgricultural, General (A-1)District;to allowsupplementary solarenergyfacilities by conditionalusepermit in theIndustrial,Limited(M-1),and Industrial, General (M-2)Districts;and to allowaccessor ysolarenergyfacilities as apermitted use in allzoningdistricts exceptthe Agricultural, Intensive (A-3)District;to amendSec.15- 50 0(Definitions) to add solar-relatedterms; andtoamend Sec. 15 -289 (Renewable energy) to add usestandards.

Anyone mayattendtoexpr es sopinionson thea bove. Full text of thea bove information is availablein thePla nningO f fice, 18 00 Sandy Hook Road,S uite 28 0 Gooc hland,VA2 30 63

Mond ay th roughFrid ay,8 :3 0a .m.–5:0 0p.m. Meeting accommodationsinclu ding interpreters are provideduponr equ es t.

Telep hone:5 56 -5 86 0( TDD711 (V ir ginia Relay)) E-mail:count yadmin@gooc hland va .u s.

Website:w ww.goochlandva.us .

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ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

Requests from friends, associates and family this week can have your nerves on end, Aries. You may have to escape the crowds to recharge. Plan a getaway in the next few days.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

Clues aCrOss

1. Millisecond

5. Narcotic drug

11. Accident

14. Formal submissions

15. Popular 70s rock band 18. Discourage from doing

19. More socially elite 21. Arid

Clues DOWn

1. Woman (French)

2. Province of Pakistan

22. 36 inches

25. Take too much (abbr.)

26. Allow

27. Individually

29. Journalist Tarbell

31. Bar bill

34. Hong Kong food stall:__ pai dong

36. Not messy

37. Species that includes reedmace

38. Former MLB catcher Ed

40. Northern U.S. state

29. Potato state 30. Insect repellent 32. Cool!

3. This (Spanish)

4. Transportation device

5. Greater in importance or priority

6. The human foot

7. Within

8. Consumed

43. Wilt

45. Commercial

48. Bolivian river

50. Nursemaid

51. A car needs four

53. Guns (slang)

You are awesome at staying on track when you need to be, Taurus. That is what makes you a potentially ideal fitness guide. Try to inspire others to be regimented as well.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

There is nothing wrong with putting rose-colored glasses on from time to time and looking at the world in a more positive way. A more positive outlook can be helpful, Gemini.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, be sure that your generous nature does not come at the expense of your own well-being. You tend to put other people’s needs before your own quite often.

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, for some reason you are having problems finding balance in your life right now. You may have to experiment a little bit to see if new strategies might work.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

Let others in on some of your secrets, Virgo. You can’t hold everything in all of the time, and you have been shouldering a lot of responsibility for some time.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, the personalized touches you put on any project will showcase your personality and passion. Think about embracing a crafty task to really showcase your talents.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, friends are lining up to be quite helpful of late. When you figure out how much you’re getting done with the assistance of others, you may be more welcoming of it in the future.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Overcome resistance to listening to another person’s side of the story, Sagittarius. Embrace this person’s desire take the lead on something at work or in your home life.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

A changing environment has you figuring out how to adapt your schedule and your skills, Capricorn. With a support team in your corner, you can achieve quite a bit.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

Spending is a tad out of control this week, Aquarius. Money is flying out of your wallet at a rapid rate. You may need to be a bit more choosy with your spending moving forward.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

Wait a few more days before making major decisions as your emotions are high right now, Pisces. You want a level head to prevail.

39. Gasteyer and de Armas are two 41. Blood type 42. Looked over 44. Language of Cameroon and Chad 46. Species of armadillo

9. Respectful Malaysian term

10. Therefore

12. Ceased to exist

13. Type of macaroni

16. English composer

17. Wooded tract

20. Tall, slender-leaved plant

54. American state

55. Clusters of fern fronds

57. Body part

58. A

59.

61.

person’s brother or sister

Breed of sheep native to Sweden

Of I