INSIDE: Goochland shelter cat seeking purr-fect owner.
SEE PAGE 3
Volume 67, No. 18 • Wednesday, May 3, 2023
SEE PAGE 3
Volume 67, No. 18 • Wednesday, May 3, 2023
COMMUNITY REPORT
Goochland County Sheri
Steven Creasey has announced that he will seek a second fouryear term as sheri of Goochland County, adding to his 30year record of public service to the county.
Creasey
Creasey was elected as Goochland’s sheri in November of 2009 and took o ce on Jan. 1, 2020, succeeding sheri James L. Agnew, who had served in the role for 28 years.
Creasey’s re-election announcement comes as the Goochland County Sheri ’s O ce was recently honored as the 64th agency in the United States to achieve the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s Agency Trilogy Award, and was awarded its sixth re-accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission in September of 2020.
During Creasey’s three years as Goochland’s sheri , the Goochland County Sheri ’s
Somewhere between Georgia and Maine right now, Syd Farrar is walking for a purpose.
As the 65-year-old continues along the Appalachian Trail, a trip he began on Friday, March 24 at Amicalola Falls in Georgia, his
journey has included seeing beautiful waterfalls; making friends with fellow hikers; looking out for bears; becoming accustomed to increasing mileage while carrying a 30-pound ruck sack; adjusting his nutrition to keep up his strength; and simply getting used to the isolation of being away from
home so long. He is chronicling his journey on his Facebook page, AT for Vets.
“The physical part, I knew what that part was. I also said I am going to walk myself into shape. I was walking 8 to 15 miles a day
Last month the Goochland County School Board voted to engage the firm BWP & Associates (BWP) to manage the search for the next superintendent of schools. Kevin Castner and E. Wayne Harris of BWP, a national search firm, worked with the Goochland School Board in 2016 when they identified Jeremy Raley as one of the candidates who was an excellent match for Goochland County.
“Community engagement is a very important part of this process,” said school board chair Sandra Barefoot-Reid. A critical first step is to identify the characteristics the Board will be looking for in a new superintendent.
The objectives of the public engagement process are threefold:
To learn the strengths, needs, and issues of the school system to better recruit a slate of candidates to meet the division’s needs.
To be able to describe the division’s strengths, needs, and issues to recruited candidates.
To engage in the process in such a way that will build community understanding and support for the search.
LAURA MCFARLAND For The CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Goochland resident Syd Farrar is hiking the Appalachian Trail to raise money for two veterans organizations, including Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center in Powhatan. Recently, he crossed from Georgia to North Carolina on his journey.Office successfully enhanced the Office’s community outreach and support programs by implementing initiatives such as Project Lifesaver, Handle with Care, Vacation Watch and Business Watch, and expanded the Goochland Citizen’s Academy to offer an additional daytime class.
In addition to the accomplishments of the Office,
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“There is no more important decision we will make than selecting the right superintendent for our school division,” continued Barefoot-Reid. “We are requesting assistance by inviting members of both the Goochland school community and members of the broader Goochland community to participate in stakeholder meetings and open community forums in an organized series of meetings.”
As part of the process, BWP will conduct a number
Creasey’s law enforcement leadership goes far beyond the boundaries of Goochland. He has been elected by his peers to serve two years in a row as the Region 8 director of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors, representing Chesterfield, Charles City, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, Colonial Heights, Petersburg and Richmond.
—Submitted by the group Steven Creasey for Sheriff
of meetings with key leaders in the schools and the community to hone the leadership profile for the search. The board also encourages input from parents and community members. An online survey regarding the superintendent search is also now available online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L2NP9XK . The survey will be open through May 6, 2023.
The division will post additional information regarding the superintendent search process on the division website.
—Submitted by Goochland County Public Schools
In 1746, a royal grant was given to Isham Randolph. around 1790 the property was sold to archibald Cary Randolph, best remembered as the owner of sir archy, who was foaled at Ben Lomond around May 1, 1805. Born more than 200 years ago, sir archy has been recognized as the foundation sire of the american Thoroughbred, producing many Triple Crown winners, including sea Biscuit and secretariat. sadly, on October 2, 1978, Ben Lomond burned to the ground. after two years of renovation, it had been under consideration by the Virginia Commission of Historic Landmarks a a historic landmark. Photograph Jane saunders and the Goochland Historical society
14.3 acres; yard Works LLC to yWL Holdings LLC, $486,400.
COMINGSOON!
850sfCottage,builtin1940.2Bedrooms/1Bath/ LivingRoom/Kitchen/DiningRoom/MudRoom
5.5Acres,Open/PerfectforHorses
$240,000
WillbeonthemarketMarch1st/ OfferswillbepresentedMarch7th!
DebraHoffman, AssociateBroker OFFICE:804-347-3878
debra.hoffma n@penfed re alty.com
2 parcels, section 8, Kinloch; Todd Lepage to sara downs Hazel, trustee, $2,000,000.
34.92 acres; Robert K. Marks to Rebekah J. Tuthill, $960,000.
12301 Beech Hall Circle, Manakin sabot; eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Joshua a Goldschmidt, $850,000.
2763 Checketts drive, sandy Hook; Kenneth e. Copper to Bryan Tasker, $470,000.
7281 ellingham Court, Glen allen; Jeffrey V. Penny to Zoltan John
Kreko, $650,000.
847 Hockett Road, Manakin sabot; dong J. Kim to Luiz Pereira de azevedo, $240,000.
Lot 11, section 4, Breeze Hill; Jones Homes Inc. to William Jared davis, $155,000.
Lot 4, s ection 3, Breeze Hill; Krickovic & Ziegler LLC to William H. Love, $185,000.
2168 Manakin Road, Manakin sabot; Canaan stage to Joseph e Ramsey, $424,000.
15680 Mosaic Creek Blvd., Richmond; st yle Craft Homes Inc. of Virginia to Richard Joseph Conroy,
$600,075.
1719 Reed Marsh Lane, Manakin sabot; Boone Homes Inc. to Philip skipper, $661,207.
3021 swanns Inn Crescent, Goochland; River City Custom Homes Inc. to Kenneth Lee Kuykendall, $654,463.
12016 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to dennis schafer, $500,930.
2131 Tuckahoe Bridge drive, Manakin sabot; W.V. McClure Inc. to Mason david Bryan, $649,842.
2995 William Trace Lane, sandy Hook; david B. Krueger to Raymond L. dalton Jr., $653,500.
but without a backpack,” he said. “The physical part I was pretty sure I could do. The thing that surprised me was how much you have to concentrate on every step, at least for me. There are some young kids out here just going zippy do da down the path without a problem. Not the same. I am trying to put slow and steady, one step ahead and another step and another… and at the end of the day I hope to reach my goal of 12 to 15 miles a day.”
But what drives Farrar – even more than just simply wanting the experience of successfully traversing 2,198.4 miles over several months – are the two nonprofits he is hiking to support, both aimed at helping veterans.
One of them, Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center in Powhatan, is a nonprofit he has dedicated countless hours to over the last 13 years. The nonprofit provides therapeutic horseback riding for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
Farrar formed his own nonprofit, AT for Vets, which he is using to raise funds for both Lonesome Dove and PatriotPaws Service Dogs in Rockwall, Texas. The latter provides free service dogs to veterans. He said at the end of the trip, he will evenly split 100% of whatever he raises between the two nonprofits.
“Both of those organizations just do good things because they admire, respect and feel for veterans and are doing what little things they can do to help veterans. That
Completed in 1937, the appalachian Trail has been drawing hiking enthusiasts for generations, offering a chance for them to test themselves both physically and mentally (over 3,000 people annually attempt to complete the entire trail in one trip, known as thru-hiking). When it comes to why he decided to take on the challenge, syd Farrar offered this: “I wanted to do something to honor veterans. My father was a veteran, he fought in WWII with Patton, and my brother was a special Forces medic in Vietnam. Both are highly decorated. My father won a distinguished service Cross, and a Bronze star and a Purple Hear t, my brother won a silver star and a Bronze star, both for valor, and a Purple Heart. so I want to honor them, and I want to honor my son. My son was a Marine—he did not serve
is what I am trying to do,” he said.
Farrar’s family is no stranger to serving in the military. His father, brother, brother-in-law, son and other relatives all served. So did Farrar, and his own experience being rescued after he was badly wounded in an ambush during Operation Urgent Fury in October 1983 (see sidebar, below) is still a debt he is striving to repay in some way.
Farrar said he was introduced to Lonesome Dove when he was heavily involved with the Capital One Military Business Resource Group, a business-wide internal organization with 14 chapters who supported employees who were veterans or Reserve or National Guard members and/or had family members who were veterans or activeduty military.
He would organize groups of co-workers to come out and help with Lonesome Dove events. He has been a side walker, which is a volunteer who walks alongside veterans on the horse to keep them from falling off while they ride and complete ac-
overseas but he joined at a time when he didn’t have to join, and there were two wars going on. also, in October, it will be the fortieth anniversary of [the U.s. invasion of Grenada], in October of 1983. I was serving at that time with the 75th Ranger Battalion, and was one of the first planeloads of Rangers to jump into Grenada. I had a very exciting nine hours on Grenada until I got shot. I want to do this to honor those who saved my life, and who are the reason I’m here today being able to make this trip. From one of my soldiers who pulled me off the road to the group that carried me up the hill to get me to the company medic, to the company medic who knew exactly what to do…I have a lot of people to thank, and part of this is to thank and to honor all of those veterans for saving my life.”
tivities. But while the rides are the main event, Farrar said the part of the day he always looked forward to the most was the lunch provided to the veterans afterward when he got to sit down and talk with them.
“What really touched me was some of the young veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “McGuire’s is one of the two veterans hospitals in the country that specialize in head trauma as a result of IEDs. You go out there, you talk to them. These are 20, 21, 22-yearold kids. Some of them are paraplegic but they are not letting anything get them down. They are optimistic about life. You spend that two hours with them and you say to yourself, ‘why am I complaining about anything in life? Look at these kids, look at what they have gone through and look at how positive they are.’ It will move you to tears.”
Sherry Newark, treasurer for Lonesome Dove’s board and the volunteer coordinator, said Farrar has been an incredible volunteer for a long time and has brought
What a stretch! Ida looks like she is about to do some yoga. Ida is a smallish, sweet older girl with a calm disposition. She was found as a stray with some mats on her back. The folks that found her tried to clip the mats and unfortunately they accidentally cut her back. It all worked out, our vets stitched her up and she is ready to go to her new home (with a bit of a wacky haircut for the moment). Ida is litter trained, spayed, chipped, and up to date on all her vetting. This sweet old gal will need to be an indoor only kitty. If you wouldn’t mind the companionship of an older girl with lots of love to give, consider this precious girl.
the nonprofit to the attention of so many people. More than just side walking, she said he arrives early and helps with the extensive prep work to get ready for sessions and pitches in wherever needed.
When she heard about Farrar’s plan to hike the Appalachian Trail and raise money and awareness for Lonesome Dove while doing it, Newark said she deeply appreciated what he set out to accomplish. She and many of the volunteers and veterans are following his progress through his Facebook page.
“We are very proud of him. We also know it is an extremely strenuous ordeal and there is going to be a lot of challenges for him. If anybody can do it he can, but whatever he does we are so grateful for his support and proud of him,” she said.
For more information on Syd Farrar’s Appalachian Trail journey, follow his Facebook page, AT for Vets, or visit his website, www. atforveterans.com.
For more information about Lonesome Dove, visit http://ldequestrian.com/ or contact (804) 356-6327.
The Goochland Animal Shelter is located at 1900 Hidden Rock Lane in Goochland. For more information on the many pets still in need of homes, call (804) 556-5302.
In his own words: Thanking those who saved a young soldier’s life four decades ago
The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) has awarded Charlie Luck, president and CEO of Luck Companies, with two of the association’s highest honors, the 2023 Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award and the ROCKPAC Paul Mellott Jr. Award for Political Excellence.
As the aggregates industry’s highest, most distinguished individual award, the Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award recognizes an individual who exhibits the selfless dedication to family, community and the aggregates
Kitchens/Baths
Patios/Decks
NewConstruction
Doors/Windows
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industry that was exemplified by the award’s namesake. For many years, Barry Wendt devoted his energy to advance the industry’s initiatives. Charles S. Luck III, Charlie Luck’s father, received the Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award in 2004.
The Paul Mellott Jr. Award for Political Excellence is given annually by NSSGA to an industry leader who works tirelessly on behalf of the aggregates industry to promote ROCKPAC and the importance of political advocacy. The award is named for Paul Mellott Jr., who chaired ROCKPAC
THURSDAY, MAY 4
from 1998-2018. Mellott believes in the power of political participation, and his determination and willingness to personally solicit funds every year helped ROCKPAC to be one of the top trade association political action committees in Washington, D.C.
“I am honored and humbled by both of these awards from NSSGA,” said Charlie Luck. “Barry Wendt and Paul Mellott set a high standard of excellence that continues to inspire others in the aggregates industry. NSSGA provides so many opportunities to get involved in areas that align with a member’s passions and skillsets.
The Goochland national day of Prayer service will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 12:20 p.m. at Goochland Courthouse on the Courthouse Green. In the event of rain, the event will be held at the Co. 5 Firehouse. We will lift up our Prayers and Praises to God. as we hold to One nation under God, please join us, or take time to pray where you are for God’s goodness, mercy and healing over our land. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16b
FRIDAY, MAY 5
The Rotary Club of Goochland will hear Gary Powers tell the story of his father’s spy plane being shot down over the soviet Union. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at The Residence Inn short Pump at the notch, 1800 Wilkes Ridge Circle.
SATURDAY, MAY 6
and a brunch to go. The ministry is taking a count for the meals. If attending, please contact the president Vickie nash (804) 514-0540.
Company 5 will be hosting the Hometown Hero 5K at Tucker Park starting at 8:30 a.m. This event will serve as a fundraiser for the Company 5 station renovation. Registration is $15 for children under 12; $20 for adults; and $35 the day of the race. Those wishing to run or walk can register online at www. courthouse5firerescue.org up until May 7, or visit the website for more information. The entry fee includes admission, course hydration station, post-race refreshments and a medal.
May 6, 1 — 2:30p.m. ag es: 2-12. Join us as we celebrate Free Comic Book day by participating in our “superhero Training” course. This course will have you warding off villains, picking your very own superhero name, testing your superhero skills, and so much more. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.
Friday Book Club at the Goochland Branch Library. Friday, May 12, 11 a.m. — noon. ages 18 and up Join us to discuss our monthly book choice! Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.
Mystery Book Club at the Goochland Branch Library. Tuesday, May 23, 10 — 11 a.m. ages 18 & up. Join us to discuss our chosen mystery title for the month. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.
20 YearsCarpentr yExperience
Greg Blanchard 804-457-9426
VA Lic. 27505- 093745-A
GregBlanchard 804-457-9426 VA Lic.27505-093745-A
20 YearsCarpentr y Experience Blanchard& Associates Residential Contractor, Inc.
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As our associates continue to get involved and deepen their commitment to our industry, we are proud to support such a fantastic organization that has meant so much to me, my family and the incredibly talented people who make up Luck Companies.”
Manakin Road was adopted through the Virginia department of Highways’ adopt-a-Highway Program in 2007 and named “Friends of Manakin Road.” Twice a year (spring and fall) a group of neighbors get together to pick up the litter that accumulates along this three-mile stretch from Broad street Road to the Hanover line. The next pick up is scheduled for saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m. The volunteers will meet at Goochland Baptist Church, 2454 Manakin Road, Manakin sabot to divide up into teams. Fluorescent orange safety vests, orange bags for the litter, and pickers will be provided. Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bright clothes, and bring a pair of gloves. Children above the age of 10 are welcome. For more information, text or call ((804)) 839-2878.
FRIDAY, MAY 12
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YourEdwardJonesteam, BradDaltonFinancialAdvisorAAMS™ Jackie,AlyssaandMaryJoThe Rotary Club of Goochland will hear from Victor Carpenter, Goochland County administrator. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and is held at The Residence Inn short Pump at the notch, 1800 Wilkes Ridge Circle.
The Fauquier Baptist Church (located at 2455 dogtown Road) Women’s Ministry is sponsoring a pre–Mother’s day fellowship service on saturday May 13, 2023, at 10 a.m. There will be two inspirational speakers with great singing
Goochland Bridge Club at the Goochland Branch Library. Mondays, May 1, 8, 15, & 22, 3 – 5 p.m. ages 18 & up. The Goochland Bridge Club is for those that 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.
Read 2 Rover at the Goochland Branch Library. Tuesday, May 2, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. Grades K-5. Have your child practice reading in a relaxed environment with a trained therapy dog from Caring Canines. Call the Goochland Branch Library to reserve a time. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.
yoga at the Goochland Branch Library. Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 4- 5 p.m. For ages 18 & up. Bring your mat and join us for a yoga session that aims to promote strength, flexibility, and balance. Led by certified instructor, Kathleen Tsengas. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.
Writing for Joy at the Goochland Branch Library. Wednesdays, May 3 & 17, 7 — 8:45 p.m. For ages: adults 18 & up. a creative writing discussion group for those that are interested in sharing original writings, participating in prompted writings, and encouraging others in their pursuit of writing. This program is open to “would be” writers, experienced writers, and writers of all skill levels. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.
Free Comic Book day. saturday,
First Friday Films at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Friday, May 5, 4 — 6 p.m. Round up the neighborhood crew and catch a fulllength feature film the first Friday of every month! Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Free Comic Book day at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. saturday, May 6 (all day) all ages. Celebrate Free Comic Book day with us at the library! stop by the branch for your free comic book, fun crafts, and a super-powered scavenger hunt! Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Read 2 Rover at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Thursday, May 18, 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. Grades K-2. Read 2 Rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to Colby or Pepper, our therapy dogs. space is limited. Call the Rockville Branch Library at (804) 749-3146 or visit the library for more information to register for this rewarding program!
Paint a Rock! at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. Unleash your creativity by painting a rock (or several!). your finished project will help beautify our front garden! all supplies will be provided. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.
Today, May 3, marks World Press Freedom Day, an international observance created by the United Nations and celebrated annually as a reminder of the critical role that a free press plays around the world.
In honor of this occasion, I’d like to thank all of you, our readers, for the opportunity to continue covering the news and events that mean the most
to you.
Over the many years that I’ve had the privilege to work in the field of community journalism, I’ve been able to cover a wide variety of events, some of which might have not have made the front pages of any major metro daily. Yes there have been big stories, for sure, but also many that wouldn’t matter much to those living outside the bounds of this county. For every plane crash (don’t worry, the pilot walked away just fine) and titil-
lating political scandal there have been a dozen spelling bees and church bazaars. For every major court case there have been three times as many little league championships, chili cook-offs and runaway cows. No, my expense report at the end of the month doesn’t include airline tickets or miles logged covering breaking international news. But I don’t consider my role any less important because it’s closer to home (as a matter of fact, for many community journalists, it
is home).
When I say I have loved my job, that doesn’t quite cover it. In fact, I have delighted in it. The reason? People let me and my colleagues know every single day that our work matters to them. Plenty of things have changed in the media world over the past few decades, and sometimes it can feel as though the noise of so many competing voices can be deafening. I like to think that in our pages you can find the news delivered without any particu-
lar agenda or slant because our guiding principle is simple: If it’s important to you, it’s important to us.
Today, on World Press Freedom Day, and every day, it remains our mission to do whatever it takes to uncover, document, and celebrate all of the things that make this community what it is.
It is our privilege to serve Goochland, and we look forward to doing it for many years to come.
Contributing
columnistEditor’s note: The following is part of a continuing series in which we ask readers to share a true story with us—any story— as long as it happened to them or a family member. Do you have a story to tell? Send it to rryan@ goochlandgazette.com.
James “Big Jim” Whitehurst, Jr. was a state trooper in Nottoway County in the late sixties. Later he became a sergeant for the state police, as a helicopter pilot. As one of his buddies put it, “He was 6’4” before he put on his Stetson, and had hands like a bear.”
One night in the little town where I grew up, there was a huge fight that involved about
100 people. It was about as close to a riot as I had ever seen in my life. They even rolled some cars over onto their roofs, and left them there. I drove through it, not knowing that my cousin, boss and a friend were watching with shotguns from the top of a feed store. They were hoping it wasn’t going to spill up into the building, when Whitehurst slid up to the group below, alone in his patrol car. When he got out, he had a pump shotgun in one hand, but was unaware of the potential backup on the roof. He shouted to the people in the parking lot, “All right, that’s enough! Everybody go home, fun’s over!
Time to call it a night!” One smart-mouthed kid in the front
row said, “Who in the (blank) is going to make us go home?” Jim walked over to him, grabbed the young man by the back of the neck, bent him over double, and ran him across the parking lot into my boss’s truck. It dented the door, and the kid fell back dazed onto the ground. Trooper Whitehurst racked a shell into the shotgun and boomed, “Okay, I asked you people nicely to go home. Now I’m telling you. GO HOME!”
They left. 100 to 1. Walked away.
I asked my boss later if he was going to get his door fixed. He said, “Nope. That’s the prettiest dent I ever saw in my life.”
Jim Whitehurst is dead now, but if anyone knows his chil-
dren, please tell them this story.
Another story about taking charge is from back when I sold construction projects. One of my customers was a big, redhaired country boy who worked for Figgie International. When I found that out, I asked him how it went, because Old Man Figgie was a live wire, famous for being very domineering, demanding, bombastic and controlling. He was named one of Fortune 500’s toughest bosses. He would curse people, making girls cry. The stories I heard about him were just nightmarish. He had a Hall of Shame book, where the entire company could see his employees’ mistakes. A hugely successful businessman, the guy started
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with nothing and created a huge empire. My hat’s off to him, but he was pretty abusive. All of my customers who had worked for him had told me horror stories, so I asked this country boy how it went working for Figgie.
“Great,” he said. “I don’t have any problems.”
“Really?” I asked. “Everyone else does.”
“Not me. The day I interviewed for the job Figgie told me, ‘I’d like to hire you, I think we can work together.’ I said that I’d take the job, but under one condition. Figgie asked me what it was, and I told him, ‘Your reputation precedes you a little bit, and I want you to know that the day you curse me or raise your voice to me or demean me in any way, I’m going to come across that desk and stomp a mud hole in your face that you’ll never forget.’ He looked at me and said, ‘I can’t believe you talked to me like that!’ I told him, ‘That’s the rules of my working for you. Take it or leave it’.”
Figgie gave him the job. They worked together for years, and he never had a problem (or, the tyrant never gave him a problem).
For
Contributing Columnist
We delayed the lawn mowing several weeks. We allowed dead, disease-free plants to over winter in the vegetable garden.
“What’s up?” the neighbors question.
My slovenly and slothlike behavior in the landscaping and vegetable garden continues to go unpunished. Instead, I’ve been rewarded with more tiger swallowtail and zebra butterflies flitting about this spring than ever before.
How can this be? Well, I’ve refrained from using insecticides as much as possible. If I do, I practice careful timing. I’ve bought disease resistant varieties of trees and vegetables. I encourage native plantings. I’ve allowed habitats to flourish in unraked autumn leaves. This patience and persistence is beginning to pay off.
And their season is early this year. Eastern tent caterpillars and spring web worms are all names for Malacosoma americanum, the dark furry worms that weave silky webs around the inner branches of black cherry, apple or crabapple trees. Tent caterpillars aren’t normally a threat to mature, healthy trees. They eat away some tree leaves, but that’s the extent of their damage. Young trees, however, remain vulnerable. “
There are several ways to remove these pests. The first way is to re-
worms are often found on pecan, sourwood, and persimmon trees at summer’s end or early fall. Paw paws and other trees often prove attractive to them. Fortunately, web worm damage is mostly cosmetic. Worry only if you have an already failing or distressed tree. Fall web worms can be eliminated the same way as spring web worms by pulling down and destroying the webs within reach.
sometimes confused with cones. In April and May these structures elongate into orange gelatinous protrusions and swell during rainy periods. The wind carries the microscopic spores to infect apples leaves, fruit and young branches. Individual spores can travel miles.
move the webs by hand and kill the worms with a soapy solution. Aim to work early in the morning when the caterpillars are still inside their webs. If you think there are only a few worms within one of these nests, you’re dead wrong. I’ve made this mistake. I expected a few dozen worms but discovered hundreds. You may want to use gloves. I gathered and dumped the worms in a bucket of soapy water—trying all the while not to gag. I used a solution of 1/3 cup Murphy’s Oil Soap added to a quart of water. Dish washing fluid will work fine. For higher nests, pulling the webs down with a broomstick helps.
The tangled web these worms will weave
Fall web worm caterpillars are often confused with tent worms. But Hyphantria cunea begin their webs from the ends of tree branches. Fall web
Should you use pesticide? If you do spray, remember to fully spray the foliage closest to the web mass. Spraying only the web will not kill all the caterpillars. The safest pesticide is bacillus thuringiensis (BT), available at most garden centers. Sprays are best applied in the early morning or late afternoon. The BT will not harm birds or most beneficial insects.
Alien invasion!
The jelly-fish looking thing is actually the gall of the Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae, commonly referred to as Cedar Apple Rust. It’s one of the most common of several fungal rust diseases that attack susceptible cultivars of apple and crabapple trees. It infects, disfigures and often destroys the leaves and fruit. First it needs an initial host plant, and that is the Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).
Any species of juniper can substitute for the Eastern red cedars. However, here in Virginia, cedars are bountiful.
On the Eastern red cedar host, the fungus produces reddish-brown galls. These galls are
These spores attach themselves to apple leaves about the time the buds are in the early blossom stage. Infection can take place in as little as four hours. Yellow lesions begin to develop I one to three weeks.
In midsummer, spores from the apple leaves are produced. In turn the wind carries the spores back to the cedars thus completing the cycle. The spores land on cedar needle bases or in cracks or crevices of twigs. The spores germinate and produce swellings resembling small green peas.
What can I do if I’m trying to grow an apple tree? Remove all cedar trees located within a one-mile radius! Yeah, right. For most of us living in Central Virginia this is an impossible task. Young cedar trees live on neighboring property, in the woods and even pop up like weeds in lawns.
Fungicides applied on a schedule are highly effective against the disease during the apple cycle. Most sprays are applied four times at 7 to 10day intervals, starting in April and May. These applications protect the apples from spores being released from the cedar host. The best time to apply fungicide is during the infection orange gelatinous state.
The burst of color from spring flowering shrubs provides great enjoyment in our landscapes. Soon, however, these colors will fade giving rise to a background of green foliage. Lest we forget, a pruning task remains for spring flowering shrubs so that the plants remain healthy and beautiful for next spring’s flower show. After bloom, spring flowering shrubs develop flower buds for the following spring season. It is said they “bloom on old wood” and not on current season’s growth. It is important to prune spring flowering shrubs very soon after petal drop. Common spring flowering shrub species include forsythia, lilac, weigela, ninebark, mock orange, flowering quince, camellia, viburnum, and rhododendron including azalea. The typical pruning rules apply. Prune any diseased, dead, or damaged branches along with root suckers any time they are observed throughout the year. Crossing or rubbing branches should be removed to prevent damage to bark. The goal is to open the center of the shrub to allow light penetration, air circulation and complement the natural growth habit for the specific plant species. This allows leaves to dry quickly reducing the chance for fungal or bacterial disease. Thinning cuts to remove branches back to a point of origin on a trunk or lateral branch are preferred. Heading cuts, to shorten a branch, stimulate lateral growth. Heading cuts should be used judiciously as they can stimulate too much lateral growth that closes the center of the plant, prevents quick drying and provides shelter for insect pests. Shearing is a series of head-
ing cuts that should be used primarily for formal hedge species. Most shrubs are best left to adopt a natural form for their species with just a few tweaks from the gardener.
If controlling the size and height of a spring flowering shrub is needed, there is a good chance that this is an example of a plant out of place. Renovation or renewal pruning is best left for the dormant season. Spring bloom will be sacrificed to bring the plant back in bounds for its planting site. Some spring blooming shrubs can be severely cut back close to the ground. Severe renewal pruning should be limited to vigorous shrub species such as azalea, camellias, glossy abelia, nandina and cleyera. A better alternative is a slow reduction of shrub size over a threeyear period. This method has less impact on spring bloom and reduces plant stress. This type of pruning is labor intensive and will most likely need to be repeated once the shrub exceeds its bounds again in future years. These days flowering shrub cultivars come in a broad selection of colors and sizes. Selecting plants based on the mature size for a specific planting location can translate into significant labor savings on maintenance activities in the future.
Have a question about a plant, insect, or soil? The Goochland Extension Office is here to help! Give them a call at (804) 556-5841 and speak with either Bob or Nicole. Drop-ins are welcome at the office at 2748 Dogtown Road between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
—Submitted by the Goochland County Extension Office
With the regular season quickly approaching its conclusion and the much-anticipated LIS Tournament starting up on May 8, the Collegiate Cougars are ready to defend their title from last year and prove once again that they’re the team to beat.
The Cougars have been ranked in the first spot of the last two VISAA polls with Norfolk Academy close behind, a team that recently battled with the Cougars in a thrilling down-to-the-wire affair.
The Bulldogs handed the Cougars a rare loss in that matchup on April 28, scoring the gamewinner in the final seconds after the Cougars fought back from a 2-0 halftime deficit with goals from juniors Presley Garst and Kenley Campbell. The loss put Collegiate’s record at 10-5-1 on the season, and though it may have stung in the moment, head coach Rob Ukrop is focused more on the team’s preparation and confidence heading into the postseason.
“The girls have been fighting and working for each other, and our goal isn’t to win all our games, though that’s nice, our goal is to peak at the right time when we get into the LIS Tournament and later the state tournament,” Ukrop said.
That composure is vital for a generally young team. Last year, the title-winning Cougars relied on a starting lineup that featured three freshmen, including leading goal-scorer Ryan Lewis, who had her season cut short due to a knee injury, and Kate Smigelski, who scored the game-winning goal of the LIS Championship. Now, those freshmen have another year under their belts.
“They’re starting to show their composure and their ability to contribute,” Ukrop said of his young core of playmakers. “It’s important to get these girls battle-tested so when we get into the state tournament we’re prepared.”
Lewis is also back in the lineup, returning from the injury in spectacular fashion by continuing to lead the team in goals with nine in 15 games.
“We’re really pleased with her progress,” Ukrop said. “She’s played some important minutes for us and does attract a lot of attention.”
The young crop of rising talent isn’t alone in leading the Cougars though. Two of the team’s three captains are senior defenders in Virginia Vallowe and Frances Thackston, while goalie Addison Thompson continues to impress protecting the net. Thackston will not be able to finish out the season after tearing her ACL earlier
in the season, but even when she can’t contribute on the field, her positive spirit and attitude has made her like an additional coach to motivate the team through the rest of the season.
The team’s third captain is Campbell, a holding midfielder who Ukrop considers the team’s most consistent player. Campbell missed all of last season with an ACL injury, but has returned as a tone-setting, do-it-all threat that’s made life easier for attacking forwards like Smigelski and juniors Claire Curtis and Garst.
With all these weapons on offense, the Cougars have built a truly balanced attack that features eight players with at least
two goals and nine different players with at least one gamewinning goal.
At this stage of the season, Ukrop knows there’s a level of fatigue between athletics and academics for his players. It was something he noticed especially during a sixgame stretch where the team went 2-3-1 with losses against public school giants like Cosby and Freeman, two of the toughest teams to play in the state this year.
Not wanting to put too much mileage on them, he and his trusted assistants Allison Albright and Michael Blair have prioritized using practice time as a way to get the team prepared without being overworked for the rest of their
season schedule.
“Our mantra for the team is to compete with purpose and play with joy so we’re trying to find that balance every day,” Ukrop said. “It’s important to us that when the girls come out for practice, that’s an hour and a half that’s sacred that separates from whatever’s going on in their home life and school life and all other social things.”
Both the purpose and the joy will be evident in the team’s upcoming senior night bout versus rival St. Catherine’s. The Cougars will recognize six seniors and potentially clinch the regular season title in the process with a win or tie.
It’s hard to envision a better senior night showing for Goochland baseball and softball than what actually transpired in their wins against Armstrong at home on April 24.
The baseball team, which honored 11 seniors, had its largest margin of victory of the season against the winless Armstrong Wildcats, running up a score of 26-0 to take its fifth win of the season.
That production was matched by the softball team on the field directly next to them. The Bulldogs recognized seven of their own seniors before demolishing the Wildcats, 21-0. That win moves their record to 9-6 on the season.
Senior pitcher Chase Breedlove got the start for the baseball team, as he and the defense made quick work of their opponent while the offense lit up the scoreboard for
15 runs in the first inning. By the end of the third inning, the Bulldogs reached their 26th run and held the same score over the next two innings before the game was called off.
In the softball game, senior pitcher Jayden Staton combined for a shutout alongside sophomore Kyndall Shapiro, with Staton tossing eight strikeouts to Shapiro’s six.
Staton and her fellow seniors were excellent on offense as well.
Staton, Madison Duke, Maya Jandzinski and Maria Shibley all recorded three RBIs and multiple hits on their day, while seniors Brookelyn Green, McKenzie Jones and Jaylia Mills recorded two hits and two RBIs apiece.
While it was a moment worth celebrating, both teams fell in close games to solid Louisa County squads. The Bulldogs of the baseball team nearly toppled a 10-3 Lions team thanks to a threerun fifth inning to make it a 4-3 Lions lead, but the battle-tested Lions added one more run late to hold on for a close district victory.
Those three Bulldogs runs came from a Mason Gregory triple, a Will Johns grounder where he reached on an error and a Jackson Bell double.
The softball team, meanwhile, took on a Louisa County team that’s lost just a single game this year. The Bulldogs had a good start
early and faced no issues scoring runs, but the Lions’ own offense was too tough to handle, and they captured an 11-6 win on the road.
The Bulldogs entered the second inning with a 2-0 lead after a Duke triple and a Chelsey Farthing ground single, but the Lions ran off five runs in the top of the third for a 5-2 lead.
An error on a Green grounder allowed Duke to score to cut the deficit to 5-4 in the bottom of the third, but the Lions again exploded for three more runs in the top of the fourth. Duke’s RBI double in the bottom of the fourth and her groundout to score Mills home gave the Bulldogs some more offensive flashes, but the Lions ultimately proved too dangerous with the bat and they ended the Bulldogs’ three-game winning streak in the process.
Both teams host Monticello next on Tuesday, May 9, with the two games set to start at 6:30 p.m.
The Goochland tennis team had one of its most complete performances of the season last week, when it won all nine games against Louisa County to snap a five-game losing streak and move its record to 3-5.
Goochland’s last win came on March 21 when it beat Fluvanna County in a 9-0 final, and after a month of tough matchups, the team finally came away victorious.
Leading the way was senior Evan Bernstine, who has been as consistent as always in his final year with the Bulldogs. With a chance to three-peat as a Class 3 state champion, Bernstine has looked locked in and ready for whatever an opponent might throw his way.
Against Louisa’s Nick Riley, Bernstine didn’t take long in winning all eight games in a pro set,
dominating the pace of the game, winning most points in longer rallies and even pulling out a difficult tweener shot in one instance as he chased after a lob into the corner.
No. 2 Alex Peskin also came away with an impressive win, taking on Michele Fillanino. The 8-3 saw Fillianino giving him some tough shots to handle, but Peskin did well in maintaining composure throughout the match.
Sophomore Owen Walton continued his impressive season with an 8-0 victory over Caleb Saul. Walton, a newcomer to the team that has youth tournament experience, is already looking like a player primed for the spotlight as he has risen up to third on the starting lineup.
With No. 4 Ryan Bowers temporarily out due to injury, senior Charlie Alston stepped into the spot and delivered another strong outing for the Bulldogs.
Alston sacrificed one game against Daylan Williams, but took care of business in the other eight as he kept the winning ways going for the Bulldogs.
After junior Elijah Isom won over Bashian Zarra with an 8-4 set and No. 6 Trevor Brown won 8-0 over Jacob Capozella, the Bulldogs went into doubles with a 6-0 lead to lock up the victory.
In doubles, Bernstine and Peskin’s rapport on the court looked evident in an 8-0 over Riley and Fillanino, while the No. 2 duo of Walton and Alston took care of their own business for the second time in the day with an 8-1 win over Saul and Zerra. Rounding out the day was Goochland’s fifth 8-0 win in the third doubles match, which featured Isom and Brown defeating Zarra and Capozella. The Bulldogs play again at home when they host the Monticello Mustangs on May 9 at 5 p.m.
VIRGINIA:
INTHECIRCUITCOURTFORGOOCHLAND COUNTY
JSCFAMILY,LLC, Plaintiff, v.
PARTIESUNKNOWN:
UNKNOWNHEIRS,DEVISEES,CREDITORSAND SUCCESSORS-IN-INTERESTOFPINKEYE. CRAWLEY,a/k/aPINKEYELLISCRAWLEY, a/k/aELSIEP.ELLIS,etal.
CaseNo.:CL23-225
ORDEROFPUBLICATION
WHEREAS,theobjectofthissuitistoSeekAllotmentinLieuofPartitionwithrespecttocertainparcelsofrealpropertyinGoochland County,Virginiacommonlyknownas 0River Road,GoochlandCounty,Virginia,andmore specificallyidentifiedasTaxMap#63-2-0-1-0, GPIN7723-38-5212andasTaxMap#63-2-0-20,GPIN7723-38-2027;itistherefore
ORDEREDthatUnknownheirs,devisees,creditorsandsuccessors-in-interestofPinkeyE. Crawley,a/k/aPinkeyEllisCrawley,a/k/aElsieP.Ellis;Unknownheirs,devisees,creditors andsuccessors-in-interestofJohn AEllis, a/k/aJohnAlexanderEllis;JamesLeeEllis;LucyEllis;RosaElizabethEllisHill;VirginiaA. Daniels;MoniqueL.Allen;MarvinR.Allen; MarcS.Allena/k/aMarkS.Allen;Daniel JamesEllis,Sr.;CarolynJ.Duck;JovannaS. Jones;LakeeishaE.Berry;WilliamH.Mason; BrendaMasonReid;DavidF.Masona/k/aDavidR.Mason;JohnA.Mason;RobertMason, Jr.;CherylM.Gable;CynthiaM.Timmons;RolandStevenWilson,Jr.;MillicentCox;JuliaMasonMack;WilliamMason;DouglasMason a/k/aDouglasMason,Jr.;MichelleMays;DonaldMasona/k/aDonaldMason,Jr.;Michael Mason;andCharlesMasonappearatthe above-namedcourtandprotecthis/herinterestsonorbefore June27,2023at1:30PM;
ENTERED:4/11/2023
TimothyK.Sanner, Judge GoochlandCountyCircuitCourt
BARBARASMITHBURRELL, Plaintiff, and THOMASSMITHETAL., Defendants.
CaseNo.CL22-477
ORDEROFPUBLICATION
Theobjectofthislawsuitistobringabouta saleofcertainpropertyinGoochlandCounty andhavethefundsreceivedfromthatapportionedamongtheheirs.ThomasSmithdied intestateseizedandpossessedof acertain parcelofrealestate(the"Property")containing5.00acres,moreorless,locatedonthe southsideofPattersonAvenueinGoochland County,Virginia,andpresentlyidentifiedon theGoochlandCounty,Virginia,realestatetax recordsasTaxMapParcelNo.63-1-0-178-0.
ItappearingbyAffidavitfiledaccordingtolaw thatduediligencehasbeenusedwithouteffecttoascertainthelocationofanyunidentifiedparties,itthereforeisORDERED thatsuch partiesappearintheClerk’sOfficeofthis Courtonorbefore June6,2023, anddowhatis necessarytoprotecttheirinterests.
Entered:3/31/2023 TimothyK.Sanner, JUDGE
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cluEs Across
1. Sloping position
5. Descendant of a notable family
10. Following accepted norms
12. Root vegetable
14. Having a shape that reduces drag from air
16. Integrated circuit
18. Records electric currents of the heart
19. Used to anoint
20. Japanese city
22. After B
23. Muffles
25. Pass over 26. Vase
27. Soft touch
28. A baglike structure in a plant or animal
30. Patti Hearst’s captors
31. Israeli politician
33. Degrade
35. Type of wrap
37. Polyurethane fabric
38. Avoids capture
40. Vegetarians avoid it
41. Decay
42. Soviet Socialist Republic
48. Frosts
Dipped into
Controversial replay system in soccer
53. Comforts 55. Needed for yoga 56. Ands/__
Printing system
63.
Social division
67.
17. Hut by a swimming pool
18. Defunct European monetary unit
21. Feeds on insects
23. Adult male 24. Melancholic
27. Sheets of glass
29. Slang for famous person
32. Not good
34. ‘Ghetto Superstar’ singer
35. The ‘World’ is one
36. Used to make guacamole
cluEs DoWn
1. Hill or rocky peak
2. Initial public offering
3. Type of light
4. Test
5. Flaky coverings
6. Former NFLer Newton 7. Part of the eye 8. Roman god of the underworld 9. Negative 10. Indiana pro basketball player 11. Replaces lost tissue 13. Denotes one from whom title is taken
Aries, even though you have been making great progress, you have some more work ahead of you this week. Overcome any distractions that get in your way.
TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, you may want to avoid crowds this week. Use this opportunity to enjoy some quiet, alone time to recharge. There will be time for socialization in the weeks ahead.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21
You may be called in as a mediator this week, Gemini. It may be challenging to remain impartial, as you are friendly with both people involved. Tread carefully.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, there are a few decisions that you will need to make in the days to come and they are not to be taken lightly. Give each ample time and consider all angles.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23
An opportunity all but falls into your lap, Leo. Make sure you jump on this because opportunity may not knock again. The benefits are too big to pass up.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22
There is not much more help you can lend to a situation, Virgo. This week you may have to accept that you have simply done all that you could do. Move on and focus on the future.
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
Expect some strange things to happen to you this week, Libra. The unexpected could be the breath of fresh air you need, especially if your schedule has been stagnant.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, assist a loved one as much as you can this week. You may need to be a devoted caregiver or a listening ear. Whatever the case, handle it with undivided attention.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, a deep focus on health may compel you to get around to making some changes you’ve been planning. Embrace this newfound resolve.
CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, allow others to take the lead when a project ends up coming across your desk.Y ou could learn something from the expertise of others if you emulate their actions.
AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you have left no stone unturned in a situation that involves relocation. Now it is just a matter of wait and see. Give it a few weeks, then move on.
PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, others have very positive things to say about you, especially during the course of the next few days. Relish in their attention.
39.
Midway between south and southwest 40. Wet dirt