The Goochland Gazette – 12/22/2022

INSIDE: The chicken and the dean: A college prank for the ages.

Board chair looks back on 2022

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

For Goochland County Board of Supervisors chairman Neil Spoonhower, it’s been quite a year.

That was the heart of the message the Spoonhower delivered to those attending the Dec. 3 supervisor’s meeting, the last meeting of 2022 and the last that Spoonhower will preside over as chair for the foreseeable future (the Goochland board’s policy in recent years has been to rotate the chairmanship among the five members).

“It’s not overstating to say it’s been the honor of my life representing this board as the chair,” Spoonhower said, “and I can honestly say that in the last 12 months, I’ve done the most challenging and the most rewarding work of my career. It means the world to me that you would trust me with this, and I hope that throughout this year I have earned your trust.”

Among the numerous highlights he’d experienced over the last 12 months, Spoonhower listed a successful budget season, the purchase of land for a fire station in District 2 and

LOCAL FIRE CREWS STAY ON THE MOVE

Goochland County Fire-Rescue has stayed busy this holiday season, responding to citizen calls for help and focusing on community outreach and education. Pictured here, from left to right, are Centerville Company 3 firefighters Rusty Perkins, Dalton Makovsky, Josh Ridley, Jacob Martin, Dalton Mayo and Brian Eutsler. For tips on keeping your home safe from fire during the Christmas season, see page 3.

Residents attend Farm Bureau convention

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Daniel Allen, Thomas Henley and Jonathan Lyle of Goochland County were among 254 delegates who helped formulate legislative policies during the 2022 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates, which was held Nov. 28 through Dec. 1 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

The voting delegates adopted policy positions to guide Farm Bureau’s legislative direction during the 2023 Virginia General Assembly. Issues that were addressed included opposing legislation that would prohibit the proper use of EPA-approved pesticides and legislation that would further inhibit farmers’ ability to sustain a stable workforce; and supporting funding for best management practices

and technical assistance to implement them.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin attended the annual meeting on Nov. 30 and told participants that although the state’s agriculture and forestry sectors were profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, both have recovered lost ground. He then shared figures from

GHS student to attend Coast Guard Academy

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

For the first time in the history of the JROTC program at Goochland High School, a student has earned an appointment to one of the United States Service Academies.

Senior Josh Usry, the Cadet Executive Ocer of the Marine Corps JR OTC Program at Goochland High School, has been nominated to the United States Coast Guard Academy. The Service Academies, consisting of the Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy, exist to educate and commission o cers in the United States Armed Forces. Acceptance into these prestigious institutions is among the most competitive of all colleges and universities. There are no associated costs for tuition, room and board, books, or uniforms for students who attend service academies.

“I am honored to have this opportunity, not only to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy but to have the

Goochland Gazette readers share their most cherished Christmas tree ornaments. See Page

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY FIRE-RESCUE

Spoonhower

Usry

Farm

a recently completed economic impact study by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.

The research concluded in October 2022 and found that those industries’ contributions have grown from $91 billion in 2016 to $105 billion. Jobs increased too, with 12,000 people entering the ag and forestry workforces since then, creating a total of 490,000 jobs.

Matthew Lohr, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, delivered the convention’s keynote address. He spoke about how Virginia Farm Bureau helped him chart a course for supporting the industry.

Andrew Walmsley, senior director of public affairs for American Farm Bureau Federation, gave a legislative update that previewed the 118th U.S. Congress and the 2023 Farm Bill.

Delegates re-elected Wayne F. Pryor of Goochland County to a ninth two-year term as VFBF president. Scott Sink of Blacksburg was re-elected to a sixth two-year term as vice president. A Faye

Hundley of Essex County was re-elected to a fourth two-year term as chairman of the VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee.

Michelle Fox of Tazewell County was elected to a two-year term as chairman of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee.

Justin Pence of Shenandoah County was elected to a three-year term on the VFBF board of directors. Pence will represent Farm Bureau producer members in the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Loudoun, Page, Rappahanock, Shenandoah and Warren. He succeeds Peter A. Truban, also of Shenandoah County, who did not seek re-election.

Additionally, delegates re-elected three other directors: J. Barry Bates of Essex County, William F. Osl of Cumberland County and Bruce N. Stanger of Montgomery County.

Goochland County Farm Bureau is one of 88 county Farm Bureaus in the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

With 133,000 members, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group.

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

GOOCHLAND HISTORY REVEALED

A NOTORIOUS NIGHT SPOT, A FIERY END

Pictured here, mary Lonnie Flannagan smith stands in the doorway of Forest Inn, which was just off of route 6 in eastern Goochland herbert brooks, a member of the infamous Tristate gang, built the Inn as a front for the club Forest speakeasy mary’s husband, sam a smith sr, ran the Forest Inn The atlantic White Flash gasoline sign dates this photo between the late 1930s and early ‘40s during the Prohibition years, club Forest was Goochland’s most notorious night spot and a place for evenings of dining, partying, illegal drinking and gambling In 1934, club Forest was blown up with incendiary bombs hurled by two masked gunmen No one was ever charged with the bombing

RECENT PROPERTY TRANSFERS

11.43 acres; Robert C. Lindemann to Anjanette Phillips-Bright, $1,195,000.

4 parcels; Thomas J. Newton to Jonathan D. Angus, $860,000.

12334 Beech Hall Circle, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Manjulaben Anil Patel, $688,148.

1647 Centerville Parke Lane, Manakin Sabot; Michael D. Nelson to Mohsin Fazlani, $737,500.

Lot 13, Section 4A, Kinloch; Jessica Lee Sutherland to Piping Ventures LLC, $840,000.

Lot 3, Section 4, Breeze Hill; Breeze Hill Inc. to Hunton Station LLC, $150,000.

Lot 5, Section 2, Grand Ridge; Starwood Corp. to Steven G. Patterson, $300,000.

Lots, Section 1, Reed Marsh; Reed Marsh LLC

to Boone Homes Inc., $2,160,000.

12283 North Crossing Drive, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to Dale Frierson, $653,249.

333 Pond Lane, Manakin Sabot; Nordrow Investments LLC to Derek A. Formsma, $700,000.

12149 Readers Pointe Drive, Manakin Sabot; Eagle Construction of Virginia LLC to George Hendrix Brooks, $566,500.

3747 Shannon Hill Road, Columbia; Catherine Slayton to Kimberly Baker, $460,000.

1822 Summer Wind Lane, Maidens; Robert Watkinson to Joseph Leland Fowler, $710,000.

12027 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to John David Barbour III, $536,365.

11.37 acres; William K. Lewis, trustee to Lucy Lane

LLC, $731,400.

3.29 acres; Rhonda L. Davis to Aaron Davis, $215,000.

8.05 acres; Daniel C. Byrnes to Sivakumar Gowrishankar, $540,000.

6 Broad Run Road, Manakin Sabot; John Michael Montgomery to John C. Downen, $590,000.

560 Church Hill Road, Manakin Sabot; Blue Ridge Custom Homes LLC to Joshua Shuford, $788,500.

3750 Grays Lane, Goochland; Joshua L. Carter to Scott Pearce, $235,000.

736 Lee Road, Crozier; Charles S. Luck IV, trustee to Charles G. Meyer III, $300,000.

Lot 10, Section 2, Tally Ho Estates; Ann Marie Bovino to Wayne R. Byrd, trustee, $230,000.

Lot 16, Old Dominion Industrial; Betty S. Valentine to Grayson Crawford McNeely, $290,000.

PAGE 10 ALSO

cLassIFIeds 12-14 OPINION 6

sPOrTs 10-11

CONTACT US

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Benedictine rallies for win over Steward

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAM SMITH JR.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU daniel allen, left, and Thomas henley take notes during the annual Virginia Farm bureau Federation earlier this month Not pictured is fellow Goochland delegate Jonathan Lyle

PET OF THE WEEK

did you know that there is roughly 1% of the population that loves small dogs with major attitude? We have the prime example available; we call her sharky. I’m guessing by our lead in you can see where this is going: sharky is not for everyone. humans fall into two categories, those she likes and those she would push out of an airplane. Getting into the former category is not for the feint of heart because everyone starts in the latter category. It’s not all bad news, she does fine with cats and other dogs, however we don’t think she would do well with small kids. another positive note is she is house trained and does great on a leash and is super food motivated. she loves stuffy toys and sleeping on her favorite soft spots. she will require an experienced dog owner and possibly an exorcist – just kidding! This is going to be a journey for who ever thinks they are ready to tame this little monster’s heart. We know you’re out there looking to win her over. If you want to meet this lap shark give us a call or stop by the adoption center. sharky is about 5 years old and weighs about 15 pounds. The Goochland animal shelter, located at 1900 hidden rock Lane in Goochland, has many pets available to a good home. For more information on these pets, call (804) 556-5302.

PHOTO BY SIDNEY WARREN

Fire-Rescue offers Christmas tree safety tips

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The following Christmas tree safety tips are provided courtesy of Goochland County Fire-Rescue.

Almost one third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree

can grow large very quickly.

Remember the following:

„ When picking tree, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

„ Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.

„ Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.

„ Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

„ Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

„ Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.

„ Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

„ Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

„ Always turn off Christ-

mas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

„ Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.

„ Check with your local community to find a recycling program.

„ Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Usry

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opportunity to earn the right to lead our Nation’s Coast Guardsmen,” Usry said. If he chooses to accept the appointment, he will report to Swab Summer, the initial 8-week training

for new Cadets, prior to the start of the Academic year. Usry intends to major in political science and government, and upon graduation, plans to be commissioned as an Ensign in the Coast Guard, where he hopes to serve with the Coast Guard’s Drug Interdiction mission.

Chair

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signing off on $50 million in bonds.

Among the most challenging moments of his tenure, Spoonhower said, was when he and his fellow board members learned of the death of District 4 supervisor Don Sharpe, who died on Sept. 17. While he and others continue to mourn Sharpe, Spoonhower said he was very pleased with the appointment of Charlie Vaughters, who will finish out Sharpe’s term.

There were other challenges as well, including presiding over the public hearings for a plan to bring a 650,000-square-foot ecommerce fulfillment center to the western end of the county, an effort dubbed “Project Rocky.”

The board ultimately approved the controversial proposal, but not before hearing from many residents who were strongly opposed to it.

“I would say that chairing the public hearing for Project Rocky was probably the most mentally challenging thing I’ve done, but I think it was a very successful outcome,” Spoonhower said.

Spoonhower concluded his remarks by thanking his colleagues on the board and county staff members for their patience and support, and for always putting the residents of Goochland first.

“We work as a team and what I’m most proud of is that there were several times this year where we had the choice to do the OK easy thing or the hard right thing,” Spoonhower said. “And in a hundred percent of those cases, this board chose to do the hard right thing.

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Safety is a key factor adults must take seriously when buying toys for children. Unfortunately, safety is not always foremost on the minds of toy shoppers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that more than 251,000 toy-related injuries were treated in American hospital emergency rooms in 2017. Thankfully, such injuries are almost always

avoidable, especially when shoppers follow a handful of safety strategies when buying toys for young children.

„ Avoid toys with lots of pieces. Stanford Children’s Health notes that toddlers and small children tend to put things in their mouths, increasing their risk of choking as a result. When buying toys for toddlers or small children, avoid toys with small parts that can be choking hazards.

„ Pay attention to age recommendations on packaging. Age guidelines on toy packages are designed to ensure that kids play with toys suited for their age and abilities. Children are more likely to enjoy playing with toys designed for kids their age, and these toys are less likely than age-inappropriate toys to put youngsters’ safety in jeopardy.

„ Recognize even stuffed animals can present safety

hazards. Stuffed animals may not appear to pose as safety risks, but poorly made stuffed animals may have small parts that can easily come off. Poorly made stuffed animals may prove no match for the prying hands of curious youngsters, so make sure any small parts on stuffed animals, such as eyes and buttons, are securely fastened before making any purchases. —MetroCreative

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Evelyn Bagby Anderson

aNdersON, evelyn bagby, 93, of Oilville, Va. and cobbs creek, Va. died peacefully November 29, 2022 in Gloucester, Va. she was born January 15, 1929, to James douglas bagby and carrie shannon bagby. evelyn graduated from Goochland high school and attended mary Washington college. she was a member of salem baptist church. evelyn was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, erle Purrington anderson, who passed away september 18, 2019. she is survived by her three children, matthew Garland anderson II, erle doug-

las anderson and helen anderson carter and her husband, William hall carter; four grandchildren, William hall carter Jr. (colleen), clay Purrington carter (annie), matthew Garland anderson III (happy) and brooks anderson Whitten (harrison); and seven great-grandchildren, William and catherine carter, harper, Townsend and elsie anderson, hart and Parker Whitten. evelyn is also survived by her sister, Gladys bagby cole and her four children. The family wishes to thank the caring staff in heron cove 1 at sanders in Gloucester, Va., as well as all

the wonderful new friends she made there, which had been evelyn’s home for the past nine and a half years. While living there, she was affectionately known as “The mayor” or “The hat Lady,” having an entire wall of hats in her room to choose from daily. a very special thank you to annette mitchell, Pam Winder and Pam brandenburg (and all the heron cove therapy staff) who have loved and cared for her over the past nine-plus years. also, the family wishes to thank Vanessa Laws for leading a beautiful farewell tribute for our mother as she departed

heron cove. a visitation was held on sunday, december 4, at blileys central, 3801 augusta ave., richmond, Va. On saturday, december 10, a joint service and burial was held for both evelyn and her husband, erle, at Westhampton cemetery chapel, 10000 Patterson ave., richmond, Va. (evelyn arrived on time, which was a first for her!!!) In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in evelyn’s memory to Goochland cares, 2999 river road West, Goochland, Va. 23063, or online at http://www.Goochlandcares. org.

Tips for preparing to host holiday guests

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

They’re back! Family, friends and acquaintances are once again taking up residence on cots and foldout sofas across the country as loved ones gather to celebrate the holiday season. That’s welcome news nearly three years after a pandemic first restricted such gatherings. But hosts must ask themselves: Am I ready to host house guests?

Travel is a big component

of the holiday season. According to a 2021 survey by The Vacationer, a travel tip and vacation guide, nearly 63% of Americans age 18 or older planned to travel for at least one holiday in 2021, with most traveling in December. That marked a 37% increase in travel from a year prior. Holiday travel for 2022 may be even higher as families adapt to life during the pandemic.

As individuals get ready to host holiday guests, here are

some strategies to maximize space and make guests feel comfortable.

„ Discuss plans in advance. Every traveler is different. Some people thrive on making lists and following itineraries. Others fly by the seat of their pants. It’s reasonable to ask potential house guests how they envision their visit, including if they plan to stay long and if it will include sleeping over. This way you can make ac-

commodations accordingly, particularly if guests request to borrow a vehicle or want to see the sights.

„ Create some extra privacy. While some homes are equipped to handle guests comfortably, smaller homes may not be equipped with such luxuries. Folding screens can be used to create a barrier and add some privacy in open spaces where guests will be staying.

— MetroCreative

Richards named a 2022 VSTE coach of the year

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Goochland County Instructional Technology Coach Catherine Richards has been named a Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) 2022 Coach of the Year in recognition of her efforts.

Each year, VSTE recognizes exemplary educators at its annual Educational Technology Conference for their outstanding work in supporting their peers and districts in becoming digital-age educators. The VSTE Coach of the Year award recognizes and honors coaches who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in implementing technology to improve education. Award recipients are selected from a pool of nominations submitted by VSTE members from around Virginia.

Richards has established herself as an important instructional leader at Goochland High School, supporting teachers and students every day to not only effectively use tech-

nology tools but also to transform education in innovative ways.

“Catherine is forever earning plaudits because of her efforts on behalf of our division, and we celebrate her be cause she has helped us improve as educators in making the initially intimidating accessible and appealing and allowing us to harness technology to make datadriven decisions,” said GHS English teacher Emily Holloway-Costa. “The consummate teacher and eternal student at heart, she learns, and we learn from her and her example to keep on trying, to keep on innovating and to keep an open mind for how we might utilize technology for deeper learning experiences.”

In addition to working

Richards

OPINION

On this day, a general’s one choice word

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

Make no mistake about it, Christmas is upon us. And with only a few days of shopping and menu planning left, many among us are no doubt feeling just a bit stressed. The time pressure is starting to get to us. Our energy and morale, in the face of so many tasks left to finish, is starting to sag like an underinflated holiday lawn snowman.

It is with this in mind, and with my own to do list laughing at me from across my desk, that I happily note a little historical tidbit that happens to coincide with today’s date.

It was 78 years ago today, with the world once again at war, that an American general delivered what would become one of the most famous—and certainly the shortest—lines ever uttered by a member of the United States armed forces.

A few notes to set the scene: It was Dec. 22, 1944, in Bas-

togne, Belgium, and the Battle of the Bulge was underway. The city was being bravely defended by the 101st Airborne Division, the 969th Artillery Battalion, and the 10th Armored Division, but supplies were running low and attacks by the opposing German forces were relentless. The city was under siege, and, if the situation wasn’t hopeless, it was certainly dire.

The Germans, feeling as though they had the upper hand, proposed a surrender. The city was surrounded, they said. There was no hope. Give up peacefully now, they insisted, and save thousands of lives. Refuse, and the Americans could prepare for total annihilation.

Receiving the message on that bitterly cold December day, with ammunition now being rationed to 10 rounds per gun per day and victory far from certain, was American Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe, acting commander of the 101st.

As the story goes, McAuliffe’s

response to the request surprised no one who knew him, and consisted of just two words: “Aw, nuts!”

What may have surprised some, however, was that, after a bit of nudging from his staff, McAuliffe sent exactly that response back to his German counterparts (the best part of the story, undeniably, is that the American soldier who delivered the message had to explain to the confused German commander exactly what it meant. He reportedly translated it, roughly, as “Go to Hades.”)

I’m leaving out an awful lot here for the sake of brevity, but let’s just say that McAuliffe’s response served as a needed morale boost for his troops, and that the tide would soon turn in the Americans’ favor. By Dec. 26, Patton’s 4th Armored Division had broken through and opened a corridor to Bastogne. The rest, as they say, is history.

So what, then, to make of this little historical anecdote? What

can we learn from it? At least from where this writer (and perennial procrastinator) sits, the message is simple: If one man can thumb his nose at a fierce and determined enemy on the world’s stage with defeat almost certain and the lives of so many literally hanging in the balance, the rest of us can probably figure out a way to tackle that last minute dash to the mall, or those extra few unexpected dinner guests.

Relax, exhale and remember that the most important things can’t be wrapped and that this too shall pass.

From all of us here at the Goochland Gazette, we hope you have a very happy and safe holiday. And one last note: As you gather to celebrate this Christmas, please don’t forget to thank any World War II veterans you know. We won’t have them around forever, and we owe them—and all of our veterans—an eternal debt of gratitude.

For young serviceman, a message of thanks

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

Have you ever had those conversations with someone you haven’t seen in a long time and, inevitably, a

phrase along the lines of “we need to do that one day” comes up? That is what it has been like for the past several years every time I would see local resident Steve

Harris. I am pretty sure from the first time we met at an event, he mentioned a “Christmas story” he thought I would find interesting from his time in the U.S. Navy. Steve served four years in active

service and 20 years in the Navy Reserves.

Each time, we would promise to follow up. Unfortunately, we never

Please see CHEER, Page 7

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Football coach’s wisdom lives on

JIM RIDOLPHI

Contributing Columnist

Someone leaves this planet every second of the day, and each of those deaths is a tragedy for the people who loved them. As I get older, it seems there are more sad days where someone associated with my generation takes the final ride. Even more frightening is the fact that many of them are our childhood heroes or favorite icons.

Fortunately, most of us will enjoy the upcoming holiday season without the grief and dismay of losing a loved one, and the next few weeks will be spent with special moments with the people we love the most.

Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach’s family won’t be one of those happy families celebrating this holiday season after he passed last week after suffering a massive heart attack. They will be among those previously referenced few who will spend the coming days remembering and missing Mike, and they won’t be alone.

Even avid college football fans may not be acquainted with Leach as his teams never won a national championship or even captured a conference title. But, to those who are familiar with his antics, Leach was a winner who mentored hundreds of successful individuals who played for him and had thousands more who admired his efforts.

I began following Leach, 61, when he coached at Texas Tech and was first introduced to his dry wit and humorous

HONORING TOP TEST SCORERS

Goochland high school recently celebrated 14 students who scored in the top 10% of students statewide on the PsaT or who earned a core of 3 or higher on two or more advanced Placement exams. Pictured, from left to right in the front row, are Leah Kelley, margaret Townsend, anna Fowler, Georgia Wensell, amore Jackson and madison meyer. In the back row are Jacob Pudwill, Trevor brown, david Townsend, rober t Whiteside, William browning and alec burnet. Not pictured are hadley Peskin and maria Peterson.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOCHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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approach to some of life’s smallest problems. The sultry coach was never timid about offering his opinion on almost anything.

For example, in a post-game report, a reporter asked Leach about his thoughts on Halloween candy. He anxiously answered, “I think candy corn is awful. You know, it’s like fruitcake. There’s a reason they serve fruitcake once a year, because it’s awful. There’s a reason they only serve mint julips once a year, because they’re awful. And there’s a reason they only serve candy corn once a year, because it’s awful. Now that does beg the question why they serve it at all, but, anyway, that’s my opinion.”

Technology

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with teachers to create collaborations between departments, Richards established a community partnership with the local branch of the YMCA that provides elementary-age children with the opportunity to experience virtual

Cheer

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did – until this year. Steve sent me a handwritten letter and a copy of a 58-year-old message that still has a warm place in his heart.

As we are a few days from Christmas, around the time this story was set in 1964, I thought I would share what Steve shared with me.

In December 1964, Harris, then a 25-year-old ensign in the navy, was stationed at a base on an island in The Bahamas called Eleuthera with about 100 other men as part of ASWFORLANT (Antisubmarine Warfare Forces, Atlantic). At the time, Steve was single and he was informed he would not be granted Christmas leave due to his junior status and married officers being given priority. He was disappointed but it was a reality of serving in the military.

At the start of his watch on Dec. 19, 1964, Steve saw an unclassified message that came in on the teletype and was posted on the command message board. He was so moved by the message that he asked the radioman for a copy that he still holds today.

The message from Vice Admiral C.E. Weakley read: “For all of us Christmas

reality with educational benefits.

Richards also led an effort to engage GCPS team members with the goal of providing in-need graduating seniors with laptops in advance of their transition to college.

“Mrs. Richards has truly shown her commitment to maximizing the potential of all students and teachers at Goochland High School and has done

so much to earn this state-wide recognition,” said Matt Caratachea, GCPS coordinator of technology integration and innovation.

The Virginia Society for Technology in Education was founded in 1986 as the Virginia Educational Computing Association and is Virginia’s affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

He freely opined about everything from the existence of Big Foot to a special brand of marital advice (he endorsed eloping), and never lacked a snappy response to reporters’ questions.

When one asked Leach the overused and useless question regarding how he would like to be remembered in his obituary, Leach’s answer was predictable. “Well that’s their problem ... what do I care, I’m dead.”

has some special meaning. For all of us there is some little thing that triggers memories of past holiday seasons — a midnight church service, a carol sung with friends, a hot toddy. Whatever this recollection, it belongs to each of us personally.

But, if we stop and think, we realize that the combination of these thoughts is the essence of the wonderful way of life we enjoy as Americans— as free men in a free society. And, we know that what we are doing as Navymen and as members of the ASW team is a vital factor in insuring that next Christmas will be a happy one in the United States and that our children will live and grow up as free Americans to have warm thoughts of the Yuletide season as we have. With the real meaning of Christmas in mind, this is perhaps the greatest gift we can give to our loved ones.

To all in ASWFORLANT and to your families, my very best wishes for a happy holiday season. To those of you who by necessity must be on station, an extra measure of good cheer — and thanks.”

Several days later, Steve was overjoyed when he was informed that he would be given two weeks of Christmas leave after all. It took a space available Military Air Transport Service (MATS) flight from Eleuthera to Patrick Air Force Base; a

limousine from the base to Orlando; and another space available flight from Orlando to where his parents lived in Atlanta (he is still tickled as he says he got first class on that flight because he was in his uniform). But when it was all said and done, “he arrived at home in Atlanta, Georgia, where his mother cried and his dog bit him.”

Steve also praised the generosity of several HAM radio operators who got a message from The Bahamas to his dad to let him know he was coming home since there were no cell phones and he couldn’t afford the landline calls.

“I didn’t know exactly when, but I would be there,” he said. “When you fly space available like that, you are flying by the seat of your pants.”

I asked Steve why he still cherishes this message so dearly, and he said because it still rings true today.

“I loved the navy, I really did. We’ve got people serving today. I thought the best part of that was the vice admiral, for those who were having to serve and couldn’t go home, he wished them an extra amount of cheer,” Steve said.

I concur. So to the families of service members far from home this holiday season and to those men and women protecting us at home and abroad, “an extra measure of good cheer — and thanks.”

You could have easily been fooled by the down home, everyman’s approach Leach employed, but don’t let the simple approach to life’s complexities fool you. Leach was no dummy. He held a master’s degree and graduated law school before he arrived on the sideline as a coach.

But, it was his refreshing approach to the game that made him a fan favorite. Leach knew that winning wasn’t everything and prioritized producing responsible young adults with a reasonable chance of winning in the most important game — life.

Along the way, he gained a reputation as an offensive genius, credited with transforming college football with the Air Raid offense.

The loss to the college football world is immense, and his irreverent personality is probably irreplaceable. But, my thoughts are focused on his family who are suffering through an unimaginable loss at the most difficult time of year.

I can relate to their grief, and that of the thousands of Americans who suffer loss at this celebratory time of year. I lost my father on Christmas Eve, 1960, and the season has never been quite the same, but now has become an appropriate time to remember lives lost and appreciate the blessings they bestowed on us.

Above all others, Leach’s family know the influence Leach had on thousands of young lives and the love and respect he displayed for them. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

For the rest of us, Leach’s death reminds us that life is fleeting and tomorrow is never guaranteed.

I’ll leave you with a tidbit of Leach’s philosophy, an appropriate reminder of how he lived and enjoyed his too short time on earth.

“Well, you’re going to be dead in a hundred years anyway, so live dangerously.”

The chickens and the dean: a college prank for the ages

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

JACK AGNEW Contributing Columnist

Ihad this nut for a cousin, who graduated from Hampden-Sydney College before he went to law school.

To give you an idea of what he was like, he said the biggest highlight of his college career was when he was on social probation and academic probation at Hampden-Sydney, and the blacklist at Longwood, all three at the same time. He was not allowed on campus at Longwood because he was so mischievous. He was a pistol.

One night at the fraternity house (back before phones had caller ID), my cousin called the dean of the college and drawled in a country accent, “This is Charles Davis, and I have the truckload of chickens that you ordered. I’m about 30 minutes out of Farmville, and just wanted to make sure that you’re ready to receive them.”

The dean was flustered and said, “Mr. Davis, I didn’t order any chickens.” He answered, “Yes you did, I spoke to you. You wanted 100 chickens delivered, and you’re going to put them in as laying hens. I’ve got them in the truck, and I’m almost there. I’m half an hour away, and I’m going to want my money when I get there.”

The dean insisted, “Mr.

Davis, I did not order any chickens, I assure you. I did not order any.”

My cousin answered, “Mr. So-and-So, don’t argue with me, cuz I talked to you on the phone. I know you ordered the chickens.”

The dean told the caller, “My dear Mr. Davis, I’m afraid you’ve been the victim of a cruel ruse.”

My cousin said, “Ruse, schmooze! If you don’t pay me for these chickens when I get there, we’re going to have a ruse in the front yard!”

The fraternity guys were trying to hold their laughter in. They had their hands over their mouths, running around (trying not to pass out), so the dean wouldn’t hear them snickering in the background. It was a rapt audience, he pulled a good one. He didn’t get caught either, they never knew who did it.

He was a character.

That was the end of the phone call, but I’m sure the dean was Nervous Nellie for 15 minutes to an hour, wondering if a wild-eyed chicken farmer was going to show up with a truckload of poultry in his front yard, wanting his money.

IN THE GARDEN

Why the ‘keyhole garden’ could be a near-perfect growing system

VIRGINIA MCCOWN Contributing Writer

In “The Poisonwood Bible” by Virginia writer Barbara Kingsolver, we read how the character Mama Tataba was doing what Africans have been doing for generations – vegetable gardening by “hilling” or building mounds. Mama Tataba understood that even after months of drought, the rainy season would return just like it always did. Priceless seeds grown in mounds of soil would be preserved when the rains arrived. If spared by flooding, they would thrive.

Did raised bed gardening originate in Africa? Yes, I believe it did. I’ve read several versions of the origin of the keyhole garden. Most claim it came from Africa. Some give credit to the Christian missionaries. I believe it came about as a happy collaboration of several cultures and traditions – as well as by an added pinch of science.

What is a Keyhole Garden?

About as close to a near-perfect gardening system as you can get, it’s essentially self-sufficient. It provides its own fertilizer through self-composting. It conserves water. If you’re older, have a disability or are very young, the keyhole garden is compact, productive and accessible. The garden design even meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

To visualize it, imagine this circular garden as a timeworn keyhole using an old fashioned skeleton key. Kits can be bought on-line, but a keyhole garden can be created at home using bricks and other easily found supplies.

The Keyhole design

The original or traditional design is a raised circular garden with a wedge cutout. The wedge provides easy ingress and egress to the center of the garden where a cage or perforated container acts as a composter. The raised bed promotes adequate drainage in a boggy area – or an area prone to flooding or monsoons.

By watering the keyhole garden in

In a

slot, a source of nutrient-rich compost is placed

gardeners access the container.

the middle or into its compost bin, the water will drain into the compost and then spread the nutrients into the outer sections of the garden.

Field stones are generally the most available resource, but bricks, cement blocks, hay bales and even fencing materials can be used as long as the materials used are sturdy enough to support the soil. Keyhole gardens are generally small – or 6 feet in diameter

– but the size can be altered to fit the user’s needs.

Site location is important

When beginning, choose an area of your yard that’s not the show piece. For most of us, that would be a back or side yard. It should be sunny all day, if you intend on growing vegetables.

PHOTO BY CLAUDIA MUELHAUPT

keyhole garden, named for the similarity of its shape to an old-fashioned key

in the center. The cutout helps

Treasures on the tree

Goochland Gazette readers share their favorite Christmas tree ornaments

As the days until Christmas have ticked down, the Gazette recently asked our readers to tell us about their most cherished Christmas tree ornaments. From those filled with sweet memories to one that caused quite a scene, here are our readers’ favorites.

“When I was in sixth or seventh grade, my best friend and I decided to make dough ornaments for the children’s rehabilitation center in charlottesville. We worked all weekend making them. however, when we went to deliver them, all the children had gone home for the holidays. Not to be let down, we decided to take them to the local nursing home because we figured the residents would love them. We got permission from the person in charge and started handing them out. all the sudden there was a lot of screaming and hollering and people running down the hall. a resident had tried to eat her ornament causing all kinds of problems. We were then asked to leave. ever since that day, these two ornaments that I made that weekend have been my favorite. every year they make me smile and think that no matter how hard you may try to do a good deed, sometimes it just doesn’t work out.” –Cheryl Smith

“These two handmade ornaments (are) from my two little boys who are now 29 and 19 years old. No matter how raggedy these ornaments become, every year when I unwrap them and put them on the tree it fills my heart up!” – Sonda Lanzillotti

“I have so many cherished ornaments, but this is my all-time favorite. a small strand of tinsel and an ornament from my mom and dad’s first christmas tree. Late 1940s.” – Melody Zinn

“This snowflake was one of several that was made by my mom more than 30 years ago. she didn’t do crafts at all, so she was very proud of the fact that she was able to give these to us for our tree.”

– Billie Vaughn

“This ornament was part of a set that my dad received from his grandmother, Grace Webster. he hung it on my grandparents’ tree when he was young, and I did the same on our tree when I was a child. Now, it’s a beautiful reminder of christmases past, and of all the people who filled them with light.” – Jessica Stanley “I have so many…but I love this one my mother-in-law gave me!” –Brittany Valentine

“my mom has bought me an ornament every year. This hallmark unicorn from 1988 has always been my favorite.” –Diane Hudgins

“I just had to buy this soft ornament when I saw it because it looks just like our girl aero (a border collie-corgi mix, who turned 11 years old today!). she is a christmas puppy and the foster mom named each of the puppies after santa’s reindeer (and her momma was Noel).” – Abigail Lapp

Benedictine rallies for win over Steward

WELDON BRADSHAW Special Correspondent

It was halftime, and in their locker room in the McMurtrieReynolds Pavilion, the Benedictine Cadets were struggling mightily to find their game.

Coming off a week of exams and abbreviated practice sessions, they trailed the talented, poised and confident Steward Spartans 32-21 Friday night. Now, after two lackluster, out-of-sync quarters, coach Corey Bradt’s worst fears were becoming reality.

That’s when point guard M.J. Winstead chimed in.

“Steward is really good,” Bradt said, providing context to the transformative locker room moment. “They were outplaying us. We looked tentative. We were nervous. We weren’t playing very hard. We were talking in a roundabout way about energy. Before we left, M.J. hit the nail on the head. He said, ‘Guys, if we have energy, we can play with anybody.’”

Empowered by Winstead’s words, the Cadets cut their double-digit deficit to 41-34 after three quarters, then outscored the visitors 28-11 in the fourth to claim a dramatic, well-earned 62-52 victory on the Rut Court.

Winstead led the second-half charge, scoring 19 of his 21 points after the break and lighting up the Spartans with two fourth-quarter 3-pointers and, in the final 34.8 seconds, draining 6-of-6 free throws.

“We started pressing really well, and we got them out of their game,” said Winstead, a 5-foot10 junior. “We played man[-toman] full-court, the whole time. Honestly, it was our rotations. We started getting lanes. We started getting steals. The goal of our defense is to press everybody and make them play out of their game.”

In the first half, the Spartans, No. 3 in The Times-Dispatch Top 10, hit 11-of-22 shots, forced the Cadets into 6-of-25 shooting, and outrebounded them 19-11. Exam week “was a really big

factor,” Winstead said of Benedictine’s tepid start. “We had low energy from exams. The first quarter seemed like how we’d practiced. We just came together.

“Then we saw our brother [Quenton Toulson] go down [with a right-ankle injury 3 minutes into the game]. We came together at halftime. We did it for him. He brought us energy.”

Luca Puccinelli subbed in for Toulson, but it was early in the second half when he finally found his range.

“Seeing somebody who we put

in so much blood, sweat and tears with in practice on the ground in pain lit a fuse in me,” Puccinelli said. “I thought to myself, ‘I’ve got to get this back.’ I had a feeling I was going in. I was locking in, getting my emotions straight.”

The 6-6, 240-pound junior with several Division I football offers scored three times from close range and calmly dropped in two free throws in the first 2:40 of the second half to help his guys wrest from the Spartans momentum.

“I missed two easy shots in

the first half,” Puccinelli said. “I was playing soft. That got to me. Coaches were saying, ‘You’re strong, physical. You got to be you when you’re out there.’ My first shot, it was like, be you. Make the shot. Go into them. Shoulder. Physicality.

“We thought we shot too many 3’s the first half. We came back, threw it inside, opened up the floor, and started making 3’s from there.”

The Cadets took their first lead (49-47) when Winstead drained a 3-ball from the right wing at

3:29 of the final quarter. A step back by Steward’s Owen Gray forced a 49-all tie. Then at 2:42, Benedictine’s Omar Johnson hit a 3-pointer off an assist by Trevor Toulson to ignite a 13-3 run to end the game.

“We made a conscious effort to get the ball inside,” Bradt said of the second-half plan. “We thought we had something there. Our defensive effort picked up. That triggers everything for us. We were able to wear them down. Once we did that, we took control of the game.”

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

benedictine guard m.J. Winstead (2) was vital to the team’s comeback against steward on dec. 16, scoring 19 second half points to help his team overcome an 11-point halftime deficit.

Goochland stars impress at Big River Rivalry

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

The stars North and South of the James River were on full display at RandolphMacon’s Day Field on Saturday, Dec. 17 as the 804’s best senior football players came together for one last dazzling display of their abilities at the eighth Big River Rivalry all-star game.

With clouds filling the sky and a brisk December wind, the game featured big plays across all four quarters, including two punt returns taken to the house for touchdowns and plenty of deep shot passes that connected from quarterback to receiver for significant gains.

The North team won the game 33-21 thanks to a three-touchdown third quarter that gave them enough separation to hold off any chance at a dramatic comeback from the South.

The winning team featured two Goochland seniors in special teams ace Tyler Black and offensive lineman Easton Bowman as well as Collegiate star Hayden Rollison, who lined up as a linebacker during the game.

Black shared all special teams responsibilities with Atlee’s Zach Tschantre, with one of Black’s best plays of

the day coming in the form of a 45-yard punt that skied over the return man, forcing him to retreat backwards to receive the ball where he was met by multiple North tacklers.

Bowman lined up all across the line for the North and displayed his versatility as a lineman, playing inside under center and even kicking outside as a tackle in certain situations.

Rollison, known as one of Collegiate’s top receiving targets as a tight end, stuck to the defensive side of the ball during the all-star game, where he wreaked havoc in the backfield whenever he rushed on the edge or flew into the A-gap to stop a run up the middle.

The game had two MVPs, one for each team, which were given to Hanover quarterback Cole Elrod on

the North team and Trinity Episcopal wide receiver Trai Ferguson on the South. Elrod threw for a touchdown and also accounted for 74 yards on the ground in his team’s win, while Ferguson hauled in six receptions for 120 yards and an early touchdown from Powhatan quarterback Dylan Trevillian.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the day came when Patrick Henry running back

Gracyn Ross took the North team’s second punt in for a touchdown in the third quarter. The Patriots special teams ace broke four tackles and refused to go down as he sprinted down the left sideline for a 61-yard score.

Entering halftime tied up 7-7, the North came out firing on all cylinders in a dominant third quarter that opened with Ross’ score and was followed by an Elrod strike over the top to Highland Springs running back Aziz Foster-Powell for a 51yard score to make it 21-7.

Then, Armstrong’s Kemari Eberhardt scored his first of two second half touchdowns to open the scoring up even more to 277, though the South did score

one touchdown just before the end of the quarter.

After Eberhardt added one more North score on the ground, the North was able to run down the clock and pick up an impressive win. In the Big River Rivalry’s eight-year history, it’s the fifth time the North team came away with the victory.

With Bowman committed to Christopher Newport and Black committed to Wake Forest, the game was one last chance for two respected Goochland leaders to share the field and represent their school. Rollison, who has received offers from schools like Virginia Tech, Virginia and Georgetown, has yet to make a decision on where he’ll play next.

Collegiate names McConaghy head football coach

ZACH JOACHIM

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Only four men have ever lead Collegiate’s football program – Grover Jones (1960-1982), Jim Hickey (1983-1985), Charlie McFall (1986-2006) and Mark Palyo (2007-2022).

The Cougars on Dec. 6 added former associate head coach, defensive coordinator and strength coach Col-

lin McConaghy to that list, naming him Palyo’s successor as the co-VISAA coach of the year retired at season’s end.

“We’re fired up about the opportunity, and the ability to balance the history, the strengths the program has with some fresh energy,” said Cougars director of athletics Andrew Stanley.

McConaghy, a mindful-

ness teacher, has worked at Collegiate in different capacities for a number of years, and interviewed with Palyo for a job on the varsity football staff in March of 2012.

He was an all-state linebacker and fullback at Amherst County High, where he played under Scott Abell, now the head coach at Davidson College.

McConaghy went to

play at the University of Richmond, where he was a four-year starter at middle linebacker and three-time all-Colonial Athletic Association honoree. He helped UR win a Division I FCS championship in 2008, and was a captain on the 2009 Spiders squad that finished 11-2 and reached the national quarterfinals.

McConaghy co-founded

the Peavey Project, a local nonprofit that teaches mindfulness to individuals, teams and corporations as a tool to enhance health and daily performance, with former Cougars colleague Jake McDonald. The organization is named after Alex Peavey, a former basketball and lacrosse coach and guidance counselor at Collegiate.

“It’s an example of what

makes Collin such an important hire for a place like us,” Stanley said of McConaghy’s work with the Peavey Project, of which Collegiate is a client.

“Collin’s got the substance to understand what it takes to put young people in a position to meet their potential. ... And he understands how to take care of these kids off the field, which is essential in today’s world,” he continued.

PHOTOS BY ROBBY FLETCHER

collegiate’s hayden rollison (44) charges after the quarterback in the big river rivalry held at randolph-macon’s day Field on dec. 17.

Goochland offensive lineman easton bowman (64) lined up across the offensive line for the North team in the big river rivalry.

PUBLICHEARINGNOTICE

GoochlandCountyBoardofSupervisors

Tuesday,January3,2023,6:00PM

GoochlandCountyAdministrationBuilding

Viewcountymeeting:https://www.goochlandva.us/1154/County-Meetings IFYOUHAVECOMMENTSONTHESEPUBLICHEARINGITEMS, PLEASESENDCOMMENTSTOBOSCOMMENT@GOOCHLANDVA.US ORCONTACT804-556-5811.

PLEASECHECKWWW.GOOCHLANDVA.USFORANYUPDATES REGARDINGTHISMEETING.

BudgetAmendment: VirginiaCode §15.2-2507 requiresthatifa localityintendstoamenditsbudgetbyanamountthatexceedsone percentofthetotalexpendituresshowninthecurrentlyadopted budget,then apublichearingonthebudgetamendmentmust firstbeheld.ThecurrentadoptedFiscal Year2023Goochland Countybudgetis$124,372,612.Theproposedbudgetamendment describedbelowtotals$15,726,130,whichisgreaterthan1%ofthe currentFiscal Year2023budget.

Requesttoconsiderappropriatinguptoanadditional$15,726,130 forthenewGoochlandElementarySchoolproject.

Requestforappropriationiscomprisedofthefollowing: 1)$1,033,906inbondproceedsfrominitialbondsale 2)$5,000,000inbondpremium 3)$1,250,000inbondinterestearnings 4)$8,442,224fromfundingsourcesdeterminedbytheBoardof Supervisors(cash,private financing,public financing,currentor futurebondproceeds)

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County wideOrdinance Amendment

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Anyone mayattend to express opinionson theabove. Full text of theabove informat ionisavailablein thePlanningO f fice, 18 00 Sand yHook Road,S uite 28 0 Goochland, VA 23 06 3

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Countywide -ZOA-2022-00004 -AmendmenttoZoningOrdinanceSec.15-273(Districtstandards)toclarifybuilding height requirementsintheIndustrial,General(M-2)District

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CountywideOrdinanceamendingCountyCodeChapter11(Purchasing;SurplusProperty),ArticleII(Purchasing Director),Sec.11-12(Authoritiesanddutiesofthepurchasingdirector),andArticleIV(ContractFormationandMethods ofSourceSelection),Secs.11-27,11-33,11-34,and11-36to remove referencestousing abidder’slist;changethe monthly reporting requirementforemergencypurchasesfrom$1,000to$10,000;increasethesmallpurchasethreshold for requiring three vendor quotes from $5,000 to $10,000; remove county website posting of small purchases over $30,000;andincreasethesmallpurchaselimitandthecapitalprojectscontractamountneedingboardapprovalfrom $150,000to$200,000

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The garden should be level or at only a slight incline.

Interest in keyhole gardening was renewed shortly before the pandemic hit. Many gardeners considered it but that’s as far as it went. On the other hand, GoochlandPowhatan Master Gardener Claudia Muelhaupt actually went forward and built a keyhole garden. I recently had the opportunity to talk with her about her experience.

Q: When did you start your keyhole garden?

Claudia: My husband and I built our keyhole garden during the summer of 2018. My husband made sure it was leveled correctly, and we filled it with garden soil. We allowed the garden to sit until the following spring. We only started up and fed the composter. We chose a trash can for the composter.

Q: What materials did you use?

Claudia: We used bricks for the walls. We haven’t had any leaking or critter problems—only deer!

Q: Are you pleased with your vegetable yields?

Claudia: In 2019, I planted tomatoes, but it was a disaster thanks to the deer. In 2020, I planted peppers and basil. The harvest was okay. A cover crop was sown and overwintered between 2020 and 2021. In 2021, I planted tomatoes with great results. In 2022, I planted peppers and cucumbers. The cucumbers did great but the peppers were only okay.

I believe it takes two to three years for the keyhole garden to deliver great results.

Q: If you could, would you do anything differently?

Claudia: I would’ve chosen a sunnier location. My keyhole garden has afternoon shade.

Q: We see kits as well as articles online that show non-cylindrical keyhole gar-

dens. Would you recommend building a square shape or a circular shape? Or does it matter at all?

Claudia: I like my keyhole garden. Build it with whatever materials or shape that suits you.

What is compost and how do

I make it?

Compost is a cornucopia of organic matter. Mixed together and left to fester along with plenty of moisture, heat and air, kitchen scraps can be turned to what some call “black gold.” The keyhole garden enables its user to recycle many of the discarded peelings back into the garden as a soil amendment and nutrient. It’s easy and it’s cheap.

Compost is created by placing layers or tiers of organic matter between layers of soil. Compost is considered “done” when the matter has broken down into pieces small enough to use easily.

Materials to use:

„ Autumn leaves

„ Grass clippings

„ Non-animal kitchen scraps such as fruit and vegetable peelings

„ Eggshells

„ Coffee grinds and used tea bags

„ Fallen fruit

Materials to avoid:

„ Annual and perennial weeds which may contain seeds or roots

„ Diseased crops

„ Corncobs and citrus rinds

„ Animal kitchen scraps as they may attract vermin and other pests

„ Grass clippings or other plant matter containing herbicides

„ Coal and charcoal ashes, which may have contained toxic materials

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

ARIES • Mar 21/Apr 20

Don’t fret, Aries. No news is good news while you’re waiting around to hear about something important. Give it a few more days and your waiting time will be over.

TAURUS • Apr 21/May 21

If you are thinking about changing careers, you probably should wait until the holidays are over. No one’s mind is on the job these days, so waiting is the wiser move.

GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21

Consider all sides of a situation before you offer your opinion, Gemini. This way you have the facts and will not inadvertently alienate someone.

CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22

When someone turns to you for help, you do not hesitate to do all that you can, Cancer. Just be sure you do not to overwork yourself. Take on only what you can manage

LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23

You’ve bitten off quite a lot lately, Leo. Fortunately, you have a good support system that can help you out when you need a helping hand. Rely on them as much as necessary.

VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22

Take a few days to sit back and rest and recharge. It will afford you an opportunity to plan for the future, as this may be a period of unrest for you.

LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23

You’ve been placed in a new role and you’re loving every minute of it, Libra. Enjoy the moments while they last. This may be what you’re meant to do.

SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you might want to take it easy and stick close to home for the time being. You need to regroup and focus anew. You can do that more easily without distractions.

SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, your to-do list might be growing longer, but tackle one thing at a time rather than getting overwhelmed. Reach out to a loved one for assistance.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20

Success is within reach, Capricorn. Do not be surprised if others are a bit jealous of your accomplishments and want to pull you down. Ignore the naysayers.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

You have a plan but others are not falling in line right now, Aquarius. It may take time before others come around to your way of thinking. Be a little more patient.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20

It’s a fine balance between work and play right now for you, Pisces. You’re tempted to forego all responsibilities, but that wouldn’t be smart.