Coming events of note

Spring is here — time for fun stuff!

The snow is gone, the sun is high and everything is in bloom. Gesundheit!

Three events warrant your consideration this month.

The Goochland Republican Women will host Kate Obenshain at its meeting on Friday, April 9 at 11 a.m. at the Manakin Company 1 fire-rescue station on Rt. 6. She will speak about 'The Importance of Leading Women in the Conservative Movement.'

Obenshain is a conservative commentator (Fox News and others), Vice President of the Young America's Foundation and former chairwoman, Republican Party of Virginia

On Saturday April 24, Goochland CASA is holding its second annual Goochland 5K in West Creek. Walkers are also welcome in this fun and worthy event to raise funds for the Goochland Court Appointed Special Advocates.

This organization provides trained volunteers who serve as the eyes and ears of juvenile court in cases involving children caught in the maze of the court and child welfare system. CASA volunteers, appointed by the Juvenile Court, gather information about the child and their living conditions and prepare reports to help the judge determine the best outcome for the child. Without CASA volunteers, children have no voice in legal proceedings affecting their lives.

Donations and sponsorships are also welcome. Make checks payable to Goochland CASA and send to P O Box 910, Goochland VA 23063.

Registration fees are modest, no more than $25 for an adult on race day. Race registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Farm Bureau headquarters in West Creek. The race begins at 8 a.m.

Call Geri Venable, Goochland CASA at 556-5876 or race coordinator Rob Astrop at 833-5732 for more information. Register online at www.rrrc.org or www.raceit.com.

For the “dirt under the fingernails” crowd, the annual Spring Garden Fest, sponsored by the Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardeners will also be held on April 24 at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Goochland Courthouse.

Garden Fest offers a fascinating selection of classes and workshops that include worm composting; container gardening; basic organic gardening; rail barrels; landscaping with edible plants and many more.

For complete information and to register, visit gpmga.org.

If you can’t stay for the whole day, stop by to shop at the interesting array of vendors. Plants grown by JSRCC students and GPMGA members will also be offered for sale. These plants are an amazing value and expect to find items not offered in local garden centers.

All of these activities provide an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones to grow our community!