The first weekend in October

Fall is in full swing and the weather promises to be perfect. Take advantage of the nice days to participate in a few things close to home.

October is Fire Prevention Month. Firefighters believe that the best fire is one that never gets started. To that end, they work hard on prevention and education.
Auxiliaries, local folks who support fire-rescue volunteers, work hard to raise money. This Saturday, October 5, the Hadensville Company 6 ladies' auxiliary will hold a huge yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the station, on Rt. 250 in Hadensville. All proceeds will be used to furnish and equip the kitchen of its soon-to-be-built new station.

This Sunday, October 6, Manakin Volunteer Fire-Rescue Company 1 will hold a barbecue and fire safety exposition from 1 to 6 p.m. on the grounds of Benedictine College Preparatory school on River Road next to Rt. 288. In addition to tasty barbecue, there will be demonstrations, including a visit from a MedFlight helicopter and lots of fire-rescue apparatus for your inspection. For further information, visit Manakin1.org for more information. Come visit the area’s newest neighbor.

Centerville Fire-Rescue Company 3 will also hold an open house at 52 Broad Street Road between 1 and 5 p.m.

Fife Company 4 will hold a field day event at its station on Hadensville-Fife Road from 1 to 5 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to meet the volunteers who work and train hard to save lives and protect property in Goochland County.

Grace Episcopal Church will have a blessing of the animals on Sunday at both the 9 and 11 a.m. services.

The County Health and Fitness Expo will take place on Saturday, October 5 from 10 to 2 at the Goochland Sports Complex (aka the old gym behind the admin building at 1800 Sandy Hook Road.)Contact county parks and rec at 556-5854 for additional information. Shuttle service from the Goochland YMCA will be available between 11 and 1.

Last, but not least, on Saturday, there will be an open house at the Goochland Animal Shelter from 10 to noon. Bring the kids, take a tour, register for prizes, and lots more! Dr. James Lavender and his Big Cats are special guests. The animal shelter is located at the entrance to Hidden Rock Park near the central convenience center just off of Fairground Road in Maidens.