On to fall

 

August 19 was the first day of school in Goochland, marking the attitudinal start of fall and farewell to summer.

May our students have a successful and satisfying year as they master useful skills to prepare them to take their place in society. Thanks to teachers everywhere for helping students live up to their full potential.

As summer wanes, community activities ramp up.  A few to consider:

Goochland Fire-Rescue will observe the 23^rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Solemn remembrances will be held at 9:45 a.m. when members of the first responder community (Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services and Goochland County Sheriff’s Office) will gather at Courthouse Fire-Rescue Station 5 (2710 Fairground Road) to conduct the annual service in memory of the First Responders.  On the evening of September 11^th at 7:00 pm at Manakin Fire-Rescue Station 1, 180 River Road West, we gather for a community-oriented event, open to the public. This moving tribute takes place at the site of the Goochland County Memorial, which is made with pieces of steel from the twin towers in New York City.

For runners, it’s not too late to sign up for the “Run to the Revolution” 5k on September 14 at historic Elk Hill in western Goochland. Cornwallis stopped here on his ill-fated trip to Yorktown. The event is sponsored by the GVA250 commission to raise awareness of Goochland’s part in the birth of America as the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches in 2026. Go to https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Goochland/RuntotheRevolution for sign up information. The $30 entrance fee increases on September 1.

The next class of Goochland Leadership Enterprise is forming. Since its creation in 1996, GLE has helped newcomers and lifelong Goochlanders alike explore a wide range of local topics including history, agriculture, local and state government, non-profits, natural resources, law enforcement, courts, fire-rescue, and economic development.

Graduates of the GLE program have served on every elected and appointed board in Goochland and many non-profits. One blogs. The program not only provides the opportunity to learn how the county works, but it also brings together people who might not otherwise meet to encourage discussion and debate about the blessings and challenges of Goochland, and how to be engaged in the community.

Comprised of 13 monthly 6:30 p.m. classes, GLE runs from mid-October to early April at various locations around Goochland. In February, class members have dinner with the board of supervisors, and meet with delegation to the Virginia General Assembly later in the month.

Go to https://goochland.ext.vt.edu/programs.html for more information or to sign up.

Cops and Coffee on September 14 at the Chick-fil-A on Broad Street in Centerville from 9-10:30 a.m. is an opportunity to enjoy coffee and conversation with the wonderful deputies of the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office who keep us safe.