Miscellaneous

 

We like to vote in Goochland. According to statistics recently released by the Virginia Public Access project (VPAP), Goochland recorded the highest voting percentage in the Commonwealth at 83.2 percent of eligible voters in the November 5 general election.

Thanks to our electoral board, Pam Johnson, Robert Walker, Wanda Taylor, and Goochland Registrar Ryan Mulligan for their hard work in conducting a free and fair election.  We also owe a profound debt of gratitude to all those who worked at the polls, especially during the extremely long early voting period.

But wait, we’re not done voting. Because the incumbent in the 10^th district seat in the state senate, John McGuire, was elected to congress, a special election will be held to replace him to ensure that 10^th District citizens will be represented in the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session. Details about when that special election will take place and who political parties will nominate have not been announced.

Due to the short time frame, there may not be much notice of this election, so keep an eye out.

It’s that time of year when we pause to count our blessings. Goochland’s 2024 Christmas Mother Belinda Bowles, supported by her intrepid elves, is busy collecting non-perishable food and cash donations so those less fortunate can have happy holidays.  Go to https://www.goochlandchristmasmother.org/ to find out how to participate.)

According to past Christmas Mother Robin Hillman, who spoke to the Board of Supervisors at their November 6 meeting, 239 families qualified for Christmas Mother benefits this year. All recipients must be Goochland residents and meet income requirements. Families with children, residents over 60 years of age, and those with documented disabilities qualify are eligible.

Each recipient is given gift cards for Food Lion ($175) and Walmart ($100 for each family member) and a box of nonperishable food.

The document shredding and tire amnesty event was a resounding success. According to information released by the county, 400 vehicles disposed of 525 tires, especially large ones from agricultural equipment, and 10,000 pounds of documents.

The inclusion of large tires supports our agricultural community. Disposing of large tires is difficult and expensive.

The Marine Corps Junior ROTC from Goochland High School helped with the collection and were instrumental in the success of the event, according to Don Leftwich, the county’s solid waste and recycling manager. This was the first time in many years that ag tires were included in amnesty. The county sponsors these events a few times a year. Go to the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ and click on the “solid waste & recycling” tab for detailed information about recycling year-round.

Residents lined up for the tire amnesty at the Fairground property. (Goochland County image)