Meeting before Turkey Day

 

The annual Goochland Christmas Tree lighting celebration will take place on Friday, December 3 beginning at 6:30 at the intersection of Fairground and Sandy Hook Road in Courthouse Village.  I will include Goochland's version of a grand illumination, music, treats. Santa will arrive at 7 p.m. Please bring canned food for donation to Goochland Cares.  Note: this may be the last time the county tree is at this location because construction of the roundabout is expected to begin next year.

Financial report

The Goochland Board of Supervisors met on November 23 to formally approve the results the audit for FY 2021, which ended on June 30. Mike Garber, a principal with PBMares, the firm retained by the county to perform the audit, informed the supervisors that the report formerly known at the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, shorted to the acronym CAFR, will henceforth be called the Annual Comprehensive Financial report. "The GOFA determined that the pronunciation of that acronym is offensive to a certain group of people and made the change," reported Garber.

Otherwise, Goochland County's financials are sound, the ACFR (akfer?) was clean, unmodified. As District 5 supervisor Ken Peterson pointed out, this is the result of many people doing the correct thing every day in performance of their job duties.  He also commended PBMAres for keeping an open line of communications with Goochland County throughput the year.

This report is available in its entirety on the county website goochlandva.us under the financial services tab. Perusing this document is well worth your time.

Neighborliness

In the sprit of the season and tradition of small-town neighborliness, the supervisors approved a memorandum of understanding with Cumberland County for temporary shared building official and building official services.

Due to the unexpected and sudden death of Leland Leeds, who had served as the building official for Cumberland County for 22 years, that county was left without anyone to fulfill the duties of that office.

Goochland Building Official Gary Fisher, who serves as the chairman of the regional Building Code Officials' Association, explained that Cumberland had a two-man shop, the building official and a permit tech. Fisher took it upon himself to coordinate with surrounding counties to keep the department going until Cumberland is able to hire a replacement, which is a challenge in the current tight labor market.

Building officials from Prince Edward and Buckingham counties are doing Cumberland's inspections. However, they lack someone with the authority to handle paperwork, including approval of permits and notice of violations. This spurred Goochland, said Fisher, to offer to "lend" the services of Casey Littlefield, CBO, MCP, to simultaneously serve as Goochland’s Deputy Building Official and Cumberland’s Acting Building Official.

Fisher stated that this arrangement will not impact inspections in Goochland in any way. Expenses for Littlefield will be paid by Cumberland County. Other jurisdictions will backstop Littlefield to ensure that Cumberland's work gets done. Littlefield will be considered to be an employee of Goochland County.

"Foremost is we don't want the citizens of Goochland to see any difference in our services. We thought it was the right thing to do even if we're busy," said Fisher. Cumberland, he said, is much smaller than Goochland with a lighter workload than us.

Littlefield and Fisher expect that the number of extra hours involved in the arrangement will be low.

The supervisors unanimously approved the MOU. "We are proud and grateful that you are stepping up," said Board Chair John Lumpkins, Jr. District 3. The agreement will be in effect until the earlier of February 28, 2022, or the hiring of a permanent building official by Cumberland County. The agreement may be extended by mutual agreement.

           

Reynolds Community College

Dr. Paula Pando, President of Reynolds Community College, presented her annual report to the supervisors. Most of the programs she described are at the Parham Road, Downtown, and The Kitchens at Reynolds on Nine Mile Road campuses. (See her full presentation on the county website gooclandva.us at the "watch county meeting" tab for the November 23 BoS meeting on about the 18 minute mark)

Community colleges, explained Pando, fill a vital niche in preparation of a workforce ready and able to fill 21^st century jobs. She contended that post secondary credentials are necessary for success in the job market. Pando commended Dr. Steve Geyer, Goochland's Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, who represents the county on the Reynolds Board, for his contributions.

Covid played havoc with many Reynolds' students who were juggling school, work, and other responsibilities before the pandemic hit, said Pando. A concern is the percentage of students that drop out before completing the programs in which they are enrolled, leaving them a rung short of climbing onto the ladder of success. To deal with this need the Reynolds Foundation created a Finish Line Assist program to pay tuition for students in good standing who are a few credits shy of graduation.  Some are also insecure in food, and housing. Reynolds has partnered with FeedMore and is now able to offer its students access to healthy food.

Pando said that a joint program between Reynolds and GCPS offers a two-year degree in earl childhood education before high school graduation that gives participants a two-year leg up on a teaching degree. The dual enrollment advanced college academy program in Goochland is open to all who have the ability to benefit and have a shot at doing something exceptional with their lives. Reynolds is doing many great things to build our workforce.

The elephant in the room seemed to be what is going to happen with Reynolds' Goochland Campus?  This 92-acre gem in the heart of Courthouse Village is largely unused. though it has hosted several vaccine clinics during the pandemic.

Pando acknowledged the beauty of the facility, but said its future remains something of a question mark. New programs at Reynolds' other campuses tend to be partnerships whose sponsors require locations accessed by public transportation, which does not serve Courthouse Village. Parham Road, the closest campus to Goochland, is at least 30-mile drive for county residents.

Pando said that community conversations about the future of the Goochland Campus began in the spring with GCPS, the EDA, and some county staff. Pando contended that she is excited to have conversations about the future of the Goochland Campus with county leadership to maximize the use of that asset in a way that aligns with a sustainable mission as stewards of public resources, or something.  Pando is open to a wide range of suggestions for the campus. "Nothing is off the table except selling it," she said.

Going forward, community input about possible uses for the Goochland campus will be part of the larger "conversations" about Courthouse Village that began in a workshop earlier this month. Meetings similar to those help about the referendum questions are planned for early next year on this topic.

Please pay attention to these sessions to ensure that Courthouse Village grows gracefully for the benefit of all.

           

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

Learning via tastebud

 

            It's almost Thanksgiving, so our thoughts turn to food. It's also pumpkin spice season, whose main components, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, are not native to North America.

Until Covid and supply chain issues caught our attention, grocery stores, well-stocked with a wide array of foods from near and far, were taken for granted.

It was not always so. Lindsey Dewey, who teaches social studies at Goochland High School recently collaborated with Chef David Booth head of the culinary arts section of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, to give students hands on insight into food sourcing and preparation in the southern United States in the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

Dewey divided her students into teams by region, upper, middle and lower south. They analyzed ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic influences on diet and cooking, then created websites with their findings including recipes. These results went to the culinary arts lab at GTech where the recipes translated research into lunch.

Chef David Booth discusses food prepared from traditional recipes while Lindsey Dewey (right) looks on. 

 Before there were railroads and interstate highways to transport food vast distances in a short time, people pretty much ate what they could grow, catch or kill close to home. This explains the dietary differences among the regions. Methods of preparing available food, however, was greatly influenced by ethnic traditions of settlers in the different regions.

Ingredients that are readily available today, like sugar, were so expensive that they were used only by the affluent. Most people used honey or syrup as sweeteners. Even fruits like orange and lemon, often used as flavorings, were rare. Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg were exotic and expensive.

Food was cooked over wood fires. An outdoor fire place, complete with a welded stand to hold cast iron pots over a fire was built by CTE construction trade students and used to prepare parts of the lesson.

GHS social studies teacher Lindsey Dewey and fireplace created by CTE students who also welded the bracket to suspend heavy pots over the fire.

Lacking refrigeration, early Americans used fermentation to preserve food. The food prepared by Booth's students included pickled green beans, cucumbers, red onions, and deer pears as well as a fermented hot sauce. Relish made from the Jerusalem artichoke—a plant native to North America used as a food source by indigenous people—was used an accompaniment to roast pork loin prepared with a traditional East Carolina mustard and vinegar barbecue sauce.

Booth chose recipes from the research done by Dewey's students that would translate to contemporary kitchens. These included deviled quail eggs, which Booth said originated in the deep South. Other classic southern dishes included hoecakes, corn and potato chowder, gumbo, Cajun style rice, collard greens with smoked turkey stock and cheese grits.

Dessert was pumpkin pie, apple dumplings, and beignets, New Orleans style doughnuts. Given the way that the students dug into their "lesson", it was a tasty one.

Kudos to Dewey and Booth for creatively engaging their students.

Go to https://sites.google.com/glnd.k12.va.us/culinaryproject2021/ for details and recipes.

 

 

 

           

Youngkin visits Goochland

"Thank you, Goochland," Glenn Youngkin, who will become Virginia's 74^th governor on January 15, told a packed house at the Sports Page Bar and Grill in Centerville on the morning of November 20.

Glenn Youngkin chats with supporters.

Part of Youngkin's "Thank you tour", the visit to Goochland was a campaign promise fulfilled, said the energetic 54 year old. He praised the county GOP, Tea Party members, and others who worked tirelessly to get out the vote. He lauded Goochland for having the highest voter turnout of registered voters—71 percent—in the state. "I truly appreciate the effort you put in," Youngkin said. "You all here in Goochland County made the difference."

The start of the event was billed as 10:30 a.m.; Youngkin arrived after 11. Bourbon enthusiasts who were lined up for the first come first served sale of collectible bourbons at the Centerville ABC store, next to Sports Page Bar and Grill causing some confusion for those who arrived early to see the next governor.

People waiting for Youngkin to arrive on a chilly morning.

Susan Lascolette, who represents District 1 on the Goochland Board of Supervisors, gave the invocation, an eloquent blend of thanksgiving, resolve, and mindfulness that elected officials serve the Lord and their constituents.

Goochland Sheriff Steven Ned Creasey introduced Youngkin. "It's a new day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. On January 15, I am proud to say that we will have a governor who's committed to keeping our community safe by fully supporting law enforcement."

Wearing his trademark fleece vest, sleeves rolled up as an indication that he's getting down to work, Youngkin waded through a throng of supporters to the strains of Spirit in the Sky.

"What happened around Virginia is truly startling.  This is about Virginians, not republicans or democrats or a small group of people trying to impose its will on others. This is about Virginia coming together.  I just want to say how much I appreciate the effort that every one of you put into this campaign. This is about the power of one amplified by people putting their hands up with a can do attitude until it becomes the power of many," Youngkin said.

He then outlined the to do list for the start of his administration. Ending mask and vaccine mandates is first up. "I support the vaccine. I encourage you to get the vaccine. My family and I are vaccinated, but I trust you to make the right decisions for you and your families."

Schools will be open five days a week for in person learning without masks. Charter schools, to help the most disadvantaged students get the education they need to be able to secure their own piece of the American Dream and live a satisfying, productive life will be expanded. Youngkin said that education will include courses with advanced academic rigor and resume expectations of academic excellence.

Audits of the Virginia Employment Commission and the Department of Motor Vehicles, whose wretched dysfunction throughout Covid added to the misery of many citizens, will be made soon after he takes office. Youngkin pledged to streamline state government to ensure it works well to serve the citizens whose taxes pay for it.

For the first time Youngkin's transition team includes a sheriff.

 There is much work to do, conceded the governor-elect. "Do not put down that enthusiasm this is not a snapshot but a motion picture with anew scene tomorrow and the next day that requires everyone to stay engaged. What we started here has spread across the country.  All eyes are on Virginia today.  We are a shining example of what government for the people, of the people, by the people can accomplish."

Youngkin indicated that, as governor, he works for every citizen, whether or not they voted for him. "Virginia sent us with a mission to go to work. That is what we're going to do day one by cutting cost of living for Virginia and eliminate the grocery tax. We can lower taxes and invest in education."

Youngkin pledged to honor veterans in practical ways to keep them here. "One of every 11 Virginians is a veteran. We are better because of them and it's time to start saying thank you by reducing taxes on their benefits."

He declared that our schools must teach all the history of our country good and bad. "We must teach about American exceptionalism but must also teach about the abhorrent chapters in our history. We will not teach our children to view things through a lens of race. The opportunities before us are there for all to chase."

We will have law enforcement's back because they have ours, said Youngkin. He pledged to replace the entire parole board.

Youngkin declared Virginia open for business and said that his veto pen "will be sharp" and ready to go against any dilution of right to work laws. "We need to get Virginia back to work to lift up all of us. We will make government work for us, not tell us what to do." Virginia, he contended, will become an innovation economy.

He thanked those present for hiring him. "I can't wait to go to work for all of you, Winsome Sears and Jason Miyares feel the same."

"I will always hold Goochland County in a special place. I made a promise that I will attend a Goochland supervisory board meeting. I keep my promises."

May the reality of Youngkin's term as governor bring a new day to the Commonwealth and better days for every Virginian.

(Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUThwcEf2n8 for a video of the event prepared by the Goochland Republican Committee created by Buddy Bishop.)

 

 

A tale of two villages

 

            On Monday, November 8, Goochland County held a kick-off meeting for a planning initiative to take a close look at the transportation infrastructure needs for both Courthouse and Centerville Village.

            First, a bit of background. Courthouse Village is the closest thing Goochland County has to a "real" village. It has government buildings, including a post office, library, court complex, administration building, schools, churches, parks, Reynolds Community College, retail, and other businesses. There is a "there there." It's population, especially within walking distance of the main drag, River Road West, is growing.

Courthouse Village 

            Most of the comments during the session were directed at Courthouse Village. People live there. Residents contended that there is a vital and immediate need for more and better sidewalks. Off road connectors between River Road West and Tucker Park, which straddles Rt. 522 on the north bank of the James River for both walkers and bikers are needed so they do not have to "play in traffic" while recreating. Interest for a web of trails connecting River Road West to Hidden Rock Park was also expressed.

            Traffic along two-lane River Road West through the heart of Courthouse Village was pegged by a speaker in the neighborhood of 80,000 daily—yes daily—including many large trucks. Crosswalks are few and far between, although VDOT seems to be studying this issue. The signalized crosswalk at the intersection of Sandy Hook Road and River Road West is a big improvement. However, sidewalks there still do not connect to the shopping center on Fairground Road, or even to the Farmers Market site opposite the sports complex forcing pedestrians to walk either in the road or on yards.

            Running groups must train very early in the morning to avoid traffic. Cyclists would like to be able to get to Tucker Park without "playing chicken" with vehicular traffic. Several people contended that bike lanes are needed to accommodate the burgeoning numbers of cyclists on our narrow roads.

            Residents of Courthouse Village are already using the area for recreational purposes and want more and better ways to do so. Rural Hill, the large subdivision recently approved behind Reed Marsh opposite the admin building, included walking trails in its design that seem to be designated for public use.

            Then there is Centerville, (see map) which is a whole different animal. For the record, Manakin Sabot is a zip code. Manakin is on Rt.6 by the Luck Stone headquarters. Addresses in the Centerville Village includes zip codes for Manakin Sabot, Rockville, which is in Hanover County, and Richmond.

Centerville Village

            Unless you are patronizing the Food Lion or the few businesses and restaurants on Broad Street Road between Ashland and Manakin Roads—considered the village core—Centerville is a place you drive through to get somewhere else. The portion of Centerville east of Rt. 288 has been absorbed, at least attitudinally, by Short Pump. Avery Point, the mammoth continuing care community under construction behind the Notch Apartments, seems so ashamed that it is located in Goochland, that it advertises as being in Short Pump.

            Unlike Courthouse Village, there isn't much "there there" in Centerville. Residential areas located in the Village, including the relatively new Parkes at Saddle Creek and Centerville, Reader's Branch, older ones like Hickory Haven, Sammary Forest, south of Broad Street Road and Wingmead to the north, are self-contained subdivisions lacking sidewalks on main roads leading to the commercial areas. Apartments in the Notch, opposite the Wawa, do have sidewalks that connect with Broad Street Road, but they head east toward Short Pump.

            Manakin Towne, the mixed-use project approved last year, located north of Broad Street Road between Manakin Road and Plaza Drive, has the potential to bring a sense of place to Centerville, but is still on the drawing board.

            The closest thing to a sidewalk in the Centerville core is an uninviting concrete strip on the north side of Broad Street Road. Has anyone ever seen people walking there? Crossing Broad Street Road in Centerville, even in a car, can be tricky thanks to the ill-advised hard median installed when the road was widened about a decade ago. This "improvement" effectively bisected the village core.

            In spite of dire warnings that Centerville will be overrun with development, there are still cornfields in its commercial core. New businesses are locating east of Rt.288. Given the traffic and the nature of those businesses, sidewalks connecting them do not seem to be a high priority item or make much sense.

            What could give Centerville more of an identity? Suggestions included small parks with benches where people could gather.

            An east end trail system from Broad Street Road to Rt.  6 following the Tuckahoe Creek Service District trunk lines along Tuckahoe Creek has been in the works for a while. According to Jo Ann Hunter, Deputy County Administrator who oversees community and economic development and public utilities, VDOT funding for a portion of that trail has been secured and it is in the design phase.

            Some speakers suggested that Goochland connect its trail system with regional trails and add commercial opportunities along the way to generate sales tax revenue for the county. They were not specific on what sort of commerce would be appropriate. Breweries, wineries, bike shops, and restaurants might qualify. The first phase of the east end trail system will run from the now closed West Creek Emergency Center to Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on West Creek Parkway.

            Public transit was also discussed. Additional Park and ride lots have been on the county transportation plan for a while. Extension of GRTC bus routes to the Sheltering Arms Hospital opposite the Wawa was discussed.

            Micro transit, which seemed like a group Uber concept, where several people traveling a similar route would share a multi passenger vehicle smaller than a bus. This would be app controlled.

            Public transit in an area like Goochland seems tricky to implement because most people would need to drive somewhere to catch a bus. Would there be enough people using the same route to justify the expense of a bus route? If so, would the schedule accommodate people with non traditional work hours?

            The golden age of public transit may have come and gone. when settlement patterns were arranged in a hub and spokes configuration—people lived in the spokes and worked in the hub—this made a lot of sense. As jobs are less concentrated in city centers, it becomes more difficult to plan transit routes for suburb-to-suburb commutes. Would someone who lives in Goochland and works in Chesterfield, for instance, need to go into Richmond and change buses to travel south of the James? It might be a lot easier just to drive there.

            This was the first of hopefully, many discussions about the future of Centerville and Courthouse Village. This is not the first time these areas have been targeted for long term planning. Both have been the topic of graduate planning dissertations that were largely ignored.

            These conversations will explore complex and important issues for development in Centerville and Courthouse Village. Please pay attention.

 

           

 

           

Lighting the broadband desert

 

Goochland's commitment to bring broadband access to every home in the county, especially its rural western part, is underway.

On Wednesday, November 10, District 1 Supervisor Susan Lascolette, welcomed officials from our partners in this endeavor: Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC); Firefly Fiber Broadband; Rappahannock Electric Cooperative REC; and Dominion Energy (D), to the Hadensville Company 6 fire-rescue station to celebrate the acceleration of this initiative. Lascolette was joined by fellow elected officials, Supervisor Neil Spoonhower, District 2, Board Chair John Lumpkins, Jr. District 3; Lee Ware, whose 65^th District in the Virginia House of Delegates includes western Goochland; and 22^nd District State Senator Mark Peake.

Also present were Evan Feinman, Governor Northam's Chief Broadband Advisor and Richard Jenkins Rural Utilities services of the U. S Department of Agriculture.

Partners in progress (Goochland County photo)
Susan Lascolette front and center

Lascolette said that the address of the fire-rescue station, Three Chopt Road, was fitting because its name alludes to an early form of communication—marking a route with three chops or notches on a tree to let travelers know they are on the right path. "We are on the right path to bringing broadband access to all of our citizens with our partners in this regional initiative."

Dubbed RISE, Rural Internet Service Expansion, the initiative is a collaboration of electric utilities, local governments, and internet service provider Firefly to bring internet access to customers their service areas.  

Gary Wood, president and chief executive officer of Firefly, a wholly owned subsidiary of CVEC, said that a Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant application filed by RISE will provide significant funding for the $17.5 million project. Goochland is contributing up to $3,637,500 towards the project, using its federal CARES Act funds for the purpose.

Wood said that all CVEC customers in northwestern Goochland, which includes the fire-rescue station, will have broadband access by the first quarter of 2022. "Trucks will be around soon," said Wood.  If the VATI grant is awarded, things will speed up even more. All CVEC customers in Goochland will have Firefly access, with those in Shannon Hill getting it sooner.

Keep and eye out for Firefly trucks in you live in western Goochland. 

A Reconnect Grant awarded to Goochland will also "jumpstart" fiber build out in some portions of the county. Together, these two projects will make gigabit speed internet available to almost 3,400 county locations. Firefly monthly rates are reasonable. Go to www.firefly.com for complete information.

"Speed" is relative, however. Wood cautioned that build out of infrastructure will take a couple of years. "We're going to build it right and build it to serve Goochland residents for decades to come and bring world class service to Goochland County."

Charlene Whitfield, Senior Vice President of Power Delivery for Dominion said that "we need to work hand in hand with partnerships like this to overcome challenges too big for any one of us to tackle alone." This project highlights innovation, sustainability, equity, and community. Broadband is essential for business, local economy, daily activities, medical care, searching for a job, and doing homework. As a regulated utility, D has a duty to provide electricity to everyone in its service territory.  "This puts us in a unique position to use fiber capacity to promote grid operations and bridge the digital divide," said Whitefield.

Ware recalled campaigned in western Goochland about a decade ago. "It's the human stories that tell the immense need for broadband that require the kind of funding that the federal government alone has the power to provide. Governor Northam is willing to put a large chunk of our federal pandemic funds toward this project. It's the people that will be reached that make this such an exciting opportunity. I have immense gratitude to everyone who came together to make this happen, including the Goochland Supervisors who have gone far beyond talking about this."

"This is how it should work," said Peake. "Federal, state, and local governments coming together with private entities to help serve the needs of our citizens shows that it can succeed."

Feinman said five years ago, the state was planning to put $1 million toward broadband expansion, today that number is manyfold. "Ahead is a tremendous task and an incredible opportunity. If we stay the course, we will be the first state in the nation with universal broadband. It's not easy, we got here with partnerships. That tells us that the power we all still have when everyone comes together, we can do really, really remarkable things. When we head in the same direction, we get where we want to go and do it really well."

Spoonhower said that when he ran for office, people told him to support public safety, our schools, keep it rural, expand broadband but don't raise taxes.

"The beauty of our county is our people. We understand that a rural lifestyle comes with a bit of inconvenience. Broadband is not an inconvenience, it's a necessity. Because we have great partners, we continue to pledge to support this, however it ends. When we did our ten-year CIP (capital improvement plan) last year, every single supervisor said broadband is our number one priority.  We are showing this in everything we do by using federal Covid money, and not increasing the tax rate to do this."

In a world where disagreement is rife, it's satisfying to see an important project, like making broadband access universal, transcend conflict for the good of all.

 

Down to work

 

Angela Allen takes the oath of office as District 2 School Board member.

Angela Small Allen, elected to the District 2 seat on the Goochland School Board last Tuesday, took her oath of office on November 8 administered by Amanda Adams, Principal Deputy Clerk of the Goochland Circuit Court.

In addition to Allen's husband, daughter, and parents, the other four members of the school board, supervisors Susan Lascolette, District 1, Neil Spoonhower, District 2, and 65^th District Delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates Lee Ware attended the brief ceremony at the GCPS central office.

The GCPS team.
 LtoR Mike Newman, Jeremy Raley, Sandra Barefoot-Reid, Karen Horn, Angela Allen, J.D. Wright

During congratulatory remarks, School Board Chair Karen Horn, District 3 referenced the red apple featured on Allen's campaign signs and literature. " The apple is the universal symbol of knowledge and education. It will now symbolize the knowledge she brings to the work of the Goochland county school board; knowledge gained in service to our community;  and positive impact she will make on our children's' education as we advocate for our children, staff and families."

"This is the highest honor of my life in service to others who have chosen me for this responsibility," said Allen. "I have a lot to learn but have never been afraid of hard work. I'm open to the challenge and hope that I faithfully honor the trust that the citizens of District 2 put in me."

School Superintendent Jeremy Raley presented Allen with a selection of team GCPS swag before she began orientation for her new job.

Thanks to all who seek and hold elected office on the local level, especially in the very strange times in which we live.

Jingle on

Larry Proffitt, Jessica Kronberg, Director of Park and Rec. 2021 Christmas Mother Ann Casey, John  Lumpkins, Jr. Chair Goochland Board of Supervisors    

           Following her well deserved induction into the Goochland Parks & Recreation Wall of Fame on November 3, Ann Casey of Crozier, Goochlnad Christmas Mother for 2021, addressed the Board of Supervisors.

            Larry Proffitt, District 3 representative on the Parks and Rec Advisory Commission, presented the award to Casey at a special dinner held in her honor at the Goochland Sports Complex gym. This is the latest accolade for someone who keeps on making her world a better place. (See GOMM 10052020 "True Riches" for details.)

            During remarks to the supervisors, Casey commented that she is more comfortable "doing the work than being recognized for it."

            She then got down to business extolling the virtues of the Goochland Christmas Mother organization (goochlandchristmasmother.org), which has been making the holidays merrier for our less fortunate citizens for more than half a century.

            When the Black Swan of Covid pooped on the world, the Christmas Mother board of directors realized they needed to change their methods. That involved taking applications in person—there is a means test to become a Christmas Mother recipient—shop to fulfill "wish lists"; wrap presents; gather food; and make deliveries. This involved many community volunteers. Now applications are taken over the phone and in-person verification of eligibility took place via a drive through to comply with Covid safety procedures.

            In spite of changes to its procedures, in 2020, the Christmas Mother program helped 382 adults and 268 children. "I think that's a lot," said Casey. "It shows how resilient the Christmas Mother program is and their dedication to people."

            Goochland is a land of contrasts, contended Casey. "If you live in Goochland, you might not think that there are people who need our help. When I was a CASA (court appointed special advocate for children) I had to go into a house one time that didn't have a floor, just dirt. I never knew that kind of house existed before, let alone in Goochland."

            Last year, Casey said, the Christmas Mother raised $72,000 and 83 families were adopted by other entities. Her goal for 2021 is $75,000. Instead of providing specific items, Christmas Mother recipients now receive gift cards that cannot be used to purchase cigarettes or alcohol. Deliveries include a box of essentials—non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant, which the program is also collecting. (See website for details.)

            Casey is adding a personal touch to fundraising. Among her many talents, she paints beautiful Christmas Tree ornaments. These can be purchased at River Road Cottage (2905 River Road West in the heart of Courthouse Village). All proceeds from the sale will go to the Christmas Mother, Casey has set a goal of $1,000 for this.

            Getting on the bandwagon, the Junior Auxiliary of American Legion Post 215 has painted patriotic themed tree ornaments selling for $5 each, with all proceeds going to the Christmas Mother. They will display at the Legion Hall through Veterans' Day, November 11 and then at EZ Ship next to the Courthouse Village Food Lion until December 1.

            Please share as you are able with those struggling this year.

           

 

           

 

Staffing woes

 

Goochland needs to be competitive

At their Wednesday November 3 meeting, Goochland Supervisors responded to a plea from Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services Chief D. E. "Eddie" Ferguson, Jr. to adjust the salary scale for career employees upward. The Supervisors emphatically approved a $225,500 amendment to the FY22 budget using funds from personal property tax revenue. This represents a 12 percent compensation increase. The FY23 budget, which will be approved next spring, is expected to include a full year cost.

Earlier this year, the Board authorized salary increases for the Sheriff's Office.

 The changes will be effective January 1, 2022. This action is in line with the supervisors' goal to support core functions of government, law enforcement, public safety, and education.

(To see Ferguson's full presentation, go to https://goochlandva.new.swagit.com/videos/147355 at the1:45:01 mark.)

In 2009, Goochland hired its first career—paid—fire-rescue providers to supplement our intrepid volunteers who provided the county with fire-rescue response since 1951. As the county grew, the world changed. Young people were more likely to work outside the county and less inclined to take on a volunteer activity requiring a significant amount of time and energy to train and respond to calls.  

Early in the century, contract EMS providers were retained to fill daytime weekday gaps in rescue coverage. This was greeted with resistance by supervisors then in office, who believed that a more robust recruitment effort could fill coverage gaps. In reality, even with the contact responders, there were far too many hours when the county was NUA—no units available to respond to 911 calls.

That arrangement became dysfunctional and led to hiring fire-rescue providers who were county employees. That started the transition from an all-volunteer organization to a combination force.

Volunteers remain a vital part of the organization, "it takes everyone working together to get the job done," said Ferguson. A statewide volunteer recruitment drive is underway. Leaders of many fire-rescue agencies in the region got their start in the fire service as a Goochland volunteer, including Ferguson. Some of them still share their time and talent with our six volunteer companies.

About a year ago, two-person career crews were deployed 24/7 to each of the county's six fire-rescue stations. This reduced response times and improved service. For a variety of reasons, Covid among them, volunteer participation declined, and additional career spots were authorized.  In addition to emergency operation hazards, threats associated with civil unrest, Covid, and increased cancer risk due to on-the-job exposure to carcinogens, make the job less appealing. "A lot of people shy away from this occupation because of the risk," said the Chief.

Filling open slots with qualified people, Ferguson explained, has become more difficult as agencies around the region compete for employees from an increasingly limited pool of qualified applicants. Recruitment and retention of both career and volunteer personnel is the major challenge facing the organization.

Call volumes rose last year and will ramp up further when Avery Point, the continuous care community in West Creek, opens in the next year.

A snapshot of the fall 2021 hiring process paints a troubling picture. On September 1, advertising was posted on multiple fire and EMS hiring platforms that resulted in 38 applications,. Three qualified at the end of the process.

Covid made the competition for qualified fire-rescue personnel fiercer. Neighboring jurisdictions upped the ante in the contest for people with significant increases in compensation, leaving Goochland in the dust.

Ferguson said that at least six career personnel left Goochland to take similar but higher paying jobs elsewhere in recent months. He said that it takes at least two years and costs up to $100k to fully train a paramedic. "I hate to see that talent and investment walk out the door."

To be competitive, at least until the next round of salary increases by neighboring agencies, Ferguson asked for resources to develop a competitive pay scale, including salary steps for years of service, and establish a career development plan to allow providers to advance in their field.

You can't blame people with mortgages to pay and children to educate when they seek better wages. Let's hope this action can keep our wonderful providers in Goochland

 

 

 

Without personnel theses are metal and glass, rubber and brass.

 

The day after

 

Results are mostly in, winners declared. After hard fought electoral battles, victors celebrate, the vanquished lick their wounds and plan for next time.

Angela Allen won the District 2 race for school board. Both bond referendum questions were approved.

Seeking elected office is not for the faint of heart. Those who wade into the fray expose themselves to harsh criticism and even ridicule from the opposing side. Effective candidates have a clear message, explain their views, and why they are the best choice on the ballot.

Once in office, elected officials soon discover that no matter how hard they work, they will never please all of their constituents. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Arrogance and complacency of elected officials leads to bad policy decisions and other mischief.

Those who hold local office should expect to receive feedback from constituents because they live in the community. This too is an opportunity to learn which issues concern citizens.

Yesterday’s winners have much to do as they fulfill campaign promises. Thanks to all who ran and their supporters. Regular citizen engagement is vital for good government. Pay attention!