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)

Differing gifts

 

Bruce Watson and bulldozer 

The mismatch between available jobs and appropriate skill sets to fill them is a challenge for our economy. While young people are accumulating huge debts in pursuit of college degrees that do not lead to gainful employment, vital jobs go unfilled. Workers in the “trades” are often looked down upon even though they earn handsome incomes and incur no educational debt.

Goochland Schools, through its career and technical education (CTE) department under the direction of Bruce Watson, provide our kids with opportunities to explore a wide range of careers and help them obtain the skills needed for a successful and satisfying life.

On November 4, the CTE advisory committee, made up of representatives of local businesses, partners in the enterprise, heard from CTE students, present and past, how the program benefited them.

Watson discussed the CTE work based learning program. This lets students from grades 9-12 explore career paths through job shadowing, internships and apprenticeships with excellent results.

Katelyn Ragland, a junior at GHS in her third year of ROTC, which is one CTE program, talked about a job shadow she recently completed in her pursuit of a career in interior design. The ROTC program, where she serves as commander of color guard, helped Ragland build her self-confidence. She said that, thanks to CTE, she was able to “shadow” a local designer, tour Ethan Allen, and observe an actual interior design consultation.

Coleman Boatwright, a 2020 GHS graduate, who earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, concentrating in construction management, from the University of Virginia this spring, said that CTE helped him explore different career pathways. In his senior year, Boatwright job-shadowed an architect and took a heavy machinery course, unsure if he wanted to explore construction or design. Computer-aided design classes he took in high school helped him to excel in college. An internship in road construction led to a job offer as a project engineer. He is currently working on adding travel lanes to I95 in Chester, and expects to move on to bridge rehabilitation when that is complete.

Boatwright recommended that students use the wide variety of courses offered in the CTE program to explore career possibilities to find their passion. He suggested that business partners visit the career center to see what is being offered. “Many do not realize that we’re taking CAD classes or operating real machinery in high school. They were shocked to learn that we were using the same programs in high school that they use.”

Leyton Sutherland, who graduated in June 2024, took heavy construction while learning about hand tools and different kinds of equipment. Unsure of what to do, CTE instructors guided him to a senior year internship with Hal’s Heating and Air, where he alternated classroom study and workdays. He began full time work with Hal’s upon graduation and is currently involved in the rehab of a Civil War era house. “I’ve learned a lot. CTE gave me a lot of opportunities, it put me in the place I am today.”

Sutherland advised students to “be a sponge, practice good habits, learn the rhythm of how to do things, don’t take shortcuts, listen to your peers, be an open book, walk in with confidence every day, show up on time, look like you want to be there. Keep dreaming ‘cause it’s going to happen.”

Watson recalled the positive impression that Sutherland made on his first meeting with Mr. Parrish of Hal’s. He said that Sutherland was championship swimmer who attracted 17 scholarship offers to swim in college but decided he would rather turn wrenches. Sutherland graduated from high school on June 8 and started with Hal’s on June 10 with a bright future.

Watson said that 15-20 percent of GHS graduates go directly into the workforce or military service and that number is changing every year due to the high cost of college. He asked the group to support CTE by offering work-based learning programs, internships, and job shadowing to expose students to their businesses.

Mock interviews where third year CTE students interact with potential employers are extremely valuable for both the kids and the businesses.

Stan Corn of Alarms, Inc. said that mock interviews let employers “see what’s coming” when younger people enter the workforce. CTE tries to match student interests with specific industries. The program is so useful, Watson said, that students have come out of mock interviews with job offers.  

Watson said that a benefit of a small school system like Goochland is its ability to pivot to meet opportunities. He cited the new Honda dealer that recently broke ground on Broad Street Road, just west of the Henrico line, which will need employees with specific skillsets. CTE can help prepare students for those jobs.

The CTE curriculum is being expanded. Watson said that students are being surveyed to find out what classes they want but are not being offered. Local businesses are also being queried to learn which specific job training they would like to see offered.

Samantha Romano, of the community college workforce alliance (https://ccwatraining.org/) presented an overview of job training programs offered through Brightpoint and Reynolds Community College. These programs offer cost effective fast track and flexible training so students can complete credentials or certificates and move into the workforce quickly.

Watson said he is very proud of the program and the teachers that are its backbone. To find out more about CTE, contact Watson at bwatson@glnd.k12.va.us

 

 

 

 

 

November board highlights

 

The November 6 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors—held on Wednesday because county offices were closed on Tuesday for election day—was quite short.

County offices will be closed on Monday, November 11 for Veterans’ Day. All are invited to Goochland High School at 9:30 a.m. that day for the Marine Corps Jr. ROTC observance. The keynote speaker will be Michael Flanagan, retired Army Colonel.

Board Chair Charlie Vaughters, District 4 said that the district town hall meetings held I October were a success and thanked staff for their great presentations and responses to citizen questions.

Vaughters said that the meeting between county officials and our delegation to the Virginia General Assembly was a productive exchange of concerns and insight.

Fire-Rescue Station 8, at the corner of Dogtown and Whitehall Roads in Sandy Hook is in the design process, construction is expected to begin sometime next year.

Newly created voting precinct 403 at Avery Point in eastern Goochland was a resound success, said Vaughters. He commended Goochland Registrar Ryan Mulligan and our Electoral Board Pam Johnson, chair; Robert Walker Vice Chair; and Wanda Taylor, Secretary and all of the election officials for their hard work made more arduous by the long early voting period, for conducting a successful election.

County Administrator Vic Carpenter reminded all of the document shredding and tire amnesty, which will include farm equipment tires, to be held on Saturday, November 16 on the Fairground Property at the intersection of Fairground and Sandy Hook Roads from 9-1.

 

The consent agenda, essentially a laundry list of items that need to be voted on in a public setting by the supervisors.

On November 6 it included amending the FY25 budget and appropriating a one-time $300k donation from the county’s unassigned general fund balance to the Goochland Education Foundation https://goochlandedu.org/  to create an extended day enrichment program for all three county elementary schools. The money will kickstart the program, which will fill a gap, rather than compete, with other after school programs. Benefits to families include budget friendly extended learning in a safe environment, homework completion, academic remediation as needed, and expanded opportunities for learning activities like STEM. It will also help to mitigate Covid learning loss. The program will include success metrics to gauge a return on investment and reinforce our school division’s commitment to maximizing the potential of every learner.

This donation will enable the GEF to move forward with the program, which is expected to be self-sustaining once in operation. Details are expected to be shared early in the new year, so the program will be in place at the start of the 2025-26 school year next August.

A resolution affirming Goochland’s support of and participation in Firefly Broadband’s expanded regional internet service expansion project (RISE), the 2024 Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) Broadband grant, authorizing the county administrator to take all actions necessary in furtherance of the RISE project, was unanimously approved.

The Virginia Board on Geographic Names asked for approval of a proposal by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to name an unnamed stream in Goochland and Louisa Counties "Fern Creek." The creek is perennial and about 4-6 feet wide, 1.7 miles long and heads at an oblong pond near the boundary of Louisa and Goochland Counties and flows generally southwest into Courthouse Creek. The name Fern Creek was chosen due to the widespread presence of fern along its banks near the Aldwyck Subdivision in Goochland County.  This item was provided to both Goochland and Louisa County staff and was reviewed/researched by both the Goochland and Louisa County Historical Societies. Neither historical society found precedent names or conflicts with the proposed name.

Employee service recognition

On October 24, 40 county employees were recognized for their years of service to Goochland for a total of 360 years. These are the people who work hard every day to serve our citizens.

 5 Years of Service: Beatrice Hall; Jamie Sherry; Christopher Johnson; Dennis Mayo; Justin Pennington; Wendy Grady; David Croker; Sara Grayson; Robert Page; Ashley Eggleston; Ashton Gruzsecki; and Diane Pomphrey.

10 Years of Service: Chris Ferguson; Alyssa Ferguson; Scott Leabough; and Christina Neale.

15 Years of Service: Daniel Sprouse and Michele Parrish.

20 Years of Service: D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson

(Happily, GOMM did not have to file a FOIA request to obtain the list. Photos of some the honorees are on the county Facebook page.)

 

VDOT

Marshall Winn, administrator for the Ashland VDOT Residency, which includes Goochland, reported that a speed study to lower the speed limit on Fairground Road from 45 to 35 mph and a safety study for Rockville Road necessitated by site distance issues at the entrance to the Tuckahoe Bridge North community, which is in the data collection phase, are ongoing.

Winn said that there will be no more VDOT roadside vegetation spraying in Goochland. He speculated that continued spraying, which has generated complaints from residents whose plants and trees have been harmed, may be part of power company efforts to clear their transmission lines.

District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle commented that the new lane and crosswalk striping at the intersection of River Road and Route 6 by the Richmond is confusing and may have caused more problems than it solved. Winn promised to meet at the site with Lyle to address the situation.

Board reports

Our supervisors serve on regional bords and commissions representing the interests of Goochland.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, who serves on Plan RVA and the Central Virginia Transportation Authority CVTA ( https://planrva.org/) reported that he has been elected finance chair of that group. Thanks to a white paper crafted by county staff, CVTA is “beta testing” the possibility of CVTA to issue bonds to finance regional transportation projects to understand how Goochland could benefit from this while protecting the county’s excellent bond rating.

Created in 2020, the CVTA administers locally generated transportation funding, generated from 50 percent of taxes generated by local fuel sales. Goochland has benefited to the tune of more than $9 million used to fund a variety of local projects. (Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1363/Gas-Up-In-Goochland to learn more.)

Lyle, who represents Goochland on the regional Richmond Transportation Authority, reposted that the group will move to a biannual funding schedule to synchronize with other transportation funding groups.

Lyle said that a discussion about paratransit caught his attention as perhaps a way to mitigate the dramatic increase in calls for, perhaps less than emergency, EMS transport from Sheltering Arms Hospital and Avery Point, which are near an established GRTC bus route.

Vaughters expressed appreciation to his colleagues for their time and effort participating in these groups on Goochland’s behalf.

 

 

A celebration of General Lafayette

 

General Lafayette dressed for 1824

Lt. Col. Williams, and Marine Corps Jr.ROTC color guard

 Bright blue skies blessed Goochland’s celebration of the of the visit of General Lafayette during his American farewell tour, on November 2. The commemoration was 200 years to the day when the French aristocrat, who became a hero of the American Revolution, stopped overnight in Goochland on his way to see his old friend Thomas Jefferson at Monticello.

The day began at historic Tuckahoe Plantation where the Hon. Manuel Alvarez, chair of the Goochland 250^th Commission, tasked with reminding Americans of the importance of the Declaration of Independence, welcomed the assembly.

The presentation of the colors by the Goochland High School Marine Jr. ROTC, and the pledge of allegiance led by its director LT. Col. Kevin Williams, was a living reminder that the freedoms Americans enjoy today exist because of General Lafayette and all those who have worn the uniform since 1776.

Robin Lind, present of the Goochland Historical Society, in period attire, explained that the event was held at Tuckahoe because it is convenient rather than Powell’s Tavern on nearby River Road where Lafayette was escorted by the Henrico militia and greeted by the Goochland militia two centuries earlier.

Robin Lind and Suzanne French Keesler

Lind read a passage penned by Jefferson’s grandson describing how Lafayette and Jefferson, both old and feeble friends, fell into each other’s arms in greeting at Monticello, a scene that caused all present to weep.

When Lafayette came to America, he was 19 years old and had been promised a commission as a major general, which did not occur because of his age. It took Lafayette some years to earn his generalship.

The 1824 visit came about when President James Monroe realized that more than half of the country’s population has been born since 1776. As the sole surviving Revolutionary War general, Lafayette was invited to remind the population of the importance of both the Declaration and American ideals. Lind compared Lafayette’s reception to that of a modern-day rock star. People lined roads across the county to cheer the return of Lafayette in huge numbers. That was at a time when there were few newspapers and no 24/7 media to spread the word of his arrival.

Lind said that a lock of Lafayette’s hair, given to a Richmond woman, was on display in a nearby Tuckahoe outbuilding being guarded by Goochland Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Carrier.

Commission member Linda Weistroffer and Deputy Carrier

Cheryl Wilson, Executive Director of the Virginia 250 Commission—note Goochlanders, the 250 Commission is not about Broad Street Road, but rather the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—set the tone for the day.

(ltr) Brian Burns, General Lafayette, Cheryl Wilson, Manny Alvarez, Robin Lind

She congratulated the Goochland 250^th Commission for being one of the strongest local groups, out of 134 in Virginia. Telling all sides of the story of the fight for American independence and sponsoring fun events, like the Run to Revolution 5K held at Elk Hill in western Goochland in September, is part of the initiative. “You’re (Goochland 250^th Commission) trail blazers and I will brag about you everywhere I go,” said Wilson. (Go to va250.org for details about the state organization)

Wilson explained that the State 250 Commission has simple goals to educate and help people understand Virginia’s primary role in the founding of our nation. Were it not for Virginians, the ideals born here would not inspire us as we come together to form a more perfect union.

“We want to feel history and connect to our past while we work to make our future better, so that those who come after will understand the importance of what happened here. There is something powerful about being on the site of an event on the very day that it happened. It lets us experience the power of place. We’re in the present nestled between past and future. History helps us understand that link. When the Declaration was signed it was a hope, a prayer that took  many years and a war to achieve the ideals whose pursuit still unites us. E pluribus unum, out of many one. We are the many and the nation is one,” said Wilson.

Brian Burns, President of Alliance Francais said that 200 years ago Lafayette, as a 60-year-old, looked back on his life and judged that he chose well. A 19-year-old aristocrat, Lafayette was one of the wealthiest men in France if not in all of Europe, who could have enjoyed a life of ease in his chateau. Instead, he sailed to the American colonies at his own expense to join the movement for independence. He soon became close to Washington, some have described their relationship as that of father and son, and quickly earned the rank of Major General as he fought alongside Washington. Wounded at Brandywine, which could have proved fatal, he recovered. France’s role in helping the United States gain its freedom from England cannot be overstated, contended Burns. “Without the trust that Washington put in Lafayette, I’m not sure the events at Yorktown would have happened. He chose to come here and help us.”  We’re here to thank Lafayette, who some contend is America’s best friend.”

Suzanne French Keesler, chair of the event committee and a member of the Goochland 250^th Commission, introduced General Lafayette, both were attired in period clothing.

The General, brought to life by Charles Wissinger, thanked the assembly for his welcome. He quipped that he came just for the food. “I have been asked to come to these United States by President Monroe to spend three to four months (he stayed for more than a year). I will visit not just the original 13 but all 24 states. I come to accept your word of thanks. It is my love not only for your great nation but the love I also see from the people of your nation. As I am welcome in city to city I see a lot of rebuilding as in Portsmouth, which was laid in ruins by the previous war.”

“Lafayette” also mentioned recovery from artillery damage in Petersburg, for which he apologized. “As I find myself going through Virginia once again, I recall chasing Banastre Tarleton, Benedict Arnold, and Cornwallis and enjoying the beautiful countryside and visiting with so many people while trying to protect you.”

He recalled reading the Declaration of Independence in French, which inspired him to fight for the rights of man, paying his own way to come across the ocean and fight under our colors. “I will take the ideals of the rights of all men to my own nation. With these rights I wish America will be the grand republic that I see and continue to be a beacon to the world for your fight for liberty, freedom, and independence.”

Then it was time to eat.

Culinary Arts students and Chef Erlenbach

The Goochland High School Culinary Arts program, under the direction of Chef Bill Erlenbach, researched recipes from the era of Lafayette’s visit and interpreted them with contemporary ingredients into a delightful array of finger foods. The exquisite and delectable menu included: Sweet potato biscuit with Virginia ham and local honey butter; Martha’s Chicken and Rice croquettes (a particular favorite of the General); Smoked trout on baguette with horseradish cream; Bloody butcher grit cakes with lamb loin and pickled veg; Brie candied peanuts and oranges; hoe Cakes with honey; Mount Vernon Gingerbread with logo; Caramelized Tuckahoe Pear Posset; Petite Hot Chocolate cups; and Maple Ice Cream with shortbread.

Culinary arts students efficiently and professionally served the food to the appreciative throng.

"Martha's chicken croquettes 

Christine Jordan Dunn provided and arranged the flowers at Tuckahoe and the plantings next to the Courthouse Village marker.

Then it was on to Courthouse Village to dedicate a marker commemorating the night that Lafayette—he preferred to be addressed as general, a title he earned, rather than Marquis, a title he inherited—slept in Goochland.

The dedication began with a prayer offered by the Rev. Darvin Satterwhite. Lind said that even in the sparsely populated countryside, people lined the roads to cheer the hero of the revolution.

Julian Icher, from the Lafayette Trail (https://www.thelafayettetrail.org/), explained that installation of that marker had been a lengthy process. His organization, dedicated to documenting and marking all stops on the General’s farewell tour, funded the marker. Standing in shadow while the marker was unveiled, the “General” looked on with approval.

Jeff Mabry, Julian Icher, General Lafayette

The marker, on River Road West opposite the History Center, is on the site of Anderson’s Tavern, where Lafayette stayed. The location and visit were documented by the Lafayette Trail for accuracy. The William C. Pomeroy Foundation (https://www.wgpfoundation.org) provided funding. 

the Marker

Suzanne Taylor, a member of the Goochland 250^th Commission and teacher in Goochland Schools, commented that Goochland has been at the epicenter of American history from its beginning to the present day and it needs to be remembered, shared, and celebrated.

The Goochland 250^th Commission https://www.exploregoochland.com/187/VA-250-American-Revolution has just gotten started. Keep an eye out for future events to mark the 250^th anniversary of America.