Work Based Learning in Goochland

 

Logo created by Chelsea Manning as part of WBL

As the cost of higher education climbs, and the mismatch between education and vital skillsets intensifies, providing opportunities to explore different career paths at the high school level, sets students on paths leading to satisfying, successful, and necessary careers.

Goochland High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, chaired by Bruce Watson, exposes students to a wide, and expanding, array of job possibilities including agriculture, architecture and construction; manufacturing; hospitality and tourism; and small engine technology. CTE prepares its graduates to move on to higher education, the military, or well-paying jobs. Recently, the CTE internal marketing firm, Market Up, rebranded CTE to Work Based Learning (WBL).

On January 21, Market Up students, under the direction of faculty member Erin Yearout-Patton, made a presentation about WBL to the Board of Supervisors.

Ms. EYP, as she is affectionately known, reflected on our school division’s goal of maximizing the potential of every learner.  “It’s catchy, easy to remember, but it’s more difficult in practice.” she said. “I see my amazing colleagues ensure this mission and realize that the heart of the charge is engagement.”

The focus of WBL is on the students, but also on their impact on the county’s economic goals. Using an example close to home, Ms. EYP, wearing her “proud mama” hat said that her son recently completed the emergency medical technician course through CTE, logged a hundred hours with “exceptional men and women at fire stations across this community” and passed his nationally registered emergency medical technician exam. Now, he “runs” rescue for Goochland County, which demonstrates that WBL is a return on investment.

WBL consists of 12 school-coordinated workplace experiences that are related to a student’s career goals interests, integrated with instruction in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Students explained how they collaborated on crafting a brochure that outlines the CTE career clusters that provide in depth exposure to various fields.

Chelsea Manning, a GHS junior, who aspires to be a pediatric nurse, outlined her experience in service learning by partnering with Goochland Powhatan Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) (https://goochlandpowhatan.casa/) by working with its director Renae Townsend, who was Manning’s fifth grade Spanish teacher. She created the logo promoting the CASA Community Challenge, a fund raising scavenger hunt and auction to be held in April. This will evolve into Manning’s senior project, which could lead to an internship.

Another junior, Melvin Roper, explained that his role in the marketing campaign was to meet with district and school leaders to identify key objectives for WBL. These included increased community awareness of WBL, education of students and their families of the value of WBL, and professional development for staff and teachers. The result was an attractive information dense trifold flyer.

Market Up students worked as a team with a project manager, who is interested in working in that field. Collaborating with each other and GHS staff, the team used flow charts to guide and track the progress of the project.

A vital part of WBL is interaction with all stakeholders including industry partners who make work shadowing and apprenticeships possible.

Of the many learning opportunities WBL provides, perhaps the most valuable is development of soft skills—communication, teamwork, time management, problem solving, creativity, leadership—that build the personal foundation for success in any environment.

Students Chase Crane and Johnny Vega Olivers contended that WBL is an opportunity to take skill sets learned in the classroom and apply it in the working world, whether it’s a senior project or job shadowing.

They said that putting the needs of others in the community before their own sets an example. The service to the community aspect taught by parents and leaders of our Marine Corps Junior ROTC program about being a good citizen and remembering that there are always people who need help is important.

WBL creates a pipeline to employment and creates a citizenry that lives the GHS vision to prepare the next generation to make a positive impact.

Please go to the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ click on the watch county meetings tab, pull up the January 21 supervisors’ meeting and watch this wonderful presentation starting at about the 17 minute mark.

 

 

 

January in the Board room

 

Tom Winfree (l) and Jonathan Christy

The Goochland Board of Supervisors held its first meeting of 2025 on January 21, delayed two weeks by snow. As is its custom, the board elected a new chair, Tom Winfree, District 3, and a new vice chair, Jonathan Christy, District 1 for 2025. The board also adopted and tweaked some of its operating documents. Go to the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ and click on the transparency tab for details in the board packet.

The invocation was led by Pastor Joe Brown of Goochland Presbyterian Church, which is forming a new congregation in the county. Pastor Brown asked for grace on the Creasey family mourning the sudden passing of its matriarch, Diana Lee Creasey, who was a pillar of our fire-rescue service and the entire community on January 19. Her contributions to the community cannot be overstated and her gentle smile and encouragement that mentored generations of first responders will be greatly missed.

County Administrator Vic Carpenter thanked county employees for their hard work during the snow and cold and water emergency. “Those we saw, those we didn’t see, they all made it happen. Thank you,” he said.

The Board adopted a resolution commending Carol Johnston on 34 years of exceptional community service upon her retirement from the department of social services.

Other actions include:

·         Setting a public hearing for February 4 to consider an amendment to the Tuckahoe Creek Service District ordinance to include parcels of land on Ashland Road at the Project Rocky site.

·         Approving an amendment to the county zoning ordinance dealing with sign regulations.

·         Approving an application for a conditional use permit at 5344 Duval Road in District 1 for an accessory family housing unit.

·         Approving an application in District 2 to rezone land at 0 Terry Lane from A-1 to A-2 with proffers and granting exceptions to public road requirements for right and left turn lanes.

Curiously, the meeting had no mention of actions Goochland might take going forward to prevent a repeat of the recent water supply issues that impacted those served by public water in the county’s east end. It would seem, at the very least, that Goochland should join with Henrico and Hanover Counties to hold the City of Richmond accountable for providing clean water. Local businesses were forced to curtail operations and lose revenue through no fault of their own. This was not Goochland’s fault either as we are at the end of the line water wise.

It was also curious that the county assessor did not make a presentation about the value of annual assessments, which is used to craft the county budget.

Late this afternoon, Carpenter announced that he has tendered his resignation as Goochland County Administrator effective February 20. The supervisors will meet in closed session on January 28 at 3 p.m. to discuss recruitment for an interim county administrator and Carpenter’s successor.

Stay tuned.

 

 

 

Rural life

 

Farming is not for the faint of heart

“Keep Goochland rural” is the rallying cry often used to oppose new development. This seems to mean, “don’t build anything anywhere near anything”. Newcomers contend “I’m here, don’t let anyone else in,” then whine about the distance to whatever it was they moved away from for the peace and quiet of rural life. They also complain about the sound of gunfire, especially during the “fall festival of firearms” that precedes the start of hunting season.

Agricultural pursuits, including forestry, contribute $105 billion to Virginia’s economy, according to Virginia Farm Bureau (vafb.com). Farmland covers 7.3 million acres in our Commonwealth. It is Virginia’s largest private industry.

Rural requires agriculture in its many manifestations. If you ate today, thank a farmer.  Astonishing advances in agricultural practices enable a relative handful of farmers to feed the world. Rural is not a theme park.

Farming can be noisy, messy, and smelly. Manure is often spread on fields in Goochland, with an accompanying fragrance. Biosolids, the residue from sewage treatment plants, is also spread on local fields to boost soil nutrients. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/162/Biosolids-Program to learn more.

Goochland has a land use taxation program, where parcels activity engaged in farming or forestry are taxed on a per acre basis at a rate set by the Commonwealth. Participants must meet certain requirements (see https://www.goochlandva.us/339/Land-Use for details) to qualify.

The Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District, (https://www.monacanswcd.org/), which serves Goochland and Powhatan Counties, provides resources for farmers and administers cost share programs to fence livestock out of streams and replace water sources with wells. This program not only improves the water quality of streams but improves the health of herds, by reducing exposure to disease and resulting veterinary bills. Increasing vegetative stream buffers reduces runoff, which also damages water quality in streams and rivers.

MSWCD works to educate local farmers and encourage them to adopt best management practices that both protect the environment and lead to increased crop yields.

The Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) at Goochland High School includes an agriculture component as part of its mission to expose students to a wide array of career opportunities. MSWCD had advocated for an ag teacher at the middle school level to introduce younger students to the world of agricultural pursuits that has not yet been part of the school budget. GHS has a chapter of Future Farmers of America to increase interest in farming.

Goochland also works with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, which is an educational organization that operates under the auspices of Virginia Tech (https://goochland.ext.vt.edu/). It provides programs on agriculture and natural resources; family and consumer services; and 4H youth development. It sponsors a Goochland Ag Fair and livestock show in the summer; lawn and garden seminars; and summer camps for kids. Goochland Extension also holds periodic well water testing events.

MSWCD hopes to discuss conservation easements, which allow landowners to perpetually prevent development, with Goochland Supervisors this year. This would focus on the impact of easements on development; tax revenues; and agriculture.

In 2024, the Board of Supervisors added an agriculture report to its monthly meeting packet to underscore the importance of supporting local agriculture to preserve rural culture.

American agriculture faces serious challenges. The number of farmers and farms in America is dwindling and our farmers are getting older, with fewer young people interested in the field. Farming, especially on a smaller scale, is not for the faint of heart. Most small farmers must hold other jobs to make ends meet.

Major crops in Goochland are corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. Dairy products and cattle are also farmed here. A meat processing facility under construction near Hadensville will reduce the cost of bringing local meat to market, helping Goochland farmers keep their costs down.

The high rollers in America are not in casinos, but rather in fields all over the country where they literally bet the farm that their crops will generate enough revenue to cover their expenses and make a profit.

When you find yourself behind slow moving farm machinery on our country road, take the time to marvel at the ingenuity that created them and enjoy the ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather emergency notice

 Hello Everyone,

 

As we have all heard the local news has been reporting about the severe, cold winter weather forecasted for this week coming up. See the snapshot from NWS Wakefield on the wind chills forecasted. Goochland County of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services urges everyone to be prepared before, during, and after winter emergencies. This email contains some key tips to help with severe winter weather emergency preparations. While looking out for yourself and your family, please look for your neighbors and those most vulnerable who might need help.

 

 

Key Tips To Be Prepared for Severe Winter Weather Emergencies

 

Heating Safety

Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters, or candles.
• Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet, and make sure its cord isn’t damaged or frayed.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
• Have a fire extinguisher.

For more information, visit https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/heating/.

 

Power Outages

Winter storms may bring power outages that can disrupt things like communications, utilities, transportation, stores, gas stations, and ATMs, and prevent your ability to use electrically powered medical devices. It’s important to be prepared for power outages.

• Check your batteries, annually, in your Carbon Monoxide detectors.
• Make sure you have the contact information for your power utility company and report any outages as soon as they happen.
• Turn off your stove as soon as the power goes out.
• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• If you use a generator, ONLY use it outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Have extra cash on hand if the ATMs aren’t working.

 

Frozen Ponds and Lakes

Everyone, including your furry friends, should stay off of frozen ponds and lakes. Frozen water can be deceiving, while snow and ice may appear solid, the ice in our area rarely gets thick or strong enough to support the weight of a person.

• Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see someone fall through the ice. Stay off the ice yourself.
• Shout for them to stay calm. From the bank, extend something to them like a rope, pole, or branch to pull them to the side. Lie flat to avoid being to avoid being pulled onto the ice. Wait for emergency responders to arrive if you cannot reach them.
• If you fall through the ice, keep calm and call for help. Spread your arms across the ice surface to stay afloat. Kick your legs to try to slide onto the ice, then lie flat and crawl to safety. If the ice is too thin to climb out, try to break it in front of you as you move toward the shore.
• After someone has been rescued, keep the victim warm, but do not remove wet clothing or apply heat directly. Ensure emergency responders are on the way and monitor the person for signs of hypothermia or shock.

 

Hypothermia

CDC states that hypothermia often occurs at very cold temperatures but can occur at cool temperatures (above 40 degrees) if a person is wet (from rain, sweat, or cold water) and becomes chilled.

Signs and Symptoms include:

• Adults – shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness
• Infants – bright red, cold skin, very low energy

What to do if you suspect hypothermia –

• Call 9-1-1 (If a person’s temperature is below 95 degrees get medical attention immediately.)
• Get them into a warm room or shelter.
• Once indoors, remove any wet clothing.
• Warm them under dry layers of blankets and clothing.

For more information, https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/ 

 

Animals

If we are cold, our pets and animals are cold, too.

• Bring pets/animals inside and move livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
• Provide plenty of food and water. Dehydration is especially dangerous in winter.
• When outside keep them bundled up. Limit outside time with your pets and thoroughly clean (including paws) when bringing them in.
• When the temperatures are below freezing for long periods, monitor Goochland’s social media pages (Goochland County, Goochland Fire-Rescue, or Animal Protection) for times to get your containers filled with water.

 

Water

Your regular source of water may not be available or compromised through contamination. Prepare yourself by building a supply of water that will meet your family’s needs during an emergency. FEMA recommends:

• Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking sanitation. A normally active person needs about three-quarters of a gallon of fluid daily, from water and other beverages. However, individual needs vary depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.

Take the following into account:

• Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.
• If it’s necessary to treat your water to have a reliable source of clean water. Boiling is the safest method of treating water. In a large pot or kettle, bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking.
• Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This also will improve the taste of stored water.

For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/water.

 

Stay Informed

Monitor and listen to emergency information and alerts before, during, and after emergencies. Stay informed through multiple communication channels. Here are multiple types of resources to help you stay informed.

• Include a handheld emergency radio with a weather band (NOAA) frequency in your emergency kit. Make sure your radio doesn’t depend only on AC power as the single source of power. Have a radio with a hand crank, solar panel, and/or batteries.
• Sign up for your community’s alert notification system. Here is the website link to register for Goochland’s CodeRED Emergency and Community Alert system: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/1380BACA5A57

• Download Mobile Apps from Google Play or Apple App Store to your phone to help you prepare and stay informed. Here is a list of three helpful Mobile Apps: Goochland County, Goochland Sheriff’s Office and FEMA

 

For questions or more information on emergency preparedness, contact Goochland Fire-Rescue’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Chief Robin Hillman at rhillman@goochlandva.us, 804-556-5366 or visit https://goochlandfire-rescue.org.

 

 

Hockett Road extension part next

 

Proposed changes (in green) to Hockett Road 

Attendance at a second community meeting about the connection of Ashland and Hockett Roads south of 250 on January 14 was robust in comparison to the first session held last summer. Approximately 65 people showed up at Dover Baptist Church for to chat with VDOT personnel and look at maps of the new road.

The project, which has “been on the books” since about 2013, will bisect land on the southside of Broad Street Road, which has a stub at the traffic signal, to Hockett Road north of Hickory Haven. The latest iteration uses a roundabout to move traffic through the intersection.

Exactly where the connection will be seems to be the “sticking point” that required another public information session. The latest versions are quite similar, the difference being the exact location. The “choice” further from the entrance to Hickory Haven and the Readers Branch flood plain, seems to make the most sense.

As presented, when complete, the new road will have both right and left turn lanes at the intersection of Broad Street and Ashland Road. However, if you are going north on Hockett, why would you travel east and turn left, to essentially backtrack?

The current cost estimate for the project, which will undoubtedly increase thanks to inflation, is $17.6 million for the approximately .5050-mile road and roundabout.  This includes $1.568 million for engineering; $3.394 million for right of way acquisition and utility relocation; and $12.7 million for actual construction. VDOT contends that roundabouts are safer than signalized intersections and keep traffic moving, which is why they are popping up all over central Virginia. The roundabout will have sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. It is unclear who will use those sidewalks.

The project, according to the county website, will relieve congestion at the Hockett and Broad intersection, which will remain signalized and allow crossing Broad as well as left and right turns as it is now.

The new road could make the approximately 28-acre parcel on the south side of Broad at Ashland Road, currently in agricultural use, more attractive to badly needed economic development in Centerville Village.  There have been rumors for decades about possible commercial uses for this site. To date, it rotates crops of corn, soybeans and wheat, which is not the “highest and best use” for this land. Will the new road make that happen?

Goochland is dependent on VDOT for road construction, whose projects move with glacial speed. Next steps include a design public hearing later in 2025, environmental review, and right of way acquisition.  Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2028 with completion in December of 2029.

 

Water, water anywhere?

 

Residents of eastern Goochland who get their water from the Tuckahoe Creek Service District and various other arrangements with Henrico County were under a “boil water advisory” for several days last week.  A catastrophic malfunction in the City of Richmond waterworks left people in the city as well as parts of Henrico and Hanover County without water for days and caused everyone else in the region served by public utilities to boil water or use bottled water.

Goochland, like its neighbors, distributed bottled water to those affected by the situation.

When the “all clear” was given on Saturday afternoon, seems like everyone in eastern Goochland turned on their taps full bore for the recommended ten minutes and soon had little or no water. After Goochland County asked utility customers to refrain from using water for a bit, pressure normalized, and all is well.

The water and sewer service in central Goochland is supplied though partnerships with Department of Corrections facilities and was not involved in the crisis.

Hopefully, Goochland and neighboring jurisdictions are doing after action reviews to prevent a recurrence, and, perhaps more importantly, find better ways to let residents know what’s going on in a timely manner.

The best way to receive important emergency information from Goochland County is the “Code Red” system that sends text and phone messages to participants. If you have not done so, please sign up at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/1380BACA5A57  to receive alerts and updates.

Reporting on the Richmond water crisis concentrated on what went wrong with the water works and in its utilities department. Little or no mention was made of the impact of the crisis on regional fire hydrants. Given the horrific fires in California whose devastation was exacerbated by waterless fire hydrants, it seems odd that no mention of fire hydrants was included in reporting on the water crisis. Happily, there were no reports of fires during the crisis.

Water supplies to eastern Goochland, parts of which is served by fire hydrants, were good until community wide flushing reduced pressure. The good news is that, because most of the county does not have hydrants, Goochland Fire-Rescue folk have the skill, equipment, and experience to transport water to extinguish fires wherever they may occur.

May 2025 be less weird going forward.