A community event to savor

 

One of the life savors of Goochland is the annual open house event at the historic Jackson Blacksmith Shop near Sandy Hook, held on June 14.

In days gone by, blacksmiths, who literally kept things together, were an important part of the community.

In days gone by simple tools and the skill of the blacksmith held things together

 

Henry Jackson, born around 1926 during slavery, began the family blacksmithing tradition opening his own shop near the current site in 1880. His son, G. Wilson Jackson, Sr. built a shop in the area and his son George W. Jackson, Jr., practiced his trade at the existing shop, built in 1932, until the early 1970’s.

The shop was restored in 1995 and registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Visit https://jbshop.squarespace.com/ for details.

Jackson descendant Jeff Mabry shares history of the shop

Delightful toe tapping music floated on an early summer breeze as people perused exhibits, danced, enjoyed toothsome food offerings, and visited with friends old and new.

A beautiful afternoon

Bluebell the Fairy has magical talents

Bluebell the Fairy mystified with her magic. Representatives of the Second Union School and Museum (https://secondunionrosenwaldschool.org/); the Goochland Historical Society and 250^th Commission (https://www.goochlandhistory.org/); shop tours; and demonstrations by a farrier and members of the Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild (https://cvbg.org/) were among the interesting exhibits.

How wagon wheels were repaired

Farrier shoeing a horse

Blacksmithing demonstration

Jackson descendant Jeff Mabry explained how blacksmiths used their skill, ingenuity, and simple tools to build and repair equipment vital to local farms. He explained how his grandfather designed a hammer that was less likely to break than a typical claw hammer.

Jeff Mabry and special hammer designed by his grandfather

Goochland’s new county administrator Jeremy Raley, who started work on June 9, and District 2 Supervisor Neil Spoonhower were among those who enjoyed the event.

 

 

 

 

 

A cautionary tale

At its June 3 meeting, the Goochland Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution “requesting the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board consider restricting through truck traffic on Hemsby Road (Rte. 1246), Stradsett Road (Rte. 1247), Brandiston Street (Rte. 1248), Park Village Boulevard (Rte. 1251), Yare Street (Rte. 1253), and Village Trail (Rte. 1254) in the Parkside Village subdivision.”

Parkside Village, a 55+ residential community of single family detached homes, lies in the county’s northeast corner. It was rezoned from agricultural to residential and commercial use about 12 years ago. At that time, Goochland did not have mixed-use zoning, so the developer instead put different zoning options on adjoining tracts of land. The first iteration—there have been many—of land use here included building homes near M-1, industrial limited, and B-1, business general, zoning. The site included a convenience store/carwash that was in place before any homes were built. Parkside Village is near the active Vulcan Quarry on Johnson Road.

Parkside Village today (Pouncey Tract to left)

This was near the end of the Great Recession, a low point in economic activity in Goochland. The developer convinced the supervisors that, even though the subject property was in an area that had been designated for industrial use decades earlier, it was unlikely that would continue into the future. (See https://goochlandva.us/roc for details about the Rockville Road Opportunity Corridor) It seemed like a good idea at the time.

The first plat included a spine road, with no homes fronting it, between Ashland and Pouncey Tract Roads. Two access points are required for all subdivisions with more than 49 lots. The spine road was promoted at the time, as necessary to relieve pressure on the Ashland/Pouncey Tract intersection, which was, and remains a bottleneck and is in Hanover County. The June 3 staff report now contends that heavy truck traffic should use the signalized intersection at Ashland and Pouncey Tract Roads.

As people moved into Parkside Village, they discovered to their dismay that the spine road would be go behind their homes and protested to the county. It is unclear if the developer did not include a build out illustration of Parkside Village with all approved roads, in its marketing materials, or if homebuyers did not understand that a “through street” could attract vehicles, especially large dump trucks servicing area quarries.

Parkside Village at beginning. Blue line spine road, Pouncey Tract to left

In response to this concern, the Parkside Village internal roads were redesigned in a circuitous manner to thwart through traffic, which has not solved the problem. Residents have complained for more than a year that large vehicles use residential streets as a “cut through” creating dangerous conditions on internal roads not designed to accommodate them, hence the resolution to restrict through truck traffic. This applies only to trucks and tractor trailers driving through with no business in Parkside Village. It does not apply to pick-up or smaller trucks used to make deliveries or provide services to residents.

If the signage restrictions are not sufficient, further measures including traffic calming devices could be deployed.

In addition to the traffic issues, there has been rigorous opposition to several proposed business uses by residents of Parkside Village even though commercial uses were approved in the initial rezoning.

Parkside Village is not alone in this situation. GOMM predicts that when the parcels at the corner of Manakin and 250 in Centerville, currently a mulch yard, are developed, residents of the Parke at Saddle Creek will object, even though the zoning for commercial use and the subdivision were approved at the same time.

This is a cautionary tale going forward for our supervisors.  When they approve rezoning for a subdivision, they must remember that people will live in those homes, pay taxes, and vote. All too often, developers gloss over objections raised by current citizens, leading to unintended consequences for the county to sort out later. It would be helpful if, before voting, each supervisor would explain how they reached their decision, to help citizens better understand their vision for the county. It would also be nice to know if supervisors would like to live in the neighborhoods they approve.

While some opponents of rezoning applications can be classified as NIMBYs (not in my backyard), or BANANAs (build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything) others raise legitimate concerns about the impact of land use changes on people who live nearby.

Developers should be required to begin commercial development in a mixed-use project before homes are built, or at least make those plans an obvious part of their marketing materials, so  residential buyers know what they are getting into at the outset.

While we hope people take the time to perform ample due diligence before buying property, especially given the gracious plenty of information available on the internet, that does not seem to be the case. All too often, buyers take the marketing fables spun by developers as gospel then whine “no one told us” when they discover things not to their liking after they move in and expect “the county” to fix them.

This leads to angry phone calls, emails, and other communications between citizens and supervisors that might have been avoided had better decisions been made earlier in the process.

Board members realize early in their term of elected office that, no matter how hard they work, they cannot please everyone. Decisions based on complete, detailed data about rezoning applications would go a long way to preventing some of this heartburn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the cusp of summer

 

The June 3 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors on the cusp of summer was brief, perhaps in anticipation of the arrival of new County Administrator Jeremy Raley on June 9.

Board Chair Tom Winfree, District 3, and Jonathan Lyle, District 5, attended the Goochland High School graduation on June1. Winfree complimented 197 graduates on their many accomplishments and wished them success and happiness on life’s journey.

There will be a “meet and greet” with Raley in the board room on Thursday, June 12 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome Raley to his new role in county government.

Winfree profusely thanked the Hon. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., for stepping in, on February 24, as interim county administrator to keep the ship of local government going in the right direction and afloat to allow the supervisors to methodically and deliberately select a new county administrator.

County Administrator comments

Alvarez said that the deadline for the veteran tribute banner program has been extended to June 15^th.  The banners, featuring photos of local veterans, free of charge, will be displayed on light posts in Courthouse Village through Veterans’ Day, November 11. Go to https://militarytributebanners.org/virginia/goochland-va.html for details.

Independence Day fireworks will be held on Wednesday, July 3 at 9 p.m. at the Goochland Sports Complex, roughly behind the county administration building, rain date, July 5. The date was chosen due to an increase in costs.

The next Night at Tucker outdoor music event will be held at Tucker Park on Friday, June 27^th, featuring the band “Permanent Vacation”. Visit https://www.goochlandva.us/236/Parks-Recreation for more information.

Document shredding will be held on the Fairground lot near the intersection of Fairground and Sandy Hook Roads on Saturday, June 7 from 9-1. Visit the county website for details.

Alvarez congratulated the organizers of last month’s Goochland Day, the Goochland Day Foundation, for the wonderful job they did staging the event, which he said attracted approximately 7,500 people and was well done.

He explained that the county waived more than $4,000 in event associated fees; the parks and rec department donated a lot of time to the event; the Economic Development Authority  contributed $5,000; fire-rescue did not charge for its  participation; one part time and six full time county employees staffing the Friday night concert; there were two full-time county staff at both the parade and festival on Saturday; the county promoted the event; provided dumpsters; and all of the tables and chairs.

Alvarez explained, that contrary to some contentions, the county has never “run” Goochland Day. It was started by the Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association as a community event to raise funds to build fire-rescue stations. He said that he does not believe that the county could do as good a job as the Goochland Day Foundation does, attracting volunteers and energizing community support. He thanked the GDF for its fine work and hopes that next year’s Goochland Day will be even better.

 

VDOT

As June 3 was the last time that Marshall Winn, Director of the Ashland VDOT Residency, would speak to the board, the supervisors thanked and commended him for his 48 years of service with the agency.  Winn announced that he will be succeeded by Philip Frasier. Winn has overseen the daily operations of VDOT, including cutting grass, plowing snow, removing dead animals and fallen trees, fixing potholes, and a myriad of other road related maintenance tasks. The supervisors commended Winn for his role in maintaining a good relationship between Goochland County and VDOT. In addition to a letter of appreciation signed by each supervisor, Lyle presented Winn with a selection of baseball themed videos. Winn continues to follow the professional baseball career of his son, a former player with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. We wish Winn every happiness in his next chapter.

Board Chair Tom Winfree (r) congratulates Marshall Winn on his retirement

Reports on fire-rescue; broadband; and planning and zoning activity were in the board report. Although there have been new additions to county staff, their introduction was not part of the agenda.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, who represents Goochland on regional transportation boards, reported that the Central Virginia Transportation Authority rotates leadership, and that Jody Rogesh from Henrico is its new chair, with John Hodge from the Town of Ashland is vice chair. Spoonhower said that the CVTA will be looking for a way to combine the disparate plans of all of the regional partners into a single 2050 long range plan.

He also represents Goochland on the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, which hopes to meet with Goochland to explore micro transit options in the county.

Spoonhower reported that three of the four applications made by Goochland for “smart scale” funding, including the roundabout at Fairground and Maidens Road were approved. He thanked our VDOT partners for their help in making Goochland’s applications as robust as possible to increase chances of success.

On Monday, June 2, Spoonhower and Lyle attended groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Goochland-Powhatan Community Services building in Powhatan County that attracted more than 100 people. A larger facility will enable the CBS to better serve its clients. The CSB provides a range of services to help with mental health, behavioral, developmental, and other concerns. Go to https://gpcsb.org/ for more information.

The consent agenda included items amending the school budget for FY26, which begins on July 1, due to approval of the state budget after the county budget, and for FY25. Both amendments resulted in additional funds being appropriated to the school division.

 

 

 

 

They also serve

 

The missing action chair reserved for those who fate remains unknown

As a nation we pause on Memorial Day to honor and remember those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms.

War is a complicated business. For every front-line hero, there are scores of support people that rarely receive mention but perform dangerous and vital tasks. Then there are the families of the dead, their lives shattered, left to mourn in the shadows and pick up the pieces of their lives. This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the end of the Viet Nam War, which claimed the lives of 58,220 Americans, and negatively impacted countless others.

At the May 26 annual American Legion Post 215 Memorial Day observance Gladys Grubb-Woodfin shared her powerful story as a young woman widowed by the Viet Nam war.

“Fifty-six years ago, today we were a young married couple building a house, planning a future, hoping to have kids, and grow old together,” Gladys began. “In a few days something would happen that would change my young life and shatter that future.”

Gladys Grubb-Woodfin

The something was a letter from Uncle Sam that began “greetings”. Those of a certain age know that phrase as the opening words of a draft notice, informing the recipient that he was required to put his life on pause and report for military service. (The “draft” ended in 1973. America now has an all-volunteer military.)

“Little did I know that the boy I really disliked in grade school would become my husband. He was the one who wrote in my yearbook that he would love me ‘till the day he died.” We were married in July of 1968. In August he got “the letter” and left for Fort Bragg on September 13. I sent daily letters to him. He came home on leave for Christmas before going to Fort Polk, Louisiana, birthplace of Viet Nam combat infantry, for more training. In February he came home and told me he was going to Viet Nam. He left on March 3 and arrived in Viet Nam on March 6. I still remember his last hug before he boarded the plane.”

Gladys returned to a job at the telephone company in Richmond while Steve was deployed. She sent him letters and care packages, including a special one for his 22nd birthday in April that included a box on which she wrote “I love you” in big letters.

“On May 31 two men in uniform came to my door to tell me Steve was missing in action. On June 6 they came back to inform me that he was killed in action. During that week I was so scared and wondered why he was missing and alone. He came home on June 13. I had hoped they were mistaken but I was able to view his body and knew there was no hope. I buried him in my family cemetery on June 15 with full military honors. Then his personal items came home, including the I love you box. After the funeral everyone told me I had to forget because I was young, I had not yet turned 21. I was stubborn and hurting and had no one to talk to. They did not have survivors’ programs then. No one wanted to talk about Viet Nam. Then someone told me that they were glad that one more baby killer wasn’t coming home. I shut down.”

Gladys said that seeing “China Beach,” the 1988 television show about a field hospital in Viet Nam, made her cry, especially scenes in the “checkout” room. Times were changing, she wanted answers to her questions. Gladys found a veteran’s group that took her under their wing and told her that no man is alone. She was made an honorary member and is still in contact with some of the people who helped her heal.

It was through this association that she met a soldier who was with Steve when he died from wounds sustained during a “search and clear” mission. Believing his wound was not serious, Steve joked that he was going for a needed rest and would be back, as he was airlifted to an aid station and evacuation hospital where he succumbed to his wounds at 17:50 hours on May 28, 1969.

Gladys recalled by name eleven boys that had been her schoolmates in Nelson County and also died in Viet Nam. “Every year around Memorial Day I visit their graves to put flags and flowers on them. As long as we live, they will live because we will always remember them.”

Many have given their lives in service to our country, from the first battles of the Revolutionary War 250 years ago and into the future. We must remember them all, most who will be forever young, and honor their sacrifice.

Gladys has and continues to support veterans in a variety of ways, including with the Post 215 Auxiliary

 

 

 

 

Honoring those who gave all

 

 

Goochland American Legion Post 215 will hold its annual Memorial Day observance on the Courthouse Green on Monday, May 26 beginning at 10 a.m. to honor those who gave their lives in  defense of our freedom from Bunker Hill to Bagram air base.

Gold Star wife Gladys Grubb-Woodfin will be the keynote speaker. 

The Marine Corps Jr. ROTC from Goochland High School will present the colors.

Bring a chair.

The event will include a children's flag parade, please bring your youngsters and teach them about  the meaning of the day.

Poppies and flags will be distributed by the Post 215 Auxiliary.

A 21 gun salute and the playing of taps will conclude the ceremony.

Rain will cancel the event, with no make up date.

Please pass this along.

A familiar face

 

Jeremy Raley new Goochland County Administrator

At an early morning special called meeting on Friday, May 23, the Goochland Board of Supervisors did not go into closed session as previously announced for final deliberations on its choice for the next county administrator.  Instead, Board Chair Tom Winfree, District 3 proclaimed that the Board’s unanimous choice was Jeremy Raley, Ed.D. of Maidens. All supervisors except Charlie Vaughters, District 4, who participated electronically, were present at the event.

The board unanimously adopted a resolution appointing Raley as County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and authorized Winfree to execute Raley’s employment contract, which was signed in front of the assemblage.

Eight years and eleven months to the day when Raley was selected to be Superintendent of Goochland Schools, he took the oath of office for county administrator administered by Amanda Adams, Clerk of the Circuit Court. He starts work on June 9.

Surrounded by Supervisors Spoonhower, Lyle, Christie, Interim County Administrator Manuel Alvarez, Jr. and Winfree Raley takes the oath of office from The Hon. Amanda Adams

The board met in closed session at “undisclosed locations” several times during the past few weeks to interview candidates. This is the third time in the past five years that the position has changed hands, not counting two “interimships” by the Hon. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., former District 2 supervisor, who has been at the county’s helm since February 24 following the departure of Vic Carpenter.

Unlike the past two county administrator searches conducted by previous supervisors, this board chose not to retain a “headhunter” for the task. Instead, the position was posted on the websites of several governmental organizations, generating 33 responses without incurring significant expense to the county. “We were flattered that so many excellent candidates were interested in the county administrator position,” said Winfree.

Raley was Superintendent of Goochland Schools from 2016 to March 2023, when he was appointed to the position of Chief of Staff to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth by Governor Glen Youngkin. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree and doctorate in organization leadership from Shenandoah University.

Among Raley’s many professional qualifications, the fact that he and his wife and two children have lived in the county for almost nine years and is a part of the community, may be the most important. He “gets” Goochland and understands our strengths and challenges. Comments he made to the supervisors after the appointment illustrate this.

“I had prepared remarks and knew what I wanted to say,” he began. “But after being here today, it just reminded me of how wonderful this community is and how thankful I have been to serve this community for several years in a different role but now I have a chance to serve as your county administrator.

“This is a job that I take very seriously, and I’m humbled and quite honestly thankful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me to serve alongside you and do amazing things for the citizens of this fantastic community.

“When I moved my family halfway across the state in 2016 to serve as superintendent I never in a million years thought that I would be able to serve as superintendent and now as county administrator in a place that is now my home. A place where we have planted roots and want to be for many, many years.”

He glanced around the boardroom filled with people from the school division, Sheriff’s Office, Fire-Rescue, Commonwealth’s Attorney, county staff, and others. “I’m grateful for everybody who showed up here today in support. It feels great to see familiar faces, folks that I have served and worked with and folks that I know are true servants to Goochland County. I’m really excited to work alongside them and get to know them better. It’s truly a pleasure to have an opportunity to serve. I’m grateful for your confidence.

“Any leader knows that having a support system and network is extremely important. I want to publicly thank my wife Cindy who has been behind me every step of the way through a lot of challenging times in leadership. She is a trusted confidant and counsel to me. I enlisted her counsel on something yesterday and she steered me in the right direction. Cindy, I just want to say publicly thank you, I love you, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me.

“I’m excited to get started on June 9^th. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle comically alluded to the long hours that the county administrator’s job requires by producing a milk carton with Raley’s photo on it like those used to find missing children.

“The position Jeremy’s taken today will likely remind him of his two a day football resume from his days at UVa. It’s going to take a lot of energy, effort, and enthusiasm to guide his team, actually our team, to reach the goals this board has set. Those efforts won’t happen in a vacuum but will have an impact on his family as well. They know what they signed up for, but I hope that Jeremy’s commitment to his work doesn’t require these cartons to stay on the shelf for long.”

Milk carton and red phone 

Lyle then produced a special red “dad we need you” hotline as a constant reminder to Raley that, no matter how important things get on the third floor of the administration building, he has a more important job as part of a family.

( See GOMM ICYMI for the recruitment packet circulated during the search.)

Raley’s resume ticked all the boxes for the supervisors, who are believed to have spent time in one-on-one discussions about the position with “finalist” candidates to select someone well-qualified for job who will stay for more than a minute. As a Goochland resident since 2016, Raley is familiar with the community, which will enable him to hit the ground running—given his background as a gridiron star at the University of Virginia, there will be sports metaphors.

Winfree said the day was a happy time, the result of a very deliberate process that resulted in a unanimous decision. “We’ve hired a star and have the utmost confidence that Mr. Raley,” he said. “I urge the public to stay tuned because the county’s on a roll and we’ve got a lot of opportunities ahead of us.”

Alvarez is expected to work with Raley during a transition period.

Welcome back Jeremy!

Raley's new team minus Charlie Vaughters

 

 

 

A slice of small town life

 

"Governor Gooch" poses at the Goochland History Center before the parade.

Groups large and small rode floats or marched along River Road West from the Courthouse Green to the old elementary school in the 2025 Goochland Day Parade. It was a wonderful expression of our community. Following are random observations and a few photos.

The comfortable pace of the procession allowed for greetings between marchers and watchers with even some stopping to hug friends along the way.

Our marching Bulldogs kept the beat of the parade

The excellent Goochland County Sheriff’s Office color guard led the way. Ingenious floats, including that of the Goochland Garden Club, a pickup festooned with colorful flowers fashioned from plastic bottles and a beehive to host pollinators, outdid each other for creativity.

The Goochland Garden Club float was one of many ingenious floats

The procession paid homage to Goochland’s proud past and bright future. “Governor Gooch,” resplendent in period regalia, rode in a horse drawn carriage.  The Goochland High School competition-winning Junkyard Dogs Robotics team (https://www.team2106.org/) marched with its latest technological creation “Guppy” embracing the future.

Junkyard Dogs and "Guppy" marched

Impressive tractors pulled floats celebrating Goochland’s agricultural heritage, a vital component of rural character.

Rural at its best

Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District

The  Goochland High School Band under the direction of Jay Sykes kept the beat. Its tunes floating on the air of a perfect day. Members of the Class of 25 also marched. May success and satisfaction follow them on the next step of life’s journey.

GoochlandCares had marchers represented some of the services it offers, including vegetables for the food pantry and a tooth for the dental clinic.

Celebrating the many services offered by GoochlandCares

The Goochland Christmas Mother, lots of fire-rescue apparatus, including Sparky the Fire Dog riding with Chief Ferguson.  McGruff the Crime Dog rode with Sheriff Creasey.

Ghostbusters kept the event specter free and two tiny Shriner cars zoomed along the route. Local businesses participated and there were lots of bubbles!

No parade is complete without Shriner tiny car antics

 Thanks to all who made it happen.