Goochland at a Glance - February 28, 2025

Weekly Highlights | February 28, 2025

Free Dam Owner Training Scheduled for March 1st

Free Dam Owner Training in-person and virtual is available on Saturday, March 1st. In-person space is limited. Please registered early if you are interested. This training is sponsored by the Virginia Lakes and Watershed Association (VLWA). Read more.

Document Shredding and Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Saturday, June 7, 2025; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Goochland Fairground Property
(intersection of Sandy Hook Road & Fairground Road)
Must show proof of Goochland County Residency!
Click here for more information.

Firefly Fiber Broadband Virtual Town Hall

Firefly Fiber Broadband is holding a Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, March 13th at 4 PM for the RISE Project Caledonia and Tabscott service zones to learn more about Firefly, ask questions, and find out how you can sign up for service. Firefly’s RISE Project Caledonia and Tabscott service zones include Goochland residents served by Dominion Energy who live in the Northwestern area of Goochland. Residents in these areas should register online, there is an option to attend online or by phone. A recording of the Virtual Town Hall will be made available to those who register. Read more.

Throughout the month of February, we will be highlighting historically significant Black facilities and influential residents who have shaped Goochland's history.

Freedom of Choice Marker

This week marks the one year anniversary of the the Goochland County Historical Society, NAACP, and Rotary Club, along with former students, unveiled the Freedom of Choice Marker located at the former Goochland High School.

This marker commemorates the struggle undertaken by the original 14 students to integrate at Goochland High School in the fall of 1965. That year, 62 Black students transferred to previously White schools and as a result, there were Black students in every grade except for the sixth grade at Goochland Elementary School. At Goochland High School, 14 Black students paved the way for generations to come.

The marker can be viewed at the Goochland County Administration Building, located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road.

Goochland Recreational Center

In the height of the Civil Rights movement, a group of determined citizens came together with a shared vision. They sought to create a recreational space where all members of the community, regardless of race, could gather, play, and build connections.

Together, these individuals pooled resources and talents to construct The Goochland Recreational Center. A true community effort, the 12th grade students at Central High School made the first official sign for the facility, and male members from all walks of life donated to the facility’s upkeep. Since 1961, the Goochland Recreational Center has seen many changes including the addition of a playground, concessions stand, picnic shelter, and a baseball diamond.

The Center has played a key role in many aspects of Goochland’s history, serving as the home for the first Head Start Program in the County and providing office space for other community organizations.

Annually, the Goochland Recreational Center hosts a 4th of July event for the community which features kids’ activities, games, music, and raffles. This event also serves as the Center’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The Goochland Recreational Center is located at 2415 Sandy Hook Road

A graduate of Goochland County Public Schools as a product of “freedom of choice” legislation, Linda Minor dedicated 34 years to shaping young minds. She went on to graduate from VCU, and returned to Goochland County Public Schools teaching Civics, History, Computers, and Humanities to three generations of students. She says seeing her former students thrive brings her immense joy!

Linda was honored as Teacher of the Year, received the Golden Apple Teacher Award, and was inducted into the Goochland Educator’s Hall of Fame. During her time as an educator, she also provided homebound instruction to over 85 students. In addition to her passion for education, Linda is active in her church teaching Sunday School and sponsoring many plays.

Born and raised in Goochland County, Ryan Leabough has always believed in the power of service, mentorship, and community development. He has been actively involved with organizations such as the NAACP, served on various Parks and Recreation advisory committees, and, most recently, was elected as the new president of the Goochland Recreational Center—a historically Black nonprofit dedicated to serving the community. In addition to his leadership roles, Ryan has also coached boys and girls basketball at Goochland Middle School and Goochland High School, mentoring young athletes both on and off the court.

Beyond his community involvement, Ryan is also a local business owner. He is the founder of Uplift Sports Group, which hosts basketball tournaments, sports camps for boys and girls of all ages, and provides specialized sports training. Additionally, he owns Lifeline Marketing Solutions, a social media marketing company that helps businesses enhance their brand presence and connect with their audience.

Ryan’s passion lies in helping the youth, teaching sports, and inspiring the next generation, especially those who look like him or share similar backgrounds—to give back and invest in their community. His philosophy of “service over self” is reflected in his work, whether he’s coaching, mentoring, or creating new opportunities for local youth.

A proud product of Goochland County schools, Ryan went on to attend Blue Ridge School, a college preparatory school where he excelled in basketball on a full sports scholarship. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a master’s degree from Liberty University. Additionally, he is a Qualified Mental Health Professional, using his expertise to support and uplift young people.

Ryan's unwavering dedication continues to make a lasting impact, shaping a brighter future for Goochland’s youth and strengthening the community as a whole.

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