Multitalented artist to perform at annual open house

Donald Anthony Coles’ music, artwork will be featured at historic Jackson Blacksmith Shop

Community Report

This year’s open house at the Jackson Blacksmith Shop on June 10 will feature the work and talent of Goochland resident Donald Anthony Coles, vocalist, musician, artist and history buff.

Though the modest, mild-mannered school bus driver and retired machinist may not use any of these titles to refer to himself, those who are familiar with his work would be quick to point out that these monikers are most appropriate.

Coles is already well known among those who visit local wineries, where he performs popular tunes in a variety of genres from decades past. When he is strumming his guitar or banjo and singing along, a broad smile appears on his face. When he finishes a song, he often says, “Weee

Project

being asked to modify a comprehensive plan that the Wickham Glen and Rivergate residents all adhere to,” Linhart said. “Why are you being asked to do that? Because the developer can’t make the numbers work if he goes to one-acre properties—it’s just that simple.”

Last week’s public hear-

Correction

doggie”—it is clear he is enjoying himself, and so are those in earshot. It’s not uncommon for audience members to join in with the soloist to sing background or dance to the music.

Like so many, Coles discovered his love for music in church when he started singing in the choir at age 12. Experiencing the sounds of street musicians in New Orleans also has impacted his music. The mostly selftaught musician credits Ella Fitzgerald’s work as being the most inspiring for him. He says, “She could scat and do different things with her voice that no other human being could do.”

When he is not performing musically, Coles might be seen with pencil in hand, turning out portraits of those known on the regional music scene. He has produced scores of large

This portrait of bassist canvas portraits of various musicians. Coles said he is thankful that when he was young his parents took him to museums where he enjoyed seeing paintings and sculpture. He says this has had a strong impact on him donald and motivated him to paint and draw.

Michael Hawkins is one of over 40 in an on-going collection of portraits of musicians in the region drawn by donald anthony Coles, whose work be on display at the Jackson Blacksmith shop this saturday.

“I would tell all parents to take your children to see artwork,” Coles said. Children and parents alike will have the opportunity to see his artwork , which will be on display at the event.

After spending years as a railroad machinist, Coles continues to use his hands not only to play music and draw portraits, but also to restore automobiles and other equipment. Since 1990, he has restored several vehicles, keeping some and shipping a 1962 Cadillac to a buyer in Sweden. Unlike most vintage car collectors, Coles does most of the restoration work himself, even the body work and paint job, tasks usually delegated to a shop.

Please see COLES, Page 14 ing was the second time the Tuckahoe Lands LLC project has come before the planning commission. The commission sent the plan to county supervisors last February with a recommendation to deny it, but supervisors declined to vote and instead remanded it back to the planning commission for further review. Linhart and others, however, say the changes made have made little difference.

“It’s a wonderful place to live,” said Linhart of his neighborhood. “Don’t mess that up simply by trying to help the developer make his numbers work.”

Commissioners seemed inclined to agree with opponents to the plan, citing both the lot size and the proposed 15-foot buffer, which they deemed inadequate. Commissioner Tom Rockecharlie said he didn’t think that the distance was in keeping with the coun- ty’s comprehensive plan.

“We’ve been fairly consistent with our voting and in our discussions that we follow the comprehensive plan,” Rockecharlie said. “If you start deviating from it, then after a while it has no meaning at all—you’re destroying the content of it.”

Planning Commissioner John Myers was the only other commission member who commented on the proposal, agreeing that the plan in its current form is not in keeping with the county’s plan for the area.

Planning Commissioner Carl Pittuck was the only commissioner to vote in favor of the project.

Though last Thursday marked the second time the planned subdivision has failed to gain approval from the Planning Commission, the final decision is expected to be made by the Goochland Board of Supervisors during the board’s July 3 meeting.

In a story about Sunday voting in last week’s Goochland Gazette, it was incorrectly stated that Jenifer Strozier is a member of the Goochland County Electoral Board. In fact, Strozier is the current vice-chair of the Goochland Democratic Committee. We sincerely regret the error.

Goochland Graduates

After four years of hard work and perseverance, Goochland High School’s Class of 2023 now prepares for the next chapter

POWERS, Margaret Neal

HADEN, James H. Jr.

HADEN, James H. Jr., 90, of Glen allen, passed away on May 27, 2023. James was born on september 30, 1932, to James and Bertha Haden. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Virginia Haden, and both of his parents. He is survived by his daughter, deborah Haden smith (Bo); his son, James H. Haden III (Jessie); stepson, Bobby Charlton; stepdaughter, nancy Charlton; his grandchildren, John Franklin smith, Lacy amber Buchanan, Brittany Leann smith, Claire Bell Haden, dallas James Haden, sarah Charlton, anna Charlton; and his greatgrandchildren, McKenzie, aubrey, Mackayla, sadie, dalanie, Colton. His family would also

Library Calendar

Upcoming Programs At The Goochland Branch Library

Family s torytime at the Goochland Branch Library.

Thursdays, June 8, 15, 22, & 29, 10 – 10:30 a.m. enjoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes, and much more! For ages 0-5 with caregiver. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Toddler/Preschool storytime at the Goochland Branch Library.

Thursday Month Day, 2022

POWERS, Margaret Neal, passed away May 24, 2023, at age 94, to join her husband of 72 years, (Otto Miller Powers); and her mother, (nolie Chappelle neal); father, (Louis Jackson neal); and brother, (Ronald Wayne neal) in God’s glory. Margaret, who was also known as “Monk,” a nickname bestowed by her nephews, Jonathan and Jeffrey, as young children, was born July 23, 1928, in danville, Va. a child of the depression, she knew to save everything and always made sure she had extras of everything just in case. she and the love of her life, Otto Miller Powers, were married in 1949 and lived on the family farm in Oilville, Va. until his passing in 2020 when she moved to be close to her daughter, Gloria Powers, in northern Virginia. In addition to her husband, daughter, brother and nephews, Monk was devoted to the care and feeding of a series of feral cats, including one that lived on their farm for 26 years! and to the over-feeding of a series of slightly “fluffy” Chihuahuas. Monk is survived by her daughter, Gloria Powers; her brother, skip and his wife, Carolyn, who generously always called to stay in touch; her nephews, Jonathan and Jeffrey; and by the many offspring of her husband’s 20 brothers and sisters. Consistent with her wishes, Margaret neal Powers had a simple graveside service on Thursday, June 1 at Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Richmond, where she will find her final resting place next to her husband. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Goochland Pet Lovers in memory of Monk and her love of all God’s creatures. https://www.goochlandpetlovers.com.

ObiTuary SubMiSSiOnS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3

Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com

Deadline is 12 p.m. Friday for the following week’s issue.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Call 804-643-4414,

Like & follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ goochlandgazette

Do you have a news tip, story idea or photo to submit? E-mail Roslyn Ryan at ryryan@goochlandgazette.com sharing original writings, participating in prompted writings, and encouraging others in their pursuit of writing. This program is open to “would be” writers, experienced writers, and writers of all skill levels. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. like to recognize and to express their appreciation to a very special friend to him and Liz, their next-door neighbor, Greg Rohrer. James was a very hard working and devoted man. He was a passionate, avid gardener, even at the age of 90, he could be found plowing, digging, and tending to his garden. norman Funeral Chapel will be handling all arrangements. a visitation was held Wednesday, May 31, at norman Funeral Chapel, and a funeral service was held at norman Funeral Chapel on Thursday, June 1, with interment following at West Hampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson avenue, Richmond, Virginia. visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Fridays, June 9, 16, 23, & 30, 10 – 10:30 a.m. enjoy books, music, fingerplays, and much more at storytime! For ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Friday Book Club at the Goochland Branch Library. Friday, June 9, 11 a.m. — noon. ages 18 and up. Join us to discuss our monthly book choice! Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3

Children’s s torytelling with Woven yarns at the Goochland Branch Library. s aturday, June 24, 10 — 11 a.m. For PreK — 6th Grade. Join us for a fun-filled session of storytelling with songs, folk tales, and hand puppets. Meet the storytelling team of “Woven yarns”, dee Kysor and George Crafts as they take you on an adventure with all creatures living together in harmony. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Serving Goochland County

Since 1955 a nimals u nlimited at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library.

Old d ominion a ppalachian Trail Club at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Tuesday, June 20, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. a ll ages. Learn all about the beautiful hiking trails in Virginia with Pat d oyle, president of the Old dominion appalachian Trail Club! Registration required. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

3

Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com

Goochland Bridge Club at the Goochland Branch Library. Mondays, June 12, 19, & 26, 3 – 5 p.m. a ges 18 & up. The Goochland Bridge Club is for those that want to learn how to play or those with a basic knowledge of the game. e ach week there will be instruction and play time. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

Mystery Book Club at the Goochland Branch Library. Tuesday, June 27, 10 — 11 a.m. ages 18 & up. Join us to discuss our chosen mystery title for the month. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Goochland Branch Library. Tuesday, June 13, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. a ll ages. Join us for a fun night of crafts, games, and Kona Ice! It’s a great time to sign up for s ummer Reading. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information. a ction Figure a rt Class at the Goochland Branch Library.

Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

Upcoming Programs At The Cochrane Rockville Library

Email: paidnotices@ timesdispatch.com yoga at the Goochland Branch Library. Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21, & 28, 4 — 5 p.m. For ages 18 & up. Bring your mat and join us for a yoga session that aims to promote strength, flexibility, and balance. Led by certified instructor, Kathleen Tsengas. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. For ages 10-18. Meet local artist Curtis Brown and learn techniques to draw your own superhero action figure. Call (804) 556-4774 or visit the library at 3075 River Road West for more information.

Send news items to rosyln ryan e-mail: rryan@goochlandgazette.com or call (804) 339-7956 a dult Game n ight at the Goochland Branch Library.

Writing for Joy at the Goochland Branch Library. Wednesdays, June 7 & 21, 7 — 8:45 p.m. For adults 18 & up. a creative writing discussion group for those that are interested in

Thursday, June 22, 5:30 — 8:30 p.m. For ages 18 & up. Grab a friend and join us for a fun night of gaming and socializing. We provide board/card games, n intendo on the big screen and free wifi for online gaming. Popcorn Bar and Mocktails provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library. Call (804) 556-4774 or

Family storytime. Friday, June 9, 16, 23, & 30, 10:30 — 11 a.m. e njoy a fun time with books, signing, rhymes, and much more! Family storytime is for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information. Read 2 Rover at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Thursday, June 15, 4:30 — 5:30 p.m. Grades K-2. Read 2 Rover provides comfort and motivation for beginning readers as they read aloud to Colby or Pepper, our therapy dogs. s pace is limited. Call the Rockville Branch Library at (804) 749-3146 or visit the library for more information to register for this rewarding program!

Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

Wednesday, June 28, n oon — 1 p.m. all ages. Join us for a fun adventure with a nimals u nlimited! some of our animal ambassadors from around the world feature: Madagascar’s Beautiful endangered Ring tail lemur, Giant hissing cockroaches, the unique curious and unusual Coatimundi “Jose”, the african cape porcupine, the awesome hidgeback tortoise, the beautiful ball python, giant millipedes, a rctic tundra fox “Kayia”, a ustralia’s Bearded dragon, and the White’s “chubby” tree frogs. e njoy an afternoon of learning, see which animals visit, and explore the world from your very own library! Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3

Email: paidnotices @timesdispatch.com a ll of your s ocial s ecurity Questions a nswered! at the Cochrane Rockville Branch Library. Thursday, June 29, 6- 7 p.m. Get all of your s ocial s ecurity questions answered. Presented by John Cinella of MFs Investment Management and hosted by Justin Williams of edward Jones Financial. Registration required. Call (804) 749-3146 or visit the library at 16600 Pouncey Tract Road for more information.

Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.