r/ChesterfieldVA

Earlier this week, the finalists for the Dean of Innovation role at Brightpoint CC were shared with the college, and open forums are approaching quickly. The reactions across campus have been telling.

Multiple internal candidates reportedly applied for the position, including individuals currently working within the unit itself and others who appear to meet or exceed the stated qualifications. Several of those internal applicants hold doctorate degrees or are actively pursuing them.

Yet not a single internal candidate advanced.

What’s even more surprising is that, reportedly, only one of the external finalists has direct experience actively working on a community college campus.

That reality feels difficult to reconcile with the messaging many employees have heard for years from leadership within the Virginia Community College System particularly from Fiege emphasizing that advanced degrees, professional development, and leadership training are pathways to advancement.

Ironically, one internal rejected candidate was even tasked with helping build a leadership academy designed to grow future leaders from within the institution. If they cannot even secure an interview, employees are left wondering what exactly they are being trained for.

Adding to the disconnect, employees recently received a poem from Fiege celebrating the college and its culture of excellence and community. While the gesture may have been well intentioned, many employees privately noted the contrast between the uplifting messaging and what they perceive as discouraging realities around internal advancement.

So employees are increasingly asking a fair question:

If internal candidates cannot even secure interviews for leadership positions, then what exactly is the purpose of investing in leadership development programs for employees already serving the institution?

At what point does “grow your own leaders” become little more than branding?

And perhaps the bigger question many are quietly asking now is this: when does the VCCS step in and examine whether these hiring and advancement practices are actually aligned with the values the system publicly promotes?

Because from the outside, the process increasingly feels inconsistent, discouraging, and disconnected from the very principles employees are being told to believe in.

I got there early one day and had a regular hot coffee. It was good, but I can't believe that is what is driving the long lines I see during the middle of the day. What is the best thing to get?

Hi y’all! My 17 year old is looking for a part time job this summer. They are on the early childhood education path in the CCPS district, and will need work/volunteer hours to graduate May 2027. They are already volunteering at Richmond Animal League with the Creative Critters program, signed up on the Bambino baby sitting app and have applied at Aqua tot and Romp and Roll. The issue they are coming up with is being under 18. So my question for all you fine folks: do you have any recommendations for an employer who will hire a 17 year old for a child care job?

Thank you so much!

Does any one have first-hand experience with Bon Air Elementary? We are considering a house in the area and would love all the insight we can get!

I walked by earlier and there were a few broken windows being cleaned/boarded up

Near Brandermill. Smells like a bad car freshener and Bactine. Kind of medicinal, maybe alcohol-ish.

There is a line of cars approaching the entrance from Genito Rd that can be backed up quite a distance. I find that cars approaching from the 360 direction(heading north) basically shortcut the line. In fact, I notice some people coming from Genito will blow by the line and do a U turn to approach from the North. Needs to be a better system that is fair to everyone. Not sure there is one. Just venting. Thanks.

Does anyone have any recommendations on a builder for a small, screened-in porch in Chesterfield? We have an existing deck, with good bones/frame we’d like to build over/on top.

Anyone have experience with permitting if we decide to go the DIY route? Curious what that might entail.

Does anyone have a general ballpark of the cost (per sqft) for a home addition in Chesterfield County?

We're weighing the options of either adding an addition (e.g. 24 x 12 master suite w/ bath) or just finding a larger house to buy (with current interest rates ...)

I imagine the main costs would be additional foundation and the bathroom.

Thanks!

I get letters from Homeserve concerning protection for water and sewer along with notifications for gas lines. Is it worth participating or is it money down the drain?

Moved to the area last summer, and looking to finally bring my 15 year old Tennessee Walking horse here with me! Her name is Lipstick. She’s currently staying on a family friend’s field in Tennessee. I live in North Chesterfield, near Rockwood Park. Any one got a lead on pasture space I could rent?

Hello! i came across a lost dog this morning. He seems to be some sort of designer breed, extremely friendly!! Looks like he’s been out for a while or at least overnight. Located in the South Chesterfield, VA area. If you think this might be your dog pls send me a pic so i can confirm it’s your dog! he didn’t have a collar.

Any place thats reputable and fairly priced? Got quoted at Jared's for like 417, and frankly thats too much for this economy.

https://preview.redd.it/cy76aub2hqyg1.png?width=1125&format=png&auto=webp&s=ca23df56f0253d609e8e46703c6bea964e2d7019

The Virginia Train Collectors Association is sponsoring the Spring Toy and Train Show on Friday May 15^(th) from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturday May 16^(th) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the former H&M store *unit 164) at Stony Point Fashion Park off of Chippenham Parkway in Richmond, VA. For the GPS, the address for the Fashion Park is 9200 Stony Point Parkway, Richmond, VA 23235.

 

The Spring Toy and Train Show is located in a 20,000 square foot store featuring over 100+ vendor tables offering model railroading item, die cast vehicle, different genre of toys, some collectibles and children’s books from two regional authors.   The model railroading items include engines, rolling stock, track, transformers, and accessories from a variety of vendors specializing in different scales, model eras and manufacturers. The River City 3 Railers, the N scale  Rantrakers and Fordham Creek will have model railroad layouts on display at the Show.

 

While at Stony Point Fashion Park, enjoy the Spring Festival being held.  Visit the Black Farmer’s Market and other festivities. Take a round-trip ride on the trackless RVA Express train to visit the Virginia Train Collectors Association’s Train Depot to see more model operating train layout displays. The Train Depot is located at the other end of the Fashion Park in Unit 193.  There are eight different train layouts including prewar Standard Gauge (Lionel, Ives); two modern O Gauge (MTH, Lionel, Kline, Williams); one G Scale (LGB), one S Scale (American Flyer), two HO Scale and two N Scale layouts.  The Train Depot also feature a train themed Kids Area for parents to relax while the kids play with Brio wooden trains, a ride on Thomas the Tank train and other activities.

 

The staff and vendors at the show will be glad to answer your questions and provide you with guidance on maximizing your experience with the model railroading hobby.

 

Admission is $5 for adults for both days and children 12 and under are free to attend.

 

While at Stony Point Fashion Park, take advantage of the restaurants in the Fashion Park as well as other entertainment venues such as CinéBistro movie theater, the Discovery Zone for Kids, and other entertainment.

 

For those not familiar with Stony Point, here are the directions:

 

Stony Point Fashion Park is located just south of the James River and the Willey Bridge off of Chippenham Park. Access Chippenham from Parham Road on the north, the Powhite Parkway or I-95 on the South.

 

 

For the Train Show:

 

 

If you are coming from Parham Road to Chippenham Parkway, take the first right exit off Chippenham after crossing the Willey Bridge marked Stony Point Fashion Park. Bear right and follow the road past the apartments on the right around the curve.  You will see the Dillards store up on the hill on the left.

For the Toy and Train Show, continue to the second left-hand exit across from the Creek’s Edge apartments and park near the entrance to Talbots. Enter the concourse on the right.

For the Train Depot, take the first left-hand exit and proceed to the concourse opening at Lenscrafters.

 

 

If you are coming north on Chippenham Parkway from the Powhite (10 minutes from Stony Point exit) or I-95 (30 minutes from Stony Point exit), you will pass the Huguenot Road Overpass and proceed to the Stony Point right-hand exit. Take exit to the light at the bottom of the hill then bear right at the light. Stay in the left lane and go straight through the next two lights and proceed straight.

For the Toy and Train Show, go about 1/4 of a mile then take the third right-hand exit and park near the Talbot’s. 

For the Train Depot, continue on past the Creek’s Edge apartments on your left and take the second right-hand turn.  Park near the entrance area next to Lenscrafters. The Train Depot is around the corner next to Lenscrafters.