Recent Updates
May CCLA Updates
CCLA COMMUNITY TOWNHALL MEETINGS
April 14th Meeting Results – Mr. Derek Stamey, Cumberland County Administrator, spoke about the county budget, public safety, committee for New Business Task Force, Parks and Recreation Programs, and the Cumberland County Library efforts. Updates were provided on the Cobbs Creek project and the new radio system for the sheriff and EMS. Mr. Stamey took questions from those attending and made notes on items to follow up on and get back to the person asking the question.
June 9, 2024 – Gustavo Angeles, Sierra Club is our guest speaker for this Community Townhall meeting. Plan to attend and hear updates on various items the Sierra Club is involved in across the Commonwealth.
August 11, 2024 – Muriel Branch, AMMD Pine Grove School Project is our guest speaker for this Community Townhall meeting.
Speakers for our October and December meetings are not scheduled. Our potential list includes both State and Federal elected officials. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.
OTHER MEETINGS OR EVENTS OF INTEREST
May 18, 2024 – CCLA is setting up at the Graceland Baptist Church Spring Yard Sale. The location is 975 Dorset Road, Powhatan. VA 23139. The event is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you have any items (except clothing and large items) in good condition you would like to donate, please let us know by sending us an email at info@cclava.com or call 804-308-5748. We are looking for volunteers to help with this event, if you can offer a couple of hours of your time, please let us know. Otherwise, please plan to attend and support this event.
May 26, 2024 - AMMD Pine Grove Project is having a Chat and Chew Comment Party. This is your opportunity to sit down together and spell out exactly why the proposed landfill must not be built! The event will be held at the Bright Hope Community Center, 3885 Cumberland Rd, Cumberland, VA 23040. Please RSVP by May 19th. See attached flyer.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We are approaching a crucial expiration date for Green Ridge to meet within the next 15 months for this project. Your continued support is much needed to STOP this proposed landfill from becoming a reality in Cumberland County. We realize this project is stale and many believe it is a DONE DEAL but it is NOT!! Soon we will enter our 7th year since the Board of Supervisors approved the Host Agreement in June 2018. But that is good news for us and others who are opposed to this project as it shows we are being effective and the regulatory agencies are listening to our concerns.
Let Your Voice be Heard!
There are many ways to do this by volunteering to help us get the word to other organizations or groups you may belong to. We are prepared to share our information with others as we did at the Powhatan Earth Day Celebration. Volunteer to help raise funds to meet necessary incurred costs such as legal, media, and rental fees. Hold a function such as a bake sale for the benefit of CCLA – or the young people can open a lemonade stand during the summer months. There are so many ways to help us spread the word.
We very much appreciate your continued support – without it, things could be looking a lot different for this project. Cumberland County could be infested with rodents and nasty birds which are not good for our health and well-being. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT – don’t give up but get active!
April CCLA Updates
CCLA COMMUNITY TOWNHALL MEETINGS
Upcoming Meetings
April 14, 2024 -- is the next CCLA Community Townhall meeting. Mr. Derek Stamey,
Cumberland County Administrator, is our guest speaker.
June 9, 2024 – Gustavo Angeles, Sierra Club is our guest speaker for this Community Townhall meeting.
August 11, 2024 – Muriel Branch, AMMD Pine Grove School Project is our guest speaker for this Community Townhall meeting.
Speakers for our October and December meetings are not scheduled. Our potential list includes both State and Federal elected officials. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.
OTHER MEETINGS OR EVENTS OF INTEREST
April 9th – Cumberland County Board of Supervisors regular meeting. We are now into April
2024 and our Board of Supervisors have been in office now going on their 4th month. Plenty of time to get their feet wet. But it is also time to let them know your position on the proposed landfill. This item has been discussed by only one person in depth during the first 3 months of this year. Believe it is time to let the Board know we still have major concerns with the proposed landfill – wells, traffic, health, rural living, etc. Therefore, I am asking you to please try to attend the meeting on April 9th and speak about the landfill. We are now heading into our 7th year of opposition to this project. The County is better now than where it was in 2018. We have met our financial obligations and improved without $$$ from the proposed landfill; therefore, no need for it.
IT IS NOT A DONE DEAL!!!
Let Your Voice Be Heard – plan to attend the meeting on April 9th at 7pm at the Courthouse. FYI – if you are late you can still sign on the sheet on the table in the back of the room to speak -- a change since the beginning of the year. You are limited to 3 minutes per person.
April 19th – CCLA will have a table at Powhatan Earth Day celebration – a family event. Location 3910 Old Buckingham Rd (Court House Lawn), Powhatan, VA 23139 from 4-6p.m. Local vendors, live music, dinner, and more including environmental tips on protecting our environment. It is all FREE FREE FREE!
We are working on other events for the coming months to help defray necessary costs such as legal fees and building rental. If you have any ideas, please let us know by an quick e-mail or call 804-308-5748.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Without your support, things could be a lot different in Cumberland County with trash trucks on our well traveled roads, increase noises, and smells, etc. But thanks to you and your support this is not true, instead we continue to fight to protect our environment, our way of life, our health, our water supply and so many more things. Each of you are greatly appreciated!!
March CCLA Updates
CCLA COMMUNITY TOWNHALL MEETINGS
February 11, 2024 - the group was small as we were up against the Super Bowl and Valentine’s
Day. There were various items discussed such as means of raising funds, how to get more people
involved in our group, and the effects of some of the changes by Green Ridge on the proposed
landfill.
April 14, 2024 -- is the next CCLA Community Townhall meeting. Mr. Derek Stamey,
Cumberland County Administrator, is our guest speaker.
June 9, 2024 – Gustavo Angeles, Sierra Club is our guest speaker for this Community Townhall
meeting.
August 11, 2024 – Muriel Branch, AMMD Pine Grove School Project is our guest speaker for
this Community Townhall meeting.
Speakers for our October and December meetings are not scheduled. Our potential list includes
both State and Federal elected officials. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.
IT’S NOT A DONE DEAL
All too often we continue to hear from others that the proposed landfill in Cumberland County is
a done deal. At this point, the site for the proposed landfill has not been approved, so how can it
be a done deal. Documentation is not available to support that the changes in the latest
submission to the DEQ by Green Ridge are approved by Cumberland County officials. It is
known, the attorney for Green Ridge made an appearance at the February 2023 regular meeting
of the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors. The presentation addressed some pending
changes and that additional rezoning request may be needed. The Board asked the attorney to
put the request and send it to the County Administrator. There is no documentation that this
request was ever done.
We have two options – we can continue to oppose the proposed landfill or we can set back and
let it happen. The first option is best – we MUST continue in this marathon and do what we can
to protect our environment, our way of life, our health, and our public wells – a source of water
for most of us. Therefore, we request your continued support!!
FUNDRAISING
Cost of the t-shirts is $5 a piece. The only size we DO NOT have is medium.
Just send us an email at info@cclava.com or call 804-308-5748, and let us know.
In case you forgot what the logo looks like, here it is:
The fund raising committee is also looking at other ideals for the coming months.
One of these things is participation in Powhatan Earth Day on April 19 th . The flyer
for the event can be found under the events tab. More information is forthcoming
.
WEBITE CHANGES
Several changes were recently done to our website. If you see errors or have recommendations,
please let us know.
WE APPRECIATE YOU – Thank you for your continuing support.
We are registered as a non-profit organization and our only source of income is donations and
fundraising. Please help us in any way you can – time, donations, etc. Every little bit helps.
February 11 is a BIG Day!
We know the Super Bowl is this Sunday, February 11, 2024, but it is also the date for CCLA’s first Community Townhall meeting for 2024.
Our meting starts at 3 p.m. and should be over in an hour or less. Making it so you participate in both events. So, if at all possible, please plan to attend this meeting.
Thank you and hope your team WINS!
February CCLA Update
JANUARY 2024 just flew by— did you see it pass by?
CCLA COMMUNITY TOWNHALL MEETING
February 11, 2024 - at 3 p.m. at the Cumberland Community Center (Luther P Jackson School), 71 Community Center Drive, Cumberland, VA. Please plan to attend as this is our first meeting of 2024. We look forward to seeing you.
BILLBOARDS
Did you see the billboards on Route 60 in Cumberland?
This one got a lot of attention over the holidays.
There is still one up as you drive east through Cumberland.
FUNDRAISING
The Eager Beavers meet recently to discuss ideas for 2024. One item was to reduce the cost of the t-shirts to $5 a piece. The only size we DO NOT have is medium. Just send us an email at info@cclava.com or call 804-308-5748, and let us know. In case you forgot what the logo looks like, here it is:
WEBSITE CHANGES
We are currently in the process of updating and making changes to our website. Please bear with us during this time. If you see errors or have recommendations, please let us know.
WE APPRECIATE YOU – thank you for your continuing support.
We are registered as a non-profit organization and our only source of income is donations and fundraising. If you have any ideals for fundraisers or would like to help, please let us know.
2024 Updates, Meeting Cadence, Website, and More
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024
Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and successful year!!
Taking this opportunity to express CCLA thanks for
your continuing support to protect our environment.
2024 MEETING SCHEDULE
Below is the schedule of meeting dates for 2024:
February 11, 2024
April 14, 2024
June 9, 2024
August 11, 2024
October 13, 2024
December 15, 2024
This change was made with input from our followers to have the Community Townhall meetings every other month. Depending on activities concerning the proposed landfill, meetings at other dates and times may be scheduled. This will be done on a case-by-case basis as the need is determined.
Please mark your calendars with these dates.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN SESSION
Richmond was a buzz on January 10, 2024, as members of Virginia’s House of Delegates and Senators arrived in town for the beginning of the 2024 General Assembly Session. It promises to be a new experience for many with the changes from the redistricting that went into effect this year. If you have any questions about what district you are in or want to know who your delegate or senator is, the best source to obtain this information is https://lis.virginia.gov/. This is the Legislative Information System. Here you can also find information concerning the bills your elected officials are sponsoring and their current status as they are presented for review.
As usual, CCLA will monitor the bills before the general assembly and let you know of bills concerning the protection of our environment and provide you with contact information. Contacts can be in the form of in-person meetings, speaking before the committee hearing the bill, emails, or phone calls.
WEBSITE UPDATES
We are in the process of working with our media group to update and change some things on our website. The change has already been made enabling you to make comments directly on the posts under Recent Updates. We will see how this works out. Please feel free to give it a try – it will avoid you having to send an email or make a phone call.
FUNDRAISING
Members of this group are planning to meet to discuss fundraising for 2024. If you would like to be part of this group or have ideas for future events, please let us know. Always open to new ideas and offers of help.
DID YOU SEE THE BILLBOARDS IN CUMBERLAND? DO YOU FIND OUR NEW WEBSITE USER-FRIENDLY?
If you, please donate to help us defray the costs of media, advertising, building rent for meetings, and attorney fees. We depend on donations to pay these expenses and work hard at keeping them to a minimum. Trying to get the best bang for every buck. Just tap on DONATE on our website.
Happy New Year 2024!
More information will be forthcoming, included some needed changes to our key documents.
Thank you for your support!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Join us for our December 17th Monthly Meeting!
Wishing you the very best holiday season. Be safe, be happy, enjoy!
Just a quick reminder – CCLA is meeting this Sunday, December 17th, at 3 p.m. at the Cumberland County Community Center (Luther P Jackson School). Come and join us in a Holiday Celebration of Community Service.
No CCLA Meeting December 10th
NO CCLA COMMUNITY TOWNHALL MEETING THIS SUNDAY, December 10, 2023 – however; we are meeting on December 17, 2023.
CCLA and AMMD – Pine Grove Project is holding a joint holiday celebration as their December Community Townhall Meeting on December 17, 2023, at 3 p.m. at the Cumberland County Community Center (Luther P Jackson School), 71 Community Center Drive, Cumberland, VA.
Please note this is the 3rd Sunday of December. Refreshments will be served. This gathering is open to the general public. Please plan to attend.
A flyer and more information will be provided in the next couple of days.
For more information call 804-308-5748. Thank you for your support.
NEWS FLASH - 11/14/23
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provided Green Ridge & affiliates with a letter of Conditional Approval for the Notice of Intent (NOI) and Part A application for the proposed landfill in Cumberland County Virginia.
More information can be found at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/topics-of-interest/green-ridge-landfill.
This letter does not mean the battle to protect our environment is over but we must unite together and let the opposition know we mean business! Thank you for your continued support.
You can view the letter here or click the image of the letter:
November Reminder - CCLA Monthly Meeting
CCLA’s next regular Community Townhall meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2023, at the Cumberland County Community Center, 71 Community Center Drive, Cumberland, VA at 3 p.m. Since the last couple of meetings was devoted to upcoming elections and meeting the candidates, this meeting we will re-group and discuss the proposed landfill, plans for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024. All are welcome to attend.
This meeting is just 5 days after Election Day 2023 on November 7th. If you have not already done so, please go out and vote. Let your voice be heard!
BUSY OCTOBER 2023 FOR CCLA
October was a busy month for CCLA and community events. We were pleased to host and/or participate in the following events during the month:
October 8, 2023 -- Candidate Forum -- All seven (7) candidates running for positions on the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors positions were invited to attend this Community Event. A big “THANK YOU” to the following candidates, Bryan Hamlet and Dolph Davis, District 1 candidates and Ron Tavernier, District 2. Two of the other 4 stated they had other commitments and the last 2 never responded to the invitation. The candidates presented their platforms and answered questions from those present. A very informative meeting and a great opportunity for residents to meet the candidates.
October 22, 2023 – Education – Engagement – Advocacy Forum – This was a joint meeting with AMMD Pine Grove Project. The goal was to provide members of the public with information concerning concerns with the proposed landfills presented by various individuals and groups. The information included discussion on environmental justice, water, legal, and the permitting process. The session closed with a presentation by the AMMD Youth Council on Re-Thinking Waste.
CCLA’s booth at the Cumberland County Trunk or Treat!
October 27, 2023 – Trunk & Treat – CCLA shared a spot with American Legion Post 269 at the 3rd annual Trunk & Treat hosted by Cumberland County. It is estimated that approximately 1600 attended this affair in the space of 2 hours. Fun was had by all and there was plenty of candy for everyone.
NEXT MEETING – November 12, 2023 at 3 p.m.
CCLA’s next regular Community Townhall meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2023, at the Cumberland County Community Center, 71 Community Center Drive, Cumberland, VA at 3 p.m. Since the last couple of meetings was devoted to upcoming elections and meeting the candidates, this meeting we will re-group and discuss the proposed landfill, plans for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024. All are welcome to attend.
This meeting is just 5 days after Election Day 2023 on November 7th. If you have not already done so, please go out and vote. Let your voice be heard!
THANK YOU -- Without your support in fighting against the proposed landfill, things could be looking a lot different in Cumberland County at this point. We MUST continue our efforts to STOP Green Ridge and affiliates from destroying our environment and peaceful, rural way of life. Again, it cannot be said often enough – thank each of you for your continued support – it is greatly appreciated and wisely used.
DO YOU LIKE OUR NEW WEBSITE? We are starting to see an upturn in donations recently through the vehicles listed on our website. If you like our revised website, please make a donation to help us defray the costs of media, advertising, building rent for meetings, and attorney fees. We depend on donations for paying these expenses and work hard at keeping them to a minimum. Trying to get the best bang for every buck. Just tap on DONATE on the website or click here.
Environmental Justice - What it Means and Why it Matters!
How many times have we heard people say that are not aware of the proposed landfill and/or they do not fully understand the adverse effects on the environment? To help educate people on environmental justice and the proposed landfill, CCLA has partnered with AMMD Pine Grove Project to offer an Education Engagement Advocacy Community Forum on October 22, 2023, at the Cumberland County Middle/High School Complex starting at 3 p.m. Please see the attached for more information on the event. We are looking for volunteers to help with the food tables, soliciting for food items from vendors, and offering other help as needed.
I am asking you for 2 things – (1) help distribute the attached flyer, and, (2) plan to attend the event and if possible offer to help out.
CCLA and AMMD Pine Grove Project are offering this event at no cost to you. The proposed landfill IS NOT A DONE DEAL!
Thank each of you for your continued support.
Board of Supervisors Candidate Forum Recap
All seven (7) candidates running for positions on the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors positions were invited to attend this Community Event hosted by CCLA. Bryan Hamlet and Dolph Davis, District 1 candidates and Ron Tavernier, District 2 candidate were the only ones present. Two of the other 4 stated they had other commitments and the last 2 never responded to the invitation.
A list of questions was prepared in advance and provided to all the candidates. The forum was moderated by Tim Cywinski of the Sierra Club. Those candidates present responded to questions concerning their plans for Cumberland County; what they see as the biggest challenge for the county; short and long-term plans to generate income streams and growth for the county; as well as many more subjects. Constituents were able to ask questions of the candidates and also meet with the candidates following the forum.
An audio of most of the forum is available, if requested. Please email CCLA at info@cclava.com.
NEXT MEETING
CCLA’s next regular Community Townhall meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2023, at the Cumberland County Community Center at 3 p.m. Guest speaker is not confirmed at this point. Save the date.
THANK YOU for your continued support – it is greatly appreciated. Without you, things could be looking in Cumberland County at this point and Green Ridge and affiliates destroying our environment and peaceful, rural way of life.
DO YOU LIKE OUR NEW WEBSITE? If so, please make a donation to help us defray the costs of media, advertising, building rent for meetings, and attorney fees. We depend on donations for meeting these expenses and work hard at keeping them to a minimum. Trying to get the best bang for every buck. Just tap on DONATE on the website.
Special Event Reminder! Candidate Forum 10/8
Cumberland County Board of
Supervisors Candidates
OCTOBER 8, 2023 at 3 P.M.
Cumberland County Community Center
CCLA is hosting a Community Event instead of our regular meeting for the month
of October. We know it is important for residents to know the candidates running
for positions on the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors. The forum will be
moderated by the Sierra Club. The questions are general in nature such as why
you decided to campaign for a position on the Board of Supervisors. Each
candidate present will be given the opportunity to respond.
It is expected to have a question-and-answer period with questions coming from
the audience, time permitting. Again, each candidate will have the opportunity to
respond. The final step of the forum is for each candidate to present a closing
statement.
It is not too late to submit your questions to info@cclava.com. Please remember to
keep them general in nature. Please plan to attend this important event!! Invite
your neighbors and friends to join you. See the attached flyer for more information.
Candidate Forum 10/8 - Special Community Event
Join us for a special community event hosted by CCLA where we will get to hear from Cumberland County Board of Supervisors candidates.
Join us on October 8th at 3pm for a special event hosted by CCLA. We have the candidates for the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors stopping by for a debate style round of questions and answers, and you can even submit your own questions to be asked at the forum.
If you have any burning questions that you would like to get answers to, please submit your questions to:
More details on the flyer below:
Weekly Update 9.18.23
CCLA just finished a busy but successful weekend. On Saturday, September 9th, we participated in the Patriot’s Day celebration in Cumberland County.
Several visitors stopped by our booth and some good contacts were made. Unfortunately, due to weather, the event closed down early – just before the storm came through.
Summary of September 2023 CCLA Meeting
Candidates running for the elected offices of Commonwelth Attorney, Treasurer, Clerk of Circuit Court, Commissioner of Revenue and Sheriff were invited to speak at this meeting. Sheriff Hodges was the only available to attend and speak. Sheriff Hodges spoke on the recent recognition of the Sheriff department in the Farmville Herald and other media – this included the low crime rate in Cumberland County. He also about recent grant funds received and how the dollars was spent. Application has also been made for additional grant funds which he should receive word back on in the near future.
Sheriff Hodges answered many questions from those present concerning various concerns in the County. Those present where very impressed when Sheriff Hodges stated he was the employee of the taxpayers. This is so often forgotten by government officials.
Information on October 2023 CCLA Meeting
October 8, 2023, is the date for the meeting. CCLA is hosting a Candidate Forum inviting all the candidates running for Board of Supervisor positions to participate. CCLA is coordinating the format for the forum with a representative from the Sierra Club.
Please see the attached flyer for a list of candidates seeking a position on the Board of Supervisors.
If you live in Cumberland County and are not registered to vote, you can get visit the Registrar’s website at https://cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov/224/Registrar and get the information needed to register. The Registrar’s web page also includes a map of the 5 districts.
Over the coming weeks we will be providing more information on this important meeting. In the meantime, if you have topics and/or questions you would like addressed please send them to info@cclava.com.
THANK EACH OF YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN STOPPING THE PROPOSED GREEN RIDGE LANDFILL FROM MAKING ITS HOME IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Weekly Update 9.4.23
Election time is upon us for 2023. Over the next two months will be inviting those running for State and Local offices as guest speakers at our September and October meetings. In addition to the local candidates, we are trying to determine if the candidates for State Senator and State Delegate are willing to come speak to our group. We will let he know if either of them agree to come to our meeting.
We still have some tee shirts for sale. Therefore, we are going to offer them at a large discount -- $7.50 for one of 2 for $10 – this price is good for all sizes.
Thank you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated.
Weekly Update 7-03-23
HAPPY JULY 4TH, 2023 TO ALL. BE SAFE & ENJOY!!!
Sunday, July 9, 2023
CCLA Community Townhall Meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Cumberland County Community Center, 71 Community Center Drive, Cumberland, VA 23040 (Cafeteria at Luther P Jackson School). Topics for this meeting include a discussion of the correspondence between Green Ridge and affiliates and DEQ, updates to the website, and other important issues. See flyer below
Food for Thought
The proposed Green Ridge & affiliates landfill in Cumberland County is not good for our environment or for the welfare of the people — no matter what Green Ridge & affiliates propose as the size. Whether it is 1200 acres or 104 acres, the potential damage is the same.
Green Ridge & affiliates has made so many changes to their proposal; it is no longer anywhere close to original documents signed and submitted in 2018. Cumberland County continues to be a viable entity without income from the landfill. There is growth in the county and people continue to move here from other areas. There are new homes in the immediate area of the proposed landfill that MUST be taken into consideration when looking at the then and now. These things are all happening without income from Green Ridge & affiliates — just heartache and uncertainty. Things haven’t stood still over the last 5 plus years. This is evidence the proposed landfill is NOT needed!!
Expressions of Appreciation
Each of you continue to play an important role in this battle to protect our environment by opposing this proposed landfill. As mentioned many times before — this is a marathon and we must keep going forward. Thank you!!