The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – The Clifton Forge community came together on Jan. 16 for a special gathering that celebrated the town’s spirit and honored the legacy of a humanitarian and cherished friend. The event, organized by the Clifton Forge Community Gathering Planning Committee, is a true testament to the tight-knit nature of this Alleghany County town.
Around forty residents filled the venue, eager to participate in an evening filled with tributes, updates on local projects, and a glimpse into the community’s future. At the heart of the gathering was a resolution honoring the life of Jada Celeste Callender, a beloved figure who had dedicated herself to bettering the town of Clifton Forge, and all of Alleghany County. Eddie Graham, a member of the planning committee, eloquently detailed Jada’s impact, describing her as “dignified, highly intelligent, incredibly talented, emotionally stable, a spiritual person of stellar character, an excellent role model, a devoted daughter and granddaughter, and a most valued friend.”
Callender’s mother, Ione Callender, was invited to the stage as Graham read the resolution, which praised her compassionate leadership, joy-filled spirit, and unwavering commitment to the community. The Allegheny Highlands Community Services, where Jada had worked for 22 years, also paid tribute, announcing the establishment of a memorial scholarship fund in her name. “Jada was a stellar employee, loved by all,” said Ingrid Barber, the organization’s executive director. “She had so many talents, and we just loved her. Her presence is going to be deeply missed.”
The outpouring of affection for Jada Callender set the tone for the evening, as community leaders took the stage to share updates on various initiatives aimed at revitalizing Clifton Forge. Jim Cherney and the Historic Collective presented plans for the transformation of the historic Jefferson School building. The project will convert the structure into 21 one-bedroom apartments and seven cottage units, while also dedicating 30% of the space to commercial and public facilities, including a potential home for the local food bank.
Cherney emphasized the importance of honoring the building’s history, stating, “We’re going to go through historic highlights, mementos, photographs, pictures of people, students and principals who had influence on this community, and we honor those. It contributes to the quality of life.”
The audience also heard from representatives of Hill Studios, who provided a preview of an upcoming branding presentation. David Hill and Maria Saxton stressed the significance of establishing a cohesive brand identity for Clifton Forge, one that can attract visitors, residents, and businesses.
“Branding is intended to tell the full story and link all of the assets in the community in a unified message,” Saxton explained. “It’s not simply creating a logo; it’s a seamless system that builds on community identity.”
The attendees were encouraged to reflect on what they love about Clifton Forge and how a brand could capture the essence of the town, in preparation for the next community gathering on Feb. 12. Local businessperson Jason Helmintoller also took the stage to share his plans for a new establishment in Clifton Forge. Inspired by his father’s love for small-town eateries, Helmintoller is in the process of renovating a building to create either an ice cream parlor or a hamburger and hot dog restaurant.
“My wife’s blessing for this came for one reason,” Helmintoller said. “We want to provide something in Clifton Forge that we can make affordable for pretty much everyone.”
The evening concluded with updates from Chuck Unroe, Clifton Forge Town Manager. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, such as water line improvements and the installation of wayfinding signs throughout the community.
“The community gatherings are a very rare thing across the state and even across the country, to have the number of people from a community like this,” Graham remarked, underscoring the significance of the event. As the attendees filtered out, a sense of pride and optimism filled the air. The Clifton Forge community had come together to honor its past, celebrate its present, and look towards a future filled with promise and progress.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the Jada Callender Scholarship Fund is asked to go to www.ahcsb.org and click on the donate button. When donating, please indicate your dedication to the Jada Callender Memorial Scholarship. Donations can also be sent via the mail to Alleghany Highlands CSB C/O Jada Callender Memorial Scholarship Fund, 205 E Hawthorne St. Covington, VA 24426.
