The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – Community Pride and Progress took center stage at the monthly Community Gathering. Residents of Clifton Forge gathered on Wednesday evening to celebrate their town’s resilience, discuss ongoing projects, and chart a path forward for the small Alleghany community, highlighting its historical legacy and future potential.
Town leaders and community members gathered inside the Historic Masonic Theater to hear presentations that described a town actively reinventing itself while trying to honor its rich railroad heritage.
Town Manager Chuck Unroe emphasized ongoing infrastructure improvements, including critical waterline projects and street paving initiatives. Despite a setback with a $2.5 million congressional earmark for an all-abilities playground being dropped from the budget, the town remains optimistic about future grant opportunities. Historian Mac Beard delivered a compelling narrative about Clifton Forge’s historical importance, detailing how the town played crucial roles in early aviation, wartime logistics, and social progress.
Beard highlighted the town’s railroad history, explaining how it supported everything from the Wright Brothers’ first flight to critical wartime shipments. “Clifton Forge was more than just a railroad town,” Mac explained. “It was a testament to how infrastructure, labor, and technology can drive progress in unexpected ways.”
Sandra McHenry, a leader in the community and gracious volunteer, provided a comprehensive overview of the town’s annual events and community activities, showcasing the vibrant social landscape that is surprising considering the town’s small size. From the Easter bonnet parade to the C&O Heritage Festival, McHenry illustrated a community committed to creating engaging experiences for residents. Young professionals Autumn Morgan and Lacy Meyer shared their perspectives on returning to and investing in their hometown.
Both emphasized the unique qualities of small-town life, particularly the sense of community and opportunity for personal growth. The gathering highlighted several key initiatives, including a strategic planning process and ongoing efforts to brand and market the community. The town’s leaders repeatedly stressed the importance of community engagement, with Bill Atherholt, one of the community gathering organizers, challenging attendees to bring more people to future events.
“If we get 60 people here, we’ve got 1.5% of the population,” Atherholt noted. “We’re trying to make changes, and we need bigger numbers.”
The event concluded with a call to action, encouraging residents to become volunteers, support local businesses, and take pride in the Clifton Forge community. During the Gathering’s closing remarks, an extensive list of the town’s resources and proximity to regional attractions was read aloud, underscoring Clifton Forge’s strategic location and potential.
“Supporting your hometown isn’t just about pride,” the audience was told. “It’s about coming together, lifting each other up, and building a stronger, brighter future for everyone who calls it home.”
Other key points from manager Unroe’s presentation focused on waterline improvements, street paving, a potential bridge repair on Ridgeway Street, and grant applications for various community development initiatives. The town is also exploring a $500,000 grant for the Jefferson School renovation and continuing efforts to develop a strategic plan for economic development.
The community gathering reflected a town at a pivotal moment, balancing preservation of its rich history with ambitious plans for future growth. From the railroad’s historical significance to modern economic development strategies, Clifton Forge appears determined to write its next chapter united.
Upcoming events include a spring cleanup on April 26 and the next community gathering on May 15 which will focus on the many impressive sights and sounds around town, such as the ever-beautiful Green Pastures facility
. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the potential of community-driven development, with residents showing enthusiasm for collaborative progress and a shared vision for Clifton Forge’s future.
