ABOUT TOWN TO TRAIL
Town to Trail is a group of friends and neighbors working to add and improve Community Spaces in Gordonsville -- because we know that we’re better when we’re together. Our board members, volunteers, and financial supporters value the unique community that exists in our “small town” and we want to see it strengthened.
Gordonsville is our hometown… either because we were raised here or because we chose to live here. The unique beauty, small town charm, and vibrant neighborhoods matter to us. Yet, there are opportunities for improvements.
Our primary focus is to strengthen the outdoor community resources in our town. We envision a Gordonsville with an updated and modernized pool and refreshed parks, including a public pavilion, tennis courts and walking trails. We dream of tree-lined streets and shade-covered event lawns. We envision a future with publicly accessible hiking trails connecting Gordonsville to Orange.
01
POOL & PARKS
Our Keystone Project, working with the town to raise support and update the community pool and parks. In the heart of our community, we spearheaded the expansion and improvement of this important resource.
02
TRAILS
We have a vision to incorporate public access hiking trails into the Gordonsville region, increasing access to green spaces and economic vitality.
03
COMMUNITY
Gordonsville is better when we are together! That is why our primary focus continues to be working to improve community spaces and create resources that enhance the quality of life for Gordonsville residents.
The vision we have for improving Gordonsville won’t happen simply by wishing for change… financial support is essential. As a registered 501c3, Town to Trail has the ability to raise financial support and work with donors. We have leveraged the talents of volunteers to write grants, negotiate real estate transfers, and offer tactical support to the town employees. Since 2017, our group's projects have attracted over $700,000, assisted the town as they secured a federal grant through the National Park Service, and negotiated three significant real estate transactions. And we’re just getting started.
If you’d like to learn more about our work, add your email to our monthly newsletter or reach out to connect. If you love Gordonsville, we want you to be part of the work we’re doing.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board consists of members and leaders within our community, working together to promote our area through the activities of Town to Trail
Sunnie Capelle
President
Playing a key role in establishing the organization, Sunnie
brings expert historic insights to the project. She operated an Airbnb in Gordonsville and co-founded Main Street Events, which promoted Gordonsville through outdoor music and other events. As an accomplished STEM professional, Sunnie runs her own defense contractor company, C-Star Solutions based in Gordonsville, VA.
Dan Gregg
Treasurer
Dan spent summers in Orange County on his grandparents’ farm
and returned as a young adult to establish Grelen Nursery, one of the largest tree and shrub nurseries in the Mid-Atlantic. Dan worked with Kat Imhoff and Peter Hujik to establish the Montpelier-Grelen Connector Trail, designated a Virginia Treasure by Governor McAuliffe. Dan is President of Grelen Nursery.
Peter Hujik
Director
A founding member of Town To Trail and Gordonsville resident, Peter is the executive director of the Shenandoah Valley Conservancy. His additional professional experience includes leading farmland protection efforts in the Piedmont and the conservation efforts of the Otsego Land Trust in New York.
Liz Samra
Secretary
A founding member of Town to Trail, Liz served eight years on the
Gordonsville Town Council including the park planning and contracting for phase one. After restoring her circa 1856 house, she also served on the Board of Architectural Review. She retired in Gordonsville to live close to family after a 30-year career in healthcare consulting, innovation, and marketing for major corporations and start-ups. Liz is currently retired, and previously served on Town Council for 8 years.
Emily Winkey
Director
A graduate of Weave College, Emily has served as Vice Mayor in Gordonsville for over 16 years. A member of Union Baptist Church, she previously served as President of the Orange County Branch NAACP. In 2021, the Orange County African American Historic Society presented Emily with an Eclipse Award for her exemplary community service. Emily is retired from Walmart, prior President of Orange County branch of NAACP, and currently serving as Town Vice Mayor of Gordonsville, previously serving multiple terms.
Craig Hartman
Director
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Craig established two local restaurants, including the Exchange Café and Barbeque Exchange, which the Food Network ranked #1 for the best pork sandwich. Of Puerto Rican descent, Craig specializes in southern cuisine, highlighting the fried chicken that made Gordonsville famous in the nineteenth century. Craig is President and Head Chef of BBQ Exchange, Exchange Café and Exchange Events.
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE...
Our mission is to create a stronger bond between Gordonsville and its neighboring areas through an expanded park network. Our goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage community involvement. We believe that by providing more opportunities for outdoor activities, we can enhance the quality of life for everyone in the area.
