Some of you may remember the local Homemakers School Program. Well, this is the September 30, 1992 print edition which has tips and recipes, as well as advertisements from the program's sponsors. Do you think you'll try some of these recipes this weekend?

This week we get to talk to Tim McMahon. He is originally from Iowa and was able to create art the entire time he worked as an art teacher for 38 years. He didn't create art full-time until after he retired in 2016.

What kind of art do you create?

Primarily I'm a painter, typically of landscapes. I have family out west so I did a lot of work in the Rocky Mountain area. Then we moved here and I've started to do a lot of Virginia landscapes.

What inspired you to start creating?

Well that's a fairly difficult question. I wanted to do art when I was just a kid. I hadn't planned on majoring in art when I got to school but then I just started doing it. It just grew from there. I had some excellent instructors in college. It seems counterintuitive; I know it did for my parents that, you know, I was studying art instead of business or something like that. But I've been living all these years with art so I think it was the right thing. 

What inspired me? It was album covers. I saw the album covers when [during the] late '60s, early '70s and I was inspired by that, by what they were doing. It made me want to do something and made me want to work at it. The LPs were a large format, not like CD covers, so they were larger and they put stuff on the inside of the album covers. It just was a really interesting and very creative kind of use of color and subject matter. 

What motivates you to keep making your art?

Well, I feel like it's in me, you know, it has to come out. That's really part of it.  I just have this desire to do it, to use our materials, to mix color, to apply it. I can't really explain it but it's almost like I was meant to do this.

One thing I would like to say is that my wife has been very instrumental in encouraging me to continue to paint. She's also a painter; she's also in Artists in Cahoots. We kind of do that for each other, kind of encourage each other. We'll put a half-done piece in front of the other person and say, “Where should I go with this? How am I doing with this?” So we both have the vocabulary to be able to do that, to help the other person make the best of what they're doing. That's been really important for me, especially after I retired.

Are there any artists you take inspiration from?

Cezanne, but I'm also inspired by the abstract expressionist, particularly Willem De Kooning. He's working in non-objective work (no objects, totally abstract) but it's the brush work, it's the action of the brush that I get from him. So really it's Cezanne and De Kooning that are my inspiration.

The thing about those types of art [the Renaissance], they were concerned with form, they were experimenting with the use of oil paint, but it wasn't about expressing, you know? When I paint a landscape, I don't want to just show how it looks. I want to show the viewer how it feels. I want the emotion to come through.

What sorts of feelings or ideas do you express in your art?

Well, a lot of it is about color, color interaction. It's all about making the medium, oil paint or whatever it happens to be, making that into something concrete. Like for instance, if I'm painting a local landscape, I'm concerned with the color but I'm also concerned with the shapes, the form, the 3D forms. And the brush work is really important because it creates a sense of movement in the painting so they're not still. They kind of have some of the energy that you get when you look at a landscape. Obviously I exaggerate the colors because I'm not just concerned with painting a picture but an impression of what that feels like, what it looks like.

How does it feel when someone buys your art?

Well, it's affirming, you know? I liken it to if you're breeding dogs and you find a good home for those puppies. That's kind of how it feels to me. It's a part of me, this thing that I made, but I like it when people respond and want to have it in their house. So in a sense I feel like it'll be with them for a long time. 

Typically, I have paintings that I did 30 years ago and people still have them in their homes.  It's real affirming. It's like, I must be doing something. I do have quite a bit of inventory that hasn't sold but I think it's partly because people haven't been able to see it. In Artists in Cahoots, people come and they're attracted to one or more of the 2D artists that are on the wall. So if somebody comes in and they respond very directly to the work, it's hard to explain, you know? You said that you saw the work and were interested in it and that's it. That's what I want. I want someone to say, 'Oh yeah, I get this, I like this.'

If you read biographies of artists, you get a lot of that, how people came to it, how he was almost genetic in them, to do this thing. I can't really explain it but that's kind of how I feel. It's something that, even if I wanted to stop, I can't really do it. So there's that emotional push to create. 

The more I've gone to museums and the more art I've seen, the more interesting it becomes for me because I know I don't have to reinvent the wheel, I know it's already been done, but I feel like the work that I do is different from what other artists have done. I built on the backs of some of these giants of art but my work is completely different. It's original. I'm looking for someone to have a visceral response to the work. I wanted to speak to them, I wanted to attract them. And it doesn't always mean I sold work but it does mean that people respond in a positive way to it. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists, at any stage of their lives?

Yeah, they just have to do it. They just have to spend time doing it. 

What I tell people who are interested is: you have to have a place set up where you don't have to clean it up every time, where you can just walk in and do it. That's a really key thing a lot of people don't have a room, or don't think they have the room, but you need to have that space to be able to go in and work it.

And people say, 'I don't feel like I particularly have talent.' I think it's just dogged determination to do it. It's the repetitions of doing it over and over again that make it possible, and then at some point you start to have some confidence. 

The really interesting part is there's been times when I made these works and it's almost as if someone else did it. Like, when it's done, I don't recognize that I did this thing even though I know I did. It's like it comes from somewhere else, it comes from some psychological place. That's the magic of it. But the main thing I'd say is you just have to do it. Don't talk about it, just do it.

W & L is a top-tier liberal arts university with a prestigious law school and an endowment of more than two billion dollars.  Like most colleges, it has a humble creation story.  The university’s website boasts that it was “Founded in 1749 as Augusta Academy,” by Robert Alexander, near Greenville, making it the “ninth-oldest college in the United States.”  

This claim did not emerge until after the Civil War, as noted by Dr. Ollinger Crenshaw, W & L alum and professor, the leading authority on W & L’s history.  A 1,200 page typescript made in conjunction with his 1969 book, General Lee’s College: The Rise of Washington and Lee University, has an appendix called The Problem of the Origins.  Crenshaw observed that from 1820 to the end of the Civil War, the college “officially placed its origin” from 1774 to 1776, but from the 1860s forward it claimed 1749.  In an endnote to Chapter 1 Crenshaw wrote that 

The whole picture of the schools from about 1749 to the 1770s is unsatisfactory; the links are not strong or clear…. The present writer has carefully investigated such educational directories, journals devoted to education, almanacs, etc., of the first half of the nineteenth century as could be located in the Library of Congress and elsewhere for statistical data regarding the origins of Washington College.  While these are not plentiful, in no case was the founding date of 1749 printed.  It is evident even from cursory investigation that the institution had adhered to one version of its history (prior to 1865), and to another in the post-bellum era.  

In the end, Crenshaw declined to offer his own opinion.  The swerve about the founding date has been the subject of controversy, with some suspecting nefarious motives.  The more likely explanation is a mixture of post-war nostalgia, and the discovery of a mysterious “note” in the school’s records. 

The traditional narrative of W & L’s evolution involves at least four academic institutions.  It is a tale with twists and turns, and a colorful cast of characters, some famous and others long forgotten.  

Robert Alexander’s School

Robert Alexander was born in Ireland about 1710.  According to some accounts, he received a Masters of Arts degree from Trinity College in Dublin.  Crenshaw corresponded with Trinity but was unable to confirm the claim.  The few facts about Robert’s early life come from an 1845 letter by his great-nephew, Dr. Archibald Alexander, the founder of Princeton Seminary.  The recipient was Lyman Draper, librarian and Secretary of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.  Dr. Alexander traced the family to Scotland, and then to County Donegal, Ireland, where Robert Alexander was born.  

In 1737, Robert and two brothers, Archibald and William, emigrated to Pennsylvania.  Archibald and Robert relocated to Augusta County, Virginia in 1746.  Robert first appeared in Augusta County records that same year, serving on a grand jury.  A year later Governor Gooch issued a commission to elect twelve “of the most able men of the Parish to be sworn a Vestry,” and Robert was chosen.  The vestry was modeled on the governance structure for the Church of England, equivalent to the board of supervisors today.

The two brothers received land grants in Augusta County in 1747.  Archibald obtained a Borden grant near the junction of Irish Creek and the South River.  His son William later owned a farm west of Lexington, the site of W & L’s campus.  William’s house was the home of college presidents until Robert E. Lee had a new one built on the same site.  The former house was moved to Randolph Street where it can be seen today.  William also built one of the oldest houses still standing in Lexington – the Alexander-Withrow building at Nelson and Main.  His son Andrew was a long-time trustee of the college, and another son was Dr. Archibald Alexander.

Robert purchased a 314-acre farm in the Beverley manor.  According to an 1890 account by Judge James T. Patton, the farm had a large brick house on the west side of the railroad just north of the Spottswood depot.  The farm is on Almo Chapel Road, about a mile and a half north of Spottswood, just west of, and visible from, Interstate 81.  The present house was built about 1827 by Robert’s son James.  The National Historic Registry nomination form states the land was owned by Robert Alexander who had a classical school there.  

Dr. Alexander wrote that his great-uncle operated a “classical and mathematical school,” that was “the first in that part of the valley.”  The only contemporaneous source about Robert’s role as teacher is an Augusta County court record in May 1751, mentioning a payment to him “for schooling, James and Robert McNutt,” orphans of James McNutt.  The same entry mentions a payment to James Dobbins for schooling another McNutt orphan.

Robert Alexander resigned as vestryman in 1760 because a “lingering sickness hath long disabled me.”  He may have retired from teaching at about that time, though he was named a church warden for Augusta County later that year.  A chronicler of early Virginia and North Carolina, Henry Foote, wrote a sketch in 1850 about Reverend Samuel Doak, the founder of two colleges in Tennessee, Washington and Tusculum.  Foote stated that at sixteen Doak “commenced a course of classical study with Mr. Robert Alexander, who resided about two miles from his father’s house.”  Doak was born in 1749, so if he studied under Robert Alexander, it was no sooner than 1765.  

Robert Alexander died in 1783 leaving a will that mentioned his wife Esther (maiden name Beard), daughters Sarah and Eleanor; sons James, Hugh, Peter, William, Thomas, and Robert.  Hugh received the family dwelling and James the southeast part of the farm.  The estate inventory listed four enslaved people, an older woman named Saray (Sarah), Phyllis, Will, and a child, Jenny.

Rev. John Brown’s School

By tradition, Robert Alexander’s school was taken over by Rev. John Brown.  The Rockbridge County News reported in 1890 that Brown became the “guardian of the academy” in 1762.  No primary sources document how long Robert Alexander operated his school, or whether there was a direct connection to Brown’s school.  All that is certain is that by the 1770s Brown ran a school at Mount Pleasant, near the 250-acre farm he purchased in 1755.  

If Robert Alexander sought someone to take his students, Rev. John Brown was a logical choice.  He was the first minister assigned to a church in what is now Rockbridge County.  The village of Brownsburg is named for him, and he owned two of the first lots.  Born in County Londonderry, Ireland, about 1728, Brown came to America as a young man.  In 1749, he graduated from the College of New Jersey, later renamed Princeton, where most Presbyterian ministers were educated.  Brown was then sent by New Castle Presbytery as a missionary to Virginia.  

Presbyterian Church governance was structured into geographical tiers.  Each church was part of a presbytery, with several presbyteries making up a synod.  All synods in the United States were part of the general assembly.  A schism developed in the early 18^th-century.  Old Siders were more conservative, suspicious of emotional behavior in church, and affiliated with the Synod of Philadelphia.  New Siders, sometimes referred to as New Lights, were inspired by the charismatic evangelical minister George Whitefield, and promoted a more dynamic and emotional worship service.  The Synod of New York was associated with New Siders.  

The first Presbyterian congregation in the area was organized in the early 1740s, called the South Meeting House.  A log church building was erected a mile west of Spottswood.  Soon afterwards the congregation split into two groups.  Old Providence remained at the original site and New Providence moved six miles west.  A few years later a Presbyterian church was formed at Timber Grove on the Great Valley Road, and in 1746, it was moved two miles south to Timber Ridge.

Rev. Brown, a New Sider, was appointed the pastor of both New Providence and Timber Ridge in 1753.  The following year the trustees of New Providence purchased three acres across from its current site on Highway 252 north of Brownsburg.  Joseph Kennedy sold the land, and the deed states it was for a Presbyterian meeting house and burial place, and the congregation had begun to prepare for the building of the church.  

At a meeting of the New York Synod in 1755 a new presbytery was established for the colony of Virginia, named Hanover Presbytery, after the home county of Reverend Samuel Davies.  Six ministers were appointed for the new presbytery, including Davies and Brown.  

John Brown married Margaret Preston, whose father was John Preston of Tinkling Springs.  Dr. Alexander informed Draper that Margaret and her sisters “were remarkable for understanding and wit.”  John and Margaret Brown were the progenitors of an impressive family.  All five sons went to Princeton and two became United States Senators, John Brown, Jr. from Kentucky, and James Brown from Louisiana.  A grandson, Benjamin Gratz Brown, was governor and senator from Missouri, and the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in 1872.  

Mary Brown, the daughter of John and Margaret Brown, married Dr. Alexander Humphreys, who led a medical school in Staunton - one of his students was future president William Henry Harrison.  In 1826, their daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Humphreys, married Robert Todd, a widower in Lexington, Kentucky, becoming stepmother to his children, including eight year old Mary.  In 1839, Mary Todd, then 20, went to live with her sister’s family in Springfield, Illinois, perhaps because, it is sometimes claimed, she did not get along with her stepmother.  She was courted by two ambitious young lawyers, Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.  Fortuitously choosing the latter, she later became first lady of the United States. 

Some traditions claim that Brown first had a school at Old Providence, an odd choice for him, because it is six miles from New Providence and thirteen miles from Timber Ridge.  More to the point, Old Providence was an Old Sider congregation, while Brown was a New Sider – a very big deal at the time.

Judge James T. Patton, who grew up near Mount Pleasant, described the location of Brown’s home and school.  The house was on the north side of the railroad west of Fairfield, “just opposite the high trestle work, and a short distance from the road.”  The farm site is just west of Fairfield and Interstate 81, near Viewpoint Heights, south of Sterrett Road.

The school was “on the highest point of the Ridge, about a mile west of Fairfield, and equally distant from his house, which was situated at a like distance from Fairfield, on the same Ridge – the road to the Academy going out from the north end of town, and that leading to his dwelling from the south end.”  The location was “accurately known to me, it being within less than a quarter of a mile of the residence of my grandfather Patton.”  It was on the farm of Moses Wilson, an early settler.  The Valley Railroad was within a few hundred yards of the school, “and the old foundation, or chimney stones, now lie scattered around,” on a “high eminence” at the north end of a ridge near a spring.  The school was on the ridge west of Ridge Road, about halfway between Sterrett Road and McClure Road, above Marlbrook Creek.

Crenshaw quoted several letters written by Brown to his brother-in-law, Col. William Preston.  The original letters are in the Lyman Draper Collection at the Wisconsin Historical Society, and I reviewed them there in 2024.  The earliest documented reference to Brown’s school is found in a letter to Col. Preston dated January 13, 1773: “I am very busily employed in my old-age more than I have been since I was a boy; overseeing the School and sometimes hearing classes.”  He managed the school and occasionally filled in as teacher.  In 1774, Brown informed Preston that “Our school flourishes,” with 23 students attending, including his son William and Jimmy Breckinridge.  Brown wanted to educate his children so they would be “useful members of society.” 

It has long been believed that Rev. Brown’s school was transferred to the Hanover Presbytery, where it became the first Presbyterian school west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the subject of Part 2.

1) Zoning Text Amendment to adopt new Section 702 Accessory Dwelling Units, for the purpose of allowing and regulating detached and attached accessory dwelling units.

2) Zoning Map Amendment and City Right-of-Way abandonment in the 100 block of South Hazel Avenue, consisting at a minimum of lots 4, 5, 6, 16, 17, and 18 of block 57, section 1; and potentially consisting of all lots in block 57, section 1. The ROW abandonment would consist of 150’ of undeveloped alley in the center of this block.

3) City Right-of-way abandonment of alley in “Block 1, Forest Addition”, 300 block of Longhollow Road. The alley is approximately 800’ long by 15’ wide; is not developed or in use; and has not been mapped on official City plat maps in many decades, if ever.

The Public Hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers located in the Municipal Building located at 2039 Sycamore Avenue in Buena Vista during the regular City Council meeting at approximately 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 18th 2026. A draft of the ordinance, staff reports, and a copy of the Comprehensive Plan, are available from the Director of Community Development, Thomas Roberts, 2039 Sycamore Avenue, Buena Vista VA 24416 or (540) 261-8607 or tom.roberts@buenavistava.gov.

BUENA VISTA BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 17TH 2026

Pursuant to Code of Virginia Section 15.2-2204, 15.2-2310, and the City of Buena Vista Land Development Regulations, notice is given that the Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing to receive comment on the following matters.

1) Variance request for 322 E 17th Street, Tax Map 41-1-261-8A. Property is a pre-existing non-conforming lot and applicants request variance of front and rear setbacks to construct single-family home.

The Public Hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers located in the Municipal Building located at 2039 Sycamore Avenue in Buena Vista at approximately 5:30 PM on Wednesday, June 17th 2026. A draft of the ordinance, staff reports, and a copy of the Comprehensive Plan, are available from the Director of Community Development, Thomas Roberts, 2039 Sycamore Avenue, Buena Vista VA 24416 or (540) 261-8607 or tom.roberts@buenavistava.gov.

CITY OF LEXINGTON Notice of Public Hearing Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Lexington City Council on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. during its regular meeting, held in the first-floor meeting room of the Rockbridge County Administrative Offices, 150 South Main Street, Lexington, Virginia, to solicit input on Ordinance 2026-09 amending the FY 2026 budget from $73,171,521 to $73,438,521. This ordinance proposes appropriating $267,000 to provide fulltime Lexington City and Lexington City School staff with a one-time loyalty bonus of $1,500. Copies of the Ordinances may be obtained from the City Manager’s Office in temporary City Hall at 539 E. Nelson Street.

Katharine L. Beard, Clerk of Council

TOWN OF GLASGOW PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Town Council and Planning Commission of Glasgow, Virginia will hold a joint public hearing at the Town of Glasgow Event Center Meeting Room, 908 Anderson Street, Glasgow, Virginia 24555 at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to consider the following: TXT-02-2026 - An ordinance to amend Chapter 18 Zoning of the Code of The Town of Glasgow, Virginia, by amending Article I, In General, and repealing Section 18-11, Additional Standards for Manufactured Homes and adding Section 18-11, Additional Standards for Residential Structures. The purpose of this amendment is to add development standards for residential structures to be erected or placed within the Town of Glasgow, including length to width ratio of structures, orientation of structures to the street, a five-year age limitation on the placement of manufactured homes, and designation of manufactured homes as real property.

The Town Council of Glasgow, Virginia will hold a public meeting at the Town of Glasgow Event Center Meeting Room, 908 Anderson Street, Glasgow, Virginia 24555 at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to consider the following: Adoption of FY 27 Budget and Schedule of Taxes, Rates and Fees.

Any person desiring to be heard in favor of or in opposition to the proposed amendments is hereby invited to be present at the public hearing. Those citizens with special needs are asked to contact the Town Administration at least 5 days prior to the hearing.

Citizens can also submit comments in writing to the Glasgow Town Council, Citizen Comments, PO Box 326, Glasgow, VA 24555, or by email to clerk@glasgowvirginia. org, or by placing their correspondence in the drop box located at Glasgow Town Hall no later than 4:30 PM on June 19, 2026.

Copies of the above files are available for review Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 4:30 in the Glasgow Town Hall, 1100 Blue Ridge Road, Glasgow, Virginia 24555, (540) 258-2246, or can be found on the Town website at www.glasgowvirginia.org

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

Notice is hereby given per Section 15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia and Chapter 30, Article VIII, Sections 30-77(3)(4) and (9) of the Rockbridge County Code (the Code) that the following public hearings will be held by the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors on Monday, June 22, 2026, at or after 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room in the County Administration Building, 150 South Main Street, Lexington, Virginia 24450 to consider the following applications: 1. Matthew and Catherine Daniel, 227 Still House Drive, Lexington, VA 24450 have made an application for a special exception permit for the development of a Special Event Venue in the Agricultural and General Uses (A-2) Zoning District. The property is located on the south side of Still House Drive (Rt. 631), 0.44 miles west of the intersection of W Midland Trail (Rt. 60) and Still House Drive. The property is owned by Matthew and Catherine Daniel (above address) and is further identified as tax map number 47A-30. The property is located in the A-2 Zoning District. Per Sec . 30-38D (25) of the Code, “Special Events” are a use by special exception in the A-2 Zoning District. The property is in the Kerrs Creek Magisterial District.

2. County of Rockbridge, Virginia, 150 South Main Street, Lexington, Virginia 24450, Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to modify Sec. 30-29 (Gardening and Chickens), of the Code to update the language associated with the keeping of chickens in the residential zoning districts. The full text of the draft amendment can be obtained by contacting the Office of Community Development (contact information below).

3. County of Rockbridge, Virginia, 150 South Main Street, Lexington, Virginia 24450, Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to modify Sec. 30-40 (C) (Uses by Special Exception in the Residential General (R-1) Zoning District) and to modify Sec. 30-41(C) (Uses by Special Exception in the Residential Mixed (R-2) Zoning District) of the Code, to provide for Public Utility Service, major (portion of the definition) as a use by Special Exception in the R-1 and the R-2 Zoning Districts. The full text of the draft amendment can be obtained by contacting the Office of Community Development (contact information below).

Information on these applications is available in the Rockbridge County Office of Community Development, 150 South Main Street, Lexington, Virginia, by phone at 540-464-9662 or by email at cslaydon@ rockbridgecountyva.gov By: Chris Slaydon Director of Community Development

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given per Section 15.2.2204 of the Code of Virginia and Chapter 30, Article VIII, Section 30-83 of the Rockbridge County Code that a public hear ing will be held by the Rockbridge County Board of Zoning Appeals on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at or after 7:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room at the County Administrative Offices, 150 South Main Street, Lexington, Virginia, 24450, to consider the application for an appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s determination by Sandra Davis, Dolf M. Davis, 82 Equestrian Ln, Lexington, Virginia, 24450, and Dorsey L. Davis, 70 Equestrian Ln, Lexington, Virginia, 24450. The appeal pertains to the March 10, 2026, zoning determination letter by the Zoning Administrator related to the interpretation of the conditions associated with a previously approved special exception permit to develop and operate a 3.00-MW(AC) solar project. The property is identified as tax map number 62-12-B1 and is located on the east side of Lincoln Road (Rt. 763) approximately 0.52 miles south of the intersection of Lincoln Road and N. Lee Highway (Rt.11). The property is owned by Robert F. Huffman, Trustee, 1318 Mount Atlas Road, Lexington, Virginia 24450. The property is in the South River Magisterial District.

Additional information concerning this application may be obtained from the Rockbridge County Office of Community Development, 150 South Main Street, Lexington, Virginia, or by calling 540-4649662.

By: Chris Slaydon Director of Community Development

The revolving door of changing leadership began Jan. 1 when newly elected Mayor Jesse Lineberry took his seat at the helm of City Council, replacing Tyson Cooper, the incumbent he defeated in November. City Manager Jason Tyree shortly thereafter announced his resignation. He was replaced in March by interim City Manager Wayne Handley, who had earlier announced his intention to retire as police chief.

Veteran police officer David Clements succeeded Handley as police chief, first in an interim capacity and then as the permanent new chief. Two other department heads have been hired recently – Ryan Groah as the director of parks and recreation and Michael Loudermilk as director of public works.

City Council went into closed session Thursday to discuss candidates who have applied to be the city’s next city manager. Finalists for the position are to be interviewed by Council in a closed special session on June 25, with the expectation that a new city manager will be hired shortly thereafter and begin work in late July or early August.

This whirlwind of changing leadership will culminate with the hiring of a new director of economic development later this year. A timetable for filling this position has not yet been announced. Ally Haney, Ramsey’s assistant, will handle the responsibilities of the office until a new director is hired.

As we contemplate these numerous changes, we want to focus today on Ramsey’s tenure, which has been pretty substantial. There has been a lot of positive economic development in Buena Vista since Ramsey, a Buena Vista native who graduated from Parry McCluer High School in 2015, began her job nearly seven years ago.

Two national retail chains chose to come to Buena Vista – Tractor Supply most recently and Dollar Tree a couple of years ago. Lots of businesses have opened downtown. Among these are Asunder Coffee Roasters, the BeeVe Sweet Souvenirs, Straws Drinks & Eats, Coiner Country Store and Bub-Bub’s Subs. A restoration of the old newspaper building as Rooftop Terrace, a mixed use development, recently broke ground in downtown.

Mountain Gateway Community College’s Wilson Workforce Center opened this past year in the former Courtesy Ford building. It’s drawing lots of pedestrian traffic to downtown, with hopes of plenty more to come. The Rockbridge Innovation Accelerator, an incubator for entrepreneurs with fledgling businesses, opened in the former Mundet-Hermetite factory building, along with the Junction 245 Retail Marketplace and Taproom. Buena Vista’s visitor center is relocating into this complex.

Ramsey has worked well with Buena Vista’s other community leaders in helping to make this positive economic development news transpire. “Economic development is often really misunderstood,” Ramsey noted in her report to City Council last week. “People see a project completed, a ribbon cutting, a new business opening or [making improvements] and assumed it happened because of one person or a city initiative. The core function of this role [of economic development director], very generally speaking, is to build relationships, facilitate conversations, solve problems, coordinate projects and bring people together around a shared vision. That is what this position is for and it is an extremely important one. And the truth is that every success story in BV and elsewhere has involved dozens, if not hundreds.”

This is true but Ramsey played a critical role in making these successes happen. We commend her for a job well done.

June 9, 1976

The Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage made a stop in the area during a gloomy downpour. Well over 40 wagons with about 200 riders and outriders first stopped in the county at Glasgow staying in a field just outside the town. - There was a lot of excitement at the Natural Bridge Speedway as Rick Mast of Rockbridge Baths captured his first win in modified competition. - For the second time in 1976, room rates at Stonewall Jackson Hospital’s Extended Care Facility were going up by $3 with semi-private rooms going for $26-$27 per day and private rooms costing $27.50 to $28 a day.

20 Years Ago

June 14, 2006

Peter Sils’ proposal to develop a courts complex at Courthouse Square on Main Street as an alternative to having a new courthouse built on Randolph Street was still viable after the Board of Supervisors approved guidelines to allow the county to receive such proposals.

- Goshen Mayor J.B. Sprouse alleged that voters who were not residents of the town were allowed to vote in the previous month’s election. Sprouse was defeated in his bid for reelection by challenger Danny Goodbar.

- Graduation ceremonies for the two area high schools were held. Graduating RCHS senior Chelsea Devening wore a bandana wrist ban in honor of Charles Volpe, an RCHS sophomore who drowned at Jordans

Point.

One Sunday morning I was sitting in a pew with my grandm other at Tr inity United Methodist Church when I saw that the word Communion in the church bulletin.

“Oh, we’re having Communion today?” I asked.

“Yes, child,” was probably her reply.

“Oh, good,” I said. “I’m a little hungry!”

Now, Nanny must have had a good outcome from her Haley’s M-O that morning or surely she would have swatted me with a rolled up copy of The Upper Room for saying something like that. Instead, she just said in a very scolding tone, “Communion is not for hunger. We take Communion to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.” I’m sure she continued that sentence in her head with “you weird child, you.”

Well, I never again associated Communion with snacking. I think after that I swore off grape juice entirely.

In the Methodist church, we don’t have wine with our Communion – we have grape juice, and you can thank the Temperance movement for that. Given the fact that Methodists are the most caffeinated of the Protestant religions, I’m surprised fresh brewed espresso wasn’t incorporated into the ritual. No church service was complete without a coffee hour following the service.

When I was growing up, Communion was taken at the altar of the church where we kneeled on cushions around a semi-circle. The women of the church cubed sandwich bread and placed it on a goldplated platter, and the grape juice was poured into tiny glasses that looked like they were imported from Lilliput.

At some point the church tried using wafers instead of bread. As I recall correctly, the wafers were a short-lived replacement. They had the consistency of index cards and tended to stick to the roof of your mouth if you didn’t consume them quickly enough.

I’m not sure when the practice of gathering for Communion around the altar was discontinued at my church. The little glasses of grape juice were eventually shelved, possibly because the dishwasher in the kitchen that had been in operation since the Eisenhower administration finally gave out and washing those little glasses by hand was just too time consuming.

This past Sunday the church observed the sacrament of Communion, which now is more a breaking of the bread ritual with each congregant pinching a bit of bread from the loaf and dunking it in a chalice of grape juice.

I’m not sure how Communion was handled during the COVID-19 crisis. I know some churches used Communion kits that are like little sacred Lunchables with a sealed cup of grape juice and a wafer.

I have been largely absent from my home church for most of my adult life but I have always considered Trinity my church. When I heard that the church was celebrating the 100th anniversary of the construction of the church building, I knew that I had to be there. And it was such a golden day. Sitting there in the beautiful sanctuary bathed in the glow of the sunlight coming in from the stained glass window gave me such a sense of peace and I felt loved, protected and safe from all the world’s troubles. I also felt a bit ashamed for being away for so long, but each welcome back hug I received convinced me that I was not being judged. I have made a resolution to be better about attending church. When I want to reach for the snooze button on Sunday mornings, I remember the words of the Rev. McKinley Williams at the most recent Palm Sunday processional: “If Christ can rise from the dead, you can get out of bed.”

Though Communion practices have changed over the years, one fact remains – anyone is welcome to come to the table and partake of the rite at my church, even someone like me who has missed the past 1,000 Sundays or so.

Growing up, I watched our town welcome displaced people from Congo and Ukraine, and I learned the value of inclusivity and compassion across borders.

I carried that lesson with me in 2023 when I first started reading headline after headline about unspeakable brutality, mass destruction, and famine in Palestine. Just like I’d been taught by my home, I acted on my mounting anger and grief through education and connection with Palestinian families. I strongly believe that being well-versed in the nature of violence in this area of the world is the best first step when it comes to positively impacting its future.

Fortunately, there is an upcoming opportunity for local community members to educate themselves about exactly this topic. The 50 Ways for Palestine Group is hosting a teach-in, “The State of Health and Aid in Gaza and the West Bank,” on June 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the Piovano Room at the Rockbridge Regional Library.

This event will feature two speakers: a medical professional from Doctors Without Borders and a humanitarian aid worker, both of whom will discuss the specific challenges related to medical care and aid distribution in this area.

Here is an excellent opportunity to learn about Palestine from people with direct, extensive experience. And, for those interested, there will be the option to join ongoing campaigns to help Palestinian families in need.

We are a small town, but I’ve seen the scale of our kindness. We have the ability to form international community and we need to be informed to build productively. Let’s continue on this path together.

OISHANI BASUCHOUDHARY Baltimore, Md. Lexington native

The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors this week moved forward with plans to change how Goshen area residents receive emergency medical services — at least for now.

The Board voted Monday to authorize the hiring of seven new paid staffers to provide EMS services for Goshen. The Board did not vote on whether to remove the volunteer Goshen First Aid Crew from the county’s safety plan.

Both of those steps had been recommended to the Board as part of proposal presented by Rockbridge County Fire-Rescue Chief Nathan Ramsey.

In his written proposal to the Board, he noted that on May 8, Barry Arnold, chief of the Goshen First Aid Crew, was charged with two counts of embezzlement and two counts of conspiracy to commit embezzlement for allegedly misusing public dollars. Ramsey’s report said that his staff “understand from discussions with investigators that additional charges involving other individuals may still be forthcoming.”

Arnold stepped down from his position following his arrest and was replaced by his son, Benjamin Arnold.

“In addition to the criminal investigation, staff have identified significant concerns regarding organizational leadership, governance, financial oversight, and the long-term operational sustainability of EMS service delivery within the Goshen service area,” Ramsey wrote in his report.

“Given these concerns, staff believe the Board should con- sider long-term operational changes to EMS service delivery within the Goshen area,” the report continued.

The earliest the Board can vote on the status of the volunteer crew is its July 27 meeting.

Despite approving the new county hires unanimously, members of the Board said Monday that they feel strongly about keeping volunteer first aid workers in Goshen.

“Part of the plan has to be how we unwind it and put it back like it is,” said Kerrs Creek Supervisor Steven Hart.

‘EMS Services Will Continue’

If the Board votes to remove Goshen First Aid Crew from the county’s emergency response plan, the change will take effect immediately.

Ramsey said in an interview with The News-Gazette Tuesday that no matter what, help will remain available for Goshen residents.

“EMS services will continue in Goshen,” he said. “That is our first priority.”

The Goshen First Aid Crew will continue to receive dispatch calls until at least July 27. But Ramsey told the News-Gazette the county has a plan in place to use overtime and part-time EMS workers to provide coverage as needed.

Ramsey said the county has already started interviewing applicants for the new paid positions, and that the timeline for filling positions will depend on how much training each new staffer requires. The county will shift workers around to provide a mix of new and experienced workers throughout its rescue departments.

“It’s a very fluid and dynamic scheduling plan at this point,” Ramsey told The News-Gazette.

The county has one reserve ambulance that will now be housed at the Goshen Volunteer Fire Department. Ramsey said there are no concerns about the fire department building being able to accommodate the additional vehicle.

The cost of paying the new staffers and purchasing new equipment will total about $518,000 for the 2027 fiscal year.

The county already has some money set aside for emergency services in Goshen for the 2027 fiscal year that can be used to cover the new costs, including both a base allotment of nearly $84,000 and performance-based pay totaling just over $24,000.

It can also use money withheld from the Goshen First Aid Crew to help cover about $53,000 in costs. The county stopped providing quarterly funding to the organization when it began investigating inconsistencies in its budget in fall 2024. Since then, the county has only provided funding on an as-needed basis.

The EMS team will also bring in additional income through service charges. In his report to the Board, Ramsey estimated $100,000 in yearly revenue.

Even drawing from those sources, the county will still need to come up with about an additional $256,000 for the 2027 fiscal year. After the 2027 fiscal year, the county will need to budget for an additional $290,000 annually.

‘They Are Our Neighbors’ Ty Bethel, a junior member of the Goshen First Aid Crew, spoke on behalf of the organization Monday and asked the Board to keep the volunteer first aid crew running. He said the group responded to 256 calls last year and only missed one.

“What concerns us most is not only the possibility of closing this organization, but also the impact that decision would have on our citizens,” Bethel said. “Who will provide the same level of care and commitment to our residents?”

Bethel said that what makes the Goshen First Aid Crew special is that its members are a part of the community they serve.

“We know these people personally,” he said. “They are not just patients to us. They are our neighbors, our friends and our community.”

Ramsey told the Board that current Goshen First Aid Crew volunteers would still be able to help out as volunteers with the county. But they would need to go through the county’s application protocols, which include being fingerprinted and undergoing a background check. He said the timeline could vary depending on the volunteer’s prior level of training but could take as little as a month.

Having a combination of paid employees and volunteers is normal, Ramsey told The News-Gazette. All other county rescue departments with career staffers also have volunteers.

Walkers Creek Supervisor Toria Brown, whose district includes Goshen, said at the meeting Monday she wants to see volunteers continue to serve the town and community.

“I’m supportive of the volunteer system, so I would really like to see that pop back up,” Brown said.

Other Board members agreed. Hart said he’s concerned Ramsey’s plan doesn’t provide a clear pathway to reestablish a volunteer organization.

“I don’t think the short-term solution is the correct long-term solution,” he said. “We need to make sure we’re strengthening our volunteer system.”

But Chairman David McDaniel said that restoring a volunteer first aid squad isn’t the county’s responsibility.

“We could do different things to promote it, but it’s got to be homegrown,” he said.

McDaniel suggested that members of Goshen’s volunteer fire department could receive EMS training, allowing both services to be performed by the same volunteers. Ramsey said this could be a possibility, but it would have to be the firefighters’ choice.

“One of the things that I’m cognizant of is creating an additional burden to the volunteers that are handling just the fire portion,” Ramsey told the Board. “If they have folks that would want to become first responders or go that route, they certainly would be able to participate.”

Hart said he’s also concerned about the finances of the proposal.

“We can’t keep adding people to the county staff at a rate faster than the population of the county increases,” Hart said. “We just did our budget, and now we’re adding $300,000 in perpetuity.”

City Council adopted a “reimbursement resolution” this past Thursday that will allow the city to reimburse itself for expenditures related to the planning, financing and other preliminary work associated with the school construction project. The reimbursement would be for costs going back 60 days and moving forward to when financing is secured.

The resolution, interim City Manager Wayne Handley explained, “allows the city, if it chooses to do so, to wrap some of what we call ‘soft’ costs into the entire project. … And what that’s going to require is [finding] options for us to finance this going forward.”

The School Board on May 28 adopted a similar resolution after hearing a presentation on a proposed agreement with Richmond-based financial advisory firm Davenport & Company. Superintendent Dr. Heather Ault presented the School Board with information about the proposed agreement with Davenport, which would serve as financial adviser for the project. The presentation was informational only; the Board was not asked to take action on the Davenport agreement.

Under the proposed arrangement, Davenport would conduct a comprehensive financial review of the city before any financing is executed. That review would assess existing financial conditions, debt capacity, revenue trends and policy considerations to ensure any recommended financing structure aligns with the city’s long-term fiscal health. The firm would also analyze the fiscal impact of issuing debt to fund the high school project, modeling projected debt service requirements under multiple financing structures.

The analysis would factor in potential participation in Virginia’s School Construction Assistance Program grant, as well as any revenue generated by a proposed 1 percent local option sales tax currently under consideration by the General Assembly. If this local sales tax option is included in the state budget – assuming lawmakers approve a state budget by June 30 – the city would make plans for a fall referendum to ask voters to approve the 1 percent local option sales tax. 

The results of Davenport’s work is to be presented at a future joint meeting of the School Board and City Council and shared publicly. Because the city, not the School Board, serves as the fiscal agent for the project, the city will need to formally engage Davenport. The agreement has been discussed with City Council’s budget and finance committee.

Both the School Board and City Council adopted the reimbursement resolutions unanimously. Under IRS regulations, an issuer of tax-exempt bonds may only reimburse itself for previously paid expenses if it has adopted a formal declaration of intent before those expenses are incurred – or within 60 days prior. The resolution covers expenses paid no earlier than the previous 60 days, and establishes a reimbursement window of up to three years from the date an expense is paid, or 18 months from the date the project is completed, whichever comes later.

Eligible expenses include costs such as financial advisory fees, bond counsel attorney fees and architectural and engineering design costs – what officials referred to as “soft” costs that arise before construction begins.

The resolutions estimate the total project costs at approximately $17 million. Of that, roughly $5.1 million is expected to come from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s School Construction Assistance Program, with the remaining $11.9 million anticipated to be borrowed through programs such as the Literary Loan or the Virginia Public School Authority, or other borrowing sources.

Officials emphasized that adopting the resolutions does not obligate the School Board or the city to issue bonds; it simply preserves the option to be reimbursed from bond proceeds if financing does move forward.

The financing discussions come after months of study and planning surrounding the future of Buena Vista’s school facilities. Earlier this year, the School Board voted to relocate middle school students into unused space at Parry McCluer High School beginning with the upcoming 2026-2017 school year, citing the deteriorating condition of the current middle school building and the need for a more sustainable long-term solution. The move is intended as an interim step while the division pursues a larger facilities project centered on renovations to the high school and construction of a new gymnasium-auditorium addition and standalone wood shop.

The current plan emerged from a facilities study conducted by RRMM Architects, which evaluated multiple options, including construction of a new middle school and extensive renovations to existing facilities.

School and city officials ultimately concluded that relocating middle school students to the high school campus and expanding that facility represented the most cost-effective approach. 

Since then, the School Board and City Council have been working through the preliminary steps required before construction can begin, including selecting architects and construction delivery methods, pursuing state grant funding, and evaluating potential financing strategies. 

In the wake of the recently released results of Lexington’s real estate tax assessment, the city’s tax rate is being lowered by more than 20 cents per $100 of assessed value in the upcoming fiscal year.

Lexington City Council, during its regular meeting last Thursday, unanimously approved a resolution to appropriate spending for the fiscal year 2026-27 budget with only one amendment from what had been advertised for a public hearing at Council’s May 7 meeting: lowering the real estate property tax rate 23.4 percent, from 92 cents per $100 of assessed value to 70.4 cents per $100 of assessed value.

The change was recommended by the city’s Finance Director Jennifer Bell after the reassessment showed a 31.9 percent increase in the total taxable value of properties within the city since the last reassessment in 2022.

The assessment results showed an increase of $283,911,281 in the total assessed value for properties within the city, going from $2,016,742,220 to $2,300,653,901 for a 14 percent increase. There was also a nearly 5 percent increase in - the value of the exempt parcels within the city, increasing from $1,330,987,400 to $1,395,970,644. This resulted in a total taxable value of $904,683,257 under the new assessment, up from $685,754,820 in the 2022 assessment These values, which were presented to City Council, may change if people appeal their reassessment and are granted said appeal. Any individuals wishing to appeal their reassessment will have until June 19 to submit the appeal.

As a result of the decrease in the tax rate, the anticipated revenue for the city in real estate taxes will decrease from $6,407,072 to $6,368,970 (a difference of $74,289).

Bell explained to City Council that the anticipation is that the shortfall in revenue from real estate taxes will be made up by increased interest earnings on the city’s investments. The budget for FY27 anticipated interest rates of around 3.375 percent, and the federal funds target rate is currently between 3.5 and 3.75, with the city’s investments currently earning around 3.8 percent.

David Sigler made the motion to approve the resolution with the amended tax rate and Nicholas Betts provided the second.

The city’s Outdoor Spaces Committee, under the leadership of chair and City Council member Stephanie Noel-Branch, is undertaking this initiative in partnership with the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany counties.

Noel-Branch and Lori Turner of the community foundation announced the initiative at this past Thursday’s City Council meeting. They are seeking sponsors for pool pass scholarships for up to 100 children. The fundraising goal is $12,500, calculated at $125 per child’s season pool pass. The foundation has donors who have agreed to make up any shortfall of this goal, should there be one.

The objective of the program, explained Noel-Branch, is to ensure that “financial barriers do not prevent children from enjoying summer opportunities while strengthening community bonds.”

Eligibility criteria is that participants must be 17 years of age or younger, reside in Buena Vista and demonstrate financial need through federal or state approved financial assistance programs. Families must submit an application documenting this eligibility. Multiple children from a household are allowed to participate. Applications are reviewed confidentially and eligibility decisions are final.

Sponsorship levels of donors who will be recognized on a banner displayed at the swimming are as follows: $2,500, title sponsor for 20 children; $1,250, gold splash, 10 children; $625, silver splash, five children; $250, pool friend, two children; and $125, community supporter, one child.

After the presentation, City Council unanimously approved a motion to support the program. Mayor Jesse Lineberry and Council member Ron Cash each expressed interest in signing up to be sponsors.

To become a sponsor or apply for a scholarship, visit the city’s website at www.buenavista.gov, go by the manager’s office in the Municipal Building or call the city manager’s office at (540) 261-8601

Community members gave thousands of dollars last month to help the Rockbridge Area Relief Association “Fill the Summer Gap.”

The first-time campaign by that name was sparked by a $10,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor, said RARA Executive Director Lindsey Pérez. Other donors contributed more than $18,000, putting the total earnings at $28,805.

The campaign lasted from May 19 to 31 and was promoted through social media and emails to prior supporters. Pérez said it’s RARA’s first matching funds campaign in at least eight years.

The “summer gap” refers to the increased financial strain that comes from children being out of school, Pérez said. Families may have to miss more work to look after kids and could face increased costs for summer camps or greater utility usage with more people at home.

“What could already be a tight budget is even harder over the summer,” she said.

RARA provides assistance to Rockbridge area families through two main avenues: food distribution and assistance paying for other necessities. It runs its Neighborhood Grocery food pantries in Lexington and Goshen and also operates mobile food pantries that travel to sites throughout the county in collaboration with Washington and Lee University’s Campus Kitchen. Plus, families can call RARA to get help with the cost of utilities and housing.

The organization got its start in 1972 and has been serving local residents ever since. But Pérez said the demand for its services over the past few years has been unprecedented.

“Throughout the country, but in Rockbridge too, people are having a hard time making ends meet,” she said. “Right now, especially with high inflation, over the last three years the need has been growing even more than we’ve ever seen.”

So far this year, RARA has seen a monthly average of more than 1,000 visits to its food pantries, Pérez said. That’s a 16% increase from the monthly average in 2025, which was a little over 900.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 500 to 600 monthly visits was the average, she said.

“People that haven’t needed our services in many years are having to turn to us,” Pérez said. “People that have never used us before and a lot of families that you would typically consider middle class … they’re still having a hard time with all the costs right now.”

RARA has also experienced a surge in the numbers of people seeking help with utilities and housing costs. Pérez said RARA dealt with 20% more of these cases in 2025 compared to 2024. And the organization saw the average number of monthly housing cases double in January and February — likely because eligibility for the program resets every calendar year.

“They all called at once needing that assistance, because it’s just really hard to keep up,” she said.

The amount of utility and housing cases has dropped off after the initial rush at the beginning of 2026, Pérez said. But RARA is still handling about 23 cases per month.

Pérez said RARA has been able to adapt to the greater need. But it wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of local residents. RARA’s supporters donate money, coordinate food drives, share fresh produce and volunteer at pantry sites.

“Our community has really come together to make sure we’re supported,” she said.

Pérez said after the campaign’s success, RARA would consider launching a similar fundraiser in the future. But the organization has no plans to do so at the moment.

Those interested in supporting RARA’s mission can learn more at https://www.raralex.org or call (540) 4636943.

Eight First Class cadets majoring in electrical and computer engineering (ECE) at Virginia Military Institute, who graduated last month, presented their capstone project this spring after working on it throughout the academic year.

According to Col. David Feinauer, professor in the Department of ECE, the engineering capstone experience is an important milestone and prepares the cadets for their future careers.

“Our cadets applied engineering design to meet real human needs,” Feinauer said as he described the project. “They worked in two teams and developed both custom hardware as well as software to transform an over-the-bed workstation platform into a smart home-integrated, more accessible, user-centered assistive technology that enhances independence and everyday comfort. Their effort on this project provided a meaningful example of the service embedded in a VMI education and the power of engineering with purpose.”

The cadets’ work was for the benefit of Jeremy Davis, a disabled and bedridden Army veteran living in Maine. He sustained damage to his nervous system and internal organs during a service-related injury.

Rehabilitation engineers at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond provided Davis with a motorized over-thebed workstation allowing him to use a computer from bed. The cadets worked to make the workstation more accessible by allowing him to control the position of the monitor and keyboard directly from his computer or phone.

Davis was connected to VMI through Project S.E.R.V.E. (PS), a national nonprofit founded to engineer personalized solutions for veterans and emergency responders, enhancing their quality of life.

Steve McMillan, project manager with PS, explained the process: “Our staff reviews hundreds of project requests we receive from veterans and emergency responders to identify those that align with our mission of working with student engineers. We also speak with capstone professors like Col. Feinauer to gauge the types of projects they are seeking. We then reach out to the requestors to discuss and assess possibilities. We currently have 27 partner universities across the country and strive to align pairing regionally. As a 501(c) (3), we are limited to a certain number of projects each year, since we depend on donations and grants to fund the projects.”

According to Nicholas Ligday ’26, project manager for the hardware team, this process was rewarding.

“This wasn’t just an academic project, but one someone will use on a daily basis, and definitely a crowning achievement of my cadetship,” he said. “We were able to help someone in a way that will leave a lasting impression. Despite the challenges and all our other obligations at VMI, we stayed focused on helping someone else. I think it really says something about the kind of people VMI produces.”

Davis was pleased with the final results. “The cadets’ conduct and commitment gave me a great deal of confidence in the future leadership of our military,” he said. “They represent the very best of what you hope to see: competent, thoughtful, and mission-focused individuals who genuinely care about the people they serve. Their ability to translate real-world user needs into practical engineering solutions speaks volumes about their training and character.”

On Sunday, June 7, the Union View Advent Christian Church family held their annual picnic at Lake Robertson. It was a day of fellowship, good food and fun. A white elephant auction capped off the event raising funds for the Penny Crusade. Donated funds to the Penny Crusade will be used for missionary work around the world.

The Rev. Alan Adams led the worship service at the Collierstown Presbyterian Church. During the service Reese McCormick was installed as an elder to the church’s session. Following the service the church family began the summer season with lemonade on the lawn.

Commercial pilots still regard open skies as much safer than Airport Traffic Areas scattered across the landscape, similar to “potholes on an interstate highway,” but just more hazardous. The Airport Traffic Area above any airport supports at least a 5 mile radius (10 nautical miles across) which requires all aircraft to comply with speed and safety rules, crossing altitudes and a dozen other procedural requirements when crossing an Airport Traffic Area.

Meanwhile, any private pilot, using an airport, needs a level of alertness that matches road traffic risks at least equivalent to Atlanta, Georgia’s 6 p.m. rush hour.

Every airport added to the National Airspace System requires a rewriting of the air navigation maps, procedures, updates, notices to airmen, etc, so when a transient aircraft is overflying a dozen little airports between Charlotte and D.C., that’s a dozen potholes in the airborne “interstate” that could make for a very bad day ... for somebody.

And the cost to build, maintain and oversee even the smallest general aviation airport is outrageously expensive. Maybe that’s why Virginia county governments refuse to allow a referendum on airport proposals. There aren’t enough taxpayers that would ever vote to have an airport if voters knew all the facts. DON HENKE Goshen A commercial pilot

These ads are underwritten by “Netchoice” which appears to be an advocacy group for technology companies. One aspect of their work is to obtain tax advantages for the data centers so that runs counter to claim 2.

Construction will likely fall to a large, out-of-state company previously used for similar projects and therefore won’t employ many local businesses. Some local hiring may be done but it is, at best, short term. This is counter to claim 3.

The center will not employ many people once completed so it will not add significantly to the local economy. This is counter to claim 1.

Unsaid is the vast consumption of water and power primarily to cool the servers. Heat is simply moved and not eliminated so the immediate area will become a heat island of significance. Recently, residents near similar centers around the country have complained of the unceasing hum of the center intruding on their homes and lives.

By the time county residents become aware of any suggested construction, the die will be cast. If you oppose, as I oppose, the consumption of our lifestyle for outsiders, speak now to you elected representatives to avoid future projects. STEVE TIPSWORTH Natural Bridge

Visiting High Bridge Presbyterian Church this past Sunday was Virginia Military Institure cadet Tom Maxwell, member of the rugby team.

Thanks to Nancy Hostetter for being guest pianist this past Sunday. Donna Armentrout, our regular pianist, performed a special music presentation entitled “The Lord’s Prayer,” and spoke about her recent challenges in the past several months recovering from a stroke.

The annual church picnic will be held Sunday, July 5, after service. The winners of the Presbyterian Women’s birthday cake challenge were announced by Connie Powell. In third place was Garnette Teass’ strawberry cake, second place was held by Violet Vest with pound cake, first place was won by Esther Pennington who made chocolate cinnamon cake topped by black walnut icing. The funds donated for votes will be used to assist worldwide missions.

The family of the late Bob and Jean Tolley Bourne met this past weekend for a reunion at Cave Mountain Lake on Saturday and attended a special outdoor worship service Sunday morning at the home of Gayle Tolley.

The Presbyterian Women will host the Natural Bridge/Glasgow Ruritan Club for dinner on Tuesday, June 16, at 6 p.m. at the fellowship hall. Also, the local PW mission for the second quarter is Lisa’s House through June. Donations can be dropped into the box at the narthex at church or delivered to Lisa’s House. Betsy Shepherd is the mission chairperson and will have a list of items needed.

The Men’s Group is taking a break this summer. They will pick back up in the fall with a study of the book of Thessalonians.

The food pantry will open promptly at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, and close at 11 a.m. They welcome donations of boxed mac and cheese dinners for the month of June.

Do you have any particular memories, memorabilia or photos from the 1976 celebrations, as we now get ready to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary this summer?

In a joint project with the Rockbridge Historical Society, The News-Gazette is inviting area residents to submit your memories and any photos you might have to the newspaper to editor@thenews-gazette.com or to P.O. Box 1153, Lexington, VA 24450. If you have any memorabilia from that time, we ask you to contact Eric Wilson, the RHS executive director, at Director@rockbridgehistory. org.

For submissions to the newspaper, please send them in no later than June 22 for publication in our July 1 issue.

The Rockbridge County High School girls lacrosse team left no doubt about its dominance of Region 4D, cruising past Salem 22-2 in the regional championship game at The Fields at Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista last Tuesday.

The Wildcats, who secured their sixth consecutive regional title – all without a single loss to a Region 4D foe – proceeded to rout Loudoun Valley 20-5 in the Virginia High School League Class 4 state quarterfinals on Friday. (See separate story.) RC (17-1) was slated to visit threetime defending state champion Western Albemarle (16-1-1) in the semifinals last night.

In last Tuesday’s game, three players combined for 21 of the Wildcats’ 22 goals. Lola Mulitalo notched eight goals and one assist, Emma McKnight totaled seven markers and one helper, and Anna Nye finished with six goals and five assists – surpassing 300 career points in the process.

The Spartans (12-5), who would go on to drop an 8-7 double-overtime heartbreaker at Region 4C champion Dominion in the state quarterfinals, had no match for the ’Cats’ three-headed monster of McKnight, Mulitalo and Nye.

“We have been working with the three of them and getting that community and that gel,” RC head coach Susan Nye said of the trio. “It was beautiful tonight: their patience on their shooting; the assist went right to the stick. The three of them, they’ve picked the perfect time to have everything come together.”

Anna Nye also paced the defensive effort with five caused turnovers. Laura Ingram posted a game-high six draw controls for the ’Cats, while Emma McKnight snared five. Ellie McKnight played the full game in goal and recorded four saves, and Adrianna Grue tallied the other RC goal and added a pair of assists.

Vivienne Eaton and Madison Southern scored for Salem. Rylee McNeill had five draw controls for the Spartans, while goalie Bailey Redford – a senior who has committed to play at Division I power the University of North Carolina – registered five saves and four caused turnovers.

RC led by a narrow 3-2 margin after Southern scored at the 7:17 mark of the first quarter. But the Wildcats quickly turned on the afterburners, stretching the margin out to 10-2 by the end of the period and assuming a 16-2 halftime advantage.

Salem held its own in the draw circle across the first two periods, with RC owning an uncharacteristically narrow 12-8 advantage on draws at the break. But in addition to their offensive success, the Wildcats were locked in on the defensive side, neutralizing the Spartans’ draw success by forcing 10 turnovers in the first half.

“Our focus was making sure we were sliding to, moving on the flight of the ball when we were on defense,” coach Nye said. “On offense, [the focus was on] patience and fakes – not telegraphing our passes – and I thought we did a really nice job of that, especially in the beginning of the game.”

For the contest, the ’Cats held a 29-8 advantage in shots, and a 7-1 draw margin after the intermission gave them an overall 19-9 edge. RC also converted on 6-of-7 chances from the 8-meter arc and forced a total of 17 Salem turnovers.

Now that they’re back in the final four of the state tournament, the Wildcats have loftier goals beyond just capturing the regional crown. But the team still took a moment to celebrate after capping off another undefeated run through Region 4D.

“The sixth one in a row is pretty sweet,” coach Nye said. “Every year, we’re fighting to get back to the state finals. This year, there’s something about this team and their community, and how much they support each other.”

Visit www.thenews-gazette.com for updates on Tuesday’s state semifinal matchup between RC and Western Albemarle.

‘Every year, we’re fighting to get back to the state finals. This year, there’s something about this team and their community, and how much they support each other.’ - Coach Susan Nye

With another potential showdown against Western Albemarle looming, the Rockbridge County High School girls lacrosse team stayed focused on the task at hand in Friday’s Virginia High School League Class 4 state quarterfinal matchup with Loudoun Valley.

There was no looking ahead for the Wildcats, who cruised past the Vikings to record a 20-5 victory at The Fields at Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, booking a spot in the state semifinals for a sixth consecutive season.

RC and Western, the threetime defending state champions, were slated to face off in Crozet last night. The Wildcats have lost to the Warriors (16-1-1) in each of the past five state tournaments, including back-to-back defeats in the championship game in 2024 and 2025. Visit thenewsgazette. com for updates on last night’s semifinal.

On Friday, Lola Mulitalo scored a career-high nine goals and added two assists as RC (17-1) rolled to a lopsided victory in its quarterfinal contest against Loudoun Valley (10-8).

Emma McKnight added five goals and two assists for the Wildcats, who entered the Class 4 bracket as the Region 4D champions. Anna Nye tallied three goals and four assists, and she also spurred RC to another dominant performance on the circle with 18 draw controls – just one away from tying her own school record.

Alexis Lutz scored three goals and Jordan Phillips posted three assists for the Vikings, who came in as the runners-up from Region 4C. Frankie Cavalieri made nine saves in goal for Loudoun Valley, which was making just its second state tournament appearance in the last 12 seasons.

Mulitalo credited her junior teammate and co-captain, the all-region defender Braelyn Polly, for keeping the Wildcats focused on the matchup with the Vikings – and not looking past their quarterfinal opponent.

“She [Polly] just really helped us focus that our games that we’re playing now lead up to June 13,” said Mulitalo, referring to the date of the Class 4 state championship. “No matter who the team is … we need to play our best to be ready for the games ahead of us.”

RC tallied the first four goals of the evening, getting two markers apiece from Mulitalo and McKnight – with all four scores coming in a span of just 58 seconds – to assume a 4-0 advantage with 9:57 to play in the opening quarter.

Although the Vikings battled back to within 5-2 on a goal from Sadie Blackmon at the 6:53 mark, the Wildcats countered by extending the gap to 9-2 by the end of the first quarter. The ’Cats then cashed in for three goals – including two more from Mulitalo – on a Loudoun Valley yellow card early in the second quarter, going on to lead 16-2 by the half.

RC’s command of the draw circle led to a string of extra looks on the offensive end, and the Wildcats made the most of that advantage.

“When you have possession and you only have to run 50 yards – and then we can immediately get into our play in the motion – it’s just huge, and it really saves your middies,” RC head coach Susan Nye said.

Those midfielders – McKnight, Anna Nye and Laura Ingram – are integral to the Wildcats’ game plan: they comprise the starting draw circle unit, and they also make massive contributions on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field.

“They’re always hustling back as much on defense as they are on offense,” coach Nye said of the ’Cats’ midfield trio. “Those three, it doesn’t matter which direction they’re going; they’re going to go 100 percent.”

RC outscored the Vikings 4-1 in the third period, pushing the lead to 20-3. With the outcome already determined, a pair of fourth-quarter goals for Loudoun Valley provided the final margin.

Ingram totaled one goal, two assists, two ground balls and two caused turnovers for the Wildcats, while Adrianna Grue and Sadie Edwards also scored. Ellie McKnight played the first three quarters in goal for RC, recording four saves with three goals allowed. Polly had three ground balls and one caused turnover on defense, Anna Nye added two ground balls and two takeaways, and Tadara Cooper collected two ground balls.

The Wildcats’ reward is another shot at Western, which remains the only public school to defeat RC across the last six years. In the teams’ regular-season meeting on March 24, also in Crozet, a shorthanded ’Cats squad nearly battled back from an 8-2 deficit in the second half, eventually falling by a final count of 8-5.

While there are strategic adjustments for RC to make, one of the Wildcats’ senior leaders believes that the biggest factor may be her team’s mentality.

“For sure, confidence” is the biggest key to beating Western, Mulitalo said. “We have been let down for a good amount of years, and I think that’s gotten to us a lot, but we know that we can do it.”

The winner of last night’s contest will meet either Hanover or Dominion in the state championship game, which will take place at Heritage High School in Leesburg on Saturday.

‘For sure, confidence is the biggest key to beating Western. We have been let down for a good amount of years, and I think that’s gotten to us a lot, but we know that we can do it.’ - Lola Mulitalo

Junior Kebryl Chandler won two individual state titles to lead the Parry McCluer High School boys track and field team to third place at the state meet on Friday and Saturday at the James Madison University Track and Field Complex in Harrisonburg.

Chandler claimed both the boys’ 1600 and 3200-meter runs, which he had also won at the state indoor track and field meet in early March. The victories completed an impressive year for Chandler, who had also won the individual state cross country title last November to lead the Blues to their third consecutive state title.

In the team standings, the PM boys, who placed fourth at last year’s outdoor state meet, scored 54 points to finish just behind Pioneer District rival Eastern Montgomery, which finished second of 30 scoring teams, tallying 55 points. Auburn won the meet with 106 points. Rounding out the top five were Rappahannock (43.5) and Riverheads (40.5).

PM head coach Chris Poluikis said before the meet that Auburn was the clear favorite. He said the Blues had a strong chance of placing second to tie the 2024 team for the highest finish in program history, and they almost did. “The state meet is always chaotic, with the heat,” said Poluikis.

The difference between the Eastern Montgomery and PM scores came down to the boys’ 4 X 800-meter relay on Friday. The Mustangs won the race in 8:09.02, while the Blues placed second in 8:11.28, less than a tenth of a second off their school record of 8:11.19, which they set last year in finishing second to Middlesex by a hundredth of a second. On Friday, Middlesex placed third in 8:28.12. PM’s team members were Chandler, seniors Josh Cooper and Logan Wheelock, and sophomore Caleb Cooper.

On Saturday morning, Chandler overcame sickness to win the 3200meter run in 9:36.11, setting a meet record. Chandler said he was relieved that, despite his illness, he was able to pull out the win. Eastern Montgomery sophomore Calvin Wilbon placed second in 9:40.97.

Just a few hours later, after temperatures climbed into the 80s in the early afternoon, Chandler won the 1600meter run in 4:22.45. He was trailing Grundy senior Keyston Hartford for the first half of the race before catching him and breaking away by running the final 800 meters in 2:03. Hartford, who had placed second in the 1600meter run at the state outdoor meet last year to beat Chandler by one spot, followed Chandler this time in 4:26.1.

Three of Chandler’s running teammates earned all-state honors by placing in the top eight. Caleb Cooper finished third in the boys’ 3200-meter run in 9:46.55 and used a strong finishing kick to come in sixth in the 1600-meter run in 4:40.22. Senior Josh Cooper, Caleb’s older brother, placed fifth in the 800-meter run in 2:01.88. Senior teammate Logan Wheelock placed sixth in the boys’ 3200-meter run in 10:03.07 and finished eighth in the 1600-meter run in 4:41.55.

Summing up his 800-meter run, Josh Cooper said, “It wasn’t bad. I didn’t feel terribly today.” He said he was feeling the effects of the 4 X 800meter relay the day before. “I didn’t feel super fast. They went out really hard. I tried to reel the guys right in front of me in. I think I did a good job. I closed pretty well.”

Reviewing his career, during which he helped the Blues win those three cross country titles, the older Cooper said, “There’s a lot that I wanted to do, times that I wanted to run that I didn’t get a chance to, but was fun.” He’ll spend the next two years on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission in Brazil before attending Southern Virginia University, where he plans to continue running.

Wheelock was grateful he was able to have a strong finish to the season after recovering from a stress fracture in his foot in the Blues’ winning 4X 800-meter relay at the state indoor meet. “It was great to be able to come back,” said Wheelock. “Honestly, I don’t know how I was able to do it. It was something crazy to be able to come back and still race today.”

“I was grateful to be able to run,” added Wheelock. “I had almost a career- ending injury.”

Wheelock, who plans to study business at Radford University and is considering continuing his running career, said he was grateful for his teammates for pushing him and for Poluikis, who coached him in both cross country and track. “Poluikis has been amazing,” said Wheelock. “He’s the reason why I’m able to come back from that injury.” Wheelock said Poluikis, who just wrapped up his 20th year of coaching the Blues, is good at “making sure we’re consistent. … He’s our spine. He’s our backbone.”

Also racing individually for the Blues was junior Sam Carpenter, who placed 11th in the 3200-meter run in 10:48.94, about a second shy of his personal record (PR).

In the last race of the meet, the boys’ 4 x 400-meter relay, the Blues finished 21st in 3:52.97. Team members were Carpenter, sophomore Sebastian George, and Josh and Caleb Cooper.

The Blues’ lone thrower was senior Griffin Harlow, who had all-state finishes in both of his throws. On Friday, Harlow placed fourth in the shot put with a toss of 51 feet, 3.5 inches. Auburn senior Kobi Bonds, who has signed to throw for Division I school Virginia Tech, won with a throw of 62-1. Harlow followed up that performance by placing fifth in the discus with a heave of 136-1 on Saturday. Auburn’s Colton Honaker won the discus with a throw of 157-6.

Since last year, Harlow has battled two back conditions that have affected his throwing, but he overcame those to place third in the shot put at the state indoor meet and then finish his career among the elite throwers last weekend. “He persevered through that,” said PM throwing coach Danny Cole. “Most people would’ve probably quit. He’s a hard worker.”

Harlow finished his career with four Pioneer District titles and four allstate finishes. His PR in the shot put is 54-1.5, set last year when he placed third at the state outdoor meet, and he set his PR in the discus when he placed fifth at the Region 1C meet with a throw of 142-2 on May 26 in Elliston.

Grateful for Cole’s coaching, Harlow said, “He’s been great. He’s helped me a lot, keeping me motivated through injury and giving me words of encouragement to help me through it and doing whatever he can to help out.” Looking ahead, Harlow is considering throwing at the college level while weighing his options.

In addition to Harlow, the Blues have graduated their two other throwers, regional qualifier Brenden Holdren and Levi Hepler. “I’m starting from scratch next year,” said Cole. He said he’ll have one girl, rising senior Phoebe Wood, throwing in the indoor season, and he’s been talking to some rising freshmen. There were no girls competing for the Blues, runners or throwers, this spring.

Wheelock and Josh Cooper were the two senior runners on the team this year.

The Blues will look forward to continuing to build on their success, with Chandler leading the way as a senior.

Guiding her team to a 16-1 record through the regional tournament, eighth-year RC head coach Susan Nye was named Region 4D coach of the year.

Junior midfielder Anna Nye, daughter of Susan, was named Region 4D player of the year for the second year in a row and was selected to the all-region first team. Through last Tuesday, Anna, who tallied her 300th career point in the regional finals, scored 55 goals and dished out 59 assists this season for a total of 114 points. She led the Wildcats with 191 draw controls, 44 ground balls and 59 caused turnovers.

Wildcats joining Anna on the all-region first team were a pair of seniors, attacker Lola Mulitalo and defender Nadia Gaydos, and three juniors: midfielder Emma McKnight and defenders Laura Ingram and Tadara Cooper. Through the regional tournament, Mulitalo scored 54 goals and dished out 17 assists while collecting 12 ground balls and logging 10 caused turnovers this season. Gaydos scored six goals, won 12 draw controls, collected 23 ground balls and forced 10 caused turnovers. McKnight scored 55 goals and dished out 19 assists while winning 42 draw controls, collecting 33 ground balls and logging 14 caused turnovers. Ingram scored 21 goals, had 15 assists, won 40 draw controls, collected 18 ground balls and tallied 12 caused turnovers. Cooper scored two goals and had 28 ground balls and 18 caused turnovers.

Three Wildcats were selected to the all-region second team: a pair of juniors, attacker Adrianna Grue and defender Braelyn Polly, and sophomore goalie Ellie McKnight. Grue scored 23 goals and dished out five assists while collecting 19 ground balls and logging five caused turnovers. Polly scored one goal while collecting 15 ground balls and tallying 11 caused turnovers. McKnight made 37 saves, allowing 22 goals through the regional tournament, and collected five ground balls.

Pelter, who was selected to the all-district first team two weeks ago, had a .476 batting average this season and a 5.32 on-base percentage. She recorded more than 20 hits and had 11 RBIs and a .550 slugging percentage. In 42 at-bats, Pelter struck out just seven times.

Guided by seventh-year head coach Keston Pelter, the Wildcats went 10-10 this season, ending the spring with a 2-0 loss at Alleghany in the first round of the Region 3C tournament.

The Blues landed 11 players on the all-district softball team, including four first-team selections, while the PM baseball team boasted seven representatives.

Junior Kendall Painter led the way for the PM softball team, which finished 9-12 overall and 5-5 in the district, earning all-district honors at first base. Through 20 games, not including the loss in the Region 1C quarterfinals (see separate story), Painter led the Blues in six different statistical categories, including hits (28), doubles (11), triples (three), home runs (two), slugging percentage (.823) and RBIs (27). Painter finished the year with a .452 batting average and 23 runs scored.

Also tapped to the first team was outfielder Sophia Bouchelle. The sophomore batted .473 on the season, banging out 26 hits. She posted three doubles, two triples while scoring 19 runs and driving in 21.

Sophomore Harleigh Fulwider was named to the first team as the designated player despite missing four games during the regular season. She led the Blues with a .481 batting average and drove in 13 runs.

Rounding out PM’s first-team selections was freshman Caroline Watts, who was placed on the team at pitcher. Through the district tournament, Watts hurled her way to a 9-9 record on the mound, pitching 103.1 innings and striking out 65 batters. At the plate, the freshman batted .421 with 14 RBIs and led the Blues with 26 runs scored and 22 stolen bases.

Junior Lexi Armstrong was named to the second team in the outfield after batting .268 with 17 runs and 10 stolen bases.

Six players received honorable mention consideration from the Pioneer District’s coaches. Those players were sophomores Patience Hill, Zoey Tolley, Sarah Dudley, Sophie Chittum and Jordyn Hostetter and freshman Sophie Porterfield.

The Blues are guided by 12th-year head coach Troy Clark. The PM baseball team, which finished 3-16 overall and 0-6 in the district, did not have any first-team selections, but four players did earn second- team recognition.

Among that group was junior Curtis King, who led the Blues with three triples and 15 RBIs. Junior Kyler Ramsey was also named to the second team after battling .302 this season, leading the squad with 16 hits, and recording 10 runs and 10 RBIs.

Sophomore Colby Camden was also a second-team selection after batting .294 with 12 RBIs and a team-leading 16 runs scored. Lane Luckton, another sophomore, landed on the second team after posting 14 RBIs and leading the team with a .333 batting average.

The Blues, under the direction of ninth-year head coach Bryan Loy, received three honorable mention selections: senior Sam Griffin, junior Kyle Smals and sophomore Adison Haynes.

Friends of Woods Creek, a volunteer organization that is part of Rockbridge Conservation, organized the race, which had 32 registered participants.

Race director Dave Agnor said he was pleased with the turnout, considering this was the first year for the race. Agnor said the money will be used “to do work on the trail itself. We’re going to use the money to buy materials, including better gravel, smaller gravel.” Agnor said he has been talking with Patrick Madigan, director of public works for Lexington, about how to improve the trail.

The moderately hilly 4-mile race started and ended at the creek bridge near Waddell Elementary School and turned around at the Historic Miller House Museum in Jordans Point Park.

The overall winner of the race was Blake Shester, 44, finishing in 30 minutes, 33.67 seconds. Jamie Rowley, 25, placed second in 33:07.28. The top female finisher, placing third overall, was Evelyn Eichelberger, 19, in 33:37.57. Matthew Niebur, 46, placed third among males and fourth overall in 35:30.72.

Casey Jung, 28, placed second among females and ninth overall in 42:48.55. The third female finisher was Connie Dreusicke, 65, placing 12th overall in 45:31.55.

Male age group winners were Weston Via (13-18, 38:45.11), Yates Webb (30-39, 29:24.71), Patrick Walters (40-49, 36:32.92), David Wells (50-59, 43:39.06), Robert Williams (60-69, 42:33.02) and Isaac Wayne Owne (70 and over, 1:05:49.25).

Female age group winners were Kaya Bunn (12 and under, 45:36.37), Gloria Tenorio (1929, 49:49.22), Rebecca Eichelberger (40-49, 59:22.56) and Janet Boller (50-59, 48:24.54).

For full results, visit www.runroanoke.com.

Forward Gabe Osorio, the Fighting Blues’ lone senior, was selected to the all-district first team. PM’s all-district second team selections were a pair of sophomores, forward Eddie Robinson and defender Jackson Haynes, and four freshmen: goalkeeper Cameron Glass, defender Seven Medina and midfielders Izzy Ramsey and AJ Roberts.

Fielding a team for the first time in four years, the Blues went 0-10-0 overall and 0-4-0 in the Pioneer District, showing progress as the season went on. Guiding the Blues were head coach Chuck Rice and assistant coach Lilian Eskelson.

Vargas, the Wildcats’ No. 1 singles player, was recognized during the RC girls lacrosse team’s 22-2 win over Salem in the Region 4D championship game on Tuesday of last week at The Fields at Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista.

He helped the Wildcats go 9-6 overall and 9-5 in the district. The team portion of their season ended with a 5-0 loss to Monticello in the first round of the Region 3C team tournament. Vargas went on to compete in the Region 3C singles and doubles tournaments, falling in the first round in both. He teamed up with senior Jaxon Johnson in the doubles tournament.

Coaching Vargas for his second season were third-year head coach Scott Youngdahl and assistant coach Brian Barney.

For RC, all-state swimmer Keagan Black was named the male athlete of the year, while lacrosse and basketball player Lola Mulitalo was selected female athlete of the year. PM named football and basketball player Nathan Glass as its male athlete of the year, while volleyball player Kadence Zollman was chosen as the Blues’ female athlete of the year.

Black was the Shenandoah District champion in the 100-yard backstroke, helping the RC boys win the team title. He was also on two relay teams, the 200-yard freestyle and the 200-yard medley, that won district titles. At the Region 3C meet, where the RC boys placed fourth, Black placed second in both the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly. He then earned all-state honors by placing in the top six in both races at the Class 3 state meet, finishing fourth in the 100-yard backstroke and fifth in the 100-yard butterfly. The RC boys tied for 12th place at the state meet. Last November, Black signed a national letter of intent to continue his academic and swimming career locally for Division I school Virginia Military Institute.

Mulitalo is an all-region firstteam attacker for the RC girls lacrosse team, which won its sixth consecutive Region 4D title by defeating Salem 22-2 on Tuesday of last week. The Wildcats improved to 17-1 after taking down Loudoun Valley 20-5 in the Class 4 state quarterfinals on Friday, with Mulitalo scoring a career-high nine goals. The Wildcats were scheduled to face Western Albemarle in the state semifinals last night in Crozet. Through the regional tournament this season, Mulitalo had scored 54 goals and dished out 17 assists while collecting 12 ground balls and logging 10 caused turnovers. She holds the all-time points record for the Wildcats.

This past winter, Mulitalo played basketball for the Wildcats, helping the girls go 9-16 overall and 7-9 in the Shenandoah District. They advanced to the Region 3C tournament, making back-to-back regional tournament appearances for the first time in program history, before falling at East Rockingham in the first round. Mulitalo, a starting forward, was an all-district first-team and all-region selection. She led the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding, averaging 15.6 points per game and 14.5 rebounds. Last November, Mulitalo signed to continue her academic and lacrosse career at Division I school Kennesaw State University in Georgia.

Glass was the starting quarterback and a punter for the PM football team and was a starting forward for the basketball team. For the football team, Glass threw a 95-yard touchdown pass to Javion Dunn, breaking a 48-year-old school record for the longest pass, last September. He was an alldistrict first-team selection as both a quarterback and punter, and he was named to the all-region second team as an all-purpose player after passing for over 800 yards, rushing for more than 600 yards, and having a part in 20 total touchdowns as the PM quarterback. He was also named to the all-region secondteam punter with an average of 38.1 yards per kick during the season. Glass helped the Blues go 6-5 overall and 2-2 in the Pioneer District last fall, ending their season with a loss at Grayson County in the Region 1C quarterfinals. He’ll continue his academic and football career as a wide receiver for Division III school Bridgewater.

For the boys basketball team, Glass earned all-district and allregion first-team honors and was named to the all-state second team. He was also named to the first team of the Basketball Coaches Association of Virginia All-Class 1 squad, and he was named Scholar Athletes for maintaining a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Glass averaged 14.7 points per game while shooting nearly 65 percent from the floor this past season. He finished the season as the team leader in blocks, with 28, while grabbing 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. Glass helped the Blues go 22-5 overall and 10-0 in the Pioneer District. PM won the district tournament and was the runner-up in the Region 1C tournament before ending its season with a loss to Patrick Henry-Glade Spring in the Class 1 state quarterfinals.

Zollman was a middle blocker for the Blues’ volleyball team. She was named to the all-district first team and led the Blues to a 13-13 record, including a 6-4 mark that landed them in third place in the Pioneer District. Zollman will continue her academic and volleyball career at Division III school Shenandoah University.

An enormous thank you to all the volunteers that made this week happen! The centerpiece of the week was our very own Sukkah (booth), made out of tree trunks and branches. The kids made crafts during the week that helped to decorate the sukkah and add to the festivities.

Thank you to Laura Hotinger for being the pianist on Sunday and for Joann for being the lay leader. Thank you to everyone who provided the special music of the VBS songs during worship.

The Kerrs Creek Ruritan Club met at New Monmouth on May 19. Scholarship winner Nadia Gaydos and her family joined us for the meeting. Nadia will attend Christopher Newport University and play lacrosse. She is to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Mike Layton, district governor, attended and presented Felicia Bush with the Outstanding Treasurer award and Janet Drake with the Outstanding Secretary award for the exceptional jobs they have done.

Eric Wilson, executive director of the Rockbridge Historical Society, was our guest speaker. As a senior in high school he received a scholarship from a Ruritan Club in the Charlottesville area. He thanked our club for all we do in our community.

He spoke about how the RHS is commemorating the 250 years since the American Revolution. Recently the RHS held a hike to explore history, learn about our history and to look at how things have grown and changed. We need to have instruction and life-long learning programs so we can all grow from history. He talked about Thomas Jefferson purchasing Natural Bridge, because he wanted a place where the public could learn about and keep history alive. Bike Route 76 comes through Rockbridge County winding through Buena Vista, Lexington, Natural Bridge and ending at Gertie’s in Vesuvius. On June 3 there were about 40 bicyclists riding through this part Virginia covering 500 miles. He shared that if anyone is interested in volunteering to please contact him.

David Kaulfers is a guest of John and Sarah Burleson, who happens to be walking the Appalachian Trail as a way to “Walk Off the War,” which Earl Shaffer named in 1948. Earl was the first person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. David is a Marine combat veteran. Sean Gobin in 2013 founded the Warrior Expeditions. Warrior Expeditions provides supplies needed to complete a long-distance outdoor expedition at no cost to the veteran. The Warrior Hike is 2,200 miles and crosses 14 states from March to September. There are also Warrior Bikes and Paddles.

The June club meeting will be held at New Monmouth Presbyterian Church Tuesday, June 16, at 6:30.