The irony of complaints
Once again, as it happens every month, The Fincastle Herald published Bob Patterson’s play-by-play of the Board of Supervisors monthly meeting. His monthly letters are loaded with complaints about those with whom he disagrees. Oftentimes, his rhetoric comes off as taunting such as when he called members of the community “critters.”
In his latest letter to the editor he used the words “repugnant,” “nauseating,” “disgusting,” and “disgraceful.” Mr. Patterson does a lot of complaining in his letters. Which is why I find it ironic that in his letter to the editor published Wednesday, Sept. 30, he said, “I have suggested that there should be a separate day for the Chronic Complainers Club (now referred to by someone else as “howling monkeys”?) to gather for their drivel to be heard.” Hmm. Maybe The Fincastle Herald could give Mr. Patterson a separate day for his chronic complaints to be published?
In regards to Bill Tanger’s letter to the editor supporting candidate Beth Macy, I found more sad irony there. In his closing sentence he said Ms. Macy was “ethical.” I do not know Beth Macy personally and I have only read one of her books, which was very good. However, I do not associate the word “ethical” to describe any candidate who supports abortion that is in line with Abigail Spanberger’s agenda that supports abortion up to birth. This might be the correct place to use Bob Patterson’s words, “repugnant, nauseating, disgusting, and disgraceful,” but not “ethical.” To be ethical is to preserve life and to give value to every human soul.
Leonora Drzymala
Fincastle
Thanks to All for a Successful Festival!
Historic Fincastle Inc. and our presenting sponsor, First Bank, wish to thank the many individuals, businesses, and organizations who made the annual Historic Fincastle Festival a resounding success!
First, we’d like to thank the many visitors who flocked to Fincastle and to the townspeople who helped clear the streets of vehicles and who embraced the festival and its visitors. A festival is only as good as its offerings, and the assortment of vendors and activities certainly provided lots to see and do.
Artists from Open Studios offered their beautiful paintings, while crafters offered handmade jewelry, pottery, barn quilts, natural edge wood creations, and an amazing assortment of sewn, knitted, crocheted and repurposed products.
Food options could be found throughout the festival, while the Food Court offered food trucks selling kettle corn, BBQ sandwiches, Mexican options, Asian rice bowls and desserts, ice cream, lemonade, hot dogs, cheese steaks, French fries, fried Oreos, and funnel cakes. The food trucks, however, were not the only places for some food. A number of vendors throughout the streets sold homemade breads, and homemade baked goods – cakes and cookies, etc. – as well.
Offering fun for one and all is always a goal of HFI, and this year was no exception. The Revolutionary War Interpreters led by Jeff Briggs again joined the festival and set up for young and old to visit and learn. They even provided musket firing demonstrations.
Botetourt County Clerk of the Court Tommy Moore again showed up as the first Clerk of Court, John May, and displayed some of the signed documents from the county’s vault with signatures of many famed Virginians of the American Revolution including Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Israel Christian.
From antique cars along Academy Street to working blacksmiths and the petting zoo and pony rides in Wysong Park for young and old alike, there were no shortages of smiles. Youngsters enjoyed the Botetourt County Museum play area that included painting rocks and corn hole games, while adults visited the History Museum to view all of the artifacts from Botetourt County as well as the special agriculture of Virginia exhibit.
A major highlight was visiting the old Baptist Church to view the incredible handmade quilts on display, and witnessing two of our military veterans being presented with “Quilts of Valor” in their honor.
Throughout the day, the two music venues were in full swing. Mike Lee and his youthful students in front of the Chamber of Commerce building, and our main stage in the current parking lot beside the courthouse provided the festival with beautiful music all day long.
Putting on this festival required many hands and many ideas coming together. The entire Board of Directors of Historic Fincastle, Inc., and our fantastic volunteers truly made this event possible. Many thanks to everyone who participated, attended, and supported our historic town!
Historic Fincastle, Inc.
Plan now to enter Fincastle Christmas Parade
The Fincastle Christmas Parade will be held on December 5 (rain date December 6) at 2 p.m. Those wishing to have entry in the parade may contact Paige Ware at [email protected] or the Fincastle Town Office at 540-473-2200.
Floats, cars, fire department, rescue squads, bands, walkers, trucks, antique vehicles, and Scout troops are welcome to be in the parade. There are two classes of judging for the floats, religious and non-religious, with three places in each class and prize money given. Each band will receive $100; fire departments and rescue squads will receive a donation.
Help make this the best parade ever by having an entry.
Paige Ware
Fincastle Christmas Parade Committee
