A thank you to Harry Gleason
This letter is to Harry Gleason from his many friends and admirers to thank him not only for the many things he has done for the Buchanan community, but for individuals as well. During his 30-plus years he has consistently worked far beyond 40 hours a week to complete the duties of his job but also to add extra touches beyond his job description. He has often worked most of a weekend to get things ready for his popular special events programs and then to personally help clean things up afterward.
These programs have brought thousands of people from outside Buchanan to our community. These visitors have come to know the town as well as spend money here. Additionally, these events and other community improvements which Harry has brought to pass have put Buchanan “on the map” throughout the Roanoke Valley and surrounding area.
Buchanan hired Harry originally to devise and lead a community revitalization program. The town had a lot of closed storefronts. Harry worked with community leaders to get residents and store owners involved in this revitalization. The town’s appearance was considerably improved. He developed a slide show on the revitalization plan and the progress made and this was shown annually for many years to show progress and enlist participation from new town residents in continuing to help make these improvements.
Harry suggested and or promoted special “Buchanan” trash barrels, decorative iron benches, flower boxes, flags, and other things to improve the physical appearance of the town. This improved appearance has attracted many visitors who spend money and those who choose to settle here.
Harry’s efforts on encouraging residents and the town itself to plant trees throughout the town resulted in Buchanan being awarded the Tree City Award for many years now. As a result of the planting of Yoshino cherry trees along Lowe Street and other streets in town, both in public areas and in the yards of many residents, this town attracts many visitors to enjoy the sight when these trees bloom.
Harry has become very knowledgeable about Buchanan’s history and is often the first one locally consulted. He frequently gives walking tours around the community educating visitors, residents, and students.
Harry’s many kind and helpful assistance to community residents has won him many lasting friendships. This letter cannot fully express our gratitude and appreciation for what this man has done for us and our community. He will not be forgotten and we will be there for him no matter what he decides to do now.
Mike & Jessie Burton
Buchanan
An open letter to Harry Gleason
Thank you, Harry, for 28 years of dedication to the Town of Buchanan. Your vision, leadership and action have been the major factors in making our town the wonderful place it is to live today.
Members of the Special Events Committee, Merchants, and Residents of the Town of Buchanan and Surrounding Areas – Tricia & Jim Kidd, Mike & Jessie Burton, Teri & Ed McCoy, Liz & Charles Provost, Faye Hambrick, Watts & Linda Steger, Mary Lynn Leffel, John & Cindy Mays, Theresa Rothwell, Mark & Donna Marsh, Kathy Witkowski, Chris Carr, Tom & Peggy Ramsey, Katie Riddle, Liam Blevins, Emily Riddle, Barbara Riddle, Keith & June Morris, Laura Wilbon, Tim & Brenda Noszek, Artie Burton, Christina Rothwell, Bethany DiPalma, Ray & Bobbi Sloan, Ricky & Donna Martin, Cristen Martin, Leigh Remington, Sharon Ford, Tom Tolley, Joyce Cook, Justin, Sara & Adam Bryant, Josh & Sarah Boblett & three girls, Aly Bolton, Landon McGough, Cindy Price, Vana McClanahan, Ashley Hatcher, Kara Gladfelter, Jason Cuddy, Ned & Rose Jeter, Peter & Karen Engstrom, Carie Johnson, David & Tina Moore, Jarrett Sitton, Kitty W. Edwards, Brenda Elliott, Diane DiPalma, Stephen & Kayla Cochran, Mark & Elizabeth Stull, Erin Thomas, Jami Reedy, Hailey Hancock, Michael & Jennifer Whitmer, Mike & Lori Grim, Heather McClung, Kenny Mabers, Nancy Shepard, Morgen Smith, Chelsea Anderson, Danielle Meador, Tiffany King, Jean Garrett, Katelynn Gibson, Melissa Broughman, Brandon & Tiffany Holbert, Stephen Giles, Ricky & Nikki Boblett, Amanda Aaron, Kylee Aaron, Laura Barrett, Elizabeth King, Chris Wilcher, Tammy Wilcher, Grace Dorsett, Beckham Dorsett, Norma Broughman, Deanna K. Newcomb, Cleatus & Joyce Newcomb, C.S. Shipwash, Nina & Brian Williams, Bernadette Dawson, Rodger & Nancy Linkenhoker, Zachery Linkenhoker, Robert & Sheila Bankert, Morgan & Jenny Wilson, Scott & Carre Booker, Beverly Duvall, Leanna W. Gubner, Myra Dancausse, Richard & Sandy Furman, Wes & Mary Hensley, Rev. Skip Hastings, Ruth Dudley, Melissa Lucas, Alicia Meador, Samantha Marsh, Debbie Conner, Peggy Layne, Karah Tyree, Sandra Montgomery, JoAnne Humphries, Karen Newbill, Jack Palmer, Pat Brooks, Garrett Green, Della Hylton, Frank Smusz, Carol Ferris, Kathryn Brett, Ann Kern, Helen Coffey, Bonnie Britt, Marissa Falls, Rendyn Frate, Kay Wirt, Carly Cook, Haily Cook, Amy White, Jim & Diane Cook, Molly O’Dell, Angie & David Bryan, Barbara Falls, Emily Talbot-Guillote, Sandy Rodgers, Tim & Mary Falls, Dennis Falls, Dylan & Kacey Bryan, Leigh Harris Clark, Beth Gibbs, Virginia Gibbs, Penny Proffitt Metz, Claudine Stump, Brenda & Jimmy Grepiotis, Becky Lennox, Mary Jane Newcomb, Karen Conner Smith, Brenda Tolley, JC & Debbie Broughman, Nathan & Katie Broughman, Philip & Rachel Broughman, Ann Bankert, Mike & Debra Bankert, Michael Bankert, Robert Hensley Sr., Michael & Kristi Hensley, Allen Hensley, Rhonda Moore, Mike & Beverley Harris, Mike & Rhonda Martinez, Earl & Diane Heim, Wayne & Sharon Graves, David Harris, Gerald & Edith Petty, David & Missy Petty, Ben & Lucille Kelly, Rhonda Kelly, Jessica Montgomery, Randy & Mary Taylor, Larry & Shirley Swartz, Darren Swartz, Nancy Sink, Freddie Martin, Becky Broughman, Mike Austin, Anthony Dancausse, John Ware, Gino & Peggy Arbogast, Charles & Martha Alphin, Brian Hensley, Judy Prease, Barbara Moseley, Pam Weigandt, Carolyn Doak, Matthew & Geneva Bankert, Ken & Debbie Mowles, Anne deCosta, Cheryl Waltz, Sharon Harris, Peggy Aaron, Kay Broughman, Vicky Wheeler, Randy & Phyllis Kingery, Wanda Drake, Brian & Melissa Broughman, Chris & Jenny Petty, Aaron Petty, Kim & Mark Bennett, Sharon Coleman, Grace Parker
Botetourt is a wonderful community
I want to thank Engineering Concepts Inc. for allowing the Blue Ridge Equine Society (501c club that supports local animal rescues and offers social and educational events) to use their lovely facility for an evening with Dr. Melyni Worth presenting QA on Equine Nutrition. We all had such a great time learning how to better feed and care for our equine buddies.
What a wonderful community we live in to have such a gracious host and such a wonderful organization!
Debbie Mooty
Blue Ridge Equine
Ruhl contends his figure is correct
Supervisor Dick Bailey accused me of “gross misstatements” in his letter to the editor last week. Instead of being $119 million in debt, he said the county is “only” $74.8 million in debt.
The problem is anyone can pull up the county’s website, find the agenda from the December 2022 Board of Supervisors meeting, and review the last financial audit. On page 68 there is a table which shows “long term obligations,” which is the term used by the auditor for debt.
The table shows:
County Government
$82,221,174
School Board
$36,868,779
Total
$119,089,953
The audit was approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Charles Ruhl
Fincastle
Thank you to the Botetourt community
Without the support of the Botetourt community, The First Bank Fall Run cannot happen.
This year marked the 37th Annual First Bank Fall 5K and 10K held in the historic Town of Fincastle on Saturday, October 21. The run has been a staple in the community and brings our local school students and communities together in a positive way to promote health, exercise and wellness. This year we had 546 participants! “It was an honor and pleasure to see all those smiling faces at the race!” Dr. Angie Anderson, Committee Race chair, said.
This race continues to happen each year as the community pulls together to plan and implement the race. All year long, the Race Committee meets to start planning and coordinating the intricate components of the race. A special thank you to our 2023 committee; Dr. Angie Anderson, Race chair; Melissa Fridley & Cindy Bailey, First Bank reps; Angela Myers & Taylor Leonard, Botetourt County Schools; Husain Alam & Inge Nystrom, awards; Shana Linthicum & Cindy Bailey, scholarships and race registration; Kira Gurevich & Don Nichols, publicity; and Melissa Fridley & Cheryl Dillon, volunteers. Your hard work and commitment is much appreciated!
The Race Committee would also like to give a huge shout out to our primary sponsors: First Bank, Botetourt Rotary Club, and Botetourt County Schools. Thank you to the students from Botetourt County who participate each year. The enthusiasm you bring each year makes this race unique and special! Thank you to the Town of Fincastle, Botetourt County, Troutville Fire Department, and Read Mountain Fire and Rescue. Lastly, a special thank you to our shirt sponsors! We could not be more proud of the community we work and live in!
Fall Run Race Committee
