Brian Loan Memorial raises funds for local organizations
Editor:
The first Bryan K. Loan Memorial Ride and poker run was completed on May 29 with proceeds going to New Freedom Farm in Buchanan and the Post 93 American Legion Riders (ALR) Scholarship Fund.
Bryan was an Army veteran and a member of the Roanoke County Police Department when on June 1, 2020, at age 27, he took his own life. The poker run route was the last ride he and his father, John, completed together and was very appropriate for his memorial. Although sporadic showers occurred throughout the day, 54 people completed the ride, utilizing 31 bikes and five vehicles. Ride registration and initiation was at the Botetourt Event Center with culmination at the Buchanan Moose Lodge 2182 with a barbecued chicken dinner, door prizes, and a flag presentation to Savannah, Bryan’s daughter. Thurman Butts of the Roanoke County Police Department presented the flag while flanked by members of Post 93 American Legion Riders. Officer Butts carried the flag on the memorial ride after it was flown at the Botetourt Event Center.
As with any event, the majority of the work and support is done out of the spotlight and often goes unrecognized. John and Tammy Loan, Bryan’s parents, deserve recognition for allowing this tribute to occur, fully understanding the emotions the event would renew. Special thanks to Ray Sloan and Botetourt Funeral Home for the Event Center; Steve Thrasher and John Ware, along with members of the Buchanan Moose Lodge 2182, who provided all food and drinks; and Steve Hubbard and the members of the Purgatory Mountain Chapter, Abate of Virginia who provided registration and route support.
Thank you to our local law enforcement with specific thanks to the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Department for escort and Sgt. Craig Lawhorn for handing out patches and kid’s badges. Music was provided by Rick Slone.
Donations for door prizes were provided by many local businesses, with the largest donors being Donnie and Brenda Barger with Snap-On merchandise, Lynchburg Harley Davidson for riding apparel and accessories, and Sandra’s Marking Company with various items to include water and ice for the ride. Ride Stops were made at Lexington Tractor Supply, Goshen BP, Triangle Gas and Deli in Clifton Forge, and Kelly’s Market in Gala. Other individuals providing various support and assistance included Forrest and Sandra Thrasher, Rick and Debbie Siler, Dennis Jr. (DJ), Carolynn, Dennis, and Dakota Loan, and Bryan’s brother and sister, Kendall Loan and Brittany and Larry Nichols.
Over $4,800 will be split between New Freedom Farm and the ALR Scholarship Fund. Initial discussions have begun for next year’s memorial ride with increased expectations. Thank you to all that supported this endeavor in any way.
Hunter W. Thrasher
Buchanan
American Legion Post thanks Bojangles and its customers
Editor:
American Legion Post 240 wishes to give its heartfelt thanks to the employees of Bojangles Restaurant in Daleville for allowing us to conduct a donation event the Memorial Day weekend.
We would also like to thank all the kind customers for being so generous with their donations. We had the highest amount ever collected.
These funds are used for military veteran needs in the greater Botetourt County area; children’s clothing needs as we did in the New Castle area; helping pay off the lunch debt incurred by younger students at all Botetourt County elementary schools; donating money to a general fund at the VA so veterans are able to purchase toothbrushes, toothpaste, underwear and other personal items, and we just recently made a donation of $200 to the Town of Fincastle to assist with the cost of the Fourth of July fireworks celebration next month.
American Legion Post 240
Executive Committee
Save the date for the Botetourt County Fair
Now that we have officially welcomed summer, it is time to start planning our summer activities! We are thrilled to ask that you save the date for the Botetourt County Fair August 6-7 on the Buchanan Carnival Grounds.
We were unable to have the fair last year, due to COVID-19, but it will be back this year with many exciting events. Friday evening, the Botetourt Chamber of Commerce will host a beer garden and live music event to kick off the fair. Saturday will be filled with livestock and poultry shows, agriculture demonstrations, homemaking competitions, lots of great food and much, much more!
We anticipate that there will be many local vendors selling their agriculture products. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please email us at Botetourtcountyfair@gmail.com. Saturday’s festivities will culminate with the livestock and poultry auction, featuring our local 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors. For more information, visit the website at https://botetourtcountyfair.com/.
We hope that you will mark your calendar now, and that we will see you at the fair August 6 and 7! Until then have a blessed summer.
Emily Bailey, Kate Lawrence, Tyler Painter, Scott Stevens, Amy White
