November 1, 2023
Volume 3, Number 38
Wytheville honors volunteers
In October, the Town of Wytheville honored its many volunteers with an appreciation event held at the Wytheville Meeting Center. Volunteers were honored with a heavy hors d’oeuvres reception and the presentation of special resolutions by
Wytheville Town Council as well as door prizes. Council Member Holly E. Atkins gave the Welcome and Opening Remarks. During this time Atkins stated, “Our Town volunteers make it possible for the Town to provide many of the
services and activities that our citizens enjoy. We have many volunteers who work selflessly at the Cat Shelter, the Department of Museums, and the Department of Parks and Recreation. We also have volunteers who gladly give countless hours to
serve on our Town committees, boards, commissions, and authorities. The value of your precious time to our Town and the community is immeasurable, and the Town Council is very happy to be able to recognize all its volunteers this evening. Thank
you for your hard work and dedication as well as the impact you leave on others and our community. I know our community is a better place because of you. Thank you for being the light!”
See VOLUNTEERS, Page 3
Wellspring announces grant fund awardees
DCR cuts ribbon on Inn at Foster Falls
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) cut the ribbon at the new Inn at Foster Falls, located within New River Trail State Park. The full-service Inn is the first of its kind within the Virginia State Parks system and offers 10
unique rooms for overnight guests, stately banquet and meeting rooms, a catering kitchen and beautiful twostory porches. “This historic building played an important role within the Village of Foster Falls for more than 70 years,
and now, it has been given a new purpose as a part of the Virginia State Parks system,” said DCR Director Matt Wells. “The Inn at Foster Falls is where the past meets the
See INN, Page 5
The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia is proud to announce the successful completion of its first-ever grant application cycle, resulting in the commitment of over $7 million in funding to 13 deserving organizations. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the Foundation’s mission to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents in Washington, Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties. The grant application cycle, which ran from January to February 2023, generated a tremendous response with 30 submissions seeking a combined total of more than $15 million in funding. The Wellspring Foundation’s Board of Directors, alongside the dedicated staff, engaged in comprehensive evaluations and discussions to determine the most impactful projects to fund with the greatest potential for long-term sustainability. Marvin Gilliam, Chair of the Wellspring Foundation Board of Directors, expressed his satisfaction with the community’s enthusiasm, stating, “We were pleasantly surprised to see such tremendous interest in our first grant cycle. The Board of Directors and staff spent significant time thoroughly reviewing each application to ascertain funding approval. It is clear we have numerous
See WELLSPRING, Page 3
WCC announces board member retirement
Wytheville Community College (WCC) announces the retirement of Dr. Oliver McBride, from the WCC College Board of Directors.
Dr. McBride, a dedicated and esteemed member of the Board for two full four-year terms, was recognized at the September 2023 board meet-
ing at the Wytheville campus. Mr. Malcolm Brown, WCC Board Chair, and Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President, presented Dr. McBride with a
formal retirement resolution that recognized McBride for his years of outstanding service and commitment to the college.
Dr. McBride holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond, and an EdD and MEd from the University See WCC, Page 3