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October/November 2023
Rock On Historic museum rejuvenated
Volume 1, No. 6
Local schools buck state SOL trends
Built in 1823 to serve as a private home, the Rock House in downtown Wytheville has been restored, rejuvenated and breathed new life into. Bought by Dr. John Haller, the site in 1972 became the town of Wytheville’s first museum, known as the HallerGibboney Rock House Museum. Haller served as the town’s first physician. The house stayed in the Haller and Gibboney families for more than 140 years! In fact, the next owner, in 1967,
The bad news continued for Virginia schools as results from 202223 assessments showed significant and persistent learning loss in reading and math for students in thirdthrough eighth-grades. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of students in that age group either failed or are at risk of failing their reading SOL exam and nearly twothirds of those students failed or are at risk of failing the math exam.
See ROCK, Page 4
See SOL, Page 7
PAGE 2
October/November 2023
New Fries nonprofit has big dreams A small, and new nonprofit from Fries has big dreams. Rejected Cornerstone Organization was formed in January by Abria Jones, after she had studied, dreamed and prayed to find a way to help children and families in crisis in this area. In January, when Jones asked on Facebook what her friends saw as needs in the area, eventual Rejected Cornerstone cofounder Pam Johnson offered her perspective from a former teacher. Others joined the project and soon an all-volunteer board was formed. The name of the organization comes from passages in the biblical books of Psalms and Mark. Johnson said the name shows how Jesus Christ was rejected
and became the cornerstone of people’s lives. In Mark 12:10-11, the passage says, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.” “We serve an often ‘rejected by their peers’ population of children and families,” she said. “We want these children to have what they need to be clean and well
clothed in school. This allowing them to focus more on their education and less on who is going to bully them because they are not clean.” Rejected Cornerstone works with local schools, individuals and families to fill the gaps in government assistance, giving additional supplies that include school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, shoes and food. The group delivers monthly to schools in Carroll, Grayson, Smyth and Wythe counties. Currently, Johnson said, more schools in Smyth are asking for products. She added that the greatest need is hygiene products, especially deodorant, and shoes, sock and underwear in in sizes 4T to 2XL.
Rejected Cornerstone has a form on its website, https:// www.rejectedcornerstone.org/, that schools and families can fill out for help. The organization also takes referrals. “In the past nine months we have realized that there is a greater need than we anticipated,” Johnson said. “We have also learned how to hard it is to find donors for our cause.” The group has delivered supplies to 12 schools so far and helped numerous families with a goal of delivering to all 48 schools in the four-country region. The organization, which got its nonprofit status in June, is looking for office, storage and distribution space in or near Fries.
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October/November 2023
Wytheville man hauls in $50K from Powerball Retired Marine William Malashevich likes to play Powerball when the jackpot starts getting big. That was the case when he bought a ticket for the Sept. 6 drawing at the Go Mart at 950 East Main Street in Wytheville. When he later checked the winning numbers after the drawing, he received a shock. “I hit them all but one!” he exclaimed. The Wytheville man matched four winning numbers plus the
Powerball number, which would normally win $50,000. However, he spent an extra dollar for Power Play when he bought the ticket. That extra buck tripled his prize to $150,000. “I’m numb!” he told Virginia Lottery officials as he claimed his prize at the Lottery’s Southwest Virginia customer service center in Abingdon. The winning numbers in that drawing were 9-14-20-23-63, and
the Powerball number was 1. He used Easy Pick and allowed the computer to randomly select the numbers on his ticket. Powerball drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The odds of matching all six numbers to win the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The overall odds of winning any Powerball prize are 1 in 25. For more information on Powerball, visit the game’s site.
Federal funds help expand mental health care in schools U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $350,000 in federal funding to expand ac-
cess to mental health care in schools in Galax. The senators also announced that $850,000 in federal
funding will integrate mental health care into pediatric practices throughout the commonwealth. The
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PAGE 4
October/November 2023
SwVa Sun
Serving Bland, Smyth and Wythe counties.
News Get it in We welcome all your news - from birth announcements to obituaries and everything in between. If you have something to share, shoot us an email at SwvaSun@gmail.com
Our Philosophy We believe in Southwest Virginia and want to make sure that all of us continue to have access to information that enriches our lives. With your help, we can be THE news source for our region. We ask for submissions so that we can be your community-driven, grassroots news service.
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Cafe takes a nibble at hospital food
The deliciousness has expanded. In February, Java Blend Cafe owner Mary Ann Zook said, Wythe County Community Hospital approached her about setting up a shop in Wytheville. Java Blend Cafe, now a standard and popular eatery in Rural Retreat, is known for its coffees, pastries and other food selections. “I was excited and apprehensive at the same time,” Zook said, noting that it took two months before she was able to confidently say yes. The move into the WCCH facility has special meaning for Zook. In 2015, her husband passed away in the Wytheville hospital, following a long battle with cancer. “We had, in prior years, spent a lot of time in various hospitals with him, and we know the stress of caring for loved ones inside hospital walls.” Zook said the businesses goal is to not only serve delicious food and drinks to everyone who enters the hospital, but to listen to their stories, too. To care for them as friends, she said. She added that the hope is the cafe can help keep hard-working hospital staff energized. The pastries, cold wraps
and salads are made in Rural Retreat, Zook said, with sandwiches being put together and made on site. The response so far has been fantastic with Zook reporting a strong first week in the expanded location. Java Blend Cafe is celebrating its fifth year this year. Zook called her time in the food service business rewarding. “I have learned that the food business is all about pleasing the people,” she said. “I need to have items on the menu that they want to eat, and their opinion is more important than mine!”
Rock: House From Page 1
was the town of Wytheville. Dr. Haller’s great-greatgranddaughter, Kathleen Campbell sold the house to the town. The home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the same year
it opened as the HallerGibboney Rock House Museum. Work to restore the Rock House comes as the structure celebrates its 200th anniversary. The museum closed a bit more than a
See ROCK, Page 7
At Java Blend, regulars are treated as family and
staff works to ensure that customers leave satisfied.
That means the lessons never stop as staff continually looks for ways to improve, become more efficient and maintain the equipment. “It does seem like the people in Wytheville are excited to see us in town,” she said, “and we hope to create long-lasting friendships with them just like we have with the folks in Rural Retreat.” For a little bit of inside baseball, be sure to try Zook’s personal favorite on the menu the CBR wrap (short of chicken, bacon and ranch). “That has been on the menu since day one with no plans of changing anything on it!” she said.
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October/November 2023
M U S I C , M OV I ES , M E M O R I ES A N D M O R E ! tickets and info: www.themillwald.org
Lifestyles n Entertainment n Get Out and Go Sept. 22-Oct. 22
Wohlfahrt Haus: The classic “Fiddler on the Roof” is coming to the dinner theatre for the fall. Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion,
leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.
Friday, Oct. 20 Seven Sisters Brewery: Dan Fox will play Seven Sisters starting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20.
Saturday, Oct. 21 Wytheville Meeting Center: Mixed martial arts action returns to Wytheville as titans of the Cage 34 gets underway. Doors open at 3 p.m. with fighting starting at 4 p.m. No. 34 features the first ever female main event as Gracie Grecco of Ruffin, North Carolina, faces Hannah
Ross of Staunton for a title. Lincoln Theatre: Grammy and Dove award-winning artist Guy Penrod is set to perform live at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $28 to $38 for the can’t miss show. Millwald Theatre: 1988 PG film “Beetlejuice” – don’t say it thrice will play at 7 p.m. After an untimely death, a newly dead New England couple seek help from a deranged demon exorcist to scare an affluent New York family out of their home. Downtown Marion: The final downtown Marion cruise-in is set for 6 to 9 p.m. at the corners of Chestnut and Cherry Streets. Check out the cool and classic
cars, listen to liv music from H.B. Beverly and take your chances on a 50/50 raffle. 7 Dogs Brewpub: Adam Musick, a one man rock show, will play the lights out of rock, soul, blues and surf sounds at 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 at 7 Dogs.
Thursday, Oct. 26 Millwald Theatre: Get your scary on with the 1982, R-rated “Creepshow” at 7 p.m. Inspired by the E.C. comics of the 1950s, George A. Romero and Stephen King bring five tales of terror to the screen.
Friday, Oct. 27
Lincoln Theatre: Celebrate the 50th anniversary with $5 admission to the 1973 horror classic “The Exorcist.” The show starts at 7 p.m. When a 12-year-old girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her. Millwald Theatre: A reunion between two estranged sisters gets cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable. The R-rated 2023 film “Evil Dead Rise” shows at 7 p.m.
See GO,Page 12
PAGE 7
October/November 2023
Gray-area marijuana retailers in region raided Police across Southwest Virginia flooded shops operating in the gray area surrounding state marijuana laws in early October. Social media posts filled timelines with photos of heavy police presence outside shops in Marion, Abingdon, Bristol, Bluefield, Wytheville and more. The Virginia State Police, which appears to have led the raid, said
that multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies executed search warrants in nine Southwest Virginia localities. The police release didn’t say where the search warrants were executed outside of saying that they were part of “an extensive, ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of money laundering and illegal narcotic distribution network by
retail establishments in Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wythe counties.” The release didn’t specifically mention Zarati or Good Vibes shops, but police presence was noted to be concentrated at those stores, which are said to trade in the gray area created by Virginia’s slow roll-out of legalized recreation-
al by gifting marijuana products to customers who purchase another product that is legal to sell. Police said no arrests were made, adding that the investigation is ongoing. After the dust up, Abingdon’s Zarati shop wrote on Facebook: “… police love to mess up a good day, we’re on stand by until further notice. But it’s not looking good for
the home team …” A press release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office mirrored the one from the state with a bit more details. The Washington County release pointed out the shops that were searched, including Zarati shops in Abingdon and Damascus, Grounded LLC in Abingdon and the Good Vibes Shop in Abingdon.
Rock: Museum restores Wytheville house From Page 4
year ago with stabilization and restoration work getting going last October. Building & Design of Wytheville were contracted for the work, which, according to town officials, included strengthening and replacing the basement’s undersized and damaged structural and load-bearing supports as well strengthening and repairing the structure’s failing stairs and weakened floor joists. Officials noted that additional work included installing a porch drain and lattice work on the Tazewell Street side porch. Workers also replaced copper
gutters, downspouts and chimney caps, along with repairing window frames and sashes and repairing plaster. Wallpaper was also installed in the dining room and the second- and thirdfloor landings saw repairs. The interior and exterior of the building was re-painted completely. Cost for the work rang in at $350,000 with funding coming from the WytheBland Foudnation, Camrett Logistics, the Wythe County Historical Society and the town. On Sept. 15, the town received word that a state budget amendment was approved for $350,000 for the Rock House project.
SOL: Schools From Page 1
“Grade 3 through 8 Virginia students are still struggling to recover the learning loss from the pandemic and are not performing as well as their prepandemic peers,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “The 2022-2023 SOL data demonstrates just how important school attendance is for students’ academic success. VDOE recom-
mends school divisions allocate this $418 million in learning loss resources to proven programs that will achieve the greatest student impact--approximately 70% for high-dose tutoring, 20% for Virginia Literacy Act implementation, and 10% for chronic absenteeism response.” Pass rates for every elementary and middle-school grade are behind 2018-19 pass rates, both in reading
As the town’s first museum, preserving the landmark was a top priority. Passes to go back in time are $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 6 to 12, with those under 5 free. Seniors over 65 get $1 off admission. Once inside, visitors learn about Haller and his family and get a glimpse of what life was like in Wytheville during the 19th century thanks to period furniture and artifacts that help tell the stories of one of the town’s first families. On Oct. 7, the museums hosted its annual Oktoberfest at the Homestead Museum. Along with food, beer and the Sauerkraut
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and in math. The pass rates are even more alarming when considering the large number of students who are in the “low proficient” level and would have likely failed the SOLs under the 2018-2019 cut scores. Proficiency cut scores were lowered between the 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 test administration. These lowered cut
See SOL,Page 8
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October/November 2023
SOL: Local schools buck statewide trend scores enabled students to pass that would not have otherwise received a passing score. Students who fall into this band are considered “low proficient.” Bland County students fared better in reading than they did in the previous year with 76 percent passing. The 2021-22 school year saw a 74 percent pass rate. However, the Bland reading scores are still below the 2020-21 year, where there was an 80 percent pass rate. In writing, Bland’s scores continued to drop, falling from 75 percent pass rate in 2020-21 to 69 percent in 2021-22 to 62 percent in 2022-23. In history, Bland students improved, going from a 73 percent pass rate to a 77 percent rate. Science scores were steady at a 75 percent rate in all years. Carroll County students’ reading scores improved over the 2020-
21 year, going from a 70 percent pass rate to a 76 percent pass rate; however, the scores fell from the prior year by 2 percentage points. In writing, scores dropped over the past year from a 66 percent to 65 percent pass rate, still much better than the 58 percent rate shown in the 2020-21 school year. History scores in Carroll followed the same pattern, dropping by 5 percentage points from the prior year to a 64 percent pass rate but still 6 percentage points above the numbers published in 2020-21. Math, too, showed increases, going to a 76 percent pass rate in the latest, just released numbers, higher than the 74 percent rate in the prior year and the 60 percent pass rate from 2020-21. Students at Gladesboro Elementary school had a 100 percent pass rate in history for the second consecutive year.
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From Page 7
Galax appears to have bucked the statewide trend, showing steady improvement. In reading, pass rates in Galax improved to 72 percent, up 4 percentage points from 2020-21. Writing scores were up to 62 percent, an 8 percentage point gain from the prior year. In science, pass rates in 2020-21 were 48 percent. The results from 202223 showed a 66 percent pass rate. Math also had solid gains, going from a 54 percent pass rate in 2020-21 to a 75 percent pass rate in 2022-23. Grayson, too, showed growth and stronger scores in every subject area. In reading, Grayson students went from a 76 percent pass rate in reading in 2020-21 to an 80 percent rate in 2022-23. Writing scores improved from the year prior to 2022-23 by 2 percentage points to 67 percent. History showed huge gains, going from a 61 percent pass rate in 2020-21 to
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74 percent in the latest exams. In math, Grayson County’s pass rate was at 77 percent, besting the 72 percent from 2021-22 and the 68 percent in 2020-21. Scores improved across the board in Smyth County, too. In reading, Smyth went from a 63 percent pass rate in 2020-21 to a 76 percent rate in 2022-23. In writing, Smyth showed a 65 percent pass rate in the most recent exams, a 13 percentage point increase in one year. In math, results were even more dramatic, going from a 46 percent pass rate in 2020-21 to a 71 percent pass rate in 2022-23. In science, Smyth students improved from a 54 percent pass rate in 202021 to a 71 percent pass rate in the 2022-23 test. In reading, Washington County schools saw general increase in pass rates, going from 78 percent to 83 percent to 84 percent. While writing
scores improved from a 63 percent pass rate in 2020-21 to 67 percent in 2022-23, they fell by 2 percentage points from 2021-22. History scores improved from a 65 percent pass rate to an 80 percent pass rate, and math jumped from a 68 percent pass rate to an 86 percent pass rate. In science, Washington County school improved from a 65 percent pass rate in 2020-21 to a 78 percent pass rate in 2022-23. Wythe County, like several others, saw scores improve from 2020-21 assessments but fall from the previous year, in some areas. In reading, Wythe County had a 79 percent pass rate, down from the 81 percent rate from 202122 but up from the 77 percent rate in 2020-21. Writing scores dropped year over year, falling from a 66 percent pass rate in 2021-22 to a 58 percent pass rate in
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At Rural Retreat High School, students had a 100 percent pass rate in the math SOL. VDOE will release 2023-2024 school accreditation ratings later this month. Accreditation ratings include multiple indicators of school quality and student achievement, including growth in reading and mathematics and high school graduation rates.
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2022-23. History scores improved from a 64 percent pass rate in 202021 to a 78 percent pass rate in the latest exams. Math also saw steady growth, going from a 67 percent pass rate in 2020-21 to 80 percent in 2021-22 to 82 percent in 2022-23. Science scores in 2022-23 were better than the 2020-21 scores by 4 percentage points at a 75 percent rate, but worse than the 82 percent pass rate posted the previous year.
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PAGE 9
October/November 2023
Titans return to the cage A-1 Storage, Varney Construction and Chris Fox realtor brings you Titans of the Cage #34, Live from the beautiful Wytheville meeting center, on Saturday, Oct. 21. Doors open at 3 p.m. and fights start promptly at 4 p.m. This event is sanctioned by the state of VA, DPOR. Tickets will be available at www.tocfights. com and at the door. TOC brings fans yet another top shelf fight card, featuring six big title fights and is packed full of local fighters who train right here in Wytheville, as well as many of your favorite regional stand-outs from throughout Virginia and surrounding states. The card is currently set to have 23 hard-hitting bouts. High Point, North Carolina, fighter Wendy “Bone Saw” Anundson will step up a weight class to fight “Fierce Honey” Hannah Ross of Harrisonburg for
the women’s 135 pound belt in the main event. Princeton, West Virginia, veteran fighter Derick “Day Walker” Lambert will take on long time TOC favorite Jeremy “Backwoods” Caviness of Hillsville for the prestigious TOC Legends belt in a much-anticipated kickboxing bout. Other title fights where belts will be up for grabs will be Kaine Tomlinson Jr. (Roanoke) vs. Benny Inetanbor (Charlotte, NC) for the 170 pound title. Daniel Wilkins (Lincolnton, NC) vs. Luke Kincer of Ring-Combat Sports in Wytheville will clash for the 155 pound title. Gavin Thomas (Lincolnton, NC) will take on Cory Brewster of Ring-Combat Sports in Wytheville for the 145 pound belt, While the comain event of the evening will feature defending champion James Huffman (Harrisonburg) taking on up and coming challenger
Addison Hendry (Elon, NC). The prelim card will kick off with some high powered Youth matches featuring local youth competitors as well as other youth from throughout the region. After highlighting some of the local youth competitors the night will move on to the adult prelims where you will see many fighters making their MMA debuts, as well as some that are returning to TOC. The prelims will feature; Mathew Nolen (Basset) vs. Cody “The Pop man” Stevens (RCS), Bryson Miller (Church Hill, TN) vs. Jeremy Walker (RCS), Preston Hypes (WV) vs. Dakota Casey (RCS), Benny Mitchell (Jewell Ridge) vs. Zane Montgomery (RCS), Kyshon Lee (Princeton, WV) vs. Jason Fischer (Covington), Julian Neito (High Point, NC) vs. Colt Hatton (Harrisonburg), Hunter Peeler
See TITANS,Page 14
Hannah Ross (right) of Harrisonburg will fight for women’s 135 lb. belt in first ever female main-event
Wendy Anudson of High Point, North Carolina, will step up a weight class to fight for the women’s bantamweight title in main event.
PAGE 10
October/November 2023
VHSL releases first set of football ratings The Virginia High School League this week released its first set of ratings for the 2023 football season. In Class 2, Marion Senior High School came in roughly in the middle of the pack of Region D teams with a rating of 14.8, ahead
of Central-Wise, John S. Battle, Lebanon and Virginia High, but trailing Gate City, Graham, Ridgeview, Tazewell and Union. Union leads the field thanks to a win over Graham earlier in the season with a 22.66667 rating. In the Region C of Class 1 foot-
ball, Grayson County is at the top of the heap as one of two unbeaten teams in the region. The Blue Devils have a power rating of 21.2. The other unbeaten crew, Bath, carries an 18.8 rating. Galax is at 16.16667. Fort Chiswell has a 15.4 rating, and
George Wythe is at 14.8. In Region D, Honaker’s 22 power rating is the tops. The Tigers are at 6-0 and coming off a win over the currently fourth rated Chilhowie. The Warriors have a rating of 16. Rye Cove is in second with an 18 and Twin
Spring is at 17. Rural Retreat comes with a 12.8 rating, below PH despite the recent upset over the Rebels. Northwood’s rating is 9.16667. J.I. Burton, the only winless team in Region D, is at 8.6.
New mountain bike trails coming to region Mountain bikers have a new riding opportunity in Southwest Virginia. Hungry Mother State Park has opened three miles of its new Raider’s Run Mountain Bike Trail System. The remaining two miles are under construction and scheduled to open in the spring of 2025. The park re-purposed Raider’s Run and Old Shawnee trails for the project. The two trails were used for guided horseback riding tours for several years before becoming hike- and bike-only trails in the 1990s. The existing trails’ downhill grade and gradual, sweeping curves made them ideal for mountain biking, so crews have been focusing their attention on smoother berms (banked turns) to enhance flow and creating new downhill routes and an easyto-moderate climb to the top of the ridge. They’ve also reconstructed the trails using water control features and other engineering techniques to make them sustainable over time. What makes the Raider’s Run Mountain
Bike Trail System different from the roughly 15 miles of other mountain bike-friendly trails at the park is its technical features, such as jumps and rock gardens. The oneway trail system has one climbing trail, roughly 0.75 miles, that takes riders to the top of the ridge and will have five downhill trails that diverge, offering multiple options in difficulty, skill rating and length. “We are excited to add the Raider’s Run Mountain Bike Trail System to our diverse list of recreational opportunities,” said Park Manager Kevin McDonald. “We hope mountain bikers of all skill levels will enjoy this fun, challenging way to explore Hungry Mother State Park.” Construction of the Raider’s Run Mountain Bike Trail System is being led by the Virginia State Parks district resource team. Progress would not be possible without the support of volunteers, including the American Hiking Society and Alternative Spring Break groups.
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PAGE 11
October/November 2023
SWVA - 2023 - Issue 3
Puzzle Place
Crossword 1
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by Margie E. Burke
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ACROSS 1 Markdown event 5 Part of a Flintstone's yell 10 Kicker's target 14 Reunion bunch 15 Text alternative 16 Beer buy 17 4:1, e.g. 18 Monaco casino locale 20 New Orleans hoopsters 22 Set, as concrete 23 Soon, in poetry 24 Reef material 25 Make sense, with "up" 26 Symbol of happiness 29 Neighbor of Fiji 32 Twelve dozen 33 Hide-hair connector 34 Wind instrument 35 Desist's partner 36 Elevated ground 37 Man of the cloth, slangily 38 Get-up-and-go 39 Bit of hardware 40 Microscope part 42 Luggage attachment
Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate
43 Numbers game 44 Hotel room amenity 48 Inner-city neighborhood 50 Alabama state flower 51 Coast-to-coast 53 Hold up 54 Certain sax 55 Birth-related 56 Not being used 57 Numerical suffix 58 Adversary 59 Big name in candy DOWN 1 Check (out) 2 Cabinet wood 3 Gravy server 4 Preserved fodder 5 Price factor 6 Honor ___ thieves 7 Prohibits by law 8 Drill insert 9 Place for a pint 10 Egyptian emblem 11 Inflexible one 12 Emerald ___ 13 Vegas light 19 "Who ___?"
21 Last part, in music 24 Glenn of "101 Dalmatians" 26 Atlanta athlete 27 Kennedy matriarch 28 Shootout shout 29 Pulled apart 30 Listen to 31 Short work of fiction 32 State Farm rival 35 Drapery fabric 36 Kelly of "The Accused" 38 "Same here" 39 Playing with a full deck 41 Magical brew 42 Not late 44 Address for a lady 45 Ice skate part 46 Wedding walkway 47 Taxi posting 48 Pesky insect 49 TV skipper Alan 50 Quote, as a source 52 Blanched
Mountain Music
We’re trying a little something Zak Saltz Band delights in defyListen different, and we’re not sure how it ing genres with many calling them will work, or even if it will. However, country, Southern rock, alt counOnline as we think of what we have here try, etc. Bristol’s Zak Saltz was Scan the QR in Appalachia – loosely defined as rooted in gospel bluegrass and is Code below with Southwest Virginia, southern West joined by Johnny Cox, Will Dowell your smartphone Virginia, western North Carolina, and Waylon Lewis. camera. northeastern Tennessee and eastTyler Childers needs no introern Kentucky – the one thing you duction. Born and raised in Lawcan’t escape is the music. rence, Kentucky, Childers began For as long as you’ll let us and performing out at 19 and has since enjoy it, we hope to regularly released six studio albums and a (Weekly? Monthly?) post a Spotify number of singles. playlist highlighting musicians Dedicated music fans in the area from our region. Some of them you will remember having seen Morgan will know, some of them you may Wade on the local circuit before the even know personally. Others you Floyd native found fame thanks may not have heard of before, but we’re hoping largely to a set at FloydFest. Since then, she’s you’ll enjoy them nonetheless. found fame on the fast track, becoming one of At the link below is our first playlist, curated the hot country acts to watch. for the first week of October 2023. Cam Ragsdale is a multi-instrumentalist The Blue Ridge Girls are a constant crowd- from East Tennessee who has dabbled in regpleaser, bringing mountain music and dances gae, funk, folk, rock, punk and more, playing to the masses. The trio is comprised of Martha up and down the East Coast and farther afield. Spencer, Jamie Collins and Brett Morris. SpenBorn in 1919 in Pulaski County, Matoke cer, a multi-instrumentalist and dancer, plays Slaughter played clawhammer banjo with her and records with several other groups in the family and appeared at fiddlers conventions region and has released solo work. Collins, who through the 1940s and 1960s. plays bass and guitar, grew up in Bristol, TenOK, we cheated a bit on this last one. Alan nessee, and teaches music as well as playing. Jackson, while well-known, is most certainly She, too, has released solo efforts. Morris plays not from the region. But we’re not including the banjo and bass and hails from Galax. Recorded song for Jackson, we’re including it for the man at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, “Wildflowers” who wrote this gospel love song classic. Carl was released in September. Trivette, who died in 2022, penned “I Want to A bit before Oliver Anthony turned the music Stroll Over Heaven With You” in 1952. Trivette world upside down, Kentucky born and West was born just outside of Bristol, Tennessee, in Virginia raised Logan Halstead threatened to. Sullivan County, and married a Russell CounThe stripped down, raw writing and musician- ty, Virginia, girl. Both are buried in Castlewood. ship on “Dark Black Coal” went viral in 2020, He pointed out on Facebook that there is an sending Halstead to a new level of fame beyond often unsung extra verse that goes: his holler in West Virginia. “When our burdens are lifted and our work It’s almost impossible to find a bad Wade here is through/ Ward track, and that’s saying something since When I’m called home to Glory I’d like to see the banjo and fiddle playing icon from Indepen- you/ dence has more than 200 recordings archived When I’ve seen Christ our Savior and loved at the Library of Congress. Ward started play- ones so true/ ing in 1919 with the Buck Mountain Band and Then I’ll stroll over heaven with you.” continued with the Ballard Branch Bogtrotters Let us know if you like it. Let us know if and venturing out on his own. there’s a musician you’d like to see featured. While not strictly from Appalachia, Georgia We plan on digging deep, finding all the faRandall now makes her home here and plays mous, not-so-famous and should have been here. Born in Norfolk, Randall started out on famous players and pickers from the Appalagospel and then got into the blues, soul, rock chian region. and more, launching her music career at 15. Until next time, enjoy the sounds and share In the link is “Anticipation Blues” – not to be and share alike. And if you'd like to see someconfused with the Tennessee Ernie Ford song one featured, let us know. by the same name.
Puzzle Solutions on Page 13
PAGE 12
October/November 2023
Go: Calendar of upcoming events
From Page 5
Seven Sisters: Chad Cox will take the Seven Sisters Brewery stage at 7 p.m. 7 Dogs Brewpub: Jarid Reedy returns to the Brewpub stage from 8 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 28 Millwald Theatre: All work and no play makes the Millwald the place to go for the 1980 R-rated classic “The Shining” at 7 p.m. Jack Torrance accepts a caretaker job at the Overlook Hotel, where he, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, must live isolated from the rest of the world for the winter. But they aren’t prepared for the madness that lurks within. Downtown Wytheville: The annual Mayhem on Main Street will stretch through town on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seven Sisters: Bring in your dressed-up pups for the Seven Sisters Brewery Dog Costume Contest starting at 3 p.m. Stick around (for those over 18) till 9:30 p.m. for the Halloween drag show and costume contest featuring Downtown Divas Roanoke. 7 Dogs Brewpub: Victor Lawson & Boogie Chillen will bring their roots rock and blues show to the Brewpub stage from 8 to 11 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church: Get ready for hauntingly beautiful music as Kevin Matheson on violin and Judy Clark on piano play at 7 p.m. at St. John’s.
Sunday, Oct. 29 Seven Sisters: Jaden Uniek will provide music
Concerts return
Energetic and enjoyable performances have become a hallmark of the Wytheville Concert Series. The 14th season will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, with a program of Hauntingly Beautiful Music performed by Kevin Matheson, violin and Judy Clark, piano, including the Devil’s Trill Sonata by Tartini, Witches’ Dance by Paganini, Dance of the Goblins by Bazzini and Saint-Saens’ Danse Macabre. This concert is held at St. John’s Episcopal Church. On Saturday, Dec. 2, soprano Leslie Mabe joins the Rainier Trio for a selection of Christmas favorites at 7 p.m. at Snyder Auditorium at Wytheville Community College. To lighten the dark days of winter, for a family Halloween party at Seven Sisters Brewery, starting at 4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 3 Lincoln Theatre: Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty, grandchildren of Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, are delivering their iconic grandparents’ super hits
Judy Clark, Julia Goudimova and Kevin Matheson will perform lively piano trios by Dvorak and Faure on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at 7 p.m. at Wytheville Presbyterian Church. Pianist Anna Billias, Julia Goudimova on the cello and Kevin Matheson on violin will be at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Friday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. to present Beethoven, Haydn and Dvorak. Anna Billias, Julia Goudimova and Kevin Matheson will play beautiful Music for Mother’s Day 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The program includes Beethoven’s Spring Sonata, Haydn Piano Trio and Dvorak’s Songs My Mother Taught Me. Admission is free.
at The Lincoln Theatre at 7:30 p.m. VIP tickets are $100. Premium seating is $52, orchestra is $43 and balcony is $37. Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty have country music in their blood. The grandchildren of famed duo Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, the two have taken to the road to
honor their grandparents in an intimate evening of music and storytelling as only they can tell.
Saturday, Nov. 4 Millwald Theatre: Joslyn & The Sweet Compression are coming to the Millwald Theatre, Saturday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m., bringing
their soul and funk sounds to Wytheville. After cultivating her dynamic voice and performance skills in backup roles and stage plays, Joslyn Hampton teamed with her stepfather, Marty Charters (a touring guitarist and songwriter who has shared the stage with legends such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, and Van Morrison), to compose a captivating set of tunes and assemble an ace band. Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (Kasym MoldogazievGuitar, Isaac Stephens – Trumpet, Tyler Papierniak – bass, Rashawn Fleming – drums, Trevin Little – saxophone, and Sam Richardson – Keyboard) combine to deliver a hookfilled mix of funk and soul on their self-titled debut album, released in 2019. A headlining favorite at regional clubs and music festivals, they are poised to engage fans across the country with widespread touring in 2023.
November 3December 23 Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre: A Wohlfahrt Haus Christmas Carol closes out the 2023 season for the Wytheville theater. Charles Dicken’s beloved characters come to life with a Wohlfahrt Haus twist in “A Wohlfahrt Haus Christmas Carol.” Scrooge, a wealthy miser goes on a journey Christmas Eve night with four ghosts to examine how his choices and actions in the past and present will affect his future as well as the true meaning of Christmas.
Friday, Nov. 10
Lincoln Theatre: Celebrate the 50th anniversary with $5 admission to the 1973 classic “Paper Moon.” The show begins at 7 p.m. A traveling Bible salesman is tasked with taking an orphaned girl to her family. The two have more in common than they first realize and after becoming a quick pair of con artists the orphan is loath to give the life up. Millwald Theatre: Based out of Roanoke, Fleetwood Mac cover band Gypsy Nix plays with the spirit and wonder of Stevie, Lindsey, Christine, Mick and John. They’ll take the stage at 8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 17 Lincoln Theatre: Get ready to buzz with laughter along with legendary comedian Killer Beaz at 7:30 p.m. Premium seats are $55, orchestra and balcony tickets are $38. Killer Beaz has his own unique brand of “Hard Hitting” – “Laugh out Loud” – “Laugh A Lot” – “HIPROOF” – “High Energy” – “Everyman” style humor that appeals to any audience. When asked, Beaz says about his shows, “I love the art of stand-up comedy! Having been given the opportunity to make people laugh and smile for all these years is truly a blessing!” With many thousands of radio, television, and stage appearances, Beaz has been entertaining audiences for over three decades.
Saturday, Nov. 18 Millwald Theatre: The Darkside Experience visit
See GO,Page 14
PAGE 13
October/November 2023
Keep your pets safe this Halloween
Halloween can be a spooky and fun time of year for humans, but it can also be hazardous for our furry friends. As the holiday approaches, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is urging pet owners to take precautions to ensure their pets stay safe and healthy. Here are some tips from the AVMA to keep your
pets safe this Halloween:
Keep candy out of reach: Chocolate and other sweets can be toxic to pets, so make sure to keep them in a secure location where your furry friends can't access them. If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate or any other potentially harmful substance, contact your veterinarian
immediately. Costumes can be dangerous: While dressing up your pet in a costume can be adorable, it's important to make sure the costume doesn't restrict their movement, vision, or hearing. It's also important to avoid using costumes that have small parts that could be ingested or cause choking. Noise can be frighten-
Region gets GO Grant funds Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced more than $3.7 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grant awards for 11 projects designed to empower workforce development, bolster startup ecosystems and promote economic growth in the Commonwealth. In Southwest Virginia, Smyth, Washington, Wythe and Dickenson counties, along with the cities of Bristol and Norton, received $600,000 for the United Way of Southwest Virginia GO TEC Expan-
sion. United Way plans to add six new career connection labs, one in each participating locality. These labs will be constructed in nine individual career pathway modules, all utilizing the GO TEC career connection labs framework. The project aims to increase the pool of qualified candidates in the advanced manufacturing, agriculture/food and beverage manufacturing, and information and emerging technologies cluster.
Carroll, Grayson and Wythe counties receive $50,000 for the Mount Rogers Regional Partnership Virtual Reality Training Needs Assessment. That funding looks to address the education gap in high school career and technical education programs by conducting a needs assessment to analyze the necessity to engage students early in their high school careers, a feasibility study to evaluate if virtual reality is an appropriate learning tool and an action plan to implement a virtual reality curriculum.
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ing: The loud noises and sounds associated with Halloween can be frightening for pets, so consider keeping them indoors during peak trick-or-treating hours. You can also try to create a calming environment by playing soothing music or providing a comfortable place for them to retreat. Decorations can be hazardous: Pets may find Halloween decorations, such as fake skeletons or candles, interesting and even tasty. Make sure to keep these items out of reach and away from your pets to avoid any potential harm.
Safety first: When taking your pet out for walks or to answer the door for trick-or-treaters, make sure they are wearing proper identification tags and are microchipped. Also, consider using a harness instead of a collar to walk your pet, as collars can become loose and result in your pet escaping. Be mindful of plants: Some common Halloween plants, such as lilies and mums, can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep these plants out of reach of your furry friends to avoid any potential harm. Check for recalls: Before purchasing any treats
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or toys for your pet, check for recalls on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to ensure they are safe. Stay informed: Educate yourself on common Halloween hazards and how to keep your pet safe. Visit the AVMA's website at avma.org for more information and resources on pet safety. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your pet stays happy and healthy this Halloween. Happy haunting!
PAGE 14
October/November 2023
Titans: Cage fights scheduled From Page 9
(Lincolnton, NC) vs. Hunter Martin (Lebanon), Sean Thomas (Floyd) vs. Alijah Webb (RCS) and Trent Cecil (Princeton, WV) vs. Richard Mosely (Floyd).
This will lead us into the main card, which will feature the following bouts, followed by the aforementioned title fights. Jacob Hopkins (Roanoke) vs. Pedro Jimenez (RCS), Dylan
Dooley (Roanoke) vs. Anthony Roberts (Charlotte, NC), Upright Odoemena (Charlotte) vs. Grant Collins (Harrisonburg) and Jeremiah Opata (High Point, NC) vs. Noah Stewart
(Harrisonburg). To keep up with everything regarding the event go to our Titans of the Cage facebook page or visit our website at www.tocfights. com
Other sponsors that make this event possible include; N2U Hemp Co., Triad Select Auto, Nathan Houchins DDS, Brandon Webb Electrical and Plumbing, Circle K, Old
Go: Calendar of upcoming events
From Page 12
the Millwald at 8 p.m. Pink Floyd has long resonated as one of the greatest pioneer groups in classic rock. The landscapes and dreams they generated with their music have touched numerous generations with a longevity that still finds new ears. Their songs have touched countless hearts, shaped blissful experiences, and etched memories deeply into our souls. The Darkside was born out of a mutual love and respect for the music of Pink Floyd. The band is excited to bring the life and experience of Pink Floyd’s music to the area in a live arena. The Darkside Experience includes some of the valley’s most talented musicians. Lincoln Theatre: Good Shot Judy is bringing swing and swagger to the Lincoln stage at 7 p.m. Grounded in the swinging cadence of the big band era, Good Shot Judy boldly ventures wherever whimsy leads them. The big amp jazz band brings melodic muscle to every show, fueled by revelers young and old who eagerly follow them on an exhilarating ride through this golden age of music. Premium seats are $25 with orchestra and balcony $20 and students and senior tickets $15.
Friday, Dec. 1
Downtown Marion: Santa Claus is coming to town. At 7 p.m., Marion will hold its annual Christmas parade, with the big guy making an appearance at the end.
Saturday, Dec. 2 WCC: Soprano Leslie Mabe will join the Rainier Trio at 7 p.m. to play Christmas favorites at Snyder Auditorium at Wytheville Community College. Millwald Theatre: Hank, Pattie and the Current will bring their soulgrass sounds and holiday tunes to the Millwald on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. Bluegrass ambassadors Hank Smith and Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw join forces once again with their original and energetic new soulgrass band, Hank and Pattie. Hank and Pattie take bluegrass and infuse it with their own flair, drawing from a melting pot of styles including classical and Motown, which adds up to an authentic and unique reflection of American music. While some of the music sounds old school and some sounds fresh and new, their overall musicianship, vocal harmonies, impassioned delivery and innovative arrangements captivate all generations of music lovers. Hank and Pattie are
backed by an all-star band comprised of Carolina musicians Stevie Martinez on Bass and vocals and Billie Feather on guitar.
Sunday, Dec. 3 Lincoln Theatre: The Church Sisters return to the Lincoln at 3 p.m. to share their favorite Christmas tunes. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Marion, adult tickets are $22 and senior and student admission is $17.
Saturday, Dec. 9 Lincoln Theatre: The Isaacs are bringing their Christmas show to the Lincoln stage at 7 p.m. Premium seating is $58. Orchestra tickets are $47 and balcony $30. Children tickets are $30 to $40. Multifaceted awardwinning group The Isaacs have spent five decades creating the undeniable family harmonies and distinct sound that have made them a favorite among audiences everywhere. After touring in 2023 with Reba McEntire, The Isaacs are excited to return to The Lincoln Theatre to perform their Christmas show.
Sunday, Dec. 10 Lincoln Theatre: Don’t be Bah-humbugging. John Hardy is bringing is one-
man version of a Christmas Carol to the Lincoln at 3 p.m. Hardy plays more than 40 roles in the show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. From the first moment of the play until the last, Hardy never leaves the stage and he never changes costume. How then, does he manage to portray over forty characters? “Well, that’s the reason it is a difficult play to act. The characters are defined by variations in accents and speech patterns as well as physical traits. Most of the time, when acting in a play or a film,
an actor has the job of creating one character, and that is difficult enough, but forty? It’s a big job, to say the least. That challenge is also the reason this production is a unique event. Even if an audience member has seen a previous production of A Christmas Carol, they have not seen it done like this.” This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Town Barber Company, Sark & Sons lawn care, Sheetz of Wytheville, Fire Protection Services and Wythe Tire and Muffler.
Saturday, Dec. 30 Lincoln Theatre: If you don’t see this show, you’re flirting with disaster. After 40 years, Molly Hatchet is still out there working, playing and living fast. On Dec. 30, they’ll be on the Lincoln stage at 7:30 p.m. VIP tickets are $120. Premium seats are $58, orchestra are $42 and balcony $37. With VIP tickets, you'll enjoy special seating directly in front of the stage or front row in the center section, sweet treats and a beverage of choice, and a private meet-and-greet with the artists!
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PAGE 15
October/November 2023
Stan Brock story coming to cinema
Fathom Events will release the anticipated documentary “Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story” on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in more than 600 screens across the country. The production is also partnering with Together Films, which will helm a nationwide impact campaign to raise awareness of the issues covered in the film. This intimate and inspirational documentary chronicles the life and legacy of Stan Brock, a British-born Amazonian cowboy turned U.S. TV star who dedicated his life to bringing free healthcare to people in need - changing hearts, minds, and
laws in the process. Offering unprecedented access to Brock’s life and work, director Paul Michael Angell’s documentary debut paints a stark picture of the realities of healthcare inequality in the United States and how one man sacrificed everything in his power to make a difference. Tickets for the event can be purchased at Fathom Events or at participating theater box offices. The closest theater screening the film is the Regal Cinema in Christiansburg. British director Angell, who spent nearly a decade helming the production, stated, “It’s a real privilege for us to partner with Fath-
om Events and Together Films to screen “Medicine Man” across America. Our only hope is that this film will show people what is really at stake when talking about healthcare access. Healthcare is fundamentally a human issue, and it shouldn’t be treated as a political football. That was always central to Stan Brock’s beliefs, and I hope that this is people’s key takeaway after seeing the film. I also want these screenings to serve as both a celebration of the American spirit and a timely reminder of what people can achieve when they put aside their differences and come together to help one another.”
Brock rose to popularity in the late 1960s with his daring stunts wrangling snakes and other wild creatures on the hit television series Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, having previously been discovered by the show’s producers in a remote part of the Amazon where he was working as a cowboy on the world’s biggest cattle ranch. Brock’s overarching legacy resides with the creation of Remote Area Medical (RAM), a volunteer-driven non-profit that provides free dental, vision, and medical services to underserved communities in the United States. Since its founding in 1985, RAM
A look at trout, bass in state By Bruce Ingram
The western reaches of Virginia host some of the state’s best smallmouth and trout angling. Jeff Williams, regional fisheries manager for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), covers some of the issues most of interest to local anglers, starting with the presence of rainbows and browns in native brook trout waters. “These two non-native species have been introduced into some of the waters that contain native brook trout populations and they, especially the brown trout, do have the potential to negatively impact this native species,” he says. “DWR, however, has implemented protocols to reduce the potential for additional impact to native brook populations. “We do not stock brown trout where they could establish a wild population within a drainage that contains native brook trout. Also, in drainages where we want to maintain the genetic integrity of an existing native brook trout population, we will only stock triploid brook trout, which are essentially sterile. Given their more piscivo-
rous nature, we also generally will not approve private stockings of brown trout in waters containing threatened or endangered fish species.” Another relevant issue is how the lack of angler harvest in some instances limits biologists’ ability to effectively manage fisheries. Williams relates that this is especially true with largemouth bass populations in smaller impoundments, which for the most part are “bass crowded.” To remedy these types of situations, DWR typically implements slot limit regulations in an effort to thin out the over abundant smaller fish and improve the size structure of the population. However, without sufficient angler harvest, the regulation is basically ineffective. “I think agencies were very effective in pushing the catch-and-release ethic back when it was necessary,” Williams continued. “And there are instances where catch and release is still needed. But in the situation I outlined above, the harvest of fish within the legal size/creel limits will not crash the population and may actually aid biologists and managers in achieving management goals. I realize
this message may not alter an angler’s inclination to harvest fish, but I think it is important to let anglers know that it is okay to harvest.” In Southwest Virginia, Williams said that some of the impoundments that would benefit from increased harvest of black bass include Bark Camp Lake in Scott County, Lake Keokee in Lee County, Bear Creek Reservoir in Wise County, and Lake Lincolnshire and Falls Mills Lake in Tazewell County. Perhaps the most worrisome news in this region is the presence of Alabama bass in Claytor Lake and both the upper and lower New River. “DWR did not release Alabama bass into Claytor Lake or the New River,” Williams said, “and their presence is likely the result of unauthorized stocking by anglers. Where similar illegal introductions have happened, in states like Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina, popular largemouth bass fisheries have either declined or tanked because of competition with Alabama bass. In lakes where that has happened, there have also been declines in pure smallmouth bass. "
has helped over 910,000 people through the efforts of more than 196,000 volunteers, providing more than $189.5 million in free healthcare to date. In true cowboy form, Brock dedicated his life to tackling the U.S. healthcare crisis – selling everything he owned to kick-start the organization and sleeping on the floor of RAM headquarters up until his passing in 2018. Over the course of his time with Remote Area Medical, Brock never took a cent for himself. “As a child, I watched Stan Brock on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom in absolute awe,” Remote Area Medical Chief Executive
Officer Jeff Eastman said. “Now, decades later, as I reflect upon my years working alongside Mr. Brock at Remote Area Medical, I still find that familiar sense of awe and amazement. “Medicine Man” captures the essence of an enigmatic man with one mission in mind: to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free, quality healthcare to those in need. Stan dedicated the last 33 years of his life to Remote Area Medical, and now, we carry on his legacy as we bridge the gap between need and access for the millions of Americans who have fallen through the cracks.”
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PAGE 16
October/November 2023
WCC showcases some of the first students
When Sam Crockett graduated from George Wythe High School in 1963, he decided to stay in his hometown to further his education, becoming one of the first students to walk the halls of Wytheville Community College. WCC opened its doors Sept. 19, 1963, welcoming Crockett and 106 other students, mostly men along with a handful of women. The campus was not where it is now; instead, it was in the Simmerman Building at 275 Fourth Street, later used as office buildings. The current campus was established several years later, in 1968, with the opening of Fincastle Hall, named in honor of Fincastle County, Virginia, which was the mother county of all counties included in the Wytheville Community College service region at the time. “The school was here and available, and it cost a lot less money, so we went,” Crockett said. At the time, WCC was a satellite branch of Virginia Tech, where many students like Crockett transferred for their junior and senior years. Four years later, in 1967, WCC became part of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Like many of his classmates, Crockett transferred to Virginia Tech, but
was forced to drop out after breaking several bones in his back in a sledding accident. Once he recovered from his injuries, Crockett served for the military in aviation in Vietnam. Following his military career, Crockett worked as a dispatcher for Fed Ex and later became an air traffic controller. He then returned home to Wythe County, where he owned and operated a clothing store before being elected as the Wythe County Treasurer, a post he held for nearly 30 years. Years after Crockett graduated from WCC, his wife, Arlene, attended classes not once, but twice, on the current campus. Valedictorian of her 1975 Bland County High School class, she was a non-traditional student and mother when she started classes six years later. “I needed something to challenge my mind,” she
said, adding that she studied data processing one class at a time, from 1981 to 1988. Several years later, in 1995, she earned a business administration degree, transferred to Virginia Tech to receive a bachelor’s degree, and has enjoyed a career as an accountant. “WCC fit me perfectly, and allowed me to take classes at night,” she said, adding that she also enjoyed membership in several campus clubs, including the Business Administration Club that helped build Wythe County’s Ager Playground in the early 1990s. She also enjoyed mentoring and tutoring children at the Presbyterian Children’s Home. The Crocketts applaud the college’s partnership with the Wythe-Bland Foundation to offer the Wythe-Bland Scholarship, that helps eligible high school students attend
WCC tuition-free. “It gives the opportunity to attend college to students who might otherwise not be able to attend,” Arlene Crocket said. “It’s a win-win in all situations.” The year Sam Crockett graduated from WCC, Frank Akers of Rural Retreat started classes at the college. “Cost was a big factor,” Akers said of his decision to attend a community college. “Tuition was less than $100 a quarter.” The year was 1965 and Akers wanted to be a pharmacist, so he majored in chemistry. “A bunch of us from high school came to WCC,” he said. “I was the only one not studying engineering. By the second week, they had changed their majors. They found the math daunting. I was one of the few who stuck with my original major.” One of Akers’ WCC class-
mates, Rex Frye, remembers attending classes in the Simmerman Building, spending hours at the drafting tables where he learned skills he still uses today. He also remembers drafts of another kind – the chilly winds that blew through the classroom when English Instructor Mava Vass threw open her windows in the wintertime. “She would freeze us to death,” he said. For years following his 1967 WCC graduation, Frank Akers taught high school science. Then life took a turn, and Akers became a businessman and entrepreneur in the fields of fiber optics and telecommunications. He now splits his time between California and Rural Retreat, where he is president of The Rural Retreat Depot Foundation. Akers has fond memories of his time at WCC. He remembers Professor of Engineering, Marshall
Magnuson, standing with his back to the blackboard and throwing chalk over his shoulder to demonstrate random points. “He would throw the chalk and start an equation from where the chalk hit the blackboard,” said Akers, who also served as his sophomore class president – but not of his own making. “Some friends put me on the ballot, and I didn’t even know it,” he explained. “I walked onto campus and everyone was congratulating me.” A popular student, Akers enjoyed making new friends from rival high schools. “You learn these people are just like you; they have the same struggles,” he said. “I used to think of attending a community college as a negative, but it’s just the opposite. We all worked while we were in school; we weren’t just dedicated to college. We learned a lot of life lessons out of that experience. We learned the value of hard work and a strong work ethic.” “WCC is great,” Akers added. “It’s a local college where you can go inexpensively. It has allowed a lot of people to go to college who could not have gone, and it was just a great experience.”
State police present HEAT program awards The Virginia State Police Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) program presented awards to six Virginia sheriff’s offices and four law enforcement officers to recognize their efforts in reduc-
ing vehicle theft and theft of vehicle parts across the Commonwealth. The following awards were presented by First Sergeant Peter Lazear, HEAT Program Coordina-
tor: The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office was the agency winner for departments serving a population of more than 100,000, and the New Kent County
Sheriff’s Office took the top prize for departments serving a population of 20,001 to 100,000. Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office won the Public Outreach Award and the Suf-
folk Sheriff’s Office was named the finalist in this category. The Martinsville Sheriff’s Office received a Certificate of Merit. Individual finalists for departments serving
populations of 20,001 to 100,000 were Sgt. Keith Goines, Wythe County Sheriff’s Office, and Deputy Stephanie Torrence, New Kent County Sheriff’s Office.