The Southwest Virginia Sun - Wythe December

December 2024

Collin O’Donnell has maintained his lifelong hero in his grandfathe r, Pur ple H eart re cipient Johnathan Pusateri, who served with the 14th Infantry Division in Germany during World War II. It was almost inevitable that

Volume 2, No. 8

Four Wythe County schools were among the 92 statewide to earn the Board of Education Highest Achievement Award.

The board of education recently recognized 141 schools for high achievement with 92 earning the highest award and another 49 earning the continuous improvement award.

The Highest Achievement Award is based on performance during the 2023-2024 school year and the Continuous Improvement Award uses

PAGE 10

Military service to coffee service O’Donnell would enlist for military duty immediately after high school graduation.

While deployed in Afghanistan, a cleanup from a bridge explosion landed O’Donnell in various medical units around the world, including a two-year stint at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Washington, DC, where he underwent multiple surgeries to save his leg and foot from amputation after being exposed to a lethal cocktail of infection.

"I was invited to the White House by thenPresident Obama to receive the Presidential Call to Service Award where I made the rash decision to ask the Commander-in-Chief, in front of a room full of high-ranking officials, if he wanted to share a beer with me for my upcoming 21stbirthday,” O’Donnell recalled. "That evening, I received a call from the White House to prepare myself for a presidential visit. Soon after, six bottles of ‘homemade’ presidential White House beer arrived at my hospital room with an invitation to return to the White House and enjoy a concert.”

O’Donnell’s other military awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terror Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He also received national recognition for his military football career with the Lockheed

town Wytheville’s ideals of supporting local business by hosting local events, and thought that expanding The Grind in a location that would draw traffic from Interstates 77 and 81 would be a no-brainer.

O’Donnell’s partnership with Downtown Wytheville’s Executive Director Todd Wolford brought The Grind its key success.

O’Donnell is confident that The Grind will soon be a national example of small-town business triumph.

Of course, Collin now stays busy running PiMartin Armed Forces Merit Award. O’Donnell was also bestowed the Richmond Touchdown Club Man of the Year Award, spanning all Virginia college football programs.

With a desire to continue playing college football, O’Donnell accepted an offer from Bluefield University in 2017, which took him far away from his native Upstate New York, bringing him to Southwest Virginia.

Hi s popular fr an chise, The Grind coffee shop, which has gra ce d W y th ev il le ’ s Main Street since the pandemic, as well as in Bluefield, was born out of his weariness of too many boring 5 a.m. cups of black coffee from different local baristas during college.

He simply wanted a better cup of coffee.

Juggling school, maintaining his grades, and playing football, few thought O’Donnell co ul d t h r o w c o f f e e

shop owner and operator into the mix, but he proved everyone wrong.

"For the first 98 days, we wor ked 19-hour days,” he reflected.

"Looking back, even I don’t know how we were able to pull it off, but we did it.”

"There are many aspects in running your own business successfully,” O’Donnell says, "that I have adapted from my structured military career.”

Firstly, he noted that freedom comes with a price, which is not only paid by those serving in the armed forces.

"We all must sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy,” O’Donnell pointed out. "We have bills to pay, people to serve, products to produce, and if we want something nicer or a product that will help us enjoy our freedom more comfortably or enjoyably, we must sacrifice something for it.”

He says he became enamored with Down-

lot Flying J in Wythe County, while his fiancée Taylor handles the day-to-day operations of the coffee shop. They also own a food truck as well as a local Airbnb. Much of the proceeds from their various enterprising efforts go toward their primary charity. The Warrior Ride Foundation sends severely wounded soldiers to a mountainous resort in Colorado for peaceful respite.

"No matter what we do, we take everything we have and pay it forward as much as is physically possible,”

O’Donnell asserted.

"Our gratitude for Wytheville runs deep, and our desire to grow here is unmatched.”

"I want to thank all those I served within my unit, as well as at Walter Reed, my family and friends, and the great citizens of Wytheville, Bluefield, and Southwest Virginia for their continued support of all that we do,” he added in closing.

"We are always humbled by your support and generosity. You make us better, and we strive to grow continuously alongside you.”

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The Inn at Foster Falls, an iconic structure located within the heart of New River Trail State Park, has been honored with a 2024 Virginia Historic Preservation Award.

P r es e r v at i o n V ir gi n ia presents the awards annually to recognize exemplary historic preservation projects and historical research in the Commonwealth.

"This recognition reflects our commitment to preserving Virginia’s rich history while ensuring that historic sites like Foster Falls remain accessible for future generations,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker. "By restoring the inn, we not only

2023-2024 and prior school years.

Max Meadows and Rural Retreat elementary schools and Fort Chiswell and Rural Retreat high schools were awarded the Highest Achievement Award.

"The Board is thrilled to recognize and celebrate the 141 schools who have earned this y ea r ’ s t o p a ch i ev e ment,” said Board of Education Presid e n t G r a ce T u r n e r Creasey. "We applaud their commitment to excellence and highquality education. Congratulations to all the V i r g i ni a ed u ca t or s, parents, and communities supporting these schools in achieving at the highest level.”

"Being recognized in the Exemplar School Recognition Program

celebrate the past but also create new opportunities for visitors to engage with the beauty and heritage of our state parks."

The full-service inn, the first of its kind within the Virginia State Parks syst e m , o f f er s 1 0 u n i q ue rooms for overnight guests, stately banquet and meeting rooms, a catering kitchen and beautiful two-story

porches.

Originally built in the late 19th century, the inn opened in 1888 as the Foster Falls Hotel. Over the next 30 years, it served the community as a post office, meeting hall, commissary and boarding house before being converted into an industrial school in 1919 and then a children’s home in 1938.

The building was abandoned in 1962 and sat vacant until the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation took ownership of it as part of an acquisition that would become New River Trail State Park.

In 2013, DCR’s Planning

Rankings

is a direct reflection of a school's commitment to high performance and increasing excellence," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. "I am proud of each of the 141 schools that have been recognized today, and I commend each school’s leadership, educators, students, and community for earning this achievement.”

2 0 2 4- 2 0 2 5 B o a r d of Education Highest Achievement Award Schools recognized for Highest Achievem en t d em o ns t rat ed high levels of success across all school quality indicators, including success in narrowing achievement gaps, as well as: • Achieve Performance Level One for reading, mathematics, and science based on the student pass rate

(which does not include growth measures) for the "all students” group in the school, as well as for each student group in the school. schools with two student groups could have no more than a five-percentage point difference between the performance of each student group and the "all students” group; schools with three or more student groups could have no more than a ten-percentage point difference between the performance of each student group and the "all students” group.

• Achieve at Level One in the Chronic Absenteeism, Graduation and Completion Index (GC I), and Dro pout Rate school quality indicators.

and Recreation Resources Department started the renovation process, a project that required specialized contractors because of its historic nature.

For the exterior, PRR used vintage photos to recreate the original roofline and two-story porches.

The interior was a full-gut renovation, but a few of the original components were saved, including an original staircase and a few walls of tongue-and-groove wainscoting on the first floor.

Working fireplaces look as they did in 1888, and antique and reproduction furnishings allow for modern conveniences such as queen- and king-size beds,

mini-fridges, microwave ovens and televisions.

"We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said PRR Director Kelly McClary. "The Inn at Foster Falls is more than just a building—it’s a window into Virginia’s industrial past and a testament to DCR's efforts to preserve that history. This award acknowledges the hard work of many dedicated individuals who ensured that its legacy endures."

The Inn at Foster Falls is managed and operated by New River Retreat, LLC. For more information or to book a room, visit stayinnfosterfalls.com or call 276-5955905.

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Motorists heading into North Carolina were in for a long wait in Wythe County as Thanksgiving Eve traffic backed up on the Interstate 81 and 77 overlap Wednesday evening.

Officials said the culprit for the backup was a vehicle fire near mile marker 26 on I-77 southbound.

Northbound I-81 was backed up through mile marker 73. Secondary routes also experienced delays, officials said.

Earlier, Wythe officials urged residents and travelers to prepare for significant traffic increases through the end of the Thanksgiving weekend, explaining that the intersection of I-77 and I-81 serve as a major hub for regional and national travel. The threat of heavier than usual traffic looms as the roads are also serving as detours from storm-damaged highways in western North Carolina.

Congressman Morgan Gr iff ith volunteered for the 2024 Fo od City – Un ited Way Celebrity Bagging Event, visiting the Wytheville Food City at 155 W Lee Hwy, one of many participating Food City locations, and bagged groceries for local customers.

"This partnership be-

tween Food City and United Way demonstrates the fantastic charity and generosity towards local communities in the Ninth District,” said Griffith.

"I am humbled to be a part of the many volunteers who bag groceries at Food City and highlight the great charity work they do

for the region.

"I wish all in Wytheville and across the Ninth District a happy Thanksgiving!”

Griffith has volunteered for Celebrity Bagging on several occasions. Last year, he bagged groceries at the Food City in Weber City.

A Wythe County woman is jailed at the New River Valley Regional Jail, facing a first-degree mur der charge after a Nov. 17 attack.

According to the

Wythe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, assisted by the Pulaski Police Department and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Savannah Renee Adams the day after the attack that

sent another woman to the hospital, suffering burn wounds.

That same day, on Nov. 18, the woman, Tiffany Nichole Dunfor d, died from her wounds.

Travelers are encouraged to plan alternate routes, allow extra time for their journeys, and be prepared for potential delays.

"Our county serves as a crossroads for thousands of holiday travelers. This is always one of our busiest weekends,” said Chuck Parnell, Director of Emergency Services for Wythe County. "With the additional detour traffic from North Carolina, we’re asking everyone to remain patient, drive cautiously, and plan ahead for longer travel times.”

In anticipation of the increased traffic, Wythe County’s Department of Emergency Services has bolstered staffing for the holiday weekend to assist with the influx of travelers.

Residents planning to stay local for the holiday are encouraged to utilize secondary roads such as Lee Highway and Chapman Road.

The holiday season is upon us, and many of us are eager to deck the halls and trim the tree. But for pet owners, the festive season can also bring some unique challenges. As we prepare to bring a Christmas tree into our homes, it's essential to consider the safety of our furry friends.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Christmas trees and decorations can pose a significant threat to pets. From electrical shock and poisoning to obstruction and entangle-

PAGE 13

ment, the risks are real. But with a little planning and precautions, you can create a safe and joyful holiday environment for both your pets and your family.

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe around the Christmas tree: Secure the tree: Make sure your tree is stable and won't tip over if your pet bumps into it or tries to climb it.

Anchor the tree to the ceiling or a wall if necessary.

Keep decorations out of reach: Pets are naturally curious, so keep decorations, especially those with toxic

The Wythe County Sheriff's Office recently unveiled a new design for its patrol cars.

The design, which features a prominent American flag, is dedicated to honoring the bravery and sacrifice of our patriots and veterans.

It serves as a symbol of gratitude to those who have served our country and a reminder of the freedoms they helped protect.

The Sheriff’s Office said the hope is that this new design not only shows our respect for our veterans but also strengthens the bond between the community and those who work every day to keep it safe.

Be on the lookout for these vehicles around Wythe County, and feel free to stop by and see the new design up close!

materials like tinsel, garlands, and ornaments, out of reach.

Electrical safety: Keep electrical cords and lights out of reach of pets to avoid electrical shock. Use cord protectors or conceal cords with tape or a cord organizer.

Toxic plants: Some Christmas plants, like poinsettias and mistletoe, are toxic to pets. Keep them out of reach or choose pet-friendly alternatives.

Supervise: Keep an eye on your pets when they're near the tree to prevent any accidents.

Pet-proof the tree: Consider using a baby gate or pet gate to block access to the tree when you're not supervising.

Provide alternative stimulation: Keep your pets occupied with puzzle toys, treats, and playtime to distract them from the tree.

By following these simple tips, you can create a safe and enjoyable holiday season for your pets. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your furry friends.

PAGE 14

George Wythe and Rural Retreat were both represented on the 2024 Class 1 All-State volleyball second team.

Seniors Hannah Repass of George Wythe and Tayln

Moore of Rural Retreat were each selected for secondteam honors.

The Virginia High School League named its all-state teams this week, picking Giles junior Sophie Taylor as the Class 1 Player of the

Year.

Standing 6 feet tall, Taylor finished the season with 750 kills, 50 aces, 40 blocks, 367 digs, a .373 hit efficiency, and a 92% serve percentage. Her 750 kills are a VHSL single-season record.

Committed to play at Ole Miss, it is her third straight selection to the all-state first team and her second straight Player of the Year award after earning Class 1 Player of the Year honors in 2023. Taylor’s1,830 career

kills are the third-most in VHSL history, and her 46 kills tied the VHSL singlegame record in the Spartans state semifinal loss to Auburn.

Auburn head coach Sherry Millirons was name d t he C las s 1 Coach of the Year.

Millirons guided Auburn to a 29-2 record and its sixth straight C l a s s 1 ch a m p i on ship and ninth overall. Millirons led the Eagles to the Class 1 state volleyball title with a 3-0 (25-10, 25-

PAGE 15

Volleyball 10, 25-16) win over Rappahannock in the state finals. Millirons has guided the Eagles program since 1995 and won 538 matches, the third-most wins in VHSL history. Along with her nine championships over the past 13 seasons (2012-14, 2019-24), the Eagles wer e runner s- up in 2015.

The all-state volleyball team consists of nine position players and one libero. Only those players selected to the all-region firstteam are eligible for selection to the allstate team. The allstate selection committee comprises eight coaches, with two from each region.

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Wytheville Community College (WCC) celebrated the 14th cohort of power line workers in a graduation ceremony led by Perry Hughes, WCC VicePresident of Workforce Development and Occupational Programs, on the Wytheville campus on Friday, Nov. 1. " In t he m i ddl e of the ceremony’s program, we define hero.

What we witnessed in our own region and in North Carolina in the last few weeks, has shown you what it takes to be a hero.

Some may think this is just a job, but to the person without oxygen and in need to have t he i r p ow er t ur ne d

back on, you are their hero,” Hughes said to the graduates. "Our slogan is Rising to the Top, and today, you achieved that climb.”

As of this class, 357 stu dent s have su ccessful ly complet ed the power line worker training program at WCC since its incept ion in 20 17. M ike Morrison, Power Line Worker Training Instructor, addressed the group of graduates offering advice and praising the students’ success.

"You should never be okay with second place. If you do, you’ll never strive to do more.

It was a pleasure to watch you all work to-

Emma Faulkner of George Wythe High School delivered an impressive performance at the Class 1 State Cross Country Championships on Saturday, claiming the runner-up spot in a highly competitive race at Virginia Tech. Faulkner recorded a time of 20:05.30, narrowly edged out by Eastside's Shelby Stanley (19:58.00) in a tight battle for the state title.

The competition for the girls team championship was equally intense, coming down to just five points and a rare tie-breaker scenario. Auburn High School captured the state title with 89 points, while Mathews and George Wythe both finished with 94 points. Mathews secured second place by virtue of their sixth runner finishing higher, compared to George Wythe’s sixth, in team scor-

gether these last fourteen weeks, to form relationships, and to go out into the workforce.

We need you. You are the next generation that America will build upon. You are the backbone,” Morrison said.

Students that complete the program in 14 weeks gain certifications and the skills to become successful

ing.

Faulkner’s second-place finish led the George Wythe team, followed

by Carrie Sage Dalton, who placed 16th with a time of 22:03.20. Sophia McCroskey crossed the line in 35th at 23:50.30, while Alana Malavolti finished 39th in 24:13.30. Maggie Simons rounded out the top five with a 47th-place finish in 24:26.30.

Additional team members included Allison Schmidt, who placed 83rd in 29:15.90, and Jadelyn Faulkner, who completed the race in 88th with a time of 30:06.20.

Despite narrowly missing the runner-up spot in the team standings, George Wythe’s third-place finish capped off a successful season.

Their strong showing at the state meet highlights the team’s depth and determination, setting the stage for continued success in future competitions.

power line workers.

Skills that these students learn include electrical theory, aerial framing, rigging, safety, commercial truck driving, and the use of utility service equipment.

WCC hosted the students and their fami-

lies for breakfast before the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the new graduates accompanied Jimmy Powers, WCC Power Line Instructor, to the pole yard to show off a little of their newly acquired climbing skills to families and friends.

Powers is a graduate of the first WCC Power Line program and is now a lead instructor for the students.

He said, "in the first weeks, we challenged them [the students] to learn that if you hit a brick wall, they should face it head on. You will face other brick

walls. That is life. I believe in you. I saw where you started and where you finished. If you stick with it, you will get there.”

Many of the graduates are either already employed with a power line company or have moved forward to participate in WCC’s Underground Power Line Training Program.

For more information about WCC’s Power Line Worker program, please call 223-4717, or email Lisa Lowe, W ork forc e Development Credentials and Career Coach at llowe@ wcc.vccs.edu.

PAGE 17

Lifestyles Nov. 8 to Dec. 22 Wohlfahrt Haus: Celebrate the season in song and dance with “Christmas in the Park,” wrapping up with a nativity.

Thursday, Dec. 12 Lincoln Theatre: The Lonesome River Band brings its Christmas Show to the Lincoln Theatre in Marion for a 7 p.m. showcase.

Friday, Dec. 13

Lincoln Theatre: What’s your favorite color? Get fully into the Christmas spirit with holiday classic "Elf” at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Saturday, Dec. 14 Millwald Theatre: The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will be in Wytheville for a 7:30 p.m. “Holiday Brass” show.

Lincoln Theatre: Dailey & Vincent will make a stop on their 2024 Christmas Tour for a 7:30 p.m. concert.

Thursday, Dec. 19

Entertainment

Taste of Ireland will celebrate the joy of the season with Irish song and dance at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20 Lincoln Theatre: 4 Calling Birds, featuring the musical talents of Ian and Evan Benjamin, Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann will create a live holiday soundtrack at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21

Monday, Dec. 30 Lincoln Theatre: Pride Chats will be at the theatre from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

man adaptation of A Christmas Carol to the Millwald Theatre in Wytheville on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7:30

p.m.

This one-of-a-kind pe r form a nce of the Charles Dickens holiday classic showcases

Saturday, Jan. 11 Lincoln Theatre: Song of the Mountains returns for 2025 with a 7 p.m. performance of Becky Buller and Scythian.

Millwald Theatre: Cowboy Bill, also known as William Lee Martin, brings his comedy to Wytheville for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Lincoln Theatre: The Bristol Academy of Music will present Aladdin Jr. live on Jan. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Lincoln Theatre: Ring in the New Year with Eagles tunes as tribute band 7 Bridges brings their stunningly accurate show to the Lincoln at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 7

Lincoln Theatre: In collaboration with Appalachian Echoes, the theatre will host a live community theater performance in 2025. An interest meeting is set for 6 to 8 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17

Millwald Theatre: Actor John Hardy will bring his one-man show of “A Christmas Carol” to the Millwald Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Lincoln Theatre: A Celtic Christmas by A

Veteran Barter Theatre actor John Hardy is bringing his one-

Get Out and Go

Millwald Theatre: Emo Night Karaoke is set for 7:30 p.m. Sign up at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Lincoln Theatre: Song of the Mountains welcomes The Seldom Scene and Amanda Cook Band at 7 p.m.

Hardy’s versatility as an actor. He portrays 43 characters in one r i ve t i n g 7 0- m i n u t e show.

"I am not re-telling the story,” Hardy asserted in a Nov. 19 phone interview. "I am letting the characters

live through me, from moment to moment.”

The phenomenal feat of portraying so many

PAGE 18

Radford University is excited to announce the launch of the Tartan Transfer program, a new initiative designed to streamline the transfer process for students from eight Virginia Community College System (VCCS) schools.

Radford and community college representatives signed the transfer agreement at a ceremony on Nov. 6 on Radford’s campus.

This prog ram will create an accessible pathway for community college students seeking to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree at Radford. The university is the only four-year public institution in the commonwealth that has partnered with this many community colleges to provide a seamless experience.

The Tartan Transfer Program is a strategic collaboration between Radford University and

several of Virginia’s Community Colleges including New River C omm unit y C ol lege (NRCC), Mountain Empire Community College (MECC), Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC), Patrick Henry Community College, Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC), Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC), Virginia Western Community College (VWCC), and Wytheville Community College (WCC).

Through this partnership, students will benefit from a range of features aimed at making higher education easier to navigate and more affordable and

During the Nov. 12 meeting of Wytheville Town Council, a mutual separation agreement, effective immediately, was reached between the governing body and Wytheville Town Manager T. Brian Freeman.

Freeman became Town Manager on June 1, 2021. He had been a member of Town of Wytheville staff since 2008, having held the positions of GIS/911 Coordinator, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, Director of Operations, and Assistant Town Manager and Director of Planning.

career focused.

"Tartan Transfer demonstrates that R a d f o r d U n i v er s i ty and Virginia’s Community Colleges are committed to creating accessible and affordable degree pathways for Virginians, and to building bridges across the commonwealth. We are proud of how this partnership formalizes a seamless transfer process, and adds even greater value through dedi cated academic advising and access to Radford’s unique student life opportunities.

I sincerely appreciate the presidents of each of our partner community colleges for their support of the Tartan

Transfer program, and for their roles in helping to improve degree attainment and economic success in communities throughout western Virginia,” said R a d f o r d U n i v er s i ty President Bret Danilowicz.

Key benefits of the Tartan Transfer Program include affordability, maximized transfer credits, personalized advising, early campus integration and events, and career preparation.

"We are excited to provide our Wytheville C omm unit y C ol lege students with addi-

tional educational opportunities by partnering with our four-year university colleagues.

Thank you to Radford University and the Tartan Transfer program for providing valuable transfer opportunities to ensure that WCC students can achieve their academic and career goals,” said Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC president. Radford’s Tartan Transfer program underscores the university’s mission to enhance access to education across Virginia, while prioritizing student affordability and success. By aligning

resources with VCCS institutions, Radford is paving the way for a more inclusive and streamlined higher education experience.

For more information about the Tartan Transfer program, please visitwww. radfor d.edu/tartantransfer to learn how to participate. To learn more about Wytheville Community College’s transfer opportunities, contact Susan Evans, WCC Dean of Transfer and Educational Partnerships, at (276) 2234740, or sevans@wcc. vccs.edu.

PAGE 19

Shop With a Cop returns

Jason Fowler of Wythe County Community Hospital was recently honored with The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Fowler graduated with his ADN from WCC in 2018, starting at BRMC until Valentine’s Day of 2019 when I came home to Wythe County Community Hospital.

He and Chelsey have 4-year-old twin girls Maggie and Lexie and two four-legged children, Harleigh and Henry.

Thank you, Jason, for your ability to ease the hearts and minds of our patients as they walk through our doors. Congratulations on winning the DAISY Award and thank you for your continued support of our mission to make our communities healthier!

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, "When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the superhuman work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Wythe County Community Hospital are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

Atkins wins re-election Holly Atkins won her bid for re-election in the town of Wytheville, claiming one of the two seats up for grabs in 2,487 votes.

Joseph Hand Jr. is also returning to council after receiving 1,751 votes. Jim Cohen received 1,017 votes.

It’s that time of year for Shop With a Cop. Officers and detectives at the Wytheville Police Department raised $2,100 to donate to the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office Shop With a Cop event.

The money raised was by officers' donations so they could grow a beard for our year round No Shave campaign.

Pictured left to right: Officer Robert Doyle, Officer John Oglesby, Sergeant Brandon Smith, Chief Deputy Anthony Cline, and Sheriff Charles Foster.

PAGE 20

The brass quintet from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra returns to the Millwald Theatre in Wytheville on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. for their "Holiday Brass” concert. After a successful and well-attended performance last year, the group is excited to return to Wytheville this Christmas season.

"We had a great time,” reca lled t rombonist Jay Crone, who is also a music professor at Virginia Tech. "We had a friendly crowd, and people seemed to enjoy it.”

He clarified that the brass quintet will consist of a pair of trumpets, a trombone, a Fr ench h orn and a tuba.

"I would describe the concert as a mixture of sacred and secular holiday music,” Crone exp la in ed d ur i n g a Nov. 22 phone interview. "We will also have some light classical pieces and some pop selections.”

A native of California, Crone came to Blacksburg to work with the Marching Virginians in 1994, happily calling Virginia Tech and Blacksburg his home ever since. From then until 2008, he served as a substitute trombonist for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra before gaining the full-time position as a contract player sixteen years ago.

"Our concert will be reminiscent of something you would hear from the Boston Pops

or the New York Philharmonic on New Year’s Eve,” he added.

"We will perform a suite of pieces by a recently rediscovered African composer who lived in Paris during the eighteenth century.”

Along with more traditional Christmas carols, Crone promised m o re con t e mp or ary holiday favorites such as "Frosty the Snowman,” Leroy Anderson’s "Sleigh Ride,” and even an arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah.” " It ’ s a w onderful mixture,” he assured.

"There’s something for everyone.”

"We will have the entire sound ef f e c t e x p e r i ence,” Crone added regarding "S leigh Ri de.”

"We are going to have bells, and someone is even bringing a whip.”

Earlier in November , fifthgrade students across the county enjoyed a music lesson at the Millwald

Theatre taught by two members of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.

"It’s a big mission of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra to assist the music teachers in the region who are working every day to enhance musical education by participating in community outreach

programs,” Crone said.

"Virginia Tech does a lot of that sort of thing as well.”

Jay Crone had never heard of Virginia Tech until a mentor connected him with a student who was a member of the school’s faculty. He applied for a job teaching marching band students the lower brass instr uments. Since then, he has used his musical talents to both educate students and entertain audiences from across t he re gion f or over three decades.

"I call Blacksburg my home,” he noted

proudly. "I flew out here for an interview, and the rest is history.”

Crone has been a m us i c i an si n ce e l ementary school after learning piano from his mother. She and his father were Dutch immigrants from the Netherlands.

"On her pilgrimage to America,” he recollected, "my mother insisted on bringing her piano with her.”

"I loved to practice,” he remembered. "The key to being a musician is enjoying the practice. If you don’t like to practice, you need to find another

line of work.”

Crone provided more insight into the group with whom he will play at the Millwald Theatre just four days before Christmas.

"The trumpeters are from North Carolina and Maryland,” he explained. "Our French h o r n pl a y er c o m es from Greensboro, North Carolina.”

Crone has a special connection to the tuba player.

"He is actually a former student of mine,” he stated proudly. "He is a native of Chris-

PAGE 21

The Virginia Department of Education announced the awarding of $12 million in School Security Equipment Grants to 96 school divisions and 472 schools to help protect students, faculty and staff, and visitors.

"The equipment purchased with these grants will help en-

sure the safety of all students and staff in Virginia’s public schools,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons.

"Every child deserves a high-quality education experience, one where they can deeply focus on learning and growing the minute they step onto a school bus or

Wythe County Community Hospital received an "A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group.

This national distinction celebrates WCCH’s achievements in protecting hospital patients from preventable harm and errors.

"We are very pleased with this high mark, which places Wythe County Community Hospital among the top

pass through the doors of their school. These grants help create safe, supportive envir onments, both on school g r ou n d s an d w h il e traveling to and from school.”

Most of the equipment applied and approved for purchase include voice and video internal communica-

tier of hospitals across the country when it comes to patient safety,” said Vicki Parks, WCCH CEO. "I would like to extend my personal

RSO tiansburg, who now lives in Chicago, where he teaches and freelances.”

He will return to his native Southwest Virginia to visit his mother and perform in this group of concerts. The current tour for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra brass quintet includes stops in Cave Spring and Blacksburg, as well as Wytheville.

"It’s a real treat for us to play in Wytheville again,” he remarked. "The Millwald staff was terrific, and everyone treated us really well.”

Having played several concerts in Wytheville throughout his career, Crone promises a great show.

"It should be fun,” he said in closing.

"It’s a wonderful group of very talented people.”

For tickets to the show, visit https:// ci.ovationtix.com/36798/pr/1214869/ pe/11530321 or call the Millwald Theatre box office at 276-284-2958. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $30.20 and $40.40.

tion systems, mass notification systems, security card access systems, visitor ID badging systems, surveillance cameras, two-way radios, security vestibules, interior bus cameras, and bus two-way radios. The 2024-2025 sc ho o l ye a r g r a n t s have been awar ded on a competitive ba-

sis, with each awarded school divisions eligible to receive grant awards up to $250,000.

The 472 schools were awarded funds based on a rank ordering of applications’ point total on the competitive application criteria.

Wythe C ounty rece i v ed $ 23 , 9 44 f or Fort Chiswell High,

gratitude to every member of our team from our nurses, clinical and ancillary staff to our physicians and board members for their ongoing

Fort Chiswell Middle, George Wythe High, Jackson Memorial Elementary, Max Meadows Elementary, Rural Retreat Elementary, Rural Retreat High, Rural Retreat Middle, Scott Memorial Middle, Sheffey Elementary, Speedwell Elementary and Spiller Elementary schools.

commitment to quality care and patient safety.”

The Leapfrog Group is an independent watchdog organization.

PAGE 22

The pediatric team at Wythe Physician Practices is in place and ready to provide everything from back-to-school checkups and vaccinations to sports physicals and care for serious injuries.

Wythe Physician Practices – Pediatrics offers health care for children from birth through adolescence, providing well-child visits, developmental screenings, hearing and vision screenings, same-day visits for illnesses, 24-hour access to health advice, parental education and support and care coordination with pediatric specialists if and when needed.

On the Wythe Physician Practices – Pediatrics team is Dr. Matthew Aney and nurse practitioners Kasey Stamper and Tess Chaney.

Aney, a pediatric specialist with more than 30 years experience caring for children, earned his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and has been providing exceptional care since 1986.

Stamper is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who began her career in a level 1 trauma center. She completed her bachelor of science in nursing at King University and earned a master of science in nursing at Walden University, specializing in dermatology. A wife and mother of four, Stamper is focused on providing holistic care to the community.

Chaney is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a certified lactation consultant. She began her nursing career in obstetrics and also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from King University. She graduated with a master’s degree in nursing from King in 2014. The mother of seven children, Chaney enjoys traveling, golf and spending time with her husband and kids.

A visit to the pediatrician is an important part of health care for children.

Bring all necessary documents, making sure to have your health insurance information, including insurance cards, photo identification for the guardians, immunization records, previous medical records, pharmacy contact information and hospital documents such as birth details and discharge papers.

Also, write down any questions, con-

cerns or observations about your child’s health to talk with medical personnel.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a total of 12 well-child visits for infants and toddlers. These visits. Are an important way to track health and development, with providers taking measurements, conducting thorough exams and answering any questions and concerns, along with providing immunizations as needed.

From 4 to 9 years old, check-up provide an opportunity to talk about safety, healthy eating, physical activity, school readiness and screen time.

Children’s bodies begin to change and

PAGE 23

Veteran Barter actor presenting characters in one production is exactly the kind of challenge that attracted Hardy to the concept.

"The more impossible it seemed, the more I knew I had to do it,” he recalled. "It was almost as if Dickens wrote the book expecting someone to adapt it into this kind of show. It’s a journey. Journeys make great plays because they’re always moving forward.”

Hardy has now performed this popular stage show more than 150 times in the past decade, earning the highest critical acclaim and audience reception alike.

"My audiences range from ages 7 to 87,” he observed. "They are all equally involved in the story, taking the journey with me.”

"The New York native Barter Theatre actor is the definitive orator for the Dickens classic,” read a review of his 2023 performance at the Lincoln Theatre

in Marion. "Hardy tells the story just as written, with sharp vigor.

In seventy minutes, which flew by as a single breath, he held the crowd of nearly a hundred enthralled listeners in silent awe— from his first utterance on stage, ‘Marley was dead: to begin with,’ to his final words, ‘God bless us, everyone.’”

"I almost feel like I have nothing to do with creating it,” Hardy said about his own performance. "I feel like I’m in the middle of it, and I’m constantly surprised by it.”

A downside to performing the show, Hardy admits, is that he can never watch or think about any other adaptation of the classic novella.

"It’s likely that I will never watch another A Christmas Carol film again,” he noted. "Because I hope to continue doing this show as long as I can walk.”

Yet, no two performances are identical.

"When I am perform-

ing this show, I get the actor out of the way,” he explained. "I let the characters tell me what to say next. As a result, even though the story is the same, each performance can be a little different.”

This aspect adds to the spontaneity of each show.

"I f I can’t predict it, then the audience can’t predict it,” Hardy concluded. "If I’m surprised by the performance, I know they will be too.”

For that gift, he gives full credit to Dickens and his amazing

Hospital hormone begin to fluctuate in the pre-teen years between 10 nd 12. Health care providers can talk about puberty, screen time, physical activity and the rising risks of depression and eating disorders.

Adolescence, the time between 13 and 18, comes with many physical, social and emotional developments as well as an increased drive for independence.

At this point, health care providers can discuss safety, body changes, mental health, stress, substance abuse and sleep, among other things.

For more information, visit WythePhysicianPractices.com or call 276-228-2405.

Wythe Physician Practices – Pediatrics is located at 590 W. Ridge Road, Suite J, Wytheville.

characters, who remain as relevant today as they were in 1843.

"I’m amazed at how much of the book I get into the play,” he stated. "I’m not reading the story, but so much of it comes through as I’m letting these characters live in the moment.”

Hardy lives in the full revelry of the Fezziwig Christmas ball and in the insurmountable grief of Bob Cratchit as he faces the impending loss of Tiny Tim. "Those are the moments I just have to take a deep breath and let happen,” he said of

the latter. "They’re as hard for me as they are for the audience.”

Hardy has visited Wytheville before as the inaugural director of the touring Barter Players. His trip to the Millwald Theatre will be the first time he brings his version of A Christmas Carol to the area.

"It is such a thrill to be onstage at the Millwald,” he commented.

"I love the fact that it is now a presenting house.”

Such venues are the reason Hardy wanted to do this show.

"There’s nothing like bringing productions like this to parts of the state that rarely get to see these types of shows,” Hardy said in closing. "Either they can’t travel or can’t afford it. With this show, I get to bring A Christmas Carol t o every nook and cranny of Virginia.”

For tickets to this incredible show, visit https://ci.ovationtix. c o m / 36 79 8/pe r f ormance/11530335 or call the Millwald Theatre box office at 276284-2958. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.