Discover Altavista

DISCOVER

Altavista is located alongside the scenic Staunton River and affords an abundance of outdoor amenities. We strive to give our citizens the resources they need that will enhance the Quality of Life for our community.

• The Altavista Community Transit System (ACTS) is our bus service that runs a fixed route, six days a week. Costing only .50cent per ride, our citizens enjoy a convenient and cost-efficient way to get around town.

• English Park has an expansive trail system for walking and biking. It also offers two pavilions a recently renovated playground, and a splash pad for summer fun.

• Shreve Park offers two pavilions and a large playground, that is nestled beside the Altavista Area YMCA and the War Memorial Park, which boasts multiple baseball fields for all age groups.

• Dalton’s Landing, a canoe and kayak boat launch, provides a six-mile river experience to fish or just enjoy the scenic journey back to English Park.

After your outdoor adventures, check out our business district with unique shops, restaurants, and the Town’s newest addition, the Spark Innovation Center, a coworking and makerspace with state-of-the-art technology and connectivity located in the heart of Downtown Altavista.

EDITOR

Debra Ferrell

WRITERS

Jeffrey Westbrook, Jason Daniel, Alice Prival, Toby Robertson, Debra Ferrell

DESIGN LAYOUT

Jess Ingram

GRAPHIC DESIGN | ADVERTISING

Mary Beth Wellborn, Amanda Meadows, Jasmaine Motley, Susan Lambert

FOR ADVERTISING

INFORMATION, CONTACT: advertising@altavistajournal.com

Discover Altavista Magazine is published throughout the year by Womack Publishing Company, the publisher of the Altavista Journal.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Altavista Journal

1007-A Main Street Altavista, VA 24517 434-369-6688

aljournal@altavistajournal.com www.altavistajournal.com

COVER PAGE:

Jamie Gillespie shows off the ribbon full of autographs of attendees to the recent opening of Spark Innovation Center in Altavista.

Debra Ferrell/Altavista Journal

Spark Innovation Center’s ribbon cutting had a huge turnout of more than 100 guests

Many officials, business owners, chamber members, and supporters turned out February 10 for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Spark Innovation Center in Altavista. The former Altavista fire station has been renovated into a first class facility to provide a community of connectivity for both individuals and businesses.

It offers a number of utilities including a communal workspace, kitchenette, high-speed internet, and soundproof call booths — for $15 a day. Monthly plans span from $99 per month to $299 per month, and add wired internet connections, conference room time, and, at higher levels, a mailing address and private office.

Altavista Mayor Mike Mattox kicked things off by extending a big welcome to guests for this momentus occasion. He pointed out that some may wonder why a small town like Altavista needs such a facility. Mattox explained that encouraging and supporting growth is important as easy, affordable access to resources is offered. “If you want to grow your skills set, think of us first. When growing a new business, we’re here for you.”

Making dreams come true for local

Story by Debra Ferrell

Pictured at right, the Spark Innovation Center’s community workspace includes office chairs, power outlets, and, for members with a monthly plan, wired internet access.

Photo by Sami Mirza.

businesses is the goal as well as the dream.

Mayor Mattox thanked Town Manager Gary Shanaberger and council members for attending the event to show their support for Spark.

Council member Dr. Scott Lowman shared some of the center’s history as he said, “It’s been five years in the making.”

He described how for the past five years he and council member Wayne Mitchell have been making a “grassroots effort” for the project.

For six months they met weekly to come up with the concept and funding to make it happen. Altavista On Track and board members joined these efforts as well as many others.

After completing a feasibility study for the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission they were able to get around $186,000 with another $40,000 from USDA, who were so impressed with the project they provided $100,000 instead.

And so the project continued on until arriving at the glorious day of the ribbon cutting. The facility has been such a success already that the Main Street program is holding the state meeting in this location.

Mitchell also spoke at the ceremony and thanked many of the key people who made this happen as he pointed out the need to

seek more grants that will allow it to grow and flourish.

Jamie Gillespie, who manages Spark as the business and community engagement coordinator for the Town of Altavista, thanked all the “great supporters” such as the Town of Altavista, Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce, Altavista On Track, Avoca Museum, and others that have worked hard to help any way possible to make this facility happen.

A time of socilizing and enjoying delicious refreshments by Carmen Campbell of Celebrating U Catering followed.

The center is located at 508 7th St. Altavista.

In a previous feature article on the center by columnist Sami Mirza, Gillespie remarked, “We’re just creating a space now to really foster that and help people work together and find opportunities or have access to the internet. We are still kind of a rural community; some of our pockets in the county still don’t have great internet access.”

In addition to offices and desk space there is a room or technology lab dubbed a “maker space,” which has a pair of 3D printers, a laser engraver, a large-scale printer for banners and car wraps, and a heat press.

“The maker space is pretty surprising to people when they see that and the capabilities — that existing companies can

Altavista Town Council Members left to right, Tim George, Wayne Mitchell, Mayor Mike Mattox, Dr. Scott Lowman, and Tracy Emerson. Photo by Debra Ferrell.

come in and make branded products here if they want to, have some nice marketing swag to give clients, and things like that,” Gillespie adds.

Spark originated from a proposal to have a museum or educational center for children in Altavista.

“We did a feasibility study, and it showed we might be a little bit too small for that,” Gillespie said. “So from there, we morphed it into this idea of a ‘center for everyone’ — offering student programming. I’d like to see eventually, maybe robotics, coming in and building robots. We can do that in the lab and then bring them out here in the open space and have little competitions or things like that.”

In addition to the co-working space, Gillespie is also planning for Spark to partner with the Lynchburg Region Small Business Development Center to provide programming for alreadyestablished businesses.

“What we want to do is actually bring them here physically to the space at least once a month,” Gillespie said. “If I’m an existing business in town and I want to come over and meet with them, they offer confidential coaching, one-on-one meetings to help you just work through things. Maybe you want to learn more about marketing or you’re trying to develop a budget, they can

kind of advise you and help walk you through that.”

She said that the Altavista Town Council had voted at their Dec. 13 public meeting to run the internet at the Altavista Town Hall and Police Department through Spark — which itself will be providing Wi-Fi to downtown Altavista.

“We’ll actually be putting a transmitter on the top of the Staunton River (Memorial Library) clock tower, which will put high speed internet all downtown,” she said. “In the third phase, they’ll extend internet all the way to English Park, so if you’re at the Booker Building or you’re down at the splash pad, you’ll be able to get on free Wi-Fi.”

No doubt the center will continue to grow and offer more and more services to the public. Gillespie notes that she wants everyone to benefit from the center. “It’s not just for business offices or picking up the internet.”

She hopes it will grow to incorporate local students who can benefit from the technology here with the addition of classes to make it even easier to get a small business started without all of the costs of running your own office.

“I think as people come in and they see it and they learn how they can use the space, the interest then is growing even more,” she adds.•

Spark Innovation Center’s ribbon cutting had a huge turnout of more than 100 guests. Photo by Debra Ferrell.

A congenial, family-oriented town of approximately 1,300 citizens located at the northern end of Pittsylvania County. We are separated adjoining larger town of Altavista only by the Roanoke (Staunton) River. Come join our charming town, home to people of all ages with a considerable range of demographics and interests.

NO MATTER THE SEASON,

A congenial, family-oriented town located at the northern end of Pittsylvania County. Come join our charming town, home to people of all ages with a considerable range of demographics and interests.

Old Dominion Insurance

Successful insurance company opens branch in Altavista

Alarge group of community leaders and fellow business owners turned out in late January for a ribbon cutting ceremony courtesy of Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce for the new Old Dominion Insurance Services, Inc. office on Main Street in Altavista. A reception was also provided during the afternoon for guests. Chris Wingfield from Airabella’s won a television in a special giveaway for the opening.

The office is located at 823 Main St. Suite C, Altavista. There is another office located at 318 S Main St., Gretna.

The professional teams at both locations offer Auto, Home, Life, and Commercial Insurance.

The Gretna office opened in February 2009 with Altavista opening in January 2023.

Offices are operated by owners Kimberly Ragland and Gil Ragland. They are assisted by Kim Barbour.

Offering the best products at the best prices for their clients is always a top priority and multi-policy discounts are given

for all types of business and personal policies.

Choosing Altavista was an easy choice when considering expansion and growth. “I live in Altavista,” says Kimberly Ragland. Offering clients products and services here that they may not be getting elsewhere is important. She explains, “To be above all in service is key. Being an independent agency gives us the flexibility to offer the best price and the best fit for our clients.”

She continues to explain, “We’ve always served in the community. Gil was on the Chamber board for five years and I am currently on the board.”

Hours of operation:

Altavista office: 823 Main St., Suite C, Altavista, VA 24517. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday Closed. Call 434-381-8215 for information.

Gretna office: 318 S Main St., Suite B, Gretna, VA 24557. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 434-381-8233 for information.•

Pictured above, Old Dominion staff and well wishers turned out for the recent ribbon cutting at the new Altavista office.

Story & Photos by Debra Ferrell

UNCLE BILLY’S DAY REUNION Popular festival is canceled for 2023

Story by By Debra Ferrell

The Uncle Billy’s Day Reunion event in Altavista scheduled for June 2-3, 2023, has been cancelled. Discussions began last fall about bringing this festival back to the community, but due to circumstances beyond its control, the committee has decided to focus its efforts on planning for the return of Uncle Billy’s Day in June 2024.

The Uncle Billy’s Day Reunion Committee includes Town of Altavista staff, Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce staff and Board of Directors, Avoca Museum staff and Board of Directors, and individual community members involved in previous Uncle Billy’s Day festival planning. The committee understands the desire of the community to see Uncle Billy’s Day return and is looking forward to a successful event in 2024.

In preparing for next year’s event, the Chamber will develop an event committee to execute the planning and logistics of Uncle Billy’s Day. An event of this magnitude requires a large amount of volunteer support. If you are interested in helping with the festival as an individual volunteer and/or a group of volunteers through civic organizations, please contact the committee at unclebillysday@gmail.com or (434) 272-8762.

While the larger 2023 Uncle Billy’s Day festival has been postponed, an Uncle Billy’s Day inspired celebration will occur on Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 2-5 p.m. at the Avoca Museum in Altavista. This celebration will include a Gospel Music festival, Old Time Cake Walk, food vendors, and more. This event will be free to attend.

Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bev Watlington explains postponing the event was difficult. “The decision to postpone Uncle Billy’s Day was a joint

decision made with a lot of difficulty. We all want our festival back, but it just got down to the wire and we simply did not have enough resources to make it a successful comeback.”

In years past, it would often take a year of planning and booking entertainment and craft and food vendors due to their own prior commitments to appear at other events and festivals.

Watlington thinks that 2019 was the last time UBD was held due to COVID 19 hitting in early 2020.

She elaborates, “As Executive Director of the Chamber the decision not to have UBD 2023 is a double-edged sword really. Not having Uncle Billy’s Day frees me up to focus on the Chamber’s mission and to work on revitalizing the Chamber to best benefit and serve our members. The downside is the disappointment we all feel by not having our annual town festival,” she continues. “However, with the cancellation, we also identified a plan, which we hope the community will embrace. The plan is to establish an Uncle Billy’s Day Committee. We are inviting our community to participate in the very design of UBD. When I say ‘design’ we mean, the very essence of UBD. Is there a carnival, an art show, types of food and music, etc.”

She describes how having partners that can adopt portions of the festival and take ownership will be a tremendous asset. Organizers are open to working with local businesses, churches, and fellow non-profits and feel that by establishing a committee of various interests and groups, they can make Uncle Billy’s Day more robust and attractive to all.

“In this regard, it really will be a celebration of community. We are considering setting up a public funding option so that

anyone can contribute. I’d be interested to see if our town can do this; it would be pretty amazing if we could. Imagine a town of citizens coming together, funding, organizing, and then attending our own event. I think that would say a lot about our community, our people, and our quality of life. When we speak about quality of life and how good ours is, we absolutely owe gratitude to the Town of Altavista, the town staff, and Town Council. We are fortunate that we are small enough to have personal connections with our government, but big enough to host events like UBD.”

By its very nature, the planning of any festival is quite a large task. As a Chamber, its mission is really to provide benefits to members, which means, the Chamber’s very existence is to serve the membership. The board agrees that as a good corporate citizen, they have a responsibility to the community as well.

Watlington continues, “Uncle Billy’s Day is important. Our quality of life is just as important. Quality of life includes things like having choices, opportunities, comfort, and happiness. Without the local business community, our quality of life is diminished. Access to quality products and services locally, access to good food, access to trustworthy banking, real estate, mechanics, and more. The list goes on and on. Without patronage, our businesses can’t survive. The Chamber exists to help business increase their patronage and loyalty from the community. It is a circle. By keeping your dollars here, and shopping local, business thrives, and depends less on the Chamber. Which frees up more time for community event planning. So, do consider taking a peek locally before speed ordering from Amazon or online. It actually does trickle down to having our beloved Uncle Billy’s Day again, or not.”•

Visitors to the Uncle Billy’s Day festival are disappointed that the event has been canceled again.

TAKE TWO

Rainout date proves perfect for Vista BBQ Festival

It was an absolutely perfect day for an outdoor festival in Altavista in mid October. The temperature was in the 70s, the sun shone brightly, and the sky glowed a brilliant blue as only an autumnal sky can. On October 15, the Second Annual Vista BBQ Festival took place in English Park, 11:45 a.m. until 8:45 p.m..

Contrast that weekend with the Saturday two weeks earlier, on October 1. That date was the originally scheduled day for the festival - until it became clear that the remnants of Hurricane Ian would be blowing through that weekend.

Following high winds and heavy storming on that Friday (Sept. 1) in Altavista, it rained all day Saturday. The KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Association) sanctioned barbecue

competition went ahead as scheduled in spite of the rain, but the event organizers wisely postponed the festival to the rain date on the 15th.

What exactly happens at Altavista On Track’s (AOT) Vista BBQ Festival, you ask? Well, of course, there’s barbecuedelicious barbecued meat from three vendors - Buddy’s BBQ, Chief’s BBQ, and Claire Parker’s BBQ. For those who want to eat something other than barbecue (seriously?), there was also the Unbeatable Pita food truck. The weather was still warm enough that Big Blue Ice Cream Truck kept busy serving up frozen treats.

Then there were the local breweries and distilleries selling their beer and spirits. The following vendors served up beer:

Above, BlackByrd Medicine has the music pumping out to inspire any would be dancers. On opposite page, from left, there was tons of tasty food to sample at the very successful BBQ Festival in Altavista. Children enjoyed getting their faces painted on this sunny afternoon.

Story & Photos by Jeffrey Westbrook

Loose Shoe Brewing Company (Appomattox and Amherst), Three Roads Brewing Company (Lynchburg and Farmville), Ballad Brewing Company (Danville), and Danville Distributing.

Dome & Spear Distillery (Evington) had on hand its McCauley’s Virginia Bourbon Whiskey. Springfield Distillery (Halifax) offered its whiskey and flavored whiskey.

Three performing groups brought live music throughout the day. Zach Burnette Band with Johnny Hiland kicked off the music, 1:30-3 p.m., followed by So Diverse, 3:30-5 p.m., and closing out the music was BlackByrd Medicine, 5:307 p.m. They played on the outdoor stage at the back of the Booker Building, with spectators bringing chairs to sit on the lawn and enjoy the tunes.

Burnette is a Lynchburg native and a country music recording and performing artist whose music can be found online on Spotify and Apple Music. His latest album, “Nothing But Everything,” was released in 2021.

Scott and Sean of So diverse have been performing together since the 1990s. They and their band play a mix of originals and classic rock.

Local rock band BlackByrd Medicine, according to their Facebook page, describe themselves thus. “We love Rock & Roll! Hippies to Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Alternative Rock, Punk Rock - we pay tribute to them all! Come take a journey with us & get your dose of BlackByrd Medicine.”

A special performance to round out the evening, 7:15 - 8:15 p.m., featured Drogoonis Flame’s “A Night with Dragons: Fire

Arts entertainment production.”

There were games and activities for the children. Face painting and balloon twisting were particularly popular. There was also a photo booth with all sorts of props for individual and group photos.

Another popular part of the festivities was the classic car show, facilitated by Backwoods Rod & Customs Association of Central Virginia. The Campbell County-based group has been around since 1974, according to their Facebook Page.

The car show included raffle drawings and awards for various categories of cars. The car show was a benefit event for Kylie Adams. She is a six-year-old girl who is battling brain cancer. All proceeds went to her family to help them with expenses. The entry fee was a donation, amount left to the entrants’ discretion. The show raised $1,400 for her, according to the car club.

Show winners included the following. Best of Show: 1935 Ford 5 Window coupe, owners Butch & Debbie Middleton; Best Car: 1964 Chevy II Nova, owner Tony Barbour; Best Truck: 1951 GMC truck, owner Wayne Davis; Best Rat Rod: 1947 Studebaker pickup, owners Tim & Betty Vasser; Best Motorcycle/ Tractor: 1950 Allis Chalmers Tractor, owners Tim & Betty Vasser.

With the great success of the Second Annual Vista BBQ Festival, one can hope that it will be a tradition that will continue for many years to come. •

Healthy Veterans Market

Opens up in Altavista

Fresh Food, Low price!

Where can you buy a dozen cage-free, big, brown eggs gathered that morning for $5.00? Healthy Veterans Market, that’s where!

Located at 1056 Wards Road right here in Altavista is a new veteran family market that is run, produced, and proudly presented by those who have defended our country and continue to serve our country with their skills and commitment to honor and serve.

Diana Rider, herself a veteran having been stationed in South Korea and Iraq, returned from her deployments with severe PTSD and spent much of her time looking for sources to help her integrate back into society as she found herself fast becoming a recluse running out of options.

She found Valor Farm, a place where veterans can live and work together as a family as they rebuild their ability to resume their lives as civilians, and be a part of the freedoms they once fought for. This program aids in healing the blocks created by combat.

The market itself opened in November 2022 providing not only fresh produce from its umbrella, Valor Farm, but offering an environment to interact with others,

both veterans and local civilians. Rider says, “Healthy Veterans Market highlights veteran products as well as community products given to support the program. Farm fresh meats, eggs, produce, and artisan products fill the market. Young veteran volunteers from Liberty University help in the efforts to keep the farm and market running.”

“It was always intended to have a market on the property,” says CEO Bob Dees, 31 years in the military. A Lieutenant, Commander over a man who shot himself brought him awareness of the escalating suicide rate. This led him to accept a position of Vice President of Liberty for Military Outreach 2011 - 2015.

Dees wanted to form a healing environment so in 2020 he founded Valor Farm with COO General Jeff Horne. Kathleen Dees, wife of Bob Dees, is a smiling and welcoming face that you can see in and out of the market. She proudly relates, “My husband and I made a formal move here from Texas in 2022.” Kathleen when asked, graciously turns to Rider and states, “This is her baby, Healthy Veterans Market.”

Rider beams and relates, “I started here at Valor Farm

Pictured, at right, Diana Rider looks at ease in the kitchen as she prepares products for the market.

Story & photos by Alice Prival

as a volunteer and then in January 2021 became the Office Manager, and now...” she waves her arm proudly showing the scope of the well stocked, decoratively displayed products ranging from hand-made quilts, to key chains, to drastically reduce priced fresh meats from the farm, 30% off traditional market prices, alongside freshly grown produce and eggs laid that morning! She relates, “General Horne and Lieutenant Bob Dees are my constant guides.”

The front part of the store was designed to display and sell veteran-made products that help veterans overcome their PTSD, anxiety, and loss of confidence. Rider says, “The VA has only identified 30% of veterans who need help. My biggest hurdle is I want the project to move faster, but I have to learn to be patient. This is Phase 1.

“We plan to build a community room in the back, and a patio for eating (not meant to be a typical high tech cafe with headphones, disconnected from everyone around them), but an interactive environment to communicate with others. For me the market is my way to give back to an organization that helped me, and the

great need for this program. Valor Farm serves as a oneyear residential program addressing, physical, mental, spiritual and relational needs. Our motto is: Returning healthy Veterans to America.”

On March 27, 2022 Governor Glenn Youngkin came to Valor Farm to present the first-ever award given, The Spirit of Virginia Award. Our greatest heroes are right here at Valor Farm serving our community with their hearts and hands.

Please bring them the recognition they deserve by frequenting Healthy Veterans Market. Let’s return to them what they gave to us. Rider concludes, “We are more than just employees. We have come together with the sole purpose to help veterans. God has led us here through events in our lives. God gives us who we need and when we need them. We truly believe God is working on Valor Farm.”

Healthy Veterans Market 1056 Wards Road

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. •

Fresh cage-free eggs are available for purchase every morning at the Healthy Veterans Market.

ALTAVISTA COLONELS

State title run ends

Story

On March 6, the stage was set once again at Heritage High School as the Altavista Colonels battled Region A champion Lancaster in the Class 1 state semifinals. The Colonels fell to the undefeated Red Devils 69-40, ending their state title run. Altavista found some early success as Stuart Hunt (13 points) finished strong at the rim to finish off an old-fashioned three-point play to give the Colonels

an early 8-2 lead.

Lancaster responded by turning up the ball pressure on the Colonels and taking a five point lead after one quarter of play. The Red Devils began to separate themselves in the second period as they connected on six three-pointers in the first half including three from guard Gerrion Owens (15 points). Following a steal and two-handed dunk by Owens, Lancaster pushed their lead to 37-22

at halftime.

The Colonels looked to rally to begin the third period as Jayden Boyd (14 points) nailed a threepointer and Hunt drove in for a tough basket inside to cut into the Lancaster lead. The Red Devils responded once again behind the play of the Henderson brothers Troy (16 points) and Tyson (17 points) who helped vault Lancaster to a 5234 lead heading into the final frame.

by Jason Daniel Photos by Toby Robertson

The Colonels, coming in averaging 72 points per game, were bottled down by Lancaster all game, effectively taking away the threat of the Colonels outside shooting abilities as the Colonels scored a season-low in falling to the Red Devils for the second time this season, ending their state title dreams with the 69-40 loss.

Altavista (21-5) closed out a very memorable and stellar campaign which saw them finish atop the Dogwood District undefeated while capturing their third consecutive region title.•

Shown at left, Altavista coach talks to players during a timeout. On opposite page, Altavista Boys Basketball team stand together as season came to a end.

Pictured at right, Altavista #24 Stuart Hunt and Lancaster #3 Gerrion Owens tip off.

Yellow Branch Baptist Church held its 100 mile yard fall sales event one week late since it was unable to do so the first week of October due to rain on three days out of four due to Hurricane Ian coming through. The spring 2023 version will be here in May.

Pictured above, the trade lot in Altavista featured this overflowing assortment of goodies in the sale. It sells spots for your own space for the event. At right, Pastor Tom Wild, Yellow Branch Baptist Church (standing right), stopped by to see how sales were going for Richard Kustra of Long Island (seated) and Richard McLaughlin of Rustburg (left).

Photos by Debra Ferrell

Pictured far left, on opposite page, Shirley Wilkes of Franklin County gets her table of wares ready for customers at Yellow Branch Baptist Church. At left, Ray Burnett of Goode had a table full of antique bottle lovers’ delights.

ALTAVISTA COLONELS

Team excels at State Indoor Track meet

DeXaria Berger is a STATE 1A/2A Indoor Track and Field Champion in the Triple Jump. Berger was number one coming into the track meet in her event. On her first jump she hit 35-9, which gave her the lead throughout the event. Berger was still number one going into finals, but not by much as Appomattox’s Harmony Troxler jumped a 35-6.5.

In finals, on Troxler’s second to last jump, she improved

her distance to 35-7. Now just two inches away from Berger it was her turn to jump. Her second jump was great, but the guy running the event zoned out for a split second and called out scratch. Clearly, Berger jumped two feet behind the board, so it was supposed to be marked. He then changed it to yelling mark, but it was too late as they had already pushed the rakes through the sand to erase her jump. They measured where they thought it was, but only got a 34-7. Berger was left with

Shown above, Altavista’s Jordan Pippin runs in 55 meter Dash. On opposite page, at top, Altavista’s DeXaria Berger jumps to win state title in Triple Jump. Pictured below this, beginning at left, Altavista’s J’Vlen Irvin throws shot put during state meet. Altavista’s Camille Pennix jumps in high jump event at Inddor Track state meet.

Story & Photos by Toby Robertson

only one jump.

Troxler of Appomattox had a great last jump, but just wasn’t enough as she only got 35-1.5. With that being said, Berger was the champ, but still had her last jump and she didn’t let the previous jump affect her as she jumped her new personal best of 36-5.5 on her very last jump to clinch the championship. Also, for Berger’s jump she broke the school record.

Altavista Boys 4x800 meter relay also had a great first day finishing fourth overall and breaking their own school record by more than 14 seconds. Members of the relay were Joel Phillips, Joseph Derrick, Eric Nichols, and Shane Stevens. They finished with a time of 8:58.71.

Shane Stevens placed seventh in the 1600-meter run with an all-time personal best as well. Stevens tried a new strategy of getting out quickly as to not getting stuck behind all of the runners in his race. He snuck right in behind the leader for the first few laps. Stevens ended up seventh and ran thirteen seconds faster than his best. He ran a time of 4:46.12.

Altavista’s 4x400 meter relay had a great race as well finishing off the day in seventh place and breaking their best time of the season by 8 seconds and breaking the school record by 6 seconds. Members of the team were Jordan Pippin. Eric Nichols, Jase Shelton, and Joel Phillips. They finished with a time of 3:41.67.

Many other athletes who didn’t get top eight were really close to placing and also had some personal best numbers in their respective events. Congratulations to all the athletes who competed in the STATE 1A/2A Indoor Track meet.•

Altavista dog hits the big time with entry in top contest

Story & Photos Submitted

Alocal dog is in the running for America’s Favorite Pet! Competing against hundreds of other dogs since January 16th, Sam, a Border Collie from Myrtle Lane in Altavista, has now made it to the quarter-finals of the annual event. He must win three more rounds of voting before he’s named the country’s favorite dog for 2023.

Altavista resident Samantha Parsons adopted Sam last November. They’ve become known in the community as Sam & Sam. The dog’s first owner became unable to care for him after a stroke. Ironically, Parsons had lost her aging Border Collie Mojo to a sudden brain aneurism about a year prior.

“Our shared experiences of loss and our shared name made me fall in love,” Parsons says. “I found him while scrolling on my phone before bed and I immediately applied for him.”

The morning after she submitted the application, the Blue Ridge Border Collie Rescue called and began the approval process. Sam’s foster said she was prepared to keep the dog indefinitely because senior dogs are so difficult to find homes for.

The two Sams have now become inseparable. Sam is a highly social dog who loves every human he meets. On walks, he often sits and whines in front of every home that houses one of his dog friends. Even when his aging joints won’t let him go for

long walks, he still likes to go sit in the median of the road every morning & observe what is going on in the neighborhood.

Common for Border Collies, Sam the dog is highly intelligent and hard working. In his retirement age, he has taken on the responsibility of burying and guarding every bone he’s given. Originally a city dog, Sam has enjoyed rural living and prefers to sit outside all day. He even prefers rainwater to the tap. He is oddly scared of large birds (like buzzards & geese), has a perpetually-scratched nose because he buries his bones using it instead of his arthritic front legs, and sits to watch the sunset almost every day at 4:30 p.m.

Winning the America’s Favorite Pet competition includes a profile in Dogster Magazine and a check for $5,000. If Sam wins, Parsons hopes he will inspire others to adopt senior dogs. She also says that they will donate a portion of the prize money to the Blue Ridge Border Collie rescue that Sam came from, the Central Virginia Regional Rescue, that the family volunteers with locally, and Altavista’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity where Parsons is a member of the Board of Directors. Remaining funds will be reserved for Sam’s senior healthcare. •

Sam, pictured on opposite page, has made a name for himself competing for the honor of America’s Favorite Pet in this national contest.

Aspiring Artists at Avoca to donate their work

Alice

The Altavista High School curriculum got a little larger this year with the addition of a new horticulture course.

Pallets of paint canvases immortalizing the 19th century home of the late Lynchburg brothers provide a colorful display. Bright young artists were invited March 3-4 to participate in the first art festival, contest, and auction held in the historic home of Avoca Museum in Altavista.

Caleb Lafoon, Executive Director of Avoca Museum, states, “We wanted to do something outside the box, something different. The idea was patterned after an art festival in New Orleans. We reached out to local schools throughout Central Virginia and attracted 40 contestants!”

March 3 was inspiring to observe as the young artists, in particular a group from Liberty Christian Academy, graced the elegant home bringing the flow of young artists like living statues strategically placed throughout the home painting with passion in hopes their work would gain notoriety as well as be responsible for educational programs that through their auctioned paintings would be made possible.

Much thanks to Joy Quarmount who has her Masters in Fine Art, and is the art instructor at Liberty Christian Academy. She is extremely dedicated to her students and introduces each along with their artwork with pride in their future. Looking not much older than her students and beaming with as much enthusiasm as they, she excitedly shows her painting in the works, a mirror she found irresistible to paint, and that she titled, “Reflections of the Past Through the Glass.”

As she imparts her art expertise she also imparts the objective for the young artists in the historic home as they follow her lead in trying to capture the feel of yesterday through their art. Quarmount says, “I love this home so much, and while I am painting all day I feel like I live here!”

By the way, she won 1st place in Adult Acrylic! Congratulations!

Lafoon emphasizes, “One of our main goals this year is to reach more people, make it more accessible to the community, free to the public, and fundraisers to make the events possible. We are trying to strike a balance between the two.”

On Saturday, March 4, Gail Puckette, Events Coordinator, flowed through the rooms showing

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off the amazing art on display that exceeded her expectations, as ribbons were placed on the paintings following the competition, showing the winners. However, all were winners in that all were given the opportunity to donate their art for the cause at the auction, or sell their art to the public before the auction. They were invited to display their art at the YMCA where art work hangs on the walls for sale.

Jenna Fetheroth, 1st place winner in the Youth Acrylic category, a 17 year old student at Liberty Christian Academy states, “Art is my passion. I take it seriously, and I want to support this fundraiser.”

A wonderful upcoming event on October 13th and 14th called “Night at the Museum” is an interactive historical event, free to the public!

Avoca serves a wide range in the community, in fact Puckette shares, “For this art festival letters were sent to every high school and college in a 100 mile radius to enter the contest.”

Among the many sponsors, the top two are Gold Sponsor Altavista Arts Council and Secondary Sponsor Clean Footprint. Avoca is grateful for their support and

for the response to the schools that responded with the many talented and enthusiastic art students who not only responded for their own personal art aspirations, but for the opportunity to participate in providing more programs and events for the Town of Altavista.

Everyone looks forward to more events to come!

Thanks to all of the amazing artwork that was made possible for our viewing and the dedication and generosity the students gave in donating their talents to a worthy cause! •

Winners in their respective categories are as follows:

ADULT WATERCOLOR

1st Joshlyn Likin

2nd Eliza Copes

3rd Sarah Cassada

ADULT ACRYLIC

1st Joy Quarmount, 2nd Rachel Peters

3rd Dixie Calhoun

YOUTH WATERCOLOR

1st Emma Dunmire

2nd Gabe McGehee

3rd Kira Vertian

YOUTH ACRYLIC

1st Jenna Fetheroth

2nd Izabella Pantana

3rd Julia Joo

Shown on opposite page, Jenna Fetheroth, Youth Acrylic, 1st place winner.

Pictured above, Joy Quarmount, Adult Acrylic, 1st place winner.

TIMBROOK

STAUNTON RIVER (ALTAVISTA)

PATRICK HENRY (BROOKNEAL)

All four branches are open to the public to use our computers, check out materials, and use our Wi-Fi. Curbside PickUp is still available and we are happy to assist.

Details here: https://campbellcountylibraries.org/2020/05/19/ccpls-reopening-story/ and here: https://campbellcountylibraries.org/curbside-pick-up/

Need some back to school support for your family? The library can help!

Details here: https://campbellcountylibraries.org/school/

AGNES DOWDY & ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE

1003 Main St. • Altavista, VA 24517 434-369-4224 434-369-6880

CENTURY 21 | ALL SERVICE

20886 Timberlake Rd. • Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-237-7777

LYNCHBURG BOARD OF REALTORS

3639 Old Forest Rd. • Lynchburg, VA 24501 434-385-8760

RED DOOR REALTY, LLC.

186 Campbell Highway • Suite B • Rustburg, VA 24588 434-609-7200

REMAX 1ST OLYMPIC 20395 Timberlake Rd. • Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-832-1100

SHORTT AUCTION & REALTY CO.

616 Campbell Ave. • Altavista, VA 24517 434-369-6678

WATTS AUCTION REALTY APPRAISAL

7661 Wards Rd. • Rustburg, VA 24588 434-821-5263

RESTAURANTS

ALTAVISTA/HURT

Chef’s Drive – In

1101 Main St., Altavista

434-369-5590

China Wok Supper Buffet

1307 Main St. Ste L, Altavista 434-369-8268

Dairy Freeze

910 Main St., Altavista 434-369-5479

Domino’s 1000 Main St., Altavista 434-369-6767

El Cazador

911 Main St., Altavista 434-369-7953

El Cerrito Mexican Restaurant and Grill

1297 Main St., Altavista

434-309-1237

Hardee’s

1022 Main St., Altavista

434-369-5323

Main Street Buffet

1410 Main St., Altavista 434-309-1113

Main Street Cafe & Coffee 600 Main St., Altavista 434-369-2233

McDonald’s

404 Main St., Altavista 434-369-5885

Pizza Hut

105 Clarion Rd., Altavista 434-369-0111

Peace of Pie Pizzeria

519 Broad St., Altavista 434-309-1008

Perky’s Restaurant

802 Wards Rd., Altavista 434-369-9908

Yamazato

221 Main Street Ste B, Hurt 434-324-8288

Wendy’s

167 Clarion Rd., Altavista 434-309-2666

The Tuscan Italian Grill

2600 Dearing Ford Rd., Altavista

Taste of Italy

105 Clarion Rd. Ste 2, Altavista 434-309-1743

Taco Bell

165 Clarion Rd., Altavista 434-309-1723

Two Sisters Tap Room & Deli 2181 Lynch Mill Rd., Altavista 434-369-7476

Scoops

504 Pittsylvania Ave., Altavista (434)608-2456

Subway 1301 Main St., Altavista 434-369-2366

Subway 125 Clarion Rd., Altavista 434-309-1085

RUSTBURG/ GLADYS

Angela’s Italian Restaurant

39 Barracks Ln., Rustburg 434-332-4474

Colonial Restaurant 8790 Wards Rd., Rustburg 434-821-2511

Courthouse Cafe

880 Village Hwy, Rustburg 434-332-3301

Domino’s 1051 Village Hwy, Rustburg 434-332-1135

Hardee’s

889 Village Hwy, Rustburg 434-332-3800

Rosie’s Cozy Kitchen

7943 Brookneal Hwy, Gladys 434-283-3000

LaCarreta

69 Barricks Ln. Ste D, Rustburg 434-332-1600

Long Mountain Grill 69 Barricks Ln., Rustburg 434-332-4582

The Lunch Box and Catering 619 Village Hwy, Rustburg 434-332-1428

McDonald’s 11059 Wards Rd., Rustburg 434-821-3227

Napoli’s Italian Restaurant 486 Village Hwy, Rustburg

Star East Chinese Restaurant 1051 Village Hwy, Rustburg 434-332-3394

Bojangles 1755 Callahan Rd., Rustburg 434-821-3344

TIMBERLAKE

Arby’s 21717 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-582-1902

Biscuitville 8123 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-237-0329

Bojangles 126 Old Graves Mill Rd., Lynchburg 434-485-7016

Carol’s Cafe

21700 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-266-1066

Country Cooking

20584 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg

434-239-1996

Dairy Queen 8021 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-237-7030

El Cabrito’s 21104 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-239-8226

OIP The Original Italian Pizza and Restaurant 3412 Waterlick Rd., Lynchburg 434-239-1113

KFC

20250 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-237-2758

La Carretta

8004 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-239-9701

TGIF Fridays

7815 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-237-9260

Porter House Restaurant and Lounge

7819 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-237-5655

Yamazato Japanese Restaurants

21039 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-237-9557

Wendy’s

7909 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg 434-237-4543

TOWN OF ALTAVISTA

Chamber of Commerce...................................434-369-6665

Town Hall..........................................................434-369-5001

Police Administration.........................................434-369-7425

After Hours Police Department........................434-369-4488

Public Works ...................................................434-369-6045

Treasurer’s Office ............................................434-369-5002

Voter Registration..............................................434-592-9579

Water Treatment Plant.......................................434-324-7251

Wastewater Treatment Plant ...........................434-369-6284

After Hours Public Works Emergencies..........434-369-4488

Altavista Economic Development Authority....434-401-9729

Zoning ..............................................................434-369-5001

CAMPBELL COUNTY

General Information..................................................332-9500

Animal Control............................................................332-9574

Building Inspections...................................................332-9596

Circuit Court Clerk......................................................332-9517

Circuit Court Judge.....................................................332-9515

Commissioner of Accounts........................................332-9522

Commissioner of the Revenue....................................332-9518

Commonwealth’s Attorney........................................332-9520

Community Development..........................................332-9597

Economic Development............................................332-9595

Environmental Health................................................332-9550

Erosion & Sediment Control......................................332-9506

Farm Service Agency................................................332-6640

Farmers Home Administration....................................332-5147

Fire/Rescue...............................................................332-9540

Forestry.......................................................................946-7955

General District Court Clerk.....................................332-9546

Geographic Information Systems.............................332-9819

Human Resources......................................................332-9500

Industrial Development Au.......................................332-9595

Jail..............................................................................332-9583

Juvenile Court Service Unit.......................................332-9533

Landfill.........................................................................821-7125

Magistrate.................................................................332-9563

Maintenance.............................................................332-9528

Management Services..............................................332-9667

Mental Health............................................................332-5149

Parks & Recreation....................................................332-9570

Public Safety (Animal Control......................................332-9574

NUMBERS TO KNOW

Public Safety (Non-Emergency)...............................332-9540

Public Works...............................................................332-9528

Purchasing.................................................................332-9670

Real Estate..................................................................332-9568

Registrar.....................................................................332-9579

Schools - Administrative Office................................332-3458

Sheriff’s Department................................................332-9580

Social Services.........................................................332-9585

Soil Conservation....................................................332-9534

Treasurer ................................................................332-9590

Victim Witness Assistance Program..........................332-9520

Virginia Cooperative Extension...............................332-9538

Virginia Stormwater Management Program............332-9506

Voter Registration..................................................332-9579

Water and Sewer (CCUSA) ................................239-8654

Youth, Adult, and Community Services (YACS)...........332-9572

Zoning, Planning & Subdivisions.............................332-9597

CENSUS FOR ALTAVISTA, VA (2019 CENSUS)

Population: 3,443 (Incorporated in 1912)

Median Home Income: $32,527

Median Home Value: $120,000

Square Miles: 4.89

People per Square Mile: 704

CENSUS FOR CAMPBELL COUNTY (2018 CENSUS)

Population: 55,158

Median Home Income: $48,823 (2013-2017)

Median Home Value: $154,300 (2013-2017)

Square Miles: 503.87 (2010)

People per Square Mile: 109.5 (2018)

TAX RATE INFORMATION

Campbell County

Personal Property: $4.40/$100 (Current Rate)

Real Estate: $0.52/$100

Agnes Dowdy & Associates is a full service real estate firm. We are qualified to handle all types of properties and are knowledgeable in the many different types of financing available. We have offered professional services in this area since 1972 and look forward to continuing to be an active part of the Altavista community. We market residential, lake, commercial and investment properties as well as farms and new construction. We turn houses into homes and dreams into realities!

Agnes D. Anderson, Principal Broker/Owner, William P. Anderson, Associate Broker Cindi Parsons, Associate Broker & Mark Dowdy, Sales Associate

Commercial Property

Residential Property

Lake Property

Farm Property

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CELEBRATING 27 YEARS 1996