Discover Campbell County

Brookneal OSB

Serving our community since 1996 in Brookneal, Virginia. Georgia-Pacific Building Products has a legacy of creating strong, durable, sustainable building materials from exterior sheathing products to drywall in walls and ceilings to industry leading roof products and supporting products from lumber to subfloors to fire doors. We help members of the building community build quality commercial and residential construction projects all over the world. Blue Ribbon™ OSB is an outstanding choice for wall sheathing, roof sheathing, and sub-floors. Its multi-layered construction gives it stability and stiffness for your sheathing needs. And it lies flat for easy installation. Dimensional stability and strength for your sheathing needs.

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PRESIDENT

Chad B. Harrison

EDITOR

Debra Ferrell

WRITERS

Alice Prival, Toby Robertson, Jeffrey Westbrook

GRAPHIC DESIGN | LAYOUT

Jess Ingram

GRAPHIC DESIGN | ADVERTISING

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

REGIONAL MARKETING ASSISTANT

Lisa Fowlkes 434-770-4715

advertising@altavistajournal.com

A special publication of the Altavista Journal

Womack Publishing Company, Inc. 1007-A Main Street • PO Box 630 (P) 434-369-6688 • (F) 434-369-6689

To advertise in Discover Campbell County or any of our special publications, call 434-369-6688

www.altavistajournal.com

COVER PAGE:

Leslie Dorr and Declan Moody, mom and son, finishe the race together.

Photo by Toby Robertson/Altavista Journal

Melanie Day is crossing the finish line of the Diamond Divas Walk/Run.

Photo by Toby Robertson.

Seneca Lake Venue is located in the scenic community of Gladys, Virginia. Newly constructed in 2021, our spacious barn provides endless charm and features to host a memorable wedding or special event. Nestled between acres of pines and pasture, Seneca Lake is the ideal blend of charm and modern convenience.

www.senecalakevenue.com | 434-610-3639

Red Hill

Patrick Henry National Memorial

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill includes Patrick Henry’s Grave and Law Office, his reconstructed House and other outbuildings, rare family artifacts in the E. Stuart James Grant Museum Room, the Museum Shop, and a growing network of interpretive scenic trails. The Quarter Place, which is a half-mile long trail culminating at the Enslaved & African American Cemetery, integrates, in a meaningful way, the birth, life, perseverance, and resilience of those enslaved by Henry into the history of Red Hill and the nation’s founding.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm | Sunday 1pm-5pm

1250 Red Hill Road

Brookneal, VA 24528

434-376-2044

Small Town, Big Adventure!

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.

Treasured Past, Innovative Future

redhill.org

THE NEW & IMPROVED RUSTBURG MIDDLE SCHOOL

Critiqued by student

STORY BY ALICE PRIVAL

Atreyu King, an 8th grader at Rustburg Middle School, proudly introduces his brand new school and describes the improvements that have affected staff and students in the most positive ways as they moved into the walls that house future lawmakers, doctors, military, engineers, and who knows, even a president of the United States. The possibilities for all young people are limitless!

King smiles and describes his teachers, “The new school has a very positive effect on teachers. They are a little more laid back because of all the improved conveniences. Some rooms have teachers’ bathrooms next to their classrooms for teachers only.”

King describes the bathrooms designed to be germ free with everything being automatic. He states, “All faucets and soap dispensers have motion sensors and an automatic hand dryer. You put your whole hands in and they are quickly dried.”

King continues, “Students are more watchful of their actions, not only because it is new, but because they realize how much time and money has been put into it.”

He describes the improved security during a lockdown: “The doors automatically close and lock in the hallways to obstruct the intruder’s path. School Resource Officers will know if an intruder is on the premises. They are properly equipped to detect intruders.”

King describes the new cafeteria: “The cafeteria has better equipment and the food is higher quality. When the cafeteria closes, metal shutters come down keeping the kitchen area more sanitary

like it needs to be. Everything is so clean, no gum, no graffiti.”

The student moves in his mind’s blueprint, describing each area, nothing sparing: “Some chairs spin, some have adjustable height, and at the end of each corridor of classrooms there are designated meeting areas with tables and chairs.”

He adds, “All the rooms are bigger except the library. It is smaller, but more accessible for what you need. Easier to find what you’re looking for.”

King’s eyes light up, “The gym…there are two, right next to each other for convenience. The floors are waxed and polished. All the equipment is new or redone. STEM class has a separate room. More hands on activities require a different area, and proper materials.”

King thinks a moment not wanting to leave anything out and adds, “The band room has soundproof ceilings, also a little PA intercom system, and speakers that can play music, and they have two practice rooms,”

When asked if he had any feedback from the principal’s perspective of the new school, King answers honestly, “I haven’t personally spoken to the principal, but I assume the fact it is a brand new place with more security, easy to get around, and more convenient, presumably the principal is very happy.”

King’s mind travels to the outside changes: “The docking area for the shuttles that drop the kids off for school is much more

organized. Instead of buses being pulled into a parking lot, there is a loop that keeps the flow going.”

He says that students enter the school at a side entrance and that once inside, “There are different community wings for the different grades. This is new and organized. As the students enter the front door they split into three community wings, designated according to what grade they are in.”

King praises the improvements in his new respective learning environment.

He concludes by confirming, “Overall the school is a huge improvement for students and teachers. I would say also, there is less for the janitors to do. Kids won’t be acting up as much because they won’t want to destroy the new school.”

Let’s hope King is right. This new school is a gift for those who have been blessed to be at the right age at the right time, in the right community to experience an education in an inspiring, clean, new facility that improves the learning environment to such an extent as to propel peak performance in both manners and learning by what they have been given. •

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Atreyu King is an 8th grade student at the new Rustburg Middle School.

Photo by Alice Prival.

Scott Horseman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. was established in 1989. Our company specializes in geothermal heat pump and radiant floor systems. We also install air-to-air heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioners, and boiler systems.

FIRST ANNUAL WALK/RUN Hit with community

STORY BY TOBY ROBERTSON

On Sunday, April 30, Rustburg Dixie Softball held the first annual Diamond Diva 5K Walk/Run at English Park in Altavista.

The rain could not stop the runners. Most of them said it was a nice cool down and did not mind it. There was a kid’s 1 mile race before the 5K race with a total of 113 participating in the event. Parents ran and pulled the kids in wagons or pushed them in strollers.  The goal was to have 100 so the committee was pleased that they met their goal.

All kids who participated in the 1-mile race received a medal with 5K awards presented for first, second, and third being awarded to males and females. Male and female age group awards were also presented. Those who pre-registered by March 31 received a T-shirt.

All proceeds went to help with expenses for the James B. Fray Sports Complex in building the “Home of Rustburg Dixie Softball.”

The James B. Fray opened its complex two weeks ago. This is the first time that softball has had its own fields since in the past they have had to share fields with the schools or recreation

facilities. The complex has nine acres of land featuring three fields at this time for a total of 144 girls consisting of 12 teams. Rustburg Dixie Softball is solely run through donations that are tax deductible.

Top Males:

(1) LaSean Lanier

(2) Timothy Coady

(3) Korben Barksdale.

Top Females:

(1) Jessica Dowdy

(2) Philicia Epps

(3) Jordan Spaghenberg.

Organizers would like to thank all the sponsors: State Farm Jack Dean, Agent; Wells Paving; OrthoVirginia; KD Country; Finch & Finch Inc.; Sonny Merryman; First National Bank; Rehab Associates; Lowden Tree Service; 478 Design; Arrington Insurance Group; Southside Electric Cooperative; and Altavista Journal.

Starting from top left (opposite page), kids race participants. 5K Run/Walk gets ready to start. Pressley Bryant finished the kids race with ease. Shown at bottom (starting from left), Emma Mitchell and Londyn Mitchell are almost at the finish line. Ronnie Wagurak, 3 years old, being congratulated by her mom. All photos by Toby Robertson.

JAMES B. FRAY SPORTS COMPLEX

Round of applause needed

STORY BY ALICE PRIVAL

April 15th 2023 marks the grand opening of the James B. Fray Sports Complex, home of Rustburg Dixie Softball. What a crowd beneath the blue sky and billowing clouds making perfect the celebration seven years in the making since the land was purchased in 2016. In the spring of 2021 the groundbreaking took place and in April their dreams came true!

Many years, hours, and multitudes of volunteers and supporters made it all happen! The current Board members are: Jennifer PannellPresident, Leanne Arrington-Vice President, Susan Arthur-Treasurer, Emma Mitchell-Player Agent, Lori Johnson-Secretary, Caleb Arrington-Instrumental in Completion of the Fields, Jamie ArringtonConcessions Stand Coordinator, Michele Martin-Long Standing Member of the Board (who gives many hours, coordinating banner sponsors and events), Steven Guthrie, Joe Redmond, Randy Seay,

and Will Suddith, all help on the fields, lending their hands and bodies to the sport and its new home.

Before going further in recognitions, it is important to point out what the purpose of this great accomplishment serves. Besides being an invigorating, fun, and energetic game, this sport in its entirety provides, in the words of Vice President Leanne Arrington, “Requires organization, has a positive influence, teaches them sportsmanship, and great principles!”

Arrington tells of the amazing history of success, hard work and determination that carried them as they spent their beginnings borrowing Concord Elementary as their home field. Much dedication to practices and travel for games brought families, friendships, and sacrifices as their energies were pooled together to provide this dedicated opportunity for their girls.

Shown above, the Dixie Youth players were having a blast running around their new field at the newly opened James B. Fray Sports Complex.

Photo by Alice Prival.

In the beginning announcements, great thanks went out to: Wayne Begal-State Director, Emmett Almond-District 2, Director, and Lori Wilmoth Assistant District 2.

The list of sponsors are as follows:

• James B. Fray Foundation without their generous grants, construction would not have been possible

• Richard Wells and Wells Paving, Jack Dean with State Farm Insurance for their providing concession stands

• Chandler Concrete for their dugout floors, Matt Carwile for finishing them

• Rick Pillow with Woodmen Life of Rustburg Fraternal Chapter for the flagpole and flag

• Eric Lowden and Lowden’s Tree service for taking down the trees along the entrance

• The Boxley Corporation for donating the asphalt for the entrance of the complex

• Zach Moss for the donation of the storage shed,

• Image 360 for outfield banners and entrance sign,

• Keith Smith, building contractor for support with the concession building

• Morgan and Cody Gibson with Gibson Plumbing for donating their services

• Charlie Watts who donated the adjoining three acres giving a total of nine acres and room for expansion. This donation was huge to the future of the league! The Sweeties/Darling Field has been named Watts Field in his honor.

Thanks went to the banner sponsors:

• First National Bank

• First Bank and Trust Co.

• Watts Realty and Auction

• Image 360

• Long Mountain Grill

• La Cretta Rustburg

• Well Paving

• Foster Fuels

• Bank of the James

• Central VA Lawncare and Landscaping

• Powerhouse Sports Training Facility

• Jack Dean-State Farm Insurance

• Ramirez Concrete

• Arrington Insurance Company

• Affordable Exterior Co.

• Circle A Antiques

• Rikki Cheatham with Elite Realty

• Gibson Plumbing

• Guggenheimer Health and Rehab

• McDonalds

• Phillips Equipment

• John Deere

• Spectrum Stone Designs

• Woodman Life-Campbell County

• Chapter

• Woolridge Heating & Air

• Rustburg Veterinary Hospital

A magnolia tree will be planted to honor Harvey “Slick” Cash, father of Jamie Chism who grew up through Rustburg Dixie Softball

and her daughter, and grandfather to Karlie Chism who is a current player on the Angels Team. Slick was a coach while his daughters grew up through the league, and then came back to support his granddaughter. Slick’s magnolia tree will grow in the memory of his service and support of the league alongside his family that continues to grow through the league.

After the outpouring of gratitude, naming all responsible for the work and donations and grants, Pastor Rick Cole was invited to pray a blessing over the fields whose daughter Lisa grew up through the league. Following his blessing, James B. Fray Sports Complex-Home of the Rustburg Dixie Softball was officially opened!

Spring Sponsors, were thanked:

• Kayla Elizabeth Photography

• Central VA Lawncare and Landscaping

• Arrington Insurance Group

• Bust a Move Dance Academy

• Wells Paving

• Rustburg Veterinary Clinic

• Sweetly Baked

• Apple Ford

• Ramirez Concrete

• Jack Dean with State Farm Insurance

• Bank of the James

• Kitchen Crafters of VA

Fundraising brought $15,903 from Krispy Kreme sales with a profit of $6,900!

Winners of top sales were:

• 3rd place, selling $626 was Andrea Baily, from Debs Team

• 2nd place, selling $686, Kimberlyn Arnao from Darlings 2

• Her sister, Kaleigh Watts, from Belles, 1st place winner, selling $1,403, Ella Glass from Angels 3

• Top team that sold $2,264 is Angels 3 coached by Caleb Arrington, Jackie Glass, and Michael Nagy

With great pride, ending the ceremonies, and in preparation for the first game to be played on the James B. Fray Sports Complex field, was the Pledge of Allegiance led by Callie Arrington followed by The Star Spangled Banner sung by Madeline Litchford.

As the season begins 1-3 games will be played a week, 15-18 games per season. The season is held mid March to June 2nd. The top 15 from each age group are selected to play on the All Stars, June for the District, and July for the state. If they win the state they get to go to Louisiana for the World Series, where all of the states compete. When Dixie Baseball went to the World series a couple of years ago, people welcomed them home with a parade! The players rode in on a fire truck to the congratulatory accolades of praise and pride offered by their embracing community.

Let’s hope the same successes for the Rustburg Dixie Softball girls!

The goals and objectives of the Rustburg Dixie Softball are:

Training: To provide a softball program that gives the opportunity for girls to learn the skills of softball.

Team Spirit: To promote sportsmanship, spirit and good moral conduct among coaches, participants and spectators.

Success: To have a feeling of accomplishment, self worth, and to enjoy the benefits of working as a team and having fun in the process. •

BROOKNEAL FISHING TOURNAMENT

Tops the scales

STORY BY ALICE PRIVAL

Reeling in another successful year of fundraising for the future is 1954 casting its first line right up to 2023!

This year saw Staunton River Masonic Lodge #155 Catfish Tournament winners as:

• 1st place: Eric Cowart, 57 lbs.

• 2nd place: Luke Newbill, 50.40 lbs.

• 3rd place: Robbie Poole 50.20 lbs.

• 4th place: Jason Holt, 46.20 lbs.

• 5th place: Craig Barker, 45.20 lbs.

• 6th place: Travis Littles, 42.25 lbs.

• 7th place: David Roller, 38.50 lbs.

Those happy catfish weren’t on the grill May 7 because they were put back in their schools learning how to avoid the bait for next year!

Not so for the Striped Bass that were taken home by the fishermen. For all “unfishy” people who don’t know, what’s good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. Catfish get to go back to the river because they can only live for up to 15 minutes out of the water, time enough to get weighed, and then tossed back. Striped Bass however bite the dust immediately and so have the fate of becoming supper.

That being said, let’s look at the winners of the Brookneal Dixie Youth Baseball Striped Bass contest:

• 1st place: Cole Burks, 6.95 lbs.

• 2nd place: Ronnie Chappell, 6.8 lbs.

• 3rd place: Chris Hurt, 6.45 lbs.

• 4th place: Eric Lowden 6.45 lbs.

• 5th place: Luke Griles, 6.05 lbs.

Shown above, winners of the Striped Bass Tournament, from left, Curtis Dabney, Sarah Hurt, Luke Grimes, Eric Lowden, Chris Hurt, Ronnie Chappell, and Cole Burkes. Photo by Alice Prival.

• 6th place: Sarah Hurt 5.8 lbs.

• 7th place: Curtiss Dabney, 5.8 lbs.

Forrest Bentley, Vice President of Brookneal Dixie Youth Baseball, states that 100% of the profits of this fundraiser goes back to the Dixie Youth Organization. It joins kids together and also brings grownups together. “We were established in 1954. I played ball and coached all the way through.”

Russell Davidson, Chairman of the Catfish Tournament and Senior Warden of the Staunton River Masonic Lodge #155 states, “Organized sports and outdoor activities keep kids out of trouble. The fundraiser also serves to help the Lodge and the community and surrounding areas.”

Richard Holt, Secretary of Staunton River Masonic Lodge #155 recalls, “A couple of years ago our fundraiser was able to get a man from the community a set of teeth!”

There are two men, Clarence Jones and Woody Dickerson, who sacrifice a lot of sleep manning the river as contestants bring in their fish to be weighed all night long the entire weekend! They register the contestants and weigh the fish. Jones states, “There were 101 fishermen bringing in catfish.” Thinking about the lucky catfish that got returned to the water, Dickerson pipes in, “I’d want them to do that for me if they caught me!”

Hearts soften seeing three-year-old Levi Keller, a cancer survivor, pulling a winning raffle ticket for a contestant. His dad, Dustin Keller, a rugged outdoorsman himself, holds his son close as he reaches to pull the winning ticket for a lucky winner. Luck isn’t what saved young Levi; his victory over cancer comes from being truly blessed as the crowd is thanked for the many prayers that went up for him and were heard and answered. •

Cancer free little Levi Keller pulls the winning raffle ticket with his dad, Dustin Keller. Photo by Alice Prival.

CORNERSTONE CEREMONY

Held at new building for Campbell Masonic Lodge No. 316

STORY BY TOBY ROBERTSON

On Saturday, April 22, the Campbell Masonic Lodge No. 316 held the Cornerstone ceremony at their new building located at 204 Lynch Mill Rd, Lynch Station. Charter date for this lodge was February 16, 1911.

Jeffrey Hayes, District Deputy Grand Master of District 1, served as Grand Marshall of the ceremony. Donald Strehle, Grand Master, was in charge of the ceremony. Other Grand Lodge officers took part in the ceremony as well.                     Grand Chaplin Right Worshipful Howard Mason opened by thanking everyone for being there and welcoming them to the Campbell 316 Lodge. He said, “What a great day it is to dedicate the Cornerstone. Walt Disney said ‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’  All of our dreams can come true if we have the charge to pursuit them. We are our brother’s keeper, according to the Bible, Rituals, and Life.

Reggie Bennett presented the Bible at the altar. The Bible used in the meeting is the Bible belonging to W. Russell Martin, Jr., dating back to August 28, 1925.

Mason said, “We are blessed this afternoon for the young man who served part of his life in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic. He earned two Purple Hearts. Steve Bozeman felt angels kept him alive and brought him back to Lynchburg. Steve Bozeman and Nathaniel Cuellar performed the Presentation of the American Flag and Pledge of Allegiance was led by Masons. Bozeman is the organizer for Monument Terrace for the last 20 years.

Joe Broce, Past District Deputy Grand Master, District 41, explained the Cornerstone was to be laid in duly form. Corn is poured as an emblem of nourishment, the wine as an emblem of refreshment, and oil as an emblem of joy and happiness. This symbolizes prosperity, health, and peace.

Broce talked about the stone being laid at churches, monuments, public buildings, and lodges. The craft of the stone is from the Middle Ages.

The symbolism of the cornerstone when laid duly with Masonic rites is full of significance, which refers to its form, to its situation, to its permanence, and to its consecration. As to its form, it must

Shown above are members of Campbell Masonic Lodge No. 316 unite.

be perfectly square on a surface, and in its solid content, a cube.

The Square is a symbol of morality, and the cube, of truth.  It lies between the north, the place of darkness, and the east, the place of light; the position symbolizes the Masonic progress from darkness to light, and from ignorance to knowledge.

The stone, when deposited in its appropriate place, is carefully examined with the necessary implements of operative mason, the square, the level and the plumb, themselves all symbolic in meaning. It is then declared to be “well formed, true and trusty.”

The square symbolizes virtue for every Masonic brother, it means to square our actions by the square of virtue with wisdom.

The level and the plumb ensure surfaces are vertically and horizontally flush. For today’s Masons, the plumb is a symbol of justice, rectitude, and importance of living in the upright manner, while the level is a reminder that all men are equal.

The trowel, one of the stonemasons most important working tools, is the trowel used to spread mortar that binds the stone together. In the Masons, the trowel is used to spread the “cement” of brotherly love to unite the society of friends.

And lastly in the ceremony of depositing the cornerstone, the

elements of Masonic consecration are produced, and the stone is solemnly set apart by pouring corn, wine, and oil upon the surface, emblematic of Nourishment and Joy which are to be the rewards of a faithful performance of duty. A small box of items is placed within the cornerstone; it is like a time capsule.

The most Worshipful the Grand Master proceeds with the ceremony and having applied the square, the plumb, the level respectively to the stone, with the mallet he gives three knocks, saying “May the Almighty Architect of the Universe look down with benignity upon our present undertaking, and crown this splendid edifice with every success; for time immemorial, a model of taste and genius, and serve to transmit with honor to posterity the names of the architect engaged in it.”

Grand Master pin is the key with the date of 1778 being the start of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The meaning of the key is Truth, Knowledge, and Light.

Refreshments were served in the fellowship hall after the ceremony.•

Shown above at the top left, necessary implements: the square, level, plumb and trowel. Below this, is the proud symbol of the Cornerstone . Pictured above at the right, Steve Bozeman and Nathaniel Ceullar proudly salute. All photos by Toby Robertson.

AVOCA SINGS & SIPS IN THE SUMMER

STORY BY ALICE PRIVAL

On May 5, Avoca Museum in Altavista had its second “FriYay” event!

League of Ordinary Gentlemen band brought the oldies but goodies to seasoned ears of receptive listeners. Lawn chairs scattered throughout the lavish lawn in back of the Avoca Museum, brought back the memory of the estate once housing the Fauntleroy Family, and previous to that the Revolutionary Patriot Col. Charles Lynch, and final resting place for Civil War Brigadier General James Dearing. Cold drinks from the bar and hot foods from the food truck satisfied the many friends and visitors who were first greeted by Caleb Lafoon, Executive Director of Avoca Museum.

Gayle Puckette, Events Coordinator, was exploding with enthusiasm as she listed her summer events, what they offered, and what purpose they are serving. It is clear she is passionate about her job and each event she prepares as she confirms, “I don’t plan things I do not find interesting. I try to do something for everybody, and I like little kids so I try to find events for them too.”

This event was the second of the “FriYay” put on by Avoca. The first was on St. Patrick’s Day and had the band, Pleading the 5th.

Patrons enjoying Avoca summer band. Photo by Alice Prival.

The next four events TGIF, June - Sept. will be sponsored by The Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce at Avoca.

Another big event was held May 6th, with Derby Day 4-8 p.m. and this one is a $50 dollars admission, adults only, but wait to hear what’s on the plate! Heavy hors d’oeuvres, first drink included, barbecue buffet, a cup with a desert in it to take home, band, three bars, the horse race with grand prizes, and a pony race. Awards for: Best Hats, Best Dressed Couple, Dapper Dude, and Guys in Costume contest.

Kentucky Derby was viewed live on a big screen!

This year four tents filled the yard. Last year, 200 people participated in Derby Day!

Next up was Mothers Day Tea on Sunday, May 14th. Tea and pastries were graciously served to all the mothers along with free admission. The male population had to pay $8.00, but then again it was Mother’s Day!

Families were ready and waiting for the first week in June, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday where tiny eyes widened at the sight of a full-on carnival in English Park! Carnival rides for every age, an ice cream truck, barbecue, burgers, hotdogs, a Gyro

Truck, cotton candy, funnel cakes, popcorn, and lemonade!

All of this magnificence is for a very special purpose. It is a fundraiser to raise money for next year’s Uncle Billy’s Day Festival.

Next is July…Puckette is excited about a new brain storm that is in the planning…Sons of the American Revolution. This event will be hands-on, interactive for kids, with learning stations throughout. There will be a Colonial tent, soldiers marching (kids included), and many more fun ways set up to learn about history by bringing the kids to the physical interaction, not just reading, but being there! Keep an eye out for the date in July when children will have the opportunity to live a little history at Avoca!

As summer winds down, and fall sets in, Avoca relives the beloved Harvest Festival in the 1st week of September, with a rain date of September 23.

At this event both bands, Pleading the 5th, and League of Ordinary Gentlemen will be sharing times on stage. If there were more than 12 months in a year, Puckette would be creating more events to celebrate. It is this love of community that brings together families to blend in spirit to become one family. •

Avoca Museum & Historical Society. Photo contributed.

75 YEARS TO ETERNITY

Celebrating the anniversary of Monte Vista Baptist Church

STORY BY ALICE PRIVAL

April 25, 2023, marks the 75th anniversary of Monte Vista Baptist Church that was celebrated on Sunday, April 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at 1737 Grit Rd., Hurt. Pastor Scott Torres cordially invited the community, those who regularly attend and those who don’t. All were invited to join them in commemorating 75 years of worship, families grown, children born, marriages, baptisms, as generations have walked through the doors for varying occasions filling the air with memories, immortalized, bearing fruits of service, worship, and comfort.

On April 25, 1948, Monte Vista Baptist Church held its first meeting in the building of the New Prospect Baptist Church with 33 charter members, with Rev. N.R. Green presiding. Rev. Green

recognized the need for their own building to house their Sunday services that averaged 25 in attendance each Sunday.

In October 1948, the late E.B. Fitzgerald donated land purchased from the late Thomas Adams for a building site. On March 6, 1949, the church met for services in the finished basement of the soon to be fully-built church with 90 patrons present. That same month the church was accepted into the Pittsylvania Baptist Association.

Rev. Green continued to grace the church not only with his ministry, but with his woodworking which in his spare time he made mahogany furniture and other woodwork to be used for the pulpit and baptistry.

Monte Vista Baptist Church in Hurt welcomed all to the 75th anniversary. Photo contributed.

On September 10, 1950, the building, having been completed, was dedicated.

In February of 1951, the Rev. Woodrow W. Glass became the first pastor of the Monte Vista - Sycamore Field. Rev. Glass left in December of 1953 and the church was without a pastor until Rev. George C. Lynch moved to the field in October of 1954. On November 4, 1954, the note for the building indebtedness was burned in token of full payment.

In the years that followed many additions brought convenience and comfort to the clergy and the attendees, adding also to the ambience. A furnace, a well, bells, shrubbery, and books were acquired. Mahogany pews were added and the church was redecorated in 1961. By then, many pastors had served at Monte Vista, contributing to the growing Spirit that presided over the efforts of all who were seeking enrichment and enlightenment from Monte Vista Baptist Church.

On May 24, 1964, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for an additional wing that would accommodate eight classrooms, a kitchen, and inside toilets.

On October 25, 1964, the church held a Corner Stone Laying Service. On June 1, 1966, the Rev. Latta B. Terry accepted the call to become the first full-time pastor of the Monte Vista Church. The church rented a room for him in Altavista until he married his childhood sweetheart Priscilla Linder on December 16, 1967,

after which a house was rented in Altavista for the pastor and his bride. Ten years later, on June 20, 1976, the church had “Terry Appreciation Day” celebrating the pastor’s 10th year as pastor. On Sunday, April 16, 1978 a meeting was held to borrow $150,000 dollars to erect a new facility with a seating capacity of 250 people, an educational wing of seven classrooms, and three bathrooms.

The first service in the new sanctuary was December 17, 1978. On June 1, 1986 the church celebrated Pastor Terry’s 20th year as pastor with more than 200 people in attendance. Edna C. Shelton, Church Clerk from 1968-1991 was honored for her meticulous dedication to record keeping. She was lovingly called “Miss Pat.” In the words of former Pastor, Rev. Terry in the 1990’s, “While we cannot live in the past, we do live out of the past, in the present, and toward the future.”

At the 50th Anniversary of the Monte Vista Baptist Church, Rev. Terry states, “I pray God will deepen our sense of belonging to one another in Christ.”

The new pastor, Rev. Scott Torres, expresses his ultimate desire being to see every man, woman, and child in Hurt and Altavista have a daily encounter with Jesus through the people of Monte Vista and other believers. All are welcome! •

Monte Vista Baptist Church

1737 Grit Rd. Hurt, VA.

This beautiful sanctuary awaits all who come to Monte Vista to worship.Photo contributed.

PUCKETTE FARMS

PROVIDES PLENTY

STORY BY ALICE PRIVAL

Multigenerational local farmer Aaron Puckette generously overfills his produce boxes to provide the best produce, at the lowest prices, with the most convenient service. His expertise in farming is a perfect fit for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) which provides subscriptions that have just lowered their cost from $485 to $450 a box which gives subscribers a plentiful box of produce once a week for 12 weeks, May 16th - August 4th.

This plan provides freshly picked produce to subscribers for meals at a much lower cost than the grocery store. These fresh vegetables are filled with living nutrients that typically get lost in delayed trucking and spending too much time on the shelves.

Altavista was added as a pickup location for the subscribed customers’ weekly pickup at 606 7th Street in Altavista. Also important to point out is that 15 pounds of fresh, grass fed, grass finished beef can be purchased to be picked up with your first box for $125 dollars, which provides two steaks and the remainder ground beef. Beyond what grocery stores have to offer, Puckette Farms has 40-50 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables. They also have eggs, fresh honey, watermelons, and cantaloupes that can be purchased by subscribers at their pickup locations.

Puckette explains, “I wanted to take more control of our

produce because we were being manipulated by the markets. We had no control of our sales of crops. Now with the program implemented by CSA, we can sell wholesale.”

Darienne Montgomery, Agriculture Programs Marketing Assistant, says, “I help farmers diversify their market. Puckette gets to choose his prices which are more generous than the markets because the markets have to pay retail workers, drivers, and account for produce getting old on the shelves and having to be tossed out. With CSA, his produce gets to you the day it is picked. This is an old method that’s been reintroduced. The big benefit here is that customers are buying a subscription all at one time and are promised 12 weeks of food. Meanwhile the community is supplying Puckette while he invests in his crops. There is no risk to the buyers. We can handle too much or too little rain weather. This is our 2nd year.”

There were 113 sign ups the first year with all positive feedback, only complaints being there was too much produce!

Montgomery told them, “Give it to your friends.” When asked if the leftovers could be canned or cooked and frozen, she responds, “Absolutely!” That being said, customers could conceivably feed on that $450 subscription a large portion of their winter as well,

Aaron Puckette loves raising and selling his family’s produce. The Puckette family hangs together in this venture that keeps them together and employed. This vegetable box shows a tiny example of what is grown on the Puckette farm. Photos by Alice Prival. Family photo by Darienne Montgomery.

when fresh produce is unavailable in the markets. What an investment!

Puckette has seven employees who work the farm. He says, “I farmed with my dad and grandpa, in total 160 years of experience!”

The love, hard work, devotion and care for their community is growing out of the rich soil of the Puckette family farm! He says, “We have saved crops through hurricanes and droughts.”

This adversity has bred determination and strengthened not only the farm itself, but the Puckette family who are raising kids that want nothing more than to be farmers themselves. Three families are being supported by this farm and all live on the premises. Puckette’s mother still occupies the cabin he grew up in, and he and his children live in the rambling farmhouse built in 1790.

He states, “It is really nice having the positivity of CSA, reassuring us we need to do what we’re doing the way we are now doing it.”

Let this summer be the beginning of a new fresh, healthy start, at a lower price, an overflowing box of sun ripened produce picked that day, collected by you at a convenient location.

Don’t miss out. Call today to register at: (434) 665-3316.

Altavista pick up location: 606 7th Street, near the YMCA. Additional locations, Gladys, Rustburg, and Lynchburg. •

DAR CHAPTER CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL

STORY BY JEFFREY WESTBROOK

One hundred years ago, Altavista was still a relatively young town, only eleven years removed from its incorporation as a town in 1912, which like the founding of the Lane Company took place in 1912. It was 16 years since the Lane brothers bought the land in Campbell County and founded the community in 1905.

And 100 years ago, 1923, the fledgling Colonel Charles Lynch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was only months old, having been launched the previous November. There were 18 organizing members at the organizational meeting on November 10, 1922, and the chapter counted a total of 25 charter members.

It is fitting that recently the DAR chapter celebrated its 100th

anniversary at an event at Avoca, since that historic treasure was the site of that organizational meeting a century ago. Back then, the home belonged to Miss Juliet Fauntleroy, who was a descendant of the plantation’s founder -- and the DAR chapter’s namesake -Col. Charles Lynch.

At the anniversary celebration, the chapter welcomed a delegation from the DAR’s commonwealth leadership, including Robin Bagnall, Virginia State Chaplain, Laurie Nesbitt, State Regent, and Linda Bagley, District III Chaplain.

Jan Phillips, Regent of the Colonel Charles Lynch Chapter, issued a welcome and made introductions to begin the event, followed by the invocation from Ms. Bagnall. Lynn Wheeler led the Pledge

Shown above, members of the Colonel Charles Lynch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, together with visiting officials from the state D.A.R., gather at Avoca Museum to celebrate the chapter’s centennial: 100 years ago, the group held its organizational meeting right here at Avoca.

Photo by Jeffrey Westbrook.

of Allegiance, and Lynn Miller led the American’s Creed. Linda Dejarnette led the National Anthem.

As this event served to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the local chapter, it was fitting to include the history of the chapter as well as the history of its namesake, which Ms. Phillips summarized. Mrs. Nesbitt delivered the keynote address with some remarks from the state regent.

Ms. Bagley offered the benediction, and Ms. Phillips adjourned the ceremonial portion of the event.

Following the program, the attendees enjoyed refreshments and the opportunity to look around at the beautiful interior of Avoca.

When the Colonel Charles Lynch Chapter of the DAR first organized 100 years ago, Mrs. Sallie Moss Smith Rowbottom served as organizing Regent. Colonel Charles Lynch, as the area’s most famous Revolutionary War era figure, made the logical choice for the chapter’s name. He was a “Revolutionary soldier, patriot, and judge,” Ms. Phillips explained.

Lynch settled on a large tract of inherited land sprawling across over 6,000 acres along the Staunton River, of which Avoca stands on the remnant. Nearly 150 years before the town of Altavista existed, Lynch established his plantation, which he named Green Level. (His brother John Lynch inherited land from their father along the James River in what is now Lynchburg).

Lynch’s wartime activities as Colonel in the militia and local magistrate led to an incident which has been frequently misrepresented. He discovered a plot of Tories (colonists loyal to the British crown) and with his militia arrested them. He brought the group of about 75 prisoners to Green Level, and there under an old walnut tree, Lynch the judge meted out frontier justice. He acquitted some, sentenced others to prison, and as for the worst offenders, he had them tied by their thumbs to the branches of that

tree and given 39 lashes with the whip. This incident, according to local lore and at least partially substantiated by historical research, gave rise to the term “Lynch’s Law,” or lynching, which - contrary to popular belief - did not involve hanging.

Later in his life, Lynch took a step influenced by his Quaker upbringing. His mother had raised him and his brothers in the Society of Friends (commonly known as Quakers), although Charles left the group for many years -- for one thing, the Quakers were pacifists, but he took part in the Revolution as an officer. But before his death, he had returned to the Society. As Quakers did not support slavery, he opted for manumission, freeing his slaves.

Returning back to the DAR chapter that bears this patriot’s name, according to the group’s history, their original name was the Lynch Tree chapter. Later it changed to the Col. Charles Lynch Chapter.

“Over the years, the Chapter has focused on honoring our revolutionary ancestors and promoting historic preservation, education, community service, and patriotism in our community,” Ms. Phillps explained. “Our chapter has given scholarships, sponsored essay contests, contributed books to libraries, held Veterans Day luncheons, given donations to area veterans, and enjoyed visits to historical sites. We have had educational programs with speakers from other Chapters and the community,” she added.

People interested in joining the Daughters of the American Revolution are invited to attend one of the meetings the group holds. The members can provide assistance in researching one’s ancestry. Those who are interested should go to the website DAR. org and follow the links to send a message. Someone from the group will make contact. Alternatively, send email to Ms. Jan Phillips at gigizbnb@gmail.com. •

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

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