Bob Mottershead and his daughter Jemma took a day trip to Virginia Beach to go whale watching from the Rudee Inlet on a boat trip run by the Virginia Aquarium (info @RUDEETOURS.COM). The trips run from the end of December to the end of March, and this year is the best ever with over 40 different humpback whales spotted using this area as a winter feeding ground. On their trip, they were lucky to see a junior humpback breach twice at the back of the boat.
Art on display in the back of the duPont Chapel at Hollins University reminded the public of the fine arts that combine with music on the elementary level to enrich the lives of students. many parents said, “Don’t cut the program.” Sadly, because of the budget shortfall, this could be the last hurrah for elementary Art and Music and many teachers will loose jobs as children loose part of education value. The program started over a decade ago. No administrator attended other than the supervisor for elementary ed Wanda Martin above school principal level, was introduced in the attendees.
Michael Milam, Fine Arts lead teacher for BCPS school division acted as master of ceremonies. Students from all seven of the elementary schools participated.
An Orff Orchestra, a Flute Consort and percussion instruments intro’d the music. As the night progressed the choirs of upper elementary singers, dressed in their finest clothing, entertained with numerous songs at the direction of Conductor Deborah Clevenger. The music was excellent in the packed chapel.
Ah, the soccer rivalry between Lord Botetourt and James River boys is epic. The last 20 minutes killed the Knights who led most of the game 1-o. The Cavs came back to win2-1.
It was a tough game that went into extra innings. Two really good girl’s varsity softball teams from James River and Lord Botetourt competed in a rainy, stormy evening. Finally, the Knights won.
The county girl’s softball teams from LBHS and JRHS played at James River on Wednesday, March 28. The JV teams led off. Here are few pictures of the game.
The day of activities culminated in a reception for the film scouts of the “Wish You Well” movie seeking a location for filming. After a full day of travels, the crew ended at The Kyle House in Fincastle where local dignitaries came out to show support! Stay tuned for more! Hopefully in a few weeks Botetourt Tourism will know how the efforts turn out! Kudos to Lisa Moorman and Catherine Herlocker who turned out the red carpet, the good dishes and a big welcome mat for the scouts, Sara Elizabeth Timmons and China Jewel.
Here is a letter of thanks from Lisa Moorman:
Botetourt County was honored to be visited by representatives from Life Out Loud Films on Tuesday, March 27th. The Office of Tourism toured them around the county, visiting many properties and businesses of interest to them for potential film production locations.
The Office of Tourism would like to thank the many residents, community leaders, town officials and business owners who offered supported in preparation for this site visit. Many of you served as guides helping to identify locations, connect with residents, and welcome the film representatives. It was heartwarming to see the pride in residents who provided access to homes and properties throughout the county. The representatives also noticed the messages of welcome on business marquees and were very impressed with the hospitality of everyone they met.
The county is one of four in southwest Virginia being considered for the film production of, Wish You Well, based on the book authored by David Baldacci. Selection should be made within a few weeks.
Botetourt County Schools presented the 2012 All-County Chorus on the middle and high school levels at the duPont Chapel at Hollins University on Thursday, March 29. 135 students participated in the event. In a day’s set, the students learned the songs as a larger chorus. at night they perform the music like they have been signing together for years. It is amazing how far the come in the musical reachas well by singing everything from Hayden to Sam Pottie ( He wrote the Muppett Show theme song.)
Middle school choirs from Central Academy and Read Mountain sang first. They were conducted by Karen Stutzman and William Lininger and In the High School Chorus Dr. Randell Speer was the guest conductor and Mona Thomas the accompanist.
Students try out for the two choral groups and practice before or after school for several months. Hollins University has been very welcoming to the chorus for the past three years.
Choral Directors from the schools are Ashley Galyen CAMS; Bonita Durham RMMS and Joel Bremner, Lord Botetourt and James River.
The Middle School chorus sang four songs: Brianna Dunbar, Mary Grace Sawyer and Devin Williams had solos. High Schools students sang five songs and included a percussion group in the final number “Jabberwocky.”
Dr. Tony Brads, John Busher and . Jamie Talbott were on hand from the school division to listen to the wonderful night of music.
Tonight the Elementary Choirs in All- County will also perform at duPont chapel at 7 p.m.
The first 20 pictures are the middle schoolers and the ends with 49.
From left to right: Montana Snavely, Bryan Hatchett, Christopher DuVall
Central Academy Middle School participated in a state-wide online math contest in February. Students solved math problems of varying difficulty while playing games. Central Academy finished 4th overall in the state while 3 of our students finished in the top ten.
The Valley’s Tree City USA localities and the Valley Beautiful Foundation are jointly sponsoring an Arbor Day Ceremony and tree planting at Buchanan Town Park, 485 Lowe St., on Monday, April 2 at 11 a.m.
The Town of Buchanan invites the public to help us celebrate the town’s 200th anniversary. The event is free, and we encourage students, local and area residents, business owners, churches and civic organizations to join us as we “plant the seeds of tomorrow today.” Activities include an Opening Ceremony highlighting the town’s inclusion in the Tree City USA Program, a $1,600 donation by Valley Beautiful and, the unveiling of an Arbor Day Donor’s Plaque. Guests include Mayor Tom Middlecamp, Board of Supervisors Representative Terry Austin, VA Department of Forestry Representatives Paul Revell and Bob Boeren, as well as members of Valley Beautiful. Following the program, volunteers are invited to help plant trees on the Town Park followed by light refreshments.
Buchanan’s Ceremonial Planting includes the planting of sugar maples, red maples, flowering dogwoods and thornless honeylocusts on the Town Park and at the Community House. Additional trees to be planted at the Town’s new Water Filtration Plant include Leyland cypress.
– Submitted by David Wagner, Valley Beautiful Foundation
Cathy Benson is the community journalist for The Botetourt View and can be reached at 981-3140 . You can share your news and photos through the “Share” button or at news@botetourtview.com
