On a yearly basis right before Memorial Day, hundreds of motorcycles boom through Botetourt County as part of the annual veteran’s “Run for the Wall and Rolling Thunder. At about half past 11 a.m. on May 23rd, a small group of veterans, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard and a few well wishers stood by US 220 alternate and waved on the participants. Tommy Watts and another veteran Bill Dunbar, and also Doug Watts stood along beside Leslie Bradley, Hannah and Michael Bradley, Margie Watts  and Southern States employees Janice Brown and Lisa Conner. All were on hand to cheer the bikers on in their quest.

Watts remarked, “Glad to see the media here for this annual event and to witness this run.”

Sheriff’s Dept. Color Guard members are David Goodman, Ray McCaleb and Chris Prillaman.

Run for the Wall participants headed to Montvale Elementary School for lunch and then over to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. Tonight they will rest up in Salem and be on the way to Washington, D.C. to the Viet Nam Veteran’s Memorial on the Mall.

The organizations mission statement reads:  “To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.”

Philosophy: “We strive to maintain a safe, supportive and private atmosphere in which all participants can reflect and heal on their journey to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. in the hope that they can return home to a new beginning.”

Goals:  “To guide the participants across America. To educate future generations as to the importance of accountability in wartime actions emphasizing that no one should be left behind.”

Sticker Shockers from James River High School: Ms. Thacker, BPC, Carolyn Seymour , Isaiah Allen, Julia Ewen, Amber Tiller, Jessica Simmons and Jamie Talbott JRHS principal at Stop In Buchanan.

Sticker Shock is a youth-led initiative to change adult and youth attitudes about selling and providing alcohol to minors. YOVASO (Youth of Virginia Speaking Out)students at both JRHS and LBHS  participated in “Sticker Shock” on Saturday, April 27. Pictured here are students from James River High School. Sticker Shock was part of the Youth Global Day of Service. Prevention Clubs like YOVASO speak to traffic safety and responsibility within the community. Youth are encouraged to not drink, to drive safely and adults to not provide alcohol or sell to underage drinkers, and to buckle up–all are part of the mantra of YOVASO campaigns.

Sticker Shock had members placing adhesive stickers on cartons and cases of beer and wine at local Botetourt community stores and service stations to remind adults not to buy or sell alcohol to underage drinkers.

Skirmishes on Buchanan’s Civil War weekend are worth the time to watch! file photo Cathy Benson, Botetourt View

Re-live Hunter’s 1864 Raid on the Town of Buchanan and get a taste of life in the camp, home, church and many skirmishes to witness April 26-28.  Here are the activities planned for the annual event.

Buchanan Civil War History Weekend Schedule of Events  is hosted by the Town of Buchanan, Buchanan Special Events Committee, Botetourt Artillery, 14th VA Cavalry Co. H Rockbridge Dragoons & Joseph W. Anderson UDC.

Friday April 26,

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Explore Living History Displays set up on the Town Park.

You are invited to sneak a peak behind the scenes. Explore living History Camps, life on the home front, Food and Cooking, Religious, Arms and Bullet Making, Camp Boredom and Prisoner of War Treatment, displays of period tents and shelter methods plus other presentations by the Botetourt Artillery, 14th VA Cavalry Co. H Rockbridge Dragoons & Joseph W. Anderson United Daughters of the Confederacy.

6:30 PM – Main Street Skirmish – Word spreads throughout the Town ofGeneral Hunter’s fiery raid on the city ofLexington and the burning of VMI. Scouts arrive in town crossing the James River to be held back by General McCausland’s troops. Witness the chaos as cavalry arrive on Main Street where fighting breaks out near the Buchanan Theatre in the heart of the business community.

Saturday, April 27, 2013 –

In addition to Civil War activities, explore Arts & Crafts and Farmer’s Market Booths set up on sidewalks along Main Street.

8:00am – 10:00am “Breakfast at the Historic Wilson Warehouse/Community House” Reenactors and the Public are invited to enjoy a hearty breakfast served in the same building that was used for shipping and receiving of goods during the Civil War, join us at421 Lowe Street. Breakfast is being served from 8:00am through 10:00am. General admission is $5 with all proceeds going towards ongoing maintenance of this historic Civil War Era structure.

10:00 am – 5pm Camps Open – Enjoy a full day of family activities. Civil War Era Camps will open in the morning and remain open throughout the day.

Special displays and reenactments highlight the life and times of the Civil War Era and life in Buchanan. Enjoy Guest Speakers, period music, costumed reenactors and Cavalry.

Watch the chaos reenacted on Main Street throughout the day as word of eminent arrival of Hunters troops, explore Sutler’s Row on the Town Park where vendors set up to sell period wares and Farmer’s Market on Main Street.

Civil War Era Music – Enjoy period music performed on the porch of Fireside Books on Main Street throughout the day. Music is being performed by 2nd Cavalry String Band led by Olin Bare.

10:00 am Opening Ceremony – As church bells ring, Reenactors and guests will be welcomed to Buchanan’s Civil War History Weekend. The Ceremony will be held at theBotetourtArtilleryMonument which is located next to the Buchanan Presbyterian Church onMain Street. Music by Olin Bare and posting of the colors by reenactors before laying a wreath in memory of the original members of the Botetourt Artillery.

11:00 a.m. “Victorian Fashion Show at UDC Pavillion” – During the Civil War, women were expected to continue dressing in the same fashion as before the war despite having limited to no income. Learn how to stretch your dollars and have a period correct outfit for your activities. Held in the UDC Pavilion on the Town Park with guest speaker Debbie Sifford.

11:15am – Main Street Robbery of town citizen.

11:30 – Main Street Skirmish – Word spreads throughout the Town of General Hunter’s fiery raid on the city of Lexington and the burning of VMI. General McCausland and his troops fight to prevent Hunter’s troops from advancing by filling the covered bridge with straw and lamp oil, setting the bridge on fire delaying the troops. Others escape to blast the hillside leading to Liberty further delaying Hunter’s Troops. Witness the chaos as citizens struggle to save their homes and stores.

2:30 p.m. General Lee – Encounter General Lee as presented by David Palmer during a living history interpretation of General Lee.

Gen. Robert E. Lee’s character come to life through “faith, family, duty and honor” as presented by David Palmer.

You will hear anecdotal accounts of Lee’s history shedding light on Lee’s nature as a husband, father, son and leader presented using the General’s own words. Located at the General’s camp on Bedford Street behind the Bank of Botetourt.

11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – Word spreads that Hunter’s Troops are marching this way after burning VMI. Local troops prepare to burn the bridge in an effort to prevent Hunter’s troops from advancing. Witness chaos on Main Street as troops battle to secure the Town. Hunter’s Scouts ford the river upstream after McCausland and his troops has set theBuchananTurnpikeBridge on fire destroying the bridge and approximately thirty homes and businesses. Troops Fire upon the Town spreading chaos and hitting Oak Hill, home of the Boyd family.

12:00pm – Bob Morgan – Witness the arrest of Sgt. Bob Morgan a confederate soldier on Main Street near Town Hall. A soldier from southwest Virginia, Morgan fought under the command of General Jubal Early.

12:00 p.m. Civil War Era Jewelry – Learn about 1800’s jewelry during a presentation by guest speaker Diane DiPalma with an emphasis on cameos. Enjoy viewing authentic pieces covering almost 100 years of history.

2:00pm In the footsteps of the Botetourt Artillery – The Buchanan Movie Theater will feature a photographic history presentation by Dan Phelps and John Manspile on the Botetourt Artillery’s involvement in the battle of Vicksburg, MS. The Federal Army was unable to take the city of Vicksburg by force due in part by the actions of the Botetourt Artillery. After a 47 day siege on July 3, 1863 Confederate General Pemberton surrendered to General Grant. Learn why the Botetourt Artillery would be awarded the first Confederate Monument in a park containing over 1,300 monuments. Photos will include original and recreated period photos of the units’ actual position on the battlefields. The presentation will end with a 4 minute music video that will be sure to surprise.

4:00 p.m. Battle of Buchanan – See the flash, smell the smoke and witness the reenactment of Confederate General McCausland and his confederate troops fighting to delay Union General Hunters fiery Raid of the Valley. As Hunter’s troops ford the river upstream, McCausland troops hold their ground. As the BuchananTurnpikeBridge burns destroying approximately thirty homes and businesses, troops blast the mountainside blocking passage along the ridge road leading from Buchanan toLiberty. Purchase a chance to fire a Cannon!

7:00 PM – Buchanan Rotary & Town Improvement Society Bluegrass Concert – Members of the Buchanan Rotary invites families to the Buchanan Theatre on Main Street for a concert featuring 2 bands. Admission $10, Children $5. www.buchananrotary.org

8:00pm Camp Dance on Town Park – Enjoy taking part in, or, just watching as musicians play period music and everyone gathers for a camp dance on the Town Park at the UDC Pavillion.

Enjoy the performance of Civil War era tunes performed by local musicians. The Joseph W. Anderson United Daughters of the Confederacy will be serving refreshments. Come in period costume, or, just as you are. There will be a mix of called dances and uncalled dances.

Light refreshments served. Free Admission, everyone invited to participate, or, just enjoy watching activities.

Sunday, April 28

8:00am – 10:00am “Breakfast at the Historic Wilson Warehouse/Community House” – Reenactors and the Public are invited to enjoy a hearty breakfast served in the same building that was used for shipping and receiving of goods during the Civil War, join us at 421 Lowe Street.

Breakfast is being served from 8:00am through 10:00am. General admission is $5 with all proceeds going towards ongoing maintenance of this historic Civil War Era structure.

9:00 am Camp Church Services – Public Invited! Experience a period church service as Rev. Sturnivant portrays a 19th century, back county circuit rider at the UDC Pavilion on the Town Park. Experience a glimpse of the role of religion in the Civil War while witnessing a firsthand reenactment of troop services.

Following Church Service – Bob Morgan – Witness the arrest of Sgt. Bob Morgan a confederate soldier at the UDC Pavilion on the Town Park. A soldier from southwest Virginia, Morgan fought under the command of General Jubal Early

1:30 pm Battle Of Buchanan – See the flash, smell the smoke and feel cannons roar as reenact the June 13, 1864 Battle of Buchanan. Union troops gathered on the North bank of the James River in Pattonsburg while Confederate troops delayed Hunter’s arrival with the firing of the Covered Bridge and battle response from Oak Hill. Battle to take place on the Buchanan Town Park. Admission by donation.

Dressing like people of the Civil War era can be fun and add a new level of respect and appreciation for daily life at that time. Join the Greenfield Center at Virginia Western Community College on Monday, April 15 (rescheduled due to inclement weather) for our lecture, “Threads of War”. The lecture will run from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, and is free to all who wish to attend.

Ann Turner, owner of Alter Plus, will discuss the history of Civil War uniforms and garments – both North and South – and why Civil War garments were made the way they were. Harry Gleason, Buchanan Town Revitalization Manager, will discuss the Buchanan Civil War History Weekend, coming up April 26 – 28.

Call 966-3984 to reserve your spot. Light refreshments will be served.

- Submitted by Faye Sensabaugh

The Putneys at a meeting in Rainbow Forest two years ago. File Photo.

Del. Lacey E. Putney will leave office in 9 months and until then he plans to continue his tenure as Chair of  the State Appropriations Committee. When asked what he will do next, he said with a laugh, ” I think my wife Carmela and I will travel.” For the past 52 years Putney has served his constituents in the House of Delegates in Richmond. Currently in the 19th district, Putney a Bedford native,  serves Bedford, Botetourt and Alleghany citizens.

FOR RELEASE THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

PRESS RELEASE – DELEGATE LACEY E. PUTNEY

AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF CONSIDERATION AND DELIBERATION, I HAVE DECIDED NOT TO SEEK ANOTHER TERM IN THE VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

WHEN FIRST ELECTED IN 1961, I HAD NO PLANS TO SEEK A SECOND TERM. NOW, AFTER 52 YEARS OF SERVICE, I HAVE REACHED ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DECISIONS OF MY ADULT LIFE. WORDS CANNOT ADEQUATELY EXPRESS MY SINCERE APPRECIATION TO THE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS WHO HAVE PLACED THEIR TRUST IN ME FOR THE LONGEST TERM OF ANY OTHER VIRGINIA LEGISLATOR CURRENTLY SERVING OR IN YEARS PAST.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO SEEK ANOTHER TERM HAS BEEN UNEXPECTEDLY STRONG IN ALL PARTS OF THE DISTRICT; HOWEVER, I FEEL OBLIGATED TO MAKE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AT THIS TIME BECAUSE I KNOW OTHER POTENTIAL CANDIDATES ARE WAITING TO KNOW MY PLANS.

THROUGH THE YEARS, I HAVE TRIED TO REPRESENT MY CONSTITUENTS IN A MANNER TO WHICH THEY ARE ENTITLED. IT IS MY PLAN TO ACTIVELY WORK FULL TIME FOR THE REMAINING 9 MONTHS OF MY CURRENT TERM, ESPECIALLY IN PROVIDING LEADERSHIP AS CHAIRMAN OF THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE IN CRAFTING THE STATE BUDGET AND SETTING FISCAL POLICIES WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE VIRGINIA THE BEST STATE IN WHICH TO DO BUSINESS.

FRIENDSHIPS WHICH HAVE COME FROM ASSOCIATING WITH HUNDREDS OF DELEGATES AND SENATORS, AS WELL AS 12 GOVERNORS AND THEIR STAFFS, WILL REMAIN FOREVER A RICH AND REWARDING PART OF MY LIFE.

I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THE KINDNESSES AND COURTESIES EXTENDED TO ME AND MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY, WHICH ARE FAR TOO MANY AND FAR TOO PERSONAL TO ENUMERATE.

I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DIDN’T POINT OUT THAT I AM DEEPLY INDEBTED TO MY LATE WIFE AND CHILDREN AND MY PRESENT WIFE FOR THE SACRIFICES THEY HAVE MADE IN ORDER FOR ME TO BE AWAY FROM HOME AND FROM MY LAW PRACTICE FOR A SIGNIFICANT PART OF 52 YEARS. I AM LIKEWISE DEEPLY INDEBTED TO BETTY LOU LAYNE, WHO HAS BEEN A LOYAL EMPLOYEE AS MY SECRETARY AND LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT FOR A TOTAL OF 54 YEARS.

I CONSIDER MYSELF ESPECIALLY BLESSED AND PRIVILEGED FOR HAVING THE HIGH HONOR OF SERVING THE PEOPLE AND THE GREAT COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA FOR THE PAST 52 YEARS.

–Del. Lacey E. Putney

Publication of Paul E. Fitzgerald’s Will Eisner and PS Magazine in 2009 is regarded by many who know him as a fitting capstone in a multi-faceted life. It is an illustrated history and commentary influenced by his role in the challenging early years of the U.S. Army publication that became an internationally acclaimed pioneer in the use of sequential art in communicating motivational and technical information. It also is a reflection of his lasting friendship with Will Eisner—the comics artist who became known as the father of the graphic novel.

Fitzgerald today is a pony-tailed octogenarian free-lance writer, still pounding a keyboard in an Eighteenth Century stone-and-log cabin in Fincastle, Virginia in  the Appalachian Mountains, between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Front. Check out the author and local writer’s new webpage www.fitzworld.us

–submitted by Paul Fitzgerald

Peggy Wade author of “In Full Armor.”

In Full Armor is a new book by Roanoke author, Peggy Wade. The biography gleans segments of Clifford Frith’s multi-faceted life spent in the service of God and his fellow man. Clifford grew up in Franklin County, Va. during the devastating pre Depression era, one of eleven children in his family. The US government responded to massive unemployment by establishing Civilian Conservation Camps. As a CCC chaplain Clifford Frith helped young recruits cope mentally and spiritually with the rigors of constructing Hungry Mother State Park near Marion, Va.

During World War II Captain/Chaplain Frith landed in the Normandy Invasion, He aided medics in evacuating wounded soldiers from battle fields in France. The Silver Star and other commendations were awarded to him for numerous acts of heroism. One soldier in his regiment remarked to a war correspondent “He walks right in where others fear to go.” Chaplain Frith, himself was eventually severely wounded, losing an eye.

As a one-eyed veteran, Frith pastored two churches. One was Troutville Baptist where in the late forties he preached the Word of God on Sundays and demonstrated its teachings through the week. He, with his wife Ruth, raised their own three children, the author and her two brothers. Then they opened Bell Haven, a large country farm home near Collierstown, Va., to homeless children. Sixty youngsters with varying needs received love and care over fifteen years. Mr. Frith labeled this endeavor “Practical Christianity.” The book draws the reader into the action-packed life at Bell Haven to observe Daddy Frith’s management of farm and energized youngsters.

In his senior years spent in Roanoke, Va., he aided elderly folk and widows in his neighborhood with small home repairs and yard work. Distressed over the masses with insufficient food, he strongly supported world hunger relief. This humanitarian’s daily motivation was making life better for others in need.

–submitted by Peggy  Wade

Ruth Wallace and Kathy Sullivan take notes as Dr. Tony Brads gives information about the lack of numbers for the 2013-14 budget.

In the past, by the end of February numbers abounded  for the school budget which traditionally is the largest part of the Botetourt County yearly budget. On the 28th of February, the School Board had no numbers to ruminate at the budget committee meeting. All five members were present, Ruth Wallace, Kathy Sullivan, John Alderson, Michael Beahm and Scott Swortzel as well as board of supervisors ex-officios Dr. Mac Scothorn and Billy Martin.

In 2013, no numbers have yet hit the page for the BCPS budget prompting Superintendent Dr. Tony Brads to compare the budget to a recipe “that is missing ingredients.”  Thus far the state has sent no definitive numbers as both bodies in the General Assembly as well as the Gov. Bob McDonnell have their own budget plans. The  Botetourt County Budget committee has yet to meet, so there are no numbers from the locality, either.

There is some bad news. Division enrollment is down by 125 students compared to the projections. The March 31 for  ADM date looms large with only 4,825 students. The 12-13 budget projection is for 4, 950. Thus there will be a shortfall of  between $125 -150K in state reimbursement. “It is nothing we did, Kindergarten is down.” He said, “We just do not have the numbers that we did. It is what it is.” For instance he sited, “Botetourt County will graduate over 400 students in June. Only 311 enrolled for Kindergarten this current year.” He speculated the cost of affordable housing and cost of living could be impacting young families from locating here.

Brads wants to clear out the final four per cent of the VRS upgrade mandated last year from Richmond. He would also like to see at least a 2% raise. The idea is to keep the teacher and staff take home pay from decreasing due to covering VRS contributions and also health insurance.

Last month Brads reported the budget for health care might top 6 million. On Thursday, he qualified it. It is more like 4.4 million the school division is responsible for since other costs are for family plans and retirees which pay a portion or all of their premium. A number of ideas are on the table about  different plans some with higher deductibles and some with lower plan differences in benefits that Brads equated to Delta Dental plans.

The school division sees support across the spectrum of county and citizens for the proposed STEM Academy for science,technology, engineering and mathematics. The plans are going ahead to form a partnership with VWCC and perhaps other local support to house the STEM Academy at Greenfield Education and Training Center. “Business will support this, we are geeting a jewel.” said Scothorn. Expansion of the welding program at BTEC is also being studied by the Botetoturt Education Foundation, noted Brads.   He delivered good news on both programs.

Otherwise, “The Sequestration may affect federal funding, but the division is not too worried,” said Brads. There will likely be an increase in school lunch prices next year at a time where  lunch purchases are down due to new federal guidelines for nutrition. Brads said,  “It could be a .25 cent  increase in lunch price.”

The next budget meeting is March 14 at 5 p.m. prior to the regular school board meeting.