Clifton Forge Town Council held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 13th. The agenda included reports and updates on several projects. First, Michael Foster and Pat Lightfoot gave a heartfelt report regarding the efforts of the Clifton Forge Comprehensive Plan, asking the council and town citizens to recognize the hard work and time commitment of each of the volunteers who offered to listen and represent the voices of the community during the project. Next, David Elwood gave an impressive update on the work being done by the Parks and Trails Organization. He announced that picnic tables would soon be part of the Smith Creek Sensory Trail. He praised many continuous efforts to bring tourists to the area including a July 2024 event called “Hike the Forge.” Elwood raised one concern regarding the outdated town website and pleaded with the council to make appropriate improvements so that more citizens and town visitors could be aware of the good things happening as part of the Parks and Trails efforts.
Following Elwood, VFW Post 1033 Quartermaster Bill Atherholt shared exciting news of the upcoming town processional expected on October 1, 2024 around 1pm when the “Wall That Heals” will make its way through the town on its way to the Jackson River Sports Complex for full display from October 3-6th. Atherholt expressed the rarity of the event and asked all veterans to proudly support the efforts. The “Wall That Heals” is a collaborative effort to help recognize those lost during the Vietnam War by displaying a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile education center.
Chuck Unroe offered public introduction of the new Clifton Forge Code Enforcement Officer, Brad Balser, who has also been appointed as Building Maintenance Inspector. Unroe stated the decision to hire was “based upon experience and a long history of police training and background, people skills and how to diffuse and deal with difficult situations.” Unroe also noted the more likely possibility of funding for the all-abilities playground project as the bill allocating funds moves to the Senate. Council members then moved to a closed session after comments.
The Shadow
