As Thanksgiving approaches, we have an opportunity to do something very simple and very important: to say thank you. This year, it seems especially important to thank those who make our lives in the Alleghany Highlands possible: our local government employees.
It’s been a hard couple of years for all of us, with lock-downs and closures, mandates and masks. But Clifton Forge town manager Chuck Unroe, Covington City Manager Krystal Onaitis, and current acting County Administrator Pete Huber have continued doing their jobs effectively and honestly. Having served on the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing their work on many fronts, and I’m humbled by what they know, what they do, and what they make possible.
Overseeing the vital work of applying for and administering COVID relief funds, our Clifton Forge, Covington, and County finance staffs have put in long hours. Our Alleghany Highlands and Covington school superintendents have helped our teachers and school employees continue to educate our children. Our Public Works employees, fire and rescue staffs, and police forces have continued to keep us safe under very difficult circumstances.
To all of these people and their staffs—and to all those I’ve failed to mention—thank you so much.
As a resident of Clifton Forge, I give special thanks to Chuck Unroe. He has persevered with real grace as town politics and confounding innuendo—both during and outside of Council meetings—have made his job even more difficult. Our town has never looked better, and I’m optimistic about our future under Mr. Unroe’s leadership.
And as we approach the season of Hope—Advent and Christmas—let’s join together to hope for unified civility as we work together for the greater good in the Alleghany Highlands.
Sincerely,
Joan Vannorsdall
Palace Boulevard
Clifton Forge