The Great Greenbrier River Race was well attended and went off once again without hitch. The biggest unknown from year to year is the water.
Thank you to all those volunteers who have made this event so successful over the years. A huge thank you to the participants and spectators who keep coming back to Marlinton every year.
Also, the first First-Friday program of the 2025 season, with a theme to honor our youth, was also well attended and a great success. I am happy to see the Discovery Junction included in all the activities. This facility has truly become an integral part of our community.
Speaking of youth, this was an important weekend for Pocahontas County High School students. Congratulations to all PCHS juniors and seniors. From my perspective, your prom night was a great success. This event will be an evening all young men and women will remember for years to come.
Extra congratulations to the senior class for completing your first 12 years of schooling. You are on the road to success. Whatever your next step, remember you can achieve all your other goals in life by keeping the same mind-set. When your career decision is made, keep working hard, be determined to finish, and you will get where you want to go.
These events have reminded me that before these students began high school, the Town was already working toward making a change on upper First Avenue, aka Upper Tannery Row. By assisting property owners with asbestos removal and other contacts, the abandoned and dilapidated houses started coming down on May 3, 2022, and the properties were cleaned up.
Everything takes longer than we like. But persistence and determination make the difference. It did not happen overnight. But, seeing the structures that have been rebuilt on the riverbank make it worthwhile. These new properties have added value to our town.
Stronger towns make a stronger state.
