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Karyn Gardner, (540) 228-2176, (540) 655-3646 [email protected]
First and foremost, our thanks and appreciation goes out to all those working to contain the blazes in our mountains ‒ more than 200 personnel from several different agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, and local fire departments. Thank you all!
Visit the U.S. Forest Service - George Washington and Jefferson National Forest Facebook page to find the information as it’s updated in real-time.
The Matts Creek wildfire has burned thousands of acres in the James River Face Wilderness area since last week. Last Thursday night, bright flames could be seen from atop the valley’s eastern ridgelines. Friday, flames could be seen atop the mountain from the southern end of the valley. Sunday morning, the fire had started moving further west and had come into view from Wert Faulkner Highway and the northern end of Arnolds Valley Road.
According to the U.S. Forest Services website, as of this past weekend, the fire has prompted several local road and trail closures to allow for public and fire fighter safety: Also, please be mindful of increased animal activity around our community as area wildlife moves away from the fire.
Sending birthday wishes to my sister-in-law Sarah Gardner and to Angie Clark, Lois Cornell-Cash and Gloria Pugh.
Faith Baptist Church will be having a Men’s Prayer Breakfast this morning at 8 and a song and praise service on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m.
Many thanks to Deacon Dick Willis for leading the service this past Sunday at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Thanks also to Bert Buford and Josh Gardner for providing music for the service and to Lynn Williams for hosting coffee hour.
In other seasonal news, Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge on James River Road closed out their 2023 camping season on Nov 20. The 2024 season will open in March. Cave Mountain Lake Campground closed for the season at the end of October and is scheduled to reopen for campers on April 1, 2024.
Wishing everyone a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
Any church or community news or happenings, birthdays, anniversaries and the like you want listed? Please don’t hesitate to let me know!
