For Release: Sept. 27, 2008
Contact: David Clementson
Email: dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
McDonnell, Staunton Leaders Host ‘Community Day’
STAUNTON – Attorney General Bob McDonnell, Staunton Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Robertson, Staunton Police Chief Jim Williams and Dr. R. Steven Nichols, Superintendent of Staunton City Schools, hosted a Community Day event in Staunton today.
The event gave residents and businesses an opportunity to beautify their neighborhood through community service, while offering free health check-ups to families, and honoring community activism.
The group spent the morning planting trees and shrubs in the park adjacent to the Booker T. Washington Community Center. The “Gang-Free Community Poster Contest” winners received their prizes. Area doctors provided free dental, eye, and general health checks. Families enjoyed a variety of fun activities. Chili’s of Staunton and Jazzy T’s provided the food.
“Today was a great community-building event,” Attorney General McDonnell said. “As Attorney General, my focus is on keeping Virginia safe and prosperous. When Virginians come together to clean up our neighborhoods, and help each other, we make this a better Commonwealth."
McDonnell added, "I always enjoy being in the Valley. Our Office has been very involved in this beautiful region of the Commonwealth. For example, we have a full-time gang prosecutor for the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton students won our statewide youth Internet safety TV ad contest, and I hosted a similar community clean-up day in the Valley two years ago. I want to thank all the committed business sponsors, organizers, volunteers, elected officials, school leaders, and local activists who gave of their time today to help make Staunton even better.”
The City of Staunton and several area businesses supported this effort, including Lowe’s Home Improvement, Wal-Mart, Shenandoah Valley Security, Blue Ridge Lumber Company, Parker Compound Bows, Shenandoah Forest Land Development and Management, Village Garden Center, Allied Building Supply, Shenandoah Spring Water, Shenandoah Valley Trophies and Awards, Staunton Parks and Recreation Department and the Middle River Regional Jail.
"Businesses and individuals must support this important effort to let our community know that everyone is critical to the beauty and prosperity of our region,” said Tom Sheets, president of Blue Ridge Lumber Company.
According to Lynn Comer, president and security consultant of Shenandoah Valley Security Systems: "What an honor it is for Shenandoah Valley Security to be a part of this neighborhood’s reclamation. Our community’s citizens and businesses are working together to create a secure green space where adults and children alike can step away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives to dream and play.”
