by Neil Richard
photos by Yvonne Richard
The King George County Supervisors held a ceremonial meeting, called Founder's Day, on Friday the 15th to mark the beginning of a year-long celebration of the County's 300th Anniversary. Being the first of many events over the next twelve months, the Supervisors conducted no substantial business during the meeting and instead gave speeches and let other dignitaries comment.
After giving attendees time to enjoy the food and beverages, the Supervisors began their meeting. Each Supervisor gave a report as usual but focused on their history of coming to King George, how it has impacted their lives in a positive way, and how much they love being here. John Jenkins talked about his time as a student athlete and how much he enjoyed the small town feel. Richard Granger, who is often cool and collected during meetings, got a little emotional as he talked about his life here in the County. Cathy Binder, being a fan of history, focused more on the history of the County. Ruby Brabo spoke about how the people in King George were sometimes considered troublemakers because they stood up for what was right. Jeff Bueche said he and his wife loved King George so much that he was strategic in how he moved forward in his career so he could stay here.
There was a bit of theatrics next as a reenactor, complete with Colonial garb, read a proclamation that led to the formation of King George County in 1720. Congressman Rob Wittman was also on hand to read his proclamation that was read into the Congressional Record and to present the County with a flag flown over the US Capitol. Dr. Neiman Young, County Administrator, then tempered the mood in the room a bit as he reminded everyone that as the celebrations began, a King George Alert was sent out about an accident. Young said that it reminded him that there were those on duty in the room and in the field that would not be able to participate in the festivities because they were serving the residents of the County, ensuring our safety. He asked that everyone take a moment and help him thank Sheriff Dempsey, Chief Moody, and everyone in the Sheriff's Office and Fire and Rescue Department for their service. The crowd turned to Moody who was standing in the back of the room and gave him a standing ovation.
The evening turned more celebratory as Captain O'Leary, the commanding officer of the Dahlgren Naval Base, opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting by briefly talking about the relationship between the base and the County. Bob Baird, president of the King George Historical Society, spoke about the County's history and Janice O'Brien, Secretary of the King George Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the economic impact of businesses. Dr. Benson did his best to cram 300 years of educational history into three minutes and Nina Cox talked about the history of natural preservation. The best speech of the evening though was the last one. Don Smith, representing all of the civic organizations in the County, turned the tables a little and spent most of his three minutes thanking everyone for spending time volunteering. Each speaker was tasked with not only speaking but contributing an item to the County to celebrate 300 years. Smith said as he researched volunteer groups for an item that would represent them, there was no one logo or shirt or coin that would work. But he was able to find one common theme so he decided a shovel was the best item because volunteers were always there to fill the needs of the community.
After the meeting adjourned, the audience lingered for a bit enjoying the rest of the food and socializing.
[EDITOR'S NOTE - Neil Richard, a co-founder of Project94, is the spouse of Yvonne Richard.]
photos by Yvonne Richard
The King George County Supervisors held a ceremonial meeting, called Founder's Day, on Friday the 15th to mark the beginning of a year-long celebration of the County's 300th Anniversary. Being the first of many events over the next twelve months, the Supervisors conducted no substantial business during the meeting and instead gave speeches and let other dignitaries comment.
After giving attendees time to enjoy the food and beverages, the Supervisors began their meeting. Each Supervisor gave a report as usual but focused on their history of coming to King George, how it has impacted their lives in a positive way, and how much they love being here. John Jenkins talked about his time as a student athlete and how much he enjoyed the small town feel. Richard Granger, who is often cool and collected during meetings, got a little emotional as he talked about his life here in the County. Cathy Binder, being a fan of history, focused more on the history of the County. Ruby Brabo spoke about how the people in King George were sometimes considered troublemakers because they stood up for what was right. Jeff Bueche said he and his wife loved King George so much that he was strategic in how he moved forward in his career so he could stay here.
There was a bit of theatrics next as a reenactor, complete with Colonial garb, read a proclamation that led to the formation of King George County in 1720. Congressman Rob Wittman was also on hand to read his proclamation that was read into the Congressional Record and to present the County with a flag flown over the US Capitol. Dr. Neiman Young, County Administrator, then tempered the mood in the room a bit as he reminded everyone that as the celebrations began, a King George Alert was sent out about an accident. Young said that it reminded him that there were those on duty in the room and in the field that would not be able to participate in the festivities because they were serving the residents of the County, ensuring our safety. He asked that everyone take a moment and help him thank Sheriff Dempsey, Chief Moody, and everyone in the Sheriff's Office and Fire and Rescue Department for their service. The crowd turned to Moody who was standing in the back of the room and gave him a standing ovation.
The evening turned more celebratory as Captain O'Leary, the commanding officer of the Dahlgren Naval Base, opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting by briefly talking about the relationship between the base and the County. Bob Baird, president of the King George Historical Society, spoke about the County's history and Janice O'Brien, Secretary of the King George Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the economic impact of businesses. Dr. Benson did his best to cram 300 years of educational history into three minutes and Nina Cox talked about the history of natural preservation. The best speech of the evening though was the last one. Don Smith, representing all of the civic organizations in the County, turned the tables a little and spent most of his three minutes thanking everyone for spending time volunteering. Each speaker was tasked with not only speaking but contributing an item to the County to celebrate 300 years. Smith said as he researched volunteer groups for an item that would represent them, there was no one logo or shirt or coin that would work. But he was able to find one common theme so he decided a shovel was the best item because volunteers were always there to fill the needs of the community.
After the meeting adjourned, the audience lingered for a bit enjoying the rest of the food and socializing.
[EDITOR'S NOTE - Neil Richard, a co-founder of Project94, is the spouse of Yvonne Richard.]
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