Blue Library (2024)

17/05/2024

Wayne Flint was born and raised in Buena Vista. His dad worked at the Blue Ridge Tannery and his mom worked at “The Station.” She was a sewing machine operator and both parents only had an eighth grade education. Mr. Flint’s paternal grandfather was James Flint, the first police officer to die in a line of duty in BV. His father was only 14 at the time and had to help support his six siblings.

When he was growing up in the 40s and 50s BV was different from what it is now. For example, all summer long they would skate at night all over town because there weren’t any sidewalks downtown. His parents really didn't care where they were as long as they were back by a certain time. Everybody in town knew you and you knew everybody. Mr. Flint had his own charge account at the local building supplies and whatever he was working on as a hobby he could pick up supplies and charge it.

He got all A’s and B’s in the first through fifth grade. He said once he hit the sixth grade he got tired of studying, so in sixth he was socially promoted. By seventh grade he still didn’t like studying so he had to go to summer school. He didn't want to spend all summer in school so in the spring he started working hard and they promoted him.

When he was in high school he tried to play football and baseball. He was in two school plays and in the art club. One of his greatest accomplishments in HS was that he was selected to go to boys state at Virginia Tech. He graduated from Parry McCluer in 1958.

One of his high school teachers wanted him to be an industrial arts teacher. Mr. Flint said, “No way I want to be an architect.” However, there was so much studying between his freshman and sophomore year he changed his mind. After his first experience teaching students he was hooked,

He worked as a plumber's helper all through college at Dickinson and Cole Heating. He helped Earl Smith and drove for him. The summer between his freshmen and sophomore year he worked on the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge that goes over route 60. That summer he worked 10 hours a day, six days a week.

His senior year of college he was teaching and attending classes six days a week. He taught in Roanoke City Public Schools H e did that until he got orders to report to the Army. Around that time he also was selected to join the CIA and signed a government contract. At the same time the Army was starting their own Intelligence Corps. SO he was transferred to the new corps. He started taking military classes in Fort Benning, Georgia. In the meantime he married Linda who was from Bristol, Virginia.

He was a commanding officer of a research and intelligence unit, he led secret missions that his family couldn't know where he was or what he was doing. After coming home from one of these missions his son was scared of him because he didn’t know who he was. Mr. Flint did not like that.
So he quit the military and took two jobs, one was teaching 9th and 10th graders industrial arts until 3:30. After that he worked as a draftsman for concrete structures until 9:30 at night.

Eventually he was hired in Rockbridge County. He taught at Natural Bridge. Then he did a short stint in industry and later Dr. Bradford hired him at BVCPS. He started in 1971 as the assistant principal at PMHS.

When Mr. Flint was hired some people thought he'd only be there a short time. At the time PMHS had five principals in the last five years. The school was on probation with the VHSL because of sportsmanship so Mr. Flint set to work. Everytime someone acted up, especially at the basketball games, he would send them a letter telling them they had to have a conference with him before they could come back on school property. It took him about two years to straighten things out. He was so successful he stayed on and eventually was the principal for 21 years.

During his tenure as principal he got the dual enrollment program started and helped with year round school. After retirement he has served for many years on the school board. His wife Linda has served on the Paxton House historical board. She volunteered him to help restore doors, windows and more.

Mr. Flint loves Buena Vista; he loves that it's a small town. He would encourage students to go for whatever they want despite their fears.

Wayne Flint, who was born a Fighting Blue, had adventures all over the world until he decided family and home was BV. Since then he has spent his life in the service of his beloved Fighting Blues. He is the best of Buena Vista.

by Peydon Sorrells

14/05/2024

Sayre is the best of Buena Vista. Recently, I sat down with Lorie Fitzgerald and Debbie Carter, long time employees. They shared the story of Sayre.

The original owners, Scott and Mary Sayre, started the company in 1987 in their garage in Lexington. Previously Scott attended VMI. Later he served in the military. He invented boot blousers to help with the uniform. Soldiers wear them to keep their pants down in their boots. Eventually Sayre moved to the old Bluebird building and then to the Beverly building. In 1999 they moved to their current location. Scott and Mary sold the business in 2019.

They make badges, name tapes, boot blousers etc. for Army, Air Force, Space Force, Navy and more. They fill military contracts for the company that bought them. They also make tactical gear, safety belts, service flags, army streamers, safety vests and more. From there the product is distributed to customers.

The embroidery jobs are set up by machine. There are 206 sewing needles and the jobs are arranged by what thread is on what needle. They do foil stamping, embossing and monogramming for J Crew in Lynchburg. They put initials on ties, suit jackets, pajamas, shirts etc.

Most things Sayre makes are for soldiers fighting for our freedom so they take a lot of pride in their work. They purchase American made items to use when making their products

Sayre has an employee appreciation day once a month. Sometimes they serve pizza, other times candy. They have company picnics and Christmas dinner dances. Every month it's something different. Sayre is family oriented, it's a great place to work. They can choose to work for ten hour days or five eight hour days

Sayre gives back to the community. They do fundraisers including SPCA, school supply drives, Christmas baskets, community cleanup, etc. Sayre employs many BV residents and it makes a difference in our community. This makes it the Best of BV!

by Lucas Smith

10/05/2024

It's teacher appreciation week and we are celebrating Peggy Poluikis from Kling! She was last year's division wide teacher of the year!

One of the best parts of Buena Vista is Peggy Poluikis. Mrs. Poluikis grew up in New Jersey and graduated from a small Christian school called Kings Academy in 1999. In high school, she ran track one season and played in the band her freshman year. In her youth, her mom influenced her to go beyond her education in high school.

Later on, Mrs. Poluikis went to Liberty University, getting her bachelor's degree in communications and minoring in psychology. While at Liberty, she worked in the registrar's office as an academic evaluator, helping other students graduate and telling them what they needed to get done to meet the requirements for graduation. By doing this, she paid for her own college while in college. Then she spent a year working with autistic students at a local school. Later on, Mrs. Poluikis got her master's degree in education from Liberty as well.

Nowadays, Mrs.Poluikis works at our own Kling Elementary School as a special education teacher. She has been a teacher for nine years. She got into teaching in the special education field because of her son who has special needs. What also influenced her was her husband Mr. Poluikis, who was already teaching in the special education program at our schools.

Mrs. Poluikis enjoys getting to show love and compassion toward children who need it more. She likes to give students a little extra help when needed. Mrs. Poluikis loves BV because it's a small town and everybody knows everybody. In her words, “there's pride in that.” To today's PMHS students Mrs. Poluikis would say, “Work hard, don’t give up, you're special, and you are very loved.” She is the Best of BV.

By Maddie Carte

09/05/2024

It's teacher appreciation week and we are celebrating Teresa Roberts from Enderly Heights Elementary!

Mrs. Teresa Roberts is a 1996 Parry McCluer High school graduate. While she attended PMHS she did various extracurricular activities. She was a cheerleader. She was also in the National Honors Society. After graduating from PMHS she attended Radford University and graduated in 2000.

She has nine years as a second grade teacher and 12 years as a fourth grade teacher. She is now on her 23rd year with this being her first year in a new role of an instructional coach. Going through BVCPS with the small classes helped guide her to be a teacher. She wanted to help kids like her teachers had helped her. Martha Gravatt was her fourth grade teacher who she had adored. Mrs. Downs at the middle school was her English teacher and as she entered high school Mr. Evans and Ms. Martin were very helpful to her. Her sister Mrs. Angie Patterson who is also a teacher here for BVCPS was a big influence for her. Mrs. Cline, her cheerleading coach, who she was also lucky enough to work with, experienced a different type of relationship with her.

One memory she’d experienced that was very fun was cruising. Mrs. Roberts and her friends would cruise down main street for hours at a time. She’d also enjoyed hanging out with friends and family. Whether it be a big event happening in someone’s life or a birthday party she always enjoyed going to them. Hanging out with her friends and family is something she still loves to do.

Mrs. Roberts is proud to see that the town is growing again. She feels we went through a phase where there wasn't much going on but now there are new little shops that have opened up. She's glad people are giving back and helping the town. Some changes she'd like to see are continued growth, and a new elementary school building. She loves that the kids are Blues and knows what it means to be a Blue.

Mrs. Roberts has always been very encouraging to her students. Helping them inside and outside the classroom. She’d like her students to know they should always dream big and big things can happen. Continue your education whether it be college or a trade school. Mrs. Teresa Roberts is the Best of Buena Vista.

By Adrian Slagle

08/05/2024

It's teacher appreciation week and we are celebrating Angie Patterson from Parry McCluer Middle School!

Angie Patterson, a dedicated educator currently teaching at PMMS, will be bidding farewell to her teaching career this year after an impressive thirty-three years in the school system. One was spent in Rockbridge County, the rest were at BVCPS. Kindergarten, second grade, and fourth through twelfth grade have all been taught by Mrs. Patterson. Her journey in education traces back to her roots in Amherst County, where she grew up. She graduated from Amherst County High School in 1987. She was actively engaged in the school community, she served as the vice president of her senior class and participated in numerous clubs, enriching her academic experience. After high school, she attended Radford University. Continuing her commitment to learning, she furthered her education and earned her Master's in Education from James Madison University in 1997.

Mrs. Patterson's journey to becoming an educator was inspired by her elementary teacher, Pat Massie. They still keep in touch to this day. Developing ties with her students and seeing their success after graduation brings Mrs. Patterson great satisfaction. Because of the strong community ties in Buena Vista, she has a special place in her heart for teaching here. She appreciates the small town life and loves how everyone is looking out for each other.

Mrs. Patterson said all of her students leave an impact on her, but some stand out a little bit more than others. One touching memory stands out among her teaching experiences: a student delivering a speech expressing gratitude for Mrs. Patterson's consistent fairness and support, regardless of circumstances. This year, she finds joy in mentoring a student from another country, whose kindness uplifts her spirit.

I had Mrs. Patterson as a teacher in Middle School and I can say she is amazing at her job. Everyone knows she is always willing to lend a hand and stay on top of everything going on. Mrs. Patterson would like to tell today's PMHS students to enjoy your time now and not forget where you came from. She also added to remember that you are just as capable and important as everyone else even if you grew up differently.

Enjoy your retirement!

by Addisen Roberts

07/05/2024

This week is Teacher Appreciation week! We are so thankful for our teachers. To celebrate, Blue Library and The Best of BV will be posting a tribute to one teacher from each of the four schools in Buena Vista. Today's post comes from the high school.

Robert Williams is the best of BV. Mr. Williams has been a huge part of BV. He is a coach, a father and an amazing teacher. In honor of teacher appreciation week and his retirement after this year, I decided to write about him. He has two children, Cameron and Whitney as well as a grandson Micah. He also has a wife named Connie Dreusicke. Williams comes from Elysburg Pennsylvania, graduating from high school in 1982 furthering his education in Utah at Utah State for one year and graduating from Bloomsburg University, Pennsylvania. He was involved in football, basketball, and track in his prime years. He is still involved in track as an assistant coach for the high school outdoor track team.

He has been teaching for 38 years. He is now a mathematics teacher and a good one. He knows his math more than I ever could. He states that his parents Sid and Darlene were his biggest influence for his future decisions. He also says that his favorite part of teaching is the summers, I agree!

Several students and moments during his career stood out to him. Mr. Williams was always one to make jokes while in class, never knowing if he was serious about them or not but he was almost always joking. He says Buena Vista is his favorite place to teach that he has been to. To PMHS students, Williams says, “You’ve got a great town don’t worry about if you end up staying here the rest of your life, it’s a pretty cool place.”

My favorite part was messing with Mr. Williams. We would always joke around with each other. From the second I stepped foot in his classroom he made sure I knew I was his favorite to pick on. Sometimes he may seem strict, but he really was one of the kindest teachers in our school. He has a different, but funny way of expressing his personality. That was my favorite thing about Mr. Williams, he was very unique compared to anyone else in this school. He is the Best of BV.

by Emory Slagle

03/05/2024

Ms. Lisa Clark, a resident of Rockbridge County, graduated from Natural Bridge High School in 1983, predating the consolidation of high schools in Rockbridge County. Following her high school education, she pursued further studies at Mary Baldwin College, earning two graduate degrees from the University of Virginia, and obtaining her doctorate from Liberty University.

During her high school years, Ms. Clark was an active participant in extracurricular activities, excelling in cheerleading, track, and intramural volleyball and softball. Her dedication to these sports earned her recognition and honors within the school community.

Ms. Clark attributes her success in college and beyond to the supportive environment of her hometown, where she developed the confidence to pursue higher education and professional opportunities. She highlights the tight-knit community and familial support as instrumental in shaping her journey.

In terms of professional experience, Ms. Clark has held diverse roles, including positions at Wendy's and a sewing factory during her high school years. She later transitioned to roles in education, working for the Buena Vista City Schools for several years. Her tenure in education included positions as a deputy clerk, teaching various grade levels, and ultimately serving as a principal for over two decades. Currently, she holds the role of attendance specialist at a PMHS.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Ms. Clark fondly recalls cherished memories of community activities such as skating at the rink and gathering at the movie theater. In BV, she also notes significant changes in the city, such as the construction of the high school in 2000 and the evolving downtown Main Street, which she believes has enhanced opportunities for citizens and businesses.

When asked about influential figures in her life, Ms. Clark acknowledges the support of teachers and her family, particularly during challenging times. Their guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping her personal and professional development.

As a proud resident of Buena Vista, Ms. Clark emphasizes the uniqueness of her hometown, expressing gratitude for its tight-knit community and distinct identity compared to neighboring areas.

In closing, Ms. Clark offers words of advice to current students, urging them to make the most of their high school years by actively engaging in social interactions and embracing opportunities for personal growth.

By Danny Hellams

01/05/2024

My grandma is Linda Fitzgerald. She has always lived near me. When I was little I went to her house all the time. I spent time in the kitchen with her making biscuits. Nanny would make the dough, then I would get to flatten it out with a rolling pin. Once Nanny got it the right thickness then she let me stamp circles with the biscuit cutter. After she took them out of the oven, they made the best lunch.

Now Nanny lives with us and we like to watch TV together. A few weeks ago we finished watching Manifest. We thought it was really good. But mostly we like to spend time talking together. She's one of my greatest supporters. She tells me how proud she is of me. She always encourages me to do my best.

I am so grateful for my grandma, Linda Fitzgerald. To me, she is the best of Buena Vista.

by Rhianna Fitzgerald

29/04/2024

Sophia Bouchelle is the Best of Buena Vista. She is kind, smart, and reliable. At school she is a hard worker and out of school she's a great friend and fun to be around. Sophia always goes the extra mile to help someone or just be there for anyone. There is never a time I've needed her and she wasn't there.

Sophia and I became friends last year. We met through two boys who happen to be best friends. Before the boys introduced us we never met. Ever since then we have been inseparable. Considering Sophia is a three sport athlete we don't get to hangout often, but when we do we always have the best time. We like to go to Straws, Dons, and the movies together. One of her favorite things we do together is go to wrestling tournaments.

Sophia currently attends Parry McCluer High School. She graduates in 2028. She plays volleyball, softball, and basketball. Her favorite sport is volleyball. Sophia plans to attend college after high school to pursue a career in cosmetology.

Sophia is one of the greatest people I know. She always puts others before herself and helps anyone in need. Sophia has always been there for me through everything. Every time we hangout the bond remains the same. I will always enjoy laughing, joking, and making fun memories with Sophia. This is why Sophia Bouchelle is the best of BV.

by: Jaedyn White

26/04/2024

The Reservoir Hollow Trail is a well used hiking path in the community. On the line between the Jefferson and George Washington Forests this trail has served the community for many years. Although the full history is unknown, it is believed that it could predate the Conservation Corps Crew in the 1930s. Because the trail is over 90 years old, it is a Legacy Trail.

The well maintained path has two trailheads so you won't have to double back on your trek. One end connects to route 60, and the other comes right into town on 12th street. With new signs being installed the popularity has risen in recent years. It's a great place to walk your dogs, even if you don't go across the whole thing. Megan Martin, Forest Service Trail Specialist, oversees and assists in management and maintenance of the trail. Along with this trail she also manages 107 miles of the Appalachian Trail and Panther Falls. She said, “we try as much as we can to have volunteer engagement. And this district in particular, were super fortunate that we do have a lot of really active and enthusiastic volunteers.”

It's called the Reservoir Hollow trail because part way through a reservoir was built back when BV was just beginning. It housed water for household use. In 1921 patrolman Louis Donnel Wilmoth went to the reservoir to clean a drain. His revolver fell from his holster and discharged. Tragically, he was hit and died.

In the 1970’s and 80’s the reservoir was no longer used for city water and stories of a swimming hole surface. Young people hiked the trail and spent afternoons in the water. Nowadays, the reservoir is no longer cared for and has filled with mud and trees over time. However, turtles and other wildlife still find it a good place to hang out. It's usually pretty quiet.

The Reservoir Hollow Trail is four miles long and runs mostly downhill starting from the route 60 side. The last mile or so has a lot of streams to cross. It is one of the best places to hike. The trail is right in the forests of BV, and has lots of natural beauty. It is the best of BV.

by Stuart Richardson

24/04/2024

My cousin Bech Garrett is the best of Buena Vista. He works for Will.Co’ my uncle’s business. They remodel homes in town. He’s a very hard worker and he loves what he does. He grew up here and has always been a Fighting Blue. He was an excellent athlete and scholar in high school, he played football, baseball, and basketball.

For example he won a lot of awards throughout his high school years. Bech won the WDBJ 7 top five catches of the year for football, but he also had some great seasons playing basketball and baseball. Bech Garrett graduated in 2019.

About Buena Vista Bech Garrett said, “I’d like to see more activities for the younger generation,” When asked what he wants more of in his beloved town, Bech said, “One of the best things about Buena Vista is that it is a great place to retire, everybody knows everybody.” When Bach was asked what he loved most about Buena Vista he said, “I love that Buena Vista is a small tight knit community and a beautiful place.”

He’s always been there for my family. Bech has been a big influence and inspiration to me in so many ways. At the end of last summer my home burned down. He was one of the first people to comfort me and he offered to let me stay with him. I actually lived with him for a few months and became even closer to him. When I think of the people I love in Buena Vista, he is one of the first to come to mind. Family is very important to me and I'm so glad Bech is a part of mine.

by London Wright

22/04/2024

My Mom Tracy Ramsey is from Bedford Virginia, she did not graduate from high school but she did get her GED. She likes Buena Vista because everyone’s really friendly here. She enjoys supporting the Fighting Blues.

She moved to Buena Vista when she was 18 years old so she has lived in BV since 1996. She moved to Buena Vista and she was starting somewhere fresh and with a new life here in BV. Her favorite thing to do in BV is take pictures and ride around and ride on back roads and up to the mountains.

She works at Food Lion in Buena Vista and she has been working there for a couple of months. I have a pretty good relationship with my mom. She always did everything like helping me when I’m struggling with stuff I can’t understand or spending time with her. I love her and I always depend on her. She has a kind and caring personality.

My mom likes learning about all the history in Buena Vista. She enjoys staying at home in her free time and hanging out with me or going out shopping and spending time with the family.

We are her world and she would do anything for us. She loves watching us grow up and graduate high school. It is the only thing my mom ever wanted and hoped would come true.

by Tristain Ramsey

19/04/2024

Many people would say that what makes BV great is the mountains, the restaurants,the trails, and the people.. But what I love most are my dogs, Bonnie, Sadie, Maggie, and Birdie. Taking them out for a run, walk, or a hike makes everything better. My dogs are what makes BV great.

Sadie is the oldest. She is a three legged chocolate lab that is blind. Three or four years ago she was in a car accident and broke her femur bone and we had to amputate her back leg. She lost her sight 8 months ago due to her age and diabetes. I didn't want to take her hiking at first but she was always sad when I had a leash in my hand for the other dogs. So I decided to take her and the second we got to the trail and took her leash off she took off up the hill with a big smile on her face just like she used to.

I got Birdie next. She is a Mixed Boxer. I rescued her from the Roanoke Shelter. At first she was really skittish when she came home with us. But after warming up to us she stopped hiding underneath the bed and started sharing her energy with everyone. She is really goofy when we are hiking. She will pick up the biggest stick she can find and walk the whole way up the mountain with it in her mouth.

Four months ago I got Bonnie. She is a Border Collie. I was scrolling on Facebook and came across a picture saying someone found her wandering around in the woods. I texted the people and said I would love to have her. When she first came to the house she kept running out the doors and I would have to find her. Now she stays with me and my dad wherever we go.
After a tough day at school I love coming home to my girls. When I open the front door, they always greet me by jumping and wagging their tails. They are the best of BV.

by Katey Shifflett

17/04/2024

Delorise Boateng is a self taught baker who lived in Buena Vista up till 2015. She graduated from Parry McCluer High School in 2004. Delorise was a cheerleader and her favorite class was art with Mrs. Strickler, she talks about how the class with Mrs. Strickler helped her a lot with the creative choices that helped her start her business. Delorise said that her first born was the main reason why she started her business, because on his first birthday she baked his cake and posted it, then it went viral.

In January of 2019, Delorise made her first cake. Which was a success. She then had an idea to start her own business called Del_licioustreatsbydelorise. She makes various treats like cake, cupcakes, cookies, etc. She also makes various flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, etc. It has been 5 years since her first cake and plenty more has come after.

She has several customers in Buena Vista including her family that gets some of her treats for “test tasting.” Throughout the years she has had some favorite cakes she’s made which are her Harry Potter, Chick-fil-A, and Christmas cake. Delorsise’s cakes usually take her 4-5 hours if she makes it in a day and 3-4 days daily, it just depends on how much people order.

Delorise enjoys baking a lot even though it can be stressful with all the orders she gets daily. She loves the Buena Vista community and the views. She said BV is a safe and caring environment. Her favorite thing about BV is her family and friends living here. For example she had made two birthday cakes for my cousin and uncle, (her nephew and brother in law) and being with them to experience how the cake made them feel was fun. She loved seeing their excitement at the birthday celebration. If you would like to check out more of her cakes go to on facebook and instagram.

by Kamilah Richardson

15/04/2024

I’m from Buena Vista and I’m proud of it. Both my grandma, Barbra Zimbro Wilhelm, and my great grandma, Patsy Jones Zimbro Thomas, grew up here and their example is part of what makes me who I am today. Their pride in Buena Vista and their ability to work hard are part of what make Buena Vista unique. They both give me reasons to be proud of them and what Buena Vista is.

They both went to Buena Vista City Public Schools as they were growing up. My great grandmother stopped attending after 8th grade to get married to Everett Zimbro and had three children. She loved to cook and take care of her kids. She was a very hard worker. She has always been a kind person. Patsy cares for all of those around her. She's shown me in many ways, more than once, how kindness can help those in need and be beneficial. I often cut wood for her and help her as well. I strive to be like her.

My grandmother Barbara did color guard in high school. Throughout high school she liked doing small jobs for money. She never liked having her parents pay for her stuff so she’d work and buy her own clothes and other things. Barbara was really into flipping houses when she got out of high school because of the financial opportunities it brought. She was a very independent woman and still is. Now Barbaral runs her own real estate company. It’s successful because of her hard work. She has created a good role model for me in ways to be independent and successful.

Both of my grandmothers have been amazing role models. They make me proud of Buena Vista and they make me want to be like them. They are the best of BV.

by Lincoln Garrett

Monday	08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:00
Thursday	08:00 - 16:00
Friday	08:00 - 16:00

Blue Library