New restaurant Black Bear BBQ opens

September 08, 2021

BY MARY LOU BUSH

APPALACHIA NEWS • 565-1386

Patriot Day

This Saturday, Sept. 11 we acknowledge Patriot Day, a holiday observed in the United States, to commemorate the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia and those who perished when the hijacked United Airlines flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. This holiday also recognizes those who died attempting to rescue people trapped by the attacks.

All U.S. flags will be flown at half staff. Americans are asked to honor the dead with a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 am Eastern Standard Time. This is the time that the first airplane struck the World Trade Center, and to respect the ceremonies of remembrance when they are conducted.

Fly the American flag today! Never forget…Always remember!

Labor Day

Labor Day is the beginning of fall like weather and this past Monday it felt like fall was coming soon. Parades, picnics and cookouts were the way of celebrating but due to this Covid threat celebrating has changed. Now I feel like all it is a day off work.

Howard Cummins’ Birthday

To all former students, friends or anyone who has known Mr. Howard Cummins for many years or the last few years, he has a birthday on Sept. 22. He will be 95 years old.

He works on his laptop computer writing more interesting articles for the papers daily. He is living at The Laurels in Norton. I urge you to take the opportunity to send Mr. Cummins a birthday card. Due to Covid, visitors are unable to come to The Laurels so this makes it impossible to have a special party for Mr. Cummins. A card would be great. I know he will be happy to hear from all of us. The address is The Laurels, c/o Howard Cummins, 5635 BSG Drive, Norton, VA 24273

BBQ Opened

The Black Bear BBQ in Appalachia opened last week for a trial run and the invited guests were very happy to enjoy a great barbecue meal and sit in a nice environment. It is open Monday thru Saturday. Tell your friends and let’s support Chris and his family with this new business in town.

Condolences

We were sad to hear of the passing of a very dear friend of ours and the town of Appalachia. Dewey Rowland, 87 years old, passed away very peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 4 at The Laurels in Norton.

Dewey proudly served his country from 1953 to 1955 in the U.S. Army. He was a founding member of the Lonesome Pine Model Railroad Club and a board member of the Appalachia Cultural Arts Council. Dewey retired from Norfolk Southern Railway after 30 years of service. He and his wife, Betty, celebrated 65 years of marriage in August. Dewey was preceded in death by his parents, the late Lee and Bernice Rowland. Graveside service was held Monday at 3 p.m. at The American Legion Cemetery in Big Stone Gap. We send our condolences to the Rowland family.

Greg Jones, a former AHS graduate, passed away last Saturday in Salisbury, NC from Covid complications. He was the grandson of the late Bessie Jones. Greg is survived by two sisters, Teresa and Carla. We send our condolences to Greg’s family.

Celebrating Birthdays

Today, Thursday, Sept. 9, our old friend Mary Warner is celebrating her birthday. Last week, Mary’s daughter, Sherri, from Cincinnati, OH was visiting her mom and we were fortunate enough to see them at 4 Seasons enjoying a family celebration with Mary’s sister, Stella Lane and Mary’s younger brother and nieces. A great way to celebrate Mary’s birthday a few days early.

Sunday, Sept. 12 is a very great day for a birthday. Gary Burns will be celebrating in a new way. At the end of this year Gary will be old enough to retire.This is a birthday he can celebrate and look forward to a new lease on life. Congratulations Mr. Burns, on both dates! Years ago, as a young girl living in Inman, no birthdays were celebrated, but I will always remember on my 8th birthday on September 12, our neighbor, Ruth Caudill gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and her name was Nancy Ruth Caudill. What a thrill that was for me. Today as I see Nancy in the grocery store I always remember we share Sept. 12, not the same year, but the same date.

Appalachia Class

of 1971 Reunion

Appalachia High School Class Reunion 1971 will be held on September 18 from 11 am to 3 pm at Bullitt Park in Big Stone Gap. Those attending need to bring a chair and their own food and drinks. Being hosted by the class of 1971 but all the 70’s classmates are welcome to attend. A group picture of the 1971 class will be taken at 1 pm. If you have any questions you may contact Sue Hopkins Smith at 276/431-4590 or Deborah Arnette Lane at 276/523-3782. No cost.