BUCKHANNON – Three members of the Buckhannon community were honored at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Caressa Chapman, the owner of Fox’s Pizza Den in Buckhannon, hosted a challenge in April where a portion of pizza sales would be dedicated to the Stockert Youth and Community Center’s capital campaign for the construction of a new multi-use gym building.
Chapman said the challenge went well — she sold 30 bambino, 65 small, 80 medium, 83 extra large and 129 big daddy pizzas.
“That gave an overall $673, but I like even numbers so I am going to give a check to Stockert for $1,700,” Chapman said, chipping in a sizeable donation of her own.
Mayor David McCauley said he appreciated the donation and Chapman’s commitment to the youth of Upshur County.
“Our Buckhannon-Upshur community appreciates and values the efforts, energy and dedication of some of our finest residents and supporters and wishes to honor and commend them and their continued positive mission, particularly supporting the youth of our community,” McCauley said.
The mayor gave Chapman the city’s highest honor, the Ambassador’s Award, for her contribution and made June 20 Caressa Chapman Day.
The city also honored two longtime employees who will retire by the end of the month.
“It’s always a double-edged sword … you come to see your colleagues and those that work for the city as a family,” said McCauley, who himself has worked for the city in some capacity for 37 years.
Charles “Charlie” Riffle has worked with the streets and parks department since April 2000. McCauley said Riffle worked on several important projects throughout the city, including the expansion of ADA sidewalks, the revamping of Jawbone Park, the development of the Riverwalk trail and various street paving projects.
“Our city government now desires to formally recognize Charlie Riffle’s long commitment to the advancement of our city streets and parks department during his two decades of service, and further to express our city’s most heartfelt appreciation for his leadership and many substantial contributions that have helped establish our city is one of the very finest and most outstanding communities in West Virginia,” McCauley said.
McCauley proclaimed June 18 to be Charlie Riffle Day throughout the city.
Melvin Smith has worked with the City of Buckhannon since April 2010, also with the streets and parks department. He too played an integral role in the projects listed previously.
“I further urge all of our communities residents to join me, Melvin Smith’s family, our city council, the members of our streets and parks department, and all of our city employees in expressing their most heartfelt thanks and appreciation for Melvin Smith’s excellent service to our community and in wishing him the very best in his retirement,” McCauley said.
McCauley proclaimed June 19 to be Melvin Smith Day throughout the City of Buckhannon.
