Friday, February 19, 2010

New Board of Directors Sworn In

Discover Giles County Historical Society article from the Virginian Leader, February 10, 2010

The 2010-2011 Giles County Historical Society Board of Directors was elected and installed at the Annual Meeting on January 10th at Anna’s Restaurant. Outgoing President John Hale presided over the meeting which included a presentation by Dr. Dick Newton of Roanoke about his father’s medical practice in Narrows.

The Historical Society’s new president, J. R. Peek, is a newcomer to Giles County. Born and raised in Florida, J. R. is a veteran of the Air Force and a graduate of Lake-Sumter Community College. He owned his own landscape company before working for, and ultimately retiring from, Sarasota City and County governments.

J. R. and his wife Joan moved to Pearisburg in 2006 when they fell in love with the area. J. R. says, “Two things struck me about this area when we first came here. First the people. The attitude here is relaxed and friendly. People are willing to help anyone who needs it. The next thing is the wonderful weather that the local natives take for granted. I am trying to keep it a secret so that a lot of retirees do not discover it and drive the prices up. It is a wonderful place to live."

J. R. spends much of his time volunteering in Pearisburg and Giles County. In addition to his volunteer activities at the Historical Society, J. R. is a member of the New River Valley Senior Services, Inc. Board of Directors, Board of Directors of the New River Valley Agency on Aging, the Giles County RSVP Advisory Council, and a member of the Giles County Rotary Club. He is also a volunteer for RSVP and assists New River Community Action when necessary.

J. R. looks forward to his term as President of the Giles County Historical Society Board of Directors and the chance to actively help preserve the history of Giles County for future generations and get more residents involved in Historical Society activities and support.