East Valley To Honor Bob Race This Saturday at Commty. Hall

Long-time East Randolph resident Bob Race will be honored for service to the community at a 2-4 p.m. reception this Saturday, Jan. 12 at the East Randolph Community Hall.

The event will also be a chance for visitors to see a newly restored and historic painted stage curtain, which had been packed away in the community center for years.

Race recently donated the curtain to the town, according to Butch Greenwood, president of the East Valley Planning Committee. It was one of two curtains among the contents of the old Grange Hall that Race and the late Cliff Cornell bought years ago. The second curtain was sold to Danville, with the proceeds helping to pay for the restoration of the better curtain now hanging in the upstairs of the hall.

Sherri Strickland, secretary of the group, noted that Saturday’s reception is primarily to honor Race, "who has been a pillar in the community" for so many years. There will be a cake, other refreshments, and a plaque, she said.

The former owner of East Randolph’s general store, Race was also a longtime fireman and fire chief. He drove the school bus, and served as constable, said Strickland. Race, an "enterprising Vermonter," also maintained a milk and egg route, butchered meats, and for many years sold products at Randolph’s farmers market.

"He did everything, and he also gave back to the community," Strickland said.

Upcoming Projects

Butch Greenwood noted that the committee he heads is working on a number of projects for the East Valley. The group has recently forwarded to the Randolph Selectboard a plan for sidewalks in the village. Next is improvements to the Community Hall, including insulated window replacements.

The group is also developing plans for a recreation area for the East Valley, he said.