Author: Asianna Holloway

Jennifer Holestin Recognized for 25 Years of Service to Boys Home

Jennifer Holestin receives recognition for 25 years of service to Boys Home of Virginia. Jennifer has held other positions at Boys Home throughout her time but now works in the business office as accounts payable clerk. When asked about Jennifer as an employee, Director of Support Services Bobby Trice says, “Jennifer has dedicated 25 years of her life to the mission of Boys Home and the young men we serve. She is meticulous in her duties and is always willing to help a student or fellow coworker. It takes an element of sacrifice and a true belief in the work you do to stay with an organization that long. I’m extremely proud of her and the work she does. Jennifer has been a part of the Boys Home family for a long time, and I look forward to working with her for years to come.” Jennifer says the favorite aspect of her job are the people she gets to work with each day. Congratulations, Jennifer!

Director of Support Services Bobby Trice presents certificate to Jennifer Holestin

Jack Mason’s Tavern Partners with the Community to Benefit Boys Home of Virginia

Nine years ago, Martha Atherholt and Wendy Hudler opened Jack Mason’s Tavern, a neighborhood eatery in Clifton Forge, Virginia, named for Martha’s grandfather. In November, their enterprise expanded when they created a brewery next door. The name was appropriately changed to Jack Mason’s Tavern and Brewery.

Ever mindful of the community that supports their business, they immediately began considering ways to make a meaningful contribution to the area. The Five-Cents-Per-Pint program was initiated, focusing on four area nonprofit organizations over a six-month period. When a customer purchases one of their locally-brewed beers at the tavern, they are given a token. As they leave, there are four boxes with the names of four nonprofits on them. The customer surveys the options and deposits a token in the box of their choice. At the end of six months, checks are sent to the four organizations and new nonprofits are selected for the next six months.

Boys Home of Virginia was one of the four organizations chosen for the first six-month period. Wendy says that one of the benefits of the experience is the ability to speak to customers about the non-profits featured and to introduce people from out of town to some of the helping agencies in the area. Martha mentioned that some customers elected not only to deposit their tokens in a box, but also placed money in them to be donated to the organization. When asked why Jack Mason’s initiated the program, Wendy didn’t hesitate to respond. “It’s the right thing to do. People have supported us over the years.”

Interestingly, Boys Home has benefitted from the efforts of the Mason family in generations past. Just inside the doors of the administration building on the main campus of Boys home is a plaque naming the building after George Floyd Rogers, the founder of Boys Home.  Also on that plaque is a listing of the trustees during 1964, the time of the building’s dedication. There is listed the name of Mrs. Jack Mason, Martha’s grandmother. It seems that the practice of contributing to Boys Home began several generations ago with Martha’s grandmother and continues to this day. 

We are grateful that Martha and Wendy chose Boys Home of Virginia as one of their charity partners. Thanks also to the customers who participated in the program and selected Boys Home as the recipient of their tokens.

Hall of Fame 2017

2017 Boys Home of Virginia Hall of Fame Inductees

Saturday, October 7, 2017, marked the 20th annual Hall of Fame banquet at Boys Home of Virginia. This year, the Boys Home community and guests celebrated five inductees who either made a difference in their communities because of Boys Home or made a difference at Boys Home. The inductees were Robert W. Huffman, Quin S. Corbin, Michael and Joyce Moorman, and James R. Miller.

The first inductee was Robert W. Huffman. He was introduced by former Boys Home employee Martha Terry. Mr. Huffman began as a houseparent at Boys Home in June 1970. While there, he coached varsity baseball for thirteen seasons, varsity basketball for twelve seasons, and was eventually promoted to athletic director. He left Boys home in 1983. He has also had an active military career, having served his country in the United States Army, the Army National Guard, the United States Army Reserve, and the Virginia Army National Guard. Since retirement, he has been active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled Veterans Association.

The second inductee was Quin S. Corbin. His daughter, Bridgett Moore, and her sister-in-law, Mary Deal, accepted the award on his behalf. Quin, along with his younger brother Wesley, came to Boys Home from Alabama in 1945. He loved sports and played baseball and basketball for Boys Home. Following graduation from high school, he joined the Air Force Academy and then retired from active duty in 1962. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 2004 with the rank of Master Sergeant, but not without being awarded and honored many times for his service. He passed away on September 21, 2012.

Executive Director Donnie Wheatley introduced the next two inductees, Michael and Joyce Moorman. They first learned of Boys Home through their church. Ever since, they have been enthusiastic supporters of Boys Home and have inspired others to follow their example. They served as cochairpersons of The Journey Continues, Boys Home’s capital campaign. A graduate of Hampden Sydney College, Mr. Moorman began his career with Peebles as a manager trainee in 1964 and became the first non-family member to become CEO. He retired from Peebles in 2003. He has served on numerous boards, including the Boys Home board of trustees, and currently owns and operates Moorman Farms, LLC. Mrs. Moorman graduated from Virginia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and enjoyed a career as a registered nurse. She, too, has served on numerous boards.  Mr. and Mrs. Moorman are members of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bedford, Virginia.

The final inductee of the evening was James R. Miller. His is a fascinating story of overcoming severe physical challenges and succeeding in spite of personal obstacles. Mr. Miller came to Boys Home as a resident in 1959 and remained until his graduation from Alleghany County High School in 1966. He continued his education at Ferrum College and worked toward a degree in Education. He also attended East Tennessee State University and earned a degree in Health Education and Special Education. He taught in several high schools and coached football, basketball, and baseball. In 1993, he started his second career as a fulltime insurance agent and retired earlier this year. He spoke very graciously of his affiliation with Boys Home and how his life has been enriched by the opportunities extended to him.

Mr. Wheatley shared some closing remarks before those gathered were dismissed. It was a special evening filled with inductees, their families and friends, and students at Boys Home. Thanks to each of these individuals who have lived in ways that have been inspirational to others and who have made a difference at Boys Home. We are grateful for your investment in the mission of Boys Home of Virginia.