(Above) Cliff Smith during his Superhero Challenge walk to benefit CASA of the Eastern Panhandle. Joining him are CASA-EP Executive Director, Michelle Sudduth (left) and friend Joy Lewis (right).
Note from the Editor
As we head into December, Jefferson Security Bank and The Observer invite everyone in Jefferson County to have some fun with Jefferson the Bear (check back in 2021 for the next Holiday Bear Art Hunt) — we look forward to sharing wishes and thoughts from our readers — and hope that this season will encourage all of us to summon our better angels to guide us and give us hope.
Cliff Smith (pictured above) reminds us that angels and superheroes come in all forms. This fall, Cliff, age 81 and recovering from a recent stroke, took up the Superhero Challenge supporting Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP). Recruiting 37 friends to support his half-marathon, he completed his run in four hours and raised $7,000 to support CASA-EF’s mission to recruit and support the court-appointed volunteers who serve as advocates for abused and neglected children navigating the foster care system.
In the stories we feature in this month’s issue, we hear the echoes of Cliff’s comment about his effort — “I was surprised that I was able to do so well. But it was my friends and family who really carried me over the finish line.” Despite the unsettling times of the past year, we see a determination, resolve, and optimism in our community that inspires us as well.
By Steve Pearson