TOWN OF ALDERSON POST OFFICE BOX 179 CITY BUILDING—311 MONROE STREET SOUTH ALDERSON, WEST VIRGINIA 24910 TELEPHONE (304) 445-2916

Contact:  Mayor Travis Copenhaver 304-445-2916 / Margaret Hambrick 304-646-2439

Alderson Bridge Lights Have Special Meaning

This   year   is   anything   but   traditional,   so   on   Monday,   December   7, “elves”   made   some   changes   to   the   lights   on   the   Alderson   Memorial Bridge to show respect to some very special people. Mayor   Travis   Copenhaver   said,   “In   the   center   of   the   bridge,   four arches   are   lit   with   solid   color   bulbs.   They   have   very   special   meaning. Just   like   the   lights   at   the   center   of   the   bridge,   that   separates   Monroe and    Greenbrier    Counties,    these    people    are    in    the    center    of    our hearts.

Facing   South,   from   the   intersection   of   Monroe   Street   North   and   Riverview   Drive,   the   arch   of   green represents   our   respect   and   thanks   for   our   National   Guard   and   all   Military   service   personnel   doing   special duty during the COVID-19 pandemic as they test, clean, and support the medical community. The   full   red   arch   is   lit   in   honor   of   Gary   Bland,   a   former   Fairlea   fire   chief   and   EMT   who   has   assisted   us   in Alderson   for   many,   many   years.   It   also   shows   our   thanks   to   the   firefighters   and   EMS   providers   who   are facing unprecedented times. The   full   blue   arch   is   lit   in   honor   of   Cassie   Johnson,   a   Charleston   Police   Officer   whose   sacrifice   for   her duty   was   so   unnecessary   and   will   not   be   forgotten.   It   also   is   to   show   our   thanks   to   those   protecting   and serving every day. The   last   full   gold   arch   is   lit   in   honor   of Alvon   Ryder,   a   Pocahontas   County   911   dispatcher   who   lost   his   life to   COVID-19.   Alvon   was   a   friend   to   Alderson   during   disasters   and   worked   with   some   of   our   own   EMS providers   as   they   worked   and   continue   to   work   in   Pocahontas   County.   It   is   also   our   way   of   thanking   our own   Greenbrier,   Monroe,   and   Summers   County   dispatchers—and   dispatchers   everywhere--   for   the behind the scenes life-saving they do. The   “elves”   also   wanted   to   recognize   the   health   care   providers:   doctors,   nurses,   and   all   allied   health providers   as   well   as   those   who   keep   medical   facilities   maintained   and   clean.   Since   there   are   no   white bulbs   (they   overpower   the   color)   in   the   410   bulbs   on   the   bridge,   they   were   recognized   by   all   the   rest   of the mixed colors of the lights this year. Their tireless, selfless dedication is amazing! These   small   acts   are   meant   to   honor   and   respect   the   real   day   to   day   heroes   among   us   and   those   who have left us. May God continue to watch over and protect every one. Merry Christmas from “the Gem of the Hills.” You all make us “Alderson Proud!”” People   who   want   to   see   the Alderson   Memorial   Bridge   lights   are   invited   to   drive   through Alderson.      The bridge   will   not   be   open   to   vehicular   traffic   this   year   but   parking   is   available   at   the   Visitors   Center   on   the Greenbrier   side   and   along   Railroad Avenue   on   the   Monroe   side   of Alderson.     A   quiet   walk   on   the   bridge under   the   lights   would   be   beautiful   addition   to   anyone’s   Christmas   season,   particularly   this   year.   For   the little   ones,   Santaland,   although   smaller   than   in   previous   years,   will   provide   plenty   of   entertainment   for small family groups who can stay distant from others.