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President’s Letter
Two momentous events marked the year that draws to a close. First, in June the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Happy Retreat a National Treasure. We cannot begin to express our gratitude to the National Trust for this immense and humbling honor. The National Treasure designation is not simply a plaque to hang on the wall. It is a commitment between the Trust and our Board to work together to bring to life our plans for Happy Retreat. This work began even before the National Treasure designation was announced as we worked with experts from the Trust to develop a strategic plan. Our work continues monthly to build on that plan.
Then, on September 10, we held the first annual Happy Retreat Craft Beer and Music Festival. It was a huge success. The festival brought people to the grounds of Happy Retreat not only from the Eastern Panhandle but from nearby Maryland and Virginia as well. It was an example of how Happy Retreat can become a center for our community, both by bringing people to Happy Retreat to enjoy an event and by involving the community in the event — over 100 enthusiastic volunteers stepped forward to make the day a success. We look forward to making the Craft Beer and Music Festival an annual event and building on it to create other happenings that will draw diverse audiences. Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Walter Washington
President