Prince George
County, VA

FOLAR honors leaders, celebrates progress


HOPEWELL — The recipients of the annual FOLAR Community River Impact Awards were honored last month by the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River. The awards spotlight the important and complex realms of conservation, recreation, transportation, and public health by recognizing visionaries and advocates across a broad range of backgrounds who influence how, why, and what FOLAR’s work impacts in our communities.

“Our organization is pleased to recognize this year’s honorees in eight categories,” said Ken Newman, chairman of FOLAR. “The 2019 Community River Impact Award recipients are leaders in their areas of work and selfless volunteers in our community who have given their time and financial support to the cause of conserving and protecting the Appomattox River for all to enjoy. Their passion and vision are helping to make our river healthier, more accessible, and more sustainable.”

The highlight of the program was the presentation of The FOLAR Chairman’s Award to Dennis (Denny) Morris, longtime executive director of the Crater Planning District Commission who has announced his retirement.

In his presentation of the award to Morris, Newman referenced a statement by Victor Liu, who was the CPDC director of planning for many years and helped direct the formation of FOLAR. “From the very beginning of planning water quality protection for the Crater Region. Denny has this vision of setting up a linear open space along the Appomattox River for Conservation and protection of this precious resource.”

The FOLAR Community River Impact Awards were presented on Nov. 1 at the FOLAR Beach Party with a Purpose which took place at Hopewell City Park, the trailhead to the new Hopewell Riverwalk Phase I. Guests and attendees enjoyed the park with a sandy beach and a sunset river view, with help from the Hopewell Recreation and Parks staff. The members of FOLAR are thankful to all who attended, supported, donated, and sponsored the event including Clark’s Auto Care Center, The Boathouse, Trapezium Brewing Co., Barksdale Oils, Weichert, and Mark and Claire Haley.

2019 Friends of the Lower Appomattox River Community River Impact Award recipients:

    • Chairman’s Award: Dennis Morris, Crater Planning District Commission
    • Business and Industry Award: Robert C. Walker and Nicholas Walker, Roslyn Farm Corporation
    • Community Partner Award: Dinwiddie County, Planning and Community Development
    • Friend of FOLAR Award: Jimmy Dailey, Kimberly Samuels and Kenny Moore
    • Friend of the River and Trail Award: Paul and Craig Reynolds
    • Government Agency Award: Prince George County
    • Trailblazer Award: City of Hopewell - Riverwalk and Riverside Park Trail
    • Volunteer of the Year Award: Tara Ciavarella, Virginia State University student

2019 Major Contributors Appreciation Certificate recipients:

    • American Water Charitable Foundation
    • The Cameron Foundation - Dominion Charitable Foundation
    • John Randolph Foundation
    • The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation

2019 Corporate-Civiv-Government Contributors Appreciation Certificate recipients:

    • Appomattox River Soil and Water Conservation District
    • John Randolph Medical Center
    • Petersburg Foundation
    • Prince George County
    • Roslyn Farms Corporation
    • Rotary Club of Petersburg
    • Sedona Taphouse
    • Vistra Energy
    • Vulcan Materials
    • Westrock
The Progress-Indec