WHEREAS, John Hillert and his wife, Gayle arrived in Clifton Forge in 2005 and immediately became involved in numerous civic, social, and economic activities; and
WHEREAS, John breathed life into the old Historic Masonic Theatre, believing in and spearheading its $6.6 million restoration into the entertainment icon that it is today, pursuing new and innovative options for funding its renovation, leaving no stone unturned in the multi-year effort; and
WHEREAS, John was not satisfied with devoting all his time to this herculean effort, and chose to spend less time enjoying retirement to serve on the County Planning Commission, the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee, Parks and Trails Committee, Friends of the Library, all Main Street special events, the Chamber’s Strategic tourism plan, and introduced the Heritage Day Festival, now in its sixth successful year; and was recently appointed to the Town Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, John is a role model for all volunteers as he performs the most menial tasks and then jumps on stage to introduce a performer, and shies away from recognition, wanting always to celebrate the contributions of those who follow his lead; and 
WHEREAS, John and his wife were named Volunteers of the Year for 2015 by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, there is one of John’s many volunteer projects occurring on Saturday, April 29, 2017, the Corridor Curb Appeal Spring Clean Up, followed by a string of films and performances at the Masonic Theatre leading up to Heritage Day on June 3, 2017; and
WHEREAS, John cannot participate in this year’s event, but always arrived with tools, a smile, and a can-do attitude;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Town of Clifton Forge that Saturday, April 29, 2017 is hereby declared John E. Hillert Day in our Town in recognition of John’s lasting contributions to our community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution and a key to the Town be presented to John Hillert by the Town Council at its earliest opportunity.
Carl D. Brinkley, Mayor
Gayle Hillert, Vice Mayor
Jeff Irvine, Councilman
Robert Umstead, Councilman
David Oeltjen, Councilman
Adopted this 25th day of April, 2017
Attest: Angela Carper, Clerk