Kudos to Jerry and Joan Herring

To the Editor:

A wonderful and well attended milestone occurred this past Sunday in Fayetteville with the Grand Opening of the Fayetteville Community Center and Performance Center. To see the restoration of an aged and deteriorated building into a beautiful and useful venue is a great gift to the community. And although it took many folks to make this happen, two key figures need to be recognized for the insight, vision, dedication, and execution they provided to make this happen, and that is Jerry and Joan Herring.

Jerry and Joan came to our community many years ago expecting to enjoy the slower life of living in the country, tending to their farm and enjoying their artistic pursuits. In their first project for the betterment of the community was the building of Herring Hall on their property, a venue that has hosted many parties, concerts, fireworks, and other special occasions where many of the community were included and got to know one another. But in addition, they purchased the private residence known as the Red & White and transformed it into a gallery plus revitalized the existing movie theater. Since that time many events have been held in this building for the benefit of the community, such as art shows, movies, watching the bike riders, and passing out Halloween candy. The building also has several Bed and Breakfast rooms for guests to use. They also, in partnership with another community couple, rehabbed a beautiful old neglected building into a fully restored Bed & Breakfast facility, to later be sold to a couple who have converted it into their personal residence. They also, in partnership with the same community couple, purchased the local hotel and took it from its deteriorating state and made it grand again. In addition to providing rooms for guests, they brought in a couple to run an upscale and successful Wine Bar and restaurant, which is enjoyed by many locals and area residents. The hotel became a central meeting place for many events, along with hosting weddings, receptions, birthdays, and other special occasions.

In summary, Jerry and Joan have provided so many opportunities for our community to operate as a community, where folks can come together and be a community. If not for their visions and hard work, Fayetteville might not be the vibrant little town that it is today.

Charles Callaway Fayetteville