In Memory of Betty S. Kirk, 1934 - 2001. It is a simple plaque that now adorns the stone pilaster in front of the Middleburg Health Center. Finding it impossible to list all the things that Betty had done for the Health Center and the Town, it was decided to leave it up to the individual to ask for special stories. Mayor Dimos opened the dedication ceremony on Saturday, July 3rd with a short speech that celebrated Betty's tenacious spirit. He reminded us of the danger of judging her by her slight stature, which did not match her interior resolve that never quit. Following Mayor Dimos was Betty's daughter Darlene. She had a tough time keeping the tears from flowing while reminiscing and thanking a lot of the people that worked so closely with and were honoring her mother.

The Health Center, located on South Madison St., is owned by the town and rented out to various health practitioners and the Police Department. All profits are donated to local organizations. Last year approximately $30,000 was donated. All thanks to Betty Kirk. When she joined the advisory board the building was in disrepair and losing money. The month before she joined the board the minutes from the meeting were a few paragraphs on one page. The following month the minutes were several pages of fix roof leaks, gutters, plumbing and on and on. Eventually all the repairs got done and one tenant even wrote a letter of gratitude.

Next to the Health Center is the building that housed Madison Street Saddlery, a woman's dress shop owned by Betty and her sister, Nancy. They were very close throughout their lives. "She was like a second mother. She was 3 years older and always took the lead," Nancy remembers. Thelma, Betty's sister-in-law, who also worked in the shop remembers her with one word, "Coffee. I always had the coffee ready for her when she got there in the morning." And Betty always had some candy ready for anyone who stopped by for some advice or a friendly chat.

Certainly, Betty is missed by many. But you don't have to look far to see the fruits of her efforts. Following the dedication was the first Bluemont Concert of the summer. Yet another of Betty's activities.