HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 149 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 8, 2008 Commending Charles W. Ahrend. ---------- Patron-- Lohr ----------

WHEREAS, Charles W. Ahrend, a revered member of the board of supervisors of Rockingham County for 20 years, is commended for his outstanding public service; and

WHEREAS, committed to agribusiness throughout his exceptional career, Charles "Chuck" Ahrend received a bachelor's degree in agriculture from Cornell University, and is a former hog, cattle, and sheep farmer; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Ahrend was employed by Campbell Soup Company in its agricultural department for over 20 years, and worked as a buyer for Gwaltney Packing Company; and

WHEREAS, believing strongly in a common sense approach to local government, Chuck Ahrend was first elected to the District 2 seat on the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors in 1987, representing the communities of Singers Glen, Edom, Melrose, Mount Clinton, and Ottobine; and he has been faithfully committed to the growth and prosperity of the county and the best interests of his constituents; and

WHEREAS, because of his vast knowledge of the many problems facing the farming community, Chuck Ahrend is known as the "farmer board member," and he has kept his fellow supervisors informed regarding issues that are important to the farm community and been invaluable in guiding the board in its decisions regarding Rockingham County's land zoned for agricultural use; and

WHEREAS, not only has Chuck Ahrend been the "voice for agriculture" on the board of supervisors, but he has been a hard-working and passionate advocate for all of the residents of Rockingham County; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure, Chuck Ahrend has tackled Rockingham County's most important policy issues, and through his leadership, and his great sense of humor, he has had the ability to bring harmony and consensus to the board during many of its toughest decisions; and

WHEREAS, always concerned with the well-being of farmers and agricultural development in Rockingham County, Chuck Ahrend served on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of the Virginia Association of Counties for many years; and

WHEREAS, receiving many honors and accolades over the years, Chuck Ahrend has given his time and many talents to numerous civic organizations, including as a trustee of the Rockingham County Public Library, a member of the board of the Virginia Extension Service, and as director of the Rockingham County Farm Bureau Association; and

WHEREAS, in his greatly deserved retirement, Chuck Ahrend plans to enjoy his family, remain involved in his beloved community, and enjoy one of his favorite pastimes, the game of golf; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Charles W. Ahrend on his 20 years of outstanding leadership and public service to the citizens of Rockingham County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Charles W. Ahrend as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for his many achievements and best wishes for a happy and rewarding retirement.