Most responsible for check

Dear Editor:

The two people most responsible for getting records management and preservation grant funds for the Morgan County Courthouse were not included in the recent “big check” photo. Those two people are Commissioner of Culture and History, Randall Reid Smith and Records and Archives board member, Betty Lou Harmison.

Reid Smith has been devoted to sending as much grant money as possible to the courthouse since it burned in 2006, about a month after he took the job. With his direction, Morgan County has received this grant every year — and for more money in less time than any other location. In great part, Mrs. Harmison’s appointment to this state board was part of Reid Smith’s effort on Morgan County’s behalf.

Grants come not just because someone applies, but most often because of personal relationships. Betty Lou Harmison has spent nearly three years traveling to board meetings and making friends with other board members. Her effort and charm has paid off every year as the records board voted again and again to send more than usual amounts of grant funds to Morgan County.

Both of these people are much too gracious to claim their thanks so let me do it for them. The people of Morgan County appreciate Betty Lou Harmison and Randall Reid Smith.

Jeanne Mozier
Berkeley Springs