Cooperative Living February 2019 - 36

Rockingham County Public Schools. Kirby
says Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department has
the reputation of turning out most professional
firefighters in the Shenandoah Valley.
" We have excellent training, so younger
kids come here and train. Some stay with us
as volunteers and some become professional
firefighters, " Kirby explains.
In addition to training rooms, there are
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event areas, a commercial-quality kitchen,
a distinctive yellow fire truck fleet and an
impressive gym where firefighters keep in
shape. In 2012 the department opened a
fire department museum onsite, complete
with memorabilia, vintage uniforms
and a 1920s-era chemical hand cart
that provided firefighters high-pressure
water to battle fires.
Grottoes Rescue Squad, formed in
1967, is also a volunteer-based
organization, providing rescue and
EMT services. Paid fire department
personnel assist them. The squad
provides both basic and advanced
emergency medical care.
Nathan Garrison, town manager and a
Grottoes native, calls the fire department
" a major player " in the community, not
only with fire safety but as a social hub.
" The fire department is the place to be ...
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they are constantly having get-togethers
and lawn parties, " Garrison explains.
Grottoes Town Hall is housed in a former
1925 elementary school building.
Administrative assistant Christa Hall
moved to the area from Harrisonburg and
has worked there more than 11 years.
" Everybody knows everybody ... when
I first came here I remember thinking, how
do they know all that? " Hall says with a laugh.
" My husband is from the Hinton area and
he wanted country life. I liked the city, so
Grottoes was a good compromise.
Everybody is so friendly here. "
There are eight churches within Grottoes'
town limits, plus more on the outskirts of
town. Grottoes United Methodist Church
and Mt. Moriah Methodist Church are
among the oldest town churches. The
town's Park Avenue includes 1800s-era
homes, some undergoing renovation and
some totally renovated. Some locals use
the local convenience store as a gathering
spot, perching on outside ledges in front of
store windows, weather permitting.
The park area at Grand Caverns offers
hiking trails, picnic shelters, fishing on
the trout-stocked South River and a public
swimming pool open Memorial Day through
Labor Day. Mountain View Park includes
pavilions, ballfields and river access. The
misty Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline
Drive can be seen from the park.
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1. Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department is a community hub. 2. Fire department historian
Jeanne Kirby. 3. Fire displays at Grottoes Fire Department Museum. 4. Shops on 340
specializes in toys, collectibles and DVDs. 5. Ben Brown is an Augusta County firefighter
who also volunteers at Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department. 6. Town of Grottoes offices
are housed in a former 1925 school building. 7. Christa Hall, administrative assistant
for the town of Grottoes. 8. Mountain View Park, a local favorite,
includes river frontage and mountain views.
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34 | Cooperative Living | February 2019
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