PROCLAMATION

A PROCLAMATION TO HONOR WILLIAM F. “TOBY” AND BARBARA MERCHANT UPON THE OCCASION OF THE 35^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE PLAINS PHARMACY IN THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

            WHEREAS, The Plains Pharmacy opened for business on October 3, 1967; and

            WHEREAS, During the 1960’s, Toby Merchant was among the first to integrate his public facility in response to the Civil Rights Act by opening his soda fountain at The Plains Pharmacy to everyone; and

WHEREAS, During the 1970’s, The Plains Pharmacy became the official pharmacy of Oak Springs Nursing Home; and

            WHEREAS, Since 1974, The Plains Pharmacy has provided a focus on home oxygen and home medical equipment by Convaless, a large part of it’s business, which provides compassionate customer service that those in need deserve; and

            WHEREAS, Convaless serves residents in ten Virginia counties, southern Maryland and the District of Columbia; and

            WHEREAS, during the 1980’s, The Plains Pharmacy added IV Services, Compounded Medication Services and the addition of Respiratory Therapy personnel on staff; and

            WHEREAS, The Plains Pharmacy currently has 70 employees; and

            WHEREAS, Toby and Barbara Merchant continue to provide, through The Plains Pharmacy, a free prescription program for indigent residents in Fauquier County and surrounding areas and free medical equipment to those patients who cannot afford to pay; and

            WHEREAS, The Plains Pharmacy gives free medical equipment to facilities throughout the County, including hospitals and clinics; and

WHEREAS, The Plains Pharmacy/Convaless, a family owned and operated business, gives generously to Fauquier Hospital, Fauquier Free Clinic, Hospice of Rapidan, American Cancer Society, Red Cross and Mental Health Association of Fauquier County; now, therefore, be it

            PROCLAIMED by the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors this 3rd day of October 2002, That the Board of Supervisors urges all citizens to join in congratulating William F. “Toby” and Barbara Merchant on the occasion of the 35^th anniversary of the opening of The Plains Pharmacy; and be it

PROCLAIMED FURTHER, That the Board of Supervisors wishes to sincerely thank Toby and Barbara Merchant for their time and resources which they so generously give back to their community.

                                                                                    ____________________________

Raymond E. Graham, Chairman

Fauquier County Board of Supervisors