Aaron Arnett gave a brief, 15-minute presentation before opening the floor for community discussion.

'Branding Kick-Off' Includes Brief Presentation, Community Discussion By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Clifton Forge, VA (Sept. 19, 2025)— On the evening of Tuesday, September 9, the Historic Masonic Theatre hosted a 'Branding Kick-Off' for the Town of Clifton Forge in partnership with the Community Gathering. The 'Branding Kickoff' started with a 15-minute presentation by Aaron Arnett, Principal of Arnett, Muldrow and Associates. It was Arnett's second presentation to the town of Clifton Forge, having first spoken in greater length at a Community Gathering event in February of this year. Arnett Muldrow is self-described on their website as "...passionately committed to empowering communities to uncover and articulate their distinctive sense of place." They "...firmly believe that every town, city, and region possesses a compelling story waiting to be told, deeply rooted in its rich history, vibrant people, and ambitious aspirations." Such was the basis for tonight's presentation where Arnett used a few examples of surrounding areas to Alleghany County that his company has worked with i.e. Staunton and Bedford. Following his presentation which included brand elements, brand objectives, brand statements, etc., Arnett opened the floor to the attending members of the community to discuss the branding of Clifton Forge and all that makes her unique. Among the discussions included a potential town slogan suggested by Courtney Howard of "Forging Connections," an obvious play on the town name of Clifton Forge. Discussions also included the town's rich history, trains, and a real-life Romeo and Juliet story that happened in our own backyard. According to the brief retelling at the meeting and our own findings, the Romeo and Juliet of Clifton Forge were none other than Charles Gay and his would-be bride, Mabel Pendleton. He was 19, she was 18, and the two were hopelessly in love. They told their parents of their plans to be married, but each of them believed their child too young and worked to separate them. Disheartened, but determined, Charles and Mabel ran off to Washington, D.C. to get married. However, their plans were thwarted when their parents found out and had the train stopped in Staunton. Charles and Mabel ultimately found themselves at the swinging bridge overlooking the Jackson River. Mabel, devastated that their parents stopped them and undoubtedly believing she'd never be with her beloved, leapt from the bridge in what seems to have been a suicide attempt. Charles, an accomplished swimmer, dove in to save her. However, both ended up drowning. Their tale, now known as "Lovers Leap," happened back in 1907. It's been nearly 120 years since their tragic end, but, as is evident from tonight's meeting, the townspeople still talk about the Clifton Forge couple remembered fondly as our own Romeo and Juliet. Gayle Hillert, Vice-President of the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation Board of Directors, was among those in attendance. Courtney Howard suggested "Forging Connections" as a potential town slogan during the "Branding Kick-Off" held at the Historic Masonic Theatre's Westrock Room. Shawn Terpack, Director for Arnett, Muldrow, and Associates was busy taking notes during tonight's "Branding Kick-Off."

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