An Albemarle dentist who dedicated much of his time to the beautification of the downtown district was recently honored.
The Design Committee of the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC) held a ceremony at Courthouse Square Park to celebrate the contributions of the late Dr. Bill Hatley. In addition to running a dental practice on North Second Street, Dr. Hatley was an active member and former chair of the Design Committee.
In attendance with the Design Committee were Dr. Hatley’s wife, Kay, son Graham and wife Erica, as well as friends and former employees.
During the ceremony, fellow Design Committee member Gina Martin described Dr. Hatley’s many achievements.
“His love of the downtown and beautification was not just a passion for Bill, it was something the entire family valued,” said Martin.
Along with wife Kay and other family members, Dr. Hatley spent many hours keeping flowers watered in plants and urns. He was also instrumental in working with City Council on updating sign ordinances for downtown businesses.
Perhaps Dr. Hatley’s most significant achievement was the implementation of the hanging baskets throughout downtown. Under his chairmanship, the holiday fundraiser, Tour of Homes, was created to provide funding to purchase the original baskets as well as annual replantings. The continued success of the Tour of Homes has allowed the Design Committee to expand their collection to 58 hanging baskets.
A new addition to the hanging basket inventory was dedicated in memory of Dr. Hatley during the ceremony.
“Knowing how important the hanging basket project was to Dr. Hatley and following recommendations from the recent streetscape plan, the Design Committee decided to expand on the hanging basket project that Bill was passionate about,” said Martin. “The double hanging baskets at the crosswalks and the square are placed to honor his years of service to that committee. As a valuable member of this community, Dr. Hatley’s vision will be remembered each spring through the hanging of these lovely planters.”