The inaugural Roderick “Rod” V. Manifold Memorial 5K — celebrating and commemorating the life of the late 69-year-old who served as executive director of Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS) — is set for Aug. 19 at 8 a.m. at the Central Virginia Health Center in New Canton.

The event will see a dedication of the new track at the center, according to CVHS officials.

“The senior management team of CVHS wanted to find ways to remember Rod both in New Canton, where he worked for over 30 years, as well as a way that would involve all the sites,” said Amanda Palmore, director of marketing and government affairs for CVHS.

The event stemmed, Palmore said, from “knowing that Rod was an avid walker/hiker/jogger and reader, that he was very involved with developing the land for the track and his passion for how important our pharmacy services are to our patients. Rod could often be found talking to patients in line at the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions, so this seemed like a perfect way to honor his memory.”

Also on Aug. 19, a community yard sale will be held from 7-11 a.m. at the center. Proceeds from space rental fees will go to the pharmacy fund and the Reach Out and Read Fund at the center. Proceeds from the race will go toward track upgrades.

Manifold leaves behind a legacy of leadership and strength in family and health care advocacy following a tragic two-vehicle accident in January that occurred in Fluvanna County at Bremo Bluff on U.S. Route 15 near Buckingham. The crash claimed Manifold, his wife and his mother-in-law.

“We hope (the events) will give people in the area (reason) to come out and see how we have changed over the last several years,” Palmore said. “Rod led that change as executive director.  We offer a full complement of services at this location, and we are delighted to participate in National Community Health Center Week by hosting events that will bring people out to the center and see what we are all about. As much as health centers have been around for over 50 years, a lot of people still don’t understand that we offer high-quality, accessible care to everyone in the community, not just to those who are uninsured or low income. This will be an opportunity for the community to come in and see our health center and all that we offer, including mammography, X-ray, pharmacy, medical, dental, behavioral health and fitness services.”

Manifold’s family is set to attend the events, Palmore said.

“While our primary purpose is to provide our clinical services, to be true to the mission of community health centers, we want to be a part of the community and a community resource.  The track at CVHS is one of those ways that we can give back to the community. It is open to the public and available from sunrise to sunset. Rod loved that it was used by the community, as we often see families exercising together, moms with children in strollers meeting to walk together or friends meeting to exercise together,” Palmore said.

For much of his professional life, Manifold served the Buckingham community through his work at CVHS.

He began his involvement with the organization as an accountant in 1985, later serving as chief financial officer, and eventually, in 1992, he was named executive director.