Volunteers who worked so hard to make this year's Patrick County Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society a gigantic success celebrated their victory in the battle against cancer Thursday night, June 28th, during a covered dish dinner at the Patrick County Community Center in Stuart. Robin Minter, American Cancer Society Community Manager for Patrick County, reported that to date the Patrick County Relay for Life 2007 campaign has raised $62,351 + and money is still coming in. That represents an unbelievable 484% increase over the approximately $10,000 raised the previous year.
Patrick Countians are to be commended and congratulated on this dramatic turnaround and revival of an event that is vital to the search for a cure for cancer. This money goes for cancer research and for wonderful programs and services that benefit local cancer patients and caregivers. These include Reach to Recovery, that offers one-on-one support and visits for women with breast cancer by carefully selected and trained breast cancer survivor....Road to Recovery, conductd by volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles and gas while donating their time to transport patients to chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or consultations to set up these cancer treatments...Look Good , Feel Better, a 2-hour workship conducted by volunteer cosmetologists to help a woman cope with the side effects of cancer treatment and help restore her sense of inner and outer beauty...Man to Man to benefit men with prostate cancer and their family members....and so many more. For more information on these or other programs that we support with our local dollars call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
I would like to personally thank the faithful listening audience of WHEO radio. Because of your support of our May 19th radio-thon for the American Cancer Society, the WHEO Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in Memory of Sandra Merritt Rogers, was the top fundraising team this year. We raised $17,240 during the radio-thon (If you haven't send in your pledged donation, please mail check payable to the American Cancer Society to WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171). Because of your support of this 12-hour radio broadcast, I was honored to be named the top individual fundraiser in the Relay for Life this year. However, the credit for this great success goes to the people of Patrick County who are so faithful to support worthy causes like the fight against cancer and to assist those who are in need in our community. I would also like to thank the myriad of volunteers and the talented musicians who gave of their time and talents to make the radio-thon one of the most successful fundrasing efforts in the 50 year history of the radio station. I also commend our leadership team of Robin Minter, at the regional level, and locally, Lavergne Collins and Betty Conner. I am so proud of you, Patrick County, and honored to be a part of this loving community. Because of our efforts in this year's Relay for Life, we have moved a little closer to the day when cancer will be no more!
Minter reported that the top 5 Relay for Life fund raising teams this year were: WHEO'S Kilowatts for a Cure ($17,240)...the Hilltop Hustlers (Vernon and Linda Harris' team), $4,889...Fields of Hope (Patrick County Social Services Department), $3,089...the Rockcastle Ramblers (Garland Cockram's team), $2,771....and Angels in the Outfield (Kathy Adams' team), $2,745.
The top 5 individual fund raisers were: Richard Rogers, $17,240...Patsy Baliles, $1,095...Faye Brannon, $825...Linda Harris, $485...and Jesse Mae Verson, $445.
This year's Relay for Life, thanks in large part to the efforts of Cancer Survisors' Chairman Vernon Harris, reached an amazing 88 cancer survivors compared to only 6 survivors last year. A total of 33 teams participated in this year's Relay in Patrick County...including 12 churches, 9 school teams, 3 family and friends teams, 5 businesses, 3 civic teams, and one government team. Each team and each individual is to be commended! I know that we all have been blessed and drawn closer together as a result of this magnificent, community-wide, team effort that made this, by far, the most successful Relay for Life in the history of Patrick County! Thank you again. Having celebrated in our victory in this battle, it is time to get back to work preparing for next year's Relay and our ultimate victory in the war on cancer!
Gratefully and lovingly yours,
Richard
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Time for Community Action? Bingo!
As I slowly called out the bingo numbers Friday night at the Meadows of Dan Community Building, I could almost hear the squeak of basketball shoes on the newly polished gymn floor and the "swish" that is music to the ear of a player who strips the net in making a game-winning shot from the perimeter of the court. The citizens of Meadows of Dan are working hard to make those mental images and their dreams of a new gymnasium for their beloved community school a reality. As part of that commitment, the mountaintop citizen's group that is pushing for a new gymn for the Cardinals of Meadows of Dan Elementary School is engaged in a variety of fund-raising activities in the community.
These hard-working, energetic realize that they are going to need help from government, grant, and private sources, but they are determined to help themselves and to make sure that their children have the same resources and opportunities to excell as other students in the county or anywhere else. In one of these fund-raising activities, these citizens, with support from their community and countywide, conducted a very successful bingo night Friday in Meadows of Dan. I've called the numbers for several bingo sessions in recent months and this was the largest one that I've attended. A crowd of 100 people or more enjoyed playing bingo and winning valuable prizes provided by Teresa Stowe, a representative of Longaberger Baskets. Thanks Teresa for the pencil/pen basket that you presented me. The bingo games were popular with the politicians. Many of the candidates who are seeking office in November came out to enjoy a night of bingo with their families and friends in the Meadows of Dan community. The $20 donations by each player for the opportunity to play and the proceeds from the sale of concessions amounted to several thousand dollars. This money will hopefully be matched or exceeded many times over in future fund-raisers for this project. Hopefully, this citizens group will also be able to receive support from the local governmental bodies under whose jurisdiction this project will fall (the board of supervisors and the school board), from private sources, and from the Tobacco Commission and/or other grant sources. Among the backers of the project is Tobacco Commission member and Meadows of Dan resident Barney Day, who, accompanied by his wife, attended Friday night's bingo event. I commend the citizens of Meadows of Dan for their community spirit and their determination to make their dream of a new Meadows of Dan Elementary School gymn...a $1-million project...come true! I was honored to participate in this event, and I wholeheartedly support this project! Go for it! Bingo!!!
I would also like to commend Hospice of Patrick County for the beautiful Memory Garden that now graces scenic DeHart Park in Stuart. I and more than 100 other citizens really enjoyed the beautiful dedication ceremony as the new brick walkway (graced with the names of loved ones who are being honored or remembered by persons in the community) was dedicated. There are two bricks in the walkway that have been purchased in memory of "my Sweetie", Sandra Merritt Rogers, who died of cancer almost one year ago. If you are looking for a serenly beautiful setting that helps you to feel closer to loved ones and to God, please visit the Hospice Memory Garden at DeHart Park. It is certainly a welcome addition to this picturesque place that we call God's Country, our home, Patrick County!
It was great to see a large crowd on hand on a summery night at Rotary Field Saturday night as the Patrick County Music Association presented one of its best music nights yet. Along with the great music, it felt good to assist two churches in their fund-raising efforts. Thanks to Providence United Methodist Church for delicious hamburgers, barbecue, and hot dogs. Everyone also owes a debt of gratitude to Concord United Methodist Church for its famous homemade ice cream that really hit the spot on a hot, humid night. In fact, we all enjoyed some 26 gallons of this frozen treat prepared with great love and as an outreach minstry to our community. Praise God! Isn't it wonderful living in a county like the one we lovingly call home?
There is no question about it. The people and the place are the greatest. Absolutely.
Hey to some new friends that I met at Peter's Creek Baptist Church Sunday, Dell and wife Mary McCormick and their daughter Rosanna and her husband Josh. The McCormicks operate McCormick Cleaners in Stuart and are wonderful people. Let's all warmly embrace them and their business as they contribute to the high quality of life that we enjoy in our commuity.
Until next time, may the Good Lord bless you with a "great day."
Love,
Richard
These hard-working, energetic realize that they are going to need help from government, grant, and private sources, but they are determined to help themselves and to make sure that their children have the same resources and opportunities to excell as other students in the county or anywhere else. In one of these fund-raising activities, these citizens, with support from their community and countywide, conducted a very successful bingo night Friday in Meadows of Dan. I've called the numbers for several bingo sessions in recent months and this was the largest one that I've attended. A crowd of 100 people or more enjoyed playing bingo and winning valuable prizes provided by Teresa Stowe, a representative of Longaberger Baskets. Thanks Teresa for the pencil/pen basket that you presented me. The bingo games were popular with the politicians. Many of the candidates who are seeking office in November came out to enjoy a night of bingo with their families and friends in the Meadows of Dan community. The $20 donations by each player for the opportunity to play and the proceeds from the sale of concessions amounted to several thousand dollars. This money will hopefully be matched or exceeded many times over in future fund-raisers for this project. Hopefully, this citizens group will also be able to receive support from the local governmental bodies under whose jurisdiction this project will fall (the board of supervisors and the school board), from private sources, and from the Tobacco Commission and/or other grant sources. Among the backers of the project is Tobacco Commission member and Meadows of Dan resident Barney Day, who, accompanied by his wife, attended Friday night's bingo event. I commend the citizens of Meadows of Dan for their community spirit and their determination to make their dream of a new Meadows of Dan Elementary School gymn...a $1-million project...come true! I was honored to participate in this event, and I wholeheartedly support this project! Go for it! Bingo!!!
I would also like to commend Hospice of Patrick County for the beautiful Memory Garden that now graces scenic DeHart Park in Stuart. I and more than 100 other citizens really enjoyed the beautiful dedication ceremony as the new brick walkway (graced with the names of loved ones who are being honored or remembered by persons in the community) was dedicated. There are two bricks in the walkway that have been purchased in memory of "my Sweetie", Sandra Merritt Rogers, who died of cancer almost one year ago. If you are looking for a serenly beautiful setting that helps you to feel closer to loved ones and to God, please visit the Hospice Memory Garden at DeHart Park. It is certainly a welcome addition to this picturesque place that we call God's Country, our home, Patrick County!
It was great to see a large crowd on hand on a summery night at Rotary Field Saturday night as the Patrick County Music Association presented one of its best music nights yet. Along with the great music, it felt good to assist two churches in their fund-raising efforts. Thanks to Providence United Methodist Church for delicious hamburgers, barbecue, and hot dogs. Everyone also owes a debt of gratitude to Concord United Methodist Church for its famous homemade ice cream that really hit the spot on a hot, humid night. In fact, we all enjoyed some 26 gallons of this frozen treat prepared with great love and as an outreach minstry to our community. Praise God! Isn't it wonderful living in a county like the one we lovingly call home?
There is no question about it. The people and the place are the greatest. Absolutely.
Hey to some new friends that I met at Peter's Creek Baptist Church Sunday, Dell and wife Mary McCormick and their daughter Rosanna and her husband Josh. The McCormicks operate McCormick Cleaners in Stuart and are wonderful people. Let's all warmly embrace them and their business as they contribute to the high quality of life that we enjoy in our commuity.
Until next time, may the Good Lord bless you with a "great day."
Love,
Richard
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Happy Father's Day!
Thanks for making Friday's special Father's Day edition of WHEO'S "Community Conversation" program a huge success. During the program, we had about 50 calls (about one per minute) from listeners who phoned in honor or in memory of their fathers and other dads of our community (over 125 names were mentioned on the air). Congratulations to George Harris, who won the prize given away to a lucky dad at the end of the 45 minute call in show. Mr. Harris, Patty Hazelwood's father, won a $35 Father's Day basket from Bennett's Baskets and Bows.
If you have a living father, please treasure him and spend as much time with him as you can. It will be time well spent. If you father, like mine, has gone on to his Heavenly home, take comfort that he is enjoying an eternity in the presence of Jesus and awaiting a joyful family reunion in Heaven some day. Seek to honor you dads every day of the year and not just on the third Sunday in June. A father is a treasure! Each of our lives has been enriched by a loving father! Happy Father's Day!
Saturday's 3rd annual Patrick County Covered Bridge Festival, Virginia's official event of this kind, was a success. Assistant County Administrator Jeannie Frico told me that this year's event was triple the size of last year's. I enjoyed browsing through the maze of vendor's tents and displays and listening to the music of some fine local artists under the giant acoustic tent at the festival site at Hopkin's Lumber in Woolwine. There was plenty of food too....Lexington style BBQ, hot dogs, chicken breast sandwiches, burgers, philly cheesesteak sandwiches, giant homemade tenderloin biscuits, kettle popcorn, fries, ice cream, lemonade, etc. It was good to talk to a bunch of friends including WHEO weather spotter John and his wife Liz Johnson. Crystal Harris, cafeteria manager of Woolwine Elementary School and a member of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, told me she is retiring from the Patrick County School system after 34 years of service. Crystal's retirement from the school system will become effective at the end of June. She said she plans to go fishing! I hope you catch a big one, Crystal. You deserve a rest after more than 3 decades of laboring for our children. Asked if she planned to continue as a Patrick County supervisor (Smith River District), Crystal said "I'm going to serve 2 more years, and then we'll see." Thanks to the county board of supervisors for starting the Covered Bridge Festival which seems to be growing in popularity. I enjoyed my first one Saturday.
I also attended the Patrick County Alzheimer's Group's "Let's Take a Stand" gathering in downtown Stuart Saturday morning (June 16). This event brought various service agencies, health care prividers providers, and other community resources together in an effort to educate the public about Alzheimer's Disease. There was a good turnout of more than 100 people and the skies of downtown Stuart turned purple with the release of balloons in honor or memory of the victim's of Alzheimer's Disease. Please support the Patrick County Alzheimer's Group LLC's Sept. 29th fundraising event at Dominion Valley Park in Stuart. Sally Smith, the president of the Alzheimer's Association, is a sweetheart! Thanks Sally for all you do for our community! Mark your calendar for the Sept. 29th fundraiser!
I wish I could have attended the Day in the Park event at Dan River Park in Ararat Saturday but time did not permit. Anyway, I would have probably stepped in one of the cow patties deposited during the Cow Pattie Bingo event. I want the people in that community to know that I support them too! I commend the people of the Ararat community on all the hard work they have done to develop their beautiful Dan River Park. I also congratulate the Blue Ridge Bulldogs who won the Dixie Youth Minor League baseball championship last week. I also commend Primland for assisting the Dan River Park Committee in developing a soccer field at the park.
Speaking of Primland, beginning Monday, June 18th and continuing throughout the following week, I will present another in my series of "Richard on the Road" reports, features about my travels in search of interesting people and places in Patrick County. From its beginning as a logging operation 30 years ago, Primland has evolved into an interntionally known sportsman's paradise and is fast becoming a major, world class, 5-star resort. What a wonderful tourist attraction and communtiy resource. Thanks to Steve Helms and his staff for their hospitality during my recent guided tour of this breath-taking Patrick County mountain getaway, Primland Resort. Also thanks to Primland for their community-mindedness. Primland is always there to support worthy causes in our community. Listen to my "Richard on the Road" series titled "Primland: Sportsman's Paradise and Emerging Mountaintop Resort" this week on 1270 WHEO, the Heart of Patrick County. Please share your comments on this news series and my show in general here on my blogspot.
Please continue to pray for my dear friend Denny Archer who underwent preventive surgery to unclog his Carotid artery last week. I talked to him Friday night and he is ready to come home as soon as his blood pressure gets under control. Hang in their Denny; I love you and your sweet wife Marilyn.
Until next time, my God bless you all with a "great day"!
Proudly serving you, Patrick County, God's Country,
Richard Rogers
If you have a living father, please treasure him and spend as much time with him as you can. It will be time well spent. If you father, like mine, has gone on to his Heavenly home, take comfort that he is enjoying an eternity in the presence of Jesus and awaiting a joyful family reunion in Heaven some day. Seek to honor you dads every day of the year and not just on the third Sunday in June. A father is a treasure! Each of our lives has been enriched by a loving father! Happy Father's Day!
Saturday's 3rd annual Patrick County Covered Bridge Festival, Virginia's official event of this kind, was a success. Assistant County Administrator Jeannie Frico told me that this year's event was triple the size of last year's. I enjoyed browsing through the maze of vendor's tents and displays and listening to the music of some fine local artists under the giant acoustic tent at the festival site at Hopkin's Lumber in Woolwine. There was plenty of food too....Lexington style BBQ, hot dogs, chicken breast sandwiches, burgers, philly cheesesteak sandwiches, giant homemade tenderloin biscuits, kettle popcorn, fries, ice cream, lemonade, etc. It was good to talk to a bunch of friends including WHEO weather spotter John and his wife Liz Johnson. Crystal Harris, cafeteria manager of Woolwine Elementary School and a member of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, told me she is retiring from the Patrick County School system after 34 years of service. Crystal's retirement from the school system will become effective at the end of June. She said she plans to go fishing! I hope you catch a big one, Crystal. You deserve a rest after more than 3 decades of laboring for our children. Asked if she planned to continue as a Patrick County supervisor (Smith River District), Crystal said "I'm going to serve 2 more years, and then we'll see." Thanks to the county board of supervisors for starting the Covered Bridge Festival which seems to be growing in popularity. I enjoyed my first one Saturday.
I also attended the Patrick County Alzheimer's Group's "Let's Take a Stand" gathering in downtown Stuart Saturday morning (June 16). This event brought various service agencies, health care prividers providers, and other community resources together in an effort to educate the public about Alzheimer's Disease. There was a good turnout of more than 100 people and the skies of downtown Stuart turned purple with the release of balloons in honor or memory of the victim's of Alzheimer's Disease. Please support the Patrick County Alzheimer's Group LLC's Sept. 29th fundraising event at Dominion Valley Park in Stuart. Sally Smith, the president of the Alzheimer's Association, is a sweetheart! Thanks Sally for all you do for our community! Mark your calendar for the Sept. 29th fundraiser!
I wish I could have attended the Day in the Park event at Dan River Park in Ararat Saturday but time did not permit. Anyway, I would have probably stepped in one of the cow patties deposited during the Cow Pattie Bingo event. I want the people in that community to know that I support them too! I commend the people of the Ararat community on all the hard work they have done to develop their beautiful Dan River Park. I also congratulate the Blue Ridge Bulldogs who won the Dixie Youth Minor League baseball championship last week. I also commend Primland for assisting the Dan River Park Committee in developing a soccer field at the park.
Speaking of Primland, beginning Monday, June 18th and continuing throughout the following week, I will present another in my series of "Richard on the Road" reports, features about my travels in search of interesting people and places in Patrick County. From its beginning as a logging operation 30 years ago, Primland has evolved into an interntionally known sportsman's paradise and is fast becoming a major, world class, 5-star resort. What a wonderful tourist attraction and communtiy resource. Thanks to Steve Helms and his staff for their hospitality during my recent guided tour of this breath-taking Patrick County mountain getaway, Primland Resort. Also thanks to Primland for their community-mindedness. Primland is always there to support worthy causes in our community. Listen to my "Richard on the Road" series titled "Primland: Sportsman's Paradise and Emerging Mountaintop Resort" this week on 1270 WHEO, the Heart of Patrick County. Please share your comments on this news series and my show in general here on my blogspot.
Please continue to pray for my dear friend Denny Archer who underwent preventive surgery to unclog his Carotid artery last week. I talked to him Friday night and he is ready to come home as soon as his blood pressure gets under control. Hang in their Denny; I love you and your sweet wife Marilyn.
Until next time, my God bless you all with a "great day"!
Proudly serving you, Patrick County, God's Country,
Richard Rogers
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Piggin' Out on Pasta!
We all love to eat out and since I live alone now, I find myself doing it more often. In fact, it is rare that I prepare a full meal in my kitchen. If I eat at home, it's usually a garden salad or a sandwich, just simple stuff that requires little preparation. There are many good restaurants that I like, but lately I've really enjoyed going to some of the fund-raising meals served by local non-profit organizations to make a little money for their particular causes. It seems someone is holding one of these meals every weekend. I've found that you always get more than you money's worth when you patronize the civic groups, volunteer departments, churches, clubs, and other organizations that regular offer these meals whether it be breakfast, lunch, or supper. You always get great food prepared with alot love for a very low price. In addition to enjoying the food, you always have the satisfaction of knowing that by participating in these events you are helping these organizations carry on their worthwhile work to make our community a better place in which to live.
I'd like to thank the Dobyns Community Club for my most recent delicious meal of this sort. Friday night, I really enjoyed the wonderful spaghetti along with a fresh salad, garlic bread, drink, and dessert (I chose the coconut pie after deliberating long and hard over the many delicious choice available). This great meal in a warm, cozy atmosphere among friends cost only $5. What a deal! The service was the best part. It was terrific. I'd like to thank members of the Dobyns Community Club including Annie Belle Dalton, President; Mildred Clement, Vice-President; Joyce Belcher, Secretary-Treasurer; David Sheeley, Brenda Simms, and Cecil and Onie Vaughn. I really enjoyed the fellowship as much as the food. I also say many friends at this event and a few politicians who are seeking office in the November election too. I am glad to support this cause because folks in the Dobyns Community should be commended for their hard work in fixing up and maintaining their building. I hope the club holds dinners much more frequently. Thanks again folks for a wonderful meal and a delightful evening among friends in your beautiful community. It was just another example of what Patrick County is all about. What a great place to live.
Hey, don't forget dad this Sunday. Be sure to honor your father on his special day, June 17th, or honor the memory of those fathers who await family reunions in Heaven. My father, Ralph Rogers, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, 1960, when I was 9 years old. I sometimes think how my life might have been different had he lived to see me grow to maturity (some would say I still haven't reached that point). I am thankful, however, for what little time I did have with him. I am also thankful for my wonderful step-father Spot Ray. In addition to growing some of the finest tomatoes that I've ever sunk a tooth into, he is a loving, gentle, and kind Christian man. I thank God for him and his positive influence on my life, and for my mother who is the dearest, sweetest Christian saint that I have ever known. I love them both and my family! I am blessed to have a loving, caring family. Spend this Sunday with yours and make dad feel like the special guy that he will always be!
Have a great week and keep it here at 1270 WHEO, the Heart of Patrick County for "The Great Day in the Morning Show"...weekdays from 6-10 a.m. Call me on sometime on "Community Conversation," the WHEO morning call-in show. God bless you.
At your service,
Richard Rogers
I'd like to thank the Dobyns Community Club for my most recent delicious meal of this sort. Friday night, I really enjoyed the wonderful spaghetti along with a fresh salad, garlic bread, drink, and dessert (I chose the coconut pie after deliberating long and hard over the many delicious choice available). This great meal in a warm, cozy atmosphere among friends cost only $5. What a deal! The service was the best part. It was terrific. I'd like to thank members of the Dobyns Community Club including Annie Belle Dalton, President; Mildred Clement, Vice-President; Joyce Belcher, Secretary-Treasurer; David Sheeley, Brenda Simms, and Cecil and Onie Vaughn. I really enjoyed the fellowship as much as the food. I also say many friends at this event and a few politicians who are seeking office in the November election too. I am glad to support this cause because folks in the Dobyns Community should be commended for their hard work in fixing up and maintaining their building. I hope the club holds dinners much more frequently. Thanks again folks for a wonderful meal and a delightful evening among friends in your beautiful community. It was just another example of what Patrick County is all about. What a great place to live.
Hey, don't forget dad this Sunday. Be sure to honor your father on his special day, June 17th, or honor the memory of those fathers who await family reunions in Heaven. My father, Ralph Rogers, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, 1960, when I was 9 years old. I sometimes think how my life might have been different had he lived to see me grow to maturity (some would say I still haven't reached that point). I am thankful, however, for what little time I did have with him. I am also thankful for my wonderful step-father Spot Ray. In addition to growing some of the finest tomatoes that I've ever sunk a tooth into, he is a loving, gentle, and kind Christian man. I thank God for him and his positive influence on my life, and for my mother who is the dearest, sweetest Christian saint that I have ever known. I love them both and my family! I am blessed to have a loving, caring family. Spend this Sunday with yours and make dad feel like the special guy that he will always be!
Have a great week and keep it here at 1270 WHEO, the Heart of Patrick County for "The Great Day in the Morning Show"...weekdays from 6-10 a.m. Call me on sometime on "Community Conversation," the WHEO morning call-in show. God bless you.
At your service,
Richard Rogers
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Remembering My "Granny"!
The WHEO radio family suffered a great loss on Thursday, May 31st, when my dear friend and frequent radio talk show companion affectionately known as "Granny" Thomas went to her Heavenly home to be with Jesus. For the past decade, "Granny" brightened the lives of many fellow WHEO listeners by her witty, candid comments and her uplifting words as a regular caller to the radio talk show "Community Conversation." Granny was perhaps the most colorful personality among the myriad of callers with whom I've been blessed to speak since I began hosting this morning call-in show. She was an original, a one of a kind!
I have no living grandmother of my own but "Granny" immediately filled that void. I quickly adopted her as not only my on-air Granny but my real life "Granny" as well. I loved her just like she was a biological grandmother. I looked forward to hearing from Granny every day. In the rare instances when she didn't call in, I worried that something might be wrong with her and tried to check on her. When my regular talk show guests failed to show up or were forced to cancel, I knew I could count on "Granny" Thomas to step, make the first call, and get the show rolling. Often her comments would spark extended discussions on various topics that would attract many other callers to the program. She was a credit to my show!
Granny Thomas had a wonderful sense of humor. I will never forget the time about 4 years ago when Rev. Jim Dunn came to be the new pastor at her Fairystone church. She was so proud to tell me about him in one of our radio conversations. I asked her how she liked him and she responded with a nonchalant "Oh, he'll do." Rev. Dunn said that everywhere he went folks would joke about Granny's comment. "That's just the way she was," he said as he spoke affectionately of his association with Odean "Granny" Thomas during her touching graveside funeral service at the Foley Cemetery on Pole Bride Rd. Saturday, June 2nd. "If you asked her now how Heaven is, she would probably tell you, 'It'll do'," said Rev. Dunn with a smile. I take comfort that she is enjoying her Heavenly home now with a new healed body and in the company of, among other loved ones, her adopted granddaughter, "my Sweetie," Sandra Rogers.
Granny Thomas contracted polio at an early age but she never let her handicap stand in the way of living her life to the fullest and serving others. She was an integral part of the Fairystone Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary, a charter member, in fact. I have heard stories from many who knew her well about how even though she couldn't walk, she would "crawl" to her garden to give her plants and vegetables all her tender loving care. I often met Granny Thomas at functions in the community and always enjoyed the big hug that she loved to give me and the one that I was happy to return. Every Monday morning, you could bet that she would be right there with her church group singing for the residents of the Landmark Center in Stuart, one of her favorite outings. Granny Thomas should serve as an example to all of us who despite our blessings of relative good health and prosperity often complain about our problems, make excuses when adverse circumstances arise, and sometimes doubt our abilities to get things done. We should follow the teaching of granny by the way she lived her life and put all those doubts, complaints, and excuses out of our minds. We can all learn much from the example set by this wonderful lady. Granny Thomas was, as Rev. Dunn noted, a "can do" person who never let her handicaps hold her back and always maintained a positive attitude, trusting in God to see her through in every situation. She leaves us a Christian model that we all can follow in tribute to and in honor of her memory.
I will always remember Granny Thomas for, not only her positive outlook on life and her witty charm but, perhaps most notably, her generosity. She was a lady of limited means but I never conducted a radio fundraiser or asked for monetary donations for worthy causes in our community (Lord knows I've been involved in a few of those) that she wasn't one of the first to phone in a pledge or donation. Her check would be in the mail almost immediately and she'd always follow up to be sure it had been received. In our recent "12 Hours for a Cure" for the American Cancer Society, Granny Thomas even made not one but two donations. She was a giving person...a kind and loving woman...and, most notably of all, a Christian lady. I never talked to Granny when she didn't let her faith in God come shining through. She was an inspiration to me and the thousands of radio listeners who came to know and love her through her participation in my talk shows. When granny was on the radio, she was the star of the show! Granny Thomas did the very best that she could at all times. Granny's was truly a life well-lived. Now whe lives eternally in a healed body! I loved her and I will miss her. However, I'm sure Granny's spirit will still be there to guide and encourage me in my daily meanderings on the airways of 1270 AM on the radio dial. Thanks for the memories, my dear Granny Thomas!
Yours in loving service,
Richard Rogers
I have no living grandmother of my own but "Granny" immediately filled that void. I quickly adopted her as not only my on-air Granny but my real life "Granny" as well. I loved her just like she was a biological grandmother. I looked forward to hearing from Granny every day. In the rare instances when she didn't call in, I worried that something might be wrong with her and tried to check on her. When my regular talk show guests failed to show up or were forced to cancel, I knew I could count on "Granny" Thomas to step, make the first call, and get the show rolling. Often her comments would spark extended discussions on various topics that would attract many other callers to the program. She was a credit to my show!
Granny Thomas had a wonderful sense of humor. I will never forget the time about 4 years ago when Rev. Jim Dunn came to be the new pastor at her Fairystone church. She was so proud to tell me about him in one of our radio conversations. I asked her how she liked him and she responded with a nonchalant "Oh, he'll do." Rev. Dunn said that everywhere he went folks would joke about Granny's comment. "That's just the way she was," he said as he spoke affectionately of his association with Odean "Granny" Thomas during her touching graveside funeral service at the Foley Cemetery on Pole Bride Rd. Saturday, June 2nd. "If you asked her now how Heaven is, she would probably tell you, 'It'll do'," said Rev. Dunn with a smile. I take comfort that she is enjoying her Heavenly home now with a new healed body and in the company of, among other loved ones, her adopted granddaughter, "my Sweetie," Sandra Rogers.
Granny Thomas contracted polio at an early age but she never let her handicap stand in the way of living her life to the fullest and serving others. She was an integral part of the Fairystone Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary, a charter member, in fact. I have heard stories from many who knew her well about how even though she couldn't walk, she would "crawl" to her garden to give her plants and vegetables all her tender loving care. I often met Granny Thomas at functions in the community and always enjoyed the big hug that she loved to give me and the one that I was happy to return. Every Monday morning, you could bet that she would be right there with her church group singing for the residents of the Landmark Center in Stuart, one of her favorite outings. Granny Thomas should serve as an example to all of us who despite our blessings of relative good health and prosperity often complain about our problems, make excuses when adverse circumstances arise, and sometimes doubt our abilities to get things done. We should follow the teaching of granny by the way she lived her life and put all those doubts, complaints, and excuses out of our minds. We can all learn much from the example set by this wonderful lady. Granny Thomas was, as Rev. Dunn noted, a "can do" person who never let her handicaps hold her back and always maintained a positive attitude, trusting in God to see her through in every situation. She leaves us a Christian model that we all can follow in tribute to and in honor of her memory.
I will always remember Granny Thomas for, not only her positive outlook on life and her witty charm but, perhaps most notably, her generosity. She was a lady of limited means but I never conducted a radio fundraiser or asked for monetary donations for worthy causes in our community (Lord knows I've been involved in a few of those) that she wasn't one of the first to phone in a pledge or donation. Her check would be in the mail almost immediately and she'd always follow up to be sure it had been received. In our recent "12 Hours for a Cure" for the American Cancer Society, Granny Thomas even made not one but two donations. She was a giving person...a kind and loving woman...and, most notably of all, a Christian lady. I never talked to Granny when she didn't let her faith in God come shining through. She was an inspiration to me and the thousands of radio listeners who came to know and love her through her participation in my talk shows. When granny was on the radio, she was the star of the show! Granny Thomas did the very best that she could at all times. Granny's was truly a life well-lived. Now whe lives eternally in a healed body! I loved her and I will miss her. However, I'm sure Granny's spirit will still be there to guide and encourage me in my daily meanderings on the airways of 1270 AM on the radio dial. Thanks for the memories, my dear Granny Thomas!
Yours in loving service,
Richard Rogers
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