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