Grateful to live in "God's Country"!

Focused on our daily lives and caught up in our busy everyday routines, it is sometimes easy to develop tunnel vision and to take the environment around us (not to mention our families and friends) for granted. This past Saturday, I decided to break out of the old routine for awhile, to get away for a few hours to a beautiful place that I don't often visit, and to support a popular annual Patrick County event that I'd never attended. So I drove to the picturesque Kibler Valley between Claudville and Ararat to enjoy the annual Kibler Valley River Run, the so-called "Running of the Dan," sponsored by the Red Bank Ruritan Club. And boy did I enjoy it! It was a "Richard on the Road" outing that reaffirmed my belief that we live in the most wonderful place on the planet, Patrick County!

Blessed with a beautiful day, I enjoyed the warmth of the brilliant sunshine tempered by the cool breeze that always accompanies the flow of the scenic Dan River, and provides a much more satisfying relief from the heat than the air conditioners that we depend upon daily could ever match. Along with this ideal weather in a breathtaking setting, I really enjoyed the festival-like atmosphere that has become a traditional part of this annual canoe and kayak race that attracts hundreds of whitewater enthusiasts from throughtout the southeastern United States and, often, beyond. The smell of hamburgers and hotdogs simmering on the Red Band Ruritans' grill filled the air as well as good conversation by folks who enjoyed the fellowship that goes with this yearly get together in one of Patrick County's lovliest getaways, the spectacular Kibler Valley! Then there is the excellent canoeing and kayaking competition that this event is noted for around the country.

This was one of those times in life that are not easily forgotten, one that will linger on as a pleasant memory in my mind for years to come. It was an experience that bolsters my belief that we have truly been blessed to live in a place where we can enjoy on a daily basis what people travel hundreds (even thousands) of miles to experience as tourists and visitors to our country. So let's not be blinded by our daily diversions and routines to the fact that we, as Patrick Countians, have so much beauty around us to enjoy and so many blessings to be thankful for as proud inhabitants of the pretty little place that we lovingly call "God's Country"!

Open your eyes to a part of Patrick soon.

Another beautiful place in Patrick County is Dominion Valley Park. I had the honor of serving as emcee for the Friday evening part of the annual Summer Gospel Sing. There was a sizeable crowd on hand despite the threat of thundershowers just before show time and everyone really enjoyed a great evening of southern gospel music by a host of national, regional, and local performers. Cecil and Barbara Hall are to be commended for providing this outstanding venue.

After my day in the Kibler Valley Saturday, I emceed the Patrick County Music Association's July Jamboree, which drew a near capacity crowd to the large exhibit building at Rotary Field. The music, as usual, rivaled anything that Nashville, the Music City, can produce...the fellowship was terrific...and the food served by Hospice of Patrick County was great. Again the homemade ice cream for which Concord United Methodist Church is famous was a big hit as music fans gobbled up about 26 gallons in just a few hours. The church has sold out by 8:30! I'd also like to thank the Patrick County School/Community Partnership for the Arts which has started selling popcorn at PCMA shows to raise funds for improvements to the Patrick County High School auditorium. The popcorn was popular too! I am also proud to serve as a member of the board of the School/Community Partnership for the Arts.

I was going to attend the final day of FloydFest Sunday, but I heard it was raining at the Blue Ridge Parkway festival site, so I decided to wait 'til next year to make my debut at that event in our own backyard which attracts people by the thousands from all over the country and around the world. I am thankful for the nice weekend. Now, let me try to get a few hours of rest before Brewster's crow signals that it's time once again for "The Great Day in the Morning Show." I'll talk to you from 6-10 a.m. each weekeday morning on 1270 WHEO, the Heart of Patrick County. Feel free to call in and join my "Community Conversation" anytime at 694-3388.


With Patrick pride,
Richard Rogers

Sizzlin' Summer Heats Up!

We've all heard folks complain that there is nothing to do in Patrick County. Nothing could be further from the truth! It seems like virtually every weekend features one or, in many cases, multiple major events that provide wholesome entertainment and, in many cases, raise funds for community projects or other causes.

This coming week and this weekend is packed with punch as far as local entertainment and events are concerned. It will all start this Thursday when the 6th FloydFest (actually in Patrick County) gets underway at milepost 170.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The largest of the festivals in our region, this eclectic event features a great variety of live music of many different genres being made on 7 stages, along with a Children's Universe, Healing Arts, beverage garden, Global Village, World Arts and Crafts, and a Dance Tent. FloydFest continues each day Thursday through Sunday. Tickets available at www.FloydFest.com and information is available at 540-745-FEST. It's worth checking out. I plan to do so!

I'll serve as master of ceremonies for the Summer Gospel Sing at Dominion Valley Park Friday, July 27. I'll have the honor of introducing the Primitive Quartet, the Southern Prophets, the Chuck Wagon Gang, and the Dominion Bluegrass Boys who appear on stage from 5-11 p.m. The Gospel Sing will continue Saturday from 3-11 p.m. with the Easter Brothers, Larry Stephens Band, the Marksmen, Dominion Bluegrass Boys, and Set Apart. Admission $15 per person per day ($25 for both days) and camping available for $15 per day. Call 694-7009 for information or visit www.dominionvalleypark.net. This is a beautiful venue and I love to emcee shows at Dominion Valley. Thanks to Cecil and Barbara Hall for asking me to do the announcing Friday.

As part of my very busy weekend, Saturday I plan to check out the Kibler Valley River Run, sponsored for the 25th year by the Red Bank Ruritan Club. It is a popular event that brings many out-of-doors and canoeing enthusiasts from far and wide, and takes place in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable, Patrick County's Kibler Valley, part of our beloved "God's Country."

Then, Saturday night, it's on to emcee the Patrick County Music Association's July Jamboree...a sizzlin' summertime spectacle with more music, food, and fellowship that you can shake a stick at. You'll enjoy special guests, Shallow Creek, along with local favorites Sue Nester, Herbert and Tina Conner, Jason Harris and Friends, Junior Cassady, Henry Mabe & Friends, Kelly & Ruth Ratcliff, the Spiritualzires, and, maybe, Marcie Horne and Friends. Marcie has been having some voice problems lately, so it will probably be best if she rests her voice so that she can sing again another day as she so beautifully does! Food will be sold by Hospice of Patrick County and my friends from Concord United Methodist Church will be serving their famous homemade ice cream (check out the new German Chocolate) in a variety of popular flavors. By the way, listen to the local news later this week for the latest "Richard on the Road" feature on t he Concord United Methodist Church's Ice Cream Ministry, titled "Winning Souls to Christ One Scoop at a Time"!

Hey, I'd better get some rest if I plan to make all these events...all of which provide wholesome family entertainment and add fuel to the local enconomy! Don't ever let anyone tell you that there is nothing to do in Patrick County. I know differently!

Until next time, may God bless you with a...

Great day,
Richard

Showers of Blessing!

At the start of each day, I think we should count the many ways in which God has blessed us. As I arose this morning at 4:00 to come to work and do "The Great Day in the Morning Show," I felt blessed to get the first significant rainfall in several weeks at my house the night before. My poor lawn was about baked but the rain seemd to perk things up almost immediately. My grass is much happier today after a little over an inch of rainfall late Tuesday. Another blessing is that is came down in a steady manner and not in a sudden torrential downpour that causes much run-off and erosion. The rain yesterday was truly a blessing from God. After the rain, came another blessing. My power that had been off for about 28 hours (apparently some loggers cut a tree onto a power line in a wooded area that was not very accessible to power company repair crews) was restored Tuesday night. So after spending the previous night at my mom's house (thanks mom!) and moving everything out of my refrigerator to her spare frig, I was thankful to return home and to sleep in my own bed Tuesday night. I am thankful for these and many other blessings that God sends my way daily. Many times, I get so caught up in my daily routine that I neglect to tell the Lord how much I appreciate His grace and mercy. Even when things go wrong, I am blessed, and so are you. Just living in Patrick County and being given a new day of life are blessings of unspeakable magnitude! Perhaps, it's time for us all to count our blessings. It certainly opens one's eyes to the goodness of God!

Have a "great day,"
Richard

Thankful for a Good Report

Thanks to Marcie Horne for filling in for me Thusday, July 12th, on "The Great Day in the Morning Show." I spent the day getting a checkup from my dermatologist and undergoing a colonoscopy procedure at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. I am thankful that I received good reports from the doctors in both cases. I feel blessed to be a healthy person as I approach the 10th anniversary of my heart transplant operation on Oct. 1st this year. I missed being away from my radio audience and it was good to be back on the air on Friday the 13th after my day with the doctor. Thanks to my mom, Willie Mae Ray, for driving me to and from the doctor. They don't do the procedure if you don't have someone to drive you home.

Please pray for me. This Sunday, July 15th is the 7th anniversay of my marriage to Sandra, "my sweetie," who passed away almost one year ago as a result of cancer. I remember how, even though she was bedridden and suffering from cancer, we enjoyed celebrating our last anniversary together on July 15, 2006. I fixed her a steak dinner, presented her a present, a cameo necklace that she wanted, played her favorite song "Mr. Bojangles" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and served her some of the two anniversary cakes that were made especially for us by our friends Linda Rakes and Faye Staples. It was a wonderful evening! July 25th will be the first anniversary of her death. This time of the year is rather tough but I am keeping busy and going on with my life. I feel like my life is at a crossroads right now and I am searching for direction. I think maybe God has something wonderful in store for me. Please ask Him to reveal to me how he wants me to use the rest of my earthly life before experiencing the joy of eternal life that Sandra now knows. Even though I miss Sandra very much, I am comforted by the fact that one day we will be reunited in Heaven by our faith in Jesus Christ through the grace of God.

Also pray for my step-dad, Spot Ray, who has been feeling rather weak lately as he tries to attend his banner tomato crop this year. The first tomatoes of the season from his garden are now being enjoyed by the family. I have been eating tomato sandwiches (white bread, mayo, plenty of salt and pepper and several thick slices of Spot's juicy grown with love tomatoes) for the past week and they are the best ever. Speaking of fresh produce, please support the Patrick County Farmer's Market which is usually open on Fridays beginning at about 8 a.m. in downtown Stuart...and don't forget that the "watermelon men", Billy and nephew Gideon Martin and Billy's cousin Alfred have fresh watermelons and cantelopes for sale each Tuesday on Rt. 8 south of Stuart at Gilmer Biggs old store and in Patrick Springs. Enjoy the fresh produce available locally this summer and be healthy and happy!

Your radio friend,
Richard

Remembering The Watermelon Man!

Recalling the cherished days of my childhood, I will never forget the refreshing taste of a cold slice of watermelon was on a steamy summer day. Appropriately, during the week of the 4th of July this year, I had an opportunity to relive those carefree days and remember the wonderful gentleman who trucked those watermelons to Patrick County from down south and sold them from the bed of his large produce truck. "The Watermelon Man" was Mr. Aubrey Martin, who made a living for most of his life by selling to Patrick Countians carefully selected watermelons, cantelopes, and other produce that he transported to our community from producers in North and South Carolina. There were no melons better than the ones that "The Watermelon Man" selected and sold with loving care (not even the ones we naughtily stole occasionally from someone's patch as kids)! Mr. Martin, who died last October at the age of 95, was not only a the guy to turn to for a great watermelon, but he was my friend and my neighbor growing up in the stateline community on Rt. 8 South of Stuart near the VA/NC state line. I grew up with and went to school with Aubrey and Grace Martin's children Billy, Roger,Rodney, and Joanne Martin.

Last week, I was delighted to hear that in his retirement after 38 years with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Billy Martin, his nephew Gideon Martin, and his first cousin, Alfred Martin (the son of Aubrey's equally famous merchant and brother Charlie Martin) were carrying on the family tradition by selling produce once again here in Patrick County. Billy wanted to revisit the southern produce markets to which he used to accompany his father and to bring back sweet memories by again making this fresh produce available for us to enjoy once again. Billy also wanted to expose Gideon to the lifestyle and occupation of his beloved grandfather and to raise some money to assist Gideon in the future. Gideon is a fine young 17-year-old gentleman who is a rising senior and an outstanding multi-sport athlete at Patrick County High School (baseball and golf). He is also a Piedmont Governor's School student who plans to attend Virginia Tech after graduating from PCHS and to purse a degree in mechanical engineering. Under Billy's tutelage, Gideon has become quite proficient at selecting fresh produce and is enjoying his summer experience as he explores his family roots.

"I enjoy carrying on the legacy of my grandfather," said Gideon last week when I interviewed him and Billy as they sold their fresh melons and vegetables at Gilmer Biggs old store on Rt. 8 about 5 miles south of Stuart. Probably many a watermelon selected by Aubrey Martin, the "Melon Man," was sold at that once popular country store and many others. Billy, Gideon, and Alfred also sell their watermelons and other produce in Patrick Springs, which Billy calls a real "hot spot" for watermelon sales. It was great to visit Billy and Gideon and to reminisce about the good ole days and to honor the memory of the little grey-haired man in the blue Ford truck who will forever be remembered as Patrick County's "Watermelon Man." This beloved gentleman is now now selling his heavenly melons in that great marketplace in the sky, bringing a cool, sweet taste to the paradise of Heaven!

I wholeheartedly urge you to patronize Billy, Gideon, and Alfred Martin's produce operation this summer. Please support their efforts by purchasing melons and more so they can continue to bring in these delicious summertime treats for us to enjoy. Departing way before dawn and returning around dark, Billy and Gideon travel to Columbia, SC, each Monday morning, and they make their tasty melons, golden cantelopes, and other fresh produce available to the public to buy each Tuesday beginning around 8 a.m. at the former Gilmer Biggs store (Billy thanks Carlton, Charles, and Delana Biggs for allowing him to park and sell there.) and at the intersection in Patrick Springs. I ask that we all help them to keep alive this wonderful family tradition from Patrick County's past. Enjoy the juicy melons and the sweet memories!

Please listen to my "Richard on the Road" news feature Tuesday, July 10, 2007, on the WHEO local news and learn more about the Martin family's proud produce marketing tradition!

Making radio a lifelong labor of love,
Richard Rogers