It looks like Patrick County's local election campaign is going to be as hot as the steamy weather that we've struggled to endure during the entire month of August! That became quite evident during the Thurs., Aug. 23, 2007, "Meet the Candidates" forum hosted by the Dobyns Community Club. A standing room only crowd of 107 people jammed the small Dobyns Community Building greatly taxing the building's air conditioning system. The hot topic of debate in the aftermath of this meeting is the unwillingness of some citizens in the room to hear from a representative of write-in candidate Darrell Bowling in the sheriff's race. One caller on "Community Conversation" said he felt this action represented a violation of our consitutional right to free speech...another caller also protested she felt was poor taste by a faction of citizens supporting one of the formal candidates for sheriff. The backlash from this incident could actually favor Bowling, who as a Virginia state trooper is not permitted to campaign directly as a "write-in" contender. The latter caller to my radio talk show said that she had changed her mind and decided to vote for Bowling simply because of the inhospitable treatment received by Bowling's representative, who had been offered an opportunity to speak by moderator David Sheeley before citizens protested that "he is not a candidate" and rejected an offer to allow him to speak. In an effort to prevent a "riot," Sheeley told me on Community Conversation that he decided not to press the issue and to move on with the meeting.
First, let me say that, as a radio talk show host who seeks to be fair to all concerned and to respect the opinions voiced on both sides of each issue, I will remain publicly neutral during this campaign and refrain from endorsing any candidates as I have always done during my radio career. My choices will be made know where it counts...in the secrecy of the polling place. I could not attend the candidate's meeting due to another meeting commitment that night and I know only what I heard on the radio news report, but it seems to me that this incident does not reflect well upon our county. I believe that we should seek to facilitate the expressions of viewpoints from all sides of issues and allow all those who are candidates for office or representaties thereof to speak. It just seems to me that allowing Mr. Bowling's spokesperson his say would have been much more in keeping with the keen sense of fair play for which Patrick Countians have long been noted. I personally believe that we should strive for openness and free expression of ideas in meetings whether they are publicly or privately conducted. This incident, I believe, is certainly not typical of fair-minded Patrick County people who are the most gracious, kind, and hospitable in the world. That's why I am so proud to be a native Patrick Countian myself. We don't need the negativity exemplified by this one incident int he heat of the moment. I hope that we can put this unfortunate incident behind us and move forward with a good "clean" campaign that allows the spread of accurate information about each of the candidates so that we as voters can be as informed as possible when we step into the voting booth on Nov. 6th. I congratulate all the candidates on their involvement and wish each the very best during the campaign season and beyond.
The only other comment I have on this matter is that I would like to publicly commend the Dobyns Community Club, generally, and Mr. David Sheeley, specifically, for their community-mindedness and their efforts to encourage the circulation of as much accurate information for the benefit of the electorate as possible in what promises to be a hottly contested elections in several key races. I know that this civic-oriented community organization tried to be as fair and accomodating as possible to everyone involved in the "Meet the Candidates" night. David did a great job under some very difficult circumstances and he and the Dobyns Community Club are to be applauded for their efforts.
Feel free to let me know how you stand on this and other important local issues. Your comments are welcome.
Speaking my mind as a proud Patrick Countian,
Richard Rogers
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Fine Dining with Some "Fishers of Men"
One of the many facets of Nettle Ridge United Methodist Church's active community outreach ministry is its annual fish fry, a tradition that has been enjoyed by hungry patrons for the past approximately 8 years. It is altogether appropriate that delicious fish is the main entree of this meal because the fish figures prominently in the Christian faith. It is symbolic of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and His call to believers to practice Christian discipleship ("Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men," directed Jesus as he called the fishermen in Biblical times and each of us today to be His disciples). The feeding of the 5,000 by Jesus with 2 fish and 5 loaves is the only miracle mentioned in all four of the Gospels of the New Testament.
As I was enjoying my mouthwatering dinner of fried fish and all the trimmings Saturday evening, Aug. 18th in the Nettle Ridge church dining hall, it occured to me that, like Nettle Ridge United Methodist and the many other wonderful churches of our great county, we all have an individual responsibility as Christians to follow Jesus and to be His "fishers of men" while we are here on Earch. This idea was reinforced in my church the following Sunday morning, Aug. 19th, when my pastor Rev. Terry Ragsdale of Peters Creek Baptist Church delivered a sermon on Christian discipleship. The Rev. Ragsdale reminded us all that we, as Christians, have the responsibility to share with others God's love and to be witnesses of Jesus' presence in our lives by sharing through our words and deeds. "Terry," as he is known to friends and the congregation, suggested that in order to be effective witnesses that we always be prepared to share with others familiar Bible verses dealing with God's plan of salvation and that we be ready to give our testimony by telling others what God has done for us. We all have a wonderful story to tell about God's blessings in our lives and there are so many out there who are "hungry" to hear the Good News that by faith in Jesus Christ through the grace of God Almighty we have the promise of everlasting life in the paradise of Heaven in our Lord's presence. As Christians, we should be joyful in knowing that great truth and let others witness that joy in us! Let's all cast our lines in the waters of life and try our best of be better "fishers of men." I have a long way to go in setting this example by I challenge myself and others to being more active disciples for Christ. By sharing Jesus with others in a non-imposing and personal way, we can plant seeds that God can cultivate and help to lead others to the same personal relationship with Christ that we treasure.
Thanks again to Nettle Ridge United Methodist Church for their hospitality and a wonderful evening of fantastic fellowship and and fried fish. Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day!"
Richard
As I was enjoying my mouthwatering dinner of fried fish and all the trimmings Saturday evening, Aug. 18th in the Nettle Ridge church dining hall, it occured to me that, like Nettle Ridge United Methodist and the many other wonderful churches of our great county, we all have an individual responsibility as Christians to follow Jesus and to be His "fishers of men" while we are here on Earch. This idea was reinforced in my church the following Sunday morning, Aug. 19th, when my pastor Rev. Terry Ragsdale of Peters Creek Baptist Church delivered a sermon on Christian discipleship. The Rev. Ragsdale reminded us all that we, as Christians, have the responsibility to share with others God's love and to be witnesses of Jesus' presence in our lives by sharing through our words and deeds. "Terry," as he is known to friends and the congregation, suggested that in order to be effective witnesses that we always be prepared to share with others familiar Bible verses dealing with God's plan of salvation and that we be ready to give our testimony by telling others what God has done for us. We all have a wonderful story to tell about God's blessings in our lives and there are so many out there who are "hungry" to hear the Good News that by faith in Jesus Christ through the grace of God Almighty we have the promise of everlasting life in the paradise of Heaven in our Lord's presence. As Christians, we should be joyful in knowing that great truth and let others witness that joy in us! Let's all cast our lines in the waters of life and try our best of be better "fishers of men." I have a long way to go in setting this example by I challenge myself and others to being more active disciples for Christ. By sharing Jesus with others in a non-imposing and personal way, we can plant seeds that God can cultivate and help to lead others to the same personal relationship with Christ that we treasure.
Thanks again to Nettle Ridge United Methodist Church for their hospitality and a wonderful evening of fantastic fellowship and and fried fish. Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day!"
Richard
Monday, August 13, 2007
The Heat Is Still On!
The sultry period of mid-summer known as the "Dog Days," have just passed (ended Aug. 11th , according to tradition) but the weather outside remains frightfully hot, humid, and dry.
As the old Temptations song on Motown Records says..."I wish is would rain." That sentiment is reflected in the desires, wishes, and prayers of many Patrick Countians, especially farmers, who have been stricken by one of the driest summer's that I can remember; one of the hottest too! Weather spotter Clyde Brown at Critz (keep him in your prayers as he undergoes follow-up cataract surgery at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem Tue., Aug 14th, whose wisdom I value dearly, says he can remember other summers that have been drier. That is true, I'm sure, but we all would agree that most areas of our beautiful country are parched by the lack of rainfall. One of my friends told me the other day that a sign of rain is the lack of dew on the grass in the morning. I've noticed that occurance several times recently but so far the rain has not come, at least not to the terrain near me.
Speaking of the heat, Woolwine weather spotter John Johnson reported today that one of his associates at work recently purchased a new thermometer. John's colleague laid his new temperature gauge on his deck until he had time to put it up. Before he installed it, however, the hands of the thermometer melted in the intense heat. That's pretty hot. It was so hot one afternoon last week that Mary Alley, co-operator of the Coffee Break in Stuart, considered conducting an experiment to see if it was hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk on Main Street in Stuart. I don't know if she finally conducted the experiment but I'll bet it would have come close to cooking in the frying sun.
According to today's forecast, the hot dry weather will continue at least through this weekend. However, I have learned in my years as in radio that the forecast can change in a hurry. Last Friday, for instance, the forecast predicted NO rain for the 7-day forecast period, but that very afternoon a cloud formed and produced about fifteen-one-hundredths of an inch (.15) of rain in the Five Forks to Stateline area along Rt. 8 south fo Stuart toward the North Carolina line. Not much rain at all, but certainly it was very welcome just the same.
When it comes to rain or anything else, just remember that God is aware of our needs and He is faithful to bless us and meet those needs in His own time. So let's just count the blessings that the Lord has given us and trust that He will continue to supply what we need to live and to serve His purpose for our lives. God is good!
"School days, school days, dear old golden rule days..." are about to resume here in Patrick County. The 2007-2008 public school year in Patrick County will officially start Tues., Aug. 14th (the Trinity Christian School year begins Aug. 22nd). I wish the students, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, maintenance personnel, and school support personnel of all sorts a productive and safe year. As motorists, we all have the responsibility to drive carefully at all times, especially in school zones and when approaching school buses that are loading and unloading. Observe all traffic laws regarding the safe transportation of our youth, our future, to and from school, and be on the watch for our children who often scamper into the road without thinking. God bless our children and our schools. I encourage parents to get involved in their children's education and show them the love and nurturing they need in these crucial formative years of their lives. I also encourage all citizens to get involved and support our community schools in whatever way that God may lead us. Welcome back, Patrick County students!
I loved the Peach Festival and enjoyed each of the 5 events that made up the weeklong celebration. The Friday night event at Rotary Field that I was grateful to emcee, though hampered by the heat, was a blast as was the Folk Fair at Meadows of Dan Saturday. It is obvious that this year's event, one of the most successful in the 19-year history of the official state peach festival, was successful and very well attended because of what I call the "3 P's"...Planning, Promotion, and Participation. I am proud to have worked with the Chamber of Commerce in stiving to make this year's event successful. For all their hard work and key leadership, I especially thank Tom Bishop, Chamber Executive Director; Janice Wilkens, Chamber President; Dean Goad, Chamber Vice-President; and Major Sponsors, Vicki Hutchens-Bennett of New York Life, Barry Nelson of the Nelson Automotive Family, and John Hopkins of Hopkins Lumber Contractors for their many contributions to the success of Virginia's State Peach Festival, another proud Patrick County tradition.
One final note, the local health care system was enhanced today, Mon., Aug. 13th by the opening of the new rural health clinic, "a physician's office within a hospital" as Janice Wilkins has termed it, at the R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital. I enjoyed attending Monday's ribbon cutting. More on the clinic coming up on the local news.
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day."
Your radio friend,
Richard
As the old Temptations song on Motown Records says..."I wish is would rain." That sentiment is reflected in the desires, wishes, and prayers of many Patrick Countians, especially farmers, who have been stricken by one of the driest summer's that I can remember; one of the hottest too! Weather spotter Clyde Brown at Critz (keep him in your prayers as he undergoes follow-up cataract surgery at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem Tue., Aug 14th, whose wisdom I value dearly, says he can remember other summers that have been drier. That is true, I'm sure, but we all would agree that most areas of our beautiful country are parched by the lack of rainfall. One of my friends told me the other day that a sign of rain is the lack of dew on the grass in the morning. I've noticed that occurance several times recently but so far the rain has not come, at least not to the terrain near me.
Speaking of the heat, Woolwine weather spotter John Johnson reported today that one of his associates at work recently purchased a new thermometer. John's colleague laid his new temperature gauge on his deck until he had time to put it up. Before he installed it, however, the hands of the thermometer melted in the intense heat. That's pretty hot. It was so hot one afternoon last week that Mary Alley, co-operator of the Coffee Break in Stuart, considered conducting an experiment to see if it was hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk on Main Street in Stuart. I don't know if she finally conducted the experiment but I'll bet it would have come close to cooking in the frying sun.
According to today's forecast, the hot dry weather will continue at least through this weekend. However, I have learned in my years as in radio that the forecast can change in a hurry. Last Friday, for instance, the forecast predicted NO rain for the 7-day forecast period, but that very afternoon a cloud formed and produced about fifteen-one-hundredths of an inch (.15) of rain in the Five Forks to Stateline area along Rt. 8 south fo Stuart toward the North Carolina line. Not much rain at all, but certainly it was very welcome just the same.
When it comes to rain or anything else, just remember that God is aware of our needs and He is faithful to bless us and meet those needs in His own time. So let's just count the blessings that the Lord has given us and trust that He will continue to supply what we need to live and to serve His purpose for our lives. God is good!
"School days, school days, dear old golden rule days..." are about to resume here in Patrick County. The 2007-2008 public school year in Patrick County will officially start Tues., Aug. 14th (the Trinity Christian School year begins Aug. 22nd). I wish the students, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, maintenance personnel, and school support personnel of all sorts a productive and safe year. As motorists, we all have the responsibility to drive carefully at all times, especially in school zones and when approaching school buses that are loading and unloading. Observe all traffic laws regarding the safe transportation of our youth, our future, to and from school, and be on the watch for our children who often scamper into the road without thinking. God bless our children and our schools. I encourage parents to get involved in their children's education and show them the love and nurturing they need in these crucial formative years of their lives. I also encourage all citizens to get involved and support our community schools in whatever way that God may lead us. Welcome back, Patrick County students!
I loved the Peach Festival and enjoyed each of the 5 events that made up the weeklong celebration. The Friday night event at Rotary Field that I was grateful to emcee, though hampered by the heat, was a blast as was the Folk Fair at Meadows of Dan Saturday. It is obvious that this year's event, one of the most successful in the 19-year history of the official state peach festival, was successful and very well attended because of what I call the "3 P's"...Planning, Promotion, and Participation. I am proud to have worked with the Chamber of Commerce in stiving to make this year's event successful. For all their hard work and key leadership, I especially thank Tom Bishop, Chamber Executive Director; Janice Wilkens, Chamber President; Dean Goad, Chamber Vice-President; and Major Sponsors, Vicki Hutchens-Bennett of New York Life, Barry Nelson of the Nelson Automotive Family, and John Hopkins of Hopkins Lumber Contractors for their many contributions to the success of Virginia's State Peach Festival, another proud Patrick County tradition.
One final note, the local health care system was enhanced today, Mon., Aug. 13th by the opening of the new rural health clinic, "a physician's office within a hospital" as Janice Wilkins has termed it, at the R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital. I enjoyed attending Monday's ribbon cutting. More on the clinic coming up on the local news.
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day."
Your radio friend,
Richard
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Patrick County: A Peachy Place!
It is most appropriate that Patrick County has been officially designated as the host of the Virginia State Peach Festival. After all, what a "peachy" place in which to live, work, retire, raise a family, and enjoy a high quality of life and a relatively low cost of living. Patrick is a peach...and we are blessed to enjoy the "fruit" of living in this beautiful place.
The official state peach festival got off to a great start Monday, Aug. 6th as a large crowd turned out for the Peach Pageants at the Historic Star Theater in Stuart. Congratulations to the winners: Tiny Miss Peach...Destin Brooke Pike; Little Miss Peach...Taylor Campbell; Jr. Miss Peach, Denise Leigh Pendleton...and Miss Virginia Peach...Erica Michelle Dalton. Patrick and Crystal Powell of Dutchies View Bed & Breakfast did an outstanding job of organizing and coordinating the pageant....Pam Nowlin and Lemont Bryant did a fine job as mistress and master of ceremonies, respectively...and the public's support was phenomenal. More than 30 pretty contestants took part in the pageants.
Please support the other Virginia Peach Festival activities throughout the week: Star Talent Search at the Historic Star on Tue., Aug. 7 at 6 p.m.; Gospel Singing Night, Thursday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Patrick Springs Fire House; the traditional Friday Night, Aug. 10th music, food, and entertainment event at Rotary Field; and the Meadows of Dan Folk Fair Saturday, Aug. 11th at 10 a.m.
I am looking forward to introducing No Speed Limit, the Great Pretenders, and the Old Dominion Cloggers during the Friday night event at Rotary Field. Please come out for a great evening of barbecue, music, fellowship, and, of course "peaches and politics" (political candidates have long taken advantage of the festival to reach the electorate with their messages).
Keep it on 1270 WHEO, the Heart of Patrick County, for Virginia Peach Festival information and your opportunity to win a ticket to the Friday night event. Just remember the winning words: "Proud Patrick County people have a passion for peaches!" Listen for you invitation to call in and say the "winning words," a tongue twister that is sure to get your tongue tremendously tangled!
Thanks New Hope United Methodist Church! I really enjoyed your recent 13th annual Pig Pickin' and Gospel Singing! It was a nostalgic event that helps to preserve traditional ways of life in Patrick County and provides wholesome fellowship for young and old alike. The antique displays and demonstrations that are a part of the event really take you back to the "good old days." It wasn't on the menu but I did manage to get an ear of corn on the cob roasted in the shuck during the barbecue. Enjoying the roasted corn took me back to my childhood when I can remember staying with my grandfather overnight as he cured tobacco and roasted corn at the tobacco barn. What great memories!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day."
Your radio pal,
Richard
The official state peach festival got off to a great start Monday, Aug. 6th as a large crowd turned out for the Peach Pageants at the Historic Star Theater in Stuart. Congratulations to the winners: Tiny Miss Peach...Destin Brooke Pike; Little Miss Peach...Taylor Campbell; Jr. Miss Peach, Denise Leigh Pendleton...and Miss Virginia Peach...Erica Michelle Dalton. Patrick and Crystal Powell of Dutchies View Bed & Breakfast did an outstanding job of organizing and coordinating the pageant....Pam Nowlin and Lemont Bryant did a fine job as mistress and master of ceremonies, respectively...and the public's support was phenomenal. More than 30 pretty contestants took part in the pageants.
Please support the other Virginia Peach Festival activities throughout the week: Star Talent Search at the Historic Star on Tue., Aug. 7 at 6 p.m.; Gospel Singing Night, Thursday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Patrick Springs Fire House; the traditional Friday Night, Aug. 10th music, food, and entertainment event at Rotary Field; and the Meadows of Dan Folk Fair Saturday, Aug. 11th at 10 a.m.
I am looking forward to introducing No Speed Limit, the Great Pretenders, and the Old Dominion Cloggers during the Friday night event at Rotary Field. Please come out for a great evening of barbecue, music, fellowship, and, of course "peaches and politics" (political candidates have long taken advantage of the festival to reach the electorate with their messages).
Keep it on 1270 WHEO, the Heart of Patrick County, for Virginia Peach Festival information and your opportunity to win a ticket to the Friday night event. Just remember the winning words: "Proud Patrick County people have a passion for peaches!" Listen for you invitation to call in and say the "winning words," a tongue twister that is sure to get your tongue tremendously tangled!
Thanks New Hope United Methodist Church! I really enjoyed your recent 13th annual Pig Pickin' and Gospel Singing! It was a nostalgic event that helps to preserve traditional ways of life in Patrick County and provides wholesome fellowship for young and old alike. The antique displays and demonstrations that are a part of the event really take you back to the "good old days." It wasn't on the menu but I did manage to get an ear of corn on the cob roasted in the shuck during the barbecue. Enjoying the roasted corn took me back to my childhood when I can remember staying with my grandfather overnight as he cured tobacco and roasted corn at the tobacco barn. What great memories!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day."
Your radio pal,
Richard
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