Congratulations Clyde!

I commend the Stuart Park and Recreation Association for naming the new 3-acre, multi-purpose ballfield at Dehart Park in Stuart in honor of Patrick County Recreation Director Clyde Crissman, who, to me, is truly "Mr. Recreaton" in our county. Clyde has been with the recreation department from day one (when it was started in 1972) and has served so very capably as our recreaton director for the past 22 years (since 1985). No one has done more for recreation in Patrick County than Clyde Crissman, in my opinion. As my friend Bill Banks so insightfully noted this week on my "Community Conversation" program, Clyde is a doer. He gets things done for our young people and the community at large. If fact, Clyde can get more done with less resources than anyone that I know. He has certainly given the county a bargain for its money when it comes conducting a great but modestly-funded recreation program, maintaining our facilities, and providing opportunities that promote and encourage the positive development of our county's youth. It is altogether fitting that a recreational facility that Clyde envisioned 20 years ago be named after him. Clyde put together the partnership or coalition of citizens and businesses in our community that made this wonderful new athletic facility possible. He is a tireless worker who always goes above and beyond the call of duty!!!

Clyde Crissman is truly "Mr. Recreation" in Patrick County...but he is much more than our recreation director. He is a community leader! Clyde loves this county and works as hard as anyone I know to help others. He has sold more raffle tickets and helped to raise more funds for worthy causes over the years than anyone that comes to mind. Patrick County High School students and staff recognized this fact earlier this year when they honored Crissman with the school's prestigious Public Service Award. Clyde is to be saluted for his community-mindedness as well as for the top-notch job that he has always done for our recreation program. He is also a good Christian who is dedicated to God and his family as well as our community and its young people (of all ages).

We will all remember the many contributions that Clyde has made and will continue to make to our county's well-being and high quality of life each time that we attend and enjoy a soccer or baseball game at the new "Crissman Community Field"! Thanks Clyde and congratulations on your well-deserved honor, "Mr. Recreation"!

With regard to another respected community servant in Patrick County, I rejoice in the good reports that I have heard of late about the improving condition of Sheriff David Hubbard. He is now taking therapy, talking, and showing many signs of gradual improvement, according to Chief Deputy Garry Brown, who updated us on the sheriff's condition in a live telephone interview Thursday morning on "Community Converation." God has certainly answered many prayers for the sheriff, blessing him with what is beginning to look like a miraculous recovery. Let's continue to keep Sheriff David Hubbard in our prayers, and as he retires as one of the county's top law enforcement officers, thank him for his many years of dedicated service protecting lives and property in Patrick County.

Until next time, may God bless all of you with a "great day"!

Faith be yours,
Richard