Richard Rogers

Volunteers are Heroes

2010-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for the spirit of volunteerism that drives Patrick County and makes this beautiful county the greatest place on the planet (admittedly, I'm biased). With limited resources, this rural county couldn't afford to pay for the services provided by volunteers in all walks of life. Thanks to these volunteers who provide 'service above self' with their donations of time, energy, and their personal resources. Volunteers are our community's unsung heroes! God bless Patrick County's citizens for their spirit of volunteerism.

Burrrrrrrr!!!!

2010-01-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

One of the coldest winters in years is expected to keep a firm grip on our area for at least the rest of this week. On Mon. morning, Jan. 4, 2010, I observed our WHEO weather instrumentation to record wind chills as low as 13 below zero. Thanks to these frigid temperatures and almost unbearable wind chills, some of the snow and ice from the major snow storm that dumped over a foot in Patrick County still lingers around. There is a 40% chance of snow on Thursday night and Friday but otherwise just blustery and cold with daily wind chill values as low as 2 above for the rest of the week. Be sure to dress warmly...check on the elderly...and make sure your pets have unfrozen water and a warm place. It's already the roughest winter we have in recent memory.

I shudder to think what our power bills will be in the next few months. An Applachian Power rate increase was implemented on an interim basis (subject to refund with interest if later disallowed by the State Corporation Commission) in December. That coupled with the bitter cold snap may send electric bills into the stratosphere and posing a hardship for some of our citizens. Despite our trials and hardships we are richly blessed and should all start the new year with gratitude in our hearts and great hope for the future. God bless you in 2010.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T15:36:00.000-08:00

I feel blessed at the start of 2010 to have wonderful friends like you who are always there to offer encouragement, support, and hands to help bear my burdens. My resolution: to more closely submit myself to God allowing Him to guide me to becoming what He would have me to be in the coming year and to better serve others. My prayers are with each of you as we 'ring in the new'. Happy New Year! Auld lang syne!

Thanks for Your Encouragement

2009-12-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for the encouragement and support that I receive every day from friends and loved ones. The challenges and burdens of life can be overwhelming but we are blessed that God provides us strength and encouragement either directly or through those people who touch our lives and lift us up each day. Thank you all for your support and encouragement. You are a blessing, my radio listeners and friends! Happy, healthy New Year. God bless you all in 2010.

Back Home on the Airways

2009-12-27T08:07:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed with a wonderful Christmas and a nice vacation at the same time. After 9 days off, I return to the airways this week. Listen for "The Great Day in the Morning Show" Monday through Friday from 6-10 a.m. on 1270 AM-WHEO. It has been great to get away for awhile but I am looking forward to coming home to my radio family. Thanks to all of you who've said you missed me being on the air during my Christmas vacation. See you on the radio! : ) Happy New Year to all my beloved radio friends. Be well and prosper!

Accentuate the Positive

2009-12-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

Let's seek to warm hearts on this cold day! We'll start with a smile and a positive outlook and allow God to guide us that we might make a difference in our little corners of the world. As difficult as it may be, let's try to look for the good in everybody and every circumstance...and expect a blessing of our own as we seek to be a blessing to others. Be safe, be happy!

Remembering Victims "A Day that Will Live in Infamy"

2009-12-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

Today, I am honoring the memory of the more than 2,400 courageous American service people who gave their lives for our freedoms 68 years ago at Pearl Harbor. Today marks the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as "a date that will live in infamy".

The attack on Pearl Harbor was an unannounced military strike by the Japanese navy against the United States' naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which resulted in the U.S. becoming militarily involved in WWII. The attack sank 4 U.S. Navy battleships (2 of which were raised and returned to service later in the war) and damaged 4 more. The Japanese also sank or damaged 3 cruisers, 3 destroyers, and one minelayer, destroyed 188 aircraft, and caused personnel losses of 2,402 killed and 1,282 wounded.

We are indeed indebted to these soldiers who died on that fateful day in the line of duty and service to our country. I honor their memory and pray for our American service men and women who are poised today to give their lives too to defend the way of live that we hold dear. Today, 68 years later, continues to "live in infamy". The victims of the Pearl Harbor attack, however, did not die in vain and their sacrifices are remembered today and always. God bless America and its people.

A Christmas Tradition to Cherish

2009-11-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

I think that the experience of cutting a live Christmas tree is one of the richest and most family-friendly of all Christmas traditions. In an outing that took me back to my childhood, I visited a Patrick Co. Christmas tree farm to do a radio feature for my morning radio show recently. At a time when many of our customs and traditions are fading away, it is refreshing that many families still cherish the fellowship and closeness to God and nature that accompany a holiday outing to search for the perfect Christmas tree. This is a wholesome annual ritual that has been passed down for generations in many families. Despite the growing popularity of artificial trees, ...there's nothing like getting that perfect tree the old fashioned way, cutting it fresh as a family! Here's wishing you all a Merry CHRISTmas and one that is rich in family tradition.

Keep CHRIST in Christmas!

2009-11-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

I would like to publicly commend Grace Baptist Church for its efforts to keep "Christ" in Christmas! Hearing news reports that the White House will have a "holiday tree"" as opposed to the traditional Christmas tree, the church purchased 100 "Merry Christmas" badges and is selling them for #1 each with proceeds going to the church building fund, according to member and friend Betsy Wilds. I'm wearing one, proudly and wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas"!

In these times of political correctness when the government and society tries not to offend anyone, it often seems that our society tries to take God out of our culture altogether. That very much offends me! Even though I fail Him every day, it is in GOD that I trust and upon JESUS that I depend for my salvation!

Let's resist these persistent efforts to take God out of our schools, institutions, and society and stop this movement to take CHRIST out of Christmas. Christ is Christmas! The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the very essence of the Christmas season. This 'happy holidays' greeting is humbug. How can any holiday or any other day be happy without Christ in your life and without the joy that all Christians should feel in knowing that by trusting in Christ, by the grace of God, we have eternal life. That is something to be "merry" about in Christ. So I say very loudly and clearly....MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Honor Our Veterans

2009-11-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

Today and every day let's seek to honor our veterans here in Patrick County and throughout the United State. They are to be commended for their efforts to secure and maintain the freedoms that we enjoy but all to often take for granted in this great nation. I salute the veterans of Patrick County who are living and honor the memory of those who have given their lives in service to our country. As we honor our veterans for thei sacrifices, let's pray for the U.S. troops who are stationed around the wold today to defend, with their lives, the freedoms and way of life that we as proud Americans hold dear.

An Inspiring Lady

2009-11-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm trying to follow the example of an elderly Patrick Co. lady who inspired me during Friday's 21st annual Health Fair. With her positive attitude, I "just keep going", said 96-yer-old Etta McGhee when asked the key to her long healthy life. Let's all smile and think positively as we 'keep going' forward thanking God for the blessing of this day!

Ms. McGhee is a true community treasure. Alert and full of sweetness, she just "keeps on going" and inspiring others with her zest for live. Bless her heart. Bless you too!

Your morning radio friend,
Richard

A Busy Tourist Season

2009-10-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

Tourism is one of Patrick County's greatest economic assets. That has been most evident during eh month of October when the tourist season annually reaches its peak. It was inspiring to visit Meadows of Dan and the Blue Ridge Parkway this past weekend and to see the many visitors who crowded shops, restaurants, stores, and roadside produce stands. The mountain foliage was a little past its peak but tourists and local folks came to the mountains in droves to savor the flavor of fall in picturesque Patrick County.

Some of the stores and shops in Meadows of Dan business district on Sunday (Oct. 25) were so crowded with people that you could hardly walk. There was a throng of folks enjoying the scenery, entertainment, and restaurant at Mabry Mill. Rocky Knob was crowded with picnickers and hikers. The Lover's Leap overlook was jammed with visitors taking pictures and enjoying the breathtaking view of th valley below the mountain. At the Meadows of Dan Community Center, more than 5,000 patrons were served during the two Sundays of the annual Pancake Days co-sponsored by the Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club and the Meadows of Dan Fire Department. Visitors from as far away as Canada and the Ukraine came to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Patrick County this fall to feast on buckwheat and buttermilk pancakes and to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage and rustic scenery.

This past Sunday was but one example of the heavy tourist activity in Patrick County during the autumn season especially during its peak in October. Tom Bishop, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, said visitors have flocked to Patrick County the last 3 weekends. "You talking about a crowd," said Bishop of the tourist activity this past weekend. I commend Tom Bishop for his tireless efforts to promote tourism and the business community in Patrick County.

Tourism is more important today in Patrick County than ever. It has helped to ease the heavy blow suffered by the county as far back as a decade ago when local manufacturing plants began cutting back or closing and textile and furniture jobs were shipped overseas. Tourism is vital to Patrick County! It is certainly the lifeblood of the mountaintop economy and a rapidly growing economic sector countywide. The most recent figures indicate that tourism brings in more than $21-million annually to Patrick County's economy. It means not only increased revenues for county merchants but jobs for a significant number of people in a county that is no stranger to double digit unemployment. Because of its great economic clout, I think we should do everything in our power to nurture and promote the tourist industry in Patrick County even if it involves investing some of our hard-earned county tax dollars. This investment will pay tremendous long-term dividends.

Thank you to the many tourists and visitors who have graced out county's scenic attractions with their presence this fall. We welcome you to come back often and experience the good life that we enjoy everyday living here in this beloved county that we affectionally call God's Country.

Update on David

2009-10-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

An encouraging development in the 2-year long battle of former Patrick County Sheriff David Hubbard to regain his health. Following nearly 6 hours of surgery Tuesday, Oct. 13th, David was able to call me at the radio station this morning (Wed., Oct. 14th) from his regular hospital bed at the University of Virginia Medical Center at Charlottesville. It was a pleasant suprise indeed to hear from this gallant man whose will to live has served as an inspiration to many of us.

In an impromptu interview, Hubbard said he is sore but optimistic about his prospects for recovery from lingering health issues that forced his to retire as sheriff about two years ago. He credited the prayers and support of his family and friends for his life today. David also told me that he has learned that wealth is properly measured by one's relationships in life and not by how much money he has acquired. Hear David's touching story on my news reports on WHEO Thursday, Oct. 15th, and stay tuned to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for updates on the progress of the former sheriff who serves as President of the Patrick County Farm Bureau and, even in ill health, has worked on his Meadows of Dan farm when able.

Speaking of wealth....our community is much wealthier because of David Hubbard's leadership in law enforcement and agriculture and his example of courage and determination in the face of personal adversity. Please continue to pray for David and his family! Blessings to all!

Richard

Prayer Request for David Hubbard

2009-10-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'd like to ask everyone in our community to pray for former Patrick County Sheriff David Hubbard. David has been battling health issues that forced him to abandon his bid for re-election and to retire as sheriff about two years ago. Since then, he has courageously battled health problems that probably would have claimed the life of a weaker man. A great example of strength, courage and determination, David has fought back from each setback that he has faced. Today (Monday, Oct. 12th), the former sheriff and president of the Patrick County Farm Bureau is facing another medical challenge.

According to a telephone report from my one of my radio show listeners, David was scheduled to undergo "serious surgery" today (10/12/09) at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. Another caller told me that he faced a 10-hour surgical procedure. Both callers requested prayer for David. So please immediately remember David Hubbard in your prayers as well as his wife Gayna and other members of his family who have faithfully stood by him during his repeated visits to the hospital and his often frustrated battle to regain his health. God bless you David!

"The Great Day in the Morning Show" prayer list is a great way to surround your friends, neighbors, and loved ones with a "wall of prayer". Simply call (276) 694-3388 each morning between 6 and 10 a.m. and make your prayer request.

There is much sickness and disease in our community as well as current concern about the H1N1 (swine flue) virus and vaccine...many are without jobs and suffering economic hardships....and there are needs all around us. Let's all recognize those needs for prayer and raise our hands to Heaven on behalf of the many people in our community need our prayers as well as our comfort, support, kindness, and understanding.

May God bless you all with a "great day"!

Richard

A Bullish Opening of Patrick County Fair

2009-09-23T05:43:00.000-07:00

I've heard of grand entrances...but this takes the cake! After cutting the ribbon to officially open the 57th annual Patrick County Agricultural Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd, at Rotary Fairgrounds in Stuart, Janice Wilkins, President of the sponsoring Stuart Rotary Club, climbed atop a longhorn bull named Hollywood and rode the stately steer through the gate and entered the fairgrounds in grand styles. What a start to what promises to be the best Patrick County Agricultural Fair in the storied history of this event which has become a beloved family tradition. And that's NO BULL!

Listen to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" each day this week (6-10 a.m.) for the latest information on the fair. Then bring the family and join your friends for what "Mr. Patrick County Agricultural Fair" Henry Ayers calls "Old Home Week" in Patrick County. Perhaps, the most wonderful thing about the fair is the opportunity it affords for reunions of families and friends, many of whom may see each other only during this annual event. Exemplary of the gatherings that are a tradition of the fair was a reunion of the Ayers family on the opening night. Henry and Brenda's son and his family came home to attend the fair as they do every year. That same scenario is played out night after night, year after year...every year at the Patrick County Agricultural Fair.

Among the dignitaries on hand for opening night were former Virginia Governor and native Patrick Countian Gerald Baliles who reminisced the fair's enormous impact upon the culture of Patrick County. Also on hand were members of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, the Stuart Town Council, Del. Ward Armstrong and his opponent in the November election Ed Creed, and State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds.

Hope to see you at this week's Patrick County Agricultural Fair. The thrills, the chill, the exhibits, the the food, the entertainment, the rides, the ferris wheel, the reunions, the gatherings of old frinds, the smiles, the tradition. It's a classic! It's the 57th annual Patrick County Agricultural Fair, proudly sponsored by the Stuart Rotary Club. See you there!

A Tinier "Tumbleweed"

2009-08-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

To live a healthy lifestyle takes real courage and committment. A stunning example of that determination is the lifestyle change that has been made during the last six months by my friend Tim Collins. Tim is widely known throughtout this area and in the local music community as the former host of the WHEO "Saturday Morning Back Porch Bluegrass Show." His radio nickname was "Tumbleweed." Tim, an avid bluegrass music fan, is a loving husband, father of 5 children, and a concerned citizen who is involved in his community. He is highly involved as a leader in the Boy Scouts and is heads the citizens' organization known as "Friends of Fairystone," a support group for Fairystone State Park.

Physically, Tim, whom I love and respect as a friend and former colleague, has been obese ever since I've know him. In fact, Tim was once so huge that he could hardly queeze into the small WHEO control room. During a recent homecoming interview on my morning talk show "Community Conversation", Tim told me that the weighing devices at his doctor's office lacked the capacity to determine his actual body weight as he always maxed out the scales. In order to get an accurate measurement of his weight, Tim asked and was granted permission to be weighed on the highly-accurate industrial scales at a local recycling business. Whooooa! Tim weighted a whopping 451 pounds!

With a strong desire to improve his own well-being and to be healthier and more active husband and father, Tim decided to do something about his obesity. He determined in February of this year to make a complete lifestyle change. Tim was introduced to the Isometrics Diet and became involved in a competitive weight loss program offered by this "billion dollar" company. In the 6-month period of the competition, Tim lost 115 pounds, earning him and his wife Janie a trip to California where he competed in the finals of the competition. Although he began the competition a month later than other competitors, Tim narrowly missed winning the competition, placing second and earning a substantial cash consolation prize. Since he began his lifestyle change last winter, Tim has lost 150 pounds. On the morning of our Tue., Aug. 25th interview, "Tumbleweed" Tim dropped below 300 pounds for the first time. "I was so excited" at reaching that milestone, Tim said in our radio interview. Tim said he is still considered obsese but he is proud of how far he has come in such a short time and plans to persevere.

In shedding all those pounds, Tim has supplemented his rigid diet with increased physical activity. He rouinely walks 3-4 miles over some rough terrain along the trails at his beloved Fairystone Park. Tim told me that he has targeted joining the 200 pound weight loss club by the end of this year. Seeing the determination in his eyes and the newfound vigor on his face during our interview, I am certain that the Tumbleweed will soon accomplish his personal goal.

As one who has come to appreciate the benefits of fitness and proper diet in recent years and one who works out regularly, I am amazed at what my friend Tim has been able to accomplish. Obesity is a national epidemic spread across the age spectrum. I highly commend Tim Collins for setting a great example for others who are battling the growing problem and facing the health risks associated with obesity. Tim case is a case study of we can do if we believe in our cause and pursue our mission with our full vigor and determination. I'm proud of you Tim! Maintain your passion and stay the course, buddy, and, in the words of an old western classic, "keep drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds."

Lots of love all,
Richard

The Power of Prayer

2009-08-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Not a day goes by that my heart isn't touched in some warm way by the things the people who listen to my radio show and that I meet in the community say to me or do. Recently, I wished one of my most faithful listeners and Facebook friends, Lisa Anne Williams Goins, a happy birthday (Aug. 12th) and also learned that it was the anniversary of the birth of her dear late mother, Patricia Williams. I also sent Lisa a happy birthday wish on Facebook that day. Her reply to my message so touched my heart that I wanted to share it with the readers of this blog. Lisa's Facebook message to me is a prime example of why it is important that we pray for each other. Prayer is powerful. Here is Lisa's story.

Lisa recalled that when she and her sister Kim Young were little their mother would wake them up on their birthdays singing "Happy Birthday to You". When the girls grew up and left home, their mother would always call first thing on the morning of each of their birthdays and sing to them the happy birthday song. "I sure miss that," Lisa told me in her reply message.

Lisa said that in her prayers on the night before her birthday she told God how much she missed her mother's singing on her birthday and how that, knowing it was impossible, it would make her day to hear that familiar birthday song again. Lisa added, "I thanked Him for my blessings and went to sleep."

The following morning (her birthday), Lisa said that after she had put the kids on the school bus to start the new school year, her telephone rang and a lady on the other end of the line asked if it was Lisa that had answered. Lisa replied in the affirmative aand said that the caller immediately started singing "Happy Birthday" to her. "I cried and thanked the lady on the other end and told her how she made my day and she told me she loved me and my family. I didn't even ask her name," said Lisa. Then, as she hung up the phone, Lisa noticed on her caller ID that the call had been placed by one of the ladies of her church, Stuart Presbyterian. "She didn't know how that made me laugh, smile, and cry, but they were happy tears, for she was a part of answering my prayer from God," Lisa told me. Lisa recalled that the same lady had also said a prayer for her three years ago when she was diagnosed with melanoma. At her next doctor's visit, Lisa learned that the melanoma had been completely and successfully removed and that she would be fine.

"I believe in prayer and them being answered when it is the right time and I truly believe in angels," said Lisa, adding, "I have a personal one here in Patrick County and her name is Winky!"

Lisa told me in a later Facebook message that after her mother's death, she didn't want to celebrate her birthday anymore without her. Now she looks at it differently. "Now I have a new faith that it would be alright to enjoy the day again. I know she (her mother) is still with me and my sisters and brothers just like she promised," Lisa concluded.

Thanks to Lisa for listening and for sharing that very touching example of how our prayers for each other can make all the difference in the world. Let's all lift each other up in prayer, including our loved ones, friends, neighbors, leaders, and, especially, those around us who are less fortunate than we are. Prayer is powerful.

Each day on "The Great Day in the Morning Show" (M-F 6-10 a.m.) I honor prayer requests and also share words of praise that my listeners report to me. If you would like to add a name to the morning show prayer list or share with my audience your words of praise for God's blessings in your life, call me at (276) 694-3388, email me at rtrogers@embarqmail.com, fax your prayer or praise requests to (276) 694-2241, write me at WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171, send me a message on Facebook, of just tell me in person. I often scribble down prayer requests on paper napkins, the palm of my hand, or anything I have handy to write on. Let's surround those in need in our community with a wall of prayer. As Lisa Anne Williams Goins well knows... there is power in prayer!

Keep me in yours,
Richard

The Bears of Lover's Leap

2009-08-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tourists visiting the scenic Lover's Leap Overlook in Patrick County will not only see one of the most spectacular views anywhere but they may see a bear or two as well. Many bear sightings have been reported at nearby Fred Clifton Park where the hungry bruins have ravaged trash cans in search of food and scraps left by picnickers. The bears have become such a problem that the Patrick County Recreation Department is sending workers to the park two to three times per week to clean up the litter and debris left by the bears and to repair damage to park facilities. Just up U.S. 58 at Henrietta Crafters, aka Lover's Leap Birdhouses, at least 7 different bears have been sighted and photographed. The bears of Lover's Leap have become such a spectacle that videos of them have been posted on YouTube, where you can watch them reacting to a sprinkler system, eating peaches from a tree (this bear has appropriately been nicknamed "Peaches"), raid bird feeders, and stand on their hind legs. You weblink is www.youtube.com/user/loversleapbirdhouses.

"There are a bunch of bears", said Patrick County Recreation Director Clyde Crissman in a recent telephone interview on my morning talk show "Community Conversation" on WHEO Radio. Crissman estimated that some of them weigh over 500 pounds. "Someone is going to get hurt if they don't do something about" these bears, Crissman added.

Several other WHEO talk show callers have warned citizens to beware of the bears, especially at Fred Clifton Park, located adjacent to Lover's Leap in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Patrick County. One citizen told me recently that a family picnic was recently prematurely ended when a tourist advised the husband, wife, and their children that there was a black bear behind a tree just feet from the picnic table where they had just spread their meal. The family hastily departed but not before taking a photo of the intruder.

In an effort to thwart efforts by the bears to raid the trash cans at the park, Patrick County officials are trying to develop a bear-proof garbage can but concede that it may be a futile effort. Dr. Lock Boyce, a Patrick County veterinarian and county supervisor, recently suggested on his weekly radio show that relocation of the bears may be the only long-term solution to the problem.

Not only are the pesky bears wreaking havoc at the Fred Clifton Park, a public park facility, but they are also causing damage to crops and gardens of private residences in the mountaintop area. One irate resident of Vesta called my radio show Monday, Aug. 10th, to report that bears have ravaged the family corn crop causing extensive damage to the family's garden. This caller also asked Dr. Boyce, my regular Monday morning guest, if compensation is available from the county for damage caused by bears. No such financial relief is available in for losses caused by bears, the disappointed caller was informed.

One benefit of the increased bear sightings may be hightened tourist activity in the county. Some local officials and residents speculate that the more talk and media hoopla made about the bears the greater the chances that more curious visitors will be drawn to the county to see what was once a relatively rare sight...a bear in the wild.

And those are the bear...I mean...bare facts.

Blessings...
Richard Rogers

Long Distance Anniversary Wish

2009-07-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

Something happened on my radio show on Wednesday morning, July 29th that really touched my heart and made me feel warm inside and good about what I do for a living. I was honored to assist an American soldier deployed in the Mideast to connect with his wife in Patrick County via my WHEO radio morning program, "The Great Day in the Morning Show." U.S. Navy Master at Arms J.C. White telephoned my morning radio talk show shortly before 7 a.m. from overseas to wish his beloved wife Melissa of Stuart a happy 20th wedding anniversary today. Truly heartwarming! It is special incidents like that which occasionally occur on my show that make getting up at 4:00 each weekday morning worth the effort.

In our on-air telephone coversation, J.C. recalled that blessed day 20 years ago (July 29, 1989)when he married Melissa and indicated that it was one of the most wonderful moments of his life. Several other callers to my show told me what fine people the White's are. J.C. and Melissa White are the parents of 2 children who attend Patrick County Public Schools and they attend Harvest Worship Center. J.C. told me that he completed a tour of duty in wartorn Iraq just two days ago and that he was still deployed in the Mideast near Saudi Arabia. Melissa is a former dispatcher with the Patrick County Sheriff's Department, according to Brenda Simms one of the callers who expressed admiration for the couple.

J.C. told me in our radio chat, that he longs for the relatively cool weather of Patrick County. He noted that U.S. soldiers regularly have to endure 140-degree heat in the deserts of the Mideast. Asked how they cope with such infernal conditions, he replied the troops drink plenty of water and constantly keep on the move. I pray that J.C. will soon be delivered from such conditions and will be reunited with his wife and family in the cool breezes of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their beloved home of Patrick County.

J.C. promised me that he would come on my radio show as a guest when he returns home from his latest tour of duty. That is a day that I pray for and eagerly anticipate. Please join me in prayer that that hope will soon become a reality.

Being a part of the U.S. military, J.C. White can appreciate dedication and punctuality. Ms. Simms, who works for the company that provides tax services to the White family, quoted J.C. as saying, "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. If you are late, it is unacceptable." I feel much safer just knowing that a young man of the caliber of J.C. White and other U.S. soldiers like him are constantly vigilant and ready to give their all, even their lives, to ably defend the country that they are proud to serve and protect the freedoms that we all enjoy.

I pray that J.C. White will soon be out of the constant dangers that come with military deployment in a world trouble-spot and that this courageous American soldier will be back at home with Melissa and their children Kaitlyn and Cullen and their families, safe and secure in the freedoms that he and other U.S. soldiers are fighting to maintain and secure. Please pray for J.C. and all United States soldiers defending our great land and our way of life around the world. I also ask you to add J.C. and other U.S. troops and military personnel to your personal prayer lists and those at your various churches.

It was most gratifying to me as a radio host to be able to assist this brave American soldier in getting his message of love to his wife and family from across the miles on this very special occasion. Sure, this loving couple and many others in similar situations are temporarily separated by vast physical distance but their yearning hearts are eternally connected. Happy 20th anniversary to J.C. and Melissa White. God bless you! God bless America!

Richard

On the Road Again....

2009-07-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

It is good to be home after another long road trip with one of my favorite gospel music groups, the Southern Prophets. I was honored to accompany the 4-man group and members of their families to the Tennessee hometown of the band's senior member and leader, Denny Archer, during the weekend (July 17-19). Making the trip to Lafollette, Tennessee, were Denny and Marilyn Archer, Bobby and Judy Gardner, Mike Hall, Dwayne and Christy George and their sons Landon and Dillon, and me and fellow Southern Prophets "groupies" Lee and Susan Hazelwood.

We all had a wonderful time traveling together and enjoying fellowship with members of the two churches where the Southern Prophets sang Saturday night and Sunday. One of the churches was founded by Denny's brother. We were also treated to some wonderful home cooking by Denny's relatives and, of course, Marilyn kept us well fed with snacks on the way to and from our destination. I'd like to thank the group for inviting me to make the trip. I seized the opportunity to interview all four of the Southern Prophets as well as the accompanying wives and family members. Like I did two years ago when I went with the band of Ohio, I plan to edit the interviews and and use them to compile a multi-part series on this outstanding gospel group. It will require many hours of work to put together but hopefully it will be worth the wait. I consider the last series that I did on the Southern Prophets based on the Ohio trip to be one of the best of the feature reports that I've done during my broadcast career.

It was great to getaway from the everyday routine for awhile. We traveled through some beautiful country in neighboring Tennessee but we were all happy when we hit the Patrick County line on our return home Sunday evening. The Tennessee lakes (TVA project) and mountains are spectacular (the view from Clinch Mountain is breathtaking) and the people that we met were wonderful but I don't think any place on earth can compare with the beauty of Patrick County or the warmth of its people. That's why we call this wonderful county in which we live "God's Country"!

God bless the Southern Prophets and their music ministry.

Richard

God Bless Our Country

2009-07-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

As we get back to our routines following the celebration of America's Independence Day or 233rd birthday, let's all be thankful, not just on the Fourth of July but each day, to live in this great nation. Our country is far from perfect and our elected leaders often seem to be serving themselves and powerful special interest groups rather than the people who elected them. However, the United States of America is still the most prosperous and powerful country on earth and a blessing to those of us who are proud to live here.

Today, more than ever, America faces many daunting challenges that threaten our standard of living and our way of life. That is why it is important for Americans to be very vigilant and make every effort to stay abreast of what is happening in our country and the world in which we live. Brought closer than ever together by technology, today's global society and economy increasingly impact our country and its citizens. We all need to inform ourselves of the issues that directly affect our lives and get involved in the process of choosing leaders who will work for what is good for the country as a whole and not just furthering their own political careers.

Over the years since we declared our independence on July 4, 1776, it seems that we have gotten away from the vision of our founding fathers of being a nation that turns to God for guidance in its dealings at home and abroad. We as Americans need to pray daily for our country and the leaders to whom we have entrusted the reins of our government. We need to be especially grateful for our soldiers who are out their in the trouble spots of the world each day defending and paying the ongoing price for these freedoms that we have fought so hard to secure. Let's ask God to bless and guide us as we strive to guide our great but wayward country back to its roots as "one nation under God". As proud Americans, let's reaffirm that truly "in God we trust." God bless America.

Richard

Remembering Jesse

2009-06-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

Contributions to the newly-established Jesse Wood Sheppard Scholarship Fund continue to come in at a steady pace. The fund was established recently to honor the memory of 2009 Patrick County High School graduate Jesse Sheppard and to assist deserving students who exemplify Jesse's many admirable qualities. Jesse, 18, was tragically killed in a June 13th traffic accident as he and two teenaged friends headed home from the beach a week after Jesse's graduation.

WHEO Radio...working in cooperation with Brian Jessup CPA of Stuart...led efforts to establish the scholarship in loving memory of Jesse Sheppard and to assist deserving young people seeking to further their education in the field of music, which was the love of Jesse's life. Jesse was a talented musician who was a member of the Pride of Patrick County, the Patrick County High School Marching Cougars Band, and the PCHS Praise and Worship Team during his high school years and was a member of the bluegrass music group known as The Downtown Boys.

Brian Jessup says an account in Jesse's name will be opened at BB&T Bank, a federal identification number will be sought, and a board of directors will be formed to oversee and administer the scholarship fund. Members of the board of directors of the Jesse Wood Sheppard Scholarship Fund will be Eric Sheppard, Jesse's father; Wendy Wood Sheppard, Jesse's mother; Benny Wood, Jesse's maternal grandfather; Tom Beasley and Dean Goad of Patrick County Communications (WHEO); Lynn Stegall, Patrick County High School Band Director; and Brian Jessup CPA.

Hundreds of dollars have been contributed to the scholarship fund in the first few days of its existence. If you'd like to make a contribution, please mail your tax deductible donations to: WHEO Radio, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171 or to Brian Jessup CPA, P.O. Box 1140, Stuart, VA 24171. Checks should be made payable to the Jesse Wood Sheppard Scholarship Fund.

Plans are also in the works to use various recordings of the Downtown Boys made during their apparances at the Historic Star Theater in Stuart, especially those featuring vocals by Jesse, to make a CD of music that will be sold to the public. Proceeds from the CD sales will be applied to the Jesse Wood Sheppard Scholarship Fund.

Thank you very much for your support of this worthwhile project as our community seeks to honor the memory of Jesse Wood Sheppard, a fine young man who touched us so tenderly through his faith in Jesus Christ, his music, his warm radiant personality, his care for others, and his passion for life. Please continue to pray for the strenght and comfort of Jesse's family in their time of bereavement.

God bless you,
Richard

A Short Life, Well-Lived

2009-06-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

People throughout Patrick County and far beyond are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a remarkable young gentleman who lost his life prematurely Saturday night in a tragic auto accident that injured two fellow Patrick County High School graduates as the three drove home from from a post-graduation trip to the beach. 18-year-old Jesse Sheppard is being remembered as a radiant, joyful youth who loved his family, his music, fishing, and above all the Lord.

In an interview in the living room of his home Sunday evening, Jesse's grieving father, Eric Sheppard, a long-time friend of my family and a member of my church family, shared with me some of his beloved son's most remarkable accomplishments. "Jesse loved his music," said Eric Sheppard. In fact Jesse aspired to be a music instructor. Having just graduated from PCHS a week before the awful mishap that took his life, Jesse planned to attend Patrick Henry Community College and then to transfer to East Tennessee State University to purse his dream of becoming a band instructor. Jesse was a member of the PCHS Marching Cougars Band, the Pride of Patrick County, during his high school career. He was also a member of the relatively new bluegrass music group, the Downtown Boys, for which he played bass.

Jesse was a multi-faceted and talented youth whose interests extended far beyond music. He as active in drama in high school and in the community. For most of his school years, Jesse was involved in the 4-H program and had planned to attend 4-H camp this summer as a teen leader. In his spare time, Jesse also loved fishing, according to his father.

Above all, Jesse Sheppard was a Christian who loved Jesus and reflected his deep faith in the way that he lived his relatively brief life on Earth. He was a fellow member of Peter's Creek Baptist Church, having sung in the choir and participated in the church's youth group. Jesse was a proud member of the Patrick County High School Praise and Worship Team, a group of Christian students who visited local churches and performed gospel songs and gave their testimony at community functions. Jesse was certainly a young witness of his faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, he reportedly, led a fellow student who was a non-believer to a knowledge of Jesus through his personal witness.

"I was so proud of him," a heartbroken Eric Sheppard told me of his son Jesse during our conversation Sunday as he awaited the return of his son's body to Patrick County from North Carolina, site of the accident, and prepared to make funeral arrangements. "I know where he is, though," said Eric, taking comfort int he fact that Jesse is now in the presence of Jesus in Heaven awaiting a joyful reunion with his family and friends one sweet day.

Asked if the family has any particular need as they deal with their tremendous loss, Eric simply stated, "Prayer is what we need." Please joing the many in our small, close-knit community who are praying for the Sheppard family as well as the families of Jonathan Corns, the 19-year-old son of Billy and Elaine Corns of Critz, and Chris Howell, the 19-year-old son of Lemar and Lena Howell of the Moorefield Store Rd., Stuart, the two youths who suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash that took their dear friend Jesse Sheppard. Jesse's life was very short but it was certainly a life well lived and one that serves as a good example of how we can better live our own lives by making Jesus our top priority.

Jesse is survived by his parents, Eric and Lisa Sheppard of Stuart and Wendy Wood Sheppard of Woolwine...one sister, Sarah Sehppard of Woolwine...a step-brother, Jonathan Woods of Stuart and a step-sister, Meredity Law of Stuart...his paternal grandparents, Geraldine and Bob McPeak of Stuart and Jimmy Sheppard of Stuart...his maternal grandparents, Benny and Connie Wood of Woolwine and his maternal great grandmother, Lillian C. Turner of Woolwine...his aunts and uncles, Kelly and Wade Hooker of Critz, Leslie and Tony Giorno of Salem, and Justin and Kayla Wood of Woolwine...cousins, Nicholas Hooker, Taylor Giorno, Hannah Giorno, and Kirstin Wood.

The funeral arrangements were still pending at the time of publication of this blog. Listen to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" weekdays from 6-10 a.m. for funeral arrangements and my continued tribute to the memory of this fine young man, my friend, Jesse Sheppard. May God rest his soul and comfort and strengthen his loving family.

Prayerfully yours,
Richard

Making a Difference!

2009-06-10T09:57:00.001-07:00

Patrick County citizens...the most caring and compassionate people anywhere...have just completed another highly successful American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraising campaign that is nearing its goal of $79,000. "When you look at the economic situation, it is phenomenal to see the amount of money you have raised," said Robin Minter, the American Cancer Society's Community Manager for Patrick County. Following the campaign wrap-up banquet on Tuesday night at the Patrick County Community Center, it was reported that Patrick County's 2009 fundraising total has reached $78,542. If we can collect the remaining approximately $500 pledged during the WHEO "Twelve Hours for a Cure" Relay Radio-thon, we will have reached our goal for the third consecutive year. If you haven't yet honored your radio-thon pledge, please send your contribution to WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171. We still have until Aug. 31st to credit contributions to this year's campaign and will almost assuredly reach or even top the $79,000 goal.

This money will be well-spent to conduct further research into cancer treatments and cures, and to provide programs and services to cancer patients and caregivers. "You are making it happen. You are saving lives, touching lives everyday. You are making a difference," Mrs. Minter told volunteers. In fact, Mrs. Minter added emphatically, "You are saving my life." An inspiring example of courage herself, ironically, Mrs. Minter, the leader of our war on cancer, just learned several weeks ago (as a result to her visit to the University of Virginia mammography unit that visited Patrick County) she has breast cancer, and she has decided to undergo a radical masectomy. "Cancer is just a word," said Mrs. Minter, "it is not a (death) sentence." "I'm going to fight like a girl; I'm going to win like a woman!" I am sure that she will overcome this hurdle that God has placed in her path and that He will continue to use her and our local Relay for Life volunteers to help others facing cancer. Please pray for Robin and for her father who is also battling cancer.

Receiving special recognition at the June 9th campaign closer were these Relay for Life participants: Top Team--Angels in the Outfield (Ross Harbor United Methodist Chruch)...Top Participant--Sandra Heath (Hilltoppers for a Cure team)...Top Corporate Team--WHEO's Kilowatts for a Cure (in memory of Sandra Rogers); Top Corporate Fundraiser--Richard Rogers (organizer of the WHEO radio-thon which raised over $10,500 of the almost $79,000 total for 2009). I would personally like to thank each of the other Relay for Life teams that worked so hard to help WHEO make the radio-thon so successful, especially considering the state of the economy in Patrick County. This whole fundraising campaign, in particular, and the battle against cancer in our county, in general, has truly been a community-wide effort that has been another resounding success because so many people have come together to support a cause in which they deeply believe. As a result of these efforts, I truly believe that Patrick County has helped bring the world a little bit closer to a cancer-free tomorrow. As Mrs. Minter's words echo in my mind, I believe that we can all take pride in the fact that we truly are "making a difference"!

Thank you all again for your financial support, your time, your energy, and, most of all, your prayers.

God bless Patrick County!
Richard

PCHS Pride!

2009-06-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that, academically speaking, Patrick County High School is one of the finest secondary schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Even though I graduated shortly before PCHS opened and did not have the honor of attending the school, I take deep pride in living in a community served by such an outstanding high school. Recently, my sense of "PCHS Pride" has been compounded by several remarkable developments. This week, PCHS Principal E.G. Bradshaw was named by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals as the Principal of the Year in Virginia for 2009. That is a remarkable honor that is not only a tribute to Mr. Bradshaw's leadership and administrative skills but a testament to the hard work and dedication of his staff, our teachers, and the school system at large.

I think that E.G. has done a remarkable job in guiding PCHS for the past 10 years. Among his many accomplishments which comes immediately to mind is the implementation of the "Square D" dual enrollment program in which graduating seniors can earn their high school diploma and a college associate's degree at the same time. It is also remarkable that in a rural county like Patrick, more than 85% of the PCHS graduating seniors go on to attend college. Such an accomplishment would not have been possible without the guidance and direction of E.G. Bradshaw.

I would also like to personally commend E.G. for the respect and openness that he has always show me as a member of the media. Every request that I have made for information and guest appearances by students and teachers on my radio show has always been quickly granted and the necessary arranged have been made by E.G. Just today (Tuesday, June 2nd), for example, E.G., who was traveling with the PCHS softball team to the state tournament, while enroute quickly returned a call that I'd placed to his office earlier in the day and agreed to be a guest on my radio talk show "Community Conversation" next Tuesday morning, June 9th at 8:10 a.m. I will be most honored to have E.G. on the show to learn more about the great things that are now happening and anticipated to happen in the future at PCHS. Congratulations E.G. on your honor. You are most deserving!

Another source of great "PCHS Pride" these days is the Patrick County High School softball team which Tuesday (6/2) advanced to to semifinals of the state tournament. The Lady Cougars (19-4), the Piedmont District and Region IV runners-up to the the undefeated Tunstall Lady Trojans, defeated, Turner Ashby 2-0 Tueday evening in the state quarterfinals in Brookville, VA. The Lady Cougars will next play on Friday in the state playoffs. No matter what the outcome of that game, the Lady Cougars are champions in my heart and the hearts of proud fellow Patrick Countians. They'll be right there fighting hard in Friday's semifinal game and I'm sure their proud principal...and Virginia's Outstanding High School Principal 2009...E.G. Bradshaw will be there rallying his team and cheering louder than anyone!

Full of "PCHS Pride",
Richard

PCHS Pride!

2009-06-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that, academically speaking, Patrick County High School is one of the finest secondary schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Even though I graduated shortly before PCHS opened and did not have the honor of attending the school, I take deep pride in living in a community served by such an outstanding high school. Recently, my sense of "PCHS Pride" has been compounded by several remarkable developments. This week, PCHS Principal E.G. Bradshaw was named by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals as the Principal of the Year in Virginia for 2009. That is a remarkable honor that is not only a tribute to Mr. Bradshaw's leadership and administrative skills but a testament to the hard work and dedication of his staff, our teachers, and the school system at large.

I think that E.G. has done a remarkable job in guiding PCHS for the past 10 years. Among his many accomplishments which comes immediately to mind is the implementation of the "Square D" dual enrollment program in which graduating seniors can earn their high school diploma and a college associate's degree at the same time. It is also remarkable that in a rural county like Patrick, more than 85% of the PCHS graduating seniors go on to attend college. Such an accomplishment would not have been possible without the guidance and direction of E.G. Bradshaw.

I would also like to personally commend E.G. for the respect and openness that he has always show me as a member of the media. Every request that I have made for information and guest appearances by students and teachers on my radio show has always been quickly granted and the necessary arranged have been made by E.G. Just today (Tuesday, June 2nd), for example, E.G., who was traveling with the PCHS softball team to the state tournament, while enroute quickly returned a call that I'd placed to his office earlier in the day and agreed to be a guest on my radio talk show "Community Conversation" next Tuesday morning, June 9th at 8:10 a.m. I will be most honored to have E.G. on the show to learn more about the great things that are now happening and anticipated to happen in the future at PCHS. Congratulations E.G. on your honor. You are most deserving!

Another source of great "PCHS Pride" these days is the Patrick County High School softball team which Tuesday (6/2) advanced to to semifinals of the state tournament. The Lady Cougars (19-4), the Piedmont District and Region IV runners-up to the the undefeated Tunstall Lady Trojans, defeated, Turner Ashby 2-0 Tueday evening in the state quarterfinals in Brookville, VA. The Lady Cougars victory set up a 5th showdown of the season with Tunstall, the only team to which PCHS has lost all year. All of those games have been highly competitive, hard fought contests that have most commonly been decided by a single run. It will be difficult for the Lady Trojans to beat a team of the caliber of the Lady Cougars a 5th time. We'll see! No matter what the outcome of that game, the Lady Cougars are champions in my heart and the hearts of proud fellow Patrick Countians. They'll be right there fighting in Friday's semifinal game against Tunstall and I'm sure their proud principal...and Virginia's Outstanding Principal 2009...E.G. Bradshaw will be there rallying his team and cheering louder than anyone!

Full of "PCHS Pride",
Richard

Freedom Is Expensive!

2009-05-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

The death of a second Patrick County soldier in Iraq last week serves as a poignant reminder that the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy (and all too often take for granted) are not free at all. In deed, freedom is very expensive. The liberties with which we are blessed in these great United States of America come with a great price tag...a debt that has been paid by courageous American soldiers like First Lieutenant Leevi Khole Barnard of Ararat and earlier Patrick County's Jonathan Bowling who both gave their lives in service to our country in war-torn Iraq. It is the memory of these and other fallen American heroes that we honored during the Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 25th. Memorial Day formerly was observed on May 30th and VFW groups advocate a return to that date. That's why Patrick County's Memorial Day service has been scheduled for this Saturday, May 30th. This solemn ceremony will be held at Patrick Memorial Gardens at 1 p.m. Saturday and conducted by the Patrick County Veterans' Memorial Honor Guard. The program will include patriotic music and the National Anthem by Johnny Joyce with the raising of the flag by the Honor Guard, the placing of a wreath and POW/MIA symbol by the Combined Ladies Auxiliary, tributes to the military branches by the Patrick County High School JROTC, a speech by Sgt. Jason Rortvedt, a memorial reading titled the "Meaning of 13 Folds" by Scott Sanborn, and a reading of the poem "Freedom Is Not Free" by Sanborn. We owe a great debt to the veterans of our country...especially those who have given their lives to defend our land and the principles that we value. So let's take time out from our busy schedules on Saturday, May 30th, to remember and to honor the memory of those patriotic and courageous American men and women who, since our country's founding, have paid the high price for our freedoms and given us the priviledge of living in "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Please keep the family of First Lt. Barnard in your prayers and honor his memory with your presence at Saturday's Memorial Day ceremony. God bless America!
Richard

Freedom is Expensive

2009-05-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

The death of a second Patrick County soldier in Iraq last week serves as a poignant reminder that the freedsoms that we as Americans enjoy (and all too often take for granted) are not free at all. In deed, freedom is very expensive. The liberties with which we are blessed in these great United States of America come with a great price tag...a debt that has been paid by courageous American soldiers like First Lieutenant Leevi Khole Barnard of Ararat and earlier Patrick County's Jonathan Bowling who both gave their lives in service to our country in war-torn Iraq.

It is the memory of these and other fallen American heroes that we honored during the Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 25th. Memorial Day formerly was observed on May 30th and VFW groups advocate a return to that date. That's why Patrick County's Memorial Day service has been scheduled for this Saturday, May 30th. This solemn ceremony will be held at Patrick Memorial Gardens at 1 p.m. Saturday and conducted by the Patrick County Veterans' Memorial Honor Guard. The program will include patriotic music and the National Anthem by Johnny Joyce with the raising of the flag by the Honor Guard, the placing of a wreath and POW/MIA symbol by the Combined Ladies Auxiliary, tributes to the military branches by the Patrick County High School JROTC, a speech by Sgt. Jason Rortvedt, a memorial reading titled the "Meaning of 13 Folds" by Scott Sanborn, and a reading of the poem "Freedom Is Not Free" by Sanborn.

We owe a great debt to the veterans of our country...especially those who have given their lives to defend our land and the principles that we value. So let's take time out from our busy schedules on Saturday, May 30th, to remember and to honor the memory of those patriotic and courageous American men and women who, since our country's founding, have paid the high price for our freedoms and given us the priviledge of living in "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Please keep the family of First Lt. Barnard in your prayers and honor his memory with your presence at Saturday's Memorial Day ceremony. God bless America!

Richard

The Buttermilk Boy

2009-05-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

I hate buttermilk but I was happy to have the opportunity to drink some more Friday evening, May 15th when we finally exceeded out goal at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Radio-thon, "Twelve Hours for a Cure III", on WHEO Radio, 1270 AM, Stuart, VA. The buttermilk thing has become a tradition associated with this annual event that is now three years old. Yuuuucccckkkk! But Yeeaaaahhhhhh! We did it again! Thanks to the generosity and caring of Patrick County citizens and our neighbors we raised $10,500 (topping the $10,000 goal) during the radio-thon. How blessed we were to raise that kind of money in a county that has been devastated by job losses and economic hardship even before the recession went national. It was a wonderful day of fellowship, fun, food, and live entertainment provided by more than 50 of the finest most caring singers and musicians in the world who make their home right here in our community. To the many people of our community who came together for this cause...to the talented singers and musicians who gave of their talents...to the wonderful citizens who attended the WHEO open house to show their support for our cause...to the army of volunteers who worked tirelessly througout the day to make the radio-thon successful...to all those who listened faithfully throughout the day....and, most of all, to God who blessed us and communed with us all day long, this "buttermilk boy" would like to sincerely thank you all! As a result of our efforts, I honestly believe we have moved a step closer to a cancer-free tomorrow.

P.S. Please continue to keep my dear friend ~Shannon Stowe and her family in your prayers. :O) During the day of the radio-thon, Shannon underwent surgery in Winston-Salem, NC, to remove an early stage one melanoma and was able to return to Stuart and to enjoy the last few hours of the radio-thon with her family and all of us at the radio-station. Let's all pray that Shannon will get a cancer-FREE post surgery report from her doctor on Wednesday. God bless Shannon and all the others who have faced this disease in all its many forms courageously, optimistically, and victoriously!

Thanks and God bless you all.

All my love :O),
Richard

Twelve Hours for a Cure!

2009-05-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

This Friday, May 15th, WHEO Radio is putting regular business aside in order to devote our full attention to a great cause. We are asking the people of Patrick County to join us in the fight against cancer on this day. "Twelve Hours for a Cure III"...the WHEO Radio-thon for the benefit of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life...will air from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Local volunteers will assist the WHEO staff in conducting the radio-thon. Telephone operators will be on duty throughout the day taking your tax-decuctible contributions. The telephone numbers are (276) 694-3114, 694-3115, 694-3388, 694-2138, 692-4263, 692-4264, 692-4265, and 692-4266.

The 3rd annual Relay for Life Radio-thon will feature live entertainment by more than 50 of the area's finest singers and musicians...on air interviews with cancer survivors and caregivers...and appearances by regional and local American Cancer Society officials and volunteers.

Please come and join us throughout the day at your convenience. In conjunction with the radio-thon, WHEO will hold open house all day. Stop by and enjoy free food, drinks, desserts, great live entertainment, and plenty of down home fellowship. The entertainment line-up will include Vernon Harris, Denny Archer, Jackie Belcher, Jim Shelor, Sue Nester, the CeltHix, Debbie Bennett, One Accord, the Glory Road Singers, Bill Banks, Cecil Hall and the Dominion Bluegrass Boys, Tommy Nichols, Michael Ray Fain, Barry Collins, Jason Harris, the Downtown Boys, Tina, Herbert, and Katherine Conner, the Over the Hill Gang, Cornerstone Grass, and others.

"Twelve Hours for a Cure III" is being presented by the WHEO Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in memory of my late wife Sandra Merritt Rogers, who died of cancer two years ago. Thanks to the musicians, volunteers, and these and other contributors: Honduras Coffee Company, Stuart Communications, On the Run, Foley's Autoville, Little Caesars, Moody Funeral Home, and Community Funeral Home. Thanks most of all to the many caring Patrick Countians who are supporting our efforts to fight cancer with their time, talents, and prayers. On this day our community comes together united in our efforts to realize our dream of a cancer-free tomorrow. Please pray that God will bless these efforts richly. Thank you so much.

Richard

A Mother's Love

2009-05-10T13:20:00.001-07:00

Exceeded only by the love of God, a mother's love is perhaps the strongest force in the universe. I am thankful to have been blessed with a dear mother who has loved and sacrificed for me throughout her life. It was wonderful to spend the day with her and members of my family. All of the children and their families accompanied her to church today. As my sister Beverly said as we watched her smiling from her seat in the choir, "She's as proud as a peacock that we are all her for her today." We were just as proud to be there with her on her special day.

After church, we had planned to take my mother, Willie Mae Ray, out to lunch. However, she suprised everyone and had prepared a delicous home-cooked meal second to none for the whole family. So we all gathered at her house for a special Mother's Day celebration after the church service. That's just typical of my mom...always thinking of others without regard for herself. The children all said, "Mom, you shouldn't have...but we're glad you did!" Thanks mom, I love you! Happy Mother's Day to all moms. Thanks for the treasure of a mother's love!

Richard

Young Witnesses for Christ

2009-05-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

All too often we hear much about the bad things (drugs, sex, pornography, crime, etc.) in which some young people of today's troubled society are involved. However, all you have to do is look around our community to see the many good things that our youth are doing. In fact, I think that the positive far outweighs the negative when it comes to youth involvement, especially here is Patrick County where some of the finest kids on the planet are being raised.

A prime example of what I am talking about is the Patrick County High School Praise and Worship Team and its work in our community. On Saturday evening May 2nd, PCHS Praise and Worship team members sang during a gospel singing and old-fashioned weiner roast at Concord United Methodist Church. (The following day, they were scheduled to appear at the Landmark Assisted Living Center in Stuart.) I was so moved by their Saturday night performance and their witness for Christ that I am inspired to publicly commend this group of young Christians on this blog page. This small country church was filled to near capacity for the performance and everyone there seemed to be as moved spiritually as I was. It is an inspiration to see and hear teenagers speaking out for Jesus in words and song. The members of the team are just as eloquent in expressing their love for God and the blessings they receive from their participation in this group as they are talented in singing His praises. These young witnesses for Christ serve as positive role models for other young people and adults alike. They certainly warmed my heart and reminded me of the myriad of daily blessings from God that we should all be thankful to receive.

The Patrick County High School Praise and Worship Team is comprised of about 45 students from different grade levels. In a society plagued by ongoing efforts to take God out of our schools, government buildings, and other public places, the PCHS Praise and Worship Team stands as a testament to the fact that young people can have this outlet for expression of their faith without disrupting their schooling or the education of other students. The team meets at 7 a.m. each Thursday morning during the school year in the high school auditorium before the school day begins. During that time, the team prepares for a series of scheduled public appearances at various churches during the school year including my church Peters Creek Baptist on Sunday, May 7 at 7 p.m. The team will hold its annual picnic including pin ceremony, senior recognition, and celebration on Saturday, May 9th at Dehart Park, and will take part in the PCHS Baccalaurate Service on Sunday, May 31st.

Our community is certainly blessed to have this youth organization that is devoted to serving Christ at a time in the lives of these youngsters when peer pressure to do wrong is intense. I commend the PCHS Praise and Worship Team...Robin Amos, who guides the team...and the Patrick County Public School Administration for its support of this wonderful Christian organization for Patrick County High School students. To God be the glory!

A Community Treasure

2009-04-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

Patrick County is such a wonderful place in which to live because of caring, compassionate people who seek to serve others above themselves. Jesse Mae Vernon exemplifies these admirable qualities as well as anyone in the community. On Sunday afternoon, Apr. 26th, I was honored to be among the many citizens who attended a reception in the John D. Hooker Memorial Building at Rotary Field in Stuart in honor of Ms. Vernon, who celebrated her 90th birthday on Thursday, Apr. 23rd. Despite the fact that she has enjoyed 9 decades of life, Ms. Vernon has the energy and vitality of a much younger person. Apparently in relatively good health as she reaches this milestone in her life, Ms. Vernon is still highly active in her family, her church, and the community.

Ms. Vernon dedicated her life to serving the youth of the county during a 34-year career as one of Patrick County's most beloved and respected teachers. In her retirement, she has been kept quite busy, attending bible study and being involved in various church activities including serving the homemade ice cream for which her church, Concord United Methodist, is widely known, volunteering for the American Red Cross blood drives in Patrick County, being a member of the Patrick County Retired Teacher's Association, and assisting in various other community functions. According to her son Charles Vernon, Jesse Mae still cooks Sunday dinner for about 25 members of the family, does yard work (recently she spread two truck loads of mulch to keep her lawn beautiful), and is always there when anyone in the community is in need of assistance and prayer. Her focus is always on others, never on herself.

Asked about her secret to a long, successful life, Jesse Mae jokingly replied, "I inherated these good Ayers' genes." Actually, said Ms. Vernon, "being active" is the key to her happy and healthy life.

Speaking personally, Jesse Mae Vernon is an inspiration! She is an example of the kind of person that I aspire to be even thought I tend to fall far short of the standards of excellence in family, church, and community service that she has established. She is a wonderful role model for us all! You are truly a community treasure, Jesse Mae. Happy 90th birthday and many, many more!

Play Ball!

2009-04-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Some slightly aging and somewhat inactive muscles will be stretched to the limit this Friday night for a great cause in our community. Come out to the old ballpark at Rotary Field in Stuart this Friday evening, Apr. 24th, and help "Strike Out Cancer"! Yes, get involved in the war on cancer and have a fun evening with your family and friends. Attend a benefit softball game to raise funds in the Patrick County's American Cancer Society Relay for Life campaign.

The opening ceremony will involve Boy Scout Troop #65, Pastor David Freeman, and Rachel and Holly Williams. The ladies' game at 6:00 p.m. will pit "The Pink Panthers" team (inspector Clouseau would be so proud of Amy Fain, Sandra Heath, and their teammates) against "The Purple Power" team the purple pride of Patrick County. The men's game at 7:00 p.m. will be a hard-fought battle of Paul Bunyon-like ballplayers as "The Hardwoods" go against "The Tree Toppers". In the consolation game to follow, Wilbur Walker's Patrick Henry VA-Carolina Seniors will try to keep pace with the junior sluggers, playing one of the men's teams in the nightcap. The evening will bring some highly competitive softball action and undoubtedly lots of laughs as well. Admission is only $2...Food and drinks will be sold by the Hilltop Hustlers for a Cure Relay for Life Team. Great family entertainment at a bargain price! All proceeds will go to Patrick County's Relay for Life efforts to help find a cure for cancer and fund programs and survives for local cancer survivors and caregivers.

Thanks to the teams which will include several Patrick County High School alumni softball players and past Patrick County Recreation League players as well as many other avid softball enthusiasts in the community. For more information call Sandra Heath, Annette Freeman or Jessica Slate at 694-2707. Now "PLAY BALL"!

Other upcoming Relay for Life fund-raisers this weekend: The FCCLA Fighters from Patrick County High School will hold a bake sale Saturday, Apr. 25th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wal-Mart in Stuart...Angels in the Outfield will serve a country breakfast Saturday from 7-10 a.m. at Ross Harbour UMC, Elamsville Road. Cost, $6 adults and $3 children. The Women of Faith will hold a yard Sale Friday and Saturday, Apr. 24 and 25th, beginning at 8 a.m. each day at New Hope UMC on Clark House Farm Rd. Breakfast and lunch will be available. Of course, the "purple potty" will continue to make its rounds in the community as a fund-raiser of Five Star Mountain Momories Relay for Life team. Thanks for your support of the fight against cancer in our community. For more information visit the website www.relayforlife.org/patrick or call 1-800-ACS-2345 or 694-6125. Let's stamp out cancer in our community!

A Day of Remembrance

2009-04-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Today, as an alumnus of Virginia Tech, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the 32 victims of the tragic massacre in Blacksburg two years ago on Apr. 16, 2007. Today, I seek to honor the memory of those who died in this tragedy in our own backyard that both shocked and changed the world.

On this somber anniversary, I am reminded that, in this troubled world, LIFE, in all its preciousness, can be taken away in an instant. Life's frailty demands that we place our lives in God's care and control completely, try to live each moment fully, and love and serve one another freely. God bless.

Richard

The Beauty of Easter!

2009-04-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Epitomizing spring, the season of rebirh and renewal, Easter is perhaps the most beautiful and refreshing time of the year. And this Easter day may be the most beautiful that I have ever seen. I started my day by rising early for a 6:45 a.m. Easter sunrise service at my church, delightfully becoming first acquainted with the glory of this day.

I can't imagine a day being more blessed with beauty than this one, Sunday, April 12, 2009, Easter Sunday! By the same token, I can not imagine anyone being more blessed than you and me to be able to behold and enjoy a day like this in all its natural splendor. The sky is the bluest I can remember seeing it with nary a cloud to block the brilliant sunshine that warms my soul as if it is proceeding directly from the smile of God :0). The grass is green and lush, just begging for bare feet and Easter eggs to be hidden beneath its verdant blades. A fresh breeze caresses the body, signaling us that God Himself is constantly near if we just take the time to experience Him. The birds are chirping the happiest of tunes, rejoicing in the peace that permeates this magnificent day. Under the Lord's precise climate control, the afternoon weather conditions are simply supurb in every way. The mountains are magnificant. God is the most masterful of artists! To step outside on a radiant and picturesque day like today is to be surrounded by irrefutable evidence of God's certain existence, His unconditional love, and His abiding grace.

Truly, as the beloved gospel song inspired by King David's words in Psalm 118 states, "This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Above all, let us rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Savior! Because Jesus paid our sin debt by shedding His precious blood while suffering on Calvary's cross and because He is risen, we, who are Christians, have atonement and freedom from the sins that once bound us and the hope of an eternity in our Lord's presence in paradise. We have the blessed assurance of eternal life in Heaven simply by our faith in Christ through God's grace. I certainly believe! This is the essence of Easter! Because Jesus lives, believers share in the victory of life over death that He achieved when truimphantly from the grave He arose. That, my friend, is the real beauty of Easter!

As we go forth from this indecribably beautiful Easter day, let's strive to allow this spirit of rebirth and renewal in Christ to engulf and bring us joy every day of our lives. Praise the Lord! To God be the glory! Hallelujah! Amen!

Happy Easter,
Richard

A Place Called Grace

2009-03-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from an unforgettable journey to "A Place Called Grace." I was among approximately 30 "pilgrims" who participated in the Dan River Walk to Emmaus #46 this past weekend at a lakefront 4-H Center in Reidsville, NC. Themed "A Place Called Grace," the 7-hour sojourn...inspired by the Biblical walk by the Resurrected Jesus with two of His disciples along the Road to Emmaus...was one of the most powerful spiritual experiences of my life. Each of us pilgrims (first time participants in the Emmaus Walk) experienced the unconditional love and boundless grace of Jesus and got a little taste of what Heaven must certainly be like. I won't get into specifics so as not to spoil the experience for persons making the pilgrimage in the future. Just know that It was incredible and one that every Christian should consider making at some point. However, I will say that we laughed, cried (grown men can do it as well as babies, believe me), sang praises to God, shared our deepest burdens with each other, and heard 15 inspirational "talks" that focused on how we as Christians can more fully experience God's love and grace and share these blessings with our neighbors. Not only were we fed spiritually, but our physically bodies were stuffed as well with delicious, abundant meals and plenty of hearty snacks in between.

One of the most special things about the weekend was that throughout the 72-hour Emmaus Walk, countless people were engaged in around-the-clock prayer for each of us participants by name. Many other acts of "agape" or unconditional love like God's were shared with each of the pilgrims. I would like to thank the many Christians in our community and far beyond who prayed for me during my Walk to Emmaus and the many from whom I received cards, letters, and support. Many of these people I will never meet or know but I do know that they loved me as a fellow Christian and through their prayers positively impacted my life. Thanks too to my sponsor, my friend Will Walker, who is widely loved and respected in the Dan River Emmaus community as is his wife Genia and their daughter Amy.

The weekend was designed to allow each of us to focus our attention upon our relationship with Jesus without interference from the outside world. We gave up our watches, clocks, cellphones, computers, the Internet, and other distractions devoting our full attention to a relaxed examination of our personal relationships with Jesus and to our personal growth as Christians. After a weekend apart from the temporal world, I must say it was a challenge to return to the split-second timing required of a morning radio show host. It was so relaxing indeed, even surreal to give, up all those things of the world and just enjoy time spent in prayer, worship, study, self-examination, and fellowship with the Lord and fellow Christians.

I believe that my participation in the 46th Dan River Walk to Emmaus strengthened my Christian faith immensely and drew me much closer to Jesus. Please continue to pray for me as I seek to surrender control of my life to Christ and thereby allow Jesus to bear my burdens and fulfill His purpose for me. Although I have been a Christian for a long time, only after my Emmaus experience am I fully beginning to develop the intimate relationship wth Jesus for which my soul longs. I have found that there is a void in each of our lives that only Jesus can fill and unless we submit our tenacious human control to Him we can never truly attain the true happiness and joy that all Christians should rejoice in daily. After our incredible visit to "A Place Called Grace", now each of the Emmaus Walk participants must persevere on the "Fourh Day," which was defined as each and every day of our lives following the 3-day Emmaus Walk as we try to apply the Christian principles that we learned to our own lives in this modern material world and to share Jesus' love and grace with our neighbors, our communities, and a lost and dying world. Please continue to pray for me and other Emmaus pilgrims and our lay and clergy leadership team! I would like to invite comments from the many others in our community who have also shared in the life-changing Emmaus experience. God's grace be with you!

De Colores,
Richard

Hospital Administrator Resigns

2009-03-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

Less than one month into the new management contract with Pioneer Health Services, the R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital has lost the administrative officer who nursed the troubled medical facility through its darkest times. Janice Wilkins told me tonight that she submitted her resignation as hospital administrator today, Mon., Mar. 23, 2009. "It is time in my life for me to put my priorities in order, the Lord first, then my family and my community," said Wilkins. "I'm very proud of how we made it through some difficult times. It has been a tough 4 years," added Mrs. Wilkins of her tenure as administrator of the financially struggling local hospital. She said "a wonderful group of people kept the facility open," during its most difficult times. Mrs. Wilkins said she will announce her future plans in about two weeks. her resignation will become effective May 1, 2009.

I know Janice personally and how hard she has worked to keep the hospital open. I can't imagine anyone being more dedicated to a cause or as passionate about an institution as Janice is about our local hospital. Janice, I commend you and past and present members of your staff for your perseverence and dedication to keeping the hospital afloat on the stormy seas upon which it has sailed in recent years. I wish you much success in your future indeavors and look forward to continuing to work with you in service to our community as members of the Stuart Rotary Club.

I am hopeful that the new management team at the hospital will be able to rescue the hospital but the loss of Mrs. Wilkins as administrator is a real setback it seems to me. I urge everyone in the community to utilize the services that are still available at the hospital or will become available to the public in the future. Only through public support will the hospital be able to ultimately survive and become economically viable again no matter who runs it. Our local hospital has lost a very able administrator but we must continue on as a community to help keep the hospital that we so desperately need in Patrick County. Let's keep the hospital's new management in our prayers...as well as Mrs. Wilkins as she embarks upon a new phase of her life.

Proudly Patrick,
Richard

A Great Day for Patrick County

2009-03-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

Once on the verge of ceasing operations and closing ts doors, Patrick County's beleagured hospital has new managment and renewed hope. "It's a great day for Patrick County," declared Del. Ward Armstrong Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public reception celebrating the start of operations of the local hospital (officially March 1, 2009), now known as Pioneer Community Hospital of Patrick County, under the management of Pioneer Medical Services, a Mississippi-based company that specializes in the operations of critical access hospitals.

This truly is 'great' news for a community that has endured many years of economic hardship, in general, and financial struggles by the hospital, in particular. The local hospital is vital to the continued growth and vitality of our county, in terms of, not only health care services but, economic development, community stability, and quality of life . The fact that the would-be tragedy of its closing was averted is attributable to the widespread community support the hosptial enjoys as well as the collaboration of officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government. The community is "sincere about the hospital," said Pioneer executive Steve Fontaine, applauding its public backing. He said that sincerity was a major factor in the decision by Pioneer Health Services to enter into a 5-year lease areement to manage and operate the hospital with plans to expand its services and, hopefully, recall laid off workers. The resuce of the medical facility by Pioneer marks the start of a new era for the hospital which has been an indispensable community resource for 47 years having been opened in 1962.

I commend County Administrator Jay Scudder for his tireless work in pursuing a solution to the hospital's dilemma over many months. "Perseverence" was the key, said Scudder. Also to be commended are members of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, Assistant County Adminitrator and Economic Development Director Tom Rose, State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds, Del. Armstrong, U.S. Representative Rick Boucher, Governor Tim Kaine and other state officials, and many other community leaders who worked behind the scenes to make Tuesday "a great day for Patrick County."

Now, its up to the community to use the hospital and to support its revitalization in order for the local hospital to become financially viable. Our continued community support will ensure that Tuesay, Mar. 3, 2009 truly was a "great day" in the history of Patrick County.

Taking pride in Patrick,
Richard

Lady Cougars Are Roaring!

2009-03-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

As their remarkable season rolls on into March, the month of basketball "madness", the maddening roar of the Patrick County High School girls' varsity basketball team is beginning to be heard around the state. The Piedmont District regular season champion Lady Cougars claimed another prestigious title Friday night when PCHS conquered Graham High School with a 51-49 victory at Graham Middle School in the Region IV, Division 3 championship game. The Lady Cougars thus earned their first regional title in almost two decades. Patrick County High last won a regional championship in 1990.

"When you get to this point, it comes down to who wants it more," head coach Glenn Burnett, the Piedmont District Coach of the Year, was quoted as saying in a published report. The hungry, determined Lady Cougars...who have given our economically-devastated community something to cheer about in these often depressing times...now set their sights on the next level of competition.

The Piedmont District and Region IV, Division 3 champion PCHS Lady Cougars have advanced to the state tournament this weekend in the Salem Civic Center. Patrick County will play in the state quarterfinal round on Friday or Saturday against an opponent to be annouced later.

Let's ask God to help the Lady Cougars to prepare for this daunting challenge both physically and mentally and to give them the strength and determination they will need to continue to play at their very best...which to this point has truly been championship form. Keep on roarin,' Lady Cougars! The whole community is behind you. Patrick Countians are proud of our team no matter what happens in Salem. This week, let's all show that Lady Cougar pride by wearing the PCHS green and gold! GO LADY COUGARS as your roar reverberates around the Old Dominion!!!

With great PCHS pride,
Richard

Cougar Pride, Lady-like

2009-02-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

Occasionally the play of an athletic team transcends the boundaries of its sport and profoundly impact the larger culture. I think this is true for this year's Patrick County High School girls' varsity basketball team. At a time when many people are suffering economic hardships in our community and the news is often depressing, the play of the Lady Cougars this season has inspired many of us and reminded us that we can all overcome adversity if we persevere or, as the Apostle Paul, put it "press toward the mark".

Because of their perseverence, the PCHS girls basketball team won the Piedmont District regular season championship for the first time in a decade and finished the regular season undefeated at 8-0 including 2 wins over arch-rival Bassett High School. It is difficult to beat a team of the quality of Bassett three times in one season, and unfortunately Patrick County fell just short of accomplishing that feat when it lost to Bassett in the district tournament final Friday night, Feb. 20, in a hard-fought battle of champions. However, the Lady Cougars have every right to hold their heads high as they prepare for action in the Region IV tournament this week. We are the Champions!

The fact that the Lady Cougars are champions goes far beyond their play on the basketball court. The PCHS girls basketball team has not only rekindled our pride as Patrick Countians but the team has also given us an emotional boost that is much needed during these tought times. I commend the team for its spirit, courage, and determination, which are very admirable qualities that we can all reach down deep inside and draw upon as we positively strive to better our community and ourselves despite personal and community problems that sometimes seem insurmountable. Thanks to the Lady Cougars for this lesson on life...and good luck to the team in the regionals.

I would personally like to congratulate the Patrick County High School Lady Cougars as a team that truly works together and gives its best at all times! Individually, my congratulations go to Kylene Culler and Whitney Bowers who have been named to the All-Piedmont District First Team, to Casey Bradshaw (All-District Second Team), and to PCHS girls' basketball coach Glenn Burnett, who has been voted the Piedmont District Coach of the Year. Way to go Cougars! You have touched our lives in a special way both on and off the basketball court.

Taking pride in our community,
Richard

A Creation of God!

2009-02-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

It seems that more and more our nation is turning away from its trust in God, the bedrock upon which our country was founded. The fact that today we find ourselves facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and a daunting set of problems at home and abroad is a result of the corruption, greed, and other ungodliness that has gripped humanity in general and our country in particular.

An article that I read recently serves as a prime example of the moral decay that has enshrouded our country and the world threatening our very existence. The Associated Press reported this week that more than 970 churches in the United States are observing Evolution Weekend revisiting the queston of whether man evolved from lower order species or, as I believe, was created by a higher being, the Lord God Almighty! The AP story added that these churches...thankfully, mine is not among them....are participating in this observace through sermons, Sunday school lessons, and even evolution dances as the world marks the 200th anniversary of evolution theorist Charles Darwin. The 974 churches across the country that are taking part in Evolution Weekend has more than doubled since the event began in 2006, the article stated.

Even though organizers of this observance said they're not abandoning the Bible's story of Adam and Eve, rather blending theories in a way that helps today's faithful reconcile the modern world with Biblical teachings, I find the Evolution Weekend idea shocking! Although I am not the smartest person around, I do have a college degree and I pride myself in trying to be open-minded to a variety of viewpoints. However, I have been taught that the Holy Bible is the Word of God, and that it is an infallable guide to the way in which we should live our earthly lives to prepare us for the eternity beyond. The Bible clearly teaches that God created mankind, the world, and the vast universe around us. That is what I believe and will continue to place my faith and trust in despite the fact that some scientists try to tell us that evolution is fact. Evolution is not fact; it is only theory. Masterfully crafted by our Creator, I believe that if humans and other animals have evolved over time, it has been under the guidance of a Supreme Being!

It is obvious to me that the complexity of life and the orderliness of the universe are the result of an intelligent design. We are the handiwork of God, not the result of billions of years of evolution that began with a so-called "Big Bang" eons ago. I am a creation of God! I know this is fact because God's Word tells me it is the truth. "In the beginning, God created...", begins the Bible. That is what I believe. Faith tells me it is so! Considering that where I'll spend iternity...in the paradise of Heaven or in the inferno of Hell...is on the line, I can not afford to believe anything else!

I think these over 900 misguided churches that are participating in Evolution Weekend are an example of what has been happening in the ministry in recent years. Too many churches, it seems, are getting away from a strict teaching of the Bible and giving in to the worldliness that has drawn us away from our God and the spiritual realm. We need to get back to the Bible and to pray that our nation will return to the moral principals upon which it was founded and became great. Only then will the greateness of the United States of America be restored! That is my belief. I would like to know what you think. Please click on "comments" and let me know. Thank you for your input to this blog. May the God who created us all bless you with a "great day"!

Richard

Accentuating the Positive!

2009-01-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

Despite these tough economic times, it is a comfort that the Patrick County business community is blessed with positive leadership that is being provided by the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce. Just a few short years ago, the Chamber was on the verge of having to cease operations. Today, however, thanks to the leadership of Executive Director Tom Bishop and a highly competent Board of Directors, the Chamber is flourishing and is busier than ever before promoting our county to tourists and prospective new businesses and residents and serving its more than 300 members. Although our economy is critically ill, it is encouraging to note that the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce is quite healthy as it works diligently to facilitate prosperity here!

The health and well-being of the local Chamber of Commerce was never more evident than it was Friday night, Jan. 23rd, when it conducted its annual banquet at Rotary Field in Stuart. Perhaps the largest crowd in the history of the event, nearly 150 people, turned out for a wonderfully informative evening of fellowship. Bishop reported that currently the Chamber enjoys a growing membership in the neighborhood of 325. Bishop, in his annual report, highlighted many positive developments that have occured in our community this past year including...the construction of a "multi million dollar" lodge facility now underway at Primland Resort, the start of the $24-million Patrick County Public School renovation and expansion project, the opening a new manufacturing plant by Ariel Machine at Ararat, the openings of several new businesses (Wal-Mart, Advance Auto, etc.), visitation to the county by tourists from at least 40 states and several foreign countries, the increasing popularity of a wide variety of local festivals and fars, to name a few of the economically positive things that are going on in our county. Bishop said the chamber is proud of these and many other signs of community growth despite the economic downturn.

In her remarks to the banquet audience, incoming Chamber President Carol Beasley expressed hope that citizens will continue to work together for the betterment of our community. Mrs. Beasley used the word "Joy" to illustrate how our priorities should be ordered: "J" for Jesus, first..."O" for Others, next...and finally "Y" for You.

I commend Tom Bishop and other chamber officials on the great job that they are doing to promote the county and accentuate the positive at a time when we are all struggling through many negative economic circumstances. Tom is one of the hardest working people that I know (and one of the most underpaid). The business community loves him because he is genuinely concerned with their well-being and our county at large. As our Chamber Executive Director, Tom tirelessly promotes tourism which is a major sector of the local economy with unlimited room for growth. It would be a shame if the Patrick County Board of Supervisors takes away the meager sum of $60,000 (as one supervisor has suggested) that it has budgeted for the promotion of tourism by the Patrick County Tourism Advisory Board and the Chamber. This to me is money well spent.

I personally want to thank Tom Bishop and the members of the Chamber of Commerce Board for their leadership and the light that this organization brings in these dark economic times. The Chamber Executive Board is comprised of Carol Beasley, President...Lisa Martin, Vice President...Janie Lankford, Treasurer. Members include" Rod Barfield, Vicki Hutchens-Bennett, Patricia Crissman, Tim Dix, Kathy Gravely, Kelly Ratcliff, Leslie Shelor, Denise Stirewalt, and Terry Tilley. New board members are Angie Brown, Chris Michalec, and Rick Ward. Tom Bishop is ably assisted in the chamber office by Administrative Assistant Patricia Thomas. If you want to hear about the positive things that are happening in Patrick County, just talk to one of these folks. Not only can they talk the talk in promoting our county, but they are walking the walk in making our community a better place to live, to do businesss, to raise a family and, as thousands of tourists to the county each year learn, a wonderful place to visit! To the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce team I say with pride, "Keep up the great work"! Together, we will work our way through the economic gloom to a brighter, more prosperous future.

Richard

Our Diversity is Our Strength

2009-01-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

The observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States this week provide the perfect time to reflect upon where our country is and where we want the nation to go as a new era in American politics begins. With regard to race relations and civil rights, our country has traveled light years from that day in 1955 when an African-American civil rights activist named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alamama, bus to make way for a white passenger, a prelude to the civil rights struggles of the 1960s that thrust Dr. King to the forefront of the Civil Rights movement.

The inauguration of Mr. Obama as the nation's first African-American is, in large part, a fulfillment of Dr. King's vision for our country when he declared during the March on Washington that "I Have a Dream." Although the election of a black man as president of these great United States is an advance that many African-African Americans and members of other racial groups never thought they would see, much work needs to be done to continue the progress that has been made for Dr. King's "dream" to be fully realized.

To me, we are all children of God, each a unique creation unlike anyone else who has been graced with the breath of life. By realizing that our Lord created us all in His image and likeness, we can begin to understand that every human being, no matter what the color of his skin, his socio-economic status, his religious affiliation, or his political persuasion, is precious in God's sight and created to use the special skills and talents with which we have all been blessed to fulfill God;s purpose for our lives as an integral part of His Master Plan. Despite the many differences that God has given us as individuals and as a humanity, in our hearts we are all the same. We are all closer to each other than we think.

As a new American presidential administration takes office, let's pray that God will guide and direct our leaders in tackling the economic crisis and the myriad of other problems burdening our country today. I pray too that we will set an example for the world and return America to the God in whom our Founding Fathers professed and placed their trust in establishing this great nation. Only when we will give God His rightful place as our first priority both as individuals and as a country will we be able to truly address the challenges that our country faces, move our country forward in race relations, and fully bring to reality the American Dream.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

As we ponder the meaning of those words, let's all strive to lovingly help each other bear our burdens and work together, ever seeking God's direction, to lift our country from moral, economic, social, and political despair into which it has sunk.

God bless American...and you, my friends!

Richard

It Sure is Monday!

2009-01-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody. I hope you all got the new week off to a better start than I did this morning. For me, this Monday is living up to its melancholy reputation. If you called me a "knucklehead" right now, I'd probably agree with you. This morning, when leaving home around 5:00 to come to sign the radio station on the air, I accidentally backed into my garage door. ZAP! BOOM!! POW!!! You see, I have a two-car garage and unfortunately when I hit the remote control button to raise the door, I pushed the wrong one, raising the door on the other side of the garage instead of the one directly behind the vehicle I was driving. I learned that grim reality when I heard a CRUNCH when I hit reverse and started to back out of the garage. The door is kind of crumpled to say the least. In addition to having to repair or replace the garage door, my tuck will require a little cosmetic touch-up. I scuffed up the tailgate of my little red Chevy S-10 pick-up (which I had just washed and shined up on Sunday). Yeah, as the classic country songs goes, "It sure is Monday!"

I almost added insult to injury. When I finally got away from my home, somewhat shaken after the garage door drama, and headed along Handy Road on my way to work, I narrowly missed slamming into a speedy deer that dashed in front of my already scarred truck narrowly missing his calling to that great hunting ground in the sky. Wheeewww! A close encounter for sure... but thankfully my little red truck, which has come into contact with more than a few deer over the years as I travel to work in the pre-dawn hours, won't need repairs to the front end (just the rear). I was thankful that, by a hair, I missed the deer but I knew right then and there that this was probably going to be a tougher than usual Monday. One caller to my radio show this morning tried to put a positive spin on the situation, saying that if I had not been delayed by my rendezvous with the garage door, I would probably have hit the deer. Maybe so! I suppose I feel somewhat consoled but I still wish I had my garage door and my tailgate back the way they were! Oh well, mistakes happen (especially for me)...so I'll swallow my pride, put on a smile, and go on with the thought that this day can only get better!

Have a great one!

God is good and, despite the early hardships of this day, I still have many blessings to count!

Richard

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T07:21:00.000-08:00

Despite the economic nosedive and a myriad of other problems that have befallen us this past year, I enter 2009 feeling blessed and optimistic about the New Year. First, I humbly thank each of my faithful listeners who tune in each morning to my radio program, "The Great Day in the Morning Show." I appreciate your support of my show more than words could express. I pray that God will richly bless each of you in the coming year. Each morning before I go on the air I say a prayer for my listeners and ask God to allow me to say those things that would be an encouragement and a blessing to you. Each day I also feel the power of your prayers working in my life.

I would also like to thank some key people who contribute so much to my progam. These include "my little radio buddy," Madison Stowe, the 7-year-old hostess of "Madison's Moments", Bev Larson, who inspires us with her "Heartwarmers", and Rev. Jim Churchwell, who brings encouragement from the Word of God on "Good Morning Devotions". During the "Quarter Hour of Inspiration" (7:15-7:30 a.m., M-F), these three personalities reach thousands of listeners each morning with messages that inspire us all and help get our day off to a positive start. To Madison, Bev, and Rev. Jim...I send sincere thanks to each of you for all that you do to enhance my show. I am also grateful to Dr. Bucky Hunsicker, Dr. Clint Hopkins, Rev. Tom Sheppard, and Rev. Churchwell for their inspiration and instruction as part of the panel of ministers that has appeared this past year on WHEO's "Everyday Christians," (9:30 a.m. Wednesdays).

Additionally, I would like to thank "Community Conversation" program regulars Lock Boyce ("Patrick County Topics"), Joe Cerino (who leads a study of the Bible's Book of "The Revelation", Vicki Hutchens-Bennett ("Finance Matters in Sickness and in Health"), Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Collinsville, Jackie Belcher, Sue Nester, Vernon Harris, Frank Netherland (Big Band music specials), and Paul Farrar ("Cooking with Paul"). Although the list is too long to include here, thanks to the many other guests who have appeared this past year on the morning call-in show, "Community Conversation". I look forward to welcoming back these and many new special guests to the program in the upcoming year. If you would like to suggest the name of a call-in show guest, call me at 694-3388 or email me at rrogers@sitestar.net.

2008 has presented many challenges and brought more hardships, especially in the economic realm, that any year that I can remember in my life. However, I believe these unfortunate circumstances have united us as a community with a common bond and provided us many opportunites to reach out to assist others and to make a difference in our community. Thanks to the many volunteers of our community who have given so freely of their time, energy, talents, and expertise in furthering various charitable and worthy causes while meeting needs in the community and showing genuine love and compassion for others, epecially the less fortunate. This spirit of brotherly love makes me proud to be a Patrick Countian and fosters hope as the New Year approaches that we will all continue to work together to brighten each other's lives especially when times are the darkest. Have a BRIGHT AND BLESSED 2009! :O) Happy New Year!
Love,
Richard

The Greatest Gift!

2008-12-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

We all love to give and to receive gifts. It is one of our most cherished Christmas customs. As we renew this tradition and participate in the giving of gifts this Christmas season, let's remember that Christmas is all about the greatest gift ever given. That is God's gift to mankind of his son, Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate by giving of tokens of our love or gifts to those we hold dear. In His precious son, Jesus, God gave us all a Savior, who came to this world to fulfill God's plan and to serve as a sacrifice for our innate sinful nature as human beings. Because Jesus paid the price for our sins with he shedding of His blood on Calvary's cross and because he triumphed over death through the Resurrection, we can all, by simple faith in Him, can have a gift that none of us deserve...the gift of eternal life! That is reason for real joy! Seek then to make this a Christ-centered Christmas and rejoice in the fact that God in all his graciousness has given us, the greatest and most precious gift of all, JESUS CHRIST! Let's warmly embrace Jesus as we celebrate His birth!

Merry Christmas, my friends, and a joyfully happy New Year!

Love :O),
Richard

The Greatest Gift!

2008-12-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Taking a Break!

2008-12-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

As much as I love my job hosting "The Great Day in the Morning Show" weekdays from 6-10 a.m. on 1270 AM-WHEO, the Heart of Patrick County, it's time to take a break! I'll be taking a week off beginning Monday, Dec. 15th to relax a little, rest my voice, renew my spirit, and rekindle my creativity and enthusiasm. I've been trying in recent months to eat healthy foods, work out daily, get more rest, and generally take better care of myself. However, getting up around 4:00 every morning and going full steam all day long at work, at home, and in my community activities over an extended period of time can really wear you down. Hopefully, a little time off will help me to rebuild my strength, physically and mentally, and allow me to get over the nagging flu-like illness that has been so hard for many of us to shake this season. In order to avoid burnout, every now and then, you've just got to get away from the everyday grind. To put it in terms of mobility, you've got to pull over and get out of the fast lane, and slowly traverse the scenic and peaceful backroads of life for a change.

For the next week, I'll keep busy I'm sure...Christmas shopping (I'm doing more of that on line this year and loving it), decorating my home for the holidays, and taking care of many things in my personal and domestic life that I have neglected because of a lack of time or a misuse thereof. It will be nice, however, to be free of the daily obligations, deadlines, and commitments that are a constant part of our busy lives. For a dramatic change, I plan to do what I want, when I want to do it...or to do nothing at all if I so feel like it. One thing I plan to do for sure is to enjoy some quiet time spent in front of my fireplace enjoying the glittering lights on my Christmas tree. I also plan to take a little more time to do something that I all to often fail to do on a daily basis...read my Bible!

Thanks to Lacey Harbour and Stephen Walker for filling in for me on "The Great Day in the Morning Show" and to the WHEO management for allowing me some time off. I am very thankful and praise God that I have a job, especially considering that many unfortunate citizens of our community are facing unemployment and other hardships during this deep economic recession. I am also grateful that I am able physically and mentally to work and earn a living doing what I enjoy. I am blessed as well with a loving family and many dear friends and loved ones who have been urging me to slow down a little. Well, for the next week, I'm going to listen to them! I'll miss the many faithful listeners who tell me they wake up to my voice each morning but for the next week I'm going to forget that radio was ever invented! Well, time is awasting. I must get on with this all-too-new-to-me business doing WHATEVER I WANT or NOTHING AT ALL! See 'ya!

Love :O) forever,
Richard

A Parade to be Proud of!

2008-12-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

I would like to commend the many individuals, churches, schools, civic groups, fire and rescue units, and community organizations who took part in Saturday's 36th annual Christmas parade in Stuart, one of the most successful in the history of this event. It was the best one that I can remember. Galen Gilbert and other volunteers did an excellent job in organizing the parade, putting all the entries in place and getting the parade started on time. I was impressed with the high quality as well as the number of entries in the parade.

My heart was touched to see the hundreds of people that lined the streets of Stuart to view the parade. It was great to be able to relax on a wintry afternoon and forget about our economic woes, personal troubles, and everyday concerns, and to celebrate together Christ's birth and the season of brotherly love. Mother Nature added the perfect touch to an outstanding parade when light snow began falling during the festive holiday procession. I was proud to be a part of it.

I would especially like to thank the Stowe family (Shannon and Jeryl and their daughters Madison and Kaitlyn) for inviting me to ride with them in their parade entry promoting "Madison's Moments," the WHEO Radio program of their oldest daughter, 7-year-old Madison Stowe. Madison does a wonderful job giving us a child's perspective of what being a Christian is all about each day on "The Great Day in the Morning Show." I love Madison and her program and so do thousands of people who tune in to hear her words of encouragement every weekday morning. Madison had a great time tossing candy and waving to the large crowd of spectators along the parade route from the sunroof of the car in which we all rode. I think we tossed nearly 15 pounds of wrapped chocolate candy into the crowd (I must admit that I held back a few Twix and Kit Kats miniatures to enjoy later).

The 2008 edition of this holiday tradition was certainly a parade to the proud of, filled with many moments to remember! Thanks again to everyone who worked so hard to make it a success and the several thousand enthusiastic spectators who appreciated their efforts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Patrick County. God bless our beautiful county and all of you, its wonderful citizens.

:O) Richard

Christmas Cheer!

2008-11-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

Imagine the Christmas morning joy on the face of a child that illuminates a home that otherwise would be darkened by personal struggles and family hardships. This Christmas, more than 500 underpriviledged children in approximately 300 families in Patrick County will experience that joy and a holiday season brightened by the efforts of many Christmas Cheer volunteers and caring citizens of our community.

I wholeheartedly urge citizens throughout the county to support the current Patrick County Christmas Cheer campaign. If you would like to play a role in bringing a joyful Christmas to hundreds of appreciative youngsters and their families, please make donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts or make monetary contributions that will be used by Christmas Cheer volunteers to purchase presents and prepare Christmas boxes for those who are being served by the program. You may also select the name of a child from one of the Christmas Cheer trees located in the local business community, shop for the child whose name you select, and then return the new toys and gifts unwrapped to the business displaying the tree. Christmas Cheer trees are located in Stuart at the Curves Health and Fitness Center, Family Pharmacy, Rite-Aid, and Wal-Mart.

You may also drop off Christmas Cheer donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts and/or money at WHEO Radio, Stuart, or at the Patrick County Extension Service Office in the Patrick County Veteran's Memorial Building, Stuart. Monetary donations may be mailed to Patrick County Christmas Cheer, P.O. Box 222, Stuart, VA 24171. Please make you Christmas Cheer contributions by Dec. 12th. The Christmas packages will be delivered to families being served on Dec. 18th. These families have been notified by letter of their acceptance in this year's program through the Christmas Cheer screening process. Let's bring joy and brightness to their households!

Thanks for your support of this worthy cause that has become a heartwarming holiday tradition in Patrick County. Experience the joy of giving! Please assist Patrick County Christmas Cheer!

Holiday Cheers :O),
Richard

Christmas Cheer!

2008-11-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

Imagine the Christmas morning joy on the face of a child that illuminates a home that otherwise would be darkened by personal struggles and family hardships. This Christmas, more than 500 underpriviledged children in approximately 300 disadvantaged Patrick County families will experience that joy and a holiday season brightened by the efforts of many Christmas Cheer volunteers and caring citizens of our community.

I wholeheartedly urge citizens throughout the county to support this current Patrick County Christmas Cheer campaign. If you would like to play a role in bringing a joyful Christmas to hundreds of appreciative youngsters and their families, please contribute donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts or make monetary donations which will be used by Christmas Cheer volunteers to purchase presents and prepare Christmas boxes for those who are being served by the program this year. You may also select a name from one of the Christmas Cheer trees that are located in the local business community, shop for that child yourself, and return the new toys and gifts unwrapped to the business displaying the tree. Christmas Cheer trees are located in Stuart at the Cheers Health and Fitness Center, Family Pharmacy, Rite-Aid, and Wal-Mart.

You may also drop off Christmas Cheer donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts and/or money at WHEO Radio, Wayside Rd., Stuart, or at the Patrick County Extension Service Office in the Patrick County Veteran's Memorial Building, Stuart. Monetary donations may also be mailed to Patrick County Christmas Cheer, P.O. Box 222, Stuart, VA 24171. Please make your Christmas Cheer contributions by Dec. 12th. The Christmas Cheer packages will be delivered to families being served on Dec. 18th. These families have been notified by letter that they have been accepted through the Christmas Cheer screening process. Thanks for your support of this worthy cause that has become a heartwarming holiday tradition in Patrick County. Experience the joy of giving! Please support Christmas Cheer of Patrick County!

Holiday Cheer :O),
Richard

Be Grateful!

2008-11-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

Despite the economic hardships that are persistent in our community and across the country and the many personal problems and challenges that we all struggle to deal with every day, we have so much for which to be thankful. So let's count our many blessings during this Thanksgiving season and make the practice a part of our daily routine. Sometimes we as humans tend to take our good fortunes for granted. So let's all take time this Thanksgiving Day and in each and every day to come to reflect upon our many blessings and to return to God the thanks that He so richly deserves as our Creator and the supplier of our needs!

I am especially thankful for the opportunity to serve our community as the host of WHEO's "The Great Day in the Morning Show". Even though I have to get up long before sunrise occasionally work until dusk or beyond, I am truly blessed and honored to have the opportunity to visit you in your homes, autos, and places of business via the medium of radio. Each morning before I go on the air, I make a point to thank God for my treasured listeners and ask Him to empower me to say and do those things that would be uplifting to you and pleasing in our Lord's sight. Sometimes, at the end of my 4-hour airshift, I don't feel that I have succeeded in doing that but I do take satisfaction in knowing that I always do the best that I am capable of doing.

We are blessed to live in this beautiful County of Patrick with such caring friends, neighbors, and loved ones. We are blessed with loving families and dear friends. Most of all, we, as Christians, are truly blessed and will be eternally grateful that God gave as a sacrifice for our sins His precious son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Have faith!

As my friend Denny Archer masterfully sings in one of my favorite Southern Prophets' songs, "I've got so much to thank Him for." We all do! So lets be grateful this Thanksgiving and every day with which we are blessed beyond.

God bless you this Thanksgiving and always!

Richard

Our Heroes, America's Veterans

2008-11-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

Veteran's Day serves as an annual reminder of the many sacrifices that have been made by courageous American soldiers to secure and protect the freedoms that we enjoy as citizens of these great United States of America. Let's all strive to make this more than just a one-day per year tribute. I challenge everyone to express their thankfulness everyday to those veterans who paid the price for the way of life that we sometimes take for grated and that is the envy of much of the world. Don't wait for Nov. 11th each year, seek every day to recognize and express thanks to the veterans of our county and our country. America's veterans, these are our true heroes. Let's seek to honor them everyday! God bless America!

Time to United as Americans

2008-11-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

Thankfully the election is over! After a shockingly negative and very divisive campaign (there way too long and expensive), whether or not the candidates we supported were elected to office, it is now time to put aside our political differences and unite as a country behind our new leaders. Only in an environment of non-partisan cooperation, especially in times of unprecedent crises like our country now faces, can we effectivey do the work that will bring the better times that the candidates have promised. It's time to put aside politics and effect the "CHANGE" that the electorate mandated in Tuesday's election. We Americans and our elected leaders need to put our country above our political interests. As hard as it may be to do, given the passion that some of us have for our political viewpoints, it is important that we PRAY for our leaders and ask God to bless them and our country. So, as Christians, let's lift them up in prayer (even if they represent an opposing political party or viewpoint)...and then, as responsible citizens, DEMAND that all of our elected officials work together applying good old-fashioned common sense to solving the many problems that threaten our country and the well-being of "we the people", the still-proud citizens of the United States of America. God bless America! I know that I have been blessed to be able to call her my country...and Patrick, my county!

Richard

Decision '08

2008-11-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness the political rhetoric is about done and it is now up to the voters of America to decide who will serve our country as the 44th president of these great United States of America. No matter how your stand on the candidates and the issues, whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or other, I think we would all agree that we need a change from the policies of the last 8 years which has seen our nation plunge into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and spend trillions on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan when many Americans are suffering hardships and need help here at home. President Bush, as unpopular as he is, should not have to shoulder the full blame for the miserable circumstances that the country finds itself in. Congress...which, many feel, is more responsive to lobbyists and special interests than it is to the constituents back home has performed miserably as well. Its public opinion approval is even lower then the President's pitiful approximately 24% approval rating. I am not publicly endorsing a particular candidate (I will do my talking at the ballot box or, I should say, the electronic voting machine) but I do think we need to restore some good old- fashioned COMMON SENSE to our government. In is my intention to do my part to try to make that happen by exercising my right to vote in the Tuesday, Nov. 4th election. I urge all of registered Patrick County residents to do the responsible thing and to practice good citizenship by making your choices known at the polls. We will all be participating in the making of American history when we vote in this year's election.

Mock elections in our public schools are often indicative of how our county as a whole will go on election day. Principal Ann Fulcher of Hardin Reynolds Memorial School told me that the straw poll at her school is often a bellwether or a leading indicator of the election trend in the country at large. If that is true, the Republicans will again carry Patrick County Tuesday. Monday morning, on the eve of the election, Hardin Reynolds Memorial School students participated in their annual mock election. With all 12 homerooms reporting, Republican John McCain outpolled Democrat Barak Obama 178-86. The students at HRMS and other Patrick County schools are participating this year in a nationwide mock election involving students from across the United States. "The results are not final due to some of the polls having not opened," said HRMS teacher Gwen Murphy in a Monday morning press release. "We would like to encourage everyone to get out and vote," she added.

Mock election results from other Patrick County schools had not been reported to WHEO at the time of this blog update.

I echo Ms. Murphy's sentiments...please participate in the democratic process that we enjoy as one of our many freedoms in this country. Help protect our liberties, please vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4th, registered Patrick Countians, even if you have to stand in line due to the expected heavy voter turnout in this historic election! America calls upon her citizenry to be concerned and involved in our government! Personally, I am going to ask God to guide me when I step behind the curtain to register my votes. When we do that trusting and believing, whatever life's situation, we can never go wrong! God bless America!

A patriotic Patrick Countian,
Richard T. Rogers

A Voiceless Radio Announcer

2008-10-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

To use some familiar sports analogies...it's like a baseball power without his Louisville Slugger; it's like a race car driver with a blown engine. Yes, it's been a bit frustrating the last few days to be a radio show host without a voice. Since Friday, Oct. 24th, I have been battling a flu-like illness and the laryngitis that took my voice away in the midst of my radio show that morning and reduced me to just a whisper. I guess going full steam at work and in my community activities and personal life in recent months has finally taken its toll, sending me a warning to relax and take better care of myself. That's what I've tried to do this past weekend. My main problem is that I don't get enough rest, so I have been trying to catch up in that department lately.

I can tell you that it is helpless feeling to lose the physical ability that serves as the source of my livelihood, my voice. Sometimes we tend to take the talents, skills, and personal gifts that God has given us for granted. All too often, it seems, we don't really fully appreciate something until it is gone. That has been the case with my voice. So, henceforth, I have resolved to be more thankful each day for the blessings that God has given me. Mine may not be the perfectly pitched voice of a national network announcer but it has been good enough to earn a living for me for more years than I care to remember. As I ask God to fully restore it, I am determined to be more thankful for it and the many other gifts that He gives me each day. In fact, I think we would all be wise to do that, don't you?!

What has made battling this illness even more difficult is to look outside and see the beautiful autumn weather and the leaves reaching their peak. How nice it would be out there to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the beauties of nature in the fall. However, I have resisted the temptation to get out there and enjoy the blue skies, green grass, radiant sunshine, and glorious foliage. These are more blessings that God brings to us each fall that we tend to take for granted. Take time this autumn to enjoy them while you can!

I would like to thank those of you who have called to check on me, brought food, or sent get well cards. I appreciate your genuine kindness and concern. My ability to speak is slowly coming back and, hopefully, this voiceless radio announcer will be back on the air in a day or two.

I leave you with my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a great day!

Richard

Autumn Clean-up

2008-10-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

We have a beautiful county, even more so in its autumn splendor, and we want to make sure its unmatched natural beauty is not marred by unsightly litter at the peak of the tourist season in Patrick County. That's why I urge my fellow Patrick Countians to join me and other individuals, businesses, churches, civic clubs, and other organizations as we launch the Community-Wide Litter Pick-up for Patrick County this Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, which is spearheading this effort, urges us all to collect litter surrounding our homes, businesses, organiations, roadsides, or other designated locations...and to get our families, friends, and neighbors involved in the campaign too. Keep a litter bag in your vehicle and remember to use it instead of tossing trash our the window. Let's try to condition ourselves and get in the habit of keeping our county clean year round.

This is an ideal time to spruce up our county because the month of October is when the county draws the largest number of visitors to participate in our many fall festivals and other events. The Apple Dumpling Festival and Pancake Days are coming up! This is a self-directed effort to make a real difference in the appearance of our community and encourage visitors to return to our picturesque county. Let's keep it pretty...by getting involved in the Litter Pick-up that starts this week.

There will be another public meeting on the eve of the campaign...Tuesday at noon to 1 p.m. at the community room at Patrick Henry Community College, Patrick County Site in Stuart. Please come if you can get away during the lunch hour.

So far, these individuals have signed on to help make the campaign a success: Vicki Hutchens-Bennett, Tom Bishop, Terry Tilley, Blair Clark, Jay Scudder, Clyde Crissman and Patricia Crissman, Sheriff Dan Smith, Commonwealth's Attorney Stephanie vipperman, Jonathan Large, Wilma Pendleton, Kathy Gravely, Peggy Rogers, Eric Sheppard, Dean and Steve Goad, Robert Foley, Allen Ullring, Cindy and Gary Hoback, Patrick and Crystal Powell, Brenda Simms, Jim Marion, Charlie Bowman, Wayne Cook, Roger Hayden, Jim Keesee, Shirley Keene, Pamela Nowlin, Lemont Bryant, Kevin and Paula Polachek, Laurie Boyd, Tina Collins, Barbara Wagoner, Laura Smith, Lonnie Dillon, Janie Lankford, and yours truly. Won't you join us? I commend everyone who is or will become involved in this Community-Wide Litter Pick-up for making a difference. Let's all make sure that litter and debris will not detract from color spectacular that is transforming our woodlands, landscapes and vistas into an autumn wonderland.

This fall and year round, remember that cleanliness is Godliness. Patrick County is "God's Country"! Let's keep it clean!

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

Richard

R

Cougars Win Battle of Battle of Big Cats!

2008-10-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

In a landmark moment in the school's football history, Patrick County High School defeated powerful Bassett High School Friday night in a dramatic come-from-behind road victory that boosted a once paltry program to the pinnacle of the Piedmont District.

The Cougars battled back from an 18-point second half deficit to beat the Bengals in the "Battle of the Big Cats" in Bassett in the PCHS Piemont District season opener. In a clash of 4-1 teams, the Cougars claimed district superiority, rallying from a 24-6 deficit midway through the third quarter to get their first win over Bassett in six years. The Cougars phenomenal senior running back John Harris led the amazing comeback, rushing for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns to power the PCHS football program to the next level of competition.

Not only did the win firmly establish PCHS as a Piedmont District football power, it gave us all as Patrick Countians something to be proud of in these very difficult economic times. The Cougars have definitely given our community a much needed lift, and I urge citizens throughout our county to rally behind the team and give them the support that they have earned and that they will need to remain the "Top Cats" in the topsy-turvy world of high school football. Here's to the green and gold! Go Cougars!!!

Beaming with Patrick pride,
Richard

Our Retired Teachers, a Community Treasure!

2008-09-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

We all fondly remember our best teachers, whose early influence in shaping our lives has helped to make us what we are today. Even today, some of the best teachers from my school days more than a few years ago continue to have a dramatic impact upon our community and its youth.

Today, I commend the members of the Patrick County Retired Teachers Association (PCRTA) for the excellent work that they continue to do, so well, in fact, that it has earned them a prestigious national award for the third time. PCRTA President Phyllis Eastridge and Treasurer of the PCRTA Ethel Frazier recently attended the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA):AARP Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The Patrick County Retired Teachers Association was presented with the NRTA's "With Our Youth!" Excellence Award as the outstanding local unit in the entire nation for its work with young people. What is even more remarkable is that the local association has won this this award two times previously.

"Patrick County Retired Teachers Association volunteers are model citizens. They show the world how educators keep giving long after leaving the classroom. Multiple generations benefit and go on to contribute thanks to the dedication of these volunteers," said an NRTA spokesperson.

Retired teachers in Patrick County this year, as in years past, found hundreds of ways to celebrate the special talents of nearly 3,300 youth in our community. Members assisted in the classroom and helped students with their homework and class projects, including science and book fairs. They retired teachers connected with youth through church activities, after-school enrichment programs and day camps. In addition to their local efforts, association members sent school supplies to children in Tanzania. These volunteers also headed local programs for cancer research organizations and those which provide assistance with children's medical expenses.

The PCRTA also helps youth develop marketable skills in the business and learning communities including money management through the "Reality Store" progam and public speaking. The group also awards a scholarship each year to a graduating senior who is planning a career in education.

During the PCRTA's appreciation banquet Friday night (9/26/08) at the Patrick County Community Center, 42 of the association's 66 members were presented certificates recognizing their outstanding service to people of the community. In addition, 28 of the local unit's members were recognized for their work with youth which won the association its 3rd national award.

The statistics are impressive indeed! From July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008, 42 Patrick County Retired Teachers Association members logged a total of 10,282 hours of service to the community. The most active member was Ella Sue Joyce with 654 hours of service. Associaiton members also donated an additional 1,470 hours during the same one year period serving our youth in various ways. A total of 3,298 youth were served by association members during those hours.

Ms. Joyce said she really enjoys keeping busy and serving others in her retirement. "If you have something you want to do, do it before you retire, because you won't have time afterward," she advised prospective retirees. Ms. Joyce said an uncle one responded to a question about his retirement activities by saying "I'm doing what I please." Ms. Joyce said she thinks that's good for retired people adding that members of the local retired teachers association are doing what they please and serving the community at the same time.

I commend the members of the Patrick County Retired Teachers Associaton, some of whom taught me all those years ago, for their outstanding work in the community and urge you to express your appreciation to them.

Until next time, I leave you with my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day"!

Listen for "The Great Day in the Morning Show" weekdays from 6-10 a.m. on 1270 AM-WHEO, "the Heart of Patrick County".

Richard

Another "Classic" in the Books!

2008-09-21T14:12:00.001-07:00

A hometown "classic", the 2008 Patrick County Agricultural Fair concluded Saturday night at Rotary Field, having been visited by thousands of patrons during the successful 5 night run.

"This certainly weill be among the top fairs we've ever had, maybe the best," said Henry Ayers who is a veteran of 43 of the 56 Patrick County fairs that the Stuart Rotary Club has sponsored since 1952. The fair apparently took in increased revenue despite the economic gloom and high prices that have forced many consumers to be very selective in their spending. "There has definitely been an effect," commented Ayers on the economic impact on the fair. Ayers theorized that many families and fair visitors were forced to cut back a night or two from their usual fair attendance due to the sour economy and tight finances.

Ayers reported that the fair ran very smoothly with few problems. However, one thing that the Stuart Rotary Club will have to rethink, noted Ayers, is the shuttle service that didn't work out as well as fair officials had hoped. Ayers said there the shuttle needs a dedicated route to the fairgrounds from the distant parking areas because it was very difficult to maneuver around the parked vehicles that pushed the parking capacity to its limits on the heaviest nights, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The sponsoring Stuart Rotary Club would welcome your constructive suggestions on ways to improve the fair.

Ayers said the most memorable thing about this year's fair to him was the people. "The crowd that we did have seemed to be having a lot of fun. It was a very congenial crowd," said Ayers. He added that the fair was blessed with good attendance, absolutely beautiful weather, great exhibits and entertainment, successful grandstand events, and many riders on the midway.

From what riders told me, the "Zipper" was one of the more challenging rides on the midway. "It makes you throw up," said young fairgoer Kelsey Rakes, "it's great"! The food was also great. Despite my newly adopted healthy lifestyle that includes trying to eat nutritious foods and exercise daily, like most folks, I endulged during the fair sampling a little of everything that was available from the various vendors and trying to support as many worthy causes in the community as possible through concessions purchases. Among the treats of my fair menu were a Cattlemen's Assocition steak sandwhich, several polish sausages smothered in sauteed onions and spicy mustard served by Providence United Methodist Church, ribbon fries, a cheesburger and fries from the PCHS band boosters, hotdogs all the way from the Boy Scouts, etc., etc. My best meal, as a Stuart Rotarian, was the night fellow Rotarian Jimmy Morrison's wife Barbara served to the workers of the Stuart Rotary Club pinto beans and onions, corn bread, potato salad, cole slaw, homegrown tomatoes, lemonade, and pound cake for dessert. I ate plenty but I'll return to my healthy lifestyle this week! Hopefully!

Well, isn't that what the Patrick County Agricultural Fair is all about....enjoying one's self and wholesome fellowship with others in a "family reunion" type atmosphere? Yes, that is the essence of this more than 56-year-old tradition that is the Patrick County Agricultural Fair. Perhaps, Kelly Owens, one of the young ladies who enjoyed the midway attractions on opening night, summed it up best when, brimming with laughter and pride, she exclaimed in reference to our beloved fair, "it's a classic, it's a classic"!

Congratulations to these fair winners. The Clogging Contest winners were": Madison Stowe ("My Little Radio Buddy", first place, Junior...Glenda Hubbard, first place, Adult...and Billy Woods, first place, Seniors. The Flatfooting Contest winners were" Kenadie Hutchens, first place, Junior...Verna Shepherd, first place, Adult...Billy Woods, first place, Seniors. The top exhibitors were: PCHS Jr. ROTC, first place, Junior Educational...Patrick County Alzheimer's Association, first place, Adult Educational. In the Commercial division...Blue Ribbon winners were: the JEB Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust, Hospice of Patrick County, and PAWS. Red Ribbon commercial exhibit winners were: the Patrick County Historical Society and Clark Gas & Oil. White Ribbon commercial booth winners Merritt Farm and Garden Supply and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.

On behalf of the Stuart Rotary Club, I would like to thank the thousands of participants and patrons who made the 2008 edition of the Patrick County Agricultural Fair one of the best ever, a true "classic"!

Until next time, I leave you with all my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a great day!

:O)
Richard~

Rotary Pride!

2008-09-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

As the Stuart Rotary Club conducts its 56th Patrick County Agricultural Fair this week, as president of the club, I take deep pride in our club's more than half-a-century-old tradition of outstanding community service in Patrick County and around the world through Rotary International. Throughout its rich history, Stuart Rotary has adopted a proactive leadership role in an effort to effect positive change and development while maintaining and preserving the traditional values that have distinguished Patrick County as a caring and compassionate community and a wonderful place to live, work (wish we had more jobs but we're working on it), and raise a family.

The infrastructure and physical facilities owned by the Stuart Rotary Club and leased to the County of Patrick figure prominently in the county's recreational and educational programs and provide forums and meeting places for public and private functions year round. In order to provide these facilities and to carry out our mission of community betterment, Stuart Rotary is widely noted and acclaimed for its annual signature project, the Patrick County Agricultural Fair, a thriving community tradition that dates back, as far as our involvement is concerned, to 1952. As well as providing wholesome family entertainment and the opportunity for fellowship to residents of the community and attracting tourists to Patrick County, the fair is one of the major lifelines that provides funds for Stuart Rotary Club's exemplary community service work. All of the proceeds from the fair and other club projects are reinvested in our community and our facilities, providing a sports/educational complex used by citizens throughout the community and support and financial assistance to other organizations and community partners that serve a cross section of the residents of Patrick County.

Stuart Rotary is especially honored to provide annual educational scholarships for deserving youth, assisting students in furthering their education beyond high school. Stuart Rotarians are also proud to invest club resources in these partner organizations that also serve the county with great distinction: Boy and Girl Scouts, Caring Hearts Free Clinic, 4-H, Hospice of Patrick County, Patrick County Education Foundation (GED graduation), Community Food Bank, Patrick County Music Association, United Fund, and many others. Stuart Rotary also sends students to youth leadership training programs annually as well as a variety of toehr worthy causes in the community.

This proud tradition of community service would not have been possible without the dedication of many community-minded individuals who have graced our club's membrship rolls over the years. Sadly, this past year, our club lost to death three distinguished Rotarians whose names became synonymous with service during their many years in the club. I have dedicated my year as president of Stuart Rotary Club to honor the memory of Curtis Carter, Bill Staples, and Bub Stanley. These Rotarians can never be replaced but we can draw inspiration and determination from their dedication to God, their famileies, this club, and our community. Let us see to follow their example of "Service Above Self," which is what being a Rotarian is all about.

I encourage everyone to come to the 2008 Patrick County Agricultural Fair (Sept. 16-20) and enjoy what "Mr. Patrick County Fair" Henry Ayers accurately described as a "one big homecoming"! Great care has gone into making this a safe, entertaining, educational, wholesome family-oriented event that showcases the very best of Patrick County including its agricultural products, educational institutions, business community, civic organizations, churches, and talented citizens. It is with great pride that, for the 56th consecutive year, the Stuart Rotary Club presents one of the premiere rural fairs in the country, the PATRICK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR! Enjoy! I know I will!

Until next time, I leave you with all my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day" and us all with a wonderful fair!

At your service,
Richard Rogers :O)

A Historic Patrick Powwow!

2008-09-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

It is not everyday that we can participate in an historic event in our county. But this past Saturday provided just such a rare opportunity and I seized the moment! I spent a very enjoyable afternoon in the company of hundreds of other local residents and Native Americans from across the country who attended an historic event in Patrick County. "This is the first Cherokee Powwow that has been held in this area since the 1700s when the Cherokees held them at Fairystone," said Little Wolf, wife of Chief Griffith of the Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe of Stuart, which hosted a 3-day intertribal powwow at Rotary Field Friday through Sunday (Sept. 5-7).

Native Americans from as far away as Oklahoma (perhaps further) came to Patrick County to participate in the 3-day celebration of Native American culture. One family from Oklahoma came back to this area for the first time since the forced relocation of their ancestors during the infamous westward march known as the "Trail of Tears." Little Wolf said that during that unfortunate episode of Native American history in the 1830s, Native Americans were abruptly driven from their homes by the "white man" and forced to march to Oklahoma in the snow, at a cost of the lives of the approximately 4,000 Native Americans who died during the sorrowful sojourn.

The Cherokee powwow also attracted many local residents (some with Native American ancestry) and hundreds of school children. On the first day of the Cherokee powwow, almost 500 Patrick County students also had a chance to participate in the making of history when they visited the Cherokee tribe at Rotary Field which was dotted with tee pees and merchandise vendors. The youngsters loved what proved to be a fun learning experience. "They didn't want to leave," said Little Wolf, noting that the students really enjoyed learning about Native American customs and touring the vendors who sold American Indian merchandise. "The vendors loved the children coming," she added.

I too can say that I learned much about Native American culture, etiquette, music, dance, and native foods while enjoying the fellowship of many of my friends and the new Native American friends that I made during my visit.

As many of you know, I really enjoy the food at these celebrations and festivals. It was tough to choose, but I finally decided to try the fry bread for which Native Americans are noted. This huge piece of fried bread was topped with lettuce, hamburger, onions, and cheese which could be called an Indian taco. It was delicious but would have been even better with a few tomatoes, some salsa, and a dash of sour cream. Oh well, I'm not complaining! The Native American fare also included Buffalo Burgers, a smaller fry bread with powered sugar, and mouthwatering corn on the cob grilled in the shuck and smothered with butter. By the way, folks from the Moorefield Store Volunteer Fire Department did a great job preparing and serving the food which everybody enjoyed freely. Fortunately, folks had a chance to walk off a few of those calories in the spacious setting of the powwow in the outfield of the softball diamond at Rotary.

I was amazed at the rich pagentry of this event that featured Native American dancers and musicians performing during tribal ceremonial events. The Indian dress worn by these dancers was magnificent!

One of the things I learned Saturday was never to call a Native American dancer's outfit a "costume." This special dress is properly called "regalia." I was told by Native American dancer Keith Smith from Dinwiddie, VA, "a costume is something you wear when you are pretending to be something you're not. We're not pretending; we're the real thing. We are American Indian"!

It was my pleasure to spend a delightful Saturday afternoon in the company of these authentic Native Americans, enjoying their fellowship, participating in their historic Patrick powwow, and learning about their customs and way of life. At the end day, we were all proud , not only of our varied individual ancestries, but proud too to be AMERICANS, native or not!

Until next time, may God (or "Creator" as the Native Americans refer to the Divine Being) bless you with a "great day"!

:O)
Richard

Raising the Community's "Cougar Consciousness"!

2008-08-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

As the Patrick County High School football, volleyball, and golf teams begin their seasons, many citizens are working to generate public support for PCHS athletics and to raise funds to benefit the high school. These groups should be commended for their work to raise our community's "Cougar Consciousness", a spirit of community support and pride in our PCHS teams.

This enthusiasm for PCHS athletics was apparent Friday night as the Patrick County High School Alumni Association hosted a tailgate party before the Cougars took on cross-the-border rival North Stokes High in a preseason game that served as a tune-up for this Friday night's regular season opener against Carroll County at home. "We're here looking for another great season (last year the PCHS football team finished as the Piedmont District runner-up and went to the regionals)," said Rickie Fulcher, President of the PCHS Alumni Association, adding, "we're excited to be here and be a part of it."

"We're staying busy," said Fulcher, noting that the PCHS Alumni Association, formed just a couple of years ago, is conducting fund-raisers for various PCHS projects. The alumni organization has already raised money to provide scholarships, upgrade the sound system at John D. Hooker Field, and to install a utility shed at the field. The group's main project now is to raise money for renovation of the PCHS auditorium, an ambitious $100,000 project that is being supported by other groups in the community including the Patrick County Partnership for the Arts.

As part of the fund-raising activities, the Patrick County Cattlemen's Association served steak sandwiches at the tailgate party and the PCHS Alumni Association served hotdogs and hamburgers during Friday night's 59-22 victory by the Cougars over North Stokes in a scrimmage game for the Cougars and an official regular season game for the Vikings.

"We want everyone to think of us as an organization that's here to help other organizations," said Fulcher of the PCHS Alumni Association. For more information, visit www.patrickalumni.com.

"There seems to be a lot of community involvement now," said Fulcher with regard to work being done by the alumni association and other groups to support the Cougars academic and scholastic programs and our public schools in general.

Another key supporter that is raising "Cougar Consciousness" is the newly-renamed Patrick County High School Cougar Club (formerly the Athletic Boosters Club) which is guided by Kelly Witt. I am scheduled to interview Kelly and the school system's new activitities director Todd Purdham this week.

In his newly-created position, Mr. Purdham will oversee the PCHS athletic program and serve as the coordinator of athletics throughout the Patrick County Public School System, working closely with Recreation Director Clyde Crissman.

Always know as a baseball power, the Patrick County High School athletic program, fueled by rising "Cougar Consciousness" in the community, is emerging as comprehensive, well balanced operation that fields teams and individual athletes that are highly competitive in all sports.

Be a "Cougar Conscious" cheerleader! I urge you to don your green and gold and come out Friday night, Aug. 29th, to cheer for the Cougars as they go against a touch Carroll County team in their regular season and home football opener. Go Cougars!!!

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

Richard Rogers,
A proud Patrick patriot

Where's the Beef?

2008-08-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Clara Peller, the little old lady who gained fame in the 1984 advertising campaign for Wendy's Restaurant in which she inquired "Where's the Beef?", would have exclaimed "Eureka" (Greek for "I have found it.") if she had visited Salem United Methodist Church in Patrick County Saturday night (8/16/08). Grilled to savory perfection by chef Wilbur Walker of Critz, the beef was in plentiful supply at Salem's annual $25 per person steak dinner.

Pastor Sarah Doss and the congregation of the beautiful 182-year-old little country church welcomed a large crowd of hungry patrons that filled the church fellowship hall to near capacity during much of the 2 and 1/2-hour dinner. What a lovely church and a friendly bunch of members.

My friend Wilbur Walker told me that he and assistants Chris Caviness and Tom Doss, the pastor's husband, grilled more than 125 steaks that were cooked to order by each of the people who enjoyed the feast. The tender, juicy steaks were huge 1 and 1/4 inch hunks of expertly grilled meat 'dripping with love' and bursting with flavor, and were served with baked potato, 7 layer salad, apple and pineapple casserole, Texas toast, team, lemonade, coffee, and a wide variety of desserts including coconut pie, banana pudding, pecan pie, and many more. The meal was well worth the wait as chefs sought to grill every steak to the exact doneness requested by each customer, many of whom come to this event year after year.

In addition to grilling an excellent steak, Wilbur Walker is also widely noted for the blackpot chicken that is another of his signature dishes. He and the Patrick Springs Ruritans cook up to 800 pounds of blackpot chicken each fall at the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival at Ferrum College. Wilbur also teams up with his dear friend and mine Clyde Brown, WHEO's Critz weather spotter, to make molasses from the cane that they raise each autumn. "He's a pretty good cook," said Mr. Brown of his pal Wilbur.

Wilbur enjoys cooking at the church dinners that Salem United Methodist Church holds regularly. Each of these nearly monthly dinners is planned around a central theme...Tex-Mex, Puerto Rican, Italian, etc. Wilbur has been cooking since the mid-1970s when he learned to make blackpot chicken from his uncle in Franklin County. A member since he came here from Franklin County in 1974, Wilbur finds great joy in being a member of Salem United Methodist Church. "There is a lot of love here," said Walker, adding boastfully "we have the best cooks in Patrick County." After enjoying one of Wilbur's mouth-watering steaks Saturday night, he may not have been just 'shootin' the bull' when he made that tongue-in-cheek claim!

Thanks to Pastor Sarah Doss and everyone at Salem United Methodist Church for your gracious hospitality. Special thanks to my buddy Wilbur Walker who always brings me back blackpot chicken from Ferrum each year and remembers me in many other kind ways. Wilbur gave me a free ticket to Saturday night's dinner which I appreciate very much. I must say, though, that I worked for my meal because, like most places I go on weekends, right after I eat, I am transformed into "Richard on the Road" doing interviews and gathering information for my radio news features. My Saturday night visit to the steak dinner at one of Patrick County's oldest churches resulted in a 3-part series of "Richard on the Road" reports titled "Salem United Methodist Church: a Praying Church" (and, as Pastor Doss says, "an Eating Church") that will air this week.

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

At your service with love :O),

Richard

Congratulations Wood Brothers!

2008-08-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the legendary Wood Brothers Racing team! After struggling for much of the season and failing to make the field for several races for the first time in their storied history, apparently the team is turning its season around. With promising young Australian driver Marcos Ambrose behind the wheel, the Wood Brothers' no. 21 Little Debbie Ford Fusion finished a remarkable third in the Sprint Cup road course race at Watkins Glenn, N.Y., on Sun., Aug. 10th.

It was one of the team's best finishes in years. The last victory for Wood Brothers Racing was in 2001 at Bristol with Elliott Sadler behind the wheel.

What was even more remarkable about this top 5 run was that Ambrose, who started dead last, worked his way through the field from the 43rd positon to finish 3rd in just his third Sprint Cup race. Ambrose is a "road racer extraordinaire," said one ESPN announcer after Sunday's Spring Cup race. The strong run in the Wood Brothers Ford was part of a great weekend for Ambrose. Driving for another team, he piloted the STP Ford to victory in Saturday's Nationwide Series race, his first NASCR victory.

Sunday's performance marked the second week in a row that the Wood Brothers have been very competitive. Bill Elliott drove the Wood Brothers entry to a 20th place finish in the Spring Cup race at Pocono Speedway on Aug. 3rd.

It looks like the team's hard work is paying off and its run of bad luck in recent years is turning around! Again congratulations to Wood Brothers Brothers racing on their recent success. Even though the team was forced to move from its Stuart shop to the Charlotte, N.C., area several years ago in an effort to remain competitive, members of the team still call Stuart and Patrick County home and maintain residences here. I see Glenn and Bernice Wood of Stuart and other family members in the Coffee Break quite often. As pioneers of the sport of auto racing, the Wood Brothers have done much to promote our community and I extend my personal appreciation and congratulations.

Food, Fellowship, and Fund-Raising Go Together!

2008-08-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Let's fact it. We live in a relatively poor county where fund-raising by dedicated volunteers helps to generate many of the funds needed by many community organizations in order to serve our citizens. We are certainly blessed by the spirit of volunteerism and the let's-get it done attitude of citizens that pervades our county. In that regard, a healthy combination of food, fellowship, and fund-raising are a common weekend activity for Patrick County churches, clubs, civic, and community organizations. This past Saturday, for example, 3 Methodist churches in Patrick County conducted events of this sort, and "Richard on the Road," a hungry Baptist, attended all of them.

My first stop, shortly after 8 a.m., was at Providence United Methodist Church which serves breakfast to the public on the first Saturday each month to raise dollars for the church building fund. I was warmly greeted by Pastor David Westmoreland and members of the congregatoin, who served a mouth-watering home-cooked breakfast (complete with eggs, sausage, biscuits, 2 kinds of gravy-regular and Kevin Polachek's spicy "Northern" version, apples, blueberry bancakes, coffee, juice, jellies, and jams). The church does not charge but accepts donations from their patrons after they've enjoyed their meal. Why, if your put a $20 bill in the basket, it would still be a bargain for this breakfast along with all of the good fellowship that goes with it.

Pastor David pointed out that this event is part of the church's outreach ministry, noting that it had just hosted as special guests the Adam Willard family of 5 that lost its mobile home in a fire last week and is residing temporarily in the Penny House in Patrick Springs. I commend the "church with the big red doors," as I often call it, for its community-mindedness, hospitality, and an excellent breakfast.

After my breakfast wore off several hours later, I decided to have a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs with my friends at Concord United Methodist Churchh, site of a Saturday morning yard and bake sale. Sure Concord is famous for its delicious homemade ice cream, but members of this little country church are as good on the grill as they are with the ice cream freezer. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived around midday, a heavy thunderstorm had abruptly forced curtailment of this fund-raiser. Although I didn't get lunch, I did get a news story! Senior member Jesse Mae Vernon and her grandson Keith Vernon told me that Saturday's fund-raiser had been planned to raise money for a new project in the church's outreach ministry. Members of the church are preparing packages that will be sent to our troops abroad (especially those from Patrick County) later this month. Jesse Mae and Keith said the church wants to let our soldiers know that they are loved and supported back at home. I commend Concord United Methodist Church for this wonderful effort to reach out to our troops on foreign battlefronts with loving kindness. Let's all keep America's soldiers and military personnel in our constant prayers! By the way, my Concord friends, I'll take a rain check on the lunch I missed! :O)

My third and final church visit of the day came Saturday evening when I attended the 14th annual Pig Pickin' and Gospel Singing, a summertime tradition at New Hope United Methodist Church. Member Henry Ayers said the event offers wholesome family entertainment and raises money for the church's Lord's Acre fund. Member Shirley Collins added that although the crowd was off a little this year, the event attracted a large number of hungry people. I'll say! Here's proof! By the time I got in line for a take-out about 2 1/2 hours after serving had begun, all of Burton Conner's barbecue...200 pounds of it...had been consumed by the ravenous crowd...every bit of it! Thus, for the second time that day, uncharacteristically, I had missed a meal! Fortunately, for me, however, I'd eaten earlier that afternoon at the annual volunteer appreciation banquet for Patrick Share and the Patrick County Community Food Bank (I commend the volunteers of these organizations). What a spread...barbecued chicken, regular barbecue, barbecue with mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roles, coleslaw, sweet tea, and coconut pie and pound cake for dessert.

Still I missed two out of the three church meals that I attended. Oh well, I'll have many more opportunities in months to come to indulge as Patrick County churches, clubs, civic, and community organizations offer food, fun, and fellowship to aid in their very worthy fund-raising efforts.

Until next time, you have all of my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day"!

Your "Great Day in the Morning Show" host,
Richard

Back to School Drive is On!

2008-07-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

WHEO Radio...in cooperation with various community partners...has officially launched a countywide campaign to collect and distribute school supplies to underprivileged children in the community as the new Patrick County school year approaches. WHEO is working closely with Kevin and Paula Polachek, who are well-known for their outstanding charity work in the community, a host of local businesses, the Patrick County Recreation Department, and Patrick County Public Schools.

Concerned citiens are asked to purchase school supplies anywhere they so desire and drop them off at collection sites throughout Patrick County. If you prefer, you may also make monetary donations that will be used by campaign volunteers to purchase school supplies for needy students. Donations of school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, packpacks, etc.) will be collected over a two week period and then distributed to Patrick County's schools that will then direct them to the students who need them the most.

Collection boxes have been placed at these participating business establishments: MNM in Ararat, Orchard View Market in Woolwine, M&M in Critz, Poor Farmer's Market at Meadows of Dan, Bengle Outlet in Stuart, Stuart Tire and Auto Center, Lowes Foods in Stuart, Dollar General in Stuart, Food Lion of Stuart, Wal-Mart in Stuart, Lighthouse Grill at Fairystone, and the DeHart Park Pool in Stuart.

If you desire to contribute money, make checks payable to WHEO Back to School Fund. Send your contributions to WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171, Attn: Richard Rogers, or to SunTrust Bank, 114 W. Blue Ridge St., Stuart, VA 24171, Attn: Vicki Collins. Again, make all checks payable to WHEO Back to School Fund.

WHEO Back to School Supplies Drive volunteers will visit various local businesses on Sat., Apr. 2nd, and will have lists available of specific school supplies that will be needed. Also on Apr. 2nd, patrons of the Dehart Park Pool who use their pool pass and bring school supplies will receive a free soft drink. Those who pay the daily pool fee will get a 50-cent discount with the donation of school supplies.

Rising prices and poor economic conditions have left many Patrick County families financially strapped and many youngsters in our community might have to go without adequate school unless we act as a community of concerned citizens to address this growing need.

Persons wishing to donate school supplies are reminded that the best time to purchase them will be during the state sales tax holiday that will extend from Fri., Aug. 1 to Sun., Aug. 3.

My thanks to Kevin and Paula with whom it is always my pleasure to work, Patrick County Public Schools, the Patrick County Recreation Department, participating businesses, and concerned citizens. i appreciate your support of the first WHEO Back to School Supplies Drive! God bless you and God bless the future of our county, our young people!

Love :O)
Richard

Welcome Home Tribe!

2008-07-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

With pride, our community welcomes home a group of young heroes called the Virginia Tribe! The Patrick County state champion 10 and under baseball team returned home late last week after competing in the USSA World Series in Lexington, S.C. While the Tribe did not win the World Series, this outstanding group of young players did bring home a consolation trophy.

After losing their first four games of the tournament and being placed in the consolation round, the Virginia Tribe came back to post two consecutive victories and earn the championship and team trophy in the USSA World Series consolation bracket. Each of the players also received individual trophies. The strong finish capped a remarkable season that was highlighted by a state title and a once-in-a-lifetime experience in South Carolina during the World Series. Each of the players, their parents, and their fine coaches should be as proud of their performance this season as our commuity is of them. It was a great honor just to make it to the World Series. The players have been outstanding young ambassadors for our county throughout the season...and we proudly welcome them back to Patrick County, home sweet home!

Congratulations to team members Trevor Belcher, Tucker Brown, Cayden Dalton, Landon Gunter, Isaiah Hall, Aubrey Hopkins, Eli Horton, Will Hylton, Jacob Martin, Nathan Perry, and Austin Vernon. The Virginia Tribe is coached by Laine Dalton, Ricky Vernon, and Garry Brown. We commend the parents of these players for their dedication, support, and encouragement. Also to be commended are the citizens in the community who supported fund-raising events that generated over $10,000 to pay for the team's trip to South Carolina.

A special event is being planned to honor the Virginia Tribe baseball team as well as the Patrick County Dixie Youth Minor and Major League All-Star teams, all of whom have had outstanding seasons. Kevin and Paula Polachek and I are organizing the event which has been temporarily placed on hold until the Major League All-Stars season is completed. Thanks to the many businesses and organizations that have made donations that will help to make the post-season event possible. Stay tuned to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for details on when the "Welcome Home Heroes" celebration will take place and come out and honor the youth of our county!

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

Richard

Go Tribe!

2008-07-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Virginia Tribe, the inspiring youth baseball team from Patrick County, on an outstanding season that has earned it the right to compete this week in the U-Triple S World Series near Columbia, S.C. The team, comprised of players age 10 and under, won the Virginia state championship in route to a record of 16-7 this season.

The Virginia Tribe began play with two games on Monday, July 14th in the World Series, competing against the best team from this region and across the country. "It will be a once in a lifetime trip" for the players, said coach Lane Dalton. He noted that the parents of the team members are just as excited about the World Series experience as the players are.

The Patrick County team is looking forward to the stiff competition that they will face in South Carolina this week. "We're a complete team. We hit, pitch, and play defense well," said Dalton.
My best to the Virginia Tribe in the World Series! The team's roster includes Nathan Perry, Trevor Belcher, Eli Horton, Austin Vernon, Will Hylton, Isaiah Hall, Aubrey Hopkins, Jacob Martin, Landon Gunter, Tucker Brown, and Caden Dalton. The Tribe is coached by Lane Dalton, Ricky Vernon, and Gary Brown.

Whether they win or lose in the South Carolina World Series, this team is a true champion and their conduct on and off the field has been a source of inspiration to country citizens throughout the season. We want to show the team just how proud we are of them when they return home from the World Series. The Great Day in the Morning Show will sponsor a congratulations and welcome home party for the team after the series. I am joining Kevin and Paula Polachek in planning this event. Stay tuned to my WHEO morning show for the latest details on how the team is doing this week, and when and where the welcome home (hopefully, victory celebration) event will be held.

Most of the players on the Virginia Tribe were also members of the Patrick County Dixie Youth Minor League All-Stars which were playing for the District 3 tournament title in Blacksburg until the tournament was abrubtly cancelled. After shutting out Montgomery County Friday night 3-0, the Patrick County All-Stars were preparing for a rematch with Blacksburg, the only team to defeat them, on Saturday. However, just as the team was preparing to leave Saturday morning to return to Blacksburg, coach Dalton said in a message left on the WHEO answering machine Sunday, "we received a call from the district director saying the tournament had been cancelled as Patrick County had elected to go no further than District 3 and as most of the players were coming to the World Series. "I really don't know what happened," said a Dalton. Apparently tournament officials awarded the tournament championship to Blacksburg and apparently Patrick County finished as the runner-up, added a baffled Dalton. If more information becomes available on this very puzzling turn of events, I'll share it with you.

Hopefully, the Tribe's players will put this very unfortunate situation behind them and will be ready to play their best in South Carolina. Congratulatins once again to the Virginia state champion Virginia Tribe 10 and under baseball team. We're behind you all the way! You are champions in every sense of word!

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

A proud Tribe fan,
Richard Rogers

A Taste of Summer!

2008-07-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to the annual rite of summer that takes place in early July each year. No, as patriotic as I am and as much as I cherish our American freedoms, I am not referring to the Fourth of July celebration here. But annually around America's Independence Day observance, the gardens of Patrick County begin yielding one of the most tantalizing of all their bounties, delicious, irresistible, vine ripened, homegrown TOMATOES! And nothing makes as simple and satisfying a summertime meal as a good old-fashioned homegrown in Patrick County tomato sandwich.

No other dish seems so adequately to capture the "taste of summer" as the traditional southern tomato sandwich. Some folks practically live off of them during the summer. Nothing quite hits the spot on a hot, steamy summer's day than a refreshingly palate-pleasing homegrown tomato sandwich. Although some variations are popular, the general consensus seems to be that the perfect ingredients of a homegrown tomato sandwich should be two fresh slices of white bread, covered with a generous topping of mayonnaise on both sides and graced with several healthy slices from the heart of a fresh-from-the-garden, juicy, vine-ripened tomato, grown with tender care and "drippin' with love":O)! Sprinkle on (to your personal taste) some salt and pepper (I apply freely from the shakers myself), top with the second slice of mayo-smeared bread, and enjoy a summertime sensation that is fit for a king or a country boy like me. In fact, the most cunning connaisseur could not resist the unmistakable burst of flavor that this southern delicacy draws from our tantalized tastebuds.

For me, the 10-month wait (from September through June) and craving for this summer favorite ended on July 1st when I enjoyed my first homegrown tomato sandwich of the season. The first of many to be consumed this summer, it featured one of the first fruits from the crop of renowned Patrick County tomato grower, James "Spot" Ray, my stepfather, who is widely known for carefully nurtured tomato crop. With advancing age and a declining energy level that goes with it, Spot has cut back somewhat on his crop this year but he still spends considerable time in the garden and the fruit of his vines is no less than sensational in flavor. "The Tomato Man," as Spot has affectionally been nicknamed, still gives his tomatoes the same care and attention that they have always received. His tomato plants are always immaculately cultivated, staked, mulched, watered, and manicured to produce a product that has been the centerpiece of my family's summer diet for as long as I can remember. How could this gourmet ever make it through the "dog days" of summer without my highly-touted, freely-consumed tomato sandwiches. Thanks to my stepdad and the many other tomato growers of Patrick and surrounding counties that keep so generously and skillfully supplying the main ingredient for "a taste of summer" that few can resist!

Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day" and a bountiful tomato crop!

Lovin' it,
Richard

Taking Pride in America on her Birthday

2008-06-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, America! Those "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" are being enjoyed by many of you who are taking it easy this week, traditionally a time for vacations, as the 4th of July celebration draws near. Let's not get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget just how fortunate we are to live in the United States of America.

I sometimes disagree with our government policies, and I am ashamed of government's response (more correctly lack of resonse) to many of the problems facing our country. However, I am a proud American who feels fortunate to live in this corner of the planet. Sure we have some idiots running the country right now (especially in the United States Congress) but the fact of the matter is that we are blessed to live in a country that was founded as a nation that places its trust in God. Unfortunately, over the years, we seem to have gotten away from God as a society and a country. As a result this drift away from God, I think our country has suffered much in the process. Sure, this is still the greatest nation on earth but that position of world preeminence is being challenged. God and country are inseparable in my opinion. And until our nation once again is becames "one nation under God" and reassumes it's positon as a people and a nation that can truly say "In God We Trust," our beloved country will continue to decline on the world stage. This return to our roots and the intentions of the founding fathers includes positing the Ten Commandments in public buildings and making a place for prayer in our schools. AMEN!

So as we observe our nation's independence and celebrate Ameria's 232nd birthday on July 4, 2008 (a national holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776), let's all be grateful and proud to be Americans. Let's also lift up our country in prayer asking that, as Lee Greenwood said in his popular contemporary patriotic song, "God Bless the USA" or, as the great Kate Smith inspired us in song with Irving Berlin's famous lyrics "God Bless America"!

Speaking of the upcomg holiday...with gas prices near $4 and rising, this might be a great year for a "staycation"...a vacation or 4th of July celebration close to home. Dehart Park will offer the perfect setting for a family outing this Friday, July 4th as the 6th annual 4th in the Park Independence Day Celebration and Car Show take place. The festivities will include one of the largest car shows in the region, a patriotic parade, pool activities, food, games, pool party, exhibits, vendors, live music, and a giant fireworks display to cap a full day of fun and fellowship in one of our most beautiful community resources, Dehart Park in Stuart.

The Vesta Community Center will serve as the setting for the annual 4th of July bluegrass and Old Time Music Competition. In addition to the music competition at three levels, children, teen and adult, a quilty show and food and games for the children will be offered.

The Blue Ridge Passage Resort at Meadows of Dan will also present a fireworks display on the night of the 4th of July.

Whatever your plans for the 4th of July, take pride in our country and thank God for the opportunity to live in this great land. Happy Birthday, America!

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

O:)
Richard

A Short Life Well Lived!

2008-06-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Family, friends, and neighbors paid their final respects to my friend Brandon Dillon, 7, of Stuart, during a very touching funeral service Saturday morning in the chapel of Community Funeral Services in Stuart. The service was conducted by the Rev. Jim Churchwell, pastor of New Life Community Fellowship, and Dr. Clyde DeLoach, former pastor of Stuart United Methodist Church with music provided by Debbie Bennett and the Southern Prophets. Brandon, the loving youth who inspired our community during his courageous fight against leukemia, was then laid to rest at Patrick Memorial Gardens. After the graveside ceremon, Brandon's sisters, Tiffany and Sara, and with other children and adults released butterfly-shaped balloons that soared skyward symbolizing to me the freedom from disease and suffering that Brandon now enjoys in Heaven.

Even though Brandon's life was very brief, it was certainly well lived. In fact, we can all gain much insight into the way God wants us to live our lives by looking at the way Brandon lived his. As Rev. Churchwell said during ceremony, Brandon truly "lived, loved, and cared." This sandy-haired youth truly lived his life from moment to moment, never complaining about his situation or wasting a minute. When he was able, Brandon, who was filled with optimism and zest for life, was always on the go, drawing the most from each precious moment of his life. Brandon was one of the most loving children that I have ever met, and he didn't mind telling you that he loved you either. I will never forget the warmth that filled my heart when he spoke the words "I love you" to me from his death bed. Most of all, Brandon cared for other people above himself. He loved his mother and sisters dearly and did not rest until he knew they were happy, safe, and secure. Brandon also cared deeply for other people. Nicknamed "the little preacher boy" because of his strong faith in Jesus, he would often put his hand upon the forehead of family members and friends and say a special prayer uniquely tailored to their particular needs or circumstances. Yes, Brandon truly "lived, loved, and cared" for others.

The measure of a life is not in the number of years lived; the quantity of possessions obtained; or the amount of riches, fame, and fortune acquired. The true measure of a life is the love that we give freely to others and the enrichment that we bring to their lives through our words and deeds. Brandon devoted his short life to living fully, loving tenderly, and caring compassionately for others. Life is a gift from God never to be squandered or to be taken for granted. Brandon's life only lasted 7 short years, but his was undoubtedly a life well-lived.

Speaking personally, Brandon has served as a inspiration to me to try to make some changes and improvements in my own life. Just as he did in life, even in death, this young man (the word "boy" just doesn't seem appropriate in reference to Brandon because of advanced maturity) can serve as a role model and example to all, young and old alike, of what being a Christian is all about, loving God and serving our neighbors above ourselves.

Brandon is now marveling at the wonders of Heaven in the presence of Jesus, but his life still speaks volumes to my heart and to the hearts and lives of the many others who knew and loved him. I am proud to have known him and inspired by what I learned about life from him. I know that I can do a much better job in living my life having for just a brief moment in time watched and admired him as he lived his. I am sure that the first thing God said to Brandon upon his arrival in Heaven was "well done, my child, well done." Brandon Webster Dillon's life was well-lived, indeed! God rest his soul.

Please keep Brandon's family in your prayers, and in honor of his memory, please join me in seeking in our own lives to..."live, love, and care".

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

Richard

Heaven Welcomes My Friend, Brandon!

2008-06-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

I lost a dear little friend with a big heart today! Brandon Dillon...the beloved 7-year-old Stuart boy who inspired our community with his courage, his concern for others, and his passion for life...died Wednesday, June 18, 2008, peacefully and victoriously ending his 5-year battle against leukemia. Since age 2, Brandon suffered from acute lympoblastic leukemia, a form or leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells.

Brandon inspired the founding of Faith for the Miracle, a Christian ministry that serves children with cancer or rare diseases and their families. Tammy Bowman, who founded the ministry with her husband Brad, said Brandon was a most remarkable child. "Brandon was very special to me and he was the first child in our ministry. I love him very much, just as if he was my own. We called him our little preacher boy. He loved the Lord so much," said Mrs. Bowman.

The quality for which I will remember Brandon most is his unselfishness, his concern for other people above himself, and his sensitivity to the needs of others, especially to his mother, Tammy Dillon, and his sisters, Tiffany and Sara, whom he loved so much. Brandon never asked for anything for himself without first asking many times for these things wanted or needed by his mother and sisters. He was one of the most protective children I have ever known. He was also very concerned about the well-being of the other 5 children served so far by Faith for the Miracle, asking Mrs. Bowman several weeks before his death to make sure that the other children served by this non-profit ministry are cared for. "Brandon asked me to make sure that I fought for the other kids and helped them," said Mrs. Bowman.

Thankfully, in the weeks and months before his death, with the support of Faith for the Miracle volunteers and many other caring citizens in the community, Brandon had the opportunity to enjoy many special moments, including catching his first fish (a large trout), becoming an honorary fireman, riding a 4-wheeler for the first time, taking a flight in the Air Care helicopter, enjoying appearances by Disney characters at a party given in his honor, going to Chuckie Cheese, singing his rendition of Alan Jackson's song "Small Town Southern Man" on my radio show, visiting the Richard Childress Racing shop, going swimming, and, most special of all, recently visiting his father whom he had not seen in 5 years. In one of his last outings, Brandon asked his mother about 2 weeks ago to bring him to see me at the radio station. On that memorable day, I introduced Brandon to the WHEO staff, gave him a tour of the radio station, and interviewed him for my show. Everyone on the staff took to him immediately, and Brandon became a part of our radio family.

Brandon's survivors include his mother Tammy Dillon; his father, Jeffery Richards; his stepfather, Benny Carter, his sisters, Tiffany Alice and Sara Ann Dillon; 2 brothers, Chris and Willie Lamb; and his grandparents, Virginia and Roger Dillon and Betty Deal.

On behalf of the family, special thanks are extended to the staff of Hospice of Patrick County for their loving care and compassion. The local Hospice of Patrick County team worked so hard to make sure that Brandon was as comfortable, happy, pain-free, and as well cared for as humanly possible in the last weeks of his life.

Brandon touched many hearts during his brief earthly life, especially mine! During the past several months, I have been blessed with opportunities to celebrate his life, to have him on my radio show, to attend his party, to see his joy and enjoy his company at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event, and to sit by his bedside and hold his hand as he prepared to join the angels of Heaven. Last Sunday evening, I was sitting there by his bed against a wall completely covered with cards and tokens of love from his many friends and well wishers, and he asked me for a hug. After our friendly embrace, Brandon looked at me and whispered "I love you, Richard." Believe me, the feeling was mutural and that sentiment was shared by countless people in our community and beyond.

Remarkably mature beyond his 7 years, Brandon graced this world for only a short while, but he certainly left an indelible mark upon my heart and the many others who knew and loved him!

No more suffering, no more pain, Brandon has conquered cancer! Jesus welcomed him home today! So long, my friend, Brandon...until we meet again on Heaven's playground!

I love you, Brandon!

Your friend,
Richard

A 6-Year-Old Radio Sensation!

2008-06-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hi :O)! Despite the oppressive heat, I attended various events in the community this past weekend, including yard sales, bake sales, car washes, breakfasts, lunches, and even a late afternoon picnic. Everywhere I go in the community (events, restaurants, grocery stores, on the street, you name it) people tell me how much they enjoy the newest segment of my WHEO morning radio show, Madison's Moments. Heard at about 7:15 weekday mornings Madison's Moments features Madison Stowe, a 6-year-old Trinity Christian School honor student who is enjoying her summer vacation (and eating lots of her favorite foods like strawberries, watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh cherries).

In her little more than one month on the radio, Madison has become a 6-year-old radio sensation! Not a day goes by without someone, usually several people, telling me that Madison's morning radio program puts them in a wonderful frame of mind as they prepare to meet the challenges of the day ahead. Listeners also tell me frequently that Madison is a real blessing and an inspiration to them. I couldn't agree more! Madison is truly a blessing to our county and a real asset to my show and our community-minded radio station. She has a very special child's radio ministry indeed! I am proud to play a small part in it!

Madison is one of the sweetest children you will ever meet! As pretty as a little doll, she is well behaved, very polite, courteous, respectful of others, mature beyond her years, and a delight to work and play with (each time she comes to the radio station to pre-record her programs, we take a little time for some fun and games too). Ask her if she would like to recite one of the many Bible verses that she has memorized at her school, and she will readily share with you her favorites passages from the Word of God, recalling each verse perfectly from memory! In her popular radio feature, Madison's Moments, Madison, whom I have affectionately nicknamed "my little radio buddy," recites a Bible verse and relates the scripture to everyday life, giving listeners a child's perspective on Christian living. It is a wonderful radio ministry and I am proud to have Madison as part of my radio show, which, as most of you know, is a very important part of my life (It certainly consumes a great deal of my time!).

I would like to thank Madison for enhancing my radio program, The Great Day in the Morning Show, and helping my listeners get the day off to a positive start. I hope that she will continue to do her program for many years to come. It will be interesting to listen to her progress and to get her perspective on life as she grows older. I would also like to personally thank Madison's mother, Shannon Stowe, for bringing Madison to the radio station for our weekly recording sessions and for working with Madison so patiently and helping her to select the material that goes into her show (often while multi-tasking, tending to Madison's 2-year-old sister Kaitlyn at the same time). Madison's father is Jeryl Stowe of Stuart. She is the granddaughter of Jimmy and Othelia Stowe of Stuart and Diana Overby of Lawsonville, NC, and the late Ronnie Overby (who, I am sure, is listening in and watching over her from Heaven). God bless Madison and her family!

By the way, congratulations to Madison, a member of Brownie Troop 1215, who was recently honored for being the number one sales person in Girl Scout cookie sales this year. Madison sold a remarkable 1,257 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, by far the most of any girl in the county. The next highest person sold 393 boxes. I must admit that I consumed a few boxes in support of Madison's efforts myself. Keep up the great work Madison...in school, as a Brownie, in everything you do, and on the radio as "my little radio buddy"!

Madison is part of what I consider to be the most inspirational 15 minutes in radio. Also during the 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday quarter hour, Bev "Heartwarmer" Larson's program and Rev. Jim Chruchwell's Good Morning Devotions are also aired. I have also heard many praises (and commented about it many times) of these two much longer running segments of my show, Bev's Heartwarmer feature and Rev. Jim's touching commentary on the Word of God. I am so blessed, honored, and proud to have Madison, Bev, and Rev. Jim for my "Quarter Hour of Inspiration" each weekday morning. Check it out, Monday through Friday from 7:15 to 7:30, and be blessed!

Until next time, I leave you with my love :O) and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day"!

Richard

"Faith for the Miracle" Child Passes Away

2008-05-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

Thomas Smith's journey here on Earth lasted a little less than a year, but the Patrick County infant touched countless hearts along his short path of life, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of many people who knew and loved him. Born with a rare disease that he fought courageously throughout his abbreviated life, Thomas died Friday at Brenner's Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem, just one day shy of his first birthday.

Infant Thomas Smith was the son of Anthony Smith and Dawn Barnard of Meadows of Dan. His grandparents are Leslie and Laura Barnard and Gloria Smith and King David Smith. Baby Thomas would have been one year old Saturday, May 31st.

Thomas was born with Hirschsprungs Disease, a rare disorder of the digestive system. During his short life, he underwent multiple surgeries and was to have a small bowel transplant in Cincinnati, OH, when he was a little older. God, however, had an immediate need for Thomas in Heaven and called him home the day before he would have been one year old.

Thomas was one of the first three children served by the humanitarian organization "Faith for the Miracle," a non-profit Christian ministry that provides support to children in our community with cancer or rare diseases. Tammy Bowman, founder of the organization, recalled on the anniversary his birth, "he was always 'baby Thomas', the youngest child in our ministry."

Noting that she never saw Thomas "fuss or cry", Mrs. Bowman said, "he was so full of joy." "When he smiled you immediately fell in love with him." Mrs. Bowman added, "he was such a little flirt. He would lay his head sideways and smile at you with that shy little look. He just got you. He sucked you right in," added Mrs. Bowman. When she thinks of Thomas and the other children served by her ministry, Mrs. Bowman said she thinks of "butterflies." Like butterflies, "they're beautiful, radiant, and colorful. They're free" and can't be bound to earth, she concluded. The beautiful baby butterfly that was Thomas Smith is now soaring in the Heavenly realm.

The funeral of infant Thomas Smith will be conducted Tuesday, June 3rd, at 12 noon at Cox-Needham Funeral Home in Pilot Mountain, NC. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday night from 7:00 to 9:00. Please ask God to comfort and strengthen Thomas' loving family.

You prayers are also requested for the child who inspired Tammy and her husband Brad Bowman to found "Faith for the Miracle," Brandon Dillon, the 7-year-old boy who has served as a great example of courage and determination during his valiant fight against leukemia. Brandon, who was the first child served by "Faith for the Miracle", is now under the care of Hospice of Patrick County as he fights for his life. His disease has spread to the point that the doctors determined that a planned bone marrow transplant is no longer an option in prolonging his life.

Brandon is in much pain as his caregivers try to keep him as comfortable as possible while helping him to do live out some of his lifelong dreams. On Saturday, Brandon was driven to Mecklenberg, VA, to see someone special that he had asked to meet. Recently, Brandon toured the skies over Mt. Airy, NC, in the Air Care helicopter and had a wonderful day as the special guest of members of Surry County area firefighting units. Brandon was delighted to catch a huge fish during a recent fishing trip. Much to my honor, Thomas sang Alan Jackson's "Small Town Southern Man" (accompanied by Sue Nester on guitar) during an unexpected but much welcomed visit to WHEO's "Community Conversation" recently. I will always remember that he sat in my lap in front of the control room microphone that wonderful day.

For more information on "Faith for the Miracle" or to become a volunteer of this child's Christian ministry, call Tammy Bowman at 276-694-3886.

Obviously, these children (and a third "Faith for the Miracle" child Samantha Mota) have deeply touched my heart. I have been blessed to know and love them. Please pray for Brandon and Samantha and their families. In their time of bereavement, please be expecially prayerful for the family of infant Thomas Smith, God rest his precious little soul.

Keep the faith for God's miracles.

Hope and Love :O),
Richard

Memorial Day, A Time to Remember

2008-05-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

It is time to honor the memory of the millions of brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure and protect the freedoms that we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. Those liberties that are the hallmark of our great country were won more than two-and-a-quarter centuries ago and have since been defended against many foes because courageous men and women were willing to give their lives for the country that they loved. "Freedom is not free," my friend and Patrick Country veteran Bob Knight has often said. It is indeed obtained at great cost.

This Memorial Day, let's reverently commemorate those American men and women who have perished in military service to our country. Let's also be grateful to live in a country built on Godly ideals that are worth dying for. Although many times I am frustrated by the leadership of this country and the partisan politics that sometimes, it seems to me, hinders politicians from acting in the best interest of all Americans, I am proud of the United States of America and thankful to be an American citizen.

It is important that we all honor our fallen heroes and pledge, in whatever ways possible, to serve our country and make this land that they were willing to die for a better place to live! That way their sacrifices will never have been in vain. We are losing our military veterans at a rapid rate. An average of 1,800 veterans die each day, and 10% are buried in the country's 125 national cemeteries, which are expected to set a record with 107,000 interments, including dependents, this year. An estimated 686,000 veterans died in 2007, according to USA Today. While many World War II veterans are dying, so are an increasing number of Korean and Vietnam veterans.

Whether you attend a Memorial Day service or just pause in silent tribute to our nation's deceased soldiers, always remember their sacrifices and seek to honor their memory in every way possible. As we reflect upon the true meaning of Memorial Day, it is also fitting to lift up those who are defending our country on world battlefields today. God bless our American soldiers and the U.S.A! May it always be a country that can truly say, "In God We Trust!"

Patriotically yours,
Richard

A Record Relay!

2008-05-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

Exhausted volunteers concluded the most successful Relay for Life fund-raising campaign in Patrick County's history late Saturday night with renewed "HOPE" for a cancer-free tomorrow, having raised approximately $75,000 to fight the devastating disease. That total topped last year's record of $62,000 and exceeded this year's $52,000 goal by about $23,000. (Relay team volunteers will add to the $75,000 total Saturday night, May 24th when they provide the concessions for the Patrick County Music Association Jamboree at Rotary Field in Stuart.)

"It was a phenomenal event," said LaVergne Collins, co-chairperson of the Patrick County Relay for Life Committee. She and fellow co-chair Betty Conner, local Relay Committee Treasurer June Gunter, and other volunteers stayed at the Patrick County Community Center at DeHart Park well past midnight into the wee hours Sunday morning counting money raised during the event and the radio-thon, and throughout the 4-month campaign.

Robin Minter, American Cancer Society Relay for Life Community Manager for Patrick County, said 36 teams comprised of about 500 members worked together beautifully in raising a record amount of funds for this cause locally. The money will help to fund the continuing efforts of Nobel Prize-winning researchers to find a cure for cancer and to provide provide programs and services to cancer patients and their caregivers in our community.

Minter was also elated over the large turnout of citizens for Saturday's Relay for Life family outing. The largest crowd ever to attend the event brought DeHart Park to a bustling frenzy of activity that included games and activities for the children, contests to promote cancer awareness and prevention, live entertainment, delicious food, and the close fellowship for which Patrick County has long been noted. Highlights included the opening Survivor's Walk honoring hundreds of cancer survivors in our community, the Womanless Beauty Pageant (won by Bobby Alley who portrayed the lusty "Bubblicious"), the Race for a Cure event featuring race cars constructed from cardboard and serviced by pit crews in an event to promote American Cancer Society's patient transportation services, the live music by local entertainers, and the touching luminary ceremony that focused on the word "HOPE" that was spelled out in lights on the hill overlooking DeHart Park with luminaria purchased by citizens in honor and memory of loved ones.

I commend the many survivors and caregivers who were honored during the event. I would also like to personally thank cancer survivor Mr. Don Sall, who was my special guest at the Relay event. It was an honor for me to bring Mr. Sall to DeHart Park from the Blue Ridge Nursing Center where he is undergoing rehabilitation following the removal of a hip and leg because of bone cancer, allowing him to participate in the survivor's walk from his wheelchair. Thanks too to Clyde Crissman, William Hines, and others who assisted me in taking care of Mr. Sall during his stay at the event and transporting him back to the nursing center.

The $75,000 countywide Relay for Life total includes the sum of more than $13,200 pledged and donated during WHEO's second annual "12 Hours for a Cure II" radio-thon broadcast Friday, May 16th from sunrise to sunset. More than half of the $13,200 plus has already been collected. I would like to urge that WHEO listeners who have not yet turned in the money contributed during Friday's broadcast to quickly honor your pledges so that all of the radio-thon money can be turned in to the American Cancer Society and and put to work in the fight against cancer immediately. The radio-thon total of $13,200 represents close to 10% of the $75,000 raised so far. Checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society and mailed to WHEO, c/o Relay for Life, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171.

The "12 Hours for a Cure II" radio-thon was presented by the WHEO Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in Memory of Sandra Merritt Rogers. An avid Relay for Life supporter as principal of Woolwine Elementary School, my wife Sandra died of cancer in July 2006. Thanks to my co-workers and WHEO teammates for a phenomenal job in running a smooth radio-thon and open house. I know that Sandra was smiling upon our efforts from her Heavenly home.

I would like to personally thank every citizen, business, and community organization that supported our radio-thon through your donations to Relay for Life, prayers, volunteer assistance, donations of food for the radio-thon, and other assistance especially the hard work of Kevin and Paula Polachek who solicited donations and prepared the food served to our hungry guests. The "12 Hours for a Cure II" radio-thon and the WHEO open house accompanying the broadcast drew a massive radio audience and a large crowd of citizens to the radio station for a day of fun, food, fellowship, live entertainment, and the satisfaction of knowing that we were making a difference in the fight against cancer in our community.

Special thanks goes to the appoximately 50 talented local musicians who donated their time and talents to make the radio-thon successful, the many citizens who volunteered their services and assistance in conducting the radio-thon, and especially to the many people who donated the more than $13,200 that far exceeded our expectations given the poor economy, rising prices, and a forthcoming county tax increase. Although I greatly despise buttermilk, I agreed to drink a few sips on the air when we reached and ultimately exceeded our $12,500 goal Friday evening. The temporary bad taste that the buttermilk left in my mouth (along with the desperate frown upon my face) was more than relieved by knowing that it was all for a great cause and part of our community wide efforts to achieve VICTORY in the war on cancer!

The record-setting 2008 Relay for Life campaign in Patrick County was truly a community effort and a perfect example of the amazing feats that we can accomplish when we work together following God's direction. That is a hallmark of our community! You are amazing Patrick County! I sincerely thank each of my fellow Patrick Countians for your support or this worthwhile cause and ask God to bless you richly for your sacrifices!

You have my prayers and...

My love :O),
Richard

Relayers Ready for Radio Marathon

2008-05-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

After several months of preparations, plans are in place for "12 Hours for a Cure II," the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life radio-thon which will be broadcast Friday, May 16th from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 1270 AM-WHEO, "the Heart of Patrick County." I encourage everyone in the our community and surrounding areas to tune in, call in, and drop for a visit during this radio marathon.

On the day of the radio-thon, WHEO will suspend all normal office and radio programming operations to focus on raising funds to help fight cancer in our community. All proceeds will go to Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society's signature fund-raising event, to help fund research for a cure and advances in cancer drugs and treatment, to provide programs and services for cancer patients and caregivers in our community, and to provide programs to educate the public about cancer and the importance of early detection and prevention.

During the 12-hour broadcast from sunrise to sunset, live entertainment by local singers and musicians will be aired. Interwoven with the live local music will be interviews with cancer survivors who serve as an inspiration to other citizens of our community and with local and regional Relay for Life officials.

Last year's inaugural "12 Hours for a Cure" was one of the most successful single-day fund-raising broadcasts in the almost 50 year history of WHEO radio, which over the years has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the United Fund of Patrick County, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and countless other worthy causes. Last year's radio-thon raised approximately $17,400 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This year...despite rising prices and an economy that is showing signs of recession...we are asking the generous citizens of our community to step forward and join the hundreds of Relay for Life volunteers in our community as warriors in the fight against cancer. Please pray for our fund-raising efforts and to give as generously as you feel led to do so. Just remember that everyone is affected by cancer either directly as victims or as loved ones, friends, and neighbors of the many people who are battling cancer. Each dollar donated will represent a step forward in eliminating the deadly scourge that is cancer! In order to make a tax-deductible donation, please call WHEO this Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 694-3114 or 694-3388. May God bless you for your generosity.

I would like to thank the following singers and musicians for donating their time and talents in an effort to support our cause and to make the radio-thon successful. Sincere words of appreciation go to these scheduled live radio performers during the radio-thon: Vernon Harris, the Spirit Seekers, Denny Archer, Bill Banks, Darrell McCumbers, Marcie Horne, Sue Nester, Cecil Hall, Don Smith, the Glory Road Singers, One Accord, Debbie Bennett, DorNel Pratt, Tommy Nichols, Bluegrass Strings of Faith (Waitman Wade's group), Kelly and Ruth Ratcliff and the Singing Directors, Jason Harris, Barry Collins, Charles Bowman, the Shelton Brothers, Lloyd Burge, the Over the Hill Gang (Clarence and Marion Hall, Junior Cassady, J.A. Midkiff, and others), Tina, Herbert, & Catherine Conner, the Wayside Travelers, Denny Alley, Tommy Morse, Amy Fain, Johnny Joyce, Doug Joyce, and others. This is a tentative line-up that is subject to change.

I will also interview, among others, these cancer survivors in our community: Shirley Gough, Larry Brannon, Shelby Turner, Bev and Chuck Larson, Louise Harris, Sue Fulcher, Vernon Harris, Sandra Health, Joni Hunt, Vernon Harris, Garland Cockram, Cecil Hall, and others.

I would also like to personally thank these citizens who have volunteered to work during the radio-thon as telephone operators, food service personnel, parking/shuttle service attendants, safety personnel, or other duties: Madison Stowe, Rev. Jim Churchwell, Kevin and Paula Polachek, American Cancer Society Community Manager Robin Minter, Paul Farrar, Kathy Adams, Bev and Chuck Larson, Linda Harris, Larry Brannon, Brenda Simms, Betty Conner, Kathy Conner, Donna Joyce, Betsy Wilds, Margaret Vernon, Lavergne and Jesse Collins, and others. If you too would like to get involved, please call me at 694-3388 as soon as possible.

Also invited to attend open house at the WHEO studios are all of the citizens of Patrick County and the Town of Stuart, town and county elected public officials, government, civic, and community leaders, pastors, tourists, and EVERYONE in the community. Come one, come all and support Patrick County's fight against cancer! In order to alleviate parking congestion and promote public safety, visitors (except musicians and radio-thon performers) are asked to park at nearby Wayside Community Church and take the shuttle vehicle to and from the radio station. Parking attendants will be on duty at the radio station to assist.

In conjunction with the 12-hour radio-thon, WHEO will hold OPEN HOUSE this Friday, May 16th throughout the day. Everyone in the community is invited to visit our studios at 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, to support our efforts with your presence. Those attending open house will be treated to free food, including sausage biscuits and other breakfast foods, 'hot off the grill' hotdogs, maccaroni salad, potato salad, cole slaw, Paul Farrar's homemade chili, pinto beans, cornbread, a Subway platter, homemade desserts, drinks, water, and coffee, and much more. During the broadcast, we will recognize businesses and individuals who have contributed to the feast that we will serve during open house.

Last year's radio-thon became a spellbinding broadcast that kept thousands of listeners glued to the radio throughout the daylong broadcast and brought out a large crowd to the WHEO open house. This year, we are anticipating an even greater public response to our call for help in the fight against cancer! Won't you join us and assist in this worthy cause. Please tune in, call in, and drop in this Friday, May 16, as WHEO's Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in memory of Sandra Merritt Rogers presents "12 Hours for a Cure II." Again, I ask that you please pray for the event and support it as you are able and directed by God. Help Relay for Life volunteers in our community to "Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back"....celebrate the victory over cancer by the cancer survivors of our community, remember those who have died of cancer, and fight back for the multitude of people in our community to are now battlling cancer. There is too much at stake not to get involved in the search for a cancer free tomorrow! I know that the people of Patrick County...who are undoubtedly the most generous and caring people on Earth...will not let us down! Thank you Patrick County in advance for your overwhelming support!

May God bless us with a "great day" on Friday, May 16th!

Love :O)
Richard

Prayers Answered!

2008-05-02T17:44:00.001-07:00

Thanks for your prayers this week for my mother, Mrs. Willie Mae Ray, who returned home Friday, May 2nd, after undergoing successful knee replacement surgery 3 days earlier at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. "It's good to be home," she said relaxing in her favorite recliner in the living room of her home located south of Stuart near the Virginia-North Carolina state line. On behalf of our family, I can tell you that it is great to have her home!

The surgery to replace her right knee went remarkably well, and, despite the intense pain associated with this procedure, she has been praised by her therapists for responding so well to her intensive therapy sessions. Mom is proud of the certificate of commendation she earned for her outstanding performance during the twice per day therapy sessions at the hospital. She will now continue to receive in-home therapy by home health professionals as she continues the arduous rehabilitation process. Her recovery will take about three months.

Our family members are pulling together to care for mom during her recovery period at home. I would like to thank my sisters Beverly, Kathy, and Judy for all that they are doing for her and my stepfather, Spot Ray. I am trying to do what I can as well. Thanks to the many citizens of our community who are praying for my mom's complete recovery. Your prayers are being answered!

My mother has been expecially blessed to have a wonderful doctor that conducted the surgery and a competent medical team that has provided excellent medical care. She praised her doctor, noting that he prayed with her before the surgery and told her upon her departure from the hospital, "God bless you." That sort of open Christian witness is hard to find in this age of political correctness and declining moral values, it seems to me. I commend Dr. David Pollock, my mother's surgeon, for reflecting his Christian faith in his professional as well as his personal life. We can all learn a valuable lesson from Dr. Pollock's example. After all, simply put, our mission as Christians is to seize every opportunity to practice discipleship. Despite our humanly shortcomings, we should all strive to witness for Jesus in all areas of our lives, including the workplace.

If you would like to send my mom a get well card, the address is: Willie Mae Ray, 603 Salem Highway, Stuart, VA 24171. Thanks again for your prayers. Welcome home, mom!

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

Love always :O),
Richard

Prayer Request

2008-04-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

My mother, Mrs. Willie Mae Ray, will undergo knee replacement surgery at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem on Tuesday, Apr. 29th. She is widely loved and respected throughout the community. Hardly a day goes by that someone that I meet doesn't tell me what a sweet lady she is and how much they adore her. Of course, I've know that for more than a few years! Please keep my mother in your prayers.

Mom has been hobbling around on this bum knee for ages it seems, reluctant to go ahead and get it replaced. Various treatment measures over the years have yielded only short-term relief at best. So, with the family's encouragement, mom has finally decided to go ahead with the surgery. She tells me that she is looking forward to getting it all behind her. Please pray that God will see her, her husband, Spot, and the family safely and successfully through this procedure and the rehabilitation period that lies ahead. I hope this operation brings mom renewed mobility without the pain she has so often endured. She loves to work in her yard and flower garden and to travel (taking many bus tours to various places) during her retirement. I will keep you posted on her progress on "The Great Day in the Morning Show"! I might even call her and talk with her on the air one morning following the surgery. Thanks so much for your prayers for her well-being.

Love you, mom!

YOU too! :O)

Richard

Easter Brothers Honored

2008-04-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

It was great to see Mr. Ed Easter and his brothers James and Russell Saturday night at the 2nd annual "Singing for a Cure," an event organized by Vernon and Linda Harris to raise money for their American Cancer Society Relay for Life team, the Hilltop Hustlers for a Cure. This year, Vernon decided to use the singing to honor Ed Easter, who is now undergoing treatments for cancer. Mr. Easter, accompanied by his wife Anne and a son, accepted Vernon's invitation to attend the benefit singing at the Virginia Motorsports Museum auditorium in Stuart and came briefly on stage to thank everyone for their support. James and Russell Easter also came to show their support for their brother.

During the singing, Vernon recounted to the audience how as a youngster his first exposure to music came when his parents took him to performances by the Lewis Family and the Easter Brothers. These two legendary music families are connected through the marriage of Jeff and Sherri Easter. Jeff is the son of James Easter and Sherri's mother is a member of the Lewis family. Both Vernon and guest singer Debbie Bennett told of the positive influence that the Easter Brothers have had on their music ministries and many other gospel music artists around the country.

Personally, it was an honor be in the company of the Easter Brothers, which I have long respected for their dedication to serving God through the music that has touched many hearts and changed lives for Christ through the years. I am also honored that Ed and his brothers enjoy listening to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" on WHEO. Please remember my faithful listener, Mr. Ed Easter, in your prayers as he battles cancer.

If you would like to assist Mr. Easter in meeting the many medical expenses that come with cancer treatments, please consider purchasing your copy of the DVD/CD "We Are Family," a concert featuring the Easter Brothers, the Lewis Family, and Jeff and Sherri Easter that was recorded in Mt. Airy, NC. The package DVD/CD package costs $25 and is available for purchase at the WHEO business office and studios at 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart. All proceeds from the sale of this video/audio package will go to help defray Ed Easter's medical expenses.

You can also help Mr. Easter and others who are battling cancer by "fighting back"... by getting involved in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Patrick County. Please consider joining an existing team, forming a new one, or supporting the fund-raising activities of the approximately 30 current Patrick County teams of volunteer Relayers. Please stay tuned to WHEO for information about the individual Relay team's fund-raising events and support these functions with your presence and your donations.

I wish that more people could have been on hand to greet the Easter Brothers Saturday night. Because of the rainy weather Saturday night and a daylong series of other events, only a little over 50 people attended the singing that featured Vernon and his younger brother Jason Harris with musicians Gale Shockley, Barry Collins, and Tommy Morse; Debbie Bennett; and Upland Express and was emceed by yours truly. Because of the relatively light turnout, only about $300 was raised but as Vernon noted, every cent donated to the fight against cancer is much appreciated and brings us closer to a cure, better treatments, more public education on the importance of cancer prevention and early detection, and programs and services for local cancer patients, their families, and their caregivers.

The most importat way to support the Relay for Life teams in Patrick County as they attempt to raise $52,000 in the next month is to pray for the volunteers and ask God to bless their efforts and to provide for those who suffer from this awful disease.

The biggest fund-raiser of the Relay for Life campaign will come on Friday, May 16th when the WHEO Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in memory of Sandra Rogers will present "Twelve Hours for a Cure II." Last year's radio-thon raised an astounding total of almost $17,500. The 2nd annual Relay for Life radio-thon will feature live entertainment by some 50 or more local singers and musicians, interviews and touching stories of cancer survivors and caregivers, public information from the American Cancer Society on prevention and early detection of cancer, interviews with local Relay for Life Committee and ACS officials, a WHEO radio public "open house" throughout the day, free refreshments, and a day of great fellowship that held the listening public spellbound from sunrise to sunset last year. Thank you in advance for your support of "Twelve Hours for a Cure II" on Fri., May 16 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or, if like last year, even longer. To pledge your support in the local battle against cancer, just call 694-3114 or 694-3388 and make a donation during the radio-thon. Until next time, I leave you with my love :O) and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great" day and a cancer FREE life!

Kilowatt for a Cure,
+Richard

What to Do this Weekend?

2008-04-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

The old addage that "there is nothing to do in Patrick County" could not be further from the truth this weekend. With somewhat of a threat of showers and thunderstorms hanging over the proceedings, a whole host of activities are scheduled for this springtime weekend here in "God's Country." I hope that you will attend as many of these events as possible and support the various worthy causes that will benefit from these community functions. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

What to do this weekend, Apr. 19-20th? Here are the some options (this by the way is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, just what I heard about): Stuart Rotary Club's annual Blue Ridge Mountains Car Show, Saturday, Apr. 19, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Patrick County High School Parking Lot...Family Fun Day to Honor the Children of Patrick County, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Rotary Field, Stuart (Disney characters, parade, games, food Black Hawk helicopter landing, dunkin' booth, family fun, and more)...2nd annual Singng for a Cure, sponsored by the Hilltop Hustlers Relay for Life Team, Saturday at 6 p.m. at Virginia Motorsports Museum (Vernon and Jason Harris & Friends, Debbie Bennett, and Upland Express)..."Angels on Wheels," Patrick County Public Schools Transportation Department Relay for Life team Flea Market/Bake Sale fundraiser Saturday from 8 a.m. until at the large picnic shelter at DeHart Park, Stuart..."High Point for Hope" Car Wash/Bake Sale, High Point Baptist Church Relay for Life team fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Rite Aid, Stuart...Weiner Roast and Southern Prophets music at 5 p.m. Saturday at Concord United Methodist Church Picnic Shelter (rain or shine---free, no donations just enjoy)...Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department Inside Yard Sale, Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Bingo, Saturday evening at 7 (snacks and drinks available, 50/50 drawing)...Patrick County High School Band Boosters $10,000 Giveway and banquet at the at Patrick County High School cafeteria...wwwwhhhheeeeewwwwww! Are you tired yet? Well, we won't be able to support everything but can never again be said that "there is nothing to do in Patrick County." Hopefully, we have laid that myth to rest forever.

Whatever you do this weekend, spend some quality time with your loved ones and let them know how much they are appreciated, be careful, don't drink and drive, and know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please attend the church of your choice Sunday if you are able. Until next time, I leave you with my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great" weekend! :O)

On the go...
Richard

Remember the 32

2008-04-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

One year ago on April 16, 2007, I listened in horror and near disbelief to breaking news reports as the death toll kept mounting until a total of 32 people had tragically lost their lives and scores of others were injured in the worst massacre in United States history. It might have been somewhat believable if it had happened on a university campus far across the country or at an institution of higher learning elsewhere in the world. But incredibly it was happening virtually in our own back yard...and, or all places, at my alma mater, the university to which I devoted 4 years of my life and a part of my very soul. The national tragedy was happening at the university in which I take great pride as an alumnus. It was happening at VIRGINIA TECH!

As unbelievable as this horrific event was to digest, even more incredible was the courage, grace, and poise with which the Virginia Tech community valiantly responded to the tragic turn of events. As I reflect back on the tragedy one year later, I am amazed at the strength and resilience of those whose lives were directly touched and changed forever by this day that changed the world. It is this "Hokie Spirit" that emerged from the tragedy and impressed the world that makes me especially proud to be among the 200,000 Virginia Tech alumni spread across the globe.

Since the tragedy, expressons of support have flowed in from loyal alumni and friends around the world. Over $9.5 million in memorial gifts have been generously donated. The Dave Matthews Band and the New York Yankees have made special appearances. The Virginia Tech Alumni Association says that "perhaps the most recent signal of Hokie spirit is the acceptance rate by students who have been offered admission to the university this coming fall...already hundreds ahead of last fall, which was itself a record-breaking year. This past year has certainly been a year of renewal for all associated with the university.

Today, no matter where your collegiate allegiance lies, be filled with the wave of "Hokie Spirit" and sense of unity that has emerged from this unspeakably tragic taking of promising lives and shattering of human dreams. Please remember in your prayers the families who lost loved ones as they reassemble the shattered pieces of their lives. In tribute to the 32 who lost their lives and dreams that April day in Blacksburg, VA, let's all rededicate ourselves to serving others unselfishly and, in our own small ways, to making this world a better place in which to live and love one another :O)!

A proud "Hokie,"
Richard

"Madison's Moments" To Remember!

2008-04-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

:O)"The Great Day in the Morning Show"...hosted by yours truly weekdays from 6-10 a.m...has long been noted for featuring many citizens of the community who are heard daily through on-air interviews, telephone call-ins, and feature programs. I am honored to proudly welcome little MADISON STOWE of Stuart as my show's newest and youngest air personality! Madison will be featured each Monday through Friday morning at 7:15 a.m. in a series of daily devotional features titled "Madison's Moments". Each morning, Madison will share with our listeners a BIBLE verse followed by her personal thoughts on Christian life from a child's perspective. Welcome Madison!!!

Madison is the 6-year-old daughter of Shannon and Jeryl Stowe of Stuart. She has a 2-year-old sister named Kaitlyn. Her grandparents are Diana Overby of Walnut Cove, N.C., and Jimmy and Othelia Stowe of Stuart. Madison attends Trinity Christian School in Claudville where she is an excellent student who loves to study the Bible and memorize her favorite passages of scripture. Madison is also highly involved in after-school activities. An outstanding basketball player, for example, Madison, serves as co-captain of her youth basketball team. She scored the game- winning basket in her team's recent concluding game of the season. Madison also enjoys the dancing arts and has earned a perfect attendance record at Stafford's Music and Center for the Arts in Stuart. She and other talented students performed beautifully during their recent dance recital at the Historic Star Theater. A very insightful child with a wonderful personality, Madison is full of faith and is eager to share the Word of God through her daily radio ministry. I know that "Madison's Moments" will provide a great "enhancement" to this radio show that has long been a labor of love for me, a passion, and an integral part of my life. In presenting "Madison's Moments", I welcome the opportunity to see God through the eyes of a child. Children are perfect examples of honesty, trust, and faith that we as older folks would do well to follow, especially as we seek to grow as Christians. We can all learn alot from a child! So let's pay attention to Madison!

Madison Stowe joins Bev Larson as the second gifted citizen of our community that I have given the opportunity this year to present radio features that offer inspiration and encouragement each morning to the many faithful listeners who tune in to "The Great Day in the Morning Show". I hope to involve others in the future. Bev's daily radio feature called "Heartwarmers" has proven to be highly popular and successful, and I am sure that "Madison's Moments" will be just as appealing to listeners across the demographic spectrum from the young to the young at heart! "Madison's Moments" will offer the perfect compliment to Bev Larson's Heartwarmers" (7:20 a.m.) which will then be followed by another highly popular daily radio feature, Rev. Jim Churchwell's "Good Morning Devotions" at about 7:25 a.m. I am most thankful for the opportunity to present these three very inspiring, locally-produced radio features to YOU, my beloved listeners, within a 15-minute segment that I fondly refer to as the "Quarter Hour of Inspiration" and the "fastest 15 minutes in radio"! Indeed, the purpose of this show is to accurately inform and to provide uplifting programming and encouragement to help our radio friends and family members to get off to a positive start in the morning. These radio features are certainly in sync with that objective.

I would like to thank Madison for being a part of my radio show, and to express my gratitude to the Stowe family for sharing their beloved child with our radio audience. I look forward to working with Madison and her family in promoting her positive development as a child and a young Christian. As she progresses, I am sure that you will see, as I have already seen in just one recording session, Madison's personality shine through on the radio, brightening all our lives! I am grateful to a part of this remarkable undertaking as Madison launches a little radio ministry that will be a BIG blessing and a real inspiration to us all. As Madison shares the Word of God in her radio series "Madison's Moments", I know that God will work through her to bless and inspire us all with many precious "Moments to Remember"!

Please listen each Monday through Friday morning at about 7:15 on 1270 AM--WHEO, The Heart of Patrick County...and give Madison and her family your encouragement and support. Until next time may God bless you with a "great day"!

Your loving friend,
Richard

~:O)+

A Time for Rebirth, Renewal!

2008-03-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hi my friend, neighbors, and faithful listeners :0),

Sorry that I haven't updated my blog lately but, following a long bout with illness this winter, I am just getting back into the swing of things as spring in all its youthful splendor blossoms into its beautiful fullness as the season of rebirth and renewal. That's what I feel is happening in my personal life as spring renews my spirit and inspires me to live my life to its fullest.

As the host of "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for the past 10 years, I have been absorbed to a great degree in my work and community activities often neglecting to take care of myself and to get the proper rest. However, I have been inspired this spring to make some positive lifestyle changes that will hopefully make me a happier, healthier, and more well-rounded and likeable person. I have been working out for the past month and trying to watch my diet, although I must say I still splurge occasionally, well, o.k., I admit it, often. I have also at least started to make an attempt to get more rest, one of the most important and most often neglected keys to healthier living.

As part of my quest for overall self-improvement, I am focusing added attention on developing new personal friendships and relationships and renewing some longstanding ones. After all, among the most important parts of our physical and emotional well-being are the people who grace our lives. Our loved ones and friends bring true happiness and joy to our lives, and we should strive to show them our love and appreciation and to avoid taking them for granted. Although I struggle daily as a naturally sinful human being, I realize that it is most important to work to develop one's spiritual self as well as your physical and emotional well-being, placing only God above others and self (in that order). I have a long way to go in the spiritual realm of my life, but I continue, feebly at times, it seems, as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:14, to "press toward the mark."

As a result of these efforts at personal self-improvement, I feel much better about myself, and I have developed a renewed desire to get the most out of every moment of this precious blessing of life. Simply put, I strive to be a +positive person+! Please keep me in your prayers as I try to personally follow Spring's example of rebirth and renewal in my own life. I pray that you too are feeling spring's youthful influence in a positive way in your life and that you too will experience the renewal of the spring...carried forth season after season....

Love,
~+Richard :0)

A Personal "Thank You"

2008-03-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

As I recuperate from a bout with an upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, and a generally "run down" body and prepare to return to work, I want to take this opportunity to personally thank you all for your concerns about my health and well-being. Since I have been out of work, I have received many cards, emails, phone calls, gifts, food, and other acts of thoughtfulness and genuine kindness. Most meaningful of all have been the many prayers that have been directed to Heaven on my behalf. My humble words can not express how much I deeply appreciate all of these expressions of love and support. May God bless each of you richly for your priceless care in my time of illness and need.

Although I am still weak and short of being back up to full strength, I have gotten some badly needed rest in recent days, physical and mental. I have also decided, at the urging of many of you, to take better care of myself in the future. In addition to getting a little bit more daily rest, I am watching my diet more carefully trying to eat healthier foods and to do so in moderation, drinking more water, and exercising regularly. I am working out every other day (3-4 times a week) in the public exercise room at the Patrick County Community Center at DeHart Park in Stuart. This facility offers an amazing array of exercise equipment free of charge to the citizens of our community. Lockers and shower facilities are also available. I would like to call your attention to this valuable community resource and urge everyone who is able to do so to use it. I have renewed some old friendships and made some new ones interacting with the many people who use these first-class facilities regularly. I am determined to stick to this program motivated by the fact I am building a stronger, healthier, and more attractive body (miracles are possible, you know)! Taking care of one's body also helps to build self-confidence and self-esteem. Maybe I'll see you in the exercise room. Attitude is everything so I am going to try to think positively as I allow God to take greater control of my life. The Lord knows that I stumble and fall when I try to take charge. Please keep me in your prayers and I'll be praying for you, my fellow citizens, listeners, neighbors, friends, and loved ones.

I have truly missed my faithful listeners during this illness, and I look forward to returning to the air during this week leading up to Easter. Let's all be reminded this Easter season of the rebirth that we as sinners experience by simple faith in Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life that Christians can freely enjoy as we share in our Savior's Resurrection and Christ's victory over death and the ultimate triumph of good over evil! So be joyful this Easter and always, and...

Be blessed,
Richard

Skilled Care Crisis Unites County!

2008-03-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Although it had been rumored for weeks, last week's breaking news that the private owners of the R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital are seeking to sell the hospital's 25 skilled care nursing beds to Chatham Rehabilitation Center at a gain of over $1.8-million set off a large scale public protest by irate Patrick County citizens, taxpayers, and government officials. The plan to close the local hospital's skilled care unit was met with a thundering public outcry that probably hasn't reverberated through these scenic hills since the natural gas pipeline issue several years ago. Having debated such divisive issues as the Patrick Springs Water and Sewer Project, the new county jail and courthouse, and the school renovation plan in recent months, this is one critical issue that has apparently united our county in a concerted effort to save the hospital, one of our community's most valuable resources.

A representative of the R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital is scheduled to appear before the Patrick County Board of Supervisors to discuss the issue on Monday, Mar. 10, 2008, at a public meeting that will begin at 6 p.m. in the Patrick County Veteran's Memorial Building. I urge all concerned citizens in the county who can do so to attend to get the facts about this issue and to show your opposition to what appears to be a very irresponsible move and one that could doom the hospital and further devastate an economy already crippled by heavy job losses resulting from the collapse of furniture and textile industries. If possible, I also urge concerned citizens to attend the Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2008, 1 p.m. public hearing on the relocation of the 25 skilled nursing beds at the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department.

I commend the Patrick County Board of Supervisors for its prompt response to this crisis when it authorized the drafting of a letter in opposition to the sale of the 25 skilled nursing home beds by the hospital and strongly recommending the Health Planning Agency of Southwest Virginia , Inc. and the Health Commissioner disapprove the proposed sale. The letter signed by board chairman Jonathan Large and county administrator Craig Teller, states that the sale would create a shortage of skilled nursing home beds in the county that would require patients to compete for nursing home beds in distant localities, forcing their families to travel great distances, and having both economic and quality of life impacts on Patrick County families. In addition to the impact on health care in Patrick County, the proposed sale would have a significant adverse economic impact. "Our Patrick County government is strongly united in its opposition to this proposed sale," the letter states. Let's hope that state and regional regulatory authorities heed this strongly-worded message.

Also to be commended are groups and citizens such as Scott Eutsler who have spearheaded a petition drive to protest the relocation of the 25 skilled care beds at the local hospital that are now "fully utilized." I urge concerned citizens throughout the county to make your opposition to this proposal known by signing one of these petitions which are available at WHEO's Wayside Rd., Stuart offices, Wanda's Jewelry in Stuart, E-Z Stop in Dry Pond, Ararat Grocery, Crossroads Store on Rt. 103, and other businesses. I was happy to sign my name to one of these documents.

I have invited Bob Blake, the new interim CEO of the hospital and his management team, to appear as my guests on my Fri., Mar. 14, 2008, "Communty Conversation" show, and I am still awaiting a firm reply. Mr. Blake, who spoke to the Stuart Rotary Club last Monday night, appears to be a very competent community-oriented administrator who has the expertise to turn the local hospital around. But there are widespread questions in the commuity as to whether the hospital's owners have the hospital's and the community's best interests at heart. We need answers to our questons about their intentions and plans for this hospital.

While the hospital is privately owned, it is important to remember that the citizens of this county have a great stake and an investment in the hospital that they can ill affort to lose. When this rural hospital was founded 46 years ago, it is my understanding that many citizens in our community donated a significant portion of their hard-earned dollars through payroll deductions at work so that this outstanding heal care facility could become a reality. Patrick County needs its hospital! It is an absolute must that we maintain this local health care resource and restore its fianancial viability. Let's make sure that this message is heard loudly and clearly!

Personal note: As I update this blogg on Sunday afternoon, Mar. 9th at 3:30 p.m., I am suffering from a severe case of laryngitis and probably will be unable to do my 6-10 a.m. air shift on "The Great Day in the Morning Show" tomorrow, Mon., Mar. 11th and possibly beyond into next week. I plan to go back to the doctor Monday to see if I can get some sort of relief from a general flu-cold-sinus type condition that has plagued me and countless others in our community for most of this year. Please pray for me that my voice and my health will be restored and that I will be able to return to work soon. Above all, please pray for the many other citizens in our community who are so much more worse off than me in terms of illness, disease, and personal problems. God bless Patrick County!

Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day."

Your radio friend and community supporter,
Richard

Welcome to New Hospital Management Team!

2008-03-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

I would like to personally welcome Mr. Bob Blake, the new interim CEO of the R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hosptial to Patrick County. Blake is part of a team of four new management officials who have begun the task of correcting the problems that have long plagued our hospital. The quartet has combined experience of 100 years in the health care industry.

Mr. Blake visited the Stuart Rotary Club regular meeting Monday evening to introduce himself and to inform the public about plans that are now underway to restore the hospital's financial viability. Mr. Blake...who described himself as the "cheerleader" for the local hospital and the community...comes with an impressive resume in his 23 year career in the health care industry. After listening to Mr. Blake's presentation, many of the attentive Rotarians felt a sense of relief that the hospital is now in the hands of highly competent people who have the 46-year-old hospital's and our commuity's best interests at heart.

"It's got to prosper, it can't just survive," Blake told the Rotarians. He said the answer to restoring the hospital to black ink and profitability is to recruit surgeons who would come here to perform outpatient surgeries at the hospital, suregons that everyone would want to go to." "We have to do outpatient surgery," Blake said. In patients services are important to the hospital's future too, he added.

He said the goal is to create a "positive force" in the hospital and to rebuild its image in the community.

Blake said that logically the hospital's billing, now outsourced to a company in Alabama, should be brought back to the local hospital but not before problems associated with the billing procedures are corrected.

Blake praised the hospital's department heads and said he thinks the hospital staff is quite competent to provide continued high quality medical care for which the hospital has long been noted.

Blake said the hospital is not far from the break even point now, noting that much hard word lies ahead. He warned, however, "we all have our hand on the bomb. All of us have to work together to difuse the bomb," he confidently added.

A proposal to hold a public hearing in Pittsylvania County on the proposed transfer of the hospital's skilled care beds is uncertain at this time, Blake said.

Blake said an advisory committe of citizens in the community will be formed to offer input in the effort to rescue the hospital. Blake said he will remain as interim CEO until the job is done. "I work for the community, the doctors, etc.," said Blake.

In an effort to keep the community informed, Blake and his management team have consented to appear in a live interview on WHEO's "Community Conversation" tentatively scheduled for late next week. Stay tuned for details on "The Great Day in the Morning Show."

Let's keep the new interim management team in our prayers as they endeavor to reinvigorate a community resource that we can not afford to do without, the R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital.

Teaching Life's Lessons on the Baseball Diamond

2008-02-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

The great American game of baseball has certainly been tainted by the steroid scandal this past winter, but, as spring training approaches and a new season looms on the horizon, die-hard baseball fans like me tend to forget the game's negatives (the cheating, exorbitant salaries, an influx of foreign players, etc.) as the warmth of spring and summer rekindles our passion for this game that many of us grew up playing in backyards, playgrounds, and cowpastures. Despite the game's many problems and its apparent decline in popularity relative to professional and college football, collegiate basketball, NASCAR auto racing, and perhaps other sports, there is something about baseball that is truly special. Like ballpark hotdogs and mom's apple pie, it is part of the fabric of American life and a sport that is still to be revered as our National Pastime, in my humble opinion.

Baseball has always been a strong and popular sport in Patrick County, which has become noted for its outstanding youth baseball program over the years. We are quickly gaining respect in football, basketball, soccer, and other school sports here, but Patrick County has always excelled in baseball. This athletic reality stems from the fact that the baseball progam has been developed in our county from the ground up. We have an outstanding recreational program that allows youngsters to play baseball (and related games) at an early age and to develop sound fundamentals taught by first-rate coaches, parents, and citizens who are highly involved in the positive physical, mental, and spiritual development of our children.

One great example of the stellar baseball program that exists in Patrick County is the Virginia Tribe, the traveling Triple A baseball team for 14 year olds in our community. This team is comprised of many talented young Patrick County baseball players who have been playing together for much of their young lives. In fact, assistant coach Michael Hall, said some of the current members of this team have played together for 6 years. He added that six Virginia Tribe teammates had the unforgettable experience of playing together as a team that went to the Dixie Youth World Series several years ago. Members of the Virginia Tribe have developed such a close relationship over their years playing together that they consider themselves "brothers." In fact, Hall said team members often wear t-shirts stating that they are "Tribal Brothers."

These years of playing together as a team has certainly paid off. Hall said the Virginia Tribe is ranked #1 among 14-year-old Triple A teams in Virginia and #11 in the United States of America in its category. The team travels around the region participating in tournaments in North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and other states. The Tribe will begin the 2008 season on Mar. 15th when it competes in a tournament in Greensboro, NC. Last fall, the team compiled a 20-5 record, winning tournament after tournament. The coaching staff includes assistants Michael Hall and Don Durham and head coach David Ratliff. These outstanding achievements are remarkable accomplishments in which our whole community can take great pride and draw inspiration.

The baseball program (and other youth sports programs, for that matter) in Patrick County are about much more than just athletics. Virginia Tribe assistant coach Michael Hall noted that many valuable lessons are taught on the baseball diamond. "Many life lessons are learned on the baseball field," said Hall. These include teamwork, sportsmanship, fair play, integrity, responsibility, and countless other lessons that will benefit these young ball players for a lifetime in all walks of life.

I commend the Virginia Tribe and its players, coaches, fans, and community supporters, individual and corporate. I urge our community to rally around the team as it begins what should be another championship season. As young ambassadors for our county, members of this team have generated great community pride and inspired Patrick Countians with many uplifting moments over their years of playing baseball and learning the lessons of life together.

Play ball!
Richard

A 95-Years-Young Community Treasure!

2008-02-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

One of Patrick County's most beloved citizens, Mrs. G.I. McGhee, was honored by the Patrick Springs community and citizens throughout Patrick and surrounding counties on her 95th birthday, Saturday, February 16th. The guest of honor at a gala birthday celebration, Ms. Etta McGhee, smiling and full of life, greeted hundreds of friends, admirers, and family members during a reception in the new Ministry Center at her beloved Patrick Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church Saturday afternoon. Earlier in the day, she had received a buttered nose from owner Denny Alley during a family birthday breakfast at the Coffee Break Cafe in Stuart.

Ms. McGhee received a tablefull of gifts and cards from citizens who enjoyed family fellowship, food, birthday cake, and a video highlighting some of Ms. McGhee's memorable moments as they joined in celebrating her remarkable life. On display in the spacious new Ministry Center were many of the handmade quilts that Ms. McGhee to which she has devoted countless hours and her enormous talents. I was proud to be among the many folks who honored Mrs. McGhee on this very special occasion.

Ms. McGhee joined Patrick Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church when it was founded in an old garage in 1943. Today, it is one of the largest churches in Patrick County having recently dedicated a new multi-purpose Ministry Center. Ms. McGhee and Ms. Ruth Martin are the only two surviving charter members of the church. Her husband, the late G.I. McGhee, and her brother Elmo Hopkins, served as the first pastors of the church of which she is so proud.

Ms. McGhee brought up her 7 children in the church. "That's the first place I carried them was to church, and they didn't know anything but to go to church," she said of her children during a recent interview. Ms. McGhee's 7 children are (from oldest to youngest): Gerald, Pearlie, Elaine, Naomi, Nadine, David, and Tommy. David and Tommy McGhee, the two youngest, both followed in their father's footsteps and became ministers. Bishop Tommy McGhee serves as the conference superintendent of the church.

Ms. McGhee is truly proud of her family, her church, and her community. "There's no place any better than Patrick Springs," she said.

At 95, Ms. McGhee still leads a relatively active life and is full of playful humor and good cheer. In fact, she recently renewed her driver's license for another 5 years. Happy motoring well into your 100s, my dear lady!

What is her secret to her long long life? "Just keep going. Keep going, keeps you going," Ms. McGhee told me in our interview. I wish her many more happy and productive years of life. Ms. G.I. (Etta) McGhee is truly an inspiration to her family, friends, church, community, and to the many near and far who have come to know and to love her dearly. I am among her many admirers. Happy 95th birthday to my friend, Ms. Etta McGhee, and many happy returns of that blessed day. God bless this dear lady and community treasure!

I celebrated my 57th birthday the day before Ms. McGhee's birthday. It was one of the happiest I've ever had thanks to my radio listeners who called in on my show to wish me a happy birthday and sent cards and gifts of all sorts. During my birthday show (along with my frequent radio co-host Vernon Harris) on Fri., Feb. 15th, I received a beautiful birthday cake from my friend Faye Staples, a tasty heart-shaped cake from Amy Fain and her mother Ann Burnette, a half of a beehive cake from Wanda Ayers Slate of Wanda's Jewelry, as well as sweet treats from my friends Cheryl Gunter and Phyllis Eastridge. Thanks to these and to many others for your birthday cards and your many kind words and deeds as I began a new year in my life. Please pray that God will continue to bless me with the opportunity to serve these beloved listeners, our caring citizens, and this wonderful county that we affectionately call "God's Country" on WHEO for many years to come. Thanks again for your kindness; I love you Patrick County!

Still "cuttin' the mustard",
You friend, Richard

God Bless Brandon

2008-02-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

The story of little Brandon Dillon...the 6-year-old Stuart boy who is courageously battling an acute form of leukemia...has captured the hearts of citizens in our community in recent months. Our continued prayers are especially needed now as Brandon battles for his life at Brenner's Children's Hospital at Wake Forest University Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Here is an update on Brandon's condition based on an email from Stuart Elementary School teacher Taryn Scruggs that was forwarded to me by Kathy Conner on Friday afternoon, Feb. 8, 2008. According to the email, Ms. Scruggs had just talked to Brandon's mother, Tammy Dillon, who also has a less severe form of leukemia, prior to sending the 1:48 p.m. email. Ms. Scruggs said that Brandon's blood counts are too low right now for doctors to continue chemotherapy treatments. Since Brandon is behind on his treatments, there is an immediate "pressing need" to stabilize his blood, so that chemo can resume. Ms. Scruggs email added "The doctor said the bone marrow transplant was his only/last hope, and it can't be done until the cells are burned out through chemo." Brandon is on morphine for the intense pain resulting from his condition. Brandon is scheduled for another treatment on Tuesday if his blood counts are up. Let's pray that God will strengthen Brandon and work through him to accomplish his Divine will.

Brandon is in need of a bone marrow transplant that doctors hope will prolong his life. Brandon's 8-year-old sister Tiffany is the potential donor for the transplant. According to Ms. Scrugg's email Tiffany has a video and book about her prt in the transplant process, and is well informed on what is going on.

Brandon is one of three children with cancer or rare disease who are being served by a new faith-based, non-profit organization known as "Faith for the Miracle." This group, founded by Tammy Bowman and Jane McAlexander, is planning several upcoming fund-raisers to assist and support these children and their families. Please help to support this organization in its fund-raising endeavors, the first of which will be held Sat., March 1, 2008, at Rotary Field in Stuart. Musicians and singers Bill Banks, Sue Nester, and Tina and Herbert Conner are spearheading the effort to organize this benefit that will run from 1-5 p.m. with food, fellowship, and live gospel music. I strongly urge everyone to attend this event which will be an "old fashioned gospel singing with dinner on the grounds." Those attending are invited to bring a covered dish and some drinks to cut costs so that all of the money raised can go to help Brandon and his mother.

The other two children who will benefit from this worthy cause are 3-year-old Samantha Mota, daughter of Amanda Adkins of Stuart, who is recovering from surgery to remove one of her eyes that was lost to cancer. I was honored to have the opportunity to speak with this sweet little girl and her mother on my radio show last week. Samantha is doing well as she awaits the prosthetic eye that she will receive later this month at Duke Medical Center. The third child identified for support by this organization through this and other fund-raisers is Thomas Smith, the 8-month-old son of Anthony Smith and Dawn Barnard of Meadows of Dan. Thomas suffers from Hirschsprungs Disease, a chronic disorder of the digestive system. This child was born without nerve cells in the intestinal area that would normally send messages to the brain to move digested food/waste material throught he bowel system. As a result, Thomas can't dispose of bodily wastes like a normal person. Thomas is a candidate for a transplant that will be conducted in Cincinnati, Ohio, when he is 1 1/2 years old to surgically restore his digestive system. He has had 6 surgeries already and has spent most of his 8 months of life at Brenner's Children's Hospital. The transplant is said to be crucial to his survival. Please help support these children and their families in their time of need. Most of all join us as we build a "Wall of Prayer" around them through our personal petitions and prayers to the Lord God Almighty, the Great Physician.

If you would like to offer your support for these families and the work of the "Faith for the Miracle" organization or for more information, please call Brad and Tammy Bowman at 276-694-3886 or Jane McAlexander at 276-694-7842. You may also contact Faith Image Evangelistic Ministries online at faithimage@hotmail.com.

Jane McAlexander told me in a recent radio interview that since Brandon Dillon will probably not be able to realize his dream of a trip to Disney World, plans are in the works to bring Disney World to him and other children in our community on Apr. 19, 2008. Details of that event will be announced later. Please listen to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for updates on these children and other citizens of our community who are in need of prayer. If you would like to add a name to my radio prayer list, please click on the comment section of this blog, call me at the radio station or at home, email me at rrogers@sitestar.net, fax me at 276-694-2241, or contact me in person. I want to use my radio show as a ministry for Christ and to help citizens in need in our community. Please help me. Listen too for details about future benefits and fundraisers to assist those in need and to offer the unequaled and incredible community support that the woulderful citizens of Patrick County are always so willing to lovingly provide as they have demonstrated many times through their responses to calls for help and their acts of kindness and generous monetary donations for countless worthwhile causes in our community.

My personal passion is to work today for a cancer-free tomorrow. I am an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Relay for Life in memory of my late wife and "Sweetie" Sandra Merritt Rogers, who died of cancer in July 2006. I urge you to join me and hundreds of other volunteers in the community who are working to raise funds for research to find a cure for cancer and to serve cancer patients and their caregivers in our community with many helpful and timely ACS programs. Many individuals, clubs, churches, businesses, civic groups, and other organizations are already involved in supporting the mission of Relay for Life. I plead with others in our community to get involved on behalf of those loved ones, friends, and neighbors in your life who now are battling cancer or in memory of loved ones who have succumbed to cancer but whose deaths were not in vain. It is time to Celebrate...Remember...and Fight Back! Let's "Celebrate" the victory over cancer by the many survivors in our community who inspire us to action. Let's "Remember" those who have lost the battle to cancer but whose courage and determination continue to serve as an example to us all. Let's "Fight Back" for Brandon, Samantha, Thomas, and the multitude of others in our community who are battling cancer and need our encouragement and support.

For more inforamtion on how you can get involved in supporting the mission of Relay for Life in our community call me at 276-694-3114 or call the American Cancer Society's toll free line at 1-800-ACS-2345. Listen to my radio show for details on upcoming Relay for Life fundraisers including the annual "12 Hours for a Cure" Radio-thon on WHEO on Fri., May 16, 2008, and the Relay for Life Family Festival and Walk at DeHart Park in Stuart on Saturday, May 17, 2008. Please join us! And please pray for us! Our community can not sit still, we must take action as a community united to fight this deadly disease which is so rampant in our community and which threatens the lives of our loved ones, the quality of our life, and the futures of our children and grandchildren. Please join Relay for Life volunteers in the fight for a cancer-free tomorrow. We can do it with your help. Let's do it for our precious loved ones. Let's "Fight Back" now. Patrick County!!!

Until next time, may God bless you with a "Great Day"!

A Kilowatt for a Cure,
Richard

A Good Thing Going On...

2008-01-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

In a community that continues to struggle economically and to wrestle with such major issues as school renovation, jail construction, water and sewer extension to Patrick Springs, and other expensive propositions, the Patrick County Music Association (PCMA) is one of many good things Patrick County has going for it. In its 5-year history, the PCMA has become one of the most popular entertainment venues in the history of the county and a key player in the effort to develop the county's tourist economy.

On Saturday night, Jan. 26th, the PCMA attracted an estimated 1,400 people to its January jamboree, almost filling the large exhibit building at Rotary Field in Stuart. PCMA shows each month provide good wholesome down home musical entertainment and fellowship for local residents. These jamborees have also proved to be just as popular with folks outside the area. A sizeable portion of the crowds that attend PCMA shows each month come to Patrick County from the surrounding region, other states, and, occasionally, even foreign countries. These gospel and bluegrass music enthusiasts are always treated to top quality musical talent that some folks have said can't even be matched in Nashville, Branson, or other music capitals. Thanks to the fact that a corps of the most talented musicians in the world who call Patrick and surrounding counties home are willing to donated their time and talents and the PCMA's many corporate and individual supporters, these shows can be presented free to the public. When it comes to promoting tourism in Patrick County, the PCMA, along with popular private venues such as Dominion Valley Park and Wayside Park, are at the forefront.

Not only does the PCMA attract local residents and tourists to its shows, it helps to support an array of non-profit organizations and churches in our community who regularly use the music association as vendors to raise funds to operate their essential programs in our community. Funds raised through concession sales at PCMA events are the lifeblood of many non-profits who provide invaluable services to our local citizens. For example, during the January PCMA Jamboree, Patrick County's American Cancer Society Relay for Life teams raised over $1,400 to help fight cancer in our community through the sale of food and beverages. The Patrick County Partnership for the Arts made over $70 to help promote the arts and music in our schools and the community by selling popcorn ($1 per bag). The music association also collected donations to assist the Vernon Harris family which recently lost all their belongings in a fire that destroyed their home. A total of $625 in money donated by concerned citizens attending the show was given to a grateful Vernon and Linda Harris at the end of the evening. The Patrick County Community Food Bank was also on hand to collect donations to help relieve hunger in our community and to inform the public about the hunger crisis in our community. Many other local organizations also partner with the PCMA in their effort to raise funds, including Hospice of Patrick County, the Patrick County High School Athletic Boosters, the Stuart Volunteer Fire Department, the Girls Scouts, and many others. What a win/win situation for all these organizations and individuals and the music association itself.

I am not advocating that Patrick County donate public money to help support the Patrick County Music Association. Right now we have too many other critical budgetary needs in Patrick County. I am, however, hopeful that the new board of supervisors will realize what a great asset the county has in the PCMA and give it the respect that it deserves as one important component in the county's overall economic development program as it relates to tourism. I am also hopeful that the board will be supportive of efforts by PCMA to secure grant funding from various sources to further its operations and ultimately to obtain a permanent home that is so desperately needed. I commend Peters Creek Districk Supervisor Lock Boyce who regularly attends PCMA shows as an avid supporter of one the organization and its corps of faithful volunteers who serve so tirelessly for free and out of a genuine love for our county! I extend my prsonal invitation to other members of the board of supervisors and citizens throughout the community who are unfamiliar with the PCMA to attend the monthly shows and see what a good thing we have going on in our community.

In addition to the PCMA, I would also like to reiterate my enthusiastic support for other great entertainment venues in Patrick County. I am eager to support, to promote, to attend, and to emcee events at Dominion Valley Park, Wayside Park, and the myriad of festivals spread throughout the year that are so important to our comunity. Together, these are all good things going on in our community that make Patrick County such a wonderful place in which to live and an increasingly attractive place for tourists to enjoy and to spend their money.

Blessed to live in "God's Country,"
Richard Rogers

Celebrate...Remember....and Fight Back!

2008-01-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

"We live in the 'Bible Belt,' and we also live in a "Cancer Belt," said Relay for Life volunteer and cancer survivor Garland Cockram at the recent kickoff of the 2008 American Cancer Society Relay for Life Campaign in Patrick County. Cockram noted that his church, Woolwine United Methodist Church, has recently lost 3 of its members to cancer. "We have to fight this thing," he added with determination. Garland is right! It seems that the incidence of cancer in our community is rising rapidly, and it is time once again to do something about it.

This statistic is numbing. One of every three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Even if you are one of the two lucky ones who are fortunate enought to remain cancer free, almost certainly a loved one or dear friend of yours will have hear the chilling words, "you have cancer." Cancer affects us all in some way, shape, form, or fashion. It is time to "fight back" and come together as a community to do our part in the effort to wipe out this dreaded disease.

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life cancer crusade in Patrick County is underway as teams of volunteers throughout our community hold fund-raising events to raise money to fund the research that it will take to find a cure and to provide vital services to cancer patients and their faithful caregivers in our community. The theme of the 2008 Relay for Life drive is "Celebrate...Remember...and Fight Back! Please join the fight against cancer locally, and "celebrate" the lives of our many cancer survivors and caregivers who serve as an example of courage and determination to us all; "remember" those who have fought so galantly but have lost their lives to cancer and in whose memory we battle for a cure; and "fight back" against cancer so that our children and grandchildren and succeeding generations can enjoy their lives free of this killing scourge.

You can "fight back" against cancer in many ways here in Patrick County. Please join one of the existing relay teams which have been formed by individuals, churches, businesses, schools, civic organizations, government agencies, and other groups in our community. Better yet, start a new team by recruiting your friends, colleagues, peers, and neighbors as members and plan some activities to raise funds and to educate the community about cancer prevention. Be creative! You can also "fight back" by supporting the fund-raising efforts of other teams (car washes; spaghetti dinners; bake and yard sales; and any number of other events that could be used to raise money for this cause). The goal for the 2008 Relay for Life fund drive in Patrick County is $52,050, which American Cancer Society Community Manager Robin Minter called "very attainable." With your involvement and just a little bit of work by everyone, we can far exceed that goal and even top our $62,000 plus record total of last year.

One of the first fund-raisers of the 2008 cancer crusade here will take place Saturday, Jan. 26th when "Relay for Life" volunteers will provide the concessions at the Patrick County Music Associaiton Jamboree at Rotary Field, Stuart. Doors open at 4 p.m. We will be serving hamburgers, hotdogs, chips or fries, barbecue, grilled chicken, along with homemade desserts and soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, and Russian tea. Come hungry and enjoy the food, fellowship, and down home music.

Also mark your calendars for Friday, May 16, when WHEO radio's Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure, presents "12 Hours for A Cure," the second annual radio-thon to raise funds to fight cancer. Last year's radio-thon...a day long event featuring live music by local artists and interviews with cancer survivors....raised well over $17,000. I think we can reach $20,000 this year with your help. Musicians that would like to perform during the radio-thon may call me at 694-3114 to schedule a time to perform on the radio. The radio-thon will be followed by the annual Relay for Life event on Sat., May 17th at Dehart Park in Stuart, a touching family-oriented event that everyone will enjoy.

The most important way that you can support the Relay for Life cancer crusade in our community is to pray for the event, for the many Relayers, the volunteers who devote their time and energy for this wonderful cause, for the teams that are participating, and for the researchers who are continuing the search for a cure that is being funded by dollars raised here in our community.

Not only does Relay for Life money go to research for a cancer cure, it benefits many cancer patients and caregivers in our community through programs and services that are available to help them. One such program is "Road to Recovery" that is available to any cancer patient undergoing treatment. Volunteers provide free transportation for cancer patients to and from their treatment appointments. Another such program funded by dollars raised by Patrick County Relayers is "Look Good...Feel Better" which benefits female cancer patients. This program teaches beauty techniques to women undergoing treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatments. "Reach to Recovery" provides one-on-one visitation for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Trained breast cancer survivors offer support and information. "Man to Man" is a program for prostate cancer patients. This is an education and support group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their loved ones. It offers information about cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management of prostate cancer. "Dietician-on-Call" is available to cancer patients, family members, caregivers, and health professionals and provides nutritional information regarding the management of cancer treatment side effects. The "Cancer Survivor's Network" provides an outlet to cope with the challenges and emotions of living with cancer. Patients, survivors, and caregivers can join and network with others going through similar experiences from around the world.

Those are just some of the good things that are possible because of our involvement in the fight against cancer in our own community. Won't you get involved! Please join me and others who are passionate about defeating cancer and "Celebrate...Remember...and Fight Back"! For information on how you can get involved in in the war on cancer in our community, call me at (276) 694-3114 or call 1-800-ACS-2345, or visit www.cancer.org. Let's get "ready to Relay". It is going to be a banner year in the fight to eradicate cancer from the face of the earth.

I am personally involved in the fight against cancer in loving memory of my wife Sandra Merritt Rogers, who passed away on July 25, 2006, after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Her struggle against cancer was not in vain because she serves as an example of courage, grace, and love that inspires me to "fight back"! What is your reason for getting involved, a spouse, a child, your family, for everyone in the community, for whom or what? Please consider why you too should "fight back" and join me as a Relay for Life volunteer crusader.

May God bless our efforts to make a way for a cancer-free tomorrow!

Kilowatt for a Cure,
Richard Rogers

Have a Great 2008!

2007-12-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

As the New Year comes in, let me express my deep gratitude to all of you who listen to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" each weekday on WHEO. I feel blessed to be able to serve the people of Patrick County while doing what I really love to do at the same time. I certainly have a passion for my job but I will never take it for granted. My work is a blessing to which I will always give my very best, constantly God's guidance and direction that my service to you will be pleasing in His sight and a blessing to you too!

As we enter the New Year, the radio station is still on the market for sale. Please pray that God will place it in the hands of responsible new management that will continue its rich tradition of service to the local community. This little country radio station is one of our most valuable community resources that we should all use and strive to support.

I am always looking for ways to improve the morning show. Please let me know if you have ideas and suggestions. Thanks for the very positive feedback that I constantly receive to what we are trying to do.

I hope to welcome many interesting guests to my show in the coming year to keep you better informed about what's happening in our county. In January, I have already invited or plan to invite all of the newly elected public officials to appear on "Community Conversation." I have already received commitments to appear on the show from newly elected Commonwealth's Attorney Stephanie Brenegar, new-elected Sheriff Dan Smith, and new-elected Blue Ridge District Supervisor Carl Weiss. Ronald Knight, the new Mayor River District Supervisor, and to Smith River District Supervisor Crystal Harris, have both told me that they would welcome the opportunity to be on the show but the dates of their appearances have yet to be established. I also plan to invite Jonathan Large, the chairman of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, and members of the Patrick County School Board to appear sometime during the coming year. Of course, Lock Boyce, the newly-elected Peters Creek District Supervisor, is my guest each Monday morning on "Patrick County Topics".

I believe that we have seated a group of highly qualified individuals who will lead our county into a bright 2008. I urge everyone in the county to keep abreast of what is happening through the news media or other means and to communicate your desires frequently to your elected officials. They have been elected to serve us, the taxpayers of the county!

I plan to continue my series of "Richard on the Road" reports in the coming year as I travel the county in search of interesting people and places. Coming up in January will be a series of features based on my visit to Ohio last spring as a guest of the popular local gospel group, the Southern Prophets. This 8-part series will include profiles of each of the 4 members of the group, Denny Archer, Bobby Gardner, Dwayne George, and Mike Hall, as well as serious and light-hearted aspects of our trip to the Buckeye State, which was one of my personal highlights of the year. This series will be titled "The Southern Prophets: A Ministry of Minstrels." Following the Southern Prophets features, I plan to do a series of stories on the popular hobby of postcard collecting based on interviews with members of the Reynolds Homestead Post Card Club. If you have an ideas for features in the "Richard on the Road" series, please let me know. I have met many interesting people and made lots of new friends in my travels around the county in this series. It sure would help, though, if the price of gasoline would go down instead of in the opposite direction in which it seems to be headed as the New Year begins.

Speaking of travel, if you plan to party on New Year's Eve or anytime, please drink responsibly if you have to drink at all and NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.

I am praying for your prosperity and peace in the coming year. Happy New Year, my friends and neighbors. Have a "great" 2008!

God bless you all.

Richard

Pressing on in the War on Cancer!

2007-12-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

As we experience the joys of the holiday season and look forward with hope to the New Year, let's remember that there are many in our community who are less fortunate and in need of our prayers. Having a passion to defeat cancer, the dreaded disease that took my wife Sandra from me almost a year and a half ago, I am especially mindful of those who are battling cancer today and requesting your prayers on their behalf.

One such person is my long-time friend, Mr. Don Sall, one of the most dedicated community servants that I have ever met. Even though Mr. Sall is not a native Patrick Countian, he has certainly become one of us since he and his late wife, Eleanor, who was an equally wonderul person, came here from "up north." Don has done marvelous things for our community. Most notably, perhaps, he has made the Red Cross blood collection effort in Patrick County one of the most successful programs in the region, an exemplary effort that other communities can only aspire to duplicate. Mr. Sall is also a member of Mountain Home Masonic Lodge No. 263 in Stuart. He is a most caring and concerned individual who would do anything within his power to help others in our community.

Mr. Sall is suffering from a rare bone cancer, and, like so many other cancer patients in our community, he is in need of our prayers. Mr. Sall is preparing to go to Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, MD, one of the top 3 medical facilities in the country, to get a second opinion about the next phase in his treatment for his cancer. He says that doctors have told him that radiation and chemotherapy will not help him, and that his best option now may be to have his left hip and leg removed to prevent gangreen from setting in. He is going to Johns Hopkins to get a second opinion and to explore whether there have been any recent breakthroughs that might be effective in the treatment of his cancer. Mr. Sall's situation looks bleak but he is a man of great faith and optimism and has a wonderful attitude. He has turned his situation over to God's wisdom and grace. We can all look to Mr. Sall as a great example of courage and determination as well as of brotherly love and service to one another. Please remember Mr. Sall in your prayers. Get well cards may be send to Mr. Sall at his residence at 1410 Hazelwood Dr., Stuart, VA 241712.

I am personally honored to know Mr. Sall, to work with him in promoting blood drives and other worthwhile causes in our community, and to call him my friend. I strive daily to be more like Mr. Sall in my dealings with others. He is truly an example of what I, as a Stuart Rotary Club member, strive to offer to others, "service above self" (our club motto). God bless you, Mr. Sall, we are behind you and building a "wall of prayer" around you.

I would again like to urge you to pray for 3-year-old Samantha Mota, who has been diagnosed with a cancerous left eye that will be removed at Duke University Hospital in Durham on Jan. 2nd. While this little girl will be covered with health insurance, provided by her father, Marcus Mota, effective Jan. 1st, and has secured Medicaid coverage through the local social services agency, as I understand, there are still expenses related to her treatment and travels to and from the hospital, that this family of limited means, may have difficulty handling. An account has been opened at SunTrust Bank in the name of Samantha's mother, Amanda Adkins, if you feel led to assist monetarily. If you would like to send Samantha a get well card, send it to: Amanda Adkins, P.O. Box 536, Patrick Springs 24133. Amanda has requested nothing other than our heartfelt prayers for her daughter's recovery and good health. Please lift this little girl up to the "Great Physician" in prayer.

I would also ask that you continue to remember our friend Sandra Health, a breast cancer patient, in prayer as she prepares for the first of 6 rounds of chemotherapy in January. We praise God that Sandra's last report from her doctors was a good one. Pray for Sandra and her husband, Randy, their two children, and other family members as they face this "stumbling block" in what we hope will be a long and happy life for all. Sandra lives at 1993 Elk Creek Rd., Stuart, VA 24171, if you'd like to send her a card. Hang in their, Sandra, you are on your way to victory by KNOCKOUT in your personal bout with cancer.

Cancer is so pervasive in our community and throughout our society. One of every 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer sometime in their life. It doesn't have to be so. I am confident that more effective treatments will be perfected and that ultimately a cure for cancer will be found. But it is up to us to battle back! We can all have an impact in the fight to eradicate the world of cancer, both individually and as a community. I humbly ask all concerned persons in our community to join me and other American Cancer Society supporters and Relay for Life volunteers in the fight against cancer. The 2008 Relay for Life campaign will be launched in January with a goal of $52,000. Let's continue the momentum started in 2007 and more than exceed that goal. Please consider forming a new Relay for Life team to represent your school, business, civic organization, club, family, or other organization in our community, or by becoming a member of an existing Relay team.

The local Relay for Life teams will be providing concessions at the Patrick County Music Association Jamboree on Jan. 26th at Rotary Field, Stuart, as one of our first fund-raisers. Our annual WHEO radio-thon, which contributed almost $18,000 to the $62,000 plus Relay for Life total raised in 2007, will be held just before the Relay for Life event at DeHart Park in May 2008. Please support these and other Relay for Life fundraisers in the coming year by the more than 30 Relay teams in our community. Most of all pray for the success of Patrick County's outstanding Relay for Life program, which earned the county national recognition as the program with the largest increase in funds raised, a jump of over 425% in 2007. We can't rest on these laurels, though, it is time to get to work to raise the money needed to serve those like Don Sall, Samantha Mota, Sandra Health, and other cancer patients and their caregivers, and, most of all, to find a cure so we will never have to face this devastating disease again! Thank you for you prayers and your support of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life 2008 in Patrick County.

An enthusiastic WHEO "Kilowatt for a Cure,"
Richard

Christmas Is....

2007-12-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

As Christmas and the New Year draw near, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank each of you who so faithfully listen to my radio show each morning. Spending those precious hours at the start of each new day with you and in service to you is my passion and my life! I am not the most talented radio personality in the world but I can truly say that I always try to do my job to the very best of my ability, and to gratefully, wisely, and productively use the gifts that God has given me. Each morning before I go on the air I say a prayer for you, my listeners, and ask God to empower me to say and do those things that would be an encouragement to you and to be pleasing in His sight. I am truly blessed to do what I love to do and to serve others in so doing. Thank you all so much for listening to me, praying for me, and showing me so many kindnesses. I hope that God will allow me to continue to serve you and to be his witness on the radio for many years to come. I wish I had the time and resources to send each one of you a personal Christmas card and gift to show my appreciation. Since that is not possible (small market radio annoucers work long hours but don't make a lot of money), I can only send you this sincere message of my gratitude and love. Thank you again, each member of my beloved radio audience for your caring, concern, and support. You are as much a part of my family and my life as are my own biological family members. God bless each of you at Christmas and in the coming year!

As is more and more evident each holiday season, Christmas is extremely overcomercialized. Be that as it may, however, there is nothing wrong with retailers trying to make our dollars and us spending them to give nice gifts to the ones we love, and, hopefully, to those less fortunate. I hope that you all receive the Christmas presents that your hearts most fondly desire and that you will long treasure. Let's all just remember to put this material side of our lives into proper perspective, and do not let it overshadow the most important part of our being, our spiritual lives. Unlike the worldly, material aspect of our lives which is temporary and fleeting, the spiritual side of our lives is the part that has everlasting value. This is the aspect of our lives that we should nourish and cultivate. It is eternal!

Christmas, first and foremost, is about Christ! It is all about Jesus Christ, our Savior, who was born in Bethlehem of a teenaged virgin to live on Earth for some 33 years as God among men, setting an example of sinless love and service to mankind before He, out of love for each of us, died on Calvary's cross to atone for our sins and to deliver the promise of eternal life to all who place their faith and trust in Him. As we renew the tradition of the giving of gifts to those that we love this Christmas, let's remember that the greatest gift that we will ever receive is the blessing of Jesus. To joyfully embrace Jesus and to put Him above all else, especially over our selfish human desires, is to experience what Christmas is all about. This year, really experience Christmas, experience Jesus!

Happy birthday, my precious Jesus! Merry Christmas, my dear listeners and friends!

Love in Christ,
Richard

Way to Go, Kenny & Amanda!

2007-12-16T12:57:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to bluegrass artists and Patrick County residents Kenny and Amanda Smith! Their bluegrass and gospel group, The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band, has been nominated for a Grammy, one of the most prestigious awards in the music industry, for their first gospel CD "Tell Someone".

"I started crying," said Amanda when she first heard the good news from a representative of Rebel Records for which they have recorded 3 albums including the Grammy nominee. "It just seems like a fairytale," she added, noting that the honor probably won't sink in until their plane touches down in Los Angeles. Kenny and Amanda will fly to L.A. for the 50th Grammy Awards on Sun., Feb. 10th. They'll go up against some very stiff competition including multiple Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs and others. However, their Grammy nominated recording is outstanding and could well take the award for Best Southern Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album, the category in which they are nominated. Win or not, the nomination is a monumental accomplishment for any artist and will only boost the career of a very fine and deserving band. "It's such an honor," said Kenny of the Grammy nomination. "That's one of the highest honors" we've ever gotten, he added.

Kenny is no stranger to awards. He is a 2-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Guitarist of the year. Kenny Smith is also widely considered one of the most important and influential flatpicking-style guitarists of his generation. Amanda has a wonderful voice, having grown up singing in church choirs and participating in talent contests at local fairs. To me, it seems that their voices were meant for each other, as the duo create some of the tightest and most beautiful harmonies imagionable. The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band was nominated for the IBMA's prestigious Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2003. With their Grammy nomination, the band has truly emerged!

About 400 music fans braved the cold rain and threat of icy weather Saturday night to hear two live performances by The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band, the headlining act at the Patrick County Music Association's (PCMA)Holiday Jamboree at Rotary Field in Stuart. Kenny and Amanda love performing before enthusiastic and appreciating PCMA audiences. While neither Kenny nor Amanda have families in this area, they have many friends and supportive neighbors. "We feel like we have family here," said Kenny. Kenny and Amanda are genuinely wonderful people and I am glad that they chose to make Patrick County (Vesta) their home. I am very proud of this talented couple and their band (Aaron Williams of Blacksburg, VA, on mandolin and Zachary McLamb, a Benson, NC native who plays bass), and honored to play their music and interview them on my radio show. Go get 'em, Kenny and Amanda, and bring home a Grammy to Patrick County!

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

Richard

Spreading "Cheer" to Hundreds

2007-12-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the generosity of many caring people in our community and the tireless efforts of a troupe of dedicated Christmas Cheer volunteers, Christmas will be much brighter this year for a total of 577 disadvantaged children (in 279 families) in Patrick County. The recipients...children ranging in age from newborn to 12 years old...were selected based on applications that were distributed through the Patrick County Department of Social Services and Patrick County Public Schools.

Distribution of the Christmas Cheer gifts to these children will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 18th. Each applicant will receive a letter regarding the exact date, time, and place of pick-up, said Brenda Strum, a spokesperson for Christmas Cheer. Gifts will not be wrapped or delivered. All unclaimed items will be distributed to other families, she added.

If you would like to support Christmas Cheer with a monetary donation, please make your check payable to Patrick County Christmas Cheer, PO Box 222, Stuart, VA 24171. Christmas Cheer will accept new, unwrapped toys along with new clothing with tags still attached. You may drop off your clothing and toy donations at the Patrick County Extension Office in the Patrick County Veteran's Memorial Building, Suite 316, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (office closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch). Donations must be received by 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14. The Patrick County Extension Office is strictly a drop off point for new donations. Please do not call the office regarding information about your child's application, said Strum.

Thanks to the many businesses, individuals, and organizations in our community who have supported the 2007 Christmas Cheer campaign that will truly be a blessing to hundreds of Patrick County children whose Christmas might have been rather bleak otherwise. God will reward your generosity and assistance in this and other charitable projects that make our community a better place in which to live!

Merry Christmas!
Richard

Employing the Power of Prayer!

2007-12-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

As I have said many times in the past, prayers requests are always welcome on my radio show. I also plan to use this blog spot to address needs for prayer in our community. I would like to request your prayers for several folks in our community who are facing health issues.

I was shocked and saddened to learn on my radio show this morning that one of Patrick County's finest public servants, Buddy Dollarhite, has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing treatment at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. His tearful mother, Ola Dollarhite, told my radio audience this morning that Buddy learned of his disease Tuesday and was hospitalized immediately.

Buddy is one of the most humble, kind, and community-involved persons in our community through his job as manager of Lowe's Foods, his position as chief of the Stuart Volunteer Fire Department, and as a supporter of many worthwhile community causes, including Patrick County United Fund and others. Buddy has never sought any personal glory for what he does for our community. He simply works tirelessly outside the glow of the limelight to make our community a better place in which to live and a safer one too. Buddy is a community treasure indeed.

I am so sorry to hear this distressing news of Buddy's illness. However, I am encouraged that God responds to our prayers and that "all things work together for good" to those who place their faith and trust in him.

Please lift Buddy up to our Heavenly Father asking that God bless him, his mother Ola, and his family, and that the Lord will give his physicians the knowledge and skill to care for him and nurse him back to good health.

If you would like to send him a card, you may bring them to Donna Rogers, secretary at Stuart United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. You may also send them directly to the hospital: WFUBMC, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, Attn: 9 Reynolds, Buddy Dollarhite. Thank your for your prayers for Buddy and his family, your cards, and other kindnesses that you feel led to offer him during this time of uncertainty in his life.

I would also like to convey to you a request for prayer from my friend Sandra Health. She made this prayer request known to me in a nice letter that accompanied a very thoughtful Christmas card from her family to me.

At age 38, a wife and young mother of boys, ages 4 and 1, Sandra was diagnosed with "DCIS Stage 0 breast cancer" in October. She had surgery last month to remove cancer cells, tissue and 3 sentinel nodes. The pathology report, Sandra said in her letter, "showed that it had moved out of the milk duct and a small cell was found in tissue and in 1 of the sentinel nodes, therefore it is Stage II now."

Sandra has surgery scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. to remove lymph nodes and more tissue to be sure that it hasn't moved thus far. Sandra noted that she will still have to have chemotherapy (probably beginning in January) no matter what the results are. "I am trying to maintain a positive attitude and have a great support system around me. Let's all pray that Sandra will have a "Praise Report" next week following her surgery and pathology report.

Sandra asked me to let everyone know that she would like special prayer sent up for her, the surgeon, and that the pathology report comes back "clear." "I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, cards, calls and visits," said Sandra.

Both Sandra and Buddy relatively young community leaders who are in the prime of their lives and their careers. I am sure that God is working through them and others like them to accomplish His will and to bring overall good to our community. We can all draw inspiration from their courage and determination to defeat their diseases and resume their normal lives. Please keep both Sandra and Buddy in your prayers. God bless you both!

If you too would like to enlist the priceless resource of a caring community to put up a "wall of prayer" around others like Sandra and Buddy, please contact me. You may call me at the station at (276) 694-3114 or at home at 694-7856. My email address is rrogers@sitestar.net This blog and my radio show are both avenues that I invite everyone in our community to use in "employing the power of prayer"!

Proud of Patrick,
Richard

PS: Again I would like to ask you to pray for Winnie Smith who will also undergo surgery Thursday, Dec. 6, in connection with the broken ankle she sustained recently while stepping off her porch.

PSS: Keep me in your prayers too, asking that God will guide and direct me and strengthen my faith.