Grateful to live in "God's Country"!

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

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

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

Open your eyes to a part of Patrick soon.

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

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

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


With Patrick pride,
Richard Rogers

Sizzlin' Summer Heats Up!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great day,
Richard

Showers of Blessing!

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

Have a "great day,"
Richard

Thankful for a Good Report

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

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

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

Your radio friend,
Richard

Remembering The Watermelon Man!

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

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

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

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

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

Making radio a lifelong labor of love,
Richard Rogers

Patrick Countians Rally for "Relay"!

Volunteers who worked so hard to make this year's Patrick County Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society a gigantic success celebrated their victory in the battle against cancer Thursday night, June 28th, during a covered dish dinner at the Patrick County Community Center in Stuart. Robin Minter, American Cancer Society Community Manager for Patrick County, reported that to date the Patrick County Relay for Life 2007 campaign has raised $62,351 + and money is still coming in. That represents an unbelievable 484% increase over the approximately $10,000 raised the previous year.

Patrick Countians are to be commended and congratulated on this dramatic turnaround and revival of an event that is vital to the search for a cure for cancer. This money goes for cancer research and for wonderful programs and services that benefit local cancer patients and caregivers. These include Reach to Recovery, that offers one-on-one support and visits for women with breast cancer by carefully selected and trained breast cancer survivor....Road to Recovery, conductd by volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles and gas while donating their time to transport patients to chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or consultations to set up these cancer treatments...Look Good , Feel Better, a 2-hour workship conducted by volunteer cosmetologists to help a woman cope with the side effects of cancer treatment and help restore her sense of inner and outer beauty...Man to Man to benefit men with prostate cancer and their family members....and so many more. For more information on these or other programs that we support with our local dollars call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

I would like to personally thank the faithful listening audience of WHEO radio. Because of your support of our May 19th radio-thon for the American Cancer Society, the WHEO Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in Memory of Sandra Merritt Rogers, was the top fundraising team this year. We raised $17,240 during the radio-thon (If you haven't send in your pledged donation, please mail check payable to the American Cancer Society to WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171). Because of your support of this 12-hour radio broadcast, I was honored to be named the top individual fundraiser in the Relay for Life this year. However, the credit for this great success goes to the people of Patrick County who are so faithful to support worthy causes like the fight against cancer and to assist those who are in need in our community. I would also like to thank the myriad of volunteers and the talented musicians who gave of their time and talents to make the radio-thon one of the most successful fundrasing efforts in the 50 year history of the radio station. I also commend our leadership team of Robin Minter, at the regional level, and locally, Lavergne Collins and Betty Conner. I am so proud of you, Patrick County, and honored to be a part of this loving community. Because of our efforts in this year's Relay for Life, we have moved a little closer to the day when cancer will be no more!

Minter reported that the top 5 Relay for Life fund raising teams this year were: WHEO'S Kilowatts for a Cure ($17,240)...the Hilltop Hustlers (Vernon and Linda Harris' team), $4,889...Fields of Hope (Patrick County Social Services Department), $3,089...the Rockcastle Ramblers (Garland Cockram's team), $2,771....and Angels in the Outfield (Kathy Adams' team), $2,745.

The top 5 individual fund raisers were: Richard Rogers, $17,240...Patsy Baliles, $1,095...Faye Brannon, $825...Linda Harris, $485...and Jesse Mae Verson, $445.

This year's Relay for Life, thanks in large part to the efforts of Cancer Survisors' Chairman Vernon Harris, reached an amazing 88 cancer survivors compared to only 6 survivors last year. A total of 33 teams participated in this year's Relay in Patrick County...including 12 churches, 9 school teams, 3 family and friends teams, 5 businesses, 3 civic teams, and one government team. Each team and each individual is to be commended! I know that we all have been blessed and drawn closer together as a result of this magnificent, community-wide, team effort that made this, by far, the most successful Relay for Life in the history of Patrick County! Thank you again. Having celebrated in our victory in this battle, it is time to get back to work preparing for next year's Relay and our ultimate victory in the war on cancer!

Gratefully and lovingly yours,
Richard

Time for Community Action? Bingo!

As I slowly called out the bingo numbers Friday night at the Meadows of Dan Community Building, I could almost hear the squeak of basketball shoes on the newly polished gymn floor and the "swish" that is music to the ear of a player who strips the net in making a game-winning shot from the perimeter of the court. The citizens of Meadows of Dan are working hard to make those mental images and their dreams of a new gymnasium for their beloved community school a reality. As part of that commitment, the mountaintop citizen's group that is pushing for a new gymn for the Cardinals of Meadows of Dan Elementary School is engaged in a variety of fund-raising activities in the community.

These hard-working, energetic realize that they are going to need help from government, grant, and private sources, but they are determined to help themselves and to make sure that their children have the same resources and opportunities to excell as other students in the county or anywhere else. In one of these fund-raising activities, these citizens, with support from their community and countywide, conducted a very successful bingo night Friday in Meadows of Dan. I've called the numbers for several bingo sessions in recent months and this was the largest one that I've attended. A crowd of 100 people or more enjoyed playing bingo and winning valuable prizes provided by Teresa Stowe, a representative of Longaberger Baskets. Thanks Teresa for the pencil/pen basket that you presented me. The bingo games were popular with the politicians. Many of the candidates who are seeking office in November came out to enjoy a night of bingo with their families and friends in the Meadows of Dan community. The $20 donations by each player for the opportunity to play and the proceeds from the sale of concessions amounted to several thousand dollars. This money will hopefully be matched or exceeded many times over in future fund-raisers for this project. Hopefully, this citizens group will also be able to receive support from the local governmental bodies under whose jurisdiction this project will fall (the board of supervisors and the school board), from private sources, and from the Tobacco Commission and/or other grant sources. Among the backers of the project is Tobacco Commission member and Meadows of Dan resident Barney Day, who, accompanied by his wife, attended Friday night's bingo event. I commend the citizens of Meadows of Dan for their community spirit and their determination to make their dream of a new Meadows of Dan Elementary School gymn...a $1-million project...come true! I was honored to participate in this event, and I wholeheartedly support this project! Go for it! Bingo!!!

I would also like to commend Hospice of Patrick County for the beautiful Memory Garden that now graces scenic DeHart Park in Stuart. I and more than 100 other citizens really enjoyed the beautiful dedication ceremony as the new brick walkway (graced with the names of loved ones who are being honored or remembered by persons in the community) was dedicated. There are two bricks in the walkway that have been purchased in memory of "my Sweetie", Sandra Merritt Rogers, who died of cancer almost one year ago. If you are looking for a serenly beautiful setting that helps you to feel closer to loved ones and to God, please visit the Hospice Memory Garden at DeHart Park. It is certainly a welcome addition to this picturesque place that we call God's Country, our home, Patrick County!

It was great to see a large crowd on hand on a summery night at Rotary Field Saturday night as the Patrick County Music Association presented one of its best music nights yet. Along with the great music, it felt good to assist two churches in their fund-raising efforts. Thanks to Providence United Methodist Church for delicious hamburgers, barbecue, and hot dogs. Everyone also owes a debt of gratitude to Concord United Methodist Church for its famous homemade ice cream that really hit the spot on a hot, humid night. In fact, we all enjoyed some 26 gallons of this frozen treat prepared with great love and as an outreach minstry to our community. Praise God! Isn't it wonderful living in a county like the one we lovingly call home?
There is no question about it. The people and the place are the greatest. Absolutely.

Hey to some new friends that I met at Peter's Creek Baptist Church Sunday, Dell and wife Mary McCormick and their daughter Rosanna and her husband Josh. The McCormicks operate McCormick Cleaners in Stuart and are wonderful people. Let's all warmly embrace them and their business as they contribute to the high quality of life that we enjoy in our commuity.

Until next time, may the Good Lord bless you with a "great day."

Love,
Richard