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)
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
A Personal "Thank You"
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
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
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Skilled Care Crisis Unites County!
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
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
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Welcome to New Hospital Management Team!
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.
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.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Teaching Life's Lessons on the Baseball Diamond
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
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
Sunday, February 17, 2008
A 95-Years-Young Community Treasure!
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
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
Saturday, February 9, 2008
God Bless Brandon
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
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
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