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
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Prayers Answered!
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
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
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Prayer Request
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
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
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Easter Brothers Honored
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
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
Friday, April 18, 2008
What to Do this Weekend?
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
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
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Remember the 32
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
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
Sunday, April 6, 2008
"Madison's Moments" To Remember!
: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)+
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)+
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