To use some familiar sports analogies...it's like a baseball power without his Louisville Slugger; it's like a race car driver with a blown engine. Yes, it's been a bit frustrating the last few days to be a radio show host without a voice. Since Friday, Oct. 24th, I have been battling a flu-like illness and the laryngitis that took my voice away in the midst of my radio show that morning and reduced me to just a whisper. I guess going full steam at work and in my community activities and personal life in recent months has finally taken its toll, sending me a warning to relax and take better care of myself. That's what I've tried to do this past weekend. My main problem is that I don't get enough rest, so I have been trying to catch up in that department lately.
I can tell you that it is helpless feeling to lose the physical ability that serves as the source of my livelihood, my voice. Sometimes we tend to take the talents, skills, and personal gifts that God has given us for granted. All too often, it seems, we don't really fully appreciate something until it is gone. That has been the case with my voice. So, henceforth, I have resolved to be more thankful each day for the blessings that God has given me. Mine may not be the perfectly pitched voice of a national network announcer but it has been good enough to earn a living for me for more years than I care to remember. As I ask God to fully restore it, I am determined to be more thankful for it and the many other gifts that He gives me each day. In fact, I think we would all be wise to do that, don't you?!
What has made battling this illness even more difficult is to look outside and see the beautiful autumn weather and the leaves reaching their peak. How nice it would be out there to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the beauties of nature in the fall. However, I have resisted the temptation to get out there and enjoy the blue skies, green grass, radiant sunshine, and glorious foliage. These are more blessings that God brings to us each fall that we tend to take for granted. Take time this autumn to enjoy them while you can!
I would like to thank those of you who have called to check on me, brought food, or sent get well cards. I appreciate your genuine kindness and concern. My ability to speak is slowly coming back and, hopefully, this voiceless radio announcer will be back on the air in a day or two.
I leave you with my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a great day!
Richard
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Autumn Clean-up
We have a beautiful county, even more so in its autumn splendor, and we want to make sure its unmatched natural beauty is not marred by unsightly litter at the peak of the tourist season in Patrick County. That's why I urge my fellow Patrick Countians to join me and other individuals, businesses, churches, civic clubs, and other organizations as we launch the Community-Wide Litter Pick-up for Patrick County this Wednesday, Oct. 15.
The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, which is spearheading this effort, urges us all to collect litter surrounding our homes, businesses, organiations, roadsides, or other designated locations...and to get our families, friends, and neighbors involved in the campaign too. Keep a litter bag in your vehicle and remember to use it instead of tossing trash our the window. Let's try to condition ourselves and get in the habit of keeping our county clean year round.
This is an ideal time to spruce up our county because the month of October is when the county draws the largest number of visitors to participate in our many fall festivals and other events. The Apple Dumpling Festival and Pancake Days are coming up! This is a self-directed effort to make a real difference in the appearance of our community and encourage visitors to return to our picturesque county. Let's keep it pretty...by getting involved in the Litter Pick-up that starts this week.
There will be another public meeting on the eve of the campaign...Tuesday at noon to 1 p.m. at the community room at Patrick Henry Community College, Patrick County Site in Stuart. Please come if you can get away during the lunch hour.
So far, these individuals have signed on to help make the campaign a success: Vicki Hutchens-Bennett, Tom Bishop, Terry Tilley, Blair Clark, Jay Scudder, Clyde Crissman and Patricia Crissman, Sheriff Dan Smith, Commonwealth's Attorney Stephanie vipperman, Jonathan Large, Wilma Pendleton, Kathy Gravely, Peggy Rogers, Eric Sheppard, Dean and Steve Goad, Robert Foley, Allen Ullring, Cindy and Gary Hoback, Patrick and Crystal Powell, Brenda Simms, Jim Marion, Charlie Bowman, Wayne Cook, Roger Hayden, Jim Keesee, Shirley Keene, Pamela Nowlin, Lemont Bryant, Kevin and Paula Polachek, Laurie Boyd, Tina Collins, Barbara Wagoner, Laura Smith, Lonnie Dillon, Janie Lankford, and yours truly. Won't you join us? I commend everyone who is or will become involved in this Community-Wide Litter Pick-up for making a difference. Let's all make sure that litter and debris will not detract from color spectacular that is transforming our woodlands, landscapes and vistas into an autumn wonderland.
This fall and year round, remember that cleanliness is Godliness. Patrick County is "God's Country"! Let's keep it clean!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
Richard
R
The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, which is spearheading this effort, urges us all to collect litter surrounding our homes, businesses, organiations, roadsides, or other designated locations...and to get our families, friends, and neighbors involved in the campaign too. Keep a litter bag in your vehicle and remember to use it instead of tossing trash our the window. Let's try to condition ourselves and get in the habit of keeping our county clean year round.
This is an ideal time to spruce up our county because the month of October is when the county draws the largest number of visitors to participate in our many fall festivals and other events. The Apple Dumpling Festival and Pancake Days are coming up! This is a self-directed effort to make a real difference in the appearance of our community and encourage visitors to return to our picturesque county. Let's keep it pretty...by getting involved in the Litter Pick-up that starts this week.
There will be another public meeting on the eve of the campaign...Tuesday at noon to 1 p.m. at the community room at Patrick Henry Community College, Patrick County Site in Stuart. Please come if you can get away during the lunch hour.
So far, these individuals have signed on to help make the campaign a success: Vicki Hutchens-Bennett, Tom Bishop, Terry Tilley, Blair Clark, Jay Scudder, Clyde Crissman and Patricia Crissman, Sheriff Dan Smith, Commonwealth's Attorney Stephanie vipperman, Jonathan Large, Wilma Pendleton, Kathy Gravely, Peggy Rogers, Eric Sheppard, Dean and Steve Goad, Robert Foley, Allen Ullring, Cindy and Gary Hoback, Patrick and Crystal Powell, Brenda Simms, Jim Marion, Charlie Bowman, Wayne Cook, Roger Hayden, Jim Keesee, Shirley Keene, Pamela Nowlin, Lemont Bryant, Kevin and Paula Polachek, Laurie Boyd, Tina Collins, Barbara Wagoner, Laura Smith, Lonnie Dillon, Janie Lankford, and yours truly. Won't you join us? I commend everyone who is or will become involved in this Community-Wide Litter Pick-up for making a difference. Let's all make sure that litter and debris will not detract from color spectacular that is transforming our woodlands, landscapes and vistas into an autumn wonderland.
This fall and year round, remember that cleanliness is Godliness. Patrick County is "God's Country"! Let's keep it clean!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!
Richard
R
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Cougars Win Battle of Battle of Big Cats!
In a landmark moment in the school's football history, Patrick County High School defeated powerful Bassett High School Friday night in a dramatic come-from-behind road victory that boosted a once paltry program to the pinnacle of the Piedmont District.
The Cougars battled back from an 18-point second half deficit to beat the Bengals in the "Battle of the Big Cats" in Bassett in the PCHS Piemont District season opener. In a clash of 4-1 teams, the Cougars claimed district superiority, rallying from a 24-6 deficit midway through the third quarter to get their first win over Bassett in six years. The Cougars phenomenal senior running back John Harris led the amazing comeback, rushing for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns to power the PCHS football program to the next level of competition.
Not only did the win firmly establish PCHS as a Piedmont District football power, it gave us all as Patrick Countians something to be proud of in these very difficult economic times. The Cougars have definitely given our community a much needed lift, and I urge citizens throughout our county to rally behind the team and give them the support that they have earned and that they will need to remain the "Top Cats" in the topsy-turvy world of high school football. Here's to the green and gold! Go Cougars!!!
Beaming with Patrick pride,
Richard
The Cougars battled back from an 18-point second half deficit to beat the Bengals in the "Battle of the Big Cats" in Bassett in the PCHS Piemont District season opener. In a clash of 4-1 teams, the Cougars claimed district superiority, rallying from a 24-6 deficit midway through the third quarter to get their first win over Bassett in six years. The Cougars phenomenal senior running back John Harris led the amazing comeback, rushing for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns to power the PCHS football program to the next level of competition.
Not only did the win firmly establish PCHS as a Piedmont District football power, it gave us all as Patrick Countians something to be proud of in these very difficult economic times. The Cougars have definitely given our community a much needed lift, and I urge citizens throughout our county to rally behind the team and give them the support that they have earned and that they will need to remain the "Top Cats" in the topsy-turvy world of high school football. Here's to the green and gold! Go Cougars!!!
Beaming with Patrick pride,
Richard
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Our Retired Teachers, a Community Treasure!
We all fondly remember our best teachers, whose early influence in shaping our lives has helped to make us what we are today. Even today, some of the best teachers from my school days more than a few years ago continue to have a dramatic impact upon our community and its youth.
Today, I commend the members of the Patrick County Retired Teachers Association (PCRTA) for the excellent work that they continue to do, so well, in fact, that it has earned them a prestigious national award for the third time. PCRTA President Phyllis Eastridge and Treasurer of the PCRTA Ethel Frazier recently attended the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA):AARP Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The Patrick County Retired Teachers Association was presented with the NRTA's "With Our Youth!" Excellence Award as the outstanding local unit in the entire nation for its work with young people. What is even more remarkable is that the local association has won this this award two times previously.
"Patrick County Retired Teachers Association volunteers are model citizens. They show the world how educators keep giving long after leaving the classroom. Multiple generations benefit and go on to contribute thanks to the dedication of these volunteers," said an NRTA spokesperson.
Retired teachers in Patrick County this year, as in years past, found hundreds of ways to celebrate the special talents of nearly 3,300 youth in our community. Members assisted in the classroom and helped students with their homework and class projects, including science and book fairs. They retired teachers connected with youth through church activities, after-school enrichment programs and day camps. In addition to their local efforts, association members sent school supplies to children in Tanzania. These volunteers also headed local programs for cancer research organizations and those which provide assistance with children's medical expenses.
The PCRTA also helps youth develop marketable skills in the business and learning communities including money management through the "Reality Store" progam and public speaking. The group also awards a scholarship each year to a graduating senior who is planning a career in education.
During the PCRTA's appreciation banquet Friday night (9/26/08) at the Patrick County Community Center, 42 of the association's 66 members were presented certificates recognizing their outstanding service to people of the community. In addition, 28 of the local unit's members were recognized for their work with youth which won the association its 3rd national award.
The statistics are impressive indeed! From July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008, 42 Patrick County Retired Teachers Association members logged a total of 10,282 hours of service to the community. The most active member was Ella Sue Joyce with 654 hours of service. Associaiton members also donated an additional 1,470 hours during the same one year period serving our youth in various ways. A total of 3,298 youth were served by association members during those hours.
Ms. Joyce said she really enjoys keeping busy and serving others in her retirement. "If you have something you want to do, do it before you retire, because you won't have time afterward," she advised prospective retirees. Ms. Joyce said an uncle one responded to a question about his retirement activities by saying "I'm doing what I please." Ms. Joyce said she thinks that's good for retired people adding that members of the local retired teachers association are doing what they please and serving the community at the same time.
I commend the members of the Patrick County Retired Teachers Associaton, some of whom taught me all those years ago, for their outstanding work in the community and urge you to express your appreciation to them.
Until next time, I leave you with my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day"!
Listen for "The Great Day in the Morning Show" weekdays from 6-10 a.m. on 1270 AM-WHEO, "the Heart of Patrick County".
Richard
Today, I commend the members of the Patrick County Retired Teachers Association (PCRTA) for the excellent work that they continue to do, so well, in fact, that it has earned them a prestigious national award for the third time. PCRTA President Phyllis Eastridge and Treasurer of the PCRTA Ethel Frazier recently attended the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA):AARP Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The Patrick County Retired Teachers Association was presented with the NRTA's "With Our Youth!" Excellence Award as the outstanding local unit in the entire nation for its work with young people. What is even more remarkable is that the local association has won this this award two times previously.
"Patrick County Retired Teachers Association volunteers are model citizens. They show the world how educators keep giving long after leaving the classroom. Multiple generations benefit and go on to contribute thanks to the dedication of these volunteers," said an NRTA spokesperson.
Retired teachers in Patrick County this year, as in years past, found hundreds of ways to celebrate the special talents of nearly 3,300 youth in our community. Members assisted in the classroom and helped students with their homework and class projects, including science and book fairs. They retired teachers connected with youth through church activities, after-school enrichment programs and day camps. In addition to their local efforts, association members sent school supplies to children in Tanzania. These volunteers also headed local programs for cancer research organizations and those which provide assistance with children's medical expenses.
The PCRTA also helps youth develop marketable skills in the business and learning communities including money management through the "Reality Store" progam and public speaking. The group also awards a scholarship each year to a graduating senior who is planning a career in education.
During the PCRTA's appreciation banquet Friday night (9/26/08) at the Patrick County Community Center, 42 of the association's 66 members were presented certificates recognizing their outstanding service to people of the community. In addition, 28 of the local unit's members were recognized for their work with youth which won the association its 3rd national award.
The statistics are impressive indeed! From July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008, 42 Patrick County Retired Teachers Association members logged a total of 10,282 hours of service to the community. The most active member was Ella Sue Joyce with 654 hours of service. Associaiton members also donated an additional 1,470 hours during the same one year period serving our youth in various ways. A total of 3,298 youth were served by association members during those hours.
Ms. Joyce said she really enjoys keeping busy and serving others in her retirement. "If you have something you want to do, do it before you retire, because you won't have time afterward," she advised prospective retirees. Ms. Joyce said an uncle one responded to a question about his retirement activities by saying "I'm doing what I please." Ms. Joyce said she thinks that's good for retired people adding that members of the local retired teachers association are doing what they please and serving the community at the same time.
I commend the members of the Patrick County Retired Teachers Associaton, some of whom taught me all those years ago, for their outstanding work in the community and urge you to express your appreciation to them.
Until next time, I leave you with my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day"!
Listen for "The Great Day in the Morning Show" weekdays from 6-10 a.m. on 1270 AM-WHEO, "the Heart of Patrick County".
Richard
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Another "Classic" in the Books!
A hometown "classic", the 2008 Patrick County Agricultural Fair concluded Saturday night at Rotary Field, having been visited by thousands of patrons during the successful 5 night run.
"This certainly weill be among the top fairs we've ever had, maybe the best," said Henry Ayers who is a veteran of 43 of the 56 Patrick County fairs that the Stuart Rotary Club has sponsored since 1952. The fair apparently took in increased revenue despite the economic gloom and high prices that have forced many consumers to be very selective in their spending. "There has definitely been an effect," commented Ayers on the economic impact on the fair. Ayers theorized that many families and fair visitors were forced to cut back a night or two from their usual fair attendance due to the sour economy and tight finances.
Ayers reported that the fair ran very smoothly with few problems. However, one thing that the Stuart Rotary Club will have to rethink, noted Ayers, is the shuttle service that didn't work out as well as fair officials had hoped. Ayers said there the shuttle needs a dedicated route to the fairgrounds from the distant parking areas because it was very difficult to maneuver around the parked vehicles that pushed the parking capacity to its limits on the heaviest nights, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The sponsoring Stuart Rotary Club would welcome your constructive suggestions on ways to improve the fair.
Ayers said the most memorable thing about this year's fair to him was the people. "The crowd that we did have seemed to be having a lot of fun. It was a very congenial crowd," said Ayers. He added that the fair was blessed with good attendance, absolutely beautiful weather, great exhibits and entertainment, successful grandstand events, and many riders on the midway.
From what riders told me, the "Zipper" was one of the more challenging rides on the midway. "It makes you throw up," said young fairgoer Kelsey Rakes, "it's great"! The food was also great. Despite my newly adopted healthy lifestyle that includes trying to eat nutritious foods and exercise daily, like most folks, I endulged during the fair sampling a little of everything that was available from the various vendors and trying to support as many worthy causes in the community as possible through concessions purchases. Among the treats of my fair menu were a Cattlemen's Assocition steak sandwhich, several polish sausages smothered in sauteed onions and spicy mustard served by Providence United Methodist Church, ribbon fries, a cheesburger and fries from the PCHS band boosters, hotdogs all the way from the Boy Scouts, etc., etc. My best meal, as a Stuart Rotarian, was the night fellow Rotarian Jimmy Morrison's wife Barbara served to the workers of the Stuart Rotary Club pinto beans and onions, corn bread, potato salad, cole slaw, homegrown tomatoes, lemonade, and pound cake for dessert. I ate plenty but I'll return to my healthy lifestyle this week! Hopefully!
Well, isn't that what the Patrick County Agricultural Fair is all about....enjoying one's self and wholesome fellowship with others in a "family reunion" type atmosphere? Yes, that is the essence of this more than 56-year-old tradition that is the Patrick County Agricultural Fair. Perhaps, Kelly Owens, one of the young ladies who enjoyed the midway attractions on opening night, summed it up best when, brimming with laughter and pride, she exclaimed in reference to our beloved fair, "it's a classic, it's a classic"!
Congratulations to these fair winners. The Clogging Contest winners were": Madison Stowe ("My Little Radio Buddy", first place, Junior...Glenda Hubbard, first place, Adult...and Billy Woods, first place, Seniors. The Flatfooting Contest winners were" Kenadie Hutchens, first place, Junior...Verna Shepherd, first place, Adult...Billy Woods, first place, Seniors. The top exhibitors were: PCHS Jr. ROTC, first place, Junior Educational...Patrick County Alzheimer's Association, first place, Adult Educational. In the Commercial division...Blue Ribbon winners were: the JEB Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust, Hospice of Patrick County, and PAWS. Red Ribbon commercial exhibit winners were: the Patrick County Historical Society and Clark Gas & Oil. White Ribbon commercial booth winners Merritt Farm and Garden Supply and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.
On behalf of the Stuart Rotary Club, I would like to thank the thousands of participants and patrons who made the 2008 edition of the Patrick County Agricultural Fair one of the best ever, a true "classic"!
Until next time, I leave you with all my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a great day!
:O)
Richard~
"This certainly weill be among the top fairs we've ever had, maybe the best," said Henry Ayers who is a veteran of 43 of the 56 Patrick County fairs that the Stuart Rotary Club has sponsored since 1952. The fair apparently took in increased revenue despite the economic gloom and high prices that have forced many consumers to be very selective in their spending. "There has definitely been an effect," commented Ayers on the economic impact on the fair. Ayers theorized that many families and fair visitors were forced to cut back a night or two from their usual fair attendance due to the sour economy and tight finances.
Ayers reported that the fair ran very smoothly with few problems. However, one thing that the Stuart Rotary Club will have to rethink, noted Ayers, is the shuttle service that didn't work out as well as fair officials had hoped. Ayers said there the shuttle needs a dedicated route to the fairgrounds from the distant parking areas because it was very difficult to maneuver around the parked vehicles that pushed the parking capacity to its limits on the heaviest nights, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The sponsoring Stuart Rotary Club would welcome your constructive suggestions on ways to improve the fair.
Ayers said the most memorable thing about this year's fair to him was the people. "The crowd that we did have seemed to be having a lot of fun. It was a very congenial crowd," said Ayers. He added that the fair was blessed with good attendance, absolutely beautiful weather, great exhibits and entertainment, successful grandstand events, and many riders on the midway.
From what riders told me, the "Zipper" was one of the more challenging rides on the midway. "It makes you throw up," said young fairgoer Kelsey Rakes, "it's great"! The food was also great. Despite my newly adopted healthy lifestyle that includes trying to eat nutritious foods and exercise daily, like most folks, I endulged during the fair sampling a little of everything that was available from the various vendors and trying to support as many worthy causes in the community as possible through concessions purchases. Among the treats of my fair menu were a Cattlemen's Assocition steak sandwhich, several polish sausages smothered in sauteed onions and spicy mustard served by Providence United Methodist Church, ribbon fries, a cheesburger and fries from the PCHS band boosters, hotdogs all the way from the Boy Scouts, etc., etc. My best meal, as a Stuart Rotarian, was the night fellow Rotarian Jimmy Morrison's wife Barbara served to the workers of the Stuart Rotary Club pinto beans and onions, corn bread, potato salad, cole slaw, homegrown tomatoes, lemonade, and pound cake for dessert. I ate plenty but I'll return to my healthy lifestyle this week! Hopefully!
Well, isn't that what the Patrick County Agricultural Fair is all about....enjoying one's self and wholesome fellowship with others in a "family reunion" type atmosphere? Yes, that is the essence of this more than 56-year-old tradition that is the Patrick County Agricultural Fair. Perhaps, Kelly Owens, one of the young ladies who enjoyed the midway attractions on opening night, summed it up best when, brimming with laughter and pride, she exclaimed in reference to our beloved fair, "it's a classic, it's a classic"!
Congratulations to these fair winners. The Clogging Contest winners were": Madison Stowe ("My Little Radio Buddy", first place, Junior...Glenda Hubbard, first place, Adult...and Billy Woods, first place, Seniors. The Flatfooting Contest winners were" Kenadie Hutchens, first place, Junior...Verna Shepherd, first place, Adult...Billy Woods, first place, Seniors. The top exhibitors were: PCHS Jr. ROTC, first place, Junior Educational...Patrick County Alzheimer's Association, first place, Adult Educational. In the Commercial division...Blue Ribbon winners were: the JEB Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust, Hospice of Patrick County, and PAWS. Red Ribbon commercial exhibit winners were: the Patrick County Historical Society and Clark Gas & Oil. White Ribbon commercial booth winners Merritt Farm and Garden Supply and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.
On behalf of the Stuart Rotary Club, I would like to thank the thousands of participants and patrons who made the 2008 edition of the Patrick County Agricultural Fair one of the best ever, a true "classic"!
Until next time, I leave you with all my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a great day!
:O)
Richard~
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Rotary Pride!
As the Stuart Rotary Club conducts its 56th Patrick County Agricultural Fair this week, as president of the club, I take deep pride in our club's more than half-a-century-old tradition of outstanding community service in Patrick County and around the world through Rotary International. Throughout its rich history, Stuart Rotary has adopted a proactive leadership role in an effort to effect positive change and development while maintaining and preserving the traditional values that have distinguished Patrick County as a caring and compassionate community and a wonderful place to live, work (wish we had more jobs but we're working on it), and raise a family.
The infrastructure and physical facilities owned by the Stuart Rotary Club and leased to the County of Patrick figure prominently in the county's recreational and educational programs and provide forums and meeting places for public and private functions year round. In order to provide these facilities and to carry out our mission of community betterment, Stuart Rotary is widely noted and acclaimed for its annual signature project, the Patrick County Agricultural Fair, a thriving community tradition that dates back, as far as our involvement is concerned, to 1952. As well as providing wholesome family entertainment and the opportunity for fellowship to residents of the community and attracting tourists to Patrick County, the fair is one of the major lifelines that provides funds for Stuart Rotary Club's exemplary community service work. All of the proceeds from the fair and other club projects are reinvested in our community and our facilities, providing a sports/educational complex used by citizens throughout the community and support and financial assistance to other organizations and community partners that serve a cross section of the residents of Patrick County.
Stuart Rotary is especially honored to provide annual educational scholarships for deserving youth, assisting students in furthering their education beyond high school. Stuart Rotarians are also proud to invest club resources in these partner organizations that also serve the county with great distinction: Boy and Girl Scouts, Caring Hearts Free Clinic, 4-H, Hospice of Patrick County, Patrick County Education Foundation (GED graduation), Community Food Bank, Patrick County Music Association, United Fund, and many others. Stuart Rotary also sends students to youth leadership training programs annually as well as a variety of toehr worthy causes in the community.
This proud tradition of community service would not have been possible without the dedication of many community-minded individuals who have graced our club's membrship rolls over the years. Sadly, this past year, our club lost to death three distinguished Rotarians whose names became synonymous with service during their many years in the club. I have dedicated my year as president of Stuart Rotary Club to honor the memory of Curtis Carter, Bill Staples, and Bub Stanley. These Rotarians can never be replaced but we can draw inspiration and determination from their dedication to God, their famileies, this club, and our community. Let us see to follow their example of "Service Above Self," which is what being a Rotarian is all about.
I encourage everyone to come to the 2008 Patrick County Agricultural Fair (Sept. 16-20) and enjoy what "Mr. Patrick County Fair" Henry Ayers accurately described as a "one big homecoming"! Great care has gone into making this a safe, entertaining, educational, wholesome family-oriented event that showcases the very best of Patrick County including its agricultural products, educational institutions, business community, civic organizations, churches, and talented citizens. It is with great pride that, for the 56th consecutive year, the Stuart Rotary Club presents one of the premiere rural fairs in the country, the PATRICK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR! Enjoy! I know I will!
Until next time, I leave you with all my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day" and us all with a wonderful fair!
At your service,
Richard Rogers :O)
The infrastructure and physical facilities owned by the Stuart Rotary Club and leased to the County of Patrick figure prominently in the county's recreational and educational programs and provide forums and meeting places for public and private functions year round. In order to provide these facilities and to carry out our mission of community betterment, Stuart Rotary is widely noted and acclaimed for its annual signature project, the Patrick County Agricultural Fair, a thriving community tradition that dates back, as far as our involvement is concerned, to 1952. As well as providing wholesome family entertainment and the opportunity for fellowship to residents of the community and attracting tourists to Patrick County, the fair is one of the major lifelines that provides funds for Stuart Rotary Club's exemplary community service work. All of the proceeds from the fair and other club projects are reinvested in our community and our facilities, providing a sports/educational complex used by citizens throughout the community and support and financial assistance to other organizations and community partners that serve a cross section of the residents of Patrick County.
Stuart Rotary is especially honored to provide annual educational scholarships for deserving youth, assisting students in furthering their education beyond high school. Stuart Rotarians are also proud to invest club resources in these partner organizations that also serve the county with great distinction: Boy and Girl Scouts, Caring Hearts Free Clinic, 4-H, Hospice of Patrick County, Patrick County Education Foundation (GED graduation), Community Food Bank, Patrick County Music Association, United Fund, and many others. Stuart Rotary also sends students to youth leadership training programs annually as well as a variety of toehr worthy causes in the community.
This proud tradition of community service would not have been possible without the dedication of many community-minded individuals who have graced our club's membrship rolls over the years. Sadly, this past year, our club lost to death three distinguished Rotarians whose names became synonymous with service during their many years in the club. I have dedicated my year as president of Stuart Rotary Club to honor the memory of Curtis Carter, Bill Staples, and Bub Stanley. These Rotarians can never be replaced but we can draw inspiration and determination from their dedication to God, their famileies, this club, and our community. Let us see to follow their example of "Service Above Self," which is what being a Rotarian is all about.
I encourage everyone to come to the 2008 Patrick County Agricultural Fair (Sept. 16-20) and enjoy what "Mr. Patrick County Fair" Henry Ayers accurately described as a "one big homecoming"! Great care has gone into making this a safe, entertaining, educational, wholesome family-oriented event that showcases the very best of Patrick County including its agricultural products, educational institutions, business community, civic organizations, churches, and talented citizens. It is with great pride that, for the 56th consecutive year, the Stuart Rotary Club presents one of the premiere rural fairs in the country, the PATRICK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR! Enjoy! I know I will!
Until next time, I leave you with all my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day" and us all with a wonderful fair!
At your service,
Richard Rogers :O)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
A Historic Patrick Powwow!
It is not everyday that we can participate in an historic event in our county. But this past Saturday provided just such a rare opportunity and I seized the moment! I spent a very enjoyable afternoon in the company of hundreds of other local residents and Native Americans from across the country who attended an historic event in Patrick County. "This is the first Cherokee Powwow that has been held in this area since the 1700s when the Cherokees held them at Fairystone," said Little Wolf, wife of Chief Griffith of the Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe of Stuart, which hosted a 3-day intertribal powwow at Rotary Field Friday through Sunday (Sept. 5-7).
Native Americans from as far away as Oklahoma (perhaps further) came to Patrick County to participate in the 3-day celebration of Native American culture. One family from Oklahoma came back to this area for the first time since the forced relocation of their ancestors during the infamous westward march known as the "Trail of Tears." Little Wolf said that during that unfortunate episode of Native American history in the 1830s, Native Americans were abruptly driven from their homes by the "white man" and forced to march to Oklahoma in the snow, at a cost of the lives of the approximately 4,000 Native Americans who died during the sorrowful sojourn.
The Cherokee powwow also attracted many local residents (some with Native American ancestry) and hundreds of school children. On the first day of the Cherokee powwow, almost 500 Patrick County students also had a chance to participate in the making of history when they visited the Cherokee tribe at Rotary Field which was dotted with tee pees and merchandise vendors. The youngsters loved what proved to be a fun learning experience. "They didn't want to leave," said Little Wolf, noting that the students really enjoyed learning about Native American customs and touring the vendors who sold American Indian merchandise. "The vendors loved the children coming," she added.
I too can say that I learned much about Native American culture, etiquette, music, dance, and native foods while enjoying the fellowship of many of my friends and the new Native American friends that I made during my visit.
As many of you know, I really enjoy the food at these celebrations and festivals. It was tough to choose, but I finally decided to try the fry bread for which Native Americans are noted. This huge piece of fried bread was topped with lettuce, hamburger, onions, and cheese which could be called an Indian taco. It was delicious but would have been even better with a few tomatoes, some salsa, and a dash of sour cream. Oh well, I'm not complaining! The Native American fare also included Buffalo Burgers, a smaller fry bread with powered sugar, and mouthwatering corn on the cob grilled in the shuck and smothered with butter. By the way, folks from the Moorefield Store Volunteer Fire Department did a great job preparing and serving the food which everybody enjoyed freely. Fortunately, folks had a chance to walk off a few of those calories in the spacious setting of the powwow in the outfield of the softball diamond at Rotary.
I was amazed at the rich pagentry of this event that featured Native American dancers and musicians performing during tribal ceremonial events. The Indian dress worn by these dancers was magnificent!
One of the things I learned Saturday was never to call a Native American dancer's outfit a "costume." This special dress is properly called "regalia." I was told by Native American dancer Keith Smith from Dinwiddie, VA, "a costume is something you wear when you are pretending to be something you're not. We're not pretending; we're the real thing. We are American Indian"!
It was my pleasure to spend a delightful Saturday afternoon in the company of these authentic Native Americans, enjoying their fellowship, participating in their historic Patrick powwow, and learning about their customs and way of life. At the end day, we were all proud , not only of our varied individual ancestries, but proud too to be AMERICANS, native or not!
Until next time, may God (or "Creator" as the Native Americans refer to the Divine Being) bless you with a "great day"!
:O)
Richard
Native Americans from as far away as Oklahoma (perhaps further) came to Patrick County to participate in the 3-day celebration of Native American culture. One family from Oklahoma came back to this area for the first time since the forced relocation of their ancestors during the infamous westward march known as the "Trail of Tears." Little Wolf said that during that unfortunate episode of Native American history in the 1830s, Native Americans were abruptly driven from their homes by the "white man" and forced to march to Oklahoma in the snow, at a cost of the lives of the approximately 4,000 Native Americans who died during the sorrowful sojourn.
The Cherokee powwow also attracted many local residents (some with Native American ancestry) and hundreds of school children. On the first day of the Cherokee powwow, almost 500 Patrick County students also had a chance to participate in the making of history when they visited the Cherokee tribe at Rotary Field which was dotted with tee pees and merchandise vendors. The youngsters loved what proved to be a fun learning experience. "They didn't want to leave," said Little Wolf, noting that the students really enjoyed learning about Native American customs and touring the vendors who sold American Indian merchandise. "The vendors loved the children coming," she added.
I too can say that I learned much about Native American culture, etiquette, music, dance, and native foods while enjoying the fellowship of many of my friends and the new Native American friends that I made during my visit.
As many of you know, I really enjoy the food at these celebrations and festivals. It was tough to choose, but I finally decided to try the fry bread for which Native Americans are noted. This huge piece of fried bread was topped with lettuce, hamburger, onions, and cheese which could be called an Indian taco. It was delicious but would have been even better with a few tomatoes, some salsa, and a dash of sour cream. Oh well, I'm not complaining! The Native American fare also included Buffalo Burgers, a smaller fry bread with powered sugar, and mouthwatering corn on the cob grilled in the shuck and smothered with butter. By the way, folks from the Moorefield Store Volunteer Fire Department did a great job preparing and serving the food which everybody enjoyed freely. Fortunately, folks had a chance to walk off a few of those calories in the spacious setting of the powwow in the outfield of the softball diamond at Rotary.
I was amazed at the rich pagentry of this event that featured Native American dancers and musicians performing during tribal ceremonial events. The Indian dress worn by these dancers was magnificent!
One of the things I learned Saturday was never to call a Native American dancer's outfit a "costume." This special dress is properly called "regalia." I was told by Native American dancer Keith Smith from Dinwiddie, VA, "a costume is something you wear when you are pretending to be something you're not. We're not pretending; we're the real thing. We are American Indian"!
It was my pleasure to spend a delightful Saturday afternoon in the company of these authentic Native Americans, enjoying their fellowship, participating in their historic Patrick powwow, and learning about their customs and way of life. At the end day, we were all proud , not only of our varied individual ancestries, but proud too to be AMERICANS, native or not!
Until next time, may God (or "Creator" as the Native Americans refer to the Divine Being) bless you with a "great day"!
:O)
Richard
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