Volunteers are Heroes

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

Burrrrrrrr!!!!

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

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

Happy New Year!

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

Thanks for Your Encouragement

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

Back Home on the Airways

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

Accentuate the Positive

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

Remembering Victims "A Day that Will Live in Infamy"

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

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

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