Letters to the Editor - Nov. 12, 2008

From staff reports
Published: November 12, 2008

Democracy in action

Once again, we have witnessed American democracy in action. The people of Nelson County came to vote in record numbers, and Barack Obama, Mark Warner and Tom Perriello won the County by impressive numbers. I am looking forward eagerly to January, and to watching a new spirit of commitment to the working people of this country in the part of our government.

Elections work in this country because of the dedication of the people who care, and who devote countless volunteer time to the process. I want to thank the hundreds of people who knocked on doors, made telephone calls, volunteered at the polling places in the county, helped keep track of the voters and volunteers, drove people to the polls, and even directed traffic at the Shipman precinct. I particularly want to recognize Sharon Ponton, whose weeks of work organizing the office in Lovingston made all of this possible. It is to all of you that we owe this tremendous victory.

Finally, my sincere thanks go to the official poll workers and to the Electoral Board of Nelson County. We had remarkably few problems in the county last week despite the record-setting numbers who voted. People were treated with respect, and every effort was made to see that everyone qualified to vote was enabled to do so.

Janet Hunter

Chairwoman, Nelson County Democratic Party

Schuyler

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Relay for Life

Words cannot describe the excitement building as we get closer to Nelson’s Relay for Life. As of Nov. 6, we have registered 13 teams with a total of 100 participants and $6,253 in donations.

Only 177 days remain until the big event. There is still time to join a team or sign up your own. See our Web site at http://www.relayforlife.org/nelson for updates as well as information on registering.

During our RFL meeting for November, we discussed upcoming events and opportunities. The main focus was “luminarias.” Luminarias are special bags one can purchase in honor of someone who has won their battle with cancer or in memory of one who has not. One of the most moving parts of the RFL event is the Luminarias Ceremony. During this ceremony, a candle in each bag is lit and the bags illuminate the field. If you are interested in purchasing a lumanaria, please see the Web site for more information or contact Jessica Fitzgerald, 277-9013. Your donation not only honors or remembers someone who has battled this disease, but it helps fight for a cure.

If you are looking for a way to help but are unsure of how, contact Shelia Layton at 277-9409 or Susan Stevens at 263-5305. Even better, join us at our next meeting Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of Tye River Elementary. Look for upcoming RFL events in the Calendar of Events section of the newspaper. We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting!

Roberta Fitzgerald

Lovingston

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Viar family thanks

The family of Ricky Dale Viar would like to thank everyone for their kindness, wisdom, support and everything you’ve done for us in the time of our lost of a very loved one that was our husband, dad, pa, son, brother, uncle and very best friend to us, who was always there for us when we needed someone to talk with. Thanks so much for the great food, beautiful cards, flowers, phone calls and visits.

We would like to thank all of his doctors and staff, churches everywhere and everyone for their heartfelt prayers and visits while we were going through this time of fighting lung cancer. God bless each of you and many thanks!

Judy M. Viar and family

Roseland

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Marks family thanks

My family has once again been amazed, overwhelmed, and humbled by the kindness, generosity and compassion of our co-workers, church friends, neighbors, relatives and friends during my husband Ashley’s long illness and recent death.

There is no way we could ever properly thank everyone for what they’ve done for us but bear with we as we try. Thank you for the cards, calls, visits, gift cards, prayers and monetary gifts. Your kindness and generosity meant more to us than you will ever know.

A special thanks goes to so many of you who provided our family with incredibly delicious meals since June. Your faithfulness was amazing and lightened our load tremendously.

We’ve been amazed by the kindness and generosity of our friends at Central Virginia Electric Co-op, Tye River Elementary and the entire Nelson County School System, Calvary Baptist Church, Madison Heights Baptist Church, our neighbors on Lakeview Lane, Hospice of the Piedmont and Continuum Home Health.

Ashley loved you all and each of you made a difference in his life and ours. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Lisa Marks

Lovingston