Letters to the Editor - Nov. 19, 2008

From staff reports
Published: November 19, 2008

A safer road

The Nelson County Times has written extensively about the accidents and safety on Virginia 151. They ended their articles in the Nov. 13 paper with an editorial about the need for safety on this road. The effort of this newspaper, the Project 151 organization and all citizens involved are to be commended for their efforts.

Entering Virginia 151 from Virginia 6, there is a 45 mph speed limit sign. Then, it is 2½ miles from the first sign until you see another speed limit sign. That one read 55 miles per hour. Paying attention to weird driving habits of others and many other obstacles, I found it difficult to remember that the speed is 45 mph.

The absence of speed limit signs I believe is the fault of the Virginia Department of Transportation. I have come to the opinion they really do not care one bit about safety in this county. And VDOT, please don’t say costs are the problem. There are loads of 45 mph signs on Laurel Road, where most of the time the safe speed on that road is 35-40 mph. Remove those signs which do not serve a legitimate purpose and install them where they will do more good.

Certainly the VDOT supervisors who drive Virginia 151 should have said something about lack of signs, so they are just as much to blame for this lackluster approach to citizen’s safety.

Since there are speed “rumbles” on U.S. 29 in Madison County at 55 mph, why can’t Nelson have them at 45 mph? Our citizens’ lives mean just as much as Madison’s citizens lives.

Gordon Koerner

Shipman

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Thanks from Evans family

The family of Richard Glenwood Evans cannot find enough words to thank this entire community for everything they have done in the loss of our husband, son, brother and father. The most important part of Richard’s life other than his belief in the Lord was his twins Cody and Christian Evans.

The entire family would like to thank everyone for your support, flowers, cards and monetary gifts. Richard was a spiritual man with a grand sense of humor. He put his wife and children in the center of his life. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved mother Patricia Wright and her husband Garland. He also leaves his two brothers Phillip and wife Connie and their sons Robbie and P.J. Evans; Bradley Wright and his significant other Brenda and their daughter Angel; stepbrother Garland Wright and stepsister Karen Ramsey and their children. Richard is also survived by his step-grandmother Leigh Evans. Richard’s father Glen Evans precedes him in death.

There is no way we can reach out and thank everyone who helped us through this most difficult time. We express a special thank you to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department who worked the horrific car accident. Many thanks to Ray Utarro for his words of encouragement. The Nelson County Middle School assisted us with making his children aware of their father’s accident in a comfortable environment. Most of all thank you to the pastors of the Nelson United Methodist Church and Calvary Baptist Church. Their prayers and assisting with the food will never be forgotten. Thanks also to Angela’s Beauty Salon: Angie for her continued support and Lindsay for coming to Garland’s and my home and letting me know that my son had been in an accident. Your kindness and assistance in every way will never be forgotten. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Patricia Wright

Shipman

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A vision grows

I recently returned from my sports play mission to Africa and wanted again to thank everyone who donated.

Be assured that your contributions directly benefited the lives of children of great need.

Upon arrival, I was soon nearly overwhelmed by the great need. The magnitude of the poverty is difficult to describe.

But as I spent more and more time with the children, their spirit of openness, and their focus and determination transcended their needs.

With open hearts they allowed me in, and I will be ever transformed. I will most assuredly return. But there is much we can do. It is my hope to connect our community to the children of this orphanage. We cannot save the world but we can help these orphans who I now have a relationship with.

I am hoping to collect 100 pairs of used shoes in good condition to send the children for Christmas. I need everything from soccer sandals to sneakers to black dress shoes. We need to fit children from the age of 5 years to teenagers.

We have collected quite a few already, but I am in particular need of smaller sizes for both boys and girls.

My daughter is at the high school, and with Ms. Baron, will collect them. Also, my wife works at the library, and you could drop shoes off there. Or, call 263-5949 and I will arrange to collect them. I am also seeking contributions to help with the cost of shipping. If you have already helped, again I thank you. If not, I hope you will consider. I know these are uncertain times, but small donations do add up. These are incredible, sweet children who through no fault of their own, were in despair. Now on a path to a better life, they need help. Please join me.

Phillip Kerl

Wheelers Cove