People, Places and Things by Bootie Bell Chewning
You know it’s almost Vinton’s Relay for Life time when you see the purple bows go up in Vinton. It is a tradition, and it is so important to get them up so people coming to Dogwood can see them, and come join in. Last Saturday was the day to do it. Yes, it was raining but eight diehards showed up to paint the town purple.
Those showing up were Roger and Mary Saunders (Co-Chairmen Community Awareness), Angie Chewning and Carolyn Williams (Relay Co-Chairs), Sherry Williams, Skylar Williams, Suzanne Bell, and Bootie Chewning. We got soaked, but it’s nothing compared to what those with cancer experience. Thank you, Chase Cardwell and ROTC for hanging the rest of the bows in drier weather, LOL.
May 5 will be the date for Relay at Vinton War Memorial because the WBHS field is being renovated, so Relay has been displaced after being there for nine years. This will be the 10th year, so sad. Another change is that it will be starting at 5:30 with Flag Retirement by ROTC -WBHS at the monument (you won’t want to miss this ceremony) and the Survivors Dinner in the War Memorial at 5:30, followed by the activities for the night and this year will end at 12:00 Midnight. Go on the website to check out schedule etc., or make a donation. Don’t forget to purchase a luminary in memory of or in honor of a loved one or friend. Let their light be a part of the lights around the War Memorial. Only $10. You may send to me at 888 Colbourne Avenue, Vinton, 24179 or go by the Vinton Chamber of Commerce office and give it to Angie. We will then give to ACS and fix your bags. Show you care! Yes, we can always use help. KNOCK OUT CANCER!
Congrats to Tim Lewis who completed the Blue Ridge Double Marathon last Saturday. Yes, that’s right, he ran America’s toughest road marathon– not once, but twice. Makes me tired just writing about it. LOL. Way to go Tim and all those that ran last weekend. In the picture are Tim and his proud Mom Susan Lewis.
Happy Birthday wishes go out to Mary Beth Layman, Sherry H. Sloan, Jeannine Turman, Jeff Sullivan, Dave Gearhart, Hayley Boland, Lee Ann Shupe, Chris Wilkes, Bev Franklin, Judy Russ, Jimmy Meador, Gina Williamson, Mike Gray, Tyler Thompson, Jim Burchfield, Ashley Jordon Gray, Taylor Moore, Shane Duff, Angela F. Lancaster, David Helms, Ginger Huffman, Gene Henegar, Teresa Henderson, Kirk Greenway, Jerry Wheeler, Dean Rickabaugh, Bonnie Short, Jeff Hall, Ashley Lawson, Susan Lester, Teresa Dunn, Cory Greer, Suzie V. Dalton, Trey Lawson, Ryan Carroll, Danielle Brown, Gary Dickerson, Paula Brookman, Rebecca Abshire, Jeri Collins, Andrew Rice, Kalley Sullivan, Meagan Cole,Monica Brooks, Annette W. Wickham, Jeff Hall, Pam Gabriel, and Susan Lester. And Happy Birthday to a real Southern Gentleman, Roy Collins, 93 years young. Hope you all had a great one! For those I missed, Happy Birthday!
Get Well wishes and prayers go out to Linda Kennison Bell (in hospital in Cape Fear Hospice, 955 Mercy Lane SE, Bolivia N.C. 28422, Mom of Deaton and Hunter Bell, formerly of Vinton, send her a card), Melanie Vest (now at home), Lauren Newcomb (knee surgery, doing great) ,Eliza Otey, JodyLee Edsall (gaining strength each day), Harriett Overstreet, April Hall, Dean Hepinstall, Patty Reynolds, Cathy Lafferty, Greg Moore, Ken “Skinny ” Journell (at Lewis Gale with pneumonia, when released will go to Friendship) Karla Turman (undergoing treatments), Tommy Woods, and Gabe Patton (14 and battling cancer. Please remember all in your prayers in hospitals and nursing homes.
Lots going on this week in Vinton– check it all out and attend the events. Alumni Band members, come join the fun. Pray no rain, LOL. I love a parade!
