Election moved to May 19; call for absentee ballot

ELECTION DATE MOVED

The Town of Appalachia election originally scheduled for May 5 has been moved to May 19 by the Governor. This is due to the Covid-19 virus.

The Governor is urging all the registered voters to please vote by mail if at all possible. This is a very simple process. Call the register’s office in Wise and request an application and they will send you one via U.S. mail and the request for an absentee ballot is to be mailed back to them and then the absentee ballot along with instructions will be sent to you. Don’t let this become a roadblock for you because many our freedoms and liberties have been diminished these days don’t let your right to vote be taken due to the Covid-19 virus.

THE MASK

I have mentioned many times about how we enjoyed doing our grocery shopping at our local grocery store. This is a time we are able to see our former classmates, church families, and good friends. Now when we are shopping it is virtually impossible to know who each person is because many have on the mask! If someone wanted to “hold up” the cashier it would be impossible to identify the would be thief because of the mask. LOL.

BILL WILDER

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our good friend Bill Wilder. He was a great guy who loved people. He was one of the best story tellers around telling of his younger days growing up in Inman Virginia and then moving to Indiana. He brought about vivid memories for all of us who knew him. Now I’m not saying they were all true but he could make you believe they were and he painted a great picture.

Gary and I were at his home this past December and he had to give us something to take with us. It was one the things he loved doing. He gave Gary a can of sunflower seeds. He had some beautiful sunflowers this past season and Gary commented on how lovely they were. So sunflower seeds were his gift to Gary. He gave me a bag full of frozen green beans grown in his garden. He loved gardening and loved to share his harvest with many folks. I laughed to myself because he used to plastic grocery bags and I thought this will never taste good but I would not hurt his feelings so I graciously thanked him and brought them home, put them in my freezer and several months later I cooked them. Guess what — yes they were great.  Wild Bill did it again!

He loved raising gourds and he would let them dry and then he would paint some of them. We have a few of his at the Appalachia Cultural Arts Building and we use them for some of the window decorations. He had already begun this years garden with tomatoes and onions and lettuce but alas he won’t be here to enjoy them. A memorial for Bill will be held at his home in Inman of July 29 (tentative plan) and his ashes will be spread on the ground he loved as a young lad and later when he returned to live out his retirement. He enjoyed the laid back simple life of an old Inman boy living life at its best — in the place he loved so very much. Rest in peace Bill we will miss you.

OUT FOR A DRIVE

Gary and I have taken the opportunity when the sun shines to take a drive in the afternoon around our area. Through Powell Valley, to Wise, on Route 58 to Lee County to see and feel Gods hands on the country side. I love to see the spring flowers blooming and the trees budding and bringing forth new life. The sights of our area truly beautiful this time of the year. I especially love the Iris and have some in my yard about to bloom. I love the yellow Iris and looked intently to see my favorite one and after all that riding around Gary took my by Jenny Taylor’s house in Appalachia and there they were: the prettiest yellow Iris ever. Rich in color and standing so tall absorbing all the sun and waving in the gentle breeze. Absolutely beautiful Jenny thanks for making my day.

FAMILY INFORMATION SOUGHT

A nice lady in Haymarket, Va. Is a subscriber to The Post paper. Her name is Shelvia Dye (maiden name) and she lived in Inman, Va. For a few years and attended Appalachia Elementary School. She needs to get in touch with her family member Jackie Collier Robinette. If anyone could help her she would appreciate it and you can contact Shelvia at the following number: 703/309-2116. Thank you so much and thank you Shelvia for being a Post reader.  

MOWING SEASON

Please send any contributions to help keep the Riverview Cemetery mowed during this season. It’s imperative that the Cemetery be maintained in a respectful way.

Riverview Cemetery has had interments dating back to the 1800’s. Confederate soldiers markers can be seen standing tall. Many of the Spanish-American War, World War I and II and Korean, Viet Nam, Dessert Storm and other who have served are buried in this hollow ground. Lots of family members who have long passed away and not too many of these families are left to carry the burden. The cost of maintaining continue to rise so we need your help. The mowers are contracted on a yearly basis. So far we have had dependable people that do a great job keeping the grounds looking as nice as possible. Those important dates are, Mother’s Day, Fathers Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor day are usually when someone visits the grave sites of their love ones. 

If you could make a pledge to help you may send your donations to: Paul R. Hicks, P.O. Box 162, East Stone Gap, Va. 24246. Thank you for caring.

TOUGH TIMES

Times are tough in Appalachia.. The two gas stations/convenience stores are open along with Dollar General, Appalachia Pharmacy, The U.S. Post Office, Miners Exchange Bank drive through which are considered essential places by decree. Our streets are deserted, no church, no schools, no work, no places to eat, and town hall is closed to the public. Most people are working from home on their computers. What a time! If I missed anyone who is open and working I apologize. The slogan “We will get through this together” rings true and I pray this will end soon.

You all be safe, be smart and be clean. God’s will be done!