Letters to the editor

An ‘emotional, positive’ day

We, the Josephine School Community Board of Directors, wish to thank the many, many people who so graciously and readily participated in the “Celebration of Freedom” on Jan. 5 at the Clarke County High School auditorium.

The choir, musicians, historic re-enactors, spoken-word actors, interpretative dancer, and the support staff were magnificent. It was indeed an emotional and positive day!

The sesquicentennial of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation is especially important to all descendants of slaves. It is also important to all Americans who seek to become educated in the aspects of slavery in this county (as well as our local counties). As was reiterated by Ray Crawford (the master of ceremonies), the Emancipation Proclamation was only the first step in the path toward the freedom of slaves.

We also thank the public for attending the event — such a diverse audience. We received many positive comments. We were pleased with young people who expressed thanks for educating them about local Black History. Much of the factual information in the program is not found in school textbooks.

For those who said they did not know the JSCMuseum existed; we have been in existence and open to the public for 10 years. We are located at 304 Josephine St., Berryville, and are open each Sunday, 1-3 p.m.

Many thanks.

Board of Directors

The Josephine School Community

Berryville

Wayside: Don’t let it slip away

My name is Patrick Bauserman, and I am 13 years old. I am an eighth-grader at Daniel Morgan Middle School.

Over the past few years, I have been very active at Wayside Theatre in Middletown. I have acted on the main stage, attended acting classes, stage-managed, and now I am a member of Wayside’s Young Ambassadors Guild.

My brother Thomas (age 8) has also acted on the main stage, has taken classes, and he also loves Wayside. His first main stage show was “A Christmas Carol” when he played Tiny Tim.

Wayside recently launched a campaign to raise money so that it can keep its doors open. Wayside Theatre is very important to me, my fellow actors, and the Wayside staff.

Also, it is very important to the local community and the Shenandoah Valley. You can go see great theatre, and meet amazing people at Wayside.

Being an actor at Wayside means that everyone is given the same amount of respect — no matter what your age is. That is an awesome feeling to have.

I feel that if Wayside were to close, the Wayside family would be heartbroken and lost. Wayside has created memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s coming to see the Christmas show every year, or celebrating birthdays with a show, the memories and traditions that have been created are priceless.

I am very proud to be part of the family at Wayside. Wayside has created memories for my brother and me that we will never forget.

Come and make you own Wayside memories that will last forever. Come see what Wayside has to offer, and then you will understand why we are all so passionate to save this great treasure.

Just like the song lyrics, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” So don’t let Wayside Theatre slip away.

Patrick Bauserman

Winchester

Hearts touched by outpouring

I would like to say thank you to those businesses and individuals in our community who made Christmas very special for our residents this year. We had such an overwhelming response from those who wanted to make sure that all our residents had a wonderful Christmas.

Thanks to Wal-Mart, VFW, Rolling Thunder, WMC Auxiliary, Total Image, Betty Sue Unger, and Fellowship Bible Church for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Kelley Utt and the members of Grace Community Church for the participation in our live Nativity this year. Also, a thank you to Wilson’s Animal Kingdom for supplying the animals for the Nativity.

Thank you to Denzel Davis for being our Santa once again this year. Last, but not least, thank you to Weber’s Nursery for the beautiful poinsettias they bring to our residents each year to brighten their days.

I have been at Evergreen for eight years, and I cannot remember when we have had such an outpouring of generosity and sharing for our residents. It truly touched our hearts.

It was a wonderful time, and we the staff thank you so much for your help. God will truly bless you. I wish everyone a wonderful new year.

Carol Shimel

Activity Director

Evergreen Health & Rehab

Winchester

Thanks, Jack

On Jan. 4, the finest man I have ever known passed away — Jack Doronce Booth.

He was an educator, coach, volunteer, community leader, family man, and a great role model for more than 65 years. I am very lucky not only to have known him, but also to be part of his family for nearly 30 years and have him as my father-in-law.

Most of his friends may not know this, but less than 24 hours after Jack passed away, his granddaughter gave birth to his second great-grandson and namesake, Jack Livermore.

It seems kind of poetic that one Jack leaves this world as another one enters it. The only thing I can say is that if that great-grandson grows up to be half the man Jack Booth was, he will be twice the man than most.

I am a much better person for having Jack Booth in my life. I will always miss him, and I will never forget him.

Thanks, Jack.

Michael A. Stryker

Winchester

In the footsteps of Dr. King

(Ed. Note: This letter initially appeared in the Northern Virginia Daily on Jan. 15, 1981.)

In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday anniversary we celebrate this week, in hopes that the facts of his life will inspire others to follow in his footsteps inspired by his example.

Martin Luther King Jr., winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, worked to bring about racial equality for all people through peaceful means.

King was born on Jan. 15, 1929 in Atlanta. He attended Morehouse College and received his degree from there in 1948.

In his struggle for racial equality, Dr. King encouraged the people to vote and join the NAACP. He spoke and traveled throughout the country and led many peaceful demonstrations.

Dr. King’s most successful march was in 1963 when he and 250,000 followers marched from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. At the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King made his famous speech, “I Have a Dream.”

During his life, Dr. King received many honors and degrees. One of his most recognized honors was the winning of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Dr. King was killed on April 4, 1968 by an unknown rifleman. Later, James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to Dr. King’s murder.

King is buried near Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, with these words carved on his tombstone: “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, I’m free at last.”

Robert Moten

Winchester