Volunteers are improving the quality of life in Lynchburg

To the edsitor

The report of Lynchburg’s Three Arts Club is quite a compliment to me although it overshadows the many people I have found in Lynchburg who love living here here, care about their neighbors and volunteer their time to make Lynchburg the best it can be.

Finding the folks that need the vouchers for the food bank was more difficult than finding the volunteers to help.  The donations to make the Mobil Food Bank a reality were in place before the search began for those needing the food.

Marvin Resibois and his group were raising money for a park long before Don and I moved to town. Their money, combined with a grant Mayor Shaffer received, makes a new playground near the ball diamonds in town a reality.

Jenny Rhonemus and her friends formed a groups years ago called BLOOM. They have held fundraisers to provide the community with flowers all summer long.  On other occasions they have provided decorations for the center of town. Neighborhood Watch was started by two neighbors, one of whom came from California. Both were concerned about their neighbors and wanted to protect the community from strangers or strange behaviors. 

These meetings turned into brainstorming sessions on ways to improve the quality of life in the village. Results: Block party in late August. Music was provided by Dr. Schriebmann. Merchants provided raffle items. Bakers provided locally renowned baked goods to be auctioned off. Free popcorn and minimal cost drinks were the only refreshments of the evening. There were games for the kids.  Remember how we used to do before we left town for entertainment?

These same folks held two teen dances. Working with DARE, Bob Stroop and Chief Wooton, the last one held in March had nearly 300 young people in attendance.  Admission was free. Small cost for refreshments still generated money, because all refreshments were donated by the residents of the village.

This energetic group of volunteers will be holding a Clean Up Day in Lynchburg on April 17. All work will be done by volunteers and everyone is invited to volunteer. The event, organized by Chris Wilbanks, is being done in cooperation with Highland County Recycling . On May 1, we will be celebrating Arbor Day with a parade organized by Sandy Spaeth West and a tree giveaway organized by Chris Wilbanks.  

On May 15, Lynchburg will be doing a Green Up Day-planting flowers and trees throughout the community.  This event is coordinated by BLOOM. All of these efforts are residents sharing their time and expertise to make Lynchburg the best it can be at no cost to the village. They are calling these days “The Great Recession.” Folks, these days are not far removed from the “Great Depression” of the late 1920s.  

Volunteering will make a difference as we struggle with all the budget cuts. Thankful to call Lynchburg home, I am

Respectfully yours,

Carolyn Hastings

Lynchburg

To the editor:

The report of Lynchburg’s Three Arts Club is quite a compliment to me although it overshadows the many people I have found in Lynchburg who love living here here, care about their neighbors and volunteer their time to make Lynchburg the best it can be.

Finding the folks that need the vouchers for the food bank was more difficult than finding the volunteers to help.  The donations to make the Mobil Food Bank a reality were in place before the search began for those needing the food.

Marvin Resibois and his group were raising money for a park long before Don and I moved to town. Their money, combined with a grant Mayor Shaffer received, makes a new playground near the ball diamonds in town a reality.

Jenny Rhonemus and her friends formed a groups years ago called BLOOM. They have held fundraisers to provide the community with flowers all summer long.  On other occasions they have provided decorations for the center of town. Neighborhood Watch was started by two neighbors, one of whom came from California. Both were concerned about their neighbors and wanted to protect the community from strangers or strange behaviors. 

These meetings turned into brainstorming sessions on ways to improve the quality of life in the village. Results: Block party in late August. Music was provided by Dr. Schriebmann. Merchants provided raffle items. Bakers provided locally renowned baked goods to be auctioned off. Free popcorn and minimal cost drinks were the only refreshments of the evening. There were games for the kids.  Remember how we used to do before we left town for entertainment?

These same folks held two teen dances. Working with DARE, Bob Stroop and Chief Wooton, the last one held in March had nearly 300 young people in attendance.  Admission was free. Small cost for refreshments still generated money, because all refreshments were donated by the residents of the village.

This energetic group of volunteers will be holding a Clean Up Day in Lynchburg on April 17. All work will be done by volunteers and everyone is invited to volunteer. The event, organized by Chris Wilbanks, is being done in cooperation with Highland County Recycling . On May 1, we will be celebrating Arbor Day with a parade organized by Sandy Spaeth West and a tree giveaway organized by Chris Wilbanks.  

On May 15, Lynchburg will be doing a Green Up Day-planting flowers and trees throughout the community.  This event is coordinated by BLOOM. All of these efforts are residents sharing their time and expertise to make Lynchburg the best it can be at no cost to the village. They are calling these days “The Great Recession.” Folks, these days are not far removed from the “Great Depression” of the late 1920s.  

Volunteering will make a difference as we struggle with all the budget cuts. Thankful to call Lynchburg home, I am

Respectfully yours,

Carolyn Hastings

Lynchburg