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Oil paintings by Anne Walker are on display at the College Square Y Art Gallery in an exhibit entitled “The Color of Light.” This painting is called “Tea and Tulips.” A reception to meet the artist will be held Sunday, Feb. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the YMCA. The artwork will be on display until June 15 and can be viewed at the Y Art Gallery during regular Rockbridge Area YMCA hours (membership not required) or on the YMCA website, https:// ymcavbr.org/rockbridge-area-ymca/y-art-gallery/.

To Give Presentations

Three Recorded In Rockbridge

Deborah Potter McCormick, 540-463-7652

Carolyn Bradley, 540-258-2720 Glasgow Baptist Church has been blessed to have former interim pastor Larry Ross filling the pulpit the past two Sundays. He and wife, Janet, also provided the special music this past week. He will be speaking again on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m. Following the service the congregation is invited to attend a birthday reception in the social hall for one of its members, June Cash, who will be celebrating her 90th birthday.

Esther Pennington, 540-291-2629 High Bridge Presbyterian Church will receive the two-cents-a-meal offering on Sunday, Feb. 5.

In his newsletter to constituents this week, state Sen. Creigh Deed warns that the General Assembly is heading toward a stalemate over Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed $1 billion in tax cuts. Deeds is worried that a legislative logjam is going to delay approval of a state budget for the second session in a row. Last year, a state budget impasse wasn’t resolved until June, creating havoc for local jurisdictions since they did not know what state funding to anticipate.

Some wag once opined that what this country needed was a good five-cent cigar. That was back when cigars were strangely regarded as a sign of affluence, or at least an acceptable arrogance of affluence.

Jan. 18, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I am so grateful to everyone who participated in the 2022 Be a Santa to a Senior program. This was my fifth year serving as coordinator, and I was once again overwhelmed and inspired by the generosity of our community.

Jan. 25, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I was sorry to read that Cynthia Atkins experienced extreme dismay upon discovering that she would have to enter a church to cast her vote in the Jan. 11 special election. Her discomfort increased when she pulled into the church parking lot. Once inside the church, she became uncomfortable as she “felt the heavy power and symbolism.”

Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: We have enjoyed a week of meaningful and well-organized activities commemorating Dr. King’s life, and now we hear from a southern governor that Black history lacks educational value.

Jan. 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: As Lexington engages with Echelon on the development for the Spotswood site, one hopes that they would evaluate other issues with the project that are equally as significant as the building’s ascetics. It was good to learn of the progress that has been made as reported by The News-Gazette. It was also distressing to learn “that the design was still a contemporary design, and that was something Echelon was set on.” That position by Echelon begs the question as to who is driving this project – Echelon or the city of Lexington? Who will be the final determinant – Echelon or the city of Lexington?

Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Thank you for the Gazette’s coverage of the Lee-Jackson Family Reunion.

Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: The General Assembly is in session right now; are you aware of how our state senator, Creigh Deeds, is voting? Check out his Twitter page (@ CreighDeeds).

Jan. 27, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I am disappointed at the letter submitted by Ann Olsen disparaging the marchers at the Lee-Jackson parade.

Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Thank you for your coverage of the CARE Rockbridge Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, which was inspiring and captured the forward-looking nature of the parade and its participants. Thank you, too, for your coverage of Ben Crump’s visit to Washington and Lee University and of the MLK celebration at First Baptist Church.

Jan. 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Recently I received a letter from the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, parent organization to the Rockbridge Area YMCA. After thanking me for my “generous support” in 2022, the “Vice President of Development” continued: “… the Y does so much … to strengthen the communities it serves …” Not lately, Madame Vice President. The popular director of the Rockbridge Area YMCA was terminated in a corporate ambush with no justification given. In doing so, regional executives thumbed their noses at Rockbridge County, Lexington, the local board of directors, the employees, membership and area youth. Consequently, our aspirations for a new building are crippled. As of last November, the same executives had endorsed the enterprise. So much for development and strengthening communities.

Jan. 29, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: In response to the letter of Jan. 25 by Ann Olson of Rockbridge Baths, her remarks regarding the photographs The News-Gazette printed of the service that was held at the cemetery of “the glum assortment” (Ms. Olsen’s words), I take personal umbrage.

Jan. 22, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: In his Jan. 19 newsletter, Rep. Ben Cline made several statements that, were he Pinocchio, would qualify him for rhinoplasty.

Distance Runners Lead Way for Blues, Wildcats