I am thankful for this newspaper and for this section that it sets aside for thousands to print an editorial of their choosing within the overall scope of the newspaper.
Born of little means, I am thankful for a high school counselor, Ms. Joan who invested her time and efforts in my life to find financial aid for me to attend Appalachian Bible College in 1975.
I am thankful for the agent who assisted me, Bob Burke of Martinsburg, W.Va. Through prayer and financial support I was able to follow the lead of the Lord and my Pastor Gary Kerns, and prepare for service. In my life there have been many people who have inspired my life from childhood until now. To name them all would be impossible, but they indeed have left a positive, lasting impression on my life including my parents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, pastors, Sunday school teachers and school teachers and college professors.
Today I am thankful for you the readers of this editorial. My hope and prayer on this Thanksgiving season is that you reflect on the things for which you are thankful and then share your reasons to be thankful with others. It is wonderful to have the health and strength to do this and I am thankful for you who have made my life a blessing in the Lord through our friendship via these many letters.
With a heart of Thanksgiving,
Ron Payne
Hedgesville, Md.
Making memories at Salem Avenue
To the editor:
Attention former staff and students of Salem Avenue Elementary School:
Salem Avenue Elementary School celebrates its 50th year anniversary this spring! An open house is planned for April 10, 2003.
At that time, you are invited to stop by the school, meet current staff, and reminisce. We hope many of you are able to come and visit with us. You will also be able to view various displays.
One of the items we hope to have on display is a memory book. Would you please take a few minutes and write about a memory you have of the time you were involved with Salem Avenue School? Then send or deliver it to the school.
We'd love to have an opportunity to see just how extensive Salem's influence has been on local and distant communities over the past 50 years. We'll try to include as many memories as possible in our book. After June 2003, Salem Avenue School will never look the same.
Major renovations are planned for the school during the coming year. Indeed, some preparatory changes have already occurred. This will be the last time you will get to walk through the school with it looking as you remember it.
Please mark your calendars now: Salem Avenue Elementary School's 50th anniversary celebration, April 10, 2003. Thanks. Hope to meet you then!
Kitty Harbaugh
Salem Avenue Elementary School
1323 Salem Ave.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
