Letters to the Editor - Jan. 27, 2010

Safe housing
The Nelson County Community Development Foundation would like to publicly recognize Steve Crandall, Richard Turner, Peggy Hughes and the crew and subcontractors of Tectonics II for their invaluable assistance and expertise in a recent Indoor Plumbing Rehabilitation project completed near Brent’s Mountain.

An elderly widow, her daughter and two grandchildren who formerly lived in a deteriorating single-wide trailer with no running water or plumbing, are now making affordable monthly payments on a safe, healthy stick-built home of their own. And one more outhouse has been eliminated in Nelson County.

This project would not have succeeded without an extremely generous donation back from Tectonics II, which allowed us to structure affordable payments for our client. While our nation struggles to find cooperative solutions to our most pressing problems, it is encouraging that working together to improve our community is still important in Nelson County.

If you know of local families without indoor plumbing or running water, please contact NCCDF at 263-8074. Help us continue to help others.

GEORGE KRIEGER
Executive director, NCCDF

Grateful family
The Blackwell Family and our children — April, Kristin, little David and Susan, along with our grandsons, Walker and Eli — would like to thank each and every person for your many acts of kindness during the loss of our home and David’s injuries.

On Aug. 2, we suffered a fire at our home. David and our dear friend, James E. Shelton Sr., were severally injured.

Our dear friend (Jim) succumbed to his injuries. We ask everyone to keep Jim’s family in your prayers. I thank everyone who assisted Jim and David that horrible night.

I especially thank the Revs. David Christian and John Campbell for your prayers and support in this most difficult time.

There was a young lady who stopped at the scene that night. My husband and Jim asked for water. She handed me a bottle and I gave it to both of them to drink. I did not get her name, but you are thanked from the bottom of my heart.

I cannot remember everyone at the scene, but a special thanks to the Nelson County fire departments, rescue personnel and the Sheriff’s department.

I would also like to thank my family, friends and neighbors who came that night. You not only assisted the family and me but also have remained a source of strength.

David was working at Blue Ridge Medical Center when he was injured and there are not enough words of praise and gratitude to thank you all for everything you have done to help us. You have been and continue to be a godsend to our family, and a special thanks to Davis’s former co-workers at the International Cold Storage.

We can not thank everyone personally in our community and the surrounding counties, but I hope this letter will let you know how deeply grateful we are.

Our daughters, April and Kristin, my sister Dorothy and Peggy Whitehead set up a Web site for David. It can be seen at http://caringbrigde.org/visit/davidblackwell/guestbook/pdg.

David had come a long way with his injuries. He is facing months of healing and rehabilitation in the next nine to 12 months.

I would like for everyone to know your acts of kindness will never be forgotten. We appreciate your prayers, cards and e-mails.

Last but not least, thank you for everyone who helped me in getting moved and set up for David to come home.

LINDA B. BLACKWELL
and FAMILY
Lovingston