August 8 — “Never underestimate the “…tenacity of the generation entering the work force in the early 60s.”

Virginia S. Erwin was honored and surprised with a retirement party at the Moose Lodge for her July 1 retirement as accountant for the Piedmont Health District after fifty years of service. The District includes seven counties: Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward, with headquarters in Farmville. Earlier her family surprised her with a family dinner hosted by husband David Erwin, held at Charley’s. Also attending were Paula E. and Dale Totten, Dana E. and Kevin Tharp, with children Gracie, Ashlyn and Griffin, along with special friend, Henry Fulcher.

Paul and Frances Asal had family visits here July 19 through 26. They were daughter, Sylvia A. Higham, of Valdosta, GA; grandson, Victor Decker also of Georgia; granddaughter Angie Kercher of Tallahassee, Florida with children: Logan, Sarah, Tory, Eli and Sam. Some also visited earlier in recognition of Frances ’88^th birthday and of Paul’s 87^thth wedding anniversary.

Grace Ownby celebrated her 92^nd birthday with visits from family. Coming at various times visitors included, Marjorie Lou and Ray Hufham, of Dillwyn, and Macy and Bob Welsh of Camden, NC. Special excitement accompanies the visits from her one-year old great-grandson, Levi Jones and his parents Jeremy and Crystal, of Culpepper.

Diane C. Young enjoys reunions of the Coffey Cousins who meet several times a year in Amherst. They recently had a lunch meeting at Briar Patch restaurant there.

Dorris Allen Mays and Audrey S. Robinson attended the 70th Allen Reunion held August 3 at College Church, Hampden-Sydney. Many were present from the local area, as well as several from Maryland and Texas.

John A. Robinson, of Corona, California, has returned home after visits with family members here.

Faye Asal, president of the United Methodist Women at Antioch Church presented a special mission recognition pin to Barbara B. Roark. This represents a gift to missions and honors someone who participates in many churches and community activities.

The UMW was recognized at a recent Antioch Council meeting for its activities, including sponsor of church food bank-drives during the year; also an outstanding record in sponsoring the Operation Christmas Child “shoebox” collection. Antioch women are very active in supporting the Cumberland Clothes Closet, especially Joan Page, Faye Asal, Lynn Hill, Alice Higgins and Judy Odom.

Education Honors

Some of the recent high school and college graduates are planning their next studies, or beginning their areas of work. Congratulations to each! Jo Smith and John M. Smith attended the VCU ceremonies for granddaughter Cary Fitzgerald who graduated cum laude from the School of Art. She is the daughter of Dave and Debra S. Fitzgerald of Glen Allen.

Ellie Honebein graduated as Medical Assistant from Bryant-Stratton College in Richmond. She is the daughter of Patricia S. Honebein and Alfred Honebein. The family hosted a graduation picnic the following day at the home of grandparent’s Jack and Ruby Simpson. Coming from North Carolina were Mary and Debbie S. Pollard, Rebecca Cooke and son, Kolton Cooke. Ellie has accepted employment in Farmville at the Woodland. See picture in (The Herald) of July 12.

John-Marshall Varner graduated from Prince Edward High School. A celebration picnic was held the following day at the Carolyn Baldwin Lake Pavilion. An active member of the Future Farmers of America, he plans courses of study in mechanics and agriculture.

Kayla Higgins graduated from Cumberland High School. She was honored on July 28 with a covered dish lunch at Tar wallet Baptist Church. Grandmothers Alice A. Higgins and Arlene S. Vance were participants, along with parents Ernest and Laura Higgins. Kayla plans to study education at Longwood University. She received a scholarship from Delta Kappa Gama of Longwood. Kayla was vice-president of the Senior Class and a leader of the Scholastic Team. Her volunteer work includes being a teen 4-H camp leader for several years. She also works at McDonalds.

Jeanne Robinson graduated from Cumberland High School as Salutatorian. She was yearbook editor and a leader in the Scholastic Team competition. She served as president of the Methodist Farmville District Council on Youth Ministry, regularly participated in the Mission Week for annual gleaning and housing repairs. She attended Governors School in Keysville during the past two years. Among scholarships received were: Cumberland County Public Schools Foundation, Raritan National, and the Association of Electric Cooperatives. A graduation picnic was held at the home of her parents, Bob and Missy Robinson. She plans to attend Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.

Cody Short graduated from Buckingham High School, has received many scholarships and is pictured in The Herald. He plans to attend Virginia Tech. Congratulations to Bill and Joan Page (grandparents); mother, Jeanne P. Smith, and other local relatives. He was honored with a family picnic after gradating with an Associate Degree from Southside VA Community College. His aunt, Susi Page, of Memphis, came for the graduation activities.