The Virginia Department of Social Services said the list includes regular soda, diet soda, “zero” or artificially sweetened soda, carbonated energy drinks or carbonated drinks with five grams of added sugar or more per serving. 

SNAP recipients will still be able to buy the drinks with their own money. 

VDSS said the goal is to help people make healthier choices.

“Virginia is testing out whether removing certain carbonated, sweetened beverages from SNAP eligibility supports healthier outcomes for families,” VDSS said in a statement on their website. 

The change does not affect people’s monthly benefit amount. Sweetened, non-carbonated drinks like chocolate milk, juices, sports and hydration drinks and tea are not on the list. People will no longer be able to buy probiotic sodas, but milk or yogurt-based probiotic drinks will remain SNAP-eligible. 

The same rules apply to online purchases. 

Lindsay Zimbro was one of three people hurt in the crash, which happened in front of the Poplar Hill Exxon on the morning of Tuesday, October 20.

The accident involved at least two cars and a dump truck hauling a trailer, photos from witnesses showed. 

The other victims have not been identified and it’s unclear if anyone is facing any charges. 

Zimbro was airlifted to the hospital in Roanoke and has undergone several surgeries for abdominal injuries, her sister, Hannah Edwards, told The News-Gazette. 

Edwards said Zimbro’s seatbelt ultimately saved her life, but she is facing a long road to recovery. 

“I know there are at least two more surgeries planned on top of physical therapy,” Edwards said. “She’s going to be out of work for awhile.”

Edwards said bright sunlight at that time of the morning may have contributed to the crash. 

The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with medical expenses and caring for Zimbro’s children two children, 16-year-old Holden and 10-year-old Everleigh. 

“Her list of injuries are long and serious. Her stay in the hospital will be long and the road after, even longer,” family members wrote on GoFundMe. “As one could imagine, this is going to cause a hard financial burden on Lindsay and her family. There will be medical bills, travel, food, and many other unknowns at this time but we do know that they will need all the help we can give them.” 

Edwards described her sister as a devoted mom who is lucky to have a big support network in the area to help her recover. 

“She’s a great friend and an amazing sister,” Edwards said. “She would help anybody.” 

Edwards said Zimbro’s children have been able to visit her and that cards and donations to the GoFundMe are appreciated. So far, the community has contributed more than $6,000. 

“It’s nice to see the outpour from the community for her,” Edwards said. 

You can contribute to the GoFundMe HERE.

Nearly every pew in Collierstown Presbyterian Church was full Sunday for a memorial service honoring the life of Ian Treger, on what would have been his 30th birthday.

A Rockbridge County native and graduate of Washington and Lee University, Treger died while hiking Ausangate Mountain in Peru earlier this year. Several friends and family members shared memories of him as part of the service.

Christian Larsen, a childhood friend of Treger’s, recalled a story of how Treger was once asked how many brownies he wanted and he replied with a grin, “I think I’ll start with 10.”

“That’s now turned into a family expression,” Larsen said. “I still use it to this day for whenever you just kind of go for something and see what sticks – start with 10 and … see what happens, then carry on.”

Mohamed Kamara, one of Treger’s professors at W&L, recalled that Treger “never stood or sat still, in a good way,” and that he would “always engage me in deep conversations about the topics that I taught in class [and] would force me to think even more about what I was going to say.

“I remember him as a curious and open-minded person, so I had absolutely no doubt that he would travel far and wide,” he said.

“I’m deeply sad that I’ve lost my son, and he was a wonderful person,” Treger’s mother, Michelle Ludwig, told The News-Gazette in an interview on Friday. “There’s so much unfairness in the world, and I’m sad that he’s not here to help me see the world the way he saw the world.”

Ludwig, in the interview, recalled how Treger would regularly send messages or photos to her of places he was visiting and things he was doing, just to check in and let her know he was alright, and talked about the “unfairness of such a wonderful, kind, loving, generous, thoughtful person to longer be on this earth.”

In an effort to highlight Treger’s generous spirit, Ludwig and Celine Price, Treger’s aunt, created the What Would Ian Do Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to continuing Treger’s adventurous nature and generous spirit by providing financial assistance to students studying English abroad – including at the Galapagos Language Academy where Treger taught English. The foundation will also sponsor students who wish to study abroad, and support search and rescue operations that assist families of missing persons.

“It’s a way for me to keep his spirit alive, [and] to keep his goodness here on earth, even though he no longer is,” Ludwig said.

Treger’s love for travel was “somewhat genetic,” Ludwig said. She grew up with a mother who liked to travel and visit new places, and she spent her summers split between a hunting camp in the Adirondack Mountains her father built and a 200-year-old stone house on a river “not far from Canada” in upstate New York. That tradition of summering away from home was something Ludwig wanted to pass on to her children.

“I have wonderful memories and I wanted my children to be able to go away for the summer to a place that was theirs,” she said. “That, when they got there, they had friends that they remembered from the summer before.”

Treger’s love of travel grew with him. He spent a year as an exchange student in Germany when he was in high school and visited a variety of different countries, some on his own and some with his family. In addition to English, he spoke French and German, and minored in French at W&L.

“I loved traveling with him,” Ludwig said. “He saw things differently. It was wonderful. He would mention something to me that I didn’t even notice. He also was very kind to people and very patient. He didn’t mind bartering in some of the countries where we were. He always he really did see the best in people.”

Another aspect of Treger’s mindset is the idea that he was never lost, but on a new adventure, something Ludwig said that her mother would often say when they were traveling.

“I think Ian really took that to heart,” Ludwig said. “He was never lost. There were times he fell asleep on the bus and ended up in the wrong place, but he had a great experience.”

According to a map on the foundation’s website, Treger visited at least one country on every continent except Antarctica. Ludwig said that most of the photos he took of those places were of the scenery around him.

The foundation isn’t Treger’s only memorial. A stone monument with his name, dates, and a brief epitaph sits on Ausangate Mountain in the spot where he was found. There is a traditional belief among the people who live in the Andes Mountains that certain, special souls are called to remain and join the mountain’s spirit, and that belief was honored in a ceremony held when the monument was installed. As part of the ceremony, three leaves from a coca plant were placed at the memorial – one for Pachamama, the mother of all life; one for the Apus, the mountain spirits that serve as protectors of the mountains and guardians of the Andean people who live there; and one for Treger himself.

“Today, he is no longer just a mountaineer,” Chief Rodriguez with the Peruvian National Police said in a eulogy he wrote for the ceremony. “He is a new guardian of Ausangate – a spirit that will walk among the peaks and paths, watch over the glaciers, and accompany, invisible yet present, those who seek the grandeur of that sacred mountain with humility and respect.

“For there are beings whose imprint does not disappear with death,” he continued. “They merge with the earth, the wind, and the snow, becoming part of the sacred landscape that inspires future generations.”

A video of Chief Rodriguez reading his full eulogy was played at Sunday’s memorial service, and an English translation was provided to attendees. It is also available on the foundation’s website.

The speakers at Sunday’s memorial service offered similar words about Treger’s spirit living on.

“We never said goodbye,” Larsen said. “We always said ‘See you later.’ That’s a very small distinction or difference, but the impact is huge because of the implication, the promise that there will be another time. And, while he might not be here with us, I know he is watching over us.”

“In my faith, when we hear of the passing of someone, the first thing we say is ‘From God we came and to God we shall return,’” Kamara said. “But we also believe that those who are gone have not gone. They have only changed locations and now occupy a more consequential place in the universe. And as a child of the universe, Ian is everywhere – in the mountains, in the rivers, in the wind that blows, in the breaths that we take. And we pray that he continues to enjoy that journey, that adventure.”

To learn more about the foundation, or to make a donation to it, visit www.wwidf.org.

Al Carr hasn’t been able to walk down his driveway on Overhill Drive to get his mail on his own in years.

But on a warm and sunny early September day, he stood near his back door and took a few halting, but increasingly steady steps toward his mailbox.

Carr is completely blind and has relied on a walking cane – and his wife Gail – to help him navigate the world, even his own house, for nearly a decade.

But these days he’s got new, life-changing technology to assist him: a pair of Meta AI smart glasses with chunky black frames.

If you stand next to Carr in his driveway while he’s wearing the glasses, you may be able to hear a faint voice gently guiding his steps through tiny speakers mounted above his ears: “A few steps to the right, a few forward, make that turn at the bend.”

The glasses are connected to an app called BeMyEyes, which helps visually impaired people get around to do simple tasks. When Carr activates the app with his voice, it instantly pairs him with one of an army of live volunteers around the world that are available 24/7. One of those volunteers patches into his glasses through the tiny camera mounted on the frames, sees what he would see, and guides him to where he wants to go.

Glasses

continued from page 1 “For the first time in eight and a half years, I can go outside on my own,” Carr said. “I’ve got to tell you, that is a life changer.”

Carr, 84, is a former Marine, Virginia Military Institute graduate, retired lawyer and law professor at Washington and Lee University. About 30 years ago, he lost vision in his right eye due to glaucoma. More than eight years ago, he lost sight in his left eye after he lost blood flow to his retina.

He’s one of many veterans to receive a pair of free Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, which Meta has donated to 130,000 blind former service members across the country through the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA). The glasses use the speakers, camera and microphone along with an AI assistant to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. BeMy-Eyes is one of several apps Carr can pull up in addition to his Meta voice assistant, which is like Alexa or Siri.

Carr got his glasses in late summer through The Cadet Foundation, which distributed about 100 pairs through the BVA/Meta program.

He’s still getting the hang of them, but he’s found multiple benefits beyond the human-guided assistance in walking. As a former lawyer who is full of questions, Carr uses his Meta voice assistant to research anything and everything he’s interested in. The voice assistant pipes the answers directly into Carr’s own personal speakers from anywhere he can connect to Wi-Fi.

“You can talk to it and ask it questions and that sort of thing, and it can provide you information,” he explained. “I can ask Meta a question about something that comes up, and it will provide me with an answer faster than Gail can Google.”

The glasses can also describe what he is “looking at” in detail. That’s a big help to Carr, who occasionally gets disoriented in his house.

Meta will also read to him any text he holds in front of the camera on his lenses, which is a huge benefit because he’s always been a voracious reader.

Right now, he’s using his new glasses to do everything from following debates and researching data centers to having the technology read him books on Douglas MacArthur and Winston Churchill.

The BeMyEyes app is one of Carr’s favorite ways to use his Meta glasses, because it is helping him regain some physical independence. He still relies on Gail for most daily tasks, like making his coffee and his lunch, and will continue to.

But Gail Carr said that before he got the glasses, her husband had not gone outside alone in eight years.

“And all of a sudden, he could go out there. He didn’t have me by the arm,” she said. “That was a biggie.”

Before he lost his vision, Carr was a big walker and tried to get in at least 3 miles several days a week on the campuses of VMI and W&L.

Gail Carr said that in addition to her husband being unable to leave the house on his own, his blindness has profoundly affected the way that he walks, which has taken a toll on his muscle tone over the years.

The couple hopes the Be-MyEyes app will help him build back muscle and walk at a more normal pace. He’ll always use the cane to help him stay aware of the ground and any obstacles he might encounter, but the app provides some needed backup for the cane.

“The more he can do this, the faster, bigger steps he’ll be able to take,” she said. “But for so long, for years, they’ve all had to be little steps. So that’s what we were looking forward to, that with this, he’ll be able to go back on those walks,” Gail Carr said.

‘Prepare to Be Blind’

Carr’s vision was never perfect, but it was good enough for him to join the Marine Corps as an enlisted man in 1961. Eighteen months later, he matriculated at Virginia Military Institute. It was during his time on post that his recruiting officer noticed he was having trouble seeing and sent him to the eye doctor.

“Legal blindness is around 20/700,” Carr said. “My right eye came back at 20/1350. In other words, I could just barely see lights and shadows.”

Because of issues with his sight, he couldn’t commission, so Carr went to law school and then practiced law for years. In 2000, he and Gail moved back to Lexington to retire and he was asked to teach a law class at Washington and Lee University. He’d already lost sight in his right eye, but managed in the classroom well enough. Carr said that as a left-hander, it didn’t bother him much at first to navigate the world with one good eye.

“For a period of time, I could have flown fighter jets,” Carr said. “I could see so well, and then just all of a sudden, one day the vision started going down quickly.”

Doctors realized he had an occlusion of blood vessels, which compromised the blood supply to his left retina. Doctors said that there wasn’t much they could do to change his prognosis.

“You need to go back home and prepare to be blind,” Carr said a doctor told him.

The couple said they weren’t given any further guidance than that.

“So, we learned to live blind,” Al Carr said. “And that’s a problem, because there’s no manual for it, and we didn’t have anybody around us who also was blind, so we just kind of stumbled along.”

Carr was 76 years old at the time.

With the help of the Virginia Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Carr learned to walk with a cane, but in the process, he also met many younger people who were facing blindness. Something about seeing other people grappling with losing their vision at a younger age put things in perspective for Carr.

“To see their agony and uncertainty, I did the best I could to convince them that when you lose your eyesight, the world doesn’t come to an end. You’ve just got to figure out how to deal with it,” Carr said. “We happened to draw the short straw, and we’ve got two choices. One is we could dig a hole and get in it and spend all our time feeling sorry for ourselves and making everybody around us miserable. Or we can accept what we’ve got and make do the best we can.”

Making the best of it remains a goal for Carr nearly a decade later. At 84, he is still actively attending events for the blind and learning about new technology that can help him live his life to the fullest.

He’s had his Meta glasses for a little over four months now, and he and Gail have been practicing walks on the VMI parade grounds and at Waddell Elementary down the hill from their home.

He has discovered a few limitations. Most significantly, the glasses have to connect to Wi-Fi for Carr to be able to use apps like BeMyEyes. A lso, l ike a n iPhone, they tend to get too hot in the bright summer sun. In addition, users are advised not to rely on them to do things with an inherent risk, like crossing the street, because the Wi-Fi could drop out.

But the benefits far outweigh the cons.

Gail is still never far away, but now, she’s able to watch from a distance as her husband gains more confidence with the help of volunteers looking out for him on the other end of his frames.

“I started out slowly,” Carr said of a recent walk. “And the woman said, “You can take bigger steps. I’ve got you covered.’”

Editor’s Note: The BVA’s Meta program for veterans has been so popular that new applicants are waitlisted. Veterans can still apply through an interest form on the BVA website.

The Glasgow Lifesaving & First Aid Crew will host a trunk- or-treat event at Locher Pavilion on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. Prizes for decorated trunks, costume contest, and donations of canned foods will get you a free hotdog meal.

The Natural Bridge Christian Fellowship Church will hold its annual trunk-or-treat on Halloween night from 6 to 8 in the church parking lot at Natural Bridge Station.

Cannabis retail businesses will be a topic of discussion for the Lexington Planning Commission over the next several months as the city determines what regulations, if any, it can implement on any such business should one seek to come to the city.

During its meeting last week, the Planning Commission held a preliminary discussion about the process and what sort of things it might like to implement if permitted. City planner Arne Glaeser told the Commission that he was planning to speak with City Attorney Jeremy Carroll to further clarify some details regarding the legislation that was passed earlier this year as part of the budget legislation.

Under the state law, cannabis retail sales will be permitted in Virginia beginning July 1, 2027. Regulations for the sales have been drafted and are being reviewed by the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council. The planned timeline is for the review to be completed in December and finalized before the first of the year. Applications for retail business licenses will open on Feb. 1, 2027, with the first licenses being issued in May. As with the state’s ABC stores, there will be a limited number of licenses available – 350 in the case of cannabis retail stores – and they will be distributed based on population density.

The Lexington Planning Commission set a goal of having an ordinance of some kind in place by the time applications open in February, even suggesting holding a joint public hearing with Lexington City Council on the ordinance to help expedite the process.

“I think it’s a good idea, if we can, to have something in place for February first in case somebody wants to come here,” Glaeser told the Planning Commission. “Then there’s something on the books for the Cannabis Control Authority to see what we have and then potentially deny if it doesn’t meet our code.”

The legislation that was passed earlier this year does specifically allow localities to set hours of operation for cannabis retail businesses, as well as permitting them to adjust the distance allowed between such businesses and schools, universities, hospitals, and daycare programs. The one caveat on the distances is that they cannot be made greater than those allowed by the state regulatory board, only lowered. Localities can also set the rate at which sales at such businesses can be taxed at between 1 percent and 3.5 percent, though that specific decision would not be made by the Planning Commission.

Beyond that, what regulations a locality can set is left somewhat vague by the language of the current state law. The code permits localities “to adopt and enforce local ordinances” to regulate cannabis retail businesses, “including local zoning and land use requirements and business license requirements,” but doesn’t offer much else in the way of guidance on how much regulation would be allowed before it would become too restrictive.

One idea that was suggested by the Planning Commission was letting cannabis retail businesses be a by-right use in the city’s C-2 zoning districts (the entrance corridors along West Nelson and South Main streets), but a conditional use in the historic downtown C-1 zoning district.

Whether that would be too restrictive per the state law is one of the questions that the city attorney will have to answer before things proceed.

Tom Stanley, agricultural Extension agent, reported to the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors Monday that 20 applications for emergency wells have been submitted to the USDA from Rockbridge County farmers, and that he knew of probably another 20 farmers whose wells have run dry.

The applications that have been submitted are awaiting final approval at the Virginia USDA Farm Service Agency office in Richmond. Stanley recommended the supervisors approve a letter or resolution requesting expedited approval of the applications for assistance, specifically pointing out that the most recent drought monitor designations do not appear to reflect the severity of the drought’s impacts on springs, streams and wells accumulated over a period of months.

“It’s pretty devastating to walk around [area farms] and see the effects [from the extended drought period],” said David McDaniel, chair of the Board of Supervisors.

“No one is using their wells like they were three months ago,” said Supervisor Leslie Ayers, alluding to conservation measures being practiced at area farms as the drought continues.

Stanley said a monitoring well in Glasgow has recorded historically low water levels. Drought conditions appear to be worse in Rockbridge County than in neighboring counties, he added.

The consensus of the supervisors was to direct staff to write a letter to the Virginia USDA Farm Service Agency as recommended by Stanley to request expedited approval of applications for assistance for farmers to drill new wells.

That’s an indication of the level of interest in the elections. There is a lot on the ballots this year. Voters in Buena Vista and Lexington are being asked whether or not to approve 1 percent sales taxes that would be used to pay for school construction projects. Voters across Virginia are being asked whether or not to approve three state constitutional amendments.

Nationwide, voters will decide which party will control Congress over the final two years of President Donald Trump’s tenure. In Virginia, incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner is being challenged by Republican Bert Mizusawa. In the state’s sixth congressional district, Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Ben Cline is facing a challenge from Democrat Beth Macy.

In Lexington, interim Mayor David Sigler and City Council member Nicholas Betts are vying to complete the mayoral term of Frank Friedman, who died in July. Three seats on Lexington City Council are up for grabs. Candidates on the ballot are Sigler, Meghan Ferguson and Amber Ansted. Will Kirchner is running as a write-in candidate. Justin Davis and LaTonya Douglas are the candidates on the ballot for two Lexington School Board seats.

In Glasgow, incumbent Town Council members Brandall Branch, Natalie Harris and Marcie Hill are running for re-election. A fourth candidate whose name will appear on the ballot is Kris Springer. Charles Gibbs and Mary Reynolds are waging write-in campaigns.

Goshen Mayor Tom McCraw is running unopposed for reelection. Four candidates are seeking election to three Goshen Town Council seats – incumbents Derrick Ogden, Chris Robertson and Michael Hicks and challenger Jeff Shaffer.

There are two special elections in Buena Vista to complete unexpired terms on City Council and the School Board. William Kerr is unopposed in his bid to retain the seat on City Council that he was appointed to following the resignation of Steve Webb. Michael Cartolaro is running unopposed for the School Board seat left vacant by the death of Wayne Flint.

In the county’s Walkers Creek magisterial district, Toria Brown is unopposed to be elected to the supervisor’s seat that she was appointed to earlier in the year.

Early voting in the offices of voting registrars continues through this Saturday, Oct. 31. Polls are open on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Precinct changes that were approved in Rockbridge County earlier in the year are in effect for this election cycle.

As of yesterday (Tuesday, Oct. 27) morning, 3,599 votes in the county had been cast, or 20.7 percent of registered voters. In Lexington, 964 votes had been cast, or 22.3 percent. In Buena Vista, 681 votes had been cast, or 14.7 percent.

Combined totals for all three localities were 5,244 votes cast, or 19.7 percent of registered voters.

Editor’s note: The final installment in this year’s N-G candidate profiles can be found on page B10 with a look at Goshen candidates.

In that first year, Frank raised more than any other grower, helping turn a new idea into an annual tradition that supports children in our community who have experienced abuse or neglect. To honor his legacy, and with the blessing of the Friedman family, Blue Ridge CASA is introducing the Frank Friedman Award, which will be presented to a grower whose efforts reflect Frank’s commitment to making the Rockbridge area a better place through service and philanthropy.

“Frank was instrumental in getting Mustaches for Kids off the ground here in Lexington,” said Angela Crawford, CEO of Blue Ridge CASA. “He jumped in that first year with real enthusiasm and raised more than anyone else. Naming this award for him is our way of making sure his spirit of giving back stays part of this event for years to come.”

To participate, register at myevent.com/m4kblueridge. To support a grower, visit https://myevent.com/m4kblueridge/ donate-to-a-grower.

Growers, supporters and anyone curious are welcome to join a meetup at Devils Backbone Outpost on Monday, Nov. 2 and Monday, Nov. 30, both days at 6:30 p.m.

“You don’t need to be good at growing a mustache to make a difference,” Crawford added. “Every grower who signs up and asks friends and family to chip in is helping a child in our community have a trained, caring advocate in their corner. We hope neighbors will join us and grow one for Frank.”

Blue Ridge CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) trains and supports community volunteers who advocate in court for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, helping them find safe, permanent homes. Blue Ridge CASA serves Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Page Counties. To learn more, visit blueridgecasa.org.

Investigator Phillip Flint with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and Investigator Christopher Floyd with the Buena Vista Police Department were recognized by VSP for their work with the James River Regional Drug Task Force to combat drug trafficking in the region.

VSP said both officers have participated in complex investigations that target organizations known for trafficking methamphetamine and other drugs.

“Their efforts have resulted in significant drug seizures, successful prosecutions, and the disruption of criminal organizations,” VSP said in a press release.

“Phillip and Chris exemplify the professionalism, determination, and integrity we strive for in law enforcement,” Rockbridge County Sheriff Tony McFaddin said. “The success of their investigations is measured not only in arrests and seizures, but in safer communities and lives changed for the better. This recognition is well deserved, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”

Buena Vista Police Chief David Clements also praised the investigators for their teamwork, dedication, and commitment to protecting the community.

The James River Regional Drug Task Force includes officers from the Rockbridge County and Lexington City Sheriff’s Office, Buena Vista Police Department, Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Bedford Police Department, and Virginia State Police.

The task force has been involved in multiple arrests of alleged drug traffickers in Rockbridge County this year alone.

This year, two follow-up community dinners are being offered by two of those three groups on different nights of the same week at the Virginia Horse Center. Last week, The News-Gazette ran a press release from Rockbridge Connect & Nourish about its Rockbridge FriendsGiving Grateful Together meal on Thursday, Nov. 19. The following is the press release we received from the Feed the Need Foundation about its Rockbridge FriendsGiving meal on Nov. 16.

Following the overwhelming response to last year’s inaugural gathering, the Feed the Need Foundation has announced the details for Rockbridge FriendsGiving - Second Annual. This completely free holiday community dinner will take place on Monday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Virginia Horse Center, Anderson Coliseum Mezzanine.

“Rockbridge FriendsGiving was created to bring our community together around one simple idea: we are all in this together,” said Kathy Larlee, chairman of the Feed the Need Foundation. “Rockbridge Friends-Giving is for everyone. Whether you come to enjoy a meal, volunteer your time, or simply connect with others, we are glad you are here. Our goal is not only to serve a meal, but to let our community members know we care about them.”

The continuation of FTNF’s endeavor fulfills a promise made prior to last year’s turnout: “If the need is here, FTNF will make this an annual event,” said Larlee at the time.

“The community showed up and Feed the Need Foundation will keep our word,” she said.

In addition to fellowship and food, this year’s event will feature a community coat drive. Guests are encouraged to bring a winter coat to donate if they are able, or to pick one up free of charge if they are in need of winter wear.

Guests will enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with food contributions provided by local favorites including Lexington Catering, Sweet Treats, Washington and Lee University, Chef Collin Donnelly, and Sodexo at Knight Dining. To complement the holiday fellowship, the evening will feature a live musical performance by area musician Jason Hostetter.

To ensure the dinner remains completely accessible to everyone in the community, free transportation services are available for individuals aged 65 and older or those living with a self-reported disability. The deadline to coordinate free rides is Nov. 11. To schedule transportation, residents can call (540) 463-3346 or email info@rockbridgetransportation.org.

No reservations or tickets are required to attend. However, to help volunteers prepare and plan, guests are asked to send a headcount containing their zip code and the number of guests in their party through one of three channels: Website: Submit via the online form at rockbridgefriendsgiving.org.

Email: Send details directly to information@rockbridgefriendsgiving.org.

Text message: Text party details directly to 540-4660571.

Rockbridge FriendsGiving is a registered state SCC DBA and holds the official USPTO Federal Trademark Registration (Reg. No. 8,454,953) under the 501(c) (3) nonprofit umbrella of the Feed the Need Foundation (EIN: 86-1589929), a 100% volunteer organization.

For general questions, details on how to get involved, or to volunteer, community members can visit the official website or reach out via email.

Though this event was first envisioned as an opportunity for children to get an extra helping of sweets, it has become a joyous celebration in which whole families turn out dressed in costume, often as characters from a film, a TV show or a video game. On one street you might see a family dressed as characters from “The Wizard of Oz” and then just a block down there will be another group decked out in the monochrome colors of “The Addams Family.” In recent years characters from Minecraft have made appearances on Main Street. Elsa the Snow Queen from “Frozen” is still well represented by little girls and boys seem to love to dress as Deadpool from Marvel Comics. .

One person who will be noticeably absent from the festivities on Friday is Frank Friedman.

Much has been said about the beloved Lexington mayor who passed away suddenly in early July of this year. He has been remembered for his love of Lexington, his devotion to civic duty and his ability to be a friend instantly to everyone he met.

I met Frank when I was 10 years old. He was dating the daughter of the minister at Trinity United Methodist Church. They chaperoned a party that I had ahead of fourth grade. They basically had to make sure the girls weren’t getting into too many heated discussions over who was cuter – Bo or Luke Duke from “The Dukes of Hazzard.” The boys present at the party were told not to be too mean to the girls who were trying their best to ignore them.

When not chaperoning kids’ parties, Frank was active in student government in high school. He was also a member of the football team.

Frank’s ambitions took him far away from his Lexington roots as he built his career in financial services in Jacksonville, Fla., and then in Richmond. He eventually came back to Lexington, the city he loved, to raise his family. He was elected mayor in 2016 and was reelected in 2020 and 2024. At the time of his death he was a financial adviser at CornerStone Bank.

When running for Lexington City Council in 2006, Frank said in a candidate profile for The News-Gazette, “The locals need to embrace the downtown.” And that is exactly what Frank did. I have covered several events in the wake of Frank’s passing and I have thought to myself often, “Frank would love this.” Back in July when the Freedom Food Festival was held in downtown Lexington, I kept expecting to see him in a seersucker suit and bow tie with a plate of barbecue in his hands. Instead, there was a framed picture of him on a table in Courthouse Square. Lexington recently had its first-ever country-western line dancing event on Main Street. I know he would have been boot scootin’ with the best of them.

It’s hard to believe that we won’t be seeing Frank on the streets of Lexington this Halloween. He and his wife Melissa truly understood the assignment when it came to dressing up for the occasion. Most memorably they portrayed Mary Poppins and Bert the Chimney Sweep in 2021 and Alice and the White Rabbit in 2024. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he had already planned his costume for this year.

On the day of Frank’s death, I drove home listening to the local radio station. In tribute to Frank, the DJ played James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain.” I teared up listening to these words in the chorus: “But I always thought that I’d see you again.” I thought of all those times I saw Frank walking down the street, always with a smile on his face as he waved to me, never thinking that one day he would vanish from this earth far too soon.

Even though he is gone, I will still look for Frank on Friday. And I will see him in the jubilant faces of all the people who come to Lexington to celebrate the season of Halloween, coming from all over the county to embrace the downtown.

Much is at stake in the ongoing elections that began Sept. 18 with early voting and conclude this coming Tuesday, Nov. 3, with the actual Election Day voting. There are offices and measures on the ballots that will have wide-ranging implications at the local, state and federal levels of government for years to come.

Which party is to control either or both chambers of Congress over the final two years of President Donald Trump’s administration will be determined. Republicans have held the majority of seats in both the Senate and House of Representatives the past two years but recent polls suggest Democrats have a decent chance of gaining a majority in either or both houses.

Wars in Iran and Ukraine, inflation, tariffs, health care, immigration policies, climate change and accountability of public officials are among the issues driving what are most assuredly consequential elections. Rockbridge area voters will have a say in electing a U.S. senator and member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Voters in Virginia are being asked whether or not to approve any or all three of proposed amendments to the state constitution. Question one asks whether to enshrine the right to abortion in the first two trimesters of pregnancy and other reproduction rights in the state constitution. Question two asks whether to guarantee the right to marry to two consenting adults, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or race. Question three asks whether convicted felons should regain the right to vote after they have been released from prison.

Voters in Buena Vista and Lexington are being asked whether to approve a 1 percent local option sales tax that would be used to fund local school construction projects. A multitude of local elective offices are on ballots this year in Lexington, Buena Vista, Glasgow, Goshen and Rockbridge County’s Walkers Creek magisterial district.

The right to vote is precious and we encourage all to participate in this exercise in representative democracy. If you don’t vote, you forfeit the right to complain about the policies that are being implemented on your behalf.

We encourage everyone to disregard suggestions that rampant fraud is being perpetrated on the electoral process. To date, all such allegations have been disproved. We believe sufficient safeguards are in place to ensure that only legally-cast votes are counted.

We especially want to express our appreciation to all of the hardworking elections officials whose dedication and honesty ensure that we can trust the results.

In short, your vote counts. A week from now, when the results are in, we are confident that the will of the people will have been truthfully expressed.

Oct. 28, 1976

The recently restored streets of Lexington were celebrated with a ribbon cutting, a parade of antique cars and a motorcade of visiting dignitaries. Mayor Charles F. Phillips Jr. thanked everyone - including the businesses and an understanding public for their patience during the lengthy downtown renewal project. -A spokesperson at the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board confirmed a report that the board was considering a relocation of its Lexington facility in order to make it a self-service store. - The state of Virginia was no longer considering buying Natural Bridge of Virginia Inc. Ninth District De. C.W. “Bunny” Gunn considered it a “dead issue.”

20 Years Ago

Nov 1, 2006

An Alabama woman was driving on Furrs Mill Road when a gust of wind brought down a large sycamore tree as she was driving below it. Though she was uninjured, the damage to her car was estimated at $9,000. -A man purchased a ticket to the Hallowscream attraction at Natural Bridge, claimed it was too scary, and asked for his money back. While the cashier was distracted, he helped himself to $787 from the till.

The dinner will consist of country ham, turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread, dessert and a beverage. The price is $20 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under. The dining hall is. handicap accessible.

Happy birthday wishes are extended to Beth Waymack, Ray Shipman, Barry Strawderman, Enoch Hager and Gloria Hager. Happy anniversary to Ray and Jessica Shipman.

Better health prayers for Mabel Berry, Linda Nelson, B.J. Wines and Becky Hite.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. the Raphine Volunteer Fire Company will have their annual Thanksgiving feast at the fire station. On Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Vesuvius Community Center will hold its annual Vesuvius Holiday Xpress. There will be vendors, holiday gifts, handmade crafts and more. Breakfast and lunch will be available.

You can still vote early through Oct. 31, then in person, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Vesuvius now votes at the Fairfield Elementary School.

This week I went with my friend, Vickie Wilt, to Green Valley Book Fair’s Christmas event. It was the first time I had ever gone there. It was interesting to say the least. It will be on my list of things to do next year. We also went to Overlook Produce and had lunch, then on to Harrisonburg to do some shopping at Costco. It was a full, fun day.

On each Wednesday from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Emory United Methodist Church is having a Bible Study led by Mike Ruch and Nona Allen. All are welcome to come.

I pray everyone has a great week. Please pray for the mid-terms, our state and country.

Flock cameras are like that bedroom door. There was also a time back in the 1950s when a pre-teener could walk, alone in the dark, down the back alley, three blocks to the public library in Salida, Colo., and still be safely home by 9 p.m.

But, not no more. Flock cameras and their sister surveillance devices aren’t Big Brother watching you; they are watching for Bad Brother. Bad Brother needs watching in a deteriorating social fabric under assault by the last hundred years of Marxistcollectivist democratic socialist subversion.

So, if we repaired the social fabric to where honor and dignity and the value of one’s word returned to the center of the classical American behavioral ethos, we could do without the cameras. DON HENKE Goshen

Amendment 1, “Right to Reproductive Freedom” – This is not a vote for or against abortion. Virginia already has a law that allows for abortions with several safeguards. This constitutional amendment, if passed, states “any individual” – women, pre-teens, children and minors.

It also uses the language “shall not discriminate in the protection or enforcement of the ‘fundamental right’” meaning no parental consent is needed, medical staff who choose not to perform an abortion can be punished and it opens the doors to taxpayerfunded abortions.

Further language states, “shall not penalize, prosecute … any individual for aiding or assisting … any individual’s right to reproductive freedom …” – think abusive partner, pedophiles and/or traffickers.

Amendment 2, “Repeal and replace Marriage” – The Supreme Court has already ruled that samesex marriage is legal. This constitutional amendment would remove religious freedom protections for clergy and government employees whose faith prevents them from recognizing same-sex or transgender partnerships as marriage and opens them up to expensive lawsuits.

Amendment 3, “Restoration of paroled felons” automatically gives them back their right to vote. It also gives them the right to then serve on juries. I can agree that individuals may deserve a second chance. But does the victim also deserve some rights. Instead of automatic restorations of voting rights, the victims should be expected to receive restitution and court costs be paid. These two ideas were taken out of the final draft.

These three amendments do not belong in Virginia’s Constitution. Vote no on all there. JAN LOWRY Lexington

Amendment 1 is seeking to keep reproductive freedom in Virginia, no matter what happens at the national level. It will ensure that decisions about prenatal care, childbirth, and contraception can be made by the woman and her doctors without fear of interference from law enforcement. In states without these protections, there have been pregnant women with complications sent away from the hospital because the doctors and nurses were afraid to give appropriate treatment. Amendment 1 will protect the doctors and nurses so that they will not be afraid to render care to their patients.

The proposed amendment specifically allows the state government to pass laws to regulate abortion care in the third trimester of pregnancy. It does require any law to allow for abortion care when it is medically needed to protect the life and health of the pregnant woman or because the fetus is not viable. These facts are quite different from the exaggerations that were presented in the insert concerning third trimester pregnancies.

Amendment 2 is seeking to protect the right to marry who you love regardless of your gender. Because the wording of the amendment included the trigger word “gender,” people like the authors of the insert think that the amendment is about transgender policies. It is not. Fundamentally, this amendment is about the right for two adults to marry.

This amendment does allow for clergy to retain their right to decline to perform those marriages.

I hope our local voters make their decisions about these amendments based on their own research and do not rely on the propaganda that was found as an insert in our paper. RENE HASEY Lexington

When my husband recently experienced a severe medical emergency, we rushed to the ER. He was seen immediately, and after some testing, was correctly diagnosed, treated, and helicoptered to Roanoke for additional care.

I cannot say enough good things about the staff in our little hospital - the doctors, nurses and technicians. They were courteous, efficient, and kind. We are so blessed to have this hospital in our community. I don’t think my husband would still be with us if we had needed to drive to either Fishersville or Roanoke for treatment! BECKY EDMUNSON Rockbridge County

Yet it’s not just her deep understanding of these issues, together with her own working-class roots, that equip her to speak so well for us.

In a time when empathy seems in short supply and is even belittled as toxic, Macy has it in droves. Unlike some of our politicians, she doesn’t dismiss her prospective constituents’ struggles as of their own making, whether farmers who can’t afford what they need to produce our food, lower-income citizens who can’t obtain the preventive health care that would reduce medical costs for us all, students forced to pay off massive loans using income with which they might have bought a home, and so many others being harmed by forces beyond their control.

Her experience has taught her how to listen effectively in order to elevate the voices of ordinary American citizens, and in doing so to formulate common-sense solutions that will benefit us all.

RUSSELL HART Lexington

For those who have enough, this day-to-day struggle is almost unfathomable, but is totally real.

Beth Macy comes from the same background as those who struggle. She totally understands what it means to have too little. She understands the struggles of our farmers who have been bankrupted by Trump’s tariffs - and more to come if not eliminated.

She knows the extreme environmental effects of data centers if not checked.

She will make sure that the Big Bill is cancelled and help restore the desperately needed provisions to help our struggling families. Here is our chance to elect a fine candidate who truly has our best interests at heart. Please vote for Beth! BETH HOUSER Lexington

The first is Lexington City Schools’ deliberate asset management program. If you’ve owned a home or run a business, you know deferred maintenance isn’t savings; it’s debt with interest. Construction costs have climbed sharply, a trend likely to continue. This referendum gives Lexington a way to pay for these needs now.

The second is the city’s commitment, under an agreement with Rockbridge County, to pay its share of impending countydirected improvements at Rockbridge County High School. These costs are fixed, leaving no wiggle room.

The measure on the ballot is consumption-based, applying to many purchases, including those by our thousands of visitors and travelers, and W&L and VMI students. It does not apply to groceries, essential personal hygiene items, fuel, or prescriptions, sparing families’ most basic expenses. The immediate alternative is not “no tax.” It is higher real estate taxes, more borrowing, or both.

These one-time capital costs can be paid with this time-limited tax, not permanent budget cuts or a permanent tax increase. This tax carries an expiration date in five years. Every dollar collected and every project funded could be reported publicly each year, so we can see exactly where the money goes.

Well-maintained schools protect property values and attract families and employers. Paying for school construction and renovation through a unique, responsible, voter-approved sales tax is the judicious choice. I urge you to vote yes. JESSE S. LYONS Lexington

Maybe that will happen, maybe it won’t; either way I’m skeptical that we will be better off as a country. Suppose the Democrats sweep all the contested seats. Do you think congressional Republicans will turn on the administration and start playing nice? Do you think the congressional Democrats will honestly try to work in cooperation with this administration? Neither party is the solution. You think things are unhinged now? Just wait.

The system is broken. Without real communication, earnest cooperation or sincere compromise, only arguing and contention remain as tools of the trade- a lose/ lose situation for sure. It is evident that the parties control the candidates. It is more important to be a Republican than a Virginian, more important to be a Democrat than an American. It is heretical to think that any opposing viewpoint is valid.

I’m not sure what to do about it. A real solution will not come from politicians pontificating for the party. Change will come from the people.

I hold this truth to be selfevident: A house divided cannot stand. One nation under the Republicans? - that’s never gonna happen. One nation under the Democrats? - yeah right! One nation under … under? … help me out here - one nation under what?

Whatever happens, be kind, respect everyone and love one another. TIM KNUDSON Buena Vista

The Collierstown United Methodist Church would like to thank all who purchased take-out meals or came to the church to dine in at their fall spaghetti dinner fundraiser held on Saturday evening, Oct. 24. Patrons enjoyed spaghetti, tossed salad, bread, a variety of desserts and assorted beverages. Proceeds from the event will be used for ministry and mission projects.

Representatives from Collierstown and Mt. Horeb United Methodist churches attended the Charge Conference at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lexington on Sunday, Oct. 25. An Advent Bible study by Richard Wilke entitled “Christmas: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” will begin at Collierstown United Methodist Church on Monday, Nov. 2, at 6:30 p.m., with a morning session offered on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 10:30. All are welcome.

The Collierstown United Methodist Men will hold their monthly breakfast at the church Saturday, Oct. 31, at 9 a.m. The Collierstown United Methodist Women in Faith will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. at the church.

The Collierstown Presbyterian Church’s annual dinner is less than two weeks away. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Country ham, fried oysters and turkey dinners will be available for dining in or for taking out. All meals include homemade bread, home-cooked vegetables, slices of cake and a choice of beverages. Takeout orders may be placed by calling the church at (540) 463-5918 from noon until 6 p.m. or by placing an order on the Collierstown Presbyterian Church’s Facebook page. Take-out meals must be picked up by 6 p.m.

There will also be a bazaar located in the red building on the church grounds. It will feature crafts, breads, baked goods, fresh homemade soups, and other specialty items for purchase. Sales from the bazaar will benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Rockbridge County and Unity 4 Kids.

The church family is celebrating the 101st anniversary of this special event that was first held on Nov. 5-6, 1925. Collierstown Presbyterian Church

First, with respect to City Council, David has a lengthy record of service on that body during which he has performed in exemplary fashion, listening to arguments supporting or opposing proposals before the Council, while paying particular attention to the voices of the citizens.

With respect to his candidacy for the permanent position of mayor, he has demonstrated his outstanding fitness for that position. As we know, he was appointed to the position of interim mayor after the death of then Mayor Frank Friedman. Perhaps the most important characteristic of a leader is how that person will react in emergency events. David demonstrated his outstanding ability in such a situation following the severe storm that struck several parts of Lexington on Sept. 4. Immediately following the storm, he walked through the city, viewing the substantial damage and led the city’s public works and other departments in recovering from the damage.

In our opinion, a vote for David Sigler will ensure that the city of Lexington will continue to be in good and capable hands.

AL and GAIL CARR Lexington

A reminder to “fall back” as daylight savings time ends this coming Sunday.

Tracy Tackett presented a pastor appreciation packet to the Rev. Willis during the children’s sermon last Sunday at High Bridge Presbyterian Church.

Thank you to the deacons for providing grilled bratwurst for the fellowship luncheon last Sunday after church.

A congregational meeting will be held after service Nov. 22 to elect a slate of officers for the class of 2029 and approve the terms of pastor’s call.

Men’s Group meets Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

Thanks to all who supported the local Ruritans’ cakewalk held last Saturday.

The Evening Circle meets Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6 at the fellowship hall.

Small Group meets tentatively at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the ladies’ auxiliary will be hosting a Longaberger basket bingo at the Natural Bridge Volunteer Fire Department. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6. Food will be available to purchase.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, Beth Horon United Methodist Church will host its annual pork tenderloin dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Orders will be available to eat in or take out.

Chris and Beth Shafer of Georgia spent the past week with Jane Shafer of Plank Road. Brenda Shafer and Cathy Shafer, Jane’s daughters, took three bus trips in two weeks. The first one was a day trip to Michie Tavern and Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville. The second excursion was a day trip to Dollywood. Last, they took a five-day mystery trip to Atlanta, Ga.

Neighbor Carol Snead took a bus trip to visit Mackinac Island in Michigan for five days.

The food pantry will open promptly at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, and close at 11 a.m. They welcome donations of canned meat for the month of October.

This 13-month calendar features photographs of the greater Brownsburg area taken by residents and captures a true “local view” of this scenic area of Rockbridge County. The calendar is an important annual fundraiser for the museum and all proceeds from calendar sales support the museum’s operating expenses.

The cover photo was taken by Brownsburg resident Gail Clark. The calendar also features the following local photographers: Duncan Charlton, Tess Dixon, Chris Fox, Louise Golian, Matt Klimas, David Kophazi, Tyler Ladd, Dede Lunt, Melinda Mills, Kenny Porterfield, John Siegfried and Penny Wilson.

To view all the photos and purchase calendars online, visit https://www.thebrownsburgmuseum. org/category/ brownsburg-calendar.

Calendars are $20 each for one to four calendars or $18 each for orders of five or more calendars. Calendars will be available to pick up from the Brownsburg Museum in November or can be mailed for

$6 each.

Emily Conroy econroy090817@gmail. com or text (804) 418-2862

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this year’s trunk or treat event. Approximately 75 children came by for Halloween treats.

November is right around the corner and Daylight Savings Time ends on the Nov. 1. Remember to set your clocks back one hour!

Oxford will hold a congregational meeting immediately following the worship service on the Nov. 1.

The next forum at Oxford will be on Sunday, Nov. 8, following the morning worship service. Spencer McElroy will be speaking on Lime Kiln Theater.

Stewardship Sunday is Nov. 22 and includes our Festival of First Fruits celebration. Also the Palmer Community Thanksgiving Service will be on the evening of Nov. 22, beginning at 5 p.m. The message will be delivered by the Rev. Kyle Segars.

The mobile food pantry provided by RARA and the Campus Kitchen at W&L will be at the Effinger Volunteer Fire Department on Nov. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Oxford is a collection point for the Neighborhood Grocery and there is always a basket available in the narthex for donations. Requested items for October are baking items such as flour, sugar, brownie and cake mixes.

As we enter into the Thanksgiving season let’s take a few moments to recall the many blessings we have received over the past year and consider how we, in turn, are being called to extend blessings to others in our community.