Published: January 25, 2008 01:44 pm            

Words of Thanks — 01/26/08

On behalf of the Lawrence County School District, I thank our community partner, Inez Deposit Bank, for sponsoring the “Making the Big Time” events. Inez Deposit very graciously paid for T-shirts for 844 students who scored proficient or distinguished on the CATS test.

Over the next few weeks, our students will be recognized for their accomplishment at high school basketball games. The dates are as follow; high school students, Jan. 25; middle school students, Feb. 1, and elementary students, Feb. 8.

Students will get invitations that will serve as a “get in free” ticket for themselves and one parent. It’s important that we recognize these students for their efforts.

Our community partners like Inez Deposit Bank always seem ready and willing to help out with any event or recognition of students. For that, we thank Inez Deposit and other community partners.

Renaye Sparks, Public information, Lawrence County Schools



How many have attended a community meeting about math that drew teachers, administrators, parents and students? On Jan. 17, I heard Dr. Linda Jensen Sheffield tell how to “Mentor Creative Mathematical Minds.”

Mayor Steve Gilmore welcomed her and ACTC President Greg Adkins introduced her. Dr. Sheffield informed and challenged her audience.

I thank Dr. Sheffield for bringing her important message to this community; ACTC for partnering with the Northeastern Kentucky Association for Gifted and Talented Education to provide publicity and a special venue for the evening; Brenda Martin, NEKAGE president, for her efforts in making sure as many as possible attended.

We appreciated the solar cell demonstration of Adam Walters and Brian Bailey, students of Russell teacher Jon Aldrich. Special thanks to Ashland, Russell, and Boyd County schools for providing PD credit for teachers, who along with student teachers, parents and interested citizens provided the enthusiastic audience for this event.

Trish Hall, Arts Council of Northeastern Kentucky



On behalf of the Ashland Area Ministerial Association, I thank The Rev. Henry Mosley and the congregation of New Hope Baptist Church for a wonderfully rousing service on Sunday evening, Jan. 20, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Combined choirs from area churches were expertly directed by Sister Betty Mosely. Our guest speaker, Sister Hazel P. White, gave a heart-felt address and testimony noting the significance of Dr. King's ministry upon her life growing up in Versailles during the 1950s and 1960s, and she urged us all to continue his legacy of unconditional love of all people.

It is our hope that in the future more worshippers from the Ashland area will mark the Sunday before the Martin Luther King Jr. observance and join us as we celebrate Dr. King’s prophetic life and message of peace.

The Rev. Mann S. Valentine, Vice president, AßAMA



On behalf of the Ashland Area Ministerial Association and CAReS, we thank The Independent for its leadership in this year’s Needy Families Fund. We thank the citizens of our community who remembered so many in our community and opened their hearts and gave so generously.

This year the ministerial association and CAReS had one of our largest years in providing toys, food and clothing for families during the Christmas season. The community’s generosity was not only the means of making sure that our neighbors were able to celebrate the holidays, but has given us the ability to foster relationships and walk with our neighbors as they transition back into the work force, continuing education and self sufficiency.

In partnership with CAReS, the AAMA provided food for Christmas to 500 families, including over 800 children.

Rev. Ike Nicholson, president, Ashland Area Ministerial Association



We extend our thankfulness to everyone for their acts of love and kindness shown to Anna Kretzer Renfroe during her extended illness and death. We especially appreciate Community Hospice that gave exceptional care to Anna and comfort to her family during her final days.

We thank director Susan Hunt, Dr. Lisa Barker, Dr. Willis, Jane George, the Hospice board, staff and volunteers who were all a blessing. We thank the community for the creation and operation of this wonderful facility.

We value our ministers who gave biblical messages of truth and comfort. The supportive role the Ashland Police Department had for Sgt. Tim Renfroe was commendable. Special thanks go to Lisa Branham, Danny Mooney and Sgt. Mark McDowell for directing the funeral procession.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone for their visits, food, flowers and sincere words and thoughts that brought a great comfort to Anna's husband and family.

George W. (Bill) Renfroe and family, Ashland



The family of Esther Peyton Donahue extends its thanks and gratitude to all who offered comfort and assisted in any way during the illness and passing of their beloved mother, devoted wife, cherished grandmother and great grandmother. The grief felt by family and friends is only made bearable by those who share in their sorrow in some touching way: A gift of food or flowers, a card or perhaps just kind words.

A special thank you goes to the devoted people of Community Hospice in Ashland. These caring ladies were a part of our extended family: Beverly, Judy, Mylissa, Kathy and their chaplain Jimm Smedley. Also thanks to Dr Lisa Barker, Betty Erwin and Brenda Terry for their caring and nurturing time spent at her bedside. We thank the ministers, the Rev. Edgel Whitt and the Rev. Dale Hensen, who spoke words of devotion and prayerful support during the service.

Kathie and Michael Donahue, New Port Richey, Fla.

        

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