EWS hT Count Pa er Est 1923 FMav 14 I2)Afl The L.evy I.ounu y uu nnal ea i ,y p. a-,, ....... --..I Chiefland observes National Day of Prayer outside City Hall 3A Story and photo by Anna Suggs Assistant Editor About 50 people closed their eyes and bowed their heads around the flagpole at the Chiefland City Hall May 7 for National Day of Prayer. Pastor Travis Hudson of Hardeetown Baptist Church and associational prayer director-of Harmony Baptist Association welcomed everyone to the noon prayer gathering and asked everyone to remember in their prayers Chiefland City Manager Grady Hartzog's wife, Betty, who is battling cancer. He also stressed the need for prayer for President Barack Obama. "We need to pray, really, for our president," Hudson said. "I think it's sad he would not have a National Day of Prayer at the White House today." Unlike predecessor George W. Bush, Obama opted against having a public ceremony to celebrate National Day of Prayer, which was. enacted in 1952, to instead have a private observation. After Pastor Hudson's opening prayer, the group joined in singing "God Bless America," lead by Matt McClellan, minister of music of First Baptist Church of Chiefland. The microphone was passed around the circle to several people, including Chiefland Police Department Chief Robert Douglas who prayed for the "revitalization of our country." Brother George Kearns, pastor with A prayer circle gainers around the iiy Prayer Day May 7. the Lighthouse Word Church, also asked that the "power of Jesus flow through our president and our White House." Brother William Knight with the First United Methodist Church of Chiefland led the closing prayer and thanked God for. allowing brothers and sisters in Christ to be united in the day of prayer. The entire ceremony lasted less than half an hour, and as Hudson remarked, "It's been a short time, but I believe it's been a precious time," before closing with another singing of "God Bless America." Beverly Cooley was in town from Ft. Lauderdale visiting her daughter, Robin Hardee, who teaches P.E. at Chiefland Elementary School. She attended the prayer gathering at the flagpole and said she is head of the National Day of Prayer committee at First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach back home. Her late husband, Walter Cooley, was pastor of the Hardeetown Baptist Church from 1982-1990. She said she was pleased with the Chiefland community's faith in prayer and was excited to see the Ten Commandments monument that sits in front of the Chiefland City Hall. "It makes me more proud to be in America where we can gather like this," Cooley said. But at the same time, she said, "we need to pray for our leaders." Many times with our busy lives we don't remember all of our blessings because they are out of sight, out of mind, she said. The National Day of Prayer brings it all back into perspective and reminds us of what we have to be thankful for, stated Cooley. Hudson said the National Day of Prayer is an important tradition to keep intact because it gives people reassurance and guidance. Especially at this particular time in our lives with the nation in crisis, the economy down, two wars going on, and all the domestic problems in America, what else can we do but pray, Hudson asked, after the prayer group. The city is blessed to have city leaders spiritually involved, he said. Among those in attendance at the prayer circle were county commission chairwoman Nancy Bell, Police Chief Robert Douglas, Mayor Teal Pomeroy, and city commissioners Sammy Cason and Teresa Barron. He said he is convinced that prayer works and is a necessity in everyone's life. "I have seen God do tremendous work within Harmony Baptist Association and within the city of Chiefland," he said. Williston, from Page 1A and daughter of Todd and Dahielle Etheridge, was described by her teacher, Patty Griffeth, as having a "very successful year" in first grade. She is responsible and completes her work, whether it is homework or class work, in a timely manner. Hadley takes pride in her work and learning. She is well liked by her peers and staff members at JBES. She follows the ABCs of the school and sets many positive examples for others to follow. "Hadley is every teacher's dream," Griffeth said. Ashley Hoyt, a fifth grader at Williston Elementary School and daughter of George and Cristina Hoyt, was nominated by her teacher, Laura Helgerud. Her teacher said though Ashley is not the traditional "teacher's pet,"' she can always count on Ashley to get a message delivered or an errand run in a timely fashion and to complete her assignments both in class and at home.. .always. Ashley is also part of the Enhanced Learning Program for gifted students and was selected as a member of the school's Safety Patrol. Ashley has enthusiastically participated in ELP since third grade, always going above and David Renaud va.M. Kathy BowkerD.V.M. * Preventative Care, Medicine, Surgery & Dentistry * Convenient appointments available * Three year vaccines for dogs and cats * Early morning drop-off service * Personal, compassionate service * Warm caring staff' * Finance plans available through Care Credit 'rugge Office Hours Mon. -Fri. 8am 6pm Sat. 9am 12noon www.suwanneevalleyvet.com MEDIME-5URGERT-DRIMITRI mm" The Matthews Family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to friends in the Tri-County area and beyond for the cards, calls, visits, donations and attendance at the recent benefit dinner.Your love & support for Kenneth was overwhelming and much appreciated. Many thanks to those who helped serve, deliver meals, bake desserts, and donate paper goods. Special Thanks To: Murray Tillis Tommy Dees Nancy & Richard Stone The Levy County Journal Davis Printing Company Thri-Vent Council Jones Septic Jim Jones Wes Grant beyond to complete projects thoroughly and creatively. She is the kind of student that reminds teachers why they love to teach. She makes the job fun and rewarding. Yaneira Campagne, a seventh grader at Williston Middle School and daughter of Sonia Castro, was nominated by her teacher Morgan Bennett. She consistently produces some of the best work of whatever class she is in. She is polite and courteous at all times and cares about other students. As a peer, she has helped other students learn a great deal. She is also active in the Junior Beta horior society. Bennett added ,that the' school' is proud to haveher' asa student. 'Jodan Webb, 'a- senior at .Willistn'- High School and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Webb, was nominated by Principal John Lott. As a student, Jordan has continued to put forth great effort and has demonstrated integrity and great work ethics. She has maintained a grade point average of 3.28 while taking advanced classes. She is well liked by her peers and a joy to have in class, Lott said. Jordan is employed by her fathers dry cleaning business and is also an avid Gator fan. I "Tri Countv's Premier Plumbinqa contractor" I Mayor Gerald Hethcoat presents Student of the Month awards to three students. From the left are Jordan Webb, Hadley Etheridge and Yaneira Campagne. www.drmountdentist.com Did you know that just 50% of adult Americans are satisfied with their own smile? An array of options are available from the AACD member dentists to give you the smile you have always desired. For your smile consultation, contact: Robert E. Mount, Jr., DDS PA Offering Cosmetic (Dentistry that Mafkes You (Proudof Your Smie! TMJ Evaluation & Treatment Zoom Bleaching One Appointment Crowns Preventive Dentistry Most Insurance Accepted New Patients Welcome! 11o E. 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