Editor, The Herald:

I would like to take this opportunity to express how much I have loved living in Farmville for nearly fifty years. It has been a joy and an honor to have called this wonderful town my home. It is with regret, because of health reasons, that I had to move to be with my family to Rice. There are so many people I would like to thank for being a part of my life and for always being available when I had need.

Gerry Spates is a wonderful town manager and person. His vision for Farmville is nothing short of remarkable. He genuinely cares for Farmville and its citizens. He is always available and goes out of his way to help those with what ever problem they may have in. regards to their town need. His care and his leadership is shown in the wonderful staff and workers he has employed. Their pride in their work and this town is ever present, evidenced in how wondrously maintained Farmville is.

A program that Mr. Spates started that I will sorely miss is the Farmville Area Bus. The punctuality on which it runs and the true character of the drivers is wonderful. FAB allowed me the ability to be where I needed to go in Farmville, knowing that I could always be on time due to the confidence that the bus would be on time. As a senior citizen, the bus allowed me the freedom to be able to get out and go. What a true blessing it was for me.

Mayor Sid Newman and the entire city council exemplifies how city government should work. With their open door policy, it gives the citizens of Farmville an honest voice in the happenings of the town. Regardless of any difference of opinion, they come together for what is the best for the town and its citizens. I believe that our government in Washington, DC could learn a thing or two from them.

Our police department, though a small town force, could rival any police department of any major city. They care and are competent to handle any situation, as they have proved over and over during some truly tragic and natural situations. Chief Otto Overton set the standard high and not only have they met it but constantly strive to raise the bar itself. The town should be proud of the officers who place themselves in harm's way every day for our safety.

I would also like to thank the Overton family for their care and love they have extended to me over these many years. They have been and have treated me as family and words could never truly show how much they mean to me.

I have been fortunate to live in Farmville. It is a town that is blessed. As we see the natural disasters hit dramatically only miles away or the tough economics force other communities to weaken, Farmville thrives. This is because Farmville is the Heart of Virginia and it has nothing to do with its location on a map.

Mary C. Snoddy

Rice