Birthday wishes to Thema Fallen, Oct. 4, Keysville; Taj Malik Williams, Oct. 5, N.C.; Taylor Reed, Oct. 6, Drakes Branch; David Benne, Oct. 7, Scuffletown; Connie Spencer, Oct. 8, Charlotte Court House; Charliyah Redd, Oct. 9, Phenix; Dustin Williams, Oct. 9; Deonte Foster, Oct. 9, Clover; Wayne Inge, Oct. 9, Saxe; Mattie Pearl Smith, Oct. 10, Charlotte Court House; Katilyn Mosley, Oct. 10, Charlotte Court House; Eric Moorefield, Oct. 11, Randolph; Nathan Stearnes, Oct. 11, Drakes Branch; Ora Harris, Oct. 11, Scuffletown. I wish each of you many more happy birthdays to come. Happy Birthday!

Anniversary wishes to Marvin and Blanche Vaughters, Oct. 10, Redoak, 24 years. They have a daughter. I wish you many more happy years together with God’s Blessings. Happy Anniversary!

Get well wishes to all of the sick and shut in. I hope you all are well soon, up, and about. You are in our prayers for a speedy recovery.

Sympathy to all of the families who lost a loved one recently. Our heartfelt prayers and good wishes go out to each of you in your time of need. You have our deepest sympathy.

Thought for the week: The trick is to enjoy your life today. Don’t wish it away by waiting for better days ahead.

Freedom

Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you are a man or woman you can take it. A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his or her freedom.

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. I am no bird,and no net ensnares me. I am a free human being with an independent will. We all are free to live our lives.

News is due by 9 p.m. Friday. News can be submitted by calling Virginia Freeman at (434) 568-0596.

Virginia Freeman is a community columnist for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at vstars@pure.net.