Happy birthday to Debra McCraw, July 7, Baltimore, Maryland; Piper Madison Toombs, July 7, Randolph; Al Brogdon, July 7, Randolph; Sevina Craighead, July 8, Saxe; Willie Goode, July 8, Randolph; Dosis Wilborn, July 9, Halifax; Randy Wilson, July 9, Saxe; Darlene Faulkner, July 9, Baltimore; Daniel Nichols, July 10, Scuffletown; Jaylan Redd, July 11, Saxe; Ann W. Coles, July 11, Virgilina; Gisellef Johnson, July 11, Richmond; Kenda Ferrell, July 11, Green Bay. To someone who touches each life he or she enters, spreading joy to everyone you meet, may the love and happiness you share with others return to you tenfold. I wish you many more happiest of birthdays. Happy birthday!

Get-well wishes to all of the sick and shut-in. I’m sending all of you tons of well wishes for your fast recovery. You are in our prayers.

Sympathy to all of the families who lost loved ones recently. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. You have our deepest sympathy.

Thought for the week: Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.

AGE

You are only as old as you feel. Age doesn’t make us look old, we may feel old by our aches and pains, but enjoy your life to the fullest. Make the most out of every day. You may feel old at heart, but you are young in mind.

We all are blessed to get older. Some don’t, so we have so much to be thankful for. Don’t feel ashamed of getting older, you’re only getting better.

News is due by 9 p.m. Friday. Any news received after this time will not be included in this column. News can be submitted by calling Virginia Freeman at (434) 568-0596.

Virginia Freeman is a community columnist for The Gazette. Her email address is vstars@pure.net.