Happy birthday wishes to Quan Pugh, July 4, Augusta, Georgia; Bobby Napier, July 4, Drakes Branch; George Staten, July 4, Richmond; 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; Darlene Faulkner, July 9, Baltimore, Maryland; Doris Wilborn, July 9, Halifax; Randy Wilson July 9, Saxe; Daniel Nichols, July 10, Scuffletown; Hazel Lockridge, July 10, Saxe. I wish all of you many more happy birthdays. Happy birthday!

Anniversary wishes to Dominque and Devin Foster, July 4, Pamplin, eight years. They have a son and daughter. May God bless you with many more happy years together with God’s blessings. Happy anniversary.

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

Sympathy to all of the families who lost a loved one recently. To my readers, I appreciate all of you for your good wishes during the loss of my mother. You have helped me through a great loss. Continue to think of me in your prayers.

Thought for the week: Best friends make the good times better and the hard times easier.

CRITICISM

If you’re not criticized, you may not be doing much. People always can say something about what you are doing, when they should be worrying about what they are doing.

Some people think their opinion counts, not yours. You have the right to express your feelings. Don’t let people change you, speak. Your mind has your own thoughts on life.

News is due by noon Friday. Any news received after this time will not be included in this column. News can be submitted by calling (434) 568-0596.

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