Happy Birthday wishes to Tameka Freeman, Aug.15, Drakes Branch; Breana Thordon, Aug.17, Cumberland; Joyce Lee, Aug.17, Saxe; Vaieria Jeffress, Aug.18, North Carolina.; Ruby Allen, Aug.18, Charlotte Court House; Daphre Mosley Pannell, Aug.18, Saxe; Ruby Shuford, Aug.18, Charlotte Court House; Ida Spencer, Aug.19, Charlotte Court House; Sandra Brooks, Aug.19, Drakes Branch; Rose White, Aug. 20, Charlotte Court House; Lewis Stearnes, Aug.20, Drakes Branch; Crystal Clark, Aug.20, Lynchburg. I wish all of you many more Happy birthdays. Happy birthday!

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 and thoughts for a quick recovery.

Sympathy to all of the families who lost a loved one recently. Our heartfelt prayers and good wishes go out to all of you in your time of need. Sympathy to the families of Leroy McCargo of Drakes Branch to all of you in your time of need. You have our deepest sympathy. Thought for the week: By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.

DONT GIVE UP

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong.

There are always difficulties arising, which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage. Never give up on what you really want to do.

The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts. Winners never quit and quitters never win. Don’t give up. There are too many nay-sayers out there who will try to discourage you. Don’t listen to them. The only one who can make you give up is yourself.

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.