ROANOKE TIMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, November 9, 1995                   TAG: 9511100002
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: S-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium


TRAVELERS THANKFUL FOR HELP IN A CRISIS

Dear Neighbors:

While traveling across country in August, we had some car trouble in Cloverdale. As a result, we met some wonderful people in Virginia.

We stopped for breakfast outside Roanoke and could not get the gearshift to work but finally we limped into Lovell's Exxon needing help. Lovell made some calls to line up a repair shop, and his son towed us to the place. At Plaza Auto Service, Pete and Bill Hite went out of their way to fix our car and have us on our way.

We had my 94-year-old mother and our two 15-year-old dogs with us. The Hite family made us comfortable - even lent us a car so we could get some lunch.

We wish to thank these people publicly and every one who helped us that day.

They turned a tragedy into a pleasant stopover in your lovely city.

People in your city should know that you have some fine, hard-working Americans who have not only automotive expertise but who also care about the traveler in that car they are repairing. We found that out, and we were grateful to have met them.

Leslie J. Anderson

Norman, Okla.

Dear Neighbors:

My name is Mario Martinez, and I live in Immokalee, Fla. Immokalee is in southern Florida. We live in a farming community and grow oranges, tomatoes, tangerines and other vegetables. We ship our produce all over the United States.

Our class is learning about different states. I chose Virginia because I want to learn more about your state. I am curious about your state.

I would like everyone who reads my letter to please send items, such as postcards, bumper stickers or pictures, that represent Virginia.

Thank you so much for your time. I hope to hear from you soon.

Mario Martinez

c/o Mrs. Hampton and Miss Musco's class

Immokalee Middle School

401 N. Ninth St.

Immokalee, Fla. 33934

Dear Neighbors:

As we, the members of the Alleghany-Dunbar Lodge No.109, Prince Hall Masons, close our donation books on our 1995 Walk for Youth, we wish to thank all our contributors for their donations and help. We have special thanks for the Rev. I.L. Ward and staff of WTOY Radio.

We are proud to say that this year's walk was a success. We raised more than $2,700 for Total Action Against Poverty's Youth Services, the Knights of Phythagus, a young males' group, and the Order of the Eastern Star's Girls Youth Group.

Donald Freeman, worshipful master

M.J. Sulllivan, walk chairman

Dear Neighbors:

G'Day Roanoke!

The Hawkesbury District Concert Band from Sydney, Australia, would like to extend a huge thank-you to all those families who showed us such kindness and hospitality during our recent trip to Roanoke.

We made many new friends and hope to return your kindness in 1997.

We miss you all.

Linda Ferris, secretary,

Hawkesbury District Concert Band

Australia



 by CNB