An update on Gary Jenkins Jr.
Friends and family of Washington Volunteer Fire & Rescue member Gary Jenkins Jr., injured in a crash while responding to a call several weeks ago, report that he is improving every day. “We are setting up a trust account for him at Union First Market Bank,” says Amy Hitt. “You will be able to go to any Union First Market Bank and make a deposit on Gary's behalf. You will tell them it is for the Gary Jenkins Jr. Trust Account.”
In addition, the WVFR is still taking donations for its fund drive as well, and Amy Hitt and others have been helping organize a boot drive at local businesses, including Griffin Tavern, Copper Fox, Pen Druid Brewery, Creekside Bakery, B&B Auto, the Farmer’s Co-op, Wasmund’s and the Country Cafe. I was at the Sperryville Corner Store on Monday and saw that they had a boot for Gary.
Janet Jenkins and her family are very grateful for all of the support and prayers for her son. Please keep them coming, this is going to be a long process. Thank you in advance!
WVFR Chief Ann Spieker said she spoke with Gary on the phone Monday, and he said “he could flex the thigh muscle in his right leg and moved his kneecap a little.”
Jennifer Atkins says the athletic teams of Rappahannock County High School are doing a carwash at the Washington fire hall from 11 to 3 on Saturday, Aug. 13, sponsored by Gary's former coaches, teammates and their parents. Please come out and get your car washed, have a grilled burger or hot dog, chips and cold drinks plus enjoy some baked goodies, and sign up to play in a corn hole tournament. All money raised will go directly to Gary Jenkins Jr. and his family for his continued therapy.
Chasity Church, general manager at the Flint Hill Public House, says the restaurant will donate 20 percent of sales of its renowned prime rib entrees on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14, to Gary's benefit. They also have a boot at the restaurant entrance for other donations. For more information, call 540-5220561.
Let’s help support these events for one of our community volunteers who was pursuing the passion of his life in helping others when, while responding to an ambulance call July 12, his truck skidded off the road and hit a tree. He sustained serious spine injuries. He needs our prayers and our support.
To send a card to Gary, here’s the address: Inova Rehabilitation Center Attention: Gary Jenkins,
Room 551 2501 Parker's Lane Alexandria, VA 22306
BIRTHDAY WISHES
I would like to wish a dear friend of mine, Clarissa Leggett, a happy birthday, a milestone she celebrates Aug. 12. I have really missed her smile in town. This is one lady that I will always admire when it comes to standing up for Little Washington. Clarissa, may you have many more birthdays to come.
REV. HUNTER’S FIRST SUNDAY
The new Trinity Episcopal Church rector, the Rev. H. Miller Hunter, will be at the church this Sunday (Aug. 7) to lead his first services at Trinity. Service times are:
• 8 a.m. (Quiet service, a traditional language communion service without music);
• 9:15 a.m. (Family service, a child friendly, less structured service with lively music and guitar accompaniment. While not a children's service per se, children are fully included. Communion is normally offered on second and fourth Sundays.)
• 11 a.m., or 10:30 a.m. in summer (Formal service, a contemporary language version of worship, with full music and choir. Communion is normally offered on first, third, and fifth Sundays.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Welcome to our community, Rev. Hunter.
CARD SHOWER
Peggy Ballowe is having a card shower for her father and mother, Tom and Mary Belle Tharp of Edinburg. They will be celebrating their 60th anniversary on Aug. 4. Tom was born and raised in Rappahannock County. When he met his beautiful bride, Mary Belle, they got married and moved to Edinburg, although Tom still has family here in Rappahannock and they often come back to visit. If anyone would like to send them a card for their anniversary, send it to Tom and Mary Belle Tharp, 1777 Edinburg Gap Road, Edinburg, VA 22824. Tom and Mary Belle Tharp, I wish you many more happy years together.
HOMECOMING
First Baptist Church in Washington holds its homecoming service on Sunday, Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. with Pastor William P. Kilby of Liberia, West Africa. Lunch follows. For the 3 p.m. service, the guest speaker is Rev. Francis Belle, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. All are welcome. For more information, call 540-6364098.
PRAYER REQUEST
In our daily prayers each day. Please remember Justin Cobin. Justin is only 44 years old and had a major heart attack. His father, Wayne, says Justin is at U.Va. Medical Center and would be there for awhile. Keep him in your prayers each day.
Stay cool and have a wonderful week.