Hope Bradner

For the last few years the business owner's in the Town of Altavista, Virginia sponsor a town wide trick or treat. I think this is a wonderful and safe way we as parents can carry our children trick or treating and as a business owners this promotes our businesses by bringing additional traffic into our store fronts.

This year's trick or treat is set for Friday October 31, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm hope to see lots of ghouls and goblins!

In thinking of topics to write about my hometown of Altavista, Virginia I began exploring monumental points in the history of Altavista. One of the first points that I have always thought of when explaining the geographic location of my little home town is the question "Do you own a Lane Cedar Chest"? If you do chances are it was built right here in my hometown just 20 miles south of Lynchburg, Virginia.

The Lane Furniture Company's main plant was located here in March of 1912 when John Lane purchase a box plant and and encouraged his young son Ed Lane to manufacture cedar chest. Initially the Lane's were unsure if the venture would work so they didn't name it "The Lane Company" it was called the "Standard Red Cedar Chest Company" little did they know just how popular the cedar chest would become. Most every little girl back then had a hope chest or dowry chest to house contents that would be used in their future household. I would venture to say that there are many households across the world who still have the cedar chest which some models being collectors items.

Unfortunately the plant which was the largest employer of The Town of Altavista closed in 2001 and moved the headquarters to Tupelo Mississippi. The former plants now house two other companies and the office building is host to many small businesses. This hometown girl still misses the blow of the work whistle which sounded every morning and afternoon notifying everyone around town the workday was over. It is unfortunate that this company that pretty much founded my little hometown was subject to corporate downsizing. I will always have memories of years gone by and the hard work many of the area residents put in by taking one look at my own Lane Cedar Chest.

So I go to the mailbox yesterday like any other day to retrieve all the personal and company mail. As I filtered through the envelopes I came across one from my current mortgage company. I immediately opened it because I found it odd the mortgage was paid on time and so forth and so on...

The letter starts off "we are writing to inform you that we became aware one of our employees (now former) sold your personal information to a third party." An investigation revealed your name, address, social security number, credit card numbers and your mortgage number was transferred.

So they are offering me credit protection for two years at no cost to me! Great what happens after the two years? I guess it will be my mess then when the third party lays low then starts using my information! Is anything really protected anymore? Anybody else had this happen? Any thoughts on what to do next?

September 11 is a somber day for everyone in the United States but for me and my fellow EMS & Fire brothers and sisters it is a time of remembrance. We have a duty to act when the pager alerts that our fellow mankind is in need of our helping hands. We get up in the middle of the night, walk out of our houses never thinking this may be the last time we see our families. We choose to do this because we have a desire to use the skills god gave us to make a difference in just one life.

On the eve of September 11 I remember and thank god for each and every Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician and their families who paid the ultimate price for their selfless duty to act. Tonight I say the paramedic's and fireman's prayer in their honor. May god bless the families they left behind.

"A Paramedic's Prayer"

As I perform my duty, Lord,
Whatever be the call
Help to guide and keep me safe,
From dangers big and small.

I want to serve and do my best
No matter what the scene,
I promise to keep my skills refined,
My judgment sharp and keen.
This calling to give of myself,
most do not understand,
But I stand ready all the time
to help my fellow man.

A word of thanks I might not hear,
but knowing is enough,
That I have helped just even one
To go on to live and love.

"Firefighter's Prayer"

When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be the age

Help me to embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save and older person
From the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling
And to give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor
And protect his property

And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life
Please bless with your protecting hand
The loved one's in my life