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How lights will affect the future of Rappahannock County
Rappahannock County is a unique place for a variety of reasons. I’m sure residents would have difficulty agreeing upon what makes Rappahannock so special- its peacefulness, view, size or caring residents. I believe Rappahannock is unique because its residents are good people who enjoy the simple pleasures of life. They enjoy watching their children grow up and attend a safe, caring school, going to church, and talking with their neighbors about current events or reminiscing about the past. This is probably how the majority of residents who were born and raised in Rappahannock feel as well.There is an issue before us that seems to have the county divided- putting lights up at the ball fields. I have resided in Rappahannock all my life and had the pleasure as serving the children of our fine county as a teacher and coach. I truly believe that when decisions are made in the county residents should ask themselves this question- how will this decision affect the future of Rappahannock County?
Well, lights at our ball fields will affect the future of Rappahannock in various ways. Our children will have the opportunity to play more sporting events and be supported by more fans due to later start times. Our indoor sports have better attendance than do our outside sports simply because of the games’ start times.
I would love to support our outdoor sports. But, getting home from work and having dinner before 5 p.m. is impossible. Therefore, I am not able to support our athletes. I have traveled to Madison to watch sporting events there because their events start at 7 p.m. The huge disappointment here is that I am paying to watch games at our rival locations, thus supporting their athletic programs and not my own.
I also feel there is no community center in Rappahannock County where special events can be held. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to host Relay for Life on a ball field with lights and bleachers? What a special event for our community! This is just one example of many events or fundraisers that could be held at our fields if they had lighting. In addition to looking forward to gathering for yearly events, residents will have the opportunity to gather socially once a week to support our athletic teams. Watching sporting events is a source of entertainment for many residents.
I understand there is always fear where money is concerned, and I don’t pretend to know all the ins and outs about funding. But, I do know our RCSSA Booster Club has worked hard for many years to help fund our sports programs. My teams have received money for equipment from them and been supported by their members. Personally knowing many of its members, I have no reason to doubt their sincerity in this endeavor. I have great difficulty dealing with the fact that many who are voicing their disagreement with putting up lights at the ball fields are putting their wants before those of our children. The RCSSA works solely for the benefit of our children.
How will lights affect the future of Rappahannock County? Families and friends will spend time watching our youth play sporting events. Residents will be able to attend games and share “remember when” stories of their glory days. Our community will have several locations to host special events that will bond the members of our community. And, our children will have even better “remember when” stories to pass down to their children. They deserve to share in the same pleasures as the children of our surrounding counties.
Susan Campbell
Sperryville
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