The Vicksburg Post welcomes timely letters of thanks or salute that relate to a specific event or incident where the community was involved or invited. Letters must be original and signed with the author’s name. Letters may thank donors generally, but not include lists. Letters of more than 200 words will not be printed. The Vicksburg Post reserves the right to edit all letters. Submitted items, including letters published in this column, do not represent the views of the newspaper.

New tradition starts

Redwood Elementary is known as a traditional school not only in its basic philosophy of education, but in its desire to carry on the traditions that have long been part of its history.

Along with the continuance of past traditions is the making of new ones. A perfect example is the first annual Redwood Health Fair held Feb. 17. Darlene Birdsong, Redwood’s cafeteria manager, sought an innovative way to get students, parents and staff more interested in one of her passions — making good food choices for a healthier lifestyle.

Over 20 organizations arrived to spend the day at Redwood sharing helpful information with more than 400 K-6 students and their teachers.

Special thanks to the American Red Cross, Children’s Shelter, Ergon Industries, Haven House, HIV Services, International Paper Co., Dr. Janet Fisher’s Dental Clinic, Juice Plus, Lion’s Club, MADD/VPD, MDOT, Midd West, Mississippi Primary Care Clinic, MSU Extension Service, River Region Medical Center, Shape Up Sisters, United Way, Vicksburg Family Development Service, Warren County Extension Service, Warren County Volunteer Fire Department, Warren-Yazoo Mental Health and Wyatt’s Gym. To each individual who staffed the exhibits, we extend our sincere thanks for a job well done. We are looking forward to our next fair as the tradition continues.

Judy Williams

Health Fair Coordinator

Redwood Parent Liaison

Vicksburg

Blessings shared

The Women of St. George would like to say thank you to our patrons for 50 years of support during the Annual Lebanese Dinner. We love sharing our food and blessings with the community. The women invite you to come again next spring and enjoy with us.

Jaynie A. Fedell

Women of St. George

Vicksburg

Flaggs saved Oakley

Oakley Training School has been an important school to many people in the community. At one point, Gov. Haley Barbour wanted to close the school and, because of Rep. George Flaggs and his many years as a juvenile counselor, the school will remain open. I would like to thank him for being able to persuade other legislators that it would be in the best interest of many families that the school stays open in order to give our youths a chance. Thank you for saving a school that has benefited so many.

Lakisha Brown

Vicksburg

Homemakers celebrate

The Warren County Mississippi Homemaker Volunteer Awards Program and Luncheon was a success due to the people who gave their time and energy in making the event a success.

Wandra Evans, Pat Oglesby and Terry Anthony were terrific help in preparing the room. Mary Nell McMasters’ idea of using birdhouses as centerpieces was an original and great decorating idea.

John Coccaro set up tables and helped before during and after the program. Mary Thomas designed and made our awards brochure and certificates.

Congratulations to Mary Lou Brown, the Outstanding Warren County Mississippi Homemaker Volunteer Person of the Year of 2009 and to Terry Anthony, the Granny Wells Humanitarian honoree.

Ardiss Marshall

Council president

Vicksburg