For the past 20 years young women of Lunenburg have been fortunate to have a great leader, coach and mentor in Tony Matthews, the former Lunenburg Softball Commissioner.

Recently elected as Dixie Softball District 1 Director, Matthews must change hats, so to speak, and move on.

Although Matthews will no longer be at Bolter Field on a regular basis, the lessons and guidance he has provided to so many of our youth will continue to have an impact for years to come.

It’s hard to quantify the impact a leader, coach and mentor can have on a young person’s life and then the pass through of those lessons to touch other lives.

A young woman, Ashley Wallace, who played on LGS teams from a young age and is now a nurse, gives Matthews credit for teaching her compassion, caring and coaching people through tough times.

The lessons and guidance he taught not only affected her life but are now benefiting others.

Our community is a better place to live because of Matthews and we heartily extend our gratitude and appreciation.

You will be missed at Bolter Field and I wish you well in your new role as District 1 Director and look forward to seeing the impact you have there as well.

Betty Ramsey if publisher of The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. Her email address is Betty.Ramsey@KVDispatch.com.