It’s a rainy, quiet Saturday morning at the end of what has been a full, almost hectic first week spent as a new member of The Kenbridge–Victoria Dispatch staff. It is a perfect time to regroup; to look back, and take stock of what all has gone on in the past week before turning my attention to what lies in the week ahead.

I’d like to say now that I could not have picked a better group of people to work with. They are hard working, productive, collaborative and friendly. I cannot begin to explain how much help each one has been this past week. I am proud to be on their team.

In the midst of my rainy morning “mulling the week over” session I decided to share a few things with you — The Kenbridg –Victoria Dispatch readership.

Within this area that I call home I am blessed to have friends, family and friends as close as family. This group, and everyone else that makes up my community are the reason I do what I do for a living.

Although I am a Richmond native, my experiences in this area began a long, lo…(one long is enough), time ago. My first visits here were back when Larry LeSueur’s was the voice of WFLO. I remember that the Kyanite mining cut in Willis Mountain had not yet diminished its height. The Keysville Drive-In was middle-aged then and ‘the place to go’ on a Saturday night. I remember being marveled by seeing the Buckingham branch railroad Depots in both Keysville and Dillwyn. Roughly 45 years ago on that first visit it took all of about five minutes out here and I was smitten — for life, it has turned out.

My early memories of this area withstood the test of time. They remained clear; my family connections here were still strong. My fondness of this area tugged at me like a call from home.

As a young husband and new father, I decided to come back here to raise my family and work as a carpenter. I’ve driven many a nail, toted and cut a forest full of lumber in that time. I took my first job as a news reporter in Charlotte County. It was an invaluable gift packed full of lessons and experiences I will never forget.

Fast-forward 33 years. It is here and now; a rainy Saturday morning, (life seems to go like that, doesn’t it?) I am looking ahead now.

I am blessed to have this new job in the community I love.

A new job means new responsibilities. I am fully aware of and committed to them, and to you, The Kenbridge–Victoria Dispatch readership.

Looking forward, I would offer that there is a good chance we will cross paths. I hope so. I look forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time. If you have a news tip or know of a special event, tell me about it. Call me at the office. You know where I am. As a member of The Kenbridge–Victoria Dispatch staff, I help to report the news of my community, our news. We can help each other with that.

Just one last thing — thank you, my cup is full!

Noel Oliver is a staff reporter for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch and Farmville Newsmedia, LLC. He can be reached at Noel. Oliver@KVDispatch. com.