Learning from our past

Staff Reports
Published: December 3, 2008

2007: Legend has it that Saint Nicholas has a penchant for secret gift-giving. Born during the third century, Saint Nicholas was the son of wealthy parents who grew up to be a bishop suspected of using his inheritance to finance anonymous gifts to the poor. In the county and its surrounds residents have not forgotten there are those in need this Holiday season. For example, GRACE is sponsoring an Angel Tree program designed to help families, provide gifts for their children , and to keep those families warm as well. In addition, Creative Press in Ruckersville is the drop off place for the Charlottesville area’s annual Toy Lift.

2003: The first year of the new block-scheduling at William Monroe High School has turned out to be a “nightmare” with virtually no redeeming value, administrators and teachers told the Greene County School board Wednesday night.
The schedule was proposed last year in an attempt to complete eight classes a year as opposed to the previous seven. Proponents argued that having one semester classes would better suit students failing a first semester course, who would be able to start the course over at the semester break rather then having to wait until the following year.

1998: Beyond the Garden Gate, Greene County’s newest flower and gift shop, heralded that start of the holiday shopping season with its grand opening last week. Mother and daughter team Pat and Sherry Roberts worked all night prior to the store’s opening, setting up Christmas trees and arrangements for the new shop. Though they were exhausted, the Roberts were able to welcome their first customers with smiles of enthusiasm. “I’m really excited to be opening in Greene County because we live here,“ said Pat, who has operated a florist shop in Madison for more then 10 years.

1983: He doesn’t have a snowy beard or own a red suit, and has never been overheard to utter hearty “ Ho.Ho,Ho,“ but 67 year old Jack Barnett has played Santa Clause to the needy children of Greene County for many years.
And if this “Middle River Santa” has his way this year, no county child will be disappointed on Christmas Morning. Despite failing eyesight and a painful leg condition which makes it hard to stand for long periods of time, Jack spends countless hours in his home workshop trying to complete 100 sturdy wooden toys which he plans to donate to the annual Christmas Gifts Project for Children sponsored by the local Women’s Club.

1948: Floyd Butler, 15, was found guilty of first degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of his father, William Butler, by a jury court and sentenced to 45 years in the state penitentiary.
The trial took the better part of the day Monday. There were a number of witnesses offered by both the prosecution and defense, with the prosecution trying to show the killing was premeditated and the defense attempting to convince the jury the shooting was the result of ill will between the father and son. The elder Butler was killed by a shotgun blast in his home above Syria September 6.