Learning from the past

Staff reports -News events making headlines in the Greene County Record years ago
Published: July 10, 2008

2007: Home schooling is on the rise in Virginia, and in Greene. Last year, 131 Greene students were home schooled, up to 99 the year before, according to the State Board of Education. A new group in Greene- called the Greene County Virginia Area Homeschoolers (GCVAH)- has been to advocate, support,, and educate the Greene home school community, says founder Marie White of Ruckersville. Though the vast majority of students are still enrolled in public schools, more then 20,000 students are now home schooled in this state, says Virginia Department of Education Director Charles Pyle. Pyle notes over the last decade, there’s been a “liberalization” of home schooling requirements in the state.

2003: A Greene County man charged with growing marijuana in Shenandoah National Park has pleaded guilty to one count each of possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony.Edison Pilgrim Crawford, 50, of Dyke, could face 11 years in prison if he receives the maximum sentence for both offenses, according to assistant U.S. attorney Nancy Healey. Crawford’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 22 in federal court in Charlottesville.Crawford originally was charged with manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Those charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement, according to his attorney.

1998: Soon, Greene County residents won’t have to travel outside the county to improve the music library. The Music Store, located at the intersections of Route 29 and 33 opened its doors last week and will celebrate its grand opening on July 18th.Owned and operated by Patrick Hester and Harriet Bowie, The Music Store will sell compact disc, cassettes and musical accessories. The store will also feature works of local artists and musicians. Bowie, a Madison County resident, came up with the idea of opening a music store in the area after she moved from Fredericksburg. When she met Hester in her geology class at Piedmont Virginia Community College, she thought he would be a perfect partner. “I knew I needed someone knowledgeable with music and Patrick is very knowledgeable.” She said. Hester is a guitar player and was formerly employed at The Wall music store in Charlottesville.

1983: Two years ago, doctors handed Ray Whitmer a message that began what he calls, “the most difficult transition of my life.”
It was then, too, that the previous decade’s string of mysterious physical maladies were tied together. Whitmer learned that he was a victim of multiple sclerosis. “It changes your life,” understates the affable 38 year old who now frequently uses a can e to walk. “in fact its almost the same process as dealing with death. You go through bouts of anger and denial before coming to the conclusion that you’d better accept it and get on with your life.”
Know as the most common- yet least understood, disease of the central nervous system, MS typically strikes young adults between the ages of 20and 40, it is not contagious and , so, far, there’s no cure.

1948: The Stanardsville Redbirds came out on top in te first half in the Blue Ridge League by defeating Scottsville in both ends of a doubleheader Sunday at Stanardsville. The score of the first game was 9-1 and the second 5-0. B. B. Haney pitched the first game and allowed only two hits. Junior Haney was on the mound in the last game and gave up 3 hits. In other games in the league, Greenwood defeated Crozet 10-5 and Waynesboro defeated Earlysville. The Redbirds will meet Crozet at Stanardsville next Sunday in the first game of the second half.