Opinion

A bold mural being painted on front of the Jeff Matthews Museum has caused an uproar among Galax residents, city staff and the museum's board of directors.

The mural, started last month, remains unfinished until the Galax Planning Commission decides if artists David and Brigette Payseur should continue the painting.

However, since the mural has gone up, it has attracted attention from many tourists, as well as locals, who never knew the museum even existed.

Officials deserve thanks

The Carroll County administrator and board of supervisors are well deserving of the encouragement of citizens of Carroll County.

In the past year this board and our administrator have taken Carroll County in such a positive direction.

We no longer pick up our newspaper to read about an argument or personal vendetta between board members.

We have progress for Carroll County like there has not been in so many, many years. As a citizen I believe Carroll County has a great future.

Writer suggests mural options

By no stretch of the imagination can you call that sign on the Jeff Matthews Museum a mural.

The definition of a mural is a picture or decoration — usually a very large one — on a wall or ceiling.

A mural of Matthews shooting a grizzly bear or an Indian encampment by the creek or of Main Street by [local artist] Raven Bilbrey would be better — or a conglomeration of native species of trees, bushes, wildflowers and galax leaves.

We met in a small music shop in southern Virginia, some years ago.

The woodgrain of that violin was not finished to a lustrous sheen, but more to an appearance far beyond its years. We had that in common.

Overwhelmed by its rustic appeal to the eye, we went home together. That purchase, at the time, was much more a luxury than necessity.

Not being a musician, our first session was truly a revelation. What had I done? When bow first met strings absolute horror was revealed. That beautiful chunk of wood had no more music within it than its buyer had.

Universal health care a must

As we have watched business after business close in the past few years and unemployment levels reach unprecedented highs, there is a hidden cost we have not considered.

How many of those folks who found themselves unemployed also found themselves joining the millions of people in this country who do not have health insurance?

How many children are going without adequate medical care because their families cannot afford or no longer qualify for health insurance?

America’s health care system is a financial and medical wreck, a collection of competing interests and incentives that guarantee inefficiency and reward sloth.

If wronged, keep your faith strong

I am writing this letter as a reminder to myself as well as to possibly help others. I hope readers find peace with the contents.

Perhaps putting it into written words will sink the truth into my own heart. One can hope.

What do you do when you have been wronged by many people because, in their opinion, they could do the job better than you have?

What do you do when you have been lied about, and to, and talked about in circles that continuously grow?

Nursing home staff praised

I would like to take this opportunity to let everyone know what good people are employed at Waddell Nursing Home and Rehab in Galax.

Our mother and dad were both at Waddell for almost three years. While there, both received above-average care.

All the nurses, CNAs and everyone involved went out of their way to provide the special care our parents required while they were at the nursing home.

Festival was a let-down

For many years I have been coming up from Florida to the joyful Galax Leaf & String Festival.

This year the music was very much reduced, making it less attractive for visitors.

Also, it was strange to have unknown groups on the stage while top ones like Whitetop Mountain Band and Slate Mountain Ramblers had to play in the street. It must have been insulting to them.

I sure hope it will be better next year. I love Galax and old-time music!

Jack Shaver

Hollywood, Fla.