We would like to thank the Vicksburg Lions Club for their monetary and moral support over the last five years.

With their hard work and support we have been able to participate in the Mississippi Lions Band for the past five years (Ivan: 2005 Hong Kong, 2006 Boston; Conrad: 2007 Chicago, 2008 New York, 2009 Minneapolis/St. Paul).

The experiences we had with the Lions Band, both at camp in Ellisville, and on our trips out of the state of Mississippi, improved our musical skills, reinforced our love of music, and broadened our horizons by allowing us to meet new people and experience other cultures through both music and travel.

We encourage everyone to support the Lions Club at every opportunity in their many varied and worthy causes. In addition to encouraging high school musicians, their many hours of volunteerism have helped many people of all ages in the local community and state. Thanks also to the Lions Band music directors and staff who worked so hard to make these trips run smoothly and to Jones County Junior College for making its campus facilities available every year for each year’s weeklong clinic/practice.

 Cpl. Ivan Reihsmann

U.S. Marine Corps Band

Albany, Ga.

Conrad Reihsmann

MSU Band

Starkville

Pep rally sets the tone

The 11th annual Citywide Back-to-School Pep Rally on Aug. 8 at the Outlets at Vicksburg proved to be one of the most exciting and entertaining to date. The crowd, exceeding 1,000, gathered to watch top-notch performances from cheerleaders, dance teams, color guards and bands.  This event has become an annual tradition for all involved and could not take place without the support and generosity of the community.

Performers and spectators tolerated the heat with fans kindly loaned by Cook Tractors, Rebel Welding and Ken Moody. Fred’s Discount Stores on Halls Ferry and Washington Street graciously gave bottled water to the performers. The Vicksburg YMCA loaned six sets of bleachers so that most of the audience would have a place to be seated.

The help provided by Donna Cook and her marketing students was most appreciated as they weathered the heat to pass out programs and hand-held fans. With incredible support and cooperation from the Vicksburg Police Department, Vicksburg Fire Department, and Warren County Sheriff’s Department the rally went off without a glitch.

This year’s rally flowed smoothly with the help of the talented Evelyn Parker of River 101 who emceed the event, and the expertise of Mickey Fedell, who headed up the sound system. Miss Riverbend 2009 De’lisha Wiggins livened up the crowd as she sang “God Bless the USA,” Sheriff Martin Pace gave an invocation, Police Chief Walter Armstrong welcomed the crowd eager to start the school year.

We want to thank all who gave their time, talents and donations, especially the cheerleading coaches, dance team coaches, band directors and ROTC leaders. Finally, we would like to commend the Vicksburg Warren School District for its continued support and the wonderful administrators, fabulous teachers and staff of VWSD that educate and shape the children of Vicksburg and Warren County every day.

Paige Caldwell

Outlets at Vicksburg

Vicksburg

Mayoral Gala a hit

Support of the first Mayoral Gala was more than great! We all had fun, from the first moments of anticipation to the last beat of the drum from the live band. To the vast number of people and businesses that supported this effort I say thanks. An event of this magnitude would not have been possible without the effort, prayers and support of individuals like them.

On behalf of the Warren County Democratic Executive Committee, I say thank you. We look forward to fellowshipping with each of you again next year.  Next year’s event promises to be even better and will benefit one of the local social service agencies. As we move forward past this gala, let us keep in mind that  “to whom much is given, must is required.” This committee will continue to work diligently to support the citizens of Vicksburg and all of Warren County. 

Andre’ L. Terrett,

Gala Planning Committee

Vicksburg

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The Vicksburg Post welcomes timely letters of thanks or salute that relate to a specific event or incident where the community was involved or invited. Letters must be original and signed with the author’s name. Letters may thank donors generally, but not include lists. Letters of more than 200 words will not be printed. The Vicksburg Post reserves the right to edit all letters. Submitted items, including letters published in this column, do not represent the views of the newspaper.