To friends of the Katie Bledsoe family, who put together a chicken barbecue fundraiser in their ongoing efforts to raise enough money to build her family a handicapped accessible home for Katie. Their efforts, dubbed Operation Katie, grew out of a Bible study group a couple of years ago, a group of people looking for a way to put their faith in action, and that action will soon help a family in need.

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To the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce for putting on its annual meeting Thursday night. Not only is this a great way to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments from 2012 and to kick off 2013, it’s also a nice chance to recognize local residents who have made a significant impact on the community. This year’s recipient of the citizen of the year award,

Deidre Rogers, is certainly a wonderful choice — her tireless work for the community has made Mount Airy a better place, and it was good to see her recognized for her contributions to community.