2008 Citizens of the Year
When the call went out this year for nominations for the Culpeper Times Citizen of the Year recognition, two things happened.
First, within a few days nominations started coming in.
Secondly, several of those nominations pointed in the same direction - Culpeper United Methodist Church.
This year's selection for the 2008 Citizen of the Year goes to not one, but two, outstanding ladies who have, by their actions, won the hearts and admiration of all who are blessed to know them.
The fact that they hail from the same church community is purely coincidental. What is clearly established is their dedication, caring and sincere commitment to their church and community and their unselfish and consistent behind-the-scenes work has not gone unnoticed.
"She's very dependable, very involved and as sweet as she can be," said church member Ann Beamer who spoke of Bowie's service to the church for many years in so many ways.
A devoted member of Culpeper United Methodist Church, Bowie is a circle leader, teacher and office helper. She also works as a volunteer at the county library particularly manning the Book Store.
At one time serving in the Peace Corps, Bowie spent several years in the Philippines.
"Gladys Bowie's heart is so big. Nothing is too much for her to handle," said her friend Betty Sinclair who admires Bowie for "doing what needs to be done" which often includes driving to nursing homes for visits. She's a good listener.
Bowie is known throughout the town for her lovely smiling face and numerous good deeds not only in Culpeper but in Orange County as well.
"I've met quite a few people in my 80 some years," said Sinclair, "she tops them all."
If you see an old truck pull up to the church loaded with tools, supplies and beautiful plants - many that she has bought herself - then you'll likely encounter Miriam Halsey who can be seen on the property from sun up to sun down devoting countless hours to making the grounds as beautiful as she is able.
Without consistent care and a loving hand, many of the outdoor plants might perish. But in Halsey's hands, tender plants are protected from the hot summer or brought in before freezing in a harsh winter frost.
In addition to her myriad tasks associated with keeping the grounds gorgeous, Halsey sings in the church choir rarely missing a rehearsal or service. Halsey is also a member of the Madison Chorale Society.
Halsey has been instrumental in the success of several fund raisers both within and outside of the church. She donated money to the Powell Wellness Center for their spinning room and has quietly funded other projects.
Not one interested in fanfare or ever to bring attention to herself, Halsey, like Bowie, operates from the heart.
"She's very caring about people," said her friend Nancy Garrett. "She has lots of magazine subscriptions but they aren't for her, she renews them for other people often without them knowing, that's the kind of thing that she does."
Halsey's perspective as a singer has made her a valuable asset to the State Theatre Board - yet another venue for her tireless efforts.
"Miriam is extremely active in her church and the state theatre," said Garrett. "The things that she is involved in, she gives 100 percent."
"I challenge you to walk through Culpeper, stroll by the State Theatre, or enter the doors of Culpeper United Methodist Church, on any given day and ask about her by name, then and only then, will you feel and hear the full effect of her unselfish devotion, love and charm," said fellow church member Amy Wagner.
Ladies like Gladys Bowie and Miriam Halsey don't need or want public recognition. They may even wonder if they are making a difference in their worlds because their actions - which seem magnanimous to many - are just part of their natural makeup and what they do as part of their daily routine of giving to others.
Picking up branches, trimming the lawn, singing in the choir, re shelving books, visiting the sick, renewing a subscription, or making sure the food closet is full. These are the behind-the scenes kinds of tasks that bring harmony and grace to the environment. T
hey make our world a better place and we are grateful.
It is for these reasons and many more not listed here that Gladys Bowie and Miriam Halsey have been chosen as this year's Citizens of the Year.