Friday, October 1, 2010
Before my time runs out.
James D. Russell, age 89 has been resting comfortably at at the Culpeper Health and Rehabilitation Center after having heart complications several months ago. Many of us know Mr. Russell as a native of Rapphannock County Virginia, raised from enslaved grandmother, author, storyteller, and historian has had many ambitions in his life to say the least. He has had big ideas for his retirement property located in Rappahannock County, Virginia which he had visions of housing a community center"pleasant view acres" for all to enjoy. Mr. Russells passions for trains is apparent with his deluxe model train that runs track through his property. Plans for completing a "comfort station" (public restrooms on the grounds) have been his aspiration for the past several years. Though plans for the community center have been put on hold, Mr. Russell has commissioned Mr. Eddie Gore to complete the comfort station and is hoping he can acquire a grant to have a ride on train circle the grounds of his estate. Mr. Gore who has been working with Mr. Russell's fixed income has been patient to wait for payments to commence so the completion of the comfort station can take place. It is my hope to assist Mr. Russell in seeing his visions through. Not only am I willing to assist in the fund raising efforts to get this project finish for Mr. Russells return, but I am hoping to get a websight up and running for Mr. Russell to be able to sell his four published books. If anyone is willing to assist me with the web sight please contact me directly at cielo@livingsky.org. Also It is my hope to arrange for a barn raising of sorts, or rather a comfort raising to finish the station. Any donations to pay Mr. Gore, materials or financial contributions or man power would be a blessing. Mr. Russell has given so much to this community, It would be an blessing to see his lifetime work at peace.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Living a Dream
Hello Blog Land:
Many of us here in Rappahannock County, Virginia are familiar with the contributions that honored author, historian, and "Octogenarian", James Russell has made to our community through his books, artifacts, writings, story tellings, and book signings of his families upbringing during the times of slavery to redemption. Mr. Russell is a wealth of heritage and we are lucky to have him here with us.
Next Sunday, April 25th, 2010, Mr. Russsell will be coming up on his 90th birthday. To celebrate this great man's life, there are some things that James has been working on that he would like to see completed. I thought I would take it upon myself to put the word out to our fine community to see if we might assist him in manifesting some of his visions!
When Mr. Russell first had his vision to create a community sharing space and meeting hall on his beautiful and senic property "Pleasant Acres" that he calls "The Octagon at Memorial Hill" located at 892 Woodward Rd, in Sperryville it was just a dream. Now Mr. Russell currently runs a miniature train on the grounds, a museum room and has space available for family and community picnics. There is a small stage available that he would like to use for his story telling and lectures, he would like to enclose it "pavillian style" so it is available for all weather use, and a comfort station has also been constructed on the grounds that is in need of finishing carpentry and plumbing installation.
If you would like to make financial contributions or birthday gifts and donations please mail them to:
892 Woodward Rd., Sperryville, VA 22740.
We are also hoping to acquire a lap top or light weight computer for Mr. Russell to be able to view his web page, sell his books and check his mail, if anyone has one they could make available (internet accessible).
In addition to all of this, Mr. Russell is also looking for a housemate to share a room or two in his home. The cost of $300.00 per month which could be exchanged in part for house cleaning, personal care, and cooking. It would be his preference for the housemate to be an older, single woman.
"One of life's greatest undisturbed joys is the comforting fact of knowing that you are welcome, respected, loved, and wanted in any 24 hour day"
James D. Russell
1997
Many of us here in Rappahannock County, Virginia are familiar with the contributions that honored author, historian, and "Octogenarian", James Russell has made to our community through his books, artifacts, writings, story tellings, and book signings of his families upbringing during the times of slavery to redemption. Mr. Russell is a wealth of heritage and we are lucky to have him here with us.
Next Sunday, April 25th, 2010, Mr. Russsell will be coming up on his 90th birthday. To celebrate this great man's life, there are some things that James has been working on that he would like to see completed. I thought I would take it upon myself to put the word out to our fine community to see if we might assist him in manifesting some of his visions!
When Mr. Russell first had his vision to create a community sharing space and meeting hall on his beautiful and senic property "Pleasant Acres" that he calls "The Octagon at Memorial Hill" located at 892 Woodward Rd, in Sperryville it was just a dream. Now Mr. Russell currently runs a miniature train on the grounds, a museum room and has space available for family and community picnics. There is a small stage available that he would like to use for his story telling and lectures, he would like to enclose it "pavillian style" so it is available for all weather use, and a comfort station has also been constructed on the grounds that is in need of finishing carpentry and plumbing installation.
If you would like to make financial contributions or birthday gifts and donations please mail them to:
892 Woodward Rd., Sperryville, VA 22740.
We are also hoping to acquire a lap top or light weight computer for Mr. Russell to be able to view his web page, sell his books and check his mail, if anyone has one they could make available (internet accessible).
In addition to all of this, Mr. Russell is also looking for a housemate to share a room or two in his home. The cost of $300.00 per month which could be exchanged in part for house cleaning, personal care, and cooking. It would be his preference for the housemate to be an older, single woman.
"One of life's greatest undisturbed joys is the comforting fact of knowing that you are welcome, respected, loved, and wanted in any 24 hour day"
James D. Russell
1997
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