Scenic shots submitted great -- thanks -- but ...

Reader interest in the annual calendar published by the Central Virginia Weekly Group – which includes The Madison County Eagle and its two sister newspapers – the Greene County Record and the Orange County Review – remains high. When we asked readers this past fall for their scenic photos of Madison County for us to consider using in the calendar, they flooded us with them.

There were easily many, many scores submitted – we received a lot last year as well, but the batch intended for inclusion in the 2009 calendar far surpassed the 2008 batch. Plus, the quality was superb. Granted there was strong subject matter to work with – Madison County is a beautiful place – but even allowing for that, the work was just incredible. It was also great to see because it captured all corners of Madison and in all seasons. It shows Madison’s beauty isn’t just skin deep, that it’s all encompassing.

Thanks go out to all. It is heartening as an editor to see readers respond so favorably to our little publication, especially as we are poised to celebrate our 100th birthday next year.

All this said, here comes the zinger.

While this project generated tremendous interest among our readers, advertising interest diminished. Regrettably, the paper will not be publishing a calendar this year.

However, we still wanted to share the fine photographs our readers submitted.

Please see page B1 in the Jan. 1, 2009 edition of The Eagle for a sampling of what was submitted. While we can’t publish every single one of the many images submitted, we will try to regularly run additional images throughout the year.

Look to the images as a source of inspiration, especially now as you work on those New Year’s resolutions to improve your personal fitness or experience more of the outdoors. Maybe hike to the top of Old Rag Mountain. You can’t see the tip of the Washington Monument – like old-timers said you once could in pre-polluted days – but the view is still spectacular. Check out the waterfalls in White Oak Canyon – they are magnificent. Even just a long look at the rural Madison County countryside will nourish the soul.

Happy 2009 everyone.

(Don Richeson is the editor of The Madison County Eagle. Contact him via e-mail at dricheson@madison-news.com.)