Small community pulls together

To the editor:

We had talked about how the people of Scopus and all of Bollinger County come together when there is someone or something in need. Saturday was the perfect example of that common cause. Matt and Anna Strong along with their family, Mike Strong's children and a lot of other good people who gave their time got together to have the first memorial trail ride in Mike Strong's memory, with all the donations going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Mike Strong had this kind of ride for many years. The memorial trail ride was drafted this year to keep his acts of generosity in giving and to keep his memory alive.

I have been on a lot of trail rides in my 60-plus years, but this one took the cake as the best ever. We couldn't have asked for a more picturesque day. Over 100 riders along with several wagons turned out. The camaraderie was there even for a guy like me who has lived here for almost 17 years and is still considered a foreigner.

The food was great too. There was a silent auction, and with the selling of T-shirts the event raised $1,650 for one of the greatest causes there is.

I think we should all try to follow the ideas of these people here in a small community in the foothills of the Ozarks. In my lifetime I have never encountered such a folks and don't believe I ever will.

ANDY "BUD" WIESNER, Marble Hill. Mo.