Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I recently drove to Mathews from my home in Richmond to deliver art for the Bay School show, “Art Speaks.” I grew up in Mathews on the beautiful East River. I was so delighted to see all the creative improvements in the Court House … restaurants, creative shops, the bank turned into a beautiful library and ART!

There was no art in the county when I was growing up that I was aware of. There were no art classes in the school. I had to leave the county to discover it. Now, as a professional artist, I delight in returning to contribute to and support the booming creativity in Mathews, whether exhibiting, or, perhaps teaching a workshop.

If I lived in Mathews today, I’m sure I would find myself turned activist, to beautify the byways and roadsides through the area. I was saddened by so many deserted buildings, enveloped with weeds, windows broken, roofs caved in as well as junk automobiles. One after the other of these sad, deserted houses along the roadside gives a very distressing impression coming into the county. There is no clue of lovely homes and smiling waters hiding at the end of country lanes.

My questions for Mathews residents are: Are there laws for condemning these buildings as there are in the cities? If not, could they become a reality? Can the board of supervisors take any action? Do the owners of these properties care? Can they be required to clean up these eyesores?

I cheer you on to take this on and beautify your county! This is the best I can do at this stage in my life!

Emma Lou Marchant Martin

Richmond, Va.