Editor, Gazette-Journal:

For over three decades we have been fortunate to have an independent grocer in our village.

It is sad that this family owned business has fallen victim to the expanding appearance of “chain/box” stores. We will miss our local market and all the services it provided to our community. A special note of gratitude goes out to Sterling and Kathryn Hudgins. They put forth their creative energy and their financial resources to try to make our village market a success. This was a labor of love for Mathews. We hope as they process their decision to close, a new venture will emerge to further enhance our community.

Thanks to the Hudgins family for their can-do spirit and we await the appearance of a recycled Best Value.

Dennis and Brenda Baker

Bavon, Va. ...