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To the Editor:

I recently heard someone lament – once again – that our young people do not come back to the area, and I–once again–stated, “That’s not necessarily true. Think of . . . ,” and I began noting young professionals who have returned to the area, specifically, in this case, Hertford County, but I am sure readers throughout the Roanoke-Chowan area can fill in the names for their own counties.

When I leave Dr. Matt Edwards’ office, I am grateful he is a second generation optometrist who has served my family. I immediately see ACE Hardware and am grateful for Steed Johnson, a third generation “helpful hardware person.”

As I continue thinking of such young people who have returned to the area, I note second generation attorneys Cecelia Jones and Takiya Lewis Blalock, soon to be second generation judge as well.

As my mind wanders, I can think of many of our young people who have returned here (or never left) and serve in many areas, especially education and medicine.

In this month that celebrates National Library Month, I realize that, although some cannot be considered young, much of the Albemarle Regional Library is home grown: the Director, Finance Officer, Systems Administrator, Technical Services Officer, six of the seven Branch Managers, and almost all local staff. Likewise, in Hertford County Public School Libraries, all five librarians are products of the area.

The next time you are tempted to note people who are not here, note people who are, and thank them for being here, beginning with the home grown staff of Roanoke-Chowan News Herald.

Sarah Davis

Murfreesboro