Comments on: Zoning Opponents Sound Off at State of the Shore

By: Wayne Creed

Wayne Creed — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:34:05 +0000

A bench for Melvin would be nice. Nancy, you have a new job. Let me know how I can help make this happen.

By: Don Riley

Don Riley — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 00:40:06 +0000

I think the place to ponder over the future of CAPE CHUCK is on a bench facing the brick piggy house in Central Park. By the way, the pig house faces due west.

By: Nancy Daniel Vest

Nancy Daniel Vest — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 19:47:07 +0000

Mr. Creed,
As you may know Melvin’s friends worked to create a small memorial for Melvin in Central Park. A Christmas tree was planted in his honor and is named “Melvin.” It is designated as the official Christmas tree of Cape Charles. There is a small plaque beside the tree. It was placed to celebrate Melvin’s life and “his dedication to Cape Charles, his gifts of wisdom, his grand sense of humor, his love of family, and his appreciation of the beauty of his environment.” Each year as a part of the Grand Illumination of Central Park, his friends enjoy the lights that shine in his memory.
I think it would be very fitting to place a bench facing his tree. Perhaps that could be a place in town where people could meet, sit, and calmly discuss problems, ways to help others and thoughts on how to make the world a better place.
If we could all work together, pointing directions and not fingers, we could do amazing things. That would be a wonderful tribute to Melvin.

By: Wayne Creed

Wayne Creed — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:52:29 +0000

Nancy, thank you for taking the time to remind us of all the contributions Melvin Dudley made. It should also be noted that, for many of us that have been engaged in the long fight to restore the Atlantic Menhaden stock, as a Northampton County angler, Mr. Dudley was very supportive in our efforts. There had been some talk about building a monument in the park to commemorate Melvin’s contributions, not just to Central Park, but to the Town as whole, including the fundamental support he provided in helping establish the Cape Charles Christian School. I hope someday we can revitalize that effort.

By: Don Riley

Don Riley — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:05:37 +0000

Good Stuff!

By: Nancy Daniel Vest

Nancy Daniel Vest — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 00:29:55 +0000

State Senator Lewis’s statement about the decline in civility in politics really hits home. It seems to be happening at all levels — national, state, and even in our beloved town. Fair and open discussion is needed to solve problems and plan for the future. I have great admiration for people who have the ability to discuss issues and not personalities.
A few years ago, the Town was divided over various matters and many citizens were upset. It was during this time that one of the Council members resigned and Melvin Dudley was asked to take the vacant seat. Melvin Dudley was just the right man at just the right time. He always spoke his mind but he did it respectfully and honestly. I do not believe I ever heard him say an unkind word about anyone. He discussed issues and never people. I once asked him why the town seemed to be in such turmoil. He patiently explained that there were two types of people in the world. With some, if there was a disagreement, they would never speak to you again. With others, you could argue about a question and then enjoy lunch together. Melvin said simply, “You just need to decide who you want to be.”
I miss Melvin Dudley — his kind heart, his wisdom, his ability to look logically at problems and his willingness to listen and politely consider all points of view. I wish we could all just sit down and have lunch with him one more time.