Style’s selection of the Harveys as Richmonders of the Year feels entirely appropriate (Cover Story, Jan. 3). The impact of the tragedy of last Jan. 1 on the community in the days, weeks and months afterward has been considerable, resulting in a heartfelt outpouring of remembrances and charitable activities in the Harveys’ name.

These events have helped us to remember the good works of the Harveys and their considerable contribution to our local culture and community through Bryan’s music and Kathy’s World of Mirth, and the family’s familiar presence at Fox Elementary, Second Presbyterian and Granite Pool.

And yet, as Scott Bass notes in his excellent article, all of these remembrances and activities will seem incomplete if those with choices retreat back into their comfort zone at the end of the day, and ignore or forget the plight of those caught up in the web of poverty, violence, drugs, broken homes and racism.

The question remains: Do we now have the will to seriously tackle these issues in Richmond?

Ron Mitchell
Richmond

I appreciated your piece on the Harveys. I have been a Carytown employee for many years, and I miss the shining, beautiful face of Mrs. Harvey. One could not avoid the anniversary, and it would in some way be blasphemous to ignore it.

On the other hand, I may not be as socially appropriate as those you interviewed. While I know that it is important to explore why this happened, I feel disconnected from the roots of Gray and Dandridge, and what could have distorted their minds to such a degree. While it is true that society on the whole bears some responsibility, the ultimate responsibility belonged to Gray and Dandridge.

Seeing Gray smirk on my television set yesterday as he was walked with guards to his destination made me absolutely sick. He is not entitled to any emotion which the Harveys will never have the luxury of feeling again.

Lana Gentry
Richmond

I, for one, found it totally inappropriate to name the Harvey family as the Richmonders of the Year for 2006. There is no way I want to, or need to, be reminded of the horrific way in which they perished, so why take us there?

I endured the story to try to understand why you would make this choice, and I still don’t understand. Particularly when I reviewed the list of past recipients. Mr. Wilder, the police chief, Mr. Trani — I get. They did something noteworthy to make us remember them. They made a contribution to this city, and honoring them at year end gives us something to contemplate for the new year.

What did the Harveys do? Sadly, they were murdered. What about that would Richmond choose to take into this new year?

Bernice H. Eddleton
Henrico

I’d like to compliment Scott Bass for his excellent article, for pointing out the truth that crime affects all of us. Black or white.

If it was my choice of Richmonder of the Year, I would recognize and thank Jim Bland of Plan 9 Music for all of his efforts in healing hundreds of people from this tragic event. Jim not only lost a very personal dear friend in Kathryn Harvey, but a business partner as well.

Jim has tirelessly and selflessly invested his own time, emotional support and money to help mend the deep wounds rising from the impact of the loss of the Harvey family. I believe without his leadership, guidance and compassion our community would never have healed as well as it has. Richmond is truly lucky to have Jim Bland in our community. Jim, you’re my hero.

Phil Conein, president
TECHEAD