During these divisive times, it’s always nice to see people coming together. I can tell you that nothing brings people together better than a Girl Scout cookie sale! From selling at work, to having my sweet girl call and plead family members to purchase her delicious cookies, she has surpassed her goal of selling 100 boxes. She is so proud, and she loves being in the Girl Scouts. I was so happy today, standing outside freezing (wasn’t it spring weather yesterday) as we had a booth sale. People came driving in, money in hand, ready to help support the Girl…
Browsing: Mixing Bowl
A mural of Howard L. Baugh in the Chesterfield County Airport, painted by Maggie O’Leary, is a token of honor for this member of the Tuskegee Airman, those who served bravely and boldly in World War II. Baugh passed away Aug. 23, 2008, but his legacy lives on. The decorated soldier was born in Petersburg, graduated from Virginia State College (now VSU), and later in his life resided in Chesterfield. Baugh earned many honors during his dedicated career including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding…
It’s that time of year; the “crud” is back in action. You know the crud; you may very well have the crud as you are reading this right now. The crud is any illness infecting persons and making them extremely miserable, whether it is throwing up, fever, cough, or sneezing. We may also know the crud as the stomach bug, norovirus rotavirus, or the actual flu (respiratory). Any of these illness can be labeled the “crud.” You feel cruddy, you are cruddy, and you can make others around you cruddy at an alarming rate. As you may have guessed by…
When David Potter was a teenager living with his grandparents, he was unsure about what career path he should take. Potter grew up with humble beginnings in Pikeville, Ky., and was destined to become a third generation coal miner. He said the mining town did not have many opportunities, and with his friend heading down the wrong path, he began to think about his own career path. “When it came time for me to choose a career path, I really thought about how I grew up,” Potter said. “Throughout elementary and high school, I was involved in sports and different…
On January 21, my mother and I went to the Women’s March on Washington. Our arrival was smooth; we parked, jumped on the Metro, and made our way to the district. The atmosphere was rather jolly on the Metro, even at 6 a.m. Women from all over our country had come to stand up for Women’s Rights; our rights over our bodies, our salaries, and our equality in this country. It was amazing to see so many men, women, and children descending upon Washington, D.C., and a beautiful example of our wonderful democracy. As I have stated in previous pieces,…
Dickie and Alena King celebrated their 10th anniversary on Nov. 14. It was also the day, Maria, an 11-year-old Bulgarian girl officially became part of their family. “That is the day I got her into my arms,” said Alena. The Kings had planned a trip to Las Vegas for their anniversary, tickets were purchased, but when the call came notifying the Kings that the adoption had been approved, Alena was on a plane to Bulgaria to bring their new family member home. “We [Dickie and Alena] always wanted to have a family together. From our first date we talked about…
As we approach January, I have been hit with a realization. My boy is going to be starting middle school this year. I don’t know how we got to this point. I truly feel like it was just yesterday that he was walking into preschool without me, and not looking back. I remember feeling bereft then, knowing that he was beginning his own journey, one that did not include me. I know that sounds very dramatic, but in reality it’s true. The minute they leave you behind at the door of the preschool, they are starting a life of their…
I have managed to stay away from writing about the election, but as the inauguration is growing increasingly near, I cannot stay silent any longer. I am fearful, I am anxious, I am overwhelmed, and I am burdened by sorrow that my fellow Americans have put something into play that will undoubtedly be a troublesome and frightening era for this country. I have the opportunity, writing for this newspaper, to say what I feel on a public platform. I am thankful for this, and wonder how long I will be able to do so freely. About four weeks ago, I…
We have made it past the turkey and are now moving full speed ahead towards Christmas trees and lights. In reality, the minute Halloween was over, the retailers were pushing Christmas down our throats faster than you can say “candy cane.” It saddens me that Thanksgiving is now such a fleeting holiday. The one day a year that we have designated our “thankful day.” On Thanksgiving we give thanks for our family, our freedoms, and our food. I really thought about what being thankful meant to me this past week, and was surprised at what I came up with. Of…
I just “celebrated” my 35th birthday. As most of us know, I did not get my birthday wish, and instead woke up on my first full day as a 35-year-old to the news that shocked everyone. However, as my Grandma would say, “It is what it is,” and in the words of Forrest Gump, “that’s all I am going to say about that.” My 30s have been kind to me. I feel like I finally figured out what my “purpose” is in life. I am passionate about my profession, have managed to get through the baby and toddler years, and…