Trump supporters have called anti-Trump protesters “spoiled brats.” We have elected a braggart, a bigot, and a bully, and he is the real spoiled brat. After a devastating loss, I find comfort in the future generation of voters. My grandchildren, now teenagers, work hard in school. They face challenges and set backs just as every generation of young people has. They also face a future where a high school diploma does not equal a good-paying manufacturing job and college is an invitation to years of student loan debt. They don’t blame immigrants, Muslims, or the media. They know they live…
Browsing: Commentary
Bensley Elementary School has been named a National Title I Distinguished School based on its sustained academic excellence. This is the second time in 14 years that Bensley Elementary has achieved this prestigious recognition, marking only the sixth time that a Virginia school has earned this national honor more than once. Bensley Elementary was selected for the honor again based on exceptional student performance for two consecutive years. The school’s 2015-16 pass rates on state-mandated standardized tests are 90 percent in English, 92 percent in math, 99 percent in social studies, and 91 percent in science. Bensley obtained full state…
Highland Springs 34 L.C. Bird 20 By Josh Mathews As Highland Springs started its defense of the 5A state title, the team knew it would take a complete effort on both sides of the football. That’s what the Springers made against the visiting L.C. Bird. Senior quarterback Juwan Carter led the offense, passing for two touchdowns and running for two more, while the Highland Springs defense forced four second-half turnovers. The Springers toppled the Skyhawks 34-20 at Victor Kreiter Stadium Saturday afternoon. Highland Springs 34 L.C. Bird 20 “They [the defense] kept their heads in the game and didn’t get…
Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of Dogpound football. Some time ago I predicted that this little side show where players kneeled on one knee during the playing of the national anthem would expand to other areas…and as usual [pat on the back] the Pack was dead on. Just recently another football player decided he was going to “sit” to protest the election of Trump as president. [Guess he will be sitting a long time…like years.] So I present the following look into the near future of pre-game football. “Well Sam, it is another beautiful Sunday afternoon for…
T hanksgiving is here and it’s time for us to count the blessings we have. One of the many blessings I have is readers like you. My column is not an opinion or inspirational piece, but take one minute and ponder this. You may not think you mean much in this world, but you mean the world to someone, and that someone is thankful for you. Each year, many people will use the weekend after Thanksgiving Day to decorate their homes for Christmas. In my house, it is not officially the Christmas season until the placement of the Christmas tree.…
Stirring the pot at Hops in the Park at Henricus
As we come to this special time of the year, many of us will be traveling around the corner, across the state, or across the country. I want you to be prepared as you strike out on that holiday journey. Motor vehicle accidents account for many injuries and deaths each year. Some may say I am the safest driver on the road. What about the other drivers on the road? Others may be traveling on an airplane. Whatever the case, what is your travel plan? Let’s start with those traveling by air. Give yourself plenty of time in the airport.…
Hello and welcome back to the thankful Dogpound. Yes, it is that time again when we get around to being thankful…not that we are not thankful throughout the year…but at this time of the year we put it front and center. If not …we should. I know the elections this year were kind of like that jack-in- the-box toy [do they still make them?]; the one where you crank the handle around and around as it plays this little melody which I believe was “Pop goes the Weasel,” and after so many turns a puppet pops up. Many of you…
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…
The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights 2016 Christmas Mother, Debbie Koller, hosted the 9th annual auction last Saturday at the Cultural Center of India. 350 tickets were sold for this fabulous night of bidding. Over $48,000 was raised to ensure families in need in our community experience the magic of Christmas. Bonnie Cauthorn shared her design talent to create a beautiful, festive décor. Celebrity, Wayne Covil, served as the auctioneer. There were a great variety of items donated for the live and silent auctions by many generous businesses and individuals. The Barbara Chapman Memorial Community Service Award which was established in memory of…