One of the key ingredients to understanding “why something happens” is pattern recognition. There are patterns hidden in just about everything, it just takes time to identify them. Here is one of the most significant contributors to the growth of social media, that no one else has dared to approach yet! Read the rest of this entry »
…and be grateful for the fact that you can read.
The Fifth Annual Scrabble Tournament, a fundraiser for the Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley, will be held on October 18, 2011. Read the rest of this entry »
And the Legacy of Karen Cronin carries on!!! Read the rest of this entry »
**The Memorial Service for Karen Cronin will be held this Saturday, February 26, at 3 PM, at the Meadowbrook Center in Shawsville. If it is a pleasant day, the service will be in the building’s courtyard, otherwise it will be inside. There will be a reception inside following the service.**
It is hard for me to even start this. I just found out that Karen Cronin’s ashes will be brought back home on Tuesday or Wednesday. She will not be returning to us with her bright smile, quick wit, and tremendous insight into people and politics. Karen passed away following a snorkeling accident in Hawaii that happened on Friday. My sympathies go out to her family and friends. Read the rest of this entry »
Regardless of which holiday you celebrate, there are common themes shared by most, if not all, of those celebrating. They are times for family and friends, shared meals and chores, giving and receiving, and perhaps most significantly, the children.
Our future is no more tightly bound to anything than it is to the health, safety, and education of our children. By using the word ‘our’, I refer to all of the world’s children, regardless of race, religion, sex, or anything else you can think of to point out differences between people.
I hope that perhaps this current generation of children will be the ones to see peace extended to all. I hope that ‘differences’ can become the platforms from which bridges can be built for respect and effective communication. I hope that all people will strive to insure that ‘our’ children will have a cleaner and safer world in which to live. I hope that ever child has a chance to learn and grow in ways that encourage understanding, compassion, and cooperation with others who have the same, similar, or different beliefs.
Guess I better stop there before I get accused of wanting too much:). Have a safe and happy holiday season full of gratitude for what you have and hope for what can be.
This Roanoke Times article covers the 2 biggest events involving baseball and swimming, but there are more things happening in Christiansburg this weekend. Read the rest of this entry »
Music is the universal language, helping others is the universal ‘feel good’ thing to do. Now, you have an opportunity to make the best of both of these. “Appalachian Music Masters in Concert”! Read the rest of this entry »
Okay…I finally quit laughing and now I can write. I recently read an article in a local paper that, although it was serious, and about a serious topic, caused my little mind to spin off into fantasy land. Here’s the story that came to my mind….maybe you can think of something you’ve seen or heard that it fits with…finding humor in serious situations often allows for a release of stress that allows people to be more creative in problem solving. Try it some time:) Read the rest of this entry »
Economic times are hard. There is no arguing that. Historically, it is during those times that citizens have pulled together to help each other make ends meet. Often, this was done simply by sharing ideas for saving money. They usually occurred when two neighbors stood at a picket fence and swapped news, views, and recipes.
If you’re taking the time to read this blog, then add a few extra minutes to help me create a ‘picket fence’ kind of atmosphere for a bit. Stop and think: Do you have a favorite money saving recipe? Do you have a tip to offer to help people save money at the store, on gas, utilities, clothing or anything else. (Switching to roll your own cigarettes doesn’t count….nor does how to brew your own beer. I gotta draw the line somewhere:)
Also, if you know of any of our local businesses that are doing special things to help people out, let others here about them.
Are there people in neighborhoods who have started up ‘community gardens’ where people share costs, work, and Benefits?
Use this blog as your picket fence and share your ideas with ‘neighbors’. Personally, I’m looking for a good tomato soup recipe (but I don’t need it quite yet..haven’t got the plants in the ground yet). Don’t underestimate the value of your ideas. People from a lot of different income brackets, age groups, cultures, etc. read these blogs. You don’t have to use your name but feel free to do so. Let this be a community effort…who knows maybe it will turn into a full blown blog or website of its own:)
By Carol Lindstrom On March 22 at 4:33 PM
Every now and then, if you’re lucky, you get a chance to work with someone who really inspires you. One of those people, for me, was a paramedic in Florida. A bear of a man, who was (and still is) one of the gentlest, kindest people I’ve ever met.
He was always willing to share his knowledge, encourage you to share yours, and promote further education. He was always respectful and courteous to patients, families, co-workers, and other emergency responders. He was the consummate professional.
On the scene, there was no one better to work with. He knew the importance of treating the whole person, taking care of their physical, psychological, and emotional needs while simultaneously meeting the needs of those family members and friends who were also in a stressful situation.
I use the past tense because the days of my having the honor of working with him on an ambulance, or of having him as my supervisor, are over. But the lessons learned from him are still a part of me.
Congratulations to you Craig Fugate, newly appointed head of F.E.M.A. I truly believe they have picked the best possible person for the job!!! I know the quality of your work and your work ethics. I am proud and thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from you and to work with you.
By Carol Lindstrom On March 4 at 9:28 PM
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