October 2017

Cody Bowles, a 2016 graduate of George Mason University, recalls how hard it was to even think about paying for college when he attended Lee-Davis High School. “It was daunting,” he says. Neither of Bowles’ parents attended college, but his mother and grandfather encouraged him to focus on his education,…

  Inside the Virginia Holocaust Museum – a converted Shockoe Bottom warehouse just east of downtown Richmond – there’s a sign: First they came for the Communists – but  I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists,…

I remember my first day of middle school. Though I’m loath to admit I can’t remember much of what I learned there, the seriously embarrassing moments stick with me. On that memorable day, I sat in the clinic in fourth period feeling nauseous. “In the clinic, already?” the nurse asked,…

Halloween might be my favorite family holiday after Christmas. What brings a family together more than terror and sweets? Nothing! Halloween, in fact, brings our entire neighborhood together. The holiday teaches us which neighbors are the best (full candy bars) and which are the worst (pencils). Which neighbors to avoid…

Why is middle school so hard? Count yourself lucky if your kids move on having made at least one core memory involving one teacher or adult. Tell me about middle school. As the parent of three kids, who on the surface at least, appear to have made it through middle…

I have just begun my twelfth year as an English teacher. I spent two years at a private school, seven at a public school, and two at a school for students who are gifted in the arts. I see my teaching job as a privilege. I have the opportunity to…

If you’re like me, you almost never see it coming. It’s a bolt out of the blue, a maddening surprise, a whack across the back of the head when you least expect it. And there’s nothing to do but hunch your shoulders, roll your eyes, and make that sound you…

One look at our fantabulous calendar (beginning on page 56), and you’ll know it’s festival season. And costume season. And all things crisp and autumnal season. Heck, Christmas will be here before we know it! (I know, bite my tongue!) This is the time of year when I wish RFM…

Autumn has arrived and with it, the changing leaves and cooler air! What better way to celebrate the season than with bright, fun, handmade pumpkins? Use this classic technique and design a festive centerpiece, or create small pumpkins to string on a garland or highlight a festive fall banner. What…

When Mark and Michelle began thinking about their children’s educations, they quickly became overwhelmed. They had heard of UTMA accounts, 529 plans, and educational trusts. They knew their parents wanted to help also, but they didn’t fully understand the different approaches that were possible. They did their research and met…

    My husband and I work and have to stick to a schedule. How can we get our kids – ages eight and eleven – to school on time? They are so slow in the morning.   Oh yes, that hectic morning routine. Parents everywhere struggle with exactly the…

For more than sixty-seven years, Gordon and Louise built a legacy of love, togetherness, and service to their community. As they aged, their family began the difficult search for long-term care. Though they both were getting older, their needs were not the same – Louise required more care than Gordon,…

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie This creamy smoothie is perfect as we transition into fall. It requires only six ingredients, and tastes like liquid pumpkin pie. Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender, blend until smooth, and enjoy. • ½ cup canned coconut milk (regular or lite) • ½ cup canned pumpkin…

Few words strike fear in the hearts of my clients like the question, “Do you have a budget?” The irony of this is that the stress induced by poorly managed spending literally keeps people up at night. So how can we take control of our money? I like to focus…

Before the city appropriated funds for the secondary education of African American children, that instruction was given at the Colored Normal School. Historically, “normal schools” trained teachers of all races. Founded in 1865 with the help of Freedmen’s Bureau funds, the Colored Normal School educated noted Richmonders such as John…

During October, the gardening season is winding down and it’s time to attend to a few details. With a bit of maintenance now, your garden will pass through winter unscathed and emerge ready for another wonderful growing season. Let’s get started! 1. First, jot down a few notes about the…

On November 7, Virginians will head to the polls to elect a new governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all one hundred members of the Virginia House of Delegates. In the last full month before the election, Family Advocate examines challenges facing Virginia’s children that voters can use to evaluate…