Mastering the Pup Paddle
Earlier this spring, as I was working with a young dog, introducing him to a pool for the first time, I was reminded that sometimes instinctual acts are not so instinctual. This can be true with swimming, especially in a…
Oh, Babies!
Born to bear! is what my dad used to say about me, the youngest of his five daughters. And although it embarrassed me a little (I liked to think I had at least a few other things going for me),…
There Will Be Breasts
The fact that I’m still alive and that I have breasts. These are my risk factors for the cancer that nearly 41,000 women in Virginia were diagnosed with last year alone. When it comes to some of the other things…
Mixed Signals in a Child’s World
You finally get a chance to relax at a nice restaurant and you can’t get past the screaming child at the next table. You hear the mother tell the server, “It’s his thing. He always gets upset when his food…
That Empathy Thing
Last month, as you might recall, the interwebs came apart at the seams because of a dress. You know the one I’m talking about. The one that was either white and gold or blue and black. Everyone had an opinion,…
Who’s Mad for Mangoes?
Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes For the salsa, combine: 2 mangoes, peeled and chopped; 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ tablespoon chopped…
William Byrd Community House
Shayna Smith and her two sons, Trevor and Marcus, were very excited to move into their new apartment. The move meant that, for the first time in their lives, the boys would have a safe place to live and play.…
Stamp of Approval for Art
Take “art” out of Earth and what do you get? Eh! Here’s a creative way for kids to celebrate Earth Day this month! Make a spring-inspired masterpiece using recycled items from around the house. What you need: • Piece of…
Keeping Children Safe
Q: I have good reason to suspect an adult is mistreating my son’s friend. Who do I contact if I suspect child abuse? Will my report stay confidential? A: As parents, we are constantly concerned with the safety of our…
Living and Learning
The only thing that is certain in life is change, so having flexible financial plans and products matters. Let’s look at two examples of how unsuspecting needs arose and how a greatly misunderstood financial product came to the rescue. A…
