February 2016

Last year, more than seven million people got swept up in the YouTube video of a wedding dance, capping a love story that almost didn’t happen. The romantic gesture showcased Kirk Henning and his groomsmen dancing for his new wife, Valerie Tellmann, during the couple’s wedding reception in July. But…

The story of education is a long and complicated one across the nation. In Virginia, a well-documented piece of history is the commitment to racial segregation in the public schools. Last year, Richmond author Kristen Green’s best-selling book, Something Must be Done About Prince Edward County, propelled the issue front…

A disability can be something as invisible as dyslexia or as apparent as a spinal cord injury. Disabilities of all kinds can act as a barrier to your child’s physical and emotional development. But what about social skills? No matter the challenge, there are ways to keep children engaged and…

Have you heard about the studies that connect the amount of money spent on a wedding to the length of the marriage? The research suggests that couples who splurge on a grand affair tend to end up in front of a lawyer discussing settlements, while those who host a less…

It’s never too early to start planning your next family vacation. In my family, the annual friends’ beach trip is the highlight of the year. And each year, around this time, we thoughtfully review the decision: Should we continue this 15-plus year tradition, or forgo it for a trip with…

Who wants Shake ‘n Bake?” The breadcrumb coating was an excuse to eat poultry, so Mom served it up on Grandma’s Willow china once a week. We never had pork chops or fish, unless you count Gorton’s. Instead, food was just sustenance. We had no heirloom meatloaf recipes or secret…

Last month, I bestowed the advice to take a front-row seat for all that 2016 has in store. This month, love is in the air (along with chocolate and flowers), but do I dare impart wisdom in this tricky department? I mean, really, love? Love is hard! While it’s often…

In 1944, the U.S. Army built a hospital on the south side of Richmond to serve as the first stop for injured World War II soldiers returning home from England. With more than three miles of corridors, a gym, movie theater, barber shop, post office, auditorium, and 38-foot long soda…

For many adults who feel overwhelmed with emotional stress, seeking the help of a professional therapist is common practice. So, why should it be any different for children? Even though they may not be able to vocalize their emotions in the same way as adults, children can also experience emotional…

If you’re remodeling your home to get more from its sale, there are things you have to keep in mind. Regardless of what anyone tells you, remodeling will help you sell your home, but the housing market in your area is the number one factor when determining the actual selling…

What happens at the corner of Ninth and Broad Streets in downtown Richmond during the winter months? And why does it matter? On that corner, Virginia’s General Assembly, our state legislature, meets every year for either forty-five or sixty days starting in January. For that relatively brief period of time,…

There are two artists who come to mind when the medium of sculpture is mentioned. One of them is the Italian poet, architect, and engineer of the High Renaissance, Michelangelo. The other is Auguste Rodin, the subject of an internationally renowned exhibit at the VMFA. You can visit Rodin: Evolution…

I am the father of two children, ages six and eight. I separated from my wife six months ago and we are definitely headed to a divorce. We share joint custody. We split the week with my children living half the time with me, and half with their mother. This…

Veteran, husband, father, grandfather, and former president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Hugh Keogh graduated from UVA on an ROTC scholarship. Following a 7-year tour with the Navy, he earned his master’s degree in mass communications from VCU on the G.I. Bill. After a decades-long, successful career in economic…

Apricot Curry Barbecue-Glazed Meatloaf Set oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. For apricot curry barbecue glaze: Combine 1 cup barbecue sauce, 3 tablespoons apricot preserves, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1…

Last month, I discussed the legal documents necessary for a solid estate plan. This time, the focus is on the equally, if not more important side of the coin: making sure one’s financial assets are titled properly. The inherent need for this was impressed upon me one day during my…

Cancer is a frightening word, immediately evoking thoughts of battling a relentless, debilitating, painful illness. Our pets are sometimes diagnosed with cancer, too. This is never an easy word to hear, but what it means for pets and what can be done about it might surprise you. Cancer or malignancy…