Several months ago, the Valley was enjoying the beauty and fragrance of many apple blossoms as Jonathan, Granny Smith, and others burst into their springtime finest. Although the annual festival was cancelled, the trees went right on blooming regardless of whether we celebrated them or not. Now in late September,…
The bloodiest conflict of the Civil War took place one hundred and fifty eight years ago this past Thursday. On September 17, 1862, the battle now known as Antietam or Sharpsburg was fought less than 75 miles from Woodstock. Nearly 23,000 casualties were suffered that day with over 3600 deaths.…
There’s a lot being said today about fake news and unverified reporting. Everyone with access to the internet knows that all information found there should be fact-checked using Snopes.com or other websites. This inundation of lies and false narratives makes it increasingly difficult to know who or what to believe.…
On Monday, America celebrates another Labor Day and recognizes the unofficial end of summer. The three day weekend provides one last opportunity for picnics and getaways before the fall stretch until Thanksgiving. This holiday grew out of the industrial revolution of the late 1800s as unions organized and fought for…
This coming Monday would be my Dad’s 98th birthday. His influence in my life, our family, and our community continues to be felt in many positive ways as his legacy lives on. I was so privileged to be the son of this incredible man. As most readers remember, Dad was…
Students and teachers in Shenandoah County are gearing up to begin a very different school year. Instead of chalk dust and desks, instruction has shifted to screens and the internet. Although it presents many challenges, I have no doubt that students and teachers will rise to the occasion until they…
The last few months have been painful ones in America. Portland, Chicago, and other cities continue to suffer from riots and violent protests that have killed some, injured many, and crippled communities. I’m praying for a swift and peaceful return to calm and order. One of the most distressing images…
Summer is a great time to explore the Shenandoah Valley and our surrounding mountains. A multitude of trails beckon us to discover all they have to reveal. Several summers ago, my son and I hiked a National Forest trail near the headwaters of Little Stoney. As we meandered up through…
The Pew Research Center just released the results of a new poll. According to a 2019 study that included over 38,000 respondents in 34 countries, only 45% considered it necessary to believe in God to be moral and have good values. At first blush, these results seem generous toward human…
As July prepares to roll into August, areas of the Valley are drying out. Although some have had regular showers to keep them green, others have been left out causing the ground to crack and the corn to roll. We’re all praying for some good soaking rain for our…