We all look forward to our summer vacations every year, whether it is taking a trip to visit out-of-town relatives, going to the beach or just hanging out and relaxing at home. If you are taking a long trip, you may dread the ride there and the ride back, especially if you have kids in the car with you. A…[...]

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In 2000, we took our first cruise vacation…. a little four-day trip to the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign of the Seas—we were hooked. Since then, we have completed six other cruises, and have just booked cruise number eight for October 2016.  We have cruised on Royal Caribbean and Carnival, and our preferred cruise line is Royal Caribbean.  My husband…[...]

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Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding jobs of a lifetime. We get the joys of teaching them right from wrong, instill respect for themselves and others, good morals and manners and self worth.  This of course is all in addition to the “normal” responsibilities of a parent such as keeping them safe, providing for them, loving…[...]

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In June, the 4th Annual Sonny Palmer “Sunshine Classic” golf tournament will be held in memory of my beloved brother-in-law, Sonny Palmer, who passed away suddenly January 1, 2012. Sonny was an Air Force vet and his family, in keeping his spirit alive, organizes a golf tournament each summer in which the proceeds are donated to The Wounded Warrior Project…[...]

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After my father retired from 22 years in the Air Force, our family moved to the small town of Mill Creek located in the hills of Randolph County, West Virginia. We were all really excited about moving back “home” after living elsewhere (Japan and Okinawa, as well as New York, Virginia, Tennessee and Michigan) for so many years.  Most of…[...]

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Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, is what I am told. Beauty is something different to each and every person, but beauty to me can be won down in Charleston, West Virginia. It’s every athlete’s dream to hold the conference tournament trophy at the end of the season, and it is no different in the Mountain East Conference…[...]

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This Friday, May 29, 2015, is the annual Friday Night Lights benefit at St. Jude Park to raise money for the Mike Linsky Memorial Scholarship fund, awarded to an outstanding John Marshall High School student athlete each year to help with college costs. This year, I was invited to perform at the event, which undoubtedly marks the high point in…[...]

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In the wake of the recent conflict in Ferguson, Missouri, the White House issued Executive Order 13684, which established the National Initiative on Building Community Trust and Justice (National Initiative).  The National Initiative is designed to improve relationships and increase trust between minority communities and the criminal justice system. The National Initiative authorizes the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs…[...]

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In 1962, at West Point, General Douglas MacArthur addressed the Corps of Cadets, as his long career in the US Army came to a close. He chose the theme of “Duty, Honor, Country” from the motto of our United States Military Academy – words inscribed on its ancient coat of arms. This weekend, our country marks another Memorial Day. As…[...]

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