Dream big
That was the message to thousands of Southwest Virginia students who left their classrooms and poured into the University of Virginia’s College at Wise Thursday to get excited about space and consider it as part of their future. The program, which included a video downlink with astronauts at the International Space Station, was brought here by space enthusiast J. Jack Kennedy, who is Wise County’s Circuit Court clerk. Kudos to Kennedy and the other sponsors of this unique event for encouraging the region’s young people to reach for the stars.
Funny money
A big thumbs down to those responsible for the recent “run” of counterfeit money in Bristol, Tenn., and Johnson City. Difficult times bring increased crime, according to local police, and with today’s technology, it’s easier to make fake money, but there are also increased security measures that make the bills easier to spot. When these dollars are passed to a store, restaurant or other business, it’s a loss that can result in increased prices, which costs us all in the end. Since many of the bills are now being made in smaller denominations it’s possible anyone could end up with a fake bill. If you do, it might be tempting to just pass the money along to the next unsuspecting person. Don’t do it. It’s illegal.
Homelessness need not be hopelessness
Long a problem for our community, signs indicate the numbers are growing. Late last year, we learned that as many as 200 local children are classified as homeless. A coalition of local church and community leaders is developing a new agency – called Family Promise of Bristol – to try and deal with one of the most heartbreaking segments of the homeless population: entire families. Now in its infancy, the group met Friday for orientation and training. The plan is to hire a director and begin serving up to five homeless families later this year. The process will require significant volunteer hours, entire church congregations and financial support on every level. If successful, its architects could go a long way toward reversing the homeless trend and getting families back on their feet.
Doggy devotion
And finally, it was a picture in Thursday’s edition that immediately brought smiles, two dogs merrily romping in the mud at Bark Park by Andre Teague. At closer inspection, there was more to the story. These weren’t pampered pooches with happy homes but rescues being lovingly cared for – rather than caged and likely waiting to die -- by one of the many animal welfare agencies across the region that work to help abused and abandoned animals. Thanks to For Pete’s Sake Animal Rescue for their devotion to animals and the city of Bristol, Tenn., for its new recreation area for dogs.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement