Annual Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia Luncheon

Being a Board member of Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia(www.rifnova.org) is an honor, a dedication to service, and a whole lot of fun.  Every year our Board hosts an annual luncheon-it is a coming together of both colleagues and friends-we celebrate what our year of service has been all about.  Our Board members have much to celebrate, for we continue to support and celebrate literacy for The Northern Virginia Area while helping to place books into schools for students.  

Remember the Love, Celebrate the Life, and Share the Journey

Since the first national seminar in 1995, TAPS has welcomed all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in the Armed Forces, providing a full weekend of events for adults and children.  Those that have attended had the opportunity to make connections with other survivors, learn new coping skills, participate in healing activities, and honor their loved one.  As well, there was time for reflecting, relaxing, and visiting with newfound friends.

A Second Visit To Newtown, Connecticut

During the week of February 16, 2015, I had the distinct privilege of spending time with many people in the beloved town of Newtown, Connecticut.   This was my second visit to this picturesque place and I was grateful to have been invited once again.  My first journey to Newtown, took place in September of 2013.

My Upcoming Visit To Newtown, CT

On Monday morning, February 16, I will depart for Newtown, CT.  This will be my second journey to Newtown - my first was in September of 2013.  Being invited to once again speak with parishioners/"Spiritual Journeymen" of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, to present and "Q & A" with Fifth-Eighth Grade Students at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School is both heartfelt and embracing.

A Place of Beauty and Reflection

Sitting proudly in a small rural town in southwestern North Carolina, is a lovely church-Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  I've known the parishioners of IHM for quite a few years...actually since the mid-eighties.  Watching this parish flourish, relocate, and grow in faith has been a blessing for myself and my family in so many ways.

Friend, Teacher, and Mentor

Sister Terry Martin, CND, and I have known each other for fifteen years, and in the past ten years, we have become good friends.  While spending some time here in western North Carolina, I am able to visit and catch up with Sister Terry and listen to her reflections on having just received the "Archbishop Edwin V. O' Hara Advocacy Award for Rural Ministry.  Sister Terry will be the first to tell anyone that she meets, it is she that is the fortunate one to be of assistance to others-those people who are struggling at the margins in the far western Appalachian counties of North Carolina.