37 minute read
Laurel Park before planning commission
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Housing subdivision comes before planning commission
BY Maria Basileo
In a seemingly endless revolving door of housing development construction planned locally, the fi rst phase of a subdivision in the East Fairfax Magisterial District is potentially on the horizon.
During a work session on June 30, the Town of Culpeper Planning Commision again heard plans for phase one of a site plan for a major subdivision called Laurel Park, which is set to contain 173 lots, 84 single family detached homes and 89 single family attached homes. The parcel, which has already been rezoned to Planned Unit Development, sits on 59.93 acres, located on Laurel Street Extension.
SUBMITTED Page 10, Phase one is set to contain 173 lots, 84 single family detached homes and 89 single family attached homes. Above, The development consists of 306 lots to accommodate 135 detached single-family detached homes and 171 attached single family attached homes.
At a June 21 meeting, the planning commission reviewed the plan, but due to concerns about tra c and the lack of attendance at the meeting, the commissioners voted to table the plans until a later meeting.
The commissioners’ recommendation will go before Town of Culpeper Town Council at a later date.
The fi rst submission of the site plan was received on November 1, 2021. The applicant submitted three revisions to the site plan, most recently on April 26.
The overall approved development consists of 306 lots to accommodate 135 detached single-family detached homes and 171 attached single-family attached homes.
The development includes 19.29 acres of open space to accommodate a park and other amenities.
A total of 746 parking spaces will be provided in phase 1 through a combination of driveways/garages, o -street parking areas and on-street parking.
The approved rezoning stipulated improvements to Laurel Street Extension, including widening the road, dedicated turn lanes at the intersection, a tra c circle and emergency access road.
Preliminary work on the tra c circle will be completed during the fi rst phase, but access onto Laurel Park Drive won’t be available until phase 2 when the remainder of the tra c circle is constructed. maria@culpepertimes.com
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These property transfers for May 2022 were provided by the Culpeper County Assessor’s Office. Appreciation is extended to W. Jason Kilby and his staff. May Top Dollar Deal: Salem District, $976,319. The printing of this list is made possible by ReMax Crossroads of Culpeper.
Catalpa District
5/2: Jenkins, Tammy R to Jenkins, Robert Lewis III; 1.05 acres located at 14542 Woodland Church RD, $365,000 5/2: Baldacci, Joseph L & Baldacci, Mildred to Jeronimo Castanon, Rosemary L and Other; 1.98 acres located at 12254 Cherry Hill RD, $365,000 5/9: Pack, Brenda A and Others to Baldwin, Kavita; 2.16 acres located at 13066 Eggbornsville RD, $325,000 5/17: Red Lantern Construction Corp to Amos, Tyler Ray and Wife; 5.20 acres located at 10314 Settle School RD, $477,939.97 5/17: Pifer, Lee Joseph and Wife to Rubin, Joseph and Wife; 10.1 acres located at 11400 Alvin LN, $609,900 5/17: Korea Farms LLC to Trigon Homes LLC; 14.06 acres located near Muddy Mare Farm LN, $190,000 5/23: Windsor, Steven A JR to Howley, Karen and Other; 10.21 acres located at 10315 Hart CT, $750,000 5/23: Custer, Steven F and Other to Gray, Ronnie F and Wife; .45 acres located at 12318 Horseshoe DR, $266,850 5/24: Elizabeth G Carlton to Franklin, Kinya T and Husband; .77 acres located at 12307 Randle LN, $351,460 5/24: Scott, Daryl to Landi, George; 9.42 acres located at 11553 Hazel River RD, $185,000 5/26: Williams, Gladys M to Crowe Properties LLC; 1.40 acres located at 13290 Rixeyville RD,165,000 5/26: Peet, Eileen E to Thompson, Shawn Ashley and Wife; 1.43 acres located at 12098 Dogwood LN, $265,000 5/27: Flinn, Claire Noelle to Miner, Anna and Other; 1.05 acres located at 11411 Pear Tree LN, $385,000 5/27: Jenkins, Christopher Lloyd to Ventura, Carlos A and Other; 1.18 acres located near Sperryville PIKE, $166,000
Catalpa Town District
5/4: Winding Stair Properties LLC to Mitchell-Rahrig, Beth Ellen; .37 acres located at 1101 Farley ST, $265,000 5/11: Armstrong Kearny Properties LLC to Orellana Rivas, Marlon Vladimir; .22 acres located at 1009 Terrace ST, $305,000 5/12: Wills, Nancy Josephine to Guerra De Figueroa, Maria I; .27 acres located at 914 Old Rixeyville RD, $269,000 5/20: Warfield, Justin D to Carter, Brian Lee; .24 acres located at 260 Queen ST, $207,000 5/25: Mauhugh, Thomas A Jr to Henderson, Alexander and Wife; .25 acres located at 1114 Lee ST, $240,000
Cedar MTN District
5/3: Acree, Alisia Cetarra to Hubbard, Arthur Jacob; .13 acres located at 12236 Salt Cedar LN, $405,000 5/6: Binkert, Gino Douglas and Wife to Kidwell, Robert M; 1 acre located at 26445 Rapidan RD, $258,500 5/6: Culpeper Land Investments LLC to Hudspeth, John II; .17 acres located at 11932 Field Stone BLVD, $470,000 5/11: Clark, Japreshia E and Wife to Robinson, Heather L and Husband; 2.91 acres located at 11530 Fox Hill LN, $541,000 5/11: Brown, Neil E to Cubbage, Thomas F JR and Wife; 19 acres located at 20368 Cedar Grove RD, $80,000 5/17: Yeaman, J Robert III and Wife to Moreth, Ligia Aristy; 3.12 acres located at 10328 Walker RD, $478,000 5/18: Yowell, Andrew F JR and Others to Womer, Luke A and Other; 29.64 acres located near Dove Hill RD, $265,000 5/19: Hamilton, Amanda A and Husband to Pham, Nam J and Other; .17 acres located at 11916 Field Stone BLVD, $405,000 5/20: Ramer, George A and Wife to Chappell, Kimberly K; 4.02 acres located at 11455 Indian LN, $405,000 5/27: Country View Homes LLC to Sonner, Ryan Seth and Wife; 2.22 acres located at 7514 Kirtley TRL, $440,000
Cedar MTN Town District
5/2: Goddard, Frances and Other to Kite, Robert L III and Wife; .07 acres located at 400 Southridge PKWY, $275,000 5/2: Johnson, Heather D to Loescher, Kimberly Michelle and Other; Townhouse located at 668 Ripplebrook DR, $269,000 5/25: Mroczek, Marie C to Jennings, Aaron Thomas and Wife; Townhouse located at 581 Cromwell CT, $252,000 5/31: Garrett, Michael P and Other to Eickenhorst, Robert and Other; .38 acres located at 526 Mimosa ST, 384,000
East Fairfax District
5/2: Mauricio Fernandez, Leonarda to Djodom Fouading, Pulcherie Gerdatte; .13 acres located at 1825 Magnolia CIR, $425,000 5/2: Kincheloe, Joseph C to Holmes, Robert D; .19 acres located at 1773 Birch DR, $314,900 5/5: LRW Investments & Property Management LLC to Slebrch, Katherine Lee; .14 acres located at 612 Rocky Knoll Arch, $360,000 5/13: Barrett, Mark E and Other to Weatherby, Gerard Charles and Wife; .25 acres located at 241 Elmwood DR, $359,000 5/19: Ferguson, Christopher L to Hennage, Patricia Lynn; .14 acres located at 633 Clubhouse WAY, $329,000 5/20: Bands-Rocabruna, Oscar E to Webb, Vernon III and Other; .12 acres located at 2021 Gold Finch DR, $385,000 5/23: Veeney, Jerome C and Wife to Hernandez, Carlos and Others; .12 acres located at 1885 Golden Rod RD, $395,000 5/24: McDevitt, Carla E to East Piedmont LLC; .40 acres located at 210 E Piedmont ST, $420,000 5/25: Lillard, Virginia and Other to Bell, Ciara Evonal; Townhouse located at 1832 Picadilly Circus, $235,000 5/26: Reuther, David E and Wife to Kinsley, Raymond Carlyle and Wife; .38 acres located at 821 Shetland WAY, $499,900 5/27: Boscarello, Michael B and Wife to Rauda Galdamez, William Antonio and Other; .17 acres located at 1701 Oriole CT, $355,000 5/27: FFC Properties LLC to Jeffrey F Pan Realty LLC; .19 acres located at 728 Amanda CT, $350,000 5/31: Clark, Shelby D to Veeney, Chasitie and Husband; .37 acres located at 419 Barberry ST, $455,000
Jefferson District
5/2: Beauchene, David P and Wife to Sherman, Michelle L and Husband; 20.07 acres located at 18327 Dogwood Trail DR, $755,000 5/2: Richardson, Lonnie Jay and Wife to Patterson, Percy P III and Other; 1.69 acres located at 1385 Freeman DR, $640,000 5/9: HMR Custom Builders LLC to Samsel, Justin C and Wife; 3.77 acres located near Colvin RD, $140,000 5/9: Rider, James R and Other to Labach, Kenneth J and Other; 10.63 acres located near Walnut Hills RD, $189,000 5/10: Magee, William to Trigon Homes, LLC; 5.03 acres located near Kelly CT, $150,000 5/11: Rider, James R and Other to Delauder, Joseph Vaughan and Other; 11.90 acres located at 19314 Walnut Hills RD, $189,000 5/13: Mantay, Ludwig to Wenk, Vicki L and Other; 8 acres located at 468 Joyful Harvest LN, $549,000 5/16: Wiseman, Shane T and Wife to Elwood Thayer, James and Other; 20.09 acres located at 16363 Prosit LN, $950,000 5/23: Holmes, Mary Clatterbuck to Flores Robles, Jamie H; 1.74 acres located at 1224 Mary Brit LN, $299,000 5/23: Judd, Wallace L and Wife to Dehncke, Donna Brooks and Husband; 4.3 acres located at 1209 Dulin DR, $330,000 5/31: Digirolamo, Richard L to Martinez-Mejia, Jesus and Other; 1.24 acres located at 17016 Waterloo RD, $285,000 5/31: Powers, James Jonathon and Lovullo, Michael Andrew III and Other; 3 acres located at 6293 Waterford RD, $399,000
Salem District
5/3: Ferguson, David and Wife to Coburn, Lauren A; 5 acres located at 13154 Mill Creek CT, $426,000 5/10: Lane, Alan B and Other to Fox, William H III and Wife; 2.97 acres located at 9480 Galveston DR, $510,000 5/12: Vansant Investment LLC to Wildgrube, John; 4.19 acres located at 10421 Greenstone LN, $563,620 5/17: Parsons, Carl L and Other to Gamez, Celinda Lizzeth; 4.95 acres located at 6156 Griffinsburg RD, $515,000 5/19: Kline, Richard C & Decamp, Jennifer A to Munoz, Kyle Lorriane; 9.02 acres located at 4195 Hazel River DR, $976,319 5/26: Kite, Robert L JR and Wife to Shonyo, Leona; 1.02 acres located at 8289 Glendale CIR, $514,900 5/26: Brenco Properties LLC to Alexander, Paul and Other; 1.42 acres located at 7076 Oak DR, $312,000 5/27: Villavicencio, Dionicio and Wife to Mendez, Hugo; 3.94 acres located near Sperryville PIKE, $90,000
Stevensburg District
5/2: Mullins, Mitchell J to Roman, John E and Wife; 15 acres located at 24009 Lightfoot LN, $275,000 5/2: Martinez Ortiz, Jorge M and Other to Larios, Jose O; 13.67 acres located at 18330 Bel Pre RD, $350,000 5/3: Delaney, Richard and Other to Waugh, Erik; 4.8 acres located near Privet DR, $90,000 5/5: NVR INC to McCraken, John B JR and Other; .49 acres located at 14904 Mapleridge RD, $569,507 5/6: Tinder, Debbie K and Husband to D3C LLC; 24.43 acres located at 25158 Germanna HWY, $200,000 5/10: Pavlock, Tyler Henry and Other to Via, Garrett M and Other; 3 acres located at 25343 Green Fields RD, $410,000 5/11: DALRO to Wise Rentals LLC; 6.5 acres located at 16103 Abby RD, $422,500 5/13: NVR INC to Chase, Aubrey M Z and Other; .54 acres located at 14903 Mapleridge RD, $592,567 5/13: SAB Investments LLC to Jefferson Homebuilders INC; Multiple parcels located near Eleys Ford RD, $545,000 5/13: Mauro, Michael C to Willingham Homes LLC; 3 acres located near Auburn RD, $120,000 5/13: AHNV LLC to Brandy Bud Company LLC; 5.07 acres located near Mount Zion Church RD, $100,000 5/16: Williams, Kevin G and Wife to Curtis-Chapman, Leigh and Other; 47.66 acres located at 23114 Maddens Tavern RD, $837,500 5/18: Hicks, Richard Damone and Other to French, Kyarra and Other; .67 acres located at 14015 Belle AVE, $600,000 5/19: Zemapi Construction & Investments to Browning, Melissa; 2.26 acres located at 18486 Auburn RD, $422,000 5/26: Pardee Virginia Timber 1 LLC to Williams, Kevin G and Wife; 20.20 acres located near American WAY, $152,500 5/27: Greer, Lance to Foradori, Matthew D and Other; 5.49 acres located at 21434 Wade TRL, $520,000 5/31: Christensen, Kurt to Isidro, Irwin; 5.45 acres located near Richards Ferry RD, $75,000
Stevensburg Town
5/27: Clark, Theirrien A and Other to Phillips, Dennis JR and Other; .57 acres located at 15123 Montanus DR, $598,000 5/31: Ventura, Gerson A to Hamdan, Mai M; Townhouse located at 2046 Cranberry LN, $380,000
West Fairfax District
5/2: Lexicon Government Services LLC to Galeano, Carlos H Estevez; .30 acres located at 904 Langdale CT, $405,000 5/3: Jimenez Murillo, Gisela to Luna, Ronald X and Wife; .15 acres located at 664 Kings Grant RD, $400,000 5/3: Seale, Roy E and Wife to Bowling, Charles Andrew; .12 acres located at 321 Spring ST, $350,000 5/4: Shaulis, Melissa J to Craig, Patricia and Other; .92 acres located at 855 Third ST, $332,500 5/5: McDaniel, Bruce S and Wife to Travers, Jeff and Wife; .38 acres located at 101 Thornton CT, $465,000 5/10: Lancaster, Christie and Others to Young, Michael C and Other; .14 acres located at 661 Kings Grant RD, $433,000 5/10: Hockman, Nicholas and Wife to Lenon, Bryce V and Wife; .11 acres located at 890 Virginia AVE, $392,000 5/10: Integrity Capital Management LLC to Chen, Lou Bin; .14 acres located at 961 Lakewood CIR, $404,000 5/13: TBH Investments LC to Johnson, Amanda Rieman; Townhouse located at 808 Persimmon PL, $299,000 5/18: Genck, Charles and Other to Cochran, Francis W JR and Other; .31 acres located at 1049 Virginia AVE, $480,000 5/18: Crofford, Alice M to Hadlock, Daniel C and Wife; .22 acres located at 2040 Gold DR, $575,000 5/19: Diesman, Joseph Paul to Spence, Ibn Omar; .37 acres located at 204 Meadows CT, $545,000 5/20: Bohuslov, Terry C and Other to Christensen, John C and Wife; .18 acres located at 709 Monument LN, $461,500 5/23: Owens, William L JR and Wife to Beavers, Patricia Lee; .25 acres located at 1012 Golf DR, $460,000 5/23: Roll, Roger A and Wife to Inspired Home Building; 2.44 acres located near Virginia AVE, $45,000 5/25: Butler, Jerome to Sosa, Jose; .13 acres located at 586 Hunters RD, $445,000 5/26: Bratcher, Robert Jacob and Wife to Rayamajhi, Nabin and Wife; .22 acres located at 597 Homeplace DR, $448,000 5/26: Johnston, Stephen T to Valdez, Gustavo M and Wife; .40 acres located at 857 Fox Den RD, $500,000 5/27: Houde, Steven D and Other to Soto-Roca, Glenda Yesenia and Other; Townhouse located at 531 Fourth ST, $223,500 5/27: Jefferson Homebuilders INC to Dhar, Vishut; .27 acres located at 314 Wayland RD, $350,400 5/27: Hurtco LLC to Pro Culpeper LLC; .08 acres located at 129 W Williams ST, $165,000 5/31: Houde, Steven D and Other to Reyes, Rubio A and Other; Townhouse located at 515 Fourth ST, $200,000
Crowds turned out downtown to get a peek at some of the area’s finest cars.
BY Kimberly Quinones
The annual freedom car and bike show held in downtown Culpeper returned this Fourth of July to benefi t a local addiction recovery center.
The car show has been going on for more than 20 years and it is the second time the Christ-Centered Addiction Restoration Services (CARS) hosted this event. Their fi rst show was held in Culpeper last year on July 4th, but this year, organizers received the approval from Culpeper Renaissance Inc. to hold it a second time.
Shelley Burnham, a board member for CARS and the event’s organizer, said that a big motivator for the event is people wanting to know the categories their vehicles fi t into. “People were interested in how we were judging and what trophies were being rewarded,” she said.
Shirley Cox, an event organizer and CARS representative, said that while attendees are interested in trophies, they also came knowing that it is a fundraiser for her organization, which o ers services for people and families a ected by addiction. “We wanted an opportunity to bring the community together, but we also wanted people to be aware of the services we provide,” she said.
More than 4,000 people attended and in excess of 200 vehicles registered for the event. Jean Malone, a participant originally from Fredericksburg, said this was the second time he entered one of his vehicles, this time being a 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne.
Classic cars were not the only vehicles registered. About twelve motorcycles entered the show, and it was Howard Booe’s fi rst time entering his 2014 Victory Cross Country.
While many individuals come out to see the cars, they’ve also expressed interest in the services that CARS provides. One is a 12-step program called “RESTORE,” which varies from closed meetings for the a ected person to open meetings in which loved ones can attend to discuss their addiction. "Our support groups can provide support not only for the person addicted, but to families as well," Cox said.
Aside from the people, there were a plethora of booths where people could stop and look at amenities being contributed. Sponsors included Integrity Automotive, an auto repair shop, and Xpress Copy and Graphics, a printing company in Culpeper.
Responses to the show were positive. Cox mentioned that people love coming to the show because there is a love for classic cars. "They were very excited, and were willing to step up even in the most di cult of times," she said. "By evidence of the companies sponsoring the car show, the response has been very welcoming," Burnham added.
Local artists performed to hype the festivities. Because it was the 4th of July, it gave CARS an opportunity to host an event that allowed people to celebrate America's Independence as well. "Music adds excitement to the festivities," Cox emphasized. "When they get tired of walking, they can just sit and listen."
The response from both organizers and the city paved the way for people to come see their favorite vehicles in action. A participant from Maryland hosted her 2014 Chevrolet Mustang. "My favorite vehicle is by far my own," she said. "I've always adored the Mustang, and since this is my fi rst show, I just like seeing the other cars in general."
Another big fan of the show is Patrick, a contributor who entered his red, white, and blue Harley Davidson. He is originally from France, but has lived in Sperryville for some time and has been coming for ten years. "My favorite thing is the classic cars and bikes," he said. "I love the 1950 Indian Chief."
While they were excited to host the show for a second time, Burnham and Cox are hopeful that this show will continue for years to come. "We hope that it continues to be a family favorite tradition for the town," they said.
TIM HICKLING | CULPEPER TIMES The car show has been going on for more than 20 years and it is the second time the Christ-Centered Addiction Restoration Services (CARS) hosted this event.
Genealogy in the Digital World
Summer has arrived with quite a blast of heat and humidity. That and the addition of historically high gas prices has defi nitely put a damper on my urge to travel. Luckily, living in the digital age one of my favorite hobbies, namely genealogy, has evolved to a point where I can accomplish a great deal of research without leaving the county. An increasing amount of old newspaper articles, obituaries, photographs and original records are available online through both paid and free sources on the Web.
While more information than ever before is available online, it is not quite as easy as the TV commercials lead you to believe. It takes more than one touch of a computer key in most cases. If it were too easy there wouldn’t be the thrill of the hunt or the joy of putting a family puzzle together. Being a member of the Culpeper County Library gives our citizens free access to online genealogical sites that a person would ordinarily need to pay for. The library version of Ancestry.com is available to use for free in the Library building, the only charge is for printouts.
The Library provides access to several genealogy databases you can access at home through the internet. Fold3 provides access to military records. Heritage Quest Online provides access to the US Census, American Revolution records, Freedman Bureau Records as well as many digitized family and local histories. Heritage Hub from Newsbank gives access to obituaries from newspapers nationwide from 1704 to the present. Obituaries can be a rich source of family information. These resources can be used inside the Library as well. Library sta is available to be of assistance in the use of these resources both in person and over the phone. Happy Hunting!
BY Gregg Grunow
Gregg Grunow
Gregg Grunow is the Director of the Culpeper County Library.
Let Freedom Ring (On Second Thought…)
BY Dr. Uzziah Harris
In light of the July 4th holiday, America’s Day of Independence (and particularly its proximity to Juneteenth which was my day of Independence;) I’ve been thinking a lot about Freedom. What is freedom, and how is freedom attained; how is freedom maintained and who gets to decide those who enjoy it? If one takes a look at the January 6th Hearings, or took notice of the recent Supreme Court cases or even found themselves shaking their heads related to COVID-19 protocols and/or vaccinations as well as the price hikes related to infl ation, one would probably consider Freedom a convoluted thing; one relative to the people, space, time, and circumstance It occupies. What’s freedom today isn’t necessarily freedom tomorrow; what’s freedom for one isn’t necessarily the same freedom experienced by others.
We started our journey for Freedom in part because of the e orts of the likes of Je erson, Washington, Franklin, and Madison (to name a few;) yet their freedom wasn’t universal. In 1788 Je erson, an architect of the American experience and perhaps one of Its greatest citizens ever,) is attributed this quote: “I advance it therefore as a suspicion only, that blacks … are inferior to the whites in endowments both of body and mind.” 12 of the fi rst 18 U.S. Presidents were slave owners while 8 owned slaves while serving in o ce; four of the fi rst fi ve were Virginia landowners, and their presidency‘s from 1789 to 1825 represent governmental policy that was shaped by (and benefi ted from,) the institution and livelihood of slavery.
We cannot say that our Nation was not infl uenced by notions of white male supremacy; they were the only ones who could vote, who had power, and who wielded it at their discretion. Furthermore, we can’t say that it wasn’t the reason for the internal confl ict known as our Civil War as it was clearly documented by those who waged it. Je erson Davis, President of the Confederacy as well as cotton plantation and slave owner in Mississippi stated “The Negro is not equal to the white man, slavery- subordination to the superior race is his natural condition..” **Selective Freedom was our foundation, and has been ingrained (codifi ed even,) within the fabric of our American society since Its inception. The only question that remains is whether we will continue to ignore this truth and to perpetuate it by our own indi erence or passivity.
I don’t say any of these things as a blanket condemnation of our great Nation or any particular people; we are not responsible for the actions of those who came before us. We do, however, stand on their shoulders (for right, wrong, better, or worse,) and are unquestionably responsible for recognizing the role of the past and its impact on our today. Additionally, we must have enough fortitude to do what is necessary and right to repair(from which we get the concept of reparations,) those past wrongs. Freedom in these United States of America must become a collective enterprise if We [the People] are going to continue to thrive. Black people must care about the freedoms of Hispanic people (and vice versa,) White Women must care about the freedoms of Black Women; People of Faith should be concerned about the freedoms of Gays and Lesbians, because if this is not the case we don’t really have freedom, only the illusion of it.
As we contemplate the 246 years of Freedom that we have enjoyed as a Nation let us be mindful today that the next 246 will be contingent upon (at least in part,) how we think and what we do to advance liberty. We have missed the mark on numerous occasions, but that doesn’t prohibit us from taking another best shot. I say again, Let Freedom Ring..
Dr. Uzziah Harris
Dr. Uzziah Anthony Harris is the President of NAACP Culpeper Chapter.
CULPEPER
TIMES
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BY Marshall Conner
His gravelly pirate-like voice still echoes through my memories and his stories remain legendary among all who loved him. He wore a slightly tilted maroon beret, shined shoes, Bermuda shorts, a military-style short-sleeved shirt and tropical socks—he had the look of a retired o cer with a bit of Scottish/English panache. He often carried a cane. He rarely needed it— it was more of a swagger stick.
In his later years, he enjoyed sharing dinner with his threegrandsons. Before the fi rst bites of food were taken, he liked to o er a toast.
“Let’s eat Mateys,” he would add with a smile and raised glass. It came from a Rudyard Kipling poem.
He was my maternal grandfather Captain David E. Lithgow (USN), a World War II veteran, champion swimmer, fencing master, boxing coach and world traveler. He had a chest full of medals that included the Military Order of the British Empire earned in the Battle of the Atlantic. He swam against Johnny Weissmuller and Duke Kahanamoku in college. He was in the horse artillery as a teenager in the National Guard. He lived into his 90s.
This column is not just about my grandfather but a salute to the wisdom and grit of the Depression era citizen.
The men and women of his generation lived through tough times—the economy and war developed lean living, innovation, and the ability to fi x problems. In his day, Americans possessed resilience and thrift on a level we do not fully understand.
Here is a small list of my grandfather’s ideas that fortify me during this current economic downturn.
Couches and car seats can be a goldmine of lost coins. Fix what is broken with tools—don’t just buy a new item. Buy quality things that last from your community and nation.
Wake up early, eat some oats, work hard, be a man of honor, stand up for others. Protect your family and honor your elders.
Say your prayers like a superstitious sailor or a warrior poet.
Individual sports like boxing, swimming, wrestling, fencing, and track are the true measure of an athlete (no one else to blame, and you get all the glory). These sports build character and a strong chin.
Drive and maintain your car long enough to make it vintage. My grandfather drove a Chevy Corvair (with no AC) in Florida for half a century.
Air conditioners are only needed in the rooms you are sleeping in. He turned the central AC o at night in South Florida and only used a fan in his bedroom.
Use rainwater to water plants and home gardens. Grow your own fruit, vegetables, and herbs. It helps save money and the food is fresher. Reuse, recycle, and reduce consumption (not just for ecowarriors these days).
You do not have to be the best at everything, just better than most people.
Be a gentleman and always admire the ladies with the eyes of an artist.
Serve your community and nation. Be proud of your ancestors.
Every time you eat at a cheap bu et restaurant grab a couple mints when you leave. Toss the mints in a bag. When Halloween returns you can give the trick-ortreaters a few mints.
Watch your stocks and business ventures as intently as sports or entertainment.
Exercise daily, swim, and take lots of walks. Talk to your neighbors. Keep moving and you might not ever die, one must stop moving to take a dirt nap.
It is useful to hear his voice in my memory these days when I am confronting high prices on fuel, groceries, and everyday items.
I have a book with photographs from the Great Depression. There is a hand painted sign that reads fi ve hotdogs for a quarter. A person living then would probably think I could feed my family. A person today would probably think they could enjoy all fi ve hotdogs.
The thriftiness that used to be funny now makes sense. Thank you, Captain.
Conner Marshall
Marshall Conner is a contributing columnist.
American ambition is alive
BY Randi Richards-Lutz
This past Independence Day should have taught us all something - that the American Ambition is alive and true. This means becoming a lifelong learner, having a commitment to community excellence and American pride. This is also what Career and Technical Education strives for and begs the question, “what did you do this summer?”
Remember returning to school after your summer break as a young 2nd grader or a growing 7th grader to answer that very question? I remember my young friends mostly talking about riding bikes, going on vacation and helping their grandparents with summer chores. As we got older, many of us had summer jobs to talk with our teachers and classmates about as we realized another summer had just passed us by.
It has been a few decades since I was that student, but the same conversations still take place at the start of each new school year with young and old alike. Instead of waiting until August, I am asking those around me, “what did you do this summer?” While my refl ection in the mirror has changed a bit since my youth, the answers to the question seem to remain the same. The answers revolve around self growth and ambition.
I watched someone run in their fi rst 5K race in Culpeper on July 4, 2022. After the race, she told me she had been working on this goal for almost a year and at 65 years old she was very proud of her fi rst fi nish. A young man, maybe 3 years old, told me that he was learning how to ride a bike and his older sister told me she was learning to paint during a summer camp. We all had one thing in common with our answer to what did you do this summer and it was learning. We are lifelong learners. Whether at 3, 65 or closing in on 50 like me, summer tends to be a time to try something new.
So, before this summer passes us by, let’s all try something new. Read a new book, start a new hobby, learn to swim or try your hand at coloring or painting. Perhaps volunteer at the library or with a local non-profi t. Afterall, we are lifelong learners and there is no better time than the present to try something small or big that leads to personal growth. Coincidently I asked my very active 88 year old Dad this morning, “what are you doing this summer?” After a cute chuckle he said, “whatever your Mother tells me.”
Randi Richards-Lutz
Randi Richards-Lutz is the Career and Technical Education Director at Culpeper Technical Education Center.
In partnership with ZipRecruiter For the latest job openings, visit jobs.insidenova.com
Unemployed? Stop Applying to So Many Jobs Job Market is Red Hot for 2022 College Grads
ou know the saying, “Applying to jobs is a full-time job”? Don’t listen to it.
Applying to jobs you’re not qualified for (which 50% of job seekers reportedly do) is counter-productive to your job search. Competition is too fierce. Even qualified applicants aren’t getting callbacks.
So stop applying to so many jobs and start becoming more hireable. Here’s how:
VOLUNTEER
Volunteering can increase your chances of being hired if you’re strategic about it. Unemployed teacher? Help out with after school programs or volunteer to be a coach’s assistant. Web designer? Find a local non-profit in desperate need of a redesign and offer your services pro bono. By volunteering somewhere relevant, you’ll keep your skills fresh while enhancing your resume.
KEEP YOUR SKILLS CURRENT
If you lack a skill commonly required
Y E mployers are rolling out the red carpet to recent college graduates with signing bonuses, remote for jobs you’re seeking, spend time each day building that skill. Take advantage of numerous free resources online, includwork options and vacation stipends ing tutorials, ebooks, and how-to videos.
ZipRecruiter recently released If you’d rather have a more structured setits inaugural report, “The Class of up, then look for free or affordable adult 2022: The Job Market Outlook for education classes in your area.Grads,” revealing that new college graduates are entering a sizzling job market with two job openings for every unemployed person. EmployAlternatively, if you already have the necessary skills but haven’t been practicing, then do so. Skill atrophy is a huge ers are rolling out the red carpet to concern for hiring managers, so practice grads with perks like signing bonus- and get yourself ready for pre-employes (nearly 800% growth in recent ment skills tests. years), remote work options, help with student loan payments and vacation stipends.
“Young people spend a large share of their income on food, rent and gas, so inflation is hitting them hard. But new grads are well-positioned to go after job opportunities now that can set them up for long-term success,” said Ian Siegel, ZipRecruiter’s co-founder and CEO.
Highlights of the report include:
The pandemic has lowered
barriers to entry for recent grads. To combat labor shortages, employers have lowered the experience requirements for millions of roles, making new graduates eligible for jobs that were once out of reach: 9% of job postings in 2022 listed a bachelor’s degree requirement vs. 13% in 2018.
BY ZipRecruiter
Workplace benefits new grads love – and where to find them.
The two-thirds of new graduates who borrowed for college have about $28,400 in student loan debt, on average, and employers are taking note. Over 90,000 job postings now offer student loan repayment as a perk.
NETWORK
There are two parts to networking: reconnecting with your old contacts and forming new ones.
Depending on where you are in your career, reconnecting might mean contacting professors, college advisers, and internship supervisors, or it might mean getting in touch with old colleagues, bosses, and business acquaintances. Find them, email them, call them. Ask them to coffee. Ask how they are (networking is social, after all) and let them know the specifics of your job search (industry, location, etc). See if they know of anything or anyone. Most importantly, follow up!
At a temporary dead-end with your current contacts? Make new ones. Go to networking events sponsored by your university, industry, city, and so on, whether in person or virtual. Each of these provides an opportunity to meet people with similar interests, and you can have a fun experience in the process. Again, follow up!
Internships: The missing rung on the post-COVID opportunity ladder.
The traditional internship model needs to change in the new world of remote and hybrid work. Currently, 1% of all internships nationwide are remote, and many programs remain on hiatus, leaving key learning opportunities for developing job-seekers on the table.
Show me the money: Expecta-
tions vs. reality. Those who successfully complete a college degree can expect a wage boost, with new college grads earning 59% more than workers with only high school diplomas. College grads are also underselling themselves with the ability to command $10,000 more than they expect to earn.
What new graduates want in
a job. There is a clear generational divide in the workforce, with first-time hires caring substantially more about learning opportunities and diversity and inclusion efforts instead of traditional perks like retirement. Interestingly, 21% of first-time hires said they prioritized finding a low-stress job as part of their search efforts.
FREELANCE
Some job seekers are opposed to anything that’s not a full-time job. If this sounds like you, it’s time to change your mindset.
Freelancing is a great way to boost your skills, resume, portfolio, professional network, income, and confidence.
BUILD AN ONLINE PRESENCE
Why younger workers want re-
mote work. Working remotely allows young people to save on transportation costs and rent by living at home, or allows them to combine a full-time job with freelance or gig work.
eleCtriCal Helper/apprentiCe position available
Get found online. Start a blog, spruce up your social network profiles, create an online portfolio to showcase your work. Find companies you’re interested in working for, subscribe to their blogs, and follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Find decision-makers at those companies and follow them as well. Learn what they’re talking about, do a little research, and then engage with them online. Impress them with your interest and insights.
Worst-case scenario — you’ll learn what’s important to them and use this information to customize your application when a job opens up.
Better case scenario — you’ll establish a rapport with someone who will recommend you for a position and/or tell you about unpublished openings.
Best-case scenario — you’ll impress someone so much over time that they’ll create a job for you or bring you in for an exploratory interview.
– ZipRecruiter
• Full Time • Good Pay • Holidays • Health Insurance • Personal Leave • Retirement Program
Potential for paid schooling to prepare for Journeyman’s License. Must be strong worker, able to work in all weather conditions, have reliable transportation, drug free, high school graduate and reliable.
This job can Turn inTo a career for a moTivaTed person. Email step@cellpwr.com
Radio Broadcasting
Piedmont Communications, Inc – owners of WJMA-FM, WOJL-SAM
FM, WCVA-AM and WVCV-AM radio stations – are looking for individuals interested in a career in radio broadcasting. Possible areas of responsibilities include on-air and voice work, advertising sales and marketing, engineering, digital and web site promotions, design and management, as well as business and traffic departments.
If interested please send cover letter and resume to: General Manager P.O. Box 271, Orange, VA 22960. Piedmont Communications, Inc. is an inclusive and responsible EEO employer. Well Established Christian Preschool "Warrenton Baptist Tiny Tots” Limited Fall Staff Openings 38 Years of Christian Preschool Ministry Come Join our Family
Work with us as we nurture and educate our Preschool Children Ages 2-5. Before and After School Ages K - 6th Grade.
Full and Part Time Staff Positions Beginning August 4th. Looking for strong Christian individuals. Limited afternoon positions for High School Students. Must have HS Diploma or GED, must be able to lift a minimum 30 pounds, be mobile and able to take walks and assist with outside activities. Hours of Operation 7:00 - 5:30 M-F. Call 540 347-7084 asked for Janie or Stephanie Send Resume to Stephanie@wbtinytots.com
