TheVirginia International Tattoo
–a Scottish traditionwithanAmerican soul –returns this week,April24-27,tothe Norfolk Scope
InterviewByYiorgo
The Virginia Arts Festival (VAF)isthe largestandmostprestigiousperformingarts organizationinsoutheastern Virginia and this year it is celebrating its 28th Anniversary.VAFisveryproudtopresentthisweekend, April24th-27th at theNorfolkScope, the annual Virginia International Tattoo -A Scottish Tradition with anAmerican Soul, featuring an incredibleinternational castofmorethan 800 civilian and military performersandthisyearfromthesixnations of:Australia,Canada,Japan,Norway,United KingdomandtheUnitedStatesofAmerica. Our Virginia International Tattooisindeed
thegreatestTattoointheUnitedStates,and rivalingthelargestintheworld.
Some of thereturning favoritesinclude Norway’s spectacular Band andDrill Team ofHisMajestytheKing’sGuard,therousing MassedPipesandDrumsfromfournations and the nimble OzScot Australia Highland Dancers.Also,exciting new performers include the Japan Air Self-DefenseForce (JASDF) Central Band in their firsttripto theUnitedStates
This year is the 250th birthdayofthe US Army,Navyand Marine Corps and the Virginia International Tattoo will have a special salute to 250 yearsofService and Sacrificewitheveryperformancethisweek-
endbeinganemotionalandgratefultribute to our Soldiers,Sailors,and Marines,with stirring music, heartfelt tributes to those whohaveserved,andappearancesbysome veryspecialguests Producer/DirectorJ.Scott Jacksonof the Virginia International Tattoo who has beenwiththeTattoosince2002,hashelped it become the largestsuch event in North Americaand it numbersamong thelargest Tattoosinthe world. In 2016,the Virginia International Tattoowas selected by the American BusAssociation—the nation’s premiertravelorganization—as the top event in the United States.Through the years, the Tattoo has drawnvisitors from acrossthecountryandaroundtheworldand haswelcomedperformersfrom31nations Scott is super excited about the glorious presentationthattheaudienceisinstorefor thisweekend.Scottproudlysaid,“We’llstart theshowwitha worldpremiereVictory at SeaFanfareperformedbyHeraldTrumpets, 5Military Bands,SymphonicChorus,and evenbagpipes.Onthefinalnotesoftheoverture,30studentsfromtheNavalJROTCwill openanenormous American flag,and the audiencewillbeaskedtorisefortheplaying oftheStar-SpangledBanner. Newtothisyear’s Virginia International
InterviewByYiorgo
ChartwayArenaisveryproudtoannounce thereturnoftheverypopularAllEliteWrestling (AEW) Dynamite show to be airedlive on TBS on Wednesday, April 30th. Thereis nothingthatbeatsliveprofessionalwrestling and the Chartway Arenais the perfect venue forit.Thereisnotabadseatinthehousewhen it comes to prowrestling.Doors open at 6:30 PMwithastartingtimeof7:30PM. The wrestling cardis guaranteedtobean action-packedcardfeaturingAEW’samazing male and female wrestlers. Thosestar-studded wrestlers announcedtobeonthe card include but not limitedto: “The Rated R Superstar”Cope,“Hangman”AdamPage,Jon Moxley,MJF,KennyOmega, Swerve Strickland,ChrisJericho,TheYoungBucks,Bobby Lashley,Shelton Benjamin, MVP,Mercedes Mone,Toni Storm, Adam Cole,JackPerry, Mark Briscoe,KazuchikaOkada,Orange Cassidy,MariahMayandmanymore.
ForTickets,packagedeals,theofficialALL
ELITEEXPERIENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
VIP SEATand more,gotohttps://www chartwayarena.com/events/detail/aew-dynamite-chartway-arena
Yiorgo: With us on the phone todayis AEWstarandourVirginia’sown,“Hangman” AdamPage.TellusAdam,whyshouldpeople come to theAEW showliveonApril30that the Chartway Arenawhentheycan seeitat home?Whatwilltheyseeandexperiencelive?
Adam Page: AEWisreallyfocused more aboutthein-ringcompetitionandeveninthe partsofthe show where there is talking,it’s about the wrestling itself.It’sreally centered aroundthewrestling,thesportofwrestlingis howthe showispresented and kind of what weallfeelandbelievein.
Youknow, Ican speak as someone who’s been involved in wrestlingfor just nearly 20 yearsnow.And my viewpoint can be alittle
Scene from aprevious performanceoftheVirginia InternationalTattoo at ScopeArena in downtownNorfolk,Virginia.(PHOTOCOURTESYVIRGINIAARTSFESTIVAL)
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Hampton Blvd. Resurfacing and Improvement Project began this week, runs through June 30
PressRelease
NORFOLK,Va Getreadyforasmoother, safer driving experience as southbound Hampton Blvd. from W. Little Creek Rd to Ellyson St is scheduled for resurfacing. ConstructionwillbeginApril21andisscheduledtobecompletedbyJune30.
The scope of work includes surface milling, installing a new layer of asphalt, replacing pavement markings and installing traffic signaldetectioncameras Traffic impacts and lane closures are as follows:
Work will be performed overnights; Sunday through Thursday, between 6 p.m. and5a.m.,startingApril21.
Motorists should expect alternating lane closuresandintermittenttrafficstoppages.
Off-dutypoliceandflaggersmayassistwith traffic.
Motoristsareencouragedtotakealternate routestoavoidconstruction.
Watchfor“NoStopping/NoParking”signs.
Flyerswillbeplacedonvehiclesparkedon the street at least 24 hours prior to the start ofconstruction.
Vehicleswillbetowedatowner’sexpenseif notremovedbefore4p.m.onApril21.
Access to residences and businesses will bemaintained.
Trashandrecyclingserviceswillcontinue asscheduled.
Updates will be announced on electronic messageboardsalongHamptonBlvd.,media
PressRelease
NORFOLK,Va TheElizabethRiverTrail Foundationinstallsanothertrailheadshelter, marking the Lambert’s Point trail section, in conjunctionwithCelebrateTrailsDay.
InpartnershipwithRailstoTrailsConservancy, the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation invites Norfolk residents to hit the trail and join an exciting Celebrate Trails Day and Trailhead Shelter Ribbon Cutting on April 26, a free, family-friendly, community event and day of service. New community partners are joining the celebration including Youth Earn and Learn who will be offering samples of their homemade zucchini bread and chicken noodle soup, Nature’s Nanny discussing raptor education, and an exciting mobile bookstore featuring a diverse collectionofBlackauthors TakingplaceoneveryfourthSaturdayeach April, Celebrate Trails Day is more than just a day outside It is a chance to participate in a united day of support for trails across America, including the Elizabeth River Trail. Running 10.5 miles, the trail connects communitiesandprovidessafeaccesstoour workingwaterfront,greenspaces,andasafe route for running, walking, and commuting. With hundreds of free events and programs each year, the Elizabeth River Trail offers somethingforeveryone
The 2025 Celebrate Trails Day event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 AM, celebrating the installation of the third Elizabeth River Trail trailhead shelter at the intersection of 25th St and Bowden’s Ferry Rd Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, the shelter will be dedicated to the Lambert’s Point Civic League for their years of support of the trail. Everyone is invited to this special occasion, followed by Celebrate Trails Day at 10 AM, just a short walk from the ribbon-cutting ceremony location. Visitors,vendors,andpartnerorganizationswill come together to celebrate the community, the trail, and engage with one of Norfolk’s mosthistoricneighborhoods
“We’re so excited to be shining a light on the Lambert’s Point neighborhood and celebrating the residents of that community this year,” said Kindra Greene Executive Director of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation “The trailhead shelter is being dedicated to the Lambert’s Point Civic League and their legacy of long-term presidents who have served Lambert’s Point since the 1940’s. The residents of this community have been so gracious to the ERT and really represent
Editorial Staff ManagingEditor | MCC Amanda Kitchner
the vision of the trail, to offer something for everyone A trail built by the community, for thecommunity,thatservesasastorytellerof thishistoricworkingwaterfront.”
“AsaproudproductoftheLambert’sPoint community, this moment holds deep meaningforme TheElizabethRiverTrailismore than just a path it’s a symbol of connection, opportunity, and community pride,” says Councilman Carlos Clanton, a member of Norfolk’s City Council representing Superward 7. “I’m honored to celebrate the installation of the new trailhead in the very neighborhoodthathelpedraiseme Thisprojectreflectsoursharedcommitmenttohealth, equity, and honoring the legacy of neighborhoods like Lambert’s Point that have long anchored Norfolk’sprogress.”
The Foundation looks forward to celebrating the Lambert’sPointCommunity and bringing more people to the Lambert’s Point Micro Garden, a beautiful open space along the trail between The Railyard and ODU. This year also marks the event’s first-ever raffle! Everyattendeewhodonates during the event, by cash, credit,orVenmo willreceive a raffle ticket. Donations of $20+ will receive two raffle tickets, $30+ donations will receive 3 raffle tickets, and $50+ donations will receive 4 raffletickets
SackRaces
TreePlanting
NorfolkMasterGardeners
Plants Trees andERTMerchRaffle
Visitors are encouraged to park at IPConfigure, 2330 Bowdens Ferry Rd, or along Elkhorn Ave. or Bluestone Ave. in the Lambert’s Point neighborhood to help keep residentialparkingopen.
TheERTFoundationworkstobringavarietyofopportunitiestothetrail.Ifyouwould like to host an event on the trail, partner with the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation or sponsor an ERT program, please email hello@elizabethrivertrail.org.
Come out and explore all this event, and the trail, has to offer, including:
Startingat9:30AM
RibbonCuttingCeremonyat2330
BowdensFerryRd,outsideofIPConfigure Startingat10AM
KeepNorfolkBeautifulLitterCleanup
NorfolkBotanicalGardens
DesignATrailwithODUstudents
SailNauticus MobileFoodPantryfromYouthEarnand Learn
LiteratureandLibationsMobile Bookstore
CarbonRemovalDemofromPlanetary
SoundMappingwith70⁄30DesignStudio
HulaHoops SidewalkChalk
757-262-2852 | amanda.s.kitchner.mil@us.navy.mil
MilitaryEditor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm
757-322-2853 | maddelin.v.hamm.mil@us.navy.mil
About The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation: The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides the planning, program, and advocacy for the Elizabeth River Trail connecting Naval Station Norfolk to the Virginia Beach Trail. The Elizabeth River Trail connects 10.5 miles through businesses and historic attractions and is within a 5-minute walk of 28 neighborhoods. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running, and biking It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University,throughDowntownNorfolkand OldDominionUniversity,toNITTerminals along the Elizabeth River The Foundation has completed multiple new, unique, and award-winning amenities including kayak launches play sculptures and a double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park, TheGlowline,andmostrecently,theinstallation of the first ERT hydration station. Major sponsors include CHKD, Downtown Norfolk Council, PRA Group, and the City of Norfolk.
PressRelease
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Military veteran Robert Inman explores post traumatic stress disorder in his latest book, Villages PublishedbyLivingstonPress,Villagesispublished intradepaper(ISBN:978-1-60489-388-5 195pages $19.95) and eBook ($9.95) editions and now available where fine booksaresold.
Acclaimed novelist and Army veteran Robert Inman delivers an extraordinary—and extraordinarily moving— taleofhope,courage,andhealinginhislatestnovel,Villages Villages introduces protagonist Jonas Boulware, a young veteranwhoreturnsfromwarwoundedinbodyandspirit.
About Villages: 21-year-old Jonas Boulware has come home to Copernicus, his small southern hometown, after servingasamedicintheMiddleEast,wherehewasseverely wounded performing an act of heroism. As his body heals Jonas keeps memories of the trauma at bay. He doesn’t rememberanddoesn’tintendto NowJonasishome,trying tofigureoutwhohehasbecomeandhowhecandealwithit. ButtraumaassailshiminCopernicus,too:anabusivefather and a mother who bears the burden of a long-ago family scandal. He renews friendships—a high school classmate, a physician and mentor, and the owner of the golf course where he sought solace in his youth. An instinctual caregiver Jonas takes in, and subsequently falls in love with, a down-on-her-luckyoungfolksingernamedLyric.Hetriesto rescueateenagedboyfromhissqualid,dangeroushomelife But bits and pieces of his wartime trauma intrude in nightmares and flashbacks—until Jonas admits that he suffers fromPTSDandmustcometogripswithittosurvive.With helpfromfriendsandanunorthodoxcounselor,Jonastakes stepstowardfacinghispastandmovingintohisprofoundly alteredpresentandfutureandindoingso,uncoverssecrets from his past that cast a fresh and hopeful light on his new normal
Villages hasgarneredhighadvancepraise:
“’To see a world in a grain of sand.’ What William Blake expressed in poetry, Robert Inman captures in prose in his exquisite new novel, Villages Twenty-one year old Jonas Boulware is in a world of hurt—physically, emotionally, psychologically—when he reluctantly returns to his small southern town from deployment in the Middle East. He finds his hometown is no escape from the pain he’s trying to blot out, but by facing the passions of his past and present, Jonas begins to see a world of possibilities and a path towardhealing.”
—Bill Whitaker, CBS News 60 Minutes
“Robert Inman is a master novelist. With lucid prose, Inman details the journey of a young man suffering from PTSD Villages is a page-turner with surprising plot twists RobertInmanisacaptivatingstoryteller.”
—Jeffrey K. Smith M.D. Psychiatrist and author of The Loyalist
“Villages is a quintessential American story Can you go home again? Can you start over? Jonas Boulware is a
woundedvet,sufferingfromPTSD,oldatthe ageoftwenty-one Inmandeftlypullsusinto his healing process, revealing to the reader whatJonashastodiscoverforhimself that his wounds began long before he went to war.”
—Larry Baker, author of Harry and Sue
“Thisisnotjustacompellingbookbutone with acute insights into the human condition.Amust-read.”
—Ralph Keyes, author of The Courage To Write
An unforgettable story of love bravery and hope, Villages sheds light on the serious, painful, often deadlyissueofPostTraumaticStressDisorder Informedby Inman’sresearchinspeakingwithformercombatveterans whotoldoflingeringmentalandemotionalproblemsandof thelackoftreatmentandsupportavailablefromtheVeterans Administration, Villages is a gripping novel that reads like non-fiction. With rich character development, masterful plotting andaseamlessstoryline Villagesisataledestined tostaywithreaderslongafterthefinalpageisturned.
AlabamanativeRobertInmanisaPhiBetaKappagraduate of The University of Alabama with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing He is the author of six novels, six motion pictures for television, and eight published
stage plays He began his writing career at his hometown weeklynewspaperinhighschoolandcontinueditthrough 30 years as
Militaryveteran
InterviewByYiorgo
Yiorgo: With us today is Father John Manuel from Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Virginia Beach Virginia. Father John is the author of three amazing books and is here to tell us all about them. Tell us Father, what prompted you to start writing the books to begin with? And was the thought from the beginning to do a trilogy or did the books kind of write themselves ifyouwill?
Father John Manuel: Well, Yiorgo, before we start, I do want to take this opportunity and say that may we all be blessed to know that God is withus Inalltimesandplaces, He watches over us Happy PassoverandablessedPascha! Thank you for this opportunity to talk about something that I’ve always wanted to do, which is to express myself in writing I always felt that I couldwrite Butwhilemymotherwasalive, Godresthersoul,Ifeltalittleself-conscious about writing. I was a little too of a perfectionist, that it had to be perfect And when she passed away I thought, well, I really do have something to say. So my wife at the beginning of the pandemic came up to me, gave me a little laptop, a little Chromebook, and she said, “Do this for our children.” Once she did that, it released the pressure. I didn’t feel pressure about how it would sound, what it would look like or anything like that. And I wanted to tell my story for my children. It’s really written for them or for people that know me and want to know where I come from. And it liberated me And so that freed me from the anxiety of it havingtoberightorperfect.Andthat’show itstarted.
itbecameTheFablehoodTrilogy That’sjust howitstarted.
(Editor’s Note: The three books are available on Amazon by author, title or both.)
Y: What do you cover in your first book, “TheFablehoodTrilogy:WhatILearnedas aChild andwhatdoyouwantthereaderto getoutofthisparticularbook?
Y: What was the thought process to do a trilogy?
Fr JM:Thethoughtprocessstartedwith the idea that all of our lives each of us has a story to tell. And everyone when they look attheirstory theylookattheindividuallittle vignettesandthosebecomelittlefables And Ithought,well,Aesop’sFablesareverynice Ialwayslikethat.Ialwayslikethatform.You tell a story and then there’s a little lesson at the end. And I thought, that’s how our life is Weliveourlifeforward,butthenwelook back and we get the lesson from that experience And I thought of fables And then I thought, well, what would a book of fables becalled?IcallitFablehood.
There are lots of periods in your life, so I thoughtI’llchoosethefirstthreetimeperiodsofmylifeandmakeitatrilogy Andthen
Fr JM:Iwantedtoindicatetopeoplethat fromourveryearliestage,weareacomposite of everyone around us We don’t make who we are. People contribute to who we are. Your grandmother, your mother your father all of these people have an effect on your life So it’s not like we came in and we formed our lives We are formed by the people around us So the point of the first book is that we’re this composite of everybodyaroundus Andeachofushasthatstory totell.Andit’sworthtelling WhatIlearned from my childhood affected me for the rest ofmylife,justlikeanyoneelse
I go back to the age of two, which is an interesting thing And then sort of build fromthere.Theotherthingisthatinthefirst book, I wanted people to be able to read it easily So it’s not a hard book to read You could just pick it up and read it in the afternoon. So I thought of it as potato chip writing You know, you eat one chip It’s tasty Youcan’tputitdown.Yougetanotherchip So that’s easily consumable and I wanted it tobeeasytotellmystory
Y: Your second one is “The Band-Aid Years: Teenage Scrapes and Scars (The Fablehood Trilogy). How did you come up withthattitle? Fr JM:Well,“TheBand-AidYears”have
to do with the middle of your life, when you have left childhood and you’re going into your young adult, your teen years, and you’repronetomistakesandmisjudgments And you’re bumping along you’re hurting yourself you’rehurtingotherpeople you’re making bad decisions and you’re not fully formed.AndsotheideaofaBand-Aidisthat wetrytosootheourselvesandsootheother peopleuntilwebecomeapersonwhocanbe responsible for their actions. So like everyone else in life, I mean, I had my formative yearsasachildwhereIfoundmypersonality, but as a teenager I started doing stupid things things I knew that were wrong that neededtobemended.
Sointhefirstbook,wehavechipsthatwe enjoy. We experience these little chips In thesecondbook,wehaveBand-Aidsbecause we need to be healed and bond, you know, and that helps us become a fuller person NoonegetsthroughlifewithoutBand-Aids, I think. The first book really has to do with the formative family people The second book has to do with formative teachers and mentors, because we don’t go anywhere withoutsomebodywhoinfluencesus I’msureyoucanlookatsomebodyinyour lifewhoyoucansay,thatpersonaffectedme, maybenotdirectly,butIfollowthatperson’s model.AndIwasdeeplyaffectedbypeople whowerecommittedtolearningorcommittedtotheirfaithortheircalling committed to some talent. And that’s an inspiration. I think young people, we all need somebody to look up to So that second volume isabouttheteachers,therolemodels,apart from those people that are in your family
Sothere’sthefirstlayerofyour family that affects you. Then there’s the second person, the second layer could be a priest, could be a bishop could be a spiritual father could be just a friend, anyone who affects you to play a role for you to follow. That was the inner theme of thesecondvolume Soitwasn’t justbargains Itwasfindingrole models and forming your own self
Y:Ilovethetitleofyourthird book, “Cloudy with a Chance of Love: Fablehood Trilogy Volume Three. Tell us about that title and what is this book about?
Fr JM: Well, once you formed your formative years as an elementary person, then you go through the combat of teenhood and all that and you’re bandaged. You want to build your life, your future. And you’re looking toward the sky,youknow,forcastlesinthe sky And they’re like clouds in thesky Youknow,andIthoughtoftheJoni Mitchell song, you know, about clouds and thisandthat.Ithoughtbeingayoungadult, makingthosemajordecisionsisaverydifficult period of time You’re making the most importantdecisionsofyourlife Andthey’re notclearastowhothepersonisthatyou’re goingtobewith,whatdecisionsyou’regoing to make about your life, about what you’re goingtodo,whatyou’recallingis And so I think that the chief preoccupationinlife,thefirstone,isaboutlove,tobuild your life with love But it’s cloudy and you go through some sort of disorientation in the clouds maybe some misdirection and maybe there’s some storms in the clouds Maybethere’ssomeheartbreak.Buteventuallythecloudsandthewindmoveyoualong thewayandmoveyoutowhereyouneedto be And so that’s where the story ends with mywifeandIcomingtogetherandwebegin ourfamily Andthestorystopstherebecause it’s a separate story after that, because then the love multiplies But the fundamental love that I was looking for God had given me AndIseeitasthatbecauseonmyown,I wouldmakemistakes ButwhenGod,when I would listen or allow myself to be swept alongbytheHolySpirit,thewindofGod,like my body’s a sail, I would find myself in the right place But not deliberately, not necessarily by my own intelligence and certainly not.Soitwascloudy untilitstartedtoclear Love is the launching point of life and then,youknow,we’vebeenmarriedforover 40 years We’ll have 12 grandchildren this
TurntoTheFablehoodTrilogy, Page 6
jadedattimes I’vebeenaround,I’veseenit, I’ve been everywhere, I’ve seen it all. But I stillsometimeswillsneakaroundandwatch theliveshowfromthecurtainasit’shappening Ithinkitisthegreatestartforminsport in the world to experience live. I think watching a wrestling show live in person is anexperienceunlikeanythingelse.Whether you’re a wrestling fan or not, you’ve never seenwrestlingbeforeinyourlife,it’ssomething that you can go to and enjoy, if not everybitofit,atleastmostofit.Becauseit’s just a great thing to experience live. It’s got everything There’s theater, there is sport, thereisproductionvalue,it’sinteractiveand asafan,you’renotjustobserving,you’rekind ofapartoftheshow.Youyourselfareacharacter on the show. It really is the best thing youcanpossiblyseelive.And,youknow,I’ve seen it all a thousand times over and I still feel that way when I’m watching it behind the curtain. It’s something that I could not recommend highly enough to anyone I’ve been to football games, to concerts, to movies,andthereisnootherliveexperience that matches what professional wrestling givesyou.
Y: it’s so exciting to be involved with the beginning of any business and you were the third signee with AEW as it was being created.Canyoutakeusbacktothecreation of AEW, how it all began and how did that opportunity come up for you to personally joinandwhydidyoudecidetosayyes?
AP:I can’t say enough of how fortunate I wastobeinthepositionIwasinatthetime thatIwasin.I’mproudtobeabletosaythat I’vemadewhatIfeellikeistheabsolutemost of the situation. But, you know, I couldn’t have predicted or helped the situation, it’s just the circumstances of life through me I understand how fortunate I am A lot of otherpeopleare,who’vebeeninvolvedwith AEW.Tobeactiveinourprimeswhenwrestling is kind of having such a resurgence in popularity it’sbeenreallygreat.
I was working with Young Bucks Cody Kenny Omega, all the guys at Ring of Honor and at New Japan, in 2015-2018 And the things that we were doing on the live shows, the things that we were doing on our YouTube show being the Elite, it was all catching so much steam. There was such a momentum and such a movement behind it, that shows outside of the WWE bubble were starting to set attendance record numbers and social media engagement numbers that were unlike anything anybody had ever seen before in wrestling, outsideofthemainstream.Weallputalotof hardworkandthoughtandloveandpassion intoit.Anditwassuchamovementthat,by the end of 2018, we essentially did our own pay-per-viewshow“AllIn”,andsolditoutso therewasdefinitelyasenseofhugeamount of momentum for wrestling outside of the WWE. Y: And can you tell us about how Tony Khangotinvolved?
AP: Tony Khan, who’s a huge wrestling
fan, had a lot of TV connections, financial connections thingslikethat.Helovedwhat weweredoing Hewasinattendanceatalot of our shows but we didn’t know. We didn’t knowwhohewas,forsure.But,hereached out to Matt and Nick and said he was interestedinwhatweweredoingandinterested in a live wrestling TV show You know, that wasn’t WWE. It was something else that would be on live television, just like they were as kind of an alternative to what they do AndIthinkfromthemomentwetalked to him and realized he was legit, that what he was saying was real, I think we all knew thisiswhereitwasgoing So,by“AllIn”,we kind of had a sense that this was kind of the big celebration of our movement, and independenceoutsidethemachine Y:WhatwasthegoalofAEW?
AP: The goal was to build our own machine.Andthat’swhatAEWhasbeen.It’s been a group of passionate wrestling fans wrestlers whohavebuiltthiscompanyfrom literally nothing, now into not just one, but two weekly TV shows, at this point, almost monthly pay-per-views that are still doing really,reallywell.Andit’sdonesomuchfor wrestling, in terms of the kind of pay that wrestlerscanget,becausenowyouhavetwo differentcompanies actuallycompetingfor yourtalent.
AEW has done a lot for wrestlers’ pay, well-being,thingslikethat.Youknow,we’ve managedto,especiallywithDynamite,especiallyrightinthebeginningwhenitwasjust a once a week thing, we’ve been able to stay healthierlonger,preserveourbodiesbetter. And I’m kind of hoping that that’ll be one of the really big positive takeaways from all that we’ve done is that, guys who aren’t wrestlingsix,seven,eighttimesaweek,their bodies hold up better in their later years I’m hoping that for myself I’m able to have afamilyandactuallybeadad,youknow.I’m abletodoourshow,I’mabletocomehome Wehavetwoboys Oneofmyson’sistaking anaprightnow.He’llbeupinthenexthour, and I’ll be able to be a dad for the rest of the week.
Y: What are some of your personal highlights or moments that you consider in AEW?
AP: I’ve had a ton of big, memorable moments for wrestling fans and for me Some of them are more on a professional level.Thingsthatmaybedon’tmeanasmuch to the fans as they do to me, because of the personal situations involved. One of my favoritematchesI’veeverhad,probablywill ever have was teaming with Kenny Omega againsttheYoungBucksatRevolution2020 Thatoneholdsaveryspecialplaceforme
Another was defeating Kenny Omega for theWorldChampionshipin2021.Andmore recently,ithasbeenthethingsthatI’vebeen doingwithSwerveStrickland.Someofthose really resonated with fans It’s been something very difficult and personal that I’ve been through in front of the world on live television, but it’s something to wrestling fansthatIthinkhasbeencaptivating Iguess Iappreciatetheirinterest Anytimeyoucan involvethatrealism.
Y: Now let’s learn a little bit about you.
WhereinVirginiawereyouborn,andwhat madeyoufallinlovewithprowrestling?
AP: I’m from Virgilina, Virginia, on the border of North Carolina and Virginia close to South Boston. I grew up in Halifax County,Virginia.Ifellinlovewithwrestling whenIwas9or10,andwatcheditonTVbut really,Iwasn’tasinterestedinwatchingitas I was trying to emulate it. Very quickly into my wrestling fandom, we had a trampoline in the backyard. I started having backyard wrestlingshowswithmyfriends It’ssomethingIkindofgrewupwithintohighschool, andmycousinwasdatingJustinFlashwho was involved in independent wrestling. Again,anotherincrediblyfortunatesituation tobein.ItraveledwithhimandJasonBlaine around the Mid-Atlantic area doing independent shows, training to wrestle before the shows. We’d get there, early afternoon, help set up the ring learn how to do CanadianDestroyersforfourhours,andthenthe show would start. That was my wrestling training
So, yeah, I got into it very early I started training when I was 15, had my first match in front of a crowd when I was 16, and just neverstopped.Igraduatedhighschool,went tocollege,andatsomepointincollege,Ikind offiguredthat,maybeIwasgoodatthis and maybe, this just wasn’t going to be a hobby or an interest It was going to be something I’dtrytopursueasacareer
Y:Didyourparentsgiveyouahardtime?
AP:Theywerealwaysincrediblysupportive. They came to all the shows that they could. They helped, you know, make sure that I had some kind of backup They made sure that I actually went to college, stuck it throughandgotadegreeandmanagedtoget ajoboutofhighschoolandcouldhavehada career otherwise had wrestling not panned out. I was a full time high school for five yearsteachingcommunicationsandgraphic designwhilewrestlingatthesametime
Y:Canyoushareafunwrestlingmemory fromthoseearlyyears?
AP:IwasincollegeatVirginiaTechandI got booked to wrestle Christopher Daniels HewasthefirstpersonwhoIknewthatwas making a living as a professional wrestler He treated me so well and was so complimentary We were booked for a Saturday night and ended up wrestling on Sunday morning The show ran so long And, yeah, he kind of reaffirmed to me that I should stick with it, that I had something and he could help put me in contact with other peoplewhohelpedmealongtheway.
Even now, he’s somebody who all these years later is one of my best friends that I seeweekly Andbycircumstance,Iendedup beingtheonetoretirehim.Yes.Soit’sreally strange Icouldhaveneverimaginedthatas a kid. That’s how fate has worked out. So I wasreallyappreciativeofwhathedidatthe time Ithinkthatjustreally,reallyreaffirmed withmethat,yeah,I’mgoingtotrytodothis andmakesomethingofthis
Y: How about a couple of pinch me moments that you can’t believe you got to experienceinthiscrazy,beautifulwrestling business?
AP: There’ve been a lot of really cool
wrestling venues that I’ve gotten to be in. Whenyouseetheseplacesthatyou’rethere performinginperson,inplacesyouwatched as a kid like the ECW Arena, you know, we werejustinPhilly BeingintheTokyoDome was incredibly surreal wrestling in front of afullcrowdofpeopleinJapan.Beinginthe Hammerstein Ballroom has always been a pleasure I’msogladAEWdidHammerstein recentlybecausethatplaceisspecialtome Also a lot of the people that I grew up watching and getting to be across the ring from them or in the corner with them, still to this day is cool. And a little surreal, you know, when I kind of take myself out of the day that I’m in and you think about where I’mactuallyat.Prettysurreal.Igottowrestle with Alex Shelley in Ring of Honor He wassomebodywhoIgrewupwatchingasa teenager Iwasandstillamareallybigfanof AlexShelley Andhonestly Iwouldsay50% or more of the AEW roster at this point are peoplethatIkindofcameupwatchingwho weretheguysandstillaretheguys Getting to work in the same locker room, same ring withthemisgreat.And,asIwasjusttalking about as bittersweet as it is knowing that I was Christopher Daniels’ last wrestling match,thatoneisveryimportanttomeand means more to me than anything else I’ve everdone really
Y: How about a couple fond memories workinginRingofHonorandinNewJapan?
AP: I feel like most of my memories of RingofHonorandinNewJapanwillalways be kind of tied to Matt and Nick and Marty andCodyandKennyandallthefunthatwe had, the incredible amount of work that we put into something for free, just because we love to do it. It never felt like there was a pressure, like, okay we’ve got to put this YouTubeshowtogetherthisweek,whatdo wedo?Itwas,wealwayshadsomethingwe wantedtodo
Y: What’s a fun memory of the first JerichoCruise?
AP: I think it was the first one And it ended on Halloween night or Halloween day. And Matt and Nick Kenny and I, we were going to put on a Halloween episode WespenttheentirecruisefilmingaHalloweenepisodeofE.T.Ieditedmost,ifnotallof the video together and Kenny sat with me andweeditedthethingtogether.Ithinkon thecruise,Imighthavesleptatotalofthree hoursontheentirecruise I was up every night trying to get everything filmed and edited together And it didn’t feel like a burden at all. It was something I was so glad to do If it had taken no sleeporifithadtakenanextraweekorwhatever, I would have gone nonstop doing it. That’s how passionate about what we were doing at the time, how passionate we were So those are kind of my favorite memories. Like the wrestling, the shows, the accomplishments, they all, on a personal level, end up taking a back seat to the real human connectionsthatI’vemanagedtomake. Yiorgo is an arts entertainment and sports writer A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.
Take transit to the Tattoo
PressRelease
NORFOLK, Va Taking transit will be music to your ears this weekend for the Virginia International Tattoo Norfolk NATOFestivalandParadeofNations
With closed streets and limited parking, eventgoers are encouraged to take The
TattooisasignatureeventofVirginiaAmerican Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), established by the Virginia General Assembly to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence,leadinguptoJuly4,1776. For tickets, times and dates go to www. vafest.org, or by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA23510
The term Tattoo has a fascinating explanation as to the origins of its name, that has nothingtodowithgetting“inked”orgetting atattooofadesignonone’sbody Instead,it goes back to the centuries-old tradition of a signal from drummers instructing Dutch innkeepers near military garrisons to “Doe denTap-too”or“turnoffthetap”tothealcoholic beverages Hearing the call “Tap-too” soldiers would return to their barracks for an evening roll call. The ensuing parade of soldiers evolved into a military marching band performance now known worldwide as“Tattoo.”
Yiorgo: Through the years I have interviewed some amazing musicians/entertainers who performed in the Virginia International Tattoo One such incredible musician was Portsmouth, Virginia’s own National Champion Scottish Fiddler and singer, Sean Heely who I interviewed in 2022.IaskedSeanwhyshouldpeoplecome to the Virginia International Tattoo? What should they expect to see, hear and get out ofit?
Sean Heely: It is one of the only performances in the country It is modeled after the original one in Edinburgh, Scotland It is obviously not the same It truly is an international show with performers from allovertheworldaswellaslocaltalentsuch asbagpipebands,dancers,myselfincluded.
Y: For those not familiar with it, how wouldyoudescribeit?
SH: You are going to see a lot of military bandsrepresentingallofourbranchesandof coursetheScottishmilitarybandsarehighlighted.
Y:Whatwillyoubedoingintheshow?
SH: I will be performing with a singer fromScotlandthatwasintheoriginalshow in Edinburgh. He is bringing over an accordion player as well so we will have a lot of fun. I have a segment in the beginning, middle and the end so I will be in the show throughoutandthatisreallyexciting Ihave a solo I am performing with the band but you will definitely hear me and of course withthesingerfromScotland.
Y: This is your third time performing in the Tattoo What have been some of your fondestmemoriesperformingattheTattoo sofarandwhy?
SH: For me, it’s always about the new peoplefromallovertheworldIwouldgetto meetduringtheweekeitherattherehearsals or going out to eat. Last time I was there was a pipe band from New Zealand and theywerereallygreat.Withmebeinginthe Scottish fiddle world games and seeing a lot of those groups there, the Tattoo gives ustheopportunitytoreconnectandfellowship together So many of them have been to multiple shows that it’s easy to pick up whereweleftoff
SH: Also the amazing staff behind the scenes are just as important and they have been really fun and supportive to get to know over the years In terms of the music, my favorite has been playing for the dancers LasttimeIplayedthisreallyhardpiece for this dance group that was a mix from Australia, Scotland and local dancers and it wasreallyfunplayingforthem.
Y:Whathasimpressedyouthemostabout theotherperformers?
The Fablehood Trilogy from Page 4
yearcomingup We’reveryblessed.Godhas been with us and that’s a whole story unto itselfwhichwouldbeevenmorecomplexto write, but the point is that it starts with this moistcloudoflove Y:Since,inessence,youhavetraveledback intimeinthecourseofwritingthesebooks, whatwouldyouwanttosaytothatlittleboy inbookoneorthatteenagerifyoucouldgive himanyadvice?Andwouldthatlittleboyor thatteenagerlistentothatadvice?
Fr. JM: Well, you know, I think that I would say the first thing that popped into my mind as soon as you asked the question was,it’sgoingtobeokay AndIthinkthatin life we need to hear that. We need to hear it at every stage, whether we’re little children or teenagers or young adults or older people like myself It’s going to be okay Things are going to work out. Don’t stress aboutthings Godhasthistakencareof He’s watchingoveryou.Ithinkwelistentodifferentdegreesduringourlives Imean,Ilisten now more when somebody says something encouraging than I would have listened as a child because as a child I’m wrapped up in myself As a teenager, I’m wrapped up in myself Weneedtoassureeachotherthatlife isfullofuncertaintiesandfearsandwedon’t know what’s going to happen and we’re all insecure. But when we hear somebody say it’sgoingtobeokayorI’mwithyou,ithasa powerfuleffect.
Y:Let’sgoaheadanddothatlittleminibio on you. Where were you born and can you
TidelightrailandElizabethRiverFerryfor convenientaccesstoeventvenues
The 2025 Virginia International Tattoo willfeaturemorethan800civilianandmilitaryperformersfromsevennationsandwill includeatributetotheU.S.Army,Navyand Marine Corps on their 250th birthdays
Performances at the Scope Arena will be held:
Thursday,April24at7:30p.m.
Friday,April25at7:30p.m.
Saturday,April26at7:30p.m.
Sunday,April27at2:30p.m. Saturday will be the busiest day with the Parade of Nations at 10 a.m. in downtown
SH:It’snotoftenthatIdo hugeshowslikethat.Usually I am in smaller groups like my band but working with such a large array of musicians is pretty incredible I remember being amazed at all the people working behind the scenes working very hard to get everyone to their places on time It is such a rigorous schedule that they manage to keep and what that poor sound engineer has to do Everytime the show comes out looking great, and that is because of the hard work of all those behind the scenes andtheperformersworking together
SH: For me it is always interesting because they usually have me on a riser at some point and I have to watch a conductor that is hundreds of feet or yards away from me Basically, I can’t trust my ears at all because of the echo in there so they have a monitor that plays back what I’m playing so there is no delay, but I have to glue my eyes to the baton and make sure we are on the same beat so that is prettyneat.
Y: The 2023 Tattoo featured the largest international cast of 150 pipers,drummers and dancerstodate Performersfrom Latvia, Singapore, Ukraine nine countries in all were a part of the largest spectacle ofmusicintheUnitedStates and an emotional and inspirational Tribute to Military Families That year I interviewed Master Marine Sergeant Stacie D. Crowther I asked Stacie the same question as to why should people come to the Virginia International Tattoo? Whatwilltheyseeandexperience?
NorfolkandtheNATOFestivalinternational Villagefrom11:30a.m.-3p.m.atTownPoint Park. Heading to the Scope? Take The Tide andhopoffattheMonticelloStationforthe shortwalktothearena.Goingtotheparade andfestival?GetoffatMacArthurSquareor CivicPlazastations Tideriderscanparkforfreeatoneofthree park-and-ridelots: Newtown Road Station (Newtown Road andKempsvilleRoad).
Military Highway Station (Curlew Drive andCorporateBoulevard). Ballentine/Broad Creek Station
Stacie Crowther: What they will see and experience is a very wide range of musical brilliance Theperformersthattheywillsee intheTattooarefromallovertheworldand they come together and put on an incredible show. There are so many local people whodon’tknowandhaveneverbeentothe Tattoo and to them I say, don’t pass up this opportunitytoseesomethingsobiginscope, no pun intended, of just musical excellence and military precision that you will not see anywhereelse
Y: Have you performed in the Tattoo before and what do you remember about yourfirstexperiencewithit?
SC: Yes, my first actual performance in the Tattoo was in 2021 as the Senior Drum Major, not in association with the Marine Corps Band. It was definitely a different experience WewereinthemiddleofCovid so that year we performed in the middle of theODUField,becausewecouldnotgather inlargegroupsinsidethebuildings Itwasa greatvenueandwewereabletoaccomplish our goal of performing. There is however a difference when you perform inside the NorfolkScope Beingunderthelights seeing the production, makes it so much more pomp and circumstance and that makes it way more incredible than you could see outsideattheODUField.
Y:Whatdoyouenjoythemostbeingapart oftheTattooandwhatdoyougetoutofit?
SC: My favorite part as a performer is meeting and interacting with all of the service members from different countries that come there and exchanging gifts with
talk about your journey into the priesthood? How and whendidyouknowthatyou wantedtobeapriest?
Fr JM: Well, I grew up in Lancaster Pennsylvania. ThesonofSteveandDemetriEmmanuel,bothofwhom have roots in the island of Kos, Greece My dad was born here. My mother is from Greece We grew up, I grew up in a very typical Greek American home, you know, with its strong family values and also a strongsenseofthepresence of God. And of course there were icons everywhere in a typicalGreekhouse Mymomanddad,they wouldinvitepeopleover,theirfriends,their contemporaries,andtheywouldhaveaBible studywiththem.AndIrememberasachild hearingthoseBiblestudies Mydadwasabarberbytrade buthewas an iconographer by his passion He did the churchinLancaster,hedidotherchurches Buthestartedreturningtohislifeinchurch And when his life, when he started to get turned on by the orthodox faith, not just by ourcommonheritageupbringing,butbythe teachingsoftheLordandthescripture,that woke me up as a young So from the age of ten then, I felt that hunger in me because of my father And then I noticed, of course mymotherwasalwaysfaithfulandholy,you know, because that’s the Greek stereotype, is the mother is that faithful, it woke me up a little bit more, and I started to read and to
them and creating friendshipswiththesepeoplethat otherwise you may have nevermet.
SC: From a spectator standpoint, my favorite part is in general, the pride that is portrayed of our country I call myself, “Emotionally Patriotic” and it’s just overwhelming when you get a standing ovation for the National Anthem. They say that music is the universal language and it really is ParticularlywiththeTattoo, it is the music that communicates across all of that. When we are performing in theTattooandseeingallthat support from the community itjustwarmsmyheart.
Y: Last year 2024 I interviewed Staff Sergeant Nick Del Villano, trumpeter for the USAF Heritage of AmericaBandandofcourse I asked Nick the same questionastowhyshouldpeople come to see the Virginia International Tattoo? What willtheysee hearandexperience?
Nick Del Villano: Thank you for your support. The VirginiaInternationalTattoo is a fun, family friendly extravaganza!Itisamagnificentdisplayofairpowerbut presented in a different way thenpeoplewouldnormally expect.Thosewhocomewill seebandsfrommanynations alljoiningtogether,creating a beautiful, massive sound. It is a sight to behold with drumlines and bagpipes aplenty They will see partner nations standing side by side making a glorious sound. Music is a great unifier It takes peoplefromdifferentbackgrounds cultural, societal expectations and puts us all in the sameplacedoingthesamething Itconnects people The Tattoo is a very micro example ofbringingpeopletogetherthroughmusic.
NDV: The human experience within us is that we want to be a part of something special.Seeingallthebandswiththeirvarious uniforms instruments and different styles of music, highlighting their culture and music together it is a magnificent display of partnerships, collaborations in a fantastic audio and visual way. They really cover all the senses especially when you includetheTattooHullabaloo,thefreefestivalthatisgoingonuntiltheTattoostarts
Y: Yes indeed. Tell us more about the TattooHullabaloo
NDV: Before each performance out on theplazaoutsidetheScopeArena theyhave foodtrucks,livemusicplaying,dancing,drill routines and drumming exhibitions for all to enjoy for free It’s a really great event of bringing a piece of home from the various countriesrepresentingtheTattooforpeople to taste the different food and enjoy and dance while waiting to go in for the actual show.Severalbandmembersfromthevarious countries represented go out to the plaza and give a short performance a taste asampleofwhatpeoplewillseeoutside It’s agreatwaytowelcomepeopletotheevent.
NDV: You know the people of Hampton Roads give and sacrifice a lot themselves for the military and of course the military personnelgiveandsacrificealotthemselves So this is really a good way to give back to the community To say, hey we know that thereisjetnoiseandotherthingsthatsometimes can be frustrating but we are here to
examine what is it, what do we believe? So by the age of ten, I felt in my heart, with the example of our priest, Fr Alexander Veronis in Lancaster he was a major teacher, that I wanted to be a priest, and the reason for that is I wanted to have a fuller voice to express my faith. And that was the beginningofmyjourney.
Y:Sohowdidyouwindup comingdownfromPennsylvaniatogoodoldVA?
Fr. JM: Well, I mean, everybody has a long journey, and my journey took me—I graduated with my master’s degree, but I didn’t get ordained rightaway AndIendedupteachingEnglish for like five or six years, at a couple of colleges,andthenIstartedpaintinghouses— andthenatonepoint,Iwaspaintingahouse and there was a telephone call. They said theyhadanopeninginRichmond,Virginia. IhadalreadydonetwostintsinOhioandin Wilmington, Delaware in youth work. But thenthecallthattookmetoRichmondwas toteachoverthere.Iwasgoingtodoacouple of years of youth work and then get a PhD. ButwhenIgotthere,theHolySpiritmoved metowardthepriesthood.Theycalled,they ordained me and I spent 12 years in RichmondasanAssistantPriest.Andthenwhen anopeninghappeneddownhereinVirginia Beach,13moredownhere,andthat’sclearly whathappened Both of my sons are priests I have four
(BallentineBoulevardandI-264). ComingfromPortsmouth?Taketheferry toWaterside Bus Routes 6 and 45 will be rerouted downtown during the parade on Saturday Details are available at https://gohrt.com/ alert/nato-parade-downtown-detour-4/. About HRT: HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable For more information on transitservices visitgohrt.com.
saythankyouforyourpatienceandhelping usserveourcountry
Y: It’s also such a very patriotic presentation,notonlyforusbutforthoserepresentingtheircountriesaswell.
NDV: Absolutely and something special about this year’s presentation is that it is the 80th anniversary of D-Day. We sometimes forget the sacrifice that was made by the people who have served in the Greatest Generation and this is just one way of remembering that pivotal moment in history of how freedom was defended and protected.
Y:Soverytrue.Canyoutellusaboutyour showandwhatyouwillbedoingandmusic thatyourbandwillbeplaying?
NDV:Yesofcourse Wespecificallyhighlightthefreedomsthatwepursuedthroughout our history Our band starts the show withChester,asongfromtherevolutionary area that was considered to be our national anthem before the Star Spangled Banner took its place Then the song we play in the middle is, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, who I also play. It is basically the anthem of the World War II era and we are closing our performancewithArethaFranklin’sThink. That song echo’s the words freedom, freedom.Youaregoingtoseeagreatshowfrom us and all the other bands Music not only helps to tell a story but it’s fun You are goingtoseeourbandandallthebandsreally havingfun.Theaudiencewillpickuponthat energyandhavefunthemselves
Y:Howdidyoufirstgetinvolvedwiththe Tattoo?
NDV: I was stationed here originally in 2014 and we participated in the Tattoo that year That was my first introduction to it. Then I was stationed in Germany for five years and we participated in different Tattoos in Belgium and Sweden We came backhereandweparticipatedintheonetwo yearsago
NDV: Last year, my Commander said, ‘Nick,IknowhowmuchyoulovetheTattoo andputtingonagreatshow,you’recreative and I would love for you to be the one that designs and spearheads this whole show.’ So I came up with the theme of Freedom Through the Ages I came up with this idea ofhowweasAmericafoughtfordemocracy andfreedombackintheRevolutionaryWar andhowwepreservedthatfreedomthrough theeventsthathappenedduringWorldWar II and how we continually not take that for granted and we continue to maintain that freedom. It’s a historical presentation as much as it is a musical presentation. We willbeoneofthefirsttoperformthisweekendanditwillbeagreatwaytostartoffthe wholeshow.
NDV: Our presentation is only seven minutes long Of course all the bands perform together at the beginning, then we all do our individual shows and then at the end, we all come together for the big grand finale It’s really spectacular So I put together a team. I am a trumpet player in the Band and also the Mission Planner or the tour manager and for the purpose of the Tattoo, I am the Project Officer. Senior AirmanPatrickLenzisourarranger,Airman First Class Steven Brown is our drill man. Between the three of us and the other 33 performersinourband,weworktogetherto createthisspecial,memorableperformance that we hope everyone will enjoy and love this weekend. We have 35 musicians on the floor and our conductor our Commander Captain Christina Muncey who has just beenselectedforMajor
Y:Withthisyearbeingthe250birthdayof theUSArmy,NavyandMarines,thisweekend’sTattooisamustseeevent.
Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer A stage TV and movie actor he is also a sports entertainer educator motivational speaker writer storyteller and columnist.
children. My eldest daughter is a nurse, so she helps people My other daughter is a presbyter,soherhusband’sapriest,andthen my sons are priests And then people who areassociatedwiththemhavebeenblessed byourfamilytobecomepriestsaswell.Sam Williams is a priest, and Sebastian Mott, other people around. So it’s been something that has sort of multiplied because of thegraceoftheHolySpirit.
Y: Now, is there anything in regards to yourpresentjourneythatyouwantthereaderstoknow?
Fr JM: Right now, I just want their prayers. I have some health issues. But I knowthatGodhaseverythinginHishands asHealwaysdoes AndasIsaidbefore,itwill beokay We’realwayschallengedatdifferent stagesofourlives,youknow.SoI’mthinking ateachstage,itsoundsbiggerthanitisatany other stage, but it’s all the same It starts at thebeginning,themiddle,andtheend. The other thing I say that I would like people to know is that just because you havecancerdoesn’tmeanit’sterminal.It’sa disease Andweallhavetoprepareforthings thatweface EventuallyGodwilltakeusand we’ll go back. We’ll go into His kingdom by His will, if that’s His will. So we can trust thatoneithersideoflifeorontheotherside, thatGodiswithus Istillwanttobewiththe peoplethatareonthissideoflife ButIhave to be faithful and take one day at a time and notoverthinkit.Andthat’sokay
Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.
FatherJohn Manuel is author ofthe FablehoodTrilogy. (COURTESYPHOTO)
Tattoo from Page 1
From top: StaffSergeant NickDelVillano trumpeter forthe USAFHeritage of America Band; Master Sergeant Stacie Crowther; Seán Heely (PHOTOS COURTESYVIRGINIAARTS FESTIVAL)
Food Fresh, filling springtime salads
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: Success Rice
When the crisp air of spring tickles your face and sunrays splash you with warmth, you know salad season hasarrived.Withfreshflavorsaboundingthisseason,the optionsarenearlyendless-justchooseyourfavoritebase, toppingsanddressingsandyou’resetwithadeliciousfirst courseorheartymealallonitsown.
Not every salad requires leafy greens for the base, however Consider this Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad, a Greek-inspired Jasmine rice dish loaded withfresh,tangyflavorsthataresuretopleaseyourtaste buds Made with Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice that cooks up soft and fluffy every time, this recipe offers a hintoffloral,sweetflavortokeepyoufeelingfull.Injust 10 minutes, you can have sweetly aromatic Jasmine rice that’sperfectforyourlifestyleneeds-it’snaturallygluten free, non-GMO Project Verified and free of MSG and preservatives
Fruitsaladmaybenothingnew,particularlywhenusing fruitslikeoranges,cherriesorgrapes butwatermelonmay be the fun new spin you need at your next cookout. The pairing of sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, refreshingmint,earthybeets,nutsandfluffyriceoffersawinning combination.Quicktip:Makesurethericeisfullycooled aftercookingtoavoidawarm,wateryresult
Fresh herbs, tomatoes, corn, basmati rice and a simple vinaigrettemakeSpringCornandRiceSaladanotherdelicious seasonal side that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Step out of your salad comfort zone with this refreshing solution that makes it easy to add veggies to your diet. When you’redrawingupweeklymealplansandtiredofrelying on traditional lettuce-based salads, consider rice salads as an alternative for enjoying chopped vegetables - plus, heartyricecanhelpkeepyoufulllonger.
Better yet, you can make this rice salad your own by experimentingwiththeingredients Tryaddingshredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, fresh mango, ground cumin, fresh grated ginger grilled corn or any other springtime flavors
Remember high quality doesn’t have to be high maintenance Aromatic, premium long-grain Success Boil-inBag Basmati Rice is a no measure, no mess option that cooksupperfectlyeverytime.Asidefrombeingnaturally gluten free, it’s also free of preservatives and MSG and is non-GMO Project Verified. It’s no stranger to versatility either-in10minutes,youcanenjoybasmatirice’ssubtle, nutty flavor and unique texture alongside other warmweatherfavorites
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Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4
1bagSuccessJasmineRice
¼cupoliveoil
2tablespoonslemonjuice
¼teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonblackpepper
1cupthinlysliced,cookedgoldenbeets
1cupthinlyslicedwatermelon
¼cupfetacheese,crumbled
¼cuppittedblackolives,halved
¼cupredonion,thinlysliced
1tablespoonfreshmint,thinlysliced
2tablespoonswalnuts toastedandchopped, forgarnish
Prepare rice according to package directions Allow to coolcompletely Inmediumbowl,whiskoil,lemonjuice,saltandpepper Addricetobowlwithdressingandstirtocombine Let stand5minutes Transferricetoservingplatter Laybeetslicesdownone sideofrice Laywatermelonslicesdownoppositeside.Top
ByFamilyFeatures
Whetheryou’reaseasonedgrillingexpertornew tobackyardbarbecuing,expandingyourmenuwith seafood offers a fun, flavorful way to bring life to outdoorentertaining
Grilling fish is different than traditional fare like burgersandsteaks,however.Onemethodcapturing theattentionofchefsandamateurbarbecueenthusiastsalikeiselectricgrilling Withtechnologyinnovations that enable higher heat and more precise control, along with easy-to-use, guided cooking deliveredviasmartphoneapps,grillingseafoodcan besimplerthanever Master the art of grilled seafood with these tips from Trimell Hawkins, executive chef and culinary advisertoCurrentBackyard.
Not all fish are the same. There’s a common misconceptionthatallfishcanbegrilled,butnotall fish is created equally Avoid flaky fish (like trout) andinsteadturntoafirmfishwhengrilling suchas branziniinthisGrilledWholeBranziniwithFresh HerbSaucerecipefromcelebritychefAltonBrown.
Moistureisnotyourfriend.Whileyou’relikely aiming for a fresh, moist flavor when eating fish, that doesn’t mean it should be wet when it goes on the grill. For beautiful, crisp skin and grill marks, pat fish dry to absorb the moisture before grilling
Temperature is key. There’s a sweet spot for grilling fish, whether it’s 400 F for thinner fish or slightly above 400 F for thicker cuts which is why electricgrillingisgainingsteam Anoptionlikethe CurrentBackyardElectricGrillpreciselymonitors and controls temperature at the grate level, ensuringaccuratecookingwhereittrulymatters,unlike gasgrillsmeasuringchamberheatorcharcoalgrills requiring guesswork.
Ready to cook in 10 minutes, it’s a convenient solution that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet, meaning there’s no heavy propane tanks or messy charcoalstandingbetweenyouanddeliciousgrilled seafood. Plus, electric grilling reduces fire risks, harmful fumes and cleanup time
GREEK BEETAND WATERMELON RICE SALAD
withfeta,olives,redonionandmint Garnishwithwalnuts. Tips:Substitutecapersforolives ifpreferred. Todiminish“raw”flavorofonions,soakinicewaterat least5minutesbeforeusinginrecipe Useroasted,boiled,steamedorgrilledbeets
Spring Corn and Rice Salad
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4
1bagSuccessBasmatiRice
1cupfrozencorn,thawed
2Romatomatoes seededanddiced
½cupmincedfreshbasil
½cupdicedredonion
½cupvinaigrettedressing
2greenonions chopped
½teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonblackpepper
Prepare rice according to package directions Allow to coolcompletely In medium bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, basil, red onions,vinaigretteandgreenonions Foldinrice,saltand pepper Servesaladatroomtemperatureorchilled.
Grilled Whole Branzini with Fresh Herb Sauce
Recipe courtesy of chef Alton Brown on
Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 10
FreshHerbSauce:
2tablespoonschoppeddill
¼cupchoppedparsley
2tablespoonschoppedchives
1smallgarlicclove,minced
½teaspoonkoshersalt
¼teaspoonredpepperflakes
1tablespoonlemonzest
1tablespoonlemonjuice
There’s a “right” way to cook fish. If you’re cooking fish with skin, cook the skin side down first as it’s more forgiving and durable than the inside This gives the finished dish more stability andstructure,lesseningthechancesofthefishfalling apart. Becarefulwithsugar.Sugarymarinadesrequire keeping a close watch on the grill since sugar can burn.Ifcookedproperly,sugarshelpcreateacrispy Maillard reaction while acting as a tenderizer, too Find more recipes and electric grilling advice at CurrentBackyard.com. Fresh fish hot off the grates –
¾cupextra-virginoliveoil
Branzini:
2head-onwholebranzini(about1poundeach),cleaned andscaled
2teaspoonskoshersalt
1lemon,slicedintosixrounds
6-8sprigsdill 6-8sprigsparsley 2teaspoonsextra-virginoliveoil
To make fresh herb sauce: In small bowl, combine dill, parsley chives garlic, salt, red pepper flakes lemon zest, lemonjuiceandoliveoil;setaside
Setbothsidesofgrillto650F(high)andcloselid.
To prepare branzini: Season fish inside and out with kosher salt. Fill cavity of each fish with lemon slices, dill sprigsandparsleysprigsthentiewithkitchentwinetosecure. Refrigerateuntilreadytogrill. Evenlycoatskinofbothfishwitholiveoil.Inserttemperature probe into thickest part of flesh of each fish, parallel to dorsal fin, then place on grill with belly sides toward you. Closelidandcook5minutes.
Open lid and gently turn fish over with thin metal spatula or two forks Close lid and cook 5 minutes or until internal temperaturereaches145F. Transferfishtoplatterandremovetwine Servefishtopped withfreshherbsauce
GRILLED BRANZINI WITH FRESH HERB SAUCE
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Stop by our new storefor delicious food andgreat deals. Friendly associates areready to help you, and we have lots of ways tomakeiteasy to get dinneronthe table. Come see foryourself.Wecan’t wait to meet you.
1620 Cedar Rd. Chesapeake,VA 23322
Store: 7a.m. –10p.m. daily 757.550.6044
Pharmacy: Monday–Friday: 9a.m. –9p.m. Saturday: 9a.m. –7p.m Sunday: 11 a.m. –6p.m. 757.550.6045
Zippy, Monchichi plush, Disney, WizardofOz, Legos,Hello Kitty, Cabbage Patch, StrawberryShortcake, anime,vtg boardgames- excel condition, North American Bear Co Set, dolls, vtg bikes,bar collectibles tools, books galore!Designer
