Men: Staying Out of the Doghouse

By far one of the coolest marketing projects I have seen this year is JC Penney's jewelry department. Here is the link to their short story on how what happens when men are sent to the doghouse. Watch it; it's very entertaining. 

Merry Christmas to all. 

Virginia Beach Planning Commission Gives Award for Red Mill Walk

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission awarded Lakeside Construction Co. an award for Best Non-Residential Design, for their development of Red Mill Walk.
According to Eric Anderson, President of Lakeside Construction Co, Red Mill Commons has also won awards for its design.
Once again, this is a testament to the vitality and visionary design or our neighborhood. The completion of the shopping centers truly makes us a community; 'the tiny town of Red Mill'.

chowdy!

Senatara and Bon Secours work together for one major hospital facility

Greetings neighbors! In an excellent display of cooperation in health care, Sentara and Bon Secours are working together to create a single major hospital in Southern Virginia Beach. The details are spelled in the following email from Sentara:

Good afternoon to each of you. Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.

As important participants in our efforts to build the new Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and the outpatient campus at Sentara Bayside, Steve Porter has asked that I relay the following information to you.

We are excited to announce that Bon Secours Virginia and Sentara Healthcare have reached an agreement to collaborate on developing a joint ventured Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and the hospital related services on our two outpatient campuses in southern Virginia Beach.

The agreement calls for a 200-bed Sentara Princess Anne Hospital using 158 beds relocated from Sentara Bayside Hospitals as planned, and a 42 beds from Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk. You may recall that the Virginia Department of Health approved 120 beds for Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and denied Bon Secours' request for a 90-bed hospital on their campus at South Plaza Trail.

The two parties believe a single larger facility would meet community need and allow both not-for-profit systems to enhance healthcare services more promptly and cost-effectively than if they continued on separate paths.

All this still needs approval from the Virginia Department of Health as it represents a revision of Sentara's Certificate of Public Need for Princess Anne Hospital, but both companies are hopeful the Commissioner will see the community benefit in this proposal and the community will support their collaboration on this project at Princess Anne.

Thanks to each of you for your efforts to help us meet the healthcare needs of the community and for your continued support. Please feel free to e-mail or call me should you have questions.

Best regards

Sandy

I believe this speaks volumes about the type of health care we can expect from these two organizations when they can come together to create a joint solution to the most pressing issue of the future.

Expect more details in the coming months.

chowdy!!!

Reminder: Canvass Voting for 81st district Delegate is Saturday

And you thought the voting was over....Terry Suit resigned from being our representative in the House of Delegates back in October, to take a job at a major lobbying firm. Three Republicans are vying for the seat: Paul Lantaigne, Barry Knight and Tom Keeley.
The canvass vote to decide which one will represent us as a Republican will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our voting station will be at Rainbow Station, on Sandbridge Road, across St. John's church.
Go on out and vote. Word is that Paul Lantaigne's crew will be cooking hamburgers and hot dogs outside the Rainbow Station. See you there!

chowdy!

IHOP General Booth Is Now Non-Smoking 24/7

Tuesday Night Out with friends, we went to IHOP on General Booth Blvd. Inside the lobby, there is a sign on the inner door: "We are now a Non-Smoking Restaurant 24 hours a day."
I must say it was definitely more empty, but the atmosphere was more pleasant. I wonder who will go there with this non-smoking policy in place; more families, less groups, more groups?
We'll see. I think that it will do pretty good. There are number of restaurants in our area that don't allow smoking: Panera, Pollo Loco, Eddy's...
Others in the area, don't allow smoking outside their bar areas: Outback, Tilted Table, Chili's.
Havana's does not allow smoking in their restaurant until after 9 p.m.

What other restaurants have restrictions on smoking?

Virginia Delegate 81st District Canvass Voting Information

81st District Canvass Locations for Saturday, November 29th 2008 10am – 3pm
Virginia Beach

If your normal voting precinct is Corporate Landing, Culver, Magic Hollow, Ocean Lakes, Red Wing, Seatack, Sigma, or Upton you will vote at The Village at Rainbow Station, 1973 Sandbridge Road. Va. Beach, VA 23456. This is the day care center across from St. John’s Catholic Church and next to the Bloom Shopping Center.
This is also for those of us in Red Mill Farm, apartments and condos included.

If your normal voting precinct is Blackwater, Creeds, or Capps Shop you will vote at
Back Bay Christian Assembly, 1212 Princess Anne Road Va. Beach Va. 23457. This is just south of Vaughan Road.

Chesapeake
If your normal voting precinct is Bells Mill 1, Bethel, Grassfield, Green Sea, or Indian Creek
You will vote at Grassfield High School 2007 Grizzly Trail Chesapeake,VA 23323

If you have any questions call 615-3817. Thanks for your support!

Paid for and authorized by Paul Lanteigne, candidate.

Civic Association Holiday Party at Outback Steakhouse

The Red Mill Farm Civic Association is having their annual holiday dinner party at Outback Steakhouse, in the Red Mill Commons Shopping Center, Friday 12 December at 7 p.m.
Appetizer, Dinner (4 items to choose), Desserts and Drinks (Coffee, Tea, Fountain Drinks) are included in the $10/person price.
Members of the board will be calling all current members to inform them of the event and will ask that all RSVP with their money (check) to the Treasurer by 5 December.
If you would like to attend you can contact the Treasurer here and tell them to expect your check by 5 December.
I hope to see you at the dinner. It is going to be a great time at Outback!

Cafe Fresh Now Open!!!

We've all been anticipating it, Cafe Fresh has opened their doors for wholesome, organic and healthy business effective this morning.
My son and I tried the food and it is great and it makes you feel full without being stuffed!
I had the Acai Energy Bowl, with bananas and granola; great taste and very satisfying. Also, the Acai energy smoothie is good tasting.
Try the Turkey Club Wrap. It's chock full with chunks of roasted turkey and lettuce and tomatoes, and the wrap is whole wheat.....and it tasted great.
They are open on Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. (I think they close at 8)
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. open for breakfast.

Welcome Cafe Fresh to our neighborhood and tell them you're from Red Mill Farm!

DonorsChoose.org: A Way to Help Teachers Educate

I was attending a conference last week, and one of the evening activities was a auction to help out teachers all over the US do the things they wanted to bring about good education for their children. That's when DonorsChoose.org was brought to our attention. 

Their tagline is simple and direct: "Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn."

You go to their website, look over all the projects that teachers all over the country are asking to be funded and choose one - or more - and send your donation online. So far I have not seen any extravagant projects, nor have I seen one where they are asking for more than $1,000 for a project, although I believe that some of them should ask for more. But the point is not for us to completely fund a project ourselves. Give what you can or spread what you can to as many projects as you'd like to support.

Anyway, in this season of giving and the need to be especially choosy this time of year, I wanted to bring this organization to your attention. 

Chowdy-chow!

 

Civic League General Membership Meeting, 14 October

The Red Mill Farm Civic Association will hold it's General Meeting at the Princess Anne Public Library, Tuesday, 14 October, 7 p.m.

Did China King Change Owners?

I think China King, next to Nimmo Bella Pizza, changed owners or something. Two things are for sure: the kitchen help has changed and the food tastes different. Tonight I ordered the Chicken with Cashew, the Beef Lo Mein; both of which were very oily. I also ordered the Egg Drop Soup and it seemed a little heavy with oil, too; it seemed very thick.

Has anyone else experienced the same thing? Or if not, tell me what you think or know. Let us all in on the news...

Cafe Fresh Now Hiring

A note from the folks at Cafe Fresh: they're hiring for their October opening!

This is Jennifer again... I am now hiring!! Please call 757-563-9046 for more information on joining our team of friendly & responsible people dedicated to making & serving healthy & delicious smoothies, wraps & paninis. I'm looking for a few supervisors as well as counter help. (Note that our main phone number will be 563-9045 when the store opens.) Thank you!

Havana Participating in Charity Event

Havana, in the Red Mill Commons shopping center, next to Starbucks is participating in a charity event called "No Kid Hungy"
Here is their write up:
Join us for the Great American DineOut “No Kid Hungry” We will be donating a portion of our sales September 21st to September 28th For more details visit: www.greatamericandineout.org COMING TUESDAY OCTOBER 7TH: HALF PRICE WINE NIGHT IS BACK! EVERY TUESDAY ALL WINE BOTTLES WILL BE HALF PRICE. (This promotion is in the dining area only and cannot be used with any other discount or promotion) Additionally, they have posted this menu for this week.

Primo Pizza going in to Red Mill Walk

Rumor has it that Primo Pizza will be going into the space next to Rage N Car Audio store in the Red Mill Walk Shopping Center. More details to follow...

Additionally, I found a map and directory of all the stores in the Red Mill Commons and Red Mill Walk shopping centers. You can go the Red Mill Commons web site at: www.redmillcommons.net and you will easily find the maps there.

ciao for now.

Laughter on the 23rd Floor: A great Saturday Night Event

Little Theater of Virginia Beach is putting on its production of Neil Simon's play "Laughter on the 23rd Floor", every Friday-Sunday in September and the 3-5 October.
"Laughter is considered one of Simon's funniest plays, but I will caution you that this is not a play for young children; lots of adult language.
Here is the link to the Little Theater of Virginia Beach, with information about tickets.
If you want to know more about the play "Laughter on the 23rd Floor", click here.

I believe that this is the start of a great date night or a night out with other adult friends. So round up your babysitters and head out for a night of laughter and supporting our local theater and actors.

ciao brown cow!

Rita's Family Nights, Cafe Fresh Opening in October

Tracy Broadhead sends this note:
Also, forgot to mention that even though I live right next to Rita's, I did not realize until recently that Tuesday nights are family night. They give a free italian ice to all the kids under 9! Which, of course, is a reason to treat yourself to something a little sweet too. The gelatis are delicious!
Thanks for the info, Tracy!

Jennifer, the owner of the Cafe Fresh over in Red Mill Walk, next to Target sends us this note:
Hi - I'm the owner of Cafe Fresh by Juice Zone & live "in the back of Red Mill" as I like to say (technically Ocean Lakes East). I'm hoping to open in mid-October. Not only will we serve healthy food, but there is a kids play area going in the back that will have chalkboards for the kids to draw on while the adults are able to finish their meal & have a real conversation!
Jennifer
I know that I'll be excited to see it open. Stay tuned or make this one of your RSS feeds so you can get email notifications of things added to this blog.

ciao for now.

Big Apologies to Chantel Ray

I owe a big apology to Chantel Ray and her team of realtors. Her ad in the September-October issue was gravely out of sorts and I haven't the foggiest excuse for how it got past the proofread.

Without further ado, I ask for Chantel Ray's forgiveness and have posted the link to the her ad here as well as placed a picture of it above.

Office Max Opens; Bicycling Around; A Global Perspective

Office Max Now Open

Office Max opened their doors this week. No big fanfare, just opened their doors. There were a few sale items, but nothing more than what was available in their sale paper. But I am still glad they are here. It's a lot closer on my bicycle.

Bicycle, Bicycle, Bicycle

I find that riding my bicycle is a relaxing thing. Sure the gas prices spurred me to ride my bike around the neighborhood more; especially running errands to the shopping center. But Gwen and I look forward to riding down the bike path to Back Bay at Lago Mar in the evening. It's a pleasant 3 mile 'chat session'. But now that gas prices have come down significantly, I still like riding my bike. It's a liberating feeling, somewhat. It's also one of constant caution. Drivers using their cell phones are the ones to watch for most; especially when you are coming from their left side, like when you are at an intersection. We, as drivers, tend not to look to the left first. I have begun to change that. But also, I see other bicyclists, and cyclists, not sharing the road in the neighborhood; especially the kids. Last words on this: We must ALL share the roads in Red Mill Farm. Tell your children, please.

"Shift Happens"

To the right of this blog is a slide presentation about global population and how our society is shifting. What is amazing are the facts that are in it. Some may surprise you, others you may have heard. But the overall feeling can be overwhelming when you think about it. I ask you to read it, because I think that this slide show can be a catalyst for more dialogue. I would like to hear from you about what you think of this presentation. It's called "Shift Happens".

The newsletter is due out right after Labor Day. See you in your mailbox.

ciao for now!

National Night Out Photos Now Online

I have posted the photos for 2008 National Night Out for all to see;
click here. For the photos of the 2007 National Night Out, click here.

National Night Out was a big success, AGAIN!

Every year it gets better and better. We still had more than 400 people show up. Additionally, Virginia Beach Police Chief Alfred Jaycocks came by as did several other police officers and Police Elements; Crime Solvers, and the K9 Unit. The Fire Department sent not only a fire engine from but sent an ambulance as well. Virginia Beach Public Library set up a table and got several library cards issued, too.

City Council members Barbara Henley (our Princess Anne District Councilperson) came and stayed, as did Rosemary Wilson and Bill DeSteph. In fact Bill help with the tear down and storage of the bounce houses. Thanks, Bill!

Support our community is what many merchants do everyday in the providing the goods and services that they do. But it truly a sign of community spirit when they come to our community events and participate in our activities.

Thanks to Rita's Italian Ice for coming out and giving us Italian Ices, Sonics provided the ice and drinks, Panera sent us some bagels (mmmmm Asiago Cheese bagel!)

But the biggest thanks goes to the two churches, New Hope Church and Beacon Baptist Church, for their outreach to the community and providing us with the hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and the bounce houses.

On the Soap Box

Once again it is through coming together like this that make our community and neighborhoods safer and friendlier. But that event didn't happen by magic. Through the coordination with the City and the National Night Out organization, MaryBeth Ruger and her husband Bob did an outstanding job even while juggling their hectic schedules and jobs. The rest of the Red Mill Farm Civic Association Board Members helped make this event happen, too. And it was no magic that accomplished such a great event. It was caring and commitment for this community. It was Steve Swisher's leadership and guidance as President of the civic league to help us focus. It was people like Trish Toney, Barbara Charalambous, Maria Pladz, Leslie Waddell, and Gwen Rosales not only setting up the event but accomplishing the mission of the event; fostering a sense of community pride and fellowship among neighbors.

We should be thankful for these board members' commitment to our community and reach out to them let them all know how much they are appreciated.

Even better. All of us as neighbors should join the civic league and be a true part of what makes this community a great place to be and live; not just pay our mortgages/rents and mow our lawns. Look in your newsletters, fill out the form and send your $20 dues check. And not only fill out the form, but tell them what you would like to do to help in YOUR community.

National Night Out 2008 was a SUCCESS!!!

Once again, the success of National Night Out at Red Mill Park was better than the year before!
We had about 400 people again, plus four members of City Council visited us, as well as the Chief of Police, the Fire Department, Virginia Beach Police K-9 Unit, Crime Solvers and all the neighbors!
I am just posting this quickly, because I have pictures to post so all can see them.
I will post more on Friday morning, including pictures.

Thanks to everybody for making this event even more successful that last year.

gotta scoot!

Buffalo Wild Wings Coming, Super Suppers Moving and more

I ran in to Eric Anderson at Panera's Friday morning. He tells me that Buffalo Wild Wings is coming to Red Mill Commons. It will sit in the corner building where Eternity Happens use to be.

Also, Super Suppers is moving out of their spot in Red Mill Commons and moving to a bigger spot in Red Mill Walk, close to Target. The bigger spot will enable them to do more things like expand their couples night, put up monitors and have more preparation areas.

Office Max is opening the first week in August.

There is a new home theater store moving into Red Mill Walk, right next to Simply Gifts.

National Night Out plans are coming together. It's not looking good for the inflatable water slide, but I'm not counting it out yet. We have all the stuff ready for hot dogs, popcorn, cold drinks. Rita's will be handing out Italian Ices and Panera will bring some sliced bagels. It's going to be fun, fun, fun!!!
More info to follow. I have a scheduled phone call with Steve Green. He's in charge of the management of the shopping center. As soon as I know, you'll know. I won't wait until next Friday to post.

ciao, brown cow!

National Night Out Plans in Full Swing; Neighbor's First Comments!

National Night Out plans are in full swing! 

National Night Out will be held at the Red Mill Park on Upton Dr. & Red Mill Blvd. again, on 5 August starting at 7 p.m. until dusk. Rita's Italian Ice and Panera will be there with free stuff. New Hope Church is giving away hot dogs and the civic league is supplying lemonade and kool-aid in cups and ice supplied by Sonics. AND....wait for it....there's going to be bounce-castles, too!!!

Right now, we're waiting to see if the inflatable water slide can be repaired in time for all the kiddies. Stayed glued here to find out. Also, in the works is whether My Gym will be setting up their kids obstacle course this year. We are waiting to see what kind of cool chase car the Virginia State Troopers will bring this year.

It's going to be another fun year for all.

Neighbor and newly licensed realtor, Tracy Broadhead writes:

"Hi Mario. Just wanted to say thanks for the info on the blog. Thought you might like to share some more - Sherwood Lakes is hoping to have their models completed and open by August. They are ranging in price so far from $369 to $509. They are single family condos and will have a different set up - the agent told me that they will have "alley" streets, i.e. you pull up to the back of your house. also, not sure if you are aware that Ashville Park will host this year's Home-a-Rama in October. 

Just posted you first comment. I'll check back again in awhile to see if you have anything new. Would you prefer to have info like the above emailed to you so that you can write an article or would you prefer it to be in the comments?"

Thanks, Tracy. If you want to - and this goes for everybody - please post them in the comments section. Or if you really want it mentioned in the next posting then just email me and say so. 

Also, I read in the Virginian Pilot that this is year's Home-A-Rama will have the fewest homes ever this year. Hmm...I guess this is that market correction we have been waiting for. Too bad it took a serious mortgage crisis/credit crunch to initiate it. I know, I threw that grenade out there. But seriously, the developers just had to know that they were playing with dynamite when they bought into Ashville Park and Heritage Park; really! And the mortgage lenders and the homeowners who went for all those crazy (nee financially creative) schemes to buy those outrageously-priced homes. I'm just saying, is all. And I won't say anymore on it. Let the corrections begin.

General Meeting of the Civic Association will be @ 7 p.m., 14 October at the Princess Anne Branch Library.

Stay tuned to this blog. I have some plans in the works for publishing all the pictures the civic league has had over the years. 

I'm out, sauerkraut!

New Happenings in the New Shopping Center

Thanks for a great start.
This being the second post, we already have a couple of responses. I am thankful for the suggestions. Though they didn't post to the blog, they did email me with the suggestions. One was to post more store openings in the shopping centers; which I think that is where this blog will be the most useful. The other one, suggested some things to do to the newsletter. One was to add color to the newsletter. It would be nice to be able to do that. But we aren't there yet in terms of readership and affordability. but rest assured that when we get to that point, we will be in full color. The other suggestions they had were to put in cartoons and have regular columns. I like those ideas, too. How about suggestions for both? What kind of cartoons should I put in and what kind of columns would you all like to see in the newsletter?

Cafe Fresh Under Construction in Red Mill Walk.
There is yet a new place starting in the Red Mill Walk shopping center, next to the Teacher and Parents Store (TAPS). It's called Cafe Fresh, and is part of the Juice Zone franchise (www.juicezone.com). According to the Juice Zone website, Cafe Fresh will serve "nutritious and delicious quick foods". From the look of their menu online, they may be the competitor of Tropical Smoothie. A couple of notables about Cafe Fresh, are their 'Fresh-squeezed juices' and their "Big-time Smoothies". Their juices are apple, orange and carrot and combinations of apple-carrot and orange-carrot. Additionally, they make juices called 'Supreme Squeezes' with healthy names like Cold Fighter, Detox, Cholesteral Reducer, Energy Blast, Body Cleanser and - I dare you to try this one - the 'Digestive Cocktail'. Their smoothies can be 'zonified' with supplements to fortify the body and improve health. The come in healthy blends like Energy, Brain, Fiber, Bone, Whey Protein, Soy Protein, Sniffles, Slim & Trim, and here's an odd one: Multi-Vitamin.
Besides drinks and smoothies, they have a selection of wraps, paninis, and soups. They also have 'healthy choice menus for the kids; grilled cheese, PB&J, deli meat and a chicken wrap.
I'll keep you all posted on when they are going to open up - OR - if someone has the scoop, post a reply to this post and let us all know.

Office Max now hiring.
Office Max is getting ready for a 1 August opening - just in time or school supplies - and has posted a "now hiring" sign. Contact them through their OfficeMax.com website and reference their Upton Drive store.

Rage N Car Audio is open and ready for business.
Rage N Car Audio has been open since May. I took my son's truck over there to have the speakers updated. It's quite the little place. The owner/operator was very knowledgable about his products, had reasonable prices, installation took about a half hour, but what really impressed me was his knowledge of my son's truck. He went right in there, looked around and in less than a minute, found the factory holes in the cab where additional speakers could be installed. This guy took some measurements and then went back in to the store and we looked at the speakers that would fit in the truck. Reasonable prices, quick and expert service, and my son is satisfied with the sound. I wonder what he can do with upgrading a factory BMW installation?

Does anyone else have some things to say about the new businesses? How 'bout those crunchy tacos at Pollo Loco? You can't eat just one!

It Finally Starts

Friday, 27 June 2008

The idea that I had for this was that it would be the addendum or replacement for my community's bi-monthly newsletter, the Red Mill Gazette, and this idea was to begin in March. But obviously I let other things get in the way. So, without further ado, I bring you all the first blog about living in Red Mill Farm.

Red Mill Farm, for those who don't know about our neighborhood, is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is located south of the Virginia Beach oceanfront bordered by General Booth Blvd, Princess Anne Rd, Sandbridge Rd and Nimmo Pkwy (for the most part). Out neighborhood has existed for over 25 years and has about 1400 homes. What makes it such a good place to live is definitely the people; the neighbors. For the most part they are active, involved in the community and schools, and at least know who their neighbors are around their immediate vicinity. Our civic league, Red Mill Farm Civic Association, is the inspiration for starting this blog, as well as the newsletter. We have about 160 homes that are active members in the civic association. Amid all the other neighborhoods in our area, our civic association is strictly voluntary. It is not a homeowners association, which is what attracted a lot of us to this neighborhood. In addition to the 1,400 homes, we also count 200 or so condo owners, and about the same in a luxury apartment complex in the middle of our neighborhood. Also, our neighborhood is the only one with its own shopping centers, Red Mill Commons and Red Mill Walk. They are both model shopping centers for our city and the occupancy rate is at near 100%. 

Enough bragging about our neighborhood, let's get to some news.

Pollo Loco opened their doors this past Monday. Pollo Loco got their start in Guasave, Mexico back in 1975. Their specialty is chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs and spices and citrus juices, then flame-grilled. Add to that fresh tortillas, different kinds of salsas and guacamole all made fresh daily. My family and I went there the other day, and they were busy as all can be. It is typical of restaurants on their opening day/week. I remember Cantina Del Lagos first week, too. I happy to say that Pollo Loco's was better. The food was good, except for the rice. But then I am rather picky about 'spanish rice'. I didn't like this one. But the chicken was fantastic. My wife got the grilled chicken with two sides. The grilled chicken was golden perfection. The staff was courteous and thorough in their order taking. I especially liked how they asked me, after reading back my order, "Did I capture your order completely?" I thought it was refreshing that they concerned themselves with capturing my order instead of asking "will that be all?" So anyway, the only other thing that I thought needed to be addressed is their chopping block. The hand cut their chickens when they come off the grill. The chopping block is nothing more than a cutting board sitting on a sheet metal box - a hollow box - so it is pretty loud when they are bringing that meat cleaver down on the chickens. Really, it was annoying. My wife sent them a comment on their website. With that against them it is a sure bet I'll be back next week to try one of their tacos al carbon - a grilled chicken taco - and some more of that guacamole.

So if any of you have any news you want to have posted here or you want to give some feedback, send it to me or just add a comment to this blog. I only ask that you not advertise your business in your replies to these posts. If you want to advertise something your business is doing contact me directly (mario.rosales2@gmail.com) and tell me about it. I am not opposed to putting your name out there as it pertains to the tiny town of Red Mill.

Lessons from the Worst Freeze In My Life

This past Tuesday, 22 January, was the worst freeze I have ever experienced in my life. While I was not adversely affected personally, there were two serious accidents that occurred that were close enough to affect me. The first accident was a crash in which a man slid off of Indian River Road, rolled his vehicle several times only to escape from it and then get hit by a tractor trailer also sliding on the ice. That man was the son of my friend and mentor. I was beside myself with grief for him, able to only imagine the agony he must have gone through - indeed, still going through - knowing he had lost his son. I am a father of 3 sons. The second accident happened probably less than hour later along the same stretch of road. This time, a teacher slid his vehicle into a tree, breaking his back. That teacher was my oldest son's high school baseball coach. He is currently paralyzed from the waist down. 

Both accidents happened very early in the morning that day. It had rained the night before and then the temperature dropped to the 20's during the morning hours. No one saw it coming. The school superintendent took it on the chin from citizens, for not recalling the buses and starting school later in the morning. But he shouldn't be blamed for this. I know that there are those who say different, but blaming him doesn't solve the issue. The majority of the buses were already on the road picking up high school students by the time the accident reports were coming online. But it is a good lesson learned for all the cities; communicating weather and traffic conditions are very important 24 hours a day. 

For my friend and mentor, I wish for him a quick solace. There is no replacing a son (or a daughter), and time heals all - eventually. He has the comfort of his friends, as much as we can provide him and the love of his wife and daughter. As for the Coach. He is in better spirits. He came out of surgery early yesterday morning with his spine back in tact. The last report tonight was that he was beginning to have some sensation in his thigh area. He is also making out the workout roster for the Kellam baseball team while he's in his room. He, too, has the comfort of his friends and supporters. 

As I think about it further, I have realized a couple of things: 

1) The world is truly getting smaller for me.

2) No matter what happens in this world, we are personally connected to it more and more each day.

3) It is my sincere desire that I am deserving of as many friends as these two are.

With such personal connections with people and events around us (like them or not), I believe that it is even more important for us to see those connections and ensure that they are the most positive as we are capable of making them.