Easter

Written by Karen Harris 

Christ is risen!  He is risen, indeed!  The Choral Alleluias of Easter morning shatter the quiet reflections of Lent. Well, to be completely honest, we have been rehearsing those Alleluias throughout Lent.  The solemnity of the Sunday services, and the beautiful, mournful music of Maundy Thursday and the Tenebrae of Good Friday overshadow our practices until the big moment at 8:30 on Easter Sunday.  As we climb the steps to the balcony, the service opens with brass and organ.  My daughter and I position ourselves behind the rest of the family seated in the last pew to sing close to them.  The high notes of the descants fairly fly from the balcony to the chancel and back.  The white and gold of our robes and stoles mirror the Easter lilies and horns.  

Between the services, we feast at the choir buffet.  We temper our desire to eat some of everything with memories of Easters past, and the dozy sensations during the second service.  If we stayed in the balcony, the nodding of our heads would go unnoticed, but, of course, we process to the chancel, where the entire congregation would catch us napping.  And, there is the lamb, marinating in the fridge, with new potatoes, asparagus, and more, awaiting us at home.  The 11:00 service is packed, every chair in the narthex is full and latecomers stand behind them.  Somehow, though this is our second time today, the hymns seem fresh and new, even the beloved and familiar “Halleluiah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah.  Family, faith, music, and joy-what more could I ask for?

About the Author: Karen Harris is a writer and editor from San Francisco, now residing in Virginia Beach.   Her story “I Have A Dress” appeared in By the Bay: East Beach Stories.  Her story “Comings and Goings” will appear in Volume II  which will be published in 2017.

A Day In The Life: Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Chief Tomich & Rosie

Writtten by Michelle Davenport

As many people may know, I volunteer at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Norfolk, VA.  Normally I do administrative work, some scheduling and keeping my 'boss' entertained, but that's not what this article is about.  I've chosen to share an event versus the day to day of what I do.  Because let's face it, data entry is boring.

Every year in August the museum spends time with the Chief Selectees and gives them a bit of naval history on chiefs. It's called CPO Heritage.  I've been fortunate enough to help in four of these.

For three years I helped sell raffle tickets to win a cutlass.  The cutlass is normally donated by Vanguard, so all proceeds go to the museum to pay for coffee and such for the volunteers.  A big shout out to Vanguard for doing this!  My first year, on the first day, I even went through all the presentations with a group of selectees.  This year, the chief's mess took care of the raffle and I was not needed.  I turned to my 'boss' and asked what I could do.

This was my last year for this event and I did NOT want to miss out on it!

We can do it!

So it was decided that I would help with a presentation.  Tom would be portraying Chief Peter Tomich during his presentation of what happened on the USS UTAH on December 7, 1941.

Yes, Chief Tomich was a real person and actually on board the ship during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  

But how were we going to work in why I was there?  I wanted to blend in with the presentation.  At first I had thought to dress like a woman from the 1940s, that could be fun, but why would she be on the ship.  Then my husband came up with the idea of Rosie The Riveter.  Tom loved it!  I loved it!  It was an easy costume and Tom could quickly explain why I was there.

Beyond Boobs! "Breast" Ball Golf Tournament

Written by Jamie McAllister

As the owner of McAllister Writing & Editing, it is a great privilege to be able to volunteer my time and talents with Beyond Boobs!, a nonprofit based in Williamsburg, Virginia. The group is dedicated to helping young breast cancer survivors enjoy every moment of their lives post-diagnosis. I interview those the group serves, known affectionately as “Boobers,” and I also speak with their friends and family members, as well as volunteers, donors, and medical personnel. I share their stories on the blog to spread the word about the great work Beyond Boobs! is doing in the world.

Each spring the group holds a golf tournament to raise funds for their mission, and I often join them at Ford’s Colony Country Club in Williamsburg. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and hanging out at the event gives me the chance to meet the folks I speak with for the blog in person. I also get the chance to hang out with the Good Health Fairy as she uses her sassy style and eye-catching attire to spread the group’s message of love and hope! 

Chesapeake Bay Living: A Year In The Annual Trial Garden

Annual Trial Garden

Written by Karen Harris

When I mention my work as a Master Gardener, and say that I work at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, AREC for short, most folks, even locals, give me a blank look.  

If I say I work off Diamond Springs Road, where the gardens are, the response is nearly always enthusiastic, and that warms my heart.  A team of devoted volunteers tends this lovely flower garden, blooming its heart out on a busy, industrial street.