Jambo jambo! I find myself using this joyful greeting to friends and colleagues even though we have been back in the U.S. for a few weeks after our whirlwind adventure in Kenya. To say that I was deeply touched and changed by my time in East Africa would be an understatement. I have always believed… Continue reading Asante sana, Kenya!
I don't think I can believe it myself yet, but traveling across Kenya for 13 days was certainly an eye opening experience. From a 48,000 acre cattle ranch to a 5 acre farm focused on educating others on the importance of sustainable farming practices, we saw many different aspects of Kenyan agriculture. One of many… Continue reading Kenya believe I spent two weeks in Africa!?
Southern Virginia, once rich with textile mills and tobacco fields, is finding new ways to create economic opportunity for its citizens. During this seminar, our visits were diverse. From the cutting-edge technology of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to a successful first-generation farmer to a small family farm working to feed its growing community… Continue reading Cultivating Opportunity
Similar to July’s seminar in Southwest VA, our time in Southern VA provided me with the opportunity to see several more Tobacco Commission investments at work. These projects were primarily located at the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research, a facility I have visited numerous times over the years although those visits were generally for… Continue reading Growth and Change
During our most recent seminar to Southside Virginia three themes seemed to resonate with me. Those were revitalization, faith, and passion. Revitalization was evident from the moment we checked into The Bee Hotel in Danville. This boutique hotel was once the home of the Danville Register & Bee newspaper and has been amazingly restored. I look… Continue reading Revitalization, Faith and Passion
Visiting Southern (or Southside) Virginia was another educational experience for me. Growing up close to this region means I am familiar with the agriculture, but I was in for some surprises. I thought Megan, our fearless leader, set the stage well as we kicked off this trip in Danville by watching a video of August… Continue reading Passionate Advocates for Economic Viability
Our recent trip to Southside VA might have been our shortest VALOR seminar to date, but it helped to reinforce for me a lesson I was taught many years ago. A former colleague of mine always used to remind us that: “When your values are clear, your choices are easy.” This statement constantly plays on… Continue reading Clear Values, Easy Choices
Visiting the Northern Neck was certainly an eye opening experience for me. When I think of farming, all the traditional "on-land" practices come to mind. However, in this part of the state, farming methods include "in-water"! Oyster farming is a thing, and a very delicate process at that. I had no idea it took about… Continue reading Northern Neck – A sense of Community
Our September seminar took us to Northern Neck and I was very excited about the visit. As much as I complain about how few people travel to SW, it was a great personal reminder that there are many areas of Virginia that I have never been to. Northern Neck is one of those areas. I… Continue reading Food and Flexibility!!
While I may have grown-up in Central Virginia...visits to coastal Virginia and the Chesapeake always seem a bit like a homecoming. With strong family ties to Virginia's watermen, their brogue dialect and food culture - it is always a welcome treat to return to the water.Day 1: Our trip to the Northern Neck kicked off… Continue reading Chesapeake
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