In Appalachia, there are specific memories for many of us surrounding holidays and celebrations. One of those this time of year is homemade popcorn balls. Homemade popcorn balls as treats originated in our family more as a necessity. Having extra money to purchase candy was not a consideration – so instead of cash, the resources… Read more »

A number of years back, I had the opportunity and pleasure to serve as a member and subsequent Chairman of the Risk Management Association’s (RMA) Community Bank Council. Fifteen Bank CEOs and Executives from around the country provided input and guidance to the RMA as the organization supported Community Banks. Our fall meeting was normally… Read more »

If you are like me, you are probably feeling a little tired about now. On top of all the “normal” things that stress us out, such as work, kids, school, army worms eating my lawn… What are army worms… and why have I never heard of them before? (Ok Leton, get back on topic!) As… Read more »

If you recognize that flow of words (and we know who you are), you are likely a Monty Python fan. Over the years as my children (thoroughly indoctrinated – my wife says brain washed –  in the ways of the Monty) brought home dates, and eventually spouses, I always found it amusing to watch our… Read more »

When Tammie and I lived in Richmond, many folks recommend that we travel to Green Front Furniture in Farmville (90 minutes away) to buy furniture. We were looking for a bed for our daughter (transitioning from the baby bed to the little girl bed). We went, we found a good deal, and we spent money… Read more »

Life’s journey is always full of surprises. Some good. Some bad. One of the best things to happen to me in my life was becoming friends with William Fields. Some may look at the two of us and wonder, how could two fellows like you be friends, even spiritual brothers? William grew up in a… Read more »

As a young banker, I had a wonderful mentor in Bill Clements, a progressive banker who in many ways was ahead of his times. However, I was also blessed to have many other professional influences in my life, especially our Bank Board. William Kanto who was a great influencer on the establishment of Lenowisco and… Read more »

On my way home from a College Board meeting one Thursday evening, I spotted him. On my left. The young fellow (10ish) on his bike in the lot of the local VDOT office. He popped a “wheelie” on his bike and rode across the entire lot. He looked at me, and I gave him a… Read more »

One of my favorite pictures of all time is of my son in his blue cap and gown graduating from preschool at Abingdon Presbyterian. A broad smile graced his face while his hands were wrapped around a diploma like an upright baseball bat. A perfect picture if there ever was one of the happiness and… Read more »

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Austin, Texas to attend the American Bankers Association’s (ABA) Summer Leadership Conference. Bank CEOs, leaders of state Bankers Associations and ABA staff spent time discussing legislative, regulatory, cyber security, COVID and other issues impacting our industry. The all-day sessions were thorough and very informative (what you… Read more »