It’s that time of year. High School and College Graduations abound, taxing our schedules. This spring, we have several of our own “PVB” graduates whom we want to celebrate.

Most folks are aware of The Great Gatsby, a 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, known in some circles as the “Great American Novel.” But it didn’t start out that way.

Over the weekend, we watched the movie “A Complete Unknown”, a movie about Bob Dylan and his blossoming career.   There are lots of things one could take from the movie: His relationships with Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Woody Guthrie and other noted musicians. His difficulty relating to others, including his girlfriend, made… Read more »

Anyone who has known me for a while knows that I talk about how Banks used to be like the Grocery Story (having to go there every week or so), and now they are like Doctors’ offices (only going when someone has to).   So, it was with much interest yesterday evening that I watched… Read more »

One of my favorite days of the “banking” year is Virginia Reads Day. Each year PVB selects a primary or elementary school in our region to be our sponsored school. Everyone (student, faculty, staff) in the school gets the same book and enjoys a community reading event. I like to read. It’s a yearning my… Read more »

Are you ready for Spring? So am I!   This winter seems to have gone on and on, with this latest bout of cold weather just piling on. Times like this make me, you, and every one long for spring. We are blessed to have four seasons in Appalachia, and when we get too worn… Read more »

Over time, have you ever bought something (a car, TV, microwave, outfit, or purse) only to learn later that you paid too much for it? Remember that sinking feeling in your stomach and the regret that maybe you should have shopped a bit more before making the purchase? Well, every day your friends and neighbors… Read more »

You may or may not have heard of Sister Bernadette Kenny known to many in our region as Sister Bernie. If not, you should read up on her. Sister Bernie moved here (via Boston, thru Africa, and then Ireland) as a part of the Medical Missionaries of Mary. Their primary focus was St. Mary’s Hospital… Read more »

For some, the ultimate objective this time of year is getting a plastic pumpkin full of candy. Yet for me, my cousins, and my friends, we looked forward to one thing—my mom’s homemade popcorn balls. Not having much in the way of funds to buy candy, my mom invested her time and love in creating… Read more »

Over the past few years Tammie and I have traveled to the Isle Of Palms to relax, enjoy the beach, read books, and eat good seafood. Traveling there annually has allowed us to become familiar with the lay of the land and the changes brought by the waves.   This year, instead of my morning… Read more »