How the heck are you? Mighty fine here. No complaints- BUT, if you have a minute, here’s a quick summary of my morning: I flew out the door at “oh-dark-thirty” this a-m; Frost on the car, 30 degrees on the ‘therm (I thought the calendar read SPRING?) “Check-Engine” light on-(Cha Ching! Just let me make it to work, please?) And, once here: HEADLINES: Another young man shot in a local drive-by; A woman hit by a fork-lift and killed;  and, more leaking radiation in Japan.

BUT,

as the day progresses, I pray it will get better. I believe it will. Check out this beautiful evidence of … hope- in Japan.

Cherry blossoms in Japan

Sri Chimoy wrote:

“Hope abides; Therefore I abide.

Countless frustrations have not cowed me.

I am still alive, vibrant with life.

The black cloud will disappear,

The morning sun will appear once again

in all its supernal glory.”

Make it a great day. Don R.

Ritina Arrington - future Supreme Court Justice

Ritina Arrington -WAVY TV’s Young Achiever

 Sadly, we said goodbye to him this weekend.

Justice Leroy Roundtree Hassell 1955-2011

Leroy Roundtree Hassell was also a big dreamer while at Norfolk’s NORVIEW HIGH SCHOOL.  He died Wednesday at age 55. A celebration of his life was held Saturday in Richmond just as the month-long celebration of the history he helped to make- kicks into full gear.

 I didn’t know Leroy Roundtree Hassell. But I knew of  him after the 30 second story crossed my desk in 2002.  The headline read something like: “Black Norfolk Lawyer Elected Chief Justice of Virginia Supreme Court.” BOOM-SHA-KA-LA-KA! 

 Like many blacks, I still “count.” “Oh! He’s the first black- this, or the only black- that.” Each “first” representing one step forward, or one more wrong that’s been righted, or one more opportunity to prove “Yes, I can, Yes, ‘we’ can” – after generations of “no you can’t's…”  I also “count” my news stories everyday- noting the number of African Americans killed and convicted of crimes. In some weeks it averages about 4 a day! Do the math.

 Leroy Roundtree Hassell dreamed big dreams. Like RITINA, his mother and father encouraged him in the home. Classmates challenged him at NORVIEW HIGH. University of Virginia rewarded him with “scholar of the year” honors, and a degree in 1977.  Harvard pushed him to expand his intellectual limits before conveying upon him a law degree in 1980.
 A few years later, the international law firm McGuire Woods paid him, in a sense, to keep on dreaming (and documenting!    In 1989, Governor Gerald Baliles called him… and then named 34 year old Leroy Roundtree Hassell to the Virginia Supreme Court. And when his fellow justices elected him “chief” – Hassell became the first black to get the top job and the first justice to ever to be elected by other members of the court.  Students like Ritina could look to the state’s highest court and actually see someone who looks like her and was from her neighborhood! She could then say: “If he could do it…”

Hey, Ritina, as I’m sure your parents and mentors are teaching you, success is about more than just the books. On the passing of Leroy Roundtree Hassell. Governor Baliles said:

“I valued his friendship, his contributions to the commonwealth and the country, and respected his intergrity, intellectual depth and commitment to access to justice for all our people, regardless circumstance.”

Local attorney and WAVY NEWS 10 legal contributor Eric Moody said of Justice Hassell:
 ”…The Commonwealth of Virginia is well known for its propensity to maintain the status quo, and the judiciary is one of the leading examples of this tendency. Notwithstanding his position and credentials, Justice Hassell was a non-conformist in his thoughts and actions. He wrote several dissenting opinions sharply disagreeing with his colleagues on the bench. Notably an historic figure in being the “first” in a number of positions as an African American, he readily shunned that title.
Mr. Moody continues:  ”To say that ‘his shoes will be hard to fill’ does a disservice to the impact and the role he has played in government and in Virginia history. His model as one who can overcome formidable obstacles with hard work and preparation, ranks with some of the great icons of our time. Young people will for many years to come hear his name associated with the power of education to allow them to reach their goals, and the impact that strength of character has on ones ability to excel.”
 
Hey, RITINA, I think you already know the words to that song. Keep singing, and keep running towards your goal. And even after you reach it, please keep on volunteering- making time to sing loud enough for the younger kids to hear you… Kids in schools DREAM KEEPERS ACADEMY in Norfolk, and ACHIEVABLE DREAM in Newport News- any school for that matter. 

By the way, two final thoughts, RITINA: 1) You have a beautiful name that’s uniquely yours… and 2) There are two seats now open on the Virginia Supreme Court. Hmmm.

Contestants in the Va's Youth Got Talent program

We here at WAVY get calls all the time to cover youth events. But the show’s producer, Ms LaLande, was soooo persistent.  She was justing fighting for a little “spotlight” on these special “kids.”  All could sing. But it was WHAT they sung that’s still ringing in my ears….

The first performers- 12 year old Veronica Zamora (in the white hat) and her 13 year old sister “Vickie Jade,” covered the Leonard Cohen classic- Hallelujah. I was shocked that kids that young were true to the passion of such a “heavy” lyric: 

“It’s not a cry that you hear at night, it’s not somebody who’s seen the light… it’s a cold and it’s a broken hallelujah.”

Next was  17 year old Aaron- BIG AARON- Mathews- with a song he says he wrote and arranged: 

“Woke up this morning… with a bad headache and I… don’t know if I’m gonna die… but I just keep movin. And as I’m walkin’ down the street, I see people hatin’ on me.. but I just smile and wave… and then I keep movin…”

21 year old Jordan Clark was the finale of this mini-performance, interpreting Alicia Keys’ ANGEL:

“Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong anywhere.. and it’s gonna take so long for me to get somewhere… Sometimes I feel so heavy-hearted and I can’t explain caused I’m so guarded…but that’s a lonely road to travel  and a heavy load to bear.. and it’s a long long way to heaven… but I gotta get there…”

No mindless, self-respect-less rappin’, no skin tight, innapropriate outfits, here. It was as if each performer was carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders- hoping for some release -  on stage. LaLande says they’ll get it Saturday, 1pm at the Murray Center. I’m a witness. Virginia Youth GOT talent! And with their performance, we all should have hope.

Redskins' Pride

While out and about, in between the morning and noon shows, I didn’t want to bulk up with a heavy coat- so I donned  my trusty WASHINGTON REDSKINS t-shirt. I thought it looked pretty sporty over my anchorman-uniform-white-shirt and necktie. The ‘Skins’ T was a gift from some students  whom I recently visited at school.  So, I think of them when I wear it, but really,  I just like showing off my REDSKINS’ pride (cough cough). Actually, it never fails to spark a conversation. And the person approaching me usually starts off with something like: HOW ‘BOUT DEM COWBOYS?!  Yeah, have a nice day. :-[  Well, on this day, Carline Green greeted me with a big smile in the Old Towne 7-eleven.

Redskins' lady Carline Green

When I noticed her employee smock I thought she was about to “call me out” for trying to hog some of those tasty coffee creamers. I always seem to raise an eyebrow at the counter when I buy an 8 ounce cup ‘o Joe and then, as an afterthought, place at least five creamers on the counter, too. 

prized Creamers

Ms. Green didn’t really bust my chops on the creamers, but she did compliment me on the shirt. She said the REDSKINS were her dad’s favorite team.  “Were?”  I asked.  “Yes” she sighed, adding that her dad died two days ago. BOOM!  “I’m really sorry to hear that”  was about all I could think to say after that shot between the eyes. But then, I looked at hers and they still seemed to round out a sincere smile. “He was sick, but he’s in a better place, now,” she said.  I quickly made a personal leap and thought of my 78 year old dad in Baltimore who’s also dealing with some challenges. CURTIS WILSON was just 53. I’m 54. And just when I thought we’d both would start crying, she told me of how daddy CURTIS loved “his” Redskins.  Back came the smiles. Following the team brought CURTIS WILSON some  joy- or at least a distraction from his day-to-day. Daddy CURTIS had cancer, first in the hip, then in the lungs. Carline says daddy CURTIS fought hard against the “big C”  before he left us, Sunday. Carline is a twin, the third born of CURTIS’ four children. She says he loved to cook- did it professionally at a popular local restaurant. He then moved onto a job of transporting mentally challenged patients to their medical appointments. Carline also told me family and friends should not be surprised at the viewing and wake tonight at Corprew funeral home, when they see him decked out in Redskin’s gear. CURTIS loved his burgundy and gold sweats, which, I presume, kept him warmed up in case Coach Shanahan called him.   While we talked, still in an aisle at the Olde Towne 7 eleven, I noticed Carline was holding a newspaper. I asked if I could read the obituary. She said there was none- just the death notice – because the cost of the newspaper obituary was more than the family could handle. And after the service tonight and funeral at noon, Wednesday (1/26/11, 12n), CURTIS WILSON is to be cremated – yes- in his REDSKINS’ sweats.  Carline says daddy CURTIS loved his children… and his REDSKINS… and fried food, in that order.

Curtis Wilson, super Redskins' fan 1958-2011

 So long, daddy CURTIS WILSON. And from this day forward,  when I don my burgundy and gold (and grey) T, I suspect you’ll be cheering right along with me.

Out the doorWow!

During those reflective moments, I counted my blessings – family, health, and – friends. There’s ”PAUL, the letter carrier,”  one of the folks to has to work through it all. I got this picture the week before the snow- remember the 20 degree daytime temperatures?

Paul, a USPS "M-V-P" carrying a "G-A" - great attitude!

Paul said he layered up and forgot about the temps as best he could- until I slowed him down and reminded him with that unforgettable, orginal line: “IS IT COLD ENOUGH FOR YOU?”  (dolt!)   This former pro-football-practice player makes a mad dash through my Newport News neighborhood every day. And though he appears to be a “young buck” PAUL is the epitome of the romanticized, iconic, “mailman” of old…

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their apointed rounds…”

According to Wikipedia, that inscription is found on the James Farley Post Office in New York city. I understand it came from a quote from Herodotus’ Histories and referred to the courier service of the ancient Persian Empire:

“It is said that as many days as there are in the whole journey, so many are the men and horses that stand along the road, each horse and man at the interval of a day’s journey; and these are stayed neither by snow nor rain nor heat nor darkness from accomplishing their appointed course with all speed.” (trans. A.D. Godley 1924)

But, wait, there’s more!  In 2001, according to Wiki, the USPS created a t-v commercial edited to Carly Simon’s song “Let the River Run.”  The commercial aired after the September 11 attacks and the anthrax mailings. There was no announcer, just the text:

“We are mothers and fathers. And sons and daughters. Who every day go about our lives with duty, honor and pride. And neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor the winds of change, nor a nation challenged, will stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds. Ever. ”

That’s Paul.  If you’re in my neighbor, his zone, don’t blink.You’ll miss him. He’s that fast- and always focussed- Git-r- dun! And he has the greatest attitude around.  Except for that hat! Grrrrr.

Great Letter Carrier, proud Dallas fan

I witnessed it being given this past weekend. And, oh, what a feeling. Do you remember how cold it was Saturday morning? Well, the temperature in the 30′s, along with the time of day, were factors I just knew would keep down the numbers of teen volunteers my church needed in order to assist three of our seniors. Yes, I know teens are just busier these days – with athletics and other school and community stuff, but will still hoped the kids would make time for such a worthwhile cause. Two of the three seniors were in their 90′s and just don’t get around much anymore. We (co group leader Mario Mazzarella and volunteer mom Maria Negron) managed to coral 5 kids whose parents dropped them off at St. Vincent de Paul Church in downtown Newport News at 830 A-M. I worked with 16 year old CHUCK of Suffolk.  Layered up with 3 tops and a smile, we arrived at Mrs. Haskins’ 34th street house in less than 5 minutes. The front lawn was already raked but the back needed a little attention. My steel rake handle broke- how convenient.  But Chuck’s flexible plastic wide bodied tool was up to the challenge.

Teen Volunteer Chuck Jaggard giving a senior citizen the gift of his time.

He had his meager pile bagged in minutes. We’re done, right? Well, not quite. Mrs. Haskins just happened to mention how she hadn’t been able to get a couple of cracked storm door glass panes replaced with fresh glass. So, since we were done early with the leaves, I “volunteered” us for the job. Now, if you know anything about old wooden pane windows- changing the glass can be a “pain.” But, “I figured….”  Yeah, uhuh. Chuck, a typical 2-k teen with professional parents living in a newer suburban neighborhood, didn’t know the difference between a window pane and a pocket door.  But, he was game for the challenge.  So, we got busy:

Chuck installing window pane in a senior citizen's door.

Don R., the teacher, and Chuck the pane remover- scraped, cracked, chiseled, puttied and…. done! 2 HOURS LATER!  Hey! It was cold! And the fingers weren’t cooperating. Plus we had to run to the store to get the glass cut.  Bottom line- we got it done. And the smile on Mrs. Haskin’s face was well worth it.

Mrs. Pearlie Haskins thanking Chuck

What a great attitude this kid has. What a bad picture I took! Sorry, it was the cam, not me! Mom, Vanda and father, B-J, should be very proud of Chuck and his brother Brandon who also volunteered. Their church buddies Adriana Negron, Jack Nichting and Taylor Ferebee also gave their time on this cold December morning.  But they didn’t take any pictures. They said it wasn’t about that. Great! They got “it.”  And, yes, they also received “it.” 

Meanwhile, in Hampton… another group of volunteers was making the most of their Saturday at the annual “Able R Us” Christmas party at “The Alley” nightclub at New Market.  Every year for as long as I can remember, Jane Hobbs  and her motley crew of professionals and caring adults, host a pretty elaborate affair. It’s for hundreds of disabled adults, their family members and caregivers.

Patrons at the "Able R Us" party at the Alley

Mr and Mrs Santa @ The Able R Us party

Harold and Carol - two "clients" at the Able R Us party

The “Alley” club management provides the atmosphere, and dee-jays. Jane and crew serve up the food and drink… And SANTA,  of course,  provides the gifts… for ALL attendees. Jane has called on me for  -I -don’t-know- how-many- years-now, to just come and hang out with the very loyal WAVY TV fans. So, it’s automatic for me now -  first Saturday in December, 12 noon- The Able R Us Party -  BE THERE! I make it a point to either ”eyeball” or shake the hand of every “client” there. (And, no, I didn’t call in sick Monday) The love and broad smiles they give in return make it all worth it.  Thank you, Able R Us crew (and clients)  for the gift you’ve given to me. Merry Christmas!

That’s how we celebrated  THANKSGIVING at the Roberts’ compound -  watching one of America’s finest soldiers burn off Mrs. Roberts’ world famous turkey – by doing 100 PUSH UPS! And PFC John Hanne did them all in less than 2 minutes! In-freakin’-credible. I can do 100 push ups -  TODAY!  Actually, truth be told, Hanne HAD to do the pushups because he lost a bet. He talked a little smack to his fellow soldiers ’bout dem COWBOYS- thought they were going to kick a little Louisiana tail. In Baltimore we call that – “Selling Wolf Tickets!”  Don’t ask.   Hanne was one of four Ft. Eustis soldiers to join my family and friends for dinner, Thursday. But THEY were the treat.  It all started around 930 as I joined a crowd of about 100 other families at the Hampton Coliseum. 

About 200 military members were matched with families like these from around Hampton Roads. The matching went off without a hitch, thanks to the great efforts and coordination of the USO. So, what did we do all day? Just chilled! My son is the age of the guys and Kevin had the latest video game hook-ups. They were in hog heaven ’til it was time for football.  CLICK! Hello Patriots/Lions, Cowboys/Saints!  But the fellas didn’t hide behind the goal posts all day. They kept popping in the kitchen to check on me and my wife (and the turkeys) – offering to help out with dinner preps. We talked everything – from football, military, what to do ’round the Peninsula, and simply – livin’ life in general – here and back in their hometowns. We found plenty of common ground. Two of the soldiers are parents. All are athletic. None liked the REDSKINS (for the record, we do!) One soldier thought a couple of South Carolina high school football teams were better than Phoebus and Hampton. I asked him what was he smokin’.  One soldier is about to be stationed in KOREA, (my brother and uncle were there) another headed to GERMANY. The others may eventually do time in Afghanistan -keeping our choppers flying or delivering supplies to the frontliners. Their enthusiasm for serving our country was wonderful to hear. 

We fortified them with a home cooked meal and a lot of confidence in knowing that we are thankful for their service and support them 100%.  So, again, John P., Chandler V., Kyle K., and John H., thank YOU for a great Thanksgiving.

Hidenwood ES K-2 kids

"Do Your Best!

That’s how I felt before- during- and after this visit to Hidenwood Elementary in Newport News  Thursday, (Nov. 18, ’10)  Faculty and staff were gracious enough to invite me and allow me time to talk with the children and pump them up for a day- a year- a LIFETIME of learning. 

Hidenwood ES students

Hidenwood Letters to Don

And to sweeten the pot, the children wrote me “thank you” letters.  No, No, No,  thank YOU, Hidenwood elementary.  Quick shout out to Ms. Deborah Pope Johnson- parent liason at H.E.

 You may have noticed I’ve been struggling the last several of days- doing a poor imitation of Barry White. I’m suffering from my seasonal battle with a triple whammy: sore throat/laryngitis/sinus trouble. It’s made life miserable- just a couple of hours of sleep last night, alone.  At choir practice earlier, I pulled a Milli Vanilli- problem was, my choir director didn’t notice.  Dang! Meanwhile, I asked for your help on our WAVY Facebook page - and, boy, did you respond!  Check out the top 10 tips [and my comments ]

[DON: Yeah, and when I start spouting lava on air...]

BONNIE HARRIS: Garlic syrup, made by crushing several cloves of garlic, putting them in a jar and covering with enough strong dark honey tocover. Let sit for a few days to “steep”, then strain to remove garlic. Take one to two tablespoons as needed.”

[DON: If my throat doesn't get better, at least I'll ward off lurking Vampires!]

ANDREA JOHNSON CLAXTON: ” Since sore throats are often caused by sinus drip, I recommend a Neti-Pot or other sinus rinse system at the onset of symptoms. I start using mine as soon as I get the sniffles. It sounds gross and/or scary before you try it, but it works so well that I have become a true believer!”

[DON: I hate Neti-Pots! I almost drowned first time I tried one. But after I stopped whining, my sinuses actually cleared up! ]

TRANLEY DEHAVEN: “A small glass of ginger ale or diet sprite, a cao full of whiskey, a tsp. of honey and a squirt of lemon; stir and sip on it. Works everytime for me!”

[DON: Whiskey, huh? He,he he. I'll feeling better already.]

MARY CAMPBELL THORNTON: Hot tea with honey and a warm scarf around your neck. (Maybe) a shot of brandy, too! lol

[DON: If I can't coordinate the scarf with my suit, I'll just wear a super thick neck tie. But, really, after a 'lil taste of brandy I won't care what I'm wearing!]

BONNIE TOYOU: “Gargle with warm (as you can tolerate) salt water every 4 hours for 24 hours. This is an oldie but goodie!”

 [DON: Ah, yes- warm salt water: Translation: spit]

WENDI DUNLO-AMBROSE: Tea, warmed. A spot of sugar and a spoonfull of honey. (If you are lucky enough to find some local honey that’s even better). Feel better soon! And start wearing a scarf and wrap up

[DON:  Tea and Honey's the winning ticket. But, there we go with that scarf again. Local HONEY is a good idea- allergies and all...]

ROBERT W. BAIN: Take several shots of Wild Turkey 101 or some Grand Marnier.

[DON: SEVERAL shots, huh?  What exactly are we curing here, Robert?]

CYNTHIA C. BAILEY: Nothing hot, it makes it worse. Try something cold -like a smoothie or ice cream. You will feel the soothing right  away…

[DON: Alright, "Doctor" Bailey- First time I've heard of this "cold" solution, but, I'm on that tonight!]

VIRGINIA RECKARD BUCKLEY:  ”You are gonna love this- my mother, God rest her soul, told me her mother used to put cold salt pork in a scarf and wrap it around her throat. She had to wear it to school and said she didn’t smell too good at the end of the day. LOL

[DON: And, Ms Buckley, I'll bet that remedy worked, your mom was cured, and she was also voted "most likely to get eaten by a bear!"]

I almost said just that as I tried to pump up the 100 or so teenagers and adults I met with recently at the Barry Robinson Center in Norfolk. What a neat place. What a neat group. We gathered in a 77 year old colonial style church in the heart of this sprawling 32 acre campus off Kempsville Road in Norfolk. I stood right where you see The Most Reverend Francis X DiLorenzo, Bishop of the Richmond diocese of the Catholic church (in this 2 year old photo).

On December 8, 2008 The Barry Robinson Center celebrated 75 years of serving the needs of troubled youth. The Most Reverend Francis X. DiLorenzo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, rededicated the BRC chapel and officiated at a prayer service and a Mass which was attended by many former students.

Barry Robinson Center older adolescent program

Barry Robinson Center

Check out some of the other “stock photos” of scenes depicting what I can honestly describe as  miracles in action. Many of the children I met are in in-patient programs at BRC. They’re recovering from substance abuse and addictions. Yeah, children, ages 6 to 18. They welcomed me with opened arms. And they appeared to appreciate the tough love of  the BRC staff. As I challenged the kids to “listen to the voice, make the right choice” they challenged me with questions about the TV news business, how I got to do what I do, and why I chose this profession. I told them “they” were the answer. By doing a news report or a blog, or just meeting with them, maybe something from this experience can make a difference- even help some other families struggling with similar challenges.

As i told them of how I’m achieving my dream, they were quick to tell me of theirs, to- join the Marines, become a pediatrician, a police officer, an attorney.  BRC’s mission is to get them back on track and headed in the right direction. We took a few more positive steps this day.  And 75 minutes after we began, I was ready to say AMEN and, thank you BRC for the wonderful experience.