I was one of many guest readers at the Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Library in Chesapeake on Monday, February 23. I read an excerpt from the book “Chicken Soup for the Teenager’s Soul”.  The group of kids ranged in age, but most were high school students.   Not only did I read to them,  we had a wonderful conversation about life.  I told them doing the right thing may not always be the easy thing to do, but all of our actions have consequences and they need to consider that.  Peer pressure is difficult and they may think they’re in the best years of their lives, but they are not.  They have much more to look forward to.

Libraries, schools, churches, bookstores were encouraged to coordinate read-ins like this one, to help make African-American literacy a tradtional part of Black History month activities.

The Cuffee Library has several programs to encourage young people to read and succeed in life.  Some of the groups include the Little Ladies Book Club, Boys To Men Book Club, and Book Divas.  Almost off the kids told me they plan to go on to college.  I suggest they pick books on subjects they want to learn more about and read them during their summer break to keep their minds fresh.  The fact that they spend time with their reading groups and were there with me at 7 p.m. on a school night showed me their dedication and determintation.  I believe this group will go far with the help of their teachers, families, and the community.

This group is used to having guest speakers year round because the Cuffee Library has a mentoring program  that makes sure the young men and women are exposed to speakers from different professions.

The Cuffee Library is gearing up for its 3rd annual parade on June 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The parade route has expanded this year and the library is looking for bands, color guards, floats, food and vehicles for the distinguished guests. The parade kicks off the summer reading program where kids are encouraged to read at least 20 a day, to keep their minds fresh while school is out.   For more information or If you want to help, call Donna Darnell at (757) 410-7036 or click here:

http://www.chesapeake.lib.va.us/CC_Library/CChome.htm

He’s had quite an impressive 16 year career as a professional basketball player, but for those of us who know him- he’s more than just a basketball player.  I met Zo years ago at a RUN D.M.C. concert at the Norfolk Scope.   I was with some buddies and he was with some buddies and we all quickly became friends.   Zo has always been approachable and willing to help the less fortunate.  He didn’t have a rich upbringing when it comes to money and material things, but he will tell you his immediate and extended family provided him with an experience that positively shaped his life,  and made him the strong person that he is today.

Although Zo and his wife Tracey and kids live in Miami- he still visits Hampton Roads often and knows where his roots are.  Up until a few years ago, he held a charity softball tournament to benefit the free clinic in Chesapeake.    I was honored to be asked to attempt to play on the media team two years in a row.

He now holds a golf tournament in Hampton Roads to benefit the clinic.

His “Zo’s Summer Groove” event in Miami has grown leaps and bounds over the years and there are several other things he does to help people that he doesn’t seek the media’s attention for.

Zo has suffered from kidney disease, received a transplant, played again after that, then suffered a knee injury.

Now, retired at the age of 38,  he will have more time to spend with his wife, children, extended family and friends- and continue to make a difference and make Hampton Roads proud.   Good Luck, Zo!

Chesapeake’s B.J. Upton has been a big reason the Rays lineup produced this  year.  Upton’s power numbers have been down, but he’s stealing a ton of bases.  Chris Reckling and I talked with B.J. this week when the Rays made a trip to Baltimore.

The first thing I noticed about the Rays is that they were incredibly loose.  I don’t know if I’ve seen a team that loose before a game.  It was just before a game that could have clinched them the A.L. East title, too.  Turns out the happy-go-lucky attitude wasn’t bad for them.  They crushed the O’s on this night.

B.J. has a mohawk now.  He doesn’t stand out.  Basically everyone on the team has the signiture hair cut now, including the manager.  The wholde thing started about a month ago.  It was just one of those things that brought the team closer together. 

Upton is a very serious guy, but even he was sporting the new hairdo.  B.J also says the whole thing about him not hustling this year is in the past.  When I asked him about it, I could tell he was a little uncomfortable talking about it.  I think he’s embarrassed.  The good news is the manager doesn’t hold a grudge.  When I asked Madden he said kids make mistakes.

Last year at Grassfield High School during the charity home run derby, I asked B.J. if he dreamed of post season baseball.  Now, just a few months later, it will soon become a reality.