Category: Uncategorized
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What’s Worse Than Coal? These Christmas Presents
(Originally published on The Billfold, a publication that recently shut down) It’s Christmas morning and I am 20 years old. My mom poured some hot tea and my brother whined about getting out of bed. Magic, our family dog, barked and jumped in circles as we all gathered around our sparkling tree to start…
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A Piece of Jordyn
By: Jenny Tolep He didn’t hit me a lot. But when he did hit me…he hit me hard.” Jordyn, who asked that her last name not be used, hid her bruises with makeup and wore pants on hot summer days. Jordyn was a victim of dating violence. She met her first boyfriend at age 16.…
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Rewards of Being a Parent
By: Jenny Tolep “Hi Jenny, Hi Jenny, Hi Jenny.” The sound of an expressive, energetic voice echoes as 6 year-old Maryellen greets a visitor in her home. After greeting her guest countless times, she proceeds to run, jump and climb while singing at full volume. This behavior is normal for Harrisonburg parents Marybeth and Keith…
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Grab a Handful and Taste
By: Jenny Tolep How far would you drive for a bag of potato chips? In Virginia, Route 11 Potato Chip factory attracts people traveling from California, Arizona or Hawaii. Company owner Sarah Cohen likes to think it’s the unique ingredients and methods that draw customers from afar. Visitors can try each chip flavor and watch…
Jenny Tolep 