Essays and Commentaries Podcast from WVTF

Bedtime

Kerry Day — 2010-08-30 00:00:00

Many people have a hard time waking up and getting out of bed in the morning, but it's often the opposite for children. Their struggle is getting to sleep in the first place. WVTF Radio essayist Kerry Day shares her family's bedtime ritual.

Meetings, Thumbs & Cardoons

Jerry Sauter — 2010-08-23 00:00:00

With summer vacation closing in, it's back to business for many people. Parents are shopping for school supplies, students are setting their alarms again and teachers are enduring an annual back-to-school ritual of their own. Here's Floyd County essayist and teacher, Jerry Sauter.

Raft ride

Erika Raskin — 2010-08-16 00:00:00

One hot summer day, Ivy-based writer Erika Raskin, a dedicated homebody, agreed to a whitewater rafting trip with her family. Today she offers this cautionary tale.

Wakes

Fran Cannon Slayton — 2010-08-10 00:00:00

Wakes are often a time to reflect and to mourn, but for WVTF radio essayist Fran Cannon Slayton, they can also be a time to celebrate the joys of a life well lived..

Bad Summer

2010-08-02 00:00:00

About this time of year, as summer vacations meander along, some parents start to lose it. Why? WVTF radio essayist Grace Maselli says summer break is not always what it's cracked up to be.

Work Shirts & Chihuahua Services

Jerry Sauter — 2010-07-29 00:00:00

Like clumps of wildflowers, the American dream thrives along secondary roads. It is evident everywhere from yard sales to pints of just-picked berries heaped on card tables. As Floyd County essayist Jerry Sauter observes, people are trying to fill a need. Sometimes, it is a need they did not even know they had.

Peach Season

Meredith Dean — 2010-07-26 00:00:00

Virginia boasts about 2000 acres of commercial peaches. This year, farmers say their crops are looking good, especially if you like them extra sweet. For essayist Meredith Dean of Floyd though, peach season keeps on passing her by.

Fireflies

Fred First — 2010-07-19 00:00:00

If you want to attract fireflies, the experts recommend cutting down or eliminating lawn chemicals and reducing extra lighting on your property. Lightning bugs, as they are sometimes called, are also attracted to low overhanging trees and tall grass that provide them with rest during the day. As we hear in his essay, writer Fred First in Floyd County hasn't had any problem at all attracting fireflies.

Nursing student's experience in compassion

Brennan Collins — 2010-07-12 00:00:00

The University of Virginia School of Nursing holds a creative writing contest each year. It's an outlet for nursing students to reflect on their experiences with the program. One of this year's winning entries at the school comes from Brennan Collins from Richmond. In it, she reflects on what she has learned recently about the core of communication and the care of patients.

WVTF Commentary: The Other Side of the Parkway

WVTF commentator Dan Smith of Roanoke — 2010-07-06 00:00:00

You've likely heard some essays recently on WVTF that celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. But in this commentary, Dan Smith, editor of Valley Business Front magazine in Roanoke, says there's another side to the Parkway's history and its future.

Charlottesville mother finds hope in autism

Cheairs Graves — 2010-06-30 00:00:00

Cheairs Frank Graves is a Charlottesville mother of two who is learning a powerful lesson from her six-year-old son. When he was 19 months old, doctors told Graves that Dawson had autism. Since then, she says, her life has been like a roller coaster ride with only hope to hold onto. In this essay, she shares one of those hopeful moments.

Parkway Summer

Peter Givens — 2010-06-28 00:00:00

It was an idea born of the Great Depression: to make work for Americans while connecting the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The project put thousands of mountain people to work and gave many an outlet for recreation for the next 75 years. Park Ranger and WVTF Radio essayist Peter Givens hopes people will take a page from the past and plan for a Blue Ridge Parkway outing this summer.

Commentator: Elk Hunting A Positive Prospect

Beverly Amsler — 2010-06-14 00:00:00

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will hold public meetings beginning next week on the elk restoration management plan in southwest Virginia. Last Monday, we aired a commentary from a Christiansburg woman who was against what she calls "monetizing" the elk. Today we hear from WVTF commentator Jack Landers. He wants to give the elk another chance at life in Virginia.

New state revenue from elk?

Andrea Brunais — 2010-06-07 00:00:00

There's a plan under consideration by Virginia's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries that offers wildlife regulators ways to manage a small population of elk that has wandered into the Commonwealth from Kentucky. One Virginia resident, Andrea Brunais of Christiansburg, who is new to the state, isn't quite sold on the idea of turning roaming elk into a quick buck.

Mentors Learn

Manat Wooten — 2010-06-01 00:00:00

Teachers and school officials often mentor the students with whom they interact. Sometimes, though, they end up learning as much from the students as the students have learned from them. During this college commencement season, Hollins University Director of Student Activities Manat Wooten reflects on how one graduating senior has left an indelible impact on her life.

Country Roads

Diane Flynt — 2010-05-24 00:00:00

When you live in the mountains, you never know what surprises a country drive might bring. That's why WVTF essayist Diane Flynt of Floyd can often be found behind the wheel.

Life Lessons from Charlie and Other Resident Geese

Geraldine Kruger — 2010-05-17 00:00:00

Many WVTF listeners are familiar with Charlie the broken-winged goose from Geraldine Kruger's essays. Now she is back to tell the tale of how Charlie came into her life. Kruger is a retired teacher who lives in Albemarle County.

Ending Silence

Anonymous — 2010-05-12 00:00:00

Last week, University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love was buried in her native Maryland. Just weeks shy of graduating, the 22-year-old was found beaten to death in her apartment. Her former boyfriend, a fellow student, has been charged with first-degree murder. For one New River Valley woman, who asked to remain anonymous, the tragedy hit close to home.

Shades of Gray: The Back Story

Judy Sidden — 2010-05-10 00:00:00

When it comes to politics or life events in general, the decibel levels from all sides of every issue can be deafening. WVTF essayist Judy Sidden has learned that there is a back story to most issues that must be sought out before reaching a conclusion.

One of Maudie's

Michael Kiser — 2010-05-03 00:00:00

Writer Michael Kiser has lived around the world. However, it was a chance encounter in Southwest Virginia that reminded him of what it feels like to be home. Kiser is an editor and writer who lives and works in the New River Valley. You can read his blog here.

Difficult Decisions When Facing Breast Cancer

Erika Raskin — 2010-04-26 00:00:00

Tennis great Martina Navratilova is the latest prominent woman to disclose she is fighting breast cancer. She has had a lumpectomy and will be undergoing radiation treatment next month. In our area, Erika Raskin has faced similar decisions and has turned in another direction. Raskin is a writer living in Albemarle County. She is working on a historical novel set in Charlottesville.

Putting It on the Line: Give Your Dryer a Break

Jim Minick — 2010-04-19 00:00:00

Today might be laundry day at your house. If it is, then WVTF Commentator Jim Minick urges you to get your clothes dryer a break. Minick teaches English at Radford University and lives in Wythe County.

Creativity

Fred First — 2010-04-12 00:00:00

Life takes twists and turns and you sometimes end up somewhere you never imagined. WVTF radio essayist Fred First talks about sharing his life's path with a new generation of artists. First is a writer and photographer who lives in Floyd County.

The Gift of Spring

Peter Givens — 2010-04-05 00:00:00

As part of the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, we're bringing you essays on the various seasons. WVTF Radio essayist Peter Givens talks about the beauty of spring. Givens is a park ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway and lives in Vinton.

Easter in the Woods

Meredith Dean — 2010-03-29 00:00:00

Eggs are being dyed, pictures are being taken with the Easter bunny, and chocolate and marshmallow treats are being purchased in preparation for Easter. WVTF radio essayist Meredith Dean shares one of her family's Easter traditions. Dean, who is the director of the Appalachian Women's Alliance, teaches at Salem Montessori School and lives in Floyd County.

Knowing Land

Stephanie Hardiman — 2010-03-22 00:00:00

Sometimes home is more than just a place; it's a feeling. WVTF Radio essayist Stephanie Hardiman says that's the way she feels when she thinks about growing up in the Midwest. She's a senior journalism major at Washington and Lee University.

A Mother and a Writer

Mollie Cox Bryan — 2010-03-18 00:00:00

Multi-tasking seems to be a requirement of parenthood these days. WVTF Radio essayist Mollie Cox Bryan talks about how time flies while raising children. She lives in Waynesboro and is the author of "Mrs. Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies".

Handling Snakes Essay

WVTF essayist David Garth of Albemarle County. — 2010-03-08 00:00:00

Virginia is home to a variety of animals and pests. WVTF radio essayist David Garth says handling snakes was not part of the job description when he took over as pastor of a Presbyterian church in Keswick, Albemarle County.

Shenandoah Drifting

Fariss Samaraai — 2010-03-01 00:00:00

The calendar still reads winter. During these long weeks, many fishermen rely on happy memories from warmer times to keep them going. Among them is WVTF radio essayist and angler Fariss Samaraai. He lives in Waynesboro and works at the University of Virginia.

Play Ball

Jake Cress — 2010-02-22 00:00:00

The sound of "play ball!" will soon be in the air as major league players return for spring training. WVTF Radio essayist Jake Cress remembers a much simpler time of playing the sport in Wise County. Cress is a Fincastle cabinet maker. His furniture has been featured in the Smithsonian and sold through Sotheby's.

My Ice Cream Scooplet

Janet Jaquith — 2010-02-15 00:00:00

Portion sizes are sometimes small when you dine out at a high-class restaurant. WVTF Radio essayist Janis Jaquith, though, wants to know: When does "classy" cross the line into "stingy"? Janis lives in Free Union and is a columnist for Charlottesville's Weekly "The Hook".

Why My Wife Can't Cook

Scott Condiff — 2010-02-08 00:00:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and many couples celebrate by going out to dinner. WVTF Radio essayist Scott Cundiff may owe his wife a dinner; he says she can't cook. He and his family live in Roanoke.

The Gift of Winter

Peter Givens — 2010-02-01 00:00:00

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. WVTF Radio essayist Peter Givens will share an essay about each of the Parkway's seasons in the weeks to come. Today, he begins with winter. He lives in Vinton and is a park ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Learning to Love Grits

Jim Minick — 2010-01-26 00:00:00

You say "potato" and I say "potawto". And is the noontime meal "lunch" or dinner"? WVTF Radio essayist Jim Minick explores the culture clash of a Yankee and a southern belle. Minick teaches English at Radford University. He's the author of two poetry books and lives in Wythe County.

Still Riding

Michael Abraham — 2010-01-18 00:00:00

During the winter, most of us seek shelter and warmth when we're tucked inside our four-wheel-drive vehicles. WVTF Radio essayist Michael Abraham hits the road with two wheels and he likes it. He's a businessman and writer who lives in Blacksburg.

Hair Coloring

Joy Bayshore — 2010-01-11 00:00:00

If you've ever tried, or thought of trying, one of those "do it yourself" hair coloring kits, WVTF Radio Essayist Joy Bayshore says you might want to think twice. She's looking for something to lighten her eyebrows.

Hands Off

Linda Kobert — 2010-01-04 00:00:00

The possibility of contracting swine flu has resulted in the way people greet each other. WVTF Radio essayist Linda Kobert says that's not right. She's a former nurse who lives in Charlottesville.

Mountain Bike Christmas

Sandee McGlaun — 2009-12-28 00:00:00

You may have been lucky enough to receive a bike for Christmas when you were a child. WVTF Radio essayist Sandee McGlaun remembers rediscovering the joy of biking. McGlaun is the director of the Writing Center at Roanoke College.

Canine ADHD

Linda Lemery — 2009-12-22 00:00:00

Most people love their pets unconditionally. WVTF Radio essayist Linda Lemery puts that statement to the test at her Danville home. Linda Lemery is a writer who works at Mary Blount Library at Averett University in Danville.

This Old House

Fred First — 2009-12-21 00:00:00

Many people put up Christmas decorations to make their house feel more like a home. For WVTF Radio essayist Fred First, there's more to a home than just the bricks and mortar. Fred lives in Floyd County and his writing and photography appear daily at fragmentsfromfloyd.com.

Hippies With Guns

Janet Jaquith — 2009-12-14 00:00:00

As the holidays approach, some parents are weighing the pros and cons of putting toy guns in the hands of their children. WVTF Radio essayist Janis Jaquith has discovered banning toy guns can lead to unexpected consequences. Janis lives in Free union and is a columnist for Charlottesville's newsweekly, "The Hook".

Moving On

Susan Huckstep — 2009-12-07 00:00:00

Some people dread moving because it's difficult to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. WVTF Radio essayist Susan Huckstep knows all too well what it's like. She is the Director of Public Relations at Averett University in Danville.

So Much for the Perfect Thanksgiving

Joy Bashore — 2009-11-30 00:00:00

Food and family are the ingredients for many Thanksgiving dinners and that was the case last week at the Forest home of WVTF Radio essayist, Joy Bashore. She's a retired chair of the English Department at Central Virginia Community College.

On Backyards

Scott Cundiff — 2009-11-23 00:00:00

Some homeowners dread this time of year because of the yardwork. WVTF Radio essayist Scott Cundiff wants to buy a home with the perfect back yard. The Roanoke resident recently realized his dream.

Charlie's Legacy

Geraldine Kruger — 2009-11-16 00:00:00

Charlie the goose has been gone from Kruger Pond in Albemarle County for several months now but his legacy lives on. WVTF Radio essayist Geraldine Kruger has the latest on Charlie's Family.

Champion of the World

Erika Raskin — 2009-11-09 00:00:00

You've no doubt heard of "sibling rivalry." Well, WVTF Radio essayist Erika Raskin has developed a case of "spousal rivalry".and it's come with some painful consequences. Raskin is from Ivy and has a competitive family. Her father is Marcus Raskin, who was indicted for his anti-Vietnam War activities as part of the "Boston 5" in 1968. Her brother is Maryland State Senator Jamie Raskin.

Hold On

Essay-Diane Flynt. — 2009-11-02 00:00:00

There's a hint of winter in the air through parts of our listening area, but WVTF radio essayist Diane Flynt of Floyd County is not ready to let go of autumn just yet.

You're Never Too Old

Betsy Ashton — 2009-10-26 00:00:00

Many children love to celebrate their birthday with a party, but that usually changes as we age. WVTF Radio essayist Betsy Ashton remembers a recent adult birthday party at Smith Mountain Lake. Ashton is a writer and lives at the Lake.

This Place Indian Valley

2009-10-22 00:00:00

Southwest Virginia is beautiful with its mixture of colors and seasons. WVTF Radio essayist Sharon Mirtaheri describes how she communes with nature. Mirtaheri lives in Roanoke and is a student at Hollins University.

Accordians of Fate

Paul Hanstedt — 2009-10-12 00:00:00

Here in what might be considered Bluegrass Country, a Wisconsin native struggled to find his way onto the music scene. Then, one special instrument came into his life. WVTF Radio essayist Paul Hanstedt lives in Lexington and teaches at Roanoke College. He's currently in Hong Kong on a Fulbright Fellowship.

Charlie the goose

Beverly Amsler — 2009-10-05 00:00:00

Some WVTF essays are about the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Others are about an incident that happened in their home or community. But the ones that have generated the most interest are a series of essays about the antics of Charlie the goose. Charlie is a Canada goose with a deformed wing who made his home near an Albemarle County pond. WVTF's Beverly Amsler talked with Gerry Kruger, who writes about Charlie and his family.

GPS

Diane Flynt — 2009-09-28 00:00:00

Motorists will sometimes use a GPS device to guide them on their trip. WVTF Radio essayist Diane Flynt says her GPS is internal. Diane Flynt grows heirloom apples and makes hard cider at Foggy Ridge Cider near Floyd.

The Ultimate Tinkerer

Jim Minick — 2009-09-21 00:00:00

Some of us are mechanically inclined and some of us aren't. WVTF Radio essayist Jim Minick falls into the latter group and says he gets a little help from his father-in-law. Jim Minick teaches English at Radford University and is the author of two poetry books.

A Midnight Lesson

Laura Brodie — 2009-09-14 00:00:00

Imagine you're home sound asleep when something goes "bump" in the night. WVTF Radio essayist Laura Brodie explains that her experience was more like crash, bang, boom. Laura Brodie is the author of the novel "The Widow's Season", which is set in Southwest Virginia. She teaches English at Washington and Lee University.

Traveling with Travel Mugs

Linda Lemery — 2009-09-07 00:00:00

If you're traveling on this Labor Day, you might have a drink cup sitting beside you in the car. WVTF Radio essayist Linda Lemery talks about some travel mugs she doesn't quite know what to do with. Linda Lemery works at Mary B. Blount Library at Averett University in Danville.

The Farm Boy

Gail Tansill Lambert — 2009-08-31 00:00:00

Lazy summer days give us a chance to reflect on summers past. WVTF Radio essayist Gail Tansill Lambert has been looking back at friends and neighbors who are long gone but have found a home among her memories.

Missing Charlie

Geraldine Kruger — 2009-08-24 00:00:00

We've aired several essays about Charlie the Canada goose who lives near an Albemarle County pond. But WVTF Radio essayist Geraldine Kruger says several months ago, Charlie's behavior began to change.

Impossible Parts

Rob Neukirch — 2009-08-17 00:00:00

It's never easy taking care of relatives, whether they be children or aging parents. WVTF Radio essayist Rob Neukirch remembers visiting his mother and an elderly neighbor, both of whom passed away within the last month after this essay was recorded.

Family Reunion

Beau Wright — 2009-08-14 00:00:00

It's the time of year for family reunions. WVTF Radio essayist Beau Wright notes the passing of time in a unique way.

After Cherry Picking

Edd Jennings — 2009-08-10 00:00:00

This year's cherry harvest is over. WVTF Radio essayist Edd Jennings looks back at the fruits of June and the farmers who worked his land in generations past.

I Am Not Southern

Claudia Condiff — 2009-08-03 00:00:00

Here in Virginia, we have no shortage of Yankees attracted to the region by the many charms of the South. WVTF Radio essayist Claudia Condiff, though, has discovered one feature of Southern country living she'd rather do without.

Warm Springs

Mollie Cox Bryan — 2009-07-20 00:00:00

Taking the waters at Warm Springs has been a favored pasttime for Virginians for hundreds of years. For WVTF Radio Essayist Mollie Cox Bryan, the waters lead her to reflect about connections she feels to the creative women whose stories reach out to her.

Inner Athlete

Beth Herman, Charlottesville — 2009-07-13 00:00:00

2009 is halfway gone and maybe so are your "New Year's Resolutions" especially the one about finally getting into shape. WVTF essayist Beth Herman of Charlottesville describes how she finds time to work out at home.

Black Plastic

Linda Lemery — 2009-07-06 00:00:00

Summer brings the fruits of the harvest, but to get there takes a lot of back-breaking work. WVTF Radio essayist Linda Lemery talks about lessons we can learn from black plastic.

Traveling with Teens

Beth Macy — 2009-06-29 00:00:00

They can't stand to be in the room with you anymore, but sometimes even the surliest kids can surprise you. That's the topic of our essay today, from Roanoke Times Journalist Beth Macy on the shifting dynamics of family vacations when children hit their teen years.

Love on the Rocks

Geraldine Kruger — 2009-06-25 00:00:00

Some marriages ebb and flow like rocks in a stream. WVTF Radio Essayist Geraldine Kruger brings us another story of Charlie the Canada Goose, and his family.

Past and Present

Michael Kiser — 2009-06-15 00:00:00

Many families are taking summer vacation trips, driving across the country. WVTF Radio Essayist Michael Kiser remembers as a youth, the one spot in far Southwestern Virginia his family used to visit.

Tree Swallows

Browning Porter — 2009-06-08 00:00:00

Most of us are content to merely watch birds as they feather their nests and protect their young. But WVTF Radio Essayist Browning Porter knows one human who got "up close and personal" with our feathered friends -- and their gratitude was unmistakeable.