Essay by Beth Herman - 5.19.08
This is the time of year when many people take time to enjoy the "great outdoors." But not everyone enjoys it. Charlottesville listener Beth Herman shares this essay on how nature moves us. Beth Herman is an artist living in Charlottesville. Listen.
Essay by Diane Flynt - 5.7.08
Late spring has come to the Blue Ridge Parkway. WVTF Radio essayist Diane Flynt says she's busy looking both down and up. She grows heirloom apples and makes hard cider at Foggy Ridge Cider near Floyd, Virginia. Listen.
Essay by Paul Handstedt - 4.30.08
Warmer weather in spring sends many outdoors to enjoy hiking, biking and other recreation. Some will find themselves on the water, too, but WVTF essayist Paul Hanstedt won't be among them. Paul Hanstedt teaches English at Roanoke College. Listen.
Essay by Justin Van Kleek - 4.21.08
"Earth Day" events remind people to be conscientious stewards of the environment. But WVTF essayist Justin Van Kleek wants to point out some of the myths of environmentalism. Justin Van Kleek is a freelance writer and professor at Piedmont Community College in Charlottesville. Listen.
Essay by Dori Baker -4.14.08
Hearinga classic novel read aloud can open a young student to a lifelong love of reading. WVTF essayist Dori Baker shares how reading to schoolchildren last April opened a dialogue as well. Dori Baker is an author and consultant living in Altavista. Listen.
Essay by Beth Herman - 3.31.08
Artist and Charlottesville resident Beth Herman doesn't usually write love letters to those other than her husband, Arthur. But here is one instance where she made an exception. Beth Herman is an artist living in Charlottesville. Listen.
Essay by Geraldine Kruger - 3.26.08
WVTF essayist Geraldine Kruger has one more story about the Canada geese that frequent her Albemarle County pond. This tale attempts to answer a question faced by all too many parents: What's the best way to handle a bully? Geraldine Kruger is a retired teacher living in Albemarle County. Listen.
Commentary by Michael Abraham
Today is St. Patrick's Day. Environmental activists hope people will do more than just *wear* green. Michael Abraham has this commentary on a recent lecture he gave that apparently was too inconvenient a truth for many. Michael Abraham is a columnist who lives in the New River Valley; he's currently writing a book. If you have a response to his commentary, let us know through our website. Listen.
Essay by Justin Askins - 3.4.08
Warmer weather typically brings more people outdoors. On a warm, sunny day in the New River Valley, you may find WVTF essayist Justin Askins enjoying a hobby he's renewed from childhood: bicycling. Justin Askins teaches English at Radford University. His new book is called "The Legendary Neversink." Listen.
Essay by Paul Handstedt - 2.25.08
WVTF essayist Paul Hanstedt teaches college courses on such high-brow topics as Victorian literature. But as the father of small children, he's also a fan of another "class" of classics. Paul Hanstedt teaches at Roanoke College. Listen.
Essay by Lynn Hanson - 2.20.08
In 1976, Lynn Andrew Hanson, who grew up in Altavista, was a secretary at CBS News in New York City. Walter Cronkite was the CBS anchor, and one of the most respected men in the country. Hanson shares a story now that she says helps explain why. Lynn Hanson is a school teacher who lives in Amherst County. Listen.
Essay by Jim Morrison - 2.14.08
Many of us have encounters with deer on a regular basis, either in a backyard or on the road. WVTF essayist Jim Morrison tells us about some deer he saw enjoying a winter swim. Jim Morrison heads up local chapters of the Virginia Writers Club, and is author of the book "Bedford Goes to War." Listen.
Essay by Linda Lemery - 2.7.08
Often, writers write to better understand and share the impact of life-changing events. Here, WVTF essayist Linda Lemery shares just such a personal essay, entitled "In Jason's Wake." Writer Linda Lemery works at Mary B. Blount Library at Averett University in Danville. Listen.
Essay by Geraldine Kruger - 1.23.08
WVTF essayist Geraldine Kruger has been sharing stories about the geese at her Albemarle County pond. In this latest installment, she finds out the old saying "Like father, like son" applies in the animal kingdom, too. Geraldine Kruger is a retired teacher living in Albemarle County. Listen.
Commentary by Kay Slaughter - 1.14.08
Another general assembly session has begun in Richmond. WVTF listener Kay Slaughter has this commentary about what she hopes will change in this session. Kay Slaughter is an attorney and former Democratic mayor of Charlottesville. If you have another viewpoint on this topic, email Rick Mattioni at mattioni@vt.edu. Listen.
Essay by Janis Jaquith - 1.7.08
Many make New Year's resolutions to do more volunteer work. WVTF essayist Janis Jaquith says that's a worthwhile endeavor. But she warns, it can be hard work. Janis Jaquith is a writer and has a column in Charlottesville's "Daily Hook" newspaper. She recorded her essay at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities in Charlottesville. Listen.
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