The Christendom College rugby team, represented by players Dominic Di Falco, a senior from Amersham, Buckingham (England), John Kennedy, a senior from Cooperstown, and Coach Jim Conrad, shared insights into their tight-knit squad’s ethos and their unique blend of athleticism and camaraderie. Founded in 2006, the team has grown in size and spirit, accumulating several championship titles and becoming a pillar of Christendom College’s athletic program.

The team’s journey is a tale of persistence and strategic finesse, often resembling a chess match more than a mere physical showdown. Rugby at Christendom College is as much about mental strength as physical agility. According to Coach Jim, preparing for a rugby match involves careful coordination and mental training, ensuring all players are synchronized in their strategies and movements.

Dominic and John elaborated on their roles on the team, which vary dramatically between the 15-player games and the faster, 7-player matches. Their responsibilities shift from heavy physical engagement in scrums to rapid, strategic plays across the field. This flexibility in roles highlights the dynamic nature of rugby and the adaptability required of its players.

The Core of Christendom Rugby: Faith and Community

A central theme in Christendom College’s rugby program is its foundation in faith. Regular prayers and team masses are routine, fostering a strong community spirit and shared purpose. This spiritual base helps players find deeper meaning in their sport and maintains morale during challenging times.

The integration of faith and sport at Christendom College is a draw for many players, including international students like Dominic, who moved from England to join the team. This blend of cultural diversity and shared values creates a rich, supportive environment beyond the rugby field.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Championships

As the team prepares for their upcoming national championship games, their focus is razor-sharp. The tournament format, intense and demanding, will test their endurance and teamwork. Yet, with their rigorous preparation and unified strength, the Christendom College rugby team is a formidable contender on the national stage.

In discussing the future, Dominic and John see rugby as more than a game. It has taught them resilience and leadership—qualities they plan to carry into their future careers and personal lives. For Coach Jim, continuing to build the team’s legacy through recruitment and training is a priority, aiming to maintain their competitive edge and close-knit culture.

At Christendom College, rugby is more than just a sport; it is a journey of personal growth, a test of faith, and a celebration of community. As they head into another season, the team remains a symbol of what can be achieved when talent meets spirit and dedication.

In a recent Town Talk at the Royal Examiner, Adriana Stollard shared the poignant story of her daughter Abigail’s challenging journey into the world—a tale of faith, medical marvels, and a mother’s unwavering love, now encapsulated in her book, “Abigail’s Journey: “Family and Faith in Raising a Child with 22q Duplication.”  This narrative not only explores the complexities of her daughter’s medical condition but also reflects the deep personal growth and relentless hope that has defined Adriana’s life since Abigail’s birth.

Abigail’s story began unexpectedly joyful for Adriana and her husband, who had previously struggled with infertility. However, the pregnancy soon presented serious challenges. Early contractions and severe health warnings led to consultations with numerous specialists. Despite suggestions to consider abortion due to potential syndromes, Adriana’s faith led her to seek second opinions that eventually provided a glimmer of hope.

Adriana’s pregnancy complications escalated quickly, requiring her to be airlifted twice to UVA Hospital due to severe bleeding and imminent labor risks. These frightening experiences culminated in a precarious but successful delivery at 34 weeks. Abigail was born with a rare genetic condition known as 22q duplication syndrome, which manifested in significant physical complications, including a severely recessed jaw that affected her airway.

The resilience of both mother and child was tested through multiple surgeries and ongoing medical treatments. Abigail’s condition required innovative surgical techniques to reconstruct her jaw using a piece of her rib, a procedure that had never been performed on a child before. This medical journey was not just a fight for health but also a profound testament to the possibilities within pediatric care and genetic research.

The book Abigail’s Journey is more than a medical story; it is a narrative of overcoming dire medical prognoses and embracing life’s unpredictabilities with faith and courage. It chronicles the emotional and spiritual trials Adriana and her family faced, their moments of doubt, and their return to faith.

As Adriana discussed her book and shared her story, it was clear that she aimed to offer hope to others facing similar challenges. With upcoming book signings and discussions, she is determined to spread a message of resilience and hope to other families navigating the complexities of rare genetic disorders and the healthcare system.

Abigail’s Journey is not just a recount of medical events; it’s a mother’s affirmation of life, a family’s testament to surviving against the odds, and a community’s support system embodied in medical teams’ dedication. It serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of faith and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Click here to see her upcoming book signing.

Creativity and innovation are the lifeblood of human progress. In a world that’s rapidly evolving, the ability to innovate—to conceive new ideas, products, and solutions—is more valuable than ever. April 21 marks World Creativity and Innovation Day, a global celebration recognized by the United Nations to highlight the importance of these skills in driving human development and solving some of the world’s most critical issues.

Why Creativity and Innovation Matter

Creativity is not just the realm of artists and musicians. It encompasses problem-solving, the design of new technologies, and the development of strategies to address global challenges. It’s about looking at problems from fresh angles and finding solutions that break the mold. Investing in creativity and innovation isn’t merely an investment in individual talents; it’s an investment in our collective future.

Economic Growth and Opportunity

One of the most tangible benefits of fostering creativity and innovation is economic development. By encouraging the creation of new businesses and industries, we open up a plethora of job opportunities. Innovation drives competitiveness, improves products and services, and significantly enhances productivity. For countries and regions, this can translate into increased economic stability and growth, making the investment in creativity and innovation a powerful tool for economic empowerment.

Tackling Global Challenges

Perhaps even more critically, creativity and innovation are key to addressing the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, poverty, and famine. Through innovative thinking, we can develop sustainable technologies, create new social and economic development models, and find efficient ways to distribute resources. The challenges we face are complex and interconnected, requiring out-of-the-box thinking and novel approaches that only a strong commitment to creativity and innovation can provide.

Supporting Local Creatives

World Creativity and Innovation Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local talent. Behind every local business, whether it’s a boutique storefront or a factory in an industrial park, there’s a team of creative individuals working to invent new products, improve services, and solve problems. By choosing to shop locally, we contribute to our local economy and encourage innovators and problem-solvers who are building a better future from the ground up.

Investing in creativity and innovation is investing in the future. It’s about fostering an environment where new ideas can flourish, challenges are met with ingenious solutions, and economic growth is driven by forward thinking. As we celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day, let’s commit to supporting the thinkers, creators, and innovators in our communities and beyond. Their vision and hard work enhance our daily lives and pave the way for a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world for all.

With spring painting our days with vibrant flowers and stretching the sunlight longer, it’s easy to revel in the beauty and forget about the impending heat wave that summer promises. Yet, this is the perfect time to turn our attention to an often-overlooked aspect of our vehicles: the air conditioning (AC) system. Ensuring your car’s AC is in prime condition before summer’s peak is not just about comfort; it’s a crucial step in preventing costly repairs and ensuring a pleasant driving experience through the warmer months.

Beat the Heat: The Importance of Early Inspections

Spring’s moderate temperatures make it an ideal time to test and inspect your vehicle’s air conditioning system. This proactive approach allows you to identify and address hidden issues, ensuring your AC is ready to perform when needed. Without this crucial check-up, you might find yourself facing uncomfortable and potentially unsafe drives in the sweltering summer heat when high temperatures and humidity make a working AC not just a luxury but a necessity.

Stay Alert: Recognizing AC Warning Signs

Pay close attention to how your car’s air conditioning performs as the weather starts to warm. Odd smells, unusual noises, or a decrease in cooling efficiency are not just minor inconveniences; they can signal deeper issues within your AC system. Addressing these warning signs promptly in the spring can save you from more significant problems, ensuring your air conditioning is efficient and effective when the summer heat hits.

Proactive Care: Simple Steps for AC Maintenance

Maintaining a healthy AC system doesn’t have to be complicated. Regularly cleaning or replacing air filters can substantially impact your system’s performance. Additionally, a professional check-up can go a long way in preventing future issues. These preventive measures help avoid bigger, costlier problems and ensure your AC runs smoothly, keeping you cool and comfortable all summer.

Peace of Mind: Schedule Your Spring AC Check-Up

Don’t wait for the summer scorcher to realize your AC needs attention. Making an appointment with a trusted mechanic this spring can give you peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is prepared to provide a cool and comfortable driving experience, no matter how high the mercury rises.

Prayer is that beautiful English word – the Biblical word that offers us spiritual nourishment: “In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief and oft escaped the tempter’s snare, By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.”

A February 8th newspaper article took me back to Ethiopia and a desert road across the Great Rift Valley. Millions of years ago, the earth was torn here and had left a deep canyon. In the 1940s, Italian engineers built this road that breached the canyon wall, crossed the floor, and ascended the opposite wall. They had placed prayer shrines on either side of the canyon walls, a place to cool the brakes, have a drink of water, and thank God for your very life!

Dennis McConaty, a recovering alcoholic, had the vision to build a prayer stop near one of the metro area’s busiest traffic corners, where more than 19,000 cars pass each day.  This came to fulfillment, and passersby left notes, “Cancer spreading, please pray.” “Help me off heroin addiction,” “I am homeless, pray that I find a job.” The 8′ by 12′ shack became a fixture for prayer to those in distress; people entered and prayed silently for help and comfort from God and then, refreshed, went on with their daily lives.

Anything out of the ordinary in today’s world seems to have a short shelf life. Five days after the prayer stop opened, McConaty’s church received phone calls from people familiar with his past. He failed to reveal that he was listed in the county’s sex offender registry. The county detective and the church agreed that Dennis, 62, had made a clean break with his past, but the detective said that he worked on the premise that “once a sex offender, always a sex offender.” So now, the prayer stop will be closed for some undetermined date in the future.

At a church we once attended, it became known that one of our returning visitors was a homosexual. Imagine this! We who represent the church exist for the purpose of reaching sinners, and one walks in off the street. He had AIDS, and members were concerned. But not for long; he was found murdered in his apartment, probably for a small lottery winning.

Saul of Tarsus persecuted Christians to the point that they were delivered in chains and suffered unto death for believing that Jesus was the Christ, the son of God. Saul (Paul) was converted and baptized, but fellow Christians were anxious about his past. (Acts 9:26)

The Scriptures abound with help and encouragement for us to leave behind our old nature and look forward to our wealth in our God. He is our everything! Martin Luther summed it up by writing, “There but for the grace of God go I.”

In I Peter 5:7-8: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

Let’s close with a verse from #922 (Songs of FAITH and PRAISE)

I HEAR THE SAVIOR SAY, “THY STRENGTH INDEED IS SMALL; CHILD OF WEAKNESS, WATCH AND PRAY, FIND IN ME, THINE ALL IN ALL. JESUS PAID IT ALL, ALL TO HIM I OWE; SIN HAD LEFT A CRIMSON STAIN, HE WASHED IT WHITE AS SNOW.

Two Virginia school divisions are slated to launch a pilot program intended to help reduce youth involvement in gangs and violent behaviors with guns but it’s unclear if the initiative will be fully funded, as lawmakers go back to the drawing board to work up a new state spending plan.

On April 2, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed legislation to create the Community Builders Pilot Program that will start with Roanoke and Petersburg City Public Schools students entering the eighth grade.  Pupils in both districts face high rates of gun violence and cases of students bringing firearms to school.

Bill carriers Sen. Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, and Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, said unlike other community violence intervention efforts centered around getting weapons off the streets, their legislation takes a different approach because it centers students.

“We’re hoping by involving young people that perhaps it helps in other ways,” said Aird, adding that such a program could also have a “residual impact” on children facing disciplinary trouble in school.

“But ultimately, [this legislation] is specifically trying to make sure that when they are no longer in school, they have another outlet that’s pouring into them and they’re not getting involved in things that can be harmful to themselves and others when they are outside of the school walls,” she said.

If the program is successful, Rasoul — who serves as the chair of the House Education Committee — said he hopes it will expand to other schools and grade levels.

“This is a great way to keep students focused, especially through the summer, and to build some healthy habits with a very specific curriculum that then follows them throughout their eighth grade year,” said Rasoul.

According to the pilot program legislation, the initiative will provide community engagement, workforce development, postsecondary education exploration, social-emotional education and development opportunities to students during the academic year after regular school hours and during the summer months.

Schools will collect data and report the program’s progress to the governor’s administration and General Assembly every November for the next two years.

Public interest in youth gun violence prevention has increased, most notably after a then-six-year-old student brought a firearm from home to his Newport News elementary school last year and shot his teacher. The teacher, Abigail Zwerner, was seriously injured but survived.

The Community Builders program might have scored a legislative win, but funding for the program will remain unclear until the governor and leaders from the General Assembly determine the final budget before the June 30 deadline.

Virginia legislature will consider reworked state budget in May 13 special session

The General Assembly backed the pilot program with $800,000 in dedicated funds over the next two years. However, the governor amended the budget, cutting the request to $400,000. It’s an example of the governor’s and the General Assembly’s differing opinions on how the commonwealth should be funded for the next two years.

Del. Mike Cherry, R-Colonial Heights, who supported the Community Builders legislation, said during the Jan. 30 House Education subcommittee hearing that he believes it to be a “great model program” and would work well with Ceasefire Virginia in supporting communities facing high levels of crime.

In 2022, Ceasefire was launched as a multi-jurisdictional approach to address violent criminal activity among serious and repeat offenders in partnership with Virginia’s attorney general’s office, elected officials and law enforcement.

The purpose of the initiative is to reduce violent crime through partnerships and investments into gang prevention and community policing. Ceasefire has been implemented in 13 cities statewide, including Petersburg and Roanoke.

“When you ask high school students ‘When did things start to go wrong?’ many times they will point to the middle school level,” Verletta White, superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, said during a Jan. 30 House Education subcommittee hearing.

“We want to target our rising eighth graders and show them not only the detrimental effects of violence on a community, but their responsibility and how they can be community builders instead.”

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury