Neal Menefee: Public media provides unique services that positively impact our communities

AFP

It has been more than 40 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. This resulted in the distinctly American creation of public television and public radio, which at its core was meant to provide a service to “enrich man’s spirit.” WVPT Public Television has demonstrated that public media has…

McDonnell K-12 agenda pushes access

Chris Graham

Educational opportunity for all is a focal point for Gov. Bob McDonnell in his 2011 K-12 legislative agenda. “A child’s educational opportunities should be determined by their intellect and work ethic, not their zip code,” McDonnell said today in rolling out his Opportunity to Learn package, which pivots on a proposal to implement a pilot…

Jim Bishop: Ho-Ho-No! I’m Getting Santa-Mental Over You . . .

Jim Bishop

Do you hear what I hear . . .? * “Feliz Navidad,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” “White Christmas,” “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” and umpteen different artists butchering “Oh Holy Night” on the 24/7 all-Christmas music radio stations over and over again; * No sooner settling into the comfy recliner…

City schools receive state green award

Chris Graham

Waynesboro Public Schools have been awarded first place in the 2010 Virginia School Board Association’s Green Public Schools Challenge, an honor presented by the Virginia Municipal League to local school systems who have been the most proactive in reducing energy consumption, implementing green initiatives and reducing their carbon footprint. In 2009, Waynesboro Public Schools partnered…

Brian Miller: Hostage-takers and the Obama-GOP tax package

AFP

As millions of unemployed Americans struggle to make ends meet amidst an economy still in shambles, a note is quietly slid under the door: “Give us $800 billion in tax breaks or your unemployment benefits are history!” In a classic made-for-television cop drama, this is the part where the heroic police captain would emphatically declare,…

Erik Camayd-Freixas: The DREAM Act and the wealth of nations: An educator’s perspective

AFP

Against all odds, 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year, many with honors. They are among America’s brightest, most driven and underprivileged. We have invested much in their K-12 education, and they have much to contribute to our society. National identity and allegiance are established during adolescence. This is their homeland. Brought here…

Singing the Y’s praises

AFP

For Sherri Mayo, the Waynesboro Y is a caring environment for her 5-year-old son, Cooper, who is enrolled in the pre-K class at the Y. “There is never a day when I take him to his class that I am concerned about his care. I know he is in a learning environment that is structured,…

Grants promote technology, manufacturing education

Chris Graham

Exactly one year since its official kick off, the Dream It. Do It. Virginia-Shenandoah Valley campaign announces mini-grant recipients to help connect Valley students with careers in advanced technology and manufacturing. Fifteen mini-grant recipients will receive a total of $95,904 to implement activities that encourage students to explore careers in manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, construction,…