Columns

Let’s make 2025 a winning year through humility and kindness!

January 1, 2025

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Humility comes from the Latin word humilis, which literally means low. But as a virtue, humility is often misperceived as being something that is undesirable or unattainable. How is appearing small or insignificant or worthless in relation to others an attractive quality? To the contrary, truly humble people are strong in that…

Just Like Nothing (else) on Earth: Catoctin Skate Park 

January 1, 2025

By Tim Jon You can rest assured: you will never see me enjoying full use of this local facility, at least not in the present lifetime. Having been diagnosed with what appears, now, to be a lifelong case of vertigo, I became noticeably dizzy just navigating my way ‘round the place, and taking a handful…

Netflix Brings the Holiday Cheer with Hot Frosty 

December 4, 2024

By Naomi Fraser The holidays are officially here, and what better way to celebrate than with a heartwarming Christmas rom-com? So, grab your favorite blanket and a steaming mug of cocoa, and join me for a review of Netflix’s latest holiday hit, Hot Frosty—a film sure to bring plenty of seasonal cheer.  Hot Frosty is…

FINANCIAL FOCUS®: Consider these year-end financial moves

December 4, 2024

Submitted by Joshua Wolinski, Edward Jones Financial Advisor As we enter the holiday season, your life may well become busier. Still, you might want to take the time to consider some financial moves before we turn the calendar to 2025. Here are a few suggestions: •  Review your investment portfolio. As you look at your…

Family gatherings during the holidays:  The pros, the cons, some practical tips and some things to avoid

December 4, 2024

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. The holiday season is often seen as a time to reconnect with family and to celebrate traditions. However, family gatherings can also bring challenges. For some, these moments are opportunities to create joyful memories; for others, they may feel like navigating a social minefield. Understanding the pros and cons of holiday…

Just Like Nothing (else) on Earth: Windmill Park

December 4, 2024

By Tim Jon “Well,” I remember thinking, “I’d better make this quick.” You see, as I turned into the drive to seek a parking area for the main character in today’s drama, I noticed a sign indicating official displeasure at my presence therein; now, when I’d looked up the available information on these geographical coordinates,…

Spectacle Over Story: “The Fall Guy: Extended Edition” Delivers Action but Lacks Depth

October 30, 2024

By: Naomi Fraser Rating: 3/5 The Fall Guy: Extended Edition centers on Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), the ultimate Hollywood stuntman. Racing cars, jumping off buildings, and running through fire are everyday occurrences in his life. Despite the physical demands and the stress of dealing with self-important celebrities, Colt excels at his job, and his blossoming…

FINANCIAL FOCUS® Consider tax-smart charitable gifts

October 30, 2024

As we enter the annual season of giving, you might be thinking of charities you wish to support. But you also might be wondering how to gain some tax benefits from your gifts. It used to be pretty straightforward: You wrote a check to a charity and then deducted the amount of the gift, within…

The story of two goats and your vote:  how to manage yourself after the election

October 30, 2024

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Once upon a time, in a certain forest, there lived a Black Goat and a White Goat. One day, as fate would have it, they both needed to cross a narrow bridge. Unfortunately, the bridge was so narrow that it only had enough space for one goat to cross at a…

Just Like Nothing (else) on Earth: Trappe Road 

October 30, 2024

By Tim Jon There’s more sky out there, distance takes on a new meaning, and even time seems to last longer. You may think this is a reference to a trailer for an upcoming science fiction thriller, but no—it’s just another fascinating feature I’ve come to enjoy about Loudoun County, Virginia—a locality of physical, intellectual…