Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Sometimes We Do Learn Things From Our Kids
Sometimes We Do Learn Things From Our Kids. In the past few days, I've learned a lot from my sons, Tyler and Will (19 and 16 years old). I learned about their love for their friend who died Sunday, and about how they feel about one another and their friends. Live life to the fullest, enjoy every day of your life, don't sweat the small stuff, share good times with your friends and family, tell your friends you love them, learn to fly when you can...these are a few lessons that I have learned from my son, Tyler, who paid a tribute to his good friend, Ian Burgett, yesterday at Ian's funeral. Over 500 people showed up for this highly emotional funeral for an 18 year old Smithfield, Virginia high school senior, who was in a tragic car accident, early Sunday morning.
Tyler's friend, Ian, touched many lives in our small town, and he had a profound effect on the hundreds of friends that knew Ian. We will miss him dearly. I have posted Tyler's speech that he read to everyone yesterday...
My Ray of Sunshine; Ian Michael Burgett by Tyler Edwards
A subtle reminder of life’s everyday gifts can make all of the difference in how we live our lives and who we are as people. Today, I want to reflect. No, not in the sense of sorrow-filled remembrance, rather, I want to reflect my ray of sunshine, my memories of a person that serve as a source of charm, humor, compassion, and everyday miracles.
As we gather here today, I pray that we can see the silver lining that lies within my friend’s heart of gold. After all, Ian wouldn’t have it any other way. Ian’s radiant smile and glowing optimism has left an act that I’m afraid no one can follow. In fact, his happy-go-lucky nature can be summarized by my experiences with him on a sailboat. It was an extremely windy day (to say the least) and just as we were turning the boat, a roaring, howling wind lifted the boat out of the water, pre-empting the imminent demise of our dry clothing. Naturally, I panicked and worsened the situation. Meanwhile, Ian leaned over the rising side of the boat to act as a counter-balance to the forces of the wind. The boat quickly righted, and he uttered his proverbial catch phrase, “Don’t worry guys, I got this,” coupled with a perfectly timed flip of the hair…
It was then I realized that even the most minute acts of humor and optimism can amount to bright memories that turn into priceless treasures. These treasures that Ian has left us serve as a testament to his loving and giving nature. His spare time over the summers was spent helping those in need as he volunteered at the Riverside Hospital. For the 18 years that I knew Ian, I had never once heard him ask for anything in return for his acts of kindness, nor had I heard him complain. His generous soul can be attributed to his willingness to seek guidance and advice from his mother, father, friends, teachers; and especially the one he idolized the most; his brother…
Ian had a nag for brightening days with so much as a smile and a witty joke that always drew laughter. His calm yet charismatic voice commanded the room. His unparalleled charm has captured the hearts of all who have met him. Needless to say, he did this a little too well. I don’t want to speak for others, but Ian could literally convince me to do anything; including convincing me to happily pay for his McDoubles whenever we stopped at McDonalds.
Ian’s closest friends can attest to his uncanny ability to read body language and emotions. Ian was the best friend, brother, and son that anyone could ask for: he was always there to catch the first tear before it even had a chance to hit the ground…
It is for these reasons that Ian is my ray of sunshine. As the days go by, I will always treasure the memories that my friend that I love has given me. It is said that it takes seven years for rays from the sun to reach our planet… Correct me if I’m wrong, but if Ian was 18 years old, that’s at least 126 years of memories until I have to crack into all of the pictures and videos that he stars in.
I hope that we can all cherish a piece of Ian’s legacy in our hearts. Use it as guidance and solace. Who knows? Maybe those memories will hold us over until we can one day see him again.
Tyler Edwards (far left), 19 years old, is a freshman at Virginia Tech and is majoring in Building Construction. Ian Burgett (blue vest) was 18 years old, graduating from Nansemond Suffolk Academy this month, and was heading to James Madison University this fall.
For Information about East West Partners’ communities, visit www.eastwestcommunities.com. Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West Realty Sales Centers are open 7 days a week on-site. Equal Housing Opportunity
Tyler's friend, Ian, touched many lives in our small town, and he had a profound effect on the hundreds of friends that knew Ian. We will miss him dearly. I have posted Tyler's speech that he read to everyone yesterday...
My Ray of Sunshine; Ian Michael Burgett by Tyler Edwards
A subtle reminder of life’s everyday gifts can make all of the difference in how we live our lives and who we are as people. Today, I want to reflect. No, not in the sense of sorrow-filled remembrance, rather, I want to reflect my ray of sunshine, my memories of a person that serve as a source of charm, humor, compassion, and everyday miracles.
As we gather here today, I pray that we can see the silver lining that lies within my friend’s heart of gold. After all, Ian wouldn’t have it any other way. Ian’s radiant smile and glowing optimism has left an act that I’m afraid no one can follow. In fact, his happy-go-lucky nature can be summarized by my experiences with him on a sailboat. It was an extremely windy day (to say the least) and just as we were turning the boat, a roaring, howling wind lifted the boat out of the water, pre-empting the imminent demise of our dry clothing. Naturally, I panicked and worsened the situation. Meanwhile, Ian leaned over the rising side of the boat to act as a counter-balance to the forces of the wind. The boat quickly righted, and he uttered his proverbial catch phrase, “Don’t worry guys, I got this,” coupled with a perfectly timed flip of the hair…
It was then I realized that even the most minute acts of humor and optimism can amount to bright memories that turn into priceless treasures. These treasures that Ian has left us serve as a testament to his loving and giving nature. His spare time over the summers was spent helping those in need as he volunteered at the Riverside Hospital. For the 18 years that I knew Ian, I had never once heard him ask for anything in return for his acts of kindness, nor had I heard him complain. His generous soul can be attributed to his willingness to seek guidance and advice from his mother, father, friends, teachers; and especially the one he idolized the most; his brother…
Ian had a nag for brightening days with so much as a smile and a witty joke that always drew laughter. His calm yet charismatic voice commanded the room. His unparalleled charm has captured the hearts of all who have met him. Needless to say, he did this a little too well. I don’t want to speak for others, but Ian could literally convince me to do anything; including convincing me to happily pay for his McDoubles whenever we stopped at McDonalds.
Ian’s closest friends can attest to his uncanny ability to read body language and emotions. Ian was the best friend, brother, and son that anyone could ask for: he was always there to catch the first tear before it even had a chance to hit the ground…
It is for these reasons that Ian is my ray of sunshine. As the days go by, I will always treasure the memories that my friend that I love has given me. It is said that it takes seven years for rays from the sun to reach our planet… Correct me if I’m wrong, but if Ian was 18 years old, that’s at least 126 years of memories until I have to crack into all of the pictures and videos that he stars in.
I hope that we can all cherish a piece of Ian’s legacy in our hearts. Use it as guidance and solace. Who knows? Maybe those memories will hold us over until we can one day see him again.
Tyler Edwards (far left), 19 years old, is a freshman at Virginia Tech and is majoring in Building Construction. Ian Burgett (blue vest) was 18 years old, graduating from Nansemond Suffolk Academy this month, and was heading to James Madison University this fall.
For Information about East West Partners’ communities, visit www.eastwestcommunities.com. Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West Realty Sales Centers are open 7 days a week on-site. Equal Housing Opportunity
Thursday, March 29, 2012
First Lady Michelle Obama to address Virginia Tech graduates | Virginia Tech News | Virginia Tech
First Lady Michelle Obama to address Virginia Tech graduates | Virginia Tech News | Virginia Tech
Michelle Obama BLACKSBURG, Va., March 28, 2012 – The First Lady, Michelle Obama, will address Virginia Tech graduates at the 2012 University Commencement ceremony to be held on Friday, May 11 at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field.
“We are delighted that the nation’s First Lady, Michelle Obama, will join us to celebrate commencement with Virginia Tech’s 2012 graduates," said Virginia Tech President, Charles Steger. "This is an exceptional and noteworthy honor that certainly ranks as the highlight of anyone’s college career.”
Mrs. Obama joins U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-VA, as commencement speaker.
"This is the first time a First Lady has addressed a Virginia Tech commencement," added Steger, "so this is a unique opportunity to welcome two dynamic leaders who are outstanding role models for today’s young men and women."
Mrs. Obama begins a series of commencement addresses at Virginia Tech, a location where she was inspired by the resilience of the student body and community coming together to support each other during difficult times. She later travels to North Carolina A&T University and to Oregon State University.
The university announced earlier this year Sen. Warner as commencement speaker. Both will deliver commencement addresses.
The University Commencement ceremony will begin at noon. More than 5,000 graduates will be honored at this time. More information is available on the commencement website.
Michelle Obama “We are delighted that the nation’s First Lady, Michelle Obama, will join us to celebrate commencement with Virginia Tech’s 2012 graduates," said Virginia Tech President, Charles Steger. "This is an exceptional and noteworthy honor that certainly ranks as the highlight of anyone’s college career.”
Mrs. Obama joins U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-VA, as commencement speaker.
"This is the first time a First Lady has addressed a Virginia Tech commencement," added Steger, "so this is a unique opportunity to welcome two dynamic leaders who are outstanding role models for today’s young men and women."
Mrs. Obama begins a series of commencement addresses at Virginia Tech, a location where she was inspired by the resilience of the student body and community coming together to support each other during difficult times. She later travels to North Carolina A&T University and to Oregon State University.
The university announced earlier this year Sen. Warner as commencement speaker. Both will deliver commencement addresses.
The University Commencement ceremony will begin at noon. More than 5,000 graduates will be honored at this time. More information is available on the commencement website.
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 215 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 30,000 students and manages a research portfolio of nearly $400 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Suffolk Farmer's Market will open in May
Since the summer of 2005, the Suffolk Farmers’ Market has been a popular outlet for locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, organically raised poultry, fresh eggs and milk, honey and a variety of artisan-crafted goods.
In May, the Market will take root in a brand new open air special event pavilion, conveniently located behind the Suffolk Visitor Center at 524 North Main Street in downtown Suffolk, Virginia. Situated on the corner of Constance Road and Main Street, the Suffolk Farmers’ Market will operate May 19, through November 17, 2012; Wednesdays 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Fridays 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free and open to the public, the Market will host a variety of Family Fun Days, special guest speakers and performers, petting zoos, book signings, workshops, crafts and more. Everyone looks forward the Farmer's Market and now it will be bigger and better than ever. May can't get here soon enough!
In Suffolk, Virginia, you will find both small-town charm and big-city amenities - a rare and pleasing combination. The downtown streets are dotted with quaint shops and family restaurants, and the northern part of the city has become the center for high technology. The neighborhoods and villages offer a blend of historic landmarks and warm southern hospitality.
For Information about East West Partners’ communities, visit www.eastwestcommunities.com. Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West Realty Sales Centers are open 7 days a week on-site. Equal Housing Opportunity
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Emerson Builders' Founders Pointe Model at 213 Summerhouse Lane
New home by Emerson Builders, in Founders Pointe- a waterfront community in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
Emerson Builders' Founders Pointe Model at 213 Summerhouse Lane
New home by Emerson Builders, in Founders Pointe- a waterfront community in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
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