News

It comes naturally

I scoop up a quart of dark pond water and debris in my cloth net. As the muck drains, my partner Claire sticks her hand into the mess. She grabs a glob of mud the size, shape, and color of a miniature York peppermint patty—except it’s wiggling and has a tail. A bullfrog tadpole! We crow […]

Carol Diggs | April 21, 2021

News

Pandemic pivot: How local nonprofits have adjusted to strange times

“When the pandemic set in, it rendered our model impossible,” says Jayson Whitehead, executive director of PACEM, a local nonprofit that partners with area houses of worship to offer overnight shelter and meals for the homeless during the winter. Close contact in church buildings became unsafe. So did the buffet dinners served by congregation volunteers. […]

Carol Diggs | December 2, 2020

News

Ash disaster: Local ash trees face their own pandemic

As if COVID-19 weren’t enough, central Virginia is fighting another plague, only this one—the emerald ash borer—threatens our trees. The beetle may look like a tiny jewel— it’s a bright metallic green, small enough to sit on a penny— but it’s been scything down local ash trees like a malevolent Paul Bunyan.  “No ash tree […]

Carol Diggs | October 14, 2020

C-BIZ

Recipe for success: Vu Noodles’ survival story

Those who work in business can tell you that success requires hard work, adaptation, and some smiles from fate. Julie Vu Whitaker, founder and driving force behind Vu Noodles, can attest to all three. In 2013, after 20 years as a social worker, Whitaker decided on a career shift. “[While] I still loved it, I […]

Carol Diggs | August 28, 2020

Culture Living

Eyes to the sky: Young birders build their skills

Dusk. A cold fitful breeze. Quiet except for our footfalls on dry leaves. Far above, a hawk glides, dark against the twilight sky. “Cooper’s,” says Theo after a swift glance. Theo is leading our group along the Rivanna Trail in search of woodcocks. It’s sunset in spring—courting time. Theo picks a spot on the border […]

Carol Diggs | July 29, 2020

C-BIZ

Dollars & sense: The Tax Ladies bring a personal touch to financial services

Libby Edwards-Allbaugh, co-founder and co-owner of The Tax Ladies, thinks being a woman in a male-dominated industry is a strength. “This is such a traditional, conservative field,” she says. “The people in accountancy often lack people skills; I felt I could set a more personable tone.” The Tax Ladies, which she and partner Treat Jackson […]

Carol Diggs | April 25, 2020