Guess who finally got her taxes together this morning? This girl.
Is it late in the game? Yes. But is it past the filing deadline? No. That’s why I’m giving y’all a gentle nudge: if you’re like me and haven’t gotten around to gathering your papers yet, it’s time. There’s only one week left before Tax Day, April 15.
I also wanted to mention the VITA program, which offers free tax assistance to people making $56,000 or less, those who have a disability, the elderly, and people who speak limited English. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program also provides free tax help to people with low to moderate incomes.
Maybe with this year’s tax return, I can finally convince my husband that the half an acre that our house also sits on is plenty enough for a horse. Then, maybe next year, I’ll be racing at the Virginia Gold Cup, too. Speaking of which, I’ve got more info on that race below for you today. I’m so glad you’re here.
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The Virginia Gold Cup tests a horse’s ability to jump fences and go long distances. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)
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By Aila Boyd
Here’s what you need to know: Unlike the dirt oval track at Churchill Downs, the Virginia Gold Cup racetrack places unique demands on its horses and riders, given that it spans a long and varied terrain with a range of fences.
Top facts:
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Despite drawing annual crowds of more than 60,000 today, the cup has a humble origin story dating to 1844, when the first organized steeplechase was held in Fauquier County. Then in 1922, a small group of racing enthusiasts established a 4-mile race through the countryside—the Virginia Gold Cup.
- The 1985 race was the first one to be held at a new location: Great Meadow. The previous racecourse was used for cattle grazing 11 months out of the year, a common occurrence in early 20th century racing.
- As a result of the racecourse changes, a different style of racing emerged. This also meant that different horses were better suited for the course, with those that were able to jump larger fences and run for longer distances doing better.
Want to see the action? Ticket options are available starting at $54 for the May 2 event.
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The Military Women’s Memorial is located at the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery. (Military Women’s Memorial)
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By Aila Boyd
The Military Women’s Memorial honors the countless women who have courageously served the country. Surprisingly, it’s the only major national memorial of its kind. It can be found at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.
It includes a Court of Valor with a reflecting pool, an interactive computerized registry of female service members, and a fountain with 16 exhibit alcoves, which feature permanent and rotating exhibits.
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Screenshot of YouTube video “Mr. Rogers—What Matters in this Life” (Motivation by Masters | Relax Mind, Inspire Heart/YouTube)
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By Amie Knowles
Need a little motivation to get you over the mid-week hump? I’d highly recommend listening to What Matters in this Life by Fred Rogers—yes, that’s the same guy from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which first appeared on television screens in 1968.
It’s about 12 and a half minutes long, but well worth the time. In it, he talks about a moving moment from a 1976 track and field event for disabled athletes in Spokane, Washington, when a contestant fell and hurt his knee. Rather than seeing the stumble as an advantage, some of the runners turned around, helped the boy to his feet, and linked arms to cross the finish line.
While not all of the details in Rogers’ retelling are accurate (he told the story circulating at the time, but new information emerged years later that contradicted some elements) the point remains the same: True meaning often emerges within us not when we’re solely focusing on our own agendas, but when we’re helping others reach for their goals. It’s a really powerful piece.
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Job Type: Records Administrator
Location: City of Norfolk
Salary: $59,745.51 to $100,094.57/year
Qualifications:
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4 years of college resulting in a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- 2 years’ experience in supervisory work, office management, or related work with records and files
- Proficient in inventory tracking and retention of city records housed in a climate-controlled facility
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Knowledge and understanding of Library of Virginia retention schedules highly preferred
Job description on Indeed: “This position involves citywide records administration including acquisition, storage, maintenance, and disposition of records according to legal requirements. Provides training, advice, and recommendations regarding records retention and disposition. Manages database for Laser fiche imaging system through adding and deleting users, setting security passwords and access levels, and training others on the system. Drafts policies regarding the city records management program.”
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Have you shared this newsletter with a neighbor?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Aila Boyd. It was edited by Brook Bolen.
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