Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Ah, the joy of a Christmas ham—or, if you grew up in a mostly vegetarian household like I did, Christmas wham. Virginia has quite a history of the illustrious meat (including the World’s Oldest Ham, currently on display). Curious to know more? You’ll go ham over today’s lead story. I’m so glad you’re here.

A delicious holiday ham. (Getty Images/Unsplash)

By Britteny Dee

Here’s what you need to know: No turkey? No problem! In Virginia, birds aren’t the only meat on the holiday menu. Discover why so many Virginians serve ham.

Top facts:

• Virginia ham is a variation of traditional country ham known for its unique sweetness. Country ham is dry cured and common in Southern states, while city ham is wet cured and what you’ll likely come across when shopping for ham at a supermarket.

• Fulks Run Grocery, a family-run business founded in 1949, produces Virginia hams under the brand name Turner Hams using a traditional family recipe. The store also sells a fried ham sandwich, which was named Virginia’s best country ham sandwich in 2017.
• There are a variety of ways to enjoy Virginia ham, though it’s often served thinly sliced, sometimes alongside bread or crackers. This recipe for an oven-baked Virginia ham features a traditional brown sugar glaze and is an excellent option for a holiday meal.

Hungry for more? Discover what makes Virginia ham so special at the link below.

We shared news that US Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) is running for reelection, and our readers chimed in.

Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite things you’ve said about the announcement.

“Smart man with tech and governmental knowledge and wants best for Virginia.” — Becky P.

“Mark Warner is a wonderful senator and a fantastic leader for Virginia! We will definitely be voting for him—all my family and all my friends!” — Liz M.

We’re always happy to hear your opinions. Write in at amie@couriernewsroom.com to share how you feel about the news.

Edgar Allan Poe grew up in Richmond. (Library of Congress)

By Dorothy Scott

So far, every celebrity who went to college in Virginia in our weekly series has graduated with a degree, but that cannot be said for Edgar Allan Poe. The legendary writer, who lived from 1809 to 1849, continues to be read over 200 years after he was born, so it might surprise some to learn that he wasn’t as formally trained as many might’ve thought. Rather, he called the University of Virginia home for a single term. According to Britannica, gambling issues led to his vacancy on the university’s grounds.

That year was 1826, and perhaps it worked in his favor. His writings began being published the following year. First, his poems saw daylight, and then his stories began trickling out, one after another. “The Raven” is undoubtedly the work that we’re all the most familiar with, but that poem wouldn’t reach papers until 1845, just four years before his untimely passing in 1849.

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