Ah, Virginia inventions—things from right here at home that change elements of everyday life. As you might’ve heard, necessity is the mother of invention. And this past winter, we desperately needed a way to save our Christmas tree from our cats. 

For years, we’ve had to either store presents in storage bins or wait quite some time to wrap them. Otherwise, they’re wrapped neatly under the tree when we go to sleep and strewn halfway across the living room when we get up. This year, I saw some 6-foot arched window frames at my local ReStore and bought them.

I screwed three together with hinges, duct taped shower curtains over the front, and put it up around the tree. Only once did a kitty figure out how to get inside—and that was after all of the presents were safely distributed on Christmas morning. If you’re interested in inventions, I have a feeling you’ll enjoy today’s newsletter. I’m so glad you’re here.

By Michael O’Connor

Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s office recently announced she had signed legislation aimed at creating thousands of new jobs and attracting billions of dollars worth of investment in Virginia. 

The four pieces of legislation Spanberger signed involve economic development deals around the state that have a combined goal of creating 3,250 jobs and resulting in companies investing a combined $7.1 billion in the economy. 

“From my very first day in office, I have been working to create a stable business environment so companies can hire, expand, and continue to invest in our Commonwealth,” Spanberger said in a press release. “I am signing these bills into law so we can continue to grow Virginia’s economy and create opportunities for Virginians.

By Amie Knowles

My 8-year-old, Colton, has been earning some money lately in an effort to save up for Minecraft—a creative world-building game he really enjoyed, but misplaced a couple years ago.

We stopped by Target when we were out of town recently. He saw a couple of toys on sale and asked if I’d buy them so he wouldn’t have to spend his “Minecraft money.” I agreed. An employee—probably in his mid-20s—overheard that and struck up a conversation with Colton about the game. My son told him the whole saga of loving it, losing it, and saving money to buy it again.

The guy reached into his own wallet and handed Colton $5 toward the “Minecraft fund.” Colton was thrilled and thanked him like he’d just received a million. Then, with total sincerity and zero hesitation, he announced: “Now I’m only $10 away!”

I told him he could do a few more chores, and then he’d have it in the bag. You know, parental encouragement. Earning the rest. Effort and outcome holding hands. What happened next surprised us both. The guy reached back in his wallet and pulled out … a $10 bill.

Colton thanked him profusely and ran and leaped (as pictured above) the entire distance back to electronics, where he bought the game. He was rightfully determined not to leave until he found his friend again. When he did, he shook his hand, asked for his name, thanked him a third time, and said he was the “G.O.A.T.” (greatest of all time). 

So what am I “trying” here? I’m trying to learn that not every lesson comes from effort. That kindness isn’t earned, it’s freely given. Colton will remember the game, sure. But over the years, I have a feeling he’ll remember Mario more. The way a total stranger listened carefully enough to hear what was missing, and then acted to fill the gap.

I hope that’s the type of person Colton grows up to be—much like in the game of Minecraft—quietly building a better world one small, meaningful action at a time. 

By Aila Boyd

Point guard Cory Alexander was drafted into the NBA during the 1995-96 season. 

Born in 1973 in Waynesboro, the University of Virginia alum played for four teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets, throughout his nine-season career. 

Having played 307 games, his average points per game came to 5.5.

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 and Michael O’Connor. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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