I had known about the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterway History Foundation and Museum for years since it was a passionate vision from the late Judge Grissom's mind. He was passionate in his foresight and committed to having his fellow citizens in Chesapeake be mindful of our city's place in history. How proud this beloved judge was that the first taste of freedom our local patriots achieved for the new nation happened right here in Great Bridge! The Battle of Great Bridge was the first victory in this country's war for independence, and it was our local patriots' gift to the country!

The dedicated staff at the beautiful building sitting at the location of the Battle of Great Bridge hosted a pre-Valentine's Day celebration. The event filled the beautiful mansion on the site of the breathtaking waterway. Enticed by Tradition's Rev Guill's reputation for catering, guests were treated to great food where their "heavy hors d'oeuvres" were wonderful.

I did not realize how many old friends would be there, and the two-hour event went all too quickly. Our faithful mayor, Rick West, was present (as he always is), and newly voted-in councilman Jeff Bunn exuded happiness with his charming smile! Another good friend, Baxter Ennis, let friends know he is running for a state office! Everyone was sharing their happiness. It made me want to keep going back. There is nothing a writer wants more than hearing (then sharing) all the news.

Elizabeth Goodwin is the delightful woman in charge of this fantastic project, and Jean Carideo, always so faithful to our city's needs, has accepted a prime voluntary position. Lin Olsen, who played a key role in the foundation's development, was there with her husband, Greg. Dr. Lou Carideo, my GP for years before he retired to be a part-time hospitalist, surprised me by asking if I was doing okay without the paper?

"The paper?" I asked, suspecting his answer.
"Yes, not having The Shopper anymore."
"I still have The Shopper!" I wanted him to know. I knew why my long-time doctor thought I might have retired.

My brother-in-law, the wonderfully successful John May, was my Chairman of the Board for decades when he sat me down in 2018 and said I should retire and travel with Terry while we could and enjoy ourselves.

John was sincere in looking out for me and wanting me to stop working and start having fun. He is a decade younger than me and as highly respected and successful an entrepreneur as I have ever known. My admiration for him knows no bounds, so I considered doing what he suggested. Also, I wrote about having considered retirement in my monthly column-which will turn 43 by this year's end.

In any case, I decided running The Shopper is fun! The Valentine's celebration at the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterway Museum reminded me why I love my work. Gathering with friends for two hours and meeting the supporters of our city's claim to historical fame was actually inspiring! Anyone present could also buy chances to win a basket of really great gifts! Everyone was able to bid on these prizes, designed to raise money for the Great Bridge Battlefield's events. My favorite was a huge prize worth $1900!

My husband took a chance to win a huge three-wheel bicycle with side-by-side seats. Waiting to hear who won that prize, I visualized what fun it would be for Terry and me to ride around our neighborhood in that three-wheeled bike. While we did not win it, where else could we have had the fun of that anticipation for the price of a ticket?


I love this city and the people who live here and are proud of it. I love "traveling" for 20 minutes to get to an event where the food is wonderful, the people friendly, and there are prize baskets, ranging from everything chocolate to a huge three-wheel bike!

I know I will retire sometime. It won't be while I am having so much fun, getting to meet wonderful people,  and happily using The Shopper to help launch entrepreneurs!