November 1 is Veterans Day---the time of year to honor and give thanks to our men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, World War 1 formally ended with the signing of Armistice Day, now commonly known as Veterans Day.
Unlike Memorial Day, which is an annual federal holiday, observed nationwide the last Monday of May to honor all of our deceased or fallen Service men and women, Veterans Day became an official legal holiday to honor all of our U.S. veterans, living and lost.
To all veterans of war and peace, thank you for all your service and sacrifices. Thank you for all that you do and have done to preserve peace, freedom, liberty and democracy for our country.
On this Veterans Day, we pray: Dear God, bless our veterans and their families, wherever they may be. Protect them, watch over them and keep them safe from harm, wherever they may be. make them an instrument of your peace, love, justice and charity, wherever they may be.Inspire them to always do your will for our country and for all humanity, wherever they may be.
To our sick, wounded, ill and injured veterans, O Lord, we pray, heal them and make them well, wherever they may be. Give them hope and life, and strengthen their faith, resolve, and positivity, wherever they may be.
And to our beloved veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice, Almighty Father, grant unto them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. All of these, we ask through Jesus Christ, your Son, and our Savior, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Here's a poetic tribute to our veterans:
"Valiant Veterans"
Valiant veterans/ Of yesterday and today/ Who fought for freedom/ Peace and prosperity/ Life and liberty/ Who served proudly with dignity/ Yet/ For as long as memories linger survived and succeeded/ To win victory for our country/ For the whole humanity/ We're so proud of you!
You served and volunteered/ To protect and to defend/ Our nation, our Constitution/ Our people and our world/ With so much love,/ Pride and patriotism/ Valor and vigilance/ And you survived / The scars and scourges/ The atrocities and bitterness/ Of war big or small/ in Vietnam and Korea/ Grenada and Panama/ In the Middle East/ And other crises/ National and international.
The experiences and memories/ In those battlefields,/ Concentration camps/ and war zones/ With our lost comrades/ And of our beloved ones.../ They can never be forgotten/ For as long as you live/ For as long as memories linger/ On and on/ Now and forever/ Valiant veterans/ Hailed and honored/ Revered and respected/ Recognized and remembered/ Today, always, and forever.
On this very special day/ A memorable Veterans Day/ We salute you/ And sincerely thank you/ Veterans of all times/ For your courage and dedication/ Love and devotion/ To our people and our nation/ We proudly honor you/ The unsung heroes/ Of war and peace/ Of the past and the present/ The ideal and inspiration/ For all generations to come!
"Gone But Not Forgotten"
Like us, you had dreams/ Lofty goals and ambitions/ Visions and missions/ For a better life-world.
You volunteered to serve/ To protect and to defend/ Our freedom and our liberty/ Our nation and the Constitution/ With hope and honor/ Pride and power/ Valor and vigilance/ Without fear and reservation./ You endured the pain/ Sun, wind, snow, and rain/ And you enjoyed the game/ Of love, life, and fame.
You endured the agony/ Of a war-torn country/ You suffered tremendously/ To the end you left us everything/ But images and memories/ Dusty ribbons and uniforms/ Faded jeans and shirts/ Letters and photographs/ All to cherish and treasure.
Gone but not forgotten/ You, our unsung heroes/ Of war and peace.../Our inspiration in life/ Today, yesterday, and tomorrow!
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Published online in the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Friday, November 9, 2018.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald (print edition), Sunday, November 11, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Get out and vote*
Get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6! It's an opportunity to let your voices be heard by exercising your constitutional right to elect the most qualified candidates who, in your belief and to your knowledge, are going to be effective public servants.
To vote is your fundamental right and a civic duty as responsible citizens of this great republic.
Active participation in a democratic process, by voting in local, state and national elections, is a must for all American citizens, like you and me. This basic human right to vote is both a duty and an obligation as Americans. Your vote is your voice, politically speaking. You and I have a very important role to play in the decision-making of the government. Don't waste it.
Section 2 of the Fourteenth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, ratified on July 9, 1868, explicitly mentioned the right to vote. At the time, only 21-year-old male persons born or naturalized in the United States and the State wherein they reside, with the exception of those participate in any election for the choice of electors for the president and vice president of the United States, representatives in Congress, and the executive and judicial officers of a state.
With the birth of the women's suffrage movement started by Lydia Taft of Massachusetts in 1756, and subsequently by other well-known female suffrage advocates and activists like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone and Susan B. Anthony, the right to vote for women gained momentum . Gov. John Allen Campbell of the Wyoming territory was the first governor to approve the first U.S. law granting women the right to vote on Dec. 10, 18969. Other states, like Idaho, Utah and Colorado, followed suit. Eventually, on July 4, 1920, Congress approved the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited state or federal sex-based restrictions on voting.
The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified on Feb. 3, 1870 by the U.S. Congress, states that the right citizens of the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
The Twenty-Fourth Amendment, ratified Jan. 23, 1964, states that the right of the citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for president or vice president, for electors for president or vice president, or for senator or representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
Furthermore, the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, ratified July 1, 1971, states that the right of citizens of the United States who are 18 years of age or older votes shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state an account of age.
Don't take your right to vote for granted. You have the power to effect change reforms in government. Exercise your right to vote who will serve, lead and repent you.
With your vote, you can make a difference not only for yourself but also for others---your family and friends and future generations. With your vote, you are empowered to make your city, community and country better.
Your vote matters because it's your voice, a powerful voice that can make or unmake a candidate or politician a public servant. Your vote can unseat an incumbent who does not meet your expectations; it can install into public office a newcomer or challenger who is ready to work for the common good, with his or her zeal and passion to serve the public. Your vote determines what your future city, community and country will be, with the best possible candidate you have chosen.
Go to the polls and vote. Don't forget to bring your photo ID with you when you go vote. The following are acceptable photo identification:
+A valid Virginia driver's license or DMV identification card
+Government-issued photo identification
+Valid employee photo identification
+Valid college or university student photo identification card (issuer must be an institution of
higher education located in Virginia)
+Voter photo ID card issued by the Department of Elections
Don't left this once-in-a-while civic and patriotic duty and opportunity pass you by. Your vote counts! It matters for your future and future generation of America. Give the election registrar and her team the opportunity to count and tabulate your votes.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Sunday, November 4, 2018. For more information, visit www. suffolknewsherald.org.
To vote is your fundamental right and a civic duty as responsible citizens of this great republic.
Active participation in a democratic process, by voting in local, state and national elections, is a must for all American citizens, like you and me. This basic human right to vote is both a duty and an obligation as Americans. Your vote is your voice, politically speaking. You and I have a very important role to play in the decision-making of the government. Don't waste it.
Section 2 of the Fourteenth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, ratified on July 9, 1868, explicitly mentioned the right to vote. At the time, only 21-year-old male persons born or naturalized in the United States and the State wherein they reside, with the exception of those participate in any election for the choice of electors for the president and vice president of the United States, representatives in Congress, and the executive and judicial officers of a state.
With the birth of the women's suffrage movement started by Lydia Taft of Massachusetts in 1756, and subsequently by other well-known female suffrage advocates and activists like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone and Susan B. Anthony, the right to vote for women gained momentum . Gov. John Allen Campbell of the Wyoming territory was the first governor to approve the first U.S. law granting women the right to vote on Dec. 10, 18969. Other states, like Idaho, Utah and Colorado, followed suit. Eventually, on July 4, 1920, Congress approved the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited state or federal sex-based restrictions on voting.
The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified on Feb. 3, 1870 by the U.S. Congress, states that the right citizens of the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
The Twenty-Fourth Amendment, ratified Jan. 23, 1964, states that the right of the citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for president or vice president, for electors for president or vice president, or for senator or representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
Furthermore, the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, ratified July 1, 1971, states that the right of citizens of the United States who are 18 years of age or older votes shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state an account of age.
Don't take your right to vote for granted. You have the power to effect change reforms in government. Exercise your right to vote who will serve, lead and repent you.
With your vote, you can make a difference not only for yourself but also for others---your family and friends and future generations. With your vote, you are empowered to make your city, community and country better.
Your vote matters because it's your voice, a powerful voice that can make or unmake a candidate or politician a public servant. Your vote can unseat an incumbent who does not meet your expectations; it can install into public office a newcomer or challenger who is ready to work for the common good, with his or her zeal and passion to serve the public. Your vote determines what your future city, community and country will be, with the best possible candidate you have chosen.
Go to the polls and vote. Don't forget to bring your photo ID with you when you go vote. The following are acceptable photo identification:
+A valid Virginia driver's license or DMV identification card
+Government-issued photo identification
+Valid employee photo identification
+Valid college or university student photo identification card (issuer must be an institution of
higher education located in Virginia)
+Voter photo ID card issued by the Department of Elections
Don't left this once-in-a-while civic and patriotic duty and opportunity pass you by. Your vote counts! It matters for your future and future generation of America. Give the election registrar and her team the opportunity to count and tabulate your votes.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Sunday, November 4, 2018. For more information, visit www. suffolknewsherald.org.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Halloween and the saints*
Happy Halloween, everyone! Trick-or-treaters, are your Halloween costumes ready? Well, have fun but be safe out there when you go house to house with your parents or guardians.
Yes, it's Halloween again! That means front porches or yards and houses are decorated with seasonal flags, carved pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns or improvised Halloween decorations. It also means children have already selected or are ready with their Halloween attire.
I imagine there will be kids in their Power Ranger, Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, witch, police, firefighter or princess attire. Some will be dressed up in just casual costumes with their plastic or canvas bags on hand, hopeful for assortment of candies. Likewise, there will be those older kids dressed up as ugly, scary beasts, vampire-like creature or witches.
Kids will be going door-to-door in the neighborhood, escorted or accompanied by their parents or guardians, greeting the homeowners with a shout of "Trick or treat!" while the latter have prepared some goodies to give away.
Halloween tradition came to North America from Ireland more than a century ago. Today, it has become a business industry from Hollywood to the isle of the nearest discount and grocery chain stores, malls and even eateries.
Kids of all ages, even the young teens and adults, still get a kick out of the cheap thrill of a good ghost story, strange tales in plays, or spooky movie, which abound this time of year. This is just an indication that fear is a part of life.
In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, where I was born, Filipinos didn't have this Halloween back then. But with the proliferation of social media and Western culture influence, they now celebrate it on the last day of October, with children, like in the U.S. and elsewhere, dressed in different Halloween costumes. and rooming around the malls for candies, goodies and sweets.
On the other hand, townsfolk go to public cemeteries and clean gravesites the last week of October. En masse, they prepare the cemeteries to be visited once again. Gravesites or tombs are freshly-painted to honor their beloved dead.
Filipinos, and Catholics around the world, pay homage to their beloved departed on Nov. 1, All Saints' Day (which is a Holy Day of Obligation), and Nov. 2, All Souls' Day (The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed). In addition to remembering their deceased loved ones, they also honor the Catholic Church's saints. They believe these saints inspire and guide them in their daily lives. When they pray or attend Mass in church, they ask for their intercession so their prayers become meaningful, and they hope their prayers and hopeful wishes will be granted.
In the Philippines, people go to cemeteries late afternoon or early evening, Nov.1 and Nov. 2, and light candles at the tombs, offering flowers or wreathes, and prayers. In other parts of the country, townsfolk have this tradition of offering food to and for their dead.
In cemeteries, Mass for the dead is also said and celebrated by a town priest or pastor, who then blesses and sprinkles holy water on the gravesites.
People publicly display their reverence to their dead who, having been a part of their families, deserve to be remembered and respected.
Public and private schools and colleges are closed on Nov. 1 and 2. College students, studying in big cities like Manila or Baguio City, go to their home provinces to pay respects to their dead. These two-day events can serve as a great opportunity for townsfolk to see or mingle with friends and family members who may have been away from their community for a while.
To all Catholics, Happy All Saints'/Souls' Day! And to all the kids in all of us, have a fun but safe Halloween!
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Sunday, October 28, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
Yes, it's Halloween again! That means front porches or yards and houses are decorated with seasonal flags, carved pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns or improvised Halloween decorations. It also means children have already selected or are ready with their Halloween attire.
I imagine there will be kids in their Power Ranger, Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, witch, police, firefighter or princess attire. Some will be dressed up in just casual costumes with their plastic or canvas bags on hand, hopeful for assortment of candies. Likewise, there will be those older kids dressed up as ugly, scary beasts, vampire-like creature or witches.
Kids will be going door-to-door in the neighborhood, escorted or accompanied by their parents or guardians, greeting the homeowners with a shout of "Trick or treat!" while the latter have prepared some goodies to give away.
Halloween tradition came to North America from Ireland more than a century ago. Today, it has become a business industry from Hollywood to the isle of the nearest discount and grocery chain stores, malls and even eateries.
Kids of all ages, even the young teens and adults, still get a kick out of the cheap thrill of a good ghost story, strange tales in plays, or spooky movie, which abound this time of year. This is just an indication that fear is a part of life.
In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, where I was born, Filipinos didn't have this Halloween back then. But with the proliferation of social media and Western culture influence, they now celebrate it on the last day of October, with children, like in the U.S. and elsewhere, dressed in different Halloween costumes. and rooming around the malls for candies, goodies and sweets.
On the other hand, townsfolk go to public cemeteries and clean gravesites the last week of October. En masse, they prepare the cemeteries to be visited once again. Gravesites or tombs are freshly-painted to honor their beloved dead.
Filipinos, and Catholics around the world, pay homage to their beloved departed on Nov. 1, All Saints' Day (which is a Holy Day of Obligation), and Nov. 2, All Souls' Day (The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed). In addition to remembering their deceased loved ones, they also honor the Catholic Church's saints. They believe these saints inspire and guide them in their daily lives. When they pray or attend Mass in church, they ask for their intercession so their prayers become meaningful, and they hope their prayers and hopeful wishes will be granted.
In the Philippines, people go to cemeteries late afternoon or early evening, Nov.1 and Nov. 2, and light candles at the tombs, offering flowers or wreathes, and prayers. In other parts of the country, townsfolk have this tradition of offering food to and for their dead.
In cemeteries, Mass for the dead is also said and celebrated by a town priest or pastor, who then blesses and sprinkles holy water on the gravesites.
People publicly display their reverence to their dead who, having been a part of their families, deserve to be remembered and respected.
Public and private schools and colleges are closed on Nov. 1 and 2. College students, studying in big cities like Manila or Baguio City, go to their home provinces to pay respects to their dead. These two-day events can serve as a great opportunity for townsfolk to see or mingle with friends and family members who may have been away from their community for a while.
To all Catholics, Happy All Saints'/Souls' Day! And to all the kids in all of us, have a fun but safe Halloween!
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Sunday, October 28, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Mama Zeny and Breast Cancer Awareness Month*
Besides orange for pumpkins, what other color symbol is prevalent during the month of October? The pink ribbon.
This piece is dedicated to all men and women who lost their lives because of breast cancer. It is especially dedicated in honor of the memory of my mother-n-law, Mama Zeny, a pharmacist-instructor turned community leader-vice mayor, who succumbed to breast cancer almost three decades ago in the Philippines.
Having been a member of a medically-oriented Filipino-Chinese family (her two brothers, Uncle Oscar and Uncle Constancio were both doctors of medicine in the United States), Mama Zeny married my late father-in-law, Gody, a retired family physician, who took care of her during and after her treatment.
Mama Zeny did have a mastectomy and chemotherapy afterwards, but the cancer had metastasized.
Had she lived through the years, Mama Zeny would have witnessed how her two grandchildren, Andrew and Christine, have grown to become independent, young adults who are doing well in their respective professions (an IT instructor and stage actor, and a school counselor, respectively), making a difference in others' lives. She would have been so happy and proud to have witnessed the wedding of my daughter, her granddaughter, Christine, and my son-in-law, Robbie, who is an IT network coordinator/administrator. She would have been enjoying her golden years in active retirement, traveling back and forth from the Philippines to the United States, specifically Virginia.
But breast cancer cut short her earthly, professional and productive life. She was 58. (I pray, "may the soul of our faithful departed, Mama Zeny, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign, founded in 1985, by various breast cancer charities, to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research and education into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
This observance highlights the importance of early detection (the key to cancer survival), prevention and protection from breast cancer and other related abnormalities. It also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is still the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.
The society estimates there are more than 31 million people in the United States with a history of breast cancer. This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.
With increased awareness, education and research, as well as early detection through screening and improved treatment, a woman's risk of dying of breast cancer dropped 39 percent between the late 1980s and 2015, translating into more than 300,000 breast cancer deaths avoided during that time.
Limited but accumulating research indicates several factors increase the risk of breast cancer in women: alcohol consumption, obesity and smoking.
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer in women by about 7 to 10 percent for each one drink by of alcohol consumed per day on average. Women who have two to three alcoholic drinks per day have a 20 percent higher risk of breast cancer compared to non-drinkers.
Obesity increases the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer, with 1.5 times higher in overweight women and about 2 times higher in obese women than in lean women. Smoking may slightly increase breast cancer risk, particularly long-term, heavy smoking and among women who start smoking before the first pregnancy.
Meanwhile, there's a growing evidence suggesting that women who exercise regularly have a 10 to 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who are inactive, with stronger evidence for post-menopausal women.
The American Cancer Society has set guidelines for early breast cancer detection. Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every east cancer screening or baseline mammograms. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every two years, or can continue yearly screening, per their doctor's recommendation.
Women at high risk should have a regular mammography, as per their doctor's advice or recommendation.Women in their 20s and 30s should have clinical breast exam every three years and every year for women 40 years old and over. For women starting in their 20s, a monthly breast self-exam is an option. Women should know how their breasts normally feel and should report promptly to their doctor or health care provider any unusual breast pain or significant change in appearance, size and color.
One of the best tools to detect breast cancer or abnormality is the routine mammography. If you haven't had one, visit your doctor and request or obtain referral to have a mammogram.
For more information about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit: www.nationalbreast cancer.org.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Sunday, October 7, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
This piece is dedicated to all men and women who lost their lives because of breast cancer. It is especially dedicated in honor of the memory of my mother-n-law, Mama Zeny, a pharmacist-instructor turned community leader-vice mayor, who succumbed to breast cancer almost three decades ago in the Philippines.
Having been a member of a medically-oriented Filipino-Chinese family (her two brothers, Uncle Oscar and Uncle Constancio were both doctors of medicine in the United States), Mama Zeny married my late father-in-law, Gody, a retired family physician, who took care of her during and after her treatment.
Mama Zeny did have a mastectomy and chemotherapy afterwards, but the cancer had metastasized.
Had she lived through the years, Mama Zeny would have witnessed how her two grandchildren, Andrew and Christine, have grown to become independent, young adults who are doing well in their respective professions (an IT instructor and stage actor, and a school counselor, respectively), making a difference in others' lives. She would have been so happy and proud to have witnessed the wedding of my daughter, her granddaughter, Christine, and my son-in-law, Robbie, who is an IT network coordinator/administrator. She would have been enjoying her golden years in active retirement, traveling back and forth from the Philippines to the United States, specifically Virginia.
But breast cancer cut short her earthly, professional and productive life. She was 58. (I pray, "may the soul of our faithful departed, Mama Zeny, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign, founded in 1985, by various breast cancer charities, to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research and education into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
This observance highlights the importance of early detection (the key to cancer survival), prevention and protection from breast cancer and other related abnormalities. It also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is still the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.
The society estimates there are more than 31 million people in the United States with a history of breast cancer. This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.
With increased awareness, education and research, as well as early detection through screening and improved treatment, a woman's risk of dying of breast cancer dropped 39 percent between the late 1980s and 2015, translating into more than 300,000 breast cancer deaths avoided during that time.
Limited but accumulating research indicates several factors increase the risk of breast cancer in women: alcohol consumption, obesity and smoking.
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer in women by about 7 to 10 percent for each one drink by of alcohol consumed per day on average. Women who have two to three alcoholic drinks per day have a 20 percent higher risk of breast cancer compared to non-drinkers.
Obesity increases the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer, with 1.5 times higher in overweight women and about 2 times higher in obese women than in lean women. Smoking may slightly increase breast cancer risk, particularly long-term, heavy smoking and among women who start smoking before the first pregnancy.
Meanwhile, there's a growing evidence suggesting that women who exercise regularly have a 10 to 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who are inactive, with stronger evidence for post-menopausal women.
The American Cancer Society has set guidelines for early breast cancer detection. Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every east cancer screening or baseline mammograms. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every two years, or can continue yearly screening, per their doctor's recommendation.
Women at high risk should have a regular mammography, as per their doctor's advice or recommendation.Women in their 20s and 30s should have clinical breast exam every three years and every year for women 40 years old and over. For women starting in their 20s, a monthly breast self-exam is an option. Women should know how their breasts normally feel and should report promptly to their doctor or health care provider any unusual breast pain or significant change in appearance, size and color.
One of the best tools to detect breast cancer or abnormality is the routine mammography. If you haven't had one, visit your doctor and request or obtain referral to have a mammogram.
For more information about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit: www.nationalbreast cancer.org.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Sunday, October 7, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
Friday, September 28, 2018
Talk openly about suicide*
We live in a diverse world where connectivity has always been a possibility because of awareness. This awareness has led to inventions, creations and breakthroughs, like the internet, social media, Wi-Fi and so on.
Awareness, of anything that involves life and well-being, can inspire and motivate one to become an activist or an advocate, a humanitarian or a Good Samaritan. Out of it, there's information dissemination. There's spreading and sharing of useful, vital and valuable information locally, nationally and internationally.
With awareness, there's hope and optimism that we can save a life. We can change the world because of our commitment to spread and share a useful, powerful message or information that will transform one's being to do good and become better.
At this time, I'd like to share with you useful information, from my reading and research, that focuses on suicide prevention and intervention.
September is designated as National Suicide Prevention Month to create and promote awareness, to strengthen the fight against suicide and to create change for a better life.
Suicide is a conscious and deliberate ending of one's own life. Individuals who commit suicide often experience mental illness and personal issues for which suicide is seen as the best or, sometimes, the only solution.
It is the 10th-leading cause of death in American. About 126 veterans kill themselves each week. Veterans who are between 20 and 24 years old and those over 65 are in the most suicide-vulnerable categories. The Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force have the lowest suicide rates while the Marine Corps and Army have the highest. Since 2004, deployment stress has dramatically increased military suicide rates.
Significant disruptions to family life and relationships, possibly resulting from multiple and prolonged deployments, may have contributed to the increase of suicide among military members.
Recognizing signs and symptoms of a suicidal crisis and then taking actions to get help is a lifesaver.
Overt or obvious clues to look for include making a direct statement threatening suicide, making funeral arrangements, describing suicide plans, feeling as if life is meaningless, expressing frequent feelings of sadness and despair, obtaining means of suicide such as a weapon, increased substance abuse and increased risk-taking.
Other, less obvious signs a person may need help include loss of logical thinking, excessive spending, feelings pf loneliness and rejection, withdrawal from friends and family, underperforming at work, giving away important possessions, describing "practice" suicides to friends, subtle changes in personality, bringing up the topic of death frequently, difficulties in making everyday discussions and disturbed sleep.
Some others to look for include rigid thinking, extreme reactions to minor frustrations, diminished problem-solving ability, inability to see alternatives, intensified anxiety and feeling out of space, sad, upset or confused.
You can help your friends and family by knowing the warning signs, talking openly about your concern, asking "Are you thinking of harming or killing yourself?", listening, encouraging the person to accept help, referring to and facilitating professional support, removing means of suicide and not leaving the person alone.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 800-273-8255.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Friday, September 28, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Stop prohibited soliciting*
Having transplanted, originally from the Philippines and California, to Virginia, I have been residing in Suffolk for almost two decades.
This piece tackles the issue of a "no solicitation" community. And, whether we like it or not, as law-abiding and peace-loving citizens of our community, we have concerns about and related to it, like housing, people, litter issues; crime prevention and community rules or regulations.
Solicitation has different connotation to different people. It depends on who you ask. It can be construed as prostitution, an act of selling or peddling goods, or services, from door to door, or asking someone or a group of people for a moment of their time to listen to a thought or idea.
This "no solicitation" sign printed above the name of our community, prominently displayed in bold letters and placed at the entrance of our non-gated community, apparently has been ignored by people who "visit" our place.
I don't want to use the word "trespass" because, if I do, I would be engaging in legal matters that may seem to be criminal in nature. I'm not a lawyer, though I'm a law-abiding U.S. naturalized citizen, trying to share my thoughts and ideas that positively try to enlighten fellow residents and people of different backgrounds. To be safe, I'd rather use the verb "visit."
Let's be honest, folks. You and I, I'm very sure, have experienced, not only once or twice but several times, dealing with unwanted, annoying "strangers" or salespeople going around the neighborhood, ringing your door bells or knocking at your doors soliciting, leaving restaurant or business flyers at your door or inserting at your mailboxes.
At times, there are well-dressed persons who equip themselves with a Bible and other printed religious matters, walking around from house to house trying to engage in nice talks, which eventually lead to discussions about their faith or beliefs.
Consider that we have residents who work at night and sleep during the day. They don't want to to be disturbed with constant ringing of the door bells or knocking at the door by unwanted strangers. What about this situation: a new mother who's trying to get some sleep or nursing her newborn and there outside, in front of her house, a "solicitor" is knocking at her door or ringing the door bell for a couple of times, trying to sell something?
I understand we have rights, such as free speech, freedom of religion and choice. We also have responsibilities towards our fellow citizens. We have to understand and respect the right of others to live free to enjoy quiet life, free from unnecessary solicitation of any kind that poses a threat to their health, well-being and safety.
There are communities, such as ours, that have home owners' association with rules or regulations that each homeowner-resident is required to abide by or follow. We have local city codes and ordinances that every resident ought to adhere to.
We have local and state law enforcement officers who make sure our country is one of the best places to enjoy life and retire with family and friends. They do their best to keep our community safe, peaceful and orderly.
But what about federal laws pertaining to the issue of no solicitation or no trespassing? We know that Supreme Court has upheld the right to free speech, which allowe3d salespeople to sell and religious groups to spread their message.
We have "No Solicitation" sign posted in front of houses, too, like the one that always calls my attention each morning my dog Simba and I go out and walk around the neighborhood. The sign reads: NO SOLICITATION. No knocking on the door. No weird ringing of the door bell."
The question now is: (How) can we minimize or stop solicitation in our communities, especially in the homeowners' association communities that have a "no solicitation" policy?
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, September 15-16, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
This piece tackles the issue of a "no solicitation" community. And, whether we like it or not, as law-abiding and peace-loving citizens of our community, we have concerns about and related to it, like housing, people, litter issues; crime prevention and community rules or regulations.
Solicitation has different connotation to different people. It depends on who you ask. It can be construed as prostitution, an act of selling or peddling goods, or services, from door to door, or asking someone or a group of people for a moment of their time to listen to a thought or idea.
This "no solicitation" sign printed above the name of our community, prominently displayed in bold letters and placed at the entrance of our non-gated community, apparently has been ignored by people who "visit" our place.
I don't want to use the word "trespass" because, if I do, I would be engaging in legal matters that may seem to be criminal in nature. I'm not a lawyer, though I'm a law-abiding U.S. naturalized citizen, trying to share my thoughts and ideas that positively try to enlighten fellow residents and people of different backgrounds. To be safe, I'd rather use the verb "visit."
Let's be honest, folks. You and I, I'm very sure, have experienced, not only once or twice but several times, dealing with unwanted, annoying "strangers" or salespeople going around the neighborhood, ringing your door bells or knocking at your doors soliciting, leaving restaurant or business flyers at your door or inserting at your mailboxes.
At times, there are well-dressed persons who equip themselves with a Bible and other printed religious matters, walking around from house to house trying to engage in nice talks, which eventually lead to discussions about their faith or beliefs.
Consider that we have residents who work at night and sleep during the day. They don't want to to be disturbed with constant ringing of the door bells or knocking at the door by unwanted strangers. What about this situation: a new mother who's trying to get some sleep or nursing her newborn and there outside, in front of her house, a "solicitor" is knocking at her door or ringing the door bell for a couple of times, trying to sell something?
I understand we have rights, such as free speech, freedom of religion and choice. We also have responsibilities towards our fellow citizens. We have to understand and respect the right of others to live free to enjoy quiet life, free from unnecessary solicitation of any kind that poses a threat to their health, well-being and safety.
There are communities, such as ours, that have home owners' association with rules or regulations that each homeowner-resident is required to abide by or follow. We have local city codes and ordinances that every resident ought to adhere to.
We have local and state law enforcement officers who make sure our country is one of the best places to enjoy life and retire with family and friends. They do their best to keep our community safe, peaceful and orderly.
But what about federal laws pertaining to the issue of no solicitation or no trespassing? We know that Supreme Court has upheld the right to free speech, which allowe3d salespeople to sell and religious groups to spread their message.
We have "No Solicitation" sign posted in front of houses, too, like the one that always calls my attention each morning my dog Simba and I go out and walk around the neighborhood. The sign reads: NO SOLICITATION. No knocking on the door. No weird ringing of the door bell."
The question now is: (How) can we minimize or stop solicitation in our communities, especially in the homeowners' association communities that have a "no solicitation" policy?
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, September 15-16, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
Friday, September 7, 2018
A new school year starts again*
As summer is winding down, school starts with mixed feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, anticipation, anxiety, and hope for all concerned.
Students, teachers, school administrators, staff, and volunteers are back to school.
Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ears! Do not disturb, please! No loitering and littering! No talking, unless you are given the opportunity to talk and to ask relevant questions! Such is a daily classroom routine in which time (and classroom) management is of the essence for teachers/educators.
Whether you're a teacher or student, school is one place to acquire knowledge, skills and experiences, and to make (new) friends who will soon become a part of your life.
For school year 2018-2019, school is definitely back in business. Like it or not, it's again the season of teaching and learning, with teachers and students who are two of the most important ingredients in education. Without one or the other, there's no education.
As an advocate of education, I feel optimistic that the sacrifices of our teachers and students, school administrators and staff, and volunteers, will yield productive and positive results: successful scholastic performance, high graduation rates, students receiving awards for their scholastic achievements, or promotion to the next grade level, or graduation and gainful employment, pursuing higher education, or joining in the military.
Teachers and school administrators and staff are honored and recognized for their professionalism, public service, leadership, competence and excellence in education and instruction, or administration. On the other hand, proud parents have reasons to celebrate for their sacrifices (financial and all-out support) for their students.
Speaking of the education profession, I have high regard for our teachers. In spite of their meager or limited salary, they work beyond the confines of their classroom doing what they love and is expected of them. Even if the bell has rung for the last period, they go the extra mile to help students learn and succeed.
They bring home school work and other stuff and continue to work on them 'til midnight.
They prepare, implement or execute daily lesson plans that are in accord with school curriculum. They deal with and manage students with varied issues, concerns and problems. They demand discipline, high standards and expectations from their students. If a number of their students didn't do well in exams or tests, they feel sad, disappointed or frustrated. How did I know about all of these scenarios and sentiments? I used to be a Communication Arts-English teacher/college instructor back in the days in the Philippines, from 1977 to 1983.
All of us were once or still are a student, and continue to be as long as we live and love learning. Undergoing many changes and challenges, and overcoming them, we have had fears and insecurities. At times, we failed to go to school because of financial constraints, unfinished homework or project, or unprepared for an exam because of work and overwhelming subjects to review and study.
But, with diligence, determination and passion for learning, we finished one grade level to another until we graduated, and continued to pursue higher education while working.
With all the inspiration and motivation I have had, I have been gainfully employed and adventurously traveled abroad, and then joined in and retired from the U.S. Navy, after 20 years of honorable service.
By the way, my wife Freny, a veteran Chemistry teacher for years, is ever ready to welcome everyone, new and old students and teachers, in her school. Determined to help parents and collaborate with fellow teachers and school administrators to accomplish goals, she's ready to teach and inspire her students to excel and succeed. She can't wait to execute her lesson plans, engaging with her students with interesting topics in Chemistry. Of course, she expects them all to pass their Virginia state-wide Standards of Learning exams and her class, and ultimately graduate.
Welcome back to school, teachers and students! God bless you.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Tuesday, September 4, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
Students, teachers, school administrators, staff, and volunteers are back to school.
Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ears! Do not disturb, please! No loitering and littering! No talking, unless you are given the opportunity to talk and to ask relevant questions! Such is a daily classroom routine in which time (and classroom) management is of the essence for teachers/educators.
Whether you're a teacher or student, school is one place to acquire knowledge, skills and experiences, and to make (new) friends who will soon become a part of your life.
For school year 2018-2019, school is definitely back in business. Like it or not, it's again the season of teaching and learning, with teachers and students who are two of the most important ingredients in education. Without one or the other, there's no education.
As an advocate of education, I feel optimistic that the sacrifices of our teachers and students, school administrators and staff, and volunteers, will yield productive and positive results: successful scholastic performance, high graduation rates, students receiving awards for their scholastic achievements, or promotion to the next grade level, or graduation and gainful employment, pursuing higher education, or joining in the military.
Teachers and school administrators and staff are honored and recognized for their professionalism, public service, leadership, competence and excellence in education and instruction, or administration. On the other hand, proud parents have reasons to celebrate for their sacrifices (financial and all-out support) for their students.
Speaking of the education profession, I have high regard for our teachers. In spite of their meager or limited salary, they work beyond the confines of their classroom doing what they love and is expected of them. Even if the bell has rung for the last period, they go the extra mile to help students learn and succeed.
They bring home school work and other stuff and continue to work on them 'til midnight.
They prepare, implement or execute daily lesson plans that are in accord with school curriculum. They deal with and manage students with varied issues, concerns and problems. They demand discipline, high standards and expectations from their students. If a number of their students didn't do well in exams or tests, they feel sad, disappointed or frustrated. How did I know about all of these scenarios and sentiments? I used to be a Communication Arts-English teacher/college instructor back in the days in the Philippines, from 1977 to 1983.
All of us were once or still are a student, and continue to be as long as we live and love learning. Undergoing many changes and challenges, and overcoming them, we have had fears and insecurities. At times, we failed to go to school because of financial constraints, unfinished homework or project, or unprepared for an exam because of work and overwhelming subjects to review and study.
But, with diligence, determination and passion for learning, we finished one grade level to another until we graduated, and continued to pursue higher education while working.
With all the inspiration and motivation I have had, I have been gainfully employed and adventurously traveled abroad, and then joined in and retired from the U.S. Navy, after 20 years of honorable service.
By the way, my wife Freny, a veteran Chemistry teacher for years, is ever ready to welcome everyone, new and old students and teachers, in her school. Determined to help parents and collaborate with fellow teachers and school administrators to accomplish goals, she's ready to teach and inspire her students to excel and succeed. She can't wait to execute her lesson plans, engaging with her students with interesting topics in Chemistry. Of course, she expects them all to pass their Virginia state-wide Standards of Learning exams and her class, and ultimately graduate.
Welcome back to school, teachers and students! God bless you.
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Tuesday, September 4, 2018. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.org.
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