Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer. The first Monday in September is a federal holiday designated to recognize American workers. There’s no question we owe a lot to the front line who have kept us going during these challenging times. The declining unemployment rate is good news on the road to recovery and getting families on more steady ground.

There are indications we are breaking through Covid-19’s chokehold and starting to recover from the pandemic.

Summer is in full swing with a totally different experience than the summer of 2020. Our region has reached its vaccination goal of over 70 percent of the population with at least one dose. While the debate continues and some people have reservations about getting vaccinated, it is hard to argue with the results of the past six months since the vaccine became available.

Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer. Due to an aggressive vaccination plan, available supply, and public access, Virginia is well on its way to resuming life as we once knew it.

The worldwide pandemic continues to dictate how we operate as a society, rebuild our economy, and define our quality of life.

The General Assembly has concluded its work for both the Regular and Special Sessions. The days were long and the issues were complex. The pandemic has touched Virginia like an octopus, reaching into our lives, jobs, economy, housing, utilities, education, access to healthcare and in many cases, struggles to survive.

February is Black History Month. From Barbara Johns to President Obama, there are many individuals who readily come to mind who have been trailblazers and influential leaders in their professions and in the social sphere.

“A number of new laws went into effect on Jan. 1. I believe the most critical measure is the ban on holding a personal electronic device while driving. Simply put – no texting and driving; no looking for phone numbers; no reading emails while driving.”

As President-elect Biden aptly put it, there were over a quarter of a million empty seats at the Thanksgiving dinner table.