By Frank Roberts
SUFFOLK
In honor of the New Year, I visited First Baptist Church Christian School to talk to some fourth-graders. The first order of business was to explain the word "resolution."
Then the youngsters were ready to go -
What are your resolutions for yourself, and what resolutions would you make if you were president?

By James Thomas Jr. Correspondent ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY Afonso "Fonsie" Hilario doesn't allow his troubles to stand in the way of helping out someone in need. In March, Hilario's cafe and adjoining language translation businesses were destroyed by fire and he had to take odd contractor jobs to make ends meet.

SUFFOLK While other travelers were heading home for the holidays, Melva West, from Whaleyville, was boarding a plane to Thies, Senegal, for a week-long mission with Operation Smile. It was the organization's first trip to Senegal, but West's 14th mission with the group as a medical records specialist. West, 63, wonders before each mission if she should slow down.

  SUFFOLK

  SUFFOLK Check business calendars around central Suffolk and you'll likely see the second Tuesday of the month circled, blocking out the early evening hours for business people to reconnect with each other at the Greater Suffolk Council's Second Tuesday networking events.

By Barbara J. Woerner Correspondent Suffolk If Shelley Butler Barlow isn't growing cotton, soybeans, wheat or hay on her Cotton Plains Farm, then she's talking about it. Promoting agriculture and educating the public about where and how our food is grown are subjects she never tires of.

By Barbara J. Woerner
Correspondent
Suffolk
Toys stacked neatly in rows waited to be chosen by parents and grandparents of 3,500 area children, recipients of this year's Salvation Army holiday toy giveaway.

Barbara J. Woerner
Correspondent
Suffolk
Outside, a large, white sign leans against the brick building of Pruden Hardware Inc. on Carolina Avenue. The letters, large enough to catch the eye of drivers passing by, spell out, "102 birthday 50 percent off."

 
By James Thomas Jr.
Correspondent
ISLE OF WIGHT
Tommy Blount was recently discharged from Obici-Sentara Hospital after undergoing surgery for a life-threatening condition. Following a brief stay at a rehab facility, he was released and with no family support, he ended up homeless.

By Barbara J. Woerner
Correspondent
If you haven't started your holiday shopping yet, don't worry. There is still time, whether your looking for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Christmas gifts. Here are some local businesses, artists and crafters that can help you finish your list.
 
For the pet lover