A Hunter of Stories

One Cast at a Time

As 17-year-old Asa Dunnavant of Lexington checks his pocket for another lure and prepares to step back out into the South River even as 10-year-old Dakota Clements of Rockbridge County gathers his own gear and calls it a day.

Having the tiny island all to himself, Dunnavant wades back out into the water.

Trying a spot slightly closer closer to the Main Street bridge, he seeks the trout hidden somewhere beneath the surface of the river.

The young fly fisherman is one of many who have decided to take advantage of the warmer temperatures of Sunday, March 7, 2010.

And like all the others, he sends his lure skipping across the water one cast at a time.

— Mike Tripp, photojournalist / The News Leader

- – - – - – - – - – - – -

“A Hunter of Stories” explores the world through the photos, words and life of a photojournalist.

With the team still wearing their shirts with the U.S. 11 logo, Robert E. Lee’s Daquaa Scott looks to the other team as her team comes together after introductions during the Group AA Girls Division 3 state quarterfinals played at James Madison University on Saturday, March 6, 2010. Robert E. Lee won the game and will advance to the state semifinals in Richmond.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

Robert E. Lee’s Carter Thompson slips around Graham’s Maegan Henry with the ball on her way towards the basket.

— Mike Tripp, photojournalist / The News Leader

With his binoculars and a bird indentification book on the table in front of him, local birder John Spahr talks about the various birds he hopes to see over the next year during an interview at his residence in Staunton, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010. Spahr has joined Bob Ake of Norfolk in a quest to find 650 species of birds on the American Birding Association checklist this year.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

Binoculars remain on top of a journal being kept by local birder John Spahr to chronicle this year’s birding adventures.

— Mike Tripp, photojournalist / The News Leader

Riverheads’ Carly Casto and Tiffany Flesher look to the championship trophy held by Coach Tim Morris following their victory over Altavista High School during the Region B girls finals played at Penn Laird on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

Eleven-year-old Sarah Riddell of Staunton reads a book as she sits next to her mother, Beverly Riddell, who listens as members of the are allowed to address the Staunton City School Board during a special school board work session held at Robert E. Lee High School on elementary school consolidation. Her mother was among those to address the board.

— Mike Tripp, photojournalist / The News Leader

Spreading The Warmth

Opening the door, a man steps inside.

He trades the cold for warmth.

Crossing the foyer, the new arrival draws his hands together. He approaches the open inner door that leads into the community hall at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Through the opening, he glimpses those already gathered. They sit among the many tables in fellowship, enjoying the food and beverages being served.

The warm sounds of their many conversations and laughter entice the gentleman through the final door to join them in the holiday feast.

For more than 20 years, the Staunton church has been hosting a Christmas Eve dinner for the community and those in need.

Volunteers from other churches complete the ranks of those from the host church, forming a revolving line that passes through the kitchen.

They each carry two plates‚ which other volunteers heap high with tasty food. They then carry these plates into the main dining hall, where they are delivered to thankful guests.

Again and again, the volunteers return to the end of the line, get two more plates, have them filled and deliver them.

Beside a Christmas tree surrounded with wrapped presents, local musicians use their instruments to create a joyful noise.

This has been the scene for more than 20 years.

The faces might change, but for more than two decades, volunteers have been sacrificing time alone with their families to weave a happier holiday season for others Christmas Eve.

For this photojournalist, this represents the holiday’s true spirit.

With all my heart, I applaud these volunteers.

And as I tip my hat to them, I challenge the rest of us to learn from their example and take it to heart.

As we enter 2010, I challenge us all to follow their lead.

Let us find some way to be as helpful to those around us.

Let us give of ourselves more and bring yet more warmth to the lives of others.

— Mike Tripp, photojournalist

Published in The News Leader on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.