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Virginia Capitol C onnections, Spring 2016 33
MEMBER
Virginia Association of Professional Lobbyists (VAPL)
Association of Government relations professionals (AGRP)
576 North Birdneck Road #180 • Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 757-513-3967 • Fax: 757-962-4551
Email:
P o l i t i c a l C o n s u l t a n t s
& A ssociates
Ken Jessup
B ONNIE ATWOOD, J.D.
Tall Poppies
Freelance Writing LLC
Writing, Governmental Consulting
804-358-3745
Charlie Todd touched the future
By Bonnie Atwood
“I touch the future. I teach.” I will
always remember that quote from the late
Christa McAuliffe, the teacher-astronaut
who died in the tragic Challenger disaster
of 1986. The concept of touching the future
was never more evident than in the Chester
Presbyterian Church when Charles C. Todd,
Jr., was celebrated after his recent passing.
John Todd, one of Charlie Todd’s sons, told
a beautiful story about how his father taught
him to tie his shoes.
“I can’t do it,” exclaimed the angry
five-year-old, after being shown the steps.
Todd, always calm, told him, “Okay, show me that you can’t do
it.” The next thing they knew, just a moment later, little John was
pulling off the perfect bow.
Todd was a teacher by profession, but he was many things, as
his friends and family testified at the service. The Rev. Dr. Gordon
Mapes, pastor of Chester Presbyterian, told about Todd’s life with his
wife, Alice, and their sons and grandchildren. Other speakers were
John Todd’s wife, The Reverend Mary Harris Todd, and two of the
grandchildren, Scott and Amy Todd. Their remarks were written in
part by their brother, Troy.
The list of stories that this writer could add is long. I am
especially grateful that he coached my son on how to be a volunteer
reader for the blind. Todd did that work for the Virginia Voice for
many years. You can read other views of Todd’s life in the Virginia
Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine, summer, 2015. Or better,
yet, read Todd’s own many stories. He was an excellent writer and
published a wonderful book, The Timber Room.
I had the privilege of knowing Charlie. He was one in a million.
Nobody who has ever met him will ever forget him. And his legacy
goes even farther than that. He touched the future. He taught.
todd
Parking available adjacent to building
Phone 804-644-1702
FAX: 804-644-1703
E-Mail:
Web Site:
hen it comes to events no one
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Known throughout Central Virginia for his
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O ne of Richmond’s most elegant dining
rooms is now exclusively available for your
private parties and special events. Our award
winning chefs produce an array of dishes from
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international masterpieces that will satisfy the
most discriminating palate. The Old City Bar
is the perfect place to celebrate.
V