The Shadow
Welcome back, Shadowers! Last week in the Shadow FB group, a classic debate over barking dogs spiraled into something so wildly off-leash it could’ve starred in its own reality show. What began as a simple gripe about Fido disturbing the peace turned into a full-blown free-for-all, somehow roping in Jesus, transgenders, and—why not?—kings. Because apparently, when it comes to barking dogs, it’s not just about noise pollution; it’s about the downfall of civilization as we know it.
One shadower told everyone to mind their own business “because it’s wrong to harass a pet owner.” Others argued that the owner was the problem, and our pet laws exist for this very reason. Others simply rolled over for a good belly rub as they felt the law and enforcement measures were useless.
Which dog bed are you in?
As I was reading the back-and-forth comments, I was waiting for at least one person with a good sense of emotional intelligence to chime in and say, “Look, we all have to live together, so how about a little kind, neighborly consideration? I mean, really, who likes to hear a neighbor’s dog barking non-stop for hours on end? Or who likes that frustrated and confronting knock on their front door from an officer or neighbor who has finally had enough?
What happened to Pluralism?
What’s pluralism? Well, if you braved the cold, glitter, lights, and occasional candy projectile during Covington’s spectacular Christmas Parade last week—you experienced pluralism in its purest form. While you were standing there enjoying the passing floats and sneaking candy out of your kiddo’s pockets, it didn’t matter if the person next to you voted differently, had a completely opposite worldview, or owned that incessantly barking dog that keeps you up at night. Nope, we all put our differences aside, huddled together in the cold, and collectively celebrated a shared human truth: floats, candy, twinkling lights, and cute kiddos a’caroling are what makes living in a small town all worthwhile. (Btw, you can catch the video recorded live on the Virginian Review Facebook page if you missed it.)
Here’s the thing: in small towns like ours, pluralism is the secret sauce that holds everything together. It’s what makes Friday night football games and holiday parades feel like pure magic, even when we’re arguing about barking dogs, politics, or religion the rest of the week. So, the next time your self-righteous ego is about to detonate, try this quick trick: “Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes.” And if that doesn’t solve it, just remember—we built a democracy with laws to help us find clarity when common sense chases its tail.
On the topic of dogs, here’s some heartwarming news: Angels of Assisi (AoA) out of Roanoke recently rescued 13 dogs from a small, confined space in Alleghany County. The abused pups, believed to be poodle-schnauzer mixes, range in age from 6 months to a couple of years. Among them was a mama dog with day-old puppies.
According to AoA, “When we arrived, we found the dogs in dire need of care. We brought them all back to AoA, started them on monthly meds, microchipped them, and gave them some much-needed baths.” Now clean, cared for, and safe, the dogs are ready to start fresh. AoA is seeking foster or forever homes for these adorable pups.” If you can foster or welcome a new furry friend into your life, give them a call.
Over in Clifton Forge, Jeff Irvine was sworn in as Mayor on Friday, Dec 6. His first duties on the job were to sadly cancel the Main Street Parade (due to the freezing cold), but then opened the Sensory Trail, along with hot chocolate at the Armory to keep everyone warm.
Covington’s council is winding up its current administration and preparing for the incoming members. A blizzard of bills has been passing left and right in an attempt to shove a ton of stuff through last minute. Hopefully, this is a good thing, but I guess we’ll find out in the coming months. Stay tuned.
One buzz being heard around town is the question of whether council member Fred Forbes, who represents District 2, actually resides in District 2. According to Virginia Law and Covington’s City Charter, a council member must reside in the district he/she represents. Several sources have stated they haven’t seen Forbes at the house he listed as his physical address for a while. If this is true, let’s see if Forbes owns up, does the right thing, and resigns immediately.
Hopefully, our council members now have learned ethical behavior is not an option, but a requirement.
Last week, the Shadow suggested Covington’s City Attorney put down his eggnog and have a heart-to-heart with the Small Business Coordinator about her alleged dabblings in the dark arts of unethical behavior. Well, it seems something definitely hit the fan, because shortly after the Shadow article dropped, the entire “Covington’s Small Business Coordinator” Facebook page vanished faster than holiday fruitcake at a dessert table. Curious timing, no?
And there you have it—the exact alleged abuse of power the Shadow has been spotlighting. Instead of living up to her cheery proclamation, “We are of service to anyone who finds themselves needing business assistance!” we’re back to a coordinator allegedly dictating City policy that affects us all. Apparently, Ms. McClung decided being a simple coordinator didn’t fit her style, so she anointed herself the Crown of Command and issued the nuclear option—not just blocking a few folks she didn’t like, but cutting off everyone. But wait! Word on the street is that she’s now conducting official city business, complete with legal opinions from her private, friends-only Facebook page. Nothing says “transparent public service” like a velvet rope, right?
Meanwhile, the City Manager apparently heartily approves of her little fiefdom filled with favoritism and legal opinions now dictated from her personal FB page, where she can dole out government services only to her personal favorite friends. How long before they just install a couple of royal thrones in City Hall to make it clear to us unworthy plebes that we don’t fit their fabricated friendship requirement?
Perhaps McClung is the founder of a new public servant version of OnlyFans called “OnlyFriends?”
Finally, if you or your family are in need of food for Christmas, the C.O.P.E. food pantry distribution location at McAllister Church on Alleghany Avenue will only be open from 8:30 am til noon on Dec 23, then closed until after Christmas, including the 26th. Please reach out with any questions.
I’m out of time, out of coffee, but remember, the Christmas holidays are a wonderful time to practice pluralism and goodwill. Take an extra step to make someone’s holiday. It feels great! If you see someone down, help them out. Special thanks to Shadower Tiffany Bowser who shared a suicide and crisis hotline number. Just dial 988 and you’ll immediately get some assistance. Happy Holidays, Folks!
