Regenerative Farming Is A Business Imperative For Multinationals

Business News

Every time you walk around a supermarket looking for snacks, drinks and other foodstuffs, you are looking at hundreds and hundreds of items made by large consumer products companies. Have you ever wondered where the ingredients for all those goodies come from?

Consumer products companies source their supplies and ingredients in a number of ways, and until recently, most of them were produced using conventional, industrialized agricultural methods. These practices consume fossil fuel, water, and topsoil at unsustainable rates and contribute to numerous forms of environmental degradation and soil depletion, diminishing biodiversity.

One way to counter the negative impacts of industrialized agriculture is through regenerative practices that restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and enhance biodiversity. Joining forces to accelerate the transition away from harmful conventional models, industry experts, farmers, and policymakers gathered recently at the Regenerative Agriculture Summit Europe in Amsterdam.

Regenerative farming commitment
“We are keenly aware of the implication of climate change on our supply chains and not being able to source raw materials for our brands” said Philip Werkmann, sustainability manager at Nestlé, while presenting a regenerative pilot project that was conducted with Klim, local farmers, and Nestlé in Germany. “One of our commitments is to increase the amount of key ingredients we source from regenerative farming. Not achieving this ambition is a business risk.”

Corporations like Nestlé are embedding net-zero commitments directly into their business strategy. In order to achieve success, these commitments, such as reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 2025 and 50% by 2030, must be cascaded down to every level of the organization, influencing daily operations and ensuring accountability.

At the same time, accurate data collection is essential not only for tracking progress but also for protecting against accusations of greenwashing. Companies are very mindful that consumer trust can be quickly eroded if their sustainability claims are not backed by hard evidence.
These insights were shared by representatives of some of the multinational brands at the event. On a panel focused on corporate climate strategy, the conversation turned to the need for companies to set climate targets and engage leadership to achieve these ambitious goals.
Luc Beerens, global sustainable sourcing director at Mars Inc., highlighted the advantage of being a family business. Mars is transforming how it sources key raw materials like palm oil, cocoa, fish, and grains.
“We recognize that fixing environmental issues is a generational challenge,” said Beerens. “At Mars, the family has embedded a set of sustainability KPIs including circular packaging and carbon footprint into the renumeration package of senior leaders, and human rights will soon follow.”
The key to agricultural resilience
One challenge consistently raised by panelists was how to align diverse stakeholders—ranging from farmers to corporate executives—under a common goal. This is particularly complex when working across a global supply chain that relies on the unique realities of local communities. Many companies are running pilot projects fostering engagement with farmers, allowing them to share expertise and adapt practices that best fit their local context.
Local engagement not only empowers farmers but also helps ensure the successful implementation of agronomic practices. Afterall, this is an industry where “one-size-fits-all” solutions rarely work. Whether producing coffee in Indonesia or milk in Brazil, agriculture is a place-based science, requiring tailored approaches for different regions and crops and leveraging the expertise of local agronomists who understand the unique challenges and relationships in each area.
Another key takeaway was the importance of building resilience into supply chains. Farmers who embraced agroforestry and income diversification through multicropping not only saw higher yields but were also better protected against climate shocks like droughts. By improving both farmer and supply chain resilience, companies can create more sustainable operations that are equipped to withstand future environmental challenges.
Areas for improvement
The panel agreed that achieving large-scale adoption of regenerative agricultural practices requires significant up-front investment. While private companies are stepping in to financially support this transition, there is a critical role for policymakers to play as well. Aligning subsidies with regenerative practices can help make the business case clear for farmers, encouraging more widespread adoption.
However, policies alone are not enough. Farmers need technical and financial resources to implement changes. Only by translating broad policy objectives into actionable steps can governments and financial institutions truly support the sustainability transition.
Last but not least, effective communication is essential to maintaining consumer trust. As sustainability initiatives grow in scale, companies are increasingly aware of the need to avoid greenwashing—where their efforts appear disingenuous or purely for marketing purposes. The panel agreed that more authentic communication strategies are necessary to engage both consumers and leadership effectively.
One innovative suggestion was creating platforms that connect farmers directly with consumers, helping bridge the trust gap and demonstrate the tangible results of sustainable practices. As companies continue to make progress in scaling up regenerative agriculture, opening their doors to consumers may become a key strategy in proving the legitimacy of their efforts.
The intelligent agriculture solution
In summary, the conversation around climate targets and sustainability strategies is increasingly focused on resilience, localized approaches, and the importance of up-front investment. While the challenges are complex—ranging from aligning diverse stakeholders to ensuring accurate measurement—the path forward is clear. Multinational brands must continue to engage with local communities, build resilience into supply chains, and measure and communicate progress transparently if they are to achieve their climate goals and maintain consumer trust.
When it comes to accurate data collection for measurements and proof points, the good news is that many players in the food supply chain are already digitalizing farming processes and services.
“The SAP Intelligent Agriculture solution helps agribusiness companies increase efficiency, improve data quality, and connect existing data sets to gain insights and support auditing tasks,” said Anja Strothkaemper, vice president of agribusiness and commodity management at SAP. Strothkaemper was speaking at the same event on the benefits of harnessing data for regenerative agriculture.

How Paso Robles’ only movie theater is keeping business alive

Business News

Hailed as one of the last movie theaters in North County, Park Cinemas is trying a new approach to keep the business alive: hosting community events.

Co-owner Jennifer Roush Kloth took over the business from her father, John, in 2016. She said that similar to other movie theaters around the county, the Paso Robles theater fell on hard times during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her family almost lost the business.

“You can’t sit there and pay bills for two years and not have an income,” she said.

click to enlarge Photos Courtesy Of Annette Rodriguez SAY CHEESE (left to right) Jeff Davis, Heather Branton, Tina Salter, Michael Swan, Brenda Nicovich, and Charles Charm pose in their Spoon River costumes as part of a dress rehearsal for the play, which will be at Park Cinemas in Paso Robles on Oct. 24.

While theaters used to be a big business, the rise of streaming services led to a slow decline. In 2002, the average annual number of tickets sold per person in the U.S. was 4.2, which dropped to 3.5 by 2019. Today, though, sales are climbing again but remain low by historical standards.

click to enlarge Photos Courtesy Of Annette Rodriguez AND SCENE Charles Charm (left) and Michael Swan (right) practice their monologues for Spoon River, which will be at Park Cinemas for one night only.

Kloth and her sister, Catherine, had to figure out a way to keep their small family-owned theater going. They decided to apply for federal funding in the latter half of the pandemic and qualified for it, allowing the pair to explore how to best serve the Paso Robles community.

The question was: How could they attract people to the movies when people can access so much from the comfort of their own homes?

“I ask people all the time: ‘When’s the last time you actually watched a movie?’ And I mean truly watched it,” Kloth said. “When you’re at home, you’re working with your kids, you have your phone on, you’re making dinner, you’re doing this or the other, and it’s very rare that someone will actually sit through a movie at home.”

The movie theater is an experience; it’s not necessarily just about watching the movie, she said.

“When you’re a kid, you know, it could be your first date, it could be your first kiss, it could be anything. The place you hang out with your friends after a game or whatever that looks like,” she said. “And oftentimes, it’s the first time kids get to be alone without their parents.”

Adding to this experience, the sisters decided, was the best way forward. So the pair spent the pandemic funding to open up the theater to the community, allowing different groups to rent out the space for events. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, Kloth said.

Recently, the theater added reclining chairs that go all the way back, allowing people to lie down, and a new liquor license enabling Park Cinemas to serve beer and wine. And now the movie house is ready to host its first community fundraising event: Spoon River Anthology.

click to enlarge Photos Courtesy Of Annette Rodriguez CAN’T FORGET Brenda Nicovich (left), Tina Salter (middle), and Michael Swan (right) come back as the dead residents of the small town of Spoon River to tell stories of what caused the town to eventually crumble. The play is put on by the American Association of University Women’s Atascadero chapter.

Hosted by the American Association of University Women’s Atascadero chapter, the play takes place around World War I, producer Linda Baker said.

“It’s a series of monologues,” she said. “Each character has returned from the dead to talk about their life in this small town of Spoon River.”

It’s a small town with big secrets, and the audience will hear all about the plague of infidelity, secrecy, and violence that once ran through this now ghost town from the very ghosts who used to live there and just can’t seem to get past it.

To help set the mood, the Paso Robles History Museum and the Historical Society are showing a vintage slideshow to accompany the ghostly actors.

“It’s spoken word, music, and a slideshow,” Baker said. “There’s four of us involved, and that turned out to be really interesting, because we each brought something important to it, and I think it wound up being a bit of entertainment for a small amount of money.”

This new business direction is just the beginning for Park Cinemas. Kloth said they look forward to hosting private events, like birthday parties or anniversaries, running conferences, and providing meeting rooms.

“It’s just a different way of running a movie theater,” she said. “We can do workshops because we have nine screens, and I can put a slideshow on each screen from a computer.”

Moviegoers are allowed to bring pillows and blankets, and the theater is also offering free football Sundays for residents to come in, grab a beer, relax in a cozy seat, and watch their favorite team with their friends or family.

But don’t worry, Park will still be playing movies.

“We understand right now with the writers strike and all that kind of stuff, it’s been really hard. We know the movies aren’t the best, but with the fall and winter season finally starting to get a few good ones,” Kloth said. “But when you bring in events like this, it changes the game.” Δ

Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera at [email protected].

‘The Wild Robot’ Movie Ending Explained And Summary: Did Roz Recognize Brightbill Again?

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The Wild Robot is a wild entry in the DreamWorks space. Not only is this movie stunning to look at, but it also diverts from the typically cheerful themes of movies for children, making it an incredible viewing experience for both kids and adults. I don’t remember the last time I watched an animated movie this effective. The Wild Robot runs with the themes of death, mortality, climate change, and other morbid ideas in a seamless manner that never feels overwhelmingly sad, just perfectly balanced. No, you won’t end up weeping while watching this film, but you’ll go back and think about it for days on end. The Wild Robot is a lot of things; it’s about a fish out of water, it’s about intuition, it’s about changing oneself for others, and most importantly, it’s about taking a step back and learning to simply be kind. The film tells the story of Roz, a robot in a dystopian future where the only human survivors live in a greenhouse. Roz accidentally drops off in the wild, where she must learn to adapt to her surroundings before returning to Universal Dynamics, i.e., home, or the place where she was made. Roz is then tasked with looking after a baby gosling by a fox, and she can only return after the completion of her “tasks.” What follows is an adventure of a lifetime that will leave you in awe and wonder. 

Spoiler Alert

What Happened to Brightbill’s Parents? 

The primary theme of the first half of The Wild Robot is actually parenting, if you’d believe it. In the film, Roz’s accident ends up killing Brightbill’s parents, and she’s able to save the single egg. When the last remaining egg hatches, the baby goose (later named Brightbill) immediately assumes Roz as his mother. In the meantime, Roz is considered a monster by the rest of the animal kingdom. Roz also finds a friend in a fox named Fink who guides her in her tasks. Fink obviously doesn’t know anything about geese except for how they taste, but the trio becomes a force to reckon with once Roz teaches Fink to stop trying to eat Brightbill. Roz is a robot, and as you can imagine, that means processing data and working accordingly. However, being with the animals, Roz learns quickly to adapt to the natural order of the world, forgoing her programming and changing herself to become more animal-like in order to give Brightbill the nurturing he needs. When Brightbill is older, teenager-like, he learns that he has to migrate with the rest of the geese once a year. Because of the accident, Brightbill’s smaller than the rest of his clan, kind of like the ugly duckling. Plus, he’s grown up with the “monster,” so he’s shunned by his own kind. All this while, Brightbill thought Roz was actually his mother, but this is when he learns that Roz actually killed his parents and never told him the truth. There’s a simple lesson here: to protect someone else’s feelings, you can’t hide the truth from them. I suppose adults are always stuck on protecting their kids and, in the process, don’t tell them some harsh truths that end up affecting them later on in life. 

What Lesson Does Pinktail Teach Roz? 

Ironically, the only other friend Roz makes on the island is an opossum with 6, sorry, 7 kids named Pinktail. Pinktail teaches Roz that being a mother isn’t a task but a feeling that comes from within and never ends. Roz’s formula is simple: collect data and complete the task, but with Pinktail, she learns how to be instinctive, something even we as humans struggle with. Roz’s emotional intelligence develops over time; it’s not as if she presses a button within her and knows how to be a perfect mother. Motherhood is a slow and never-ending process, and Roz is willing to stick it through. 

What Happens in the Winter? 

The next big lesson in The Wild Robot is perseverance. When winter comes, Brightbill has to fly off with his “family.” Or should we say leaving his family behind? There’s an elderly goose named Longneck who tells Roz that all she needs to do is make sure the Brightbill can endure long flights. In a week’s time, Brightbill is trained by Fink and Roz (despite being mad at them) to fly for long hours in harsh conditions. It’s a scary world out there, so all you can do is teach them how to spread their wings and take off. At the end of the week, Brightbill flies off with the rest of the geese after Roz and he apologize to each other. 

Now comes the time for Roz to go back to where she came from, but something in her stops her from leaving. When Roz returns, Fink is overjoyed to see her because she’s the only friend he’s ever had. Fink the fox is sad too. He’s never experienced love before because he never had a family, and all the animals hate him because they either want to eat him or will be eaten by him. It’s a vicious cycle, you know? Anyway, with Roz and Brightbill, Fink doesn’t even realize that he’s experiencing the power of true love. Now, when Roz returns, Fink tells her that it’s the harshest winter they’ve ever seen and most of the animals aren’t going to survive. That climate change issue has risen again. Roz works day and night to get all the animals to take shelter in the home that she built for Fink, Brightbill, and herself. It’s sturdy, massive, and can withstand the harsh conditions. But having all the animals in one “room” means having predators and prey in the same space. 

But it’s Fink who makes sure the animals understand why Roz worked so hard to bring them all together. It is kindness and empathy that they must all learn together and stick it out until the winter’s gone. Of course, this is not an easy feat; this entire situation teaches the animals to think from the heart rather than their brains, or, should I say, from their stomachs. Kindness comes easy, but letting go of your instincts is a much harder task. But as we know, teamwork makes the dream work, and so Roz and the animals survive the winter to come out glorious in the springtime. I know it’s easy to say, or rather show, as this movie has done, if we all come together, we might be able to survive this climate crisis. 

Why Does Roz Remove A Part Of Herself For Brightbill? 

During The Wild Robot’s ending, a robot named Vontra finds Roz and plans on taking her back to headquarters in order to study the data in her. However, Vontra plans on deleting all of Roz’s memories. This is when Brightbill returns and plans on telling Roz that he loves her, but before he can do so, Roz has already decided to leave, because she believes Brightbill’s found his family. It’s a shame we had to see old man Longneck go in such a tragic way for the kid to shine, but it’s because Brightbill is different from the rest of the pack; he’s able to get them out of a crisis and bring them back home safely. Anyway, Birghtbill decides to get on the ship where Roz is and tells her to stay, but by then she’s already been plugged in. Brightbill tells her that what happened wasn’t her fault, but what she did to fix her mistake was everything he could ever wish for. It’s a beautiful moment of bonding, and he tells his mom how much he cares for her. This wakes Roz up, and she tells him she loves him too! A robot who is able to love! 

At the same time, all the other animals work together to help bring Roz back. There’s also a massive forest fire at the same time, and together the animals are able to douse the fire. It’s a beautiful moment; again, it’s all about working together for the better. Anyway, Roz takes Brightbill and tells him not to worry as she jumps off the ship and directly into the fire. She removes a part of her central system and places Brightbill there to protect him from the fall. He’s hurt his wing, so he can’t fly. I suppose at this point Roz is making a sacrifice for her child, and she’s got everything she needs in the animals of the forest. She has her memories; she has her emotions and her instincts that can keep her “whole.” I guess Brightbill was her heart. 

What Can We Expect From Part 2?

Seeing the devastation in the forest from the robots that came to take Roz, she realizes that they’ll never stop until they get her. She decides to go back to headquarters and give them everything they need. Roz has overwritten her program before, so by now we can imagine she’s stowed away her memories in such a way that they can’t be taken away from her, at least not easily. This is probably why, when Brightbill comes back to visit during the next year of migration, Roz recognizes him. This is, of course, a beautiful moment. I guess what we can imagine from part 2 is that Roz might’ve taught the other robots to develop instincts, and what would’ve previously been assumed to be a “faulty” robot is now the norm. We can imagine that just like animals, humans will learn to work together, and maybe they’ll be in the greenhouse too. Maybe we’ll see everybody live in prosperity and survive a crisis together. 

Related

‘The Wild Robot’ Movie Ending Explained And Summary: Did Roz Recognize Brightbill Again?

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The Wild Robot is a wild entry in the DreamWorks space. Not only is this movie stunning to look at, but it also diverts from the typically cheerful themes of movies for children, making it an incredible viewing experience for both kids and adults. I don’t remember the last time I watched an animated movie this effective. The Wild Robot runs with the themes of death, mortality, climate change, and other morbid ideas in a seamless manner that never feels overwhelmingly sad, just perfectly balanced. No, you won’t end up weeping while watching this film, but you’ll go back and think about it for days on end. The Wild Robot is a lot of things; it’s about a fish out of water, it’s about intuition, it’s about changing oneself for others, and most importantly, it’s about taking a step back and learning to simply be kind. The film tells the story of Roz, a robot in a dystopian future where the only human survivors live in a greenhouse. Roz accidentally drops off in the wild, where she must learn to adapt to her surroundings before returning to Universal Dynamics, i.e., home, or the place where she was made. Roz is then tasked with looking after a baby gosling by a fox, and she can only return after the completion of her “tasks.” What follows is an adventure of a lifetime that will leave you in awe and wonder. 

Spoiler Alert

What Happened to Brightbill’s Parents? 

The primary theme of the first half of The Wild Robot is actually parenting, if you’d believe it. In the film, Roz’s accident ends up killing Brightbill’s parents, and she’s able to save the single egg. When the last remaining egg hatches, the baby goose (later named Brightbill) immediately assumes Roz as his mother. In the meantime, Roz is considered a monster by the rest of the animal kingdom. Roz also finds a friend in a fox named Fink who guides her in her tasks. Fink obviously doesn’t know anything about geese except for how they taste, but the trio becomes a force to reckon with once Roz teaches Fink to stop trying to eat Brightbill. Roz is a robot, and as you can imagine, that means processing data and working accordingly. However, being with the animals, Roz learns quickly to adapt to the natural order of the world, forgoing her programming and changing herself to become more animal-like in order to give Brightbill the nurturing he needs. When Brightbill is older, teenager-like, he learns that he has to migrate with the rest of the geese once a year. Because of the accident, Brightbill’s smaller than the rest of his clan, kind of like the ugly duckling. Plus, he’s grown up with the “monster,” so he’s shunned by his own kind. All this while, Brightbill thought Roz was actually his mother, but this is when he learns that Roz actually killed his parents and never told him the truth. There’s a simple lesson here: to protect someone else’s feelings, you can’t hide the truth from them. I suppose adults are always stuck on protecting their kids and, in the process, don’t tell them some harsh truths that end up affecting them later on in life. 

What Lesson Does Pinktail Teach Roz? 

Ironically, the only other friend Roz makes on the island is an opossum with 6, sorry, 7 kids named Pinktail. Pinktail teaches Roz that being a mother isn’t a task but a feeling that comes from within and never ends. Roz’s formula is simple: collect data and complete the task, but with Pinktail, she learns how to be instinctive, something even we as humans struggle with. Roz’s emotional intelligence develops over time; it’s not as if she presses a button within her and knows how to be a perfect mother. Motherhood is a slow and never-ending process, and Roz is willing to stick it through. 

What Happens in the Winter? 

The next big lesson in The Wild Robot is perseverance. When winter comes, Brightbill has to fly off with his “family.” Or should we say leaving his family behind? There’s an elderly goose named Longneck who tells Roz that all she needs to do is make sure the Brightbill can endure long flights. In a week’s time, Brightbill is trained by Fink and Roz (despite being mad at them) to fly for long hours in harsh conditions. It’s a scary world out there, so all you can do is teach them how to spread their wings and take off. At the end of the week, Brightbill flies off with the rest of the geese after Roz and he apologize to each other. 

Now comes the time for Roz to go back to where she came from, but something in her stops her from leaving. When Roz returns, Fink is overjoyed to see her because she’s the only friend he’s ever had. Fink the fox is sad too. He’s never experienced love before because he never had a family, and all the animals hate him because they either want to eat him or will be eaten by him. It’s a vicious cycle, you know? Anyway, with Roz and Brightbill, Fink doesn’t even realize that he’s experiencing the power of true love. Now, when Roz returns, Fink tells her that it’s the harshest winter they’ve ever seen and most of the animals aren’t going to survive. That climate change issue has risen again. Roz works day and night to get all the animals to take shelter in the home that she built for Fink, Brightbill, and herself. It’s sturdy, massive, and can withstand the harsh conditions. But having all the animals in one “room” means having predators and prey in the same space. 

But it’s Fink who makes sure the animals understand why Roz worked so hard to bring them all together. It is kindness and empathy that they must all learn together and stick it out until the winter’s gone. Of course, this is not an easy feat; this entire situation teaches the animals to think from the heart rather than their brains, or, should I say, from their stomachs. Kindness comes easy, but letting go of your instincts is a much harder task. But as we know, teamwork makes the dream work, and so Roz and the animals survive the winter to come out glorious in the springtime. I know it’s easy to say, or rather show, as this movie has done, if we all come together, we might be able to survive this climate crisis. 

Why Does Roz Remove A Part Of Herself For Brightbill? 

During The Wild Robot’s ending, a robot named Vontra finds Roz and plans on taking her back to headquarters in order to study the data in her. However, Vontra plans on deleting all of Roz’s memories. This is when Brightbill returns and plans on telling Roz that he loves her, but before he can do so, Roz has already decided to leave, because she believes Brightbill’s found his family. It’s a shame we had to see old man Longneck go in such a tragic way for the kid to shine, but it’s because Brightbill is different from the rest of the pack; he’s able to get them out of a crisis and bring them back home safely. Anyway, Birghtbill decides to get on the ship where Roz is and tells her to stay, but by then she’s already been plugged in. Brightbill tells her that what happened wasn’t her fault, but what she did to fix her mistake was everything he could ever wish for. It’s a beautiful moment of bonding, and he tells his mom how much he cares for her. This wakes Roz up, and she tells him she loves him too! A robot who is able to love! 

At the same time, all the other animals work together to help bring Roz back. There’s also a massive forest fire at the same time, and together the animals are able to douse the fire. It’s a beautiful moment; again, it’s all about working together for the better. Anyway, Roz takes Brightbill and tells him not to worry as she jumps off the ship and directly into the fire. She removes a part of her central system and places Brightbill there to protect him from the fall. He’s hurt his wing, so he can’t fly. I suppose at this point Roz is making a sacrifice for her child, and she’s got everything she needs in the animals of the forest. She has her memories; she has her emotions and her instincts that can keep her “whole.” I guess Brightbill was her heart. 

What Can We Expect From Part 2?

Seeing the devastation in the forest from the robots that came to take Roz, she realizes that they’ll never stop until they get her. She decides to go back to headquarters and give them everything they need. Roz has overwritten her program before, so by now we can imagine she’s stowed away her memories in such a way that they can’t be taken away from her, at least not easily. This is probably why, when Brightbill comes back to visit during the next year of migration, Roz recognizes him. This is, of course, a beautiful moment. I guess what we can imagine from part 2 is that Roz might’ve taught the other robots to develop instincts, and what would’ve previously been assumed to be a “faulty” robot is now the norm. We can imagine that just like animals, humans will learn to work together, and maybe they’ll be in the greenhouse too. Maybe we’ll see everybody live in prosperity and survive a crisis together. 

Related

Virginia Tech’s Taylor Price grateful to be back on soccer field

Technology

BLACKSBURG — Taylor Price’s soccer season came to an abrupt end last fall.She tore the ACL and lateral meniscus in her right knee in a game against Boston College on Sept. 21, 2023.”The hardest part is kind of finding yourself, your identity, not being an athlete for once,” Price recalled this week. “All you’ve ever known in your life is playing your sport. And when you kind of lose that, you have to really try to stay mentally strong and find other things to appreciate.”(The rehab) is a really long process and it can be isolating and lonely at times, but I would say that taught me a lot and I would say I’m a better person and player because of it.”The junior forward returned to action for preseason practice in July. She has made her mark on the 19th-ranked Hokies this season, leading the team in goals (six) and points (14). She also has two assists.

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She has erupted for five goals in the Hokies’ past four games.

Taylor Price, who suffered a torn ACL last fall, has scored a team-high six goals for the 19th-ranked Virginia Tech women’s soccer team. She has scored five goals in the past four games.

The Roanoke Times/file 2023

“I don’t think I’ll ever be back to my old self,” she said. “I’m trying to become a new version, a new player.”Price is grateful to be back on the field.”When you go through something like that (injury), things get taken away from you really quickly and you realize how much you have to cherish being able to walk, being able to run again, being able to go out and practice and go out and play,” she said. “It’s just made me appreciate the game so much more and want to go out there and have fun.”A year ago I couldn’t even walk, I couldn’t even move without crutches or a full brace. … It teaches you so much about resilience and trust. I’m very confident in my faith, so I put a lot of trust in God.”Impact freshmanPrice is from Ashburn. She played for the same club soccer team in Northern Virginia, St. James FC Virginia, that former Tech great Murielle Tieran and a number of other ex-Hokies used to play for.Price played both soccer and basketball at Briar Woods High School. She was a forward on the court, too.”Basketball … helped me with my hand-eye coordination and also my athleticism,” she said. “Playing two sports … is honestly really beneficial.”She verbally committed to Tech in January of her junior year of high school. She picked the Hokies over West Virginia and South Carolina.Price was named  both the VHSL Class 5 girls soccer state player of the year and the Washington Post All-Metro player of the year as a Briar Woods senior in 2022, when she helped her team win the Class 5 state title. She had a hat trick in the state semifinals.Tech women’s soccer coach Chugger Adair did not expect Price would make a big impact as a Hokies freshman.But she scored a team-best eight goals and also had three assists that year. She not only made the ACC all-freshman team but also made the All-ACC third team. She helped Tech reach the 2022 NCAA tournament.Price’s movement in the box makes her dangerous near the net.

Virginia Tech’s Taylor Price, shown kicking the ball in a win over Florida State, prides herself on her “gritty mentality.” She leads the team in goals with six, including the winning goal against then-No. 6 FSU.

Courtesy Rhay Hedley/Va. Tech

“She’s always hungry,” Adair said. “She’s looking for little pockets and (ball) knock-downs and scrappy goals.”But Price’s sophomore season was cut short by her ACL injury. It was the first major injury Price had ever suffered.She found rehab to be “extremely hard.””You spend a lot of time in the training room and a lot of time not with the team,” she said. “You’re not on the field spending time with them.”You feel like you’re going through it alone, even though you’re definitely not.”When you lose playing your sport every day of the week … and all of a sudden you’re stuck here with an injury, … it’s hard not to feel as involved as you used to be.”When did her rehab end?”Rehab’s never over,” she said with a laugh. “You’re always going to have to do exercises to get your knee strength back.”Comeback seasonPrice was proud to return for the season opener against Campbell in August.

Virginia Tech junior forward Taylor Price (center) is shown about to kick the ball in the season opener against Campbell. It was her first game since suffering a torn ACL in September 2023.

Courtesy Alexis Edwards/Va. Tech

“It meant so much to me,” she said. “That was my goal.”The Hokies, who did not make the NCAAs last fall, did not receive any votes in the national preseason coaches poll this year.But Tech (10-3-2, 5-1-1) is nationally ranked this week for the third straight week. The Hokies are in a four-way tie for third in the ACC standings; only the top six teams make the league tournament.Tech has gone 3-0-1 in its last four games. Price has five goals in that span.”It definitely helps your confidence when you’re scoring goals,” she said. “It helps you want to take more opportunities.”Price tries to bring a “gritty mentality” to her game.”I like being aggressive,” she said. “I like … playing with fight and passion.”She scored three goals in a 5-1 win over Louisville on Sept. 26. It was the first hat trick by a Hokie in three years.”My confidence just kept rolling,” Price said.Two years ago, Price played for the Tech team that knocked off then-No. 3 North Carolina for only the third time in school history.She was part of another signature win on Oct. 6, when the Hokies erased a 2-0 deficit to beat then-No. 6 Florida State 3-2. It was Tech’s first win over reigning NCAA champ FSU in school history.Price scored the winning goal from close range with 3:08 remaining. She considers that goal to be the highlight of her career.”Great ball in from Emma Pelkowski. Natalie (Mitchell) played an amazing flick — I don’t even know how she got up there. … The ball kind of fell right in front of my feet,” she said. “I looked up and saw the near post was open, so I just hit it as hard as I could.”She scored again in a 1-0 win over SMU on Oct. 10. She showed off her aerial presence with a header in the second half.

Virginia Tech junior Taylor Price, shown heading the ball against Florida State, loves scoring on headers. She has six goals this season, including the winning goal in a 3-2 victory over then-No. 6 FSU.

Courtesy Rhay Hedley/Va. Tech

“I love header goals,” she said. “I just jumped and hit it and it went in.”The SMU game marked the one-year anniversary of her knee surgery.”I’m definitely still healing, … still getting my strength back, trying to get everything back to the way I want,” she said.But she is happy with how she he has been playing.”It’s been really rewarding in many ways,” she said.

Virginia Tech junior Taylor Price (25), who suffered a torn ACL in September 2023, has scored six goals this season.

Courtesy Nick Carlson/Va. Tech

Mark Berman (540) [email protected] 

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5 Books on Data Visualization Every Analyst Should Read

Arts & Culture, Books

The ability to visualize data effectively is a crucial skill for any analyst. Whether you’re presenting insights to stakeholders or exploring complex datasets, the right visualization can make all the difference.
But mastering data visualization requires more than just technical know-how; it demands a deep understanding of design principles, storytelling techniques, and the psychology behind how people interpret information.
To help you hone these skills, we’ve curated a list of five essential books that every analyst should read. These books will guide you from foundational concepts to advanced techniques, ensuring your data visualizations are both impactful and insightful.
1. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward R. Tufte
Edward R. Tufte’s “The Visual Display of Quantitative Information” is widely regarded as the gold standard in the field of data visualization. First published in 1983, this seminal work lays the groundwork for understanding how to present quantitative data clearly and effectively.
Tufte introduces key principles such as “data-ink ratio,” where every element in a graph should serve a purpose, and “chartjunk,” a term he coined to describe unnecessary or distracting design elements.
What makes this book indispensable is Tufte’s emphasis on the importance of clarity, precision, and efficiency in visual representation. He provides numerous historical examples, from John Snow’s cholera map to Charles Joseph Minard’s depiction of Napoleon’s Russian campaign, demonstrating how well-crafted visualizations can reveal insights that are otherwise hidden in the raw data.
For analysts, “The Visual Display of Quantitative Information” is more than just a book—it’s a guide to developing a mindset that prioritizes the integrity and effectiveness of data communication. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced professional, this book offers timeless lessons that will elevate your data visualization skills.
2. Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic’s “Storytelling with Data” is a must-read for analysts who want to go beyond simply creating charts and graphs. 
Knaflic emphasizes the importance of storytelling in data visualization, arguing that the most powerful data visualizations are those that tell a compelling story. She breaks down the process of creating effective visualizations into clear, actionable steps, making this book accessible even to those new to the field.
Knaflic’s approach centers on understanding your audience and crafting visuals that resonate with them. She offers practical advice on choosing the right type of chart, eliminating clutter, and using color and design elements strategically to highlight key insights. Throughout the book, real-world examples and case studies illustrate how these principles can be applied to transform data into a persuasive narrative.
For analysts looking to enhance their ability to communicate data insights effectively, “Storytelling with Data” is an invaluable resource. It’s not just about making beautiful charts—it’s about ensuring your data has an impact and drives action.
3. Information Dashboard Design: Displaying Data for At-a-Glance Monitoring by Stephen Few
Stephen Few’s “Information Dashboard Design” is a practical guide that addresses one of the most common uses of data visualization in the business world: dashboards. 
Dashboards are essential tools for monitoring key metrics and making data-driven decisions quickly. However, designing dashboards that are both functional and visually appealing is a challenge, and this book provides the necessary insights to do it right.
Few outlines the principles of good dashboard design, focusing on how to present large amounts of data in a way that is easily digestible at a glance. He covers topics such as the optimal layout of dashboard elements, the effective use of color and typography, and the importance of simplicity in design. Few also critiques common dashboard design mistakes, providing readers with a clear understanding of what works and what doesn’t.
This book is ideal for analysts who are involved in creating or using dashboards in their daily work. By applying Few’s principles, you’ll be able to design dashboards that are not only informative but also intuitive and user-friendly, enabling faster and more effective decision-making.
4. Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design by Andy Kirk
Andy Kirk’s “Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design” offers a comprehensive and practical guide to mastering the art and science of data visualization. 
Kirk takes readers through the entire process of creating effective visualizations, from the initial exploration and analysis of data to the final design and presentation. His approach is hands-on, providing a wealth of examples, exercises, and practical tips that help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
One of the key strengths of this book is its focus on design thinking. While advanced analytics derived from data science platforms might be instantly engaging to analysts, stakeholders usually need to have that information served up in an appealing manner to highlight key takeaways. 
Kirk emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and purpose of your visualization, and he offers guidance on how to choose the most appropriate visual form for your data. 
The book also covers the technical aspects of visualization, including tool selection and the use of color, typography, and layout to enhance clarity and impact.
Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design is an essential resource for analysts who want to deepen their understanding of data visualization and improve their ability to create visually compelling and informative graphics.
5. The Big Book of Dashboards: Visualizing Your Data Using Real-World Business Scenarios by Steve Wexler, Jeffrey Shaffer, and Andy Cotgreave
The Big Book of Dashboards by Steve Wexler, Jeffrey Shaffer, and Andy Cotgreave is a unique resource that provides practical insights into designing dashboards through real-world examples. 
Unlike other books that focus on theory, this book offers over 20 case studies that show how dashboards can be used effectively in various business contexts, from finance to healthcare to marketing.
Each case study is accompanied by a detailed discussion of the challenges faced and the solutions implemented, providing readers with actionable insights that they can apply to their own work. 
The book also includes tips on dashboard design, data presentation, and user engagement, making it a valuable resource for analysts who want to create dashboards that not only inform but also inspire action.
For analysts who want to learn from real-world examples and apply these lessons to their own dashboard designs, The Big Book of Dashboards is an indispensable guide.
Conclusion
Mastering data visualization is a journey that requires both knowledge and practice. The books highlighted in this article offer a solid foundation, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills. 
With these resources, you’ll gain the insights needed to create visualizations that not only convey information but also tell compelling stories. Invest time in these books, and you’ll be well-equipped to elevate your data analysis and communication to the next level.

5 Books on Data Visualization Every Analyst Should Read

Arts & Culture, Books

The ability to visualize data effectively is a crucial skill for any analyst. Whether you’re presenting insights to stakeholders or exploring complex datasets, the right visualization can make all the difference.
But mastering data visualization requires more than just technical know-how; it demands a deep understanding of design principles, storytelling techniques, and the psychology behind how people interpret information.
To help you hone these skills, we’ve curated a list of five essential books that every analyst should read. These books will guide you from foundational concepts to advanced techniques, ensuring your data visualizations are both impactful and insightful.
1. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward R. Tufte
Edward R. Tufte’s “The Visual Display of Quantitative Information” is widely regarded as the gold standard in the field of data visualization. First published in 1983, this seminal work lays the groundwork for understanding how to present quantitative data clearly and effectively.
Tufte introduces key principles such as “data-ink ratio,” where every element in a graph should serve a purpose, and “chartjunk,” a term he coined to describe unnecessary or distracting design elements.
What makes this book indispensable is Tufte’s emphasis on the importance of clarity, precision, and efficiency in visual representation. He provides numerous historical examples, from John Snow’s cholera map to Charles Joseph Minard’s depiction of Napoleon’s Russian campaign, demonstrating how well-crafted visualizations can reveal insights that are otherwise hidden in the raw data.
For analysts, “The Visual Display of Quantitative Information” is more than just a book—it’s a guide to developing a mindset that prioritizes the integrity and effectiveness of data communication. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced professional, this book offers timeless lessons that will elevate your data visualization skills.
2. Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic’s “Storytelling with Data” is a must-read for analysts who want to go beyond simply creating charts and graphs. 
Knaflic emphasizes the importance of storytelling in data visualization, arguing that the most powerful data visualizations are those that tell a compelling story. She breaks down the process of creating effective visualizations into clear, actionable steps, making this book accessible even to those new to the field.
Knaflic’s approach centers on understanding your audience and crafting visuals that resonate with them. She offers practical advice on choosing the right type of chart, eliminating clutter, and using color and design elements strategically to highlight key insights. Throughout the book, real-world examples and case studies illustrate how these principles can be applied to transform data into a persuasive narrative.
For analysts looking to enhance their ability to communicate data insights effectively, “Storytelling with Data” is an invaluable resource. It’s not just about making beautiful charts—it’s about ensuring your data has an impact and drives action.
3. Information Dashboard Design: Displaying Data for At-a-Glance Monitoring by Stephen Few
Stephen Few’s “Information Dashboard Design” is a practical guide that addresses one of the most common uses of data visualization in the business world: dashboards. 
Dashboards are essential tools for monitoring key metrics and making data-driven decisions quickly. However, designing dashboards that are both functional and visually appealing is a challenge, and this book provides the necessary insights to do it right.
Few outlines the principles of good dashboard design, focusing on how to present large amounts of data in a way that is easily digestible at a glance. He covers topics such as the optimal layout of dashboard elements, the effective use of color and typography, and the importance of simplicity in design. Few also critiques common dashboard design mistakes, providing readers with a clear understanding of what works and what doesn’t.
This book is ideal for analysts who are involved in creating or using dashboards in their daily work. By applying Few’s principles, you’ll be able to design dashboards that are not only informative but also intuitive and user-friendly, enabling faster and more effective decision-making.
4. Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design by Andy Kirk
Andy Kirk’s “Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design” offers a comprehensive and practical guide to mastering the art and science of data visualization. 
Kirk takes readers through the entire process of creating effective visualizations, from the initial exploration and analysis of data to the final design and presentation. His approach is hands-on, providing a wealth of examples, exercises, and practical tips that help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
One of the key strengths of this book is its focus on design thinking. While advanced analytics derived from data science platforms might be instantly engaging to analysts, stakeholders usually need to have that information served up in an appealing manner to highlight key takeaways. 
Kirk emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and purpose of your visualization, and he offers guidance on how to choose the most appropriate visual form for your data. 
The book also covers the technical aspects of visualization, including tool selection and the use of color, typography, and layout to enhance clarity and impact.
Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design is an essential resource for analysts who want to deepen their understanding of data visualization and improve their ability to create visually compelling and informative graphics.
5. The Big Book of Dashboards: Visualizing Your Data Using Real-World Business Scenarios by Steve Wexler, Jeffrey Shaffer, and Andy Cotgreave
The Big Book of Dashboards by Steve Wexler, Jeffrey Shaffer, and Andy Cotgreave is a unique resource that provides practical insights into designing dashboards through real-world examples. 
Unlike other books that focus on theory, this book offers over 20 case studies that show how dashboards can be used effectively in various business contexts, from finance to healthcare to marketing.
Each case study is accompanied by a detailed discussion of the challenges faced and the solutions implemented, providing readers with actionable insights that they can apply to their own work. 
The book also includes tips on dashboard design, data presentation, and user engagement, making it a valuable resource for analysts who want to create dashboards that not only inform but also inspire action.
For analysts who want to learn from real-world examples and apply these lessons to their own dashboard designs, The Big Book of Dashboards is an indispensable guide.
Conclusion
Mastering data visualization is a journey that requires both knowledge and practice. The books highlighted in this article offer a solid foundation, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills. 
With these resources, you’ll gain the insights needed to create visualizations that not only convey information but also tell compelling stories. Invest time in these books, and you’ll be well-equipped to elevate your data analysis and communication to the next level.

Craft programs, book discussions, silent auction among fall activities at JCPL

Arts & Culture, Books

WHEATFIELD — Stop by the Wheatfield Library on Friday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. for bingo fun and prizes. This free event is open to ages 18 and over.Registration is required and can be done at www.myjcpl.org/events or by visiting or calling the Wheatfield Library at (219) 956-3774.JASPER COUNTY — Wheatfield’s Adult Book Discussion will be meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. to discuss the book The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. Refreshments will be provided.