WHEREAS, in 2014, Ida Annette Minor Ward, an educator and community leader in Richmond, published Switchin in Da Kitchin with Mama 'Nem, a collection of recipes, crafts, and health and household tips; and WHEREAS, a native and longtime resident of Richmond, Ida Ward cultivated a strong work ethic from a young age; she graduated from Armstrong High School and Virginia Union University; and WHEREAS, after graduating from college, Ida Ward served as director of the Teenage Program at her local YWCA, then helped prepare students for careers, higher education, and responsible citizenship as a teacher for Henrico County Public Schools; and WHEREAS, while working as a teacher, Ida Ward joined the American Institute for Foreign Study and coordinated programs for students from France, Spain, Japan, Italy, and England to provide cultural enrichment during their time in the United States; and WHEREAS, Ida Ward traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East and developed a love and respect for other cultures, which is evident in her book, Switchin in Da Kitchin with Mama 'Nem; and WHEREAS, Switchin in Da Kitchin with Mama 'Nem contains recipes and ideas from Mexico, Cambodia, the Bahamas, Australia, and throughout the United States, as well as traditional American southern recipes, many of which were submitted by Ida Ward's friends, family members, neighbors, or associates; and WHEREAS, Switchin in Da Kitchin with Mama 'Nem features a comprehensive section on kitchen weights and measures and guides on menu planning, wine pairings, and kitchen activities for children, as well as instructions for pickling, canning, and preserving and other household tips; and WHEREAS, Ida Ward currently works for Richmond Public Schools as a teaching coach and tutor and serves as a doorkeeper for the Senate of Virginia; she volunteers her time and talents with numerous civic and service organizations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Ida Annette Minor Ward hereby be commended on the publication of her book, Switchin in Da Kitchin with Mama 'Nem, and for her service to the Richmond community; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ida Annette Minor Ward as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for her achievements and best wishes for the future. |