Snowboarding at Massanutten ... SWAC Daughter & SWAC Niece on the slopes

SWAC Daughter instructs SWAC Niece on snowboarding techniques. This was three years ago ... it's that time of year again.

SWAC Niece's rental board (left) beside SWAC Daughter's Palmer board.

Bindings ... check. Balance ... check.

SWAC Daughter helping her younger cousin.

February 2009 ... Chesterfield County schools were out recently so my sister drove up with SWAC Niece for a long weekend in the Valley which included a day of snowboarding at Massanutten.

It was a perfect winter day ... overcast, snowy, and cold. All slopes were open at Massanutten; temp when we arrived was 20 degrees and would climb to 25 for a high.

SWAC Daughter has been boarding for a while, and her younger cousin has been anxious try it. The two girls got on the snow and SWAC Daughter started instructing SWAC Niece in balance, maneuvers, turns, stops ... patiently teaching all the techniques necessary to successfully traverse the slopes.

SWAC Niece listened, followed instructions, and got it immediately. As SWAC Daughter headed for the chair lift to do more advanced boarding, SWAC Niece headed to lessons to be sure she had a good handle on what she was doing and, when finished, both girls took to the chair lift to try an easy slope.

I was amazed at SWAC Niece because her balance was great and she was keeping up for her first time on a board. SWAC Daughter was zipping over the snow in her usual way.

The winter's not over and we'll be back.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 2009

Challenger 26 years later ... 'Obviously a major malfunction'

Has it really been 26 years since the Challenger shuttle exploded in mid-air? Seven lives were lost, the tragedy was caught live on TV, and Americans were shocked at the disaster that had taken place in front of their eyes.

Space launches had become so routine to most people by the time Challenger came around that it rarely caused much excitement. Indeed, on that fateful day of January 28, 1986, it was cold and wintry in rural North Carolina, just as it was cold at the site of the launch in Florida. At home with my two-year-old son, I remembered the NASA launch was taking place that morning so turned on the television to see how it was going.

TV cameras scanned the spectator stands at Cape Kennedy where family and friends of the astronauts watched, full of excitement in anticipation of the launch that included Christa McAuliffe who was there as part of the Teacher in Space project. Millions of children across the nation sat in classrooms watching and waiting for the launch with expectations of experiments and lessons later during the journey from the teacher in space.

McAuliffe's participation was what made me particularly interested in this launch. She was a teacher and wife but, more importantly, the mother of two young children, ages six and nine. She had spent long months away from her family training for the Challenger mission which made me realize I would not have been able to make that sacrifice, but I admired her determination and the support of her family.

I tuned in to watch that morning, saying a quiet prayer for their safe journey as my son played on the floor. Everything was routine with the countdown and there was lift-off. Cheers rose from the crowd of spectators as they took photos and watched the shuttle lift higher and higher until NASA Control gave instructions for full throttle-up.

There was an immediate explosion that filled the sky. For those in the stands, the looks of joy turned to bewilderment as they realized something wasn't quite right. Some gasped, some screamed, others simply watched in disbelief. Was it merely a reflection of the sun or perhaps just a vapor trail? There was confusion in the stands. Seconds later came the fateful words from NASA that there was "obviously a major malfunction," followed with, "... the vehicle apparently exploded."

Video of the launch shows the reaction of family and friends as the realization began to set in that they may have just witnessed the death of their loved ones. As they anxiously scanned the sky overhead, America watched their anguish. It was the first time a NASA tragedy had been caught live on TV.
The biggest fear of disaster had come true just at a time when everyone felt relaxed and comfortable with space travel, letting their guard down to the fact that riding a hydrogen tank into space was still a dangerous and challenging endeavor.

Later in the day, President Ronald Reagan addressed a shocked and stunned nation as he remembered the lives that were lost and the families left behind. He reminded America that we were still pioneers in space travel and then addressed the school children who had witnessed such a sad event, gently telling them that sometimes painful things happen when men take chances to expand their horizons. He continued by saying that the future didn't belong to the faint-hearted but, rather, to the brave.

The president then added words that would move a nation, saying that the astronauts had "slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God," bringing tears to millions who had shared in the dream of six astronauts and a teacher in space.

Twenty-six years later, many still remember the day we lost Challenger. The young school children who watched in classrooms are now in their 30s. Others, like my children, were too young or were not born at the time. Challenger, however, is a chapter in our history that will not be forgotten, a reminder of the loss of seven space pioneers who helped pave the way for those who followed.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

George W. Bush continues to give back

How I miss the leadership of George W. Bush! In his private life, he continues to give back to the world around him. From the Wounded Warrior Project with wounded military veterans to his trip to Africa with Laura and daughters Jenna and Barbara.

Watch the YouTube video of the former President's African trip: "On December 1-5, 2011 President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Tanzania, Zambia and Ethiopia. The trip demonstrated President and Mrs. Bush's continued commitment to the people of Africa through the work of the George W. Bush Institute's (GWBI) Global Health program.

"The trip also highlighted the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon® initiative, an innovative partnership between GWBI, the U.S. Department of State President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and other private partners. The Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon initiative leverages public and private investments and existing health infrastructures to combat two of the leading causes of cancer death among women in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America - cervical and breast cancer."

"I've got your back"

Love this graphic going around on Facebook! It reminds me of some special friends.  :)

Gov. McDonnell heads to Florida to stump with Mitt

Governor Bob McDonnell's public schedule shows he is headed to Florida to campaign with presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Florida's presidential primary is January 31.

The two will appear Saturday morning at a Veterans Rally in Pensacola. Gov. McDonnell is very familiar with military veterans, serving 21 years in the U.S. Army both in active duty and the reserves. He retired in 1997 as a Lt. Colonel.

Romney's "Believe in America" campaign is working to get his conservative, common-sense message out to the voters. Here's the list of Romney Rallies in Florida.
 
Here is a great article about Ann Romney and her connection with audiences in Florida.

The visitor outside my window ... a pileated woodpecker

We don't often see the pileated woodpeckers in the yard but, rather, along the trees on the fence line. This one was outside my window.  They are the largest woodpeckers in the U.S., about the size of a crow.

During the warm summer months, these fellas are loud as they call from the trees in what has been described as a wild laughing sound. From this angle, this one looks like a female (black stripe from bill to throat) but the last photo looks as if the stripe is red which would indicate a male.

 It stayed long enough for me to get a few shots but I was afraid to move closer to the window for fear of scaring it off so the images are not as sharp as I'd like.

An unexpected visit on a mild January day....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
27 January 2012

Tim Tebow: Christian, role model, athlete

Many in the American media have strange values when it comes to covering athletes. The bad guys seem to get the positive press -- they're the cool kids -- while so often the good guys are persecuted for being ... well, good.

Tim Tebow -- homeschooled student, Heisman Trophy winner, Denver Broncos quarterback -- is a positive role model for our children, one of the good guys who actually understands that the world doesn't revolve around him. He is a public figure who shares his good fortune, reaches out to those who are hurting, and retains his down-to-earth personality.

ESPN reporter Rick Reilly, who has been voted National Sportswriter of the Year eleven times so he's been around the sports block a time or two, took a closer look at this unlikely hero and was surprised to find someone to admire, as he declared by simply stating, "I believe in Tim Tebow" and noting :

I've come to believe in Tim Tebow for what he does off a football field, which is represent the best parts of us, the parts I want to be and so rarely am.

Who among us is this selfless?

Who, indeed? What makes this more amazing is Tebow's youthful age (23), and his hero status in the NFL.

Ridiculed in the media for dropping to one knee on the football field -- something that has been done for years by other players --  and by some for being a nice person, Tebow represents the best of humanity. His Christian upbringing by missionary parents laid a firm foundation for this young man who doesn't just talk the talk ... he absolutely, 100% walks the walk.

Sharing his good character along with his worldly goods, Tebow reaches out a hand to those less fortunate in a way that shows true concern and caring. Riley talked with some who have benefited from Tebow's touch and they responded that he had offered them hope for the future, happiness for the present, and made them believers in themselves and, perhaps, renewed belief in humankind.

Tebow hosts them for home and away games, making it a point to visit with them before the game. Didn't he find that distracting, asked Riley? Tebow's answer showed insight into the unselfish person that he is:

"Just the opposite," Tebow says. "It's by far the best thing I do to get myself ready. Here you are, about to play a game that the world says is the most important thing in the world. Win and they praise you. Lose and they crush you. And here I have a chance to talk to the coolest, most courageous people. It puts it all into perspective. The game doesn't really matter. I mean, I'll give 100 percent of my heart to win it, but in the end, the thing I most want to do is not win championships or make a lot of money, it's to invest in people's lives, to make a difference."

Like I said ... a guy who doesn't allow himself to be the center of the universe. Why, heck ... he made a believer of a cynical, crusty, long-time sports writer who tried his best to find a crack in Tebow's persona and finally stopped trying. Riley conceded:

I've given up giving up on him. I'm a 100 percent believer. Not in his arm. Not in his skills. I believe in his heart, his there-will-definitely-be-a-pony-under-the-tree optimism, the way his love pours into people, right up to their eyeballs, until they believe they can master the hopeless comeback, too.

Tebow's kind of innocent optimism is good to see and keeps the rest of us believing that there truly is good left in the world.

You know what? I believe in Tim Tebow, too.

Dickie Bell proposes drug tests for needy

When the Staunton News Leader starts sounding more conservative than our Republican elected officials, it gets my attention. I'm talking about Del. Dickie Bell's proposal to require drug testing of recipients of the Virginia Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program in order to receive benefits.

The News Leader's editorial "Bill panders to prejudice" asked, "Because poor people use illegal drugs? And 'needy families' is a euphemism for addicts?"

On the surface, this sounds like a good idea but in the end it could cost Virginia taxpayers more money, specifically to the tune of $1.3 million.

Florida has a similar program that uses more than $1 million on drug testing but only 2% of the recipients fail the drug test.

In these hard economic times when the state is holding back money from localities that could be used to fund law enforcement, wouldn't it be wiser to spend that money to put more deputies on the streets to catch drug dealers rather than fishing for offenders among those who have fallen on hard times?

The News Leader wondered about the money, too:

In just about every political campaign, the candidate says he or she must cut the waste out of the budget. As funds get tighter, services are slashed and more people are left hurting, you hear about cutting waste. Then something like this comes along and those same leaders find $1.3 million to drug test poor people?

As history has shown us regarding bills like the one Dickie Bell is promoting, it passes with funding from the state but then after a few years the program is thrown onto the localities as an unfunded mandate, and the state takes credit for saving $1.3 million in the budget at the expense of those localities.

Perhaps the spending for new programs needs to stop.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

'Tebow Bill' for homeschool sports access advances in General Assembly

A House Education subcommittee meeting was overflowing this morning in the General Assembly as homeschoolers crowded in to show support for Delegate Rob Bell's (R-58th House) HB 947 advocating that homeschool students be allowed access to sports programs in Virginia public schools.

Affectionately known as the "Tebow Bill," it was named after Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow who was homeschooled, played high school sports in Florida, led the University of Florida Gators to two championships, won the Heisman Trophy, and went on to become the wildly popular quarterback in the NFL.

On a vote of 6-2, HB 947 now goes to the full Education Committee.

The Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) has been tracking this bill and wrote:

The legislation, patroned by Delegate Rob Bell (R-58, Charlottesville), would break down barriers that prevent home school students from playing public high school sports by prohibiting localities from joining the Virginia High School League, a pseudo-state/private entity that regulates public school sports. Under the provisions of the measure, localities would not be able to contract with VHSL if they don’t allow home school students to participate. Half the states in the nation have some type of measure that provides opportunities to home school students to participate in public school sports.

A large crowd of home school families packed the subcommittee room at 7:30 am to support the bill, some of which traveled from long distances, with two impressive home school students testifying in support. The Family Foundation testified in support of the bill, as did representatives of home school associations. Governor Bob McDonnell supports the proposal, which is on his education reform agenda.

As usual, the education establishment lined up in opposition, complaining that the VHSL cannot ensure the “academic progress” of home school students. Instead of seeking to find ways to make the measure work, the VEA and VHSL have worked for years to deny home school students, members of our community and taxpaying families, from participating in athletics.

The next hearing of the bill may be Monday, January 30.

Fulcrum Concepts to bring 31 new jobs to King & Queen County

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Fulcrum Concepts LLC, a veteran-owned small business that provides full spectrum integrated solutions to customers with unique tactical requirements, will invest $4.6 million to establish an operation in King and Queen County at the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport.

The company will provide aircraft integration of specialized weaponry and avionics as well as maintenance operations. They will also provide tactical ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) training for both military and civilian special operations personnel. The project will create 31 new jobs over the next 36 months.

In a press release speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said:

“Fulcrum Concepts is a fascinating specialty company made up almost exclusively of retired Army Special Operations personnel that performs vital services for both military and civilian operations. The company serves a unique niche that is in growing demand, and King and Queen County’s Middle Peninsula Regional Airport provides a convenient location to accommodate Fulcrum’s growth. The addition of 31 new jobs paying above the average prevailing wage is also tremendous news for the region.”

The Commonwealth's Secretary of Commerce and Grade, Jim Cheng, added:

“I warmly welcome Fulcrum Concepts to King and Queen County, and congratulate the company on the important work they do to help keep our country safe. With this unique project the infrastructure put in place at the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport will not only serve Fulcrum, but will also position the airport and nearby property for future economic growth. I am confident that the company will build on its momentum from King and Queen County, and will find a solid workforce in the strong military presence in Virginia.”

Fulcrum Concepts is a company focused on providing professional services to the Department of Defense, Homeland Defense, and Law Enforcement.

Fulcrum Concepts was established with the vision of building an organization of high quality personnel with an extraordinary depth and variety of real-world experience. The qualities that made Fulcrum personnel highly effective war-fighters and corporate leaders prior to joining the Fulcrum team are fundamental to success in any endeavor—leadership, problem solving, and establishing a shared vision.

All Fulcrum personnel are former Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel who trained and fought together in mutually supporting roles over the last 25 years. Many Fulcrum personnel also spent time in some of the largest Defense Corporations as successful Directors and Program Managers before moving to Fulcrum.

Fulcrum Concepts' managing member Michael S. Zinanni expressed the company's satisfaction with their decision, and noted:

“Virginia provides an excellent environment for many of the core interests of Fulcrum Concepts, and the Hampton Roads area is one of the largest concentrations of military in the country. This provides Fulcrum Concepts with a great customer base, as well as a large pool of skilled individuals.

"The Middle Peninsula Regional Airport Authority, King and Queen County and the neighboring localities definitely contributed to Fulcrum Concepts' decision to relocate to the airport due to the business-friendly environment. The airport has come under outstanding professional management, enhanced airport service and navigational aid improvement, and significant infrastructure improvements to include a runway and taxiway resurface able to accommodate a wide variety of aircraft. The vision for growth is in line with our desire to bring top quality professional service to our customers and community.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with King and Queen County and the Virginia Department of Aviation to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a grant of at least $100,000 from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist King and Queen County with the project. The company may also qualify for additional funds through the Virginia Department of Transportation. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

The chairperson of the King and Queen County Board of Supervisors, Sherrin Alsop, expressed the county's delight with the new business locating there.

“We are quite proud that Fulcrum Concepts has selected to locate its Corporate Headquarters in King and Queen County.

“Fulcrum Concepts will be a great asset to the County and fits perfectly with our vision for sustained economic growth. We believe that Fulcrum will be the catalyst that moves the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport from a successful General Aviation facility to an economic development engine for the region.”

Citing the efforts of the County, the Governor, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Aviation, Alsop added, "This is truly a team effort with a wonderful result. We greatly look forward to our partnership with Fulcrum Concepts and welcome their fine staff to the King and Queen community."

McDonnell signs congressional redistricting bill

On Tuesday night, Governor Bob McDonnell signed the bill to approve the newly-redrawn congressional districts in Virginia that were passed last week by the General Assembly. The legislation passed after easily gaining approval from the House with a 74-21 vote and then squeaked by on a 20-19 vote from the evenly divided State Senate after Democratic Senator John Edwards was on leave of absence.

The governor's approval was confirmed by Tucker Martin, a spokesman for the governor. "After reviewing the legislation, and consulting with the Attorney General’s office, the governor has signed the bill."

Earlier that day Richmond Circuit Court Judge Richard D. Taylor Jr. refused to allow a motion from the attorney general's office to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the new congressional lines. Democrats have asked that the courts step in and redraw Virginia's eleven congressional districts, claiming the current plan disenfranchises African-American voters, and that a plan was not approved last year.

The redistricting comes after the 2010 census and reflects population shifts in the Commonwealth.

Thursday: homeschool bills to be heard by General Assembly

There are a number of homeschool bills will be heard early Thursday morning, January 26, in the General Assembly House and Senate. Three sports access bills, and two bills requested by Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) clarifying a curriculum description are on the agenda.Your presence at these meetings will make a difference in the outcome of this homeschool legislation so those who are able to do so are encouraged to attend.

7:30 a.m.
5th Floor East Conference Room, General Assembly Building
Curriculum Description, HB 1208, Delegate Brenda Pogge
Sports Access, HB 947, Delegate Rob Bell; HB 905, Delegate Randy Minchew; and HB 1005, Delegate David Ramadan

8:30 a.m.    
Senate Room B, General Assembly Building
Curriculum Description, SB 564, Senator Dick Black

Eric Cantor hosts Marco Rubio at March breakfast

Breakfast with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) has been a popular event since Cantor entered the U.S. House, regularly pulling more than 1,000 attendees. Each year he hosts a special guest speaker such as Governor Bob McDonnell who spoke in 2011 to a packed room of 1,500.

This year U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will be Cantor's guest for the March 2 fundraiser at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The event is a Who's Who in Republican and business circles, regularly pulling in state representatives who are in Richmond for the General Assembly session as well as other elected officials and candidates.

Rubio is Florida's junior senator and was born to Cuban immigrant parents. An attorney, he has served in political office since the 1990s. When he ran for the U.S. Senate, he received the backing of the tea party and has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate for the 2012 election.

Tickets for the event begin at $100.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
2010

Bearing Drift live-blogging SOTU address

Bearing Drift will be live-blogging President Obama and the State of the Union address starting at 9:00 tonight. Ken Falkenstein and others will keep readers informed with up-to-the-minute posts on what the President is saying to America. Hop on over and check it out....

'Tebow Bill' seeks homeschooler access to public school sports programs

An ongoing debate throughout the years has been the refusal in Virginia to allow homeschooled students the opportunity to participate in public school sports but now they may have an unlikely hero on their side.

Most Virginians have probably heard of 23-year-old Tim Tebow, the wildly popular Denver Broncos quarterback who led his team to the 2012 NFL playoffs and is famous for kneeling on one knee in prayer, something that has been deemed "Tebowing" and duplicated throughout the country.

Many came to know this young man during last year's Super Bowl game when he was part of a Focus on the Family ad advocating pro-choice and noting that his mother had been advised by doctors to abort him when she became seriously ill during pregnancy but she chose not to follow their recommendations.

What they may not know is that Tebow was born of missionary parents, and that he was homeschooled in Florida, a state that allowed homeschool students to participate in public school sports. He went on to lead the University of Florida Gators to two national titles, won the 2007 Heisman Trophy, and was then recruited by the Denver Broncos.

Pretty heady stuff especially considering Virginia's homeschooling students are continually refused that opportunity, therefore denying them the chance for sports scholarships.

Florida opened its sports programs to homeschoolers in 1996, allowing Tebow to play and work his way up the ranks. Twenty states across the nation allow homeschoolers to participate in sports but the Commonwealth isn't one of them. Could there a Tim Tebow somewhere in Virginia just waiting for the opportunity to lead a high school and college team to victory and join a professional sports league?

Delegate Rob Bell (R-58, Charlottesville), who has been a champion for Virginia homeschoolers for years, has introduced the "Tebow Bill" (HB 947) that would permit homeschoolers to try out for public school athletic programs.

HB 947 -- Nonpublic school students; organizations governing participation in interscholastic programs -- reads:

"Prohibits public schools from joining an organization governing interscholastic programs that does not deem eligible for participation a student who (i) is receiving home instruction, (ii) has demonstrated evidence of progress for two years, (iii) is entitled to free tuition in a public school, (iv) has not reached the age of 19 by August 1 of the current school year, (v) is an amateur who receives no compensation, but participates solely for the educational, physical, mental, and social benefits of the activity, (vi) complies with all disciplinary rules applicable to all public high school athletes, and (vii) complies with all other rules governing awards, all-star games, parental consents, and physical examinations applicable to all high school athletes. The bill allows such students to be charged reasonable fees for participation."

The Virginia-based Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has followed access at schools nationwide. This issue is strongly resisted by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), the Virginia Education Association (VEA), the Virginia Secondary School Principals Association (VSSPA), and others who oppose allowing homeschoolers to put a foot in the athletic door. Reasons given have been everything from the suggestion that homeschoolers could "lay on the sofa all day" before going to practice to the concern that the actions of homeschoolers could not be controlled outside of a school activity.

Homeschooled students have proven over the years that they can keep up with their public school peers academically. Testimony to that is the number of homeschoolers who have been spelling bee winners and finalists, who have regularly outscored public school students on SAT and ACT tests, who have received higher education scholarships, and who have scored in research, work, academia, the military, and beyond.

Many of those home school families have asked to participate in sports programs, something they feel should be allowed since home school parents pay the same school taxes as everyone else but pay extra for their children's education, receiving no benefit from those school tax dollars. For years, former Delegate Chris Saxman (R-20th House District) championed school choice and tax credits for home schoolers only to see the measures defeated.

Not all homeschoolers want access to public school sports and feel it would inch the government one step closer to controlling that segment of the population. Others participate in private, civic, and homeschool sports programs in their communities.

Perhaps one of the the strongest opponents to allowing access to public school sports is Delegate Robert Tata (R-Virginia Beach), formerly a coach and football player from the 1950s. NBC-29 noted his objections:

Tata fears that opening high school sports to homeschoolers would weaken the system's accountability and allow aggressive coaches at powerhouse sports schools to "recruit" home-schooled blue-chip players.

On Thursday, January 26, a House Education subcommittee will debate Bell's legislation. Will 2012 be the year that Virginia homeschoolers break through the sports barrier?

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Newly redrawn Sixth Congressional District

After passing the Virginia State Senate with a 20-19 vote, the U.S. Congressional redistricting bill is headed to Governor Bob McDonnell's desk for his signature. It will then automatically go to the Justice Department to be sure it fits criteria for the Federal Voting Rights Act.

The lines have been redrawn for the Sixth Congressional District to the following:

All of Amherst, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Highland, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties; all of the Cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Staunton, and Waynesboro; part of Bedford County comprised of the Big Island Elem School (502), Boonsboro Elem School (505), Boonsboro Ruritan Club (506), Forest Elem School (401), Forest Youth Athletic Assoc. (304), Knights Of Columbus Bldg (403), Montvale Elem School (601), Odd Fellows Hall (504), Pleasant View (507), Sedalia Center (503), Suck Springs (704), and Thomas Jefferson Elem School (402) Precincts and part of the New London Academy (301) Precinct; and part of Roanoke County comprised of the Bonsack (402), Burlington (202), Castle Rock (305), Cave Spring (503), Clearbrook (505), Cotton Hill (501), Garst Mill (306), Hollins (206), Hunting Hills (507), Lindenwood (405), Mount Pleasant (406), Mount Vernon (506), Mountain View (203), North Vinton (403), Oak Grove (304), Ogden (504), Orchards (205), Penn Forest (502), Plantation (201), Poages Mill (302), South Vinton (404), and Windsor Hills (303) Precincts.

Churchville Library, Tracy Pyles, and emily dickinson

Supervisor Chairman Tracy Pyles was the keynote speaker at Churchville Library's 10th anniversary celebration on January 14, 2012.

At the recent 10th anniversary celebration at the Churchville Library, Supervisor Tracy Pyles whose Pastures District includes the Churchville, Craigsville, and Deerfield branches of the Augusta County Library system, was the keynote speaker.

His remarks were in praise of those who have worked hard making the library a successful go-to destination in the community but he was also funny, cracking up those in the room as he recited American poet emily dickinson ... she of lower case letters and no-title poems.

Ten years earlier, addressing the opening ceremony of the library, Supervisor Pyles quoted emily dickinson's poem praising the wonders of books and their amazing ability to sweep us away, hopping from destination to destination with no limits on where we can go:

There is no frigate like a book

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away.
Nor any coursers like a page
of prancing poetry.
This traverse the poorest may take
Without the oppress of toll.
How frugal is the chariot
That bears the Human Soul.

He noted there is no port like a library, observing that libraries are no longer limited to just books but offer other "frigates" to transport us to faraway destinations, and then updated the first two lines of Ms. Dickinson's poem to laughter from those in the room:

There is no frigate like a Nook
No Destination like a computerized WiFi station.

How libraries have changed in the past ten years, now offering many choices not available back then such as eBooks, computer stations, online reservations for books, wireless internet for patrons at all branches, free computer introduction classes, and much more.

The library patrons, staff, and volunteers who are very aware of how much technology has changed since 2002 got a kick out of Tracy's 21st century spin on a 19th century poem.

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Supervisor Pyles for my recent appointment to the Board of Trustees for the Augusta County Library. To paraphrase Dr. Seuss, "Oh, the places we'll go!"

Singer John Denver ... remembering the man and his music

John Denver -- forever in our minds as the youthful, blonde-headed, wire-rimmed granny glasses-wearing troubadour -- would now be a 67-year-old grandpa if he had lived. His daughter Anna Kate, 35, who lives in New Zealand with her husband Jaime Hutter, gave birth to a daughter, Daisy Eloise, on December 21, 2011.

Anna Kate's brother and Denver's son Zachery, 35, lives with his wife Jennifer in Basalt, Colorado. Anna Kate and Zach's mother is Annie of the innocently beautiful Annie's Song fame who was married to Denver from 1967-1982, and still lives in Colorado. The birth of baby Daisy Eloise now makes her a grandmother.

Denver was tragically killed in October of 1997 at the age of 53 when the plane he was flying crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. In a sense, for me the music died that day ... but it lives on because his songs are still with us.

From his earliest music like the quietly simple Poems, Prayers & Promises to the fun and rowdy Thank God I'm a Country Boy and Grandma's Feather Bed to the little known but one of my favorites to play on the guitar Shipmates and Cheyenne ... the vintage-John Denver I'm Sorry, and later in his career the hauntingly heart-tugging Don't Close Your Eyes Tonight, John Denver has been my favorite singer/songwriter since 1969.

Perhaps it was his love of the Rocky Mountains that reflected my own love of the Blue Ridge, or maybe it was his appreciation of the simple things like the outdoors, good friends around a campfire, and the power of music to heal a hurting soul that drew me to him. Whatever it was, I rejoiced in his lyrics and guitar chords, and mourned when he died far too young.

Even today, I still hang onto every word as he sings the words to This Old Guitar, the painfully honest love song he wrote about the 1910 Gibson guitar his grandmother gave him at the age of 12 and how it so very affected the path his life took. He closed his concerts with that song ... an ode to his grandmother and his life ... and anyone who has ever played a musical instrument understands the attachment between artist and instrument.

His story-telling wasn't limited to his music ... he had a charming way of presenting intros to songs by sharing personal experiences. Who can forget his Dancing With the Mountains video skiing Aspen Mountain ... watching it reminds me of skiing the Aspen mountains in that part of the country years ago. Denver was an excellent snow skier, and he knew the trails on Aspen Mountain like the back of his hand, something that is readily evident on the video as he actually "dances" with the mountain.

When my husband, sister (who lived in Denver at the time), and I attended his Red Rocks concert outside Denver, Colorado, on July 5, 1982, Denver shared his experience of traveling to China and looking out at the night sky half a world away. Annie, he realized, was back home in Colorado seeing the same moon and stars and, thus, came the song Shanghai Breezes ... "The moon and the stars are the same ones you see/ It's the same old sun up in the sky/ And your love in my life is like heaven to me/ Like the breezes here in old Shanghai." But it was too late for John and Annie ... their divorce was underway even as he sang that summer night in the shadow of the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

The magic of his concert at Red Rocks Ampitheater was captured for a television special. We were sitting on the third row right in front of the stage where we had staked out at noon for the night concert after standing in line for the first-come, first-serve seats. We watched as Denver and the band ran through the sound check at mid-day, and we partied the afternoon away in the Colorado sunshine with fans seated around us. It was a sold-out event, and we twenty-somethings were excited because it was far out! (For those too young to remember John Denver, Far out! was his signature saying.)

Amazingly, on a whim, I found the Red Rocks concert on YouTube. Ah, the beauty of the internet ... all these years later, and there it was for me to listen and drift back in time and remember a wonderful concert that started before sunset and lasted long into the night under the stars in that magnificent Colorado sky. It was magical ... a moment in time, a memory that lasts to this day. The entire audience was mesmerized by his singing and hanging onto every word, singing along with this Pied Piper of folk music.

The songs and interviews with Denver from the Red Rocks concert are divided into five videos: Part 1 (Take Me Home, Country Roads),  Part 2 (Seasons of the Heart),  Part 3 (Thank God I'm a Country Boy and Annie's Song), Part 4 (Calypso), and Part 5 (Perhaps Love written as a love song to his fans).

I heard him sing in the Coliseum in Richmond, at Carowinds in North Carolina, twice at Wolf Trap Theater in Vienna, and at Red Rocks. How sad we can never again sit and listen as his personality and talent took us away for that brief moment in time as he shared his life -- his highs and lows, heartache and joys -- through the lyrics of his songs.

How I still miss John Denver....

Frontier Culture Museum winter lecture series

The Frontier Culture Museum, located in the central Shenandoah Valley city of Staunton, offers their annual winter lecture series presented by the American Frontier Culture Foundation offering the diverse roots and influences of American music.

All lectures will be held in the Museum's Dairy Barn Lecture Hall at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (540) 332-7850.

Tuesday, February 21: Christopher A. Brooks. PhD
Roland Hayes: Aframerca's Tenor

Tuesday, February 28: Keith Brintzenhoff
Early German/American Musical Traditions, including the Dulcimer

Tuesday, March 6: Cheryl Tobler
Celtic Music in the Shenandoah Valley

Tuesday, March 13: Wilderness Road
The Soundtrack to the Settling of America

Winter threw it all at us ... snow, sleet, freezing rain

After overnight snow and sleet, the morning greeted us with freezing rain that put down a layer of ice over the previous precipitation. A heavy fog has settled over the Valley on this glum, gray winter day.

Friend Jo Ann Walus took this photo of her iced-over rhododendron.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
21 January 2012

Snow in the Valley

 Woot! It's finally snowing in the Shenandoah Valley....

The temperature has dropped into the upper 20s. The forecast is calling for freezing rain later tonight.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
20 January 2012

Bob McDonnell on the stump in SC for Mitt Romney

Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA) rallying with Mitt Romney before Saturday's South Carolina primary for president.

Anne Romney and Maureen McDonnell serve birthday cake at the rally for SC Governor Nikki Haley's 40th birthday.

Photos by Governor's staff

10 years later, Churchville library still going strong

Debbie Sweeney (left) listens as Supervisor Tracy Pyles speaks at the 10th anniversary of the Churchville Library.

Editor's Note: Debbie Sweeney, assistant director of the Augusta County Libraries, addressed the crowd at Saturday's 10th anniversary celebration at the Churchville Library. Her remarks covered the past 10 years so well that I asked if she would share them, and she graciously agreed.

A little over 10 years ago I was privileged to be part of the creation of this wonderful facility. From electrical outlets to furniture, wall coverings to carpeting, all of us involved in the project strove to create a space that would be both practical and inviting; to craft a place of learning and a place to stretch one’s imagination.

We learned a lot about what it takes to convert the former wing of an elementary school into a branch library, especially the importance of community support. One of the things I learned about was the impressive durability of terrazzo flooring! Small construction bobcats ran all over that entry floor and all it took was sweeping, mopping, and a little floor wax to have it looking like new with nary a sign of wear and tear from the bobcat’s treads! If you have a high traffic area I highly recommend terrazzo flooring, but be careful in your choice of design because you will have to live with it for a long time!

With a soft opening on January 7, 2002, followed by a grand opening celebration on January 12, the branch’s three original staff included Steve Altis as our part-time staffer, Charlotte Stephenson as the children’s specialist, and me as branch manager.

We were committed to not only providing outstanding library service but to making a difference in the community. The community in turn not only welcomed us with open arms and generous donations but with that priceless resource known as volunteers!

Brownie Hanger “volunteered” to put in a reading garden at the building entrance to honor his wife Mildred; local Scouts and the Buffalo Gap High School wrestling team volunteered to help unpack our books for the opening; Jane Moriss, Tina Cleveland and others “volunteered” to manage all other landscaping projects, including the park near Rt. 250. Most recently the Woodmen of the World “volunteered” to put up a flagpole.

Volunteers donated their time, talents, and resources liberally in everything from new books to hand-crafted puppets, puppet stages and craft materials to yummy treats. We have also been very fortunate throughout our history to have Tina Cleveland offer her time and guidance in celebrating special occasions, such as the original opening and this 10th anniversary. Eileen and Lyal Hood have remained steadfast volunteers as well; helping out by shelving materials, running book bingos, shoveling sidewalks, and directing groups during class visits - among other tasks.

They and others have provided over 3500 hours of volunteer service during the past 10 years. That’s more than one hour each day that the branch has been open! They have truly helped keep the branch running, especially in recent years when budget shortfalls, illness, and vacations reduce staff numbers even as demand for services continues to increase.

Thank you, thank you for your support and service.

In the past 10 years the branch has provided over 480,000 books, audio books, and videos to nearly 400,000 patrons. Through ten Summer Reading Programs we’ve brought magic shows and medieval festivals, pets and pals and musical productions to Churchville-area residents of all ages (and even a few out-of-town visitors).

Through these programs and puppet shows, book clubs, and contests we’ve shown that not only is reading fundamental – it’s fun! To the question, “Do you know what time it is?” the Churchville youngsters happily reply, “It’s storytime!” The hundreds of story times with “Ms. Charlotte” and her various helpers have not only given our youngest community members a head start on literacy and fostered social skills, they’ve encouraged countless youth and their parents to make learning a lifelong pursuit.

The past 10 years have also seen a tremendous change in traditional library services. No longer just a warehouse for books or other materials, the branch has stepped up to the demand for libraries to be bridges over the digital divide - providing equipment and access to the cyber super highway and instruction on how to navigate its countless resources. We’ve helped digital immigrants (like most of us here) not only keep up with digital natives, but have also shown them how to survive and thrive in a world with an ever more rapidly changing technological landscape. Look at cell phones, for instance. The phone my husband is using at the back of the room is more powerful than the first desktop computer we had, even more powerful than the computers used on the space shuttle!

In 2007, I turned over management of the branch to Jack Holt. While I very much enjoy being back at the main facility in Fishersville, a part of my heart will always reside in Churchville. I greatly miss the wonderful people and community here and take the opportunity to visit whenever I can, even if it’s midnight on a Monday night to install software!

I look forward to the updates on branch happenings that Jack shares with me, and take comfort in knowing that he and Ms. Charlotte are committed to continuing the tradition of providing outstanding library service. I also very much appreciate the opportunity to join with you today in celebrating the branch’s first decade, and I look forward to helping steer the branch through many more decades of service to the residents of Churchville and surrounding areas.

Freezing rain may be moving into much of Virginia

From WTVR CBS-6

WTVR CBS-6 has put up the weather map for the next 24-36 hours and it doesn't look good. Freezing rain for much of the Commonwealth is possible beginning tonight and lasting into Saturday. Time for us to prepare for possible loss of electricity.

Be safe out there....

Crooner-in-Chief sings Al Green

Well, dang. Who knew President Barack Obama had this hidden talent? Sure, he only sang one line from Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" ... but it sounded pretty good.

The one line brought down the house and maybe opened more pocketbooks at the New York fundraiser. If it was successful, he may begin singing one-liners around the country as he works to raise money for his reelection campaign, and the White House may be saying, "Watch for the Crooner-in-Chief coming soon to a town near you...."

Bob McDonnell endorses Mitt Romney

UPDATE: Governor Bob McDonnell has endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for president. The announcement came Friday morning. The Governor commented:

"America needs leadership and that's what governors do: they lead," McDonnell is quoted in a press release from the Romney campaign. "Governors actually have to find solutions and bring all parties together in order to get results for their citizens – they can't just sit back and cast votes.

"Mitt Romney has been an effective leader his entire life, in business, the Olympics and as governor. President Obama’s lack of leadership experience is now clear – he has failed to turn around the economy and end the gridlock in Washington. Mitt Romney used his leadership ability in a politically difficult environment to balance the budget every year, cut spending and taxes, and create jobs. He is a results-oriented conservative. This is the type of record that conservatives like me are honored to support – we need a leader like Mitt Romney in the White House to enact effective change that will put our country back on the right path and Americans back to work.”

The South Carolina primary is Saturday.

[end update]

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will throw his support behind Mitt Romney today, according to reporter Olympia Meola with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. McDonnell's name has been bantered about for a while as a possible Vice Presidential candidate for Romney. Even as far back as last winter, some were whispering his name along with "president" or "vice president." Meola wrote:

McDonnell's support could significantly boost Romney's chances in Virginia if he wins the party's nomination. President Barack Obama was the first Democrat to win Virginia's electoral votes since President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. Obama is expected to make a push in the state again this year, and his campaign released a TV ad in the state this week.

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling is Romney's campaign coordinator for the Commonwealth so the team of Bob and Bill would be working together again, something they have done well over the years.  Virginia voters will have a 50-50 chance while voting in the presidential primary on March 6 because only two candidates, Romney and Ron Paul, qualified for the ballot.

McDonnell, who was in South Carolina earlier this week, is expected to return today and spend the next twenty-four hours campaigning with Romney and SC Governor Nikki Haley who has also endorsed Romney.

McDonnell, who is chairman of the Republican Governors Association, has made clear he believes a governor would be best in the position as President of the United States. After Texas Governor Rick Perry's departure on Thursday from the race, the only governor left is Romney.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Freestyle skier Sarah Burke, 29, dies from injuries

A statement from the family of freestyle skier Sarah Burke, 29, who died from injuries sustained while training....

Groundbreaking Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke passed away at 9:22AM, January 19, 2012, at the University of Utah Hospital from injuries sustained in an accident on the Eagle Superpipe at Park City Mountain Resort on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. She was training for upcoming winter events.

As the result of Sarah’s fall, she suffered a ruptured vertebral artery, one of the four major arteries supplying blood to the brain. The rupture of this artery led to a severe intracranial hemorrhage, which caused Sarah to go into cardiac arrest on the scene. Emergency personnel responded and CPR was administered on the scene during which time she remained without a pulse or spontaneous breathing.  Studies in the University of Utah Hospital Emergency Department indicated that she retained brainstem function. She was placed on life support and a protocol of therapeutic hypothermia was initiated to protect her brain. An angiogram indicated the site of arterial bleeding, and on Wednesday, January 11 the injured artery was successfully repaired.

After the operation, numerous neurological examinations, electrodiagnostic tests and imaging studies revealed that Sarah sustained severe irreversible damage to her brain due to lack of oxygen and blood after cardiac arrest, resulting in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Sarah passed away peacefully surrounded by those she loved. In accordance with Sarah’s wishes, her organs and tissues were donated to save the lives of others.

While early reports in the media stated that Sarah’s injury was a traumatic brain injury, it is important to note that Sarah’s condition was the result of a lack of oxygen to the brain during cardiac arrest.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Sarah’s dear friends for their love and support, and for traveling to Salt Lake City to comfort the family.

They would also like to thank the University of Utah Hospital and her physicians and care team in the Neuro Critical Care Unit for their incredible care and compassion.

The family was moved by the sincere and heartfelt sympathy expressed by people inspired by Sarah from all around the world. They have received a substantial number of inquiries from those who would like to make a contribution on behalf of Sarah.  For more information, please go to http://www.giveforward.com/sarahburke.

A public celebration of Sarah’s life will be held in the coming weeks.

Rep. Allen West: "Congratulations, China"

President Barack Obama and the State Department nixed the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada, a decision that caused responses from many across the nation. This statement from Congressman Allen West (R-FL) was particularly interesting:

“It is absolutely irresponsible that the President would block a project such as the Keystone XL pipeline – a project that industry experts say would create at least 20,000 American jobs and be essential in helping jumpstart the American economy.

"This decision today is further evidence that President Obama is not serious about setting the conditions for job creation nor working towards our energy independence as it relates to our national security. Once again, President Obama has shown that his reelection and pandering to his left wing liberal environmental base is more important than securing the future for our nation. The ramifications of this utterly disturbing politically motivated decision will be far and wide. Congratulations China.” [emphasis added]

'Nuff said.

Born on this day ... Robert E. Lee

"Do your duty in all things.

You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less."

--Robert E. Lee

(Virginia General born on this day in 1807 at Stratford in Westmoreland County)

Rick Perry to drop out of presidential race

Texas Governor Rick Perry has an 11:00 news conference planned this morning and all reports are that he is planning to drop out of the presidential race.

I can't help but think that his lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Virginia could not have helped his cause. After being the darling of the state's Republicans at a fundraiser in September to failing to get on the March ballot to bringing legal action to get his name on the ballot which many interpreted as poor sportsmanship, this is not the ending he hoped for.

CNN: Perry to drop out today | Campaign 2012 | Washington Examiner

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Issues make the candidate ... Fishersville fire & emergency concerns

Kurt Michael, Augusta County community leader

In  my campaign manager book, it talks about how issues make candidates. No where is that more evident that the fire and emergency issue that came up in 2010 in Augusta County.

Residents in Fishersville are safer, thanks to community involvement from residents Kurt Michael, Al Dahler, and other homeowner association leaders who stepped to the plate and took an active role in beefing up fire and emergency response in their community.

After Yancey Fire Department received a failed ISO ranking -- a number that is used by insurance companies when considering emergency coverage for home owners -- increased insurance premiums began showing up in mailboxes, the first signal to residents that something was wrong.

Now, some home owners have seen those premiums that had doubled in some instances begin to level back down to normal range with the improved coverage that came about after two years of attending meetings and listening to recommendations. Even with the improvements, however, there's still much more work to do.

Reporter Calvin Trice wrote in Tuesday's Staunton News Leader:

It is still early, said Kurt Michael, who represented a group of homeowners associations that lobbied supervisors to beef up service.

But, he added, "I think the county has taken positive steps in correcting the problems, and as a result we will see lower (insurance) rates, if not now, in the future."

Al Dahler, a Fishersville resident who also is a columnist for The News Leader, saw the annual premium on his three-bedroom, 2,500-square-feet townhouse in the Teaverton area drop from $784 last year to $368 this year, he said.

Dahler said homeowner agitation, led by Michael, and changes adopted by the Board of Supervisors have made it more likely that fire engines will show up to blazes faster and with a chance to save lives and property.

Involvement by concerned citizens is what made a difference in an issue that may have languished in the background if not for the attention drawn to it by community leaders.

Because of his activism, Michael was approached by many to run for Wayne District supervisor in 2011 and he garnered 47% of the vote including the precincts that are in the Yancey Fire Department area. It wasn't enough to win but left an impression with the community of a leader who had a grasp of not only the fire and emergency issues but other concerns important to Augusta County.

Thursday's Staunton News Leader editorial, "Yancey fiasco didn't have to happen," follows up on this issue and notes:

It was a problem that shouldn't have been. When the volunteer fire service in a densely populated part of Augusta County began to fail, the county board of supervisors had every opportunity to fix the situation. But rather than taking charge, the supervisors let the Preston L. Yancey Volunteer Fire Co. languish, and before a grassroots effort was set into motion, even Fishersville residents' homeowners' insurance rates jumped.

In a situation that could have left families without a home or even resulted in the loss of life, The News Leader hailed Michael's leadership:

... the grassroots effort led by Kurt Michael, president of the Emerald Hills Homeowners' Association, brought the necessary attention. The board of supervisors responded by adding paid firefighters to the Yancey station and boosting mutual aid agreements with neighboring paid departments.

The citizens of Fishersville are safer today, thanks for the hard work of dedicated community leaders.

Hypocrisy on Mitt Romney's tax rate

General Electric (GE) made $14 billion in 2010 and paid 0% income tax. Where's the outrage?

This weekend: An Evening of Live Jazz & Dancing in Staunton

For those looking for something to do this weekend in the central Shenandoah Valley, slip on your dancing shoes and head to historic downtown Staunton for some jazz and blues.

Start your evening with dinner at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel on Saturday night and then stay for dancing featuring Beleza Brasil and Bob Bennetta Quartet from 8-11:00 p.m.  Advanced tickets are $15 per person, or $20 at the door.

The Stonewall's Sorrells Restaurant, named after Jackson's trusty horse, will offer casual evening dining or cocktails by the fire. A late-night food menu will also be available for appetizers and desserts along with a full cash bar. Dress is casual-chic attire so don't forget your dancing shoes!

Want to make it a weekend getaway? The Stonewall is offering a special package deal for $153.00 that offers overnight accommodations, two tickets to the dance, breakfast for two, and overnight self parking.


Check www.ShenandoahConcerts.com for more information and make plans to head to the mountains. Kick up your heels and dance the night away in the Queen City of the Valley....

Warning: It's a clean joke

Thanks to friend Suzanne Curran for my morning laugh. I love a clean joke....

Billy Graham was returning to Charlotte after a speaking engagement and when his Plane arrived there was a limousine there to transport him to his home. As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped and spoke to the driver.

"You know," he said, "I am 87 years old and I have never driven a limousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?"

The driver said, "No problem. Have at it."

Dr. Graham gets into the driver's seat and they head off down the highway. A short distance away sat a rookie State Trooper operating his first speed trap.

The long black limo went by him doing 70 in a 55 mph zone. The trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo and he got out of his patrol car to begin the procedure.

The young trooper walked up to the driver's door and when the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see who was driving. He immediately excused himself and went back to his car and called his supervisor.

He told the supervisor, "I know we are supposed to enforce the law ... but I also know that important people are given certain courtesies. I need to know what I should do because I have stopped a very important person."

The supervisor asked, "Is it the governor?" The young trooper said, "No, he's more important than that."

The supervisor said, "Oh, so it's the president." The young trooper said, "No, he's even more important than that."

The supervisor finally asked, "Well then, who is it?"

The young trooper said, "I think it's Jesus, because he's got Billy Graham for a chauffeur!"

Perry lawsuit: two strikes, you're out

Texas Governor Rick Perry's name will not appear on Virginia's March 6 Republican presidential primary ballot.

After failing to qualify with 10,000 minimum signatures, Perry filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth's State Board of Elections and the Republican Party of Virginia to have his name added. He was joined by three other candidates who failed to qualify: Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, and Rick Santorum.

Two candidates, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Texas Congressman Ron Paul, turned in the required number of signatures and were certified to appear on the ballot.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported:

On Friday, U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. agreed with Perry’s contention that Virginia’s requirement that ballot petition circulators be Virginia residents was unconstitutional.

But the judge said Perry should have filed the suit while collecting the required 10,000 signatures, which Perry failed to do by last month's deadline. Perry appealed Gibney’s ruling over the weekend and today a three-judge panel of the appeals court also turned him down.

Perry's poll numbers have him trailing behind the others at this point so it may be a moot point but if he wants to appeal, that option is available although time is running out.

The judges noted that Perry should have appealed before the petition deadline if he felt the law was not constitutional but to wait until the eleventh hour after failing to qualify was not acceptable:

The three-judge panel wrote Perry’s request goes against repeated U.S. Supreme Court admonitions that federal courts not upend the "orderly electoral processes" at the eleventh hour.

“The requirements have been on the books for years. If we were to grant relief, we would encourage candidates for president who knew the requirements and failed to satisfy them to seek at a tardy and belated hour to change the rules of the game,” wrote the panel.

Ironically, Perry has been a proponent of states rights -- even blasting the federal government's intrusion as recently as Tuesday's presidential debate in South Carolina -- so some question the wisdom of challenging a state's election process.

Perry's campaign said they are weighing their options.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Rededication of Churchville Library branch

 Supervisor Tracy Pyles (I-Pastures) was the keynote speaker at Saturday's rededication ceremony at the Churchville Library branch in the Pastures District of Augusta County.

 The Reading Room had an overflow crowd as all ages from six months to 60 years old and beyond crowded in to share the joy of this heart of the community.

 Staff, volunteers, and library board members participated in refreshment and decorations.

Supervisor Marshall Pattie (I-North River), right, was on hand along with his wife and infant son. Pattie is the Library Liaison on the Board of Supervisors.

Churchville Library branch
Rt. 250, Churchville, Virginia

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
14 January 2012

U.S. House schedule for Tuesday, January 17, 2012

From Minority Leader Eric Cantor....

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17TH

On Tuesday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for pro forma business and recess immediately. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Quorum Call - Establishing a quorum in the House of Representatives for the Second Session of the 112th Congress

H.Res. __ - Electing the 36th Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives, Paul Irving (Privileged Resolution)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY

Rules Committee Meeting on "H.J.Res. 98, Relating to the disapproval of the President's exercise of authority to increase the debt limit, as submitted under section 3101A of title 31, United States Code, and January 12, 2012” (Tuesday, January 17th, 5:00 p.m.)

Printable PDF

Tonight: Presidential Fox News debate from Myrtle Beach, SC

The Republican presidential candidates will gather in Myrtle Beach, SC, at 9:00 tonight for the latest debate, this time between the remaining five candidates. This debate and one on Thursday night hosted by CNN will lead up to Saturday's South Carolina Republican presidential primary. The Wall Street Journal will be on the scene live-blogging as well as Stacy McCain and others from the blogging and mainstream media worlds.

Fox News will be in charge of this event, thankfully; perhaps we won't have such asinine questions as the one from CBS' George Stephanopolous a little over a week ago about contraception. Here's hoping the Fox moderators will present questions pertaining to jobs, the economy, national security, and national debt.

With Jon Huntsman's departure from the race this morning, that leaves Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, and Rick Perry.  Polls are showing Romney, who won in Iowa and New Hampshire, leading by double digits in South Carolina and Florida.

Tonight ... 9 pm ... the latest Republican debate.

Allen campaign raises over $1 million in latest quarter

I'm just getting around to reporting on this but didn't want to overlook that fact that the George Allen for Senate campaign raised $1.1 million in the last quarter of 2011.

Allen and his campaign expressed gratitude to their many contributors as the former Virginia Republican governor noted:

“The continued generosity of our dedicated grassroots team of supporters has put us in strong standing as we move forward to the November 2012 elections. I truly believe the 2012 election is our generation’s ‘rendezvous with destiny’ and Virginians are energized and ready to bring change to Washington."

According the Washington Examiner, financial help should be there for both the Republican and Democratic candidate leading into the general election:

Money isn't expected to be a great barrier to either candidate no matter how expensive the next 11 months become. The high-profile race has already attracted spending from outside political groups hoping to influence what is widely regarded as one of the most important Senate contests in the country.

It's official: Huntsman suspends campaign, backs Romney

In a televised announcement Monday morning, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman officially suspended his campaign for president.  News of his plans began leaking Sunday night and spread like wildfire throughout blogs and mainstream media outlets.

Huntsman threw his support behind fellow candidate former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney who won the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, and is currently polling in first place leading up to Saturday's South Carolina primary.

Part of Huntsman's remarks as he stepped aside and endorsed Mitt Romney included the following:

America is more divided than ever, and for our nation to move forward together with new leadership and unite, the Republican Party must first unite.

Today I am suspending my campaign and supporting the candidate who is best-equipped to defeat the president and return conservative leadership to the White House: Governor Mitt Romney.

Norm Leahy at Bearing Drift has his own thoughts about Huntsman dropping out.

Meanwhile, tonight's presidential debate from Myrtle Beach will have one less participant.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Gov. McDonnell remembers Martin Luther King, Jr.

On this day that the nation pauses to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell offered his thoughts on King's legacy:

“Today we pause to remember a great leader, statesman, visionary and activist who helped inspire a nation to believe in a shared dream of equality, understanding and inclusion that was spawned by our Founding Fathers, grew though the travails of generations of Americans, and resulted in the greatest nation in the world.

"From the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, to his leading role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and his unforgettable oration during the 1963 March on Washington, Dr. King was an inspirational leader who was able to spread his dream of peace and understanding to a nation in need to self-reflection and reform.

"His non-violent message of universal equality and justice advanced the cause of freedom in our country and influenced generations to come. Through his transcendent words and selfless actions—and the ultimate sacrifice of his life in the cause of the American dream—Dr. King enabled our nation to reflect and ultimately grow into the melting pot of opportunity that Virginians and Americans enjoy today.

"I encourage us all to pause today and remember the sacrifices of this great leader. His words are stitched in the fabric of our American tapestry and his actions will forever influence Americans and human kind.”

Downtown Staunton on a cold January day

 Johnson Street parking garage. Mill Street Grill is located on the left.

 Corner of Johnson and New Streets ... coffee shop and parking garage.

 The cobblestone street leads to Staunton's historic train station with Sears Hill in the background.

 Formerly the Pullman Restaurant, the train station is waiting for someone to bring it back to life.

 The Klotz Building now houses Sunspots (at bottom of hill) in the Wharf area.

 Lewis Street on the west side of the downtown area.

 The historic Board and Batten House that is now used as a private office.

 Driving west out of Staunton, Churchville Avenue turns into Rt. 250 west heading toward Highland County and points beyond.

Rt. 250 with the Appalachian Mountains in the distance. In the winter, it offers a different kind of beauty as the winter woods open up vistas as travelers head toward ski resorts and hiking trails.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
12 January 2012