Congressman Bob Goodlatte of the Shenandoah Valley: Unveiling the portrait

Congressman Bob Goodlatte and his wife, Maryellen,
with Sixth District Chairman Fred Anderson and his wife, Ann.

I was honored to be invited to a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday for the unveiling of a portrait of Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th District) to commemorate his chairmanship of the Agriculture Committee during the 108th and 109th Congress sessions. It was held in the Agriculture Room so the crowd of over 300 was able to mingle on the balcony overlooking the Capitol as well as inside.

The Sixth District was represented by Chairman Fred Anderson and his wife, Ann; Delegate Ben Cline; Trixie Averill of State Central Committee; Chaz Evans Haywood who is candidate for Clerk of Court in Harrisonburg-Rockingham; Mollie Koon from the Goodlatte staff; Lynn Mitchell of State Central Committee.

Congressman Goodlatte and Maryellen
with House Speaker Dennis Hastert.

Sixth District Chairman Fred Anderson and
Chaz Evans Haywood, candidate for Clerk of Court, Harrisonburg-Rockingham County

Trixie Averill on Agriculture Committee Room balcony
Trixie Averill, Sixth District State Central Representative

Reception on balcony
Delegate Ben Cline
The crowd listens as the portrait is unveiled.
Mollie Koon and Chaz Evans Haywood
Trixie Averill and Mollie Koon talk with
Maryellen Goodlatte during reception.

The portrait is amazing in several ways. First, it is an extremely life-like portrayal of Congressman Goodlatte. Second, the artist actually painted two portraits because there is a portrait within a portrait ... a photo of Maryellen is sitting on the desk in the portrait. Third, the picture hanging on the wall behind the Congressman is a Shenandoah Valley farm scene ... rural and serene. The artist, Dean Paules, did a remarkable job.

The site of the U.S. Capitol stirs me everytime I see it....

It was an enjoyable evening and I thank the Congressman for the opportunity to be a part of his special day. As Trixie Averill and I drove back to the Valley we shared memories of the event and, of course, talked politics all the way up and all the way back.

Program
~
Master of Ceremony
The Honorable Roy Blunt
~
Invocation
Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin
Chaplain
~
Presentation of Portrait
The Honorable Collin C. Peterson
Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture
~
Remarks
The Honorable John Boehner
The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert
The Honorable Dick Armey
~
Address
The Honorable Bob Goodlatte
~
Unveiling of Portrait
Mrs. Maryellen Goodlatte
~
Acceptance of Portrait
The Honorable Steny H. Hoyer
Majority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
~
Introduction of Artist
Mr. Dean Paules
~
Benediction
Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin
Chaplain

Photos by SWAC Girl