Orvin H. Kiser Sr. has passed away at the age of 76. A couple of weeks ago he had called an old friend, another supervisor who is still on the board, to say goodbye. The cause of death was cancer.
When I heard the news, it brought back memories of the days when Mr. Kiser served on the board as the Republican from the South River District. He was the one who caused me to pause and look at lone Democratic Supervisor Tracy Pyles not just as a Democrat. The supervisors were proposing the board take turns as they rotated the chairman position and, instead of the Republicans excluding those who were not Republican, they decided to include everyone to serve as chairman. As I recall, Mr. Kiser was a leading proponent of that proposal and it worked until this year and once before.
I suppose I best remember Mr. Kiser at the Augusta County Fair greeting folks from the gazebo where the supervisors would take turns each day greeting county residents. He was always jovial ... and he was always kind to me.
We are grateful to Mr. Kiser for his years of public service. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.
Obituary for Orvin H. Kiser Sr.
STUARTS DRAFT — Orvin Herman Kiser Sr., known by many as "Big Daddy" or "Big O," residing in Stuarts Draft, lost his battle with mesothelioma cancer on Monday, March 30, 2009. He went from the loving arms of his family to the safety of God's warm arms. Orvin was born May 17, 1932, in Stuarts Draft, a son of the late Marvin Turner Kiser and Edna Campbell Kiser.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his only brother, Roy D. Kiser Sr.
Orvin started Little League football in 1960 and was instrumental in starting other Little League programs in Stuarts Draft. His work with the many young people in the community and his efforts to develop the Stuarts Draft Park and the Diamond Club field are among his proudest achievements. He was a founding member of Waynesboro Mennonite Church, and he remained active as a Sunday School teacher of the Open Door Class. He was a Master Mason at the Lee Lodge in Waynesboro.
He served eight years in the U.S. Air Force, followed by 32 years at DuPont. Orvin had an extensive history of community involvement, including serving as president of Stuarts Draft Ruritan Club, the Sportsman Club and the Boosters Club. He was awarded the District and Zone Ruritan of the Year Award.
He served eight years on the board of supervisors as the South River District representative and was elected vice-chairman in 2000 and chairman in 2001.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Phyllis Kiser; two sons, Orvin H. Kiser Jr. and Ronald E. Kiser and Ladonna Coulter; one daughter, Teri Kiser Fust and her husband, John; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Kiser; and his nine grandchildren, Joey, Mandy, Karman, Heather, Trip, Whitney, Forest, Jackson and Jordan.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2009, at Waynesboro Mennonite Church at 1801 Monroe St. in Waynesboro.
In continuing with his service to others, Orvin has donated his body to science.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Waynesboro Mennonite Church, which will be followed by a dinner at the church. Pastor Howard Miller will conduct the service. The Revs. Charles Ramsey, Earl Monroe and Stanlee Kaufmann also will preside at the service.
The family requests that any memorials be made to Stuarts Draft Diamond Club, c/o Orvin Kiser Jr., P.O. Box 488, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477.
The family has entrusted the service to Charlton and Groome Funeral Home of Fishersville.
Family and friends may view this obituary and share memories and condolences with the family at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Card Check: Americans for Prosperity rally to protect voters' privacy rights
Things got rowdy in Pennsylvania Monday night when Joe the Plumber teamed up with Americans for Property's president Tim Phillips to protest a proposed pro-union bill that could eliminate an employee's right to a private vote.
Held in a hotel ballroom, the crowd, estimated at 150, was reportedly evenly divided between anti-union and union supporters. Tempers flared between the two forces as Mr. Phillips spoke with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Held in a hotel ballroom, the crowd, estimated at 150, was reportedly evenly divided between anti-union and union supporters. Tempers flared between the two forces as Mr. Phillips spoke with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Event organizer Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity, a Washington-based pro-business nonprofit, said union members would use the public petition method to intimidate workers into signing. Phillips is using Wurzelbacher's two-day, three-stop tour to organize a Pennsylvania chapter of his organization.When Joe the Plumber, formally known as Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, addressed the crowd the chorus of boos from the pro-union forces were some of the loudest of the evening as he was taunted about not having a plumber's license in his home state of Ohio. According to the Tribune-Review, Mr. Wurzelbacher tried to quiet the crowd:
"Take a look right back there. What they're doing is making our point," Phillips said.
"A little bit of respect and courtesy and we'll get through this," Wurzelbacher said."Joe" gained fame during last year's presidential campaign when he asked a question of then-candidate Barack Obama. But he has faced what others who speak out on issues have faced -- scrutiny and oppositional research from an unfriendly media, something that prevents many from becoming involved and drives others away:
Wurzelbacher rose to prominence during a presidential debate last year when Sen. John McCain used him to attack President Obama's tax plan. McCain and running mate Sarah Palin brought him on the campaign trail.It's good to have Joe the Plumber standing up for the privacy rights of union members, and it's good to know Americans for Prosperity is working to protect those rights, too.
Wurzelbacher, who said he's not stumping for a political party, blamed the "mainstream media" for what he said were attempts to discredit him.
"I served my country. I'm allowed to ask any politician any question I want," Wurzelbacher said. "But they have no reason to try to discredit me in any way, shape or form."
These days, he makes his living from speaking fees and limits his plumbing work for family and friends, he said. Wurzelbacher, who declined to say how much he makes in appearance fees, will speak in Harrisburg and Philadelphia today.
He plans to appear soon in commercials supporting a switch from income to sales taxes.
Property tax revolts going on in North Carolina
Move over, Augusta County, Virginia ... you've got plenty of company in your real estate property tax revolt.
As reported by Mary Ann Silver during Shepherd Smith's show on Fox News Channel Monday night, residents of Orange County, NC, are speaking up and showing up at meetings of Commisioners to protest increased real estate assessments at a time of financial depression. Freedom Works blog wrote:
And also in Alamance County, NC:
Property tax revolts ... tax day tea parties ... the Silent Majority is speaking up.
As reported by Mary Ann Silver during Shepherd Smith's show on Fox News Channel Monday night, residents of Orange County, NC, are speaking up and showing up at meetings of Commisioners to protest increased real estate assessments at a time of financial depression. Freedom Works blog wrote:
Our Orange County tax revolt has featured meetings where more than 1000 citizens have showed up to demand that their taxes not go up.But it's also happening in Yadkin County where the Yadkin Valley News reported:
... unlike 2005, when the economy was still creating jobs, this year's revaluation comes at a time when the housing market has tanked and many residents say they can't understand how their property values increased during the worst recession in 25 years.Sound familiar? It should. The same "perfect storm" has occurred this year in Augusta County.
And also in Alamance County, NC:
Taxpayers have been up in arms since revaluation notices went out March 2. Massey said the tax office "could have done a little bit better" with its presentation, a line that drew some empathetic chuckles.Freedom Works concludes:
... in Alamance County, 200 citizens came out to speak against raising taxes on property owners. According to our activists there, due to our efforts all five of the county commisssioners in Alamance County are going to agree not to raise taxes. This could be a big win for the taxpayers of Alamance County, and an inspiration to other counties in North Carolina who want to challenge their revaluations.Check out the Free Republic site and be sure to read the comments with links to additional news stories.
Property tax revolts ... tax day tea parties ... the Silent Majority is speaking up.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Glenn Beck, Glenn Beck on the New York Times front page
He has a three-hour talk radio show five days a week. Two months ago he became the newest addition to the Fox News Channel lineup, securing the 5 pm spot that is usually a slow news hour, after hanging out at CNN for several years. He said he feels at home now ... people actually talk to him in the elevator instead of stopping in mid-sentence when he enters.
He consistently ranks as # 3 in the radio talk show market behind Rush and Sean Hannity ... and is # 3 in the cable TV news market behind Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity, both also on Fox News.
His name is Glenn Beck and he is unabashedly patriotic and conservative all rolled into one ... and he was featured Monday on the front page of the New York Times.
He invited folks of all political persuasions to join him in "Rally for America" support the troops gatherings that were held nationwide after the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom (my family drove to Richmond to join 10,000 other folks for the WRVA-sponsored Glen Beck Rally for America at Innsbrook) or "We Surround Them" rallies that were held on March 13 of this year (the SWAC group filled the Sidelines Sports Pub to its 200 limit and had to turn people away at the door). He is a conservative Pied Piper, encouraging his audience to communicate with one another so they know they are not alone.
From the New York Times article:
Read the entire article and marvel that a conservative made it to the front page of the New York Times.
He consistently ranks as # 3 in the radio talk show market behind Rush and Sean Hannity ... and is # 3 in the cable TV news market behind Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity, both also on Fox News.
His name is Glenn Beck and he is unabashedly patriotic and conservative all rolled into one ... and he was featured Monday on the front page of the New York Times.
He invited folks of all political persuasions to join him in "Rally for America" support the troops gatherings that were held nationwide after the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom (my family drove to Richmond to join 10,000 other folks for the WRVA-sponsored Glen Beck Rally for America at Innsbrook) or "We Surround Them" rallies that were held on March 13 of this year (the SWAC group filled the Sidelines Sports Pub to its 200 limit and had to turn people away at the door). He is a conservative Pied Piper, encouraging his audience to communicate with one another so they know they are not alone.
From the New York Times article:
The conservative writer David Frum said Mr. Beck’s success “is a product of the collapse of conservatism as an organized political force, and the rise of conservatism as an alienated cultural sensibility.”I guess that statement is true. It certainly feels good to be in the presence of hundreds of others who are like-minded.
“It’s a show for people who feel they belong to an embattled minority that is disenfranchised and cut off,” he said.
Read the entire article and marvel that a conservative made it to the front page of the New York Times.
Godspeed ...
... Nate. Safe travels as you return to protect the freedoms we enjoy ... and may God keep you safely in his hands. Semper Fi!
West Virginia Senate Committee studies cyberbullying
Google cyberbullying, cyber harassment, or cyberstalking ... and you soon see the issue has become a problem in an age of emails, internet, and social networks such as Facebook and MySpace. Cyberbullying has been described as using technological communications for deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior.
Today the West Virginia state senate Judiciary Committee is considering an anti-harassment internet bill:
Today the West Virginia state senate Judiciary Committee is considering an anti-harassment internet bill:
Sen. Mike Green of Raleigh County sponsored the bill last week. The measure would make it a crime to send harassing or abusive e-mails or other computer-based communications.It is an issue that could continue to grow even as legislators struggle to catch up with internet issues.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sean Hannity joins tea party movement
From Smart Girl Politics....
Sean Hannity will be broadcasting his show "Hannity" live and on-site at the Atlanta, Georgia, Tax Day Tea Party. The Tea Party will be held at 9pm EST at the Georgia State Capital. The Tax Day Tea Parties are being held across the country on April 15th to protest the unprecedented wasteful spending by the Obama Administration and certain members in Congress.
National Communications Director Juliana Johnson says, "As we get closer and closer to the Tea Party date we continue to grow stronger. We have over 300 cities planning Tea Parties with that number growing every day. If this doesn't show that Americans are displeased that I don't know what will."
The Tax Day Tea Parties will be occuring in over 300 cities and have an expected turnout of over 150,000 people. The groups sponsoring the Tea Parties are Smart Girl Politics, the DontGo Movement, and Top Conservatives on Twitter. They have the endorsement of Newt Gingrich, Michelle Malkin, Dana Loesch, and numerous other groups.
Sean Hannity will be broadcasting his show "Hannity" live and on-site at the Atlanta, Georgia, Tax Day Tea Party. The Tea Party will be held at 9pm EST at the Georgia State Capital. The Tax Day Tea Parties are being held across the country on April 15th to protest the unprecedented wasteful spending by the Obama Administration and certain members in Congress.
National Communications Director Juliana Johnson says, "As we get closer and closer to the Tea Party date we continue to grow stronger. We have over 300 cities planning Tea Parties with that number growing every day. If this doesn't show that Americans are displeased that I don't know what will."
The Tax Day Tea Parties will be occuring in over 300 cities and have an expected turnout of over 150,000 people. The groups sponsoring the Tea Parties are Smart Girl Politics, the DontGo Movement, and Top Conservatives on Twitter. They have the endorsement of Newt Gingrich, Michelle Malkin, Dana Loesch, and numerous other groups.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
He's a hard working dog ... sheep farming in Highland County
Lucky may look relaxed but he is on high alert with sheep grazing nearby. Under his watch he has lost only one sheep to coyotes at this Highland County farm. He is on the lookout for two-legged as well as four-legged trespassers....
It's lambing season....
Rock walls are common....Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
March 21, 2009
Lynn Mitchell
March 21, 2009
Fox News programs dominate cable TV
The lineup on Fox News Channel continues to dominate cable television with the newest rating out Thursday, March 26, 2009:FOX NEWS - BILL O'REILLY 3,420,000H/T Drudge Report
FOX NEWS - SEAN HANNITY 2,987,000
FOX NEWS - GLENN BECK 2,374,000
FOX NEWS - GRETA 2,160,000
FOX NEWS - BRET BAIER 1,940,000
FOX NEWS - SHEPHERD SMITH 1,888,000
MSNBC OLBERMANN 1,322,000
CNNHN GRACE 1,300,000
MSNBC MADDOW 1,208,000
CNN KING 1,144,000
CNN COOPER 1,118,000
Five for Fighting ... "Brothers in Arms"
John Ondrasik, the voice behind Five for Fighting, is a long time supporter of the troops and he has a new single out called “Brothers in Arms.” It's a beautiful song that's featured in the movie Brothers at War, the story of two brothers who went to fight in Iraq and a third brother who went to find out why.
It's only fitting that Glenn Beck talked with John shortly after asking "where are the people who live with principle?" If there is anyone in our country who lives with principle, it's the men and women who serve in our armed forces. ( Transcript)
It's only fitting that Glenn Beck talked with John shortly after asking "where are the people who live with principle?" If there is anyone in our country who lives with principle, it's the men and women who serve in our armed forces. ( Transcript)
On the campaign trail
Too Conservative is following the Bob McDonnell for Governor campaign and live blogging with commentary and photos as they kick off the 2009 contest.
McDonnell for Governor!
McDonnell for Governor!
Green Valley Book Fair, Harrisonburg, & foggy day in the Valley
Kohl's in Harrisonburg was fogged in this morning.
It was a foggy day in the Shenandoah Valley which made it feel much cooler than the thermometer read. Some ramblings as I watch the fog thicken and the rain begin again this evening....
We trekked to Harrisonburg this morning to shop. The college town is always bustling and today was no exception....
SWAC Daughter had to turn in rental snowboard boots and pay for the bindings which were perfect. The ski shop had a great sale on boots but none in the right size. Now begins the long recess until the snow flies again next season....
After shopping, we lunched at Chick-Fil-A which is a favorite for our family. Since we don't have one in Staunton, it's always a treat.
Early afternoon found us meandering the back roads to the Green Valley Book Fair at Mt. Crawford. This is the last weekend until they reopen again from May 9-25. I found political books ... surprise ... while SWAC Husband looked for Vietnam, World War II, and historical books ... SWAC Daughter went for history books also....
We are now back home and in for the evening with a kettle of 16-bean soup on the stove, a fire in the woodstove to ward off the chilly air, and the next two episodes of "John Adams" to watch as we settle back and continue this entertaining series telling of America's formation as a free nation....
A tip of the hat to the Waynesboro News Virginian for their mention of SWAC Girl in the "Three UP" portion of their weekly "Three UP, Three DOWN" column. Thanks for the mention, NV, about the bus trip we are trying to organize to attend the Richmond Tax Day Tea Party on April 15:
It's spring in the Shenandoah Valley....
Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
March 28, 2009
We trekked to Harrisonburg this morning to shop. The college town is always bustling and today was no exception....
SWAC Daughter had to turn in rental snowboard boots and pay for the bindings which were perfect. The ski shop had a great sale on boots but none in the right size. Now begins the long recess until the snow flies again next season....
After shopping, we lunched at Chick-Fil-A which is a favorite for our family. Since we don't have one in Staunton, it's always a treat.
Early afternoon found us meandering the back roads to the Green Valley Book Fair at Mt. Crawford. This is the last weekend until they reopen again from May 9-25. I found political books ... surprise ... while SWAC Husband looked for Vietnam, World War II, and historical books ... SWAC Daughter went for history books also....
We are now back home and in for the evening with a kettle of 16-bean soup on the stove, a fire in the woodstove to ward off the chilly air, and the next two episodes of "John Adams" to watch as we settle back and continue this entertaining series telling of America's formation as a free nation....
A tip of the hat to the Waynesboro News Virginian for their mention of SWAC Girl in the "Three UP" portion of their weekly "Three UP, Three DOWN" column. Thanks for the mention, NV, about the bus trip we are trying to organize to attend the Richmond Tax Day Tea Party on April 15:
As the Obama spending train rolls on, uproar is building, evidenced by TEA PARTIES by the hundreds being planned for Tax Day, April 15. SWAC Girl blogger Lynn Mitchell is corralling locals for a trip to Richmond. This is freedom of speech in action. This also signifies that a growing number of people recognize the dangers of the new president’s economic elixir: rampant spending and lost freedoms — the two always correspond.If anyone is interested in joining us for the trip which will cost $21 per person (no driving, no parking issues ... fellowship with like-minded Valley folk on the drive), send an email. If we have enough interested folks, a bus will be booked so let's fill the bus!
It's spring in the Shenandoah Valley....
Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
March 28, 2009
Mark Obenshain urges VDOT change of "Blueprint for the Future"
Sen. Mark Obenshain has been critical of VDOT's "Blueprint for the Future" and met with Gov. Tim Kaine Friday to discuss wasteful spending within that agency. Following is the press release from that meeting:
ON THE WEB
VDOT Waste Website
http://www.vdotwaste.com
VDOT Waste Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50843179057
Senator Obenshain's Website
http://www.markobenshain.com
Senator Obenshain's Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=728306909
HARRISONBURG—This morning, Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) and Del. Todd Gilbert (R-Woodstock) met with Governor Tim Kaine to outline their concerns about the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)'s “Blueprint for the Future,” which includes the closure of twenty-five rest stops as well as reductions in road maintenance, snow and ice removal, and other services.Senator Obenshain represents the twenty-sixth district in the Virginia Senate. The district includes the city of Harrisonburg and the counties of Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rappahannock and Rockingham (part).
In a meeting that ran about forty minutes, Obenshain and Gilbert relayed their concerns, and those of their constituents, about the adverse impact these service reductions would have on all Virginians, but especially on those who rely on rural roads, which take a disproportionate hit in the revised maintenance budget.
“The Governor told us that he has been hearing from citizens across the Commonwealth who oppose the decision to close the rest areas,” said Obenshain, noting that Gov. Kaine gave no indication of whether the proposal would be reconsidered. “Until a final decision is reached, I would urge concerned citizens to continue expressing their thoughts on this important safety issue.”
“By VDOT's own estimate, rest areas decrease the number of accidents on our interstates by over four percent, yet this important fact is not taken into account when calculating the supposed savings of closing twenty-five rest areas,” added Obenshain, calling for VDOT to reconsider its spending priorities.
Although the Governor told Obenshain and Gilbert that he was insufficiently familiar with proposed changes to roadway maintenance standards to comment extensively, he promised to look into the issue, and both legislators will continue to work to ensure that information about these important revisions are subjected to public scrutiny.
Senator Obenshain and Delegate Gilbert have been at the forefront of the effort to ensure that VDOT's most vital priorities, especially those directly pertaining to safety, do not suffer while wasteful or unnecessary spending remains in the Department's budget. Renewing his call for an outside audit of VDOT, Obenshain recently launched www.vdotwaste.com, a website permitting Virginians to take a stand for fiscal responsibility and to report wasteful spending they have witnessed.
“My office is reviewing each tip or idea we receive, and I can assure you that the Governor and his staff will be hearing from me and from Virginians as momentum grows for a major reform of VDOT,” said Obenshain. “This approach is imperfect, but until VDOT submits to an outside performance audit, it falls to all of us to help hold VDOT accountable.”
ON THE WEB
VDOT Waste Website
http://www.vdotwaste.com
VDOT Waste Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50843179057
Senator Obenshain's Website
http://www.markobenshain.com
Senator Obenshain's Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=728306909
"God Bless America ... We Still Believe" -- News Virginian ad
Photo of Reo Hatfield's patriotic ad in Friday'sWaynesboro News Virginian, page A9.
One patriotic man ... one patriotic newspaper. Put them together and you get Waynesboro businessman Reo Hatfield and the Waynesboro News Virginian.
Talk about putting your money where your mouth is! Mr. Hatfield took out a full-page color ad on page A9 in the Friday, March 27, 2009, edition. The cost of the ad was $2,400. The page was outlined in red with the words, "God Bless America ... We Still Believe!" across the top against the background of a red, white, and blue American flag.
Across the page, top to bottom, were five columns of names of people in the community who also believe that God blesses America and joined with Mr. Hatfield in publicly saying so.
Notable names included were former Waynesboro City Council member Reo Hatfield, Reo Hatfield III, Reo Hatfield IV (and a slew of other Hatfields), former Augusta County Supervisor Tom Sikes, former Augusta County GOP Chairman Kurt Michael ...
... veterinarian Dr. Bruce Bowman, former GOP Speaker of the House Vance Wilkins, Phyllis Hollowell, realtors Kevin & Vonda Lacey, home builder Mike & Kathy Lacey (Kathy's Restaurant), Del. Steve Landes ...
... auto dealership owner Charlie Obaugh, Augusta Supevisor Tracy Pyles, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Clerk of Court Chaz Evans-Haywood, Rebecca Quick, Yellow Freight salesman Jim Rimel, Valley Blue Dog Steve Sisson, and me as well as many others for a total of approximately 400.
I asked Reo about the reason behind the ad, keeping in mind that he had run patriotic ads in the past. Reo's response:
May God bless America!
Talk about putting your money where your mouth is! Mr. Hatfield took out a full-page color ad on page A9 in the Friday, March 27, 2009, edition. The cost of the ad was $2,400. The page was outlined in red with the words, "God Bless America ... We Still Believe!" across the top against the background of a red, white, and blue American flag.
Across the page, top to bottom, were five columns of names of people in the community who also believe that God blesses America and joined with Mr. Hatfield in publicly saying so.
Notable names included were former Waynesboro City Council member Reo Hatfield, Reo Hatfield III, Reo Hatfield IV (and a slew of other Hatfields), former Augusta County Supervisor Tom Sikes, former Augusta County GOP Chairman Kurt Michael ...
... veterinarian Dr. Bruce Bowman, former GOP Speaker of the House Vance Wilkins, Phyllis Hollowell, realtors Kevin & Vonda Lacey, home builder Mike & Kathy Lacey (Kathy's Restaurant), Del. Steve Landes ...
... auto dealership owner Charlie Obaugh, Augusta Supevisor Tracy Pyles, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Clerk of Court Chaz Evans-Haywood, Rebecca Quick, Yellow Freight salesman Jim Rimel, Valley Blue Dog Steve Sisson, and me as well as many others for a total of approximately 400.
I asked Reo about the reason behind the ad, keeping in mind that he had run patriotic ads in the past. Reo's response:
"I had enough of the government telling the majority of the people that God isn't important.... We are Americans and we have built a country on Truth, Justice, and Freedom ... and 90% of Americans believe it but we can't get the message out. I finally said, 'I am getting the message out.' I love this country and I am ready to fight to keep it."One patriotic man ... one patriotic newspaper. Together they reminded us of what made this a great country.
May God bless America!
Captain Sully: "People need to feel good again"
"We all have some Sully Sullenberger inside of us." So said THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS blog ... and I'd like to think it's true.
"The Miracle on the Hudson" occurred when Captain Sullenberger saved 150 lives while safely landing the airplane he was piloting on the Hudson River:
H/T to Mom for sending along the graphic
"The Miracle on the Hudson" occurred when Captain Sullenberger saved 150 lives while safely landing the airplane he was piloting on the Hudson River:
While the story of how he and his crew safely landed a plane in the Hudson River has been told over and over, it was an appearance on 60 Minutes that had me fully grasping his significance."We all have some Sully Sullenberger inside of us." There are heroes out there....
I had not watched 60 Minutes in years, but he was the feature story. I had to watch. Out of all of his appearances, this one was the most meaningful. He was asked why people were so drawn to this story.
His response was simple, truthful, and important.
“People need to feel good again. They need to feel a sense of hope.”
Times are tough. People are starving for good news. They do not need a ten course meal of it. They will settle for bread crumbs.
H/T to Mom for sending along the graphic
Tea parties ... 300 1,000 and counting nationwide
[Update: There are now 1,000 tea parties and the list is still growing. Go to WorldNetDaily for updates.]
They are continuously being added ... tax day tea parties to be held at over 300 locations through America.
A group of Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, residents are trying to get a bus trip together to the Tax Day Tea Party to be held in Richmond.
The latest from those sponsoring these parties:
The Tax Day Tea Parties, hosted by the DontGo Movement, Smart Girl Politics, and Top Conservatives on Twitter, are proud to announce there are presently over 300 Tea Parties planned with the numbers rising every day. The Tea Parties will take place on April 15th to protest the Obama Stimulus Plan and the government intrusion that comes along with it.Find a tea party near you!
National Communications Director Juliana Johnson states, "These protests are truly making a difference. We are being heard, we have been silent for too long but we refuse to be silent anymore. If anyone is still unsure on whether to attend a Tea Party then realize that by not attending you are staying silent in a time when we need to be loud."
The Tax Day Tea Parties are expected to have a turnout of over 150,000 people across America. The co-hosts include: American Solutions, Michelle Malkin, Newt Gingrich, Institute for Liberty, ALG, ParcBench, Dana Loesch, and GOPUSA.
Friday, March 27, 2009
"John Adams" weekend
It's a "John Adams" weekend at our house ... the miniseries. Tonight it's "Join or Die" and "Independence."
He united the States of America ...
He united the States of America ...
While our new nation was suffering attacks from both winthin and without, John Adams had a vision of a nation of liberty and injustice for all. He guided his peers -- General George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson -- in setting the values and agenda for a glorious, free America. Adams and his wife, Abigail refined these ambitious democratic ideals, and their partnership became one of the most moving love stories in American history.We are such history nerds at my house....
John Adams, the Pulitzer-winning book from author David McCullough, is now the critically acclaimed seven-part miniseries from HBO Films.
News Virginian full-page ad: "God Bless America ... We Still Believe!"
One patriotic man ... one patriotic newspaper. Put them together and you get Waynesboro businessman Reo Hatfield and the Waynesboro News Virginian.
Talk about putting your money where your mouth is! Mr. Hatfield took out a full-page color ad on page A9 in the Friday, March 27, 2009, edition. The cost of the ad was $2,400. The page was outlined in red with the words, "God Bless America ... We Still Believe!" across the top against the background of a red, white, and blue American flag.
Across the page, top to bottom, were five columns of names of people in the community who also believe that God blesses America and joined with Mr. Hatfield in publicly saying so.
Notable names included were Reo Hatfield, Reo Hatfield III, Reo Hatfield IV (and a slew of other Hatfields), former Augusta County Supervisor Tom Sikes, former Augusta County GOP Chairman Kurt Michael ...
... veterinarian Dr. Bruce Bowman, former GOP Speaker of the House Vance Wilkins, Phyllis Hollowell, realtors Kevin & Vonda Lacey, home builder Mike & Kathy Lacey (Kathy's Restaurant), Del. Steve Landes ...
... auto dealership owner Charlie Obaugh, Augusta Supevisor Tracy Pyles, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Clerk of Court Chaz Evans-Haywood, Rebecca Quick, Yellow Freight salesman Jim Rimel, Valley Blue Dog Steve Sisson, and me as well as many others for a total of approximately 400.
I asked Reo about the reason behind the ad, keeping in mind that he had run patriotic ads in the past. Reo's response:
Talk about putting your money where your mouth is! Mr. Hatfield took out a full-page color ad on page A9 in the Friday, March 27, 2009, edition. The cost of the ad was $2,400. The page was outlined in red with the words, "God Bless America ... We Still Believe!" across the top against the background of a red, white, and blue American flag.
Across the page, top to bottom, were five columns of names of people in the community who also believe that God blesses America and joined with Mr. Hatfield in publicly saying so.
Notable names included were Reo Hatfield, Reo Hatfield III, Reo Hatfield IV (and a slew of other Hatfields), former Augusta County Supervisor Tom Sikes, former Augusta County GOP Chairman Kurt Michael ...
... veterinarian Dr. Bruce Bowman, former GOP Speaker of the House Vance Wilkins, Phyllis Hollowell, realtors Kevin & Vonda Lacey, home builder Mike & Kathy Lacey (Kathy's Restaurant), Del. Steve Landes ...
... auto dealership owner Charlie Obaugh, Augusta Supevisor Tracy Pyles, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Clerk of Court Chaz Evans-Haywood, Rebecca Quick, Yellow Freight salesman Jim Rimel, Valley Blue Dog Steve Sisson, and me as well as many others for a total of approximately 400.
I asked Reo about the reason behind the ad, keeping in mind that he had run patriotic ads in the past. Reo's response:
"I had enough of the government telling the majority of the people that God isn't important.... We are Americans and we have built a country on Truth, Justice, and Freedom ... and 90% of Americans believe it but we can't get the message out. I finally said, 'I am getting the message out.' I love this country and I am ready to fight to keep it."
One patriotic man ... one patriotic newspaper. Together they made an important statement.
May God bless America.
May God bless America.
Mark Obenshain follows through on VDOT concerns
Sen. Mark Obenshain, along with Del. Todd Gilbert, plan to meet today with Governor Tim Kaine to discuss VDOT's proposed budget cuts which they say will interrupt vital services such as rest areas, road maintenance, and snow and ice removal.
A press release from today....
A press release from today....
HARRISONBURG—Today, Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) and Del. Todd Gilbert (R-Woodstock) will be meeting with Governor Tim Kaine to outline their concerns about the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)'s “Blueprint for the Future,” which includes the closure of twenty-five rest stops as well as reductions in road maintenance, snow and ice removal, and other services.Senator Obenshain represents the twenty-sixth district in the Virginia Senate. The district includes the city of Harrisonburg and the counties of Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rappahannock and Rockingham (part).
Senator Obenshain and Delegate Gilbert have been at the forefront of the effort to ensure that VDOT's most vital priorities, especially those directly pertaining to safety, do not suffer while wasteful or unnecessary spending remains in the Department's budget. Renewing his call for an outside audit of VDOT, Obenshain recently launched www.vdotwaste.com, a website permitting Virginians to take a stand for fiscal responsibility and to report wasteful spending they have witnessed.
For years, the Department has resisted efforts to secure an outside audit, and even today, significant amounts of waste remain untouched as critical safety measures go under the knife. Renewing his call for an outside audit of VDOT, Obenshain said, “Next year, auditing VDOT has to be a top priority, but the fact is that we don't have that long. If VDOT won't submit to an outside audit, we will have to conduct an informal one of our own.”
This morning, Obenshain and Gilbert will be addressing their concerns to the Governor as part of an ongoing effort to ensure that VDOT can continue to fund its top priorities.
“All of us can give examples of hard-working VDOT employees who are dedicated to keeping our roads safe,” said Obenshain. “I consider them allies in this fight. This is about getting our priorities straight: let's make sure our existing roadways are maintained before we think about building new ones, and above all, let's make sure that wasteful spending doesn't take away from top safety priorities like clearing snow, grading roads, and keeping the rest stops open.”
Obenshain will be available for comment in the afternoon.
Mountain views, streams, fences, buildings in Highland
Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
March 21, 2009
Are Valley residents interested in bus trip to Richmond tea party?
Attn: SWAC Area Residents!
Want to join the Richmond tax day tea party? A motorcoach may be available for SWAC area residents for $21 per person if there is enough interest. Ride in comfort, no parking issues, and enjoy the fellowship of others on the trip!
If interested, send an email.
Reduce the Pork. Cut Taxes!
TAX DAY TEA PARTY
RICHMOND, VA
April 15, 2009
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Kanawha Plaza, South 8th St.*
Near Richmond Federal Reserve
Masters of Ceremonies:
WRVA's Doc Thompson
with
AFR-Richmond's Jimmy G., Chris,
Kimberly & Cathe Pope Andre,
Mid-Atlantic Christian Artists
John Taylor, Virginia Institute of Public Policy
WRVA's Jimmy Barrett & The Lee Brothers
Virginia Patriots
Jim Trautz, Independence Caucus
Patriot Pipes & Drums
and lots more
Want to join the Richmond tax day tea party? A motorcoach may be available for SWAC area residents for $21 per person if there is enough interest. Ride in comfort, no parking issues, and enjoy the fellowship of others on the trip!
If interested, send an email.
Reduce the Pork. Cut Taxes!
TAX DAY TEA PARTY
RICHMOND, VA
April 15, 2009
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Kanawha Plaza, South 8th St.*
Near Richmond Federal Reserve
Masters of Ceremonies:
WRVA's Doc Thompson
with
AFR-Richmond's Jimmy G., Chris,
Kimberly & Cathe Pope Andre,
Mid-Atlantic Christian Artists
John Taylor, Virginia Institute of Public Policy
WRVA's Jimmy Barrett & The Lee Brothers
Virginia Patriots
Jim Trautz, Independence Caucus
Patriot Pipes & Drums
and lots more
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Western Virginia backroads
Cold mountain stream in Blue Grass Valley ...
Shenandoah Mountain on Rt. 250 ...
Heading to the Maple Festival ...
Descending Shenandoah Mountain into Highland County ...
Outskirts of Blue Grass ...Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
March 21, 2009
Lynn Mitchell
March 21, 2009
Bob McDonnell for Governor campaign kick-off this weekend!
The Bob McDonnell for Governor campaign will kick off this weekend with events that will take place around Virginia through April 2. A google map has been created with all campaign kick-off locations.
McDonnell Campaign Kickoff Schedule of Events
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
10:00 am Northern Virginia -- Annandale Firehouse (7128 Columbia Pike. Annandale)
3:00 pm Richmond -- J.R. Tucker High School (2910 N Parham Rd. Richmond)
5:30 pm Hampton Roads -- Princess Anne High School (4400 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach)
8:45 pm Roanoke -Roanoke City GOP Reagan Day Dinner (Hotel Roanoke, 110 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke)
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
1:00 pm Martinsville - McDonnell Campaigns at the 2009 Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway (340 Speedway Rd. Ridgeway)
6:00 pm Online Kickoff Night - McDonnell participates in several online campaign kickoff events- details to follow
MONDAY, MARCH 30
9:00 am Martinsville Economic Roundtable with Southside Leaders (The New College Institute, Classroom Building Room 303, 30 Franklin Street, Martinsville)
3:30 pm Tazewell Rally with Special Guest --Tazewell County Airport (100 Airport Rd. Cedar Bluff)
TUESDAY MARCH 31
10:45 am Petersburg Coffee -- Java Mio Coffeehouse (322 N. Sycamore Street, Petersburg)
1:00 pm Charlottesville/UVa Rally -- UVA Jefferson Hall (Hotel C) (UVa Central Grounds, McCormick Road, Charlottesville)
4:15 pm Harrisonburg/JMU Rally -- Taylor Hall at JMU ( 285 Warren Service Drive, Harrisonburg)
7:00 pm Lynchburg Rally -- The Swann Group (724 Commerce Street, Lynchburg)
10:00 pm Blacksburg/Virginia Tech Rally -- Montgomery County GOP HQ (215 Draper Road, Blacksburg)
WEDNESDAY APRIL 1
8:00 am Winchester Breakfast -- Jimmy's Restaurant (Rte. 50 & I-81 at the Quality Inn)
12:30 pm Culpeper Lunch -- Raven's Nest Coffee House (254 E Davis Street, Culpeper)
5:00 pm Eastern Shore Reception -- Sunrise Restaurant Bar & Grill (25345 Lankford Highway, Onley)
7:30 pm Fredericksburg/Mary Washington Rally -- details to follow
THURSDAY APRIL 2
1:00 pm Emporia Lunch -- details to follow
McDonnell Campaign Kickoff Schedule of Events
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
10:00 am Northern Virginia -- Annandale Firehouse (7128 Columbia Pike. Annandale)
3:00 pm Richmond -- J.R. Tucker High School (2910 N Parham Rd. Richmond)
5:30 pm Hampton Roads -- Princess Anne High School (4400 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach)
8:45 pm Roanoke -Roanoke City GOP Reagan Day Dinner (Hotel Roanoke, 110 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke)
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
1:00 pm Martinsville - McDonnell Campaigns at the 2009 Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway (340 Speedway Rd. Ridgeway)
6:00 pm Online Kickoff Night - McDonnell participates in several online campaign kickoff events- details to follow
MONDAY, MARCH 30
9:00 am Martinsville Economic Roundtable with Southside Leaders (The New College Institute, Classroom Building Room 303, 30 Franklin Street, Martinsville)
3:30 pm Tazewell Rally with Special Guest --Tazewell County Airport (100 Airport Rd. Cedar Bluff)
TUESDAY MARCH 31
10:45 am Petersburg Coffee -- Java Mio Coffeehouse (322 N. Sycamore Street, Petersburg)
1:00 pm Charlottesville/UVa Rally -- UVA Jefferson Hall (Hotel C) (UVa Central Grounds, McCormick Road, Charlottesville)
4:15 pm Harrisonburg/JMU Rally -- Taylor Hall at JMU ( 285 Warren Service Drive, Harrisonburg)
7:00 pm Lynchburg Rally -- The Swann Group (724 Commerce Street, Lynchburg)
10:00 pm Blacksburg/Virginia Tech Rally -- Montgomery County GOP HQ (215 Draper Road, Blacksburg)
WEDNESDAY APRIL 1
8:00 am Winchester Breakfast -- Jimmy's Restaurant (Rte. 50 & I-81 at the Quality Inn)
12:30 pm Culpeper Lunch -- Raven's Nest Coffee House (254 E Davis Street, Culpeper)
5:00 pm Eastern Shore Reception -- Sunrise Restaurant Bar & Grill (25345 Lankford Highway, Onley)
7:30 pm Fredericksburg/Mary Washington Rally -- details to follow
THURSDAY APRIL 2
1:00 pm Emporia Lunch -- details to follow
Maple sugaring the old-fashioned way in Highland County
Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
March 21, 2009
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