In honor and remembrance....

Memorial Day 2008

Home schoolers snubbed in Subway restaurant writing contest

Subway sandwich shops decided to run a creative writing contest for students to win $5,000 worth of playground equipment for their schools. The only problem was ... they purposely omitted home schooled students from being eligible to participate.

Home schoolers are spreading the word throughout the nation about Subway's snub.

As reported by Jay Baggett at WorldNetDaily:

Subway, the sandwich restaurant, wants to hear your child's story – unless he or she is homeschooled.

The national chain's "Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest" offers prizes and a chance to be published on the Subway website and in Scholastic's "Parent & Child" magazine but specifically excludes homeschoolers:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest is open only to legal residents of the Untied (sic) States who are currently over the age of 18 and have children who attend elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted.

Subway's website promotion not only misspells "United" States, but offers the grand prize winner a "Scholastic Gift Bastket (sic) for your home."

The 2007 winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee was Evan O'Dorney, a 13-year old homeschool student from Danville, Calif.

Perhaps a home schooled student should have written the ad for Subway ... perhaps it would not have included the spelling and/or typing mistakes. (Home schoolers teach their children keyboarding so they can be proficient on the computer.)

The World Net Daily article continues:

The exclusion of homeschoolers, presumably because the grand prize includes $5,000 worth of athletic equipment for the winning child's school, has caught the attention of bloggers who educate their children.

Valerie Bonham Moon, writing for HomeEdMag, referred to the exclusion as "Subway's P.R. gaffe."

"By now, the Subway sandwich shop marketing division must know how bad of a decision it was on the part of whichever wonk who decided to expressly exclude homeschoolers from their latest contest. E-mail lists may not be utterly aflame over the exclusion, but there is more than one p---ed-off homeschool mom spreading the word. I've been reading their e-mails."

If the decision to exclude home schoolers was partially based on the grand prize playground equipment for a school, it could easily have been avoided by allowing the recipient, if a home schooler, to donate to a park, playground, or local school.

Home school blogger mom "Capturing Today" was letting people hear through her blog about the Subway gaffe.

"Excuse me, but there are MILLIONS of homeschool students in this nation and this is just discrimination. A homeschool student could easily donate the athletic equipment to their homeschool athletic association, local park, athletic center, neighborhood center or the like. I realize they are doing this to have a mass-marketing effect, but they could have just as great a media response from a charitable homeschool student donating the prize.

"I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for us to make our voices heard that we as homeschool families are tired of being cast in a negative light.

B-O-Y-C-O-T-T is what some have suggested doing to Subway stores. Just when it seemed that home educators were being accepted the prejudices of society raised their ugly heads.

Memorial Day 2008 ... in honor of three local fallen heroes

Memorial Day 2008

In memory of three Augusta County Marines
who made the ultimate sacrifice
during Operation Iraqi Freedom....

Lance Cpl. Jason Redifer, 19, KIA, January 31, 2005

Lance Cpl. Daniel Bubb, 19, KIA, October 18, 2005

Lance Cpl. Daniel Morris, 19, KIA, February 14, 2007

For those who have fought for it
Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

Semper Fi.

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com

"America is not at war ... America is at the mall"

"America is not at war.
The Marine Corps is at war;
America is at the mall."

Encore post....

SWAC Girl
Pajamas Media

Protesting the anti-war protesters

There is a heart-warming article in the Wall Street Journal about a man protesting the anti-war protesters as part of a pro-victory group in Pennsylvania. They meet every Saturday for an hour to publicly stand up in support of American troops.

As reported by the WSJ:

[Rich] Davis, 54, is a pro-military protester who makes a public stand each week in support of the troops and their mission.

Mr. Davis grew up during Vietnam ... same as me.

At first he hoped someone would challenge the protesters, speak up for the troops, and defend their mission. On Sept. 8, 2007 he decided that someone had to be him.

That was me six years ago when the first anti-war protesters showed up on the streets of downtown Staunton. They were going to be there everyday that week from 12-1 pm. I hoped someone else would get up a "Support the Troops" rally and, finally, did it myself because I couldn't stand the thought of no one standing up against those people.

"We're not silent anymore," Mr. Davis told me. "We refuse to let antiwar protesters have the stage to themselves."

Exactly! And that is why we must PUBLICLY stand up for our troops. Thank God for people like Rich Davis. His stand did not go unnoticed; he was joined by members of the Gathering of Eagles.

The article is definitely worth the read.

H/T to Ron at Isophorone Blog

TN to home schoolers: "We don't recognize your diplomas"

The battle between home school parents and boards of education continues with the latest muscle move by the state of Tennessee to prevent home schooled students from being employed in government jobs -- state and local. Stop the ACLU had the story that was picked up by Rush Limbaugh:

This is from StoptheACLU.com by Warner Todd Huston.

"The State of Tennessee has officially declared that from this point forward it will accept only less educated student applicants for state, county and city jobs in the Volunteer State. Why would the kindly folks in Nashville make such a stupid rule? Well, it's all about control, you see. The state controls the less educated kids and they don't control the ones that show higher academic aptitude. It really is just that simple. It has come to pass that the State of Tennessee has officially invalidated the high school diplomas of thousands of homeschooled Tennessee kids, at least where it concerns their eligibility to apply for the positions of fireman, police officer, state government employee, even daycare worker -- any government job or government controlled position that the state regulates is covered."

So if you have a degree but you're home schooled, the State of Tennessee says: "Doesn't count if you want to come work for us."

"The reasoning the Board of Education used to justify this obscene act is almost a sensible sounding one. Since religious schools and homeschools each have their own curriculum that is designed by people not working for the state government (i.e., the state Board of Education), then the state has no real control or input in those curricula. Therefore, the state cannot make the assumption that kids educated in institutions or via home programs meet the standards of an officially recognized state education. Like I said, this almost seems logical until one does a tiny bit of research. Fortunately Tennessean Rob Shearer has done just that.

"Rob points out that while the State of Tennessee is claiming that homeschooled kids have a diploma that the state cannot insure what it represents, the same can be said of the state-approved diplomas. It turns out that the State of Tennessee does not require a minimum GPA for graduation from government indoctrination schools. So, did these kids get an A, a B, or a D? We don't really know just looking at a diploma. The state only requires 'credits' for passing the 20 some required courses, the final determination only being that the student be 'proficient' in the classwork."

Look, why are we so concerned? Why are we so surprised? This is exactly what the whole purpose of a government-run education system is all about: you dumb 'em down! You teach 'em certain things, you don't teach 'em other things, and then you graduate them and bring them into state government, city government, federal government, what have you.

This is why they're not going to give it up, and this is why they don't care to improve it. Mr. Warner Todd Huston here is correct in his assessment that the State of Tennessee has basically said: "We only want the lesser educated. We only want people who are not as well educated to come work for us in the state."

Home schooled students have proven beyond a shadow of doubt that they can match their public school counterparts ... indeed, even surpass them in national testing scores, excellence in higher education, and a recognition as self-starters who can work on their own.

Readers of this blog know I educated my children at home for 16 years, and they have excelled in the higher learning environment of Blue Ridge Community College and James Madison University. One graduated from JMU last year with a computer science degree; the other is working her way through Blue Ridge with her eye on continuing at JMU. She excels at her studies and stays on the President's list while working part-time.

The National Education Association (NEA) teachers union is constantly putting down home education ... perhaps they are afraid of the success of parents who do not have the education degrees that teachers possess. By consistently graduating children who excel, it proves that degrees and certificates do not necessarily get the job done.

On an annual basis since the 1980s the NEA has passed a resolution against home schooling:

The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress. ... Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used. The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools. The Association further believes that local public school systems should have the authority to determine grade placement and/or credits earned toward graduation for students entering or re-entering the public school setting from a home school setting.

In other words, the NEA believes parents are incompetent and incapable of teaching their own children. I did it with only a high school degree.

Parents offer a one-on-one learning situation for their children. Who cares more for the welfare and education of their own children than the parents themselves? Teachers' unions indicate they do not want to see parents succeed.

Now with Tennessee jumping on the band wagon it shows the old stereotypes and prejudices of the government-run education system. Too bad. Tennessee will miss out on principled, hard-working employees with a strong work ethic.

Hannity's Top 10 items for GOP victory

Hannity's Top 10 Items for GOP Victory

1) To be the Candidate of National security:

a) Victory in Iraq
b) Fully support NSA, Patriot act, tough interrogations, keeping Gitmo open
c) A Candidate that pledges to NOT demean our military while they are fighting for their Country. eg Harry Reid: "the surge has failed", "the war is lost"
d) Candidate that promises to ensure that our veterans can live out their lives in dignity.

2) The Candidate who pledges to oppose Appeasement:

a) The Candidate will oppose any and all efforts to negotiate with dictators of the world in places like Iran, Syria, N.Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela without "pre-conditions"

3) The Candidate Pledges to support Tax CUTS, and fiscal responsibility:

a) The American people are NOT under taxed, Government Spends too much
b) The Candidate who Pledges to ELIMINATE and VOTE AGAINST ALL Earmarks
c) The Candidate pledges to BALANCE the budget

4) The Candidate Pledges to be a supporter of "Energy Independence"

a) supports Immediate drilling in Anwar and the 48 states
b) Building new refineries
c) Begin building and using Nuclear Facilities
d) expand coal mining
e) realistic steward of the environment

While simultaneously working with private industry to develop the new energy technologies for the future, with the goal being that America becomes completely energy independent within the next 15 years.

5) The Candidate pledges to secure our borders completely within 12 months:

a) build all necessary fences
b) use all available technology to help and support agents at the border
c) train and hire agents as needed

6) Healthcare:

The Candidate will look for Free-Market solutions to the problems facing the Healthcare industry, and will vigorously oppose any efforts to "nationalize healthcare".

a) The Candidate will fight for Individual health savings accounts, that includes "catastrophic insurance" for every American, so people can control their own healthcare choices.

7) Education:

a) The Candidate pledges to "save" American children from the failing educational system
b) The Candidate will fight to break the unholy alliance of the Democratic party and teachers unions, which at best has institutionalized mediocrity, and has failed children across the country
c) fight for "CHOICE" in education and let parents decide
d) fight for vouchers for parents

8) Social Security and Medicare:

a) The Candidate will "save" social security and medicare from bankruptcy.
b) Options will include "private retirement" funds so people can "control" their own destiny.

9) Judges

a) The Candidate vows to support ONLY judges who recognize that their job is to interpret the Constitution, and NOT legislate from the bench.

10) American Dream:

The Candidate accepts as their duty and responsibility to educate, inform, and remind people that with the blessings of Freedom comes a Great responsibility. That Government's primary goal is to preserve, protect and defend our God given gift of freedom.

That Governments do not have the ability to solve all of our problems, and to take away all of our fears and concerns. We need their pledge that we will be the candidate that promotes Individual liberty, Capitalism, a strong national defense and will support policies that encourage such...

It is our fundamental belief that limited Government, and Greater individual responsibility will insure the continued prosperity and success for future generations.

We the people who believe in the words of Ronald Reagan, that we are "the best last hope for man on this earth," "a shining city on a hill," and that our best days are before us if our Government will simply trust the American people.

Expoland and proposed motocross recreational facility ... more photos

Expoland's annex building and bleachers overlook I-64 and the industrial area on the opposite side of the interstate. In between Expo and the hospital are the multiple-family dwellings with residents who protested the noise from a motocross facility. They are situated in the middle of an industrial area with a 24/7 hospital behind them and a 24/7 interstate on the other side.

Walking the property with Terry Argenbright, these orange marker flags were still in place and visible outlining the boundaries, driveways, and parking for the proposed motocross facility.

A nearby resident (0.8 mile away) has woods between him and Expo, and his property borders I-64. Yet he said he could feel the vibrations of the track. The track would be limited hours and not at night (no lights for night operation were in the plans) but the interstate that runs along this man's property runs 24/7 with traffic.

Back entrance to Expoland off Jericho Road shows the neglect of the area. It is not uncommon to find deer carcasses discarded by hunters.



You can barely make out the orange marker flags in the tall overgrown grass at Expoland but they were still there on a recent overcast day. The flags were put there by the Argenbrights to mark various aspects of their proposed recreational facility.

I-64 overpass. Land on right belongs to the land owner who said he could feel the vibrations of the motocross bikes from 0.8 mile away through the woods. His house sits 0.2 mile from the interstate.

Photos by SWAC Girl

Transportation taxes but no gas tax increase from Kaine

One point Tim Kaine made at his Thursday Staunton Transportation Town Hall meeting was that he had not proposed an increase in gas taxes for two reasons:

1. Current gas prices;

2. Dialogue with the General Assembly left him with the realization they would not agree with an increase on gas taxes in any way, shape, or form.

That made me think back to the gas tax increase proposed by state Sen. Emmett Hanger during the 2008 session....

Driving home before sunset in the Valley....

The sun was low in the sky as I drove home from the Kaine Transportation Town Hall meeting Thursday evening.


I popped into this new development of townhomes being marketed by Lacey Real Estate on the western edge of Staunton. As I drove down the street there was Kevin Lacey himself showing the propery to someone ... we waved at one another and, as I passed his Lacey bug parked out front, took a photo.
A new subdivision in Staunton at the Augusta line ... many of the homes overlook the Alleghany Mountains west of Staunton.

Photos by SWAC Girl

Memorial Day Monday ... moment of silence nationwide at 3 pm

A nationwide moment of silence to honor and remember America's fallen heroes will be observed Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, at 3:00 pm local time. The freedoms we take for granted each day are reminders of their ultimate sacrifice and our ongoing debt to them.

As reported by the White House:

"The agony of a fallen soldier's mother is as old as war. One such mother is Sallie Stubenhofer. Her son, Mark, was killed by a sniper in Iraq. He left three young children, including a daughter who was born four months after his return to active duty. Mark and his wife named their baby Hope, which signified what he wanted to offer his children and all children.

"The Moment of Remembrance and our year-long, life-long determination to 'live honoring America's fallen' are in memory of Army Capt. Mark Stubenhofer and all those brave members of our military who have died in the service of our nation. We invite all Americans to pause in their Memorial Day activities at 3:00 local time to honor those who live in our history, reside in our hearts, and rest forever in the arms of God."

Memorial Day ... honoring those who sacrifice and remembering those who serve.

Memorial Day salute to WW II veterans

[Reprint of 10-22-05 San Diego Union-Tribute salute to World War II veterans ... in memory of my WWII Navy dad and in honor of my WWII Navy step-dad.]

Band's song 'Before You Go' thanks and honors veterans of Second World War
By Mark Schwed - COX NEWS SERVICE

The elderly parking lot attendant wasn't in a good mood.

Neither was Sam Bierstock. It was around 1 a.m., and Bierstock, a Delray Beach, Fla., eye doctor, business consultant, corporate speaker and musician, was bone tired after appearing at an event.

He pulled up in his car, and the parking attendant began to speak. "I took two bullets for this country and look what I'm doing," he said bitterly.

At first, Bierstock didn't know what to say to the World War II veteran. But he rolled down his window and told the man, "Really, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you."

Then the old soldier began to cry.

"That really got to me," Bierstock says.

Cut to today.

Bierstock, 58, and John Melnick, 54, of Pompano Beach – a member of Bierstock's band, Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Band – have written a song inspired by that old soldier in the airport parking lot. The mournful "Before You Go" does more than salute those who fought in WWII. It encourages people to go out of their way to thank the aging warriors before they die.

"If we had lost that particular war, our whole way of life would have been shot," says Bierstock, who plays harmonica. "Every ethnic minority would be dead. And the soldiers are now dying at the rate of about 2,000 every day. I thought we needed to thank them."

The song is striking a chord. Within four days of Bierstock placing it on the Web (www.beforeyougo.us), the song and accompanying photo essay have bounced around nine countries, producing tears and heartfelt thanks from veterans, their sons and daughters and grandchildren.

"It made me cry," wrote one veteran's son. Another sent an e-mail saying that only after his father consumed several glasses of wine would he discuss "the unspeakable horrors" he and other soldiers had witnessed in places such as Anzio, Iwo Jima, Bataan and Omaha Beach. "I can never thank them enough," the son wrote. "Thank you for thinking about them."

Bierstock and Melnick thought about shipping it off to a professional singer, maybe a Lee Greenwood type, but because time was running out for so many veterans, they decided it was best to release it quickly, for free, on the Web. They've sent the song to Sen. John McCain and others in Washington. Already they have been invited to perform it in Houston for a Veterans Day tribute – this after just a few days on the Web. They hope every veteran in America gets a chance to hear it.

"I think it's funny that the music-buying population is 13-and 14-year-old girls, but we're shooting for 80-year-old guys," Melnick says.

H/T to my mom

Staunton Wal-Mart renovations

SWAC Daughter and I stopped by the Staunton Wal-Mart the other day and found renovations going on with the exterior entrances. There have been renovations going on inside for months ... I don't even recognize the place anymore. They have opened up the interior so it appears airier ... departments have been moved from here to there. It looks as if they are about finished inside so now they are working on the outside.

McDonald's has been removed from the rear of the store and a Subway has been installed in the front where the bakery used to be. Smells good with all that baking bread....

Photo by SWAC Girl

The American flag against the Blue Ridge Mountains

American flag and Virginia state flag stand out in the stiff breeze of the Shenandoah Valley on Thursday.

While in Stuarts Draft Thursday SWAC Husband and I stopped at the Little Debbie factory outlet store to pick up half-price treats for the young people who will be in and around our house the next two weeks. There was a stiff breeze again, something that has been a daily occurrence the past week.

The Blue Ridge Mountains were behind the flag (at bottom).

Flags in front of McKee Bakery in Stuarts Draft, VA.

Better view of the Blue Ridge Mountains behind McKee Bakery.

In front of the McKee factory where Little Debbie cakes are made was a huge flag pole with an American flag on top. The sky was deep blue with white clouds ... and the sight of that American flag against the sky and the mountains was beautiful. I grabbed my camera. It seems especially right as we go into the Memorial Day weekend....

I grabbed my camera. It seemed especially right as we go into the Memorial Day weekend....

A friend told me about the Little Debbie outlet store when I was the home school teen coodinator for the local support group. I would have teen events at my house with upwards of 50 kids in attendance ... so I would buy varieties of Little Debbies for them after cookouts or pizza parties. Once I discovered the outlet it was much more affordable.

Photos by SWAC Girl

Thursday Kaine Town Hall meeting in Staunton ... the photos

AFP's Ben Marchi had a message for Tim Kaine.

Governor Tim Kaine arrives at Mary Baldwin College in a state police caravan.

After arriving at 6:15 pm, Kaine talked with press outside the Francis Auditorium at MBC.

Interviewing with local press.

Ben Marchi talks with press.

NBC-29, WHSV TV-3, Bob Stuart of the Waynesboro News Virginian, News Leader, and other media gathered around Kaine.

Opposition to new taxes.

From the porch location of Francis Auditorium on Frederick Street looking toward downtown Staunton.

Tim Kaine addresses about 50 attendees in the auditorium.

Ben Marchi listens to his forth townhall meeting ... there are six more to go.

Ah ... the Union Man. I parked behind him on Frederick Street. He was at the Kaine meeting in March at Shelburne School in Staunton.

Inside the Union Man's car ... it said:
"George W. Bush -- Dumbass head on a string."

Photos by SWAC Girl

Memorial Day ... Tribute to the Troops by Toby Keith

American Soldier ... a tribute to the troops by Toby Keith leading into this Memorial Day weekend.

As we work in the yard or wash the car or go camping or catch the store sales, please pause to remember our military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice, who are currently halfway around the world in the line of fire, who are stationed here at home, who are on standby when needed, who protect the homeland, and our veterans ... say a prayer of thanks that we have people like that who care enough about this country to keep us safe from terrorism and protect our freedoms. They are our American heroes.

Tim Kaine's transportation stop in Staunton tonight

Just home from Tim Kaine's Staunton Transportation Town Hall. There were about 50 people there with a number of his staff and appointed members of his cabinet, and local democrats.

I didn't see any local electeds but I may have missed them ... Bob Stuart from the Waynesboro News Virginian may have more on that.

(Update: Apparently there were Board of Supervisors in attendance from Rockingham and Albermarle counties ... but none from Augusta County were seen nor did I see any Staunton City Council members.)

Folks from Americans For Prosperity were there led by Virginia state director Ben Marchi. SWACers also were there.

I had to bite my tongue during much of Kaine's presentation because I knew the facts he was presenting were either wrong or there was another side to the story. I'll go into that more when I can upload the photos and decipher my notes. More to come....

Veterans for Jim Gilmore

Throughout his life, Jim Gilmore has demonstrated his character and leadership. As a young man, Jim Gilmore volunteered for the United States Army during the Vietnam Era when many people were trying to avoid military service. He graduated with honors from the Army Intelligence School and Defense Language Institute and he was placed in the 650th Military Intelligence Group stationed in Germany.

As a soldier in Western Europe, Jim Gilmore was assigned to a counter-intelligence unit where he worked to help protect and safeguard our bases. He was later awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

After his service in the U.S. Army, Jim Gilmore received a law degree at the University of Virginia and received assistance as a result of the G.I. Bill. As a U.S. Senator, Jim Gilmore will work for a new and expanded G.I. Bill to help assist those men and women who are selflessly serving our country today. Jim Gilmore will also fight to ensure that our returning veterans receive quality health care.

As Governor of Virginia, Jim Gilmore reduced Virginia taxes on active duty, junior military personnel. Later he was appointed Chairman of the Congressional Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction which came to be known as the Gilmore Commission from 1999 – 2003.

The Gilmore Commission presented five reports to Congress and Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and warned of a possible terrorist attack on the U.S. before 9/11. After 9/11 Congress adopted 146 of the Gilmore Commissions 164 recommendations for improving our national security.

In his term as Governor, Jim Gilmore dealt with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 when the Pentagon was struck. He deployed the Virginia National Guard and other first responders to secure our critical infrastructure and protect our citizens.

Jim Gilmore’s knowledge of homeland security has been recognized by countless elected officials, pundits and media outlets. The Atlanta Journal stated in 2007, “The government’s failure to heed the prescient work product of Gilmore’s commission allowed major systemic weaknesses in our defenses to continue, which in turn improved the chances for success by the Sept. 11 terrorists.” The article also said, “[Jim Gilmore] was a leader in the field before half the country became armchair anti-terrorism experts.”

Whether as a soldier, elected official or private citizen, Gilmore has been at the forefront of efforts to improve America’s homeland security. As a United States Senator, we can count on Jim Gilmore to be there for our troops and our security.

We hope you will join us in supporting Jim Gilmore for the United States Senate by joining Veterans for Jim Gilmore.

Sincerely,

Bill Flanagan - Colonel, United States Army, Retired
Ken Foran - Major, United States Marine Corps., Retired
John Pipta - Colonel, United States Marine Corps., Retired
Fmr. Delegate Leo Wardrup - Captain, United States Navy, Retired

Cross-posted at Bloggers for Gilmore

Tonight: Kaine's Transportation Town Hall in Staunton

Tim Kaine brings his Transportation Town Hall to Mary Baldwin College tonight from 6:30-8 pm at Francis Auditorium. If you do not want to see more taxes heaped upon you ... if you would rather see Richmond cut spending ... then be sure to join Americans For Prosperity and citizens in the area for this meeting.

Tonight ... 6:30 pm ... Mary Baldwin's Francis Auditorium on Frederick Street.

Yankee Phil, newest member of ODBA ... welcome!

The ODBA grows by one more as Yankee Philip joins us. Blogging in the central Shenandoah Valley area of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County, Phil contributes posts concerning local, state, and national news. We first met almost three years ago when he and his family stopped by the Augusta County Republican Committee booth at the county fair. He signed up right then to get involved ... and he's been at it ever since.

Phil's the "friendly" one of the SWAC bloggers. He's also a former NYC cop who has been adopted as "Philbilly" in this area (compliments of Carl Kilo) and one heck of a nice guy.

Welcome to the ODBA, Phil. It's great to have you on board!

College Republican's car vandalized at VCU

It's Virginia Commonwealth University ... "Viet Cong University," we used to call it when I lived in Richmond ... located in the Fan. Both my sisters received their undergraduate degrees there. The current Republican students call it the Berkeley of Virginia.

Sadly, someone liberal -- don't know if they are students or someone else -- likes to vandalize vehicles that have conservative bumper stickers on them.

This wasn't the first time this College Republican had her car vandalized but this time was the worst. Previously someone had turned her Support the Troops sticker upside down and scrawled, "Yeah, bring the troops home in a body bag, b**ch."

This time they went further. All four tires were slashed and her car was severely keyed ... that art of dragging a car key along the side of a vehicle. "Deep keying," is how she described it.

Her bumper stickers include George W. Bush for President (I believe it's actually one of those oval W '08 stickers), Support the Troops, NRA (National Rifle Association), DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), and an American flag.

Isn't this "bullying"? Isn't this what liberals preach against ... don't bully other students in school? This student is an honor student, works to help pay for school, and is active with campus politics. She said things like this happen all the time.

It sounds as if being a conservative on VCU's campus could be dangerous. What about tolerance of those with a different opinion?

This incident reminded me of the rude behavior we encountered from VCU students (and others) who were in Richmond in the fall of 2006 when President George W. Bush and George Allen had a fund raiser at the Children's Museum.

Meanwhile, she replaced the tires and is having her car repaired. It would be nice to think this will not happen again....

L.L. Bean comes through again....

My family has been a customer with L.L. Bean for years because of their no-nonsense clothing, camping supplies, and gift items. Our L.L. Bean tents and sleeping bags have been in use for years, and I often use them to send Christmas gifts to friends who live throughout the country.

I received a thank you note today from friends in Colorado who had just found their L.L. Bean fire starters that we had sent for Christmas. In December the UPS driver had left it at an out-of-the-way side door that they never use.

She wrote that, after six months of record snowfalls without even seeing the ground, the package was found last week when they wandered to that area of the yard. Spying something propped up against the door, they checked it out to find a sad-looking package that had definitely spent months outdoors under the snow.

When they opened the package they were pleasantly surprised to find that L.L. Bean had it so well packaged that the contents were perfectly fine and showed no sign of six months of harsh Colorado weather.

Knowing L.L. Bean's customer service, they probably would have replaced it free of charge if damaged even though it was no fault of their own. But, as it is, I will be notifying them of this wayward package story and thanking them for their thoroughness with protecting merchandise for shipping.

L.L. Bean. Still the #1 outdoor supplier for my family.

Waldo, take care of your own house before pointing fingers at GOP

Uh-oh. Sounds like trouble in the democrat house ... so perhaps Waldo Jaquith should take care of his own house before pointing fingers at the GOP with his post about Virginia Republicans "eating their own." He must not have seen Ben Tribbett's post excoriating Democrat Governor Tim Kaine, or Adam Sharp's post on Whackjob doing the same. From the sounds of it, more will be following.

Nationally, the democrats are in turmoil because of the Hillary /Obama run. Just think what their convention will be like if this continues.

Truth is there is turmoil in both parties. Internal squabbles are part of any organization ... and feeling betrayed by electeds happens on both sides of the aisle. Waldo should not worry about the GOP and worry, instead, about his own democrat party.

Downtown Staunton ... Byers Street Bistro

Staunton's famous "Watering Can" artwork at the railroad overpass on Greenville Avenue at Johnson Street/Commerce Road. The flower garden will be overflowing by summer's end.
Byers Street Bistro in the green building

Got a text from a friend yesterday morning about meeting for lunch so we headed to one of our favorite restaurants ... Byers Street Bistro ... in the Wharf area of downtown Staunton. We had met there 10 days ago, the day before she left for Europe, and we met yesterday which was her first day back at work after returning from Europe. I wanted to hear all about her trip ... and she wanted to get caught up on local politics.

The Wharf area of Staunton is not on the water, as the name would imply, but rather is the location of the old train yard which is now a parking area. The train station is immediately behind the Wharf buildings; in the station is the Depot Grille and across from it is the American Cafe in the old American Hotel. Those are favorites, too, along with Blue Mountain Coffee in the Wharf ... but yesterday we headed to the Bistro.

If you have never been and you're in the mood for a sandwich, try the Wharf sandwich which is roast beef, roasted red peppers, roasted onions on a winterberry bread -- it is fabulous. With a side and iced tea, your lunch will come to about $9.

The Bistro has a variety of seating choices. On nice days and pleasant evenings, the patio is the place to be. Inside there is the bar and booth seating on the first floor ... and then there is the upstairs area with tables for various size groups. We have had as many as 12-14 there at a time at one table. It is the place to go after the Christmas parade when toes are frozen and a nice cup of hot chocolate hits the spot.

Yesterday, because it was sprinkling and a bit on the cool side, we chose to sit upstairs where we could talk during our two-hour lunch.

The Bistro has a lively nightlife with its bar, over-sized TV screens, and locals mixing it up with tourists. They also have a side room that can be reserved for groups. It's a great local spot for lunch, for dinner, or for meeting friends for a drink.

Parking is never a problem. Between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday, the Wharf parking lot costs $0.50 an hour (up from $0.25 an hour previously) and is plentiful. Stop at the gate when entering, punch the button, and grab a time ticket ... and when you leave there's a real, live person to take your money. If you happen to leave after 5, you will find the gate is up and a container is there to deposit your money on the honor system. After 5 pm and on the weekends parking is free.

Photos by SWAC Girl

Augusta's Expoland ... selling off land to pay debt?

Is Expoland selling off land to pay debt? If so, why did they turn down a potential financial windfall earlier this year by rejecting the proposed motocross park?

In today's Waynesboro News Virginian, Bob Stuart talked with local businessman Terry Argenbright about his plans for Expo ... plans that included providing recreational activities for families in Augusta County and the surrounding area ... plans that included keeping Expoland intact without selling off land ... plans for the Xtreme Sports Park ... plans to make Expoland a vibrant part of the community.

Records show Expoland has apparently been chipping off pieces of property to pay the bills.

According to tax records on file with the Internal Revenue Service, the nonprofit sold 20 acres of land in 2006 for about $722,000. That sale did not wipe out Expoland’s debt.

In an April 23 letter from the Expoland board to Augusta County’s Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Board of Supervisors, board members acknowledge plans to sell more land. For two years, Expoland has been negotiating with a local business for the sale of land, the letter states. The letter states the sale is necessary to pay off debts and provide air conditioning in Expo’s main building complex.

That April 23rd letter was sent after Expoland turned down the motocross park.

The two brothers who were behind plans for the Xtreme Sports Park, Terry and Doug Argenbright, have sent a letter to the Expoland board of directors. In it they said:

"The Argenbrights are willing to forgo the $250,000 lawsuits against every individual listed above and the $12 million lawsuit against Expoland if the board will make the right decision and allow the Argenbrights to buy out Expo in order to save it for the community."

Expoland sits in the middle of an industrial area alongside I-64. Opposition has come from neighboring farms but there is no house immediately adjourning the property which is bordered by trees on one side, fields on another side, industrial businesses on the third side, and I-64 on the fourth side.

According to the News Virginian article:

While there was strong community opposition to the track largely because of concerns about noise, the zoning at Expoland allows for both industrial and business development.

John Wilkinson, Augusta County’s zoning administrator, said approximately 30 acres of the 182 acres at Expoland are zoned industrial. That zoning designation would allow for a wide range of uses, including manufacturing, trucking companies and warehouse distribution.

The remaining land at Expoland is zoned for business, and that designation would allow retail operations such as a shopping center or restaurant, offices, car lots or car repair shops.

Expoland's annual meeting is May 27 and is open to the public. At that time four new board members will be voted on as well as a proposed change in the bylaws for the property. All are welcome to become members by paying $10 annually by Monday for voting privileges at Tuesday's meeting. Stop by Expoland to pick up a membership application, or contact Terry Argenbright.

Supportive words from the SWAC community....

It came tonight ... the email with uplifting words from friends in the community. I had written to thank them for their support. This came back:

Thank you for your kind words to us. We are just standing up for those of you that are working hard to stand up for us. There aren't enough words to thank you and Kurt for giving so much of yourselves and your wallets as you fight on for our principles. Glad we were able to help a little anyway. Stay strong; some of us will always be there to watch your back. ... See you in Richmond.

It made my day.

Expo motocross - Part 2: Argenbright makes bid to purchase

Terry Argenbright has a dream ... and that dream is to provide recreational opportunities for families and especially the youth of Augusta County and surrounding areas. At a time when drugs and gangs are permeating the Shenandoah Valley, this businessman who is a dad and husband wants to be sure there are family-friendly activities available in the area ... and he wants to make sure Expoland is kept intact as the location of those activities.

After discovering Expoland's board of directors may have sold off property, possibly as a means to raise money and keep Expoland afloat (rumors abound of its financial difficulties over the years), Terry decided to try and save the property. Earlier this year he had been denied permission to locate a motocross track at the facility after being approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals and after jumping through many hoops as requested by Expoland. Disapproval by residents across the interstate was part of the equasion.

On Tuesday he spoke with WHSV TV-3 about his dream:

... the developer who wants to put in this extreme sports park says he's made an offer to purchase all of Expoland. But he says it's not just for the sake of putting in the park. He says he wants to save Expoland. Terry Argenbright says he wants to turn Expoland into an entertainment hub for the community.

"My total offer really is to save Expo," said Argenbright.

After receiving approval from the board of zoning and spending time and money into an extreme sports park, Terry Argenbright doesn't understand why the Expoland board won't allow him to build the park.

"Expo is getting ready to sell land that will land lock their entrance which could inevitably get rid of the fair and the monster truck show cause there's no other entrance in there that VDOT will approve," said Argenbright. "They don't know how to run a business."

That's why he's making an offer to purchase the 188-acre site.

In a letter to the editor of the Waynesboro News Virginian on Tuesday, Terry Argenbright outlined his vision for Expo. In a recent visit to the area it was clear he cared for the property that has been in the county since the late 1960s, a place he had visited numerous times over the years at tractor pulls, county fairs, and many other activities.

Standing at Expoland and looking out over the vista of green fields, fair buildings, industrial businesses, interstate, and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, he talked about his vision for a facility that had become run-down and neglected over the years.

Terry Argenbright's offer will arrive at Expoland Wednesday.

Expo Motocross - Part 1: Trying to meet a local need

Hamner Theater in Rockfish Valley presents....

It is almost like "Walton Mountain" revisited ... stopping in at the Hamner Theater, a non-profit 501(c)(3) project of the Rockfish Valley Community Center located between Nellysford (Wintergreen) and Afton in Nelson County, Virginia.

Upcoming events include:

- From Aretha to Ziggy -- Saturday, June 7, 8 pm. Dance party benefit for rural Nelson. Suggested donation: $5-10.

- In the Cabaret -- Tiger Lily -- Saturday, June 14. Nelson County favorites. A soulful equation of one-part bass and three-part harmony. Door open at 6:30 pm. Music begins at 7:30 pm. $15 includes food. By reservation only. (434) 361-1999.

"America's Favorite Mom:" Military mom Patti Patton-Bader

From Move America Forward: We sent out a notice to all Move America Forward members and supporters asking them to cast their ballots for Patti Patton-Bader, the founder of the pro-troop charity, Soldiers' Angels.

We were hopeful Patti could win the category of America's Favorite Military Mom.

But we were pleasantly stunned when so many of you responded (along with members of Soldiers' Angels, Gathering of Eagles, Free Republic, et. al) and Patti was voted America's Favorite Mother - period. No category win for Patti; she won the entire package!

NBC even had a live video feed from Iraq where her son who is in the Army was able to congratulate her, wish her a Happy Mothers Day, and let her know how much he loved her.

Way to go, everyone!

Hepatitis B kills....

Received an email from my mom about a friend in Richmond, in good health, who died last week of Hepatitis B. They still have no word how he contracted it.

Mom's email said:

I am sure you remember [name of friends] from our Sunday School Class. He was 69, tall, and thin and seemed to be in good health. He retired but took a part-time job and was traveling to and from NOVA, which he enjoyed.

On Wednesday, May 9th, he did not feel well - and the same on Thurs and Fri, just lay around and did not eat and would not go to the doctor. On Saturday, he had a temperature so [his wi