RVA: My hometown is growing up

I'm a product of the Richmond area of our Commonwealth of Virginia so it's been fun to watch the city on the hill overlooking the James River come of age. From its heyday to the slump years of the 1970-80s, it has built into a mecca for young professionals and sports enthusiasts. History, architecture, government ... the city has in recent years become a mecca for craft breweries, food trucks, and festivals.

Now read the 26 (wonderful) things you need to know about Richmond before you move there. RVA: My hometown is growing up at LynnRMitchell.com.

Richmonder Phyllis Galanti ... quiet POW crusader passes away, leaves legacy

"Lonely the days and nights, my love, that we have been apart. It seems almost forever since I held you to my heart. The moments are as restless as the waves that move the sea, but every second means a step nearer, my love, to thee."

-- POW Paul Galanti's words to wife Phyllis after his release as a POW
during Vietnam War, reciting the poem he had shared with her before they were married

Phyllis Galanti burst onto the world stage when her husband, Paul Galanti, a Navy fighter pilot shot down over Hanoi in 1966, became a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. She never wanted to be in the spotlight, this quiet and unassuming lady, but in 1971, five years after her husband's capture and imprisonment at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton," she took her battle to have him released to the people of Virginia, America, and the world, and became a national celebrity.

Sometimes the quiet reluctant ones are the chosen leaders. That was Phyllis Galanti.

On Wednesday, Mrs. Galanti passed away after battling leukemia. Her death was reported by her hometown Richmond Times-Dispatch who at first didn't see that they would become a big part in helping release Paul Galanti and other POWs from a living hell.

It was the Vietnam experience of the 1960s with a war that took America's sons halfway around the world ... a time of the draft when young men were not given the option of refusing military service, protests against the war and the military were a common occurrence on college campuses, and an overall disruption and unrest in America. As the war dragged on, brave young men who fought, died, and were captured seemed to be forgotten by most on the home front.

They were not forgotten, however, by Mrs. Galanti who waited years for her husband's release and finally had enough. Moved to action, in 1971 she addressed the Virginia Senate as she announced the "Write Hanoi: Let's Bring Paul Galanti Home," campaign. POW bracelets with his name were circulated and worn by countless Americans, and letters by the hundreds of thousands were written demanding his release.

In 1980, Don Dale wrote in Style Weekly of Mrs. Galanti's challenge to the Times-Dispatch that pulled them into what became a chapter in the history of the Vietnam War:

Early on, Phyllis had walked into the Richmond Times-Dispatch's newsroom straight out of a meeting with the governor and asked if the paper was interested in doing a story. It wasn't. Phyllis asked bluntly whether fashions and furniture were more important than the POWs, and left.

A few hours later, a T-D reporter was asking for an interview and Richmond had its own, self-described "token POW wife." Richmonders got to know Phyllis well, in print, on the radio and on TV. She told us Paul's story to make us care. And it worked. More than 450,000 Richmonders sent letters in a "Write Hanoi" campaign to urge North Vietnam to release the POWs.

Paul Galanti was released from Vietnam in 1973, two years after the letter-writing campaign began, and returned home to Virginia to continue a life interrupted.

From the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center, Virginia War Memorial

Almost 40 years later, Paul and Phyllis Galanti were on hand when the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center opened in 2010 at the Virginia War Memorial. The memorial's site sits high on a Richmond hill overlooking the James River and houses the names of all Virginians who paid the ultimate price for freedom. (Included among the names is my uncle, Clarence Osborne of Chesterfield, killed in Europe in the closing days of World War II.) The Galanti Education Center ensures that the sacrifice and service of America's military men and women who protect our freedoms and those of others around the world will never be forgotten.

The Galanti Center remembered and shared Mrs. Galanti's role in her husband's release:

While Paul was incarcerated as a POW, his wife Phyllis became chairwoman of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. In this role, she tirelessly petitioned US Congressmen, Senators and President Richard Nixon for the release of all 591 POWs.

Phyllis was instrumental in creating a letter writing campaign called “Write Hanoi.” She formulated the plan, gathered the financial support, collected the letters and then personally delivered, with the help of nine others, 750,000 letters from Virginians to the North Vietnamese embassy in Stockholm in 1971.

In 1973, President Nixon said of Mrs. Galanti and other National League of Families members, “The reason that I said these are some of the bravest people America has ever produced is that they never wavered. They always said, ‘We want our men back, but we also want peace with honor for what they fought for.’ That is what they are.”

John V. Cogbill III, the former chairman of the Virginia War Memorial Educational Foundation’s board of directors, told RTD reporters Brandon Shulleeta and Ellen Robertson that Mrs. Galanti was "a hero who was soft-spoken and easygoing, yet spent much of her life fighting for those who have served in the military, as well as spreading a message about the importance of Americans serving their country and citizens taking care of those who serve."

It is a message that should never be forgotten. I was a student growing up in Richmond during those Vietnam years when it became the epicenter of the POW movement. Mrs. Galanti appeared to be all over the news to my young eyes but I didn't realize the huge significance of it all at the time. When the war ended in 1971, we rejoiced because no more young men would be sent away in the vitriolic anti-war atmosphere prevalent in America at that time. When the POWs were released, we joyfully celebrated their return, then went about our lives.

Though I've met and talked with Paul Galanti a number of times in recent years while involved in Republican politics (Talking over iced tea with living history ... former POW Paul Galanti), I never had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Galanti, and for that I'm sorry. In 1971 when women were still finding their way in a man's world, she was a shining example of what was possible through hard work, perseverance, determination, and a plain old never-give-up attitude.

For my generation, Phyllis Galanti was a role model for what women could do ... for me as a shy introverted teenager, she was a role model who proved that even the quiet warriors among us have a place in battle and, sometimes, history.

“One dedicated woman and a handful of others had more influence
on the communist world than legions of armies and diplomats.”

--Governor Mills Godwin

Today in RVA: Congressman Cantor supports STEM education

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math. Those are the components of STEM education.

Today Congressman Eric Cantor will meet with Richmond-area members of the start-up community at 804RVA to talk about expanding STEM education as well as creating a culture of innovation, and finding creative ways to solve problems in the community. He will also encourage participation in the upcoming Congressional App Contest.

The Congressman will be joined by Larkin Garbee, Chief Imagination Officer for 804RVA, Robby Demeria who is Executive Director of the Richmond Technology Council, and other local members of the tech community.

Education and technology ... the pathway to the future.

Was actress Meg Ryan scouting Staunton for film locations?

Actress Meg Ryan was sighted Tuesday in one of downtown Staunton's pubs which made me wonder if her food at Staunton's Barking Dog was as good as it was at the cafe in "When Harry Met Sally"? Just sayin'.

The Barking Dog wrote:

Well big day here at Yelping Dog. Meg Ryan was in and enjoyed one of Carley's guacamole gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Yep the famous - Meg Ryan!

According to my Richmond sister Lori, Ms. Ryan was seen in Richmond and Petersburg on Monday scouting movie locations.

WTVR: Meg Ryan scouts film spots in Richmond, Petersburg

h/t to Hannah Short

Flashback: 'Virginia’s Eric Cantor ... a rising star in the GOP lives the American dream'

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

[Editor's Note: It seems a good time to reprint this article I wrote about Virginia's 7th Congressional District Congressman Eric Cantor in the Washington Examiner on November 10, 2010. The former Minority Whip is now Majority Leader of the House.]

Keep an eye on Congressman Eric Cantor, a rising star in the GOP. He was born and raised in Virginia's Henrico County outside Richmond, talks with a soft southern accent, and is known for his endless energy. He worked with fellow Republicans Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy to recruit Young Guns to bring the Party back to its conservative roots, co-authored the Young Guns book, and was number two on the 2010 Jewish Daily Forward 50 list of prominent Jewish achievers just behind Google founder Sergey Brin.

In October 2010 he looked from the stage while addressing his annual 7th Congressional District Republican Roundup in Richmond and called out, "Thirty-one days until this country gets back on track! We've got work to do!" A huge roar arose from the crowd of 4,600 supporters of the Minority Whip in the U.S. House as they got to their feet and cheered ... and then they returned home to their communities and went to work.

That work paid off when a Republican red wave swept across Virginia as well as the nation on November 2, 2010. Three Democratic congressmen in the Commonwealth were voted out, flipping the majority back to the GOP in an historic election that brought in the largest Congressional freshman class in 60 years.

Among those in the new Congress will be 47-year-old Cantor who sent a letter to GOP representatives last week announcing his desire to become the next Majority Leader. Much like the Young Guns that Cantor has taken under his wing, this rising star is young, energetic, and ready to take on the Democratic progressive agenda that was rejected by voters in the 2010 midterm elections.

Eric Cantor mixed determination, hard work, and a positive attitude as he went about the business of helping to regain the Republican majority. Those same attributes have also been seen while representing his constituents as a very accessible representative who often holds gatherings and townhall meetings.

Cantor, a Jewish conservative Republican, has not forgotten his roots and the struggle of his grandparents, something he talked about at his reelection kick-off breakfast in March, when he recalled the grandparents who immigrated from Russia to Richmond in the 1930s.

"America," he shared with the room of 1,300 supporters at the Richmond Convention Center, "is the place of hope and opportunity -- the only land where everything is still possible."

An in-depth story in the November 7 Richmond Times-Dispatch expanded on the background of this third generation American. His grandparents fled Russia and relocated to Richmond near other family members who had also escaped anti-Semitic persecution prior to the Bolshevik Revolution. They set up a small grocery business, saved for their sons' futures, and when Cantor's grandfather died at the age of 36, his grandmother held the family together and sent both sons to college. His father became an attorney, began a business in Richmond, and became involved in Republican politics:

In "Young Guns," Cantor said he became a rarity -- a Jew in the Republican Party -- because "it was the Republican Party that gave my father the opportunity to provide a better life for me and my family."

He said that in the 1950s and 1960s his father was turned off by the segregationist policies of Virginia's ruling Democratic Party.

"All [my grandmother] wanted was an opportunity to succeed," Cantor said at his well-attended victory party Tuesday night at the Hilton in Short Pump. "She took responsibility for her family. And, through her hard work, she saw to it that her two boys had a college education. She was a great believer in the promise of America."

The work ethic of his grandparents was passed down to their grandson Eric who became an attorney, got his feet wet in politics by interning for Congressman Tom Bliley while in college, then won a seat in the House of Delegates in 1991. He later ran for and won Bliley's seat upon his retirement in 2000. Cantor's rise up the leadership ladder began two years later when he was tapped to become Deputy Whip and then, in 2008, he was voted in as Minority Whip.

Now, with the 2010 Republican takeover of the House behind them, Cantor stands to be the next Majority Leader. He has listened to the people and is preparing to battle House Democrats over their unpopular legislation. Already making the rounds of news network television shows and working with John Boehner, the presumptive future Speaker of the House, a plan has been laid out to stop the liberal agenda by repealing the odious 2009 health care reform bill and keeping taxes low. The most immediate decision will be whether to keep the Bush tax cuts, an issue that will loom large over the reconvened Congress when members return to Washington on November 15.

Eric Cantor is a roll-up-your-sleeves leader who has a plan for the future of the Republican Party. In Delivering on Our Commitment: A Majorty to Limit Government and Create Jobs, he emphasized job growth, touted the popular YouCut.com program that allowed everyday Americans to suggest fiscal cuts to Congress, proposed entitlement reform and the demise of earmarks, and stressed the need to reduce the size of federal government. Eric Cantor, the epitome of the American dream sought by his grandparents, is ready to help lead the way.

Flashback: 'To Ukrops! The snow is coming!!'

Remember this famous Brookins cartoon from the Richmond Times-Dispatch? It's still on my refrigerator door. Hunker down, RVA ... the snow is coming!

Guest Post: Never let a 60-degree January day go to waste

Would you believe that on this 60 degree day the recent nearly zero cold  ...

... did not deter the Star of David bulbs from opening.

In addition the jonquils are not far behind.

 The heater in the birdbath keeps the H2O liquid ...

... so the Acorn birdhouse’s next tenant won’t have far to go for a bath/drink/both, their choice!

Guest post & photos by my step-dad
Richmond, Virginia
January 13, 2014

Governor 2014 ... giving Terry McAuliffe a chance

On Saturday Terry McAuliffe became Virginia's 72nd governor. The baton was passed. Republicans lost, Democrats won ... time to govern for ALL the people of Virginia.

He follows an impressive listing of famous Virginians who have served before him:

Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Nelson Jr., Benjamin Harrison, Edmund Randolph, Henry Lee, James Monroe, John Tyler, Peyton Randolph ...

... Harry F. Byrd, Mills Godwin, Linwood Holton, John Dalton, Chuck Robb ...

... George Allen. Douglas Wilder. Jim Gilmore. Mark Warner. Tim Kaine. Bob McDonnell.

Governor McAuliffe's Cabinets picks have been bipartisan. In the words of the Washington Post:

In the nine weeks since Election Day, political observers say, Terry McAuliffe (D) has been shockingly gubernatorial.

With moderate Cabinet picks and an ardent courtship of Republicans, the colorful former Democratic National Committee chairman and political fundraiser has projected an image of seriousness, caution and bipartisanship that critics had doubted he could muster.

Some of the comments I've heard remind me of when I entered high school and the tradition for the upper classmen to harass the freshmen. I vowed that year that when I was an upper classman, I would not join in on that tradition, and I didn't.

As Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe takes the reins of Virginia, some conservatives are not willing to allow this man to get a day, never mind a General Assembly session, under his belt before judging. If we were to go on their words, he's doomed before he ever begins. As one who is tired of the vitriol from both sides of the aisle, I like what he's done so far and am willing to give this new governor a chance.

Congratulations, Terry McAuliffe ... you're off to a good start. Four years to go....

- McAuliffe sworn in as Virginia governor

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014

2014 State of the Commonwealth address by Gov. Bob McDonnell

State of the Commonwealth Address

Governor Robert F. McDonnell 
January 8, 2014 - 7:00pm
 Richmond 
As Prepared for Delivery

Mr. Speaker. Mr. President.

Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the State Corporation Commission,

Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, now in your 395th year,

My fellow Virginians,

It is my privilege to address you, one last time, as Governor, on the State of the Commonwealth.

I must note that because it's my last speech the Speaker promised me all the time I wanted… so get comfortable.

For 22 years I have served with you. First, in this chamber as a Delegate. Then as Attorney general. Now, as Governor.

While this public chapter of my life draws to a close, I'm not the only one saying farewell.

Tonight, a grateful Commonwealth salutes the public service of:

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, who has redefined the role of his office as a jobs creator,
policy leader, and Cabinet member, and presided over the Senate with grace. Thank you Bill for over 20 years of outstanding service.

Read the rest here. 

Photo by State Senator Bill Carrico
January 8, 2014

Richmond among Frommer's Top Destinations for 2014

Let's hear it for RVA, the southern city that landed on Frommer's list of top destinations for 2014, who declared, "While you weren't looking, Richmond got cool."

My hometown, it's been "cool" to many of us for years. Renovation of the Slip area from tobacco warehouses to apartments, development of Rockett's Landing, train station, museums, craft beers, Carytown, nearby attractions, history, government, shopping, Maymont Park, the James River. Right through town. How cool is that? White water rafting, Belle Island, James River Park, biking, hiking, fun.

After floundering a bit a couple of decades ago and after losing its flagship century-old downtown department stores, Richmond has refound its footing in recent years and there's nowhere to go but up. Congratulations, RVA!

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Small Business Saturday: Papeterie Stationery & Gifts in Richmond

Looking for something whimsical, fun, and colorful? On Small Business Saturday, we visited my sister's friend Holly's shop, Papeterie, in the Stony Point Shopping Center in Bon Air for stationery printing needs but also to check out her extensive gift line of candles, entertainment essentials, cards, and Christmas decor. 

 

Small Business Saturday was encouraged by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling who during his years as Virginia's chief job creator has supported local businesses. Small Business Saturday, which falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, supports the national movement to drive consumers to shop at local, independently owned businesses during the heaviest shopping weekend of the year. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers.

Holly describes her shop as offering engraved, thermographed, letterpressed, and flat printed stationery and invitations, plus a variety of gift items including picture frames, baby items, sachets, pottery, Italian soaps, holiday items, wrapping paper, Caspari paper plates and napkins, guest books, ICU readers, fun socks, night gowns and PJs, silk flowers, and lots more.

 These little guys are adorable!

Lines carried are Crane's, William Arthur, Carlson Craft, Krepe Kraft, Page, Betsey Hall, Cast Paper Art, Cid Pear, Kate Spade & Martha Stewart. 

They do in-house printing on all stationery lines carried in the store including Cranes, William Arthur, Odd Balls, English Paper Co., Kate Spade, Meri Meri, Cid Pear, Karen Adams, Bella Ink, Smudge Letterpress, Sharp and Sally, Anna Griffin, Bella Adorna, & B Designs Letterpress.

The shop was busy Saturday when we were there as others shoppers took advantage of Small Business Saturday.

Merry Christmas! 

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
November 30, 2013

Ice skating in downtown Richmond

Ice skating in downtown RVA. Would love to have something like that here in the Shenandoah Valley....

RVA: Bethlehem Walk 2013

Walk the streets of Bethlehem and experience the time when Christ was born. In its ninth year, Bethlehem Walk, located west of Richmond, will offer a Christmas encounter sure to confirm the meaning of the season. From their Facebook page:

Since its inaugural season in 2003, Bethlehem Walk has thrilled and emotionally touched thousands of visitors from across the Commonwealth. Nearly 6,000 travelers toured Bethlehem the first year. Last December, host church Salem Baptist in Crozier, VA partnered with 11 area churches to reach 13,000 people with this interactive Gospel drama that takes visitors through scenes ranging from the entrance of the Savior into the world to an empty Jewish tomb.

Your trip will take you on an adventure to first century Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. As you enter the city allow the sights, sounds and smells to carry you to a period of time that changed the world. Expect to be met by Roman soldiers and counted in the census. Journey through the heart of the city to the marketplace that is bustling with activity from over a dozen authentic shops; enjoy samples from the baker’s shop, marvel at the potter’s crafts and listen for the rumor of a “king’s” birth from excited townspeople. Continue your journey to the Nativity where a very special baby was born in the stable. Here you can reflect on the blessed birth of Christ - the greatest gift that has ever been given.

Bethlehem Walk, free to the public, is located on Broad Street (Rt. 250) six miles west of Short Pump between I-64's Exit 167 (Oilville/Goochland) and Exit 173 (Rockville/Manakin-Sabot).

Here is all the information to make it to Bethlehem Walk 2013...

- The address for those in need of GPS assistance is 465 Broad Street Road, Manakin-Sabot, Va 23103.
- Parking is FREE onsite or FREE shuttles from the West End Church of the Nazarene (591 Broad Street) or the Food Lion in Centerville (30 Broad Street).
- There will be Chick-fil-A sandwiches, snacks and sodas available in the welcome tent.
- Accepting canned goods for our local Food Bank.
- Free refreshments at the end of the Walk.
- Strollers are welcome but be prepared for some uneven ground in a few spots.
- There will be chariots (golf carts) for those who need assistance.
- There are fires throughout the Walk to keep everyone warm.
- Be prepared to have an awesome experience hearing the true Word and reason for the season.

Dates and Times:
Dec 4 - 5 - Wed/Thu: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dec 6 - Fri: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dec 7 - Sat: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dec 8 - Sun: 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Eric Cantor's Republican Roundup -- October 5th

It's only about 10 days until Eric Cantor's 2013 Republican Roundup. Every year thousands turn out for this free event in the far west end of Richmond that features BBQ dinner, children's activities, vendors, and lots of politicians, all hosted by Congressman Eric Cantor and the 7th Republican Congressional District headed by Chairman Linwood Cobb. It's a great opportunity to catch up with Republicans from all over the Commonwealth. Be sure to RSVP at the website for your free tickets to this year's event. Here are some photos from past years.

Our Majority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives

Charlie and Polly

Congressman Cantor and 7th District Chair Linwood Cobb

Mike and Judi

Bloggers Row

Christy and Davis

Our Governor and Bill

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

RVA: Sights at the Forest Hill Park farmers market

 South of the James Market SATURDAY'S from 8 am – 12 pm - May 4 – December 7, 2013
Forest Hill Park, New Kent Ave & 42nd Street, Richmond VA 23225

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
September 7, 2013