Election Day in SWAC area ... ongoing updates

It's Election Day 2013 in Virginia. The polls are open ... voters are voting, candidate supporters are greeting them, and volunteers are sending them out the door with "I Voted" stickers.

The weather is good ... a cold, frosty start to the day with temps in the 20s is expected to lead to a high in the 50s under overcast skies.

What an odd year it has been with some newspapers refusing to endorse anyone for governor while others encouraged write-in votes for Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling. Many are happy to see this election cycle finally come to an end.  For many, it marks the finish of the daily barrage of campaign emails, robocalls, and television ads.

Virginia is being considered a bellwether for the country. The tea party and Libertarian wings of the Virginia Republican Party have their dream team of candidates in Ken Cuccinelli, E.W. Jackson, and Mark Obenshain for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Four years after the Republican team led by Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling swept into office with historic leads, will it happen again?

This is a notoriously red area of the Commonwealth so what's going on in the central Shenandoah Valley area that includes Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County? I'll pass along news as I hear it.

10:15 a.m.: Churchville precinct had light but steady turnout. The voting location within Churchville Elementary School had been moved with only one table for check-in as opposed to the usual two. About half a dozen people were in line to sign in; two machines were in use. Interestingly, there was a card table set up with a McAuliffe sign and materials but no presence from the Republicans.

2:00 p.m.: Wilson Precinct. Steady, light turnout continued.

7:10 p.m.: Polls have closed and the wait begins for returns to be posted and announced.

2004 Bush-Cheney campaign sticker

 

I saw this Bush-Cheney '04 bumper sticker yesterday in Fishersville. It brought a smile to my face ... what a campaign! People practically fell in the door of GOP headquarters in Staunton trying to get yard signs and bumper stickers, and headquarters was constantly full of people from the community stopping by to talk or vent about the war, terrorism, and the state of the country. We ended up opening HQs seven days a week to accommodate everyone.

Yes, that bumper sticker brought back happy memories of a successful campaign. Cheers!

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
August 26, 2013

SWAC area localities benefit from state tourism grants

Staunton's Convention and Visitors Bureau got the lion's share of Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Marketing Leverage Grant program for the Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta County (SWAC) area, announced on Thursday by Governor Bob McDonnell, with $50,000 destined for use in tourism destination marketing, research, and planning.

Tourism is a $20 billion a year revenue generator for the Commonwealth, generally providing 5:1 return in tax revenue and supporting 207,000 jobs. Dollars invested in tourism are proven to provide a 5:1 return in tax revenue for Virginia, and the grant awards and matching funds provide a stimulus to localities seeking to increase tourism visitation and revenue.

Other SWAC localities receiving tourism grants are $3,466 to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Staunton to increase bus tour business; $3,881 to the Artisans Center of Virginia for website development; and $5,000 to the Waynesboro Tourism for their Mountains to Main Street marketing campaign.

Virginia's tourism industry is marketed as Virginia Is For Lovers, promoting love at the heart of every Virginia vacation.

Happy Birthday, Jason Bibeau!

Today was SWAC area blogger and friend Jason Bibeau's birthday. This thirty-something and I got an early start on the celebration when we met two days ago for lunch in Staunton. Afterward, we drove to Wright's Dairy Rite and ordered birthday ice cream treats curbside, enjoying the yummy treats while we talked talked talked. One thing's for sure: when you're with friends, you never run out of conversation! Happy Birthday, Jason ... and wishing you many more!

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
19 April 2012

Grace Christian Boots & Bandana Auction ... another successful year

 The 12th annual Grace Christian School's Boots & Bandana auction was another success this year. It's always fun to see friends, some who will not be seen again until next year. It's all for a good cause to help support Grace Christian as they continue to educate students in grades K-12 in the SWAC area.

 Pam and Kurt Michael were on the bleachers watching the action.

This little John Deere toy tractor was quickly snapped up.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
30 April 2011

National Spelling Bee: SWAC home schooler advances to semifinals

"Sarsaparilla."

That was one of the spelling words local home school student Sarah Anne Allen was required to spell correctly on Thursday to advance in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC. I had to check behind myself typing "sarsaparilla" to be sure I had spelled it correctly on this post.

Congratulations to Sarah Ann, one of only two Virginia students to advance, as she moves into today's semifinals from 10 a.m until 1 p.m. to be broadcast on ESPN, followed by tonight's final round which can be seen on ABC.

The Waynesboro News Virginian's Megan Davis is following Sarah Anne -- thank you for taking an interest in academics -- and has a front page story detailing yesterday's proceedings. Stay tuned to what is happening by following updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/NewsVirginian and on the News Virginian website.

Spelling ... it's an adventure and Sarah Anne is enjoying the ride. Best wishes from the PEACH (Parent Educators of Augusta County) home schoolers for today's competition ... go, Sarah Ann, go!

Congratulations to Trixie Averill ... new 6th District Chairman

Trixie Averill stood in 2007 against anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan in Charlottesville. Trixie, a military mom whose son Sgt. Marcus Averill was deployed 3 times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan, rallied with others in support of America's troops.

In a landslide election, Trixie Averill won the 6th District Chairman position Saturday in Lynchburg. Congratulations, Trixie!

I'm live-blogging the SWACers gathered at Jason's house reliving the convention and sharing with three who were not able to attend. It's a gathering of Yankee Phil, Augusta Conservative, Augusta Water Cooler, Barb, Kurt, Kelly, and David ... observations of the day are being relived and shared.

A collective "Congratulations, Trixie," from the SWAC Crew!

UPDATE: I published this post at 9:30 Saturday night and at 11:00 my cell phone rang. It was Trixie calling to say she had read the post and knew we were all together so I put her on speaker phone and everyone talked and relived the convention and congratulated her for her win. We'll take the rest of the weekend off ... and then roll up our sleeves and get going because there's work to be done.

Flash flood watch in SWAC area ... fog on Afton

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch through 4 p.m. today for Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro, along with the surrounding region, with a possibility of 2-3 inches of rain throughout Monday. Also be aware of fog on I-64 crossing Afton Mountain.

From WHSV TV-3 out of Harrisonburg:

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for Augusta, Highland,Pendleton, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Page, Grant, & Hardy counties until Monday afternoon. Showers with very heavy rain rates will bring 2 to 3 inches of rain to some areas making conditions for flash flooding possible.

It's a rainy day in the Valley....

Valley high school regular basketball season suspended

In an unprecedented move, the regular high school basketball season in the Shenandoah Valley has been suspended because too many games have been missed due to persistent winter weather. As a result, teams will jump to tournaments that are to begin next week.

The Waynesboro News Virginian reported:

After an additional round of snow forced Southern Valley and Shenandoah District officials to call off another night of basketball, athletic directors were put in uncharted territory. With some teams as many as four games behind and the VHSL district deadline looming, area schools announced Tuesday that the remainder of the regular season was canceled.

“It’s a disappointment,” said Fort Defiance Athletic Director Jack Tucker. “It’s been one of those winters that snow is the only thing that is predictable.”

During a normal year, the regular season champion of both the Shenandoah and SVD earns an automatic No. 1 bid to the region tournament. Both districts decided to scrap the regular season championship and instead will use the tournament to dish out all of their region seeds.

“There’s not a perfect solution to these unforeseen circumstances,” said Luray High School Athletic Director Don Ehlers.

The winter of 2009-10 will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Plenty of snow while out and about

Many back roads of Augusta County are still snow-covered.

Fishersville ...

... Waynesboro's Target shopping center ...

... Staunton's Richmond Road.

Highway sign on I-64 east at Waynesboro warns, "Accident 9 miles ahead. Use caution."

Traffic was backed up on I-81 southbound Tuesday morning. Photo taken from Rt. 262 overpass at Staunton.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
22 December 2009

Dr. Alan Keyes addresses SWAC conservatives

Dr. Alan Keyes at Tuesday's ComfortCare banquet.

Del. Chris Saxman (R-House 20) and his daughter, Mary.

A sold-out crowd of 240 listened as Dr. Keyes spoke. He had addressed a crowd of 275 in the same room the night before.

Bob Stuart with the Waynesboro News Virginian talks with Dr. Keyes.

Many tables were sponsored by groups. The Blue Ridge Church of Christ table included Mr. and Mrs. Bev Cundiff, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Smith, and Dr. and Mrs. Kurt Michael.

Tuesday was an evening for SWAC area conservatives to gather in support of the Comfort Care Women's Health Center (formerly the Pregnancy Crisis Center) at the annual fundraising banquet that featured Dr. Alan Keyes as its speaker.

A Harvard graduate who is conservative, he is a long-time leader in the conservative movement and well-known as a staunch pro-life champion. He received his undergraduate and doctoral degrees in government affairs from Harvard, and has run on the Republican ticket for U.S. Senate (in 2004 he challenged Barack Obama in Illinois) and U.S. President.

In 2008 Dr. Keyes severed his Republican Party affiliation and has worked with America's Independent Party to build an effective vehicle for citizen-led grassroots political action.

Dr. Keyes did not disappoint Tuesday night. Though he has been part of the political scene since the days of Ronald Reagan when he served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, he shifted to his pastor's cap to address the pro-life crowd.

With his voice rising and falling as he made a point, he emphasized that politics and the very existence and survival of a nation depended on its foundation. Years of legal abortions, he said, have been just one step in the process and America is about to take the next step (never specifically mentioning the "death panels" of Barack Obama's nationalized health care but it was clearly understood).

He compared the 9/11/01 terrorism attacks on America when innocent lives were disregarded with the "wholesale" terrorism already in place due to abortions which he called child murder ... "licensing the murder of children."

This country, Dr. Keyes declared, has been blessed beyond imagination but has turned its back on God. Like the Twin Towers, it is crumbling as our liberty, elections, and dreams are now under threat. What judgment, he asked, is there for a nation that allows abortion? He was speaking to a receptive audience that responded with applause throughout the 30-plus minutes of remarks.

Touching personal testimonies were provided by two women who took separate paths when confronted with the life-alternating news that they were pregnant. One who had contemplated abortion decided instead on giving her child up for adoption ... the other kept her little girl who was born six months ago and accompanied her mom to the banquet.

Bob Stuart with the Waynesboro News Virginian was at the banquet to talk with Dr. Keyes afterwards about some political issues that were not mentioned during his formal remarks:

[Dr. Keyes] said the current unrest could be "the greatest crisis ever in the history of the American Republica."

"People are angry and dismayed and don't know where to go," Keyes said.

Keyes does not just blame the administration of President Barack Obama, but what he described as a group of American elites, ruling the country.

"There are czars, bureaucrats and a handful of politicians who are deciding health care," Keyes said. Generations will be "enslaved" by the debt Washington is accumulating, he said.

Sponsors for the event were from throughout the SWAC area including Philip and Kathie Zodhiates with Response Unlimited (and who hosted Dr. Keyes at their home for this event), Cornerstone Construction of Augusta, Gary Eavers with Eavers Tire, Michael and SallyAnn Gowen with Shenandoah Eye Care, and Gary Lee Eavers with The Cheese Shop.

Many volunteers including a number of home school parents and their teen children helped with food service, registration, set-up and clean-up, and everything that goes into such a production.

ComfortCare Women's Health provides all services free of charge for every patient regardless of income level, race, or religion. Lay persons and medical professionals donate over 4,000 hours of time annually to provide pregnancy confirmation, counseling, nurse's consultation, and STD testing.

Patient demographics for the SWAC area show the average patient is 22 years old, 70% are single, 50% are still in school, the average income if $14,000 or below or still a dependent, with service distribution divided up with 42% Staunton, 29% Waynesboro, and 25% Augusta County.

The annual fundraising banquet raises 25% of the annual operating budget and is sustained by over 2,000 individuals, 100 churches, and 100 businesses. ComfortCare is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization ... contributions are tax-deductible.

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Dr. Keyes which provided the opportunity to thank him for his work throughout the years. I also had the opportunity to hug my friend Chris Saxman and his daughter, Mary, who has grown into a beautiful young lady. Chris and I talked football (we were texting back and forth during the Steelers-Vikings game Sunday) and politics (imagine that!), and about Dr. Keyes.

It was a good evening of fellowship spent with many friends from throughout the SWAC conservative community for a good cause that has been growing for years.

SWAC conservatives welcome Dr. Alan Keyes

A Harvard graduate who is conservative ... can't miss that! I'm heading out shortly to spend the evening with conservative friends as we fellowship and listen to Dr. Alan Keyes at a fundraiser for Comfort Care, a local women's health care facility run by volunteers.

Last night's dinner in Waynesboro had 275 people in attendance ... tonight will see another 240 or so as they listen to this former presidential candidate who ran for the senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama.

More later....

SWAC area loses more jobs

Western State Hospital in Staunton is laying off 25 workers due to Commonwealth budget cuts, a move that will affect workers who come from surrounding areas.

Today it was announced that McQuay in Verona will lay off 48 workers effective Monday. That plant was hit with a workers' picket in June 2009, at which time I posted, McQuay union employees picket ... have they not seen the economy?

What drove Augusta County-based McQuay's employees to stand on the street and picket yesterday? Union members of the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America lined the street and held signs proclaiming they wanted a fair contract from the company.

Right down the street from McQuay, American Safety Razor has downsized to the point where the employee parking lot is overgrown with weeds. In surrounding Augusta, Staunton, and Waynesboro, hundreds of jobs have been lost as companies struggle in these very difficult economic times ... companies such as Invista, Mowhawk Carpet, Gem Ply, Unifi, Hershey. Citizens have tightened their belts because of job losses, decrease in wages, and cutback in hours.

Is the timing right to stand on the street and protest?

Now 48 workers are being let go.

The economy is not rebounding, as erronerously reported by the Obama administration. Jobs are still being lost, companies are still folding, employees are taking pay cuts, and senior employees are retiring to make room for younger workers.

Look at the millions of dollars in lost pay from approximately 75 jobs just to the SWAC area.

What to do this weekend in the Shenandoah Valley

It's summer in the Shenandoah Valley with plenty to do so come on up and visit....

Augusta County:
- The Cheese Shop: Located on Rt. 608 in Stuarts Draft, this bulk foods Mennonite-run shop offers hundreds of choices in fresh spices; bulk foods such as nuts, trail mix, oats and brans; deli meats and cheeses; snacks; gluten-free products; sugar-free products. Closed Sunday but open Mon-Fri 9:00 am-5:30 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am-5:00 pm. 2366 Tinkling Spring Rd, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477. Phone: (540) 337-4224.

- The Buckhorn Inn: Full service Bed & Breakfast located 12 miles west of Staunton. Stop by overnight or come for dinner. Buffet-style restaurant Thur-Sat 4-9:00 pm. Wireless internet available as well as satellite TV. Phone: (877) 337-8660.

Historic Downtown Staunton:
- American Shakekspeare Center: Spend an evening back in time in the Blackfriar Theatre in downtown Staunton or take one of the playhouse tours held Monday-Saturay. Check for play schedule. Phone: (877) MUCH ADO. I-81, exit 222 to downtown Staunton.

- Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center: Located downtown adjacent to the Blackfriar Theatre. Newly renovated to include wireless internet, adjacent parking deck, indoor pool and fitness center, dining. Phone: (540) 885-4848 or (866) 880-0024.

Waynesboro:
- P. Buckley Moss Museum: A beautiful brick building overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains houses the artist's works. Phone: (800) 343-8643.

Dayton (south of Harrisonburg):
- Dayton Farmers Market: Amish soft pretzels, handmade candies, gifts, furnishings, dining. Open Thur-Sat, 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Phone: 540-879-3801. 3105 John Wayland Hwy (Route 42), Dayton, VA 22821.

Shenandoah National Park:
- Shenandoah National Park Lodging: Offering accommodations and restaurants for visitors. Phone: (866) 776-4121. Email: Shenandoah@aramark.com.

Luray:
- Shenandoah River Outfitters & Cabins offering rafting, canoeing, and kayaking as well as camping and log cabins. Phone: (800-6CANOE2).

Mt. Crawford:
- Green Valley Bookfair: June 27-July 12, 9:00 am-7:00 pm daily. Save 60%-90% off retail on thousands of books. I-81, exit 240; 2 miles east (just south of Harrisonburg). Phone: 800-385-0099.

Massanutten:
- Massanutten Resort: Featuring year-round fun. Indoor-outdoor water park, golf, concerts, outdoor recreation, dining, condo rentals. Phone: (800) 207-MASS or (540) 289-9441.

Charlottesville:
- Monticello: Famous home of the third American President Thomas Jefferson. Historic, picturesque, American history. Phone: (434) 984-9822.

- Paramount Theater: Located in downtown Charlottesville. Offering shows, musicians, plays throughout the year. Check for schedule. Phone: (434) 979-1333.

Lexington:
- Stonewall Jackson House: A part of Virginia history, this historic house was the home of this Civil War leader. Guided tours of house and garden. Phone: (540) 463-2552.

Natural Bridge:
- The Natural Bridge: One of the natural wonders of the world, Natural Bridge was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. Dining, lodging, tours. Phone: (800) 533-1410. I-81 to exits 175 & 180. Near Blue Ridge Parkway.

- Virginia Safari Park: 180-acre drive-thru adventure for the family. Hundeds of exotic animals roaming freely as you drive the three miles of winding roadway. Zebras, bison, elk, antelope, deer, ostriches, llamas, monkeys, kangaroos, giraffes, giant tortoises, flamingos, warthogs. Picnic area, petting zoo. Phone: (540) 291-3205.

Blacksburg:
- Mountain Lake: Beautiful turn-of-the-century stone hotel; cottages. Dining, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboating, volleyball, badminton, croquet, horseshoes, giant checkers or chess, bocce, tennis, archery, hiking, sauna, hot tubs. No TVs and, believe me, they are not needed! Sit in a rocker on the huge front porch or join in the many activities. Breakfast and dinner included. Phone: (800-828-0490).

I-64 sniper shooting affects SWAC area....

Update: Sniper suspect arrested

An Augusta County man was one of those shot by unidentified snipers early Thursday morning on I-64 in Albemarle County during what may have been a shooting rampage that spread to Waynesboro before the night was over. The DuPont Credit Union and a house in Waynesboro were both hit by gunfire during the night.

SWAC area athletic events were cancelled at the advice of school officials who said they had the safety of students and spectators in mind. Affected were Waynesboro and Augusta County schools including cancellation of soccer and tennis games.

The headlines in today's Waynesboro News Virginian shout "I-64 SHOOTINGS SPARK MASSIVE MANHUNT." The entire front page concentrates on the sniper story. With a total of two people and six vehicles struck by sniper fire, and a possibility of two gunmen involved, the Valley is a little unsettled waiting for police to round up suspects. Meanwhile, police have urged motorists to remain vigilant while driving on I-64.

Tim Kaine townhall meeting in Staunton

Governor Tim Kaine addresses group at Shelburne Middle School in Staunton on Monday afternoon in a townhall-type meeting.
Governor Kaine addressed various issues that are part of his initiatives.
Scott Sayre (middle) of Americans For Prosperity listens. Citizens from the the SWAC area as well as Albemarle, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and Lexington attended the gathering.
Answering questions from the audience....
Staunton City Council candidate Andrea Oakes listens intently to the Governor.

City Councilman Bruce Elder afterwards interviewing with WHSV TV-3.

Suzanne Curran drove down from Shenandoah County and was the first person to ask a question of the Governor. A member of Americans For Prosperity (AFP), she talks with Virginia AFP Director Ben Marchi.

This was typical of many vehicles in the parking lot with their Bush-bashing bumper stickers against President George W. Bush. Notice this car went so far as to put "Stop" on the left brake light and "Bush" on the right brake light.

Monday found Governor Tim Kaine hosting a townhall meeting in Staunton. While many in attendance were known local Democrats, there were Republicans at the meeting and, unlike Cobalt 6 and others who attended Congressman Bob Goodlatte's townhall meeting in the past and were rude to the Congressman, everyone was respectful and attentive as the Governor addressed the group.

Photos by SWAC Girl

Happy Birthday, Delegate Chris Saxman!

Happy 42nd Birthday

Delegate Chris Saxman!

From the SWAC

Grassroots Volunteers

SWAC Eagles soared today ... The photos ... Part 2

NBC-29 TV Coverage here
SWAC Eagles soared today ... Win the War!
SWAC Eagles soared today ... The photos ... Part 1
SWAC Eagles soared today ... The photos ... Part 3

Photos by SWAC Girl