Korean War vet survived behind enemy lines

Saturday's Veterans Day parade in downtown Staunton, Va, saw many families lining the streets to wave American flags and cheer as floats passed by filled with local veterans. The community honored past and present military members including many who vividly remember the details of war.
One of those local veterans is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, slightly stooped with graying hair.

Until last year, few people knew that he had suffered life-threatening injuries during the Korean War.

Now in his 70s, Tom LaBarge (pronounced La-BARGE) does not like to bring attention to himself. That was very evident as he reluctantly gave in to my persistent prodding to talk about his military service after a surprise presentation in 2009 of war-time medals that had been long overdue. Four of his seven grown children had flown from Minnesota to Virginia for the event, and I had been invited by his wife Millicent to join them.... (continue reading here)

Remembering Dennis Burnett 1964-2014

[Editor's Note: When I left Augusta County almost two weeks ago to spend time with family in Florida, Dennis Burnett was working at his job bringing jobs to the Valley. When I returned last night, he had passed away and been buried. How quickly life can change in the span of a week. I wrote this while in Florida, reflecting about this friend to so many. See also Augusta County’s Dennis Burnett passes away and Memorial Service today for Dennis Burnett.]

“I like your pictures of the county!”

Dennis Burnett was across the room heading my way after a board of supervisors meeting at the Augusta County Government Center, trademark reading-glasses-on-top-of-head, with that wide Dennis grin.... (Continue reading here)

Apple season in Shenandoah County, Va.

 

There's nothing like a big red apple sign to entice travelers to stop at a roadside stand in the fall for apples and mums. That's exactly what happened as my sister and I traveled the back roads of Shenandoah County this week, meandering where the wind took us and making discoveries along the way.... (Photos, read more here)

Augusta County’s ‘Chapstick Girl’ has gone viral, Fox News calling

Ten-year-old Grace Karaffa’s common sense question asking why it is against Virginia’s Augusta County School Board rules to carry Chapstick to school has gone viral. Now Fox News has come calling.

Grace attended last week’s school board meeting armed with petitions.... (continue reading here)

Staunton Forum at Blackfriars: 'To be, or not to be ... on city council'

Staunton's Blackfriars Playhouse was the backdrop for Tuesday night's city council candidates forum on the arts and tourism. A crowd of almost 150 turned out to get to know the eight candidates as moderator Chris Graham facilitated the event.

Pre-forum ... preparing as the public arrives.

"To be, or not to be ... on City Council. That is the question." Staunton city council candidate Shelley Bryant set the tone with her paraphrasing of that famous line at the opening of last night's candidates forum at downtown Staunton's Blackfriars Theater, bringing laughter and applause from the audience. On the eve of what most celebrate as Shakespeare's birthday, one almost expected to see the Bard himself sitting in the seats nodding his head in agreement.

The arts, an important element woven into this central Shenandoah Valley city, were front and center for the third and final forum Tuesday night between the eight candidates vying for three seats. With only two weeks left before election day, the crowd of 150 included many involved in the various playhouses, museums, and entertainment venues of the area.

Chris Graham, owner of the Augusta Free Press, moderated in his usual relaxed manner, putting the audience at ease as well as the candidates. His wife Crystal acted as timekeeper although sometimes it seemed as if she needed more than a sign to stop an ongoing response.

Incumbent Carolyn Dull is the only one running for reelection while Mayor Lacey King and councilman Bruce Elder are stepping down. With the large number of candidates in the running, yard signs are sprouting up as fast as spring flowers along city streets in the quest for name recognition leading up to the election. The addition of at least two new faces is of interest to many including current city council members Andrea Oakes and Ophie Kier who were in the audience as well as former Augusta County supervisor Nancy Sorrells.

The forum gave candidates an opportunity to show a different, sometimes more playful side of themselves as they shared their love of music and playing in bands and orchestras, their remembrances of being read Charles Dickens as a child, and most who admitted holding season tickets to local arts outlets. While the event was not too full of substance, obvious by the many quick "yes" answers given to a question about funding without the obvious background financial information necessary for such a response, it provided a peek into the varied personalities of those who wish to service the citizens of Staunton.

Political reporter Calvin Trice with the Staunton News Leader was there jotting notes and taking photos for his article. You may also want to check out the News Leader's Voter Guide.

Staunton council elections are Tuesday, May 6.  

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 22, 2014

Frontier Culture Museum's trustees hear educational historical interpreters

The Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia has been voted one of the Top 10 Places for Kids to Fall In Love with History. It is a unique outdoor living history museum made up of the English, Irish, German, 1820s American, 1850s American, and West African farms as well as the Irish Forge, 1740s cabin, and early American school house, and tells the story of the thousands of people who migrated to colonial America.

Friday's trustee meeting highlighted the historical and educational aspects with presentations from three of the young costumed interpreters who work at the various farms. Pictured here is local homeschool grad Erin Landry who shared her experiences at FCMV where she has worked since beginning as a volunteer at the age of 16. After graduating from college, she became a part-time interpreter and also takes the story of the museum on the road while visiting students in schools up and down the Valley as well as nearby West Virginia areas.

Full-time interpreter Sally Landes wore her street clothes, instead of her lady-of-the manor clothes that she usually dons for the English Farm, as she shared news of the John Lewis Society, the museum's organization for students age 12-16 who dress in period clothing and help with on-site tasks and act as junior interpreters. Currently there are around 50 members. Sally can usually be found tending the fire, making cheese, cooking, and demonstrating other daily activities from a 1600s English farm.

All four of these interpreters are not only knowledgeable about what they do but they also love being a part of the museum. It's like a family as staff and volunteers bring history alive for young and old alike.

Erin Landry

Lunch with the ladies between the morning trustee meeting and afternoon board of directors meeting. Operations Manager Lydia always puts out a wide assortment of sandwiches and wraps along with all the sides, fruit, and dessert.

Erin with a hands-on demonstration, much like the ones used throughout the outdoor museum exhibits.

Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze reaches for the flax that Erin shared. There's a video demonstrating flax being processed so it can be spun into linen here.

Alex, Director of Interpretation, shared information about the various programs including Homeschool Days that are held twice a year, in May and October. Be sure to read his recent blog entry about just another day at the museum called "The Great Pig Escape." You never know what the day will bring when working with animals and historic buildings.

Alex also shared information about the very popular summer camps that will be held again this year -- see information here.

Executive Director John Avoli shared that trustee member Dr. Anakwenze, a chief of the Igbo, arrived from California this week with several large bags and boxes of Igbo items including pottery, wooden bowls, and gourds. Dr. Anakwenze announced that 2,000 Igbo people will be attending their annual Festival at the museum in July. Read more about the Igbo at the Frontier Culture Museum.

Trustee Emmett Toms cards wool, one of the many hands-on demonstrations, as Erin looks on.

Erin carried flax and the after-product around the room for all to feel the different textures of the stick-like flax and the softer processed version ready to be spun into linen. The demonstrations and talks were educational and entertaining, and a further window into the world of the Frontier Culture Museum, a gem in the crown that is the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 11, 2014

Back in the homeschool classroom: Grown son's first home

Unpacking and organizing in the new kitchen.

We're proud of our son. At the age of 29, he has become a home owner, purchasing (on his own with no help from us) his first house -- a three bedroom, two bath with one car garage and pool with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.

It's a path he has been on since graduating from homeschool high school. Educated at home in grades 2-12, he attended nearby James Madison University's computer school to earn his degree. After securing a job in Harrisonburg, he moved into an apartment with friends, paid off his student loan within a year, then saved and finally bought a new car after driving an old one since the age of 16. With the car paid off, he turned his attention to home ownership.

This year, that became a reality. His friends, sister, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousin, and grandparents have visited as we gathered as a family at his house and celebrated.

The foundation laid during his youth has paid off with his fiscal responsibility and determined path in life. His dad and I are proud. He now has a nest of his own.

---
Lynn Mitchell educated her children at home for 16 years and was part of leadership in North Carolina's Iredell County Home Educators (ICHE) and Virginia's Parent Educators of Augusta County Homes (PEACH). Her son graduated from Harrisonburg's James Madison University (JMU) in 2007 with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Creative Writing. Her daughter graduated from Staunton's Mary Baldwin College in 2012 with a BS in Sustainable Business and Marketing. Lynn and her husband live in Augusta County located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The story of how she began her homeschool journey can be found here.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
June 2013
Originally printed July 2013

WaPost: 'Route 11 Potato Chips finds success as a cult favorite in a fiercely competitive market'

Welcome to the world of Route 11 Potato Chips, a small Virginia chippery in the rustic Shenandoah that has been cooking up Kettle-style cult favorites for more than 20 years.

The Washington Post visited Route 11 Potato Chips in the northern Shenandoah Valley and discovered the yumminess that so many already know.

We stopped there in 2011 while roaming the back roads in that part of Shenandoah County with my parents and, even though they were not actively cooking at that time, the varied choices of chips was far larger than anything we had seen in retail outlets.

When in Seaside, Florida, last year, we were pleasantly surprised to find one of the food trucks offering Route 11 chips. The secret is spreading about this local gem.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
2011

Shenandoah National Park & JMU join for starry adventure

If you've never experienced a night hike in the mountains, you've missed an excellent opportunity to heighten the senses and explore the outdoors in a way not possible during daylight hours.

Next Friday, March 28, Shenandoah National Park will join with James Madison University's "Starry Nights" program by hosting an event at the Park:

Shenandoah National Park: Nature hikes, astrophotography, public star party, Brown Mountain Overlook (~0.8 mile South of mile marker 76) on Skyline Drive. Visitors will use RT 33 to get to the park at Swift Run and travel SOUTH on Skyline Drive about 11 miles to this overlook. Beginning at 8pm. For more information: http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/starrynightsharrisonburg-page.shtml#sthash.QkKZ7qWD.dpuf

"Starry Nights" will take place all next week, March 24-29. See the website for a complete schedule of events.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
Shenandoah National Park

First day of spring: Virginia outdoor getaways

 Jonquils in my yard, March 13, 2012

It's the first official day of spring and many are ready to get outdoors after being cooped up inside during a long, snowy winter. Virginia travel and tourism folks are ready to help make that happen with deals and getaways to wash away the winter blues. Check them out here and while you're at it, you may want to check out the 10 Virginia Spring Festivals You Don't Want To Miss.

More from Virginia Is For Lovers....

17 Scenic Drives for Virginia Wine

21 Influential Virginia Women

14 Reasons to Experience Virginia’s Most Iconic Scenic Drives

Virginia’s Coastal Spring Drives

Virginia is for spring lovers....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 13, 2012

NWS warns winter storm moving toward Shenandoah Valley to hit Sunday

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE  

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC  
243 PM EDT SAT MAR 15 2014  
  
 
AUGUSTA-ROCKINGHAM-NELSON-ALBEMARLE-GREENE-WESTERN HIGHLAND-  
EASTERN HIGHLAND-WESTERN PENDLETON-EASTERN PENDLETON-  
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...STAUNTON...WAYNESBORO...HARRISONBURG...  
CHARLOTTESVILLE...HIGHTOWN...MONTEREY...CIRCLEVILLE...FRANKLIN  243 PM EDT SAT MAR 15 2014  
  
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM SUNDAY TO 2 PM EDT  
MONDAY...  
  
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS  
ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2  
PM SUNDAY TO 2 PM EDT MONDAY.  
  
* PRECIPITATION TYPE...SNOW  
  
* ACCUMULATIONS...6 TO 12 INCHES WITH THE HIGHEST ACROSS THE  
  MOUNTAINS ABOVE 2000 FEET.   
  
* TIMING...PRECIPITATION MAY START OFF AS RAIN OR RAIN AND SNOW  
  MIXED ACROSS THE VALLEYS SUNDAY AFTERNOON. ANY MIXED  
  PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE TO ALL SNOW AFTER SUNSET WITH THE  
  HEAVIEST SNOW FALLING LATE SUNDAY EVENING INTO EARLY MONDAY  
  MORNING.  
  
* TEMPERATURES...LOWER TO MIDDLE 40S EARLY SUNDAY  
  AFTERNOON...DROPPING INTO THE LOWER TO MIDDLE 20S SUNDAY NIGHT.  
  HIGHS MONDAY WILL BE IN THE LOWER 30S.   
  
* WINDS...NORTHEAST AROUND 10 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 20 MPH.   
  
* IMPACTS...ROADS WILL BECOME SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY. TRAVEL  
  WILL BECOME DANGEROUS...ESPECIALLY AFTER SUNSET SUNDAY WHEN  
  TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW FREEZING. DANGEROUS TRAVEL WILL CONTINUE  
  THROUGH THE MORNING RUSH MONDAY INTO MONDAY AFTERNOON.   
  
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...  
  
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER  
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST  
THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF  
YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT... FOOD...AND WATER IN  
YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.  

Faces at Wednesday's Augusta County Board of Supervisors meeting

 Newly sworn-in South River Supervisor Carolyn Bragg and Augusta Clerk of Court John B. Davis at the Augusta County board of supervisors meeting on March 12, 2014. (See post about Carolyn Bragg's appointment here.)

 Frank Deckert (left) and Supervisor David Karaffa (Beverley Manor District). Frank and I serve together on the Augusta County Library Board where he serves as vice chairman.

 David Karaffa and Dennis Burnett (Shenandoah Valley Partnership).

 David, Dennis, and Supervisor Larry Wills (Middle River District).

The board discussed the school board's proposed closing of Verona Elementary School.

Library Board vice chairman Frank Deckert gave the annual report.

Library Director Diantha McCauley (to the right of Frank).

Dennis Burnett talking about jobs and economic development, something I could listen to all day long. What a dream job ... promoting the Shenandoah Valley.

 The formerly all-male board now has a lady representative. Supervisor Bragg was appointed to an interim position until November in the seat left open with the death in February of David Beyeler.

Links to the meeting:
- Political reporter Bob Stuart: Draft businesswoman selected as interim supervisor
- Political reporter Bob Stuart: Shenandoah Valley Partnership head offers report
- Reporter Calvin Trice: Live blogging Augusta supervisor meeting

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 12, 2014

Family birthdays and the Depot Grille

 A recent birthday lunch with our son at Depot Grille in Staunton was his choice of restaurant to celebrate his special day. He had his pick of Harrisonburg and Staunton, and he picked Depot. It runs in the family....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 2014

Augusta County Supervisor David Beyeler passes away

Word was received this morning that Augusta County Supervisor David Beyeler (R-South River) passed away last night. He had been ill for a while and had recently been attending supervisor meetings in a wheelchair. No word yet on arrangements. The normally-scheduled supervisor meeting is tonight.

Winter day on the snowy back roads of Augusta County

 Saturday's travels in western Augusta County were curtailed because of high gusting winds, blowing snow, and frigid temperatures. I avoided some of my usual back roads because drifting snow over roadways made driving a bit tricky without four-wheel drive, and blowing snow speckled my camera lens.

 Staying home, however, was not an option. I've been wanting to get out into the back country all week but waited because of road conditions. Today's overcast skies were what I wanted for my pictures, and so I headed out, and I was not disappointed. The snowy vistas, icy streams, and even the blowing snow left me in awe once again at the beauty of this part of Virginia.

 The flags at Buffalo Gap High School stood straight out in the extremely windy conditions.

 Just think how many winters this old farm house has seen at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains.

 Buffalo Gap.

 One of the many historic homes in Swoope.

 Snow had drifted over this road and in some areas was half-a-foot deep.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Western Augusta County, Virginia
January 25, 2014