Richmond is #7: 'Hot U.S. cities that offer both jobs and culture are mostly Southern and modest sized'

Looking from Rocketts Landing along the James River to the skyline of Richmond.

Another day, another poll ... but Richmond has really turned itself around since its decline in the 1970s and '80s as it continues to attract young people with its James River urban recreational sites as well as housing, business, restaurants, and entertainment. It deserves to be a top city pick.

 The Boathouse Restaurant at Rockett's Landing has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the James River.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

Augusta County "Rocket Boy" case covered by WVTF public radio

In the summer of 2009, Augusta County government shut down VAST, a local rocket club that offered a safe, family-friendly activity for local young people. Led by VAST President Chuck Neff and other responsible adults, it was an activity geared to science and math at a time when many are concerned about our youth's involvement in drugs, gangs, smoking, and drinking.

After being shut down by the county which then denied a special use permit (something the club had been told was "merely a formality"), VAST sued Augusta County. The lawsuit is currently awaiting action from the court.

Last week WVTF public radio picked up the story, concentrating on Staunton's R.E. Lee High School rocketry club. In the past, as participants in national rocketry competitions, the club had prepared by launching test flights at Croft Field under the watchful eye of VAST. The field is located in the middle of 500 open acres in sparsely-populated western Augusta County.

This year, because the use of Croft Field has been barred by Augusta County authorities, the school's rocketry club has had to prepare for the national competition by launching test flights from their adviser's back yard which is surrounded by trees. The few launches that have occurred have resulted in lost rockets, a rocket stuck in a tree, and other issues not encountered in the wide open spaces of western Augusta.

The 2010 rocket competition challenge requires the launching of an egg and returning it to earth uncracked. With limited opportunities available to perfect the launch, the club may not win this year.

Listen to WVTF's story about Augusta County's Rocket Boys here. Read the entire "Rocket Boy" series here.

Traveling to Highland County on a rainy day

Fog on the mountain ridges of Highland County, VA."

Rt. 250 passing Mountain House on the way up Shenandoah Mountain.

Headwaters in Highland County.

Backroad of Highland....

Overlooking Highland from Shenandoah Mountain.

Shenandoah Mountain trail on a rainy, foggy day.

Camp lodge ... inside it was packed with young people.

The bridge to somewhere in the mountains....

The creek meandered downhill ...

... as the buses waited to return to Staunton.

Rope courses, climbing walls, soccer, mountain hiking trails, exploring the creek, football in the rain, fellowship and friendship ... add to that mix 80 young people bursting with energy ... and you have a bustling mountain lodge.

Even the rain and fog couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of spending time in the western reaches of Virginia. It was a good day.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
September 25, 2009

Scouts will repair VA national forest trails

About an hour west of Staunton is the Goshen Scout Camp located outside Goshen in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It is a sprawling complex of cabins, lodges, and service buildings surrounding the huge Lake Merriweather and bordering the Maury River ... all donated to the Scouts by one of the Rockefellers.

An army of 750 Scouts is assembling there today -- members of the organization's honor society known as the Order of the Arrow -- preparing for tomorrow when they will begin to tackle their largest service project in 50 years.

The Scouts are there to provide help to the U.S. Forest Service which is understaffed and under-financed when it comes to keeping trails maintained and building new ones. Working in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the Scouts will clear 63 miles of existing trails, build 12 miles of new trails, and construct new camp sites.

These are the best of our youth ... future leaders in America.