Capital Ale House coming to Harrisonburg

A press release last week announced that Capital Ale House, the well known watering hole in the Richmond area, will open its fifth location in downtown Harrisonburg:

Capital Ale House announces an agreement has been made to open our company’s fifth restaurant to be located at 41-A Court Square, Harrisonburg, Virginia 23801. This location is the current Cally’s Restaurant and Brewing Company. Capital Ale House will take possession and begin renovations on July 12, 2011 with a projected opening in October 2011.
This location will employ 70 staff members and will feature more than 100 fine ales and lager beers from Virginia and around the world on draught, two dining areas, banquet space, darts and billiards and a rooftop deck.

We are proud to join the many great restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, theaters and historic landmarks that make Downtown Harrisonburg a thriving destination.

What a change to get a Capital Ale House fix right here in the Shenandoah Valley! Bring it on!

H/T to VirginiaCraftBeer.com

First day of summer and shrimping in SC

So today is the first day of summer ... and I was thinking about another first day of summer when I was around 30 when SWAC Husband and I visited with friends who were living in Charleston, S.C. On June 21 of that year we all boarded their boat and headed out into Charleston Harbor to visit historical Fort Sumter, walking its pathways and absorbing the history of it all.

After leaving Fort Sumter, we pointed the boat toward the coastline and went into one of the delta inlets for some shrimping, a great past time for our friends and something that was about to become a new experience for us. After anchoring the boat, we swam and waited for the water to recede as the time for low tide approached.

The delta flats have canals cut into them where the water rushes out with low tide ... and that's where we turned our attention. Jumping overboard with nets in hand, we stretched them across those canals to catch the shrimp being washed to sea in the ebbing tide. As we loaded our nets, we emptied the shrimp into five-gallon buckets on deck, continuing until all buckets were full. Since we then had plenty of time to wait until the tide returned to once again float the boat, we worked at removing the heads before putting the shrimp on ice for the ride back to dock.

The experience made an impression on me because we commented several times throughout that day that it was the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, and it was HOT on the salt water -- mid 90s -- with barely a breeze. It was a memorable event that I recalled today while enjoying the present first day of summer in the Valley with the temperature in the mid 80s and breezy.

Both memories are keepers....

First published June 21, 2007

Augusta County: will BOS vote for mandatory sewer hookups?

Update: Listening to supervisors at Monday's staff briefing, Gerald Garber (Middle River) suggested he was willing to pay one-seventh of the cost of Riverheads' sewer expenses, seeming to suggest that each supervisor should do the same. Tracy Pyles (Pastures) asked where was the rest of the board when there were sewer issues in Craigsville, noting that he had much that needed to be done in his own district. If at all possible, citizens of Augusta County should attend the BOS meeting Wednsday, June 22, at 7 pm at the Government Center to see how this is going to turn out.

Those concerned about overreaching at the federal level may want to attend today's Augusta County staff briefing at the Government Center at 1:30 where an item on the agenda concerns whether to mandate citizens in Greenville, located in southern Augusta County, to hook up to a sewer line.

The issue will be voted on Wednesday night at the regular Board of Supervisors meeting at 7 pm at the Government Center. At that time, members of the public will be allowed to speak for and against the project. But listening to today's staff briefing will probably give a clue as to which way most board members will vote.

Reporter Calvin Trice at the Staunton News Leader wrote last week about this issue:

A preliminary schedule to build a new sewage system for the historic village of Greenville would have the project completed near the end of 2013.

The Augusta County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider an ordinance requiring residents within a small area of the village to connect to a sewer line the county is planning to build to address wastewater and pollution problems in the area.

Supervisors are slated on Monday to discuss changes in the county ordinance and the comprehensive development plan that would clear the way for the $3 million project.

Today at 1:30 and Wednesday at 7:00.

Local newspapers back staggered terms for Augusta County supervisors

An issue that was promoted by Supervisor Tracy Pyles last year was for the Augusta County Board of Supervisors to implement staggered terms like the ones used in for elected bodies in Staunton, Waynesboro, and every other Shenandoah Valley location.

Staggered terms would provide a rotation of the board so that all seven positions were not up for re-election at the same time. By having four seats up at one time and then three seats up two years later, there would be less chance of a complete turnover of the board and, thus, the loss of the wisdom and experience of previous supervisors.

On Sunday the Waynesboro News Virginian editorial agreed with staggered terms and today the Staunton News Leader's editorial also agreed with staggered terms.

Supervisor candidates Kurt Michael, Marshall Pattie, and David Karaffa along with Supervisor Pyles reiterated at last week's townhall meeting that they would like staggered terms.

Four incumbent supervisors are calling it quits. Tracy Pyles is the only one who has announced he will seek re-election. That leaves two supervisors who have not announced their intentions (although it has been widely rumored what their intentions are so will be interesting to see what happens).

Staggered terms ... it's about time for Augusta County.

Tim Kaine agrees with Obama policies

Tim Kaine: "I will never be one of those Democratic candidates that distances myself from my party or my president." 

It's not often in politics that a candidate will totally and completely lash himself to the mast of a sinking ship. But that's just what former DNC Chairman Tim Kaine did this weekend. Speaking to activists in Charlottesville, Kaine left no doubt where he stood:

For good or ill, he stands with President Obama 100 percent.  

The Daily Progress has the full details: 

Though Kaine is running in a battleground state and has polled in a virtual tie with former Gov. George Allen, the Republican frontrunner, he declared he will not distance himself from the Democratic Party.

"I'm a very proud Democrat," Kaine said. "I will never be one of those Democratic candidates that distances myself from my party or my president. I'm proud of my party. I'm proud of my president."

So, if Tim Kaine is 100 percent committed to President Obama's record, it raises some interesting question:

· Does Tim Kaine support President Obama's war on coal?

· Does Tim Kaine support the Obama administration's attack on Right to Work states?

· Does Tim Kaine still support ObamaCare, even after revelations that the entire waiver program was designed to hide the program's massive impact on insurance costs?

· Does Tim Kaine agree with President Obama's assessment that the nearly $1 trillion stimulus "wasn't quite as shovel ready" as voters were promised?

We look forward to reading the answers.

From Republican Party of Virginia

Waynesboro's popular South River Restaurant to close

South River Restaurant has been a part of Waynesboro since 1993 but on July 2nd they will close their doors for the last time.

Owner Linda Roland sent an email to patrons Monday announcing she is retiring after 18 years of fun, laughter, good food, and good wine:

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

On July 2, 2011, South River Restaurant & Wine Shop will close. After 18 years of restaurant ownership in the Valley, Linda Roland is retiring.

We thank you, so much, for your support over the years and for your friendship and loyalty.

Sincerely, South River Restaurant & Wine Shop

p.s. Don't miss live music by Gary & Bootsie on Saturday, July 2nd as we say goodbye with great music, wonderful friends, and of course: outstanding food!

A popular watering hole for many in the area, South River's friendly atmosphere along with their outdoor dining offering scenic views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains will be missed by locals as well as those who make it a point to stop by while passing through the area.

Here's a hearty thanks to Linda for the good food and fun times. South River will be missed.

George Allen: "Opportunities"

In the video "Opportunities," U.S. Senate candidate George Allen talks about our responsibility to the next generation....

U.S. House schedule for week of June 20, 2011

THE LEADER'S WEEKLY SCHEDULE
THE WEEK OF JUNE 20, 2010

MONDAY, JUNE 20TH
On Monday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. in Pro Forma session.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21ST
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.R. 1632 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5014 Gary Avenue in Lubbock, Texas, as the "Sergeant Chris Davis Post Office" (Sponsored by Rep. Randy Neugebauer / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

2) S. 349 - A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4865 Tallmadge Road in Rootstown, Ohio, as the "Marine Sgt. Jeremy E. Murray Post Office"(Sponsored by Sen. Sherrod Brown / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

3) S. 655 - A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 95 Dogwood Street in Cary, Mississippi, as the "Spencer Byrd Powers, Jr. Post Office" (Sponsored by Rep. Thad Cochran / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

4) H.R. 771 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1081 Elbel Road in Schertz, Texas, as the "Schertz Veterans Post Office" (Sponsored by Rep. Henry Cuellar / Oversight and Government Reform)

5) H.R. 672 - Election Support Consolidation and Efficiency Act (Sponsored by Rep. Gregg Harper / House Administration / Science, Space, and Technology Committee)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22ND, AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes for the week are expected no later than 3:00 p.m.

H.R. 1249 - America Invents Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Lamar Smith / Judiciary Committee / Budget Committee)

H.R. 2021 - Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Cory Gardner / Energy and Commerce Committee)

H.R. 2219 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2012 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Bill Young / Appropriations Committee)

Possible Consideration of Legislation Related to H.R. 658 - FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act (Sponsored by Rep. John Mica / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee / Science and Technology Committee / Judiciary Committee)

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK
Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security Hearing on “Tax Reform and Foreign Investment in the United States” (Thursday, June 23rd, at 2:00 p.m.)

Printable PDF

Blue Ridge wedding

Congratulations to Mike and Erika on their Saturday wedding!
Here the wedding party that includes SWAC Son pose for photos with the glorious
Blue Ridge Mountains in the background.

Father's Day 2011

A father is an important presence in a child's life. Today we honor them for being there.

A special Father's Day is planned for SWAC Husband who is dad to our son and daughter (his day will include grilling). Also sending Dad's Day greetings to my step-father who filled a huge void in the years after my own dad passed away in 1975.

Happy Father's Day also to fellow SWAC bloggers Yankee Phil who is dad of two sons ... Fishersville Mike who is father of two sons ... Bob at The Journey who has a son and daughter ... and David at the Augusta Conservative who has two daughters.

Hope it's a great Dad's Day for the many SWAC area home school dads who make it possible for families to educate their children at home, and to local conservative leader Kurt Michael who has a young son and daughter.  And I can't forget SWAC Niece's father, my brother-in-law, who is dad to a child I adore.

Hope everyone enjoys their special day.

Principles to live by

John Wooden's seven principles to live by:

1. Be true to yourself.

2. Make each day your masterpiece.

3. Help others.

4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.

5. Make friendship a fine art.

6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.

7. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

2011 Top 10 tech rivalries

They say back stabbing is bad in politics but it sounds as if techie companies could give the political mud-slingers a run for their money.

Investor's Business Daily posted the top 10 tech rivalries with commentary and, interestingly, Google is at odds with three of the contenders: Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft. Out of the remaining seven, the New York Times vs. Huffington Post rivalry is interesting to me as a blogger: old media vs. new media.

Others listed include Time Warner vs. Netflix, Amazon vs. Apple, Verizon vs. AT&T, Activision vs. EA, Oracle vs. HP.

For comparison, here's IBD's 2010 top 10 tech rivalries list.

Careful while you're gardening 'cause there's snakes out there

My parents live in Midlothian outside Richmond. Mom was telling me today about a friend of theirs from church who was gardening in her yard yesterday and was bitten by a copperhead, sending her to MCV Hospital for treatment and an overnight stay.

Mom is very familiar with copperhead bites. Years ago, while walking along a wooded pathway on my step-dad's family farm near Fredericksburg, a copperhead that was hiding under the fallen October leaves struck her on the foot, sending her to the hospital in Fredericksburg for three days. Thankfully, she recovered fully and, hopefully, her church friend will do the same. Snakes on the prowl in this hot weather ... keep an eye out.

Come celebrate Shenandoah National Park's 75th anniversary

Looking north at Blue Ridge Mountain ridges.

This marks Shenandoah National Park's 75th anniversary and they have rolled out the red carpet for visitors. Filled with activities for young and old alike, there's plenty to do in this beautiful setting in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and along the 100+ mile Skyline Drive.

Whether you're hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching, spying deer and black bear and other wild animals, searching and identifying wildflowers, or just taking in the scenery while drinking a hot cup of coffee on a cool morning, it's a destination for a day, a weekend, or a week.

Check out all they have to offer at the website and then come on up to the cooler air of Shenandoah National Park and sit a spell....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

WW II veteran "Hap" Halloran dead at 89

Many knew of Hap Halloran, the World War II veteran who was a prisoner of war in Japan during  the war years and who later reunited with his Japanese captors as a way to deal with his memories of the war. His passing this week at the age of 89 is a reminder that freedom is not free.

The San Francisco Chronicle wrote:

Mr. Halloran, who earned the nickname Hap because he was always grinning during his early days in the Air Force, gave motivational lectures at military gatherings, corporate events and schools in Japan and the United States. He appeared in numerous World War II documentaries.

That's how I knew of him. The nickname "Hap" made him a familiar face not only to me but also to my mom who has done extensive research on World War II. Remembered as a hero, he was a businessman, husband, father, and friend to many. The SF Chronicle article is well worth the read.

George Allen campaign: Leaders lead

My blogging colleague Jim Hoeft at Bearing Drift posted about the fact that George Allen, one of Virginia's U.S. Senate candidates, now has not one, not two, but three trackers, courtesy of the Democrats and like-minded groups.

Three video cameras, mind you, to try and catch him in any trip-up or slip-of-the-tongue during the numerous campaign stops, talks, speeches, meet-and-greets, and endorsements he is engaged in for the campaign. Election day for him is still a year-and-a-half away.

In the comments section is the usual array of naysayers. Any leader worth his salt has them, and walking through the mine field makes him a stronger and better candidate.

Vitriolic responses have become common in this day and age of anonymous commenters, those faceless individuals who lurk in the blogosphere as trolls for their chosen targets. Though the blogosphere has changed and in some ways grown up in the past 10 years, some didn't grow up with it.

George Allen, George W. Bush, Bob McDonnell, Ken Cuccinelli ... they are all targets for the darts and arrows along with the slanderous lies and rumors. Wouldn't it be nice if those anonymous commenters came out from the shadows and faced their targets head-on? Would they?

I'm betting no because their game is a coward's game and a reminder of this Theodore Roosevelt saying:

"The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood ... who if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Cowards don't put their necks on the line because they are afraid of failure. Meanwhile, leaders continue on. If George Allen had not stepped back into the arena, he could have safely remained on the sidelines ...

... but that's not the way of a leader.

Tito the Builder endorsed by George Allen for Va. state senate

Kim Jossfolk at "Just a Conservative Girl" has a good post about Thursday's kick-off by Tito Munoz aka "Tito the Builder" in his bid to run for the Virginia state senate.....

George Allen campaign kicks off newly-designed website

The George Allen for U.S. Senate campaign launched its newly designed, fully interactive campaign website at GeorgeAllen.com.  The re-developed site will serve as a virtual campaign headquarters with all the web-based tools to run an effective grassroots campaign. 

The multi-level platform is designed to empower volunteers and supporters to work directly with the campaign, as well as provide easy access to the latest news, happenings, pictures and videos from the trail.  Interactive features, such as Facebook and Twitter, will allow visitors to share thoughts and ideas with the campaign and recruit like-minded friends to join the cause.

“We are building a strong grassroots team across Virginia and our new website will serve as an online gathering place to share ideas and catch up on all the latest activities,” said George Allen.  “This new site will connect supporters, keeping everyone engaged and involved while allowing us to interact more closely.”

The campaign also launched its latest web video, “Opportunities,” where Allen addresses the responsibility we have to the next generation to restore confidence in the American Dream. 

The Allen Campaign partnered with the technology firm Targeted Victory, a leader in website development and social networking, to build the user-friendly website that offers more functionality, customization and visitor options.  Incorporating this new technology into our overall plan of action will lead to a smarter, faster and more efficient campaign.  

Targeted Victory has a strong record of success developing online strategy and web-platforms for the winning campaigns of Florida Senator Marco Rubio and New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez.  Click here to view the new GeorgeAllen.com.

Va U.S. Senate race ... and then there were -- oh, heck, I've lost count!

Wonder how many more will throw their hats into the already-crowded U.S. Senate ring? The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that a former Green Party candidate will run as an independent in the race that will likely pit former governors George Allen and Tim Kaine in a clash of the Titans....

Saturday in the Shenandoah Valley

Congratulations to Mike and Erika as they wed later today. SWAC Son is a member of the wedding party for this beautiful outdoor event that will take place in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Going to the Chapel, the Four Weddings and a Funeral version in honor of Mike and Erica's big day....

Congratulations to Nate Salatin, VMI Class of 2011, and Josh Salatin, who have both landed jobs in New York City. You're not in Kansas anymore! Big city, bright lights....

Freedom is not free.... Sadly, America lost another soldier this week during a battle in Afghanistan. Army Ranger Staff Sgt. Jeremy Katzenberger died June 14 while on his eighth deployment during the war on terrorism ... four tours in Iraq and four in Afghanistan. Our prayers go out to his family and friends at this sad time....

A positive thought for the day for all those positive people out there ... "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." ~Galatians 6:9

And another positive thought: "Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character." ~Albert Einstein

It's Father's Day weekend and I'm missing my dad who left us way too soon in 1975 when he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 51. He loved camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and taught me to slow down, enjoy the beauty around us, and respect nature. Every time I hear Diamond Rio's "One More Day," I think of him....

The jousting tournament is this weekend at Natural Chimneys in northwest Augusta County. It's fun to take in the ambiance and watch the modern-day jousters with the backdrop of the North River and the decades-old natural chimneys. Damsels and knights will roam the Shenandoah Valley this weekend....

It's the 3rd annual Wine and Jazz Festival this weekend at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton. Saturday's fun is doubled in the surroundings of Ireland, England, Germany, Western Africa, and pioneer America in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Sinkhole repairs continue in western Augusta County in the spring of 2011 where there have been sinkholes on I-81, Rt. 250 west of Staunton, Rt. 254, and back roads.

The exhibit "Jed Hotchkiss, Valley Mapmaker," will be on display at Staunton's R.R. Smith Center for History & Art's History Gallery through December 31, 2011. If you know nothing about this fascinating right-hand man to Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, you must make time to visit the museum to see the exhibit. The Hotchkiss house is located on East Beverley Street in downtown Staunton. My husband is reading a book right now about Jedediah Hotchkiss that he bought at the Green Valley Bookfair ... a book full of the mapmaker's amazingly accurate maps of the Valley compiled during the Civil War....

It's a great day ... enjoy yours wherever you are and those you're with....