Snow day!

The first flakes started before dawn, quickly covering the deck and grassy surfaces and then covering the driveway, causing slick conditions. With the temperature hovering at 26 degrees and not expected to get above the low 30s, some local students have a snow day while others will go in on two-hour delays.

As I gaze out the window at the snowflakes falling from the sky and the ever-whitening landscape, the little kid in me is excited at this snowy Friday. Hopefully, the de-icing beet juice put down yesterday by VDOT will help with the roads since this latest winter weather hit just in time for commuting to work.

If you can, sit back and enjoy. If you have to go out, be safe on this snow day....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 22, 2013

VDOT prepares SWAC area for winter weather

So I hit the Rt. 252 Bypass this afternoon, heading from my western Augusta County home to the grocery store. No, I wasn't going on a winter weather food run. I was cooking for a family who lost a loved one, and was missing a few items for my recipe.

As I hit the bypass, a VDOT truck came toward me putting down behind it "beet juice," the de-icing liquid used to help combat ice and snow on local roadways. The familiar three-stream track could be seen on the road as I made my way to Martin's and later as I headed back home. Those VDOT guys had been busy so here's a big thanks from my corner of Augusta County.

Weather forecaster Eric Pritchett at NBC-29 had Friday's weather forecast:

Friday, a storm tracking to our northwest will spread a light wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain over the region. Some icy conditions look to impact the morning commute. The wintry mix could linger into the afternoon, for some locations, otherwise a light, cold rain. Temperatures will likely hold in the cold 30s and perhaps even some upper 20s during the day Friday. Late Friday night and into Saturday, another surge of moisture looks to overspread the region. At this time, rain and freezing rain look to continue across the region. So some additional icing on untreated and colder surfaces will be possible. Temperatures Friday night for some locations will hover around freezing, while other areas see temperatures several degrees above it. Milder temperatures make a return as we move through the weekend, with a dry and brighter day for Sunday.

Now let's see if Mother Nature follows through....

Original Rocket Boy Homer Hickam born today ... Augusta County's Rocket Boys shut down

Graphic courtesy of The Write Side Of My Brain

 
Bearing Drift colleague Mike Fletcher posted that Homer Hickam, the NASA scientist from West Virginia who authored the book, Rocket Boys, that inspired the movie, October Sky, was born on this day in 1943.

Whenever I think about Hickam, I remember Augusta County's own Rocket Boys who were shut down and denied the opportunity to learn about rockets and science and chemistry and all the other wonderful lessons that could have been taught by volunteer leaders. It really drives home Hickam's quote: "It is better to confess ignorance than provide it."

I wrote a fourteen-part series about the Rocket Boys, young boys who had joined a rocket club run by volunteer scientists, who unexpectedly found themselves the center of controversy when surrounding land owners and the county government joined forces to shut them down.

Here is the final installment along with links to all the installments. Maybe one day Augusta County children of the future will have an opportunity to launch rockets and dream of the wild blue yonder.

Part 14: Dreams of space ... Augusta County shuts down Rocket Boys

(Updated 8/6/10: Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals approves paraglider ... now could they re-do the Rocket Boys case?)

(Updated 9/26/10:  Highland County opens its doors to VAST)

Part 1 ... October Sky
Part 2 ... Who is VAST?
Part 3 ... What is agri-tourism?
Part 4 ... Francis Chester
Part 5 ... Launch location -- Croft Field
Part 6 ... How it began ... anonymous complaint
Part 7 ... "It's only a formality"
Part 8 ... VAST prepares for BZA meeting
Part 9 ... VAST presents case to BZA meeting
Part 10 ... VAST denied Special Use Permit
Part 11 ... Augusta County denies BZA hearing tapes
Part 12 ... The legal case begins
Part 13 ... Community reaction
Part 14 ... Dreams of space

Remember the movie October Sky that told the true story of Homer Hickam of West Virginia, a coal miner's son who was intrigued by the Soviet Sputnik satellite in the 1950s that streaked across the October sky?

That incident inspired Homer to study rocketry, win a science contest, go away to college, and eventually earn his Ph.D. and become a NASA scientist. And it all began when he and his friends put together and launched model rockets even though some of the town people tried to shut them down.

Just imagine ... in Augusta County there is a new generation of Rocket Boys who could be future NASA scientists, much like Homer.

And in western Augusta County with its large tracts of land, there appears to be the perfect place for a local rocket club to teach science in the wide open spaces, smack in the middle of 500 acres of land, isolated from surrounding properties. But you would be wrong.

This series looks into the background of a group of boys and adult volunteers who were blindsided by an anonymous complaint that brought the government into what should have been a recreational, educational activity in the middle of a 500-acre farm field void of government involvement.

It looks into Augusta County's desire to cultivate agri-tourism, and Del. Steve Landes' agri-tourism bill that passed this year's General Assembly, and questions the fairness of the decision of who can participate in agri-tourism ... and who can't.

And it looks at community reaction ... questions that have been brought up by county citizens who wonder if they will be next by what is perceived as an overbearing Big Government mentality.

I had not seen the movie October Sky for a number of years so checked it out of the Churchville Library to once again get the feel of students who dream ... and the adults who nurture those dreams. In the movie, one adult who encouraged Homer was his teacher Miss Riley who died at age 31 of Hodgkin's Disease but not before she planted the seed for him to look beyond the coal mines and pursue his dreams of space.

In Augusta County, we hope to one day see local dreams played out once again, and we hope the Rocket Boys are allowed to again fly the skies of western Virginia.

Feedback about this series is welcomed.

Related stories:
- SWAC Girl: Del. Landes' agri-tourism bill passes House
- WHSV TV-3: Agritourism Brings Boost for Augusta County
- NBC 29: Rocketry club goes to court to get permit
- Staunton News Leader: Sparring launches in rocket case
- Staunton NL: Rocket club grounded
- Staunton NL: Aerospace Team may scratch launches
- Staunton NL: Why can't we give rocket club a chance?
- Staunton NL: Zoning board denies permit for rocketry club
- Waynesboro News Virginian: Throttle up: Rocketry appeal heats up
- Waynesboro NV: Zoning board denies liftoff of Swoope rockets
Update: WVTF Public Radio news story - 4/7/10
- Waynesboro NV: Go for launch - 9/25/10
- SWAC Girl: Are the skies friendlier in Highland than Augusta for the Rocket Boys? - 9/26/10


Other bloggers write about Rocket Boys:
- Yankee Phil: Local boys trying to be good ... denied in Augusta County
- Yankee Phil: More info on ... Local boys trying to be good ... denied in Augusta County
- The Journey: No rockets on company property
- Virginia Virtucon
- StrictlyVA
- The Journey: His neighbors didn't like rockets either

Blog Bash nominees ... winners to be announced at CPAC

Conservative bloggers have nominated their peers for their annual awards. Co-hosts of Blog Bash, Ali A. Akbar and Melissa Clouthier, have announced this year’s Blog Bash Award Nominees. Blog Bash is a yearly gathering honoring center-right bloggers and is the largest invite-only event at CPAC.

“I’m so proud to once again be part of the tradition of honoring bloggers across the country,” said Clouthier. “These folks are the tip of the activist spear, and continue every year to be the best weapon against a biased media.”

The Blog Bash awards allow bloggers to be rewarded for excellent reporting and analysis. Ali Akbar, the National Bloggers Club President, claims “The awards are now the industry standard for highlighting both citizen and professional journalism.”

Nominees for this year include Dana Loesch or Best Activism Post of 2012; the popular film, Hating Breitbart for Movie of the Year; and Steven Crowder for Best in Show: Video, over his recent brawl with union members in Michigan. Past winners have included Michelle Malkin, James O’Keefe and the late Andrew Breitbart.

The 2013 Blog Bash Award Nominees Are…

Bloggers’ Choice: Non-Profit Blogger of the Year
Lachlan Markay, Heritage Foundation Foundry Blog

Sean Hackbarth, Chamber’s FreeEnterprise.com

Jim Pethokoukis, AEI

Amelia Hamilton, Freedomworks

Ilya Shapiro, CATO

—

Best Activism Post of 2012

Lee Stranahan, Everyone blog about Brett Kimberlin Day

Angela Morabito,  Sandra Fluke doesn’t speak for me

Dana Loesch, Donors offers $$ For Info Leading To Arrest Of Union Thug

—

Best Investigative Post of 2012

Robert Stacy McCain, ‘A Faint Whiff of Vigilante Hysteria’: Weinergate’s Kimberlin Connection

Legal Insurrection – Bill Jacobson, Cruel irony in Elizabeth Warren’s Cherokee saga

Liberty Chick – Anonymous Takes Out the FTC in Protest Over ACTA, Google Privacy

—

Best Sunlight Post of 2012

Complete Colorado – Emails Show White House Drove Failed Green-Loan in Colorado
Richard Swier, Watchdog Wire – “Vote for Obama” Pledge Prof Under Investigation

Brian Sikma, Ohio Media Trackers – Press, Prosecutor Ignored Protester’s Harassment of Reporters

—

Bloggers’ Choice: Movie of the Year

Hating Breitbart

Runaway Slave

Frack Nation

—

Best In Show: Podcast

Fingers Malloy (Podcast)

Coffee & Markets (Podcast)

The Willie Lawson Show (Podcast)

—

Best In Show: Twitter

David Burge (@IowaHawkBlog)

Todd Kincannon (@ToddKincannon)

Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter)

—

Best In Show: Video

Ben Howe, Bruce Carroll, and Chris Loesch/Shock City Studios – Not Without My Chicken (Video)

Steven Crowder – Unions Assault on Camera! (Personality)

Julie Borowski – Lena Dunham: First Time Parody (Personality)

Scottie Hughes – DNC County Chairman: Christians Want Jewish People to Die (Video)

Thanks to the volunteers of Swoope Volunteer Fire Department

I looked out the window Monday morning to see this engine from Swoope Volunteer Fire Department on the street in front of my house. I'm glad they know my neighborhood in case we ever need them.

It wasn't the first time they had been on our street. We have been lucky to have Firefighter Santa show up in the past: We Threw a Party and Santa Showed Up! and Santa Showed Up On a Fire Truck.

Many thanks to Chief Kevin Wilkes and all the men and women of SVFD for their time, energy, and service to the citizens of Augusta County and Pastures District.

 Swoope Volunteer Fire Department

Swoope, Virginia

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 18, 2013

Bob's For Jobs ... Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell announces new jobs in Newport News & Hampton

~Project will create 174 new jobs in Newport News and Hampton~

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment and an acknowledged supplier of technically innovative products and services in other fields, will invest $45.4 million to expand its operation in the City of Newport News and the City of Hampton. The project will create 174 new jobs over a 48-month period.

Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. is an operating division of Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS, a member company of the Liebherr Group. The location now serves as the North American headquarters for four operating companies.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell noted:

“Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. was established in Newport News and Hampton in 1970, and in four decades has grown to become the North American headquarters for four operating companies of the globally leading manufacturer. With this project, the company is making a significant investment in building improvements, machinery and tools and infrastructure to enhance production of the largest mining trucks in the world. As a major employer in Hampton Roads, it is gratifying that the company will add 174 additional good paying jobs in the years ahead. That’s great news for Hampton Roads and all of Virginia.”

Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng also commented:

“This exciting project, international in scope, has provided the opportunity for the Commonwealth and Cities of Newport News and Hampton to work together with Liebherr as a team, utilizing numerous programs to facilitate their major expansion and investment. From its operation in Newport News, construction and mining equipment is shipped worldwide. Close proximity to the Port of Virginia offers the potential for Liebherr to further capitalize on import and export opportunities. The Commonwealth values its relationship with Liebherr Mining Equipment and the entire Liebherr Company and looks forward to the next 40 years.”

The Liebherr family business was established in 1949 by Hans Liebherr. The great success of his first mobile, easy-to-assemble and affordable tower crane was the foundation on which the company flourished. Today Liebherr is not only one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery but is also an acknowledged supplier of technically innovative user-oriented products and services in numerous other fields. The company has now grown into a Group with more than 35,000 employees in more than 130 companies across all continents.

Joachim Janka, President of Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. also commented:

“For the past 40 years Liebherr has established a strong infrastructure in Newport News and Hampton. The area has a wealth of experienced workers and is in close proximity to our supplier and main customer base. As a family-owned business, Liebherr benefits from the ability to make countercyclical investments. We invest during unfavorable economic conditions to achieve superior returns in the long run. We believe in the resilience of the American economy and will be prepared to excel when market conditions improve.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Newport News, the City of Hampton and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $500,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Newport News with the project. Governor McDonnell also approved an $800,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

The mayor of Newport News, McKinley L. Price, DDC, welcomed the opportunity for new jobs:

“Liebherr’s decision to expand its facility in Newport News speaks to the City’s business-friendly environment. Heavy manufacturing continues to bolster our economy and Liebherr’s investment in capital assets, recruitment, training and new jobs will serve to strengthen the dynamics of our ever-changing workforce.”

Florence Kingston, Director of Development for the City of Newport News, said, “We are pleased that the Liebherr family continues to make significant investments to enhance its company’s presence in our community," as Hampton Mayor Molly Ward added, "This expansion will be a boost for the region, especially in new jobs. We appreciate Liebherr's commitment to the cities of Newport News and Hampton, and we look forward to the company's continued growth."

Crossposted at Bearing Drift

Afton's Rockfish Gap Tourist Visitor Center moving?

Afton's Rockfish Gap Tourist Visitor Center on Monday, February 18, 2013.

The troubles continue up on Afton Mountain with the Rockfish Gap Tourist Visitor Center. Formerly housed in one of the run-down buildings at the lower level of the parking lot, it was moved five years ago up to the overlook area of the Afton Inn, formerly a Holiday Inn in the days before Afton's decline. Now it may be moving due to water issues.

A non-distinct modular trailer purchased from the Winchester school system was parked at the edge of the parking area overlooking the Shenandoah Valley to the northwest and the Rockfish Valley to the east with only a flag pole and American flag as its decor. No flowers, no trees, just a utilitarian trailer in the parking lot. When it moved to the new location, I wrote about it:

Could a modular trailer be made to be aesthetically pleasing with stone foundation, walkways, flowers? Maybe volunteers would be willing to add their talents to the project?

That area is aching for some upgrades and, in these financially strapped times, maybe a group could be pulled together, not just the volunteers who work inside, but others who would be willing to help spruce up the outside.

You know ... curb appeal ... for the millions of visitors passing through the area every year as they travel the Blue Ridge Parkway which is the most visited national park averaging 20 million travelers annually, as well as the Skyline Drive and I-64.

I would love to see a nice cafe at Afton with views of the Shenandoah and/or Rockfish Valleys ... outdoor seating ... something casual that could be used by hikers, bikers, travelers, and locals. It could be a "go-to" place for friends to meet and watch the sunset over the Alleghany Mountains.

When I lived in NC, we were near Blowing Rock and Boone, places that utilized their mountain views with restaurants, B&Bs, and parks with the Blue Ridge Parkway passing through their communities. They were "go-to" destinations for anyone within an hour's drive.

Would Afton be financially successful with lodging, a cafe, and shops?

None of that happened. Sadly, five years later, the area is even more run down, the burned-out buildings still stand, and the eyesore that could be a shining gateway into the Shenandoah Valley is still an eyesore.

Porta-John portable toilet outside visitor center.

At last week's Augusta County supervisor meeting, it was mentioned that the Rockfish Gap visitor center may be looking for a new location because the owner of the buildings on Afton is not able to provide adequate water needs. Indeed, while there on Monday to take these photos, a Porta-John was positioned outside the building.

Afton could be a show place. Bob Kirchman of Staunton came up with some suggestions of what could be done to make Afton the world class entrance to Shenandoah. It has been years ... one has to wonder how much longer we must wait to see Afton come back to life.

Meanwhile, where will the visitor center go?

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 18, 2013

Virginia hits Presidents Day jackpot with 8 presidents

Virginia's eight U.S. Presidents

Virginia isn't called the Mother of Presidents for nothing. Four of the first five presidents came from the Commonwealth: George Washington (1st), Thomas Jefferson (3rd), James Madison (4th), and James Monroe (5th).

They were followed by Virginians William Henry Harrison (9th), John Tyler (10th), Zachary Taylor (12th), and Staunton's own Woodrow Wilson (28th).

As a fourth grade student in Chesterfield County, we studied Virginia history and memorized the names of these men of history. Some things you never forget.

Déjà vu: Tebow Bill again sacked by GOP Senator Harry Blevins

Delegate Rob Bell

The Tebow Bill was sacked by Republican State Senator Harry Blevins and is finished for the 2013  General Assembly. As long as there are Republicans willing to kill the bill, who needs Democrats?

HB 1442, commonly known as the Tebow Bill after the homeschooled quarterback who played football for Denver and New York, was defeated by an 8-7 vote in the Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee. Committee members voted along party lines with Dems voting against and Republicans voting for ... except Republican Blevins (R-Chesapeake) who joined the Democrats in voting against Delegate Rob Bell's bill.

Déjà vu. The same bill was killed in the same committee last year by ... you guessed it ... the same senator, Harry Blevins.

It's difficult to understand why public school supporters are so fearful of this bill. It simply offers the possibility of playing high school sports. It does not guarantee anything. Parents of homeschooled students pay taxes just like everyone else, a fact many do not realize, and yet they are refused access to taxpayer-funded facilities.

As Bearing Drift wrote last year when this bill was defeated, "If the high school coaches and other school officials are so adverse to letting in these pesky homeschool kids then maybe they should advocate for the privatization of all public school sports. But until they do that, their argument is dead in the water."

Amazingly, even the Washington Post editorialized in favor of the bill, noting:

Our reservations about the so-called “Tebow Bill” have been rooted in a belief that issues about athletic eligibility, student activities and what constitutes a school community shouldn’t be usurped by Richmond.

It is clear, though, that the group entrusted with helping to make those determinations needs to revisit rules that have become too rigid. Local school districts that want to include home-schooled students are barred from even trying.
...
The legislation — its nickname refers to NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, who played on a high school team in Florida while he was home-schooled — has been introduced in Virginia since 2005 but has died in the face of opposition from statewide education organizations.

The Post continued:

The current ban against home-schoolers is the result of long-standing policy set by the Virginia High School League, which governs interscholastic sports and other activities in Virginia’s more than 300 high schools. Home-schooled students, league officials have argued, don’t have to meet the same attendance and academic criteria as public-school students, and that makes for an unfair playing field. No doubt the issues are complicated and, for many, emotional. But 26 other states have managed to allow home-schoolers to play sports, either by right or through local option, with apparent success. In Virginia, elementary and middle school students participate in public-school activities with no problems.

Delegate Bell addressed the bill's defeat with disappointment and optimism:

"I am confident that we will ultimately prevail. I have supported versions of this bill since 2005, and have been the patron in 2010, 2011, 2012, and this year. This year’s bill passed the House 56-43 and even the Washington Post changed its previous position to support it.

Homeschool bills sometimes take time to pass because we have to educate legislators about the benefits of homeschooling. My mother testified to the General Assembly in 1984 in support of Virginia’s original homeschooling law – back then, homeschooling truly was unusual!

Even as recently as 2004, my previous homeschooling bill (to expand homeschooling for high school educated parents) was vetoed by Governor Warner. We weren’t able to get it passed until he left and Governor Kaine signed it into law 2006. Once everyone truly understood what we were trying to do, passing the bill was easy.

To that end, I would encourage you to reach out to your Senators and Delegates – especially if they voted against the bill. Set up a meeting, or take them to a dutch treat lunch. Our best ambassadors are the homeschooled students themselves, so make sure to bring them along. I am firmly convinced that if we stay at this, we will be successful. You can find contact information for your legislators here. [emphasis added]

A family legacy continues ... a homeschooling pioneer's son continues the battle on behalf of Virginia homeschoolers.

State Senator Steve Martin reported the defeat of the Tebow Bill on his Facebook page:

"The 'Tebow' bill failed in committee by a vote of 7-8, despite our tireless work toward its passage. This bill allows a local school district to choose to let homeschoolers participate in HS athletics. We were not able to move either of the two targeted votes to move our way. The young people who came before us did an amazing job. The opposition spoke of 'choice' in education (which they actually oppose) and that the reason public schools exist is to impose 'rules' to which we must adhere. Strange arguments. The bill itself is about allowing choice. I felt the opposition's arguments made a greater case for the passage of the bill."

Among the more than 50 pro and con comments left on Senator Martin's page was this one:

So let me get this straight--folks want to give undocumented immigrants spots in our state run universities at in-state tuition rates but we don't want the home-schooled kids of tax paying citizens to have access to the benefits of the schools their taxes support ... really??????

For a good understanding of the Tebow Bill, see Delegate Bell's explanation. Meanwhile, perhaps with continued education, attitudes will change in Richmond and around the Commonwealth.

-------
Delegate Rob Bell (R-58th House) patroned the Tebow Bill (HB 947). He was the recipient of HEAV's 2006 award for "Outstanding Leadership in Advancing the Rights of Home-Educating Parents." He was an Honors Graduate from the University of Virginia and UVA Law School. A candidate for Virginia Attorney General in 2013, Delegate Bell lives in Albemarle County with his wife and two young children. 

Staunton High's murder mystery tonight on Investigation Discovery Channel

For more than 40 years, a double murder in small town Staunton, Virginia, went unsolved until the pieces were pulled together in 2009. Tonight the case will be featured on Investigation Discovery Channel at 9:00.

Chris Graham has republished his 2009 coverage of the story at Augusta Free Press with lots of good background and intriguing details. Give it a read before tuning in tonight on Investigation Discovery Channel. Too bad Direct TV doesn't carry that channel ... no watching at our house tonight so I'll just settle in for another read of Chris' article....

Snowy Saturday in Augusta

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 16, 2013

Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia. I thought of VMI grad and Marine veteran Nate.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 14, 2013

Historic Lexington, Virginia

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 14, 2013

Augusta Board of Supervisors

Augusta County Board of Supervisors - public hearing on February 13, 2013.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 13, 2013

Valentine's Day: I-81 traffic back-up

Leaving Lexington on Thursday heading to Staunton, I-81 North was a parking lot just beyond the Fairfield exit. That's where I hopped off the interstate ...

... and popped over to Rt. 11, where there was absolutely no traffic, and took the scenic way home ...

... to Staunton. Sometimes the long way home is the best....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 14, 2013

'Operation Love:' Pete Snyder asks Va. Republicans to be his date at the GOP Convention

Operation Love. Date: May 18, 2013. Location: Richmond, Virginia.

Pete Snyder isn't your typical candidate. He tells you that right up front in his YouTube video.

In one of the most innovative campaign ads that I've seen, Republican lieutenant governor candidate Pete Snyder hit the Valentine's Day airwaves with a YouTube invitation to be his date on May 18. That, of course, if the date of the Republican Convention in Richmond and Pete is looking for delegates.

The ad was, well, just plain fun. With the catchy "Call Me, Maybe" playing in the background and a take off on a dating service video, mixed in with other guys tossing out their names was this one: "Pete. I'm an entrepreneur from Virginia," and he was looking for "some love from Virginia delegates ... looking for some conservatives willing to have a date with guy on May 18."

His video request was complete with flowers, oversized teddy bear, and chocolates. "I look forward to seeing you out there on the campaign trail," he concluded. "Here's my number." Meanwhile, folks throughout the Commonwealth received Pete '13 Valentines and chocolates on Valentine's Day. So look out, Virginia Republicans ... you're being courted by Pete.

Hey Pete -- we want to have a date with you at our SWAC Political Breakfast in Staunton. Here's our number ... will you call us, maybe? For a date? We'd love to see you!

U.S. Congress schedule for Friday, February 15, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH
On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
First and last votes expected: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

One Minute Speeches

H.Res. 65 - Condemning the Government of North Korea for its flagrant and repeated violations of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, for its repeated provocations that threaten international peace and stability, and for its February 12, 2013, test of a nuclear device (Suspension, 40 Minutes of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Ed Royce / Foreign Affairs Committee)

H.R. 273 - To eliminate the 2013 statutory pay adjustment for Federal employees (Closed Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Ron DeSantis / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

Special Order Speeches

COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency hearing on
“Assessing DHS 10 Years Later: How Wisely is DHS Spending Taxpayer Dollars?”
(Friday, February 15th, at 9:00 a.m.)

Printable PDF

February 14: Trixie, Bob Goodlatte, Valentine's Day, and me

Valentine's Day was a great time to meet up with Trixie Averill, my "other" Valentine, so I headed to historic downtown Lexington on a gorgeous sunny day for some catching-up time and girl chat. Of course, when Trixie and I get together, the Valley rocks, and Thursday was no exception as we -- to paraphrase Tareq Salahi -- crashed Old Town Lexington at that eclectic restaurant known to locals, college students, and visitors ... the Palms. 

Trixie presented me with a Valentine plant, a beautiful Anthurium -- known as a Flamingo Flower -- with pink blooms and a pink heart cut-out.

Thanks, GOP Girl!

 As we were enjoying our lunch, I glanced at the corner TV and saw our very own Congressman Bob Goodlatte being interviewed. While others milled about and ate their lunches, we were probably the only two people in the place who paid any attention to the man on the TV ... two political junkies who had politics follow them to lunch.

It was a good Valentine's Day lunch ... just Trixie, Bob, and me.

The corner of Main and Nelson Streets.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day 2013 ... hearts to you!

From Toy Story ... "You've Got a Friend In Me"
performed by Lyle Lovett and Randy Newman

Happy Valentine's Day
to my citizen journalist friends!

McQuay to bring 50 new jobs to Augusta County

~Daikin McQuay to invest $9.2 million to upgrade Virginia operations~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Daikin McQuay, a subsidiary of Daikin Industries, Ltd., will invest $9.2 million to expand its operation in Augusta County. Daikin McQuay is the world’s largest global manufacturer of commercial heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and building management equipment and systems. The company will be upgrading the facility to increase its ability to generate market leading, energy-saving global chiller products. The project will create 50 new jobs.

Governor McDonnell met with Daikin Industries, Ltd. officials in Japan during his Asia Marketing Mission in 2011. He also met with the company in New York City on marketing trips in 2011 and 2012.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “I am thrilled to see this project come to fruition. Daikin McQuay has been an industry leader in Augusta County for nearly 60 years. These facility upgrades will not only create 50 new jobs, they will also enable market growth, and allow energy-saving HVAC innovation and product improvements to happen on U.S. soil. Daikin McQuay’s significant investment and expansion will create good paying jobs and new products that will help conserve energy and reduce our dependency on foreign oil.”

“Daikin McQuay’s upgraded facilities represent an aggressive approach to growing the company’s leadership role in energy-saving HVAC solutions,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “We are proud that this innovative work will be centered at the thriving Augusta County operation, and will create 50 new jobs that pay well above the average wage in the region.”

Daikin McQuay applies its industry-leading HVAC technologies in innovative ways to provide comfortable indoor environments for customers around the world. Daikin McQuay HVAC systems and solutions are energy efficient and environmentally friendly and are available through a global network of dedicated sales, service and parts offices.

“We have a very long history in our Virginia manufacturing and R&D facility. These new investments will allow us to expand our ability to develop industry leading chiller products,” said Julie Smith, Daikin McQuay Vice President and General Manager, Chiller Products.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Augusta County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Augusta County with the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“On behalf of the Augusta County Board of Supervisor, I am delighted by today’s news,” said Jeffrey A. Moore, Chairman, Augusta County Board of Supervisors. “Daikin McQuay is a vital member of our industrial community. Their longstanding presence here in Augusta is reflective of our pro-business climate and quality workforce. Further, the commitment and dedication of the Verona Daikin McQuay team has made this expansion a reality. We commend their efforts and look forward to a successful, long-term partnership.”