Faces in the crowd ... more photos from Romney-Ryan Fishersville rally

 Susan Allen circulated through the crowd talking with supporters while representing George Allen. Official reports of crowd size are estimating it at 15,000-17,000.

 It was a steady line of people walking in to the fairgrounds. People parked miles away and hit the road to Expoland because traffic was so backed up they were sitting still.

 Nation news outfits had cameras set up and ready to go for the rally.

 The Waynesboro News Virginian crew. From left: reporter Bob Stuart, photographer Rosanne Weber, and publisher Jonathan Hunley.

 Long-time Republican-in-the-trenches Trixie Averill who is a member of Lt. Governor Bill Bolling's team to elect him Governor next year. The Lt. Governor was driving over from Richmond and got stopped in traffic on I-64 five miles from the exit. As time approached for the rally to begin -- and he was to address the crowd -- he was finally rescued by troopers who escorted him to Expo where he went on stage and rallied the crowds with, "HELLO, SHENANDOAH VALLEY!"

 SWAC Corps blogger Fishersville Mike was there with his family.

 Barb was sporting her NRA hat as they waited for the event to begin.

 Cardboard fans with a message were handed out by the NRA.

 Augusta County Supervisor David Karaffa whose Beverley Manor district includes Expoland. He was accompanied by his two daughter.

 Marie Quinn and Jane Ladd from Chesterfield Republican Committee drove over to attend the event.

 Julie Coggsdale was on the premises and getting down to business.

 RPV Chairman Dave Rexrode.

These guys were on the roof of the Expo building. Security was tight with so many dignitaries.

Staunton delegate raises money for his 2013 race

Dickie Bell raising money for his 2013 delegate race.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte and Trixie Averill

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

Susan Allen

State Senator Mark Obenshain and Trixie Averill

Bill Bolling, Trixie Averill, Jean Ann Bolling

 The Lieutenant Governor is in the house....

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
October 5, 2012

Photos: 10,000+ attend Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan Fishersville rally

With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a back drop, the stage for Thursday's Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan event was decked out in red, white, and blue. With a crowd estimated at more than 10,000, it showed an energy among the base for this presidential election.

Susan Allen represented her husband, U.S. Senate candidate George Allen, as she made her way through the throng of supporters. During her remarks on stage, she received a huge cheer when she asked everyone to elect George Allen to the Senate.

Country music superstar Trace Adkins.

The press tables after dark. Laptop screens illuminated the night.

Republican Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan.

U.S. Presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

The evening ended with fireworks celebrating the wildly successful Republican rally.

Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, Bill Bolling, Trace Adkins.

The press enjoying catered supper. I sat at the table with the NBC-29 and News Virginian reporters.

Delegate Ben Cline gave the invocation.

Susan Allen

Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.

Reporter Carl Cameron from Fox News Channel.

Mitt-Romney in Fishersville: First photos of event

Set-up is going on at Expoland in the central Shenandoah Valley for today's Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan Republican Rally.

Augusta County: Center of the 2012 Presidential Campaign

 Expoland on Tuesday as workers prepared for Thursday's Republican rally.

For a few brief shining hours Thursday evening, Augusta County and the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia will have the eyes of the nation on it as the Republican presidential ticket of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan rally the faithful.

After Mitt Romney's stellar performance at Wednesday night's presidential debate against Barack Obama, and in an area where Republicans outnumber Democrats 3-to-1, organizers are expecting a crowd of thousands to converge on Fishersville. Forecasters are calling for a beautiful fall day with clear skies and temperatures in the 70s. Expect a bottleneck as cars back up leaving I-64, take the short quarter-mile hop to Expo Road, and turn right for the 1.5 mile drive to the fairground entrance.

Strict security will be in place with Virginia State Police and local law enforcement working to control traffic and the crowd. Virginia state troopers will be assisted by the Secret Service, Augusta County Sheriff's Department, Staunton Police Department, and Waynesboro Police Department. Augusta County Fire and Rescue as well as their mobile command vehicle will be on site.

Local anchors and reporters have been busy gathering any details available to pass along to an information-hungry public. Ken Slack at NBC-29 talked with voters and checked out Expoland on Tuesday as workers prepared the site for today's event. Reporters from all local news outlets will be there including the Waynesboro News Virginian, Staunton News Leader, and Harrisonburg's WHSV TV-3.

Country music star Trace Adkins is expected to kick off the festivities with entertainment beginning at 6:00 for the outdoor event before the candidates make their appearances. With a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Appalachian Mountains to the west, the scenic beauty of the Shenandoah Valley will rival the speakers on stage. After dark, as the speakers wind down, fireworks will explode into the night sky to complete this GOP party.

One of tonight's speakers arrived in the area Tuesday night. Vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan has been staying at a private Wintergreen home and was pictured watching Wednesday  night's presidential debate from there. Mitt Romney, who was in Denver for the debate, will arrive in the area later today.

Augusta County Board of Supervisors Chairman Tracy Pyles, former Democrat-turned-Independent, was upbeat about the GOP having a party in his back yard. He noted that Romney and Ryan coming to the area was a big deal because of the national exposure brought to the SWAC area of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County, and added that it will also bring some extra dollars in for local businesses including hotels and restaurants.


Expoland is located in the Beverley Manor District of Augusta County. That district's Supervisor David Karaffa, a 29-year-old conservative Independent, will be attending the rally with his wife and two young daughters.

"I'm really happy Mitt Romney's coming to the area," said Karaffa who was enthusiastic about the event. "This area off-sets Northern Virginia's Democratic vote so it's good to see the presidential nominee come here. It says that he's not taking anything for granted, that every vote counts, and every person should vote. We're important enough that they made room for us in their schedule."

Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, who is state chairman of the Romney for President campaign and held that same position in 2008, will be in Fishersville to welcome his friend. Congressman Bob Goodlatte, who represents the 6th Congressional District that includes the Valley, plans to attend as well as Susan Allen, wife of Republican U.S. Senate candidate George Allen, and local elected officials.

This area has not seen this much excitement in years.

As Pyles added with a touch of humor, "So there is an advantage to being a 'purple' state.  We are now the girl everyone wants to date.  So go ahead and bring the candies and flowers. We'll ride it as long as it lasts."

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
October 2, 2012

McDonnell: 'Mitt Romney crystallized the choice voters face'

Boston, MA – Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell made the following statement on tonight’s presidential debate:

“Mitt Romney’s debate performance tonight crystallized the choice voters face this November. When he is president, Romney’s Plan for a Stronger Middle Class will deliver more jobs and more take-home pay. He will also implement real healthcare reform, restore fiscal sanity, deliver tax cuts for middle-class Americans and ensure peace through strength around the globe. That’s a winning argument that will surely resonate with the millions of Americans who know they can’t afford another four years like the last four years.”

Mitt Romney for U.S. President

Law enforcement & emergency personnel prepare for GOP event

As organizers work late into the night preparing for Thursday's Republican rally at Expoland in Fishersville, law enforcement is preparing for a crowd of 5,000 or more in this rural area.

The GOP presidential ticket of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will rally this mostly-Republican area of Virginia with the event kicked off by country superstar Trace Adkins entertaining the crowd. 

Virginia State Police will be assisted by the Secret Service, Augusta County Sheriff's Department, Staunton Police Department, Waynesboro Police Department, and Augusta County Fire and Rescue. The mobile command vehicle will be on site.

The evening's event are expected to last until approximately 8:00 p.m. with fireworks to follow.

Maureen McDonnell, Jean Ann Bolling, Susan Allen, and my mom

From left: Maureen McDonnell, Susan Allen, my mom, Jean Ann Bolling

 

So I got a text tonight from Marissa Pugmire that said, "Look who I ran into tonight!" It included a photo of my mom at a George Allen event in Chesterfield County and she was pictured with Maureen McDonnell, Jean Ann Bolling, and Susan Allen. Wow -- that's some powerful women there including my Republican-to-the-core mom! GOP women rock!

Photo by Marissa Pugmire

October 2012 ... 20 things to do in and around Staunton, Virginia

The historic Wharf area of downtown Staunton, Virginia, home of the Staunton-Augusta Farmers Market. (Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell)

Voted as one of America's Top 20 Main Streets by Travel and Leisure magazine, the central Shenandoah Valley city of Staunton was also recently named one of the 20 Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian magazine as well as Virginia Living magazine's Best of 2012.

With views east toward the Blue Ridge Mountains and west toward the Appalachians, Staunton is an historic slice of Virginia that offers restored Victorian homes, cozy downtown shops, and small-town atmosphere. Patriotic holidays find her streets lined with American flags, and the always-popular Christmas parade takes place each year on Beverley Street, the main thoroughfare that is lined with restaurants, store fronts, the Dixie Theater, the city courthouse, and old-fashioned lamp posts.

There are lots of things to do during the leaf season that peaks in October so here are some places and events you may find interesting. It's autumn in western Virginia.

1. Free Trolleys
A great way to get around downtown, Staunton's two trolleys are free and pick up and discharge passengers at stops located throughout the city. More information can be found at the Staunton Visitors Center on New Street.

2. Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
This unique hands-on outdoor museum in Staunton brings the past alive with costumed interpreters and farm animals that can be seen along a two-mile trail that connects the English, Irish, German, and African farms with the New World's American homesteads. They tell the story of America's settlement. Picnic tables on the grounds.
 - Homeschool Day - Oct. 5: The Frontier Culture Museum will be hosting the annual Homeschool Day on Friday, October 5. A day packed with hands-on living history, colonial artisans, animals, and a special school house program. Check website for more information. 
 - Octoberfest - Oct. 6: Enjoy a traditional Oktoberfest celebration at the German farm with music, children's activities, self-guided tours of this hands-on museum, and your favorite brew.
 - "Creepy Tales" - Oct. 26-27 and Oct. 29-30: Staunton's Frontier Culture Museum will present it's annual "Creepy Tales" with ghostly tours. Reservations are required. (540) 332-7850.

3. Cestari Farms Pumpkin Festival
It's all about fall -- corn maze, haunted barn, hayrides to pick your own pumpkins, animals, pony rides, wool barn, and more can be found at the annual Cestari Farms Pumpkin Festival on October 13-14 and October 20-21. Located ten minutes west of Staunton, the kids will love it and so will you.

4. Staunton-Augusta Farmers Market
Voted one of the best farmers markets in Virginia, the Staunton-Augusta Farmers Market offers fresh, locally grown produce, flowers, herbs, eggs, fruits, meats, and more from the convenience of the Wharf parking lot in downtown Staunton. Open Saturdays from 7 a.m.-noon.

5. Hands & Harvest Festival in Monterey
While enjoying the spectacular autumn colors, drive an hour west of Staunton to Highland County for their Hands & Harvest Festival on October 5-7. Visit area sugar camp for apple butter and cider making, BBQ and other food, farmers market, and entertainment.

6. Apples Days Craft Festival
On October 6-7, Waynesboro hosts the annual juried Apple Days Craft Festival under the covered sidewalks of Willow Oak Plaza. More than 100 participants from throughout the United States feature and sell jewelry, Christmas ornaments, quilts, fine arts, and handmade furniture. Watch as apple butter is made; apple cider, homemade apple dumplings, entertainment, and more.

7. Fall Foliage Bike Festival
At the peak of fall leaf season for the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains, the Fall Foliage Bike Festival based out of Staunton will be held the weekend of October 19-21. Enjoy the warm days and cool nights riding the back roads through scenic vistas of rural beauty.

8. Blackfriars Theater
The Blackfriars Theater was built in downtown Staunton in 2001, the world's only exact replica of William Shakespeare's indoor theater, and is home to the American Shakespeare Center. What a great place to catch a play, tour the facility, or get involved in their camps for young and old alike. Check their website for current plays and activities.

 9. Ghostly Evening Tours
What better way to see the architecture of historic downtown Staunton than with the Ghosts of Staunton Tour? Spooky candlelight tours are also offered of the Depot train station and, in October only, Thornrose Cemetery and the former DeJarnette Sanitorium. If you are looking for something different and unusual, this is the tour for you.

10. Shenandoah National Park
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains east of Staunton, Shenandoah National Park offers 200,000 acres of wilderness, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, horseback riding, lodges, and visitor centers along the 100-mile-long Skyline Drive. Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort and several campgrounds provide overnight accommodations. Escape to the quiet beauty of the mountains.

11. Humpback Rock Farm
A mountain homestead much like the ones from the nineteenth century, Humpback Rock Farm is located at Milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Afton and I-64. Costumed interpreters and musicians are on hand weekends throughout the fall to answer questions and demonstrate crafts from a bygone era. Farm animals, a working garden, mountain music, and more round out the experience. Visitor Center and picnic tables are available on the site.

12. Lots of Eats
There are plenty of places to grab great eats in the Valley ... here are a few: Depot Grille, Byers Street Bistro, Split Banana, Shenandoah Pizza, Rowe's, Clock Tower, Kline's, Green Leaf Grille, Wright's Drive-In, Mill Street Grill, Emilio's, Mockingbird, and Sorrel's in Staunton's Stonewall Jackson Hotel.

13. Dayton Farmers Market
A favorite with visitors and locals alike, the Dayton Farmers Market is located on Rt. 42 about 30 minutes northwest of Staunton. Featuring the "best big soft pretzels on the East Coast," it also has Jake's BBQ as well as a variety of shops offering a variety of goods plus fresh produce with apples and pumpkins. Outside is a hitching post for the Old Order Mennonites to park their horse and buggies when they stop by to do a little shopping of their own.

14. Green Valley Book Fair
Open October 6-21, from 9-7 daily, the Green Valley Book Fair offers hundreds of thousands of books at up to 90% off retail price. Shop for books that include classics, children's, political, novels, fiction, history, health and self-help, religion, science, sports, cookbooks, home and garden, crafts, art, reference, computer, nature, and outdoors. Convenient parking, no admission charge. Located in Mt. Crawford 20 minutes north of Staunton.

15. Grand Caverns at Halloween
Drive 30 minutes northeast from Staunton to Grottoes and check out America's oldest show cave featuring the Grand Caverns Nightmare from October 26-31. Their Haunted Cavern Tours run nightly from 6-9 pm but beware ... the 30-minute tours are not recommended for children under 10.

16. Nichols Apple Barn
Located in Middleburg, Nichols Apple Barn offers a wide range of apples right at the orchard. Walk in the barn, get a bag or box, and start picking out your favorites straight from the wooden apple crates. Walk through the orchard where Staymans and other juicy varities hang from branches.

17. Kettle Corn on Afton Mountain
It's not just an October thing but if you're up around Afton Mountain and have a snack attack, stop by the Kettle Corn stand. He has expanded to caramel corn, pork rinds, and soft drinks. You can't miss the awning with the big kettle beneath or, if all else fails, just follow the Burma Shave-like signs.

18. Massanutten Fall Festival
The 19th annual Massanutten Fall Festival will be held on October 13 from 11-5, with chairlift rides, arts and crafts, food vendors, beer garden, wine tasting, kids activities, entertainment, and more. Takes place at the scenic Massanutten Resort east of Harrisonburg.

19. MaDee's 3rd Annual Holiday Market & 5K Run/Walk
Held at the Frontier Culture Museum on Saturday, October 20, this event is held in memory and celebration of the life of Staunton resident MaDee Boxler who died in 2009 at the age of 22 from Hodgkins Lymphoma. Proceeds help pediatric cancer patients. Admission $7. Info: (540) 294-0221 or (540) 849-9638.

20. Dayton Days Autumn Festival
The 33rd annual Dayton Days Autumn Festival features more than 350 arts and crafts booths and more than 75 food vendors. One of the largest shows of its kind in the area, the streets of historic downtown Dayton are closed off to allow only craft/food booths and pedestrians. Entertainment is provided all day in this historic town located in the middle of Old Order Mennonite country.

George Allen endorsed by Virginia Association of Realtors

Allen signs in front of Lacey Real Estate on Rt. 250 in Fishersville, Virginia.

On Monday, George Allen received the endorsement of the Virginia Association of Realtors (VAR), the business advocacy organization representing nearly 30,000 real estate industry professionals.

At an endorsement event held at the Glen Allen headquarters of the Virginia Association of Realtors, George Allen participated in a roundtable discussion with Realtor members to hear firsthand their experiences in the housing market and what they are hearing and seeing in neighborhoods throughout Virginia.  Allen received the formal endorsement from VAR President Trish Szego of Fairfax, VAR President-Elect Mary Dykstra of Roanoke, VAR Vice President Brad Boland of Reston, and Real Estate Politics and Advocacy (RPAC) Chairman Tom Innes of Richmond.

“Governor George Allen has been a friend to Realtors in his roles as governor of Virginia and as a United States Senator.  We can be assured that he will consider and weigh our positions on issues that affect our profession and Virginia’s homeowners,” said Trish Szego, 2012 Virginia Association of Realtors President.

Realtors’ top concerns include the mortgage interest deduction, Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, qualified residential mortgages, and the Federal Housing Administration.

“I’m honored to have earned the confidence and endorsement of Virginia’s Realtors,” said George Allen. “Realtors have their finger on the pulse of what is happening in our communities, and they have been bearing the brunt of a housing market recession along with the building trades.  The most important solution is to get our economy moving again with the right tax, regulatory, energy and education policies that will create jobs and provide people the income to buy a home."

Allen continued, "For current and future homeowners, the mortgage interest deduction is a key provision for helping hard-working Americans fulfill their dream of home ownership, and I will work to ensure that this tax relief remains.  Virginia Realtors know from my record that I am committed to meeting with Realtors regularly because I value their insight, especially as Washington considers much-needed housing reforms.  I’m grateful for Virginia Realtors’ support, and I look forward to working with them for a healthier economy and safe, prospering neighborhoods.”

--from press release

Autumn travel and leaf peeping in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia

 Blue Ridge Parkway at Humpback Rock

Now that autumn has arrived in the Shenandoah Valley, October's calendar is full of festivals and events for those who wish to enjoy cooler temperatures and colorful leaves. If waiting until the fall color show hits its peak, be sure to check out Virginia Tourism's Fall Color Hotline at 1-800-424-LOVE or check the Fall Color report.

Driving the scenic Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway offers the opportunity to explore new locations, revisit favorite spots, and view the scenery from high above the Shenandoah Valley as you wind your way along mountain ridges. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at the numerous roadside tables and picnic areas.

Humpback Rocks Mountain Farm at Milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a glimpse into the past with authentic rustic log buildings that illustrate nineteenth century Appalachian farm life. At this time of year the buildings have costumed interpreters as well as mountain musicians on the weekends. A visitor center is also on the site, and nearby is the popular Humpback Rocks hiking trail.

The central Shenandoah Valley has enough to see and do to keep families busy for weeks. The Queen City of Staunton, located at the intersection of I-64 and I-81, has kept her history intact, as can be seen by the many renovated buildings, shops, and restaurants in the downtown area. On Saturday mornings there is a farmers market in the Wharf parking area downtown featuring locally-grown goods.

Shopping opportunities in Staunton offer everything from furnishings to clothing. If you're looking for fine dining, check out Zynodoa. Entertainment can be found at the Clock Tower and Mockingbird restaurants while Baja Bean offers fun Mexican fare and a bar that's popular with the locals. In the historic train station, the Depot Grille offers something for everyone, and the floors actually rumble when the train passes.

In the Wharf area, Byers Street Bistro offers sidewalk tables as well as two floors inside for a quiet dining nook or a large group. Two informal eateries on Beverley Street, the main downtown thoroughfare, are Shenandoah Pizza and the nearby Split Banana for ice cream and gelato desserts, or check out Coffee on the Corner for light food and beverages.

One of the prime attractions in Staunton is the American Shakespeare Center featuring a recreated Blackfriars Playhouse serving up Shakespeare plays year-round in an atmosphere that will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time to the days of the Bard. The Frontier Culture Museum, located just off I-81, offers authentic homesteads of the 1800s from Ireland, Germany, England, America, and the newest addition of the West African farm, providing a hands-on history lesson in the story of America's people.

If planning to stay overnight in Staunton, there's Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the Inn at Olde Virginia,  Frederick House, and Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center.

If you would rather stay along the mountain ridges, check out the Iris Inn,  Sugar Tree Inn, or Cabin Creekwood located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Waynesboro.

The Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park offers camping as well as Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort. There are miles of leg-stretching hikes throughout the Park.

What is autumn without corn mazes and pumpkin patches? West of Staunton, Cestari Sheep Farm offers a pumpkin festival and corn maze the second and third weekends in October. If it's apples you're looking for, this fall staple can be found at Virginia orchards offering many varieties. The popular family-run Graves Mountain Lodge Apple Harvest Festival north of Charlottesville will take place the second and third weekends in October.

October is Virginia Wine Month and there are plenty of wineries to check out in the Shenandoah Valley, surrounding mountains, and beyond. Barren Ridge Vineyards near Staunton offers wine tastings and events including murder mysteries and musical entertainment.

West of Harrisonburg, the Dayton Farmers Market, open Thursday through Saturday, sells a variety of goods, some from the surrounding Old Order Mennonite community. It offers unique shops, food, and a mouth-watering big soft pretzel. Don't be surprised if you find a horse-and-buggy parked at the hitching post while Mennonite families do some shopping of their own.

South of Harrisonburg, the Green Valley Book Fair returns October 6-21, offering hundreds of thousands of books at 60-90% off retail. A favorite with locals, its reputation for book bargains has traveled throughout Virginia and beyond.

Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun-filled weekend, the Shenandoah Valley provides something for just about everyone. It's autumn in Virginia.

--Originally posted in the Washington Examiner by Lynn R. Mitchell, October 4, 2010

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
September 2012