LynnRMitchell.com ... new posts daily

By Lynn R. Mitchell

This is an invitation to come over and visit us at LynnRMitchell.com. We are a group blog with regular contributors Kurt Michael who is our managing editor, David Karaffa who is on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, Daniel Cortez who is a distinguished Vietnam veteran and award winning writer-broadcaster, and myself. I serve as executive editor and do much of the writing and photography.

We opened up shop in April 2014 and by year's end we had published over 900 posts from the four regular contributors and our 23 guest writers who covered a wide variety of issues.

I started my SWAC Girl blog in February 2006 -- almost nine years ago -- and have been writing on an almost daily basis since. However, I find myself posting less and less at this location since starting LynnRMitchell.com in 2014 so we would love to see everyone head on over and check us out where I still post everything from back roads to historical sites along with coverage of political issues from veteran politicos.

LynnRMitchell.com ... come on over and join us.

The 12 Days of Christmas … Day 7: Holiday offerings at the Augusta County Library

Churchville Branch of the Augusta County Library.

There’s Kindles and laptops and video games and smart phones and every other device available out there but the wonderful thing is that libraries are still as popular as ever. With a wide selection of seasonal reading selections, a trip to the library provides hours of entertainment for kids and parents during school vacation over the holidays. (continue reading here)

Happy Thanksgiving from LynnRMitchell.com

By Lynn R. Mitchell

 

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." -- Charles Dickens

The writers at LynnRMitchell.com -- Daniel Cortez, David Karaffa, Kurt Michael, and myself -- extend Thanksgiving greetings with gratitude to our readers for helping us become a successful statewide voice in the Virginia conservative blogosphere. We wish you a joyful day with family and friends as America pauses to give thanks for the blessings we all enjoy. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Special Issue: LynnRMitchell.com writers, guests discuss Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Today at LynnRMitchell.com, we are looking at the Atlantic Coast Pipeline issue that has stirred opinions both for and against in Augusta County and elsewhere. Posts from guest writers and regular contributors include Augusta County supervisors, citizens, information from Dominion, and an editorial cartoon.

Supervisor Tracy Pyles, Supervisor David Karaffa, former Supervisor Nancy Sorrells, well-known local farmer Joel Salatin, political cartoon from Kurt Michael, and more.

Here is the list of articles in today’s Special Pipeline Issue.... (See links to all authors here)

LynnRMitchell.com endorsement: Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate

LynnRMitchell.com Editorial

LynnRMitchell.com enthusiastically endorses Republican candidate Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate 2014. His vision for the Commonwealth has re-energized Virginia’s citizens who have felt unrepresented by incumbent Mark Warner and, in the gridlock that is Washington politics, Mr. Gillespie brings fresh ideas with his proposed EG2 economic plan for Virginia. He is positive and optimistic, and has carried that upbeat attitude on the campaign trail with his belief that “the old normal is the new mediocre. We can do better.”  (continue reading here)

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) on the Rivanna Reservoir, Charlottesville

By Kurt Michael

The September day was sunny and warm as I launched my stand up paddle board (SUP) in the South Fork Rivanna River Reservoir (see map) just outside.... (Continue reading here)

ICYMI: Weekend posts at LynnRMitchell.com

In case you were busy over the weekend, here are the posts you missed at LynnRMitchell.com:

Augusta County residents organize against pipeline by Supervisor David Karaffa

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) on Sherando Lake by Kurt Michael

Be careful of those you trust by Jerry Lester

Rose River Farm and Cabins in Madison County, Va. by Lynn R. Mitchell

Pick-your-own grapes at Blue River Farm Vineyard in Madison County, Va. by Lynn R. Mitchell

Foggy Ridge Cider in Southwestern Virginia by Lynn R. Mitchell

Saturday morning ... rainy, cool, rocking on the porch by Lynn R. Mitchell

Fauquier GOP sues RPV and 1st District over tossed-out election by Lynn R. Mitchell

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) on Sherando Lake

By Kurt Michael

From the shoreline of Sherando Lake, I placed my stand up paddle board (SUP) into the water, jumped on, and was off. Traveling at a.... (see photos, read more here)

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) on the York River

By Kurt Michael

Recently my family and I took a mini vacation to Williamsburg, VA. While my wife and kids opted for shopping, I headed toward historic Yorktown, the site where the British army surrendered to the American troops, ending the Revolutionary War. Over the bluff toward the York River is Water Street. During colonial times, the waterfront served as a major port for exporting tobacco from local plantations but now it is a place to enjoy the river. And so my day began…. (see photos, read more here)

Red vs Blu: Bending the Rules

Check out talent of Kurt Michael with the adventures of Red versus Blu's "Bending the Rules" at LynnRMitchell.com.

Latest posts at LynnRMitchell.com

In case you missed it, here's what has been posted at LynnRMitchell.com the past few days. Grab a cup of coffee and come on by for some thought-provoking, informational, and entertaining moments from our political cartoonist and group of writers:

- Patriotism or Perversion? - by Wayne Ozmore. A military veteran's observation of an upside-down American flag flow by tea party leader.
- Red vs Blu: Bending the Rules - by Kurt Michael
- Linwood Cobb - by Lynn R. Mitchell
- Augusta supervisors prepare for staggered terms - by David Karaffa
- Staunton's Best Buy celebrates 20 years in business - by Andrea Oakes
- RVA: My hometown is growing up - by Lynn R. Mitchell
- Libertarian Chris Stearns takes on Republican Reid Nicholson in 3rd District chairman's race - By Lynn R. Mitchell
- George W wants Jeb to run - by Lynn R. Mitchell
- Riding with warriors - by Lynn R. Mitchell
- Leader Cantor statement on House Select Committee on Benghazi

New posts at LynnRMitchell.com ... come check us out!

It's been a busy morning at LynnRMitchell.com as contributors have published posts that we hope you will find informative and entertaining. Here's a sampling:

- Coming soon: Red vs Blu: Kurt Michael brings his new comic strip Red vs Blu to the blog. The characters are a take-off of the classic 1961 comic strip in Mad Magazine, Spy vs Spy: “The comic strip always featured two spies who are completely identical save for the fact that one is dressed in white and the other black. The pair are constantly warring with each other, using a variety of booby-traps to inflict harm on the other. The spies usually alternate between victory and defeat with each new strip.” Red vs Blu follows the same genre. Stay tuned as we prepare to follow their adventures.

- Andrea Oakes: Staunton's Best Buy celebrates 20 years in business: City Councilwoman Oakes recently joined Congressman Bob Goodlatte as they attended Best Buy Distribution Center's recognition of their 20 years as an employer in the city.

- David Karaffa: Augusta County supervisors will begin staggered terms: Supervisor Karaffa explains how staggered terms will work beginning in 2015.

- Eric Cantor: U.S. House schedule for April 30, 2014: What's going on in Congress today? Here's the schedule for the House of Representatives.

Pop on over and check out these and more as the day goes on. We've got the coffee pot brewing and keyboards are clicking ... stop by and sit a spell at LynnRMitchell.com.

National Library Week and thanking Augusta County Library folks

Newest Augusta County Library board trustee Dr. Kurt Michael with library director Diantha McCauley at the Fishersville main branch. Read more about Dr. Michael here.

 

 Goodies for staff and volunteers to celebrate National Library Week.

 Lucy, the resident dinosaur, dressed in her Easter bonnet as she oversees the children's section.

Check out the Augusta County Library ... there's so much to see and do!

Update: Thanks for the shout-out from the library crew: http://aclstaff.wordpress.com/2014/04/16/april-16-2014/

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
April 15, 2014

A look at some of the faces from 2014 General Assembly session

 Trixie Averill, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, Kurt Michael, Lieutenant Governor John Hager

 Delegate Will Morefield and Marty Hall

 Richard Crouse and Delegate Les Adams

 State Senator Emmett Hanger and Dr. Kurt Michael

 Former Delegate Chris Saxman with Kurt

 Kurt and State Senator Mark Obenshain

 Dr. Judi Lynch and Governor Bob McDonnell

Delegate and Congressional candidate Barbara Comstock

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 2014

Day at the Capitol with Lt. Governor Bill Bolling ... the portrait unveiling

Mrs. Jean Ann Bolling and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

It was a special day in the Virginia State Capitol as family, friends, and colleagues gathered Friday, January 10, 2014, in the State Senate chamber to honor out-going Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his years of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth. His official portrait that will now hang on the walls of the chamber was unveiled to applause from those on the chamber floor and above in the packed gallery.

Long-time Bolling staffers -- Ibbie Hedrick, Matt Wells, Denise Burch -- were on hand taking pictures and watching their boss on his last full day in office after eight years as one of the most hard-working, productive, and respected lieutenant governors in Virginia history.

Governor Bob McDonnell was on hand to honor his friend and colleague. Bob and Bill ... they shared the same birthday, and were friends working together for Virginians for more than 20 years. They made an amazing team and brought Virginia Republicans back in 2009 with a winning sweep of the Top 3. That advantage disappeared in 2013 when the GOP lost the Top 3 to Democrats along with both U.S. Senate seats.

Many familiar faces watched from the gallery.

 

Artist Stephen Craighead with his photo of the LG.

Before the unveiling.

Dr. Kurt Michael and Dr. Judi Lynch.

Senator Walter Stosch was MCing the event.

"Doing the Bolling!" The crossed arms was a story in itself from the LG ... at the reception afterward, many "did the Bolling" beside the official portrait. Trixie, Judi, Angela, Kurt.

The LG and Adam Tolbert from Smythe County.

The LG and Trixie Averill. 

The LG and Marie Quinn with the Chesterfield GOP.

Scheduler Denise Burch and Jean Ann Bolling.

The LG and Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Chickahominy District supervisor in Hanover County. Bill Bolling represented the citizens of the Chickahominy District when he first started in politics in the 1990s.

Bill and Kurt

Trixie and long-time friend Randy Marcus who was Bolling Chief of Staff.

Trixie Averill, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, Dr. Kurt Michael, Lt. Gov. John Hager
 

THE ONLY TWO GOP "SWEEP" lieutenant governors in the last 45 years:

1997 -- Lt Gov John H Hager (with Gov. Jim Gilmore and AG Mark Earley).

2009 -- Lt Gov Bill Bolling (with Gov. Bob McDonnell and AG Ken Cuccinelli).

Senator Walter Stosch, Trixie, Randy, Marie

Randy, Marie, Dolores Switzer

The LG and the baby ... this photo was too adorable not to post.

Many thanks to Bill and Jean Ann for including us in their last day in office and the official portrait unveiling. It was fun to see so many familiar faces, catch up with friends, and spend time in the General Assembly visiting a number of legislative offices. It's always exciting in Richmond during session. Best wishes for the next chapter in the Bollings' journey ... thank you for your service to the citizens of Virginia for 22 years ... the door is always open.

See also A farewell evening with Lieutenant Governor Bill and Jean Ann Bolling

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell & Kurt Michael
January 10, 2014
Many thanks to Kurt for helping with the Nikon while I used the iPhone

A farewell evening with Lt. Gov. Bill and Jean Ann Bolling

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his wife, Jean Ann.

Hilton Hotel, Richmond, Virginia

January 9, 2014

Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Hanover County supervisor who holds the Chickahominy District seat that Bill Bolling once represented, talked with Jean Ann Bolling before Thursday's dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Richmond's Short Pump area. The room filled with invited guests who laughed and remembered campaigns and events over the years.

Bill Bolling thanked his wife, his family, his staff, and his many friends who have been there throughout the years. Then he launched into a story about Kristi Way during the 2005 campaign: "We were heading to a fundraiser at Kurt Michael's home...." Ah, yes ... very well remember that fundraiser in Fishersville.

Fellow blogger Brian Schoeneman drove from NoVa to join the 100 guests. He was seated at the lieutenant governor's table along with Linwood Cobb, Kurt Michael, Judi Lynch, and me ... excellent dinner conversationalist on a variety of subjects.

That's not chicken. LOL.

The conversation was entertaining and interesting all night at our table. The Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Judi Lynch, Dr. Kurt Michael....

Always an entertaining speaker, the LG had everyone in the room in stitches telling stories about campaigns, staff members, and events ... and thanked them for their help throughout the years. His Bloggers Days, the pewter Christmas ornaments, remarks at the Republican Advance, handing out his Patrick Henry awards, speaking at numerous events in Commonwealth throughout the years including SWAC Breakfast, and many other contributions will make him remembered as one of the most active lieutenant governors in Virginia history.

Saying this isn't the end, he concluded his remarks with, "Let the games begin!"

Returning to the podium before dessert, the LG was tossing tee shirts to waiting hands at tables causing laughter and cheers.

That shirt went to the outstretched hands of Judi Lynch seated at table number one. Go, Judi!

When he announced there were only two Bolling golf hats left, there was a race by Lynn Martin and Trixie Averill to the table in the back of the room to retrieve the caps, a sight that cracked up the room.

Ibbie Hedrick (seated at table) was with the George W. Bush administration before joining up with the Bill Bolling office as deputy chief of staff and spokeswoman. She worked alongside Denise Burch who was director of constituent services and scheduling, and chief of staff Randy Marcus.

I love food photos.

Staffers, volunteers, friends, colleagues.

The evening provided an opportunity for everyone to break bread together. Thank you to Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Bolling for the hospitality and fellowship. One chapter closes ... another opens.

As a thank you to Bill Bolling, I printed the "Man in the Arena" remarks by Theodore Roosevelt on card stock with a watermark in the background of a photo I took of the Virginia State Capitol at the 2011 Bill Bolling Bloggers Day, framed it, and passed it along at dinner with my appreciation for his service as "the man in the arena" the past 22 years. Thank you, Bill and Jean Ann Bolling....

See also Day at the Capitol with Lt. Governor Bill Bolling ... the portrait unveiling

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014