The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas reveals Jesus’ words on the Kingdom of God. You could say that it’s God’s “Back to the Future,” or perhaps God’s Return of the Beginning.

Jesus says: “You see, the end will be where the beginning is. Congratulations to the one who stands at the beginning: that one will know the end and will not taste death.”

The Nag Hammadi Library, a collection of thirteen ancient codices containing over fifty texts, was discovered in upper Egypt in 1945. This  important discovery includes a large number of primary Gnostic scriptures – texts once thought to have been entirely destroyed during the early Christian struggle to define “orthodoxy” – scriptures such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Philip, and the Gospel of Truth. The leather-bound codices found at Nag Hammadi in 1945.

The discovery and translation of the Nag Hammadi library, completed in the 1970s, has provided impetus to a major re-evaluation of early Christian history, and “newly-found” insights into what Jesus thought and taught – particularly about the Kingdom of God. The text provides truth for those of all faiths. Many who meditate on Jesus’ words here begin to get a clearer understanding of what he was and is saying.

Many scholars have pointed to Thomas as the twin of Jesus. In the Gospel of Thomas, Jesus comments on the roles of James the Just and Mary Magdalene.

Three (3) other insights from the Gospel of Thomas include:

- Jesus said, “Those who seek should not stop seeking until they find. When they find, they will be disturbed. When they are disturbed, they will marvel, and will reign over all. [And after they have reigned they will rest.]”

- The disciples said to Jesus, “We know that you are going to leave us. Who will be our leader?” Jesus said to them, “No matter where you are you are to go to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being.”

- Jesus said, “Look, I will guide her (Mary) to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every female who makes herself male will enter the kingdom of Heaven.”

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To gain insights, read the full text of the Gospel of Thomas on our blog at:

http://7bends.com/blog/2010/07/the-kingdom-of-god-is-a-return-of-the-beginning/

Enjoy!

- In Wardensville, W. VA – Kacapon River Heights – Near Strasburg, VA. 90 min. D.C. area. 116 total acres. Prime development land. Level to rolling forest. Private. At road’s end. Alive with deer and wildlife. Ideal for hunting, private camp, cabins, homes, investment. Beautiful mountain views. Just 2 miles from Cacapon River to fish, canoe, swim. Two adjoining 58 parcels, each divided into 17 mini-forests of 2 to 5 acres, all platted and recorded for resale as individual lots. Adjacent lots selling for $25,000 – 30,000 each. Foreclosure property.

Accessible by private road. Half mile off of Rt. 259. Convenient to Winchester, VA. For sale “as is”.  Grab one or both sections for $2,750 per acre. Bank will finance this offer with 15 percent down. Make cash offer for all or both. Banks wants to close books.

- In Davis, W. VA – Blackwater Falls – Mt. Storm Lake – Canaan Valley ski area. Like Wyoming in W. VA. Bank foreclosure of prime development property in popular, scenic Potomac Highlands. 1,800 ft. on National  forest, offering tax-free use of a million-acre hunting, fishing wilderness region joining your land.  Approx. 450 ft. on native trout stream; 600 ft. on main highway – Rt. 32. All woods and clearings, overrun with deer. No steep land. Can be subdivided.

Ideal 4-season retreat near ski slopes and large mountain lake for sailing, motor boating, scuba diving. High elevation region with cool weather. Create your own ranch. Hold for investment. Lots in this development once priced up to $100K per acre. Look on your own, or call for directions. Appointments advised for those with serious interest. 80 percent financing possible. All cash offers considered.

*****

Whether for personal use or as an investment to provide for your family’s future, visit the B.K. Haynes web site to see all of the latest ranch and camp possibilities- outside the perimeter of the Washington DC area.  Or call B.K. Haynes, Accredited Land Consultant, at (540) 635-3169.

B.K. Haynes is located at 501 S.Royal Avenue, in Front Royal, VA 22630.

Land bargains since 1966 in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia’s Piedmont, the Blue Ridge, and the W.VA. Highlands

Email: bkhaynes ~at~ bkhaynes.com

P.S. And, don’t forget to check out B.K. Hayne’s new music CD and his Valley of the Stars radio information, on the web site (above), as well as the upcoming feature film that he wrote entitled, The Saddle Bum.

The Saddle Bum - a movie synopsis – based on the novel by Brad Haynes

Singer, author, song and screen writer, musical radio host, businessman, and movie producer, Brad Haynes, is a living legend in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. Brad’s new movie is an adaptation of his romantic novel, The Saddle Bum — an intriguing story of lost love, set in the Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Two unlikely lovers find and lose each other, but never forget a torrid and soulful romance that will scorch their hearts and minds for 30 years, when they are finally reunited.

Here/hear is what five top astrologers have to say about the rare Total Solar Eclipse and New Moon which both happen this Sunday, following the line up of five planets that occurred on June 13, 2010 …

From your vantage point on Earth, what do you see and hear?

**In the Earth-Keepers newsletter, James Tyberonn explains:

“When a Total Solar Eclipse occurs on a New Moon, a very special energy of transformation occurs. On July 11, 2010 this will take place.

Are you ready? Take time for this day, and utilize its extraordinary potentials for the positive. Keep your energy intact, and do not allow emotions to fray, and indeed the temptation to become anxious or over react will be there.

The July 11 Total Solar Eclipse is a New Moon with an extremely tremendous impact. The Sun that gives us life and lights our path is joined briefly with the dark and mysterious qualities of the Moon. The Moon blocks the light of the Sun. In this moment of perceived darkness, spirituality and the psyche combine anew, beginning another cycle in the spiral of our personal development. Great openings and great closures can occur – great advancement or untoward downward spiral. It is up to you. This Eclipse is extremely meaningful. Don’t ignore it.”

**Astrologer Pat Paquette writes:

“The cardinal T-square between Saturn, Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter continues to get closer, but as of the eclipse, Saturn remains in the final degree of mutable Virgo, so technically it’s not a cardinal  T-square. I’m not sure how much of a distinction this is, but I’ve theorized that Saturn in Virgo has been a stabilizing influence — an advantage we’ll lose once the lord of time re-enters cardinal Libra on July 21. That’s when the T-square will be at peak power.

That said, events don’t necessarily happen when planetary alignments are exact. There can be lags of days, weeks, or months, and sometimes events happen in advance of the planetary marker. That certainly was the case in 1989, the last time we had anything resembling this year’s cardinal build-up. With Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all in Capricorn, cardinal energies dominated the skies for much of that year.

I went back and looked at several charts for events in 1989, including the Exxon Valdez spill, Hurricane Hugo, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Loma Prieta earthquake, the protests in Tiananmen Square, and the collapse of the Hydro-Québec power grid due to a geomagnetic storm. None of these events occurred when the planets were in exact alignment, although some of them were pretty close. In some cases, key planets were on the Ascendant at the moment of the event.

What this tells us is that the changes could come at any moment. We know we’re in the hot zone, and so nothing that happens in the next two months should surprise us, no matter how unprecedented, extraordinary, or totally outside of human experience to date. We asked to come along on this journey, but we can’t control what happens once we’re on the trail.”

**Astrologer Gary Caton has these observations about the July 11th eclipse and their connection with time and light:

“As if there weren’t enough juice flowing through the cardinal signs — with four of the five outer planets currently transiting near the solstice and equinoctial points — we now begin a period where the Cancer archetype will be forced open, ejecting its inner contents and forcing all the world to become aware of the loss. This is because an eclipse is essentially a rip in the fabric of time, and the South Node (now in Cancer) suggests a loss.

To appreciate the power of an eclipse, it is useful to understand that time here on Earth is fractal. It is measured by the constant repetition of the primal alternations of darkness and light. This rhythm of dark/light is ingrained into our bodies and psyches.

When there is a disruption of this pattern, via an eclipse, the natural flow of the dark/light fractal is stopped in its tracks. There is darkness where there should be light. It is as if the Laws of our Universe are temporarily inverted. The world is stood on its head, specifically in terms of the archetype within which the eclipse is operating.

An eclipse occurs when there is a lunation near the lunar nodes — the place where the Moon crosses the path of the Sun or ecliptic. Astrologically, the lunar nodes have been called the head and tail of the dragon, for in myth it was a demonic serpent swallowing the heavenly orb. The North Node represents the head of the dragon, therefore something being taken in or ingested. The South Node or tail of the dragon represents something being released.

The South Node is now in the sign of Cancer. As a Cancer nation, it is hard not to remember the exodus of American celebrities and dignitaries that surrounded last summer’s solar eclipse at 29° Cancer. A partial list includes: Ed McMahon, Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, David Carradine, Karl Malden, Steve McNair, Walter Cronkite, Les Paul, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver. We lost Ted Kennedy on the day that Venus crossed the eclipse degree. It is almost as if a door was opened to the “other side” through which these souls were bound to exit. It should be noted that the release doesn’t always have to be destructive. (It can signal transformation, rather than death.)

When wondering what the coming eclipse will release, it is important to remember that eclipses happen in families or series; a new member emerges about every 18 years. This is the Saros cycle, first discovered by Babylonian astronomer/astrologers more than two millennium ago.

Solar eclipses with very similar characteristics repeat every 18 years, 11 days, 8 hours; these eclipses are then part of the same family or Saros series. Any two eclipses separated by one Saros (6,585.3 days) share very similar geometries. They occur at the same node with the Moon, at nearly the same distance from Earth, and at the same time of year.

The current eclipse belongs to Saros Series 146, the last two of which occurred in June 1992 and 1974. This series is made up of a total of 76 eclipses; the current July 11, 2010 eclipse is number 27 in the series. The family began on September 19, 1541. The first total eclipse in the series took place on May 29, 1938. The eclipse of June 30, 1992 was the longest total eclipse of the series and lasted 5 minutes and 21 seconds with a magnitude 1.0592. The July 11, 2010 eclipse is the 2nd longest of the series, lasting 5 minutes and 20 seconds with a magnitude 1.0580.

When we look at the birth chart for this series, we see a very powerful conjunction of Mars with Uranus in late Leo near the Persian Royal star Regulus. Certainly this series has recently seen its share of sudden dramatic reversals in fame and/or power, including Hitler in 1938, Elvis in 1956, Nixon in 1974, and the British Royal Family in 1992.”

**Astrologer Rob Tillett makes these observations about the Cardinal Climax – a once-in-a-lifetime development between 2009 and 2012 – that he says will “retune the collective unconscious, redirecting social imperatives.”

The Cardinal Climax phase that is forming in the heavens, climaxing this year on July 31, 2010, is a rare occurrence indeed – one which will have powerful effects upon the world and those who dwell therein. It makes intense contacts with the US chart, the UK chart, the EC (European Community, now the European Union) chart, the Federal Reserve chart and the UN chart — not to mention the Australia chart.

The FIFA World Cup in South Africa has been positioned right across the eclipse cycle (June 11 – July 11), with the last day of the contest being on the day of the Solar Eclipse.

Let’s look at these aspects individually. The most immediately striking thing is the conjunction of the Moon with Pluto, with the Sun conjunct Mercury in opposition at the time of the eclipse. In addition to the stress inherent in the Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse, the conjunction of the Moon and Pluto awakens very powerful, strong-willed emotions and intense feelings.

The Sun in opposition gives difficulties with obstacles from those whose egos are threatened by situations in which power and control are paramount. Political disputes and social revolutions threaten danger and destruction. The common people (the Moon, Saturn) will be inclined to overthrow or resist their rulers (Sun, Jupiter) who will seek to control and repress them, even while offering blandishments and concessions.

Saturn is rising in Virgo, so the military will be ready to take control in trouble spots. These are likely to be in Europe, where tinder-boxes are crackling, thanks to the financial crisis. The eclipse angles are exactly superimposed upon the chart of the European Community, so Saturn (restriction, control, sorrow, karma, the past, the masses) is rising exactly conjunct the EC ascendant.

This chart is very heavily stressed in weeks ahead by the Solar Eclipse and then the Cardinal Climax. Greece’s chart too is heavily stressed by the eclipses and the 1974 chart also has Moon conjunct Pluto. This is not to say that other areas will not be affected. For example, Thailand is already more than crackling with political violence, and its significant that the eclipse Moon and Pluto fall exactly upon the ascendant of King Phumiphon Adunyadet (who is currently very ill in hospital), while eclipse Mars (violence) is exactly square his natal Saturn (common people) and eclipse Saturn is exactly opposed to his natal Uranus (disruption;catastrophe). Astrologically, the chart of the ruler always indicates developments in the nation, when activated. The Solar Eclipse also violently activates his chart, but enough of that.

Each of us will experience these stresses according to where the eclipse falls in our own charts, but stresses they will be! The Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) will be most affected, especially if you were born early in the sign. There are a number of other notable aspects, the most intense being the opposition of Mercury and Pluto, so it may be we are so intent on exerting the force of our own thoughts that we refuse to listen, or that others attempt to manipulate our ideas to their advantage.

It just isn’t the best time for easy exchanges or free thinking. Information may be withheld as a form of paranoia or protection, or the wrong information is deliberately given in an effort to mislead. Jupiter and Saturn are the Great Chronocrators, or Time Lords, and their major aspects always mark important developments, with the opposition being the most cathartic.

The T-square of Sun/Mercury to Jupiter and Uranus opposing Saturn announces a major shift of social priorities, probably in a direction that has been unexpected by most. Traditional values are threatened or even overthrown in the chaos, which comes about through forces over which we have no personal control. Normal schedules or plans may be disrupted by the weather, war, or other forces in the environment. The good side is that we will be forced to create unorthodox responses that may prove valuable in the long term. We may also feel that we are asserting our freedom or independence in so doing.

We have to make choices here, and the sheer volume of information may become overwhelming. Don’t get swamped in the details, but be sure to check that the info on which you base your decision is accurate.”

** And finally, Jude Cowell on his Stars Over Washington blog adds:

“On July 11, 2010 there’s the Solar Eclipse with Scorpio (big business; betrayals and spying) rising with the midpoint of Saturn and Pluto, two of the main actors on 9/11/01 during their opposition.

Saturn/Pluto = ASC: concentration upon important matters; assessments of how to work with those in power; an environment that gives an impression of silent power or continuing influence; being placed in cumbersome or difficult circumstances; separation; melancholy; mourning or bereavement.

There is also 8th house involvement (Shared Resources, Debt, Credit, Insurance, Transformation, Death, the Occult) which relates to the Fixed Star Castor which is being triggered by the July 11, 2010 Solar Eclipse @ 19Can24, plus, ‘20Can/Cap are crisis or critical degrees.

Basically, 8th house crises are indicated yet the Solar Eclipse itself describes problems that at first seem worse, then clear with good outcomes… so don’t panic. The July 11 Eclipse is in the same Series (12S) as America’s Pre-Natal Eclipse Series (@ 00Pis34 in 1776, where Chiron transits now.)

That stock markets may be affected adversely by the July Solar Eclipse and by its herald, the June 26, 2010 Lunar Eclipse conjoining secretive Pluto in Saturn-ruled Capricorn, is a distinct possibility for Summer into Autumn 2010.

*****

Even NASA is getting into the picture. They have created a special website just for eclipses. “On Sunday, 2010 July 11, a total eclipse of the Sun is visible from within a narrow corridor that traverses Earth’s southern Hemisphere. The path of the Moon’s umbral shadow crosses the South Pacific Ocean where it makes no landfall except for Mangaia (Cook Islands) and Easter Island (Isla de Pascua). The path of totality ends just after reaching southern Chile and Argentina. The Moon’s penumbral shadow produces a partial eclipse visible from a much larger region covering the South Pacific and southern South America.”

Refer to Genesis 1:1  and comments below.

“The governor truly hopes that this day off will allow state employees an opportunity to join him in honoring and celebrating the life of the state’s senior Senator,” says his aides.

West Virginians are invited to honor and celebrate the distinguished life of Sen. Byrd, with a public procession through Charleston, starting Thursday evening, July 1. Sen. Byrd will lie in repose at the state Capitol’s Lower Rotunda, from 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, 2010 until 9 a.m. on Friday, July 2, 2010, where the public is invited to pay their respects. A public, formal memorial service will also take place 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 2, 2010 at the state Capitol’s North Plaza.

“This will be a beautiful service for a wonderful public servant,” said Manchin. “I invite all West Virginians to join us during this special day of remembrance and to celebrate the many accomplishments of this outstanding West Virginian.”

This Executive Order only applies to state government employees, including those who work at state colleges, such as Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. County employees also may take time off if the county commission elects to designate the day or part thereof as time off. Governor Manchin encourages all West Virginians to attend this celebration for the state’s senior U.S. Senator.

*****

Who will replace Senator Byrd?

The Washington Post had this to say:

“According to West Virginia law, Governor Joe Manchin III, a Democrat, will be able to select a replacement to serve out the remainder of Byrd’s term until 2012. However, there’s reasonable grounds for a challenge here: The law states that if a vacancy occurs more than two-and-a-half years before the term is up, a special election may be held; Byrd died two years, six months, and five days before his term expires.

But the law also holds that the special election will not take place until after a candidate “has been nominated at the primary election next following such timely filing and has thereafter been elected”—the “next” primary not being scheduled until 2012.

Still, it’s reasonable to expect a legal challenge to force a special election sooner; had Byrd died just one week later, all of this would be moot since the legal ambiguity would be eliminated. West Virginia has little experience in these matters, as Byrd has held his seat since 1959 and West Virginia’s other senator, John D. Rockefeller, since 1984.”

It’s also been reported by NorthJersey.com that U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg will replace the late Senator Robert Byrd as chairman of the influential subcommittee that controls homeland security funds.

Senator Byrd was 92.

Examine the facts for yourself

Here are 37 issues that an attorney has asked the Virginia regulators to explain – regarding the permit by a large energy company to drill for natural gas in the Shenandoah Valley:

*****

June 7, 2010

Re: Application of Carrizo (Marcellus) LLC to drill exploratory gas well in Bergton, VA – Application # 16035

“We are working with a group of citizens in Rockingham County concerned about the circumstances surrounding the above proposed hydrofracture gas well drilling in the floodplain at Bergton. Because this is apparently the first such Virginia application of its kind, and because of the innumerable serious pollution and other problems this activity has caused in other states, leading to multiple calls for moratorium on hydrofracture
drilling, we request some clarification from your agency on the following issues.

Because the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors (BOS) could take up the tabled matter again at any time, your prompt reply will be much appreciated.

1. The Permit Application #16035 is described as “a Marcellus Shale test well.” Should gas be discovered, would Carrizo need to obtain an additional permit from DMME to actually produce gas?

2. Do DMME inspectors have Marcellus Shale drilling experience with the methods proposed to be used at the Ennis site for the test well, and for methods that might be used to actually produce gas from a subsequent well?

3. What guidelines does DMME use to establish the criteria under which hydrofracture drilling permits using the method proposed at the Ennis site are approved? May we have either a cite to them or copies, preferably electronically?

4. What are the guidelines governing DMME’s coordination with other governmental agencies, (national, state, or local) before it issues a permit such as #16035? May we have either a cite to them or copies, preferably electronically?

5. The proposed site is in a 100-year floodplain, though it has a history of flooding far more frequently than that. Did DMME take this into consideration before approving the permit?

6. What steps, if any, were taken to address the environmental and health risks posed by the fact that the site is in a floodplain?

7. Did DMME in fact consult any other governmental agencies (national, state, or local) before approving #16035? If so, which agencies did it consult?

8. Does the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality retain any oversight authority over the proposed activity once the permit is approved and issued? If so, what is the extent of its authority?

9. If the drilling activity goes forward, will any other governmental agencies (federal, state, or local) be involved in overseeing, regulating, monitoring, and testing the environmental impact of, the activity? If so, what agencies?

10. Do DMME inspectors have Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector Certification by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation?

11. Hydrofracture drilling has been known to use extremely toxic chemicals. A list of 345 of them with substantial product and toxicological information can be found at this web site. The spreadsheet of
these chemicals found at that site is attached to the same email that conveys this letter. Companies have often asserted proprietary reasons for refusing to disclose the chemical makeup of drilling and hydrofracture chemicals.

Will DMME know, prior to their use, exactly what chemicals will be used either in the drilling or hydrofracture portions of this activity?

12. What criteria will DMME use to allow or disallow certain chemicals in drilling or hydrofracture? May we have either a cite to them or copies, preferably electronically?

13. Hydrofracture drilling, especially in the Marcellus formation, has been known to produce radioactive solids and wastewater. Has DMME taken this fact into consideration in approving permit #16035?

14. What requirements are placed upon the permit applicant to deal with radioactive waste?

15. We understand that the permit has been “approved” but not “issued.” Is this correct? What conditions must be met before DMME issues the permit?

16. Given the potential damage that can be caused by this activity, and the actual damages suffered by a number of communities in other states, how much is the performance bond that Carrizo will be required to post, or other demonstration of financial responsibility, for this site?

17. On April 5, 2010, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries wrote a strongly-worded letter to the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors, copy to DMME, raising environmental concerns about this proposed permit. A copy is for your convenience. Will DMME take into consideration the contents of this letter before issuing the permit?

18. If the activity goes forward, will DMME inspect the site and conduct chemical and radiation testing regularly? On what schedule will this occur?

19. Will other state or federal agencies be allowed access to inspect the site if they desire to do so?

20. On page 10 of the Carrizo application, under “Analysis of mud medium/drilling medium/oil based fluid medium attached/filed:” the box “Does Not Apply” is checked. Does this mean that DMME will not know what chemicals are used in the process, since the application further states that it is possible that such fluids might be needed? Does other agency have oversight of such?

21. Also on page 10, under “SPCC Plan Required by EPA,” the box “No” is checked. Under what criteria did DMME determine that the proposed activity will have an acceptable level of environmental impact?

22. A Blooey pit lined with 30 mil plastic is approved. Did DMME take into account the fact that the site lies in a floodplain before approving this method of fluid storage?

23. On page 13, “Disposal of Drilling Fluid” is marked “Yes-Approved.” What is the method of fluid disposal that is approved?

24. “Fresh Water” is also marked “Yes-Approved.” Is this an approval of a source of obtaining fresh water, and if so, what source is approved?

25. “Disposal of Produced Fluids” is marked “Yes-Approved.” What is “approved?” That is, how will the produced fluids, or wastewater, be disposed of?

26. Is a copy of any agreement with the local wastewater treatment facility for receiving site wastewater available? If so, may we have a copy of it?

27. “Salt Water” is marked “Yes-Approved.” What does this mean?

28. On page 14, under “Lacking,” is the comment, “Discuss the disposal of produced fluid.” Has this discussion taken place? If so, what was decided?

29. The Drill Pad Narrative on the application notes a “sediment containment area on the southwest corner of the construction site.” This is not shown on the site plan sketch. How will this be achieved?

30. Allegedly, the applicant may not spray or otherwise land-apply wastewater on the site. Where in writing is the restriction prohibiting such?

31. The site plan and narrative does not address the containment and disposal of wastewater. How will this be accomplished?

32. The plans show areas labeled “Fluid Dispersal Area[s]”. Are these areas in which wastewater and other toxic fluids may be applied?

33. The following statement is made by Carrizo on page 29 of the application: “If chlorides and other parameters meet Virginia requirements, the water will be discharged onto adjacent ground via sprayer heads or soaker hoses with no runoff accepted”. Will DMME make the determination of what is acceptable? What are the guidelines that determine what is acceptable? May we have either a cite to them or copies, preferably electronically?

34. The following statement is also made by Carrizo on page 29 of the application: “If they do not meet Virginia requirements, they will be diluted to below discharge requirements if possible. They will then be discharged as before.” This would appear to allow the dilution of toxic wastewater with more water and then dumping or spraying it on the same ground.

Is this an acceptable method? Has DMME determined that this is environmentally sound? Does dilution of toxic wastewater with more water do anything to protect surface and underground waters?

35. The following statement is also made by Carrizo on page 29 of the application: “Arrangements have been made with Harrisonburg -Rockingham Regional Sewer Authority for disposal of fluids if they cannot
be spray discharged as planned.” We have reason to believe that the Sewer Authority does not have the capability to dispose of the toxic wastewater that will be produced by this drilling activity.

Has DMME checked to see if such “arrangements” have been made? Are they in writing? If so, may we have a copy of them? If such “arrangements” have not actually been made, is this grounds for revocation or nonissuance of the permit? If DMME has not already done so, we request that it verify the accuracy of the statement that such “arrangements” have been made.

36. The following statement is also made by Carrizo on page 29 of the application: “Drill solids will be collected in the drilling pit during operations. They will have as much associated water as practical initially until removal during the remediation phase. After drilling, the pit chlorides and other parameters will be evaluated to determine disposal method.”

Will DMME evaluate these parameters? What criteria will DMME use? May we have either a cite to them or copies, preferably electronically?

37. The following statement is also made by Carrizo on page 29 of the application: “A Pit Disposal Permit will be sought from the VA DMME. It is planned to sequester andencapsulate the cuttings with the pit liner and additional liner installed on the top. It is then planned to bury the cuttings a minimum of 4’ below ground level. If this approach is unattainable, arrangements have been made with the Rockingham County
Landfill  for disposal.”

Does the Rockingham County Landfill have a permit for accepting drill cuttings, wet or dry? Does it have a radiation detector installed to monitor NORM levels in such cuttings? Has DMME checked to see if such “arrangements” have been made? Are they in writing? If so, may we have a copy of them? If such “arrangements” have not actually been made,
is this grounds for revocation or non-issuance of the permit? If DMME has not already done so, we request that it verify the accuracy of the statement that such “arrangements” have been made.

We thank you in advance for answers to these important issues. Should the permit in question be issued, it will be precedent-setting.”

*****

Many in the Shenandoah Valley are working to try and prevent the same travesties that have occurred with hydrofracking in PA, NY, CO, WV, and other states, and looking to have legislation ready to regulate hydrofracking in Virginia when the next General Assembly meets in Richmond in  January 2011.

New York legislators, for example, are calling for a 2-year moratorium on this controversial  form of natural gas drilling until the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  has an opportunity to investigate the health and environmental effects of hydrofracking – and communicate that information out to US citizens. The same must happen in Virginia.

It would be unbelievably pitiful if the beautiful Shenandoah Valley is ruined because of the greed of large energy companies, whether they be drilling for gas or electric. We know only too well how that looks as we see the devastation in the Gulf each day – and hear about the other states where hydrofracking has already harmed the landscape, water supply, and health of residents.

(A quick Google search on hydrofracking  in any of our neighboring states to the North- Pennsylvania, New York, or West Virginia – results in dozens of examples of the harm caused to normal citizens like you and me.)

The natural gas drilling permit referred to in the letter above represents the first permit that’s been applied for in the Shenandoah Valley. That’s why this case will set a precedent. Once one permit is issued, “the floodgates are open” for more permits and more drilling – all across the Valley.

After discussions with the attorney who wrote this letter, it’s our understanding that this permit has been approved  – but not yet officially issued – by the DMME, but that the Board of Supervisors of Rockingham County, Virginia, must also approve a “special use permit” before drilling can begin on the site in Bergton ( located in Rockingham County – right outside of Harrisonburg, VA).

On the hydrofracking issue, the Gulf Oil spill, bank bailouts, and many other issues – it’s the people – it’s regular folks like you and me – that can and must take action together to oppose corporate bailouts – corporate protectionism – and corporate greed. It’s our country.

Legislators who don’t represent the peoples’ interest must be voted out. It’s becoming clear that party affiliation doesn’t matter.

What matters is: Who will stand up to big business and big government – with worrying about getting re-elected, or hurting their own standing?

Who is your elected official working for – whether at the county, state or national level?

We must break from our normal routines and stand up, and demand accountability. If not us, then who?

*****

Citizens actions that can be taken regarding hydrofracking:

1. Those living in Rockingham County who want to see this stopped should contact their county supervisor and let their opinion be known.

Pablo Cuevas is the Chairman of the Rockingham County Board of Supervsiors, and he’s also the representative from District 1 that includes the proposed Bergton natural gas drilling site. Time is of the essence as the Supervisors will be voting on the special use permit at some point. The exact date of the vote is unclear. They are currently “studying the situation,” but could call a vote at any time.

Here is Pablo’s contact information:

Email: pcuevas@rockinghamcountyva.gov

Phone: (540) 896-7889.

2. There are 23 other counties in Virginia where there is Marcellus shale – where it’s possible that Carrizo, or other large energy companies, will apply for drilling permits. If you are against this issue, contact your county supervisor and let him/her know BEFORE a drilling permit is entertained by your county.

3. Contact Tony Wilt, the new House of Delegates representative for the Rockingham County area and let him know your opinion. He lives is nearby Broadway, VA. Here is his contact information:

Email: tony@tonywiltfordelegate.com

Phone:  (540) 810-4462

4. Or, contact Mark Obenshain, the Virginia state senator serving Rockingham County. Here is his contact information:

Email: mark@markobenshain.com

Phone: (540) 437-1451 (District office)
(804) 698-7526 (Richmond)

5. If you live elsewhere in Virginia, contact your own House delegate and/or state Senator and let them know your opinion on hydrofracking in the Valley, and across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

6. You can contact the Division of Gas and Oil at the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) directly at:

Email:DmmeInfo@dmme.virginia.gov

Phone: (804) 692-3200 – in Richmond.

7. Additional community meetings will be held across Virginia on  hydrofracking. Check back here – on 7Bends.com. We’ll be publicizing details about citizen forums and discussion sessions before they happen. And, we’ll keep you informed on the move to get hydrofracking regulations on the books in Virginia in the 2011 Legislative Session.

*****

To learn more about the hydrofracking issue:

There are a number of great articles that have been written by the Daily News Record, hburgnews.com, and some national reporters on this issue. You can Google those as you wish. There are also a number of great video clips out there showing what a hydro fracking site looks like, and its effects on the surrounding people and communities. (We’ll be featuring these clips on 7Bends as they come in… )

Educate yourself

As an independent online news source for the Shenandoah Valley, 7Bends.com does not have any political or economic constraints on what we publish. We will give you everything we find on the subject, uncensored.

Here are the articles 7Bends.com has published on hydrofracking in Virginia since May 2010:

May 22 – http://7bends.com/2010/05/22/gasland-film-chronicles-natural-gas-drilling-dangers/

May 22 – http://7bends.com/2010/05/22/eminent-domain-status-application-to-lay-gas-pipeline-across-your-property/

May 24 – http://7bends.com/2010/05/24/county-decision-natural-gas-drilling-in-virginia/

May 26 – http://7bends.com/2010/05/26/world-renowned-scientist-illuminates-health-effects-of-water-contamination-from-fracking/

June 15 - http://7bends.com/2010/06/15/hydrofracking-in-virginia-is-hot-issue-in-tony-wilts-victory-tonight-in-t26th-district/

]]> http://7bends.com/2010/06/21/read-attorneys-letter-sent-to-virginia-officials-about-permit-for-hydrofracture-gas-drilling-in-bergton/feed/ 3 http://7bends.com/2010/06/15/hydrofracking-in-virginia-is-hot-issue-in-tony-wilts-victory-tonight-in-t26th-district/ http://7bends.com/2010/06/15/hydrofracking-in-virginia-is-hot-issue-in-tony-wilts-victory-tonight-in-t26th-district/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 03:08:22 +0000 Susan Thompson http://7bends.com/?p=5478 Harrisonburg, VA – Tonight, withstanding an early-morning polling place software glitch, the special election for the Virginia House of Delegates seat in the Shenandoah Valley is history. Broadway businessman Tony Wilt (R) has beat Kai Degner (D), as well as Carolyn Frank (I).

26th District Election Results (unofficial)

- Across Rockingham County, Wilt picked up 4,218 votes versus 779 for Degner.

- In the city of Harrisonburg, 29-year-old Degner, who is the mayor of Harrisonburg, beat Wilt, by a 50-vote margin.

- District-wide, Wilt received about 66 percent of the overall vote; Degner received about 30 percent; and Carolyn Frank received about 4 percent.

Tony Wilt will assume the seat formerly held by Matt Lohr, who was recently tapped by Virginia Governor McDonnell as commissioner of agriculture.

*****

Heavy push for Democrats in Rockingham County

Even though Rockingham County is definitely considered a strong Republican stronghold, the amount of attention and dollars invested into this race by the Democrats has been noticed all across the Commonwealth. For example, a Washington Examiner article by Lynn Mitchell today noted: “Republicans are expected to hold onto the seat but Virginia Democrats have poured money into the race which has raised eyebrows among some who wonder why so much is being spent in such a red area.”

Issue of hydrofracking still looming after today’s election

The controversy about proposed hydrofracking in Rockingham County, which became a hot campaign issue in this special election, is perhaps one of the main reasons the contest received so much notice.  Hydrofracking is a controversial way to extract natural gas from Marcellus shale. A large Houston energy company, Carrizo, has applied for a permit to drill in nearby Bergton, VA. The Rockingham Board of Supervisors (BOS) has been looking at the issue; a vote is expected soon.

Already -  in Pennylvania, New York, other U.S. states, and across the world – hydrofracking has ruined countrysides, and the chemicals used in the drilling process (e.g. benzene) have contaminated local water – resulting in health problems for nearby residents, including endrocrine-disruption diseases.

The EPA is currently studying the situation, and some states (including New York) are calling for moratoriums on fracking until the health and environmental effects are fully understood – and communicated to U.S. citizens. In the meantime, energy companies are exempt from adhering to the Safe Drinking Water Act – when it comes to hydrofracking, as well as oil drilling (e.g. B.P. spill in the Gulf.)

During the 26th District special election, Kai Degner held a press conference on the dangers of “fracking.” He is calling for the Virginia House of Delegates to enact natural gas drilling regulations that protect Virginia citizens and land at the first possible opportunity. It still remains to be seen what Wilt will do on this important issue when he heads to Richmond. Other Shenandoah Valley legislators will need to rise to the occasion to address the issue. Citizens, too, have a responsibility to learn about the issue; it will surely affect them.

Shenandoah Valley hydrofracking situation now receiving national attention

Just in the last few weeks, through local activist efforts, some national media attention is focusing on the fact that large energy companies are now heading to the Valley to drill. Just yesterday, AP Reporter Steve Szkotak wrote an article entitled “Virginia House race takes up fracking debate” about the special election and hydrofracking – and its consequences for the landscape of the Valley, its water supply, and citizen health.

Virginia economic development officials will likely join in the fight against fracking in the coming months, too, as drilling operations that could begin to dominate the Valley landscape will definitely affect Shenandoah Valley tourism.

(Note: The picture above is a typical hydrofracking operation. This particular drilling site is in Pennsylvania.)

For two nights only, Thursday, July 1 and Friday, July 2, the Curtain Call Café of the theatre will be converted to a performance stage – offering a free Cabaret to the community.

Middletown has been treated to the beginnings of what will be an exceptionally unique and diverse season of characters from Artistic Director Warner Crocker and his professional acting company, whom have taken their audiences through civil war in the Shenandoah Valley in the musical, Shenandoah.  Meanwhile, the community is eagerly anticipating the theatre’s next main stage production of the comedy, “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.”

With all of the excitement that this season will surely offer, this Intern Cabaret Showcase will feature some of the theatre’s budding talent in a completely new light.

Warner Crocker, Artistic Director, says, “What makes this Cabaret so unique is that it offers the community a rare glimpse at the actual people and personalities that have kept Middletown entertained night after night on Wayside’s main stage.”

“The company of young professional actors will be able to drop their characters and on-stage oddities and perform material that is close to them.  It also makes for a perfect opportunity for these talented individuals to perform the songs and scenes, and instrumental performances that they feel best showcase their talent and personalities, which theatre patrons wouldn’t otherwise get to witness.”

Wayside Theatre’s Intern Cabaret Showcase begins at 11:00 p.m. on Thursday July 1 and Friday July 2,  following that evening’s performance of the play “Shenandoah” at the Wayside Theatre’s Curtain Call Café.  It is free of charge; donations are appreciated.

Wayside Theatre is located at 7853 Main Street in Middletown, VA (off Interstate 81). The Theatre is handicap accessible, smoke-free, and offers a cash bar.

For more information call (540) 869-1776,or visit the Wayside Theatre web site.

*****

According to wikipedia, “Cabaret is a form of entertainment featuring comedy, song, dance, and theatre, distinguished mainly by the performance venue – a restaurant  or nightclub  with a stage for performances and the audience sitting at tables (often dining or drinking) watching the performance being introduced by a master of ceremonies, or emcee (MC).”

Cabaret was also a 1972 American musical film directed by Bob Fosse, and starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Joel Grey. The film is set in Berlin during the Weimar Republic in 1931, under the ominous presence of the growing National Socialist Party.

Woodstock, VA – Forty years ago, the Agriculture students at Central High School in Woodstock, Virginia, planted a former pasture with pine trees, in the hopes of raising funds for their department and the FFA chapter.  The trees in what is now called the Nature Trail have grown through the years, and the area has been used for everything from elementary school field trips to science class explorations, forestry training, and even a mock wedding.

Turn the time machine to 2010 … Part of that same area is now set for a major renovation, as Central’s current Agriculture students have created a plan to develop an arboretum containing native forest trees of Virginia.

A Labor of Love for More than 50 years

When Central High School opened in Woodstock in 1959, there were no gas stations, banks or even trees to hide it from Route 11.  That all changed when land donated to the agriculture department by Dr. Miller of Woodstock was planted with pine trees.  In an effort to secure long-term funding for the department, agriculture students back then planted a mixture of eastern white pine and loblolly pine trees on the land between Central High School (CHS) and the railroad tracks.  These plantings took place between 1969 and 1971.

Since, the “pines” have become a fixture at CHS, as they have taken on multiple purposes over their forty years.  Though the area has always been used for educating students in forest management practices, it began to take on a new role in the early 1990s.

Giving to the Environment, the Community and Future Generations

Through the FFA’s Building Our American Communities program (BOAC), the students created a set of trails, built a bridge over a drainage area, and installed some permanent benches.  The trail now also contains the Falcon Adventure Learning Center, a low-ropes activity course and an outdoor classroom and stage.

More recently, students in the CHS Natural Resources courses have spent the past year developing a plan for the future of the Nature Trail, with the help of the Virginia Department of Forestry.  Due to overcrowding of the current trees and the ever-present threat of insect infestation, the students decided to remove about two acres of the existing trees, in order to re-plant the area with a combination of native trees that will include up to forty new species.  Adding tree diversity to the area will not only reduce the impact of insects, but will also provide a greater opportunity for education.  The students hope that the area can be used by students throughout the county and by the community, as well.

In addition to the removal of trees, the students have also planned to have a portion of the trail thinned to about half of its current population.  In the years to come, the arboretum will be an example of the benefits of managing a forested area, to allow strong trees to reach their full growth potential.

Their Summer Project will extend into Fall, and Beyond

In keeping with the original plan for the area, any proceeds will be used to support the agriculture program and the Central FFA chapter.  Tree removal will start this July, and be completed before students return to school.  Students will mark new trails and prepare the area for planting this fall.  New trees, obtained from the Department of Forestry and other sources, will be planted in the Spring of 2011.

The students at Central High School are considering the generations that follow after them; they hope that the new arboretum containing native forest trees of Virginia will serve the school and the community for another forty years.

*****

If you or your company or organization would like to support the students’ effort, contact Central High School at (540)459-6222.

Here’s an opportunity to get fit with your family this summer, and teach your kids hiking and camping skills at the same time.  Shenandoah National Park is hosting two “Hiking with Children” seminars scheduled for two Saturdays this summer, on June 19 and July 17 – from 10:00 a.m. to noon. These programs are designed for parents that want to get outdoors to hike with their children and have a worry-free experience.

- Have you always wanted to hike with your family but were concerned about being safe?

- Do you wonder about keeping your little ones entertained and engaged?

- Are you making the right decisions about what to wear and what to take with you should unexpected situations arise?

Author Jeff Alt presents “Hiking with Children”

Guest speaker and expert hiker Jeff Alt, author of the celebrated A Walk for Sunshine, will share his expertise with you and your family. You will learn firsthand how to share nature with children for a fun and safe outdoor adventure.

Jeff is the father of two young children and regularly takes his family on overnight hiking trips. He has hiked the 2,160 mile length of the Appalachian Trail on his own. During the summer of 2007, with his wife and extended family, Jeff carried his 21-month-old daughter on a 50-mile hike across a swath of Ireland.

At the “Hiking with Children” seminars, Jeff will provide tips on how families with children can experience nature together on the trails in Shenandoah National Park. Both programs include a short hike with Jeff and park rangers on one of the park’s trails.

The “Hiking with Children” program is free but reservations are requested. There is a $15-per-car entrance fee to the park, good for seven days. Saturday, June 19 is Shenandoah Neighbors’ Day and the park will waive entrance fees for those residents living in counties adjoining the park
including: Albemarle, Augusta, Greene, Madison, Page, Rappahannock,
Rockingham, and Warren.

To register for a seminar, go to the Shenandoah National Park website.

“Hiking with Children” is one of the Shenandoah National Park Resource Seminars designed for those who want to get to know their national park a little more personally. Seminars provide a more in-depth experience to learn from scientists, researchers, educators, and other experts about resource issues and recreational opportunities in Shenandoah National Park.

Basics of Family Camping seminar will also be offered

Future seminars include The Basics of Family Camping, July 10 -11, and our science-based air quality seminar, What’s Up with the Air? on Saturday, August 14, 2010.

The complete Resource Seminar schedule can be found on the park’s website.  Members of the Shenandoah National Park Association receive a 20% discount on seminars. The Shenandoah National Park Resource Seminars are co-sponsored by the Shenandoah National Park Association and ARAMARK, the park’s official concessioner.

For more information, contact the park’s Education Office at (540) 999-3500, ext. 3489.

“Shenandoah” explores the conflict when it seems life has been reduced into a brother against brother situation. Both sides must wrestle with what they see and believe, and act accordingly. Peace can follow, and will.

The play is running at the famous Wayside Theater in the historic Shenandoah Valley, the region that was in fact the dividing point between the Federal government and the Confederacy. It was here that the decisive battles of the war were fought – from Antienam all the way down the Valley.

The play runs through July 3, 2010, and is suitable for children. In fact, children make up much of the cast, and thus the play also becomes a teaching vehicle, in addition to an enjoyable outing. The play was written by Gary Geld, Peter Udell, Phillip Rose and James Lee Barrett.

For a list of performance dates and prices, and to order tickets, click here. All pictures were taken by Westervelt Photography.

During its 47 year history, the SVMF has gained a reputation throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as a place where: weekend travelers come to get away from it all, music lovers come to be entertained, friends come to enjoy a picnic, couples come to star gaze, and history buffs come to visit a bygone era.

You will be amazed that a music venue like this still exists!

Held in the secluded village of Orkney Springs, Virginia, (near Bryce Resort) a rustic, open-air pavilion on the grounds of a historic mineral springs spa and resort hotel, is home to all of the Festival’s summer concerts. Known formerly as the Orkney Springs Hotel, it is now owned by the Episcopal Dioceses of Virginia, as part of the Shrine Mont Camp and Conference Center.

In its heyday during the early 1900s, the Hotel served as a popular resort where guests from the large eastern cities would come to spend their summers relaxing in the quiet Virginia countryside and soaking up the spring waters believed by many to have medicinal properties.

Standing at the end of a winding country road leading west to the mountains from the Shenandoah Valley, the Hotel’s secluded location still makes it a popular retreat for individuals and groups. The Hotel, which has undergone recent renovations, still possesses a quiet turn of the century charm which continues to attract a variety of visitors and Festival audiences.

Great music, cool mountain breezes, with a whole sky of stars to amaze you

The Festival’s main season includes eight to 10 evening concerts featuring symphonic – both pops and classical – folk, country, bluegrass, big band and an assortment of other genres. The concerts are held on select weekends throughout the summer and feature many acclaimed regional and national artists. Old-fashioned ice cream socials before every concert are a Festival tradition and a favorite of concert attendees.

This year, the season runs from July 23 until September 5, 2010. Concerts are usually scheduled two per weekend – one on Friday night and one on Saturday night so those coming to the Valley from the Metro (or other areas) can enjoy a whole, relaxing summer weekend in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are so many great hotels and B&Bs, and great restaurants nearby.

Here for your listening pleasure, is the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival’s 2010 Concert Calendar:

Friday, July 23 @ 8:00 p.m.
Ronnie Milsap -

Saturday, July 24 @ 8:00 p.m.
Celtic Crossroads

Friday, July 30 @ 8:00 p.m.
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (a class act!)
with Alon Goldstein, pianist

Saturday, July 31 @ 8:00 p.m.
The Temptations with
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra

Friday, August 13 @ 8:00 p.m.
Mary Chapin Carpenter

Saturday, August 14 @ 8:00 p.m.
The Saw Doctors

Saturday, September 4 @ 11:00 a.m.
SVMF ArtReach – Barry Louis Polisar
FREE Children’s Concert – at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School (The Forum),
at 1251 Susan Avenue, Woodstock, VA.

Saturday, September 4 @ 7:00 p.m.
Cherryholmes
(We saw them last year, and they are fantastic! What a musical family, and so talented!)

Sunday, September 5 @ 7:00 p.m.
The Tom Cunningham Orchestra

*****

All programs, times and prices are subject to change without notice. For more information, for directions to Orkney Springs, and to buy tickets online, visit the Festival’s web site.

General Phone Number: (540) 459-3396

To order tickets: (800) 459-3396

It is being held on: July 6, 2010 – at 6:30pm - at the Shenandoah County Administration Building – located at 600 North Main Street in Woodstock, VA.

The informational session and public hearing will be attended by a member of the State Water Control Board.  This Board makes the final decision on whether or not to grant the final permit.

All but two of the farmers/landowners from the original permit have withdrawn their land from the current permit.  That leaves roughly 683 acres of land farmed by John Day in the Meems Bottom area south of Mt. Jackson and land owned by Wilson Eastep located west of Mt. Jackson.

Friends’ two primary arguments against the spreading of biosolids/sludge in the County remain the same:

1.  The proposed spreading locations are in environmentally-sensitive areas.

- The Meems Bottom parcels, especially, are within the 100 year flood plain and were partially   flooded and under water twice this year – in January and March 2010 – making surface waters  extremely vulnerable to biosolids exposure.

- Groundwater contamination is possible due to the karst topography- an open system of caves and tunnels through which our ground water flows – and underlies much of Shenandoah County and the proposed spreading locations.  That water likely enters the river and both river and ground water are used as the source of drinking water throughout the Valley.

2.  Lack of information regarding the potential effects of biosolids and associated runoff on human health.

The current state of knowledge regarding the movement and effects of biosolids (including the  affects of combinations of products, including heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead,  and mercury as well as many industrial and household products (like hormones and other drugs, personal care products, PCBs and other organic chemicals that are not removed during the sewage treatment process) in the environment is insufficient to ensure that DEQ can approve this permit and still meet its mission to protect and enhance the environment of Virginia and promote  the health and well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Here are some quotes from the Deputy Commissioner of Virginia Department of Health in May 2008, who concluded the following, regarding land application of biosolids:

“…it is not possible to make a definitive statement about the safety of biosolids.”

“additional scientific work is needed to reduce persistent uncertainty about the potential for adverse human health effects from exposure to biosolids.”

“Long term health effects are challenging to study and quantify due to a variety of issues.  Further difficulty includes not always having knowledge of the actual contents for the sludge and a complete lack of knowledge regarding health effects for some of the contaminants that may be present and the difficult issue of the toxicology of mixtures of compounds.”

Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River plans to attend and SPEAK UP at the July 6, 2010 informational meting and public hearing.

Visit the Friends web site to view the organization’s full comments to DEQ regarding our objections to the Recyc Permit.  It is EXTREMELY important that the State Water Control Board hears your concerns as an affected citizens of Shenandoah County.

If you have any questions, contact Leslie Watson at (540) 459-8550, or email here: leslie.watson ~at~ fnfsr.org.

Shenandoah Valley, VA – Well, it’s the official start to Summer in the Valley! Here are some of the great events planned for Memorial Day Weekend in the Shenandoah Valley. Grab the kids and come on out.  Relax and enjoy!

In Winchester – Frederick County

Visit the Winchester Visitors web site for more information. On May 29, make plans to bring the kids to the Winchester All-American Soap Box Derby at 8:00 am.

Veramar Vineyards is celebrating Memorial Day at noon. And, the Newtown Heritage Festival will be going on all day.

In Clarke County

On Saturday, May 29 – It’s the St Mary’s Church Annual Strawberry Festival! Activities include:

- Yard sale – 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Features plants, crafts, ice cream, jam, a raffle and more.-

- 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Features homemade fried chicken dinners and strawberry shortcake 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Location: Barnett Street on the left at the top of Church St. in Berryville, VA. Phone: (540)955-3397.

On Saturday, May 29 – Live Music at The Battletown Inn – Featuring Medicine Wind” at 7:00 p.m. Nightly bar and dinner specials. See website for details.

On Sunday, May 30 and  Monday, May 31 – The Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association Barbeque at Nalls Farm Market – on Route 7 in Clarke County. From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Barbeque will be available, sandwiches and pints. All proceeds will go to help local causes.

In Shenandoah County

Count on Shenandoah Caverns to honor our military.

During Memorial Day weekend, all Military Service Members with Military ID (Active or Retired) will receive a Free Adult Combination Admission to the Shenandoah Caverns Family of Attractions, including the Caverns, American Celebration on Parade, Main Street of Yesteryear exhibit and the Yellow Barn. (Special group rates are extended to family members with ID during Memorial Day weekend.)

Location: 261 Caverns Rd., Shenandoah Caverns, VA 22847. Exit 269 off Interstate-81. Phone: (540) 477-4300

Date/Hours:
Friday, May 28, 2010 – Monday, May 31, 2010 (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)

In Page County

Family car trips and weekend getaways are closer than you think.

The Luray-Page County Visitor Center will have extended hours from Memorial Day (starting Friday, May 28 until Labor Day Weekend) from 9 am – 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Grab the kids and come see their new location in the historic restored Luray Train Depot. It’s a wonderful piece of Shenandoah Valley history. Page County offers colorful country roads, Civil War trails, vista overlooks, rivers, parks, and small town charm. (Luray-Page County has been designated the “Cabin Capital of Virginia.” It’s less than a 2 hour drive from the D.C. Metro area.)

In Rockingham County

On May 31 in Harrisonburg, Virginia – Don’t miss the 24th Annual Memorial Day Horse Fair and Auction at the Rockingham County Fair Grounds. Phone: 540-434-0005.

*****

Thanks to our military for giving us the freedom to enjoy these activities with friends and family.

Middletown, Va – Ever meet a kind, intelligent pair who are individually wonderful, and even moreso together? Enter Soojin and Dayton Henceroth. a vibrant couple from Alexandria, Virginia – near D.C. – who just tied the knot last October 25th in the beautiful, historic Shenandoah Valley.

Now, almost seven months later, when asked how married life is going, Soojin pipes up: “I pinch myself. For me, it’s a dream come true. Our wedding day was three years in the making…We’re having a lot of fun.”

A Wedding on History’s Battlefield
Soojin and Dayton’s choice to hold their wedding out in the Valley is part of a growing trend: destination weddings. For the last several years, they’ve been venturing out to Northern Shenandoah Valley towns – like Stephens City, Middletown, and Strasburg, Virginia – making a habit of weekend trips to explore Dayton’s other passion – American Civil War history.

During one of their jaunts last year, they fell upon Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Virginia. It’s is an authentic 1797 Manor House, that was built by Major Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly Madison Hite, sister of President James Madison. Based on design principles of Thomas Jefferson, the elegant Federal era Manor House features intricate, hand carved woodwork and a restored interior. The house is constructed of native limestone quarried on the property.

Belle Grove was used as a headquarters by Union General Phillip Sheridan during the Civil War Valley Campaign of 1864 and was at the very center of the pivotal Battle of Cedar Creek. After a surprise attack by Confederate General Jubal Early in the early hours of October 19, 1864, General Sheridan quickly regained the territory, securing the Valley for the Union and boosting President Abraham Lincoln’s chances for re-election.

Belle Grove and Cedar Creek was a central location back then, and it still is. It’s located off Interstate 81 at the Middletown exit, just north of where Route 66 from D.C. leads into the Valley – very convenient, yet off the beaten path. Signal Knob is in the distance.

Let It Be Laid Back
Soojin, 31, remembers: “The minute we arrived at Belle Grove, we fell in love with it. I first noticed the mountains, and experienced a lot of emotions all at once, dreams of future possibilities and a family. I envisioned a wedding… it was just so peaceful.”

“Soojin comes from a traditional Korean family,” explains Dayton, 34. “They were expecting a large, formal church wedding, so it took them a little time to warm up to the idea of having the wedding outside, out here in the Valley.”

“We wanted a small, intimate wedding, to share our day with the most important people in our lives,” the couple explains. “We also wanted to treat people to a mini-vacation. It is really like being in a whole other world when you’re out here. So serene.”

And so, where soldiers once fought the battle of Cedar Creek now would become the intimate Valley backdrop for bringing Dayton and Soojin’s families and closest friends to share their merging as husband and wife, and of Korean and American customs.

On Friday, October 24, 2009, about family members and friends converged on the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Strasburg, Virginia, occupying about 30 rooms altogether. The next evening about 90 people witnessed a miraculous ceremony as two cultures and lives were intricately woven together.

Soojin’s parents, Hjun and Sung Lee, came from Gaithersburg, Maryland, while Dayton’s parents, Dr. Bill and Diane Henceroth came from Richmond. “It was a central location, really,” they both say in unison. “And, the staff at the Fairfield was great, very hospitable. The hotel was ideally suited to our entourage of friends and family that came and stayed with us at the Fairfield. You just don’t get the same level of individualized personal attention and TLC in Northern Virginia as we received here.”

The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Strasburg is just five miles south down Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) from Belle Grove.

A Clearing In The Night Sky
And so it was. From The Wayside Inn in Middletown for the reception dinner on Friday night… to hiring Caroline Mountain Band, a Shenandoah Valley Americana duo, to play local historic tunes… to watching a threatening storm pass the “day of”… In the end, the setting and the timing at Belle Grove could not have been more perfect.

Just as their evening ceremony began, the sky cleared, and the moon shone brightly through the night clouds down on the couple and the gathering. “It was a miracle,” they relate. The tents set up on the Belle Grove grounds were aglow as the two said “I do” and became one – on a crisp, Fall evening.

Dayton’s brother, Adam, was the best man, Soojin’s sister, Youme was the Maid of Honor, and her friend, Angel, was the Matron of Honor. Local Lutheran pastor William Ballance officiated. Dayton’s father, Dr. William Henceroth sang The Lord’s Prayer.

During the ceremony, according to Korean custom, all four parents were honored, as they exchanged gifts with each another. “In my country’s tradition, it’s all about respecting our elders. They got us this far in our lives, so we make sure they know during the ceremony just how much we appreciate them,” Soojin says.

It Takes a Village To Make A Wedding
Friends came from as far away as Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Ohio, and Austin, Texas,and were able to take in some of the many sights close at hand, including Shenandoah Caverns and Shenandoah Vineyards.

In addition to the Fairfield Inn getting high marks from the Henceroths, the couple is fast to point out all of the other people in the Valley who helped to make their wedding weekend unforgettable. Now “part of the family,” these folks include: Betsy Anderson, wedding coordinator at Belle Grove. Beth Lehman at the flower shop in Stephens City. Grand Rentals. Shaffer’s BarBQ. Hope at N2U Hair. Anna Quinn Jewelers. And, the staff at nearby Cristina’s Cafe in Strasburg.

In fact, many of the guests had so much fun that as Dayton’s mom, Diane Henceroth, remarks,” We plan to come back next year and have a reunion of sorts. Everything is so convenient and breathtaking at the same time.”

O, Shenandoah, We’ll Always Hear You
“We are truly blessed and humbled,” Soojin confides. Dayton agrees, as he concludes: “Holding our wedding here in the Valley with those we love as witnesses forged a connection to this beautiful place that we’ll carry forever.”

Washington, D.C. – A real life hero … The Department of Defense has announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt Donald J. Lamar II, 23, of Fredericksburg, Va., died May 12 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

He was recently meritoriously promoted to sergeant and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Sgt Lamar was considered a Marine’s Marine, a big, strapping kid – tough, a great sense of humor and a natural leader. He was a Marine sniper who grew up in Stafford County, was an accomplished wrestler and football player at Stafford High School. He graduated in 2004 and joined the Marines, serving two tours in Iraq and most recently a tour in Afghanistan. While stationed at Camp Lejeune, he’d drive up to Stafford, Virginia to help with his former high school wrestling team.

Sgt Lamar’s family includes his wife, Stephanie; daughter, Madison (age 2) and parents, Donald and Coleen. The family has extended the honor of standing for Sgt Lamar to PGR.

His funeral will be Friday at Quantico National Cemetery, VA. The Ride Captain is Robbie Smart – (540) 841-7272.

Please set aside a moment of silence at the appointed hour, to reflect on Donald’s sacrafice, his family’s – and the sacrafices of all of our soldiers – men and women.

Conicville, VA – Just announced: An interactive musical event – with some wine and country barbeque. Who could ask for anything better?

For the first time, the public will pick one of the acts for this summer’s Shenandoah Valley Music Festival line up- at the first ever “Barrels, Barbecue and Bands” on May 22 – to be held at one of Shenandoah County’s newest wineries, Cave Ridge Vineyard in Conicville, VA. Come on out to the Valley for relaxation and some great tunes!

Outdoor Concert – You choose the Best Band
Three great Midatlantic Regional bands will take the stage, starting at 1 p.m. People attending the event will vote on their favorite band – and the public’s favorite will open for the bluegrass band Cherryholmes at the Music Festival on September 4, 2010 in Orkney Springs.

Three Contenders In the Running
The three contenders are well-known bands with great reputations: Amanda Murphy and the Lost Indians, Dry Mill Road and Soul Dressing. Each will perform a 25 minute set on May 22, and the votes will be tallied after the last set.

Amanda Murphy and the Lost Indians, based in Northern Virginia and the northern Piedmont region, began playing together in 2007. Since then, Amanda and members Andy Nocero, Dave Sargent, Terry Patten and John Burns have become regulars at Tiffany Tavern in Old Town Alexandria and Katie’s Irish Pub in Springfield, playing a mix of progressive and traditional bluegrass. They opened for bluegrass legends Seldom Scene at the Strasburg Theatre in November.

Drymill Road is a progressive acoustic bluegrass band offering an energetic show of original material featuring the songwriting of Sean Loomis and its own renditions of popular covers. Based in West Virginia, Drymill Road was formed by band leader Sean Loomis in 2008. The band was originally a trio including Sean Loomis on vocals and guitar and Dave Hurt on bass, both of whom are graduates of the music program at Shenandoah University and masters of their instruments.

In October 2009, the band recruited Doug Ross on mandolin and Robert Mabe on banjo, both of whom are heavily influenced by traditional music. As a four piece band, Drymill Road has a rich full sound. Using each instrument as a voice, the band takes you on a wild harmonic journey.

Soul Dressing plays a blend of country, bluegrass and old favorites, all with their original twist. Band members Randy Black on guitar, Pat Wertman on bass and Scott Linton on percussion and mandolin, all have varied influences. The three have been playing music together in various bands and venues for more than 10 years. Four years ago, they created Soul Dressing. The group is based in Rockingham County, VA.

Tickets for “Barrels, Barbecue and Bands” are $35 per person and all guests must be 21 or over. The event runs from noon until 5. Food will be served throughout the afternoon. The event is sponsored by Cave Ridge Vineyard and it is to benefit the Music Festival, according to winemaker Randy Phillips.

According to Shenandoah Valley Music Festival oganizers, those who attend will receive a glass of wine in a souvenir wine glass, a great barbecue dinner with all the fixings and three sets of great acoustic music – and that chance to pick one of the Music Festival’s summer musicians. The event goes on rain or shine.

To purchase tickets for “Barrels, Barbecue and Bands,” contact Cave Ridge Vineyard at (540) 477-2585, or go to the Cave Ridge Vineyard web site.

You can also learn more about the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, and the upcoming concert season by visiting their web site.

hburgnews.com is reporting the following story:

“In a release sent out by the Kai Degner campaign, “Harrisonburg Virginia Mayor Degner would like to invite his three opponents, Dave Briggman, Carolyn Frank and Tony Wilt to a series of public debates held every week starting as early as late next week. This would mean a series of five debates.”

According to the Daily News Record, both Wilt and Frank are willing to participate in debates, but have questioned the feasibility of having five debates between now and the special election on June 15.

Briggman announced on his blog that he also intends to enter the race.  He has until Friday, May 14th to officially file as a candidate.

Debate topics, as proposed in Degner’s invitation, could include “issues ranging from education, public safety, transportation and economic development.”

Read more abut this story.

To learn more about Kai Degner.

Middletown, Virginia – Wayside Theatre Artistic Director Warner Crocker announced the 2010-2011 Season Opener, cast and performance schedule for the musical, SHENANDOAH. Shenandoah runs June 5 through July 3. The musical is written by Gary Geld, Peter Udell, Phillip Rose and James Lee Barrett. The production is sponsored by Heirloom Emporium.

According to Crocker, “We’re thrilled to open Wayside Theatre’s 49th Season with the Tony winning musical Shenandoah. It is not only a great American story, but it is the story of our home here in the Shenandoah Valley during the American Civil War.”

Charlie Anderson, a Valley farmer and widower doesn’t see why he and his large family of sons and one daughter should get involved in the war that is raging around them. His views change when his youngest son is taken prisoner by Union soldiers. Charlie is pushed to the limit as his family is dragged inexorably into the fray. It’s North versus South, brother against brother. The story is based on the classic Jimmy Stewart film,SHENANDOAH.

The musical is rich in emotion, heart and humor featuring stirring anthems, gentle lullabies and dance. Through joy, sorrow and turmoil, this great musical reminds us that it’s the strength of family that matters most.

In announcing the cast Crocker added, “We are thrilled to have Tom Simpson playing the leading role of Charlie. Tom starred in last season’s opener, Man of La Mancha and his singing stopped the show for applause each and every performance.” This will be Tom’s fifth production with Wayside Theatre. Other Wayside Theatre favorite veteran cast members are: David Maga (Harvey, Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Miracle on 34th Street, Southern Crossroads, Smoke on the Mountain Trilogy), Thomasin Savaiano (Southern Crossroads, A Christmas Carol, The Mousetrap, Always…Patsy Cline, Smoke on the Mountain series), Bill Diggle (Southern Crossroads, A Christmas Carol), Richard Follett (Buddy!, The Buddy Holly Story, Miracle on 34th Street, Always…Patsy Cline, Smoke on the Mountain Trilogy), Bob Payne (Miracle on 34th Street, Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Cotton Patch Gospel), Steve Przybylski (Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Southern Crossroads, Smoke on the Mountain Trilogy, Cotton Patch Gospel, Shadow of the Raven), Ricky Hesson (Man of La Mancha, Miracle on 34th Street, The Comedy of Errors, Romeo and Juliet), Eddie Staver (Harvey), and Brandon Shockey (Miracle on 34th Street, Comedy of Errors, A Christmas Carol). Newcomers to Wayside Theatre are: Brandon Wells, Troy Van Meter, Aaron Mann, Katherine Yacko, and Jim Ritter.

The production is directed by Warner Crocker, Music Direction by Steve Przybylski and Chorography by Heather Reid. The Set Designed by Til Turner, Costume Design by Tamara Carruthers and Lighting Design by Paul Callahan.

Shenandoah will begin performances on Saturday, June 5 and. Opening Night is Sunday, June 6 at 6:30 PM. The remaining schedule of performances is Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday’s at 2:30 PM.

The Shenandoah Saturday, July 3 performances are at 1:00 PM and 7:30 PM. There is No matinee performance on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. Ticket prices are $30 to $25 dollars for adults. Prices for children 5 to 17 are $10 for any performance. Discounts for students, seniors and groups are available with information available at the box office, (540) 869-1776.

Wayside Theatre is the second oldest professional theatre in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is celebrating its 49th season of presenting high quality, professional entertainment. Single tickets, subscription packages and group packages can be obtained by calling the box office at (540) 869-1776.

Additional information can be obtained on the theatre’s website.

Wayside Theatre is located in Middletown, Virginia on Route 11, on Main Street, just north of the intersection of I-66 and I-81.
(Photo shown is from the classic movie, SHENANDOAH.)

HARRISONBURG, VA – Today, Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) thanked Governor Bob McDonnell for granting him the opportunity to serve on the new Governor’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring, created by Executive Order No. 2 moments after McDonnell took office on January 16.

“It is an honor to be appointed to serve on the Governor’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring,” said Obenshain. “A serious examination governmental priorities and the manner in which state government provides services is long overdue.

Governor McDonnell recognizes that ‘we’ve always done it this way’ is not a reason in and of itself, and that especially now, while revenues are low, it is essential that we prioritize and find more efficient and effective ways to provide key services. Streamlining government will not solve all our problems, but it is a vital step in the right direction.”

The commission, to be chaired by Fred Malek, the founder and chairman of Thayer Capital Partners, consists of a bipartisan group of current and former legislators, local government officials, businesspeople, administration officials, and policy analysts from across the Commonwealth. Senator Obenshain is one of four senators tapped to serve, alongside Senators Mary Margaret Whipple (D-Arlington), Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover), and Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth).

The Commission is charged with identifying opportunities for creating efficiencies in state government, exploring innovative ways to deliver state services at a better value to Virginia taxpayers, seeking out means to more effectively and efficiently perform core state functions, and examine ways for state government to be more transparent and accountable.

“Anyone who has ever interacted with state government knows how frustrating the process can be,” said Obenshain. “Our responsibility is to scrutinize both what and how government delivers, and to ask whether services can be delivered more effectively and efficiently – and even, sometimes, whether government should be delivering it at all.”

A leading proponent of auditing the Virginia Department of Transportation, a proposal adopted by the Governor, and of exploring opportunities to privatize Virginia’s ABC stores, Senator Obenshain has long made government reform a top priority. “Serving on the Commission affords me an opportunity to push for much-needed changes in the way Virginia does business,” said Obenshain.

“Governor McDonnell and I are both strong advocates of government reform, and I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues on the new reform commission,” said Obenshain.

The Commission will hold its first meeting within the next month and will complete its initial report to the Governor by July 16, with a final report with recommendations to be issued by December 1.

Senator Obenshain represents the twenty-sixth district in the Virginia Senate. The district includes the city of Harrisonburg and the counties of Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rappahannock and Rockingham (part).

ON THE WEB:

Mark’s website
Mark’s Facebook profile

(Picture above: Sen. Obenshain at McDonnell Rally.)

The Town Employees 4th Annual Classic Car Day will run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on May 8 at Byron Memorial Park in historic Williamsport along the Potomac River and the C & O Canal.  (The rain date is May 9, Mother’s Day.) Registration is from 8 a.m. until noon, and the voting will be from noon until 1:30.m. The Awards Ceremony will be at 3 p.m. (There’s a $10 entry fee for cars – due on show day.For more information, call Les at 301-331-0186 or Bobby at 240-527-8203.)

All makes and models of cars are welcome, and will be displayed, including: classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, custom compacts and street rods.

Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 200 entries. They’ll be trophies for all classes. Those attending the show will  also enjoy homemade breakfast sandwiches, music, food and drinks, door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle.

And the fun doesn’t stop at dark. The Cruise In & 50’s Dance will be that night, May 8, at 7 p.m. at the Springfield Farm Barn (rain or shine). Tickets are $2.00 at the door.

Those who like Arts & Crafts will also enjoy “Classic Crafts in the Park” – to be held in the Community Center in Williamsport, MD on Friday, May 7, 2010 and Saturday, May 8, 2010. The arts and crafts fair will include: Boyds Bears, candles, berry wreaths, coutry crafts and more. (To show your crafts at the Fair, call Joyce at the Briar Patch – 301-223-4599.)

The business sponsors of the 2010 Classic Car Show are: Advantage Landscape & Construction, Left Overs, NAPA Auto Parts, Denny’s Auto Machine and Osborne Funeral Home. Williamsport Classic Car Day benefits the “Christmas in the Park” program.

More About Historic Williamsport

Not far from Martinburg, WV, Williamsport, Maryland is located in the heart of the Cumberland Valley “where the serpentine, tree-embowered Conococheague Creek mildly flows at long last into the Potomac River.” Here, more than 275 years ago, smoke was rising from a few scattered cabins of a then western frontier trading post called “Conococheague”.

The native Indian name “Conococheague” means “a long way”; and the name “Potomac” means “trading place” in the Algonquin tongue. Before any settlement, the area was inhabited by Delaware and Catawba Indians.

Because of the Potomac River and C & O Canal, Williamsport has been known as the ” cross-road” and “gateway” to the South, West, and East. Settlers, travelers, and pioneer families passed through the thousands on their way south and east.

To learn more about the Williamsport and what it has to offer, visit their web site.

Woodstock, VA – Winston Churchill once said, ” We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” His words provide the impetus for an inspirational and innovative social action event – led by students – that’s scheduled for tomorrow, April 24, 2010 in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

Earth Day is Everyday

It’s significant that “The Big Give,”as the event is called, will take place after Earth Day. Yesterday, we officially celebrated the reality that  we are all one on Earth – with fanfare. Tomorrow, April 24, 2010, there are activities taking place all over America – including The Big Give – where people are practicing the principles of putting others first – and teaching that way of being to children.

The reality that if we can each BE the change, the CHANGE will come. And, the change we’re talking about is a world where peace reigns and people share what they have with others freely — not because it’s the “cool” or “green” thing to do, but because it’s the natural thing to do, it’s life and love itself.

Summary:

The Big Give involves the students and staff and parents of Peter Muhlenberg Middle School (PMMS) in Woodstock, VA – and also the community. The day is designed to help others – through coordinating reach out programs for young people to participate in – and take the lead – and asking local residents to come and give a hand, as well. The school is partnering with local non-profit service groups to provide assistance to those in need.

Peter Muhlenberg Middle School (PMMS) is part of Shenandoah County School District. Gina Stetter is the Principal of the school, and Jennifer Jones is the overall Coordinator of the event.

It’s no surprise that The Big Give is a win-win for everyone, as anything build on giving and receiving without expectation is. It will take place at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School (PMMS) at 1251 Susan Avenue in Woodstock, Virginia on April 24, 2010 – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

This is a MEGA-EVENT – where at one place and one time – one where/when – many “drives” and outreach efforts will converge simultaneously on-campus – with the students leading the way.  Some students will also go out to events scheduled “off-campus” tomorrow – all across Shenandoah County – joining in activities designed to help others, and to help protect the beauty and long-term sustainability of the Shenandoah Valley area of the U.S..

Residents across the Shenandoah Valley and the region are encouraged to show up tomorrow, use the services provided for a donation (like the car wash and the hot dog stand, for example). And/or, they can bring their own used books, old cell phones, a can of food, etc. to add to the goods that are being collected. It’s a “bring what you have, receive what you need” extravaganza.

*****

The Mission of “The Big Give”

Organizers of The Big Give emphasized the mission of the program: ” to involve students in their community and help them gain a better understanding of the needs in their area, thereby creating successful, educated, and caring young citizens.”

The Big Give is Peter Muhlenberg Middle School’s first large-scale community service event – with literally hundreds of students completing a variety of community service projects at PMMS, and throughout Shenandoah County. (Students who attend will earn 20 “Patriot Pride” points that count toward their grade.)

Morning announcements at the middle school this past week have educated students about the various non-profit groups that will partners at The Big Give tomorrow. It’s a way for students to understand how social action and social justice comes about, and to get involved in the process – and realize the many personal and community rewards gained through the process.

*****

On-Campus Events – part of The Big Give

Here are some of the many worthwhile On-Campus Activities the students will be learning through and facilitating:

* Arbor Day Seedling Tree Give Away: Students will be giving seedlings in celebration of Arbor Day

* Bake Sale: Students will be selling baked goods to give to The Great American Bake Sale charity. Their goal is to end child hunger in the United States

* Book Drive (New/Used): Proceeds from the sale will go to PMMS and goes other programs in need of reading materials for students

* Red Cross Blood Drive – If the school meets their goal, the student that brings in the most donors will earn a $500 scholarship.  The goal for the day is 60 pints of blood.

* Canned Food Drive and toiletries – for local outreach organization called ” Lighthouse Grocery”

* Car Wash: Donations will go to the Shenandoah Area Area on Aging

* Clothing Drive: Donations will go to the United Methodist Clothes Closet

* Food Stand (Hot dogs and Hamburgers) and Lemonade Stand: Donations will go to Response, Inc. – a home and program for victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

* Haiti Health Kit Donations

* Lemonade Stand: donations go to Response

* Phone book Recycling Drive: The school – PMMS – will get $.15 for each phone book collected, while helping to recycle at the same time

* Student-decorated Rain Barrels: Students will make and decorate
the rain barrels, then The Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah Valley – a local organization that protects the Shenandoah River – will sell them.

* The Great American Bake Sale: Donate food for the sale. Will  benefit the “No Kid Hungry” initiative.

* Smart Beginnings: An event for families with children birth to age 5.

Off Campus Events – part of The Big Give

Here is a list of some of the worthy off-campus events at which PMMS students will be volunteering across the community tomorrow:

Adopt-A-Street: Street clean up with police escort

Animal Shelter: Jobs include walking, bathing, and playing with animals

Shenandoah County Area on Aging:  Create and lead group projects at the senior citizen center. Students will also visit with residents.

Lighthouse Grocery: Stock and organize shelves for the food bank.

Greenfield of Woodstock Nursing Home: Lead bingo party, create prizes, and serve refreshments.

Pine Meadow Nursing Home: Create activities and visit with residents

Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation: Park clean-up

Shenandoah County Public Library: Stock shelves, garden, sort recycling.

Volunteer Farm: Prepare soil, plant, harvest, and clean up.

PMMS Clean-up: Garden, trash removal, rake, paint, etc.

PMMS Press Team: Responsible for creating press release, talking to media, and making a video of the day’s events.

PMMS Scrapbook Team: Students will take pictures at volunteer destinations (on and off campus) to be incorporated into a scrapbook that will be created after school next Wednesday.

Preschool Center Celebration: Set up, break down, and garden in the area around the preschool trailer.

Town of Woodstock:  Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Students will set up, prepare, and give away trees to the community.

*****

The Schedule – for April 24, 2010:

- 9:30 – 10.a.m.: On Campus-sign in and meet at designated spot – Begin volunteer duties.
- 11 a.m.: Off Campus events –Have an adult sign the time you arrive and depart
- 1:30 p.m. – Food stands open
- 1:45 p.m. – All students meet back at the Middle School.
- 2 p.m. – Raffle winners will be announced, and closing remarks made, including donation results.

(Note: In the event of rain, some activities will be held inside the school and some off-campus events may be cancelled.)

For more information, visit The Big Give web site.

Shenandoah Valley, Va. – April showers brings May flowers. The Valley is beginning to bloom. And, don’t miss out on the strawberries! On May 29 and 30, in Delaplane, enjoy the “Strawberry Festival” at Sky Meadows State Park.

Celebrate Spring,and the region’s strawberry season, with live music, arts and crafts, old-fashioned kids’ games, a petting zoo, hay rides, historical exhibits, a silent auction, lots of great food … and fresh strawberries and strawberry sundaes. Treat yourself to good old country fun. (Admission is $15 per car in advance or $20 per car at the gate. Details: 540-592-3556.)

Other May 2010 events in the Valley

Here’s what’s in store for visitors – and Valley residents – during May 2010:

May 1 – Roanoke

31st Annual Virginia State Championship Chili Cook-off, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Railside Plaza, 19 Salem Avenue. Live entertainment and music all day, including headliner band “The Kings”. A free childrens’ crafts and entertainment area. Also a Jalepeno eating/chili slurp contest. There will be a beer garden adjacent to the stage. Admission fee is $4.00 in advance, or $5.00 at the gate, kids 10 and under are free. 540-342-4716, or visit their web site.

May 2 – Harrisonburg

Model Train Show at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Over 100 tables of everything to do with railroads. Admission fee. 540-434-0005.

May 8 – Middletown

14th Annual “Of Ale and History” at Belle Grove Plantation. Celebrate our German and English heritage by tasting more than 35 specialty micro-brewed and imported beers. Food and music. For more information, call 540-869-2028.

May 8 – Verona

Shenandoah Valley Blues Festival, 845 Quick’s Mill Road, Rt 612. Enjoy a variety of regional blues offerings from the Nicholson Brothers, Lisa Miller and the Allstars, The Biscuit Rollers, Bryan Elijah Smith, Stephen Michael Smith, with headliner “Steady Rollin” Bob Margolin from the late Muddy Waters Band.

Second stage will feature more local blues artists. Enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. Tailgating is allowed. Admission fee 540-245-0609.

May 14-16 – Strasburg

The annual MayFest celebration will be held the weekend of May 14-16, 2010 in downtown Strasburg, VA. This year’s theme is “Racing To Mayfest.” It’s small town fun for the whole family!

For more information call (540) 465-3187. To download a form to be a food or arts & craft vendor, visit this web site.

May 15 – Waynesboro

“XtremeFest” will be held at Ridgeview Park.Climb the rock wall, kayak the South River or watch the BMX Stunt Show. Food and giveways. 540-942-6735.

May 15 – Luray

Wildflower Spring Celebration at Skyland Resort, milepost 42.5 on Skyline Drive. Music, food and more. Children and pets are welcome. 540-843-2100.

May 15 – Front Royal

The 24th Annual Virginia Wine and Craft Festival will be held on Main and Chester Streets from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy wine tasting from 18+ Virginia wineries. Also crafts, art, food, and childrens area. 540-635-3185.

May 15 – Harrisonburg

7th Annual Herb and Garden Festival at James Madison University (JMU). Over 30 plus vendors, and artists. 540-568-3194.

May 15 – Roanoke

Amazing Treasure Hunt and Geocaching at Garst Mill Park, 2599 Willowlawn Street. Registration required. 540-387-6078,  extension 251.

May 15-16 – New Market

146th Anniversary of the Battle of New Market will be held at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park – which is part of the original 1864 battle site. There will be food, music, and more. Call 866-515-1864.

May 27 – Staunton
Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell, at 213 Rolling Thunder Lane, will host their annual “Carry the Flame” event. Motorcycle riders ride across the nation will be on hand to honor, remember, and support our POW/MIAs ,and the brave men and women of the Armed Forces. (May is also Womens Ridrers month at Harley-Davidson.) Call 540-213-7433.

May 29-30 – Stephens City

“Newtown Heritage Festival” on Main Street. There will be a variety of activities and food throughout both days. Pets are welcome. 540-869-3087.

May 31 – Harrisonburg

24th  Annual Memorial Day Horse Fair and Auction at the Rockingham County Fair Grounds. 540-434-0005.

In and around the vicinity of Earth – It’s history in the making. Get out your telescope. Look to the skies. Astronomers, astrologers, and NASA are all heralding a unique alignment this Summer 2010, and some are saying that “bridges between worlds,” will be opened during this wherewhen, in one way and another.

What’s Happening?

- June 13, 2010: Planetary Alignment

- June 26, 2010: Partial Lunar Eclipse

- July 11, 2010: Total Solar Eclipse

- December 21, 2010: Total Lunar Eclipse

On June 13, 2010, this window will open as six of the largest planets in our solar system will begin their procession into a balanced alignment.  Along with the sun, their combined gravitational pull offers an enormous contribution to a phenomenal event.

The alignment of planets will appear from Earth like a straight line of six planets with the sun in the middle; Uranus, Jupiter and Mercury lined up on one side of the sun, while Venus, Mars and Saturn will be lined up on the opposite.  The Earth will thus be perpendicular to this alignment, forming a giant T-shape.”

Then, on Sunday, July 11, 2010, this window will close, with a total eclipse of the Sun – that will visible from within a narrow corridor that traverses Earth’s southern Hemisphere.”

As Above, so Below

Many life coaches are already seeing the effect of these planetary alignments on their clients on Earth. And many scientists are speaking about the effect on our planet and “societies” as a whole. There are a number of analogies which seem to be helpful.

Life strategist, Lorraine Cohen, on her web site, PowerFull Living, describes the changes occurring in the context of one of Harrison Ford’s most famous scenes:

“Things are not always what they seem. One scene that consistently stands out in my mind that has left the most vivid impression is in my favorite – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I’ve heard many people refer to the same scene because of it’s symbology and inspiration. Indie stands on the edge of the mountain looking across a crevice to the doorway to another mountain.

Indiana Jones must cross to the other side to find the Holy Grail so that he can save Sean Connery’s life. He must take a leap of faith. He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and puts one foot out into nothingness and a wooden plank appears beneath his feet so that he can cross to the other side safely. WOW. What a powerful metaphor!”

On her web site, Lorrainne also speaks about visionary Gregg Braden, one of my favorite pioneers and authors. In his current speaking tour, Braden speaks about the reasons why the world feels in crisis.

Braden says that we’re at the end of a 5125 year cycle and the beginning of a new one.  He says that this is the fifth time in history Earth has experienced this phenomenon and an incredible time to be alive on the planet. As he writes: “The last time this happened many civilizations fell because of fear and greed while others flourished because of their resilience and vision.”

I agree with Cohen and Braden. We are indeed in the cusp. A whenwhere. The end of the Old World as we have known it no longer exists. We are between worlds. It’s up to us.

As Cohen remarks: “The changes we are being called to make within ourselves and as a world (can) usher in a bright new age of enlightened actions that embodies love, compassion, and service in both physical and spiritual form.”

Taking the Plunge

In your fear, in your refusal to move boldly into the unknown, will you dissolve like the Wicked Witch of the West in Oz? Or, will you embrace the new, and take the plunge?

Happy plunging!

For more about What’s Happening with the planetary alignment on June 13, 2010 and the total eclipse of the Sun on July 11, 2010,  view our more in-depth Galactic Communications blog article.

Shenandoah Valley, Va – History buffs – including those who love learning about the U.S. Civil War – will revel in these four history events taking place in the Valley this weekend, on Saturday, April 17, 2010. Bring the kids, your enthusiasm, and your zest for adventure!

Four for the road  —-

** 3rd Annual Civil War Institute – April 17 **

McKinney Science Center at Bridgewater College, 402 East College Street, Bridgewater, VA .

Bridgewater College presents their 3rd Annual Civil War Institute on April 17 from 9 am to 4 pm in Room 100 of the McKinney Science Center on campus. It is free and open to the public.

“John Brown and the Coming Storm” will feature as its speakers historians and authors Janet Kemper Beck, Dennis Frye, Jonathan Noyalas, and Brian Steel Wills.

As the sesquicentennial of the Civil War approaches, Bridgewater College is pleased to present a program about John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry and the interpretation and consequences of this historical event.

Telephone:
Nick Picerno, Institute Co-Founder: (540) 828-5761

Bridgewater College Website.

**20th Annual Brocks Gap Heritage Day - April 17 **

Fulks Run Elementary School, 11089 Brocks Gap Road, Fulks Run, VA.

The 20th annual Brocks Gap Heritage Day will be Saturday, April 17, 2010, at Fulks Run Elementary School in Fulks Run, Virginia from 11am to 4pm.

With its emphasis on family ties and historical research, over 325 people attend each year from as many as 18 different states. There will be over 130 posters of old photos and family trees arranged by families, churches, and schools from the area.

Pat Turner Ritchie’s personal library of family, local and regional histories will be available for researchers. Other researchers gather to share their material and sell their books. The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society will sell other books.

Turner Ham sandwiches and other food will be sold in the cafeteria. The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to purchase tombstones for family cemeteries. Children are welcome

Telephone:
Pat Turner Ritchie: (540) 662-1475

** Civil War Booksigning & Chat with Andrew M. Bell – April 17 **

Bookworks, 101 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA.

From 1 to 3 p.m., Staunton native Andrew McIlwaine Bell will be signing and discussing his new book “Mosquito Soldiers,” revealing a largely unknown element of Civil War history: of the 620,000 soldiers who perished, the overwhelming majority died not from wounds, but from disease.

And, of the various maladies that plagued both armies, few were more pervasive than malaria — a mosquito-borne illness that afflicted over 1.1 million Union soldiers alone. Yellow fever, also spread by mosquitoes, struck fear into the hearts of strategists who knew that “yellow jack” could wipe out a whole army in a few weeks.

In this ground-breaking medical history, Bell explores the impact of these two terrifying maladies on the major political and military events of the 1860s, revealing how deadly microorganisms carried by a tiny insect helped shape the course of the Civil War. Children are welcome.

Telephone: business phone w/ answering machine: (540) 887-0007

Visit the Bookworks website.

** First Kernstown Battlefield Tour – April 17 **

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) at  Rose Hill, 1850 Jones Road, Winchester, VA.

From 1 to 4 p.m, tour the grounds of the famous First Battle of Kernstown during this opening of the Museum’s Rose Hill property. For this special day commemorating the battle’s anniversary, costumed interpreters will be at Rose Hill. The only battle that Stonewall Jackson ever lost, the fascinating story of First Kernstown is told by a walking trail with seven interpretive signs.

Walk the battlefield, understand Jackson’s tactical mistakes, and learn about the Valley family living at Rose Hill when this famous Civil War battle was fought in its backyard on March 23, 1862. (Tours are self-guided, and the walking trail is a little less than one mile in length.)

Call: (540) 662-1473, ext.208 or Toll-free:  (888) 556-5799.

Visit the web site for the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.

Woodstock, VA – Mother’s Day is on May 9, 2010. Join the Shenandoah County Parks and Rec Department (SCPR) for the opportunity  to create a unforgettable hand-made gift for your mom for Mothers’ Day.

On May 5, kids (5 to 10 years) will receive guidance as they pour all of their love into this Mothers Day project, and show Mom how much they love her.

This craft program will run on Wednesday, May 5, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. at the Old Edinburg School.  The cost is $10/child, and the deadline to register is April 28.

Other childrens programs sponsored by the SCPR for Spring and Summer 2010 include:

- April 10 – Paranormal 101

- April 14, 21, 28 and May 5 – Advanced Family Tress

- May 3, 10, 17 and 24 – The Great Outdoors

- May 8 – Hershey Track & Field

- May 8 – Cruisin’ 4 A Flush Poker Run

- May 21 – Capture The Flag

- June 9 – Tangier Island Trip (for adults)

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Outline of Events:

April 10
PARANORMAL 101
(Ages 18 and over)  Fascination with the paranormal and ghost hunting is at an all time high. Join the Shenandoah Valley Paranormal Society as we explore scientific methods and theories, metaphysical topics and dispel the myths television shows and Hollywood have generated.  We will discuss the different types of hauntings, EVP, paranormal photography and video, geomagnetic fields, and their influences.  This class will run on Saturday, April 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Old Edinburg School. The cost is $33/student and the deadline to register is April 7.

April 14, 21, 28 and May 5
ADVANCED FAMILY TREES
(Ages 14 and over)  Let us help you find out if you are eligible to join an organization that requires proof of lineage.  The Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and Sons of Confederate Veterans are the membership organizations we will review.  This four-week class will offer opportunities to research lineal descent, establish what is an “acceptable proof” and guidelines for finding relatives whom have already joined.  Class will run on Wednesdays, April 14 through May 5, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Shenandoah County Library in Edinburg, VA. The cost is $19/person and the deadline to register is April 12.

May 3, 10, 17 and 24
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
(Ages 5 to 13 yrs.)   Do you like being outside?  Do you want to learn more about insects, flowers and trees?  Join us for this four-week adventure where we’ll explore the outdoors and learn a little about science while we’re at it.  This class will run on Mondays,from 3:30 to 5 p.m., on May 3 through 24, at Central High School(CHS) in Woodstock, VA. The class will meet in Room 121 and will then go outside, weather permitting.  If your child attends the WW Robinson Elementary, please send a note with your registration form stating that your child can walk to CHS for class. The cost is $33/student and the registration deadline is April 26.

May 8
HERSHEY TRACK & FIELD
(Ages 9 to 14 yrs.)  Boys and girls will compete in the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m dashes, 4 x 100m relay, standing long jump, and the softball throw at Central High School’s track on Saturday, May 8, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Boys and girls will be competing separately in the following age groups:  9-10, 11-12, and 13-14. (Group is determined by child’s age on
December 31, 2009.) This is a FREE event; please register by May 5.

May 8
CRUISIN’ 4 A FLUSH POKER RUN
(All ages.)  It’s time to get outdoors this spring and ride the back roads in support of SCPR’s Punky Riley Scholarship Program.  So, grab your favorite passenger and get your motorcycle ready!  The poker run will kick-off on Saturday, May 8 at 9 a.m. at the Shenandoah County Park in Maurertown.  For your admission fee, you get one poker hand and a cookout lunch.  Raindate is Saturday, May 15. Admission fee is $15/motorcycle, $5/passenger, and $10 for an additional poker hand.

May 21
CAPTURE THE FLAG
(Ages 8 to 15 yrs.)  We are coming to the Strasburg Town Park to play the exciting game of Capture The Flag!  We will play at the park on Friday, May 21, from 5 to 6 p.m.  If you would like to participate, please RSVP by May 20 by registering online, calling our office, or by stopping in to register.  This is a FREE program, but the deadline to register to ensure we have enough to play is May 20.

And, for the senior adults, there’s a special treat – and a special trip – on June 9, 2010.

TANGIER ISLAND
(Ages 55 and over)  Join us as we enjoy the day on beautiful Tangier Island.  We’ll travel on the Chesapeake Breeze ferry and enjoy lunch at the Chesapeake House.  Life on Tangier Island is quiet and serene, and residents are warm and friendly; discover this natural wonderland and step back in time during your visit.  The trip is set for Wednesday, June 9 – with an early morning departure of 4:30 a.m. and multiple pick-up locations. The cost is $81/person and the deadline to register is May 26.

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Registration details:
All registration can be done in-person at Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation, located at 508 Piccadilly Street, Edinburg, VA 22824, or via their online registration system at https://www.scprsignup.info. You can also mail in your form. Registration forms are available at the office or online. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-12:00pm and 1 to 5 p.m.

Contact information:

Address: 508 Piccadilly Street, Edinburg, VA 22824
Phone: (540) 984-3030
Email: psheets at shenandoahcountyva.us

Shenandoah County Parks & Rec web site.