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Message from Chris
Over this past July 4th weekend, my family and I joined friends and neighbors in these simple prayers for our Country and for sound government remembering John Adams quotation from a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress:
"[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Sound Government:
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Lord, keep this nation under your care.
Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your Delegate.
Chris Peace |
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Mark Your Calendar: Community Events | |
Caroline:
Caroline County Agricultural Fair: See all that Caroline County has to offer at our annual county fair! There are multiple vendors, live entertainment, a midway, animals, and activities for all ages.
Special events include the dog show, home goods contests, the antique tractor show, classic truck show, and various ability contests. The Fun Dog Show is Saturday from 9:30am0in. The home goods contests will have the best of Caroline's cakes, jellies, fruits and vegetables, crafts, and artwork on display.
Back in its new permanent home on the Tate family farm next to the Virginia Sports Complex on Rt.1, just 3 miles south of Ladysmith. Admission is $5 for adults. Children 10 years old and under are free. For more information or to get a contest entry form, please visit the website. Date/Hours: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - Saturday, July 17, 2010 (9:00 AM-11:00 PM)
Hanover:
Hanover's Most Celebrated Fruit Set to Make Another Appearance! Some folks like them red, some like them green. Some folks like them stewed, some like them fried. Regardless of how you like them, this is your chance to taste one of the best tasting tomatoes you could ever sink your teeth into. It's the Hanover Tomato!
This annual event is Free and open to the public. Join us from 9am to 4pm on July 10, 2010 rain or shine. There will be over 200 arts, crafts and unique vendors along with a variety of entertainment, food, and free activities for children of all ages. Thank you to the following organizations who are generously providing children's games and actvities: Primrose School at Atlee Commons, Astro Events, Rainbow Station, Broadus Church, Mechanicsville Christian Center, Chick-Fil-A, Radio Disney, Master Cho's Martial Arts, Richmond Flying Squirrels
Henrico:
Henrico Theatre Company: Join us for the remainder of our 31st season! All performances will be held at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen at 8 p.m., except for Sunday matinees, which are at 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (55 ) and students. Admission to the One-Act Showcase is free. Information: Amy Perdue, 501-5859. OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS: A comedy by Joe DiPierto. Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey and he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them that he's been offered a dream job - that would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around. A hilarious family comedy! July 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, & 25. Additional performance on Sat, July 24 at 2:30 p.m.
King and Queen:
Bush Gardens, Water Country & Kings Dominion Tickets On Sale! Tickets are available at the King & Queen County Administrator's Office. For more information, please call (804) 785-5975 or (804) 769-5000. Please contact the office 2 weeks in advance for tickets needed for groups of 10 or more!! Tickets are also available for the following theme parks: (Please call in advance for tickets to the theme parks listed below, we will have to pre-order them) Hershey Park, PA, Wet'n Wild Emerald Point, NC, Paramount's Carowinds, NC, Six Flags, MD, Dutch Wonderland, PA.
King William:
The King William 4-H Summer Camp is accepting registrations for boys and girls ages 9 to 12. Register early as the spaces fill up quickly. The date of camp is July 12 -- July 16. The cost of $199 covers transportation to camp, lodging, meals, classes, materials and a t-shirt. You can help out the youth at 4-H camp by paying for a scholarship, volunteering to teach a class, or being a cabin mom or dad for a night. Teen volunteers are also needed. Call Catherine Short at 785-5979 for more information or a brochure or email clshort@vt.edu
New Kent:
July 14 Wes Isell's Magic Workshop 10:30 to 11:30 am at Heritage Public Library, 6125D Chesapeake Circle (Near Dairy Queen on Rt. 155) Presented by the Virginia Living Museum. For more information call 966-2480. July 17 $600,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs Grade II Race, the $150,000 Virginia Oaks Race, Grade III, and the Chenery and Tippett races, both $50,000 two year old stakes.
Spotsylvania:
Wine and Whiskers Lake Anna Winery 5621 Courthouse Rd Spotsylvania, VA 22551. A fund raiser for the Fredericksburg area SPCA. The event features wine tastings, a cash wine bar, light fare and desserts, silent auction, door prizes and live music from Twelve Row Barley. All proceeds benefit the SPCA's new humane care facility. The SPCA is the Fredericksburg area's only no-kill animal shelter. Reservations required ($45.00 / person). In/outdoor event, rain or shine - sorry, no refunds. Please join us - Eat, Drink and be Charitable! Call for more information. Saturday, July 17, 2010 (6:00 PM-10:00 PM), Admission Fee: $45.00, Children Welcome. For more details, telephone: winery phone: (540) 895-5085, Email: info@lawinery.com or website www.lawinery.com |
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Virginia General Assembly Cuts Legislative Spending | |
Returns $5 Million to State Coffers by June 30, 2010
-- Joint House-Senate Rules Committee approves Savings to help Balance Budget --
-- Senate of Virginia returns $560,000, House of Delegates returns over $1.1 Million --
-Virginia Ranks 46th in Per Capita Spending on its State Legislature -
RICHMOND, VA-- The Virginia General Assembly's Joint Rules Committee, consisting of seven members of the Virginia House of Delegates and seven members of the Senate of Virginia and chaired by William J. Howell, Speaker of the House of Delegates, met yesterday and approved $3.3 million in legislative branch savings for the current fiscal year 2010 budget that ends on June 30. In addition to these funds, the Senate of Virginia has returned $560,000 in legislative savings to the state's general fund while the Virginia House of Delegates has returned over $1.1 million. In all, over $4.9 million in FY 2010 legislative spending cuts and savings are being returned to state coffers to help Virginia state government live within its means during these challenging economic times.
"Just as Virginia taxpayers, families and businesses continue
struggling to make ends meet and balance their finances due to the stubborn and lingering effects of the economic recession so, too, are elected representatives of the Democratic-led Senate and the Republican-led House sharing in belt tightening to reduce state government spending," said Speaker Howell. "Last month, the House saved over $35,000 from a furlough day and previously announced $1.1 million was being returned to the general fund by the end of this current fiscal year. These latest savings continue needed legislative efforts to reduce the cost of state government to Virginia taxpayers wherever possible."
"The action taken yesterday by the Joint Rules Committee is a
continued commitment to fiscal responsibility on the part of the
legislature," said Senator Mary Margaret Whipple, Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. "During these tough economic times, we must all continue to explore cost reductions. In addition to these funds, the Senate has returned $560,000.00 in savings to the general fund."
In addition to the Senate and House savings of $560,000 and $1.1 million respectively, other legislative agency savings being reverted to the state's general fund coffers by the end of the current fiscal year are:
Auditor of Public Accounts--$1,048,754
Legislative Department Reversion Clearing
Account--$1,000,000
Division of Legislative Services--$579,548
Jt. Legislative Audit & Review Commission--$300,000
Division of Legislative Automated Services--$200,000
Jt. Commission on Health Care--$70,714
Crime Commission--$53,216
Commission on Youth--$32,740
Jt. Commission on Technology & Science--$10,000
Total--$3,294,972
Since 2003, Virginia has improved its national rankings -dropping from 40th to 46th in the nation in per capita spending on its legislature, while remaining the 12th largest state in population. This data is compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). For the current fiscal year (2010), the budget for the General Assembly and all legislative agencies is less than one-half of one percent - or 0.46% - of the total General Fund budget of $14.8 billion. |
| McDonnell Signs Virginia's First Film Tax Credit | |
Governor McDonnell Ceremonially Signs Virginia's First Film Industry Tax Credit Legislation
-Joined by Virginia Actor and Director Tim Reid-
Also Highlights Funding Increase to Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund
RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today ceremonially signed into law Virginia's first-ever tax credit legislation for the motion picture industry. He officially signed two bills: SB257, sponsored by Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth); and HB861, sponsored by Delegate Ben Cline (R-Lexington). Designed to recruit the production of television, film, documentaries and interactive digital media to Virginia, this legislation was part of the Governor's successful Jobs and Opportunity" economic development agenda which received broad bipartisan support during the past session of the General Assembly. You can read more about the "Jobs and Opportunity" agenda by clicking:
Governor McDonnell also highlighted a budget amendment he requested during the 2010 session which increases funding to the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund from $200,000 to $2 million for FY 2011. This was also a part of the Governor's "Jobs and Opportunity" agenda.
The Governor was joined at today's event by Lieutenant Governor Bill
Bolling, members of the Virginia General Assembly and noted local actor and director Tim Reid. The ceremony was held at St. John's Church in Richmond, the recent site for the filming of Keepers of the Flame, a documentary celebrating the contributions of Virginians who are shining examples of those dedicated to justice, liberty and democracy. Reid, the film's director, is the founder of New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, and an award-winning actor currently appearing in the acclaimed HBO mini-series Treme.
Speaking about today's ceremonial bill signing, Governor McDonnell
commented, "These measures are important parts of our goal to increase film production in the Commonwealth. They are smart investments to create jobs and raise revenue through economic growth. Increasing funding for the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund will make us more competitive in attracting new productions to the state. Virginia has so much to offer with its rich history and natural beauty, and it is critical that we capitalize on this to attract new motion picture productions to the state. The legislation I am signing today and increased funding to the Opportunity Fund will help us showcase the Commonwealth to the film industry."
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling noted, "There is no good reason why the film industry cannot be big business in Virginia. As we've seen in the past, the return on investment for these projects is significant. However, to win in this very competitive market place we have to give our film professionals the tools they need to recruit these projects to our state. This legislation is an important first step in doing that. With a little effort, we can establish Virginia as one of the best locations on the East Coast to produce everything from full length motion pictures to TV commercials and everything in between."
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng stated, "Virginia's media production industry is an important part of this administration's strategy for economic growth and job creation for the Commonwealth. This legislation will enable Virginia to be more competitive with the states offering significant incentives to recruit motion picture production."
Tim Reid commented, "New Millennium Studios is proud to be a part of the film industry in a state that has such exceptional film locations,
experienced crew, and high-tech production facilities. This tax credit
legislation is a momentous step towards giving the state the kind of strong and vibrant media industry it deserves."
Under the legislation, qualified companies producing film, television,
documentaries or interactive digital media can apply to receive tax credits based on money spent in Virginia on labor, goods and services. Forty-two states and the District of Columbia have enacted similar legislation with a goal of bringing new business, jobs and economic benefits to their jurisdictions. Virginia's new tax credit legislation will take effect in January of 2011.
The production of filmed entertainment has been an important part of
Virginia's economy, responsible for economic impact of more than $4 billion since 1980. In 2008, the industry employed 4,000 Virginians with a total economic impact of $378 million. Notable films made in Virginia include: Dirty Dancing; John Adams; What About Bob; Dave; and GI Jane. |
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Why join Rotary | |
The Mechanicsville Rotary Club is looking for business owners and community leaders: Why Should you Join The Mechanicsville Rotary Club?
Professional Networking: A founding principle of Rotary was to meet periodically to enjoy camaraderie and enlarge one's circle of business and professional acquaintances. As the oldest service club in the world, Rotary club members represent a cross-section of the community's owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals - people who make decisions and influence policy.
Service Opportunities: Club members have many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Service programs address such concerns as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment. Rotarians experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.
International Awareness : With more than 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries & geographical areas, Rotarians gain an understanding of humanitarian issues through international service projects and exchange programs. One of Rotary's highest objectives is to build goodwill and peace throughout the world.
Friendship: Rotary was founded on fellowship, an ideal that remains a major attraction of membership today. Club members enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded professionals, and club projects offer additional opportunities to develop enduring friendships. Rotary club members who travel have friendly contacts in almost every city in the world.
Good Citizenship: Weekly Rotary club programs keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation, and world and motivated to make a difference. Family Foundations Rotary sponsors some of the world's largest youth exchange, educational exchange, and scholarship programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for young leaders and involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.
Entertainment: Social activities give Rotarians a chance to let loose and have fun. Every Rotary club and district hosts parties and activities that offer diversions from today's demanding professional and personal schedules. Conferences, conventions, assemblies, and social events provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education, and service.
Ethical Environment: Encouraging high ethical standards in one's profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days. In their business and professional lives, Rotarians abide by The Four-Way Test:
Of the things we think, say or do:
1) Is it the TRUTH?
2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3) Will it BUILD GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Leadership Development: Rotary is an organization of successful professionals. Team building, fundraising, public speaking, planning, organization, and communication are just a sampling of the leadership skills that club members can exercise and enhance. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in learning how to motivate, inspire, and guide others.
Diversity in Membership: Rotary's classification system ensures that a club's membership represents a variety of the community's professional men and women, including leaders In business, industry, the arts, government, sports, the military, and religion. Rotary clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.
If you are interested in learning more please email the president of:
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