·          The campaign crew and I really enjoyed the warm welcome we received in Vinton at the Fall Festival.  We had great pancakes at the VFW (thanks to the Lions Club) and purchased several mini marshmallow guns.  Later we spent some time at campaign headquarters perfecting our aim!

·         My friend Julie joined me on my walk in Lindenwood today.  It was nice to see so many folks out gardening.  We enjoyed talking to voters and identifying so many beautiful autumn blooms (Julie is a fine gardener herself).  Several maple trees are turning color.  Virginia in the fall is awe-inspiring.

·         In Lindenwood I met Mrs. H, a widow who has been a breast cancer survivor for four decades.  She misses her husband fiercely, but has not slowed down in her grief.  She traveled to Washington state by herself in her Airstream, and loves to race cars.  She is a phenomenal woman who inspired me with her courage.

·         Many parents I spoke with today were getting ready for homecoming with their children. Our public schools are the places where life happens for many people of the Roanoke Valley.  School should be a place where our children learn the values of sportsmanship on the playing field and find a sense of community in the classroom. Our schools are our greatest resource, and I am ready to go to Richmond to make sure they are protected.

·         Mr. Livingston is an 84 year old who lives with his wife in the Plantation area.  He enjoys walking as often as possible to stay active.  He and his wife feel fortunate to still share their home together, and to live independently. I am committed to finding a way to help people like the Livingstons care for themselves as they age by improving our systems of long-term care.

·        Shylee, a kindergartener in Plantation, picked a flower for me while I visited with her neighbors.  Her mom is a proud graduate of the Roanoke City Public Schools.  Shylee, like many local school children, has had a cough recently.  I hope she feels better!

·         It was inspiring to meet Buck in Mount Pleasant. Buck, a longtime resident, fished with the late Vic Thomas, former delegate in the 17th District.  According to Buck, the secret to catching a native trout is to fish off a bridge, and "sneak up on 'em, quietly."  You might only get one or two casts, Vic believed, but you could always catch one.  Buck knew Dot Thomas's parents - Dot's mom made great cookies!  I left our visit thinking of all Vic did to keep Virginia's fish and wildlife healthy and plentiful, and of my own efforts with the Interior Department to accomplish the same.  What an honor to run for Vic's Delegate seat - big shoes to fill, and I will never have that much luck with a reel!

·         My canvassing partner on this hot summer day, Becky, had in-laws that lived on Garden City Boulevard for years - it seemed everyone remembered them as we reminisced with neighbors today.  I also met a young man who served in the Navy and is a mechanic now. He is a bright young man with a bright future, and I would be proud to represent him in the General Assembly.   He had uncles up and down the street.  Families seem to stay in Garden City for generations, and I can see why.

·         In Garden City we met a young girl getting ready to celebrate her 16th birthday with a pool party.  Her parents and grandmother were working hard cleaning and getting decorations up, but they still took time to talk to us.  It's gratifying to see the younger generation loved and supported by their families.  I had that upbringing.  It's what we want for every child - a healthy home.

·         A wonderful gentleman I met today served in World War II.  His descriptions of the wartime cold, of digging foxholes during the Battle of the Bulge, and putting his damp socks inside his army helmet to dry them out, gave me chills.  We owe the World War II veterans so much; they can never be thanked enough.  He and his wife live in their own home, and are still healthy, after his 39-year career with Norfolk Southern.  Roanoke has been lucky to have the railroad as an anchor of our economic history.  I could have stayed all day talking to him! 

·         Cynthia was the last door we knocked in the Ogden precinct one night as the sun set on us.  She told us, “I have never had a politician come to my door and personally ask for my vote!  I will absolutely vote for you this November!”  What an exciting way to finish up a long day!

·         I spoke with Clarence, a veteran of World War II, for a good while about his service at Iwo Jima and my father’s service at Pearl Harbor.  Clarence considers himself as an independent, like many voters in the 17th, and I am grateful to have his support!

·         Norma is a retired Roanoke County special education teacher in the southern part of the 17th district.  She’s concerned, as am I, about the resources our school’s need and taking care of our children. I am ready to go to Richmond and work for Norma and every student in the Roanoke Valley.

·         Pamela, a resident of Lee-Hi, was visited one night by a volunteer canvasser.  Before she was even asked, Pamela told the volunteer that I had already been to her door, and she would be voting for me. These conversations are so important, please join us as we walk door to door!

·         Naomi in Raleigh Court, was visiting with family friends across town as they were greeted by Youth Coordinator Ben.  He was invited in to speak with the group that was gathered and they were excited to see Gwen’s volunteer operation in the neighborhood!

·         Louanna in Mountain View is voting for me because supporting public schools matter to her. I am proud to have her support and ready to go to work!

·         Kathy and Julie, neighbors in Mountain View, both have friends and family members who have lost their jobs recently.  These families, like so many families across our Valley and our nation, are the reason I am running.  I am ready to work hard to make sure the Valley continues to grow.

·         Michelle in Roanoke County has had trouble finding a place for her son in the public school system.  She’s supporting me because she wants someone who will fight for her son and make sure that public schools are equipped to work with all students.  As Michelle told me, “If your kids can’t be happy, nothing else matters.”

·         Melissa is an elementary school teacher in Mountain View. We talked at length about the education funding cuts she has had to face in the past few years.  Kindergarten teachers in particular are facing larger classes and severe cuts in support staff.  As we continued walking down her street, many of her neighbors mentioned her and her exceptional service to children and families. I am so proud to run in this District, and honored to have her support!

·         Pamela lives in north Roanoke County, and her daughter and grandkids live in Alabama.  She wants see more economic opportunity in the Roanoke Valley so that families don’t have to leave this beautiful area. We need to continue growing as a community, fighting for education our children need to succeed, and the jobs they will need to have families of their own.  

·         Betty in Mountain View spoke with me about the rising cost of utilities for elderly folks on a fixed income.  She and her husband do what they can to cut down and conserve when they can, but she’s worried about others. Caring for our seniors, our parents and grandparents, as they have cared for us must be a priority.

·         I really enjoyed my conversation with Red in Mountain View. I’m hearing over and over again from voters that they don’t care for Democrats or Republicans, they just want honest folks in government ready to solve problems. I’m proud to have the support of Red and so many Independent voters in this Valley.