Bill B. here, receiving the baton from Amy who has shared the excitement and successes of our Virginia Beach Blitz activities from Wednesday and Thursday.  Now that it is my “leg” and I want to tell you about Friday and Saturday’s entertaining events.  Be warned: reading further may ruin your diet!

We awoke Friday morning to a series of tornado warnings which, thankfully, never arrived.  (Q: Where did the meteorologist stop for a drink on the way home from a long day in the studio?  A: The ISOBAR!!)  Friday was our happening at Mt. Trashmore, and we wanted perfect weather.  The clouds parted for the sun midmorning and the day was spectacular though blustery.  Stone Cold Creamery was on site and served it up to passersby and staff alike (Founder’s Fudge – me likey!)   We captured lots of DWF petition sigs – and Liz jogged along with several prospects until they signed.  (You go, girl!)  After lunch we cut the AARP 50^th anniversary cake (Hey, why was I limited to just 3 slices?), and Krendle (the magician) amazed us with his legerdemain.  The salsa dancing which followed was hot, hot, hot! And, of course Champ couldn’t stay out of the limelight.  He caused a sensation “scootin’ hoof” and was joined on stage by a dozen celebrants.  (Pics should be somewhere here. . .)  The gusty conditions were ideal for kite flying, and some of our crack troops and visitors test-piloted them throughout the afternoon.  I’m happy to report their missions were successful (and amusing!). 

Saturday’s forecast for Virginia Beach called for sun and temps in the high 60s.  This prediction (had it been correct) would have been GREAT since our big goings-on were being held outside at the 31^st street boardwalk.  Wouldn’t you know it, the weather turned out to be the OPPOSITE of the day before!  At about 11:00 am, the wind changed direction and started blowing off the ocean.  Clouds rolled in, the temp dropped to the mid 50s, and rain spattered intermittently until about 4:00 pm.  (Joke or Truth: An honest weatherman says, "Today's forecast is bright and sunny with an 80% chance that I'm wrong.")  We served 500 free lunches, and gave away all our swag – t-shirts, pens, cds – except for the fans.  Like the day before, we gave away ice cream and there was salsa dance lessons.  Champ, ever the ham, made several appearances to the squeals of children as did AARP’s President-elect, Mr. Lee Hammond.   With the help of our EXCEPTIONAL volunteers (and I’m talkin’ about all of you!), we captured hundreds of signatures and fostered thousands of positive brand experiences.  A special shout-out to Buck Vargo for his cheerful disposition and capturing the most pledges -- once again.  You are ‘da man!  Also, major props to PJ for ensuring our first Virginia Beach Blitz was not only a hit, but a home run! 

Derrick Ayers, our DWF #15 driver, earned his first All-American division victory of the season May 10! What started out as a beautiful spring day turned into a pretty chilly evening for fans and drivers at Natural Bridge Speedway on Saturday night. The cool air helped the dirt track stay together and tacky.

Derrick started 4th in the 10 car starting grid of the All American feature. He moved into the second position by lap 2 and captured the lead on lap 4 and never looked back. Way to go Derrick!

Visit www.nbspeedway.com to learn more.

Another excellent DWF event in Virginia Beach tonight. St. Luke’s Catholic Church was a gracious host for our Health and Financial Security Forum. We heard from a financial planner about the importance of planning for our futures. Next, Patrick Johnson did an excellent presentation on fitness and wellness. DWF Organizer, Bill Ballas, ended our session with a terrific DWF presentation and healthy discussion with lots of audience participation about the current status of health care in America. 

One attendee talked about the country’s recent dependence health insurance and told the group that when she had her children she paid the hospital in installments and had a small passbook to track their payments – boy, have things changed. Another attendee talked of importance of wellness in healthcare and our own personal responsibility to make good choices. It was a lively and impassioned discussion, yet always respectful – see the photos here. Now if only we can get the political candidates to sit down and do this!

I am sitting here at Bubba’s Deli & BBQ at Countryside Shops (thanks for the free wireless!) talking with Casey about DWF during our first stop in Virginia Beach during our 4 day DWF blitz. Casey signed the pledge and told me he lost his health insurance because he has preexisting migraines.

He is just one of the many people we’ve talked with today at the Farmer’s Market. I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Cook an Iraqi war vet who just returned from Baghdad this past Monday – thanks Steven for your service! Thanks also for signing the pledge. 

Champ is here with us and he is a big hit with the kids who are getting free Champ kites. 

A team of DWF volunteers were on hand Monday at Virginia’s BioTech Research Park in Richmond for Mark Warner’s Senate Kick-Off Tour. Mr. Warner, who has signed the DWF pledge, recognized our DWF team and gave us a big “thumbs up”!  See the photo here.  Joining him on the stage was a host of Virginia VIP’s including Congressman Bobby Scott, Governor Tim Kaine and Richmond’s own Delegate Jennifer McClellan.  

I went with Rose Wesson, our Grassroots Advocacy Specialist for the 1^st CD, to meet with Rep. Rob Wittman this afternoon to tell him about Divided We Fail. Rep. Wittman was elected to serve the 1st Congressional District in December in a special election to fill the seat of the late Jo Ann Davis.

Following an interesting (and unrelated to DWF) conversation that spanned alternative energy sources and transportation funding, I am proud to report that Virginia’s newest Congressman agrees with the DWF principles and signed the Congressional Pledge endorsing the DWF Platform. Thank you Rep. Wittman! See the photo here.

--Amy Gilbody

 A diverse and impressive list of organizations in Virginia have endorsed the Divided We Fail platform. These organizations agree that access to quality, affordable health care and long-term financial security are basic needs shared by all Americans.

Please learn more about these organizations by visiting their websites and thank them for their endorsement and support. 

I spent last night with DWF endorser Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) doing a DWF presentation and recruitment session for new volunteers. What a great and enthusiastic group and wonder facility! 

Virginia launched their “Champ Mobile” and Champ, the mascot, made his premiere appearance at the 60^th annual Shad Planking event on April 16. The Champ Mobile will travel around the state from now until Election Day; it will make stops at fairs and festivals throughout the Commonwealth.

Shad planking is a political event that takes place every April in Wakefield, Virginia; candidates from both parties, reporters, campaign workers, and locals gather to eat shad fish, drink beer, and kick off the electoral season with lighthearted speeches by politicians in attendance.  The event featured candidates for the 2008 U.S. Senate election: former Governor's Jim Gilmore (R)and Mark Warner (D), and state Delegate Bob Marshall (R). 

Our presence was substantial and greatly enhanced when Champ, our Divided We Fail mascot, showed up.  Flying in from Austin, TX, Champ wowed attendees with his good nature and patience. Lots of “plankers” had their photos taken with Champ who remained his propriety as well-wishers poked, prodded and pushed him to maximize the photo op. Kudos to staff and volunteers for protecting Champ throughout the day.  (Note to self: charge for photos with Champ at next event to offset exhibiting costs.  Just kidding) 

The event also featured DWF’s mascot - Champ.  This event was Champ’s first appearance in Virginia and he was a huge attraction. He had many spectators taking a second glance and he made many new friends, include Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell.

As you might expect, our Divided We Fail message was prominent at Shad Planking.  Among the 3,000+ attendees were AARP’s Champions for Change – an exceptionally talented and dedicated group of volunteers committed to the Divided We Fail principles. Their innate skills have been augmented by professional training, and they are exceptionally qualified to represent DWF at such high voltage political affairs.  In fact, they collected 400+ petition signatures – including that of former Virginia Governor and Senatorial candidate, Mark Warner.  (Thanks, Ovella, for getting Mark’s sig.  Who could possibly say no to you!)  Several other elected officials and candidates signed the pledges including state Delegate Brian Moran, and Democratic Primary Candidate for 7th District Kenn Stepman. Of course, all of the volunteers excelled as DWF goodwill ambassadors.  Our sincerest “thanks” also goes to all our volunteers for making this event a huge success!

 Early that day, staff placed dozens of Divided We Fail yard signs along the roadway leading to the event.  This signage served as a beacon of sorts for at least one of our more “geographically challenged” staffers. 

 We got a nice interview about DWF to the Daily Press which you can read by clicking the link: http://hrblogs.typepad.com/the_shad_plank/2008/04/bipartisanship.html

 Check out photos of the Divided We Fail volunteers and Champ at Shad Planking: http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPVA/photo/sets/11292