Bert Dodson Campaign Office in Lynchburg is Open

Bert Dodson for the Virginia Senate

Bert Speaking to the Lynchburg Juneteenth Celebration

Bert has opened a campaign office in Lynchburg:

1022 Commerce Street, Suite F
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Office Phone:  434-851-4885

Take the solid wood door with no window to enter.   Elevator to second floor.   Suite F.     Say hello to Field Director Kody Roza.

Kody's Office

Contact information for campaign staff:

Campaign Manager
 Lonny Paris
 202-957-4551     parislonny@gmail.com

Political Director
 Gerald Cheatham
 434-851-2475     gicheatham@comcast.net

Field Director
 Kody Roza
 916-521-5915     kodyjroza@gmail.com

This young lady (Kelsey) was hard at work on one of  the computers in Koty's office.     I got her to take a break and pose with an Elect Burt Sign.     Just a short break.

Campaign headquarters is open and everyone is working diligently to get things off and running.     Gerald Cheatham, the First Vice Chair of the Lynchburg Democrats will be there and working.     You are likely to meet Gerald on your visit to Bert's Headquarters as well as Lonnie Paris, Bert's campaign manager.   Kody Roza is the Field Director and he and a crew of volunteers will be clicking away.

Click Here to Visit Bert Dodson's Web Site

You are welcome to visit Bert Dodson Headquarters but if you would like to contribute by mail, here's the address.

Friends of Bert Dodson
P.O. Box 10249
Lynchburg, Va  24506-0249

Please make checks payable to:
Friends of Bert Dodson

To comply with Virginia law please include

Name and Home Address,    City and Zip Code
Home Phone,    E-Mail Address
Occupation,    Employer

If you would like to Volunteer,   If you would like a Yard Sign or If you would like to Host an Event.     If you would like to Make a Donation of any size it will be appeciated and put to good use telling all the citizens of the 22nd District about Bert Dodson and our campaign.

Thank You

Bert thanks You in advance for any help you are able to give.

News From Virginia's 22nd District
The 22nd will be Burt Dodson's District and these are the Areas he will represent.

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Fluvanna County

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Prince Edward County

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Buckingham County

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News on The Summit

Since we announced the first ever Virginia Summit last week, the response from Democrats who want to take advantage of this historic training and networking event has been amazing!     Below is a tentative schedule of events, subject to change.      Visit the Virginia Democratic Party for the latest changes and up to date information on speakers.     Click To Visit State Dems.

Virginia Commonwealth University Student Commons
 907 Floyd Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23220

 Friday, July 15th

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Registration & Exhibits open

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Afternoon Sessions:
•Candidate and Campaign Training: Management, Field operations, Communications & Finance

 Exploring Careers in Politics

•“So You want to Run for Office?”:
The Personal Decision, Career Considerations, Building your Resume, and Creating Your Kitchen Cabinet

•Understanding &   Writing a Campaign Plan

7:30 PM -9:30 PM - The Virginia Summit Networking Welcome Reception (Location TBA)


Saturday, July 16th

 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM - Registration & Exhibits Open
 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Continental Breakfast Service

8:00 AM – 12:15 PM - Morning Sessions:

•Iraq, Afghanistan & US Global Engagement
• Running an Effective Local Committee
• Organizing in the Military & Veterans Community
• Education & Investing in America’s Future Leaders
•Energy & the Environment
•Roadmap to Victory I: Messaging for 2011 & 2012

 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM - Box Lunch Service

12:45 PM -2:00 PM  - Keynote Address: Dr. Drew Westen our "Branding Our Values”


 2:00PM – 5:30 PM - Afternoon Sessions

• How to talk about Values with Dr. Drew Westen
• Healthcare: Understanding the Critical Debates, the New System and Virginia’s Role
• State Party Plan and Local Bylaws
• Local Committee & Community Outreach (breakout sessions for Urban, Suburban and Rural Communities)
• Economy & Jobs: National and State Realities
• Local Committee Finance and Compliance
• Building Relationships with Labor, Young Democrats and Progressive Organizations at the Grassroots
• Roadmap to Victory II: Putting strategy into action through blogs, new media and effective organizing


 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM - The Virginia Summit Evening Reception – Location TBA 
•$35 per individual Ticket; not included in Summit Registration 
 *Sessions and Times are Subject to Change

This is a valuable training and networking opportunity, don't miss it.

In The News

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Amherst County Virginia Democratic News

Juneteenth Celebration, Lynchburg Virginia

Amherst Democratic News

Two of the Hill Cities Favorite Sons

Odds are one was your teacher at school and the other will be your Senator from the Virginia 22nd District.

Bert Dodson and Gerald Cheatham, 1st Vice Chair Lynchburg Democrats     ACVDN

The Juneteenth Celebration is the most legal fun the laws of the universe will allow.    Well planned with plentiful parking, outside summer day beauty and indoor restroom facilities.    There was music, poetry, politics, dancing, displays and good food.   

Amherst Democratic News

Amherst Democratic News

Amherst Democratic News

Lynchburg's favorite son, Bert Dodson, went light on the politics with a short speech and that was all that was necessary as the crowd knew Bert as a friend and neighbor who had worked for years on their behalf.   

Bert wishes the Juneteenth Celebrators a Great Day

ACVDN

Bert mentioned his candidacy for Senator from Virginia's 22nd District, thanked the crowd for any help they could give and turned things back over to Mad Lad who was the Master of Ceremonies.   

Mad Lad

ACVDN

To a good round of applause and cheers Burt faded back under the tent out of view but not forgotten.

Bert Dodson and Gerald Cheatham in center of crowd

ACVDN

Here's the Mad Lad Story as quick as I can tell it.     10 year old boy builds radio transmitter and broadcasts to Central Virginia from his bedroom.     The FCC goes bonkers seasrching for the pirate transmission.      The Government doesn't know whether to flip flap- jacks or go blind when they trace the signal to 10 year old Mad Lad.     Mad Lad is temporarly off the air. 

Amherst Democratic News

In short order Mad Lad is out of trouble with the government and a local radio offer puts him in the business legimately.     He's been rocking the airwaves and DJ Shows ever since.

Student demonstrates the African Drum of Peace

ACVDN

A djembe ( /ˈdʒɛmbeɪ/ jem-bay) also known as jembe, jenbe, djbobimbe, jymbe, yembe, or jimbay, or sanbanyi in Susu; is a skin-covered drum meant to be played with bare hands.     According to the Bamana people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes directly from the saying  "Anke djé, anke bé"  which translates to  "everyone gather together in peace"  and defines the drum's purpose.    In the Bambara language,  "djé"  is the verb for  "gather"  and  "bé"  translates as  "peace".

Amherst Democratic News

Ada Smith congradulates young woman who just earned her MBA.

Amherst Democratic News

This huge inflatable playhouse was a magnet for the young ones.     Closely supervised by adults with a sign up sheet to control admittance it was great fun just to watch.     There was a hidden clubhoue in the rear and a slide for exit purposes.

Campbell County Voters Help Table

The Campbell County Democrats had a voter registeration booth.

ADN

ADN

Amherst Democratic News

Infomation booths rounded out the festivities.     This celeration was large with hundreds of people and I only touched on about a fifth of the action.     If a person couldn't find fun here they couldn't find it anywhere.

Amherst Democratic News

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday in the United States honoring African American heritage by commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. State of Texas in 1865.     Celebrated on June 19, the term is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth, and is recognized as a state holiday in 37 states (including Virginia) of the United States.

Amherst Democratic News

Though Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, it had minimal immediate effect on most slaves’ day-to-day lives, particularly in the Confederate States of America.      Texas, as a part of the Confederacy, was resistant to the Emancipation Proclamation, and though slavery was very prevalent in East Texas, it was not as common in the Western areas of Texas, particularly the Hill Country, where most German-Americans were opposed to the practice.      Juneteenth commemorates  June 18 and 19,  1865.     June 18 is the day Union General Gordon Granger  and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves.      On June 19, 1865, legend has it while standing on the balcony of Galveston’s Ashton Villa, Granger read the contents of    “General Order No. 3”:

Amherst Democratic News

The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.     This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.     The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.

Amherst Democrtic News

This was my first Juneteenth and I really enjoyed it and hope to return for many more.

Amherst Democratic News

Dessert and Father's Day Special Treats

Music News

Movie and Film News

Employeement News

Computer News



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Remember The Summit, July 15th and 16th, Richmond Va.

The first-ever Virginia Summit, which will be held on July 15th-16th at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, will offer two days of intensive training, policy and message briefings, career advancement advice and fellowship with Democratic elected officials, candidates, professionals, and activists from every level.

The Virginia Summit will offer sessions for candidates, activists, professionals and aspiring political staff of all stripes on a wide range of important skills and topics. We’ve got a host of informative and impactful sessions planned already, including:

Policy briefings on health care, education, national security, energy, and the environment

Developing and communicating a powerful message Running an effective local Democratic committee

Recruiting and retaining political volunteers

Making the choice to run for office

Starting and advancing a career in politics
I am also happy to announce that Dr. Drew Westen, the renowned psychologist, Democratic messaging guru and author of the must read book The Political Brain, has agreed to share his expertise in two separate Virginia Summit sessions. Dr. Westen has advised campaigns on every level on crafting and delivering an effective and emotionally resonant message. He will deliver a great deal of value to attendees who want to communicate our Democratic
values in the most effective way possible.


Closing Thought

Father and Daughter Having Fun

Amherst Democratic News



Hope you recognize the Gentleman in the photo.     He's a busy guy but guess what?      He finds time for the family and kids and even the dog Bo.      Bet you could find time too if you tried.      To look out for the kids future find time to attend the monthly Democratic metings in your county.     In Amherst that's the second tuesday of every month.      The next meeting is on July 12th at 7pm at the Madison Heights Library, doors open at 6:30 pm.     Bring with you a simple desire to make life better for those you love.     Here's hoping we will see you there.

PS:    Don't recognize the man and one of his daughter,  Ask me on July 12th at the Madison Heights Library and I'll tell you who they are.
Amherst Democratic News

Lynchburg Dems Hold Social Meetings

Wednesday June 15th there was a gathering of Democrats at the Westlake Deli and it was a remarkable occurrence.       Lynchburg Chair John Lawrence mastered the ceremonies and Lonnie Paris the manager of the Bert Dodson campaign spoke.     Lonnie is a veteran campaign manager with 16 battles under his belt.   Kody J Roza from the Dodson campaign was in the crowd and there was a general air of excitement that Bert is the only Democrat running and we can start getting the word out right away.    Ada Smith and Lynchburg Vice Chair Gerald Cheatham and Charles Wood and new members and new faces and old friends made up the packed room crowd.   Special Guest Dr. Andrew Bard Schmookler and his wife April topped off the lively crowd.

Martha Wilder

The Member of Note this month is Martha Wilder and yes her husband shares some connection with former Governor Douglas Wilder, a great ground breaking Virginia Democrat.   Martha enjoys seeing her friends at the Lynchburg meetings and attends on a regular basis.    Martha is interested in the Juneteenth Service Day Celebration coming up on June 18th and asked me some questions about that event.   I couldn't remember the details but knew who to go to for help.   Ada Smith was the salvation.   It turned out that Martha and Ada know each other and everything worked out well.

The crowd was loud as friends chatted away and connected with new friends.      I caught Ada as she looked over the menu.     We thank our friends at the Westside Deli, 7701 Timberlake Drive.     If you dine there check out the exceptional offerings of beverages and let me recommend the Black Cherry Soda.

Ada Smith

Reprinted below is the announcement for thr Juneteenth Celebration.     A lot of fun for all and everyone is invited.     Hope to see you there.

Everybody Loves an Eat and Chat Meeting

Saturday, June 18, Juneteenth Service Day Celebration, 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Hunton Randolph Community Center, 1120 12th Street, Lynchburg VA.     Everyone welcomed to attend and enjoy family oriented music, food and a variety of activities. Juneteenth is the oldest known event in America celebrating the ending of slavery.     June 19, 1865, Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War had ended and the slaves were free.      The celebration of Juneteenth initially grew out of the freed slaves desire to remember and celebrate that memorable day.     Juneteenth is a celebration of African American freedom that encourages self-development and respect for all cultures.

Lonnie Paris and Dr. Schmookler

The Lynchburg Democrats hold Social Meetings at restraunts in each of the Wards and this stragedy seems to draw members more than standard meetings.

Chair John Lawrence and Dr. Schmookler

Lynchburg Chair John Lawrence asked Dr. Andrew Bard Schmookler to say a few words and be the keynote speaker for the meeting.    

Photo from Amherst Meeting 1 Day Earlier.   Dr. Schmookler has a vision of how politics should work and how it should serve the people's intrests.      He has the energy and the ability to draw others to his cause and the determination to not just get things done but to get them done correctly.     That's a quality deserving the respect of voters and one they are lacking now.

www.nonesoblind.org

The always dynamic and full of energy Dr. Schmookler took the stage and charmed the crowd.      At one point in his presentation the Doctor was doing footwork like a boxer in training and snapping off point after point of how the Republican Party has sold out the working man.     This was after 8pm and Dr. Schmookler and April had been working since 7am in the morning, over 13 hours and still bright and alert.

Dr. Schmookler

Dr. Schmookler detailed some of the ways Republicans fail to represent working people and seniors and pointed out ways the Democrats are not strong enough in standing up to Republicans.

A smart Representative Knows how to listen

The News asked Bob Goodlatte for a comment on Dr. Schmookler throwing his hat in the ring for the 6th District Congress seat and "Two Term Bob"  said he couldn't possibly comment on those challenging him for the seat.

When He Speaks He Lights a Fire in the Listeners Mind

Here's what   "Two Term Bob"  did do.     He has started holding monthly meetings all over the district with voters.     Twice a year used to get him by but now that he has some competition he has upped his game to include communications with voters.      Dr. Schmookler is changing this broken Republican system with just his presence.     Imagine the changes when Dr. Schmookler is sworn in.

Dr. Schmookler and April

Dr. Schmookler's schedule begins at 7 am and ends around 11pm each day.     He is shaking hands, visiting and talking with voters all over the 6th District.     Yesterday he and April covered Amherst County, today he is in Lynchburg and tommorow he goes to Roanoke.

John Lawrence and Dr. Schmookler

Dr. Schmookler is committed to returning good representation to the citizens of Virginia's 6th District.     Government should work for the interest's of the people and create employeement opporunities and insure  a good education for all.     You are invited to become a part of this campaign.

The Message is Large and Important

To follow Dr. Schmookler and April become a regular reader of the Amherst County Virginia Democratic News.     Our mission is to cover politics in the 6th Congressional District and the newly formed 22nd Virginia Senate District.     Dr. Schmookler has a website       www.nonesoblind.org         Click and give him a visit.

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Bert Dodson Opens Campaign Office

Drop by Bert's Campaign Office

1022 Commerce Street
Suite F   on the second floor
Lynchburg, Va

Kody J. Roza in his office.     Visit Bert's Lynchburg headquarters and you're sure to meet Kody.     His eye is firmly on Bert Dodson becoming the Senator from Virginia's 22nd District.     Kody has a map of the district on the wall in front of him and a double set of Dodson yardsigns in his view.    Kody will be coordinating with the most energetic Democratic Leaders in Amherst County to get Bert the most support possible.

Gerald Cheatham

Today is opening day for the campaign headquarters and everyone was working diligently to get things set up.     Gerald Cheatham, the First Vice Chair of the Lynchburg Democrats was there and working.     You are likely to meet Gerald on your visit to bert's Headquarters as well as Lonnie Paris, Bert's campaign manager.

Bert Dodson and "Skipper" Fitts

There are two blue doors on the building.     One is solid wood with no window.      Thats the correct door.    Take the elevator to second floor and go to Suite F.      If you would like a yard sign or to volunteer or host an event or get some information on Bert or to hand walk a donation to Bert's headquarters, this is the place.

Bert at Appomattox Get-Together

You are welcome to visit Bert Dodson Headquarters but if you would like to contribute by mail, here's the address.

Friends of Bert Dodson
P.O. Box 10249
Lynchburg, Va  24506-0249

Please make checks payable to:
Friends of Bert Dodson

To comply with Virginia law please include
Your Name and Home Address, City and Zip Code
Home Phone and E-Mail Address
Your Occupation and Employer

Thank You

Bert Thanks You in advance for your help.

Keep Your Eye On The Prize

Local Headlines from the 22nd District
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Goochland County

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Virginia Summit

The first-ever Virginia Summit, which will be held on July 15th-16th at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, will offer two days of intensive training, policy and message briefings, career advancement advice and fellowship with Democratic elected officials, candidates, professionals, and activists from every level.

Amherst Depot Daydreams or Nightmare Rip Off.     Which One?

The old Amherst County depot was moved to a site near U.S. 29 and U.S. 60 with plans for redevelopment as an attraction. Now, the county's Economic Development Authority has said the project may not be viable.

Didn't the Board of Supervisors take this project over from a private group who couldn't get it done?

The Amherst Board of Supervisors’ own economic development advisers have recommended against spending another dime to renovate the historic Amherst train depot.   How much tax money was thrown away on this daydream?   Perhaps the supervisors would release the costs to tax payers to date since they took over this project from the private group.

The train depot situation has vexed the supervisors, who are loath to spend taxpayer money on the depot but must continue with the project or face the prospect of having to repay more than $400,000 in grants obtained for that purpose.    What was the $400,000 spent on?     Who received the grant money, the private group or the board of supervisors?      How long has this old train depot thing been going on?      When did it all start?     If the grant has to be paid back what will be the total amount of tax money spent?    Couldn't you build a look alike train depot for less than $30,000?

This is a failure on more levels than I care to think about.     It would be lovely if someone would step up to the line and tell the whole story to the public.      Will that ever happen?

Amherst County Virginia Democratic News

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