Please join me on November 10, 2009, in wishing the United States Marine Corps a Happy 234th Birthday. Many of you know I have a couple sons who were in the Marines and our armed forces have a very special space in my heart.

Happy Birthday United States Marine Corp

I’d also like to extend this tribute to all of the men and women serving in all branches of the U.S. Military – Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard. Thank you all for your tireless dedication to keeping our country safe.

Together with a few friends, we devised a way to give away prizes at a recent R E BarCamp Lynchburg held at the Holiday Inn Select downtown Lynchburg Va.  I

Good Friends Good Times

personally never would have thought that it would have been as much fun as it was.  Everyone had a great time and tons of laughs.  Thinking about it still brings a smile to my face.

The basic premise of the game is to get as many people involved as possible and laugh a lot.  As a result everyone wins.  That is about all I’m going to tell you about the game here.  If you want to know more come to an R E BarCamp and you may have an opportunity to play.  This post is not about the game but what happens as a result of the game.

When Ainsley McDougal, the organizer for R E BarCamp D.C., asked if we could bring Lynchburg Squares to D.C. it was surprising.   One of the things I thought was so cool was that no one wanted to rename the game D.C Squares.  Wow, I don’t think anyone realizes how huge that is for the people who came up to Lynchburg to attend R E BarCamp DC.  We are just a small town, and often over looked.  The recognition really made us Lynchburgers feel right at home in D.C.

Many people had no idea how to play this game.   But for a prize they were willing to try anything.  Some of the thought leaders were asked if they would be on the panel.  Most of them agreed without even asking what they were volunteering for.  But you know with people like Bill Lublin, who’s answer to several of the questions was, “I know a guy in Philly.”  and Brian Block using the skills of persuasion learned in law school to convince everyone he knew what he was talking about, with these folks involved, there are sure to be good times.  Even “Lil Zebra” was there!  These are only a couple of the brilliant people on the panel.  Be sure to check out the short video below.

So 4:30 pm rolled around and it the game was on.  We laughed, we gave away some awesome prizes and we learned some cool stuff and at the same time about 60 people were involved.  It didn’t matter how much you knew about the topic.  It wasn’t about who was winning. It was about everyone participating and feeling they were a part of.  It was taking what we learned throughout the day and applying it.  It was about supporting each other creating a winning situation for everyone.

Every last one of the people in the room rawked it.   I was blown away that I could be a part of such a really cool experience.  This is what R E BarCamp is about.  Inspiring each other to take risks, to be more  and rekindle the passion for our industry.  My largest take away is the feeling of being a part of something that really matters and the hope that we can make a difference in the future of real estate.  Thank you R E BarCamp DC participants you rawked it.  And thank you for letting me be a part of it.

Lynchburg Squares from brokersaunders on Vimeo.

River Ridge Mall is extremely excited to announce the Grand Opening of Regal Cinemas the week of Oct 5-10, 2009

River Ridge Mall Map

River Ridge Mall will be giving out goody bags filled with coupons, give-a-ways, sales information and more from the many stores in the mall to the first 200 customers in line to see a movie.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy a movie and save some money!

Monday, Oct 5 – Wednesday, Oct 7, 2009 proceeds will go to a charity of Regal’s Choice and all movies and popcorn is $1.00

Friday, Oct 9 -Thursday Oct 15 is the grand opening to the public and free popcorn with a purchase of admission.

Old City Cemetery located on Taylor Street in Lynchburg Va will hold auditions September 14, 2009 and September 15, 2009 for its Candlelight Tours.

Deathbed scene at the Old City Cemetery Tour

The actors portray compelling and poignant stories of Cemetery residents.   This year there will be roles for nine adults, who must have acting experience. Auditions will begin at 7:00 p.m. Scripts will be provided and are available for pickup.  Tour performance date are Oct, 15, 16, 17, 23 and 24 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.  There are three rehearsal nights and actors will be paid a stipend of $150.00  If you would like more information or would like tickets to the tour call 434-847-1465.

Saturday October 10, 2009 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm you can have some fun at the 12th Annual “Day at the Point” which is held at the Point of Honor located on

Point of Honor

Daniels Hill.  This mansion was built in 1815 by the Cabell family and is a fine example of Federal architecture in Lynchburg Virginia.  Admission is FREE and there will be crafts, period music, a batteau exhibit and much more fun.  Call 434-455-6226

There is no lack of places to celebrate our nations independence in Lynchburg Va.

Start Independence Day with the fourth annual One Miler, the Academy of Fine Arts Family race.  The first race begins at 8 am on Commerce Street in Downtown Lynchburg.  Race day registration is $15 at the Academy call 434-528-3256.

As always fireworks are planned after the Lynchburg Hill Cats games on July 3 and July 4.  The Hill Cats play Winston-Salem both nights, with the Friday game set to begin at 6:05 pm and the Saturday night game to start at 7:05 p.m.

If you are from Campbell County Va you may already be familiar with the 4th of July celebration at Red Hill, the historic home of Patrick Henry.  The Brookneal home opens at 10 a.m. and Fourth of July events begin at 3 p.m..  Entry costs $10 per vehicle carrying up to 8 people.  No alcohol, fireworks or grills allowed.  For more information call 800-514-7463.

In Bedford County the Parks and Recreation Department will burst fireworks from the National D-Day Memorial.  The memorial itself will be closed by the time the fireworks go off however it will be open for tours 10 am until 5 pm.  For more information call 540-587-8973.

Also in Bedford County the Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks are set for The Point of Parkway Marina.  Saunders Volunteer Fire Department organizes the fest, and all proceeds benefit the department.  Fireworks are preceded by activities beginning at 5 pm and parking is $10 per car.

Watching fireworks below will cap a day of activities at the Peaks of Otter and Blue Ridge Parkway.  At 7 pm National Park Service rangers will lead a hike to the top of Sharp Top Mountain to watch the sun set and to view fireworks in communities below.  All events are free and open to all.  For information call 540-586-4496.

The Poplar Forest Independence Day celebration is set for 11 am to 4 pm.  Entry will be $10 per car and $30 per bus.  An admission fee will be charged for interior tours.

Head east and Bluegrass Under The Stars is planned at James River State Park in Gladstone.  In the Tradition is scheduled to perform, with the show beginning at 7:30 pm.  Admission is $10, with those 12 and younger admitted free of charge.  For more information call 434-528-4049.

Go north to the annual Fourth of July Parade in Lovingston Va along Main and Front streets scheduled to start at 11 am.