Washington
Ambassador recounts years with President Reagan
U. S. Ambassador Gilbert Robinson, keynote speaker, offered insights into President Ronald Reagan at the Rappahannock Republican Reagan Dinner Saturday at the Washington Volunteer Fire Hall. According to Evelyn Kerr, Rappahannock's Republicans attended the event in large numbers. Many persons remained after the dinner to purchase Robinson's book, “Reagan Remembered.”
Robinson, who was appointed by Reagan as deputy director of the U. S. Information Agency in 1981 and served as ambassador and special advisor for public diplomacy to Secretary of State George Shultz from 1983 - 1985, thought Reagan was a wonderfully well-rounded man, great fun to be with, always full of wit and good cheer, but he never lost sight of the serious side of being president, according to Kerr.
Robinson's collection of short reminiscences and stories capture much of Reagan that we never knew before, Kerr says. His book invites the reader to look clearly into a White House that is often cloaked in secrecy and smokescreens.
The ambassador invited dinner attendee James (Jim) Miller, former Reagan budget director (1985 – 1988), to highlight one of his experiences with Reagan. According to Kerr, Miller recounted a time when the president had complained about the press believing "he was too old and couldn't see nor hear well." Reagan took out his hearing aid and, to trick the president, Miller moved his lips, pretending to talk. Although many presidents might not have enjoyed the trick, Reagan returned the same silent discourse, pretending to talk back to Miller. Dinner attendees roared with laughter. Kerr reported that even if you didn't agree with Reagan, you cannot dislike him after reading Robinson's book.
TOWN WAS ABUZZ OVER WEEKEND
Despite the rain on Saturday, Little Washington was hopping. The Fodderstack 10K runners didn’t seem to mind the cool, rainy weather. As I was coming through town, I saw John McCarthy directing traffic. He looked soaked but still had a smile on his face. He’s one dedicated man. The annual Fodderstack race is one of Rappahannock’s traditions and a high point in the local calendar of events.
Down the street, Grandma's Attic was going on at the Washington Baptist Church. Barbara Hudson, who was responsible for organizing the annual event, reports that in addition to the proceeds from the sale, it was good to be able to offer folks a place to go to get dry after the race. WBC would like to thank all who contributed items for the sale as well as those who worked to make it possible — especially Sandra Hudson, Carol Patton, and Vivian Sutton.
WBC SPECIAL SERVICE
On Sunday, May 1, the children and youth of Washington Baptist Church will present a special Easter drama entitled, "The Empty Tomb." Organized and directed by Jan McKinney, these young actors have been working hard to share the story of the men and women who first discovered "the empty tomb" and announced the resurrection of Jesus. Special music will be provided by Angela Snyder, violin, and her daughter, Cora, on the keyboard. Taking the place of the sermon during Sunday morning's worship service, “The Empty Tomb" will be presented in the Fellowship Hall rather than the Sanctuary. The service begins at 11 a.m., and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
STORIES IN LITTLE WASHINGTON
If you have something that you would like me to write about in this column, you can email me at jan@ rappnews.com This is the time of year when things are happening: reunions, graduations, vacations etc. So let me hear from you and I will be happy to write about it.
Have a wonderful week.