Get to Vancouver, No. 1.....

The ADTA Nation’s 72^nd Annual Meeting, a West Virginia Adventure, came to an end on Sunday, April 21, with a farewell breakfast.  So, this is one last post from Project Orange.  We received a nice note (on a carry out container) from the owners of When Pigs Fly Barbecue, who reported a steady stream of lawyers who “aren’t from here” looking for barbecue.  I don’t know if we can say it any better.  On behalf of The West Virginia ADTA Members, we thank all of you, once again, for taking the time and effort to join us at the Greenbrier, and experience a bit of our Wild Wonderful state.  To have our friends here was a real joy.  For all the kind words about the Greenbrier Meeting, we thank you – we had a blast.

The ADTA Nation took to heart Enjoying Greenbrier County, and folks went far and wide.  Members went to the Greenbank Observatory, ventured into Lewisburg and surrounding areas, and some took the Willet Ride on the Greenbrier Trail.  The ADTA Nation Golfed, Shot, Spaaaa’d, Served, Walked, Ran, Gambled and Swam West Virginia.  The ADTA Nation enjoyed the local cuisine.  The Livery, Food & Friends, Bella Casa, Stardust and other Lewisburg restaurants were packed with ADTA members as were the outstanding restaurants at the Greenbrier, including Sam Snead’s (fantastic salmon….), Prime 44 and the Dining Room.  We understand there were trips to Jim’s Drive In for burgers and fries and the ubiquitous West Virginia Hot Dog (you know the recipe, by now, don’t you….)  We sampled West Virginia Hootch at Smooth Ambler at a great event on Thursday afternoon.

Thursday Evening at Kate’s Mountain started with falconry and ended with some outstanding bluegrass music by Richard Hefner and the Black Mountain Boys.  Richard put together a great show for us, and brought in champion fiddler Jake Krack.  Against the backdrop of our beautiful mountains, we heard real, West By God Virginia Bluegrass.

Our CLE was outstanding.  From IPad Apps to Gail Kelly’s Young Lawyer Panel to Professor Roberto to Fred and the Retirees, members were exposed to practical issues  and answers relevant to our practices (and our lives….)  Well done, all.  Steve Coonts was such a down to earth keynote speaker you almost forgot he was a decorated war hero and New York Times Bestselling author.    

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The ADTA Nation went to the Bunker, and we’re not buying the story that it is decomissioned.  Many ADTA Members (who, after all, question things for a living), expressed skepticism about why, to get to the underground Bunker, you had to take an elevator up a floor, and wondered just what else was under there.  Data storage?  Maybe Not….

Almost everyone joined us, at one time or another, or for the whole time, at Project Orange.   Let’s just say, a good time was had by all.   

Some Shout Outs:  To Vic and Lindsay Flanagan for handling golf and other stuff and having our backs when we thought we’d run out of wine; to Melissa Bailey for Coordinating all the Spouse Activities; to Matt Bailey, the consiglieri of all things hospitality; to Leon Beukman and Anita Parke for the help, support, advice and bottle openers and for staying in Project Orange when only crazy people would have done so…. To our New Execs:  James Holland, Jackson, MS, Dyan Ebert, St. Cloud, MN, and Robert (Bob) Harrison, San Diego, CA; to our new Treasurer, Ed Birk, Jacksonville, Fla.; and to our new Vice President (and former Treasurer Deluxe) Matt Bailey, Baton Rouge, La.  Congratulations All.  Once again, to Jean Lawler, Our We Prefer to Refer Winner.   The We Prefer to Refer Race for 2014 has begun, as we personally witnessed two referrals among ADTA Members during this meeting.  To Steve Heine and Karen Kendall for a Great Year.  Relax, Mr. President, Relax.   To Steve and Melinda Crislip:  the Founders of the Feast and Driving Forces behind ADTA Greenbrier.  Well done.  And, as always, to Excellent, Excellent Director Peggy Schultz for Everything!  She makes the ATDA Hum.

If you were inspired by Steve Coonts and want to make a contribution to the Intruder Scholarship Fund, here’s where to send your check

The Intruder Scholarship Fund

c/o Geoff Swanberg

3504 Beaverford Rd

Woodbridge, VA 22196

So, ADTA Nation we start another year anew – with a warm welcome, the promise of friendship and our tradition of excellence - with new President David Zizik and VP Danny Balmert.

We would be remiss if we didn’t point out that it’s not too early to plan, so don’t forget we all need to Get to Vancouver…..

Down to the Lick Log....

Hey ADTA,

Seems like weeks since our last post, but we were in trial - resolved amicably.  Glad to be back focusing on the important stuff:  ADTA Greenbrier.

Listen up.  You are “down to the lick log” if you want to go to ADTA Greenbrier.  There may be a few rooms left, both at the Greenbrier and the Lewisburg Hotels, but you won’t know unless you sign up and check it out.  Otherwise, it will be too late.

“Down to the lick log,” was one of many sayings of Winfield Turley “Teke” Shaffer.  Teke was the original ADTA Charleston West Virginia member at Jackson Kelly, a great lawyer and mentor to many of us.  Teke served in the infantry in Korea, and then attended the West Virginia University School of Law.  He practiced with Jackson Kelly and managed our litigators from 1959 until his retirement in 1996.  A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Teke was an old school trial lawyer who viewed discovery as an annoying delay between his client and the courtroom.  He was a powerful cross examiner.  Teke’s greatest contribution to the ADTA was the day he picked a young lawyer at Jackson Kelly to join our group, and so began the legendary ADTA career of Steve Crislip.  We all still miss Teke, who died May 30, 2008, at the age of 79, and never really explained the lick log (at least to me). 

If you have resisted us so far, your strength must be ebbing.  Continue that trial.  Postpone that procedure.  Go ahead, send in that registration form and join the ADTA Nation’s first foray into Wild Wonderful West Virginia and the historic Greenbrier.  You know you want to join 161 ADTA members for what will be a great time.  Think about what you are missing. 

We hear the ADTA Philly Contingent is coming by train.  The Willets, Cliffords and Mitchells are rumored to be coming via the Bourbon Trail through Kentucky. The Birks are coming  through Roanoke, where they may run into the  James Jennings expedition.  Zizik is putting together a Dutch Treat for Tuesday night.  For all we know, Matt Bailey is already here. 

Assuming he survives the Bourbon Trail, The Bike King, Yeulin Willett, will lead an expedition on a ride along the Greenbrier River Trail on Friday afternoon,  April 19, 12:30-4:30.   You can rent bikes at The Bike Shop at the Greenbrier (down by the outdoor pool).  Ask for the manager, Daniel Muller, who assures there will be plenty of bikes.  Get there on Wednesday or Thursday to get fitted for your bike and have it tagged/reserved.  Meet at the Bike shop on Friday at 12:30, for a scenic van ride  10 miles to the Greenbrier River Trail.  Right now, there are 18 signed up, so please let Peggy know if you want to join in.  For those with a desire for more aggressive off-road, single-track mountain biking, contact Yeulin, as he is game.

Julia’s Greenbrier Tips:

Valet Parking is $20 per day.  They are A-OK with you dropping your stuff and parking it yourself for free.  Save the $ for the Casino….

What to wear, what to wear? Here’s Julia’s guidance.  You are at the Greenbrier, so enjoy the Southern Ambiance, and dress Greenbrier Casual.  No sweat pants, shorts or halter tops in the upper lobby, please.  Jackets are required in the casino and no jeans.  You must be 21 and present your room key to enter. 

As for the ADTA events:

Wednesday President’s Reception:  Happy Business Attire.  Suits and sport coats with ties.  Bust out that bow tie.  Fancy skirts and dresses.

ADTA CLE:  Business casual.

Thursday at Kate’s Mountain:  Bluegrass Casual.  Jeans, boots, checked shirts and the like.  It may be cool on Kate’s mountain so bring a sweater or jacket.  You’ll want to clog and dance, so get comfy.

Golf:  Be like Tiger, not Carl Spackler.

Friday Bunker Tour:  Casual and comfortable.  Shoes in particular.

Saturday:  Black Tie and Cocktail Dresses.  If there is a place to get spiffy, it is the Greenbrier.  You’ll want to look good to get your picture taken.

Sunday Breakfast Sendoff:  Travel Comfort Casual.

Travel from Roanoke Regional Airport in Virginia ((ROA):

   

SUV (1-5 passengers):  $295 per vehicle

Van (1-5 passengers0:  $53.00 per person with a $443.00 minimum charge

Bus (3-5 passengers):  $53.00 per person with a $443.00 minimum charge

Bus (6 or more passenger):  $53.00 per person with a $443.00 minimum charge

Waiting time for a sedan charged at $75.00 per hour and $100 per hour for bus.

Julia, as always, will watch the weather carefully, but, it may be hot, may be cold.   We’ll give you our best guess when we get close.

Any questions?  See you at the Greenbrier.

Attention Golfers!!!

Below is the note from Tim McNeely, PGA Tour Tournament Director of The Greenbrier Classic.  Tim does not have the background of most  PGA tournament directors as he spent six years as a defense attorney in our firm before finding his true professional passion.  Tim has worked with the PGA for over ten years and has received several national awards for work.  In 2011, he was also the driving force behind The Greenbrier Classic receiving the PGA’s highest honor, the “Best of Show” award.

Please do not forget to register for the Annual Meeting and make your reservations to play golf with the ADTA on Old White.  

Steve Coonts and It's a Small ADTA World

Hey ADTA,

Greetings from Naples, Florida, with more stuff about ADTA Greenbrier. 

Our speaker Saturday morning at the Greenbrier will be West Virginia native Stephen Coonts, author of The Flight of the Intruder, which he published in 1986, and followed with ten more books about war hero Jake Grafton, tracing his career from a young Navy attack pilot flying A-6s during the Vietnam War (Flight of the Intruder) to two-star admiral working with the CIA (Liberty).  The latest in the Jake Grafton series is Pirate Alley.  Steve has published a bunch of other great books (the majority of which I have read), which you can review on his website, here.

The Flight of the Intruder spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and a movie based on the novel, starring Danny Glover, Willem Dafoe and Brad Johnson was released in January 1991.

Steve grew up in  grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, and attended West Virginia University, where he majored in political science and graduated in 1968. Upon graduation, he joined the Navy, was commissioned as an Ensign and began flight training in Pensacola, Florida.  He received his Navy wings in August, 1969. He made two combat cruises aboard USS Enterprise as an A-6 Intruder pilot during the final years of the Vietnam War. After the war he served as a flight instructor on A-6 aircraft for two years, then did a tour as an assistant catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS Nimitz. He left active duty in 1977 and moved to Colorado. After short stints as a taxi driver and police officer, he entered the University of Colorado School of Law in the fall of 1977.

Steve declined payment for speaking to us, instead asking that we make a donation to The Intruder Scholarship Fund, which is a charity made up of old A-6 Intruder pilots that awards scholarships to the sons and daughters of servicemen and women.  Steve is war hero and a great West Virginian, and someone who will be right at home with the ADTA.  He’ll be spending some time with us in addition to his talk on Saturday morning.

A quick Small ADTA World Story: Julia and I are at the Spring meeting of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and someone yells “Hey Tom.”  I turn to see Tom Burke and as we are chatting, Bruce Keplinger walks by.  Both are headed for the Greenbrier (although Keplinger has a pesky trial that week….)  The ADTA Nation is everywhere.

See you at the Greenbrier, ADTA. 

ADTA and America's Resort - The Perfect Match

Only ADTA can provide you the golf opportunity of a lifetime.  When ADTA visits The Greenbrier Resort in April you will have the opportunity to play the only club  in the world that can boast of having two of the greatest golfers ever as its Club Professional.  The late Sam Snead served as the Golf Professional from 1937 through 1942 when he left the Greenbrier to serve in the United States Navy during World War II.  He returned to the Greenbrier in 1948 and served as its golf professional until 1974.  In 1993, Snead was named Golf Professional Emeritus and served in this position until his death in 2002. Tom Watson was named The Greenbrier’s Golf Professional Emeritus in 2005. Watson first visited the resort for the 1979 Ryder Cup Matches and annually returns to host his partnership outing. Watson also hosts the Tom Watson Fall Golf Classic, a pro-am event played on two of the resort’s championship courses.

The Greenbrier is one of the few courses in the world where it is not unusual to walk down a fairway and strike up a conversation with the likes of Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, Jerry West or many of the other professional athletes and stars that frequent the property.  In 2011, the status of The Greenbrier as a golf mecca was confirmed by the PGA when it awarded the prestigious “2011 Best of Show” award to America’s Resort for hosting the PGA’s Greenbrier Classic.

Below are a few recent articles describing the Golf Club at the Greenbrier.

Please register to play with your brothers and sisters of ADTA on Thursday, April 18 at 1:00 for an unforgettable experience.  

Greenbrier Golf History

Walk in the footsteps of legends and play where the pros play.

Golf is a gentlemen's game. Few gentlemen played it better than Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. These greats of the game are also legendary contributors to the history of golf at The Greenbrier. Sam Snead established The Greenbrier as the world's foremost golf destination. Jack Nicklaus put golf front and center when he redesigned The Greenbrier course for the Ryder Cup. Tom Fazio created an award-winning golf challenge for the private residential community The Greenbrier Sporting Club. The legacy of Sam Snead continues at The Greenbrier with current Golf Pro Emeritus Tom Watson and his annual 36-hole Pro-Am golf tournament.

Since 1910, golf has been synonymous with The Greenbrier. With four championship courses and The Greenbrier Golf Academy, America's Resort is unmatched in its dedication to golfers and the sport. Our first 18-hole course, The Old White TPC, was designed by Charles Blair Macdonald in 1913. The course was restored as part of a four-year project to return to its original design.

The Greenbrier Course was built in 1924 and renovated in 1977 by Jack Nicklaus. In 1979, The Greenbrier Course hosted The Ryder Cup, and in 1994 was the host to The Solheim Cup. The Meadows Course, formerly known as the Lakeside Course, reopened in 1999 after a complete course redesign by Robert Cupp. Also in 1994, The Greenbrier named Sam Snead as the resort's Golf Professional Emeritus, a position he held until his death in 2002.
The Snead Course, designed by Tom Fazio and named in honor of the legendary golfer, was opened in 2004. In 2005, Tom Watson became The Greenbrier's second Golf Professional Emeritus. At the heart of all our courses is The Greenbrier Golf Club. Here we feature an award-winning pro shop, a full fleet of golf carts, and experienced caddies. We also offer fine dining at Sam Snead's at the Golf Club, and refreshments and good times at Slammin Sammy's.

The Greenbrier is a place nearly as old as American golf itself. It's more than a game here-it's our heritage. The Golf Club prominently features Snead and Watson memorabilia throughout and the Tom Watson Fall Golf Classic is an anticipated annual event. The Greenbrier hosts The Greenbrier Classic on our famed Old White TPC course.
In the inaugural tournament, Stuart Appleby finished with in history-making 59 in the final round of The Greenbrier Classic, besting Sam Snead's previous record of 60. The 2011 Greenbrier Classic gripped fans with an exciting, one-hole playoff. Scott Stallings won with a score of 69. His first tour win moves him from 88th to 26th in the FedExCup standings.
When it comes to great golf, history will always repeat itself at The Greenbrier. Whether you are looking for a course to develop your drives, sharpen your shots, or perfect your putts, you will find your own sweet spot at The Greenbrier--where experiences are timeless and memories last forever.

Nostalgia

James Monroe

James Monroe visited White Sulphur Springs with his wife in August 1815 while he was Secretary of State. His physician ordered him to “take the waters” to regain his health.

Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant visited White Sulphur Springs in 1874. It was a brief visit early in the season as he was traveling west by railroad.

Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson spent his Easter vacation in April 1914 at The Greenbrier. He played golf on the Old White Course. He also divided his December 1915 honeymoon with Edith Bolling Galt between The Greenbrier and The Homestead.

William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft vacationed at White Sulphur Springs during his 1908 campaign for the presidency. He was feted at a grand ball in the ballroom of the Old White Hotel.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower hosted the North American Summit Conference at The Greenbrier March 26-28, 1956. He was also at the resort three times in World War II when The Greenbrier was used as an Army hospital. Once he was admitted as a patient and the other times he was here with Mrs. Eisenhower for rest and relaxation.

The Greenbrier's Pro-Emeritus 

Mr. Tom Watson

Tom Watson, The Greenbrier’s golf professional emeritus, is one of the most celebrated players ever on the PGA TOUR and among the top echelon on the Champions Tour. After winning his first PGA TOUR event in 1974, Tom went on to win 39 PGA TOUR wins, 14 Senior PGA TOUR wins and led the money list five times. Over the years he accrued six PGA Player of the Year titles, trailing only behind Tiger Woods in that category. Among Watson's major PGA TOUR victories are the 1982 U.S. Open, the 1977 and 1981 MASTERS titles and a remarkable five British Open Championships (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982 and 1983). He won the 2001 and 2011 Senior PGA Championship and the 2003, 2005 and 2007 Senior British Open. At the 2009 British Open, Watson had his best Open score since 1994 when he lost in a play-off to Stewart Cink. This performance made him the oldest player to ever hold the lead after 54 holes at a major championship.

Shopping, shopping, shopping.....

 We gave you a hint of the shopping at the Greenbrier a few posts back, but let’s talk.  I mean, you are going to be there, so you may as well…..

The Retail Collection, here, lists of all the shops on the Greenbrier property, where you can access the interactive map (shown above and linked here). The stores and shops occupy the north  wing on the first floor, down the hall from the Registration desk, and in the entry to the Casino Club.  The Colony Shops are located out on the property on Alabama Row.  The Garden Gallery is down by the tennis courts, with fire bowls and other neat yard stuff.  Here’s the online shop for a little preview. 

If you are looking for shoes, and we know you are, Yarid’s at the Greenbrier has them.  Lots of them.  (You also might slip into the Lewisburg Yarid’s where you may find a sale or two).   The Greenbrier Gourmet Shop has lots of pots, pans, utensils, wine and sauces and other kitchen stuff – they also do cooking demonstrations, and have gourmet coffee and sandwiches.  There is a Ralph Lauren shop, Greenbrier Men and Women’s shops, and Fizzy's Land of Oz with toys and games for kids.  You can get golf, shooting and outdoorsy stuff.  There are two pretty high end jewelry shops,  one of which is located right next to the casino for winners.  There is a flower shop.  There is a Greenbrier Shop with everything from t-shirts to fleeces to sweaters, and hats, watches and bags bearing the Greenbrier logo.  (They also have most national papers, including the Washington Post and New York Times for sale by mid-morning).   If you left your shaving cream at home, they’ve got that stuff, too. 

Across the street from the Greenbrier Entrance is the original train station where you’ll find the Greenbrier Christmas Shop, which is a must visit for ornaments, and various and sundry Santas, Snowmen, candles, Christmas decorations and other stuff.  More on shopping in Lewisburg soon. 

Meanwhile, back at the Hotel, we are sold out of our ADTA block and then some, but you can and should still come.  Stay at the GeneralLewis, Hampton Inn Lewisburg or Fairfield Inns & Suites Lewisburg.  Great hotels within ten minutes of the Greenbrier and a hop, skip and jump into Lewisburg. 

Meanwhile, Get to the Greenbrier, ADTA, Get to the Greenbrier.  

More Investigative Reporting on Food At and Around Lewisburg

Special Report this evening for the ADTA Greenbrier 2013. Let me tell you about three more restaurants in and around Lewisburg, America's Coolest Small Town.

Ate dinner at the newly opened barbeque joint "When Pigs Fly - Real Pit BBQ" in Fairlea, just a tad outside of Lewisburg. I'll be hauling Bailey, Birk and other barbecue loving ADTA members there personally for the Combo Plate with pork and chicken barbecue and ribs, although if you are pleasant, Mike will let you substitute a couple of slices of brisket. Cold draft beer. (Got Julia a shirt....) Check them out on Facebook, here, and read a review, here.

The Stardust Café in downtown Lewisburg is quite a find. It is a small and intimate with an eclectic menu. We had Moroccan chicken, Curry chicken, seared ahi tuna and Italian sausage over pasta. All were tasty.

Up the street a bit is Bella Casa with a pretty fine Italian menu. Look at the menu, here, and take a peek at live action photos of dinners.