The
ADTA Nation’s 72nd 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.
The
ADTA Nation’s 72nd 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.
 |
| Add caption |
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…..
