March is Virginia Wine and Dine Month

From the Virginia Tourism Corporation:

Love by the Glass, Virginia Wine and Dine Month, highlights Virginia wines and great culinary dishes together at more than 300 particpating restaurants and wine shops across the state.

 

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following proclamation:

 

Love by the Glass: Virginia Wine & Dine Month

WHEREAS, more than one and one-half million people visit Virginia wineries annually and during VIRGINIA WINE & DINE MONTH, guests can enjoy drinking Virginia wines at restaurants and purchasing them at local wine shops around the commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s burgeoning wine industry has been ranked as one of the “Ten Best Wine Travel Destinations” in the world by Wine Enthusiast Magazine for 2012; and

WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 2011, Virginia’s wineries sold more than 462,000 cases of wine, or more than 5.5 million bottles, totaling almost $90 million in retail sales; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is the home of Thomas Jefferson, America’s first epicurean and wine aficionado; and

WHEREAS, Virginia wineries realized Jefferson’s vision and today produce major varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng and Norton; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia wine industry has grown from six wineries in 1979 to more than 200 wineries today and now ranks fifth in the country in the number of wineries; and

WHEREAS, Virginia ranks 7th nationally in grape production, harvesting 7,000 tons of wine grapes with a total crop value of $11.2 million;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell do hereby recognize March 2012 as VIRIGNIA WINE & DINE MONTH in theCOMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Checking where the sun don’t shine

It’s embarassing to talk about. Sometimes uncomfortable to think about.

But, it could save your life.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

If you’re of a certain age, as in over 50, you need to schedule a colonoscopy. Do not delay.

According to the Center for Disease Control:

Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Every year, more than 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die from it.

I had my first colonoscopy when I turned 50. Other than the prep work, it wasn’t so bad. And when I hit 55 next year, I’ll be going back again.

You should too.

Sign off the Internet. Put down the Kindle. Turn off the TV.

Call your doctor.

Now.