EVENTS

Event listings must reach us (preferably by email to events@rappnews.com) by Monday at noon for Thursday’s paper; an actual street address and a phone number we can publish are also necessary. Please limit listings to 60 words. Many more events are listed on our website at RappNews.com/events.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 23

SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER: Amissville United Methodist Church hosts a spaghetti dinner and concert fundraiser for Caroline Shaffer, a local student competing in the national AllAmerican Miss Pageant. Dinner served 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a concert in the sanctuary. Cost is $5 per person; donations also accepted. For more information, call Rose at 540937-3196. KID PAN ALLEY FREE CONCERT, featuring local student songwriters and Kid Pan Alley’s Paul Reisler, Sahffi Lynne and Marshall Keys, starts 7 p.m. at Rappahannock County Elementary School. Visit kidpanalley.org for more information.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24 SUNDAY, SEPT. 25

RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY FARM TOUR is a free twoday, self-guided annual tour offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Rappahannock's working farms, this year with about 20 venues offering tours, products and special events. The Farm Tour's mission is to present an unforgettable, educational and enriching experience of Rappahannock County’s (agri)culture. Stop by the Visitors Center at 3 Library Rd., Washington for tour guidebooks (not to mention Wi-Fi and public restrooms). Tour hours are 10 to 5 Saturday and 11 to 5 Sunday; for more, visit rappfarmtour.org or email rappfarmtour@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24

RCHS FALL FESTIVAL: Rappahannock County High School's fundraising festival is 11 to 5 at RCHS with more than 25 vendors selling everything from crafts to furniture, a 27-foot inflatable slide, face painting, barrel train, carnival games, a Chinese Auction, pony rides and more. Cornhole tournament is at 11:45; sign up by 11:30 Saturday morning at $20 per team. Lots of great food includes barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked goods and drinks. Come out and support your RCHS clubs and classes with a day of fun!

BLOOD DRIVE: Sperryville Volunteer Rescue Squad hosts a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the station. Come and meet members of the squad who serve our community, and help out with a blood donation. For more information, contact Ray Boc at 540-987-9706.

HERITAGE DAY is 11 to 2 at the Rappahannock Senior Center (111 Scrabble Rd., Castleton). Explore the history of Rappahannock County, Scrabble School House and personal heritage that makes up the community. Sponsored by Aging Together. For more information, contact Dianna Banks at 540-829-6405 or Dbanks@agingtogether.org.

CHESTER GAP VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE'S OPEN HOUSE is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the station. Free hot dogs and drink, moonbounce, kids’ games, demonstrations, raffles and free hot dogs and chips. Come tour the station and equipment and meet the volunteers. Contact Kevin Williams for more information at 540-635-8255.

BLUEGRASS BENEFIT FOR GARY JENKINS JR. at the Washington fire hall grounds starts at 4 with Amazing Grace the Mule with Steve Foster, and, from 6 to 10 p.m., music by Riverbend Bluegrass Gospel, Traveling Pilgrims, Virginia Gospel Singers and the Hurt Hollow Band. Raffle prizes include a Husqvarna weed-eater and leaf blower, Greg Williams gift certificates and two guns. All proceeds of WVFRD’s food and drink sales also benefit Gary. Entry is $10 per car, including a ticket for door prize drawing. Raffle tickets are $10 (or three for $25). Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy bluegrass under the stars. For more information, contact Junior and Michelle Jenkins at 540-671-3337 or 540522-1774. Gates open at 1 p.m. Rain or shine. SMITH SISTERS AT THE THEATRE: Since they began performing together in 1981, Megan and Debi Smith have played at venues across the country and around the world, including the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap, and have appeared on NPR's "All Things Considered" and "Prairie Home Companion" and Country Music Television. The Smith Sisters perform for the first time at the Theatre at Washington (291 Gay St.) at 8 p.m. For tickets ($25, $10 ages 17 and younger) call 540-675-1253 or visit littlewashingtontheatre.com.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 25

BLUEGRASS SERVICE: Bluegrass band Remington Ryde bring their music and sermons to Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church (3948 Sperryville Pike, Sperryville) for both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services, followed by a special lunch in their honor in the fellowship hall. Call Pastor Jon Heddleston at 540-987-9101 to RSVP for lunch or for more information.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 29

DEMOCRAT IN THE DONKEY BARN: Informal opportunity to hear Jane Dittmar, 5th District congressional candidate, at the 18th-century mule barn (now known as the donkey barn) at 105 Mount Vernon Lane, about a half-mile north of Sperryville off U.S. 211. Pilgrim, the farm’s donkey and newly appointed Democratic mascot, will greet you. All interested in learning more about Jane are welcome, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the barn (six-tenths of a mile down the lane from 211). For more information, call 540-987-3165.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30

RAPPAHANNOCK STARRY SKIES FESTIVAL is hosted by Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP) is in support of Shenandoah National Park's effort to be designated an official Dark Skies Destination and will include information on saving our view of the stars over Rappahannock, a telescope for viewing, an astronomer to point out constellations, information on better lighting solutions and efforts being made by REC to down-shield pole lights. Any donations will apply toward membership for the balance of the year in RLEP. Event is 6 p.m. at Caledonia Farm, 47 Dearing Rd., Flint Hill.

SATURDAY, OCT. 1 - SUNDAY, OCT. 2

SMITHSONIAN CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE'S annual Autumn Conservation Festival is the only time of year when the public is allowed to roam the 3,200-acre hilltop breeding/ research facility, with its scenic views of surrounding Warren County and the Blue Ridge beyond as well as glimpses of such animals as bison, endangered cranes and maned wolves. Headquarters for SCBI’s worldwide efforts to learn about animal behavior, reproduction, ecology, genetics, migration and conservation sustainability, the campus will have scientists and animal care staff and researchers on hand from 10 to 3 both days, plus food, beverages and Smithsonian merchandise for sale. Full schedule and parking permits ($30 in advance, $40 at the gate for up to six passengers) available at bit.ly/scbi2016, or call 202-633-3045.

SATURDAY, OCT. 1

REAGER SCHOOL BREAKFAST/BAKE SALE:

Old-fashioned country breakfast buffet and bake sale is 7 to 10:30 a.m. at Reager School (beside the Willis Chapel United Methodist Church), Huntly. Cost is $6 ($3 ages 12 and younger), to benefit the church maintenance projects. Sponsored by Willis Chapel UMC.

HILL HOUSE FARM AND NURSERY'S OPEN HOUSE

is 9 to 3 at the nursery (631 Scrabble Rd., Castleton) and features grasses, shrubs, perennials and trees that are native to the mid-Atlantic region, Hill House's specialty. Experts on hand to help answer any questions. For more information, call 540-937-1798.

RIVER DISTRICT ARTISTS OPEN HOUSE: The dozen

artists who've formed River District Artists, now in the same complex as Ginger Hill Antiques and Mountainside Physical Therapy at 12625 Lee Hwy., host an open house from 2 to 5 p.m., with food and drink and, of course, the works and artists themselves who were part of the now-closed River District Arts complex in Sperryville. Call 540-987-8440 for more information.

1000 FACES MASK THEATER'S new production, "The Half Hour News Hour From Planet Earth," is performed at Stone Hill, the home of John Henry and Ann Crittenden on Springwish Lane, Flint Hill. Doors open at 4:30; opening act, local band Them Thar Hills, goes on at 5; the play starts at 6 in the stone circle. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs for the performance, made possible in part by a grant from RAAC's Claudia Mitchell Arts Fund. Cost $10 donation. Rain date Oct. 2. For additional information, contact Peggy Schadler at peggyschadler@gmail.com or 540-987-8823.

JAZZ AT THE THEATRE: Peter and Will Anderson, one of the most remarkable sibling teams performing music today, come to the Little Washington Theatre at 8 p.m. They’re known for their energizing arrangements of American jazz classics and fresh original music. Hailing from Washington, DC, they have headlined at The Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, New Orleans Jazz Festival, Seattle’s Triple Door, and MiamiDade’s Cultural Arts Center. Theatre at Washington (291 Gay St.) For tickets ($25, $10 under 18) call 540-675-1253 or visit littlewashingtontheatre.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 7

‘SPOTLIGHT,’ the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world's oldest and most trusted institutions, screens at 7 p.m. at Little Washington Theatre. A Q&A follows the film and features Martin Baron, the former editor at the Boston Globe responsible for initiating the investigation and now executive editor of The Washington Post. The event is cosponsored by RAAC and Foothills Forum and moderated by former Washington Post ombudsman Andy Alexander. Admission $6; candy, water and popcorn available for the film. For more information, visit raac.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 8

HOOVER RIDGE 5-MILER starts 7:30 a.m. at Hoover Ridge Park (158 Primary School Dr., Madison). Preregistration is $25 ($30 on race day). Proceeds benefit the park. To register, visit hooverridge.com. For more information, contact Valerie at valerie.mcparksrec@gmail.com or 540-308-1247. ARTISAN FESTIVAL AND MINISTRY FAIR is 9 to 5 at the Bill Payne Auction Center (10 Maddox Lane, Amissville), sponsored by the Gathering Christian Church. Meet artisans and learn about ministries, outreaches, and volunteer opportunities in Rappahannock and nearby. Proceeds from vendor rentals will fund "Piggyback," an initiative that will piggyback the backpack program by providing toiletries, socks and other essentials to children of Rappahannock County. For more information, contact Pam at 910-295-3405 or japand92@yahoo.com. (Artisans and crafters needed; $35 will secure a spot for your merchandise.)

SUNDAY, OCT. 9

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING/PRESENTATION: Annual membership meeting of the Rappahannock Historical Society is 2 p.m. at the Washington Town Hall. Following the meeting, Peter H. Luke will give a presentation on "The Most Important Election That No One Knows About." Refreshments served. A $10 donation is suggested. For more information, call 540675-1163.

MONDAY, OCT. 10

ART OF AGING TOGETHER EXPO: Join AARP Virginia and Aging Together for the region’s only expo focusing on healthy aging in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties. Resources for people who are 50-plus, family caregivers and those of all ages who are thinking about aging well, including more than 50 exhibitors. Free admission. The Expo is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Daniel Technology Center (18121 Technology Dr., Culpeper). For more information, visit theartofaging.org, call 540829-6405 or email info@ agingtogether.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 13

PESTICIDE DISPOSAL: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Virginia Cooperative Extension invite farmers, pesticide dealers, pest control firms, certified applicators, homeowners and golf course operators to participate in the 2016 pesticide disposal program, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CFC Farm & Home Center (12645 Lee Hwy.). For more information, contact Kenner Love, Virginia Cooperative Extension, at 540-675-3619 or klove@ vt.edu.

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

ROB CARY LECTURE: In this Second Friday lecture, lawyer and author Rob Cary speaks at 8 p.m. at Rappahannock Library on one of the most notorious trials of recent years. In 2008, with less than 100 days remaining before he was to stand for reelection, Alaska senator Ted Stevens was charged with taking bribes. Cary defended Stevens, and his book, "Not Guilty," tells the stunning story. Gary has won wide acclaim as one of the nation's leading lawyers. Admission to the talk, sponsored by Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community, is free. All are welcome. For more information, call 301246-0022.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15 SUNDAY, OCT. 16

DIAMOND JUBILEE FLORAL ART AND HOUSE TOUR, sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of Trinity Parish in Washington, is 11 to 5 Saturday and noon to 4 Sunday. At 5 p.m. Sunday, there’s an Evensong service and concert at the church hall on Gay Street in Washington, featuring renowned organist Ronald Stolk and a small professional choir. Tickets ($30 for all three houses on the tour, $15 for a single home) available at the tour houses and at the church. For more information, call 540675-3716.

SUNDAY, OCT. 16

RAPPCATS CAT CAFE: Enjoy a snack, meet RappCats' shelter cats and learn more about RappCats' work to help stray, abused, abandoned and injured cats from 11 to 2 at RappCats' shelter, the only community cat shelter in the county, a cageless, no-kill facility at 714 Zachary Taylor Hwy. in Flint Hill. For more information, call 540-987-6050 or email rappcats@rappcats.org. DRUM CIRCLE: Join in the music making at the second of a series of three Community Drum Circles at the RAAC Theater, Washington, 6:30 to 8 p.m. These events are free and open to the all ages and experience levels, and are made possible in part by a grant from RAAC's Claudia Mitchell Art Fund. Lots of drums and percussion instruments to share, or bring your own. For more information, contact Wendi Sirat at 540-987-8417 or wendi@whitesage.net.

SUNDAY, OCT. 23

‘OLD FRIENDS’ MATINEE/ DISCUSSION: Rapp at Home hosts a showing of "Old Friends," Peter Odabashian's documentary about aging, love, friendship and everything in between, 3 p.m. at the Little Washington Theatre. A panel discussion on aging in our community follows the film, which is not rated and runs 90 minutes. Popcorn, water and candy are available for purchase. For more information call 540937-4663 or email lindsay@ rappathome.org.