It’s Autumn in Rappahannock
Fall found its way here in Rappahannock. It is my favorite season. To me, it means Dunkin’ Donuts will be making their pumpkin lattes and pumpkin donuts. Mmmm.
Let’s not forget another sign of fall is the annual House Tour of Trinity Episcopal Church, sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of Trinity Parish in Washington, from 11 to 5 on Saturday, Oct. 21 and noon to 4 Sunday, Oct. 22. Houses this year are in the villages of Flint Hill, Sperryville and Woodville. Cost is $30 for three houses, and $15 to visit just one. Get tickets, a map and refreshments at Trinity Parish Hall, Warren Avenue and Gay Street, or follow the road signs and start at an individual house. Profits go to mostly local, but some international, charities. Also open to all is a Harvest Festival Service at 5 on Sunday at Trinity Church, with a reception afterwards. For more information, call Helen Williams, 540-9374279. (More details about the homes on this year’s tour in an article on the first page of this section.)
HOLIDAY GREENS
Fost hasn’t come within striking distance of a pumpkin yet, but the ladies of the Rappahannock County Garden Club are already preparing for their annual Holiday Greens Fundraiser. Handmade wreaths (plain or decorated), swags, tabletop/ mantel toppers and garland will be available for sale from Oct. 23 to Nov. 20. You can visit rappgardenclub.org for pictures and descriptions of the items available.
All items are made with local greens, pinecones and berries, with profits going towards sending local children to nature camps and providing scholarships to Rappahannock County High School students. Beginning Oct. 23, orders can be placed online at rappgardenclub.org or by calling Karen Crow at 540-675-9917.
Be sure to order early as quantities are limited. Orders will be available for pickup at the Washington Fire Hall on Nov. 29 from
2 to 5, and Nov. 30 from 9 to noon. These greens are a wonderful way to decorate your home for the holidays while supporting our community.
MUMS THE WORD
When fall arrives, it’s hard not to regret the passing of all the summer blooms, but never fear — fall’s mums are near. Williams Tree Service & Landscaping has beautiful mums for sale now. The Coop also has fall flowers for sale. I really could run up a bill fast at Williams’ place in Ben Venue for their beautiful mums. Be sure to stop and browse around. It’s always great fun when that first nip is in the air.
DINNER CROWD
Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue had a busy evening this past Saturday when 190 hungry people showed up for its ham and oyster dinner fundraiser. According to one of their volunteer members, the dinner was a huge success.
I was told that Debbie Knick made her famous Fresh Apple cake with cream cheese filling smothered in caramel frosting. I had heard through the grapevine that her cake tastes so good. I know for a fact that’s the case if her cakes taste anything like her mom’s. They were delicious good indeed.
The WVFR wants to thank everybody who supported the dinner. All proceeds will be used to support the company’s operations.
By the way, the department’s next fundraiser is the charity card tournament on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Texas Hold’em Charity Tournament begins with check-in at 3, with the tournament at 4. Buy-in is a $50 donation and includes your meal. First prize is a Marlin 336C 30-30 walnut w/scope, second prize is a Savage A17 HMR w/scope, third prize is a Marlin XT-22MR 22Mag w/scope, plus numerous other prizes. Tickets are available at the door, and the tournament is limited to 60 players, age 18 or older. Donations are nonrefundable. Contact Bobby Smoot or Danny Huff at 540-675-3615 or 540-2702507 with any questions.
CCLC NEWS
Child Care and Learning Center is holding its OctoberFest on Saturday Oct. 28, from 3 to 5 at the school. The cost is $5 per family. Fun for All Ages! Wear your child-friendly costume! Take home a free pumpkin, and enjoy games, prizes, fire truck train rides from 3 to 4, and check out the balloon artist and inflatable obstacle course. Win a cake at the Cake Walk or there will be great raffle baskets. Plenty of food, desserts and drinks. Trick or Treating at the end of the event. What a great time for the kids to spend Saturday evening. For more information: 540-675-3237.
MURDER IN TOWN
Don’t forget Murder, Mayhem & Marshmallow Salad, presented by Washington Baptist Church Youth Drama Group, Saturday, October 28 at 6:30. Pasta, Meatballs, Salad, Bread and Dessert. Tickets are $15 each. Contact Jan McKinney at wbc. dramaclub@gmail.com for ticket reservations. Space is limited. They will also have an open house with candy and activities on Halloween beginning at 5:30.
MANY THANKS
The Rappahannock News would like to thank Sally Haynes for baking us some very delicious treats over the months. Also thanks to Audrey Regnery for baking bread for the news team. Sally and Audrey went out of their way for us on days when we were so busy getting the newspaper to is just another example of the community pulling together in a time of need — even if it was our stomachs that needed sustenance. Thank you so much ladies for all you do for us to make sure we eat while getting the paper out.
SELLING SILK
The women of Trinity Episcopal Church have had a grand time selling “All Things Rappahannock” at the Inn at Little Washington’s Farmer’s Market on Sundays. Stop by to see the scarf and a poster of Rappahannock critters modeling the pure silk scarf, based on a painting by Ruthie Windsor-Mann. There are only two more weeks left for the Inn's Farmers Market.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
Birthday wishes go out to Debbie Knick of Washington. She will celebrate her special day on Monday, Oct. 30. And John McCaslin, not surprisingly, is a Halloween baby.
Happy anniversary goes out to Anne Robertson and Larry Bud Meyer of Long Mountain Road, who are celebrating 21 years today. A little birdie told me that Anne’s getting a Rappahannock scarf (thanks to Trinity).
Have a wonderful week!