WASHINGTON
Birthday party on Maple Hill
Road
The mist of freezing rain in the late afternoon did not put a damper on the birthday party for Anna Clatterbuck and Cliff Dodson last Sunday (Jan. 22). The children decided to have the party at the Maple Hill Road home of Mae Racer and her mother (and my mother-inlaw), Anna Clatterbuck, because of recent surgery on Mae’s foot. Of course, Anna and Cliff were the guests of honor.
Also there were Melvin and Mary Gochenour; Doug and Beverly Exline; Danny, Hope, Austin and Zack Huff; Logan Aumoch; Bud, Louise and Steve Clatterbuck; Emily and Katrina Dodson; Cindy and Skylar Glascock; Sheila and Matthew Winters; James Walker; Jennifer, Alexis and Jordon Grim and myself. The ladies each brought a dish of Anna’s favorite food.
The past couple of weeks, Emily had been busy gathering photos from family members and had an album made for her grandmother (Anna), the album composed of photos of Anna’s sisters and brothers, children, grandkids and great grandkids. The smile on Anna’s face told everyone that the photo album was indeed worth a thousand words. Everyone enjoyed looking through the album; many could not believe the changes over the years.
Back in August 2011, when Anna and Mae had a family gathering at their home, Emily had to take Mae by the arm and sit her down, making her take a break from running around making sure everything was in place. Guess what? Last Sunday, Mae had a timeout for the whole party because of her foot surgery, and Emily was the one running around making sure that everyone had food on their plates.
Mary Gochenour, her daughter, had made her favorite cake – coconut.
After everyone enjoyed the good food and the photo album, the ladies got busy making plans for the big gathering in August – with so much enthusiasm that the guys had trouble hearing the football game in the back room.
By the way, Mae’s improving so much that, probably in another week, she will be going over the speed limit using her walker.
Civil War history and music
A program of music from the Civil War era starts at 3 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 29) at the Flint Hill Baptist Church. The event is sponsored by the Rappahannock Historical Society, with period music by Evergreen Shade and refreshments. Free, but contributions welcome at this family-friendly afternoon of music and fellow- ship in a church built just before the Civil War – and where, behind the church, you can also visit the newly dedicated grave of Albert Willis, a Confederate soldier who gave his life for another. For more information, call 540-675-1163.
Fire hall fundraisers
This weekend, don’t forget the Benevolent Fund’s evening of hors d’oeuvres and merriment from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 28) at the Washington fire hall. Due to the recent fire at Sperryville School House, the Benevolent Fund’s annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner had to be put off this year; this event, for which admission is $50 per person, is its replacement. For more information, call Beverly Atkins at 540- 675- 5370 or Bette Mahoney at 540- 6753446.
The Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue’s popular allyou- can- eat ham and oyster dinner fundraiser is 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at the fire hall. Come enjoy all your favorites – fried oysters, oyster stew, country ham, baked ham, lots of sides and desserts – for $25 per person ($10 for ages 4 to 10, younger kids free). For more information, call 540-675-3615 and speak with one of the company members.
Variety show
Washington Baptist Church members are busy making plans for their annual church variety show, scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Theatre in Washington. Besides the usual enjoyable acts, the show will feature the music of Hollowbound. Mark your calendar now and invite your family and friends to attend this wonderful event.
Correction
In my column last week column, I wrote that drummer Scottie Williams of Culpeper played a selection called “Mountain Rasta” on his African djembe. Mountain Rasta was not the name of the song but is Williams' performance/stage name.
Have a great week.