SPERRYVILLE
Allegheny Riders’ ‘ Almost
Heaven Ride’
What started as an adventure became a cause. The challenge of just finishing a 150mile bicycle ride for Allegheny Riders took on the far more important meaning of raising money for Operation Second Chance ( operationsecondchance.org), a nonprofit dedicated to helping injured soldiers and Marines transition back to active duty or civilian life. Since 2005, Allegheny Riders have raised more than $ 430,000 for OSC. On Saturday morning, riders leave Harrisonburg, head through Swift Run Gap onto Skyline Drive, lunch at Big Meadows and head for Sperryville via Thornton Gap ( day one is 64 miles). Sunday, they ride through the Virginia horse country with lunch in Middleburg and return to Gaithersburg, Md. via White's Ferry, an 86- mile day two).
We welcome this group, as they will once again be stopping overnight in Sperryville on Saturday. The friendships made among fellow riders and support they provide to true American heroes have made this annual event very special. Be sure to wave if you see them and make a donation to OSC via their website: rideallegheny. kintera. org/ Donate.
Green Comfort’s herbal
lecture series
It’s one of Rappahannock’s best kept secrets! Nestled in the woods just off Rock Mills Road is Teresa Boardwine’s 30- foot- diameter yurt. It looks like a fairy house, but what happens in there is grounded in science and clinical practice. A licensed clinical herbalist, Teresa provides individual consultation and a variety of training programs. I wanted you to have this information on upcoming community education events, to be held from 5 to 7 p. m. on six Fridays. The clinic will present their research and holistic health recommendations for each condition:
July 6, Parkinson's challenge to all the body systems; Aug. 3, From adrenal exhaustion to vitality and energy; Sept. 7, Recovering from Lyme disease and other tick- borne illness; Oct. 5, Diabetes, sugar balancing for life; Nov. 2, Menopause and the change of life; Nov. 30, Inflammatory conditions, reducing the rusting from the inside out.
There is a $ 25 fee for each gathering, with tea, handouts and snacks provided. Check out Teresa’s website ( greencomfortherbalapothecary.com) for a complete listing of training opportunities, or contact Teresa at 540- 937- 4283 or green. comfort@ gmail. com.
4th of July
Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third U. S. president from 1802- 1809, said: “Liberty is the great parent of science and of virtue; and a nation will be great in both always in proportion as it is free.”
As a nation we struggle to balance the divergent definitions of science and virtue, but it is the fact that we can struggle openly and honestly that makes this nation great. Our contemporary revolutions take place at the ballot box. As we celebrate the 4th of July with our community and its divergent organizations in Sperryville at Thornton Hill Racecourse next week, let us rejoice in our freedom to disagree and yet, to strive to work together. Happy 4th of July to you all and thanks to the Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department for making this day possible.
From the forest into refined, rustic furniture
There is something magical about that building, so often referred to as “Where Cooter’s used to be.” Over the last several months we have all become familiar with, and enjoyed, the delicious glutenfree food and Wednesday meals to- go that are available through the Triple Oak Bakery there. Now, in the adjacent building, another craftsman, Jerry Smith, proprietor of Sleepywood Rustic Furniture, can provide us with elegant but rustic wood- en furniture that is inspired by the shape and spirit in the wood.
From start to finished product, this craftsman moves in sync with nature. Wood that will be used with the bark intact is harvested in the winter, but wood that is to be peeled is harvested in the spring. Scraps are used to fuel a wood stove. The workshop is filled with wood gleaned from the forest, carefully cut and stored for drying, filling the room with a sense of excitement of what is yet to come. Each piece evolves into what it is meant to be. No two pieces are alike, but benches , chairs, stools, rockers are equally worked with infinite care and expertise. As Jerry puts it: “Pieces are meticulously constructed using time- honored mortiseand- tenon joinery which assures strength and longevity. Results are not predetermined by steam bending or fabrication. Surfaces are cleaned, sanded and hand rubbed with several coats of natural oil.” Jerry’s furniture is unique enough to be an accent piece, but, with intention, he combines beauty ( form) and practicality ( function) and makes his pieces for day- in, day- out use.
Just one look at this furniture and you can readily see the beauty of the wood as it inspires Jerry in the creative process. Do stop in at the Sleepywood showroom and welcome Jerry and his wife into the Sperryville community . . . and you will love seeing his work! Sleepywood Rustic Furniture ( sleepywood. com) is Gerald “Jerry” and Michele Smith, 11692 Lee Hwy., Sperryville. For more information, call 540- 987- 8266 or email info@ sleepywood. com.
Sperryville bridge update
The incessant sounds of saw and jackhammer have given way to the form of the new Sperryville bridge beginning to emerge. We are grateful that progress is moving forward. The noise and detour traffic have been disruptive and costly to nearby businesses. At 4 a. m. last Friday, an 18- wheeler ignored or did not see the detour signs, tried to make the right turn at the corner of U. S. 211 and Main Street and did not make it, knocking out power in the village. ( Story on page 6 and photos on page 1.) Everyone on a CPAP for sleep apnea woke up when they could not breathe! The power surge at Sperryville Volunteer Rescue Squad building knocked out much of the equipment, including the door openers for both bay doors in the old building, the air conditioner, portable phones, computer and the shoreline charger in the utility rescue vehicle. For a brief period, the ambulances could not get out! Although most have now been repaired, the time and energy expended to repair this have been extensive. Also, the guard rail is out and needs to be replaced. We are grateful for a new and safe bridge – but August cannot come soon enough!