WASHINGTON
Patriotic reading
Citizens will read the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights in a brief ceremony for young and old that starts at 10 a.m next Wednesday (July 4), followed by an appropriate song or two. Hear how our forefathers declared their independence from England in the historic Washington Baptist Church. Everyone is welcome to the free event. For more information, call Rick Kohler at 540-675-1373. After the ceremony, head out on Thornton Hill Racecourse in Sperryville for the rest of the day.
Salem’s scholarship
Salem Educational Foundation has a scholarship available to currently enrolled college students who are permanent residents of Culpeper or Rappahannock counties, and in clear need of financial assistance to continue a course of study leading to the completion of their degree, associate degree or professional certification. The program of study can be at any accredited institution. Applications are available from high school guidance offices in both counties or from Foundation Scholarship Committee members Linda Murphy (540-547-2589), Helen Williams ( 540- 937- 4279) or Sanford Reaves (540-547-4210). The application deadline is July 16.
Customers appreciated
Nice weather brought a crowd out for the CFC Farm & Home Center’s Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday (June 23). Good food was available from Sperryville’s High on the Hog BBQ and the music by Gold Top County Ramblers set lots of feet a-tapping. The Rappahannock Senior Center was selling delicious homemade goodies – pies, cakes, etc. Everyone seemed to have had a good time.
Birthday wishes
Birthday wishes go out to Mary Gochenour, who will celebrate her special day on Saturday (June 30) and to my brother Wayne Burke, who will celebrate his special day on Thursday (July 5). Happy birthday, brother!
Hazzard homecoming
This year the Hazzard Homecoming will be at the Ben Venue Racecourse near Washington on Aug. 11-12. (Story on page 1.) The whole cast is expected to attend, including John Schneider, Tom Wopat, Catherine Bach, James Best, Sonny Shroyer, Rick Hurst and our own Ben “Cooter” Jones, who is putting on the second annual event with his wife, Miss Alma Viator.
Tickets, on sale now at cootersplace.com, are $25 for both days ($20 for one day) plus a $2 handling charge. At the gate, a weekend pass is $30 and a single-day ticket is $25. Children ages 10 younger get in free, as well as seniors 65 and older and U.S. servicemen and -women with proper military ID. For more information, call 615-872-8358.
Independence Day
As we celebrate Independence Day we are celebrating the 236th birthday of the United States of America. For some people it may be something special – or just another day.
Independence Day is regarded as the birthday of the United States as a free and independent nation. On July 4, 1776, we proclaimed our independence from Britain and the American democracy was born.
Our American flag is a symbol of our freedom and we should fly it proudly.
As we celebrate our nation’s birth and heritage, many of our thoughts will turn to enjoying the day whether it’s at home with family, with neighbors or taking to the road to be with distant relatives or friends.
Happy birthday to America! I wish all our readers a happy and safe Fourth of July.
(A reminder to all that the Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police will be out in force on the highways to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday.)