WASHINGTON
Welcome back, Denise!
After a brief hiatus on beautiful Fodderstack Road, Denise Chandler and Country Places Realty have returned to Little Washington. Denise’s new office is at 360 Gay St., near Trinity Church, in the same location where husband Donald Chandler had his architectural practice. Denise, who is the owner- broker of Country Places, has been a full- time realtor for 25 years, 10 of which she has spent helping clients in Rappahannock County. She says she is very happy to return to town, and many people have already dropped in to welcome her back. Whether you’d like to buy or sell real estate, or just say hello, do drop by. Welcome back, Denise!
Congratulations, Lenny!
When Leonard Foglia isn’t at home in Harris Hollow, he’s usually off directing an opera. His direction of “Moby Dick” last year by the State Opera of South Australia last week won him a Helpmann Award, Australia’s much- prized live- performance honor ( a combination of America’s Tony and Emmy awards), for 2011’s best director of an opera. The “Moby Dick” production itself won best opera of 2011; Foglia is directing it this fall in San Francisco, and it is scheduled to open in Washington, D. C. in 2014.
“I have known Lenny's work on Broadway, off Broadway and around the world with his operas,” said his neighbor and friend Alma Viator this week. “I am thrilled for him, but not the least bit surprised. He is so multi- talented and I cannot wait to see ‘ Moby Dick’ when it comes to the Kennedy Center in 2014. It really makes me smile when another citizen of Rappahannock County makes international news. We really do quietly have it all here.”
History in a jar
More than 25 Rappahannock Lions Club members put aside whatever else they might have had to do last Thursday ( Sept. 27) to make apple butter – just as they’ve done for more than 30 years. The Rappahannock Coop once again allowed them to work inside the old apple shed, a fitting location.
The Lions cleaned, cut and bagged about 50 bushels of apples from Lee Orchards, and then, last Friday ( Sept. 28), the apples and the Lions moved en masse to Keezletown, home of the last nonprofit cannery in the state. Larry Grove, who chairs the Lions’ annual apple- butter fundraising effort, said that members met at the Sperryville Schoolhouse at 4 for the drive to Keezletown ( which is near Harrisonburg), and spent the rest of the day preparing the apple butter.
The Lions began making apple butter more than 40 years ago, when the late Carson Johnson and the late Paul Nichols started the venture. They use a recipe of cloves, sugar and cinnamon handed down directly from Johnson; only Grove knows the exact recipe. “All proceeds go back to Rappahannock County organizations,” said Grove.
Be sure to stop by the 211 Quicke Mart from 8 to 4 Saturday and 10 to 4 Sunday ( Oct. 6- 7) to buy your own tasty bit of history. Call Larry Grove at 540- 987- 8612 for more information.
Fourth Friday
The Rappahannock News had their Fourth Estate Friday meeting ( Sept. 27) at the Tula’s Off Main cafe in the Kramer Building. Customers were coming in throughout and checking out the danishes. What a joy to see!
Fond farewells
I found out through the grapevine that Rappahannock County deputy treasurer Cindy Sumner worked her final day at the treasurer’s office last Friday ( Sept. 28). Sumner worked there for more than 11 years, and is going to work for her father, who owns Central Elevator Inspection Services in Boston. Cindy, you will be missed around town. The good memories will always stay with us. Good luck at your new job!
Sympathy
Sympathy goes out to the family of Donna Coffey, in Sperryville. Coffey, 53, passed away on Friday ( Sept. 28) at Fauquier Hospital. She was a homemaker and attended Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church in Sperryville. Funeral services will be held in Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church at 3 p. m. today ( Thursday, Oct. 4) with Rev. Jon Heddleston conducting the service. Interment will be in the Sperryville Cemetery. The family received friends Wednesday at Clore- English Funeral Home in Culpeper.
Trinity sing- along
Trinity Episcopal Church is hosting an old- fashioned sing- along Friday, Nov. 16, at 7 p. m. in the parish hall, featuring wine and cheese – and Hal Hunter at the piano. All donations benefit the Rappahannock Food Pantry. For more information, call 540- 675- 3716.
Birthday wishes
Birthday wishes go out to my brother, Ray Burke, who will celebrate his special day next Tuesday ( Oct. 9). Happy birthday, Ray!
Fountain run off?
Last week I was asked to track down where the big fountain in the Trinity parking lot, across from the Inn, had gone off to. Turns out the fountain, which is maintained by the Inn, is being repaired – and will be coming back to Main Street soon.