Washington
New business in town
Many in and out of town have been watching the transformation of our Main Street backyard from a scruffy garden into a lovely terraced landscape, now filled with one-ofa-kind objects for the outdoors. So what’s going on?
The Washington-based R.H. Ballard has created an open space dedicated to home and garden decor, “Artifacts on Main,” directly across from their current store on Main Street (and adjacent to the Rappahannock News). The unique outdoor store will specialize in garden accessories, sculptures by such local artists as Nol Putnam, Hans Gerhard and Mary Brownstein, as well as landscape artifacts from historic buildings and estates, outdoor furnishings and other decorative elements for the garden and home.
As Robert and Joanie Ballard state: “At Artifacts on Main we believe inspiration is everywhere, from the past and present, and especially in the small details of found objects and architectural elements. It’s actually what made us start this business . . . Joanie and I handpick each item for Artifacts on Main — all iron, stone and terracotta pieces, planters and sculptures.”
The new business, in partnership with Beverly and John Sullivan, will have its soft opening for business this weekend, followed by an official, all-day grand opening June 21. The highlight of opening day will be a gathering for friends and neighbors from 3 to 6 p.m. Little Washington Winery, owner of another relatively new business in town, Wine Loves Chocolate, will be pouring its specialties along with other refreshments and nibbles. Everyone is invited to drop by, check it out and join in the fun.
You can get a taste of what is in store by visiting artifacts-on-main.com.
Tour the Inn
The Inn at Little Washington opens its doors (and gardens) to benefit Trinity Episcopal Church (its next door neighbor) starting at 1 p.m. Tuesday (June 10). The tour includes the public spaces, several guest rooms, the dining room and the kitchen of the Inn itself — where visitors can also meet chef and proprietor Patrick O’Connell.
For the first time ever, the Inn’s presidential cottage, Claiborne House and the newly completed Parsonage across the street will also be shown. Following the tour, tea will be served in the ballroom and on the veranda of the historic tavern building, which also houses the Inn’s shops.
“Rarely has it been possible for anyone to view The Inn in its entirety,” said O’Connell. “This is a unique opportunity to experience a design project which has been evolving for more than three decades. We’re excited about sharing our world with new friends.”
Tour tickets, including the tea, are $75 per person ($60 ages 65 and older). Reservations and tickets can be arranged by calling 540-675-3800.
Relay wrap-up, football car wash
A Relay For Life wrap-up picnic begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday (June 10) at Rappahannock County Park. Bring a meat, vegetable or dessert. Drinks and paper products will be furnished.
In other fundraising news, the varsity and J.P. football players are holding a car wash from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 14 at the high school to raise money for this upcoming season. Come and support the team while they wash off the pollen off your car! For more information, email mdheinle@gmail.com.
Condolences
Condolences go out to the family of Jeanette Keyser Pullen, 85, of Flint Hill. Jeanette died on May 27 at Fauquier Hospital. A funeral service was held May 31 at Maddox Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Guizar conducting the service. Burial followed at the Flint Hill United Methodist Church cemetery. She was a native of Rappahannock County, lived most of her adult life in Flint Hill and grew up as a child on Red Oak Mountain.
Remember in prayer
Lois McFarland of Washington fell and broke her hip last week at her apartment, then had surgery on May 30 at Fauquier Hospital. Her daughter, Betty Grigsby, said she was doing well and that she was in good spirits. Lois might be at Culpeper Health and Rehab Services for four to six weeks, so anyone wishing to send her a card should address it to 602 Madison Rd., Culpeper Va. 22701, or call her at 540212-3498.
Also let’s remember George Aylor from Washington in our prayers each day. George was in a truck accident on May 26 and broke his neck. According to his wife Thelma, he is doing well and will be back to good health in about four to six weeks.
Give blood
Let’s start the summer out by donating blood for a good cause: The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the Washington fire hall from 3 to 7 p.m. June 25. You can preregister at redcrossblood.org or simply stop by. Please drink plenty of water beforehand and have a good meal!
Happy memories
A note from Segar Kite regarding the Class of 1964’s 50th reunion held at Jessamine Hill Farm on May 17.
We had a wonderful time at our classmate John Anderson’s home, Jessamine Hill Farm. We spent the time visiting, eating a delicious picnic, looking through memorabilia that brought back more memories, bragging about our children, grandchildren and even some great grandchildren, and catching up on the last 50 years of our lives.
We found out that most of us live within a 50-mile radius of Rappahannock, so we hadn’t left our roots far behind. We set up a table to remember the six classmates who had passed and the teachers who were no longer with us who had touched each of us in different ways. Of the original 33 class members, 17 were able to attend.
We were excited to have Larry and Joan Bolyard with us. Mr. Bolyard was the first boys’ basketball coach at the “new” high school and a beloved teacher. We were the first ninthgrade class at Rappahannock County High School. We came together as eighth graders from Flint Hill Elementary and Sperryville Elementary to the school in Washington and the next year moved to the new school. We are hoping to get together more often.
Have a wonderful week!