Little Washington to spring into bloom
News from Rappahannock County Garden Club . . .
With the lore in mind of a young George Washington having chopped down a cherry tree on his family’s Fredericksburg farm, the historic town of Washington will honor its namesake by creating a town filled with cherry and other spring-blooming tree varieties.
Project founder and co-chair Lynda Webster said, “I was inspired by both the cherry tree orchard at the home of Chef Patrick O’Connell, owner/founder of the Inn at Little Washington, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the ‘other’ Washington… our nation’s capital. Blooming trees will bring to both our town’s residents d visitors alike.”
The Rappahannock County Garden Club enthusiastically embraced the idea and adopted the blooming tree project as what club president Kathi Dutilh says “is just one more example to add to our history of commitment to Rappahannock Country. For 70 years, the club has contributed to our community with scholarships and beautification efforts.”
At present, each town resident and business will be offered up to two free trees and will be given top priority. Additional trees might be available for purchase, based on demand. Areas in the county with significant visibility near the town, including area schools and the town park, might be offered trees. Current funding allows for the planting of approximately 200 trees. As more money is raised, additional trees will be offered.
Beyond the sheer beauty, the tree project is fast becoming positive community effort. Project co-chair Fawn Evenson noted “the club many town residents are already involved — from recruiting ‘adoptive tree parents’ to raising money to organizing planting teams to working schools to enhance appreciation of nature and the outdoors; we will all have a role to play in bringing this program off successfully. We are up to the task and will enjoy the fruits of our labor for years to come!”
Tree varieties will include and Yoshino cherry
varieties, the latter most famous for being the predominant tree lining the Washington, D.C. Tidal Basin and drawing over a million visitors annually to our nation’s capital. Other tree varieties offered will be dogwood and redbud. The initial planting will take place in mid-October 2019 with the first blooms expected in late-March to mid-May, depending on Mother Nature.
We have 3-foot to 4-foot tall cherry, dogwood and redbud trees to fit most property situations. Town residents may have up to two (2) free trees. Additional trees may be purchased for $25 based upon availability. See adoption form for tree details.
All we ask of new owners is their pledge to water new trees weekly as needed for one year. It’s that simple! With your support and participation, our town residents and visitors alike will enjoy the spectacular blooming display for many years to come! Trees will be available in mid- October, complete with information on care, size at maturity and best growing practices. The ceremonial planting of the “First Tree’ will take place in town on Saturday, Oct. 19 with the assistance of various community volunteers and professionals.
To obtain a tree adoption form, contact co-chair Fawn Evenson at: fawnevenson@gmail.com or 571215-9672. Details on tree arrival and planting assistance, if needed, will be provided in early October.
For more information or to make donations so more trees can be purchased, contact: Fawn Evenson: 571-215-9672 or fawnevenson@yahoo.com Lynda Webster: 202-421-4866 or Lynda@webstergroupinc.com
They will be taking forms after Sept 15. We had to set a deadline when we were asked, but we will certainly take forms until October 1.
FOSTER HARRIS HOUSE
Klaus and Gisele Peters have unfortunately decided to discontinue dining service at the Inn.
“For almost 3 years we have met and served countless interesting and kind guests from around the country and we truly enjoyed every serving,” said Klaus, who added the couple has had the opportunity of late to reflect on their past and how to organize their future.
In a couple of months they will reach the platinum jubilee milestone and they feel it is time to slow down and enjoy the many amenities Rappahannock County offers. They will continue to operate
a top-quality B&B, providing exceptional engaging and personal service to their guests. They would like to thank you all for the support over the years.
DODD RETIREMENT
A retirement party was held last Sunday for Laura Dodd, the longtime town clerk for the town of Washington. According to the former Mayor John Sullivan, there was plenty of food, flowers, and people gathering at Town Hall who had lots of good stories about Laura. More than 70 town residents and friends of the town were on hand. Having served for 16 years as Town Clerk, Dodd retired on Friday. It was a joyous, though somewhat bittersweet occasion. Laura has so many friends and admirers who will miss her in the role she admirably performed working with former Mayors Gene Leggett, Sullivan and now Fred Catlin. In fact, Leggett’s widow Clarissa attended along with family members.
While opening the ceremonies, Mayor Fred Catlin thanked Laura for “being the guide that helped the Town stay on the right path, the solver of Town problems or questions and the font of knowledge when we as a Town Council were at a loss.” Sullivan commented that “he learned early on, when confronted with issues large and small, to ask Laura for her advice… then really listen to it… and then to actually follow it.”
The event was catered by the Country Cafe, supervised by David Huff and his sister Betty. And of course the food (deviled eggs, country ham and biscuits and cake) was yummy! A cake was baked by Katherine Todd, with wine, soft drinks and champagne provided by The Inn of Little Washington adding to the good cheer.
Laura will not be leaving the town as she has opened an office in the Kramer building. Her goal is to provide administrative and personal assistance to families and singles who need help with finances, estates and probates. She will also provide notary services.
You have been a good friend to all of us, thank you Laura! Good luck in your new job!
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue will be having an All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at their station. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, sausage gravy, biscuits, pancakes, fried apples, hash browns, coffee, and orange juice all prepared by your local fire and rescue personnel. Adults and kids 11 and older $10, kids 10 and under eat FREE!!!
They will also be serving lunch on this day from 11:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. for $10 a person, to include a barbeque sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, drinks and cookies to coincide with the Free Clinic Rough Ride. All proceeds will be used to fund daily operations. Questions please call 540-675-3615 and speak with one of the many volunteers.
Have a wonderful week!