Getaway... for a day, or a stay!
FALL/WINTER 2014
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Hidden Treasures of the Northern Neck and Beyond!
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Add bike fests to area’s attractions
Virginia’s largest peninsula, known as the Northern Neck, was the birthplace of three of our first five Presidents- George Washington, James Monroe and James Madison. While chock full of history, our area is also saturated with many forms of entertainment for visitors and residents alike. From cultural venues, like our many art walks, theatrical Carla Rollins Gutridge events, wineries and museums, to the fun-filled festivals, antique car clubs, outdoors clubs for our youth and most recently, bike fests, the Northern Neck offers something for literally everyone. While motorcycle events in other parts of “The Neck” are not new, the Town of Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County recently had its first from Oct. 9-12. Being the success it was, hopefully, it will be the first of many more to come. The Colonial Beach Police Department, assisted by many other law enforcement agencies and volunteer organizations, did a wonderful job of preparing for what was expected to be the largest turnout the town had ever seen. Issues of traffic, parking and public safety were the main concerns. For months leading up to the event, several meetings were held between police and other law enforcement agencies, along with local fire and rescue organizations and the event’s major coordinators, the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce and High Tides on the Potomac restaurant.
Pre-disposed ideas of what large numbers motorcycle riders in a small town might mean caused some in town to be in fear, even threatening to vacate their homes and leave town during the event. Further concerns were expressed by those hearing rumors of rivaling motorcycle gangs with plans to fight each other while in our peaceful little town, where the largest crowds have usually gathered for summer family events like the Potomac River Festival and the Fourth of July. As it turns out, all of the fears and rumors of danger for Colonial Beach, its residents and visitors during the event were unfounded. An estimated 10,000 people attended the event, but had the weather been nicer, that count could easily have risen to two or three times that number. Whether on Town Hill for the biker-related exhibits or
On the cover
This issue’s cover was designed by Leonard Banks. The top photo, taken by Carla Rollins Gutridge, shows the new footbridge at George Washington Birthplace National Monument in Westmoreland County. The footbridge over Dancing Marsh was replaced and opened to visitors in November 2012, after being absent for decades. The bottom photo, courtesy of the National Park Service, was taken during the snowstorm in February 2010. It shows the birthplace’s Colonial Kitchen and parts of the park’s famous Hackberry tree. The park is open year-round, and each season highlights different aspects of the birthplace of our nation’s first president. Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
to attend the free Molly Hatchet concert on Saturday, the crowd was full of nothing but smiling faces, even though the temperature was in the low 50s, and a slight mist of cold rain saturated the air. People travelled from as far away as Florida (and maybe even farther) to attend the sure-to-be history-in-the making event. Lots of old friends were reunited (some after twenty years or more), and lots of new friendships were made during the four-day event. The only “trouble” reported was a couple of altercations, a few people drinking a little too much and one nearby motorcycle accident. All of the planning and preparation by the event’s coordinators, sponsors and public safety officials paid off, and in a big way.
The Getaway Getaway is published by Journal Press, Inc., of King George County. The Getaway is for both locals and tourists visiting the Northern Neck and regional visitor locations, and is published two times a year. Each issue highlights attractions in the counties of the Northern Neck and surrounding areas, as well as the City of Fredericksburg. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced without written permission. P. O. Box 409, King George, Virginia, 22485 (540) 775-2024, FAX (540) 775-4099. Publisher Managing Editor Production Advertising
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Jessica Herrink Carla Rollins Gutridge Drue Murray and Leonard Banks Carla Rollins Gutridge and Charlene Franks
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Washington’s birthplace feels like home Melissa Cobern After my first visit to the Northern Neck of Virginia last fall, I was completely captivated by the beauty and the history of the area and found myself wondering what it would be like to live here. As I’ve often found, providence has a way of putting us where we need to be. Barely a month after my visit, I discovered the superintendency of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument was available. So, I applied, and to my great fortune, was chosen for the job. Coming here feels like coming home. The lush green fields, tall trees, meandering creeks, abundant wildlife and friendly folks remind me of my rural Alabama roots. And the history — wow. There are few other places in our country were you can walk in the footsteps of so many prominent Americans and experience so many firstrate recreational opportunities. While I am admittedly a little biased, the George Washington Birthplace is my favorite among the historic and recreational attractions of the Northern Neck. Many sites can claim, “George Washington slept here,� but only one can claim, “George Washington was born here.� Visitors often come to the birthplace expecting to find the actual house in which George Washington was born. Although the park has several Colonial Revival structures that were built in the 1930s, the house in which Washington was born was destroyed by fire in 1779. The essence of Washington’s story at this site, however, does not reside in brick and wood. The real Page 2
Fall/Winter special events at GWBNM n Washington the Soldier: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11, 2014 n Christmas event: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 28, 2014
n GW birthday event:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16, 2015 with cake cutting at 1 p.m. inside the visitor center.
story is in the landscape, which forever shaped Washington’s life. It was here he took his first steps, began to learn the rhythms of the natural world and began to develop a deep, life-long connection to the land. Most importantly, the landscape of the birthplace is a living memorial. It is a tangible connection to an extraordinary man whose strength of character, steady leadership and dedication to public service irrevocably shaped our nation. As I watched a recent sunset from my kayak on the Potomac River, I felt profoundly grateful for the opportunity to live and work in such an extraordinary place. The rich landscape that attracted Washington’s greatgrandfather and many others to settle in this area still is as much of a draw today as it was then. From amazing opportunities to connect with our nation’s history to worldclass recreation, I hope you’ll take time to discover the many opportunities the Northern Neck has to offer. Melissa Cobern is the superintendent of George Washington Birthplace National Monument.
%?ILA? 5;MBCHANIH CLNBJF;=? ,;NCIH;F +IHOG?HN Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The Visitor Center, its parking lot, and Historic Area close at 5 p.m. year-round. From April-October, the Washington Family Burial Ground, Picnic/Pavilion Area, and the Potomac River beach are open until dusk. Pets are not allowed in the Historic Area.
Admission is FREE!
1732 Popes Creek Road Washington’s Birthplace, VA 22443 www.nps.gov/gewa (804) 224-1732 7KLV DG VSRQVRUHG E\ /HGR 3L]]D &RORQLDO %HDFK 9$ ‡ 2QOLQH RUGHULQJ ZZZ OHGRSL]]D FRP
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Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
Discover all Stratford Hall has to offer.
T HE G R EAT H OUSE . T HE G A R DENS .
T HE G A LLER I ES . T HE N ATU R E T R A I LS .
Tundra Swans – Visitors from Afar
Alan Hageman As a ranger at George Washington Birthplace National T HE G R ISTMI LL . T HE G I F T S HOP. Monument, when I meet park T HE L ODGI NG . T HE S PECIA L E VEN TS . visitors, I often ask how far they traveled. Although I meet people from every continent, few human visitors travel as far as our Tundra Swans. Sometimes called whistling swans, these migrating birds travel in excess of 3,500 miles to winter on Popes Creek at George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Residents and visitors to Virginia’s Northern Neck, however, will not have to (804) 493-8038 travel very far at all to enjoy the Route 214 of f Route 3 in Westmoreland County sights and sounds of this graceful swan. Tundra Swans usually arrive at Popes Creek around Thanksgiving. By mid-March, they will begin their northern migration to nesting sites within the Arctic Circle. Once in their nesting grounds, Tundra Swans remain with their lifelong mates, but when they return to their wintering grounds, they are highly socialized and are usually seen in large flocks. Hatchlings take 60 to 75 days to fledge, which is about twice as fast as warm-weather swans; nature www.journalpress.com Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
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Tundra Swans usually arrive at Popes Creek around Thanksgiving. By mid-March, they will begin their northern migration to nesting sites within the Arctic Circle. Once in their nesting grounds, Tundra Swans remain with their lifelong mates, but when they return to their wintering grounds, they are highly socialized and are usually seen in large flocks.
demands it this way, for Arctic summers are short, and the fledglings must mature quickly to make their long flight. Tundra Swans associated with Please see page 5 Page 3
Everything happens for a reason Carla Rollins Gutridge When something happens that turns out exactly the opposite of what was expected, it is often contributed to bad timing, misfortune, bad luck or maybe even the work of a higher power. In two specific incidents, Washington-family men from America’s Colonial days found out that what might’ve seemed like misfortune at the time, turned out to be the portal to fortune and fame in the future. George Washington’s greatgrandfather, later referred to as “John the Immigrant,” was living in England in 1655, kinda down on his luck, looking for a new opportunity to present itself to him. John had heard about tobacco growing in Virginia, in the distant new land
across the Atlantic Ocean. John thought if he could just get to Virginia and obtain some tobacco to bring back to England to sell, he’d be set as a merchant sailor. Apparently, tobacco didn’t grow well in England, but in Virginia, it had become the cash crop for many. But how could he make the trip across the vast ocean and obtain the cash crop when he had no cash to speak of? Being the survivalist he was, John gathered everything he could beg, borrow or, dare I say, steal, to take across the ocean to trade for as much tobacco as his vessel would hold. He was determined to haul that mother lode back to England and regain his status among the Washington family, where he had sort of fallen from grace.
Oak Grove, John Washington’s ship ran aground, dumping all of the tobacco he had worked so hard to obtain. It was all lost to the water, and his vessel was badly damaged. Now what? Everything for which Washington had gambled on this voyage to regain his stature was a total loss. Gone. Wasted. Awash. Again, as fate would have it, the owner of the property where Washington landed, Nathaniel Pope, took a liking to the young man and offered to help him out. Pope would give Washington a place to stay and loan him the money to have his vessel repaired. The wealthy Virginia landowner liked John so much that he offered his
The journey from England to Virginia was not as noteworthy as the beginning of the voyage back. With his vessel loaded to the brim, maybe overloaded, John headed east from what we now call the Northern Neck. The crew had scored its bounty, and now all it had to do was make it back to England, and then, Cha-Ching! They’d be famous merchant sailors with connections back in Virginia that would keep them fat with profit from the “American” weed the Europeans could not produce themselves. As fate would have it, that vessel full of Virginia-grown tobacco would never make it back to England to be sold. In the shallow murky water of Mattox Creek, located between today’s Colonial Beach and
Peddlers Market
• CRAFTERS • ANTIQUES • sports Memorabilia • HOLIDAY ITEMS BE A PART OF OUR INDOOR MARKET VENDOR SPACES AVAILABLE - VARIOUS SPACES
For More Information • Call (804) 224-0750 501 Euclid Ave. Colonial Beach, VA Page 4
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Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
daughter’s hand to him in marriage. Ann Pope would become George Washington’s great-grandmother. According to the movie shown at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument in Westmoreland County, at the time of his death, John Washington was the master of almost 10,000 acres in Virginia; not bad for a man who made a journey here in the hopes of becoming a wealthy Englishman after being just about at the end of his rope back home. Jump ahead a couple of generations now. John and Ann Pope Washington lived and thrived on Popes Creek Plantation. The first Washington born in America was their eldest son, Lawrence, in 1659. Following his first wife’s death, Lawrence’s son, Augustine, eventually would marry Mary Ball of Lancaster
While in Barbados, George was intrigued with the military aspect of the forts there. The movie shown at The George Washington House in Barbados says George not only slept there, but that he woke up there, as far as his military thinking goes. County. Mary Ball Washington gave Augustine six more children, with the eldest being George. When George’s older halfbrother, Lawrence, came down with tuberculosis, it was suggested he travel to the Caribbean, where the climate would help with his breathing difficulties. Young George, at the age of 19, made that six-week journey by sea with Lawrence, and they arrived in Barbados in the fall of 1751. While in Barbados, George was intrigued with the military aspect of the forts there. The movie shown at The George
Washington House in Barbados says George not only slept there, but that he woke up there, as far as his military thinking goes. Exposure to the military aspects of the Caribbean was not the only exposure young George received while in the tropical paradise. He became ill, and it was soon determined George was suffering from a very mild case of smallpox. He was nursed back to health and survived the disease, but its effects would stay with him. It is believed by many this exposure rendered George sterile, explaining why he and Martha never had children. Imagine, Tundra Swans
From page 3
North America are distinguished by their straight necks and small yellow spots at the base of their black bills and differ from mute swans, which have large orange bills and hold their necks in an ‘S’ shape. Mute swans are also +RW 0HDOV 'DLO\ considered an invasive species who owe their Virginia presence +RPH PDGH )ULHG &KLFNHQ to the early Europeans who ÂľWKDW IRONV WUDYHO PLOHV IRUÂś brought them to the new world. Âľ5HDOÂś KRPH PDGH VDODGV As I sit quietly along the creek, I listen to the flocks of swans DQG WKH EHVW SLHV DURXQG creating their version of nature’s orchestra with loud, high-pitched SHQ DW 1RZ 2 cooing and deep percussion from /DXQGURP \ LO D SP ' DP beating wings; it is the sound of winter along the Potomac, but it is also the promise of spring’s approach. When George Washington was -DPHV 0RQURH +Z\ ‡ &RORQLDO %HDFK 9$ a boy at this same spot, he would have certainly seen the same sights 6WRUH KRXUV 0RQ 6DW DP SP ‡ 6XQ DP SP and listened to the same sounds YLVLW ZZZ *UHDWYDOX FRP IRU RXU ZHHNO\ Ă€\HU of nature that we hear today. -RLQ XV RQ IDFHERRN # +DOOV 6XSHUPDUNHW www.journalpress.com Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
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the man who could not become a natural father, would go on to become the Father of our Country. Later, during the Revolutionary War, when a smallpox outbreak occurred, soldiers were dropping like flies from the disease. Yet, George Washington, the man to whom they all looked to for leadership, was immune to the epidemic; apparently, his exposure in Barbados was enough to spare him. How might the Revolutionary War have ended, had George Washington not taken that one and only trip outside of America to Barbados, and come down with that mild case of smallpox, which I’m sure at the time, was considered a curse by him? It was true in Colonial times, and it is still true today; no matter how bad things may seem at the time, everything happens for a reason‌ Perhaps a young Washington even made a connection between the swans migrating from some mysterious far away place just as his ancestors had done in the previous century when they came here from England. Nature seems to have a certain way of exciting the curiosity of children throughout the ages. The Tundra Swan, though, is even able to pique the childlike curiosity in the adult willing to pause long enough to behold its grace and beauty. George Washington Birthplace National Monument, off Highway 3 near Colonial Beach, VA, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. There is no entry fee to the Park. A short wheelchair-accessible walk out on Burnt House Point, or even viewing from the visitor center, will likely bring you success in discovering our most distant of winter visitors. Page 5
Voorhees Nature Preserve a treat Jim Lynch The Voorhees Nature Preserve was donated to the Nature Conservancy in 1994 by the Voorhees family, owners and operators of the Westmoreland Berry Farm. The Westmoreland County preserve is part of a network of conservation lands along the Rappahannock River. The farm is adjacent to the preserve, and a visit to both makes for a really nice day trip. I thoroughly enjoyed a recent visit and only wish I’d had more time to spend there. There are some rules about hiking in the preserve that are different from most other public parks. First, the preserve is only open when the nearby farm is open, usually from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from spring through fall. It’s best to check first if you’re planning to go. Another important rule is that no pets are allowed. For times and a complete list of rules, go to http://preview. tinyurl.com/VNP-VA. The site’s berry farm is popular during pick-your-own seasons, and there is also a gift shop with fabulous pies. There is also a large map of the preserve on the wall, as well a copies, if you need one. The trail is a road walk for one-third a mile to the entrance to the preserve, then another one-third a mile along a farm road. The trail leaves the farm road at an unmarked opening at the edge of the forest, so keep your eyes open. There is an old picnic table and the start of the diamond-shaped yellow trail markers as landmarks. Once you get into the trees, there is a steep downhill grade to Owl Hollow. The slope is “paved” with a round-stone Page 6
gravel, which can be conducive The two overlooks provide a obscured by tree limbs. to slides, so care is needed. At good view of the RappahanWhen you reach the end of the bottom of the hill is a wood- nock River, although the far- the Carriage Road Trail, at the en walkway crossing the stream, thest overlook view is partially far overlook, there is a sign that which offers iconic views of the river and good photo opportuToll Free: 866-949-4127 nities. This bridge recently was 540-775-1100 • 540-775-4623 replaced by a Student Conservation Association team after a hurricane demolished the original bridge in 2011. Across the stream is a 100foot climb back up to high ground. On this side, the trail is stair-step risers made with landFULL AUTOMOTIVE AND scape timbers. As you near the HEAVY DUTY TRUCK SERVICES top, the trail becomes a gentle VA State Inspection • A/C Service • Tires slope bench-cut into the side of the hill. At the top, the trail • Brakes • Steering and CV Joints is level. The two trails, Carriage • Oil Changes • Preventive Maintenance for Road and Hollow Tree, make a 30/60/90K Mile Warranty nice loop of about 4 miles (and, • Engine & Transmission Replacements with yes, there is a hollow tree). 3 yr/100,000 Mile Warranty • Wheel Alignment I took the Hollow Tree trail, • Shocks and Struts • Computer Diagnostic which loops away from the river but not that far into the pre• Full Line of Light, Medium, Heavy Duty serve. The trail’s maintenance Towing & Recovery Services & Repairs could be a bit better, but the • Fleet Management Services markers are easy to follow. ExerFREE LOCAL TOWING TO SHOP cise care at the overlooks; there pinehilltowingandautomotive@va.metrocast.net are railings, but they didn’t look 12417 Mt. Rose Drive | King George VA 22485 24 very sturdy, and it’s a long way 25527 Tidewater Trail | Port Royal, VA 22535 Hour Service down, so don’t lean on them. www.journalpress.com Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
reads “End Of Trail.” I’ve never seen one of those before, but it’s actually pretty good to have it. The old carriage road looks like it continues into the forest, and the preserve boundary is near, so bushwhacking ahead and getting lost and trespassing on the neighbors would be a bad idea. While I was able to cover the four miles pretty quickly, I did wish there was a bench or two for a short rest. If you think you might like to sit down, you may want to bring a sitting pad. Also, I didn’t notice much wildlife, just a mud turtle in the creek and a box turtle crossing the trail. The full preserve encompasses 729 acres, so the trails only show you a small part of it. Trail photos submitted by Jim Lynch
History abounds at the King George County Museum and Research Center Located in the “Old Jail” on the east end of the King George County Courthouse on Kings Highway, the museum is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or by appointment by calling 540-775-9477 or e-mailing kghistory@verizon.net. ADMISSION: Free Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
Individuals who are short on time but big on history in King George County need only to stop by The King George County Museum and Research Center. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to view local artifacts from every known period of King George County’s history. Additionally, genealogical research can be requested at the museum for families with ties to King George County. Books about local history also are available. Located on the east end of the King George County Courthouse’s “Old Jail” on Kings Highway, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, or by appointment by calling 540-775-9477 or e-mailing kghistory@ verizon.net. The museum is operated by volunteers of the King George County Historical Society.
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The keys to finding a good locksmith Stever Zirkle Don’t wait until you’re locked out at night in the cold to contact a locksmith. Know ahead of time who you’d call, should you ever have a need this kind of service, and keep that number in your phone, wallet, purse or car. In our area, fall is when summer homes are closed and secured for the winter. Whether you live here year-round, own a second home and are ready to winterize, or if you are looking to purchase new property in the Northern Neck, here are some security points you’ll want to consider. Make yourself an emergency notification list. You never know when you will need a locksmith, plumber, roofer, electrician, vehicle service or towing. Ask friends and neighbors in the area if they know of people that provide these types of services. Ask businesses for references. Ask locksmiths for their license numbers and business address, and then check it with www.dcjs.virginia. gov/ps/directory/locksmithbusinessSearch for Virginia, and www.dllr.state.md.us/ license/locksmiths for Maryland. All license numbers should be shown on any ads from the phone book or other publications, business cards or websites. Try to find them on Google and other directory listings’ customer reviews. Another place to check for locksmiths is with the Associated Locksmiths of America at www.aloa.org. Don’t wait until you need them before calling them; call them simply to learn a few things: Where are their technicians based? Are they licensed? What is the registered name and address of the business? If, at this point, you don’t get good vibes from them, end the transaction. Otherwise, then ask about their preliminary cost estimate. An unbelievably low quote (like $20) probably means a scam or hidden costs. If they answer your phone call with a generic name, such as “locksmith services,” be suspicious. If they can’t give a specific business name, move on. Beware of the person you call who tells you their price is $19.95 to come out, and then when they arrive, the cost balloons to Page 8
several hundred dollars. These businesses are called scammers, and they operate in all states. A professional locksmith or other service provider will be able to give you a reasonable quote on the phone just by asking some questions. When it’s time to hire a locksmith, inform the dispatcher you need to see the technician’s certification and ID, and that you would like a written estimate prior to the service. Before having them come out, make sure you get information about any extra charges, such as for mileage, service call minimums or emergency hours fees. Check the locksmith’s vehicle; it should be marked, and get the license number. Ask to see his locksmith license. Both Virginia and Maryland require locksmiths to be licensed. They also both have a locksmith license law that requires their employees to be fingerprinted, have a background check and furnish the state with a $1 million certificate of insurance. Sadly, state licensing of locksmiths hasn’t stopped the scammers. There are several things you can do to prevent from getting scammed. The most useful is to visit your local locksmith’s shop. While there are many mobile-only locksmiths, here some other things to look for: 1) KNOW YOUR SITUATION: Most www.journalpress.com
locks can be opened without drilling. Scammers will put on a show, then tell you the lock cannot be picked and has to be drilled. They will destroy your lock and sell you a cheap off-brand one for more than $80. 2) SERVICE VEHICLES: A scammer will show up in a car with no signs or just a sign saying “locksmith.” A real locksmith/ locksmith company usually has a vehicle(s) with a professional sign. In rare cases, a locksmith could use a personal car for an emergency lockout. 3) ASK TO SEE A LICENSE AND ID: In states requiring a license, the locksmith is supposed to have a state-issued ID card. Scammers will not have a license or proof of insurance. 4) VAGUE PRICING: Scammers use bait-and-switch pricing. On the phone, the price will be $19 to $39, and the technician will add fees depending on the lock and how they open it. That fee is made up by the technician and can be as little as $50, or as high as $1,000. Real locksmiths should be able to tell you exactly how much a simple lockout will be and offer upfront and flat-rate pricing. 5) CONFIRM PRICE: Ask for details before the technician starts work. A scammer will give vague answers to questions. A Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
locksmith should be able to tell you exactly what will need to be done and know the prices for the work. 6) OVERPRICING: Scammers carry the cheapest locks they can buy ($5 at bargainlocks. com) and price them as high as $150. They also will say they are high-security locks, when in fact, they aren’t even good cheap locks, like Kwiksets. Your average Kwikset lock is about $20 at Lowe’s or Home Depot. 7) REPUTATION IS KEY: Scammers don’t have storefronts and use fake or false addresses so they cannot be found when they scam you. Always use a locksmith company with a stand-up reputation in the community for trustworthiness, professionalism, punctuality and courtesy.  Please remember: If the locksmith insists on cash, this may mean a scam. If the technician won’t give a written estimate before starting
the job, end the transaction. If the on-site estimate doesn’t match the phone estimate, do not permit the job to be performed. If he says, “The lock needs to be drilled out,� ask why, because a professional locksmith should have the skills and tools to unlock just about any door. Don’t pay until you’re satisfied with the job. Know where to turn. If you find yourself locked out of your car or home and don’t have a trusted locksmith’s phone number, you can get a quick list of accredited businesses by using the BBB iPhone App. If you are locked out of a car with your child inside, call the police. Steve Zirkle owns Steve’s Locksmith. Contact him at 877-9069562 should you have any questions about your home or business security needs. Steve’s serves both Southern Maryland and the Northern Neck of Virginia.
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Mark Fike Recently, I sat in my office looking at the signature on my hunter education card. “P.H. Fines, Jr.� is scrawled uniquely and proudly across the bottom of it. There is a lot in a name and the man that it belongs to. Legacy is a word I heard Percy “Buddy� Fines use more than a few times. Buddy, on several occasions, told me leaving a legacy for others by service and basic goodwill to our fellow citizens is very important. Buddy not only spoke about legacy, but he lived his words out in full. From the first time I ever met Buddy, he was all about doing something for the community, hunting, fishing and others. Buddy died recently at 72, leaving behind many loved ones and friends. Buddy began volunteering as a hunter education instructor after being certified in 1981, which led to his receiving the William D. Morgan Memorial Award for his dedication to teaching new hunters, with an emphasis on youth, how to safely go afield and enjoy our hunting tradition.
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Caledon sporting a new trail Jim Lynch The dedication this past fall of the new campsites by Gov. Terry McAuliffe was a grand event and provides a nice expansion to the facilities available for the out-of-doors’ enthusiast. And that’s not all. Park staff has been busy with a new trail and a couple of re-routes for hikers. The most notable is the new Rookery Spur Trail. When the previously off-limits areas of the park were opened to hikers, the Caledon Marsh Trail was one of the jewels. This trail starts near Triangle Field and leads to a nice picnic area on the cliffs above the Potomac. Now, there is another spur trail that keeps going to overlooks on the marsh itself. The Rookery Spur is named for a large heron rookery, or nesting area, that is on the western edge of the marsh. The new trail follows an old overgrown road through a beautiful laurel thicket. In clearing for the trail, special effort was made to avoid disturbing any more of the laurels than necessary. The first stop overlooks the tidal part of the marsh. The view extends across the grassy marsh, to the Potomac, with a vista on the far Maryland shore. The next stop, farther on, overlooks the non-tidal part of the marsh. This is a large expanse of water, surrounded by mature oaks and beech trees. The trail ends at this overlook, although the old road continues across the man-made berm, separating the tidal from the non-tidal parts of the marsh. The berm is obviously man-made and is believed to have supplied water for a mill. There is still some work to be done on the trail. Tree branches and low shrubs need to be trimmed to open up the viewsheds. Stumps need to be removed from the trails and some holes filled in. And hopefully, some benches will be built, perhaps by volunteers, at the overlooks. While we were there admiring the views, a bald eagle flew across the marsh, and we were entertained by calls from a raft of wood ducks. And beavers; we didn’t see them, but there were a number of small tree-stumps with their teeth marks! Park visitors will remember that the Belmont Trail was closed between the BenchPage 10
The new stone crossing on the Belmont Trail. mark Trail and Triangle Field due to a tree falling on a bridge across an intermittent streambed. That problem has been solved by continuing the trail farther up the gulch and building a rock walkway to cross the shallow end of the gulch. This is a creative way to get the trail open without going to the expense of rebuilding the bridge! The Laurel Glen Trail has been closed for a while now due a tree uprooting a boardwalk across a marshy stream. That trail has been moved away from the stream, up the hill to an old access road. The trail follows this www.journalpress.com
old road, and then drops back down to the stream to reconnect to the original trail. A left turn takes you a few yards to the junction with the Benchmark Trail, while a right turn continues the Laurel Glen Trail. A few weeks ago, I met Paul Reber, the Executive Director at Stratford Hall. I have been critical of the state of the trails at Stratford. He assured me that work was ongoing to improve them. So in the next week or so, I’ll take a trip down there to see how they’re coming along. That’ll be the subject of a column in the near future. Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
Fines’ legacy
From page 9
Buddy was the man who began the local and annual disabled veterans hunt. It has been held since 1986 at either NSWC or, more recently, Caledon State Park. Buddy, being a veteran himself, had a heart for those who fought and gave up something of themselves for our freedoms. He was passionate about showing his appreciation toward the veterans who came from various VA hospitals to take part in the hunts. Buddy seemed to have endless energy in directing and organizing events for the hunt. Buddy had the buses arrive at a given time at the hunt location; he had the location squared away; stands, roads and trails for the disabled hunters picked; food arranged; a short prayer, sometimes a ceremony; and he always managed to roust up and recruit a sea of blaze orange on hand to drive deer to make the hunt a success. Besides this hunt, he also coordinated many veteran hunts throughout the state. I spoke to him about how he always seemed to have time to get things professionally done. He said, “Mark, the secret to getting things like this done is
Buddy not only spoke about legacy, but he lived his words out in full. From the first time I ever met Buddy, he was all about doing something for the community, hunting, fishing and others. to surround yourself with good people. I have plenty of good help that I can count on. They are always there for me, and they work hard and do a good job. With help like that, a man will always be successful.” Buddy also started organizing hunts for kids in our area who took the hunter education course. Many kids took their first deer on the youth hunts he organized. He impacted hundreds of kids through his education classes and hunts. The kids that enjoy hunting or fishing all seemed to know him. He was respected by them all for the standards he set for himself and them.
Buddy also was involved in the annual youth fishing day in King George and assisted the King George Parks and Recreation Department with that for years. He also started the Youth Outdoor Day at Caledon. Buddy had his hand in conservation efforts, too. I was invited to document the first-ever stocking of the Rappahannock River with largemouth bass. When my truck rolled to a stop at Wilmont Landing several springs ago and the dust settled, I could see Buddy standing on the dock directing boats to various places with a smile on his face. It seems wherever there was an outdoor event that was some sort of community service, Buddy was somehow a part of it. Buddy left a huge legacy behind. He also left some incredibly big shoes to fill. Buddy was busy training others to carry the torch before his passing, and already men and women are stepping up. Buddy was such a proficient and hard worker, with such a big heart, that I believe it will take all of us to continue the work he started. Let’s honor him by continuing his legacy and pass on the passion he had.
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Page 11
Northern Neck Her Barnesfield Barnesfield Park Park
Dahlgren Dahlgren Heritage Heritage Museum Museum
301 301
Caledon Caledon State State Park Park
Owens Owens
DAHLGREN DAHLGREN
218 218
Oak Oak Crest Crest Winery Winery
O DD O..
205 205
COLONIAL COLONIAL BEACH BEACH
Edgehill Edgehill
33
James James Monroe Monroe Birthplace Birthplace 205 205
George George Washington Washington Birthplace Birthplace National National Monument Monument 33
Primary Primary Road Road
204 204
Ingleside Ingleside Vineyards Vineyards
Voorhees Voorhees Nature Nature Preserve Preserve
Secondary Secondary RoadRoad- Unpaved Unpaved
609 609
2
214 214
638 638
Secondary Secondary RoadRoad- Paved Paved 625 625
M MA ARY RYLLA AND ND VIR VIRGIN GINIIA A
Westmoreland Westmoreland Stratford Stratford State Hall State Park Park Hall
1
642 642
Currioman Currioman Landing Landing
622 622
622 622
33
Leedstown Leedstown
Potomac Potomac Heritage Heritage National National Scenic Scenic Trail Trail Route Route
MONTROSS MONTROSS
Chandlers Chandlers Millpond Millpond Public Public Fishing Fishing Lake Lake
202 202
min ii N Noomin
638 638
Local Local Loops Loops (and (and Spurs) Spurs)
Boat Boat launch launch
Naylor’s Naylor’s Beach Beach
Ferry Ferry Food Food service service
4
General's General's Ridge Ridge Vineyard Vineyard
600 600
203 203
Acorn Acorn
203 203
360 360
NN O
Gardys Gardys Millpond Millpond Public Public Fishing Fishing Lake Lake
WARSAW WARSAW RAPPAHANNOCK RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER RIVER VALLEY VALLEY NATIONAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE WILDLIFE REFUGE REFUGE
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621 621
634 634
607 607
Kinsale Kinsale
614 614
Belle Belle Mount Mount Vineyards Vineyards
636 636
44 Miles Miles
749 749
612 612
Menokin Menokin
44 Kilometers Kilometers
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Potomac Potomac Heritage Heritage National National Scenic Scenic Trail Trail Route Route (planned) (planned)
Dahlgren Dahlgren Railroad Railroad Heritage Heritage Trail Trail (accessible (accessible by by permit) permit)
Cole’s Cole’s Point Point
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Haynesville Haynesville
360 360 600 600
33
11 Leedstown Leedstown loop loop 22 Stratford Stratford Hall/Currioman Hall/Currioman Landing Landing loop loop Farnham Farnham
33 Montross/ Montross/ Naylors Naylors Beach/ Beach/ Warsaw Warsaw Loop Loop 44 Kinsale/ Kinsale/ Sandy Sandy Point Point loop loop 55 Heathsville Heathsville Loop Loop 66 Reedville/ Reedville/ Vir-Mar Vir-Mar Beach/ Beach/ Smith’s Smith’s Point Point Loop Loop 77 Lancaster/ Lancaster/ Morattico/ Morattico/ Belle Belle Isle Isle State State Park Park Loop Loop
33
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88 Kilmarnock/ Kilmarnock/ Irvington/ Irvington/ White White Stone/ Stone/ Windmill Windmill Point Point Loop Loop
354 354
Morattico Morattico Waterfront Waterfront Museum Museum
* map courtesy of National Park Service Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Belle Belle Isle Isle State State Park Park
683 683
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for a day, or a stay!
622 622
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Getaway...
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ritage Trail Bicycling Route Network CONNECTING PEOPLE AND PLACES The Northern Neck Heritage Trail Bicycling Route network is a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a developing network of trails between the broad, gently flowing Potomac River as it empties into the Chesapeake Bay and the Allegheny Highlands in western Pennsylvania. The “braided” Trail network offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling, paddling, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Other segments of the network include the Mount Vernon Trail and various Potomac Heritage Trail routes in Northern Virginia; the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath; a bicycling route in Southern Maryland; and the Great Allegheny Passage. PLACES OF INTEREST REEDVILLE-COLONIAL BEACH ROUTE Reedville and Reedville Fishermen’s Museum Walk this fisherman’s village and admire the stately sea captains’ homes. Learn about the Chesapeake Bay “deadrise” fishing boats and sail on an historic skipjack. Enjoy the museum galleries. www.rfmuseum.org
AR YL AN GI D NI A
Sandy Point
O
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Rice’s Hotel / Hughlett’s Tavern Restored 18th century tavern shows how people lived and traveled in the 18th and 19th century. Now operated as a store and restaurant. www.rhhtfoundation.org
Coan Wharf Landing
360
MA RYL AN VIR GIN D IA
629 629 634
5
Heathsville RICH M O N D C O. NORTH UMBE RLAND CO.
Vir-Mar Beach A small sandy beach on the Potomac offering strolling, relaxing, and birding opportunities. On clear days, the Smith Island Lighthouse can be seen, as well as the shores of Maryland. www.dgif.virginia. gov/vbwt/siteasp?trail=1&loop=CNN&site=CNN10
601 604
Rice’s Hotel/ Hughlett’s Tavern
Vir-Mar Beach 643
637
360
644
604
604
Northern Neck Farm Museum
360
604
646
Bush Mill Stream State Natural Area Preserve 600
802 200 642
602
615
201
Hickory Hollow C O . State Natural Area Preserve
Lively Lancaster
Mary Ball Washington Museum
604
679
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a n River
Reedville Fishermen’s Museum
605 3
669
Good Luck Cellars
KILMARNOCK Merry Point Ferry (free)
Reedville
Dameron Marsh State Natural Area Preserve
200
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve
607
Mollusk
Corrot om
644
Jacey Winery
A
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600
354
Wicomico Church
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617
360
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7
Athena Vineyards and Winery
610 201
600
646
669
608 649
Historic Christ Church
Stratford Hall (1738) Birthplace of Robert E. Lee and home to two Lee signers of the Declaration of Independence. Visit the Great House, the Mill, and the rare Miocene cliffs formation, the last found in only three other places in the world. www.stratfordhall.org
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Sunnybank Ferry (free)
Burgess
201
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Westmoreland State Park Located on the Potomac, the park includes hiking trails, a variety of campsites (some with water and electricity), fully equipped cabins, water craft rentals and, seasonally, a pool, gift shop and snack bar. www.virginiastateparks.gov George Washington Birthplace National Monument A site managed by the National Park Service, the complex includes a visitors center with a film, a memorial house, a kitchen house, a farm with a colonial herb and flower garden, and hiking trails. www.nps.gov/gewa
200
222
Dog and Oyster VIneyard
Steamboat Era Museum
CHESAPEAKE
647
IRVINGTON
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642 3
WHITE STONE
695
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James Monroe Birthplace Markers identify the birthplace of James Monroe, 5th President of the United States. There is also a small museum with Monroe artifacts. www.monroefoundation.org Colonial Beach Historic town on the Potomac River. Widest point of the Potomac River – 7 miles wide. www.colonialbeachva.net
What’s happening around the Northern Neck October 2014 Saturday, October 25 King George Farmers’ Market at KG Elementary School (KG) www.thefarmersmarket.co/king-georgefarmers-market Star Parties on the Lawn at Caledon State Park (KG) www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/caledon.shtml Friday, October 31 Halloween at the Westmoreland County Museum and The Inn at Montross (W) www. westmorelandcountymuseum.org Halloween Costume Contest in Irvington (L) www. townofirvingtonva.com Halloween Trunk or Treat at Warsaw Town Park (R) www.richmondcounty.org Kandy for Kids on Main Street in Kilmarnock (L) www.lancasterva.com Murder Mystery Weekend at Tides Inn (L) www. tidesinn.com Stewardship Virginia-Fall- at Westmoreland State Park (W) www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ westmoreland.shtml
Murder Mystery Weekend at Tides Inn (L) www. tidesinn.com Sunday, November 2 Murder Mystery Weekend at Tides Inn (L) www. tidesinn.com Friday, November 7 1st Friday Art Walk in Montross (W) www. visitmontross.com Saturday, November 8 King George Farmers’ Market at KG Elementary School (KG) www.thefarmersmarket.co/king-georgefarmers-market The Richmond Ballet at Lancaster Middle School Theater in Kilmarnock (L) www. rappahannockfoundation.org or www.richmondballet. com Tuesday, November 11 Veteran’s Day at Westmoreland State Park (W) www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland.shtml
November 2014 Saturday, November 1 Irvington Farmers’ Market (L) www.irvingtonva. org King George Farmers’ Market at KG Elementary School (KG) www.thefarmersmarket.co/king-georgefarmers-market
Spend your Saturdays at the local farmers’ markets. Page 14
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Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
The Irvington Turkey Trot attracts participants of all ages.
Wednesday, November 12 Art & Wine at the Westmoreland County Museum and The Inn at Montross (W) www. westmorelandcountymuseum.org or www.visitwestmorelandva.org Friday, November 14 2nd Friday Art Walk in Colonial Beach (W) www. colonialbeachartistsguild.org
on the Courthouse Green Oyster Roast at Mary Ball Washington Museum & Library (L) www. mbwm.org Fall Barrel Tasting at Ingleside Vineyards (W) www. inglesidevineyards.com King George Farmers’ Market at King George Elementary School (KG) www.thefarmersmarket.co/ king-george-farmers-market
Westmoreland State Park (W) www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ westmoreland.shtml Star Parties on the Lawn at Caledon State Park (KG) ww.dcr. virginia.gov/state-parks/caledon. shtml Taste by the Bay-Wine, Food, Arts & Ale at Tides Inn in Irvington (L) www.tastebythebay.com - or www.tidesinn.com
Saturday, November 15 2nd Annual Schuckin’ and Jivin’
Saturday, November 22 Gobble Wobble 5K
Thursday, November 27 Irvington Turkey Trot (L) www. townofirvingtonva.com
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Sunday, November 30 Historic Christ Church- Visitor Season Closure (L) www. christchurch1735.org
December 2014 Friday, December 5 1st Friday Art Walk in Montross (W) www.visitmontross.com Spirit Festival at the Westmoreland County Museum and The Inn at Montross (W) www. westmorelandcountymuseum.org Please see page 16 Page 15
There’s so much to do around the Northern Neck
There are many Christmas-time events for you to enjoy in the Northern Neck. From page 15
Saturday, December 6 4th Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade in Irvington (L) www. townofirvingtonva.com Annual Holiday House Tour (W) www. westmorelandcountymuseum.org Christmas in Kinsale (W) www. kinsale.org Golden Village Christmas at Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern in Heathsville (N) www. rhhtfoundation.org Holiday Open Houses at Ingleside Vineyards (W) Sunday, December 7 Annual Holiday House Tour (W) www. westmorelandcountymuseum.org Christmas Parade and Jingle Jog in Warsaw (R) Holiday Open Houses at Ingleside Vineyards (W) Monday, December 8 The Holly & The Ivy Event at Historic Christ Church (L) www. christchurch1735.org Page 16
Friday, December 12 2nd Friday Art Walk in Colonial Beach (W) www. colonialbeachartistsguild.org 36th Annual Kilmarnock Lighted Christmas Parade (L) www. lancasterva.com/events Ornament Workshop at the Westmoreland County Museum (W) www. westmorelandcountymuseum.org
Saturday, December 13 Holiday Open Houses at Ingleside Vineyards (W) www. inglesidevineyards.com Sunday, December 14 Holiday Open Houses at Ingleside Vineyards (W) www. inglesidevineyards.com Holly Jolly Holiday Market (KG) www.thefarmersmarket.co/ kinggeorge-farmers-market
Tawanna Campbell • General Manager
Northern Neck Inn, Warsaw Toll-Free 877-838-4260 • 804-333-1700 • fax: 804-333-1708 reservations@northernneckinn.com 4522 Richmond Road, Warsaw, VA 22572
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Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
Saturday, December 27 Star Parties on the Lawn at Caledon State Park (KG) www.dcr. virginia.gov/state-parks/caledon. shtml Sunday, December 28 A Washington Family Christmas at George Washington Birthplace National Monument (W) www.nps. gov/gewa
January 2015 Friday, January 2 1st Friday Art Walk in Montross (W) www.visitmontross.com Friday, January 9 2nd Friday Art Walk in Colonial Beach (W) www. colonialbeachartistsguild.org
February 2015 Friday, February 6 1st Friday Art Walk in Montross (W) www.visitmontross.com 1st Friday Reception at Rappahannock Art League’s Studio Gallery in Kilmarnock (L) www. ralgallery.com Friday, February 13 2nd Friday Art Walk in Colonial Beach (W) www. colonialbeachartistsguild.org
March 2015 Friday, March 6 1st Friday Art Walk in Montross (W) www.visitmontross.com 1st Friday Reception at Rappahannock Art League’s Studio Gallery in Kilmarnock (L) www. ralgallery.com Friday, March 13 2nd Friday Art Walk in Colonial Beach (W) www. colonialbeachartistsguild.org Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014
Enjoy one of the area’s many art walks on a Friday night.
Saturday, March 14 The Chamber Orchestra Kremlin Concert at Lancaster Middle School Theater in Kilmarnock (L) www. rappahannockfoundation .org - or www.chamberorchestrakremlin.ru
April 2015 Wednesday, April 1 Visitor Season Opening at Historic Christ Church (L) www. christchurch1735.org Friday, April 3 1st Friday Art Walk in Montross (W) www.visitmontross.com 1st Friday Reception at Rappahannock Art League’s Studio Gallery in Kilmarnock (L) www. ralgallery.com Sunday, April 5 Easter Sunday Easter Egg HuntTides Inn, Irvington (L) www. tidesinn.com Friday, April 10 2nd Friday Art Walk in Colonial Beach (W) www. colonialbeachartistsguild.org
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Saturday, April 11 Dream Fields Opening Day- Kilmarnock (L) www. youthcluboflancastercounty.org Sunday, April 12 Antique Car Cruise-In in Kilmarnock (L) jbashburn@ verizon.net Saturday, April 18 thru Saturday, April 25 Historic Garden Week - The Garden Club of the Northern Neck (L) www.vagardenweek.org Sunday, April 19 The Hot Sardines Concert at Lancaster Middle School Theater in Kilmarnock (L) www. rappahannockfoundation.org - or www.hotsardines.com Sunday, April 26 Annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan Event at Historic Christ Church (L) www.christchurch1735.org Wednesday, April 29 Northern Neck House ToursHistoric Garden Week - The Garden Club of the Northern Neck (L) www.vagardenweek.org Page 17
Outdoor Club opens doors to youths Mark Fike Four years ago, several students asked if they could come hang out at lunchtime in my classroom. I asked if they needed help with something we had gone over in class, and they shook their heads and said that they just wanted to talk about hunting. I love to hunt and fish, and I knew these young men loved to hunt and fish, as well; I heartily agreed. Our informal meetings grew a bit in size, and before I knew it, we had a half-dozen or more young people coming to hang out. Before long, we had crock pots of venison or other wild game turning up at our lunches, too. Then I asked the local conservation police officer to stop in and chat with us about some hunting season safety tips. I remember when the kids left for their next class, our officer, Senior CPO Spuchesi, turning to me and saying, “Why don’t you start a club with these kids?� With his help, I did start a club, and we have had other teachers jump onboard, too. The demand and interest for the club has grown substantially over the past few years.
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I would even say that the demand is more than I can accommodate. There are some interesting things that I have learned as we have built up our club over the years. First, there are many kids who live in homes where their parent or parents don’t fish or hunt, but they want to learn about it. It is a fact that here on the Northern Neck, we have a playground of outdoor activities. Kids at school are constantly hearing about someone catching a nice fish or harvesting a nice buck or turkey. They want in on the action, too. If their parents are not going to take them because of disinterest or lack of knowledge, then we should step up to show the kids how to safely enjoy the outdoors. Second, many kids are interested, but their only exposure to the outdoors comes via video games or by hearing about the stories other kids tell. I was ignorant of this fact because I grew up in a home where we always were hunting or fishing. When the kids get out to truly experience the outdoors, they are often overwhelmed (in a Please see page 23
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Make some memories — and some new friends The “Memory Lane Car Clubâ€? was formed Jan. 23, 2011, for the express purpose of owners of antique, classic and even exotic motor vehicles to get together, enjoy operating, working on, exhibiting and driving their vehicles. “It’s all about ENJOYMENT!,â€? says founder Jack Ashburn. They are not bound by any rigid rules or organizations; just a group of fun-loving “motor headsâ€? interested in preserving automotive history. They do have an elected advisory board that serves rotating terms and helps to coordinate things.                                                                                Â
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The club participates in several types of events and is very involved with the local communities. They do “Cruise-Ins� after their regular meetings from April through October. They also do several events where they exhibit their vehicles to help raise funds for charitable and non-profit organizations. Also on their “do list� are several driving tours and trips to local historical points of interest. Its members also have shown their vehicles at senior care homes and museums.
Where, when do they meet? The club has its regular meetings at the Kilmarnock Boys and Girls Club on Main Street in Kilmarnock, VA on the second Sunday of every month, except December and January. They also have their “CruiseIns� every second Sunday from April through October (weather permitting). Everyone is invited to come and meet them, and bring YOUR antique or special interest vehicle. Everyone is welcome, and they’d love to meet you!
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interest in supporting automotive history is required. They have owners of all sorts of vehicles! Memory Lane Car Club has antique and classic car owners, antique truck owners, antique military vehicle owners and 3DUNLQJ LV 3DUNLQJ LV even antique fire truck owners. You will find 3DUNLQJ LV almost everything in their group. There are no dues or specific membership requirements; &DOHGRQ 5RDG .LQJ *HRUJH 9$ &DOHGRQ 5RDG .LQJ *HRUJH 9$ it’s all about fellowship and interest in things &DOHGRQ 5RDG .LQJ *HRUJH 9$ &DOHGRQ 5RDG .LQJ *HRUJH 9$ &DOHGRQ 5RDG .LQJ *HRUJH 9$ mechanical and historical. Please feel free to check out a meeting or Cruise-In some time!
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Rappahannock POPSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mission to bring music to the masses Susan Hayes The Rappahannock POPS Orchestra, formed in November 1999, is a nonprofit organization of more than 75 professional, semi-professional, amateur and student musicians based in Fredericksburg. The orchestra is celebrating its 15th anniversary season in 2014-2015. During the course of its tenure, the orchestra has reached approximately 75,000 audience members at performances throughout the region. Part of its mission is to promote music education and outreach in the community. In support of this mission, the RPO has given approximately $2,500 to local school music programs, has granted more than $5,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors for music study and has several students who rehearse and perform with the orchestra each year in
its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Play with the POPSâ&#x20AC;? program. The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to reach every member of the community. To that end, the orchestra performs a free Memorial Day concert that honors the men and women who serve, or have served, in all branches of the U.S. military. This concert typically draws more than 2,000 audience members. In addition to this performance, the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subscription series concerts throughout the year are designed to engage and excite every listener. In addition, the orchestra performs free educational outreach initiatives at schools in the Rappahannock region in order to support the music programs of local schools and to bring musical performances to students of all backgrounds. One legacy of the program is that students younger than 18 are
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admitted to performances for free. This has been true of every performance by the Rappahannock POPS Orchestra since its inception. The orchestra collaborates with many local cultural organizations to increase musical awareness to the Rappahannock community. In collaboration with the Fredericksburg Festival of the Performing Arts, student winners of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Young Artistâ&#x20AC;? competition perform with the orchestra during one of its subscription series performances in the succeeding season. The Voices of the POPS Chorus performs with the orchestra during their holiday and Memorial Day concerts. Past performances have occurred in various locations in and around the Fredericksburg community, and have included a broad range of musical styles, such as classical orchestral favorites, Broadway music, movie themes, contemporary popular music, big band music, jazz music, chamber music and educational programs for both adults and students. In addition, the orchestra has sponsored a variety of guest artists, from professionals to students. A founding member of the Rappahannock POPS Orchestra, Kirk Wilke has been the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music director since 1999. Wilke has led the orchestra to become a vital cultural asset to the community. The orchestra now performs regular subscription series concerts of live classical and pops music to Rappahannock-area audiences in a variety of venues. It is not possible to sustain the efforts of this organization without the support of the community. Whether through direct financial donations, or gifts-in-kind, the orchestra is dependent on the generosity of government, businesses, foundations and individuals to accomplish its mission and is grateful for the continued support. Hayes is the secretary of the Rappahannock POPS Orchestra Board of Directors. Page 21
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Outdoors Club
From page 18
good way) with the endless possibilities of good, clean, wholesome fun. Third, don’t assume that an outdoor club is just for the guys. I have two daughters that hunt, so I was not totally blind to the fact that girls will want to join, too. But, I was a bit surprised at how many girls wanted to join and how many are truly interested in the whole gamut of the outdoors, right down to butchering a deer. Starting a club in your area is not difficult. A little bit of planning is a good idea, though. The first thing that should be done is to determine who can help out in leadership roles. If the club will be started at a local school (a good idea), they you will need to touch base with the principal. Getting the principal onboard should not be a big deal, as long as you let them know that safety is the top priority. Take the time to recruit a few outdoorsy teachers, and get your local conservation police officer involved, too. The local hunter education instructor is another great resource. I found that kids crave meetings on the outdoors, and they love hands-on activities. We have done trailwalks, showing kids
tracks in the woods near our school, duck hunting seminars with decoy placement, dog handling drills, lure making, casting clinics, turkey hunting seminars, camo clinics, fishing trips to local ponds and one to the Bay, trail camera use, and Ghillie suit
making. Our most popular meeting seems to be the one where we teach the kids how to take a quartered deer from legs and straps down to sausage, burger, steaks, soup meat, chops and roasts. Yes, we did that activity several times in my classroom! A drop cloth, Clorox wipes and paper towels are necessary. The kids take the meat home and try it, along with some recipe tips that we provide them. We also held our first wild game supper last spring. The kids showed up with their best recipe, and we all shared what we had. Very little food was left over, and I received several positive comments from school officials about the event. The kids loved it! There are endless possibilities for an outdoor club in your school or community. Team up with a hunter education instructor, the local game warden and your school, and you will find the demand for such a club is very high. If you have a property where you can have parents meet you to teach the kids how to fish at a local pond, you are that much further ahead. Sometimes a partnership with a local retailer, such as a hunting or tackle shop might make things easy, too. Be creative, and don’t be afraid to get involved. The kids will thank you for it.
Irvington event is a tasty treat
Susan Cockrell The “Taste by the Bay: Wine, Food, Arts and Ale” is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Tides Inn in Irvington. This second-year event will include samplings from Virginia wineries, Virginia craft brews, tastings from local restaurants, music by The Delvers, maritime attractions, and a variety of artisan vendors. Wineries and restaurants will be offering tastings, as well as the option to purchase some of our local favorites. Your ticket includes a free souvenir wine glass, wine and craft beer tastings, a small food sampling from local chefs, live entertainment, and access to more than 20 artisan Saturday, November 22, 2014 vendors, selling goods from gourmet treats to art and jewelry. 11am-5pm • Tides Inn Resort The Tides Inn has been a Northern Neck tradition since 1947 and ofJoin us for this one-of-a-kind Wine, Food, Arts & fers exceptional accommodations, dining and spa services. The festival is both indoors and outdoors along the shoreline of scenic Carter’s Creek Ale event at the award winning Tides Inn Resort and takes place rain or shine. on the beautiful Carter’s Creek in Irvington, VA. Come and enjoy wines from the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, Virginia You’ll enjoy food tastings from top area chefs, craft brews, local oysters and culinary delights from local restaurants! wine tastings from regional wineries, shopping Start your holiday shopping early with wonderful artisans offering from local artists and boutiques. Take advantage unique, one-of-a-kind items. of Tides Inn Resort Wine Lovers weekend special. Tickets are avaialble at www.tastebythebay.com or by calling (804) 435-6092. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. For www.tastebythebay.com the latest, go to www.facebook.com/TasteByTheBay . www.journalpress.com Getaway • Fall/Winter, 2014 Page 23
Have a merry ol’ time in Kilmarnock Susan Cockrell The official Kilmarnock Christmas tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25. “This is a great way to prepare for the spirit of Christmas, and the Town is ready to get the Christmas season started,” stated Tom Saunders, Town Manager. “Steptoe’s District, and all of Kilmarnock is being decorated with lighting and will be illuminated at that time, as well.” The tree will be located at 1 North Main Street on the corner of the Town Hall and West Church Street. Open to the public, the festivities begin at 5:30 pm with refreshments and remarks by Mayor Mae Umphlett. The ceremony will acknowledge the families who generously provided the holiday banners and summer floral baskets that adorn Steptoe’s District. The evening concludes by lighting the tree and Main Street. Friday, December 12, 2014 marks the return of Kilmarnock’s Lighted Christmas Parade. “This year is the parade’s 36th year, and we wanted a special theme to reflect this major milestone,” stated Anne Paparella, Executive Director, Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, who sponsors this annual tradition. “This year’s theme of “Star Spangled Page 24
Christmas” reflects the patriotic service of our community and the 200th anniversary year of the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”. The Chamber is proud to showcase all our community has to offer with this year’s parade,” stated Ms. Paparella. “This year’s theme honors our community, our country and all those who serve or have served in the military and emergency services. The holidays are always a good time to wave the flag”. Kilmarnock’s Lighted Parade maybe the longest running event of its kind. Over 100 units march proudly down Main Street in Kilmarnock over a one-mile stretch of Rt. 3. From antique cars and trucks, fire engines, floats of all kinds, bands and the most
important guest, Santa Claus, make this a memorable family event each year. Prior to the parade, there is music, hot chocolate and food along Main Street, plus the little ones get to meet with Santa from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to come early to Kilmarnock, grab a good viewing spot along Main Street and enjoy the fun. “Our businesses, non-profits and children’s groups do such a great job of decorating their entries,” stated Paparella. “All of Kilmarnock is ready and so festive for the holidays. We hope you’ll join us.” Stay updated on the parade’s Facebook page, too: www.facebook.com/Kilmarnock. Christmas.Parade
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