Thornton River Grille’s Chef Tom Nash is again given accolades for his fine cuisine in an article entitled "Putting on the Ritz" in the June edition of Virginia Living Magazine. Congratulations, once again, to Tom and his staff. This same edition has an enticing article about our beloved Shenandoah National Park, highlighting the beauty of the spring flowers. Budget Travel selected a travel package, "Active Girl Gourmet Getaway," offered by The House on Water Street, for inclusion in its website feature on Girlfriend Getaways. Travel Writer Kathy McKay spent a few days in the county. She will be writing about three of our artists in three upcoming issues of Elan Magazine and will write about Rappahannock County in the September issue of Northern Virginia Magazine. Travel writers Bill and Mary Burnham recently spent two days in the county. They will include information about some of our unique offerings in the 2009 Virginia Travel Guide. They are also doing a fall article about hiking for the Washingtonian and are working with one of our sons of Rappahannock, Andy Nichols, Director of Shenandoah Mountain Guides, for this feature. This type of coverage and tourism promotion are completely consistent with our comprehensive plan. We continue to be grateful to Laura Overstreet for sending these top quality travel writers to learn about beautiful Rappahannock County.

Action has been taken by VDOT following numerous motorcycle crashes. Motorists traveling on U.S. Route 211 from Sperryville up Thornton Gap to Skyline Drive will find the maximum speed reduced from 45 miles per hour to 35 mph. The new speed zone begins just west of Sperryville and continues almost to the Skyline Drive.

This is part of a comprehensive crash-reduction effort in response to concerns expressed by residents, local government and emergency services agencies. The speed-limit reduction was supported by a traffic study done by VDOT after repeated accidents in recent years. Since 2002 there have been 51 motorcycle crashes resulting in 46 injuries and the deaths of seven motorcycle riders on that section of Route 211. Excessive speed and loss of control on the sharp curves on mountainous stretch of highway have been identified as contributing factors in many of those crashes. We sincerely hope that this action will result in fewer accidents and fatalities.

The interior restoration is beautiful and the exterior landscaping, courtyard and tables are so inviting! On May 31, do come to the grand opening of Stonewall Abbey at 44 Main Street. They will be offering fresh brewed local and Kona coffees, espresso drinks, assorted pastries and desserts, salads, soups and sandwiches and Blue Bunny ice cream. In addition, there is free Wi-Fi connectivity, guitar repair/refinishing services, live music on weekends and gift items. Come to welcome this new business and the Compton family to Sperryville.

A few weeks ago you read about the corporate office of Flavor Magazine getting ready to open on Main Street. Melissa Harris has announced the grand opening of that office at 47 Main Street, also on May 31. This magazine will celebrate the Piedmont’s local food and wine culture. Drop in that day to meet Melissa and find out more about this new publication that supports our community values and comprehensive plan.

We want to offer special thanks to Dollie Atkins who cooked dinner for the last Association meeting. Her homemade chili, corn muffins and lemon pound cake were delicious and probably saved the group of 20 representatives about $150. Thanks to Stephanie Atkins, one of our SVRS EMT’s, for asking her mom to help out.

We were all so happy to have the rain, but it did dampen the planned for opening of our fledgling farmer's market last week. Undaunted, Deb Stoker wants to try again this Saturday. Bring on the sunshine. The following vendors are anticipated: English Boxwood plants, unique lamps, floral arrangements by Wynn Ludwig, specialty flowers from Wollman's, baked goods and perhaps some grass fed meats. Additional vendors are welcome. Market opens at 8 a.m. between Old Rag Gallery and Shadowrock Gallery and Guest House on Main Street in Sperryville.

I would like to join the chorus of people who not only wish Anita well in her new endeavor, but also express our sadness at the loss of this dedicated and devoted editor of the Rappahannock News. She brought a unique energy and creativity to our community and will be sorely missed. However, we are sure that the friendships will endure and we look forward to hearing about her new adventures.

After a second hospitalization, this time at UVA, I was finally diagnosed with viral meningitis. I am happy to say that I am finally recovering and hope to be able to provide you with a column much more regularly. Keep that news coming!