Second Lady of the United States Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, spoke about the mental health benefits of being outdoors during remarks last week in Shenandoah National Park.

Kid Pan Alley’s “Because We Have Music” livestream house concert series with Virginia artists continues this Sunday, July 19, at 7 p.m.

A reminder that the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community (RAAC) is now accepting applications for its Artists’ Relief Program for local artists, artisans, musicians, actors, and writers who have lost income as a result of the pandemic.

“Pretty exciting,” remarked Rappahannock County Supervisor Keir Whitson, referring to two new trash compactors being installed at the Flatwood and Amissville refuse centers.

The annual Camp Fantastic for local children with terminal cancer has been canceled this year for the first time in its history; and the Fodderstack 10k has been cancelled for 2020.

The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter both marked Flag Day and honored the Culpeper Minutemen of 1775 in a ceremony at the DAR Culpeper Minutemen Monument in Yowell Meadow Park.

Waterpenny Farm's low-income community-supported agriculture shares program has expanded to the Rappahannock Food Pantry. The CSA program started in 2000 with a group of 20 reduced-price shares purchased by the Capital Area Food Bank.

Governor Ralph Northam this week signed Executive Order Sixty-Five allowing for the second phase of the “Forward Virginia” plan gradually easing public health restrictions while containing the spread of COVID-19. 

After shutting down on April 4 due to the COVID-19 crisis, Shenandoah National Park reopened Skyline Drive and the majority of its trails last Saturday, keeping fingers crossed that visitors adhere to social distancing.

The big question asked this time of year: How prevalent are tiny disease carrying ticks?

“First day of filling these 17 ounce bottles — 26 thousand for the commonwealth (Virginia Department of Emergency Management),” says Allan Delmare of Dida’s Distillery in Huntly.

Shenandoah National Park says it is working with surrounding communities, including Rappahannock County, as well as local and state public health and government officials to develop a “phased plan” for reopening that ensures the safety of park staff, local communities and visitors.

The cost of gasoline in the region has dropped dramatically in recent weeks due to COVID-19’s impact on the oil industry, with prices currently at multi-decade lows — and falling.

Skyline Drive above Sperryville is not open to pedestrians or bicyclists during the COVID-19 crisis.

After considerable public outcry, the board at its very first meeting of 2020 agreed to repaint the monopole a “camouflage” color — namely “Yuma Green.” 

Shenandoah National Park has abruptly shut down until further notice after the National Park Service received a letter from the Rappahannock Rapidan Health District recommending “full closure” due to the threat of COVID-19.

Every county in Northern Virginia has residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 — except ours. 

Even the woods aren’t safe

Don’t be confused during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis when hearing news from the “Rappahannock District” of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

The Virginia Department of Transportation beginning Monday will replace the Route 612 Old Hollow Road Bridge over the North Fork Thornton River in Old Hollow, impacting residents for about six weeks.

Since 2016, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) has been asking this question on social media each March during Women’s History Month using the hashtag #5WomenArtists.

Hemp as Healer is the topic of discussion at the Rappahannock County Library this Friday, Feb. 28, 6 to 8 p.m. 

The Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s Youth Tour has provided local students with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness their state government in action.

The Rappahannock Historical Society on Gay Street is hosting “African Americans and the Vote,” a new traveling exhibit developed by the Carver 4-County Museum. 

Start your own legend with a Romantic Rappahannock Rendezvous this weekend for the every-month Second Saturday on the Rappahannock County Artisan Trail.

Pull up a chair this Friday, Jan. 31, and participate in the Rappahannock News’ monthly Fourth Estate Friday, the first such gathering of 2020 and the new decade. 

The Headwaters Board of Directors voted unanimously to hire Lynnie Genho as Headwaters’ next executive director.

For anybody looking to beat the January doldrums, Rappahannock County’s unique “Second Saturday” of opportunities is this Saturday, Jan. 11.

How does one spend the Saturday after Christmas? Golfing, of course! The temperature in Rappahannock County on Dec. 28th reached a balmy 65 degrees.

Join Rapp News for coffee and conversation at Off the Grid Friday morning; and later at Before & After will host Lillian Freeman Aylor, author of her new memoir “I’ll Get It Done: A Life Journey in Rappahannock."

Educating school children about segregated schools was the focus of a visit to Scrabble School on Dec. 6.

Local artists Rosabel Goodman-Everard, Wayne Paige, and Fae Penland will bring realistic as well as wildly fanciful visions to the Middle Street Gallery in Washington starting Dec. 6.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no Fourth Estate Friday meeting this month hosted by the Rappahannock News. 

Shenandoah National Park Superintendent and the Shenandoah Trust Executive Director will cut the ribbon to open the Sperryville River Walk tomorrow (Friday) at 11 a.m.

Keep recycling; Wildfire season; Get a full cord; Ted to Gloria; and Talking turkey in this week's Rapp.

Women In Worship (WIW) Ministries 2019 “EXCEL” Honors celebrated 15 women and 10 girls last week at its Awards Luncheon at Germanna’s Daniel Center in Culpeper.

Washington will be hosting its traditional spooky night of trick-or-treating throughout its historic streets.

Fourth Estate Friday; School homecoming; Friends of Hazel; Building bike paths; End of Oktoberfest . . . and Gold Cup

The rally will be based in Middleburg for five days and end Saturday, Oct. 26, in the nation’s capital at the residence of the Italian Ambassador to the U.S. 

Refuse changes; Post office update; Dry ground; Prost!; Catch Frankenstein; and Second Saturday!

Curator John Hallberg selected a small number of dulcimers from the museum’s collection to display.

This particular Fourth Estate is indeed special, a final meeting at the Country Cafe.

Plan to arrive early to the 2019 Rappahannock County Candidate Forum, this coming Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Little Washington Theatre.

The Piedmont Environmental Councils 10th Annual 2019 Photo Contest is underway, with the deadline for entry Monday, Sept. 30th.

RAAC will host a Film-Talkback this Friday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. at the Little Washington Theater surrounding “The Biggest Little Farm.” 

Join the Rapp News at the Country Cafe Friday morning for coffee and conversation for Fourth Estate Friday.

Meadows menu

Silver Maples Gallery will be hosting an Exhibition for Lori Wallace-Lloyd beginning this Saturday, August 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fourth Annual Night Sky Festival this weekend with veteran space shuttle astronaut and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador.