Thanksgiving Events Raise Historic Rugby Funds

Lots of visitors were in Rugby Friday for Thanksgiving Marketplace. They were greeted with sunny, mild weather and a beautifully decorated village. It appeared from the crowds that the British Tea and the sales at the Rugby shops went very well. And the silent auction and the good-natured election for the Council of Curmudgeons together raised a bit over $1,000. Auction organizers Benita Howell and George Zepp want to thank all who participated in these activities as the funds will help Historic Rugby during the slower winter months.

Donna Heffner and Father Christmas (Fuzzy Orange) pose with Nick the reindeer dog. British pillows sold at the silent auction.  Visitors dressed in period costumes.  Photos by Rick Murphy

It was not clear what the powers of the new Council of Curmudgeons will be. It may just be “honorary.” Perhaps “Mayor” Julian Bankston will call it into session sometime over the next few months so that all can be “sworn into office” and this can all be sorted out. Rugby has always been very fond of its curmudgeons, which probably includes just about all of us at some time or another. (One can’t help but wonder if the real curmudgeons weren’t the ones who voted heavily – at $1 per vote – for this year’s winners!) An exception was Bob Trumbo who was actively soliciting votes, telling visitors that he is indeed Rugby’s only true curmudgeon. Sadly, Bob lost his campaign, but only after getting votes from an unknowing visitor or two. This year’s council is dominated by the women. Elected were Benita Howell, Ted Chrisman, Rita Myers, Barbara Stagg and Lisa Donegan. To all the also-rans, better luck next year!

  

Christmas at Historic Rugby This Saturday

Christ Church Choir Performs at 4:30 p.m.

Candlelit visits to traditionally decorated historic buildings, glimpses of 1880s Rugby Christmases, seasonal music, and a traditional Victorian dinner all await visitors to Christmas at Historic Rugby, this Saturday, December 3.

An actress portraying Madame Margaret Hughes, the founder’s mother, will greet visitors at Kingstone Lisle. The fragrance of plum pudding steaming on the kitchen wood stove will fill the house.

The Harrow Road Cafe will serve a four-course Christmas dinner by oil lamp light at two reserved seatings each evening. The 5:45 p.m. seating is SOLD OUT, but there are still spaces available at the 8 p.m. seating. The menu includes Prime Rib with herb roasted potatoes, French green beans, and Cherry Chocolate Mousse plus beverage (a vegetarian offering can be made with advance notice; beverages from the wine/ale menu available at menu price). For event and dinner tickets and area lodging information, call Historic Rugby toll free at 1-888-214-3400 or cell/local at 423-628-2441.

Hot wassail will be served fireside at the Rugby Community Room where visitors can take part in old-time carol singing led by musicians Tony Thomas and Judy Carson. Join Robin Branstetter and Christmas Carolers and The Choir of Rugby who will be caroling throughout the Village.

At the Rugby Printing Works, the 1880s Chandler-Price letterpress will turn out hand-printed hot wassail recipes for visitors.

The choir of Christ Church will also present a short concert of Christmas music and carols at 4:30 p.m. in the church. Everyone is welcome to attend this 45-minute program. The concert is free of charge, but donations to support the preservation of the church are welcome.

Event hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Event tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance, or on Saturday at the Visitor Centre. HISTORIC RUGBY MEMBERS ARE $9 and high school and elementary students are $5. Dinner Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $29, tax and gratuity included. Call 1-888-214-3400 for event and dinner tickets

Christmas Tree Farm

We went to the live Christmas tree farm near Allardt on Saturday and were pleasantly surprised at how nice it is. They had beautiful Fraser fir trees that were just recently cut in East Tennessee. And they have white pine, Scotch pine and Norway spruce trees growing on the site from which you can select a tree to be freshly cut.

This is a truly interesting and well run operation. Their brochure says they are committed to educating children and families about the importance of agriculture, conservation and forestry. It also says they strive to promote reducing their carbon footprint by reusing, recycling and renewing their resources.

The farm will be operating from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends through Dec. 22. Sycamore Springs Farm will have trees and fresh greenery and garlands available. It is located on 2125 Country Club Road. Turn across from Allardt School and follow the signs 1.5 miles on the right. It’s open weekdays by appointment – 931-879-5526.  The website is http://www.sycamorespringsfarmtn.com

 BIRTHDAY

Nov. 28 - Walter Young

 CALENDAR

Rugby is in the Eastern Time zone, just barely.

Dec. 3 – Christmas at Rugby – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern

Vultures at Walton Ct. from last week's NN

Dec. 10 – Christmas Home Tour – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Quilters’ Group - Wednesdays and Saturdays, 2–4 p.m. Eastern, at the Friendly House behind Christ Church

Rugby Yoga – Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. Eastern, at the Friendly House.


NATURE NOTES

Fall Echo

 By Linda Konig

 Though it's pretty dreary and rainy as I write this, we've been enjoying a spell of mild spring-like weather recently. Those who were alert to something besides Black Friday madness or TV football may have seen a few early spring flowers in bloom.

I've been trying to keep track. I've seen violets in my yard, a few dandelions here and there along the roadsides, Forsythia bushes showing some yellow, a pale blue Quaker Lady in Laurel Dale Cemetery and Thrift flowering in a yard on the way to the dump. Best of all, my Winter Honeysuckle (also known as First Breath of Spring) bushes have 3 blooms! I can't think of any others right now, but you may have seen some. Boyd Mitchell said he saw some trees (Sarvis maybe?) blooming the other day.

This seemingly out-of-season blooming really isn't all that unusual.  It's known as the Fall Echo. Some animals even participate. Spring Peepers (tiny frogs) are noted for this. I've heard a scant few of them a couple of evenings recently. The Fall Echo is a bittersweet fond farewell to the growing season, but it's also a promise that if we are patient, spring will eventually come again.

But wait!  There's still one more wildflower left to bloom. At least I haven't seen it yet. The Witch Hazel usually doesn't bloom around here until November. You have to be alert to spot its yellow blooms that look like short little ribbons on the bare small scrubby trees. Ordinarily, I find them against the BSSF Park Service road that leads to the boat put-in spot on the Clear Fork River near old Brewster Bridge. Hopefully, I'll see some next week. Yes, it's the same plant from which Witch Hazel lotion is made.

This Week’s Editors: Rick Murphy and George Zepp