Culpeper Earthquake - Levy Building Demolition

The Historic Levy Building is in the process of being torn down. The building was condemned by the Town of Culpeper this week. Main and Davis streets are closed as contractors begin the demolition. Timing is critical as hurricane Irene is approaching in the next 24 - 48 hours. The facade has been a classic building front along Main Street in Culpeper giving the town a quaint small town look. Main and Davis Streets were fortunate that this is one of the few classic structures that did not survive the 5.8 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday of this week. The demolition process is also expedited because main street is a primary traffic route thru town. The route is deemed unsafe in front of the building until it is removed.

Culpeper Earthquake 2011 Cleanup

The Earthquake in Culpeper yesterday has taken on new urgency. Category 3 - 4 Hurricane Irene is bearing down on the east coast expected to arrive later in the week in Culpeper. Repairs or temporary repairs are an urgency in order to protect property from further damage. A worker takes a moment to rest as he prepared to remove one of the 2 quake damaged chimneys at the Depot in downtown Culpeper today.

Earthquake in Culpeper

Culpeper Virginia experienced a 5.8 Richter Scale Earthquake today. The building is one of those that sustained damage. Most of the downtown streets are blocked off by authorities in order to inspect the buildings for damage. It is said that the historic St. Stephens Church sustained some damage as well as several of the older buildings and residences in downtown Culpeper. Washington Fox News Channel 5 was on hand this afternoon interviewing local residents and covering the damage.

Culpeper International & Sprint Triathlon 2011

The picture says it all. This is the beginning of the Culpeper Sprint Triathlon July 30th 2011. The race expanded this year to add the International length on Saturday to make it a full weekend of racing in Culpeper. Unofficially over 800 Triathletes this year.
Both the Saturday and Sunday races were well attended. The views alone for the bike and run are worth the trip. Culpeper County is one of the most picturesque areas in the world. The setting is approximately 80 miles outside of Washington DC in the famous and historic Virginia Piedmont. Triathletes come from around the country and "Dare to Tri" in Culpeper. Setup Events is the race organizer and runs an excellent well organized race. The stay in the Town of Culpeper is comfortable with many world class restaurants to enjoy before or after the race.

Fourth of July Culpeper

The Town of Culpeper celebrates the 4th of July with a style that our forefathers would be proud of. Beginning with the Freedom 5K in the morning to the parade thru the middle of town later in the day. The events are well planned with the traditional fireworks at Yowell Meadow Park to bring the celebration to a grand finale at dusk. The bridge pictured is located at Yowell Meadow Park. One of my favorite 4th of July scenes.

Space Ship spotted in Culpeper Virginia?

If one did not know better, it might appear that there is a space ship emerging from a secret veil. However, as is obvious upon closer inspection, the water tower is being refinished. The technology in refinishing has come a long way with the veil supported by cable dropped from cantilevered assemblies. The process has taken over a month and the anticipation for the finished product is building!!!

Wine Street WWII & Korean War Memorial Dedication

The Culpeper Community displayed their love and honor for those who served in World War II and the Korean War at the dedication of the new memorial on June 18th, 2011. The statue is approximately 8' tall and reflects the larger than life qualities of those who served. The sculpture was created by Jim Brothers. Mr. Brothers has created many public sculptures with military themes including the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. 
Among the solemn quotes etched in the granite base is the following: “Almighty God - Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity . . . For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest, they fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will among all Thy people. They but yearn for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home . . . Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.“ From President Roosevelt’s D-Day prayer to the nation, 6 June 1944. 
Click here for the full story at the Wine Street Memorial website.  

Wild Morning Black Raspberries

An early morning walk in the park. The wild black raspberries are ripe and ready to be picked. Mid to Late June are ideal times to search for wild black raspberries in the Culpeper area of the Northern Virginia Piedmont.

Talkin Turkey at Yoders Market in Madison Virginia

A trip to Yoders Market in Madison Virginia can be very interestings. Goats, Turkeys, and a variety of animals are near the barn. The store is full of some of the best food in the region. Fresh, organic, or a fresh baked treat. I bought the only 2 pints of Wild Black Raspberries. Just minutes from Route 29 between Culpeper and Charlottesville. A must stop. 

Culpeper County Eastern View High School Graduation 2011 - Small Town USA

Culpeper County Eastern View High School Graduation Friday Evening, June 10th, 2011. A colorful sunset brings out the peaceful beauty of the rural setting in "Small Town USA". Temps at 80 degrees with a light breeze made a perfect evening for the 200 student graduating class. Ceremonies included a fly over by pilots from the nearby Culpeper Regional Airport. The fly over included Bi-Wing airplane aerobatics. The ROTC Color Guard proudly lead the procession.