Mountain Courier

02/07/2024

Go on a hunt with some experienced trackers in the July Mountain Courier and learn not only how they find lost dogs but what you should do if your pup wanders away. Also, go six feet under with a couple of fellows who are experienced at cleaning and repairing cisterns. Read and heed Doug Pifer’s advice on why to leave sleeping fauns lie, and take time out to bake a tomato pie. For this and more pick up a copy of the Courier around town or follow this link to read it online.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4zjpvqfuuvu81rty4iswe/MTC-July24-full-issue.pdf?rlkey=ttbly17j8glsygakqfplol0h1&st=8ju802t5&dl=0

31/05/2024

Hot air balloons are always a pleasant sight at sunrise or sunset in the Valley. To understand what keeps them aloft and safe, the June Courier talks to two experts who can invite you along for a ride. Also in the June Courier, meet Marquetta Mitchell of Strasburg whose school days landed on the cusp of desegregation in Virginia. She is determined to preserve the story of what it meant to her and other blacks in the county. Also in June, trace the history of bundt cakes, travel to Woodstock, New Brunswick; and reminisce about grass skiing at Bryce Resort and be glad you missed it. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ryl0n8eetjbohk8fchu9y/MTC-June24-full-issue.pdf?rlkey=c2yu3r3uvmm2dp84hpuyyu9f5&st=sy4iwall&dl=0

03/05/2024

Good evening, dear readers! Just an FYI: We're posting this second version of the May issue for Chrome and Firefox users who may find this PDF more reader-friendly. Rest assured, all the content is the same. Enjoy! :)

The Civilian Conservation Corps was an innovative program launched by FDR to help American families survive the Great Depression while also protecting and improving our natural environment. The nationwide effort has strong roots in Shenandoah County, stronger than is generally known. The May Courier introduces you to a local CCC Camp with a location and campers that may surprise you. Also in the new Courier, meet the nominees for teacher of the year, enjoy lunch at the Chinatown Restaurant in Wi******er, and learn how to pronounce, and grow, edamame. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/htbrkpxnkj843k8a3thok/MTC-May24-full-issue-BG-test-1.pdf?rlkey=pw93i0x7xqwumr2z5ehq9icjp&st=vunf2w3y&dl=0

02/05/2024

The Civilian Conservation Corps was an innovative program launched by FDR to help American families survive the Great Depression while also protecting and improving our natural environment. The nationwide effort has strong roots in Shenandoah County, stronger than is generally known. The May Courier introduces you to a local CCC Camp with a location and campers that may surprise you. Also in the new Courier, meet the nominees for teacher of the year, enjoy lunch at the Chinatown Restaurant in Wi******er, and learn how to pronounce, and grow, edamame. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/s1f7k4j7v12dd1fuk36nb/MTC-May24-full-issue.pdf?rlkey=khkm577o4cuwck178revjwctg&st=fhgqlpq9&dl=0

01/04/2024

April marks the 30th anniversary of the Mountain Courier and, in its honor, owners Jeff DeVito and Amy Voss-DeVito took a deep dive into three decade’s worth of issues. The result is a walk into Shenandoah County’s past. Remember Peggy Vaughn’s gossip column from Bryce, or dining at the High Neighbor, or hearing that the River’d Inn had just been named best in the country, or dropping in at Baker’s store on Back Road, or shopping at Dorothy Brown’s The April issue is full of memories. As April also is Poetry Month, you can enjoy some lovely verse from local writers about windows and nature. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to view it online. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/w2zf6ovf18r5ttbr7fkq2/Mountain-Courier-April-2024.pdf?rlkey=bc1lig1wozsgufmfg39r33vry&dl=0

01/03/2024

The March Mountain Courier will have you looking up as Amy Voss-DeVito traces the history of weather vanes and lighting rods and tests your knowledge of a flight of creative local ones. You’ll also meet Lucy Clark, a lovely woman with an extraordinary skill for rug hooking. You’ll see scenes of the Valley in her expert work. Speaking of creative work, turn to Foods of Yesteryear where Elaine Specht introduces the winners of the 4-H table-setting competition. You’ll be charmed by the entries. Check out lunch at Mack’s Bingo Kitchen in Wardensville and more. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hy1dbids2c28rndl45j23/Mountain-Courier-March-2024.pdf?rlkey=cprcu69bodru1rurok06t82fu&dl=0

02/02/2024

In honor of Valentine’s month, the February Mountain Courier interviews three local couples who spend not only their off times with each other, but the entire workday. Learn how they manage surviving 24/7 with each other. Also in the February Courier, meet a group of women who have bonded over the dulcimer and a group of men who have rallied round an annual rattlesnake feed. (What a contrast!) Also see if you agree with Suzanne Montgomery as she rates which is better the book or the movie Terms of Endearment. For this and more, pick up a copy of the Courier around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1qz997bo94rz4ff2abl5j/Mountain-Courier-February-2024.pdf?rlkey=dd6borzu0h4t256ymjbpl9mg3&dl=0

03/01/2024

You’ve probably driven by a building in the area that said Shen-Paco on it and wondered in passing what it was. In the January Mountain Courier, you’ll learn what an important role the organization plays in the community as it prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Then take to the skies with two guys who use drones and planes to photograph our beautiful area for clients of all manner from realtors to searchers to brides and grooms. Also in the January Courier, get to know the local Habitat for Humanity program and learn just how President Jimmy Carter’s favorite non-profit works in Strasburg and elsewhere. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lyh3oiqmk2xmyhqoagbxt/Mountain-Courier-January-2024.pdf?rlkey=o7zfzw884apm1n7gpmjgds14m&dl=0

PS: Yes, we were a little late off the press this month, hope it was worth the wait. Happy New Year.

01/12/2023

Holiday memories abound in the December Courier ranging from long-ago department store windows decorated for Christmas to marzipan treats homemade for the holidays. Also, in keeping with the spirit of the season, Courier staff members report on their visit to the tasting room of our county’s own whiskey distillery, while Foods of Yesterday makes good use of nutmeg, almond, and other spices. Lunch Afar ventures to Luray, Doug Pifer describes and draws winter waterfowl, the Strasburg Library opens its doors for readers, and Barbara Plitt turns coat hangers into magic. Look for all this and more in the December Courier. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5fcp7qipj9ipwvdsa48vj/Mountain-Courier-December-2023.pdf?rlkey=6hqhg3x2fqxjdx4im3w2fjznt&dl=0

24/11/2023

Congratulations!

01/11/2023

For most of us, the recent spell of dry weather meant brown grass and cutting back a bit on water use. The November Mountain Courier explores the history and science behind local droughts and how some homeowners and farmers coped with more serious side effects. Also in the new Courier, meet a farmer who grows to give away, consider a bird’s feather and the marvel it is, and check your knowledge of the difference between baking soda and baking power. For this and more, pick up a copy of the Courier around town or follow this link to read it online. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0kbcadrfeusr4d3fq2fbd/Mountain-Courier-November-2023.pdf?rlkey=l78oo2xnv504aclac3i0b4rlg&dl=0

31/10/2023

Happy Halloween from the Mountain Courier! Wishing everyone a delightfully scary good time and many thanks to Karen Whetzel for sharing this photo of a most unusual character next to our newspaper box outside the Woodstock Cafe.

Look for the November issue online tomorrow. 🎃

12/10/2023

Dear listeners of WUDS 94.9 FM:

It’s with great sadness that we must share that the radio station has gone off the air indefinitely.

This decision was not taken lightly, and we’ll sincerely miss being on the airwaves in the Shenandoah County area.

Thank you to those who frequently tuned in to listen to WUDS throughout the years.

For the final time, this is Kyle Gutshall signing off for the Woodshed, WUDS 94.9 FM.

11/10/2023

And away she goes! In this month's issue, Mountain Courier reporter Martha Heisel recounts her maiden tandem jump with Skydive Shenandoah, a recreational skydiving business operating out of New Market Airport. All geared up and strapped to her jump leader, here she is making her big leap into the big blue.

03/10/2023

Today, Wednesday October 4, ShenGoTransit celebrates its second birthday with a gift for riders--ride free all day. If you haven't tried the little buses that go from Woodstock to New Market and Woodstock to Strasburg, mostly along Route 11, today is the day. For schedules and more, visit https://vatransit.org/shengo/

Photo by Linda Wheeler

02/10/2023

In the October issue of the Mountain Courier, writer Martha Heisel is flying high as she makes a tandem jump from an airplane for a first-person account of Skydive Shenandoah’s operations. Members of the safety-minded organization fly out of the New Market airport where the views above are spectacular. Meanwhile other writers celebrate October by surveying local breweries, taphouses, and the friendly Virginia Beer Museum in Front Royal. With a hint of Halloween, Elaine Specht almost visits a Woodstock in Colorado while also dipping into her Trick or Treat bag to make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownies. Doug Pifer visits a pond in West Virginia that brings comfort through fishing. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4xijrb12sis0ns88mpama/Mountain-Courier-October-2023.pdf?rlkey=hg176fvh136j2ii81ffm64m9t&dl=0

10/09/2023

A foggy day in Maurertown…

01/09/2023

Pork, apples, and onions? Sound intriguing? You’ll be tempted by the recipe in the September issue of the Mountain Courier. Also visit local vineyards to see how they harvest grapes by human and by huge machine. Get an update on VECCA and how it can bring out the artist in you this season, meet the Strasburg barber whose shop décor is worth the visit, check out the New Market Library, and more. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7js335l4lhbmdts2zwt8d/Mountain-Courier-September-2023.pdf?rlkey=c02hheihr1jkzn6rcq4f7uepy&dl=0

01/08/2023

Smashing cars, riding the rails, reading at the beach and a little bit of AI await you in the August Mountain Courier. Meet some men who excel at prepping for the demolition derby. Take a train from Staunton to Goshen and back. Consider four books to take on your summer’s ending trip to the shore. Add to your recipes for summer squash. Visit a colorful lily pond and more. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read the August Courier online.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mn5542vgbtcm6ybr0ez7h/Mountain-Courier-August-w-BB-2023.pdf?rlkey=ta295ezsueo7oe3ndh29vep6p&dl=0

30/06/2023

When you think of a library, what do you see? Stacks of books and a computer or two? Check out the July issue of the Mountain Courier to see what a library of the future would be like that is designed to meet all the wishes of its patrons. Also explore the history and design of fireworks, meet a model railroader who is recreating Woodstock in miniature for his rail stop town, and learn how to make adult popsicles in red, white, and blue. For this and more, pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it on line.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xuodtqy8l62ye10/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20July%202023.pdf?dl=0

19/06/2023

The end at last. May 3 was demolition day for the Wetzel family farmhouse and the Mountain Courier was there to document the dismantling of the old building. Videographer Nick DeVito captured the hour-long demolition and condensed it into this four-minute clip.

Fairview Park, Woodstock 5/3/23

01/06/2023

Joyce Kilmer would love the June issue of the Mountain Courier. For that matter, so would Snoopy and John Deere. A collection of tree stories cover how the Woodstock Tree Board came to be and its efforts to enhance the town’s canopy: work being done to revive the chestnut tree, and photos of youngsters and the trees they planted when both were little. Next, dine with dogs in a feature that includes a directory of places in the area where you can dine outdoors with or without a pet. Then, head to the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds to visit the new antique tractor museum. To enjoy this and more, pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zkuhklf72fbki8j/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20June%202023.pdf?dl=0

02/05/2023

Exemplary school staff, a local archeological site and dandelion wine— this May, the Courier celebrates a mix of all things Valley.
She’s fed three generations of school children with no end in sight. Suzanne Montgomery interviews Shenandoah County Public Schools Food Services legend, Beverly Polk. Learn more about the SCPS instructors nominated for this year’s “Teacher of the Year” award, dig into the history of Front Royal’s Thunderbird Archeological District and master the art of making dandelion wine.
Follow the journey one Civil War letter took on its way back to Woodstock, visit Mount Jackson’s community library and accompany family members as they tour the old Wetzel farmhouse at Fairview Park one last time. Hungry? Foods of Yesteryear’s Elaine Specht dishes about the recipe Chicken in the Rough made famous. Enjoy!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2srzj4jxbgx2w8l/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20May%202023%20Digital.pdf?dl=0

01/04/2023

Oh, the places you’ll go in the April Mountain Courier. First stop, the Basye Library, with its peculiar location next to an airport runway. Next visit a new cat café in Harrisonburg where you may find a new furry friend for your family. Then on to Staunton, where you can tour a pipe organ factory with artisans who hand craft instruments that rival those in grand cathedrals. Also in April, learn where the stuff you recycle goes, when a computer should be retired, and what’s new with the Courier and the Internet. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jp75m6crcxsa0k3/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20April%202023.pdf?dl=0

03/03/2023

Senate bean soup, tree climbers, the Chamber’s 10th anniversary, the Woodstock library, walnut syrup, a baseball book, two more local authors, the list goes on as the March issue of the Mountain Courier arrives to entertain and enlighten as spring brings beauty to the Valley. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jg66xf4pz7tyxvi/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20MAR%202023.pdf?dl=0

31/01/2023

If you are a fan of the movie Before Sunrise, you are going to enjoy the Valentine’s Cover Story in the February Mountain Courier. She is from Milan; he is from Fort Valley, they met when he was touring Italy. Read what happened next and next and… Also in the February Courier, if you are a fan of log cabins, you will love a collection of stories and photos that celebrate historic structures in the Valley. Also, check in on Con Burch’s new venture, watch hate turn to love for butternut squash, and learn how to taste wine like a pro. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3ocpukpo2dl6mr/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20FEB%202023.pdf?dl=0

31/12/2022

Start the new year celebrating the beauty of our Valley in the January Mountain Courier as you enjoy the winning work from the second annual Visions of the Valley photo challenge. Also learn about the Arboretum in the making in Woodstock, get a few ideas on indoor fun when outdoors isn’t, consider a classy West Virginia getaway, get advice on what to do if you find an injured bird, and be the hit of the appetizer table with the head cook’s pigs in a blanket recipe. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gt3jtn0v80g3df3/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20JAN%202023.pdf?dl=

02/12/2022

Why do a few coyotes sound like an army? Do sulfites in red wine really cause headaches? Why is the Oyster Bar on Washington Street in Middleburg, named the King Street Oyster Bar? (Washington was nearly a king, but…) You’ll find the interesting answers to these intriguing questions in the December Mountain Courier. You’ll also find help on note writing for all occasions, recipes for slow cooker meat balls and hash brown casseroles for those holiday potlucks, and perhaps the sweetest, funniest picture ever of a dog up for adoption. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9rurs0bqgpw607b/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20DEC%202022_DIGITAL.pdf?dl=0

02/11/2022

Support wounded veterans. Run with the hounds. Kid around with goats. Help some grandparents. Read the November Mountain Courier and you’ll find lots to enjoy and appreciate in the Valley. Also weigh in on whether you dine on dressing or stuffing on Thanksgiving And have a happy one. Pick up a copy around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dvbxuf9m8tfy2h4/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20NOV%202022_DIGITAL.pdf?dl=0

30/09/2022

"I wish that every day was Saturday and every month was October," wrote poet Charmaine J. Forde. For people like her, the October issue of the Mountain Courier can fill those Saturdays with the essence of the month’s spirit. Start with a new recipe for oatmeal from Elaine Specht to brace you for your journey out. Then head for the Farm at Court Manor where all manner of creatures and family favorite activities await. Visit DarkWood, the spectacular haunted house in Luray on Halloween or before. Meet the local woodturners whose creations will join the ceramic ones at the Empty Bowl Supper, and more. You’re sure to agree with Anne of Green Gables ““I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Pick up a copy of the Courier around town or follow this link to read it online.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o9p33dtxy2er7ul/MOUNTAIN%20COURIER%20OCT%202022.pdf?dl=0