Rappahannock Community College Offers Summer Enrichment Classes in History and Pickleball

This June, Rappahannock Community College (RCC) invites community members to learn something new and stay active with a lineup of engaging, affordable classes. From exploring Virginia’s pivotal role in American independence to getting in on the fast-growing sport of pickleball, these short courses offer something for a variety of interests.

In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of American independence, RCC will offer “Virginia in 1776” for those interested in history. Held at Historic Christ Church & Museum, this three-session course will take place Wednesdays, June 3, 10, and 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The class will examine Virginia’s critical role during 1776, highlighting influential figures such as Richard Henry Lee, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Participants will explore key events including the Second Continental Congress and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and Virginia Declaration of Rights.

The course is led by Robert Teagle, Executive Director of the Foundation for Historic Christ Church, who brings decades of experience and expertise in early Virginia history.

For those looking to stay active, RCC is also offering Beginner and Intermediate Pickleball classes at the RCC Warsaw Campus tennis courts.

The Beginner Pickleball class will meet Mondays and Fridays, June 1, 5, 8, and 12, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Designed for first-time adult players, this course covers rules, terminology, and fundamental skills, with plenty of time for practice. Equipment is provided, and class size is limited to 10 participants. Instructor Paul Shrieves brings a passion for the sport and decades of professional experience.

The Intermediate Pickleball class will be held Mondays and Fridays, June 15, 19, 22, and 26, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Participants will build on foundational skills, focusing on stroke development, strategy, and court positioning. The class is led by Will Cox, an experienced competitor who has earned top honors in regional tournaments.

Each class is $35, making them an affordable way to learn, connect, and engage with the community. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Register at www.rappahannock.edu/rill or call 804-333-6707.

The Reedville Fishermen's Museum is now open for the season, with four new exhibits on view through 2026. The museum is full of artifacts and memorabilia telling the story of the Northern Neck's historic commercial fishing history. Outside on campus are several classic boats, at the dock and on shore. Activities being planned for the year include concerts, skipjack cruises, family boat building, golf cart party, fireworks, crabbing for kids, antique boat show and holiday celebrations.

Three new exhibits are in the Watermen's Gallery: Images by Kodachrome, a photographic tribute to the area's watermen by Mike Fontaine; Northern Neck Master Gardeners' Shoreline Evaluation Program; and Smith Point Sea Rescue.

Chesapeake Bay Quilts by Logan O'Bier are on exhibit in the museum lobby and the Walker House.

The museum is at 504 Main St. Hours until late May are 11 am.-4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission includes entrance to all museum exhibits: $10 for adults; $5 for seniors 65 and above; $5 for veterans; free for children 17 and under; and free for active duty military members. For more information, call 804-453-6529 or e-mail office@rfmuseum.org.          

Registration is now open for the 2026 Reedville Fishermen's Museum's Family Boat Building weekend. It will be held Friday-Sunday, June 19th-21st in the pavilion on the museum's campus, 504 Main St., Reedville.

Families are partnered with museum volunteers to build a wooden skiff to take home. The cost is $1,000, which includes the boat kit, oars, two T-shirts, lunch on Saturday and admission to the museum.

Limited openings are available; the event always sells out. A $250 non-refundable deposit will secure a space.

For more information, call 804-453-6529 or e-mail office@rfmuseum.org.

Mathews Marathon - A Boston Qualifier Race

From 7:00AM to 1:00PM

On Saturday, October 17th from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. come out and run along peaceful, rural backroads in beautiful Mathews County, Virginia - as we like to say - the world's flattest race course! This course was officially registered as a Boston qualifier in 2025. Enjoy the fast, flat course that winds through dirt, gravel and paved roads and past the serenity of one of Virginia’s great countrysides. The Marathon route will take you to 3 of the county’s beaches. You can also register for the Half Marathon or run the marathon course as a relay! Find out more information and register here: https://mocva.net/marathon/ Organized by the Mathews Outdoor Club

Location: Put In Creek Pavilion

Website: https://www.mocva.net/marathon/

Wharf to Wharf Swim

 

Swim out-and-back along the calm waters of the East River in Mathews County, Virginia. On Saturday, August 15th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., challenge yourself to a one mile open water swim starting and ending at Williams Wharf Landing. Swimmers set out in waves and return to a post-race award ceremony and celebration. Find out more information and register here: https://mocva.net/w2w/ This event is organized by the Mathews Outdoor Club.

Location: Williams Wharf Landing

Website: https://www.mocva.net/w2w/

Islander Regatta - Paddle Around Gwynn's Island

Circumnavigate one of Virginia's few inhabited Islands at this annual 9 mile paddle event around Gwynn's Island in Mathews, Virginia! On Saturday, June 27th, from 8am to 1pm Paddle along 3 bodies of water: the Milford Haven, Piankatank River & Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy full water safety support from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 66, rest stops, a post-race celebration & the Gwynn's Island Festival. Find out more information and register at https://mocva.net/regatta/ This event is organized by the Mathews Outdoor Club.

Location: The Islander Hotel, 633 Old Ferry Road, Gwynn VA

Website: http://www.mocva.net/regatta/