May 1, 2026
Culpeper Young Professionals
Young Professional Council Member
Spotlight: Jenna McDonald
We’re thrilled to spotlight Jenna
McDonald, CEO of @mybarberjenna
My Barber Jenna LLC, and one of the
most passionate, community focused
young professionals in our network.
Originally from Long Island, New York,
Jenna now lives and works in
Remington. Where she has quickly
become a beloved local barber and an
advocate for confidence, connection,
and men’s mental health.
In just 1.5 years, Jenna has proudly served over 500 clients, building a space where people can feel seen, supported, and uplifted. Her commitment to creating a positive experience in the barber chair extends far beyond a haircut, it’s about helping others feel their best, inside and out.
A cause especially close to Jenna’s heart is Operation First Response. Her Pa is a Vietnam veteran who survived a grenade explosion, and honoring and supporting veterans holds deep personal meaning for her.
Jenna shares that her favorite part of being in YPS is the community, the connection, and the chance to give back to charities that make a real impact right here at home.
Outside the barber shop, Jenna expresses her creativity through painting, spends time with her beloved dogs, and continues to add to her collection of tattoos—each one a piece of her story.
We’re grateful to have Jenna’s passion, generosity, and creativity in the Young Professionals community!
May 1, 2026
Last Friday’s Nonprofit Council Educational Luncheon was a tremendous success, and we are still energized by the great conversation and learning that took place!
Our featured presenter, Laura Loveday, Special Projects and Grants Administrator for Culpeper County, delivered an insightful and practical session titled “Grant Ready: Understanding Funding Opportunities and Best Practices for Nonprofits.” Laura shared her expertise on the types of grants available to nonprofits, where to find them, how funders evaluate proposals, and best practices for building competitive, compliant grant applications. She also offered invaluable tips on organizing a grant strategy and avoiding common pitfalls during the application and reporting process.
Whether attendees were new to grant seeking or seasoned professionals, the session provided actionable takeaways to help position organizations for longterm funding success.
We were thrilled to welcome 31 attendees representing 24 nonprofit organizations!
A heartfelt thank you to Laura Loveday for generously sharing her knowledge and experience, and to everyone who joined us to learn, connect, and grow together. We’re so grateful for such an engaged and supportive nonprofit community!
Missed it? Don’t Worry! The presentation is available to watch on the Chamber’s YouTube Page: https://youtu.be/0H5LbXu7BjY?si=iBBBQfPDA4J0cNb
May 4, 2026
Last Friday night at the E2 Finals, we had the incredible honor of celebrating a milestone – 25 years of Career Partners and the impact it has had on generations of Culpeper students!
In the year 2000, something remarkable happened. Norma Dunwoody, then President of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, brought together community leaders, educators, and business owners for an Educational Summit with one shared goal: ensuring Culpeper graduates were truly prepared for life after high school.
At the time, like many communities, schools and businesses largely operated in separate worlds. That summit changed everything. For the first time, business leaders openly shared the skills they needed from future employees. Educators spoke honestly about curriculum demands, limited resources, and the challenges of preparing students for an ever‑changing workforce. Out of those candid conversations came understanding, collaboration, and a collective commitment to do better for our students.
That summit planted the seeds for what Career Partners would become. Our community embraced a powerful truth: students need more than textbooks. They need real‑world experiences, mentorship from local professionals, and clear connections between classroom learning and meaningful careers right here in Culpeper.
Twenty‑five years later, those seeds have grown into an award‑winning organization serving thousands of students each year. From international experiences like trips to Germany and Luxembourg, to the Leadership & Career Academy (which our President, Amy Frazier, was proud to be part of from 2006–2009), Senior Projects, E2, mock interviews, Career Expo, job shadowing, externships, Maker Energy Faire, STEM Day at the Airport, Healthcare Day, Educators in the Workforce—and so much more—the impact is undeniable. What began with difficult conversations and a willingness to break down silos has become a lasting legacy of opportunity, partnership, and investment in our young people.
Congratulations to the E2 Finals winning team, Status Wrap! Each team member will receive $10,000 in scholarships in recognition of their innovation, teamwork, and hard work. What a powerful example of what these programs make possible. Thank you to everyone who believed in this vision from day one. We are so proud of the partnerships built through Career Partners and so honored to have been a part of this journey over the years.
May 4, 2026
We enjoyed a wonderful turnout for the ribbon cutting, celebrating the Graffiti House Brandy Station Foundation’s renovations, and had the opportunity to learn more about this remarkable piece of local history.
Built in 1858, the Graffiti House served various roles during the Civil War era and contains charcoal drawings, signatures, and written observations left behind by soldiers who passed through the area. These markings, discovered decades later beneath layers of wallpaper, offer a rare and personal glimpse into life during
one of the most significant periods in our nation’s history. Guests toured the home, viewed preserved graffiti including soldiers’ names, illustrations, and sayings, and learned how the Foundation’s recent improvements are helping protect and share this site for future generations. Guests also learned about the modern‑day graffiti wall, where descendants of Civil War soldiers continue the tradition by adding their signatures, connecting
history to the present. Some photos from the event even capture what may be the signature of J.E.B.
Stuart, adding to the intrigue of the house. Thank you to the Brandy Station Foundation for their dedication to preservation and education, and to everyone who joined us for an engaging and memorable celebration of Culpeper’s history.
May 5, 2026
It was an honor to attend the Salem Volunteer Fire Department Banquet on Saturday, May 2nd, and help celebrate an incredible year of service and dedication. In 2025, Salem volunteers answered 362 calls and contributed an astounding 6,776 service hours to keep our community safe. We are so thankful for the dedication and selflessness of the volunteers of this remarkable department.
Top EMS Call Runners Top Fire Call Runners
1. Kaytlin Houde 1. Chief Mike Bailey
2. Warren Houde 2. Warren Houde
3. Mike Pearson 3. Jerome Yates
4. Hannah Southard 4. Alvin Petitt
5. Sam Leonard 5.Devon Stringfellow
Special Awards
• Chief’s Award: Tyler Hirte a member who went through the Culpeper Technical Education School Fire Fighter Program
• Firefighter of the Year (member voted): Clifford Shuck
• EMS Provider of the Year (member voted): Mike Pearson
• Steve Rosenfeld Award: Jerome Yates
• John M. Lewis Award for Associate Members who assist with Fundraising: Deana Shaffer & Samantha Sjurseth
We were also grateful to hear from guest speakers who shared their insights and support for volunteer fire and EMS services.
Thank you to every member, supporter, and family who makes this lifesaving work possible. Your commitment does not go unnoticed!
May 5, 2026
Amy was pleased to attend Northern Piedmont Community Foundation’s Give Local Piedmont “Ruin Your Dinner for a Stronger Community” kickoff event! It was inspiring to connect with so many incredible nonprofits doing GREAT work right here in our community.
- Early Gifting is now OPEN, and Give Local Piedmont is just one week away —
Tuesday, May 12th! We encourage everyone to support an amazing local
organization during this program. Your favorite nonprofits can even win extra
funds throughout the day thanks to the Northern Piedmont Community
Foundation. - The Chamber’s nonprofit, The Culpeper Futures Foundation, is proud to be
participating! This new initiative is dedicated to investing in the future of our
community — but we can’t do it without YOU. ALL donations will be matched
dollar‑for‑dollar by the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce!
Your support helps fund:
– Scholarships at CTEC
– Germanna Community College
– Career Partners
– Workforce and educational opportunities in Culpeper
– $500 covers one full Dual Enrollment scholarship for a CCPS high school
student! - Every dollar counts. Let’s come together and invest in the future of Culpeper!
May 6, 2026
Just 5 months to go! Tuscany is calling…
Have you been dreaming of an escape to Montecatini?
Is strolling through Florence, gazing at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or sipping a glass of Chianti in San Gimignano on your bucket list?
Good news—there’s still time to join the Chamber’s unforgettable trip to Tuscany!
– Trip Cost: $3,699 includes:
– Roundtrip airfare & airport transportation
– 10 meals
– Sightseeing and guided experiences
– A professional tour manager
– And so much more!
We leave October 6, 2026 and would LOVE to have you travel with us on this incredible adventure.
Email amy@culpeperchamber.com for more information and to secure your spot today!
– Don’t just dream about Tuscany—experience it with us! 
May 7 at 9:00
New Trip Announcement: Ireland is Calling!
The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce our Best of Ireland trip—an unforgettable journey through one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
– Departing March 15, 2027 —
That’s right! We will be in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day!
Space is limited—sign up early to secure your seat!
What’s included:
-Round-trip airfare (plus taxes, fees & fuel surcharges)
-7 nights in 4‑star / first‑class hotels
️-10 meals (7 breakfasts & 3 dinners, including a special welcome dinner)
️-Sightseeing & admissions per itinerary
-Professional tour manager
-Transfers & baggage handling
Trip highlights include:
• Dublin city tour & St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Wicklow National Park & Glendalough
• Bunratty Castle dinner with entertainment
• Limerick & charming Adare Village
• The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher
• Killarney & the famous Ring of Kerry
• Blarney Castle & Blarney Woollen Mills
• Trinity College & the Book of Kells
• Old James Whiskey Distillery
• Muckross House
From castle stays to dramatic coastlines, historic cities, and unforgettable Irish hospitality—this trip truly has it all.
For more information, contact Amy Frazier (540) 825‑8628 or amy@culpeperchamber.com
Pack your bags and get ready to make lifelong memories—Ireland awaits!
May 8, 2026
What an inspiring Wednesday evening at the Friends of the Rappahannock Annual Meeting & Celebration at Mountain Run Winery!
It was incredible to hear about the impact made across our watershed this past year:
– 31,925 trees planted across 16 counties
– 737.19 lbs of native seeds collected
– 16,282 students engaged in environmental education
– 28,798 lbs of litter removed from our waterways
– Over 1 million oysters planted in the Rappahannock River — with an ambitious goal of 3+ million this year!
A huge thank you to the 1,083 volunteers who supported efforts ranging from litter cleanup and oyster shell bagging to tree planting, advocacy, and education. The dedication in this community is truly something special.
The evening also highlighted some well-deserved award winners:
Teachers of the Year
-Joe Letteri (CCHS), who even keeps quail in his classroom, and
-Rachel Stuart (EVHS), both passionate about inspiring students to love learning.
Education Volunteer of the Year
Jim Randolph, who goes above and beyond at Float on Farm. Mowing fields, picking up roadside trash, maintaining tools, and stepping in wherever needed.
Nursery Volunteer of the Year
Ed Stuart of the Rapidan River Master Gardeners, our beloved “plant whisperer” who keeps everything thriving through watering, pruning, weeding, and organizing.
Conservation Partner of the Year
Maddie Kenerly (VA Department of Forestry) for her outstanding collaboration, tree planting expertise, and thoughtful planning.
River Steward Awards
-Dr. Frances McGuigan of Greene County for supporting conservation efforts on his property and fostering innovation and research.
-Little Fork Episcopal Church and grounds team (Becca Issac, Beth Turner, Michelle North, and Sarita Faught) for their hard work in helping to create The Commons at Little Fork a beautiful 1.1-mile ADA-accessible walking trail featuring native plants and Gregg’s Grove, with 25 trees planted by FOR. A truly special place for the community to walk, reflect, and gather.
Thank you Friends of the Rappahannock and all of your staff and volunteers. We are so grateful for our community that cares so deeply about protecting and restoring the Rappahannock River!
May 8, 2026
Today, we celebrated a ribbon cutting for Culpeper Window & Siding, Inc. to celebrate their new showroom, located at 15025 Jats Drive in Brandy Station. It was a great opportunity to recognize this milestone and welcome community members into their new space.
The showroom features a wide range of siding, roofing, windows, and exterior products, all displayed in a way that helps visitors better visualize how the materials will look on their own homes. This hands‑on space is a valuable resource for homeowners planning exterior improvements.
Congratulations to Culpeper Window & Siding on their new showroom, and thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate!
May 10, 2026
This Mother’s Day, we take a moment to honor
and celebrate the amazing mothers in our Culpeper community and throughout our
Chamber membership. Your strength, compassion, resilience, and love help shape not only your families but the very heart of our
community. We are grateful for all that you do, every single day.
From business leaders and entrepreneurs to caregivers, mentors, and volunteers, mothers wear so many hats, and you do it all with grace and determination. Culpeper is stronger because of you.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the founder of Mother’s Day in the United States, Anna Maria Jarvis, was inspired to create the holiday after her mother,
Ann Reeves Jarvis, passed away? Even more special—Ann Reeves Jarvis was born right here in Culpeper!
Today, we proudly celebrate our local roots and the powerful legacy of
motherhood that continues to grow right here in our community.
May 12, 2026
Today is the day! It is Give Local Piedmont! The first Golden Ticket of the Day was to recreate a famous piece of artwork and the Culpeper Chamber was excited to get creative for a chance to win funds for the Culpeper Futures Foundation! The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce & Futures Foundation Presents: American Gothic.
Northern Piedmont Community Foundation
May 12, 2026
– Invest in Culpeper’s Future Today!
During Give Local Piedmont, you have the opportunity to make a real impact right here at home. By supporting the Culpeper Futures
Foundation, you’re helping local students access life-changing educational opportunities through Culpeper’s Career and Technical Education School, Germanna Community College, and our Career Partners.
– Did you know?
$500 provides one full dual enrollment scholarship for a Culpeper County Public Schools student—giving them a head start on college credits and career pathways.
Your donation isn’t just a gift—it’s an investment in our community’s workforce pipeline and the bright futures of our students. Together, we can empower the next generation with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
May 12, 2026
Northern Piedmont Community Foundation announced Golden Ticket #2 and the challenge? Create a superhero – Non-Profits are truly the superheroes of our community and today is the day to show your appreciation by participation in Give Local Piedmont!
Presenting: The Opportunity Protector – Champion of Culpeper’s future workforce
May 13, 2026
We had a fantastic time attending the Culpeper County Conference (C3) yesterday!
A huge thank you to Culpeper Economic Development/Be A Culpeper Local for hosting this incredible program each year in support of our local small business community. The event was packed with value three action-filled sessions and multiple class options at each, all full of insightful, practical information. It was
such a great opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside other business owners here in Culpeper.
The day wrapped up perfectly with lunch and an inspiring True Star Leadership keynote.
We’re so grateful to be part of this amazing community and can’t wait to see many of you again tonight at Mulberry at Old Trade for Culpeper Business Appreciation from 4–6 PM! All are welcome!
May 13, 2026
– Calling all businesses! Booth
spaces are still available for
CulpeperFest 2026, one of the most anticipated events in our community, with over 4,000 attendees expected.
Inside booth spaces are going fast, so don’t wait to secure your spot. Register today at CulpeperFest.com.
May 13, 2026
The Culpeper Young Professionals continue to show just how powerful community can be when we lift each other up.
Over the past month, our YPs have stepped up in incredible ways to support one another’s programs and events. From setting up for Career Day at PlayDate: A Children’s Museum, participating in Give Local Piedmont, helping out and attending Be A Culpeper Local Culpeper County Conference (C3), serving as preliminary judges for Career Partners E2 program, to lending a hand
at the Mom2Mom-Virginia Expo and so much more—this group shows up! The partnerships being built and the friendships growing out of this group are truly amazing to witness. We are so grateful for the energy, encouragement, and collaboration each member brings. And the best part? There’s always room for more.
Come grow with us, connect with other young professionals, and make an impact right here in Culpeper.
May 14, 2026
A Beautiful video of the winery we will be visiting while on our trip to Tuscany this October! Haven’t Signed up? There is still space available and we would LOVE to have you travel with us!
May 14, 2026
What a fantastic evening at the Be A Culpeper Local Culpeper Business Appreciation Event last night at The Mulberry at Old Trade Farm! It was truly wonderful to connect, celebrate, and network with so many incredible members of our local business community.
A huge congratulations to all of the Culpeper businesses that shared their milestones—we love seeing our community thrive! We especially want to recognize and celebrate our members who hit impressive anniversaries:
Home & Tack Organizing, LLC – 5 years
Mountain Run Winery – 10 years
Willow Moon Healing, LLC – 15 years
Xpress Copy & Graphics – 20 years
What an amazing testament to dedication, passion, and perseverance. We are so grateful for the hardworking entrepreneurs who make Culpeper such a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, and do business. Here’s to
many more years of success for all!
May 15, 2026
Skip the walk or bus ride and get straight to the fun with a $25 VIP Parking Pass, giving you access to park right in the Germanna lot — just steps from all the action!
Your $25 donation directly supports our CulpeperFest Scholarship Fund, which benefits students at:
– Culpeper Technical Education Center
– Germanna Community College
– Career Partners
– Please Note:
This pass is for VIP parking only — it does not include a vendor booth.
Free parking is still available in the grass lot — no ticket needed for that!
– Want to snag your VIP pass and support local students? Purchase Here:
https://members.culpeperchamber.com/events/details/vip-parking-at- culpeperfest-2026-65676
May 18, 2026
Last week, we had the honor of attending the Culpeper Police Department Chris R. Jenkins Amazing Citizen Award ceremony. An inspiring evening celebrating some truly remarkable members of our community.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Frankie Gilmore
Frankie has been a pillar of Culpeper for many years. She currently supports businesses through advertising at 103.1 WJMA, Classic Hits 105.5 & 95.3 Sam-FM. She co-founded the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby in 2002, and devoted two decades to growing the program into what is now the 4th largest in the world—an incredible achievement! Her dedication doesn’t stop there—she has also served on numerous boards, including the Culpeper Chamber and Germanna Community College. Her passion for youth and community development is unmatched.
Wayne Grimsley
Wayne’s commitment to service is nothing short of extraordinary. A volunteer firefighter with Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department since January 12, 1970, he has spent decades protecting our community. He has served on the Virginia State Firefighters Association, championed firefighter training as an instructor, and continues to support Company 1 today. Beyond the fire service, Wayne has coached football for many years, serves on the Culpeper County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, Inc. recruitment and retention committee, and is a friend to the Chamber—and just about everyone he meets.
Bobby Ryan (Posthumously Honored)
We also recognized the late Bobby Ryan, whose legacy of service runs deep. A Vietnam War veteran and longtime public servant, he served on Town of Culpeper Council from 1991–2002 and again from 2008–2019, including a term as Vice Mayor. His involvement extended across numerous boards and committees, from public safety to parks and recreation. Bobby’s volunteer spirit touched countless organizations, including Culpeper Renaissance Inc., SAFE – Services to Abused Families, Inc, Rotary Club of Culpeper, Camp Fantastic, Team Jordan, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Culpeper, VA, and Full Circle Thrift Store.
What an incredible reminder of the impact one person can have on a community. Culpeper is stronger because of these individuals and their dedication to service. Thank you Culpeper Town Police Department for a wonderful program!
May 20, 2026
Last Friday, the LEAD Culpeper Class of 2026 spent an unforgettable day at Verdun Adventure Bound —and wow, what a day it was!
From team-building activities and games to rock climbing, the ropes course, and the zip line, we were challenged in the best ways possible. We also wrapped up the day with a meaningful rope-cutting ceremony that made it even more special.
In between the action, we took time to reflect, share, and learn more about each other—building deeper connections and a stronger sense of trust as a group.
We bonded, we cheered each other on, and we pushed ourselves beyond what we thought were our limits. One thing is clear—we can ALL do hard things!
Huge THANK YOU to Sean for leading such an incredible and impactful day. We’re stronger together because of it!
May 22, 2026
This morning, we had the honor of celebrating the ribbon cutting at The Inn at Kelly’s Ford — a long-anticipated reopening of a restaurant, pub, and event venue that is sure to become a cornerstone of our community. We believe some of the best connections happen over good food, and we look forward to many of those moments ahead. Welcome!
May 22, 2026
Despite the rainy weather, the ribbon cutting for the Culpeper County Community Pool was a great success.
Thanks to the spacious Culpeper County Parks & Recreation’s Field House, the ceremony was held comfortably indoors, and guests still had the opportunity to tour the new facility.
This exciting addition represents more than just a place for recreation. The Culpeper Community Pool will serve as both a recreational and educational resource, providing a safe, accessible space for individuals and families to learn how to swim and strengthen water safety across our community.
The project reflects a true community effort, with contributions from organizations and partners including Mom2Mom-Virginia (complimentary swim diapers), Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (landscaping support), Friends of the Rappahannock (landscaping plans) the Virginia Cooperative Extension – Culpeper Unit (native plant landscaping), Cedar Mountain Stone (supported extended parking area), UVA Health (life jackets), Taft Construction, Olympia Pools, and many County departments. The emphasis on collaboration and public safety was evident throughout the event.
It was great to see the community come together to celebrate this meaningful investment in Culpeper’s future.
May 26, 2026
On Friday, Sarah stopped by Blue Ridge Bank, (701 S. Main St) for their Customer Service Appreciation Day and enjoyed visiting with their friendly team (and a delicious hot dog). She even entered the drawing for a gift basket filled with yummy treats
Be sure to stop by, meet the team, and learn more about the products and services they offer. They’re always happy to help!
May 26, 2026
Volunteers Needed for CulpeperFest!
CulpeperFest is just around the corner, and we need helping hands to make it a success. Volunteers are needed on Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12, to assist with event setup, support, and festival activities.
Whether you can help for a few hours or more, your time makes a big difference. Join us behind the scenes and be part of one of Culpeper’s biggest community events.
https://culpeperchamber.com/culpeperfest/#Volunteer
May 27, 206
Ireland 2027 – Our International Trip is Taking Shape!
We’re so excited to share that our March 2027 Chamber International Trip to Ireland is officially underway—and we kicked things off with our first informational call last night!
A big thank you to Oliver, who walked us through all the exciting details—from the nonstop flight from Dulles to Dublin to our beautiful hotels, incredible excursions, and daily experiences. He also answered great questions from attendees, helping everyone get a clearer picture of what this unforgettable journey will look like!
Missed the call? No problem! We recorded it so you can watch at your convenience—and feel free to share it with a friend who might want to join you!
Here’s just a glimpse of what’s in store:
A dedicated Tour Manager with us every step of the way
Nonstop international flight + hot breakfast daily
A magical welcome dinner at an 18th-century castle
Visits to iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and Kilkenny Castle
A horse-drawn jaunting cart ride through Killarney National Park
The breathtaking Ring of Kerry scenic drive
A lively medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle
Cultural highlights in Dublin, including Trinity College, the Book of Kells, and a Jameson Distillery tasting
Charming villages, fishing towns, and 1,000 shades of green!
PLUS: All activities and excursions are included, with a perfect balance of guided touring and free time—and we can expect beautiful mid–high 60s weather throughout the trip!
From historic castles to stunning coastlines, this is shaping up to be a truly unforgettable adventure.
Want the recording or more details? Let us know—we’d love to help you learn more and join us! https://youtu.be/3ICJCoUnIOU?si=RIJFa7EVuOWxie1
