🌱 How an Appalachia native became one of Virginia’s “People to Meet”

Hey hey Appalachia! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How an Appalachia native became one of Virginia’s “People to Meet”

Also on today's calendar: Festival of Trees: Night Viewing and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Cloudy and very cold, with a high of 26 and low of 25 degrees.
• Friday: Cold with snow, 1-2", temps: high: 35, low: 25.
• Saturday: Mainly cloudy and cold, with a high of 34 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

• Smith Named To ‘People To Meet' List (thenews-gazette.com) — A native of Appalachia poet laureate Mattie Quesenberry Smith has been named one of Virginia Business’s “100 People to Meet in 2026.” Her journey from humble beginnings in Appalachia to leading veteran-focused poetry workshops statewide highlights how local roots can shape influential work across Virginia’s arts and education communities.
   

📸 Around Appalachia

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Appalachia

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday December 11

• Thurs 7pm Pilates
  Appalachian Moon Yoga and Massage, 604 Park Ave NW, Norton
  7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday December 13

• Festival of Trees: Night Viewing
  Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park , 10 W 1st St N , Big Stone Gap
  5:00 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Weds 7pm Yoga
  Appalachian Moon Yoga and Massage , 604 Park Ave NW , Norton
  7:00 pm

Thursday December 18

• Thurs 7pm Pilates
  Appalachian Moon Yoga and Massage , 604 Park Ave NW , Norton
  7:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Mommy and Me Yoga- Sat 12:30
  Appalachian Moon Yoga and Massage , 604 Park Ave NW , Norton
  12:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Weds 7pm Yoga
  Appalachian Moon Yoga and Massage , 604 Park Ave NW , Norton
  7:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Thurs 7pm Pilates
  Appalachian Moon Yoga and Massage , 604 Park Ave NW , Norton
  7:00 pm

Saturday December 27

• Gary Joseph and The Country Troubadours
  appalachian traditions , 6034 Kent Junction Rd , Norton
  7:30 pm

📣 Appalachia Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Friday December 12

• Fri 6:30 Yoga
  Appalachian Moon Yoga and Massage , 604 Park Ave NW , Norton
  6:30 pm

Saturday December 13

• Winter Yoga Flow Classes
  Norton, VA Calendar , 1147 Laurel Ave. SW , Norton
  9:00 am
• Group Hike: Clinch River State Park
  Norton, VA Calendar
  10:00 am
• Sat 10:00 Yoga
  Appalachian Moon Yoga and Massage , 604 Park Ave NW , Norton
  10:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew Team Member Virginia in Big Stone Gap. Apply here.
• University of Virginia posted a job opening for Adjunct Faculty in Wise. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Appalachia here.

🗞 Nearby News

Big Stone Gap

• Travis Turner Goes Missing Amid Child Porn Investigation: Timeline (usmagazine.com)

Wise

• School Was 'Aware' of Missing Coach's Allegations, But Failed to Act: Parent (usmagazine.com)
• 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: DJ Powell, WR, UVA Wise (nfldraftdiamonds.com)
• James 'Jimmie' Fletcher McReynolds, 91, of Poquoson (wydaily.com)

Gate City

Ok Appalachia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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