Coming Events

A WORK IN PROGRESS
The Teen Brain: A Work in Progress, a program for parents and adults who work with teens will meet Thursday, May 22 from 7-9 p.m. at Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, 146 Madison Road, Suite 102, 1st Floor, Sedwick Building in Orange. Objectives of the program include: Participants will develop an understanding of how teens’ behavior is affected by their brain development and will learn how to provide experiences that will promote optimum brain development. Call 540-727-3435 to register or for more information.

LAFAYETTE INN CAUSE
Come dine with The Lafayette Inn in Stanardsville Thursday, May 22 and help financially support the region’s longest running community theater, The Four-County Players. Like all of The Lafayette Inn’s (Cause) nights, 20 percent of the evening’s dinner proceeds will be donated directly to the theater. Plan your dinner out, bring some friends and/or simply enjoy a romantic evening, and support the arts in the process. (The Inn provides pre-theater seating’s for all of the 4CP shows and also an intermission treat for those that dine with them). Reservations highly recommended; phone 434-985-6345 or email:

HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP
Hospice of the Rapidan is offering “Coping with Grief”-Evening Support Group on Thursdays, May 22 and May 29. Topics include issues and concerns of people who have recently loss a family member, loved one or close friend. Many who have suffered a loss find these free support groups to be a great help because of the mutual support of others in a similar situation. Knowing your loss is not unique is often a great comfort. All members of the public are welcome and no prior affiliation with Hospice of the Rapidan is necessary. The support groups will be held in Hospice of the Rapidan Community Room, 1200 Sunset Lane, Suite 2320,Culpeper from 6:30-8 p.m. Reservations are appreciated but not necessary. Reservations and additional information are available from Craig Wilt at 540-825-4840.

WALKER FINE ARTS CENTER
The artists of Windmore Foundation in Culpeper will be showing recent works at the Walker Fine Arts Center Gallery, May 22-31. Among the Windmore members who will be participating are Orange County artists: Nancy Diamond, Martha Harris, Carol Iglesias, Millie Lane and Barbara Collins.

SPRING CONCERTS AT OCHS
The Orange County High School Music Department presents the Symphonic Band in the annual spring concert on May 22 at 7 p.m., the OCHS Choir May 27 at 7 p.m. and the Jazz Ensemble performs May 29. All concerts held in OCHS Auditorium.

CAUSE 4 PAWS YARD SALE
On Saturday, May 24, Cause 4 Paws (a feline rescue group and 501(c)(3) charity) will hold a yard and craft sale at Lake of the woods Home Center, Rt. 3 (Germanna Highway), Locust Grove from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds go to further the rescue mission. There will also be delicious baked goods and T-shirts for sale. If you have yard sale items you wish to donate, we are still accepting items. All donations are tax-deductible. We also urgently need foster homes for cats and kittens. If you can help, please stop by Saturday or contact us at Cause 4 Paws, P.O. Box 301, Locust Grove, VA 22508 or e-mail .

WOODBERRY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
The Woodberry Cemetery Association Trustees hope and expect many families will visit and remember their deceased loved ones with flowers and tributes on Memorial Day. In anticipation for such visits and to assist families in locating burial sites at Woodberry Cemetery, Route 710, Gordonsville, the Woodberry Association Team will be available at the cemetery Saturday, May 24 and Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Normal cemetery visitation hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for the spring and summer months.

NIXON FAMILY REUNION
Nixon family reunion will be held Saturday, May 24 from 4 p.m. until at the home of Betty Nixon Starkes, 11514 Browntown Road, Route 648, Gordonsville. All adults are asked to bring something to contribute to this event. For more information call Kizzy at 661-3279, Betty at 832-5435 or Shirley at 832-5532.

CHURCH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
New Fellowship Christian Center will host a church basketball tournament Saturday, May 24 beginning at 9 a.m. at Wetsel Middle School Gymnasium. Admission is $3 for those six and up and children under six enter free. Food sold throughout the day. Children under 12 can signup when they arrive to play a special game of basketball; there will also be a half-court basket event. Come and fellowship and enjoy the day with us as we cheer the teams on. For more information contact Diane Roebuck at (540) 825-1647 or Pam Carter (540) 832-2759. Pastors are Mallory and Denise Monroe.

EMANUEL BAPTIST ANNIVERSARY
Emanuel Baptist Church will celebrate its 98th anniversary May 25 at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Ryland Robinson from New Birth Fellowship Ministries Church in Richmond as guest speaker. Dinner will be served.

AMERICAN LEGION MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Orange American Legion Post 156 will present a Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, Monday, May 26, to honor those Americans who died in service to their country. The ceremony will be at 11 a.m. at Taylor Park in the Town of Orange.

RRCSB-AAA CLOSED MAY 26
Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Board and Area Agency on Aging transportation services will not operate on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.

KOREAN WAR VETERANS
The Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 128, will once again host the annual observance marking Memorial Day at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse in Locust Grove, Chapter Commander Gene Santucci has announced. The program will commence at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26; visitors should be seated by 10:50 a.m. The speaker will be Lt. Colonel Michael Downs of the U.S. Army who works for the Joint Chiefs of Staff monitoring recruitment and retention of personnel in America’s armed services. Colonel Downs has been in the military for 24 years and served at different locations requiring some 19 moves. The colonel and his wife, Barbara, have been residents of LOW since July 2005, when he was assigned to the Pentagon. Mrs. Downs is a dean’s assistant at Germanna Community College. The general public is invited to attend this event which will be held in the Korean War Veterans flagpole area.
YOUNG AT HEART CLUB
The May 28 program for the Young at Heart Club is “Grease”-Riverside Dinner Theater ($20 members and $40 for non-members). The Young at Heart Club meets every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Orange Ruritan Building at the intersection of Routes 20 and 522. The club, which takes local trips and performs community service, is open to anyone. For more information call Alice Lumsden (540) 672-2841; Hank Lewis (540) 972-0359 or Paul Tobin at 972-6256.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Please join the Town of Orange for a ground-breaking ceremony of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant to be held Friday, May 30, at 10 a.m. This will be held at the construction site at 13222 Spicer’s Mill Road.

SALEM YARD/BAKE SALE
Salem United Methodist Women, Rhoadesville, will hold their annual yard and bake sale Saturday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Salem UM Church is located adjacent to Double “B” Farm on Rt. 20.

CHICKEN/CHOCOLATE DINNER
“Celebrate Orange,” a committee of the Orange Downtown Alliance supported by Orange County Department of Tourism, invites the public to enjoy a delicious roast chicken dinner and silent auction in the Orange County High School Cafeteria Saturday, May 31 from 5:30-8 p.m. Featured will be three chocolate fountains and lots of chocolate desserts. Musical entertainment will be presented by “Touch of Dixie” jazz band. A silent auction of donated items will end at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Train Station Visitors Bureau and at the door. The cost is $12 for adults, $10 for students, and children six and under, free. This event is a fundraiser for fireworks for Picnic in the Park on July 5. Please donate quality items for the silent auction (not yard sale items). Call 672-1794 for more information.

GJCC BARBECUE
The George James Community Center, Inc., 1215 George James Loop, Radiant will have its spring barbecue featuring Max Lacy’s famous pork barbecue prepared on site with his special barbecue sauce. Dinners will consist of cole slaw, baked beans, applesauce, dessert and drink and can be purchased between the hours of 4-7 p.m. on May 31. The cost for dinner will be $10 each for eat-in or carryout. Hot dog and barbecue sandwiches can also be purchased. Come join us for warm fellowship, fun and activities starting at 2 p.m. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards the cost of building renovations. For information, call the center at (540) 672-7138.

BEL CANTO
Bel Canto, a 14-member vocal ensemble, will perform its spring concert May 31 at Prince Michel Winery in Madison County and on June 1 at Piedmont Episcopal Church in the town of Madison. Both performances begin at 4 p.m.

VIGIL AT FAIRVIEW CEMETERY
The Seventh Virginia Infantry Regiment, Company A, will present the 16th annual 24-hour vigil at Fairview Cemetery in Culpeper beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31 to 10 a.m. Sunday, June 1. During the vigil Confederate re-enactors will guard the Confederate graves in half-hour shifts. During late afternoon May 31 and the morning of June 1, the names of the soldiers buried there will be read. At 10 a.m. June 1 there will be a short closing ceremony. Nearly 600 Confederate soldiers who died at the Culpeper Confederate Hospital are buried at Fairview Cemetery site. The public is invited to visit with the re-enactors and attend the event. For more information call Captain Bill Graham at 540-672-4816.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Mark your calendar for the 18th annual Strawberry Festival by Stanardsville United Methodist Church scheduled for Saturday, May 31 at 7 a.m. We will be serving a delicious breakfast and lunch and lots of strawberry desserts; come early to purchase one of our delicious strawberry cakes or pies. On Court Square there will be vendors and crafters and under the big tent will be entertainment for the entire family. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the day in the heart of Stanardsville. All proceeds go to local missions including the Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLINIC
There will be a one-day DMV approved Defensive Driving Class at Orange County High School Field House Saturday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Five points will be awarded for successful completion of the eight-hour course. No pre-registration is required and walk-ins are welcome. For more information call Anne Arbogast after 6 p.m. at (540) 672-9232.

ARTS CENTER IN ORANGE
Express Yourself! Registration is open for Summer Arts Camp at The Arts Center in Orange, 129 E. Main St. for ages 3-17. You name it… papier-mâché, music, international games, weaving, fairies, knitting, clay, wearable art, artist journal, drawing and more! Call 540-672-7311 for more information on complete schedule, supervised lunch break, sibling discounts and for a registration form. Spaces limited, call soon.

RAPIDAN BETTER HOUSING
Rapidan Better Housing is accepting applications for its 2008 Indoor Plumbing/Repair Program. The IPR Program provides grants and 0 percent interest loans to homeowners whose homes lack modern indoor plumbing or where the existing well has gone dry or the septic system has failed. Rapidan Better Housing provides financial assistance and complete project management from start to finish. We are a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help area homeowners by offering affordable loans and grants for major housing repairs. We have been doing this since 1996. Our funds are limited, so call soon and request an application for the IPR Program. In Culpeper, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties call (540) 948-3274.

PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Blessed Assurance Christian School now enrolling children ages three and four for preschool. For more information, contact Alison Lineweaver at (540) 854-2350.

ORANGE COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL
Orange Cooperative Preschool is now enrolling students for the September 2008 school-year. Openings are still available for children 2½, 3 and 4 years of age. For more information or to request an application for the new school year, please call 540-672-7877.

MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
Are you a teen Mom? Have you heard of teen MOPS? We are planning a new Teen Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group in Orange. If you are interested in helping or joining this new group, contact Gail Gibson at or call (540) 661-1310. The meetings will be held at Grace Community Church, 105 North Madison Road, Orange.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity is making it easier than ever for folks to donate ‘idle vehicles’ to “Cars for Homes.” If you have an old vehicle sitting around (it doesn’t have to run) call 877-277-4344 to make arrangements to have it picked up or email carsforhomes.org. Put your idle car to work helping families build homes. You get rid of the vehicle; get a tax write-off for the donation and Habitat puts the car to good use by exchanging it for money to build homes for deserving families. There is a new ‘express pick-up’ service if you are in a hurry to get rid of the vehicle. Please call or email – it will make a difference in your life and in the life of another family.

CELEBRATE ORANGE COMMITTEE
The Celebrate Orange Committee is seeking community volunteers to join our group to help plan and carry out our two annual events, “Picnic in the Park” and “Music On Main Street.” We meet on a monthly basis in the evening and also work in small teams. Please consider joining us to make new friends and to make a difference in our community. For more information, call Bill Chapman at 540-672-1794 or email at .

PLASTIC RECYCLING
Orange Elementary School is collecting plastic material as part of a contest sponsored by Harris Teeter and Trex. The school is asking community members to drop-off household plastics at a special box in the school lobby. Items collected include: plastic grocery bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, plastic wrap around paper towels and toilet paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap used on pallets. Food plastic wrap cannot be accepted. The school could win a Trex bench (made of recycled materials) and $500.

LIBRARY BOOKSTORE
Friends of the Library Bookstore, 120 Chapman Street, Orange, is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and by appointment by calling 540-672-7880.

RVFD DEDICATION
Rapidan Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a dedication of the donor brick patio and will celebrate founding of the fire company on June 2, 1978. The public is invited to attend this event to be held Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m. at the firehouse, 9729 Locust Dale Road. Light refreshments will be served. Call 672-5744 for more information.

PREGNANCY WORKSHOP
A free pregnancy workshop will be held by Madison and Orange County health departments beginning with required registration on Tuesdays, June 3, 10, and 17 from 1-3 p.m. at Orange County Library meeting room, 146-A Madison Road. This workshop is for anyone who wants to learn more about how to have a healthy pregnancy, men included. Topics include staying healthy during pregnancy, signs of preterm labor, labor and delivery and caring for infants. Contact Mary K. Collins at 540-948-5481 ext. 21 for more information or to register.

NARFE CHAPTER TRIP
On June 4-5 the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 1885 at Lake of the Woods is sponsoring a trip to Brandywine Valley, Wilmington, Delaware. You do not need to be a member of NARFE to join us. This is a great time of year to visit Brandywine and there are lots of fun things planned. For more details call Nick Duy at (540) 972-0350.

RURITAN YARD SALE
The East Orange Ruritan Club is having a huge yard sale Saturday, June 7 starting at approximately 6 a.m. at the Ruritan Building, intersection of Routes 20/522. For information about spaces call 854-5026.

AUCTION/WINE TASTING
Sunday, June 8 from 2-5 p.m. a Silent Auction/Wine Tasting will be held at Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, 154 Winery Lane, Leon, (Culpeper) 540-547-3707. Entrance fee of $10 includes wine tasting and food and all proceeds will benefit Team Kathy – Breast Cancer Awareness 3-Day 60-Walk in October.

TRIAD TO MEET
Aging Together in Orange Team meets the second Wednesday, (June 11) of the month at 10 a.m. at 127 Belleview Avenue, TRIAD Office in Orange. Aging together is a community partnership devoted to improving long-term and support services for older adults and their families. Want your voice heard on senior issues in Orange County? Come to the meetings and get involved. Contact Nancy Rhoades, County Resource Specialist at 540-718-0620 or chairperson, Ann Anderson at 540-832-7806.
BLUEGRASS JAM
The All-American Bluegrass Jam will be June 12-14 at Booster Park, Route 20, Orange. This will be the sixth year for the festival and is co-sponsored by Orange County Boosters. You will hear three days of great bluegrass featuring The Grascals, Claire Lynch, Ralph Stanley II, George Clark & Dixie Flyer, Michelle Nixon, Wildwood Valley Boys, Carolina Sonshine, Dark Hollow, Bill Yates, Jay Armsworthy, the Kirk Family, Courtney Hollow and Little Mountain Boys. Show times are Thursday, potluck supper at 4:45 p.m. (bring a covered-dish) Boosters will provide ham, turkey or beef. Shows run from 5:45 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and on Saturday from 12-noon to 10:30 p.m. Ticket prices for Thursday $25 and Friday and Saturday $30; a three-day ticket through May 30 is $60. Children 12 and under free with parent and ages 13-17 half-price with parent. New pavilion in front of stage, rain or shine event; food will be available daily at the park and rough camping is free. For local ticket purchases and information, call (540)825-5838 or (615)337-8166 or http://www.allamericanbluegrass.com.

MINE RUN FAIR
The Mine Run Volunteer Fire Department Fair will be June 13-14 starting at 6 p.m. at the firehouse. There will be food, games, fireworks and lots of fun for all. For questions, call 540-854-5751.

MADISON FAMILY REUNION
The Madison Family will have a reunion June 13-15. For more information, contact Maranacci Wilson at (540) 832-0516.

BLUE RIDGE CRUISERS
The 11th annual car and truck show of the Blue Ridge Cruisers will be held June 14 at Madison Firehouse, rain or shine. Registration ends at 12-noon and the fee is $15; proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Vendor space available at $10 per space; music provided by Oliver the DJ. Food will be available. First 50 cars/dash plates; trophies to best in show, best paint, best 4x4, best engine, ladies choice, longest distance, oldest, best two-wheel drive truck, club participation and fireman’s choice. For more information call Dean Dodson at (540) 948-3360 or Don Miller at (540) 923-4330; not responsible for accidents or damages.
LOHR FAMILY REUNION
The Martin Luther Lohr annual family reunion will be held June 14 at the Home Place, 1930 Carpenter’s Mill Road, Madison. Descendants of Noah, Rebecca, Martin Jr., Casbianca, Mary Margaret, Silas, Paul, Sarah and Edgar are welcome. RSVP by May 30 to your family representative Steve or Annette Willis at (540) 672-2004 or Russell and Janet Lohr at 540-948-4734.

FATHER’S DAY PROGRAM
Sunday, June 15 Nazareth Baptist Church will celebrate Father’s Day during the 11 a.m. worship service with guest speaker, Minister William Strother, associate minister at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Oak Park.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP
The Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at 10:30 a.m. the third Wednesday, (June 18) of each month at Amerisist House in Orange. This is a free service of the Central and Western Virginia Alzheimer’s Association with Ann Anderson as facilitator. The Alzheimer’s Support Group also meets the third Tuesday (June 17) at 10:30 a.m. at The Village at Gordon House in Gordonsville. For more information call 540-832-7806.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
The Blue Ridge Care Connection for Children in Charlottesville, along with University of Virginia Hospital, Culpeper Regional Hospital and many local organizations are sponsoring a Community Health Fair for all residents June 19 at Taylor Education Administration Complex, Orange. This is a free event with health screenings, information, food and door prizes.
HUMANE SOCIETY CLINIC
The Orange County Humane Society is coordinating spay/neuter transport June 20 to the Shenandoah Spay/Neuter Clinic in Harrisonburg. Cat neuters are $40, dog neuters and cat spays are $60 and dog spays $70. Vaccinations and other services are also available by request. Space is limited, reservations are required. If interested in having your pet spayed or neutered through this program call Orange County Humane Society voicemail at 540-672-0069.

CSWCD BARREL WORKSHOP
The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to announce its fifth Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 12-noon at the Woods Center at Lake of the Woods. This workshop is open to the public, but all interested people, even those that live at Lake of the Woods, must register in advance. To register, call Stephanie DeNicola at 540-825-8591 or send an email to .

OCHS CLASSES 1953-1954 REUNION
The 1953-1954 Orange County High School Class Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, at American Legion Hall, Newton Street, Orange. More information will be forthcoming via letter.

1978 OCHS CLASS REUNION
Attention Orange County High School Class of 1978; all interested in helping to plan the 30-year class reunion tentatively set for June 2008, please contact Janet Johnson-Wiggins at . If there is a huge response we could possibly include 1979 and 1980. Please email and let me know what the consensus is concerning this event.

35TH CLASS REUNION
The 1973 Orange County High School Class Reunion is set for July 19 at Gordonsville Volunteer Fire Company banquet hall. For more information contact Nancy Colvin Beasley at 540-832-3495 or .
WMHS 1998 CLASS REUNION
The William Monroe High School Class of 1998 is currently meeting to discuss a 10-year class reunion that will be held summer/fall 2008. Please send your name (including maiden name, if married) along with phone number, mail and e-mail address to . If you don’t have e-mail access, but know someone who does, please try to send your information through them.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN
The BPW meets every third Thursday night, 6 p.m., at Waugh Enterprises. If anyone is interested in attending or joining, please contact Cindy Rickett at 540-854-0034 or e-mail Orange BPW at .

RAPIDAN VOL. FIRE DEPT. BINGO
The Rapidan Volunteer Fire Dept. has Bingo Saturdays starting at 6:45 p.m. http://www.rapidanfireandrescue.com

MINE RUN VOL. FIRE DEPT. BINGO
Bingo Fridays at Mine Run Vol. Fire Dept., 31077 Old Plank Rd. with doors opening at 5, early bird starts at 6:30 and regular bingo at 7. Smoke-free; full kitchen. Info, 854-5751, http://www.minerunfire.com

VFW BINGO
Thursdays at 7 p.m., doors open at 5:30, at Gordonsville VFW, Rt. 231, for bingo. Giant jackpot and winner takes all. Proceeds help the community. Call 832-2439 for more info.

MOOSE LODGE BINGO
Bingo begins at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Orange Co. Moose Lodge #2198, 16706 Mountain Track Rd. Call 540-672-2133 for more info.

QUILT GUILD
The Dolley Madison Quilt Guild meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Orange County Nursing Home Conference Facility. Each Wednesday we meet at the Train Station in Orange from 12:30-3 p.m. We welcome visitors.

ISAIAH HOUSE
Isaiah House is open Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome to come out and enjoy free food and games in a Christian environment. For info, call 672-1730.

WEDNESDAY ALANON MEETINGS
Orange Alanon meetings for families and friends of alcoholics or anyone affected by another person’s drinking are held every Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Orange Presbyterian Church, 162 W. Main St., downstairs room near the kitchen.

AA Schedule

Sunday
9 a.m. Madison Nutritional Center
6 p.m. Madison, Presbyterian Church, Rt. 29/Fishback
8 p.m. Orange Baptist Church
Monday
8 p.m. Gordonsville Christian Church
8 p.m. Rapidan, Presbyterian Church
8 p.m. Madison, Hebron Lutheran Church
Tuesday
12:30 p.m. Orange, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
8 p.m. Rapidan, Presbyterian Church
Wednesday
12:30 p.m. Orange, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
5:30 p.m. Orange, St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Women)
7:30 p.m. Madison, Catholic Church (Rt. 29 North)
8 p.m. Gordonsville Baptist Church (Rt. 231 and High)
8 p.m. Rapidan, Presbyterian Church
8 p.m. Orange Presbyterian Church
Thursday
8 p.m. Rapidan, Episcopal Church
Friday
12:30 p.m. Orange, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
8 p.m. Rapidan, Presbyterian Church
Saturday
8:30 p.m. Orange Presbyterian Church
For additional meetings call (800-240-6755).