Community Events and Calendar (week of Aug. 24, 2011)

 

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Sign-ups and notices

 

For information of events and activities at area churches, see the church news section in this week's paper. For information on monthly/weekly meeting times for groups see the meeting notice section.

 

2nd Fridays

September 9, October 14, November 11, and December 9.  Experience Bedford's monthly 2nd Friday (of each month) festival. New activities are added each month to the already long list of art related events, music venues, and great places to shop and dine. Become a part of Centertown's "Art and Antique" experience including over 30 of the local merchants staying open until 8 p.m. or later.

 

Constitution Project

Local artist Susan Loy presents her Constitution Project at the Moneta/ Smith Mountain Lake Library through September 30. The seven designs of Loy’s pieces for the free exhibit contain the 7,728 words of the entire current United States Constitution. Spending over 2,500 hours, the nationally acclaimed artist used the words of this document to create intricate, meticulous images of the Capitol Building, the White House and more. Library patrons are familiar with Susan Loy’s colorful floral calligraphy designs, since three of her matted, framed floral prints are on the wall behind the circulation desk where they have hung for many years. The artist and her husband own Literary Calligraphy, a business that markets and frames her work, located in Moneta on White House Road. The Constitution Project may be viewed during regular business hours at the Moneta/ Smith Mountain Lake Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. In addition, Susan Loy’s small prints and note cards will be highlighted in the display case near the entrance. More information about Susan Loy and her work may be found at: www.literarycalligraphy.com .

 

Social Security—Accessing information online 

Like most American institutions, the Social Security Administration has been adversely affected by the economic downturn.  Local offices across the country are eliminating mailings, cutting personnel, and shortening hours of operation.   Long waits are the norm for walk-ins and phone calls.  Jim Horton, from the Lynchburg Social Security Office, will be at the Westlake Library at 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, to demonstrate the administration’s online resources. The online site (www.ssa.gov) is a valuable source of information that is available 24/7. Horton will explain how to estimate future benefits, how to block access to your personal information, how to apply for benefits, how to sign up for Medicare (or access information about your prescription program) and even how to find the nation's most popular baby names. Horton will discuss accessing business services online; and a question and answer session—covering all SSA services—will follow the presentation.     This program is free and open to the general public.  For further information, call the Westlake Library at (540) 483-3098 (Ext. 3).

 

Music & Art in the Mountains

Visit the Peaks of Otter on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11 for a “peak” at Plein Air art. Artists will set up throughout both days in Peaks of Otter area to capture the unsurpassed beauty of nature . The Plein Air school of painting originated in France and was popular in the mid-19th century, especially with Claude Monet and other Impressionist artists. The style is spontaneous, with artists painting outdoors to capture the ever-changing effect of light on their subjects. Plein Air painting is currently very popular in this area. Artists painting at the Peaks will be happy to discuss their work and answer visitor questions. There will also be sounds of mountain dulcimers and other Appalachian Mountain instruments hanging over the Peaks, at milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, on Saturday, September 10. Riddle on the Harp will play in the amphitheater from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The group of three local women will entertain, not only with the Celtic music they so ably play, but also by using their songs to show the bridge between the Scots-Irish music of Europe and the traditional mountain music of Southern Appalachia. After the concert there will be a ranger-led night hike. Those attending should wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and carry a flashlight. On Sunday, September 11, Dinah Ainsley, an accomplished mountain dulcimer player from Waynesboro, will teach a dulcimer workshop near Abbott Lake by the Peaks of Otter Lodge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will learn to play some traditional songs on dulcimers that will be provided or they can bring their own. James Jones, internationally renowned instrument maker from Sedalia, Virginia will have a booth nearby with many of his instruments. He’ll demonstrate their use and will invite visitors to try these handmade traditional instruments. Music in the Mountains is free and ample parking is available. For more information call the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at 540-586-4496.

 

Ag facility meeting cancelled

Due to scheduling conflicts, the August 25 meeting to discuss a multipurpose ag facility has been postponed.  Plans are to re-schedule this meeting in the September-October timeframe.  A benefit to this temporary delay is that it will allow for more notification and participation among stakeholders.  As soon as the date and location is set, organizers will release that information.

 

Labor Day Weekend Mountain Music Fest

Spend Labor Day Weekend enjoying the beauty and cool breezes at the Peaks of Otter and enjoying three free performances of traditional mountain music. On Saturday, September 3, come to the amphitheater, located behind the Peak of Otter Visitor Center to hear “Bill and Maggie” Anderson play traditional mountain music from 2-4 p.m. New to the Peaks of Otter, but well-known at Humpback Rocks, Deja Moo will entertain visitors with foot-stompin’ Bluegrass music from 6:30 to 8:30 Saturday evening. After the concert join National Park Service Ranger Richard Nash on an exploration of the Peaks at night. Visitors planning to go on the hike should dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and carry a flashlight. On Sunday, September 4 listen to the sounds of Appalachian Heritage, a Botetourt County band as they play traditional mountain music from 2-4 p.m. to top off the Music Fest. Stay in the Peaks of Otter Campground; have lunch or dinner in the shady, scenic picnic area. Bring the kids over to Abbott Lake dam on Saturday so they can “Fish With a Ranger” from 9 to 11 a.m. Poles and bait will be provided. Enjoy the last big weekend of summer at Peaks of Otter (milepost 86) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information call the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at 540-586-4496.

 

Featured artist

The Little Gallery on Smith Mountain Lake will feature professional artist Bob Ransley for the month of September at the gallery located in Bridgewater Plaza on Smith Mountain Lake.  Born in New York, Bob’s formal art training includes study at the Swain School of Design in Massachusetts.  His unique style has a flair of its own and it’s always obvious he is having a good time. From his still life olive oil jugs to the many animals he paints, Bob’s personality comes through in each and every one. The Little Gallery is open 7 days a week and can be reached at 540-721-1596 or on the web at www.thelittlegallerysml.com.

 

AARP Driver Safety Program class

Are you 55 plus? Want to save money on your auto insurance? AARP Driver Safety Program offers the opportunity to accomplish this. Virginia Law requires your insurance company to give a discount for completion of this class for all 55 or older. Ask your agent for details. AARP-DSP is working with NRTA (National Retired Teachers Association) to encourage their attendance. If you are a NRTA member contact your officers for a voucher to attend the class. The AARP Driver Safety Program is designed to meet the specific needs of older drivers included age related physical changes, declining perceptual skills, rules of the road and local driving problems. You do not have to be an AARP member to take the class. Cost of class is $12 for AARP members, $14 for non-members. Cost is to cover the cost of instruction material furnished. AARP members must have their membership card at sign in to get AARP rate. Bring check or money order made out to AARP or exact change. Classes are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 26. To register for this class call 540-586-3443. Classes will be held at St. John's Church at 314 North Bridge Street, Bedford. Go to parking lot in the rear and enter by the basement door. Hours are 8:30 until 5 with a 30 minute lunch break. Bring a bag lunch and a cushion if you desire. Tharp Funeral Home is hosting the Aug. 26 class. Class will be conducted by volunteer instructors Jim Hueber and Dick Turpin.

 

Upcoming Bloodmobiles

The following information is subject to change. Please call 1-800-REDCROSS to confirm drive dates and times before attending.

Aug. 26 - Moneta, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, noon - 6 p.m.

Aug. 30 - Goode, Goode Volunteer Rescue Squad, noon - 6 p.m.

 

Centerfest 2011

September 24 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. One of Virginia's largest street festivals, featuring artists and crafters, handmade items from across the country, live music of all types on more than four outdoor stages, tons of great food, activities for the kids including pony rides, face painting and a giant slide, non-profit, political, and other types of organizations, and great local merchants, too. A great event to come out and enjoy. More than 25,000 people expected this year. Vendor space is still available. For more information, go to www.CentertownBedford.com or call 540-586-2148. Centerfest will be on Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., with a night concert from 7 until 10 p.m. immediately following the day festival. More information about these events can be found at www.CenterTownBedford.com.

 

SML Regional Chamber of Commerce to sponsor trip to Ireland

The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will be visiting scenic Ireland, and is inviting chamber members, and family and friends of chamber members to join them on this once in a lifetime experience. Departure will be March 13, 2012. Enjoy an eight day journey and go where Ireland takes you. Visit destinations such as Adare, Co. Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy the grounds of Adare Manor. On this trip you will also encounter panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula, and see historic locations such as the “Rock of Cashel,” and Kilkenny Castle. This trip is packed also gives you time to explore Ireland on your own as well. Enjoy local shops, dining, stroll through woodland settings, or venture out and visit the Blarney Castle and take the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck. Space is limited. For more information about this trip call the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce at 540-721-1203 or email Annette Stamus at annette@visitsmithmountainlake.com or visit visit http://chamberdiscoveries.com/ourjourneys-de-scenicireland.php.

 

Dare to Care Charities pool

The Dare to Care Charities pool is now open to the public Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Labor Day. Admission just $5 adults and teen, $3 kids 3-12, under 3 free. Seasonal memberships and private party rentals available.  All minors must be accompanied by an adult. A certified lifeguard is on duty. Dare to Care Charities is North of Highway 221/460 on Camp Jaycees Road in Blue Ridge near Montvale. Phone 540-947-5697, email jan.dtcc@yahoo.com, Web site  www.daretocareinc.org.

 

Senior lunch trips

The Bedford County Parks & Recreation Department is offering the following lunch trips for the remainder of 2011: Sept. 15 - The Babcock House (Appomattox); Oct. 4 - Virginia Dare; Nov. 3 (Thursday) - The Home Place (dinner); Dec. 6 - K&W Cafeteria (breakfast). Due to the popularity of these trips, reservations are taken one month prior to the trip. Cost for transportation is $5 per person. Lunch is on your own for most trips, unless tickets have to be purchased ahead of time. Some time will be allowed after lunch for various shopping and side trips. Call Bedford County Parks & Recreation for further information at (540) 586-7682. Lunch trips are open to Bedford City and County residents only.

 

Lunch trips

The Bedford County Parks & Recreation Department is offering the following trips: Oct. 13 to the Cheese Shop in Stuarts Draft and Nov. 18 to the Liberty Fair Mall in Martinsville. Space is limited on the bus and these trips are restricted to Bedford City/County residents only. For further information, contact the County Parks & Recreation Department at (540) 586-7682.

 

Hickory Hill's Sunset Saturday music lineup

The musical lineup for Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery’s Sunset Saturday was announced recently. The music series, in its sixth year, features many local talents that perform at the vineyard through Sept. 4. The event is from 7-10 p.m. This year’s lineup features old favorites as well as a few new faces. The Series skips August and then concludes on Sept. 3 with Smith Mountain Lake locals Larry, Mike and Chip. All performances will be at Hickory Hill Vineyards, LLC, 1722 Hickory Cove Lane, Moneta. 540.296.1393, www.SMLwine.com.

 

Music In The Park Summer 2011 Schedule

Presented by The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park: August 27 “Wound Tight”. The Old Dominion Cloggers will perform at each event. Performances will be held at the Beach Pavilion from 8 to 10 p.m.,  Hot Dogs, Polish Sausage, chips, drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase.  Adults $5, children 12 and under Free. Parking is free.  For information contact the Park Office at (540) 297-6066. Bring your lawn chairs.

 

Calendar of events

 

Wednesday, Aug. 24

 

Bloodmobile

Bloodmobile on Wednesday, August 24, at Main Street United Methodist Church,

from noon-6 p.m. Blood supplies are low and everyone is encouraged to donate. Red Cross T-shirts will be given to all donors. Edible arrangements fun box coupons will be available as well to those who donate.

 

Friday, Aug. 26

 

Blood Drive

The Smith Mountain Lake Women's Club is sponsoring the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, Aug. 26, noon – 6 p.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, off of Rt. 122 on 40 Lakemont Dr., Moneta. Free T-shirt to all presenting donors. Positive ID required. Call 1-800-REDCROSS OR visit redcrossblood.org for more information.

 

Smith in concert

The Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. on, Friday Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m. will host Debi Smith in concert. The concert held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library is open to the public, with a ticket price $10 per person collected at the door. Seating is limited. For more information call 540-586-8911 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.

 

Saturday, Aug. 27

 

Benefit singing

Benefit singing featuring Smoky Wilson & Bobby Phillips will be held Saturday, Aug. 27, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Timber Ridge Church, 3234 Timber Ridge Road, Bedford. All donations will go to Becky Aderman to help with medical and other expenses for a third surgery done in Houston, TX. She's a 30 year-old mother of three children, ages 6-11. All donations will be greatly appreciated. If you can't attend but would like to help, donations can be sent to: Julie Manley, 720 Vine Street, Bedford, VA 24523. If you have questions, call (540) 586-8496, if no answer leave a message.

 

Community Yard Sale

A huge Community Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, August 27 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Jefferson Forest High School Student Parking lot. Benefits the JF Band program.

 

Bedford Branch NAACP

The Bedford Branch NAACP will have their next meeting on Saturday, Aug. 27, at 9 a.m. at Bedford Public Library.

 

BHS Adoption Event

The Bedford Humane Society will hold an Adoption Event at the BHS Headquarters building in Bedford on Saturday, August 27, from noon until 4 p.m. Volunteers and adopters are needed. For more information, contact the Bedford Humane Society at 540-586-6100 or via email at TheBedfordHumaneSociety@msn.com. The BHS Headquarters building is located at 829 Old Turnpike Drive in Bedford, which is located on the north side of Route 460, west of the Route 122 interchange, and just west of the merging of Routes 221 and 460 west. The best landmark on Route 460 at Old Turnpike Drive is the Virginia State Police building.

 

Music In The Park

The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park  present its fourth and final Music In The Park program of the summer. Saturday, Aug. 27, “Wound Tight” and “The Old Dominion Cloggers” will perform at the park Beach Pavilion. The music begins at 8 p.m.  The cost is $5 per person, children 12 and under free.  The parking fee is waived. Folding chairs are suggested.  Soft drinks, food, snacks and ice cream will be available. 

 

Bear, King of the Forest

At Peaks of Otter. Saturday, August 27, 8 p.m. Bear, King of the Forest. Join National Park Service Ranger Richard Nash as he examines the life of our eastern giant, the Black Bear. Learn about the interactions between bears and humans where their habitats meet. Following the program, a Ranger will lead our weekly night hike through woodland and meadow habitat; bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes if you plan to attend.

 

Habitat Hunt

On Saturday, August 27 National Park Service Ranger Charles Wray will present the

hour-long program Habitat Hunt at the Otter Creek Campground campfire circle, milepost 60.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The program will discuss three different types of habitat found in the Blue Ridge Mountains and how one organism obtains what it needs to survive from that habitat. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Parking for visitors not registered to camp at the Otter Creek Campground is available in the Otter Creek restaurant parking lot. Night Hike: Following each Saturday evening program at the Otter Creek Campground, weather permitting, visitors can join a National Park Service Ranger for an hour of nighttime exploration. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.

 

Monday, Aug. 29

 

Estate Planning and Trust

Attorney Ann Green on Monday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Dr., Moneta. Light refreshments. Must register with Tami Akin 721-4330, 297-5530 or Tepnurse@smltep.org.

 

Tuesday, Aug. 30

 

Finding Civil War Soldiers Graves

The Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp 1475 will hold its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night August 30. Revely Carwile from the Campbell County Historical Museum will discuss his work in locating Civil War soldier’s graves and other historical subjects. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library, 201 East Main St., next door to the court house. There is plenty of parking and there is no charge. The public is welcome. For more information call Boyd Hubbard 434 546 7415.

 

Thursday, Sept. 1

 

GFWC Bedford Woman's Club meeting

The GFWC Bedford Woman's Club will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Main Street United Methodist Church in Bedford at 6:30 p.m. The Bedford club is a volunteer community service non-profit organization that is part of the international organization, the General Federation of Women's Clubs. There are currently 206 clubs in Virginia with more than 6,000 members. Women of all ages are invited to attend. For additional information, contact Sue Trussell at 587-6611.

 

Saturday, Sept. 3

 

Democratic picnic

The Bedford Democratic Committees will hold its annual picnic on Saturday, September 3, at the Thaxton Community Center on Thaxton School Road. The picnic will begin at noon, with lunch served around 12:30. The committees will supply fried chicken and drinks. Everyone is asked to bring a side dish or dessert. State Party Chair Brian Moran will attend and make a few comments.

 

Monday, Sept. 5

 

Sausage Gravy & Biscuit Breakfast

A Sausage Gravy & Biscuit Breakfast, eggs, grits, apples, tomatoes, coffee, and orange juice will be held on Sept. 5, Labor Day, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost: $8. Mentow Lodge No. 180, 14231 Wyatts Way, Rt. 24 Huddleston.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 7

 

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screening

September 7, Wednesday, 9 - 11 a.m. Free. Bedford Post Office, 500 E Main St. No registration required.

 

Thursday, Sept. 8

 

Diabetes Education Group

Sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital and Bedford Community Health Foundation. Topic: Healthy Cooking. Sept. 8, Thursday, 6 p.m. Free. Bedford Memorial Hospital, Adult Day Center, 1613 Oakwood St. Class that helps people with Diabetes learn about the scope of their disease and how their lifestyle choices affect their health. Registration required by calling 540-204-7135.

 

Saturday, Sept. 10

 

2011 Farm Safety Day

Sept.10, Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road Big Island. Visit the BMH Tent for BP Screening, sunscreen and First Aid kits.

 

Day in the Park 2011
September 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Miller Park, Lynchburg. This annual “Family Fun Day” has been a Lynchburg tradition for more than 35 years. Held each September as a cornerstone event for Kaleidoscope—Lynchburg’s annual fall festival—Day in the Park provides 10,000+ area families and children free games, rides, exhibits and educational activities in Miller Park. The event promotes family togetherness and fitness, delivers education and links hundreds of people.

 

Annual Bedford Genealogy Fair

The annual Bedford Genealogy Fair will be held on Saturday, September 10, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Central Virginia Community College, Bedford Campus, located off of Independence Blvd at 1633 Venture Blvd.

This event is free and open to all who are interested in individual family history research and Bedford County history. The fair will feature the following lectures. Some of the time frames will have two speakers/topics per hour. Running throughout the day will be an exhibit of 40 tables from various organizations, libraries, vendors and family historians. People visiting the fair will have the opportunity to visit the displays and talk with knowledgeable people. Many of the tables will have books to sell concerning Bedford County or their area of interest. This year, free Internet lookups on your family line will be available. Also there will be the opportunity for you to have one of your old photographs scanned and corrected and the original picture plus a new print and CD of the corrected photo given back to you. This photo service is also free. This is always a great event and we hope to see many people interested in their family genealogy.  More information is available at the Web site:  www.bedfordgensociety.org, call us at 540-466-4247 or email us at bedfordgensociety@hotmail.com.

 

Monday, Sept. 12

 

Look Good Feel Better

For women undergoing cancer treatment. September 12, Monday, 10 a.m. - Noon. Bedford Memorial Hospital. Registration required by calling 540-587-3308.

 

September 14

 

Garden Club of Bedford

The Garden Club of Bedford meets September 14 at 10 a.m. at the Bedford CVCC Center on Independence Drive. The speaker is Betsy Klein, who will present a program on Illuminaries – floral designs featuring light. Hostess is Ellen Wandrei. The theme for designs is Strange Shapes – Use odd shaped containers and plant forms in a Creative Design.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 21

 

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screening

Sept. 21, Wednesday, 9 - 11 a.m. Free. Moneta Post Office, 14211 Moneta Rd. No registration required.

 

Thursday, Sept. 22

 

2011 Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Expo

Sept. 22, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Taylor Brothers 1052 Independence Blvd., Bedford. Visit the Bedford Memorial Hospital Booth for BP Screening and meet our Hospitalist.

 

Saturday, Sept. 24

 

2011 Bedford Centerfest

Sept. 24, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the Bedford Memorial Hospital Tent for BP Screening, sunscreen and First Aid kits.

 

Harvest at the Peaks

Celebrate autumn’s bounty with “Harvest at the Peaks” on Sept. 24, at Peaks of Otter (milepost 86) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Join National Park Service Rangers and volunteers for a festival that demonstrates traditional Appalachian life in the Blue Ridge Mountains at Johnson Farm from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Watch apple cider being made on a vintage hand-cranked cider press. Other activities will include music on the front porch, broom making, woodworking, apple peeling, canning and tool making. Rangers and volunteers dressed in period clothes will show visitors around the farmhouse and outbuildings. Kids can play the same games that mountain children used to play in the yard of the old farmhouse. Stop by the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center to watch demonstrations of natural plant dyes, drop spindle spinning, quilting and other sewing and needle crafts. For more information stop by or call the Visitor Center at 540-586-4496.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 28

 

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screening

Sept. 28, Wednesday, 9 - 11 a.m. Free. Forest Post Office, 14805 Forest Road, No registration required.

 

Thursday, Sept. 29

 

Pearls of Hope: Health Women’s Tea

Sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital. Topic: Facts about Breast Health. Catherine Hagan, BA, RN, MSN, CBCN. Living with Breast Cancer, September 29, Thursday, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Bedford Library Community Room. Registration required by calling Carilion Direct 540-266-6000.