Community Events and Calendar (week of Dec. 14, 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.

 

Traffic alert

Weather permitting, work to install a pipe will close Route 697 (Camp Jaycee Road) at its intersection with Route 460 in Bedford County.  Route 697 will be closed to through traffic from 7 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 19 until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21. Drivers will need to seek alternate routes around the closure. These dates and hours are tentative and could be adjusted depending on weather and work schedule.

 

Stroke Support Group

In the past year, more than 65 people in central Virginia 50 years of age or younger suffered a stroke or were treated for a stroke-related symptom. The effects of stroke present added challenges to young people, who are often working and caring for families. A local support group could help them work through these challenges. Feedback is being sought to better understand the needs of young stroke survivors. If you or someone you know are interested in participating in a stroke support group, take a few minutes to fill out a short survey so that we may serve you better. Visit www.centrahealth.com/stroke where you can fill out a short survey concerning participation in a stroke support group for people 50 years of age or younger. Survey will be available until December 23, 2011.

 

Battle of Stockyards Toys for Tots and RAM House

Battle of Stockyards for Toys for Tots and RAM House. Springlake Stockyard challenges Lynchburg and Hollins Stockyards to meet or beat their goal. 200 toys for Toys For Tots, 200 cans of food for RAM House by December 19.

 

Bedford Christmas Station

It’s not too late to help the Bedford Community Christmas Station. Funds are still being raised in two ways. Alternative Christmas gift cards, featuring an original print by Beulah Witt, “Rejoice the Lamb of God” are $7.50 each, or four for $20. Cards can be ordered from the Christmas Station Web page www.bedfordchristmas.com or by calling (540) 875-8854. Also, vote for the Bedford Community Christmas Station tree in the “Festival of Trees” at the Bedford Welcome Center through January 2.  Voting is $1 and all proceeds go to the charity of the winning tree. Need more information? Call Karen Hughes at (540) 586-7750, Ext. 2263.

 

A Holiday Fantasy

LeeAnne Ashley Dance Ensemble will be presenting "A Holiday Fantasy" December 17 at 7 p.m. and December 18 at 5 p.m. at the Bedford Middle School Auditorium. For ticket Information: 587-7555. Journey with Clara and her Nutcracker through the Kingdom of Snow and Sweets—and watch as the children get a sneak peek into Santa's Magical Toyshop.

 

Museum train exhibit

The Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library in concert with the Bedford Central Railroad Group will once again be displaying the Museum's model train exhibit. The train will run through Saturday, Jan. 28. During Christmas Break, the Polar Express and Thomas the Tank Engine will be featured. This year (Williams) Bachman Train Company donated to the Museum the Famous Southern Crescent. Jim Molaniry & the Railyard Hobby Shop have loaned Thomas the Tank Engine and two coaches. Children are invited to run Thomas under adult supervision. The Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with special hours Friday, Dec. 16 and 23 staying open until 8 p.m. The Museum will be closed on major holidays and extreme winter weather. There is no admittance fee, however donations are gratefully appreciated. The Museum will also be collecting new and gently loved stuffed animals for the Teddy Bear Brigade for Gleaning of the World.

 

New London Ruritan Club

Saturday, Dec. 17. Christmas Dance at New London Ruritan Club, 12411 E. Lynchburg-Salem Tpke will be holding its annual Christmas Dance on Saturday, Dec. 17, 8-11:30 p.m. Music by Midnight Special. Santa will be present and some special gifts will be awarded. Admission: $3 (ages 6-12) and $7 (ages 13 and up).(434) 525-2800. No alcohol or drugs permitted on premises. Saturday, Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Dance, New London Ruritan Club, 12144 E. Lynchburg-Salem Tpke will be holding its annual New Year's Eve Dance on Saturday, Dec. 31, 8-12 midnight. Music by Last Chance Band. Admission: $5 (ages 6-12) and $10 (ages 13 and up). (434)525-2800. No alcohol or drugs permitted on premises.

 

Upcoming bloodmobiles

The following information is subject to change. Call 1-800-RED CROSS to confirm drive dates and times before attending.

Dec. 17- Forest Public Library, Forest, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dec. 19- Main Street United Methodist Church, Bedford, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Dec. 20- Palestine Baptist Church, Huddleston, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Dec. 28- St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Forest, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

 

New DMV license plates, 'Peace Begins at Home'

Bedford Domestic Violence Services is requesting the community support to end sexual abuse and domestic violence by registering for the new DMV special license plate "Peace Begins at Home." Bedford Domestic Violence Services will receive a portion of the funds raised from the sales to invest in the lives of survivors, families and the community. If you would like to find out more information on the license plate and to see what they look like, contact: Julie Williams (540) 587-0970 or email jwilliams@bedfordcountyva.gov.

 

4-H Homeschool Clover Club

The 4-H Homeschool Clover Club is a member run organization where children learn leadership through adult mentoring and life skills through discussion of upcoming events, voting for officers when necessary, doing practice presentations, having social/game time, science fair competition, doing community service projects and taking classes on science related topics. The group meets the 1st Thursday of the month for a business meeting and social time and the 3rd Thursday of the month for a science class at the Campbell County Extension Office from 2-4 p.m. Participation is open to homeschoolers 5-18 years and is free. Science of Cooking is the course of study for Fall 2011. Crime Scene Investigation will be the course of study for Spring 2012. Classes include field trips and special speakers. For more information, call Dawn Cowart at 434-821-2727.

 

Master Gardeners computer-based training class

Do you have an interest in horticulture? Want to learn, share and do more? Looking for a way to improve your community through volunteer service? The next Bedford Area Master Gardener class begins on February 1, 2012. It will provide training in a wide variety of horticultural areas including insects, plant disease, turf care, landscape design, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and much more. This class is computer based with a series of 10 hands-on labs. Students have up to six months to complete the independent study modules, quizzes and final exam. They participate in a minimum of five of the 10 hands-on labs. Instructors include Extension Agents, Horticulture Professionals, veteran Master Gardeners, as well as specialists from VT. The final requirement is 50 hours of volunteer service in Master Gardener projects within one year of completing the theory part of the course. The Bedford Area Master Gardener Association (BAMGA) has weekday, evening and Saturday projects, providing extensive volunteer opportunities. Anyone considering taking gardening to the next level, also with a desire to volunteer is encouraged to apply. Application deadline is Jan. 1, with a Feb. 1 start date. Class cost is $125. For more information, visit www.BedfordAreaMasterGardeners.org ( ‘Join Us’ section) or call the Bedford Cooperative Extension office (540-586-7675). Class size is limited.

 

100 years/100 movies

Westlake Cinema, in partnership with AFI Films, will be offering local screenings from AFI Films award-winning “100 Years...100 Movies” (10th Anniversary Edition) list every Tuesday and Friday at 1 p.m. The selected films chosen from AFI Films “100 Years...100 Movies” (10th Anniversary Edition) list. The weekly showings will be offered for a discounted ticket cost of $5. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, Westlake Cinema will be offering a $1 discount off individual concessions for these special screenings. Movie times are subject to change. Show times will publish in local media as well as on facebook, online and on the box office recording. To view a complete film list of AFI's “100 Years...100 Movies” (10th Anniversary Edition), visit online at WestlakeCinema.com. For additional questions about the Westlake Cinema and AFI Films “100 Years…100 Movies” film program, show times or other inquires, contact Thomas Althoff, General Manager of Westlake Cinema at (540) 721-6314.

 

Volunteer opportunities

Bedford Memorial Hospital (BMH) has volunteer opportunities available. Contact: Denise “DeDe” Edwards at 540-587-3317 or dredwards@carilionclinic.org. Stop by for a visit to discuss your interests, skills and availability. You will be given a tour of the hospital and you will see volunteers in action.

 

Moneta Garden Club

The Moneta Garden Club meets at noon at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 13586 Old Moneta Road, Moneta on the third Monday each Month.

 

Centertown Bedford Holiday events

Dec. 16 – Friday

Santa Claus will be in Centertown from 6 to 9 p.m. in his workshop at 109 North Bridge Street and will be available for professional pictures with Jeff East Photography.

Carriage Rides in the Farmers’ Market area from 6 until 9 p.m. Tickets available in the Farmers’ Market area

Dec. 23  – Friday

Santa Claus will be in Centertown from 6 to 9 p.m. in his workshop at 109 North Bridge Street and will be available for professional pictures with Jeff East Photography.

Carriage Rides in the Farmers’ Market area from 6 until 9 p.m. Take a very fun and traditional ride through Centertown Bedford on a Horse Drawn Carriage. Tickets available in the Farmers’ Market area.

 

READ

It’s fun to read a book to a dog! Second Saturdays, running through May 12, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., bring your child to the Moneta/SML Library to read to a special dog trained to listen. Reading aloud can improve reading skills and confidence. Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) are certified by the National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc. Call the Moneta/SML Library at 540-425-7004 for more information.

 

The Bedford Central Library Lego Club

Come out at 3:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month for Lego building fun. There will be a supply of Legos and a theme suggestion,. The library is accepting donations of Legos .

 

Wine Tasting

Savoy-Lee Winery offers complimentary wine tastings Friday-Monday from noon until 5 p.m. Check the Web site for holiday hours/special closures. www.savoy-lee.com. 5800 Johnson Mtn Rd. Huddleston. 540-297-9275.

 

PTA “Reflections” Art Exhibit

Moneta Elementary students will provide a PTA “Reflections” Art Exhibit at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library available through January 2. The dates for a People’s Choice voting process will be announced at a later date.

 

Bedford County and Bedford City Voter's League

The Bedford County and City Association is seeking young adults to participate in its Voter's League Association. The Committee meets every second Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the Washington Street Baptist Church in Bedford. Several important topics of discussion are issues and story ideas related to local government and the restoration of rights to ex-felons. The group welcomes young people of all backgrounds and interests. Parent and/or guardian permission is required. To express an interest to this organization, contact President the Rev. Phillip Brown (434) 525-0077. Advisers are Mattie M. Johnson at (540) 586-2950 or Eunice Stewart at (540) 586-6559.

 

Calendar of events

 

Friday, Dec. 16

 

Music at the Meeting House

The Bedford Historical Society will hold its “Music at the Meeting House” on Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m. The Trinity Singers, a quartet under the direction of Wayne Gibson, will present a program of 17th and 18th century Christmas music in the 1838 candlelit church. Admission is free and open to the public. The Bedford Historic Meeting House is located at 149 West Main Street in Historic Centertown Bedford. For further information call 540-586-8587.

 

December dance

Smith Mountain Lake-USA Dance 6042 (ballroom dancing) will meet at New London Ruritan, Dec. 16 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. There will be a one hour Bolero dance lesson followed by social dancing until 10:30 p.m. Members: $7; Nonmembers $10; Students $5.  Bring your favorite "pot luck" snack or dish to share, beverages available in the snack bar.  Newcomers and singles welcome. There will be a dance host for the single women.  Contact Cindy at 434-426-9787 (leave a message)  or visit the Web.  http://usadance6042.idnet.org for directions and more information.

 

Saturday, Dec. 17

 

Pine Spur Hunt Club Dance

Pine Spur Hunt Club Dance, 1094 Pine Spur Rd., Vinton, Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 - 11:30 p.m. Music by Vaughan & Friends. Admission: $8. Call 890-9891 for information.

 

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa will be Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Elks National Home, 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford. There is no charge, but those attending are asked to bring a gift of canned food for needy families in Bedford. Parents are welcome to come and have a cup of coffee while the children visit with Santa. The event is sponsored by the Bedford County Parks & Recreation and the Elks National Home. For additional information, call 586-7682.

 

Monday, Dec. 19

 

Life for One-Holiday Cheer

Sharing a pot of soup- bring makings for a salad, on Monday, December 19 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Dr., Moneta.  

 

Blood Drive

At Bedford Memorial Hospital on December 19. Call 540-587-3308 to schedule a time to give blood.

 

Constituent Work Day

Staff members from Congressman Robert Hurt’s (R-VA) office will hold a Constituent Work Day in Bedford City on Monday, December 19, to meet with constituents who need assistance with federal agencies from 9 – 11 a.m. at the City of Bedford Municipal Office Conference Room, 215 East Main Street.

 

Tuesday, Dec. 20

 

Family Movie Night

Enjoy Family Movie Night at Bedford Central on Tuesday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m. There will be a special viewing of Cars 2 (G) followed by crafts and games.

 

Wednesday, Dec. 28

 

Blood Pressure

Sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital, December 28, Wednesday, 10 – Noon. Free at Forest Library, 540- 425-7002, 15583 Forest Rd., Forest. No registration required.

 

Thermal Breast Imaging at BASICS

Wednesday, December 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (Thermography). Free workshop at noon.  Learn information about this early screening for breast tissue abnormalities and also actions you can take to greatly decrease your change of  getting a Breast Cancer diagnosis.

For more information call Cheryl Z Saville, RN, CNC (540-586-7374) or visit the office at 810 Blue Ridge Avenue, Suite A. See www.fightBC.com.

 

Thursday, Dec. 29

 

Family Movie Night at Moneta/SML Library

December will feature Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG). Starting at 5:30 p.m. on December 29 for crafts, games, snacks and the movie.

 

Monday, Jan. 2

 

Look Good

Taking care of you while undergoing cancer treatment. January 2, Monday, 10 a.m. - Noon at Bedford Memorial Hospital, 1613 Oakwood St., Bedford. Registration required by calling 540-587-3308.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 4

 

Blood Pressure / Blood Sugar Screening

Sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital, January 4, Wednesday, 10 – Noon. Free at Bedford Central Library – 540-586-8911, 321 N. Bridge St, Bedford. No registration required.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 11

 

Community Health Fair

Sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital, Wednesday, January 11, 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. At Bedford Memorial Hospital Lobby, Bedford. Free Screenings and Education: Cardiac Screening, Cost: $20. Must be fasting for 12 hours. Test includes: • Total Cholesterol • Triglycerides • HDL Cholesterol • Glucose • Ratio TC/HD • Blood Pressure • Body Mass Index. Call to make an appointment at 540-266-6000.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 18

 

Blood Pressure / Blood Sugar Screening

Sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital, January 18, Wednesday, 10 – Noon. Free at Moneta Library - 540- 425-7004, 13641 Moneta Rd., Moneta. No registration required.

 

Friday, Jan. 20

 

January Dance

Smith Mountain Lake-USA Dance 6042 (ballroom dancing) will meet at New London Ruritan, January 20 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. There will be a one hour Waltz  dance lesson followed by social dancing.  Members: $7; Nonmembers $10; Students $5. Beverages/light snacks available at snack bar.  Newcomers and singles welcome. Contact Cindy at 434-426-9787 (leave a message)  or visit the Web.  http://usadance6042.idnet.org for directions and more information.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 25

 

Blood Pressure

Sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital, January 25, Wednesday, 10 – Noon. Free at Forest Library, 540- 425-7002, 15583 Forest Rd., Forest. No registration required.