Community Events and Calendar (week of May 4, 2011)

 

h2 { margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; }h2.western { font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; }h2.cjk { font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 12pt; }h2.ctl { font-family: "Tahoma"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; }p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }h1 { margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; }h1.western { font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; }h1.cjk { font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 12pt; }h1.ctl { font-family: "Tahoma"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; }

Sign-ups and notices

 

For information of events and activities at area churches, see the church news section in this week's paper.

 

3rd Annual Summer Health Camp for Teens 11-16

June 13– 17,  Health Careers and Wellness Camp. Bedford Memorial Hospital, 1613 Oakwood St, Bedford, VA 24523. Fee: $30. Call 540-587-3308 for Registration by May 1. Space is limited.

Camps are made possible through continued financial support from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, and donations from BMH Volunteers.

 

Habitat for Humanity house building

Habitat for Humanity will begin building a house this week in the Lowe's parking lot. On May 7, the group will begin the project in front of the Bedford Lowes and begin building the home. There will also be another date May 14, that the group will take all of those pieces over to the site and begin putting that house up. If you would like to volunteer contact mike@engagebedford.com. If you are a contractor or own a business that would like to help you're encouraged to contact the group.

 

D-Day Memorial Memorial Day, Moonlight Serenade

Tickets are on sale now for the National D-Day Memorial’s annual Memorial Day weekend concert “Moonlight Serenade.” Scheduled for Saturday, May 28 at 7 p.m., the concert features performances by the Jefferson Choral Society, the Jefferson Youth Chorale and Cantate, local performer Keith Campbell, and a special presentation in the spirit of Memorial Day.  For the past nine years the Jefferson Choral Society, a 90-member choral group, has been the featured performance in Moonlight Serenade, an annual benefit concert held at the Memorial each May.  Moonlight Serenade is sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital, Generation Solutions, StellarOne, and The Trust Company of Virginia. Concert tickets are on sale now at Arthur’s Jewelry, Givens Books in Lynchburg, National D-Day Memorial offices, the Bedford Welcome Center, and Rams’ Head Bookstore at Towers Mall in Roanoke. Tickets are $7 in advance for adults and $5 for students 6-18.  Children under 6 are free.  Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $7 for students.  For more information, visit www.dday.org or call (540) 586-3329. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Memorial Day observances conclude at the National D-Day Memorial on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m. with “Remembering Their Sacrifice.” The program will feature guest speakers, wreath-layings and music.  Admission to the Memorial is free from 10 a.m. until noon, and guests are reminded to bring a chair. For more information on upcoming Memorial Day activities and other events, visit www.dday.org or call (540) 586-DDAY. 

 

7th Annual Scott's Strawberry Farm Festival

Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 22, noon – 8 p.m. Rain or shine. Free admission, $2 parking. Crafts * Food * Vendors * Homemade Strawberry Desserts * Flatfoot Contest (cash prizes)* U-PICK OR Buy Fresh Strawberries. Live Music Each Day featuring Saturday evening -"Tory Bailey" (formerly of Denim & Lace).

 

Seeing Through The Eyes of Booker T. Washington

On Saturday, May 14 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, May 15 at 2p.m., Booker T. Washington National Monument will have a walk and discoverytour of the old Burroughs plantation. The tour will discuss the early lifeand times of Booker T. Washington as it was on the plantation. Slavery and hard times were the prominent disciplines of that era but Dr. Washington would emerge from these times and become one of the most influential members of the African-American community. Courage, determination, and resilience would prove to be attributes that Dr. Washington would use on a daily basis to arise above the hardships and degradation put before him. In Dr. Washington’s own words he spoke: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position one has reached in life as by the obstacles in which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” The journey will begin in the visitor center with a short film, Longing To Learn, that is taken directly from Dr. Washington’s autobiography; Up From Slavery. The tour will continue with a walk down to the historic area of the park to see the plantation that Dr. Washington knew as a boy and the slave culture he came from. One will see the slave cabin where Dr. Washington was born and lived while his mother also used it as the kitchen

cabin for the plantation. This tour will include a visit to the garden, barns and the fields where slaves used their skills and trades to do the labor needed to keep a plantation functioning and sustaining life. In essence, one will discover the labor Dr. Washington did from an early age and the slave life that he suffered through. This turmoil provided the young Dr. Washington with a longing to learn and provoked him to strive for an education that would grant him the opportunity for a better life. Because Dr. Washington’s viewpoint was shaped by the slave experience, his philosophy had a direct impact not only on his contemporaries’ opinions and views, but on those leaders that followed as well. If you have any questions, contact the park at (540) 721-2094. Dress accordingly in case of inclement weather.

 

New Photography Club

Do you love taking pictures?  If so, the new photography club in Bedford is for you.  Don’t know what to do with the pictures after you take them?  The photography club can help.  The next meeting will be Monday, May 9 at the Bower Center 305 North Bridge Street at 7 p.m., and meetings will be held the second Monday of each month thereafter.  For further information, call the Bower Center at (540) 586-4235.

 

Upcoming Bloodmobiles

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

May 16 – Bedford, Bedford Baptist Church, noon – 6 p.m.

May 19 - Huddleston, Palestine Baptist Church, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

May 24 – Forest, Forest Baptist Church, noon – 6 p.m.

 

Lunch trips

The Bedford County Parks & Recreation Department is planning a lunch trip to the Red Palace Chinese Restaurant in Roanoke on May 17. After lunch, the bus will be going to Valley View Mall for some shopping. The group will also be offering a lunch trip on June 9 to the El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant in Roanoke. After lunch, the bus will be traveling to Hamricks for some shopping. Cost will be $5 per person for transportation on the County Bus for each of these trips. Lunch will be paid for on your own. Space is limited on the bus and these trips are restricted to Bedford City/County residents only. For further information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (540) 586-7682.

 

3rd Annual Henry Walton Memorial Derby Day Party

Historic Avenel will host the 3rd Annual Henry Walton Memorial Derby Day Party. Enjoy the special Derby Day Menu. Sip Mint Juleps, watch the Derby and participate in the ladies hat contest. You'll feel like you're at the races with this event. Join in the fun from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $30 each at Arthur's Jewelry, Bedford Welcome Center, Scott & Bond, Inc. or from any Avenel board member. Historic Avenel is located at 413 Avenel Ave., Bedford. All proceeds benefits restoration and maintenance of Historic Avenel. This event is sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital.

 

Take Pride Cleanup
Saturday, May 7, the annual Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Cleanup Day will be held. More volunteers are needed to pitch in that day to remove debris from the Lake, making it cleaner and safer for residents and visitors. Volunteer registration forms are available at the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce at Bridgewater Plaza, and the TLAC and Smith Mountain Lake Association offices at Westlake.

 

Free Mammography Screenings

Tuesday, May 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The locations are The Mammography Center, 20293 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg and The Mammography Center, Suite 15, 1900 Tate Springs Road, Lynchburg. Free screening mammograms will be offered to women 40 years of age or older who do not have health insurance or are underinsured and have not had a mammogram in the last year. Space is limited for this one day event. To make an appointment, call 434.200.7890. This event is sponsored by M.A.A.M. and the Centra Foundation.

 

Route 741 closed to through traffic

Weather permitting, on Monday, April 18, the section of Route 741 (Beale Trail Road) between Route 812 (Edgehill Road) and Route 695 (Goose Creek Valley Road) was to be closed to through traffic. The road is expected to remain closed until Friday, May 20 due to work to replace a pipe.  Drivers will need to seek alternate route around this closure.

 

LTP Summer Theatre Camp

Looking for some summer fun & learning, all rolled into one?  Get thee to Little Town Players' Summer Theatre Camp.  Directors Sara Landis, MFA & Paul Rycik will be leading the kids to a deeper knowledge of William Shakespeare by learning all aspects of theatre - music, costuming, lighting, stage combat, and much more, all ending in a production of Will's Midsummer Night's Dream!  Sara & Paul are both Shakespeare Scholars, and their complete bios can be read on the Web site.  Camp runs for two weeks, July 11 - 23, with two performances.  $100 per camper.  Some scholarships are available and discounts given for siblings. Registration forms and further information is available at www.littletownplayers.com. 

 

Blue Ridge Fiber Gathering

Blue Ridge Fiber Gathering at the Stewartsville Library, 1-3 p.m.: Saturday, May 7; Saturday, June 4; and Saturday, July 9. Join us at the Stewartsville Library the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. for an afternoon of knitting, weaving, spinning, crocheting and laughing.  Learn a new skill or share your skills and talents with others.  Bring the project you are currently working on and enjoy the companionship and knowledge of other fiber enthusiasts.  If you are stuck in a project someone will be able to help you figure out your pattern.  If you haven’t yet learned to knit or crochet someone can get you started.  This program is free and is open to teens and adults. Call the Stewartsville Library for more information 540-425-7008 ext 3.

 

Forest Library: Fun for all

Pizza Challenge May 12 at 4 p.m. Teens, go to Forest Library the third Thursday of each month for Teen Night Thursday. Enjoy video games, board games, snacks and hanging out with friends from 6 until 7:30 p.m. The next get together is May 19.For more information call Forest Library at (540) 425-7002.

 

Movies and More at Moneta Library

Bow Wow for Books, the read to a dog program, offers kids a fun and relaxed way to practice reading skills. The dogs are at the library the first Saturday of each month – call 540-425-7004 to reserve a spot to read. The next program is May 7 at 10:30 a.m.

 

Health and wellness programs

This May, the Bedford Public Library System will host a variety of free health and wellness programs, presented by local healthcare professionals. These programs will share information about preventative health practices, from increasing flexibility and muscular strength with introductory yoga to answering the question, “Are contacts right for me?” to tips on eating healthy while saving money. Health and wellness programs: “Eat Healthy, Save Money! Nutrition on a Budget” with Martie Slaughter, MS, RD, LD, FADA- Montvale Library on Tuesday, May 10 at 2 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is recommended. Call (540) 586-8911, ext. 1111 for registration. Visit www.bplsonline.org for more program details.

 

Mountains of Fun at Montvale Library

Pizza Challenge program is May 12 at 4 p.m. Teens are invited to the library for video and board games on the first Friday of each month, starting at 4 p.m. The next date is May 7. Join for Silver Screen Saturdays at the Montvale Library the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. They will be showing movies of interest to all ages. For more information, contact Montvale Library at (540) 425-7006. Join at the Montvale Library on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for the interactive program, Mother Goose! Parents and caregivers, bring your infants and toddlers (age 0-2) to the Montvale Library for stories, songs, musical instruments, baby-friendly visuals, rhyming and much more! Use this program as a resource to promote emergent literacy at an early age. Children must be accompanied by a parent / caregiver. This program is open to the public and is free of charge. Contact the Montvale Library at (540)425-7006 for more information, or visit our website at www.bplsonline.org.

 

Stirring up fun at Stewartsville Library

Teens, learn to knit or crochet. Blue Ridge Fiber Gathering meets the first Saturday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Members would love to teach teens to work in fiber arts! Call Stewartsville Library for more information at 540.425.7008.

 

Upcoming events at Beyond the Green

Saturday, May 14, 8 PM Ross Flora; Friday, May 6 8 PM 2 for the Road; Saturday, May 7, 8 PM Dallas Leonard.

 

2nd Annual Derby Day Soiree

2nd Annual Derby Day Soiree will be presented by the Junior League of Lynchburg and Couples and Kids. It will be a Old Elkton Farm, 1401 Old Elkton Drive, Forest, on May 7 from 5-9 p.m. There will be dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, bow ties, hats and southern attire, Mint Juleps, wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks. Enjoy live music by the Almost Brothers Band. Tickets are $70. Tickets are available through Junior League Headquarters at 846-6641 or members of the JJL or Couples and Kids and are available online at www.jrleaguelynchburg.org.

 

Books 4 Fun Preschool Storytime

Join for Books 4 Fun Preschool Storytime! Parents and caregivers, bring your preschool age children (ages 3 to 5) to any Bedford Public Library System library for stories, songs, games, rhyming, and much more! Program days and times vary by location. The Spring schedule is as follows: Bedford Central Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Big Island Library on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.; Forest Library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.; Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Montvale Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; and Stewartsville Library on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. This program is open to the public and free of charge. Contact your local library for more information, or visit the Web site at www.bplsonline.org.

 

Rockabye Reader program

Infants and toddlers from birth to age 2 will enjoy stories, music, movement, free play, and much more at all Bedford Public Library System libraries. Parents and caregivers, use this program as a resource to promote literacy at an early age. Program days and times vary by location. The Spring schedule is as follows: Bedford Central Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Big Island Library on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; Forest Library on Mondays at 10 a.m. (walkers-21 months) and 11:15 a.m. (21-36 months), Thursdays at 10 a.m. (infants-crawlers) and 11:15 a.m. (21-36 months); Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; and Stewartsville Library on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. This program is open to the public and free of charge. Contact your local library for more information, or visit the Web site at www.bplsonline.org.

 

Blood Pressure Screening

Westlake Kroger. Free blood pressure screening. Every Tuesday, 9 - 11 a.m. Free. Call 540-266-6000 or 1-800-422-8482.

 

Bedford Host Lions Club

The Bedford Host Lions Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. The Club is active in the community helping to provide eye exams and glasses for those who qualify. The Club also helps with eye screening for the schools and they also help the Red Cross with their Blood Drives. The club works with the state and international Lions to provide help in a lot of different ways. If you would like to learn more about the Lions or would be interested in coming to a meeting, call Jim McSlarrow at 586-4712 or Margaret Anderson at 586-0082.

 

Caregiver Support Group

Dementia Caregiver Support Group at Bedford Memorial Hospital every third Thursday from 4-5 p.m. Join to share challenges and learn more to help the caregivers of those with memory impairment. Group facilitator is Wanda Gills, Life Enrichment director of Heritage Green DayBreak Assisted Living. RSVP to Wanda 434-385-5102 the day before each meeting.

 

Benjamin's Restaurant events

Thursday 5/5 Cinco De Mayo Party Live Music By FMG; Sunday 5/8 Mother's Day Brunch from 11am – 3pm; Summer Concert Series..Every Friday Night on the Deck: 5/13 The Groove Monkeys; 5/20 The Ruckus; 6/3   Mark Miller Band; 6/10 The Dog Boys; 6/17 FMG; 6/24 The Groove Monkeys; 7/8   The Ruckus; 7/15  Mark Miller Band; 7/22  PolyChrome; 7/29  Steal The Prize; 8/5    The Groove Monkeys; 8/12   Dragonfly; 8/19   Jerry & Ray; 8/26   The Dog Boys; 9/9     Mark Miller Band; 9/16   PolyChrome; 9/23   Steal The Prize; 9/30   FMG; *Sept. 15th The Wing Fling.

 

Bedford Public Library System free Computer Skills Classes

The Bedford Public Library System is offering free beginner computer classes. Topics include mouse and keyboard skills, eReaders, general genealogy research, online digital photo storage, email attachments, Microsoft Word 2007, basic Internet Explorer navigation and more. The courses will vary according to the BPLS library location and will be instructed using Microsoft Office 2007 software products and Internet Explorer 8. To find a list of classes offered at your BPLS library, visit www.bplsonline.org or call your BPLS library. Bedford Central Library (540) 586-8911; Big Island Library (540) 425-7000; Forest Library (540) 425-7002; Moneta/SML Library (540) 425-7004; Montvale Library (540) 425-7006; Stewartsville Library (540) 425-7008.

 

Blood Pressure Screening – Westlake Kroger

Westlake Kroger - Free blood pressure screening. First Tuesday of every month, 9 - 11 a.m.

Cost: Free. No registration required. Contact Information: 540-266-6000 or 1-800-422-8482. Location: Kroger Westlake 80 Westlake Rd. Hardy, 24101.

 

Bedford Franklin Area Tea Party Meeting

Bedford Franklin Area Tea Party Meeting 1st Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.  Meetings are held at The Plaza (400 Scruggs Road, Moneta). For more information visit http://bfatp.com.

 

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screening – Westlake YMCA

Third Wednesday of each month, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Westlake YMCA. No registration required. Contact Information: 540-266-6000 or 1-800-422-8482.

 

Concerned Women for America of Virginia

Monthly meeting at Brookhill Wesleyan Church, 1043 Cifax Road, Forest, the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. They review current issues on the local, state and national level and learn to deal with the issues of education, abortion, pornography, religious freedom, homosexuality, redefinition of the family and national sovereignty. For more information call 434-401-8852.

 

Rotary Club of SML

The Rotary Club of Smith Mountain Lake meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month. It is now meeting at The Westlake Country Club. The doors open at 7 a.m. and breakfast begins at 7:15. Visitors are welcome. For more information call Steve Strickland at 719-1411 or Steve Miller at 721-9003.

 

Bedford Community Quilters

The Bedford Community Quilters meet at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at the John Early Community Center, 718 Blue Ridge Avenue, in Bedford. Membership is open to ladies of all skill levels who are interested in learning quilting techniques, working on group and individual projects, and making new friends. Annual dues are only $15. For more information, contact Shirley Snead at (540) 586-9469 or Helen Hardy at (540) 586-3592.

 

Breakfast Pancake Fundraiser

A Breakfast Pancake Fundraiser will be hosted by the Bedford Memorial Hospital Volunteer Chaplains. Money raised funds the gazebo garden project. Located in the Hospital Cafeteria. First Friday of Every Month, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. Call ext 587-3297 to place your order.

 

Star Stitchers

The Star Stitchers Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America meets the third Monday each month at the Moneta Library (Rt. 122 South) at 10 a.m. Modern as well as ancient embroidery techniques are learned as a group. Call 540 721-5449 for information.

 

Al-Anon

Al-Anon meets every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Street Methodist Church. Use the side door entrance facing Otey Street. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families and friends of alcoholics whose lives have been affected by the disease of alcoholism.

 

Big Island Stitch-in

Drop in with your portable craft. Knitting, embroidery, crocheting, quilting, whatever you’re working on. Come enjoy the company of other crafters every Thursday from 3-4:30 p.m. Pick up tips and hints or share patterns and ideas. Call Big Island Library at (540) 425-7000 for more information.

 

Community HU Chant

Community HU Chant- All are welcome to join the HU sing on every first and third Fridays at 7 p.m. Gatherings will be held at 208 W. Depot St. Suite F. Snacks and fellowship available afterwords. Information Hot line: 434-384-7959 ]

 

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

Get motivated to lose weight. TOPS is held at Bedford Baptist Church on Oakwood Street. Weigh-in is at 5:30 p.m. each Thursday. Call Judy Meador at (540) 586-1008.

 

Montvale TOPS

Montvale (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a support group for people trying to lose weight that meets Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Old Montvale Elementary School. Visitors interested in joining are welcome to attend. Call either Janice at 586-0332 or Marie at 947-0065 for more information.

 

TOPS

A TOPS meeting is held each Wednesday at Mountain View Union Church (460 West on Miller Lane beside Moose Lodge). Weigh in at 5:30 p.m. Low monthly dues. For women, men or teens. TOPS is an international network of weight loss support groups. For more information call Wanda Toms (540) 586-3308.

 

Bedford Police Neighborhood Awareness Meeting
Meetings are the second Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers on the third floor of the Municipal Building.  There is a speaker each month and also review the crime stats for the previous month.  The mission for the meetings is for the Police Department to work with the community to directly affect and improve the quality of life in each neighborhood.

 

Caregiver Support Group

There is a Care Giver Support Group at Carriage Hill Retirement Center, 1203 Roundtree Drive, Peaksview Building, Bedford. The Group is presented by the Alzheimer’s Association on the second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. The facilitator contact is Chris Davis, executive director, (540) 586-5982. Call the Regional office phone (434) 845-8540, or visit alz.org to: attend this support group; find a support group in another area; learn about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services; access services day or night; volunteer your time and energy to achieve a world without Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Garden Club of Bedford

The Garden Club of Bedford meets at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Bedford location of CVCC. Contact Information: childers3@JetBroadband.com, 540-586-6209 or flpdare@aol.com 540-297-3481.

 

Military family support group

A Military family Support Group meets each Wednesday at 6:15 in Room 167 at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg. All family members of military personnel are invited to attend. Veterans are also welcome.

 

Look Good Feel Better

Look Good Feel Better, First Monday of the month 10-noon. Contact: Anita Lowe 549-587-3308.

 

Stewartsville/Chamblissburg Seniors

The Stewartsville/Chamblissburg Seniors meet on the second Wednesday of the month at the Chamblissburg Ruritan Building on Sandy Level Road. The meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. with a potluck lunch at noon. All seniors invited. Contact David Poage with any questions at 890-7454.

 

Living with Cancer

First Monday of the month, noon. Contact: Anita Lowe 549-587-3308.

 

Parkinson’s Support Group

Parkinson’s Support Group, Second Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m. BMH Auditorium Contact: Dave Ballard 586-1406.

 

Moneta Garden Club

The Moneta Garden Club meets the third Monday of each Month at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Dr, Moneta, Va. At 12:30 p.m. with a program starting at 1 p.m.

 

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screening - Bedford

First Wednesday of each month, 9 - 11 a.m. Free. Location: Bedford Post Office. No registration required. Contact Information: 540-266-6000 or 1-800-422-8482.

 

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screening - Moneta

Third Wednesday of each month, 9 - 11 a.m. Free at Moneta Post Office. No registration required. Contact Information: 540-266-6000 or 1-800-422-8482.

 

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screening - Forest

Third Tuesday of each month, and fourth Wednesday of each month, 9 - 11 a.m. Free at Forest Post Office. No registration required. Contact Information: 540-266-6000 or 1-800-422-8482.

 

Wellness Massage
First Monday of each month. Everyone is invited to take advantage of this special one hour massage offer to our patients, staff and support group member of Bedford Memorial Hospital, certification training in Oncology Massage. Bedford Memorial Hospital, 1613 Oakwood St., Bedford. Fee: $45. Registration required by calling Ellen at 540-816-9988 or Trish at 540-875-8613.

 

Bedford Rotary Club

The Bedford Rotary Club meets on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. at the Elks National Home. Experience good fellowship and learn more about the Rotary concept of "Service above Self". For more information call 540-947-4648.

 

Calendar of events

 

Thursday, May 5

 

Elderfest Blood Pressure & Blood Screening

May 5, 6 - 8 p.m. Bedford Moose Lodge - 2986 W Lynchburg Salem Tpke, Bedford. Cost: Free.

 

Write Now

Do you have a photograph with a story waiting to be told? What about some of the wonderful family stories you have heard over the years or are you interested in local history? Trying your hand at fiction or poetry? Write Now welcomes anyone interested in writing to join on May 5. The group will meet at 7 p.m. at the Bower Center for the Arts at 305 N Bridge Street in Bedford. Bring a piece of writing you are willing to read aloud to the group. Write Now meets on the first and third Thursdays evenings of each month. For further information, call Betsy Mercer at (434) 841-4199.

 

GFWC Bedford Woman's Club

The GFWC Bedford Woman's Club will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 5, 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.

 

Friday, May 6

 

Forest Lions Club Benefit Raffle

May 6. Forest Lions Club Benefit Raffle: Main prize $10,000 with many door prizes and silent auction. Evening events start with a social hour at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. at the Forest Recreation Center 1088 Rustic Village Road, Forest. Proceeds to be shared between the Forest Lions Club and the Jefferson Forest Cross Country. Raffle tickets cost $100 and include a chance to win the $10 K, a buffet dinner and open bar. Tickets are available from members of the Forest Lions Club and the JF Cross Country. For information call 434-385-0493.

 

Operation Medicine Cabinet

Home Instead Senior Care’s Operation Medicine Cabinet will be held during Elderfest 2011 Bedford Moose Lodge, Friday, May 6 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m . Drop off your expired and unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Home Instead Senior Care is partnering with Bedford Memorial Hospital, Bedford County Parks and Recreation - Elderfest along with the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department. The effort is designed to help keep seniors and others safe in their homes by properly disposing of unused medications. Each participant will receive a gift bag. For more information contact Brenda Dixon at Home Instead Senior Care, 434.385.0321.

 

Author at school

Martha Hamlett, author of Bats in My Hair, Bats in the Air, will be visiting Moneta Elementary next Friday, May 6.  You can see more information about her and her book at http://batsintheair.com/. 

 

Saturday, May 7

 

BCO concert

The Robert Moses hydroelectric project at Niagara Falls first went on line in 1961, making it was the largest hydropower facility in the Western world. The Niagara Falls Suite, crafted by a master orchestrator, offers a vivid depiction of one of America’s most magnificent sights and is offered to you right here in Bedford. Join the Bedford Community Orchestra on Saturday, May 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Bedford Middle School Auditorium as its members also present Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, music from the Star Trek series, An Unending Legacy and more. Suggested donation $10/person. For more information contact the Bedford Community Orchestra at 540/947-0208 or visit at www.BedfordCommOrch.org.

 

Huge Yard Sale/Flea Market at Big Otter Mill

May 7, huge Yard Sale/Flea Market at Big Otter Mill. Antiques, collectables, furniture, kitchen utensils and many, many items too numerous to mention. Includes 1974 Gran Torino. Additional vendors on site. Breakfast served. 8 a.m. Mill is open for tours. All Mill proceeds go to restoration projects. Rt. 122 north (Big Island Hwy.) approximately 1 mile north of Liberty High School.

 

Fundraising dance

Smith Mountain Lake-USA Dance 6042 and Bedford Parks and Recreation are co-sponsoring a fundraising dance  at Forest Recreation Center, May 7  from 8-11 p.m.  Live music by the RETROFITS and light dinner provided (while it lasts).  Fundraising event to support a wooden dance floor at Forest Recreation Center.  Cost is $20 per person.  Contact Cindy at 434-426-9787 (leave a message)  or visit the Web,  http://usadance6042.idnet.org for directions and more information. No reservations required but let Cindy know if you plan to attend for food planning.

 

Fifth Annual New London Day

Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The Fifth Annual New London Day presented by The Friends of New London, Va., Inc. Free General Admissions to Museum Office and Grounds; Fee for carriage rides at Friends of New London Museum and Office and New London Village in the former New London United Methodist Church building, corner of Alum Springs Rd. and Turkey Foot Rd., Forest, Va.

 

Yard Sale benefit

The Lynchburg Charter Chapter of the American Business Women's Association is having a Yard Sale to benefit there 2011 Scholarship, Saturday, May 7, from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Shiloh United Methodist Church located at 18121 Forest Rd. (on the corner of Route 221 and Graves Mill Rd., Lynchburg).  Many treasures and lots of bake goods will be for sale.  For more information, contact Patricia Dabney at 846-0858.
 

Festival of Gardening

May 7. The Hill City Master Gardener Association offers home grown plants for sale along with baked goods, garden art, fresh produce, tools and books. Free educational lectures and children’s activities highlight the event at the Aviary in Miller Park, Lynchburg, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is free parking at 301 Grove Street and Miller Park Pool. For more information visit hcmga.com.

GFWC Bedford Woman's Club Yard Sale

Saturday, May 7, GFWC Bedford Woman's Club Yard Sale, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1544 Oakwood Street, Bedford. All proceeds benefit local organizations.

 

Bow Wow for Books!

Share a book with a dog! Saturday, May 7, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., bring your child to the Moneta/SML Library to read to a dog! Have fun and help improve their reading skills. Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) is conducted by the National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc. Call the Moneta/SML Library at 540-425-7004 for more information.

 

Sunday, May 8

 

Mother’s Day Tea

Volunteers with the Booker T. Washington National Monument Living History Guild and park rangers invite everyone to a Mother’s Day Tea on Sunday, May 8 at 2 p.m. See the original silver plated tea set owned by the Burroughs family on exhibit. Hear guild members, Meg Carter and Beatrice Iceman, present a program on historic clothing worn during the 1850s and 1860s. They will also give advice on etiquette to the younger generation. Early etiquette books sometimes had hilarious advice. This program is a great way to learn about history and celebrate Mother’s Day. Daughters--take mom out to a light lunch and then come and enjoy our program with a tea, ginger cakes, and scones afterwards. If there is enough interest, this event could become an annual tradition. The event is free and open to the public. However, RSVP’s are requested for an accurate count. Contact the park at (540) 721-2094 by noon on Saturday, May 7. In antebellum days, afternoon tea was a popular pastime among both wealthy planters as well as farm families. It was not always a fancy occasion. Many families had tea at 5 p.m. making this repast their evening meal. Substantial dishes were sometimes included. Most likely Booker’s mother, Jane, as an enslaved cook was the person who prepared and took the tea to the plantation mistresses. As a part of the first year of Virginia’s Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Civil War, the theme is the year 1861, and events at the beginning of the war. The program depicts aspects of tea time that year before it became difficult to acquire English tea, coffee and other foodstuffs.

 

Monday, May 9

 

Breast Cancer Support Group meeting

Open discussion on Monday, May 9  at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Shop. 400 Scruggs Rd., Moneta.

 

Tuesday, May 10

 

Blue Ridge Quilt Guild

Blue Ridge Quilt Guild will meet on Tuesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m., Blue Ridge Library. Experienced quilters and quilters-wanna-be are welcome. Contact Laurel at 977- 9757 with questions.

 

BPW to meet

Bedford Professional Women will meet May 10 at 6:15 p.m. at Liberty Station Restaurant for their monthly meeting. Scholarship Committee members Lisa Anderson, chair; Linda Zimmerman; Melissa Merritt; and Debbie Laughon will be in charge of the program.

 

Wednesday, May 11

 

Garden Club of Bedford business meeting

The Garden Club of Bedford will have a short business meeting on May 11, at 10 a.m. at the Bedford CVCC Center on Independence Drive. The program will be planting new annuals and garden care of civic projects sponsored by the club.

 

Storytime Down on the Farm

Go “hog wild” at a special “Down on the Farm Storytime” at the Moneta/SML Library on Wednesday, May 11, at 10:30 a.m. Hear stories, make a craft, and see live animals. The story time is presented by the Bedford County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. This program is open to the public, is free of charge, and cameras are welcome. For more information, call the Moneta/SML Library at 540-425-7004.

 

Man to Man Prostate Support Group

Guest speaker Dr. Robert Whisnant from Carilion Clinic on Complications after Treatment (Urinary Incontinence, Erectile Dysfunction, & Bowel Issues)  on Wednesday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Dr, Moneta.

 

Southside Seniors

Southside Seniors will meet on May 11 in the Rescue Building on N. Old Moneta Road at 11 a.m. Bring a covered dish, lunch with them and hear the Aquatones (a barber shop quartet). Southside Seniors sponsor Rook every Monday, Bridge every Tuesday and Bingo every third Wednesday.

 

Luncheon seminar

Join us for free lunch and get some quick tips on buying or selling your home. Local and area business' will have information for you or anyone you know with real estate needs.   Wendy Witt, Scott Fogleman and Amy Carter with Witt Fogleman Realty, Lisa Mckinney and Sandy Wood with Blue Ridge Mortgage, and Eddie Sitzler with Rockingham Insurance will all be there to answer any questions you may have. Wednesday May 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at The Bedford Welcome Center.

 

Thursday, May 12

 

Computer Skills 101

Learn to use a computer at the Moneta/SML Library! May’s class is “Microsoft Word 101” on Thursday, May 12, at 1 p.m. You’ll learn how to use Microsoft Word 2007, which is a word processing program you can use to write letters, make flyers, and create a resume. The first eight people to arrive at the classes may use one of the laptops. Classes are open to the public and free of charge. Computer Skills 101 is held monthly through May on the second Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. If you have any questions, call the Moneta/SML Library at 540-425-7004.

 

Peaks of Otter Soil and Water Conservation District

The Peaks of Otter Soil and Water Conservation District will be holding its monthly Board meeting on May 12 at 6 p.m. This meeting will be held in the Ground Floor Training Room at the Bedford County Administration Building, 122 E. Main St., Bedford. The public is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 540-587-7645.

 

Friday, May 13

 

Appomattox writer

Lake Writers, part of Smith Mountain Arts Council (SMAC), has announced that Appomattox writer, Dutch Henry, will read from his debut novel, “We’ll Have the Summer,” at the Smith Mountain Lake/Moneta Library on May 13. Henry will read at 11 a.m. and will sign books from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Henry’s novel is a multi-facet love story. One story line is the end of a 35-year romance and marriage of Sam and Mary, who own and operate a dude ranch. Add a rescued horse that once belonged to their deceased daughter and a batch of guests who have come for the summer, including a teenage girl who’d rather be at the mall, and you have a book that appeals to book clubs. The event is free and open to the public.

 

Saturday, May 14

 

Piano concert

The Bower Center for the Arts will host Baron Fenwick for a piano concert Saturday May 14 beginning at 7 p.m.  Baron's program will include works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and  Prokofiev.  The concert is being sponsored by a Bedford City Government Challenge Grant and the Va Commission for the Arts and therefore; will be free to the public.  If more information is needed, contact the Bower Center at 540-586-4235 or visit www.bowercenter.org. 

 

American Sewing Guild

The monthly meeting of the American Sewing Guild will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 7336 Timberlake Rd. on May 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. The program will be: Rubber Stamping on Fabric. Learn many ways to use this technique to  turn it into wearable art and decoration on other projects.

 

Bedford County Sheriff's Office Car Show & Swap Meet

The Bedford County Sheriff's Office G.R.E.A.T./DARE Car Show & Swap Meet will be held on May 14 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Liberty High School, Rt. 122 North, Bedford. Rain date: May 21. Muscle cars, sports cars, motorcycles, tractors, trucks. Food and prizes. Dash plaques to all entries. Music and fun for all. For more information call 540.537.8560.

 

Monday, May 16

 

Peaks of Otter DAR

The Peaks of Otter Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate another successful year with a meeting of  Awards and Recognition at a May 16 meeting at the Bedford Public Library.  The meeting will convene at 3:30 p.m. in the meeting room.  All members are encouraged to bring snacks to share.  Long-time members are encouraged to attend this meeting in their honor and guests or prospective members are most welcome.  For more information call:  586-1933.

 

Life for One

Guest speaker Scott Baker on BEES observational Hive on Monday, May 16 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Dr., Moneta. Bring a lunch/drink.

 

Tuesday, May 17

 

Weight Management

By Gail Nordhaus from Carilion Clinic. Get checked out to see if you are physically fit by the YMCA on Tuesday, May 17 from  6-8 p.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Dr, Moneta. Cost Free. Light Refreshments will be served. Cost: Free. Must register for this program by contacting Tami Akin 721-4330, 297-5530 or email Tepnurse@smltep.org.

 

Friday, May 20

 

Ballroom dancing

Smith Mountain Lake-USA Dance 6042 (ballroom dancing) will meet at Forest Recreation Center, May 20 from 7:30-10:30 p.m.  There will be a one hour Quickstep dance lesson followed by social dancing. Members: $7; Nonmembers $10; Students $5.  Bring a snack to share.  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.

 

NARFE to meet

Bedford Chapter 1068, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, will meet Friday, May 20, 11 a.m. at Liberty Station Restaurant. If you would like to attend, call Sam at 540-587-0019.

 

Saturday, May 21

 

Dance

Parents Without Partners Dance – open to the public – Saturday, May 21, from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Charles Hill Senior Center in Vinton. Music provided by the Sam Austin Band. Admission: $10 per person. For further information, contact Carol Collins at 598-6491 or Rodney Wray at 427-3989.

 

Dehlia Low concert
The Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. on, Saturday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. will host Dehlia Low in concert. The concert held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library is open to the public, with a ticket price of $10 per person, collected at the door. For more information call 540-586-8911 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.

 

Tuesday, May 24

 

Goodlatte’s staff

A member of Congressman Goodlatte’s staff will be holding open door community office hours at the Montvale Public Library, 11155 West Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike, in Montvale on Tuesday, May 24, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. A staff member meets with citizen’s each month to get their views and discuss any problems they might have with the Federal Government.

 

Wednesday, June 1

 

Blood Pressure / Blood Sugar Screening

June 1, Wednesday, 9 - 11 a.m. Free at Bedford Post Office, 500 E Main St. No registration required.

 

Thursday, June 9

 

Diabetes Education Group

Sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital and Bedford Community Health Foundation. Topic: Healthy Vacationing. June 9, Thursday, 6 p.m. Free at Bedford Memorial Hospital, Adult Day Center, 1613 Oakwood St. Classes that help 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.

 

Wednesday, June 15

 

Blood Pressure / Blood Sugar Screening

June 15, Wednesday, 9 - 11 a.m. Free at Moneta Post Office, 14211 Moneta Rd. No registration required.

 

Wednesday, June 22

 

Blood Pressure / Blood Sugar Screening

June 22, Wednesday, 9 - 11 a.m. Free at Forest Post Office, 14805 Forest Road. No registration required.