Madison Area Community Calendar

Monday, May 14

>> The Literacy Council of Madison County will offer a six-week computer class. Beginning Computer Basics (Windows) starts on Monday, May 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The instructor is Norris John. To register for this class, call (540) 948-5514 or email literacy22727@verizon.net.

Tuesday, May 15

>> The Greene-Madison Retired Teachers spring meeting and luncheon is set for noon Tuesday, May 15 at the Rosebrook Inn in Stanardsville. All retired in-state and out-of-state educators and support personnel are cordially invited to attend. Contact Jill Quinley, (540) 948-4304 for information.

Thursday, May 17

>> Attention students who are Madison County residents! The Madison County Education Foundation is awarding two student scholarships. They are available to eligible candidates who are Madison County residents who are high school graduates of 2012 or earlier or holders of GED certificates of 2012 or earlier. The scholarships are merit and need based. The application period is open today, Thursday, May 17, through May 18. Applications can be obtained from the Madison County High School Guidance office, the Literacy Council of Madison County and also the MCEF Web site, www.madisonedfoundation.org. An MCEF scholarship in the amount of $1,500 is available for a qualified college-bound student. An MCEF scholarship in the amount of $500 is available for a qualified career and technical education bound student. For information, call Kathie O’Connor at (540) 923-4131.

>> Madison County Library’s Friends of the Library are having a special anniversary “Bag of Books” sale today, Thursday, May 17, and continuing throughout May. A grocery bag full of books is just $7.50, continuing the celebration of the library’s 75^th anniversary. Come see the re-stocked Used Book Room upstairs in the library and load up for summer reading. For information, call (540) 948-4720.

>> Woodberry Forest School presents the 15^th annual Area High Schools Student Art Show today, Thursday, May 17, through May 31 in the Baker Gallery of the Walker Fine Arts Center. The exhibition includes 75 works in a variety of 2-D and 3-D mediums by high school students from Madison County High School, Culpeper County High School, Eastern View High School, Highland School (Warrenton), Orange County High School and Woodberry Forest School. Admission is free and the public is cordially invited to attend. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Woodberry Forest School is off U.S. 15 east of Locust Dale. Once on campus, bear to the right at the top of the hill and follow signs to the Walker Fine Arts Center. For information, contact Kelly Lonergan at (540) 672-3900.

>> Continuing through today, Thursday, May 17, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services One-Call Transportation Center offers free travel training to anyone in need. Learn how to access and utilize local public transportation. Classes are offered one-on-one to individuals, or can be arranged for groups. Presentations can also be made to civic groups, church groups, human service agencies, etc. To learn more, or to register for a class, call (540) 445-1VAN.

>> Cornerstone Christian School is registering campers (age 3 through rising fifth graders) continuing through today, Thursday, May 17, for its nine-weeks Camp Cornerstone summer camp (June 11-Aug. 10). For information, call (540) 672-0512.

>> Continuing through, today, Thursday, May 17, the One-Call Transportation Center provides free information and referral on all public, private and volunteer transportation services available in the Rappahannock-Rapidan region, including in Madison County. To find a ride, or for information, call (540) 445-1VAN.

>> As part of the Madison County Library’s 75^th anniversary, it will accept the return of overdue books for a maximum fine of 75 cents today, Thursday, May 17 and continuing through May 31. For information, call (540) 948-4720.

>> Madison Senior Center operates its Nest Egg thrift and outlet shop across from Madison Plumbing. Continuing through today, Thursday, May 17, its summer hours will be Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The shop offers donated items from individuals and business at a fraction of their original cost. All proceeds go to support the social activities of the seniors and to fund their upcoming expansion project. For information, call Center Director Shirley Workman at (540) 948-4131.

>> You are invited to attend the sixth annual Founder’s Dinner 6 p.m. today, Thursday, May 17 (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at Madison Presbyterian Church, 1236 Fishback Road. Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the special guest speaker and a delicious home-cooked dinner based on traditional recipes with in-season local produce. Tickets are $10 for advance reservations ($12 at the door), and sponsorships are available. RSVP to (540) 948-3272 or janisrichter@msn.com. This is sponsored by the Madison County Democratic Committee, but is a nonpartisan event. For information, contact Suzanne Long at (540) 547-2537 or longfarm@erols.com.

>> The entire community is invited to Madison Primary School’s Paws for Reading event, today, Thursday, May 17, at Madison County High School. Events begin at 4:30 p.m. with a silent auction. The headline act is a concert with award-winning children’s musician Roger Day at 7 p.m. MPS staff and PTO are also planning a children’s book swap and will have concessions for sale. The cost of admission is simply a donation to the playground! All proceeds from the event will benefit the Madison Primary School Playground Campaign and help MPS meet its goal to do a first phase construction on a new playground this summer. The silent auction will be open online as well. To participate in the online auction, or to learn about the event, “like” MPS Playground Campaign on Facebook or visit www.mpsplayground.com.

Friday, May 18

>> Four County Players is presenting its spring production, “Stepping Out,” a play by Richard Harris. This rollicking comedy about the attempts of some working class amateurs to overcome their inhibitions and left feet in a low-rent dance studio. Mavis, a former professional chorus girl, tries her hardest to teach the bumbling amateurs some tap skills for an upcoming recital. “Stepping Out” will be performed on the Four County Players’ main stage at the Barboursville Community Theater Fridays and Saturdays May 18 and 19 at 8 p.m., with a Sunday performances May 20 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $12 for children 12 and younger. Friday night performances are $8. Call the box office at (540) 832-5355 to reserve tickets!

Saturday, May 19

>> A reunion for the descendants of Martin Luther and Margaret Lohr is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19 at the home of Betty and Colin Mallory at 1930 Carpenter’s Mill Road. Bring a covered dish and desserts to share, along with family photos. For information, call (540) 672-5433.

>> The Waddell Lodge Benefit Breakfast is set for 7-11 a.m. Saturday, May 19 at 228 Holiday Avenue in Gordonsville. For information, call (540) 832-0303. All proceeds will be donated to Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center in Richmond.

>> The second annual Madison Arts Festival is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 19 in the Madison County High School gym. Art of all grade levels will be on display and there will be artist demonstrations (if possible), arts and craft activities for children and children-at-heart and a crafts for sale fund-raiser (jewelry, etc. made by high school craft students). For information, call (540) 948-3300.

>> The 2012 Madison County Relay for Life will start Saturday, May 19 at the Young Farmers Ground. The opening ceremony is set for 4 p.m.; the survivor lap, 5 p.m.; the luminaria ceremony, 9 p.m.; and the closing ceremony, 6 a.m. Sunday, May 20. Your reasons for walking in the Relay for Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. This is your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember people you have lost, but also to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. Because of your support, folks are creating a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life. You are helping create a world with less cancer and more birthdays! For information, email vmiller@2003@gmail.com.

>> MESA is having a big 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 19 nonprofit household items sale at Madison County High School. For information, call (540) 661-8585.

>> The 25^th anniversary Tour de Madison is set for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 19. It starts and finishes at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria this year and will feature local bands in multiple post-event concerts. The ride itself is only $30 (that includes a tour T-shirt) and participants can choose from routes of 20, 40 or 62 miles. Although some pre-event, on-site registration is available, organizers are encouraging advance registration, to ensure they’ll have enough post-event meals available at Graves. For information, visit www.tourdemadison.com.

Sunday, May 20

>> The Sunday, May 20 quarterly meeting of the Madison County Historical Society will feature James Flanagan, president and founder of the Fauquier County Civil War Roundtable. The subject of Flanagan’s presentation will be, “The Horse in the American Civil War.” More than one and a half million equines (horses and mules) perished in the Civil War, three animals for every soldier that died. The talk is a continuation of others which have been presented in recognition of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. The meeting will be 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20 in the auditorium of the Madison County Administration Center. Refreshments will follow in the Kemper Residence next door and everyone is invited to attend. For information, call (540) 948-6644.

>> The Miss Spring Blossom Pageant is set for Sunday, May 20 at Orange County High School. This is an annual fundraiser for the Madison County Scholarship Pageant, but is open to contestants from all counties. Registration runs from 9-11 a.m. and the pageant will start at 11:30 a.m. Age categories are Baby through Mrs./Ms., so everyone can participate. In honor of Mother’s Day, organizers are also having a Mother/Daughter competition that is free to enter. Compete in Gown, Spring Casual Wear and Photogenic. Enter today at Madisonpageant@aol.com or call Erin at (540) 672-0345 for information.

Tuesday, May 22

>> The 2012 Madison Award will be presented to J.L. Taylor at the Madison County Lions Club’s award dinner at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria on Tuesday, May 22. The social hour starts at 6:15 p.m. and the dinner begins at 7 p.m. Those who wish to attend the dinner should call John Rothberg at (540) 717-9436 or Lions President Dave Allen at (540) 948-6760 (or email Dave Allen at daveallen@hotmail.com).

>> There will be a Madison Department of Social Services Board meeting 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 22 at 101 S. Main St. in Madison. For information, call (540) 948-5521.

Friday, May 25

>> In preparation for Memorial Day, Madison American Legion Post 157 and the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 19 place 120 American flags along main street at 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 25 and take them down at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29. Drive careful and give them a break! For information, call (540) 547-3774.

>> Madison County artist Mack Rowe is presenting his “Mack Rowe Plays Well with Junk Rowebots!” show Friday, May 25 through June 3 at Mad Arts on U.S. 29 in Rochelle. There will be a reception 7-9 p.m. Friday, May 25. The show features family friendly fun. For information, call (540) 948-3300.

Saturday, May 26

>> A household items sale to benefit the Marion Simpson Scholarship fund is set for 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 26 at 228 Maple Drive, Madison. The $1,000 scholarship is given annually to a 12^th grade student attending the public school system or receiving home schooling and is sponsored by the Madison County Republican Women. Their rain date is June 2. For information, call (540) 923-4300 or (540) 547-2156.

Monday, May 28

>> Madison American Legion Post 157 and its auxiliary unit will serve breakfast 7-10 a.m. Monday, May 28 at the post’s meeting hall at 310 Thrift Road in downtown Madison. The Madison Memorial Day Observance will follow at 11 a.m. in War Memorial Park in front of the War Memorial Building. For information, call Auxiliary President Dottie Stephenson at (540) 948-5019.

>> The Madison County Memorial Day Service is set for 11 a.m. Monday, May 28 in War Memorial Park. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be in Madison American Legion Post 157’s meeting hall. This event is sponsored by the Kemper-Fry-Strother Camp No. 19, Sons of Confederate Veterans and Post 157. Tents will be provided by the county. This year’s speaker is noted author, speaker and tour guide Dave Goetz, U.S. Army veteran and historian. Paul Fincham, U.S. Army veteran and entertainer, will again serve as emcee. Michele Hitt, who has been the vocalist for the past several years, will grace the ceremony with her considerable talents again this year. The Madison County High School Band will perform selections, and Boy Scout Troop No. 116 will raise and lower the flag and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The chaplin for the Kemper-Fry-Strother Camp No. 19, SCV, will provide the invocation and the chaplin for Post 157 will provide the benediction. Representatives from the Madison County Board of Supervisors, the town of Madison mayor’s office, Post 157 and the commander of the Kemper-Fry-Strother Camp No. 19 will be on hand to make welcoming remarks. For information, call (540) 672-4009.

Tuesday, May 29

The Madison Garden Club will dedicate the Freedom Flag Garden on the Madison County High School lawn at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29. The project included replacing the deteriorating flag pole and adding two new poles to fly the Virginia flag and the Madison County flag. Working with school officials, the tallest of the three flag poles was replaced, and thanks to generous contributions from graduating classes of 2007 and 2008, the other two poles were installed and the flags have been flying for some time. Now, the surrounding garden is about to become a reality! When complete, this flag area will be a gift to the high school and it will also help create a striking entrance to Madison for those traveling on U.S. 29. The dedication program will include members of the MCHS band, school officials and community leaders, including donors and representatives of the groups this garden honors past and present military personnel and all first responders: firefighters, police and rescue squad members. For information, contact Project Chairman Judy Ann Fray at (540) 948-4220 or Club President George Ann Birkhofer at (540) 923-4933.

Wednesday, May 30

>> Aging Together is hosting its annual Community Conversation on Aging event 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 30 at the Madison fire hall. It will include a discussion focused on developing local solutions about how to strengthen the workforce for seniors, families and the business community. Call (540) 829-6405 for information.

Thursday, May 31

>> Waverly Yowell Elementary School fifth grade teachers, students and community members will share cultures around the world. The event is set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 31 at WYES. The night will be full of guest speakers, story tellers, foods from various countries, dancing and activities for all to enjoy. The students will also share what they have learned and created in their World Cultures classes this year. This event was made possible through a $500 grant from the Madison County Education Foundation. The event is free and open to all members of the community. For information, call (540) 948-4511.

>> Stage Alive’s 43^rd season begins Sept. 13 with the full 72-member Richmond Symphony presenting a pops concert and the music of John Williams, composer of the musical scores for “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars.” Brochures, which include an application, may be found at the Madison County Library, Madison Chamber of Commerce or Madison McDonald’s restaurant. An earlybird special is again offered for applications received by May 31. Stage Alive concerts are in the auditorium at Culpeper County High School and ample free parking is available convenient to the auditorium. For information, visit Stage Alive’s Web site at <stagealive.org> or call Madison County’s Joyce Kipps at (540) 948-6376.

Friday, June 1

>> The Rapidan Volunteer Fire Departments Founder’s Day pork tenderloin dinner is set for 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 1. The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger. Take outs are available. The proceeds will go to the service building repair loan. For information, call (540) 672-5744.

Saturday, June 2

>> Madison County High School graduation is set for 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 2 in the Wetsel Middle School gym. For information, call (540) 948-3780.

Sunday, June 3

>> Celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Madison County Library at a Sunday, June 3 buffet. Ice cream will be served on the front lawn from 2-4 p.m. Come commemorate this important occasion. For information, call (540) 948-3295.

Tuesday, June 5

>> Madison County Habitat for Humanity will meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 5 at Madison United Methodist Church, South Main Street, Madison. All interested are welcome. For information, call (540) 948-3200 or email faith@madisonhabitat.org.

Thursday, June 7

>> Madison Troop Support will meet 1 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at the parish house, Piedmont Episcopal Church, Church Street, downtown Madison, to pack boxes to be shipped to Madison County servicemen and servicewomen on active duty abroad. Donations of goods and dollars are needed, as well as volunteers to pack boxes. If you have a relative or friend serving overseas or would like information, call Susan Pell at (540) 923-4526.

Sunday, June 10

>> Firnew Farm Artists Circle’s Tucker Hill Scholarship presentation and an annual group show is set for 4-7 p.m. Sunday, June 10 at DuCard Vineyards at 40 Gibson Hollow Lane (off Etlan Road).

Thursday, June 14

>> The season’s first free Music on the Lawn concert is set for 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, June 14 on the Madison County Library’s lawn. The Courtney Hollow Band will perform. For information, email NKnighting@plowandhearth.com.

Saturday, June 30

>> Mad Arts is pleased to announce the first annual Quick Draw art event to benefit SAFE Inc. (Services to Abused Families, www.safeinc.org), 1-5 p.m. Saturday, June 30. The event is co-sponsored by Mad Arts. You won’t want to miss this exciting event, which will be at Prince Michel Vineyard in Leon. Watch juried local and regional artists create and finish a piece of art in one hour which will be sold during the live auction with Pete Elliott. Watch additional artists demonstrate their work. Participate in the silent art auction. Refreshments will be served and the Braided Chord will perform. There will be artists from five counties participating with a cash prize awarded to the top three live auction artists. This is a family friendly event. Cost of tickets is $25 per person and proceeds from the sale of the art will be given to SAFE. If you are an artist interested in participating, contact MadArtsX@gmail.com for an application, or visit 7353 S. Seminole Trail (U.S. 29) in Rochelle, or call (540) 948-3300.

AA Schedule

Sunday:

9 a.m.—Madison Nutritional Center.

6 p.m.—Madison Presbyterian Church.

8 p.m.—Orange Baptist Church.

Monday:

7 a.m.—St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange.

12:30 p.m.—St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange.

8 p.m.—Gordonsville Christian Church.

8 p.m.—Rapidan Presbyterian Church.

8:30 p.m.—Hebron Lutheran Church.

Tuesday: