Madison County Area Community Calendar

Thursday, July 8

The 2010 season of the Music On The Lawn summer concert series continues 6:30-8:30 p.m. today, Thursday, July 8 with the Dark Hollow band (http://www.darkhollowbluegrassband.com), which performs foot-stomping bluegrass. The concert is in the gazebo area in front of Madison County Library. For information, call (540) 948-2272.

Etlan’s That Little Country Store is going to donate all the proceeds made from its Thursday, July 8 sales today at its barbecue stand at the Music on the Lawn concert to Madison’s 4-H Stockmen’s Team. Members of the team will be there helping them serve. For information, call (540) 923-4805.

Saturday, July 10

The Madison County Farmers Market is open 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 10 at Hoover Ridge. It will be open at the same time and place every Saturday through October. For information, call (540) 948-6881.

The Central Virginia Genealogical Association invites you to its free July program. Shirley Solomin Parrish will discuss the research she did for her book, “The Tablet of My Heart: Reflections on Family, Place and Self.” In the book she tells of the paternal side of her family, the two parts of Albemarle County in which her family lived during and after the ending of slavery and offers a condensed memoir. Shirley is a past president and vice president of the African-American Genealogy Group of Charlottesville-Albemarle. The event is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 10 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Airport Road in Charlottesville. The CVGA Computer Interest Group will meet Saturday, July 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Northside Library. For information, call (434) 962-9638.

Monday, July 12

Preparations are under way and spaces are available for the Four County Kids Summer Camp. First through ninth grade children will participate with experienced Four County Players theater arts teachers and performers. There will be opportunities to learn and practice many different skills needed in the theater arts. The camp will run 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 12-16. The cost for the week is $150. Classes will be offered daily in developing characters, dance, voice, improvisation and stage movement, including stage combat. To register, visit www.fourcp.org.worshops.php and download a registration form. Parents, family and friends will be able to enjoy a performance on Friday, July 16 at 7 p.m. For information, call (540) 832-5355.

Tuesday, July 13

The annual Madison Firemen’s Parade is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13 along Main Street in downtown Madison. (The line-up is at 5:30 p.m.) For information, call (540) 948-6660 or (540) 948-4455.

The Madison County Fair is back. The fun is set to start at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 13 when the fairground, located at 1125 Fairground Road (behind Madison County High School), open – carnival rides start at 6 p.m. Tickets for the fair cost $5 for attendees 11 years old and older Tuesday-Thursday, Friday entry fees are donations for the Madison County Volunteer Fire Company and the Madison County Rescue Squad, and Saturday tickets are $10 as the fairgrounds open at 9 a.m. A weeklong pass is $15 and all tickets may be purchased at the gate. Only the weeklong pass can be purchased in advance from at the Madison Cooperative Exertion Service office on the second floor of the War Memorial Building in downtown Madison. For schedule information, visit .

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board and Area Agency on Aging’s regularly scheduled board meeting is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 13 at 15361 Bradford Road in Culpeper. For information, call (540) 825-3100.

The Madison American Legion Auxiliary Unit 157 will not have its monthly membership meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13, due to participation in the Madison Firemen’s Parade. The next scheduled meeting will be Aug. 10. Membership in the auxiliary is open to the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, granddaughters and grandmothers of legionnaires, or of qualifying veterans who are deceased. The auxiliary is recognized today as the most influential patriotic women’s organization in the world. Ladies interested in membership are encouraged to contact Unit President Dottie Stephenson at (540) 948-5019 or Unit Secretary Kim Johnson Smith at (540) 543-2321.

Thursday, July 15

The Alzheimers Association of Central and Western Virginia Chapter’s Caregiver Support Group, which lets attendees speak with others to learn more about memory loss, caregiving tips and local resources, as well as how to take care of your needs, meets 10 a.m.-noon the third Thursday of each month (including, Thursday, July 15) at Amerisist Assisted Living Facility at 215 Southridge Parkway in Culpeper. For information, call Lynnette Scott at (540) 825-3100, ext. 3464.

Saturday, July 17

The Madison County Farmers Market is open 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 17 at Hoover Ridge. It will be open at the same time and place every Saturday through October. For information, call (540) 948-6881.

Shenandoah National Park is hosting two special family-oriented programs on Saturday, July 17. In the morning, the popular “Hiking with Children” seminar will be offered at Byrd Visitor Center in the Madison County area of SNP, milepost 51 on Skyline Drive, beginning at 10 a.m. This seminar is designed for parents who want to get outdoors to hike with their children and have a worry-free experience. Have you always wanted to hike with your family but were concerned about being safe? Do you wonder about keeping your children entertained and engaged? Are you making the right decisions about what to wear and what to take with you should unexpected situations arise? Guest speaker and expert hiker Jeff Alt, author of the celebrated “A Walk for Sunshine,” will share his expertise with you and your family. Learn firsthand from Alt and park rangers how to share nature with children for a fun and safe outdoor adventure. Then at 1 p.m. in the Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium, 11-year-old author Gabriel Mapel will present a program on his book, “Oh No, Gertrude! The True Story of a Not-So-Naughty Black Bear.” “Oh No, Gertrude!” is a full-color children’s picture book that tells the true story of a Shenandoah National Park black bear named Gertrude whose life, along with her three cubs, was put into danger because of “naughty” people. Following his presentation, Gabriel will be available to autograph copies of his book. These programs are free but reservations are requested for the “Hiking with Children” seminar. There is a $15-per-car entrance fee to the park, good for seven days. To register for the “Hiking with Children” seminar, go to the Shenandoah National Park Web site at http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/resource_seminars.htm.

On Saturday, July 17 Big Meadows Wayside will host the Blackberry Delight event, which is free to all park visitors. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive, which in the Madison County portion of SNP. Enjoy the delicious taste of this seasonal berry in homemade blackberry ice cream, milk shakes, cobbler and wine tasting. Children’s activities and live entertainment will take place throughout the day, plus there will be a limited number of crafters on hand with their items on display. You can enjoy ole time music of Annie and Mac; traditional and contemporary bluegrass by Bull Run Grass and Natural Grass bands; and round it off with some spirited dancing provided by the Shenandoah Valley Cloggers. It’s a great way to kick back, relax and enjoy a day in Shenandoah. There is no charge to attend the event, but minimal fees are charged for some of the children’s craft activities, wine tasting and homemade ice cream. A variety of other foods will also be available for purchase. For information on other ARAMARK-sponsored events in Shenandoah National Park, visit www.visitshenandoah.com. For complete listing of events or to book overnight reservations at Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51.2,) which is in the Madison County portion of SNP, call 1-800-778-2782 or log on to www.visitshenandoah.com. Lodging in Shenandoah National Park is managed by ARAMARK, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. Purchase a $30 annual Shenandoah National Park pass and visit the park throughout the year.

Shenandoah National Park is hosting a “Hiking with Children” seminar on Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. These programs are designed for parents that want to get outdoors to hike with their children and have a worry-free experience. The program is free, but reservations are requested. There is a $15-per-car entrance free to the park, good for seven days. Saturday, To register visit http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/resource_seminars.htm.

Thursday, July 22

The 2010 season of the Music On The Lawn summer concert series (at the library) continues 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22 with Madison County’s own Courtney Hollow band (http://courtneyhollow.com), which comes home to perform its traditional versions of bluegrass favorites. For information, call (540) 948-2272.

Saturday, July 24

The Madison County Farmers Market is open 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 24 at Hoover Ridge. It will be open at the same time and place every Saturday through October. For information, call (540) 948-6881.

Former Virginia Gov. (and Sen.) George Allen will be the guest speaker at the 11th annual Madison County Republican Barbecue set for noon Saturday, July 24 at Wetsel Middle School, 186 Mountaineer Lane (behind Madison County High School off U.S. 29). Delicious barbecue will be prepared for the event by Bill Heflin of B & K Catering. Everyone is invited to attend this gathering. For information, call (540) 948-6417 or (540) 948-3295.

Wednesday, July 28

The Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department is once again getting ready for its fund-raising fair. This year’s fair will run July 28-31. The fire department is looking for young ladies interested in representing the fire department as its honorary fire chiefs. The honorary fire chief contest is broken down into two separate categories, the junior ladies are from 8-13 years old and the senior ladies are 14-18. The person who sells the most fund-raising raffle tickets for the fire department determines the winners. The two winners are crowned the senior and junior honorary fire chief and represent the fire department in area parades during the year. The crowning takes place during the fair. To sign up, contact coordinator Peggy Bailey, at (540) 825-0354.

Thursday, Aug. 5

Madison Troop Support will meet 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, at Piedmont Episcopal Church’s parish house on Church Street in 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. For information, call Susan Pell at (540) 923-4526.

Thursday, Aug. 12

The 2010 season of the Music On The Lawn summer concert series continues 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 at the Madison County Library with Down ’Till Now, which will rock and roll the night away. Do you like a little redneck music and little rock? Down ’Till Now has all bases covered. Read more about the band at http://www.readthehook.com/music/index.php/fridaysupdate-too-heavy-too-light-down-til-now-may-be-just-right. For information, call (540) 948-2272.

Saturday, Aug. 14

The Madison Women’s Four Miler Training Program has arranged for the Digital Mobile Mammography Unit from University of Virginia Health System’s Breast Care Program to provide state-of-the-art digital mammograms on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Mobile Mammography Unit will be in the Madison County High School parking lot. All appointments must be scheduled (no walk-in appointments will be available) before Aug. 4 through the Site Coordinator Jean Link of Syria, who may be contacted at (540) 923-4038 or by e-mail at spider_hollow@yahoo.com.

Thursday, Sept. 9

Save the date! The Madison Community Relations Committee of Culpeper Regional Health System is hosting its annual Madison Diabetes Health Fair 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at the Madison fire hall. The fun includes speakers, vendors, door prizes, refreshments and more! For information, call (540) 829-4306.

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:
7 a.m.—St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange.
8 p.m.—Rapidan Presbyterian Church.

Wednesday:
7 a.m.—Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange.
12:30 p.m.—St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange.
5:30 p.m.—St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange (Women).
7:30 p.m. - Madison Catholic Church.
8 p.m.—Gordonsville Baptist Church.
8 p.m.—Rapidan Presbyterian Church.
8 p.m.—Lake Anna Presbyterian Church.

Thursday:
7 a.m.—St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange.
8 p.m. - Rapidan Episcopal Church Step Study.

Friday:
7 a.m.—St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange.
12:30 p.m.—St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange.
8 p.m.—Rapidan Presbyterian Church.
8 p.m.—Gordonsville Christ Episcopal Church.

Saturday:
8:30 p.m.—Orange Presbyterian Church.
8:30 p.m.—Lake Anna Presbyterian Church.

For additional meeting times and locations, call 1-800-240-6755.