Madison County Area Community Calendar

Thursday, March 11

Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, which serves the counties of Madison, Culpeper, Orange and Rappahannock, will have its bi-monthly meeting 7 p.m. today, Thursday, March 11, at the Culpeper County Library. The chapter meets on the second Thursday of every odd month (at the same time and location). For questions or information, contact Andrew Moody at (540) 908-0496 or .   

Friday, March 12

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Board and Area Agency on Aging transportation services will not operate on Friday, March 12 in observance of a staff in-service day. For information, call (540) 825-3100.

Saturday, March 13

At 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, Four-County Master Gardeners will present “A Fresh Look at Your Landscape.” Featured speakers include Professor Robert McDuffie and Dr. Alex Niemiera (Virginia Tech) who will talk about Top Ten Worst Landscape Design Ideas, Woody Plants You Can’t Live Without, Tough Plants for Tough Times and Gardens of England and Wales. The event will be at Germanna Community College, Daniel Technology Center, 18121 Technology Drive, Culpeper. Lunch will be provided. Reservations must be received in advance. The cost is $35 ($30 for active Master Gardeners). Mail check to Four-County Master Gardeners, Virginia Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 10, Madison, VA 22727. For information, contact Margaret Hutcheson at (540) 543-2220 or .   

Madison County native Bob Long announces that the CMT (Charhot-Marie-Tooth) disorder support group will meet 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 13 in the Sunnyside Room at the Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg. The guest speaker will be David T. Larson, an investment advisor representative for Bluestone Financial/Solutions LLC. For information, call (540) 568-8328.

The Madison Democratic Committee will have its regular monthly meeting 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 13 at the George James Community Center in Radiant. This general meeting is open to the public and all interested citizens are invited to attend. The group will make plans for its annual Founder’s Dinner May 21. Come join their lively discussions and make an impact on democracy in local, state and federal governments. If you have any questions or would like to include a topic to the agenda, call Suzanne Long at (540) 547-2537.

There will be a ham and fresh fried oyster feast 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 13 at the Brightwood Ruritan Club’s meeting hall just off U.S. 29 at Route 607. Coleslaw, green beans, parsley potatoes, applesauce, rolls, coffee, ice tea and homemade desserts are all included in this delectable annual meal. The cost is $14 for adults and $7 for children younger than 12. Come early to beat the crowd! For information, call (540) 948-4026.

Sunday, March 14

Auditions for Four County Players’ spring production of “Sylvia” are set for 7 p.m. Sunday, March 14 and Monday, March 15 at the theater. People auditioning should be prepared to read from the script. Callbacks would be Tuesday, March 16, if needed. The show will run weekends May 7-22. For information, call (540) 832-5355. Cast descriptions include Sylvia, 20s, plays the part of a dog but she is sassy, sarcastic, athletic, a real comedian; Greg, 40s to 50s, is a dissatisfied Wall Street-type going through a midlife crisis; Kate, 40s to 50s, Greg’s wife, recently completed her master’s in education and her new teaching career is on the way up; Tom, 40s to 50s, macho dog lover, knows all there is to know about man’s relations to dogs; Phyllis, 40s to 50s, Vassar school chum of Kate, New York socialite, ditsy drunk; and Leslie, 40s to 50s, marriage counselor, business-like, no nonsense.

Tuesday, March 16

The first session of the Culpeper Citizens Criminal Justice Academy of 2010 will start 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 at the Culpeper County Emergency Communications Center. The Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for the 12-week program. Each class is limited to 25 participants. The program is designed to inform the public about law enforcement operations and the legal system. Participants learn about criminal investigations, court security, forensic science and other aspects of law enforcement agencies. Classes include ride-along trips with deputies and training at a local firing range. Participants must be at least 18, have no felony convictions and have no misdemeanor convictions within the past year. All applications are subject to a final review by Sheriff Jim Branch. A second session of classes will be offered in the fall. Classes meet every Tuesday 6-9 p.m. with one Saturday class and are at the Culpeper Emergency Communications Center. For information, call (540) 727-3444, ext. 326.

The U.S. Constitution will be the focus of the 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 meeting of the Madison County Republican Women at Madison Presbyterian Church, Route 722 at the north traffic light. Everyone is invited to attend this informative meeting. The evening’s menu salutes St. Patrick’s Day. Dinner: $7. For information, call (540) 923-4300 or (540) 547-2156.

Wednesday, March 17

Join the leprechauns, come eat lunch at the Madison Senior Center 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, March 17. The menu includes cabbage and corned beef, buttered red potatoes, cornbread, St. Patty’s cookies and a beverage for $6. Eat in or call for delivery at (540) 948-4131. The center is at 1480 N. Main St. across from the Madison County Rescue Squad building.

Thursday, March 18

The Alzheimer’s 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, today, Thursday, March, 18) at Amerisist Assisted Living Facility at 215 Southridge Parkway in Culpeper. For information, call Lynnette Scott at (540) 825-3100, ext. 3464.

Friday, March 19

The Madison County High School Guitar and Musicians Club will host a benefit concert for Haiti 4 p.m. Friday, March 19. Organizers are in search of solo performers, duos or band and piano players who would like to perform from the community. There is no age limit. Any singing group or solo singer accompanied by music can perform also. They need help getting word out to the community that we are looking for performers. They are looking for any type of music – county, rock, blues or jazz. They want to have a wide variety of performers. For information, call (540) 948-3785.

Rapidan Volunteer Fire Department’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner is set for 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 19. The cost is $12 per lad, $6 for wee lads younger than 12. The menu includes corned beef brisket, cooked cabbage, new potatoes, cornbread muffins, root beer floats, sugar cookies, green punch, tea and coffee. The Rapidan firehouse is at 9729 Locust Dale Road in Rapidan. For information, call (540) 672-5744.

Saturday, March 20

The Culpeper Minute Men Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will present the DAR Good Citizens Award Tea 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20 at the Rappahannock County Library. For information, call Pat Lattin at (540) 547-4985.

The Madison County Rescue Squad will present a bluegrass concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20 at Madison County High School. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Jones Auto Parts. For information, call Steve Grayson at (540) 948-6914.

Sunday, March 21

The Madison County Rescue Squad is hosting a Sunday brunch 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, March 21. Adults and children pay $8 and children younger than 5 eat free! The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, biscuits and gravy, fruit, sweet rolls and beverage. For information, call (540) 948-6351.

The 325th anniversary of the birth of Johann Sebastian Bach, the great Baroque composer, falls on Sunday, March 21. A concert in the Smithsonian at Little Washington series will be offered in honor of the occasion at the Theatre in Little Washington. Harpsichordist Kenneth Slowik will play Bach’s monumental work, “The Goldberg Variations.” The program will include a brief discussion. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for those younger than 18. Seating is reserved. For information, call (540) 675-1253.

The Lions of Virginia invite the public to support the vocal and instrumental winners of local Bland Music Contests, including Hannah Wagner of Graves Mill, who will compete at the zone level at 1:30 p.m. at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. The local contests were sponsored by the Lake of the Woods Lions Club and jointly the Lions of Madison and Greene counties. For information, call (540) 948-6745.

Monday, March 22

Four County Players will be hosting a six-week series of classes in musical theater. In these sessions children will have fun learning the theater basics such as stage directions, voice projection and blocking as well as classical musical theater dance styles, singing and acting. Classes begin the week of March 22. The cost is $60. Pre-registration is requested. For information, call (540) 832-5355.

Wednesday, March 24

Madison County Cub Scout Pack 45 will meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24 in Waverly Yowell Elementary School’s cafeteria. (The pack meets at the same time and place every fourth Wednesday of the month.) The registration fee to join is $15. An optional Boys Life magazine subscription is available for $12. Dues are $25. For information, call Steve Cone at (540) 317-3233 or Tom Zakielarz at (540) 948-3697.

The Madison County School Board has a budget work session set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24 at the school board headquarters. For information, e-mail . 

On Wednesday, March 24 1:30 p.m. at the Madison County Department of Social Services there will be a Madison County Aging Together special monthly team meeting. Join your fellow community members as they plan to make Madison County a better place to live and grow older with the supports and services that are needed! Aging Together would like to hear your input and comments as it develops a new strategic plan. The public is invited and welcome to attend. For information, call (540) 829-6405.

Friday, March 26

There will be a bluegrass “pickin’” party 6 p.m. Friday, March 26 at the Madison County Rescue Squad building (it is sponsored by the squad). Admission is free! Food is available. Bands wishing to perform should contact Bill Collins at (540) 948-4685.

Saturday, March 27

Orange County Habitat for Humanity’s Big Band Dinner Dance is set for 6-10 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse. Tickets are $45. For reservations or information, call (540) 972-9157.

Jim Herndon, author of “Jack’s Shop: Beyond the Front Porch,” will be at Mad Arts/Madison Arts Exchange 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 27. He will read excerpts and answer questions for 15 minutes at the top of every hour in a casual setting. If you are curious about the history of Jack’s Shop in Rochelle or want to reminisce about growing up in rural Virginia during the 1950s and 1960s, join them. This first book in the series paints a bygone era of front porch swings, and the simple pleasures of country living. This period is fondly recalled with a unique sampling of poignant humor. Books are on sale now for $19 (which includes tax) or may be purchased the day of the event. Mad Arts is at 117 N. Main St. in downtown Madison. Call (301) 639-1789 for information. There is a handicapped accessible entrance.

Madison Farm to Table is hosting a community garden day event 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at the Madison community gardens site at 3385 Seminole Trail (just south of Lam’s Furniture on U.S. 29). All are welcome to check out the community gardens, on land made available by Mayo Yowell. This is the time when families can choose their plots and start preparing their soils. Organizers will have composted manure ready to shovel. There will be a composting worm demonstration at 1:30 p.m. and they’ll build raised beds for the children’s garden at 2:30 p.m. You can also check out the new solar-powered water pump, engineered by Jim Cook. Some early-planting seedlings from heirloom, non-modified seeds will be available for sale to the public. For information, contact Jan Richter ( ; [540] 948-3272).

The Literacy Council of Madison County’s annual Chili Supper/Silent Auction is set for 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at Madison Presbyterian Church’s fellowship hall. The menu includes chili, corn bread, salad, desserts and beverage. Tickets are $6 adults, $20 per family. Come out, eat good food, bid on some great items, and join in the fun and fellowship! For information, call (540) 948-5514.

There will be a community garden day 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at the Madison community gardens site at 3385 Seminole Trail (on U.S. 29 just south of Lam’s Furniture/in Oak Hill.) All are welcome to check out the community gardens, on land made available by Mayo Yowell. This is the time when families can choose their plots and start preparing their soils. They will have composted manure ready to shovel. There will be a composting worm demonstration at 1:30 p.m. and they’ll build raised beds for the children’s garden at 2:30 p.m. You can also check out the solar-powered water pump, engineered by Jim Cook. Some early-planting seedlings from heirloom, non-modified seeds will be available for sale to the public. For information about the day, or about arranging for a free garden plot, contact Jan Richter ( ; or [540] 948-3272).

Tuesday, March 30

Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will offer a reception for alumni and friends to meet the college’s new dean, Alan Grant, on Tuesday, March 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, Virginia wine, beer, soda, water and iced tea will be provided. Dress attire is casual and Hokie attire is welcomed. For information or to make reservations, call Jamie Lucero at (540) 231-9666 or e-mail her at . 

Thursday, April 1

Madison Troop Support will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 1 at Piedmont Episcopal Church 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. 

Saturday, April 3

Come enjoy an exciting action packed day full of fun hands-on learning opportunities and activities for both kids and adults 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 3. Children 12 and younger will have a specially designated fishing area in front of Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria on the trout-stocked Rose River. Limit six fish per child. Each registered child will receive a free gift, plus raffle prizes will be drawn hourly. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and fishing starts at 9 a.m. Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries, Trout Unlimited and Graves Mountain Lodge, along with numerous other organizations, are planning exhibits, activities and contests. Instructional fly-casting, air rifle and archery instructions, ATV safety, stream monitoring and hay rides are only a few of these activities. Check the Web site at http://www.gravesmountain.com for a complete listing and other pertinent information. They will have craft vendors, and food and drink available for purchase. 

Tuesday, April 6

Madison Association for Continued Equality (MACE), which promotes political, educational, social and economic equality among Madison County residents regardless of race, color or creed, meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Antioch Baptist Church in Madison, including Tuesday, April 6. For information, call (540) 672-0565.

Thursday, April 8

The Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Board Area Agency on Aging’s handicapped-accessible van (Care A Van) is available to serve Madison County residents Monday-Saturday, March 8-13, as well as through the eighth and 14th of every month. For information or to make an appointment, call (540) 825-3100, ext. 3013.

Sunday, April 11

The Madison County Rescue Squad presents a bluegrass concert 3 p.m. Sunday, April 11 at Madison County High School. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Jones Auto Parts. For information, call Steve Grayson at (540) 948-6914.

Saturday, April 17

There will be a shrimp dinner at the Madison County Rescue Squad building 5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 17. The menu includes one-pound shrimp dinner, $15; additional shrimp, $7.50 per pound (with dinner), steamed spiced shrimp, green beans, coleslaw, dessert, tea and lemonade. A hamburger steak dinner is $7. For information, call (540) 948-6351.

Tuesday, April 20

Kathy Clements executive director of the Hospice of the Rapidan, and Tracey Gardner, Madison Chamber of Commerce director, will be the guest speakers at Madison County Republican Women’s annual Neighbor-to-Neighbor meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 at Madison Presbyterian Church, at the north traffic light. Everyone is invited to attend this informative get-together. The evening’s menu features pasta delights. Dinner: $7. Bring nonperishable food items for the MESA food closet and lightly used books to donate. For information, call (540) 923-4300 or (540) 547-2156.

Saturday, May 1

In the interest of avoiding another postponement due to snow, the Scrabble School Preservation Foundation will celebrate the grand opening of the Rappahannock African-American Heritage Center at Scrabble School 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 1. For information, e-mail .   

Saturday, May 22

The first annual American Cancer Society-benefit Madison County Relay for Life will be Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23, at the Young Farmers site behind Madison County High School. For information, call (540) 987-9412.

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.