Contributed
Published: May 8, 2008

ALANON MEETING
Are you concerned about someone’s drinking? Find help in Alanon; family and friends of alcoholics will meet Thursday May 8 at 8 p.m. at Orange Presbyterian Church, corner of Main and Caroline Street. For more information call 672-5696.

PIANIST IN CONCERT
The Chopin Foundation of the United States and Premier Virginia Properties will present 18-year-old pianist from Poland, Jacek Kortus, on his world piano tour; the youngest finalist of the 2005 International Chopin Piano Competition held in Warsaw, Poland. The fourth annual Chopin in Barboursville premier concert will be Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at Barboursville Vineyards, 17655 Winery Road. The Thursday premier concert and champagne reception is $75 per person (black-tie optional) with proceeds benefiting The Chopin Foundation of the United States. Contact Premier Virginia Properties, Cindy Joskowiak at 540-832-0071 or for more details.

VFW POST #2217 TO MEET
The Orange VFW Post #2217 regular meeting is scheduled for May 8 at 7 p.m. at the post home on Brick Church Road. All members are encouraged to attend.

HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP
Hospice of the Rapidan is offering a free six-week “Coping with Grief”-Evening Support Group on Thursdays, May 8, May 15, May 22 and May 29. Topics include issues and concerns of people who have recently loss a family member, loved one or close friend. Many who have suffered a loss find these support groups to be a great help because of the mutual support of others in a similar situation. Knowing your loss is not unique is often a great comfort. All members of the public are welcome and no prior affiliation with Hospice of the Rapidan is necessary. The support groups will be held in Hospice of the Rapidan’s community room, 1200 Sunset Lane, Suite 2320 in Culpeper from 6:30-8 p.m. Reservations are appreciated but not necessary. Reservations and additional information are available from Craig Wilt at 540-825-4840.

WALKER FINE ARTS CENTER
The artists of Windmore Foundation in Culpeper will be showing recent works at the Walker Fine Arts Center Gallery, May 8-31. Among the Windmore members who will be participating are Orange County artists: Nancy Diamond, Martha Harris, Carol Iglesias, Millie Lane and Barbara Collins.

OES SPRING FLING
Orange Elementary School is holding their Spring Fling Friday, May 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There will be games, a moon bounce, pony rides, barrel train, cake walk, food and much more. This is a great family oriented event. Proceeds benefit OES PTO. We hope to see you there.

FoWB CONFERENCE WEEKEND
May 9-11 Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) will host a conference weekend entitled “Politics and Personalities: The Wilderness Campaign, 1864.” Participating historians for lectures and battlefield tours include Chief Justice Frank Williams, Dr. John Simon, Gordon Rhea, Clark Hall and Greg Mertz. Visit http://www.fowb.org for details and reservation information.

50s SOCK HOP
Girl Scout Troop 242 Mother-Daughter 50s Sock Hop is May 10 from 6-9 p.m. at Orange County High School Cafeteria. Open to all girls ages 16 and under. There will be a live DJ, food, pictures, and dancing. Admission is $5 per person and for girls four and under, free. For information contact Stephanie at 540-661-9629 or email at . Please, girls only.

MACEDONIA CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Take time from your busy schedule on May 10 from 1-3 p.m. to enjoy a Mother’s Day Tea being held at the Macedonia Christian Church. There will be music, as well as an assortment of sandwiches, sweets and tea. Contact a church member at 540-832-7711 for more information.

DINNER/AUCTION FUNDRAISER
The Orange County Branch NAACP will sponsor the Ruth Lewis Smith Scholarship annual dinner/auction on May 10 at Holiday Inn Express, Orange.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Troop 97 is having an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast May 10 from 6 to 11 a.m. Cost is $5 for children 10 and under, $6 for all others. Come to the Ruritan Building, intersection of Route 20 and Route 522, for great food to start your Saturday and help the troop raise money for upcoming Scout activities.

AARP TO MEET
The Orange Chapter 5373 of AARP will meet Monday, May 12, at 1 p.m. at Orange Rescue Squad Building for their regular monthly meeting. Ruth Ann Paisley, Director of Office on Youth, will present the program. Members are asked to observe May 8 as AARP Community Service Day and to perform a volunteer project such as visiting a nursing home, helping at a school or a project of choice. Results will be collected at the May meeting. AARP is open to all persons over the age of 50. For more information, call Dottie Wampler at 672-4335.

VFW AUXILIARY TO MEET
Orange VFW Ladies Auxiliary members are encouraged to help with bingo at Orange County Nursing Home Monday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. The regular monthly meeting will be Monday, May 19 at 11 a.m. at the post home on Brick Church Road. Important discussion will be on Buddy Poppies for the Memorial Day weekend.

RRCSB-AAA TO MEET
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board and Area Agency on Aging will hold its regularly scheduled board meeting Tuesday, May 13 at 1 p.m. at its office at 15361 Bradford Road, Culpeper. Individuals with disabilities who require special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting should contact Alisa Decatur at 540-825-3100, ext. 3146 or TTY 540-825-7391.

OCNH BENEFIT CAKE WALK
An old-fashion cake walk benefiting UVA Children’s Hospital will be held Wednesday, May 14 at 2 p.m. on the front parking lot at Orange County Nursing Home. Cakes are donated by some of the area’s finest bakers and promises to be a fun-filled afternoon; $1/walk. This event is sponsored by Orange County Nursing Home Resident’s Council.

TRIAD TO MEET
Aging Together in Orange Team meets the second Wednesday, (May 14) of the month at 10 a.m. at 127 Belleview Avenue, TRIAD Office in Orange. Aging together is a community partnership devoted to improving long-term and support services for older adults and their families. Want your voice heard on senior issues in Orange County? Come to the meetings and get involved. Contact Nancy Rhoades, County Resource Specialist at 540-718-0620 or chairperson, Ann Anderson at 540-832-7806.

YOUNG AT HEART CLUB
The May programs for the Young at Heart Club are: May 14 – Speaker will be Sheriff Mark Amos; May 21 – Games/plant auction; and May 28 “Grease”-Riverside Dinner Theater ($20). The Young at Heart Club meets every Wednesday, (May 14) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Orange Ruritan Building at the intersection of Routes 20 and 522. The club, which takes local trips and performs community service, is open to anyone. For more information call Alice Lumsden (540) 672-2841; Hank Lewis (540) 972-0359 or Paul Tobin at 972-6256.

UDC TO MEET
The 13th Virginia Regiment Chapter UDC will have its regular May meeting on May 14 at 10 a.m. at the home of Lynette Higginbotham. We will have the installation of the 2008-2010 chapter officers by Pat Bryson, former president of the Virginia Division. For information call Beverly Tucker at 832-3421.

LOW BOOK CLUB
Khaled Hosseini’s novel, “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” is the selection for discussion of the Lake of the Woods Book Club at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at the Wilderness Library. For information call Helen at 972-9066.

VOAD TO MEET
If your organization would like to help during times of disaster and you would like to learn about becoming a member of the Eastern Piedmont Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) please attend our meeting Thursday, May 15 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Depot in Culpeper. Bring your own brown bag lunch; beverages will be provided.

RSA TO MEET
The Rapidan Service Authority will meet Thursday, May 15 at 2 p.m. at Madison County Administrative Building on Main Street.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT SCREENING
If your child is between the ages of birth to five years old and you would like to know if he or she is developing properly, a free child development screening will help answer your questions. The Orange County public schools are providing area-wide preschool child screenings. The Child Find will be Friday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 12-noon in the cafeteria at the Taylor Education Administration Complex (Old Prospect Heights Middle School), 200 Dailey Drive, Orange. Each child’s developmental skills, hearing and vision will be screened. If your child does exhibit any problems or a delay in development, he or she may qualify for preschool special education. For more information call Shonda Elder at 540-661-4544.

BLUEGRASS/GOSPEL MUSIC
Friday, May 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. the public is invited to enjoy an evening of bluegrass and gospel music at the clubhouse next to Waugh’s off Route 20, Orange. Come for the fun and music or bring your bluegrass instruments and play; open to all individuals and groups. Call Pete at 854-7468 to schedule your group to play. Contributions will go to area children groups and is sponsored by Waugh Enterprises.

JUNIOR PROM
The Barboursville Junior Prom is May 17 from 7-11 p.m. at Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department for ages 13-15 at $10 per person. Parents must sign child-in and out. Semiformal or formal dress: (boys) shirt and tie, no jeans and (girls) dresses or blouse and skirt. For more information call Betty Madison after 4 p.m. at 540-832-0530.

BENEFIT YARD SALE
A yard sale benefiting University of Virginia Children’s Hospital will be held May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Orange County Nursing Home sponsored by OCNH Resident’s Council. There will be entertainment, food and bedding plants. Vendors invited. To reserve your space at $10 each call Doris or Gayle at 540-672-2611.

POETRY PEFORMANCE
If you missed MiCKi’s last performance at The Junction, you can catch her new show Saturday, May 17 at 8 p.m. at The Junction-Not the Same Old Grind, Church St., Orange. As a special treat, she and Earl Dixon will introduce material from an upcoming musical collection, using lyrics from MiCKi’s Chapbook, “A New Life to Sing (Only If I Could).” This will be a special poetry release party and farewell to Earl Dixon before he departs Orange for the Tuscan hills of Italy for the summer.

BENEFIT BINGO
Longaberger/Vera Bradley bingo will be May 17 in the William Monroe High School Cafeteria, with doors opening at 4:40 p.m. and games beginning at 6. Advance tickets are $20 and $25 at-the-door. For more information call Katie Brunelle at 985-1397 or . All proceeds benefit the Adam Fargo Field House.

NAACP MEETING
Kathy Clements, Executive Director of Hospice of the Rapidan, will make a presentation on May 19 at the Orange County Branch NAACP membership meeting at 6 p.m. at the Sedwick Building.

COLONIAL DAMES TO MEET
The House of Burgesses Chapter, Colonial Dames XVIIth Century will have their annual May meeting at Gordonsville United Methodist Church Tuesday, May 20 at 11 a.m. Colonial Dame Courtenay Stanley will present “A Tour of Elizabeth Hamilton’s Doll House Collection,” followed by a luncheon. For membership information contact Registrar Mrs. Anne Winn at 540-832-3771.

A WORK IN PROGRESS
The Teen Brain: A Work in Progress, a program for parents and adults who work with teens will meet Thursday, May 22 from 7-9 p.m. at Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, 146 Madison Road, Suite 102, 1st Floor, Sedwick Building in Orange. Objectives of the program include: Participants will develop an understanding of how teens’ behavior is affected by their brain development and will learn how to provide experiences that will promote optimum brain development. Call 540-727-3435 to register or for more information.

EMANUEL BAPTIST ANNIVERSARY
Emanuel Baptist Church will celebrate its 98th anniversary May 25 at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Ryland Robinson from New Birth Fellowship Ministries Church in Richmond as guest speaker. Dinner will be served.

SALEM YARD/BAKE SALE
Salem United Methodist Women, Rhoadesville, will hold their annual yard and bake sale Saturday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Salem UM Church is located adjacent to Double “B” Farm on Rt. 20.

CHICKEN/CHOCOLATE DINNER
“Celebrate Orange,” a committee of the Orange Downtown Alliance supported by Orange County Department of Tourism, invites the public to enjoy a delicious roast chicken dinner and silent auction in the Orange County High School Cafeteria Saturday, May 31 from 5:30-8 p.m. Featured will be three chocolate fountains and lots of chocolate desserts. Musical entertainment will be presented by “Touch of Dixie” jazz band. A silent auction of donated items will end at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Train Station Visitors Bureau and at the door. The cost is $12 for adults, $10 for students, and children six and under, free. This event is a fundraiser for fireworks for Picnic in the Park on July 5. Please donate quality items for the silent auction (not yard sale items). Call 672-1794 for more information.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Mark your calendar for the 18th annual Strawberry Festival by Stanardsville United Methodist Church scheduled for Saturday, May 31 at 7 a.m. We will be serving a delicious breakfast and lunch and lots of strawberry desserts; come early to purchase one of our delicious strawberry cakes or pies. On Court Square there will be vendors and crafters and under the big tent will be entertainment for the entire family. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the day in the heart of Stanardsville. All proceeds go to local missions including the Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.

RAPIDAN BETTER HOUSING
Rapidan Better Housing is accepting applications for its 2008 Indoor Plumbing/Repair Program. The IPR Program provides grants and 0 percent interest loans to homeowners whose homes lack modern indoor plumbing or where the existing well has gone dry or the septic system has failed. Rapidan Better Housing provides financial assistance and complete project management from start to finish. We are a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help area homeowners by offering affordable loans and grants for major housing repairs. We have been doing this since 1996. Our funds are limited, so call soon and request an application for the IPR Program. In Culpeper, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties call (540) 948-3274.

PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Blessed Assurance Christian School now enrolling children ages three and four for preschool. For more information, contact Alison Lineweaver at (540) 854-2350.

ORANGE COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL
Orange Cooperative Preschool is now enrolling students for the September 2008 school-year. Openings are still available for children 2½, 3 and 4 years of age. For more information or to request an application for the new school year, please call 540-672-7877.

MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
Are you a teen Mom? Have you heard of teen MOPS? We are planning a new Teen Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group in Orange. If you are interested in helping or joining this new group, contact Gail Gibson at or call (540) 661-1310. The meetings will be held at Grace Community Church, 105 North Madison Road, Orange.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity is making it easier than ever for folks to donate ‘idle vehicles’ to “Cars for Homes.” If you have an old vehicle sitting around (it doesn’t have to run) call 877-277-4344 to make arrangements to have it picked up or email carsforhomes.org. Put your idle car to work helping families build homes. You get rid of the vehicle; get a tax write-off for the donation and Habitat puts the car to good use by exchanging it for money to build homes for deserving families. There is a new ‘express pick-up’ service if you are in a hurry to get rid of the vehicle. Please call or email – it will make a difference in your life and in the life of another family.

CELEBRATE ORANGE COMMITTEE
The Celebrate Orange Committee is seeking community volunteers to join our group to help plan and carry out our two annual events, “Picnic in the Park” and “Music On Main Street.” We meet on a monthly basis in the evening and also work in small teams. Please consider joining us to make new friends and to make a difference in our community. For more information, call Bill Chapman at 540-672-1794 or email at .

PLASTIC RECYCLING
Orange Elementary School is collecting plastic material as part of a contest sponsored by Harris Teeter and Trex. The school is asking community members to drop-off household plastics at a special box in the school lobby. Items collected include: plastic grocery bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, plastic wrap around paper towels and toilet paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap used on pallets. Food plastic wrap cannot be accepted. The school could win a Trex bench (made of recycled materials) and $500.

LIBRARY BOOKSTORE
Friends of the Library Bookstore, 120 Chapman Street, Orange, is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and by appointment by calling 540-672-7880.

NARFE CHAPTER TRIP
On June 4-5 the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 1885 at Lake of the Woods is sponsoring a trip to Brandywine Valley, Wilmington, Delaware. You do not need to be a member of NARFE to join us. This is a great time of year to visit Brandywine and there are lots of fun things planned. For more details call Nick Duy at (540) 972-0350.

AUCTION/WINE TASTING
Sunday, June 8 from 2-5 p.m. a Silent Auction/Wine Tasting will be held at Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, 154 Winery Lane, Leon, (Culpeper) 540-547-3707. Entrance fee of $10 includes wine tasting and food and all proceeds will benefit Team Kathy – Breast Cancer Awareness 3-Day 60-Walk in October.

BLUEGRASS JAM
The All-American Bluegrass Jam will be June 12-14 at Booster Park, Route 20, Orange. This will be the sixth year for the festival and is co-sponsored by Orange County Boosters. You will hear three days of great bluegrass featuring The Grascals, Claire Lynch, Ralph Stanley II, George Clark & Dixie Flyer, Michelle Nixon, Wildwood Valley Boys, Carolina Sonshine, Dark Hollow, Bill Yates, Jay Armsworthy, the Kirk Family, Courtney Hollow and Little Mountain Boys. Show times are Thursday, potluck supper at 4:45 p.m. (bring a covered-dish) Boosters will provide ham, turkey or beef. Shows run from 5:45 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and on Saturday from 12-noon to 10:30 p.m. Ticket prices for Thursday and Friday $25 and Saturday $30; a three-day ticket through May 30 is $60. Children 12 and under free with parent and ages 13-17 half-price with parent. New pavilion in front of stage, rain or shine event; food will be available daily at the park and rough camping is free. For local ticket purchases and information, call (540)825-5838 or (615)337-8166 or http://www.allamericanbluegrass.com.

MINE RUN FAIR
The Mine Run Volunteer Fire Department Fair will be June 13-14 starting at 6 p.m. at the firehouse. There will be food, games, fireworks and lots of fun for all. For questions, call 540-854-5751.

MADISON FAMILY REUNION
The Madison Family will have a reunion June 13-15. For more information, contact Maranacci Wilson at (540) 832-0516.

LOHR FAMILY REUNION
The Martin Luther Lohr annual family reunion will be held June 14 at the Home Place in Madison. Descendants of Noah, Rebecca, Martin Jr., Casbianca, Mary Margaret, Silas, Paul, Sarah and Edgar are welcome. Additional information will be provided. Contact Steve or Annette Willis at (540) 672-2004 or

FATHER’S DAY PROGRAM
Sunday, June 15 Nazareth Baptist Church will celebrate Father’s Day during the 11 a.m. worship service with guest speaker, Minister William Strother, associate minister at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Oak Park.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
The Blue Ridge Care Connection for Children in Charlottesville, along with University of Virginia Hospital, Culpeper Regional Hospital and many local organizations are sponsoring a Community Health Fair for all residents June 19 at Taylor Education Administration Complex, Orange. This is a free event with health screenings, information, food and door prizes.

OCHS CLASSES 1953-1954 REUNION
The 1953-1954 Orange County High School Class Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, at American Legion Hall, Newton Street, Orange. More information will be forthcoming via letter.

1978 OCHS CLASS REUNION
Attention Orange County High School Class of 1978; all interested in helping to plan the 30-year class reunion tentatively set for June 2008, please contact Janet Johnson-Wiggins at . If there is a huge response we could possibly include 1979 and 1980. Please email and let me know what the consensus is concerning this event.

35TH CLASS REUNION
The 1973 Orange County High School Class Reunion is set for July 19 at Gordonsville Volunteer Fire Company banquet hall. For more information contact Nancy Colvin Beasley at 540-832-3495 or .

WMHS 1998 CLASS REUNION
The William Monroe High School Class of 1998 is currently meeting to discuss a 10-year class reunion that will be held summer/fall 2008. Please send your name (including maiden name, if married) along with phone number, mail and e-mail address to . If you don’t have e-mail access, but know someone who does, please try to send your information through them.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN
The BPW meets every third Thursday night, 6 p.m., at Waugh Enterprises. If anyone is interested in attending or joining, please contact Cindy Rickett at 540-854-0034 or e-mail Orange BPW at .

RAPIDAN VOL. FIRE DEPT. BINGO
The Rapidan Volunteer Fire Dept. has Bingo Saturdays starting at 6:45 p.m. http://www.rapidanfireandrescue.com

MINE RUN VOL. FIRE DEPT. BINGO
Bingo Fridays at Mine Run Vol. Fire Dept., 31077 Old Plank Rd. with doors opening at 5, early bird starts at 6:30 and regular bingo at 7. Smoke-free; full kitchen. Info, 854-5751, http://www.minerunfire.com

VFW BINGO
Thursdays at 7 p.m., doors open at 5:30, at Gordonsville VFW, Rt. 231, for bingo. Giant jackpot and winner takes all. Proceeds help the community. Call 832-2439 for more info.

MOOSE LODGE BINGO
Bingo begins at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Orange Co. Moose Lodge #2198, 16706 Mountain Track Rd. Call 540-672-2133 for more info.

QUILT GUILD
The Dolley Madison Quilt Guild meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Orange County Nursing Home Conference Facility. Each Wednesday we meet at the Train Station in Orange from 12:30-3 p.m. We welcome visitors.

ISAIAH HOUSE
Isaiah House is open Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome to come out and enjoy free food and games in a Christian environment. For info, call 672-1730.

WEDNESDAY ALANON MEETINGS
Orange Alanon meetings for families and friends of alcoholics or anyone affected by another person’s drinking are held every Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Orange Presbyterian Church, 162 W. Main St., downstairs room near the kitchen.

AA Schedule

Sunday
9 a.m. Madison Nutritional Center
6 p.m. Madison, Presbyterian Church, Rt. 29/Fishback
8 p.m. Orange Baptist Church
Monday
8 p.m. Gordonsville Christian Church
8 p.m. Rapidan, Presbyterian Church
8 p.m. Madison, Hebron Lutheran Church
Tuesday
12:30 p.m. Orange, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
8 p.m. Rapidan, Presbyterian Church
Wednesday
12:30 p.m. Orange, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
5:30 p.m. Orange, St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Women)
7:30 p.m. Madison, Catholic Church (Rt. 29 North)
8 p.m. Gordonsville Baptist Church (Rt. 231 and High)
8 p.m. Rapidan, Presbyterian Church
8 p.m. Orange Presbyterian Church
Thursday
8 p.m. Rapidan, Episcopal Church
Friday
12:30 p.m. Orange, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
8 p.m. Rapidan, Presbyterian Church
Saturday
8:30 p.m. Orange Presbyterian Church
For additional meetings call (800-240-6755).