Coming events

Contributed
Published: December 4, 2008

OCHS CLASS OF ‘89
The OCHS class of 1989 is planning a 20-year reunion. Anyone wanting to help plan, or anyone with classmates’ addresses, please contact Missy McDaniel (540)672-2859 or Barbara (Harris) Lohr at

OCHS CLASS OF ‘99
The class of 1999 is in the initial stages of planning their 10-year reunion for fall, 2009. We are seeking contact information for ‘99 graduates. For information about the reunion and to provide contact information, please register on our class reunion website: http://www.classcreator.com/Orange-VA-Orange-Co-1999, or e-mail:ochsclassof1999@yahoo.com or leave a message with your contact information at (703)417-9365.

HOLIDAY BOOK SALE
The James Madison Museum’s annual holiday book sale begins the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28 and will run through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The fundraiser is a community tradition and features reasonable pricing and a large selection, making shopping painless. The museum gift shop also offers a variety of lovely items including the White House tree ornament. To purchase books or gifts, visit the museum during its regular hours-Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 129 Caroline St. in Orange. Call (540)672-1776

VISIT WITH SANTA
The Lake of the Woods Youth Foundation will begin taking reservations Dec. 1, for their Visit with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the community center. Snacks and drinks will be available. Be sure to bring your camera. Call 972-0083 for an appointment.

MONTPELIER D.A.R.
The Montpelier Chapter of the American Revolution will meet Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Nebo Lutheran Church, Rochelle, for their Christmas covered dish luncheon meeting. Each member is asked to bring a container of homemade Christmas goodies for the gift exchange. The program “Our DAR Library-Finding Your Roots” will be presented by Sharon Steo, chapter registrar. She will also conduct a genealogical workshop at the meeting.

VISIT WITH ST. NICK
Santa will be at StellarOne Bank, 124 West Main Street, Orange on Friday, Dec. 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and tell Santa your Christmas wishes.

ST. ISIDORE
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Christmas Bazaar held at St. Isidore Catholic Church on Rt. 15, two miles outside of Orange Dec. 5 from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Free coffee from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Shop a selection of ornaments, blankets, pillows, pins, wool capes and vests, placemats, knitted items from afghans to scarves, table runners, table toppers, wreaths, wooden and sewn Christmas decorations, Santa and angel porch hangers, hand-painted trays and shelves, boxes, wooden candles, card holders and more. Many of the hand-painted items are one-of-a-kind, like the shelves, lamps, tables, doll beds, chairs and decorated glassware. There will also be gift baskets. Assortment of cakes, pies, candies and munchies sold throughout the day. Discount area, white elephant room and quilt raffle.

GARDEN CLUB
GREENERY SALE
Orange Garden Club presents Christmas greenery sale, baked goods, and holiday white elephant items at The Arts Center in Orange, Friday Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS
CONCERTS
A program of traditional and new Christmas carols will be sung by The Madison Choral Society in concerts Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. at St. Thomas’s Episcopal Church, Orange, and Sunday, Dec. 7at 4 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Haywood. The program includes “The Seven Joys of Christmas,” a set of carols from around the world, an audience carol singalong, and some new Christmas spirituals. The program offers something for the whole family. Admission is free. The Madison Choral Society is a community choir which draws its membership from Orange , Madison, Culpeper, Louisa, and Greene counties.

T.O.P.S. ANNUAL
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
The T.O.P.S. will be holding their annual Christmas bazaar Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be lots of homemade crafts, Christmas decorations and gift items. There will also be yummy bake goods, handmade candies, raffles and a re-gifting table. The event is being held at the Orange County Ruritan Building, Rt. 20 and Rt. 522. Coffee, tea, hot cider and free candy canes for the kids will be available. For more information, call Carol Foshee at 540-220-1018.

SALEM UMW BAZAAR
The Salem UMW, Salem United Methodist Church, Rhoadesville, Christmas Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a craft shop, bake shop, regifting shop and gift wrapping, Ham biscuits available all day. Lunch available from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
AND BAKE SALE
The Orange Community Church of Christ annual Christmas bazaar, due to its success, has been extended to Saturday Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Handmade crafts, costume jewelry, decorative items, artificial wreaths, children’s items, mouth blown Christmas ornaments, silent auction and so much more!!  Donated used toys and other items will be given away at this time. The church is located at 276 North Madison Road across from the Hornet’s Nest. Call 661-1025.

JEWELRY SALE
A jewelry sale on Saturday, Dec 6. to benefit MESA( Madison Emergency Services Association) will be held at the historic Kemper House , 414 North Main Street, Madison from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join us for holiday music and snacks around the tree. Enormous stock and variety available for cash and carry. All credit cards accepted. Ten percent of the sales will be donated to MESA to help families during this hiliday season. Please send e-mail confirmation to

MEMORIAL
CHRISTMAS TREE
The annual re-dedication of the Community Memorial Christmas Tree will be held Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. in Taylor Park in Orange. The Community Chorus, under the direction of Al Packard, will lead the music and Rev. Linda Hutton Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church will be the speaker.

MOOSE BREAKFAST,
DINNER-DANCE,
CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Orange Moose Lodge will host a breakfast on Dec. 7.  On Dec. 13, the moose will host a country ham dinner at 6 p.m., and from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., a dance for member and guest. Spellbound will perform. $10/single, $20/double. RSVP (540)672-2133. On Dec. 21, the Orange Moose will throw a children’s Christmas party from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Call the lodge for more information.

ORANGE AARP
The Orange Chapter 5373 of AARP will meet, Monday, Dec. 8 at 12 noon at the Orange County Rescue Squad building for the regular monthly meeting. This will be a finger food luncheon. Visitors are welcome. AARP is open to all persons over the age of 50. For more information, call Dottie Wampler (540)672-4335.

AGING TOGETHER/TRIAD FOOD DRIVE
The Aging Together in Orange Team and Orange County TRIAD are sponsoring a food drive to benefit Love Outreach Food Pantry Dec. 8 through Dec. 12. If you wish to help please drop off you tax deductable items, non-perishables and paper products at the Orange Public Works Office at 127 Belleview Ave. in Orange (the old library) from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more info call Nancy at (540)718-0620 or Elaine at (540)672-1536.

MAAC MEETING
The Dec. 9 gathering will feature Charles Stewart performing classical and seasonal music on a synthesizer that features tones from organ, harpsichord, and other instruments. Each gathering starts with Tai-Chi. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until no later than noon. For more information, call Ray Lonick at 672-4131 or (540)717-5629.

RRCSB-AAA MEETING
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board and Area Agency on Aging (RRCSB-AAA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 1:00 p.m., at its office in 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.

YOUNG AT HEART CLUB
Dec. 10, Bingo/Christmas cookie tasting. Dec. 17, Christmas luncheon with entertainment by The Troubadours. The Young at Heart Club meets every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1p.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 (540) 972-6256.

13th UDC
The 13th Regiment Chapter of the U.D.C. will have their monthly meeting Dec. 10 at Carol Couch’s house. Please bring a dish and your Christmas gift exchange.

RRRC MEETING
The regular meeting of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 1 .m. at the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission Offices, 420 Southridge Parkway, Suite 106, Culpeper. 

VFW POST MEETING
The Orange VFW Post #2217 regular meeting will be Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the post home on Brick Church Rd. for all members.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Orange Community Chorus and Band will present a joint Christmas concert at the Orange County High School on Dec.13 at 8 p.m. The 80-member ensemble will provide a joyful musical celebration for the holiday season fit for young and old alike. Bring your family, friends and neighbors to an evening of seasonal selections and rekindle the memories of Christmases from years gone by. For information about the concert please contact Tom Merlo at 672-2552.

CUB SCOUT CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
Cub Scout Pack 12 invites all boys in first through fifth grade to join the Gordonsville pack meeting Dec, 16 at 7 p.m. in the Gordon-Barbour Elementary School cafeteria. Come learn what Cub Scouts is all about. Our dens will be sharing what they have learned about different culture’s holidays. No pressure to join, just come and have fun! Cub Scouts is a great way for boys to learn character, make friends, help the community, and learn skills. If you have any questions please contact Cubmaster Richard Mawyer, (540)832-0517.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH SING
The seventh annual singing of Handel’s “Messiah” at St. Thomas Episcopal Church will be Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Calling all singers, experience not necessary. Listeners welcome! Music provided. Keith Wagner will direct and accompaniment will be provided by organ and a small string ensemble. Please bring a can of food for local food pantry. Reception following the singing.

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
Volunteer firefighters who serve Lake of the Woods and the area surrounding it in eastern Orange will be selling Christmas trees starting just off Route 3 near the LOW main gate (but enter LOW to shop). Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekdays. Trees are firs, five to eight feet tall. Also offered: white pine wreaths.

NEW YEAR’S EVE
CELEBRATION
Celebrate Orange will present the third annual “Music On Main Street” New Year’s Eve celebration Dec. 31 along Main Street in Orange. The emphasis will be on family, music, and fun as a variety of performers, activities and groups will entertain all ages in local churches and businesses along Main Street from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. The Orange Ball will drop at midnight and fireworks will welcome the New Year from the rooftop of the Orange County Courthouse. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Admission buttons cost only $5 in advance, or $8 the day of the event and children six and under are free. Beginning Dec. 15, buttons may be purchased at the Visitor’s Bureau in the historic Orange Train Station, CVS Pharmacy in Orange, Gordonsville Pharmacy, Orange Pharmacy, and Stellar Bank in Orange and Lake of the Woods. Celebrate Orange is a committee of Orange Downtown Alliance and is supported by the Town of Orange, the Orange County Department of Tourism, and corporate sponsors Klockner Pentaplast and Today’s Country 103.1 WJMA and 105.5 Sam FM.  Information is available at http://www.celebrateorange.com or (540)672-3322. 

AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM
The AARP Tax-Aide program needs volunteers in the Orange area from Feb. 1 to April 15, to assist middle and low-income area residents in preparing their income tax returns. Volunteers will receive training in basic computerized income tax preparation during December at Lake of the Woods and must pass an IRS approved exam. You need not to an AARP member to volunteer. Call 540-361-4588 for information.

OC FAIR BENEFIT
The fourth annual Valentine’s dance will be held Feb. 14 at the Gordonsville Volunteer Fire Company building from 6 p.m. until midnight. Proceeds benefit the Orange County Fair Association.  Dinner, open bar, live band. Admission is $125 per couple. Call Missy Wilson 854-7532 or Susie Swope 672-0410.

LOW LIONS MUSIC CONTEST
Musically talented middle school and high school students are invited to compete in LOW Lions Club’s annual Bland Music Competition on Sunday, Feb. 22 at The Lake of the Woods Church. The contest is the first step toward winning a $2,000 scholarship later in the year. Applications for instrumental and vocal competition are now available from Cork Grandy (540)972-0588, Jeff Flynn (540)972-2604), or from http://www.lowlions.org. The Bland Music Scholarship program was established in 1948 by the Lions Club of Virginia to promote educational opportunities for musically talented youths. Middle and high-schoolers throughout the area are eligible to participate in the LOW competition. First-place winners in the contest will advance to district competition in March. The final competition at the state level - where scholarships are awarded - will be held at the Lions of Virginia Convention May 21-24 at Tysons Corner.

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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).

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.

OCHS CLASS OF ‘89
The OCHS class of 1989 is planning a 20-year reunion. Anyone wanting to help plan, or anyone with classmates’ addresses, please contact Missy McDaniel (540)672-2859 or Barbara (Harris) Lohr at

RAPIDAN BETTER HOUSING
Rapidan Better Housing is now accepting applications for its housing repair assistance program to include installing first-time wells and drain fields. Homeowners must be income-eligible, live full time in their home and be able to get an Orange County Health Department permit for a needed well or drain field. Call Janet at 540-948-3274 and ask for an application for the Indoor Plumbing/Repair Program. Rapidan Better Housing is a not for profit organization and we exist to help you.

VIRGINIA PRESCHOOL INITIATIVE
Preschool opportunities for four year olds; applications are available at Orange County Head Start or call 672-7500.

ORANGE HEAD START
Orange County Head Start, Taylor Complex, 200 Dailey Drive is now accepting applications for children from birth to five years old for the 2008-2009 school-year. For an application call 672-7500.

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.

MOTHERS COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL
Mothers Cooperative Preschool has opening for its fall session beginning in September. Classes for three and four-year-olds are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Call 854-5479 to enroll.
OFFICIALS NEEDED
Officials are needed for Rec and Middle School football and basketball. Training provided, exercise, and help the kids and make some money. Contact (540) 829-5649, 222-2281 (cell) or 729-3233 (voice mail) - Independent Officials Association.

COACHES NEEDED
Strong Quality Basketball is looking for travel basketball coaches for girls 14U, 16U & 17U and boys 14U, 16U & 17U. For more information contact Frankie Lewis, director at (540)718-0190.

AMERICORPS
How can you earn money for college and help your community at the same time? AmeriCorps is the answer. AmeriCorps members are getting things done in Virginia by tutoring kids, building homes, and responding to natural disasters. Members receive education awards to help pay for college expenses while receiving valuable work experience through organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Get involved with AmeriCorps. Find the opportunity that’s right for you by visiting http://www.VAservice.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
More than 60 million Americans have discovered the secret to living the life they’ve dreamed about. By volunteering in their communities, they’ve discovered their passion lies in compassion for others. Once you get involved in your community, you’ll discover when you make a difference in someone else’s life, you begin living your life. Find your passion. Volunteer today because your time is the greatest gift of all. Visit http://www.VAservice.org to learn more.

JWC CHARITY COOKBOOK
The Junior Women’s Club of Orange announces our new cookbook, In Good Taste. The hardcover cookbook includes pictures of historic buildings in Orange County as well as many wonderful recipes shared by residents of the county. This is a perfect Christmas gift for $15.  In Good Taste can be purchased from Colonial Florist in Gordonsville, Gibson Rentals and Jack Samuels Realty in the Town of Orange, and Marshall Farms Corner in Unionville, or call Jamie at Sedwick Distributors (540)672-2104. All proceeds from cookbook sales are used to assist in the club’s projects with local charities and an annual scholarship for a graduating female from OCHS. When checking off the names on your Christmas list, consider buying a cookbook; you will also be helping your community! 

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

MRVFD BINGO
Bingo Fridays at Mine Run Vol. Fire Dept., 31077 Old Plank Road, doors open at 5, early bird starts at 6:30 and regular bingo at 7. Smoke-free; full kitchen. For more information call 854-5751, http://www.minerunfire.com

V.F.W. BINGO
Thursday is bingo night at Gordonsville V.F.W. beginning at 7 p.m. Jackpot up to $1,000.

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.

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.

RRCSB-AAA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Protective Money Management Volunteer Program of Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Board/Area Agency on Aging is looking for volunteers in Orange County to assist seniors and clients of the agency with financial management. This program assists senior citizens and clients with limited income who may be having difficulty paying bills or managing their finances. The Protective Money Management Program is sponsored in part by AARP. Volunteer money managers are carefully selected, trained and monitored. Each volunteer is paired with a client who needs assistance with financial affairs. If you are interested in becoming a Protective Money Management Volunteer, contact Doug Schiffman at 540-825-3100, extension 3159 or email for additional information

AGING TOGETHER TEAM MEETING
Want your voice heard on senior issues in Orange County?  Come to the meetings and get involved. Aging Together is a community partnership devoted to improving long term and support services for older adults and their families. Join us every second Wednesday at 10 a.m. at 127 Belleview Ave. Triad Office, Orange. Contact Nancy Rhoades at 540-718-0620 or Linda Treakle 540-854-5703

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP
Meets to assist families, caregivers, and friends of persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias at Amerisist Assisted Living Facility, 215 Southridge Parkway, Culpeper.                    (540)825-4500. The group will meet every third Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Sponsored by Central and Western Virginia Chapter of he Alzheimer’s Association and Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board and Area Agency on Aging. Contact facilitator Lynette Scott (540)825-3100, x-3464. This will be a time to share experiences, information and resources. Come out and support each other in this journey of care giving for persons with dementia. The group is free and open to all.