Events calendar

Contributed
Published: April 24, 2008

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.

ALANON MEETING
Are you concerned about someone else’s drinking? Find help in Alanon, for family and friends of alcoholics. Meetings every Thursday (April 24-May 8) at 8 p.m. at Orange Presbyterian Church, corner of Main and Caroline Street, Orange. For more information call 672-5696.

WORKSHOP FOR CAREGIVERS
Workshop for family caregivers will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Orange County Nursing Home. Topic April 25 will be working with cancer, heart disease, diabetes and dementia. No charge for the class, space is limited; to register or for more information call Nancy Rhoades at Orange County TRIAD, 540-672-1536. The workshop helps you take care of your loved one-and yourself; proudly sponsored by Orange County Aging Together.

SPAGHETTI DINNER
The United Methodist Women of Trinity United Methodist Church, Main Street, Orange, are having an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner on Friday, April 25 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Call 672-4335 for more information.

MADISON CHORAL SOCIETY
The Madison Choral Society, directed by Judy Maxfield, will celebrate God’s gift of springtime with hymns and spiritual songs by John Rutter, Gabriel Faure, Johanna Haydn and others. The program titled “In Praise of Creation” will include a unique arrangement of “Amazing Grace” written by Bernice Walker, a member of our Choral Society. The program will conclude with a rousing spiritual arrangement of “Dry Bones” by Mark Hayes. The concerts are Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Caroline Street, Orange and Sunday, April 27 at 4 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Hoover Road, Haywood. There is no admission. For more information call (540) 672-3297.

LGES PTO FUN FAIR
The PTO is sponsoring a Fun Fair for Locust Grove Elementary School on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a moon bounce, dunk tank, skateboard demonstration and contest and much more. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be hosting a K-9 demonstration and fingerprinting. There will also be a special appearance by Ronald McDonald.

GBES HEAD START FAIR
Gordon-Barbour Elementary Head Start is hosting a craft fair/home party event at Gordonsville VFW April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A drawing for a huge Mother’s Day-themed basket with one item from each vendor will be held. Purchase tickets at $2 each or three for $5, with proceeds to be donated to Head Start program in Gordonsville for field trips, extra activities in the classroom, as well as additional preschool equipment. Table rental is $25 each. If interested in being a vendor please contact Kendra Koneski 832-2534 or Desiree Nichols 832-2118.

GCC REUNION
Germanna Community College will host an alumni, faculty and staff reunion from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at its Locust Grove Campus. There will be free food and libations. It will be an 18-and-over event and attendees must be 21 to consume alcohol. For more information, go to germanna.edu.

SATURDAY ART CLASSES FOR KIDS
Saturday, April 26 is the next scheduled free Saturday Art Class for Kids. Participants must call 672-7311 to register for the class that begins at 10 a.m. for ages 5-8 and 11 a.m. for kids 9-12. (Pre-K kids are welcome for the first class with an adult.) This free Saturday class is being underwritten by an anonymous donor who supports opportunities for kids in the community to come and have fun and explore the “artist” in each of them.

FLEA MARKET/CRAFT FAIR
Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department will have an outside flea market/craft fair April 26; provide own table, $20 per space. Inside we provide table at $15 per space. For more info call Betty Madison after 4 p.m. at 540-832-0530.

JMM HERB, PLANT, BAKE SALE
End your celebration of Historic Garden Week by selecting plants for your own garden at the James Madison Museum’s annual herb, plant and bake sale that will be held Saturday, April 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 from 12 to 5 p.m. in the Hall of Agriculture and Transportation in the museum. This outstanding event has become a local tradition and we invite the entire community to participate. A bake sale featuring member’s contributions as well as desserts from some of our local caterers, such as Beggar’s Banquet, will be an added bonus.

RIKKI’S REFUGE OPEN HOUSE
Celebrate spring at Rikki’s Refuge Open House Sunday, April 27 from noon to 4 p.m. located on State Route 20, Barr Lane, Orange. Refuge tours leave the gift shoppe every half hour from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Pet, feed, and love the critters ranging from naughty pygmy goats to mesmerizing emus. Meet regional artist Carrol Morgan who will sketch charcoal portraits of visitors and also meet photographer Kerri Williams who will take photos of visitors with Rikki’s spokes critters for donations to Rikki’s. Refreshments will be served; admission is a can (or more) of cat/dog food per person. For details: http://www.rikkisrefuge.org or call (540) 854-0870 (ext. 2). Come join the fun at Rikki’s Refuge.

REMINISCENCES OF SHERIFF JOHNSON
Orange County Law Enforcement: Reminiscences of Sheriff G. I. Johnson will be Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at Orange County Historical Society. G. I. Johnson served as Sheriff of Orange County for 12 years (from 1972-1983) and in the ranks of the State Police before that. During his career, Sheriff Johnson witnessed changes as law enforcement techniques advanced and Orange County grew. Please join us to hear Sheriff Johnson share some of his memories of service in law enforcement, including some exciting still-busting! The meeting will be held at our Research Center at 130 Caroline Street in Orange. A reception begins at 7 p.m. with the program to follow at 7:30 p.m. The meeting and program are free and open to the public.

WFS COLLEGE FAIR
Come to the Woodberry Forest School College Fair Monday, April 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Harry Barbee Center.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO MEET
The regular April meeting of the Orange County Historical Society will be held Monday, April 28, at the Society’s Research Building, 130 Caroline Street, Orange. The speaker is Mark Amos, Sheriff of Orange County. Using local stories, he will talk about how law enforcement has changed through the years. Everyone is invited to a coffee reception at 7 p.m. and the program beginning at 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call the Historical Society at 672-5366.

PIEDMONT LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION
The Piedmont Landowners Association will meet Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Service office, Church and Main Streets in Madison. A member of the Northern Piedmont Beekeepers Association will be the featured speaker and will demonstrate the tools of the trade. The Piedmont Landowners Association was formed by landowners and friends from Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties who have an interest in stewardship of forest and farmland. Everyone is welcome. For information call 540-948-4136.

ORANGE COUNTY FREE CLINIC
The Orange County Free Clinic, a nonprofit community-based program with an all-volunteer medical staff, provides primary health care and limited dental services to citizens of Orange County with low incomes who are uninsured or underinsured. In addition to medical and dental care, medication assistance is also available through an on-site representative from Rappahannock-Rapidan Medication Assistance Program. The clinic is open every Tuesday, (April 29) between 5-7 p.m. and is located in the Orange County Health Department Building at 450 N. Madison Road. Call 672-0793 for more information.

YOUNG AT HEART CLUB
The Young at Heart Club meets every Wednesday, (April 30) 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.

TURKEY SHOOT
Gordonsville American Legion Post 1999 will hold a turkey shoot every Saturday night from 6:30-9:30 through April at Gordonsville VFW Post; 12-gauge shotguns with open sights only. This is a family event; no alcohol. For more information call (540) 748-4141.

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 with or joining this new group, contact Gail Gibson at or (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 setting 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.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Join us May 1 from 12-12:30 p.m. at Taylor Park in Orange as we come together on National Day of Prayer to pray for our country. All are welcome.

DAR TO MEET
The Montpelier Daughters of the American Revolution will meet May 1 at 11 a.m. at Gordonsville United Methodist Church. A $13.50 luncheon reservation check needs to be received by the chapter treasurer by April 26. The program, “DAR… What it means to my life – The Significance of the DAR Insignia,” will be presented by Judy Surber, District VI Director. The Chapter Memorial Service will be conducted by the chaplain.

WALKER FINE ARTS CENTER
The artists of Windmore Foundation in Culpeper will be showing recent works at the Walker Fine Arts Center gallery, May 1-31. Among the Windmore members who will be participating are Orange County artists: Nancy Diamond, Martha Harris, Carol Iglesias, Millie Lane and Barbara Collins. There will be a reception at the gallery on Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. to which the public is invited.

GOLF TOURNAMENT
Rhoadesville Baptist Church is sponsoring its third annual Golf tournament Friday, May 2, at Meadows Farms Golf Course. The cost is $65 per person and tee time is 9 a.m. Contact Irving Herndon, 540-854-4959 or Leslie McGowan at 854-4601 to register or for more information.

CULPEPER SPORT & RACQUET CLUB
Culpeper Sport & Racquet Club will be hosting a Men’s and Women’s 4.0 USTA-sanctioned singles and doubles tournament on May 2-4. Entry to this tournament is open to all USTA members. Entry fee is $33 singles, $23 doubles (per player). Call 540-825-0000 to sign up or go to USTA.com. Entries must be submitted by Friday, April 25.

YARD, CRAFT/BAKE SALE
A yard, craft and bake sale will be held at Rhoadesville Baptist Church on May 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., sponsored by the Fellowship Hall Building Committee. Spaces are available. Food and drinks available; and fun and games for the children provided. Call 540-854-5242 for more information.

ORANGE COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL
Family fun-day and community yard sale will be hosted by Orange Cooperative Preschool Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Taylor Education Administration Complex. Crafters, church groups, individuals and vegetable vendors are encouraged to sign up for a $10 spot. Be sure to bring your own table. Call the preschool office at 672-7877 to reserve your spot.

PLANT SALE
St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church annual plant sale will be held Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 14414 Isidore Way, Rt. 15 South of Orange. Special gift boutique for Mother’s Day or for your garden! Plants, bulbs, small shrubs from church members gardens, and starter vegetable plants from two area nurseries including annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and herbs; advice freely given. Proceeds benefit community service projects and church activities for youth. For more information, call 540-672-4933.

RURITAN YARD SALE
The East Orange Ruritan Club is having a huge yard sale Saturday, May 3 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ruritan Building at the intersection of Route 20 and Route 522. For rental space information call 854-5026.

MRVFD YARD/CRAFT SALE
Mine Run Volunteer Fire Department will host a yard and craft sale Saturday, May 3 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is available, call 854-5438, leave message for Dawn Woolfrey; first-come first-serve.

TOWN VEHICLE DECALS
Town of Orange vehicle decals have been on sale since March 1. All town residents are required to have a town sticker on their operative motor vehicle(s) no later than Saturday, May 3. For questions call the town’s finance office at 540-672-1020.

OC REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
The Orange County Registrar’s Office will be open Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for in-person voting for Orange Town Council Election to be held Tuesday, May 6. Only town registered voters are eligible to vote in this election. If you have any questions about this election, please call the registrar’s office at 540-672-5262.

BIG COUNTRY BREAKFAST
The Brightwood Ruritan Club’s next big country breakfast will be served from 7-11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at the group’s clubhouse just off U.S. 29 at Route 607. There will also be a yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a great meal and take home some bargains. The all-you-can-eat breakfast features warm fellowship and lots of fresh-off-the-grill pancakes, sausage, sausage gravy, biscuits, fried apples, coffee and orange juice. The cost is just $6 for adults and $4 for children younger than 12. For one dollar more, adults can add scrambled eggs; children can do the same for 50 cents. All profits are used to fund scholarships and community service projects. For information, call 948-4026.

RUMMAGE SALE
A church rummage sale will be held Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Stanardsville Baptist Church in fellowship hall, lower level, door #6; follow signs. Start your morning with a ham or sausage biscuit and browse a wide variety of household items including furniture, books, toys and other items. Spring/summer clothing for infants through adults. Sale to benefit the Women’s Missionary Union missions projects.

CARWASH FOR BREAST CANCER
There will be a carwash at Altman’s Tire in Orange Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help Carey Twyman and Danby Paterson raise money for the Breast Cancer three-day event in Philadelphia, benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

OCABA PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Orange County Airport Boosters Association, Inc. will have a fly-in/drive-in pancake breakfast Saturday, May 3 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Orange County Airport (KOMH) on Rt. 20. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee for $5. The semiannual fundraiser benefits the Frank A. Hume Memorial Citizenship Award that’s awarded to a graduating Orange County High School Senior. For more information go to http://www.ocaba-omh.org

PARK DEDICATION
Beasley Park, corner of Main and Church Streets in Madison, will be dedicated Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. Refreshments and music provided by Antioch Baptist Church. Everyone is invited.

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP
Individuals with diabetes are invited to attend a Diabetes Support Group on the first Wednesday (May 7) of every month from 9-10 a.m. at Orange Medical Center. The group provides support and educational information for living well with diabetes and are facilitated by a registered dietitian, registered nurse or diabetes educators. There is no cost to participate. For more information contact the Diabetes Education and Management Program at (800) 251-3627 or (434) 243-4620 or e-mail: .

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 includes a children’s concert on Wednesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. the premier concert. Program includes Frederick Chopin and Franz Liszt. Concerts will be held at Barboursville Vineyards, 17655 Winery Road in Barboursville. The Thursday premier concert and champagne reception is $75 per person (black-tie optional) and the Wednesday children’s concert is $15 per child under 17 and $25 per adult. Proceeds benefit The Chopin Foundation of the United States. Contact Premier Virginia Properties, Cindy Joskowiak at 540-832-0071 or for more details.

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 invites you to a Mother-Daughter 50s Sock Hop 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. Tickets are $10 ages 13 and older, $5 ages 6-12 and under six, free. Around 3 p.m., a drawing will be held for an Ikea basket filled with items worth $700. Items include gift cards (6), beautiful handmade afghan, Lenox flower vases, garden angel, books, handmade market basket, teacups from Metropolitan Museum store, church cookbook and lots more. Tickets are $5, with proceeds from both benefiting community mission projects. For tickets, contact a church member, 540-832-7711 or purchase tickets at Dawson’s Exxon.

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. 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.

MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT
Sunday, May 11 a Mother’s Day concert will be held at Culpeper County High School with doors opening at 4 and the program beginning at 5 p.m. The program features The Southern Gospel Singers and the Emerald Gospel Singers of Washington, DC, the Gospel Guys of Woodbridge and more. Admission is free and is sponsored by Dr. R. Bernardo Snipes and the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Brightwood. Everyone is welcome.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 child. 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.

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.

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.

CHICKEN/CHOCOLATE DINNER
“Celebrate Orange,” a committee of the Orange Downtown Alliance supported by Orange County Department of Tourism, invites the public to the second annual “Chicken & Chocolate” dinner in Orange County High School Cafeteria Saturday, May 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A roasted chicken dinner will be followed by lots of chocolate desserts and chocolate fountains and a silent auction of donated items. Musical entertainment will be offered by the “Touch of Dixie” jazz band. Tickets are available at the train station visitor’s bureau and at the door for $12 (students are $10 and children six and under are free). This event is a fundraiser for fireworks for Picnic in the Park on July 5. Donations of items for the silent auction are requested (not yard-sale items). Please call 540-672-1794 for information.

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.

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

OCHS CLASSES 1953-1954 REUNION
Get ready Orange County High School Classes of 1953-54; our reunion is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, at American Legion Hall, Newton Street, Orange. More information forthcoming via letter.

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.

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).