Blog Archives
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum honors veterans
In recognition of President Woodrow Wilson’s involvement in the formation of Veterans Day, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum is co-sponsoring a free Veterans Day program with the First Presbyterian Church of Staunton.
The ceremony to be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 11:00 on November 11th will begin with a moment of silence to remember all veterans; followed by Woodrow Wilson portrayer Judd Bankert presenting excerpts from President Wilson’s announcement of the armistice that ended World War I.
In addition to the program, all veterans, active military members, and their families will receive free admission to the Presidential Library that day.
On November 11, 1918, President Wilson announced the armistice, or temporary halt of fighting in World War I, which took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The following year, he proclaimed that November 11 would forever be Armistice Day in the United States. The day evolved into Veterans Day, when all veterans are remembered and honored and on which, for years, the entire country observed a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. This year’s program will be on the 98th anniversary of that Armistice.
Free admission to the Presidential Library for veterans and their families includes guided tours of President Wilson’s Birthplace and self-guided tours of the Woodrow Wilson Museum, which features the World War I trench exhibit and President Wilson’s 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine.
Those interested in more information about the Veterans Day program or the free admission offer should contact Bob Robinson at the Presidential Library, at (540) 885-0897, ext. 102, or by email atrrobinson@woodrowwilson.org.
Find Your Park quest leads to great surprise at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove
The National Park Service has been celebrating its 100th anniversary this year by urging Americans to “find their park.” The Jim and Cheri Maitland family of Rives Junction, Michigan recently made the 500 mile, 8-hour trip to ‘find’ Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Not unlike the battle story itself, the Maitlands found surprise and intrigue. “Cedar Creek and Belle Grove was such a wonderful surprise and delight,” according to family feedback to park staff.
Jim, Cheri, and their children, Jameson, age 14 and Gerald, age 12 are determined to visit all 413 park units in the National Park system. “Cedar Creek and Belle Grove NHP was our 280th park unit to visit since we began visiting parks in 2010,” according to Cheri Maitland. The Maitlands not only sightsee each park visited but also delve deeply into the history found there by actively participating in every Junior Ranger Program.
“To become Junior Rangers here at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove, participants learn our history, explore, attend ranger programs and tour various park features to be able to answer questions in our Junior Ranger guidebook,” according to chief interpretive ranger Eric Campbell. “Guidebook activities and questions are age-group specific and participants must present their completed booklet to a park ranger or volunteer for review prior to being ‘sworn in’ as a park Junior Ranger,” he said.
“We had planned to spend about three hours sightseeing and for the kids to complete their Junior Ranger activities here, but much to our surprise, our visit became an overnight stay since much of the next day was needed to experience all this park has to offer,” said Maitland. “We knew very little about the Shenandoah Valley and virtually nothing about this park’s incredible history. The self-guided driving tour with map and CD provided by the park was amazing. We walked trails, visited Hupps Hill, toured the Belle Grove mansion and experienced a wonderful ‘history in a box’ ranger program where period history was explained in a way suited for all age groups. Our kids particularly enjoyed collecting Civil War trading cards from locations throughout the park. The electronic map and audio-visual presentation at the visitors station offered us a perfect birds-eye-view of the Battle of Cedar Creek’s amazing story.”
“Cedar Creek’s rangers and volunteers are some of the best we’ve encountered anywhere. Thanks for making Cedar Creek National Historical Park such a memorable stop and truly worth the 8-hour drive back to Michigan,” said Maitland.
The Maitland kids pride themselves on qualifying for Junior Ranger badges, but instead of completing minimum task requirements for their age group, they complete every activity and respond to every single question – at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove, that’s a 14-page booklet.
“Regional school classes, youth groups, scout troops, 4-H members and local families are invited to ‘find their park’ at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove and to explore, learn and protect park history and resources through participation in our Junior Ranger program,” said park ranger Shannon Moeck. “They should be ready for a great new challenge and exciting learning experience when they arrive.”
Contact a ranger at (540) 869-3051 or go to nps.gov/cebe/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm for more information about becoming a Junior Ranger.
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park was established by Congress in 2002 and first offered park ranger interpretive programs and a visitor contact station “visitation center” in 2013. Designated a ‘partnership park,’ most public areas within its 1,600 acres of publicly accessible land belong to one of five park partners – The National Historic Trust, Belle Grove, Inc., Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation, Shenandoah Valley National Historic District, and Shenandoah County.
The park was established to protect the significant historic, natural, military and scenic resources associated with the Battle of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove Plantation and surrounding area, and to interpret the history of the Shenandoah Valley – “From Backcounty to Breadbasket to Battlefield and Beyond.”
Fall festivals and activities abound in Rockbridge County
Bright foliage is the backdrop for autumn events and adventures in Rockbridge County. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a weekend getaway, festival, outdoor entertainment or other activities that you are looking for. Check out what’s coming up!
Wade’s Mill Apple Butter Festival – Oct. 22: Join us at Wade’s Mill from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 21st annual Apple Butter Festival featuring foods, wines, music and crafts! Free admission. Take I-81 to exit 205, 4 miles west on Raphine Road. Info: www.facebook.com/WadesMill/
Baroque Equestrian Games 2016 Competition, Expo & Grand Gala – October 21-23: Join us for the 4th Annual Classical Horsemanship Competition, Expo and Gala. The schedule includes lectures and classes on ground work, classical schooling, mounted maneuvers, musical freestyles. Classes are in the East Complex of the Virginia Horse Show and are free and open to the public! Join us FRIDAY NIGHT, October 21, 2016, for an unforgettable evening of fun & frivolity, romance & revelry as the East Complex is transformed into a festival of equestrian enchantments. In keeping with the festivity of the Baroque Equestrian Games, we encourage everyone to come in costume (optional) as we roll out an extraordinary evening of magnificent horse breeds, equestrian talent, and must have products for the Classical Horse lover. On Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m. the new Grand Gala “Angels for Children – The Magical Horse,” embraces the wonder and fascination that shines within every child. A truly magical evening unfolds the story of a beautiful, young unicorn who is being called to earth by the children of Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center to help them. Info: baroquegames.net.
Virginia Military Institute Parade: Watch as the entire Virginia Military Institute Corps of Cadets march in full formation. It’s an impressive sight and one you can’t miss when in Lexington. October 28 at 4:35 pm. Info: calendar.vmi.edu/
Rockbridge Pumpkin Festival – Oct. 29: This family friendly event featuring a fall and holiday craft fair, entertainment throughout the day, a giant kids’ zone, great festival food, a community showcase, and of course . . . pumpkins! Watch pumpkins hurl through the air in our pumpkin chunkin’ contest. See scary, weird, funny, and amazing sculpted pumpkins at our carving contest. It’s a whole day of festival fun, all for the benefit of career and technical education programs in Rockbridge County Schools. Info: www.rockbridgepumpkinfestival.
To learn more about upcoming events in the Lexington/Rockbridge area, call (540) 463-3777 or visit www.lexingtonvirginia.com.
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance issues call for entries to Veterans Day parade
The City of Harrisonburg will honor our nation’s heroes at the Annual Veterans Parade & Concert on Sunday, November 6.
The parade begins at 2:00pm at the Rockingham County Administration Building, 20 East Gay Street, and travels south on Main Street to City Hall, 345 South Main Street.
At 3:30pm, a brief reception for veterans, families and friends will be held at Harrisonburg High School followed by the annual Veterans Concert presented by the Harrisonburg High School Music Department. Attendees will enjoy patriotic works from the Harrisonburg High School Symphonic Band and Honors Choir.
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance invites all clubs, civic organizations, companies, and individuals to participate in the parade. All parade entries must display a patriotic theme or honor veterans in a special way.
The entry fee is $25.00 for commercial entries. Non-profit and government entities are exempt from this fee. Applications must be submitted to Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance by November 1, 2016.
For more information, visit downtownharrisonburg.org or call 540-432-8922.
Registration open for VMI conference on strategic leadership
Registration is now open for the seventh annual Leadership and Ethics Conference at VMI, to be held Nov. 2-3. This year’s conference, titled “Strategic Leadership in Times of Global Transition: Past, Present, and Future,” is intended for high school and college students, as well as professionals in psychology and leadership, international business, political science, law enforcement, and national security.
The keynote speaker will be James A. “Jim” Baker III, White House chief of staff during the administrations of both President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. Baker, who carries the distinction of having served in the cabinets of three U.S. presidents, will receive VMI’s Harry F. Byrd ’35 Public Service Award during an11:15 a.m. ceremony in Cameron Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 2. That ceremony is open to the public free of charge.
In addition to Baker, more than a dozen experts will explore strategic leadership from a military, geopolitical, and global enterprise standpoint, with a special look at the leadership of Gen. George C. Marshall, VMI Class of 1901, as the 70th anniversary of the Marshall Plan approaches in 2017.
Among those speaking will be Linda Robinson, senior policy analyst with the Rand Corp.; Dr. Michael Mandelbaum, author of Mission Failure: America and the World in the Post-Cold War Era; and Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center.
The program follows a timeline from post-World War II through the end of the Cold War, from Sept. 11 to the present, and from the present to the mid-21st century.
Conference participants will challenge their skills in critical thinking and ethical decision-making during an Ethical Leadership Challenge, in which they will break into small groups to examine a scenario rooted in historical events.
Registration rates through Oct. 19 are $39 for high school students, $59 for undergraduate students, and $99 for all others. After Oct. 19, the registration fee will be $99 for undergraduates and $119 for non-students. The fee for high school students will not change. Continuing education units are available.
Visit www.vmi.edu/leadershipconference for more details.
Honoring 100 Years of the National Park Service-Textile Style
Shenandoah National Park is displaying 13 art quilts created to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service from October 4 through October 24 at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6 Skyline Drive). The quilts were created by Fiber Works, a group of textile artists from the Lincoln-Omaha, Nebraska area. The artists were inspired by their favorite national park site. The quilts are on a year-long tour of the 13 chosen parks.
“The National Park system is a gift to all Americans. For one hundred years places of historical significance, structures of great merit and many of the natural wonders of our country have been preserved and protected. The National Park system is a symbol of what it means to be an American. We each felt moved by our chosen park or monument to design a piece of fiber art to represent it. We hope others will enjoy viewing the pieces we have created from our hearts” stated Cynthia Levis of Fiber Works.
Parks on the tour include, in order of exhibition, Homestead National Monument of America in Nebraska, Joshua Tree National Park in California, Saguaro National Park in Arizona, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, Glacier National Park in Montana, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Everglades National Park in Florida, and Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in Missouri.
The schedule for this exhibition can be found on the www.nps.gov/home/
Art quilting incorporates modern and traditional quilting techniques. The artist may use many different processes to create their artwork, including painting, dyeing, stamping, piecing, collage, printing (often incorporating a photograph printed onto fabric), applique, and other complex cloth processes. Inspiration is the key.
“Shenandoah National Park is honored to have inspired one of these creations,” said Superintendent Jim Northup.
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) and from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Friday/Saturday) until October 29. From October 30th through November 27th the visitor center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.daily. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 24th.
Find Your Park quest leads to great surprise at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove
The National Park Service has been celebrating its 100th anniversary this year by urging Americans to “find their park.” The Jim and Cheri Maitland family of Rives Junction, Michigan recently made the 500 mile, 8-hour trip to ‘find’ Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Not unlike the battle story itself, the Maitlands found surprise and intrigue. “Cedar Creek and Belle Grove was such a wonderful surprise and delight,” according to family feedback to park staff.
Jim, Cheri, and their children, Jameson, age 14 and Gerald, age 12 are determined to visit all 413 park units in the National Park system. “Cedar Creek and Belle Grove NHP was our 280th park unit to visit since we began visiting parks in 2010,” according to Cheri Maitland. The Maitlands not only sightsee each park visited but also delve deeply into the history found there by actively participating in every Junior Ranger Program.
“To become Junior Rangers here at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove, participants learn our history, explore, attend ranger programs and tour various park features to be able to answer questions in our Junior Ranger guidebook,” according to chief interpretive ranger Eric Campbell. “Guidebook activities and questions are age-group specific and participants must present their completed booklet to a park ranger or volunteer for review prior to being ‘sworn in’ as a park Junior Ranger,” he said.
“We had planned to spend about three hours sightseeing and for the kids to complete their Junior Ranger activities here, but much to our surprise, our visit became an overnight stay since much of the next day was needed to experience all this park has to offer,” said Maitland. “We knew very little about the Shenandoah Valley and virtually nothing about this park’s incredible history. The self-guided driving tour with map and CD provided by the park was amazing. We walked trails, visited Hupps Hill, toured the Belle Grove mansion and experienced a wonderful ‘history in a box’ ranger program where period history was explained in a way suited for all age groups. Our kids particularly enjoyed collecting Civil War trading cards from locations throughout the park. The electronic map and audio-visual presentation at the visitors station offered us a perfect birds-eye-view of the Battle of Cedar Creek’s amazing story.”
“Cedar Creek’s rangers and volunteers are some of the best we’ve encountered anywhere. Thanks for making Cedar Creek National Historical Park such a memorable stop and truly worth the 8-hour drive back to Michigan,” said Maitland.
The Maitland kids pride themselves on qualifying for Junior Ranger badges, but instead of completing minimum task requirements for their age group, they complete every activity and respond to every single question – at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove, that’s a 14-page booklet.
“Regional school classes, youth groups, scout troops, 4-H members and local families are invited to ‘find their park’ at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove and to explore, learn and protect park history and resources through participation in our Junior Ranger program,” said park ranger Shannon Moeck. “They should be ready for a great new challenge and exciting learning experience when they arrive.”
Contact a ranger at (540) 869-3051 or go to nps.gov/cebe/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm for more information about becoming a Junior Ranger.
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park was established by Congress in 2002 and first offered park ranger interpretive programs and a visitor contact station “visitation center” in 2013. Designated a ‘partnership park,’ most public areas within its 1,600 acres of publicly accessible land belong to one of five park partners – The National Historic Trust, Belle Grove, Inc., Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation, Shenandoah Valley National Historic District, and Shenandoah County.
The park was established to protect the significant historic, natural, military and scenic resources associated with the Battle of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove Plantation and surrounding area, and to interpret the history of the Shenandoah Valley – “From Backcounty to Breadbasket to Battlefield and Beyond.”
Augusta County native ‘Goin Home’: Scott Miller at the Wayne Theatre on Oct. 14
Scott Miller knows the spotlight as the leader of the cult favorite The V-Roys. He also knows the quiet life having returned to Augusta County to take care of the family farm.
Miller’s two very different worlds will come together on Friday, Oct. 14, with a concert at the Wayne Theatre/Ross Performing Arts Center in Waynesboro. Concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and on sale now.
Comic Rob Ruthenberg will deliver an opening set. Ruthenberg is a Roanoke-based comedian who has toured the country working with such acts as Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Billy Gardell, and Weird Al. He’s now an on-air personality for The Valley’s Music Place 101.5 FM, Roanoke’s local radio station.
Miller, who recently collaborated with filmmaker James Weems and photographer Glen Rose to produce the mini-documentary “Goin’ Home,” which explores Miller’s personal and musical journey since returning to the family farm, will be, in essence, home at the Wayne, 20 miles from where he grew up in nearby Swoope.
A graduate of William & Mary, with degrees in history and Russian and Soviet studies, Miller has been a storyteller since childhood, when he developed a fascination with Civil War and Appalachian history that comes across in his music, which reflects a mix of country, bluegrass, rock, rockabilly and down home.
“History is my jam,” Miller said. “The story is already there and all you need to do is find some connection with it and try to connect that to the listener.”
He first drew attention in the mid-1990s as the leader of The V-Roys, which were signed and produced by the legendary Steve Earle for Earle’s E-Squared Label. The V-Roys produced two critically-acclaimed albums before disbanding, and Miller moved on to form a new band, The Commonwealth, that has itself won critical praise.
Miller is now based in Augusta County, where he took over the family beef cattle farm, and looks after his parents.
The Wayne Theatre/Ross Performing Arts Center is located at 521 West Main Street in downtown Waynesboro. Tickets are on sale at the box office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, online through October 14 at 5 p.m., and at the box office starting at 7 p.m. on October 14.
For more information, call (540) 943-9999 or visit waynetheatre.org.
World War II bombers to visit SHD
Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour, B-17 Flying Fortress Nine O Nine, B-24 Liberator Witchcraft, B-25 Mitchell Tondelayo bombers and P-51 Mustang Toulouse Nuts fighter, will fly into Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave for a visit from October 12 to October 14. Participating in the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour, B-17 Flying Fortress Nine O Nine, B-24 Liberator Witchcraft, B-25 Mitchell Tondelayo bombers and P-51 Mustang Toulouse Nuts fighter, will fly into Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave for a visit from October 12 to October 14.
This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of only 8 in flying condition in the United States. The B-24J and is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the World. The B-25 is best known for being used in the daring Doolittle raid and the P-51 “Toulouse Nuts” recently received the 2016 Oshkosh Grand Champion Award for restoration.
Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out – $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. Discounted rates for school groups. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flightaboard these rare aircraft.
Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. Get some “stick time” in the world’s greatest fighter! P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. B-25 flights are $400 per person.
For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.
Special October programs highlight Shenandoah Valley history
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park and its partners will offer a series of special National Park Service ranger programs and other events this October to highlight various stories related to the history of the Shenandoah Valley.
“These programs will give visitors a chance to explore important events of the Valley,” said Eric Campbell, the park’s chief of interpretation. “We will cover a numerous subjects and offer a wide variety of events, including a Star Gazing Party, a special talk at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in conjunction with their African-American Quilt Exhibit “And Still We Rise…” and a series of programs, activities and events as part of the 152ndAnniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Cedar Creek.”
These special presentations include both the popular “History at Sunset” programs and also the new “Battlefield Series” programs. All of these programs are free and last between 90 minutes to two hours.
* October 1 National Park Service Star Gazing Party (7:00 pm) Come look through our telescopes, or bring yours and we can show you how to use it. Co-sponsored by the National Park Service, the Shenandoah Astronomical Society and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. Meet at the Thoburn Property, Bowman’s Mill Road, Middletown (the site will be marked by signs). For more information see:www.nps.gov/cebe or call (540) 869-3051. (Rain date October 29th).
* October 8 Battlefield Series: “Boys, when they come, aim low and give them one good steady fire!” The Battle of Hupp’s Hill Less than a week before the Battle of Cedar Creek, a short, but bitterly fought engagement took place on the slopes of Hupp’s Hill, just north of Strasburg. Join Park Ranger Jeff Driscoll as he describes this important, yet largely forgotten, fight and its impact on Cedar Creek six days later. Meet at the Hupp’s Hill Civil War Park (33229 Old Valley Pike, Strasburg).
* October 14-16 152nd Anniversary Battle of Cedar Creek Commemoration –Programs and Events The National Park Service and its partners will host a series of special activities, events and programs to commemorate the battle. Includes: living history, battle reenactments, lectures, demonstrations, sutlers row and much more. Some events are ticketed. Middletown, VA. (For a complete schedule see:www.nps.gov/cebe or call (540) 869-3051.
Special Ranger Anniversary Programs
- “The Fatal Halt” Tour (Friday, Oct. 14, 1:00 pm) NPS Visitor Contact Station
- History at Sunset: Battle of Cedar Creek Tour (Friday, Oct. 14, 4:00 pm) NPS Visitor Contact Station
- Defense of Belle Grove (Saturday, Oct. 15, 9:00 am) NPS Visitor Contact Station
- Battle of Cedar Creek in a Box (Saturday Oct. 15, 11:30, 1:30, 4:00) Belle Grove
- Battle of Cedar Creek Tour (Sunday, Oct. 16, 10:00 am) starts at NPS Visitor Contact Station
- Battle of Cedar Creek in a Box (Sunday, Oct. 16, 10:30, 12:00, 3:00) Belle Grove
For a complete schedule and other details see: www.nps.gov/cebe or call (540) 869-3051.
* October 26 “Struggles for Freedom” Historic Quilt Talk at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley(2:00). In conjunction with the Museum’s special exhibit “’And Still We Rise’: African American Story Quilts”Ranger Shannon Moeck will lead a conversation exploring how African-American made quilts reflect the history and culture of the antebellum Shenandoah Valley. Learn about how the Valley enslaved population struggled for freedom. Also, learn about how Shenandoah Valley residents responded to the attempted slave uprising at Harper’s Ferry in 1859 and President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. For more information on the exhibit see:www.themsv.org/news-room/african-american-story-quilt-exhibition-opens-msv
For details and updates, call (540) 869-3051 or see: www.nps.gov/cebe.
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum honors veterans
In recognition of President Woodrow Wilson’s involvement in the formation of Veterans Day, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum is co-sponsoring a free Veterans Day program with the First Presbyterian Church of Staunton.
The ceremony to be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 11:00 on November 11th will begin with a moment of silence to remember all veterans; followed by Woodrow Wilson portrayer Judd Bankert presenting excerpts from President Wilson’s announcement of the armistice that ended World War I.
In addition to the program, all veterans, active military members, and their families will receive free admission to the Presidential Library that day.
On November 11, 1918, President Wilson announced the armistice, or temporary halt of fighting in World War I, which took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The following year, he proclaimed that November 11 would forever be Armistice Day in the United States. The day evolved into Veterans Day, when all veterans are remembered and honored and on which, for years, the entire country observed a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. This year’s program will be on the 98th anniversary of that Armistice.
Free admission to the Presidential Library for veterans and their families includes guided tours of President Wilson’s Birthplace and self-guided tours of the Woodrow Wilson Museum, which features the World War I trench exhibit and President Wilson’s 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine.
Those interested in more information about the Veterans Day program or the free admission offer should contact Bob Robinson at the Presidential Library, at (540) 885-0897, ext. 102, or by email atrrobinson@woodrowwilson.org.
Find Your Park quest leads to great surprise at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove
The National Park Service has been celebrating its 100th anniversary this year by urging Americans to “find their park.” The Jim and Cheri Maitland family of Rives Junction, Michigan recently made the 500 mile, 8-hour trip to ‘find’ Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Not unlike the battle story itself, the Maitlands found surprise and intrigue. “Cedar Creek and Belle Grove was such a wonderful surprise and delight,” according to family feedback to park staff.
Jim, Cheri, and their children, Jameson, age 14 and Gerald, age 12 are determined to visit all 413 park units in the National Park system. “Cedar Creek and Belle Grove NHP was our 280th park unit to visit since we began visiting parks in 2010,” according to Cheri Maitland. The Maitlands not only sightsee each park visited but also delve deeply into the history found there by actively participating in every Junior Ranger Program.
“To become Junior Rangers here at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove, participants learn our history, explore, attend ranger programs and tour various park features to be able to answer questions in our Junior Ranger guidebook,” according to chief interpretive ranger Eric Campbell. “Guidebook activities and questions are age-group specific and participants must present their completed booklet to a park ranger or volunteer for review prior to being ‘sworn in’ as a park Junior Ranger,” he said.
“We had planned to spend about three hours sightseeing and for the kids to complete their Junior Ranger activities here, but much to our surprise, our visit became an overnight stay since much of the next day was needed to experience all this park has to offer,” said Maitland. “We knew very little about the Shenandoah Valley and virtually nothing about this park’s incredible history. The self-guided driving tour with map and CD provided by the park was amazing. We walked trails, visited Hupps Hill, toured the Belle Grove mansion and experienced a wonderful ‘history in a box’ ranger program where period history was explained in a way suited for all age groups. Our kids particularly enjoyed collecting Civil War trading cards from locations throughout the park. The electronic map and audio-visual presentation at the visitors station offered us a perfect birds-eye-view of the Battle of Cedar Creek’s amazing story.”
“Cedar Creek’s rangers and volunteers are some of the best we’ve encountered anywhere. Thanks for making Cedar Creek National Historical Park such a memorable stop and truly worth the 8-hour drive back to Michigan,” said Maitland.
The Maitland kids pride themselves on qualifying for Junior Ranger badges, but instead of completing minimum task requirements for their age group, they complete every activity and respond to every single question – at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove, that’s a 14-page booklet.
“Regional school classes, youth groups, scout troops, 4-H members and local families are invited to ‘find their park’ at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove and to explore, learn and protect park history and resources through participation in our Junior Ranger program,” said park ranger Shannon Moeck. “They should be ready for a great new challenge and exciting learning experience when they arrive.”
Contact a ranger at (540) 869-3051 or go to nps.gov/cebe/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm for more information about becoming a Junior Ranger.
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park was established by Congress in 2002 and first offered park ranger interpretive programs and a visitor contact station “visitation center” in 2013. Designated a ‘partnership park,’ most public areas within its 1,600 acres of publicly accessible land belong to one of five park partners – The National Historic Trust, Belle Grove, Inc., Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation, Shenandoah Valley National Historic District, and Shenandoah County.
The park was established to protect the significant historic, natural, military and scenic resources associated with the Battle of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove Plantation and surrounding area, and to interpret the history of the Shenandoah Valley – “From Backcounty to Breadbasket to Battlefield and Beyond.”
Fall festivals and activities abound in Rockbridge County
Bright foliage is the backdrop for autumn events and adventures in Rockbridge County. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a weekend getaway, festival, outdoor entertainment or other activities that you are looking for. Check out what’s coming up!
Wade’s Mill Apple Butter Festival – Oct. 22: Join us at Wade’s Mill from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 21st annual Apple Butter Festival featuring foods, wines, music and crafts! Free admission. Take I-81 to exit 205, 4 miles west on Raphine Road. Info: www.facebook.com/WadesMill/
Baroque Equestrian Games 2016 Competition, Expo & Grand Gala – October 21-23: Join us for the 4th Annual Classical Horsemanship Competition, Expo and Gala. The schedule includes lectures and classes on ground work, classical schooling, mounted maneuvers, musical freestyles. Classes are in the East Complex of the Virginia Horse Show and are free and open to the public! Join us FRIDAY NIGHT, October 21, 2016, for an unforgettable evening of fun & frivolity, romance & revelry as the East Complex is transformed into a festival of equestrian enchantments. In keeping with the festivity of the Baroque Equestrian Games, we encourage everyone to come in costume (optional) as we roll out an extraordinary evening of magnificent horse breeds, equestrian talent, and must have products for the Classical Horse lover. On Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m. the new Grand Gala “Angels for Children – The Magical Horse,” embraces the wonder and fascination that shines within every child. A truly magical evening unfolds the story of a beautiful, young unicorn who is being called to earth by the children of Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center to help them. Info: baroquegames.net.
Virginia Military Institute Parade: Watch as the entire Virginia Military Institute Corps of Cadets march in full formation. It’s an impressive sight and one you can’t miss when in Lexington. October 28 at 4:35 pm. Info: calendar.vmi.edu/
Rockbridge Pumpkin Festival – Oct. 29: This family friendly event featuring a fall and holiday craft fair, entertainment throughout the day, a giant kids’ zone, great festival food, a community showcase, and of course . . . pumpkins! Watch pumpkins hurl through the air in our pumpkin chunkin’ contest. See scary, weird, funny, and amazing sculpted pumpkins at our carving contest. It’s a whole day of festival fun, all for the benefit of career and technical education programs in Rockbridge County Schools. Info: www.rockbridgepumpkinfestival.
To learn more about upcoming events in the Lexington/Rockbridge area, call (540) 463-3777 or visit www.lexingtonvirginia.com.
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance issues call for entries to Veterans Day parade
The City of Harrisonburg will honor our nation’s heroes at the Annual Veterans Parade & Concert on Sunday, November 6.
The parade begins at 2:00pm at the Rockingham County Administration Building, 20 East Gay Street, and travels south on Main Street to City Hall, 345 South Main Street.
At 3:30pm, a brief reception for veterans, families and friends will be held at Harrisonburg High School followed by the annual Veterans Concert presented by the Harrisonburg High School Music Department. Attendees will enjoy patriotic works from the Harrisonburg High School Symphonic Band and Honors Choir.
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance invites all clubs, civic organizations, companies, and individuals to participate in the parade. All parade entries must display a patriotic theme or honor veterans in a special way.
The entry fee is $25.00 for commercial entries. Non-profit and government entities are exempt from this fee. Applications must be submitted to Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance by November 1, 2016.
For more information, visit downtownharrisonburg.org or call 540-432-8922.
Registration open for VMI conference on strategic leadership
Registration is now open for the seventh annual Leadership and Ethics Conference at VMI, to be held Nov. 2-3. This year’s conference, titled “Strategic Leadership in Times of Global Transition: Past, Present, and Future,” is intended for high school and college students, as well as professionals in psychology and leadership, international business, political science, law enforcement, and national security.
The keynote speaker will be James A. “Jim” Baker III, White House chief of staff during the administrations of both President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. Baker, who carries the distinction of having served in the cabinets of three U.S. presidents, will receive VMI’s Harry F. Byrd ’35 Public Service Award during an11:15 a.m. ceremony in Cameron Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 2. That ceremony is open to the public free of charge.
In addition to Baker, more than a dozen experts will explore strategic leadership from a military, geopolitical, and global enterprise standpoint, with a special look at the leadership of Gen. George C. Marshall, VMI Class of 1901, as the 70th anniversary of the Marshall Plan approaches in 2017.
Among those speaking will be Linda Robinson, senior policy analyst with the Rand Corp.; Dr. Michael Mandelbaum, author of Mission Failure: America and the World in the Post-Cold War Era; and Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center.
The program follows a timeline from post-World War II through the end of the Cold War, from Sept. 11 to the present, and from the present to the mid-21st century.
Conference participants will challenge their skills in critical thinking and ethical decision-making during an Ethical Leadership Challenge, in which they will break into small groups to examine a scenario rooted in historical events.
Registration rates through Oct. 19 are $39 for high school students, $59 for undergraduate students, and $99 for all others. After Oct. 19, the registration fee will be $99 for undergraduates and $119 for non-students. The fee for high school students will not change. Continuing education units are available.
Visit www.vmi.edu/leadershipconference for more details.
Honoring 100 Years of the National Park Service-Textile Style
Shenandoah National Park is displaying 13 art quilts created to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service from October 4 through October 24 at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6 Skyline Drive). The quilts were created by Fiber Works, a group of textile artists from the Lincoln-Omaha, Nebraska area. The artists were inspired by their favorite national park site. The quilts are on a year-long tour of the 13 chosen parks.
“The National Park system is a gift to all Americans. For one hundred years places of historical significance, structures of great merit and many of the natural wonders of our country have been preserved and protected. The National Park system is a symbol of what it means to be an American. We each felt moved by our chosen park or monument to design a piece of fiber art to represent it. We hope others will enjoy viewing the pieces we have created from our hearts” stated Cynthia Levis of Fiber Works.
Parks on the tour include, in order of exhibition, Homestead National Monument of America in Nebraska, Joshua Tree National Park in California, Saguaro National Park in Arizona, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, Glacier National Park in Montana, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Everglades National Park in Florida, and Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in Missouri.
The schedule for this exhibition can be found on the www.nps.gov/home/
Art quilting incorporates modern and traditional quilting techniques. The artist may use many different processes to create their artwork, including painting, dyeing, stamping, piecing, collage, printing (often incorporating a photograph printed onto fabric), applique, and other complex cloth processes. Inspiration is the key.
“Shenandoah National Park is honored to have inspired one of these creations,” said Superintendent Jim Northup.
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) and from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Friday/Saturday) until October 29. From October 30th through November 27th the visitor center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.daily. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 24th.
Find Your Park quest leads to great surprise at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove
The National Park Service has been celebrating its 100th anniversary this year by urging Americans to “find their park.” The Jim and Cheri Maitland family of Rives Junction, Michigan recently made the 500 mile, 8-hour trip to ‘find’ Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Not unlike the battle story itself, the Maitlands found surprise and intrigue. “Cedar Creek and Belle Grove was such a wonderful surprise and delight,” according to family feedback to park staff.
Jim, Cheri, and their children, Jameson, age 14 and Gerald, age 12 are determined to visit all 413 park units in the National Park system. “Cedar Creek and Belle Grove NHP was our 280th park unit to visit since we began visiting parks in 2010,” according to Cheri Maitland. The Maitlands not only sightsee each park visited but also delve deeply into the history found there by actively participating in every Junior Ranger Program.
“To become Junior Rangers here at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove, participants learn our history, explore, attend ranger programs and tour various park features to be able to answer questions in our Junior Ranger guidebook,” according to chief interpretive ranger Eric Campbell. “Guidebook activities and questions are age-group specific and participants must present their completed booklet to a park ranger or volunteer for review prior to being ‘sworn in’ as a park Junior Ranger,” he said.
“We had planned to spend about three hours sightseeing and for the kids to complete their Junior Ranger activities here, but much to our surprise, our visit became an overnight stay since much of the next day was needed to experience all this park has to offer,” said Maitland. “We knew very little about the Shenandoah Valley and virtually nothing about this park’s incredible history. The self-guided driving tour with map and CD provided by the park was amazing. We walked trails, visited Hupps Hill, toured the Belle Grove mansion and experienced a wonderful ‘history in a box’ ranger program where period history was explained in a way suited for all age groups. Our kids particularly enjoyed collecting Civil War trading cards from locations throughout the park. The electronic map and audio-visual presentation at the visitors station offered us a perfect birds-eye-view of the Battle of Cedar Creek’s amazing story.”
“Cedar Creek’s rangers and volunteers are some of the best we’ve encountered anywhere. Thanks for making Cedar Creek National Historical Park such a memorable stop and truly worth the 8-hour drive back to Michigan,” said Maitland.
The Maitland kids pride themselves on qualifying for Junior Ranger badges, but instead of completing minimum task requirements for their age group, they complete every activity and respond to every single question – at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove, that’s a 14-page booklet.
“Regional school classes, youth groups, scout troops, 4-H members and local families are invited to ‘find their park’ at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove and to explore, learn and protect park history and resources through participation in our Junior Ranger program,” said park ranger Shannon Moeck. “They should be ready for a great new challenge and exciting learning experience when they arrive.”
Contact a ranger at (540) 869-3051 or go to nps.gov/cebe/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm for more information about becoming a Junior Ranger.
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park was established by Congress in 2002 and first offered park ranger interpretive programs and a visitor contact station “visitation center” in 2013. Designated a ‘partnership park,’ most public areas within its 1,600 acres of publicly accessible land belong to one of five park partners – The National Historic Trust, Belle Grove, Inc., Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation, Shenandoah Valley National Historic District, and Shenandoah County.
The park was established to protect the significant historic, natural, military and scenic resources associated with the Battle of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove Plantation and surrounding area, and to interpret the history of the Shenandoah Valley – “From Backcounty to Breadbasket to Battlefield and Beyond.”
Augusta County native ‘Goin Home’: Scott Miller at the Wayne Theatre on Oct. 14
Scott Miller knows the spotlight as the leader of the cult favorite The V-Roys. He also knows the quiet life having returned to Augusta County to take care of the family farm.
Miller’s two very different worlds will come together on Friday, Oct. 14, with a concert at the Wayne Theatre/Ross Performing Arts Center in Waynesboro. Concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and on sale now.
Comic Rob Ruthenberg will deliver an opening set. Ruthenberg is a Roanoke-based comedian who has toured the country working with such acts as Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Billy Gardell, and Weird Al. He’s now an on-air personality for The Valley’s Music Place 101.5 FM, Roanoke’s local radio station.
Miller, who recently collaborated with filmmaker James Weems and photographer Glen Rose to produce the mini-documentary “Goin’ Home,” which explores Miller’s personal and musical journey since returning to the family farm, will be, in essence, home at the Wayne, 20 miles from where he grew up in nearby Swoope.
A graduate of William & Mary, with degrees in history and Russian and Soviet studies, Miller has been a storyteller since childhood, when he developed a fascination with Civil War and Appalachian history that comes across in his music, which reflects a mix of country, bluegrass, rock, rockabilly and down home.
“History is my jam,” Miller said. “The story is already there and all you need to do is find some connection with it and try to connect that to the listener.”
He first drew attention in the mid-1990s as the leader of The V-Roys, which were signed and produced by the legendary Steve Earle for Earle’s E-Squared Label. The V-Roys produced two critically-acclaimed albums before disbanding, and Miller moved on to form a new band, The Commonwealth, that has itself won critical praise.
Miller is now based in Augusta County, where he took over the family beef cattle farm, and looks after his parents.
The Wayne Theatre/Ross Performing Arts Center is located at 521 West Main Street in downtown Waynesboro. Tickets are on sale at the box office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, online through October 14 at 5 p.m., and at the box office starting at 7 p.m. on October 14.
For more information, call (540) 943-9999 or visit waynetheatre.org.
World War II bombers to visit SHD
Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour, B-17 Flying Fortress Nine O Nine, B-24 Liberator Witchcraft, B-25 Mitchell Tondelayo bombers and P-51 Mustang Toulouse Nuts fighter, will fly into Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave for a visit from October 12 to October 14. Participating in the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour, B-17 Flying Fortress Nine O Nine, B-24 Liberator Witchcraft, B-25 Mitchell Tondelayo bombers and P-51 Mustang Toulouse Nuts fighter, will fly into Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave for a visit from October 12 to October 14.
This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of only 8 in flying condition in the United States. The B-24J and is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the World. The B-25 is best known for being used in the daring Doolittle raid and the P-51 “Toulouse Nuts” recently received the 2016 Oshkosh Grand Champion Award for restoration.
Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out – $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. Discounted rates for school groups. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flightaboard these rare aircraft.
Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. Get some “stick time” in the world’s greatest fighter! P-51 flights are $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. B-25 flights are $400 per person.
For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.
Special October programs highlight Shenandoah Valley history
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park and its partners will offer a series of special National Park Service ranger programs and other events this October to highlight various stories related to the history of the Shenandoah Valley.
“These programs will give visitors a chance to explore important events of the Valley,” said Eric Campbell, the park’s chief of interpretation. “We will cover a numerous subjects and offer a wide variety of events, including a Star Gazing Party, a special talk at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in conjunction with their African-American Quilt Exhibit “And Still We Rise…” and a series of programs, activities and events as part of the 152ndAnniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Cedar Creek.”
These special presentations include both the popular “History at Sunset” programs and also the new “Battlefield Series” programs. All of these programs are free and last between 90 minutes to two hours.
* October 1 National Park Service Star Gazing Party (7:00 pm) Come look through our telescopes, or bring yours and we can show you how to use it. Co-sponsored by the National Park Service, the Shenandoah Astronomical Society and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. Meet at the Thoburn Property, Bowman’s Mill Road, Middletown (the site will be marked by signs). For more information see:www.nps.gov/cebe or call (540) 869-3051. (Rain date October 29th).
* October 8 Battlefield Series: “Boys, when they come, aim low and give them one good steady fire!” The Battle of Hupp’s Hill Less than a week before the Battle of Cedar Creek, a short, but bitterly fought engagement took place on the slopes of Hupp’s Hill, just north of Strasburg. Join Park Ranger Jeff Driscoll as he describes this important, yet largely forgotten, fight and its impact on Cedar Creek six days later. Meet at the Hupp’s Hill Civil War Park (33229 Old Valley Pike, Strasburg).
* October 14-16 152nd Anniversary Battle of Cedar Creek Commemoration –Programs and Events The National Park Service and its partners will host a series of special activities, events and programs to commemorate the battle. Includes: living history, battle reenactments, lectures, demonstrations, sutlers row and much more. Some events are ticketed. Middletown, VA. (For a complete schedule see:www.nps.gov/cebe or call (540) 869-3051.
Special Ranger Anniversary Programs
- “The Fatal Halt” Tour (Friday, Oct. 14, 1:00 pm) NPS Visitor Contact Station
- History at Sunset: Battle of Cedar Creek Tour (Friday, Oct. 14, 4:00 pm) NPS Visitor Contact Station
- Defense of Belle Grove (Saturday, Oct. 15, 9:00 am) NPS Visitor Contact Station
- Battle of Cedar Creek in a Box (Saturday Oct. 15, 11:30, 1:30, 4:00) Belle Grove
- Battle of Cedar Creek Tour (Sunday, Oct. 16, 10:00 am) starts at NPS Visitor Contact Station
- Battle of Cedar Creek in a Box (Sunday, Oct. 16, 10:30, 12:00, 3:00) Belle Grove
For a complete schedule and other details see: www.nps.gov/cebe or call (540) 869-3051.
* October 26 “Struggles for Freedom” Historic Quilt Talk at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley(2:00). In conjunction with the Museum’s special exhibit “’And Still We Rise’: African American Story Quilts”Ranger Shannon Moeck will lead a conversation exploring how African-American made quilts reflect the history and culture of the antebellum Shenandoah Valley. Learn about how the Valley enslaved population struggled for freedom. Also, learn about how Shenandoah Valley residents responded to the attempted slave uprising at Harper’s Ferry in 1859 and President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. For more information on the exhibit see:www.themsv.org/news-room/african-american-story-quilt-exhibition-opens-msv
For details and updates, call (540) 869-3051 or see: www.nps.gov/cebe.