Shenandoah National Park celebrates wilderness

Shenandoah National Park will honor America’s Wilderness heritage during its 16^th annual Wilderness Weekend, September 10-11.

This year commemorates the 40^thanniversary of Shenandoah’s Wilderness designation. Come celebrate Wilderness by viewing Shenandoah’s Wilderness from Skyline Drive, hiking a Wilderness trail, joining a ranger program, learning how to use traditional tools for Wilderness trail maintenance, completing the Ranger Explorer Wilderness Activity Guide, watching a movie about Wilderness or exploring a visitor center exhibit.

Wilderness Weekend will begin with a kick-off event, Friday September 9^th at 7:30 p.m.  Join a ranger as they explore Wilderness, its effects on society today and how we can take home some of those Wilderness values after our trip to Shenandoah. This program will take place at the Skyland Amphitheater, mile 42.5, and is scheduled to last 45 minutes.

Special events will take place throughout the weekend. At the Byrd Visitor Center, mile 51 on Skyline Drive, there will be a traditional tool display and demonstration from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Shenandoah National Park’s Trail Crew will share their expertise regarding the use of traditional tools in maintaining trails in Wilderness areas. Visitors will be able to try their hands at using these tools and will gain insight into the important role trail maintenance plays in protecting Wilderness for future generations. Rangers will also be on site to help explore the history and significance of Shenandoah’s Wilderness through exhibits and hands-on activities for children. A film,American Values: American Wilderness, narrated by Christopher Reeve, explores Wilderness across the United States. The movie will be shown at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the Byrd Visitor Center auditorium each day.

There will be a four-mile ranger-led hike to Rose River, exploring the unique beauty and the benefits of one of Shenandoah’s Wilderness trails. The Rose River hike is onSaturday, September 10 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Meet the ranger at Fisher’s Gap Overlook, mile 49.3, at 9:00 a.m. Please bring water, a snack and wear appropriate footwear.

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of hiking trails.  We encourage you to bring a map as you explore, but do you truly know how to read it?  Do you know how to use a compass?  Join a ranger to learn the basics of orienteering at these hands on seminars, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Byrd Visitor Center, mile 51.

A stove, a water filter, extra socks, flashlight, extra batteries, three gallons of water, a cell phone, shampoo and conditioner.  Should I take all this with me on my backpacking trip?  Join a Ranger to learn what the ten essential items are you should bring on your Wilderness experience.  This hands-on seminar will take place at the Byrd Visitor Center, Saturday from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., mile 51.

Properly hanging your bear bag, securing your tent at night, keeping your boots on your feet…  What do they all have in common?  Knots!  Join a ranger to learn how to tie some simple knots that will come in handy while exploring Shenandoah’s Wilderness areas.  This hands-on seminar will be held Sunday from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Byrd Visitor Center, mile 51.

There will be a one hour Search and Rescue Dog Seminar provided by Dogs East onSaturday, September 10from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  The presentation will be held at the Big Meadows Amphitheater in the picnic grounds, mile 51.  Come learn and observe how these dogs play a critical role in search and rescue operations.

Ranger Explorers (ages 13 and up) are invited to explore Wilderness using the Ranger Explorer Wilderness Activity Guide, “The Wild Side of Shenandoah.” This activity guide, part of an advanced Junior Ranger book series, leads visitors through seven activities that explore the meaning and significance of Shenandoah’s Wilderness. One activity puts the participant in the role of a Wilderness ranger who has to decide how to protect Wilderness values while keeping trails open and safe for hikers. Activity guides are available free of charge at the Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51) and the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6). Participants who complete the seven activities will earn a Wilderness patch.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by park visitor centers for more opportunities to learn about Shenandoah’s Wilderness through exhibits. The highly interactive exhibit at Byrd Visitor Center, “Within a Day’s Drive of Millions,” tells the story of Shenandoah’s establishment, including the significance of Wilderness designation. At the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, visitors can explore the interactive exhibit that provides an excellent orientation to Shenandoah, including a look at Wilderness in Shenandoah.

Shenandoah’s Wilderness was designated by Congress on October 20, 1976. Forty percent of the park, almost 80,000 acres, is Wilderness and represents one of the largest Wilderness areas in the eastern United States. Areas preserved as Wilderness provide sanctuaries for human recreation, habitat for wildlife, sites for research, and reservoirs for clean, free-flowing water. Wilderness areas have been designated on public land across the United States. Today more than 109 million acres of public land are protected in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

There is a $20-per-vehicle entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park which is good for seven days. For more information on Wilderness Weekend and a complete schedule of events, contact Shenandoah National Park at540-999-3500. For more information about Shenandoah National Park and Wilderness, visit the Park’s website at www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/wilderness_weekend.

Choose your side with The Rise of Queen Margaret at American Shakespeare Center

The American Shakespeare Center will open the final production of its Summer/Fall Season on September 9. The Rise of Queen Margaret (Henry VI, Part 2) is a wild carnival of avarice and the glorious second installment of the Wars of the Roses tetralogy. The ASC will continue the Wars of the Roses tetralogy over the next two artistic years with The Fall of King (Henry VI,Part 3) in 2017 and Richard III in 2018.

Young King Henry’s fierce and ambitious queen, Margaret of Anjou, leads the House of Lancaster in brutal civil wars against the House of York and its would-be-king, Richard, Duke of York. Witchcraft, demons, murders, and the spectacular Jack Cade rebellion all conspire to make this play unforgettable. The Rise of Queen Margaret continues the story of England’s civil wars begun in last year’s Shakespeare’s Joan of Arc (Henry VI, Part 1). ASC Artistic Director and Margaret Director Jim Warren says “Margaret is no less a warrior than last year’s Joan; but in this play she fights her political battles with schemes and dreams rather than a sword. Smart, ruthless, and cunning, she’s a powerful Queen you can love or hate.”

The Rise of Queen Margaret is the potboiler of the Wars of the Roses series, with rising tensions that ultimately consume the entire country.  Allison Glenzer returns as Queen Margaret, as does Patrick Earl as the Duke of Suffolk. Bitter rivalries and shifting allegiances make this chapter a politically-charged powerhouse perfectly suited for this election year.

Margaret joins three other productions currently playing in rotating repertory at the Blackfriars Playhouse as part of the 2016 Summer/Fall Season. Shakespeare’s heartwarming comedy Twelfth Night, his enthralling family drama King Lear, and the rock’n’roll epic Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson will continue playing alongside Margaret through November.

Act fast to guarantee your seat. Reserved tickets for The Rise of Queen Margaret (Henry VI, Part 2) can be purchased by calling 1.877.Much.Ado, visiting the Blackfriars Playhouse Box Office on 10 South Market Street in Staunton, or logging online to AmericanShakespeareCenter.com. Ticket prices start at $26. Pay What You Will performances are on September 7 and 9. Residents of Staunton, Waynesboro or Augusta County can take advantage of $18 local rush tickets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Student, Senior, Military, and AAA discounts are available.

Glow run to raise money for Rockbridge Area Hospice

Rockbridge Area Hospice announced the return of the nighttime 5K Glow Run and Walk for this year’s annual Hospice Hustle at the Lexington Golf and Country Club on Saturday, September 17th.

Participants will run or walk through the golf course cart paths lit by glow sticks and all of the glow decor that the runners/walkers can manage to wear; head lamps are encouraged!  Race planners have worked hard to provide extra “glow” to light the course, as well as directional signs to assist in navigating the 5K.

Adult runner/walker pre-registration $15.00, kids 12 and under are free. Registration for adults includes a race t-shirt if registered by August 31st and a BBQ meal sponsored by Kendal at Lexington. The BBQ meal is also included with the free kids 12 and under registration.

Runners and walkers are encouraged to dress up, be creative, wear as much glow attire as possible – the brighter the better.  Prizes are awarded to the individual with the best costume and the team with the best costume theme.

This year’s event will run from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and will feature live music (5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m) by Bruce Allen,Zumba warm-up provided by Fitness Your Way, face painting and more! Drinks and BBQ meals for additional guests/non-participating sponsors, etc. will be available for purchase. Participants are encouraged to stick around for the awards and after party with music by DJ TREVSTO.

For more information about this year’s event, to register, donate and/or purchase a luminary, visit www.hospicehustle.org.

Shenandoah Valley Art Center features BozArt in September

The Shenandoah Valley Art Center, during the month of September, is exhibiting in the Cabell/Arehart Gallery the artwork of BozArt, an artist’s cooperative located in Charlottesville.

As a diverse group of artists exhibiting together, their mission is to effectively represent accomplished artists who are committed to creating original works of art. The gallery supports the artistic vision of its members without exclusive focus on the commercial salability of their work.  Opportunities to be a part of an art community, to share resources with other artists, and to further develop a professional artistic reputation are additional benefits to gallery members. They strive to preserve and protect freedom of expression and views this freedom to create as a form of free speech. They respect an artist’s right to communicate his/her ideas artistically, and have agreed to refrain from any act that could cause that right to be abridged. An opening will be held Saturday, September 3, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and the public is encouraged to come and meet the artists.

In the members’ gallery and the docent room, SVAC member artists will present “Artist’s Choice,” works selected by the artists from their preferred medium.

Back by popular demand after summer vacation!  Shenandoah Valley Art Center offers, the ever popular Saturday Art for Kids, presenting a creative art experience for young artists from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Designed as a program that expands upon art offered in school or as an art experience for the home schooled, the classes are taught by artists who are amazing with kids. All supplies and snacks included for children ages 6 – 10 ($50 per 4 classes or $15 per class).

The SVAC 2nd Annual Studio Tour will be held September 17, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and September 18, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Tour the studios of professional arts and artisans in Augusta and Nelson Counties. Partnerships between artists will place a varied collection of works at each studio location, maximizing the number of artists to be visited and diminishing the travel time for the art collector. Visit the artists’ studios and be their guest to refreshments, demonstrations, studio tours, and plenty of original artwork for sale.

Save the date! The renowned 45th Virginia Fall Foliage Festival Art Show will be held on October 8 and 9. Approximately one hundred and fifty artists from across the country will bring their artwork to downtown Waynesboro.  Exhibits will open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday with free admission and parking. Join us for tons of unique art, a chance to sample regional gourmet foods, craft beers, and great music. Face painting for kids, an interactive art project for visitors, live painting, roving musicians, street performers, and a day culminating with an awards ceremony for the artists are just a few of the features resulting from a partnership between the Art Show and Waynesboro Down Town Development, Inc.  Recently, the show was voted one of the top three art events in Virginia by “Virginia Living” readers

Open studio opportunities in the Virginia Ross Education Studio are available to printmakers and ceramic artists.  Access to top of the line clay and printmaking equipment and space to work will be furnished for $60 per quarter.   Apply on line at www.SVACart.com.

The art center is a retail alliance partner with the Artisan Center of Virginia. In the SVAC Gift Shop you can find the perfect creative gift in fiber, jewelry, wood, glass, pottery, and more by juried artisans from Virginia and SVAC member artists.

The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is located in downtown Waynesboro at 122 S. Wayne Avenue.  Galleries are open to the public 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.  For more information, call (540) 949-7662 or visit www.svacart.com.

National Park Service announces Shenandoah Valley history programs

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 September 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 series of programs on critical moments of the Battle of Cedar Creek, a tour of the Battle of Third Winchester, a presentation the impact of the Civil War on the local citizens, living history and a special exhibit on the slave trade in Virginia.”

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.

* July 26 —September 25:  “To Be Sold” Virginia and the American Slave Trade: A special exhibit from the Library of Virginia examines the impact of the slave trade on African Americans.  For more information call (540) 869-2028.

* September 9 —History at Sunset: “Our once beautiful but now desolated Valley”  Post-War Shenandoah Valley, Virginia  (6:00 pm) The aftermath of the Civil War brought many challenges to the residents of the Shenandoah Valley.  In the fall of 1864, the war-torn region had been destroyed by Union General Phil Sheridan’s “Burning,” and in the post-war period, the Valley’s residents not only had to deal with the economic recovery, but also the political changes facing the nation.  Park Ranger Shannon Moeck will discuss how Valley civilians, including former slaves and Confederate veterans, adjusted and adapted to their new environment, and went about rebuilding their lives during this uncertain time.  Meet at Belle Grove Plantation Manor House (336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA)

* September 10—Battlefield Series: “A great deal of labor was…expended in building breastworks….” Exploring the Civil War Entrenchments at Cedar Creek  (2:00 pm) Some of the most well preserved original Civil War entrenchments in the Shenandoah Valley are located on the bluffs above Cedar Creek.  Join Park Ranger Jim Horn for a special walking tour that explores their construction and role during the Battle of Cedar Creek.  Preserved by the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation and Belle Grove, these earthworks are the focal point of a newly expanded walking trail. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station (7712 Main Street, Middletown).  Visitors will then car-pool to another site.

* September 17—Battlefield Series:  Capt. Henry DuPont and the Role of Artillery at the Battle of Cedar Creek(2:00 pm)  Join Park Volunteer Chuck Barker as he examines the role of Capt. Henry DuPont and his 8^thCorps batteries during the Battle of Cedar Creek.  DuPont’s actions would later earn him the Medal of Honor.  This car caravan tour will explore areas not normally accessible to the public.  Meet at the Visitor Contact Station (7712 Main Street, Middletown).Visitors will then car caravan to various locations on the battlefield.

* September 23 —History at Sunset: “…a perfect slaughterhouse”  The Battle of Third Winchester Tour(5:00 pm)

Join Ranger Eric Campbell has he leads a car caravan tour (visitors follow the ranger’s vehicle) that will cover the battle chronologically.  Meet at the Third Winchester Visitor Center (541 Redbud Road, Winchester, VA).  The tour will consist of both moderate walking and a car-caravan tour to various sites across the battlefield.

* September 24—Smithsonian Museum Day Live!  (10:00 – 4:00) Come to Belle Grove for Smithsonian Magazine’sMuseum Day Live! Belle Grove is partnering with the Smithsonian and thousands of other museums by offering Free Admission. For more information call (540) 869-2028 or see: www.bellegrove.org.

* September 23-24—Living History Encampment  Members of the 55^th Virginia will encampment and perform firing demonstrations.  Learn about the life of the common soldier.  Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation Headquarters (8437 Valley Pike, Middletown).

* September 30 —History at Sunset:  The Long Gray Trail:  History of the Valley Turnpike (5:00 pm) One of the most critical features in the settlement and economic growth of the Shenandoah Valley was the existence and improvement of the principal road that ran along its length.  Known successively as the Great Warrior Path, the Great Wagon Road, and the Valley Pike, this thoroughfare played a critical role throughout the entire history of the Valley, and of numerous campaigns during the Civil War.  Join Park Ranger Shannon Moeck as she explains the evolution of this road and its impact on history.  Meet at the Belle Grove Plantation Manor House (336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA).  This program will visit several locations around the park, and thus will involve a car caravan system (visitors follow the ranger’s vehicle).

For details and updates, call (540) 869-3051 or see: www.nps.gov/cebe.

Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park offers a wide variety of ranger-conducted programs, which tell the park’s many stories related to the rich cultural history of the Shenandoah Valley and the American Civil War.  These programs are offered regularly. Check the park website (www.nps.gov/cebe) or call (540) 869-3051for a current schedule.

Sunflower field east of Harrisonburg opens for Walk for Hope fundraiser

In 2014, the Frazier family planted a field of sunflowers along well-traveled Route 33. They didn’t quite anticipate the impact of the flowers on passers-by, who stopped cars, gawked, took photos and trespassed to enjoy the unique sight.

Now the Fraziers and their business, Frazier Quarry, are turning that wonder into a fundraiser for Walk for Hope, an event close to their hearts.

The field, located at the junction of Jim Britt Way and Va. 33 east of Harrisonburg, will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, for flower picking and photos. A donation of $5/bundle is suggested to benefit Walk for Hope.

Each spring, Walk for Hope draws area college students and community members together to raise awareness about mental health, depression and suicide among college-age youth. The event was founded and funded by Bibb and Dolly Frazier, who lost their son, Austin, in 2009 after a long battle with bipolar disorder.

Sturdy, close-toed shoes are recommended, as are a set of pruners. Sunflower stalks can be tough, says Mike Frazier, the company’s health, safety, and environmental coordinator. “Pick a few, give one to a loved one, a friend, or a complete stranger. Spread the love because you never know just how much that flower can mean to someone.”

The Fraziers request that vehicles do not stop or park at any other time because of safety on the heavily trafficked road and out of respect for neighbors.

2017 Walk for Hope planned for March 25

The 2017 Walk for Hope will be Saturday, March 25, and is hosted by Eastern Mennonite University. The event is co-sponsored by the Austin Frazier Memorial Fund, Eastern Mennonite University, James Madison University, Bridgewater College and Blue Ridge Community College. Since its founding in 2011, the site of the annual walk has rotated among supporting colleges and universities.

The Austin Frazier Memorial Fund honors Austin, who was a junior at James Madison University when he died in 2009.

In 2010, the Frazier family helped to start an innovative mentoring program at EMU called CoachLink, in which trained adult mentors are paired with students in informal and supportive coaching-style relationships.

Story by Lauren Jefferson

Belle Grove Plantation to host Wine Fest

Belle Grove Plantation will host its annual Wine Fest on Saturday, August 27, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at www.bellegrove.org.

The event will feature tastings from North Mountain Vineyard & Winery (Maurertown), Mountain View Vineyard (Strasburg), Quievremont Wine (Washington), Hunt’s Vineyard (Stuarts Draft), Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery (Stephens City), and Chateau O’Brien (Markham).  Winchester Ciderworks and Old Hill Cider (Timberville) will also participate.  Copper Fox Distillery from Sperryville will attend this year’s festival and provide samples of their products, which include Belle Grove 1797 Whiskey, based on the grains and techniques used at Belle Grove’s 18th century distillery.

Visitors with tasting tickets will receive a souvenir tasting glass and be able to sample from all vineyards and cideries as well as purchase wine or cider by the glass, bottle, or case.  There will be tent where guests may “check” their bags, making it easier for them to move around to all the activities at the event.

Live music will be another feature of the festival.  From 11:30-2:30, country music and honky-tonk singer and Strasburg native, Danni Leigh, will perform.  At 3:00 p.m., Clay Arthur and the Mystic Pistols will take the stage with their eclectic variety of music including favorites from Clarence Clearwater Revival, Jimmy Buffett, George Strait, Violent Femmes, and more.

Throughout the day will be sheepdog handling demonstrations by Mark Soper and Nancy Cox Starkey in the field behind the tasting area.  The U.S. Border Collie Handlers Association’s 2017 National Sheepdog Finals will be held at Belle Grove September 26-October 1, 2017.

Belle Grove’s Wine Fest will also include cooking demonstrations in the big, red barn.  Master Gardener Larry Haun will present “Cooking with Herbs” from 12:00-12:30 and then conduct a tour of the Belle Grove historic herb and flower garden.  At 1:30, Chef Christa Nahhas of La Nourriture Catering will demonstrate “Ciders and Sliders” with savory and sweet treats.  At 3:00, Chef Blair Dolinar of Nibblins’ Gourmet and Kitchen Shop will conduct a demonstration featuring peanut soup. For dessert at 4:00, Chef Tiffany Akers Hockman of Tippy’s Bakery in Strasburg will demonstrate making a wine infused cake.

Food will be available for purchase from area vendors.  Winchester based food truck, Shaffers Barbecue Palace, will bring their popular smoked meats and sides made with family recipes.  Mac Shack Express will be serving up their comfort food mac n’ cheese creations.

Among the artisan vendors at Wine Fest will be Flavor Pourfection Olive Oil, Hackwood Farms pickles, salsa, and condiments, Long Ridge Cigars, Gypsy Catwalk fine clothing, Clyde Jenkins traditional split oak baskets, George Anderton blacksmithing, Mata’s Menagerie fashion accessories, Carolyn G. Findler Art Studio prints and cards, Ruff Ranch Sanctuary, and My Buddy’s Nuts Gourmet Nuts.  The Belle Grove Museum Shop, a site of the Top of Virginia Artisan Trail, also sells unique gifts made by local artists and producers.

Advanced tasting tickets are on sale now for $20 at www.bellegrove.org or in the Belle Grove Museum Shop.  Advanced tickets may also be purchased by cash or check at the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center at 1400 South Pleasant Valley Road in Winchester (open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and the Belle Grove Museum Shop (open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.).  At the gate on the day of the event, tasting tickets may be purchased for $25.  Admission includes a commemorative wine tasting glass, unlimited tastings, access to all vendors, performances, demonstrations, and tours of the historic Manor House and landscape. General admission is $10 for visitors who do not wish to do wine tastings or who are under age 21.

For the latest information, visit www.bellegrove.org, www.facebook.com/BelleGrove, orwww.twitter.com/BelleGrove1797.  Pets, large backpacks, and outside food or drink may not be brought onto festival grounds.  Belle Grove Plantation is located off Route 11 at 336 Belle Grove Road just south of Middletown, Virginia 22645 and is conveniently located to I-81 (use exit 302) and I-66.

Belle Grove Plantation is a non-profit historic house museum that is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site and a partner in Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park.  The Belle Grove Wine Fest is one of the museum’s most successful annual fundraisers that contributes to the preservation and interpretation of its buildings and site.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band coming to The Paramount Theater

The Paramount Theater will welcome the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on Sunday, October 2 at 8 p.m.

Celebrating their golden anniversary together, the iconic and profoundly influential  Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in country rock and American Roots music, continues to add to their legendary status. With multi-platinum and gold records, strings of top ten hits such as “Fishin’ In The Dark” and “Mr. Bojangles,” multiple Grammy, IBMA, CMA Awards and nominations, the band’s accolades continue to accumulate.

Their groundbreaking  Will The Circle Be Unbroken album has been inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress as well as the Grammy Hall of Fame.  NGDB’s recording of “Mr. Bojangles” was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010.

In 2014 “Fishin’ In the Dark” was certified platinum for digital downloads by the RIAA. Today, NGDB (Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter, John McEuen) continue their non-stop touring in their 50th year together.

Tickets are on sale next week and can be purchased at The Paramount Theater’s Box Office, by phone at 434-979-1333, or online at www.theparamount.net.