Timely Topics

Community and Family Resilience

Two local events in February will provide great opportunities to raise our awareness of important issues that sustain our families and rural communities. Resilience can encompass a wide range of concepts and practices. At the New Year, this column featured ideas for building resilience in farmland. In February, there are two local events that can build resilience in your family and community.

On Friday, Feb. 9, Virginia Cooperative Extension will be hosting a “Farmers’ Dinner Theatre” at 6 p.m. at the Raphine Volunteer Fire Department. This will be a night of fellowship and thought-provoking entertainment.

The Farmers’ Dinner Theater program gives us the opportunity to celebrate rural culture and values while addressing relatable health and safety themes that affect our local farm families, but you don’t have to be a farmer to attend and benefit!

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required because seating is limited and we need to plan for the meal. Please register to attend by Friday, Feb. 5. Register by e-mail to [email protected] or call the Augusta Extension Office at (540) 245-5750.

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, Virginia Cooperative Extension and Rockbridge County Farm Bureau Federation will host a seminar “What to Do When a Family Member Dies: important tasks and considerations after the death of a loved-one.”

This may sound like a depressing topic but the passing of a family member or loved one is something we all will experience. The issues are important and the presenters will offer frank and practical advice that will make the passing of a family member easier to manage.

Bruce Patterson, retired Rockbridge clerk of the circuit court, and Mike Lotts of Harrison Funeral Home will each speak briefly about important considerations for settling the affairs of a deceased family member, followed by a questionand- answer session with the audience.

This seminar is free and will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. at the Appomattox Mezzanine of the Virginia Horse Center. Please register by calling the Rockbridge Farm Bureau Federation at (540) 463-3603 so we can plan for seating.