Arts & Entertainment

Nearly 9,000 Birds ID’d In Yule Count

A group of Rockbridge County High School Latin students traveled to the Richmond Nov. 19-20 to take part in the Virginia Junior Classical League Latin convention.

Esther Pennington, 540-291-2629

Rockbridge Animal Alliance recently received three grants: a $6,000 grant from Two Mauds, Inc., a $3,000 grant from Washington and Lee Community Grants through the Community Foundation, and a $2,000 grant from Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund.

The Festival of Trees continues to draw visitors to the Natural Bridge State Park this holiday season. This year’s event features 30 trees decorated by local groups and businesses. Area residents have until Sunday to view the trees and vote for their favorites with donations of non-perishable food items for the Natural Bridge/Glasgow Food Pantry or supplies for ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

Mondays

Arts in the Baths, the first event of the newly formed North Rockbridge Art League, was held Dec. 9 at the Rockbridge Baths firehouse. Eighteen artists displayed and sold their work. . A large attendance supported the holiday sale of original paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, pottery, woodland sculpture and rock sculpture.

Main Street Lexington held a reception for the winning entries from this year’s Lexington Christmas Parade Dec. 14 at Heliotrope Brewery. Those attending included (from left) Jaycee Moore, Ryder Moore, Hailey Moore, Jason Moore and Amy Moore from Heritage Woodwork (Best Vehicle); Dee Fix and Summer Clemmer from Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital (Best Representation of the “Home for the Holidays” Theme); Jay Sullivan and Jess Sullivan from Boxerwood (Best Performance); and Kathy Ramsey from the National Barrel Horse Association (Best Equestrian). Unable to attend were members of Williams Brothers Tree & Lawn Service (Best Float) and the Rockbridge County High School Marching Wildcats (Best Band).

Area residents got the chance to tour the historic Paxton House and enjoy bountiful refreshments during the annual open house on Dec. 10. The event (scenes from which can be seen above and below) is sponsored by the Paxton House Historical Society. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

Carolyn Terrell, (540) 649-3828/[email protected]

Rockbridge Christian Academy high school and middle school students presented several skits and a Christmas play entitled “A Christmas Friend” on Dec. 8. The student choir also performed. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

On Saturday, Dec. 16, Glasgow Garden Club observed Wreaths Across America Day by placing a wreath at its Blue Star Memorial Marker.

Children Share Their Resolutions For 2024

Outgoing Rockbridge County Treasurer Betty Trovato was honored Dec. 11 by the Board of Supervisors for her 38 years of service in the treasurer’s office, including the past 12 as treasurer. During her tenure, according to a resolution adopted by the supervisors, she “watched over county coffers with a sharp eye, constantly and consistently working to ensure fair and equitable collection of taxes, … ” With her are (from left) supervisors Bob Day, Jay Lewis, Dan Lyons and Leslie Ayers.

David Whitesell, who is retiring after serving as Rockbridge County commissioner of revenue for the past 20 years, was recognized Dec. 11 by the Board of Supervisors for his 38 years of service to the county. Prior to becoming commissioner of revenue, he worked as a deputy clerk for the circuit court for eight years and as a deputy sheriff for 10 years. With him are supervisors (from left) Bob Day, Jay Lewis, Dan Lyons and Leslie Ayers.

Members of local Scout troops 29 and 92 participated in the flag ceremony at the Rockbridge Prayer Breakfast held Dec. 12 at Virginia Military Institute’s Hall of Valor at Marshall Hall. The event was sponsored by the Rockbridge Breakfast Club and featured remarks by state Sen.-elect Chris Head and addresses by local clergy. Proceeds from the event went to the establishment of the Ronnie Campbell Memorial Scholarship, which will be given to a deserving student who is pursuing education in a trades discipline.

Commit To Resiliency In 2024

Four villages that thrived along the South River in 19thcentury Rockbridge County — Marlbrook to the north and Midvale, Cornwall and Riverside going south — are explored by the local historian Reed Belden in the latest “Rockbridge Epilogue,” now available online at no charge.

Several children and parents enjoyed a morning of creating gingerbread houses on Dec. 14 at the Glasgow Public Library during its Gingerbread Days event. Among those showing their creativity were Daniel and Julia Chipley. (Carolyn Bradley photo)

Life Chapel is having a “new life supper” on Jan. 1 at 6 p.m. This is a free dinner for the whole family with games for children ‒ and food for thought.

Advent Calendar