Arts & Entertainment

Denny and Russell Perry prepare to enter the ninth grade at Rockbridge County High School in this photo submitted for the newspaper’s First Day photos feature.

First Day Faces

Winter Cover Crops for the Garden

Sigma Nu Fraternity recently announced that long-time Lexington residents James Owens and Brad Beacham were inducted into the Sigma Nu Fraternity Hall of Honor during the fraternity’s national convention in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., June 28-July 1.

Sunrise Rotary Club Leaders

New Van For VPAS

At The Freedom Fun’d Raiser

There was lots to see and do at the annual Rockbridge Community Festival Saturday. Among the booths were (clockwise from above) recycled silverware art; Virginia German Shepherd Rescue; a tie dye booth; Andrew Hart’s caning and seat weaving; local Republicans; local Democrats; Rockbridge Ballet; and Rockbridge SPCA. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

The application by the House Mountain Learning Cooperative for a conditional use permit to open an educational facility/family home daycare facility has been tabled for the time being while the cooperative engages a design professional to develop a plan for the use of the second floor of the house at 10 N. Lewis St. in Lexington.

Issue Raised At Joint County Meeting

Buena Vista’s 52nd Laborfest observance is slated for this Monday, Sept. 4, when the city holds its annual celebration of working men and women that includes a kickoff to the fall political campaign.

Rachel Clark, (630) 607-9938 [email protected]

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and the Dean’s Academic Speakers Fund at Virginia Military Institute will present five French films as part of the 2023-24 Albertine Cinémathèque film series this fall.

Lucy is a black lab-pitbull mix who has been at the SPCA for quite some time now. We aren’t sure why … she is very sweet, friendly, good with other dogs and people. Lucy is approximately 2 years old, already spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm negative and on Prevention. She will be microchipped when adopted. Visit her at the Rockbridge SPCA.

The annual Palmer Community Center Ice Cream Supper drew a crowd of over 1,000 this past Saturday. The event has become famous for its homemade ice cream, but the hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs are also favorites. This year saw the return of grilled corn on the cob, vegetarian chili and pulled pork barbecue to the menu. Musical entertainment was provided throughout the day. The event is a fundraiser for the Effinger Ruritan Club and the Palmer Community Center. The photos above and at immediate left were taken of the volunteers preparing the ice cream during the week. (Joann Ware, Gay Lea Goodbar and Tom Brown photos)

Wednesday, Aug. 23 Day - ERAHC Virginia Classic Open Dressage Horse Show, continues through Thursday, Aug. 24, free parking and admission, Virginia Horse Center.

The local band So Diverse will take to the stage as part of Boxerwood’s summer concert series this Friday, Aug. 25. So Diverse started in 2017 with just Scott Berger, Sean Henderson and Nora Berger. In 2020 Bee Wells joined the band and in 2022 Steve Hoke, Scott and Sean’s music instructor, became the newest member. The band covers a wide array of genres such as country, southern rock, rock, alternative and folk. The remaining Admission Is free for Boxerwood members, $5 per person for nonmembers. Entry fees help Boxerwood maintain the garden year-round. Children under 18 and parking are free. Pass-the-hat proceeds go to the musicians. The gate opens at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, and music begins at 6:30. A local food truck will also be onsite.

Futurist, tech expert, and former managing editor of WIRED magazine, Peter Leyden, will be the keynote speaker at the academic convocation at Virginia Military Institute on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. in Cameron Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

A Labor Day celebration at the Rockbridge Baths firehouse will feature a Truly Free Market from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and a pulled pork barbecue meal from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.

At PMHS

Over 58 registered walkers participated in the Rockbridge County Relay for Life at Central Elementary Saturday evening. Leading the walk this year was cancer survivor Rebecca Knick (bottom left), who symbolized all of the newly diagnosed cancer survivors not in attendance. A total of 350 luminaria bags lined the track at this year’s event. Over $6,796.48 has been raised so far from the relay, in addition to the $10,000 raised from the Rock the Ribbon basketball tournament held in January. Donations are still being accepted and can be mailed to the American Cancer Society, Andrea Mundy, 532 Allen Branch Road, Eagle Rock, VA 24085. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)