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Rockbridge Christian Academy elementary students presented a Christmas play entitled “A Not So Silent Night” on Dec.

There was plenty of good food, vendor items and, of course, a visit by Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the Breakfast with Santa event at the Natural Bridge Christian Fellowship Church Dec. 9. Among those in the kitchen that morning were (at top right) Dean Cash and Justin Strowbridge, while Carman Link (above) was among the vendors who participated. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

Columbia Gas won the judge’s choice award for its entry in the Buena Vista Christmas parade Dec. 7.

If you’re a parent of a young child or children, you’re no doubt getting ready for an exciting Christmas morning.

The annual Luminary Nights wrapped up at Natural Bridge State Park this past weekend. The two-weekend event featured a brightly illuminated Natural Bridge along with light displays along Cedar Creek Trail – and event marshmallow roasting. Unfortunately rain on both Sundays curtailed activities on those nights. The Festival of Trees inside the visitor center continues through Dec. 31. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

Kling Elementary in Buena Vista hosted its annual Breakfast with Santa event Dec. 9. Children had the opportunity to write letters to and take pictures with Santa Claus, and both students and families enjoyed the breakfast provided. There was, though, at least one child who wasn’t thrilled with meeting Santa (see photo at left), who cried even after getting a warm hug from the jolly old elf. (Anneliese Schneider photos)

Sunday, Dec. 24

As a final Advent/Christmas concert offering, the “Music at Noon” series at Lexington Presbyterian Church will conclude today with a noontime performance by William McCorkle, featuring keyboard improvisations on Christmas melodies.

The Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church choir will present its annual program of Lessons and Carols entitled “Good Tidings of Great Joy” this Sunday, Dec. 24, at 11 a.m.

Historic Lexington Foundation is featuring Rockbridge County’s churches and cemeteries in its 2024 desk calendar. The calendar offers 52 weeks of photographs of local churches. Calendars are available at Downtown Books and Victorian Parlor on Main Street in Lexington or at the HLF office at 15 S. Jefferson St., which is open most afternoons. For more information, send an email to [email protected].

Lexington Presbyterian Church will hold three worship services on Sunday, Dec. 24.

Lexington churches again opened their doors for the Holiday Church Open House last Friday. Those attending were able to visit the decorated churches and hear music at several of them, including (at right) Randolph Street United Methodist Church and (below left) Trinity United Methodist Church. Among the other participating churches were St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (top), Lexington Presbyterian Church (above) and Grace Episcopal Church (below right). Manly Memorial Baptist and First Baptist churches also joined in the event. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

Columbia Gas won the judge’s choice award for its entry in the Buena Vista Christmas parade Dec. 7.

Karyn Gardner, (540) 228-2176, (540) 655-3646 [email protected]

First through fourth grade students at Central Elementary School participated in a two-day gingerbread house event last week, building their houses on Tuesday and decorating them on Wednesday. These scenes are from last Wednesday. (Anneliese Schneider photos)

Evelyn Ayres

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 31 sponsored the annual Cops N Kids Christmas shopping spree at Walmart earlier this month for several qualifying area children. Law enforcement officers from all over the Rockbridge area escorted children through the store, allowing them to choose their own presents with FOP-sponsored donations. Among the scenes were Chris Wheeler, the SSO at Enderly Heights, assisting Laine Day (above) and Terry Martin with the Buena Vista Sheriff’s Office helping Joshua Hinkle. (Mary Woodson photos)

Last week, this column covered the lingering effects of drought and the reality that many Rockbridge farmers are short on hay. The points covered last week were: 1.) If a round bale cost $50 per bale but the livestock stomp-on and soil 30% of it, it means the hay actually cost $70 per bale; 2.) If a round bale costs around $70 it is likely purchased grain or grain-byproduct is a less expensive alternative to feeding hay alone; and 3.) Grazing livestock have a fiber requirement and that fiber requirement can be met if they are presented daily with an amount of fiber equivalent to a little less than 1% of bodyweight (12 pounds for a 1,200pound cow).

Rockbridge

As we approach what ought to be a joyful holiday this week, we note that there are far too many among us who experience sadness at this time of year. Those who have recently lost loved ones or are in the grip of depression or are just plain stressed out may view the holidays as anything but a happy occasion.

I wrote last August about the financial challenges that newspapers face, and particularly about how The News-Gazette might begin to evolve to a new business model, incorporating elements of philanthropic support for our news gathering and reporting efforts.