2nd Annual Zumbathon for Rett Syndrome

Below you will find just some of the facts about Rett Syndrome from the International Rett Syndrome Foundation:

1. Rett syndrome is a unique developmental disorder that is first recognized in infancy and seen almost always in girls, but can be rarely seen in boys.

2. Rett syndrome has been most often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or non-specific developmental delay

3. Rett syndrome is a developmental disorder. It is not a degenerative disorder.

4. Rett syndrome causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor and autonomic function. These can include learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion.

5. Rett syndrome symptoms appear after an early period of apparently normal or near normal development until six to eighteen months of life, when there is a slowing down or stagnation of skills. A period of regression then follows when she loses communication skills and purposeful use of her hands. Soon, stereotyped hand movements such as handwashing, gait disturbances, and slowing of the normal rate of head growth become apparent. Other problems may include seizures and disorganized breathing patterns while she is awake. In the early years, there may be a period of isolation or withdrawal when she is irritable and cries inconsolably. Over time, motor problems may increase, but in general, irritability lessens and eye contact and communication improve.

These are just some of the facts about Rett Syndrome. There are people in the Lynchburg area who deal with this condition every day and they are asking for your help.

On October 15th, 2011, you are invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Zumbathon for Rett Syndrome. For $20 you can participate (and if you bring a friend you can take $5 off your donation). There will be three different class times available between 8 a.m, and noon and the event will be held at:

The Edge Martial Art Studio

20722 Timberlake Road

Lynchburg, VA 24502

You can call Rebecca at 434-841-1410 for more information. All funds raised will be sent to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Rebecca is the mother of Heather Anne, a local youngster who has been diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.

Take the time to make a difference. There is some exciting new discoveries being made towards a cure (you can read about them on the IRSF website). Instead of spending your Saturday morning having brunch somewhere, take that money and invest in the future - and have fun while doing it!

Labor Day Weekend Mountain Music Fest

Spend Labor Day weekend enjoying the beauty and cool breezes at the Peaks of Otter and enjoying three free performances of traditional mountain music. On Saturday, September 3, come to the amphitheater, located behind the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center to hear "Bill and Maggie" Anderson play traditional mountain music from 2-4 p.m.

New to the Peaks of Otter, but well-known at Humpback Rocks, Deja Moo will entertain visitors with foot-stompin' Bluegrass music from 6:30-8:30 Saturday evening.

After the concert, join National Park Service Ranger Richard Nash on an exploration of the Peaks at night. Visitors planning to go on the hike should dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight.

On September 4, listen to the sounds of Appalachian Heritage, a Botetourt County band as they play traditional mountain music from 2-4 p.m. to top off the Music Fest. Stay in the Peaks of Otter Campground; have lunch or dinner in the shady scenic picnic area.

Bring the kids over to Abbott Lake Dam so they can "Fish with a Ranger" from 9 to 11 a.m. Poles and bait will be provided. Enjoy the last big weekend of Summer at Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information call the Visitor Center at 540-586-4496.

Habitat Hunt

On Saturday, August 27, National Park Service Park Ranger Charles Wray will present the hour-long program Habitat Hunt at the Otter Creek Campground campfire circle, milepost 60.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The program will discuss three different types of habitats found in the Blue Ridge Mountains and how one organism obtains what it needs to survive from that habitat. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Parking for visitors not registered to camp at the campground is available in the Otter Creek restaurant parking lot.

Night hike: Following each Saturday evening program at the Otter Creek Campground, weather permitting, visitors can join the park ranger for an hour of night time exploration. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.

Bear, King of the Forest

At Peaks of Otter, Saturday, August 27, 8 p.m. Join National Park Ranger Richard Nash as he examines the life of our eastern giant, the Black Bear. Learn about the interactions between bears and humans where their habitats meet. Following the program, a Ranger will lead our weekly night hike through woodland and meadow habitat; bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes if you plan to attend.

Finding Civil War Soldiers Graves

The Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp 1475, will hold its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, August 30. Revely Carwile from the Campbell County Historical Museum will discuss his work in locating Civil War soldier's graves and other historical subjects. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library, 201 East Main Street, next door to the court house. There is plenty of parking and there is no charge. The public is welcome. For more information, call Boyd Hubbard at 434-546-7415.

Wiley to Present Two Concerts Labor Day Weekend

Smith Mountain Arts Council (SMAC) will present David Wiley and friends in two concerts on Labor Day Weekend. Both will take place at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, Lakemont Drive and Route 122 in Moneta.

"Duo Piano Fireworks" on Friday September 2nd at 7 p.m. and "Labors of Love: From Boheme to Bernstein" will be presented on Sunday, September 4th from 3 - 5 p.m.

Tickets are $20 per person for each concert or discounted to $35 per person for both concerts. Tickets are available at SML Visitor's Center, the General Store, Print 'n Paper. Contact Marty Bowers at 540-297-0965 or 540-309-1676, by email at mybowers@moneta-va.com.

August 23, 2011 East Coast Earthquake

Yesterday afternoon, we had a brief glimpse into what many Californians and others in earthquake prone areas experience regularly without a second thought. In my house, I was lying down and the wall next to my bed began shaking, the knick-knacks on the shelf attached to that wall began rattling. And there was a sound - a roaring sound. We have an elliptical machine which is about 2 feet away from that wall in the next room. I was sure one of the kids was on their pumping it really hard and causing this problem!

I jumped up...the words "What is going on out there?" falling from my lips as I rushed around the bed and to the door, which when I opened it, I realized the commotion had stopped and there was no one on the elliptical machine. In fact, Daniel, Katrina and Jack were all outside on the deck staring up at the sky! Daniel thought it had been caused by a low flying helicopter, but there wasn't one in sight. We then realized it must have been an earthquake. First I went to Drudge Report, but there wasn't any mention there. Then I went to Facebook to place a status update and couldn't believe it as I started reading posts of friends near and far that they had just experienced an earthquake! When I saw a friend from NY posting, I knew we had just experienced something pretty big and unique.

Turning the TV on, I saw people filling the streets of DC and NY and just like after 9/11 all kinds of reports were coming in - The Washington Monument was tilting, there were cracks in the Smithsonian Main building, the Capitol Building and the White House were being checked for structural damage, local school systems were sending kids home...some of these reports came to nothing and meanwhile, our friends on the West Coast were scratching their heads...A 5.8? Really? And what's all the fuss about?

We get tremors from time to time on the East Coast, but most of them go unnoticed. This one shook foodstuffs off of grocery store shelves, knocked over bookcases and entertainment centers, caused a few buildings to lose parts of themselves (everything from a lone brick to a complete wall), and left some buildings with large cracks in them.

The East Coast isn't earthquake territory. Our buildings are not prepared and the sad part is that while we get quakes rarely, they do happen and when they happen, they are felt for a long, long way. This is because of the bedrock that is found under the east coast. Instead of the waves dissipating like they do in the sandy soil of the West Coast, they just keep trucking on in the bedrock of the East Coast. I read where one geologist said it would take several dozen earthquakes of a similar size on the West Coast to have the same reach as we had from one on the East Coast.

Fortunately, there are no reports of death that I am aware of from yesterdays earthquake. While there has been damage, it doesn't appear to have been extensive. Though, now with a major hurricane aimed at the Northeast, there is concern that buildings weakened by the shaking may not fair well in the high winds that are predicted.

I think the thing that struck me most was the fear that the shaking brought to the forefront for our countrymen in NYC. With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 quickly approaching, and with the memories etched into the minds of those who lived through 9/11 - yesterday's shaking gave them several horrifying moments.

At this point you might want to stop reading if you don't want to know more about earthquakes in the middle of our country that could have some effect on us. But, if you are curious, or fascinated (like I am) by all means, read on...You might not want to share with nervous youngsters though.

If you want to read about one of the most damaging series of earthquakes ever to hit the United States, you should check out New Madrid 1811-1812 earthquakes. That is reading that may put a bit of curl in your hair. There are even eye witness accounts. Here is some more information on the New Madrid quakes.

Below you will find a couple of interesting videos.

New Madrid Earthquake Story

ABC News Earthquake Story

Free National Park Days and Living History at New Market

September is a month full of opportunities to get out and explore. Here are a couple of things you might want to put on your calendar.

September 17th - New Market, VA - 1850s Sunday School Fair. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. -Living historians will be re-creating a fair held here in New Market in 1857. The original fair raised funds for the Manor Memorial Methodist Church Sunday School. This fair will raise funds to support the educational of VMCW.

There will be 19th century games at 19th century prices!!! Win fun prizes at the Games, enjoy delicious foods from the Food Booth and do some early Christmas shopping at Handwork Booth. And don't forget to stick around for the pie auction at Noon.

September 24th is Public Lands Day. And to celebrate, National Parks don't charge an entry fee! To find a local park near you (in case you aren't sure where they are and what they offer), go to U.S. National Park Service. Be sure to spend some time browsing the website. Lots of interesting information! Be sure to check out the links for kids and teachers too!

Where are the Critters?

On Saturday, August 20, National Park Service Ranger Charles Wray will present an hour-long program Where are the Critters? at the Otter Creek Campground campfire circle, milepost 60.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The program will introduce visitors to the habits and habitats of some of the Parkway's nocturnal mammals. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Parking for visitors not registered to camp at the Otter Creek Campground is available in the Otter Creek restaurant parking lot.

Paycheck Trivia

Over the years, I've developed a hobby of making little tiny sites dedicated to small topics. I thought it was something fun to do. It's a much different type of writing than simple blogging, where you write anything that's on your mind.

As part of that, Melissa and I wrote paycheck-stub.com, a place where you can find out answers to various questions, like "What's a sample paycheck stub look like?" or "Can I file my taxes using only my paycheck stub?"

Yes, I guess it's kind of a silly hobby, but after writing a few of these sites, we've found that people send us emails and ask us new questions, which we can then write more material for. In a way, it's like creating our own private Wikipedia. Not exactly solving world hunger, but at least helping a few people out!

How about you? Have you done anything on the internet that helped somebody? If so, what was it and how did it turn out for you?

13th Annual Poetic, Musical, and Art Spotlight

On Saturday, August 20 from 7 to 9 p.m., the 13th annual Creative Spotlight will be held at the Peaks of Otter Lodge in the Flat Top room. The show will highlight performances by local adults and teens from the various counties surrounding the Peaks of Otter. The featured poets are June Hamlett, Tony Martin, Megan Poindexter, Chris and Phil Raintree as well as Ranger Sandra Ludwig.

There will also be five local singers/musicians performing, Erika Blatnik, Glen Campbell, David Henley, Linda Marshall and Sully Smither. Their musical selections will be interspersed throughout the poetry readings. Before the program begins, during intermission and at the end of the program you may view the craft, photography and artwork of Joyce Camden, Patsy Marting and Julie Brugh Riffey.

The program is free and open to the public. Do come and enjoy an evening of creative expression in a scenic setting. For more information, contact the Peaks of Otter at 540-586-4496.

Bedford County Family Farm Tour

Saturday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. plan on joining the 2011 Bedford County Family Farm Tour, a free family-oriented event. In celebration of Bedford's diverse agriculture, this year's tour will high-light Little Doc's Llamas and Alpacas, home to an array of farm animals including, in addition to the llamas and alpacas, beef cattle, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, and more. Other anticipated activities include hands on history with Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest; a demonstration of an antique cider press, farm equipment and livestock including miniature horses and Bedford Area Master Gardeners on hand to share their knowledge of gardening in our area. Additionally, groups scheduled to be with us with information and displays include other local farms, the Bedford County Hunt, the Farm Bureau Women's Committee, Peaks of Otter Soil and Water Conservation District, the Virginia Department of Forestry and Bedford 4-H/FFA. Lunch will be available for purchase. You are welcome to bring a picnic but please leave your pets at home. For a copy of the brochure visit the Web site or call Bedford Extension Office at 540-586-7675

A Response To Warren Buffett's NYT Article

Spent some time today re-reading Buffett's argument for making the rich pay their fair share and providing some analysis.

Aliens Among Us

On Saturday, August 13, National Park Service Ranger, Charles Wray will present an hour-long program at the Otter Creek Campground campfire circle, milepost 60.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The program will discuss some of the invasive animal species which now live in the Southern Appalachians and some of the ways they have impacted native species. The program begins at 7:30 pm. Parking for visitors not registered to camp at the Otter Creek Campground is available in the Otter Creek restaurant parking lot.

Free Bluegrass Concert

The Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library will present its monthly bluegrass concert on second Friday night Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. This is part of the Bedford Main Street promotion to showcase downtown Bedford and its many shops and attractions. Come early and eat in our restaurants, shop in the stores, and then come to the Museum for several hours of good music. If the weather permits, they will be in the parking lot, so bring a lawn chair. If the weather is not good, they will be in the third floor meeting room (elevator available). There is plenty of parking. The Reed Creek Boys will lead the concert with the Dalton Brothers and Brenda Smith also performing. The Museum is located at 201 East Main St in Bedford.

Upcoming Bloodmobiles

The following information is subject to change. Please call 1-800-RedCross to confirm drive dates and times before attending.

Aug. 15 - Bedford, Bedford Moose Lodge, 12:30-6 pm

August 18 - Big Island, Georgia Pacific, 9 a.m. to 2 pm

August 19 - Forest, Blue Ridge Community Church, noon to 6 pm

August 24 - Bedford, Main Street, United Methodist Church, noon-6 pm

August 26 - Moneta, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, noon - 6 pm

Aug 30 - Goode, Goode Volunteer Rescue Squad, noon - 6 pm

Ballroom Dancing

Smith Mountain Lake - USA Dance 6042 will meet at New London Ruritan, August 19, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. There will be a one hour waltz lesson followed by social dancing. Members: $7, Nonmembers $10, students $5. Light snacks provided. Beverages available at the snack bar. Newcomers and singles welcome. Contact Cindy at 434-426-9787.

Write Now

Do you have a photograph with a story waiting to be told? What about some of the wonderful family stories you have heard over the years or are you interested in local history? Trying your hand at fiction or poetry? Write Now welcomes anyone interested in writing to join us on August 18. The group will meet at 7 p.m. at the Bower Center for the Arts at 305 N. Bridge Street in Bedford. Bring a piece of writing you are willing to read aloud to the group. Write Now meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month. For more information, call Betsy Mercer at 434-841-4199.

Riddle on the Harp Performing at Bower Center

Wharton Foundation's Bower Center for the Arts will host Riddle on the Harp for a concert on Saturday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m. The concert which is open to the public will be cabaret style. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or at the door the evening of the concert. The Center is located at 305 North Bridge Street in Bedford. For more information, call 540-586-4235 or check the Bower Center website.

Riddle on the Harp is made up of three housewives who are anything but bored. Their diverse repertoire includes traditional tunes, lively Celtic jigs, international folk music, original compositions, as well as hymns and children's lullabies.

NatureFest 2011 at Peaks of Otter

Katrina and I went to this last year and we really enjoyed it and learned a lot! And we got pictures of a mama bear and her cubs behind the lodge!

On Saturday, August 13, National Park Service staff and volunteers, along with professional naturalists and presenters, will conduct a series of nature-centered activities throughout the Peaks of Otter area. Activities for NatureFest 2011 begin at 9 a.m. as children enjoy "Fishing with a Ranger." National Park Service Rangers will supply fishing poles and bait so that kids 14 and under can try their luck at Abbott Lake at the Point behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge.

Visitors can then experience nature hikes and hands-on activities as well as presentations and demonstrations throughout the day.

Programs and presentations will discuss and demonstrate natural history topics as varied as bears, coyotes, mushrooms, butterflies, and moths and how the Peaks of Otter were formed. Mike Pelton, internationally-known bear expert, will explain black bear behavior and show visitors how to look for signs of bears on a guided walk. Mike Fies, a biologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will present "Coyotes of the Commonwealth: Here Today, Here to Stay."

Pat Schuler, the "Butterfly Lady" who has had a life-long interest in butterflies, moths and raising caterpillars will discuss these beautiful winged creatures. Rebecca Radar, a mushroom expert will discuss edible and poisonous mushrooms and how to tell them apart.

NatureFest 2011 will feature several activities specifically designed for children's enjoyment although all activities will be appropriate for visitors of all ages. New this year, children's fun activities will be offered in a nearby room by rangers while parents enjoy the presentations in the Flat Top Room at the Peaks of Otter Lodge.

Be sure to check out the booths about related nature organizations and visit with Smokey the Bear lakeside by the Lodge.

A special 7:30 Saturday evening program, "Scales and Slime: Reptiles and Amphibians of the Blue Ridge" will be presented by National Park Service Ranger and wetlands expert Mike Hayslett and will include many live animals to view close up. The program will be followed by "Starry, Starry Night" with National Park Service volunteer and Master Naturalist, Martin Dileggi. This will be a great opportunity to view the moon, stars and planets in the Nature Center parking area and learn about how and why they were formed. Participants may bring lawn chairs, binoculars and flashlights. Stop by the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway on the day of the event for a schedule of activities and presentations.

For questions, call the Visitor Center at 540-586-4496. FREE!

Bedford Photo Group

If you are interested in learning about photography, or you want to share your photo ideas with others, join the Bedford Photo Group. The Group meets the second Monday of each month at the Bower Center, 305 North Bridge Street at 7 p.m. The next meeting is Monday, August 8 at 7 p.m.. For further information, call 540-586-4235.

Farmin' On the Mountain

At the Peaks of Otter, Saturday, August 6, 8 p.m. Farmin' On the Mountain. Join Ranger Richard Nash as he explores the way of life for the Johnson and Bryant families as members of the Mons Mountain Community. Following the program a National Park Service Ranger will lead the weekly night hike through woodland and meadow habitat; bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes if you plan to attend.

Paddy Dougherty's Magnets and Marbles

Learn to play the keyboard from the talented musician, songwriter and music educator, Paddy Dougherty. The young and the young at heart will have fun with Paddy learning to actively enjoy music in their lives.

Study a unique approach to understanding the basics of piano using the techniques professionals use. Learn how to read a lead sheet, understand form chords and enjoy the satisfaction of playing the songs you want to play. Proposed dates are August 8-11, August 15-19, and August 22-26. Register early for the center has six keyboards and therefore limited enrollment.

The class is $75 a week. The Center has limited scholarship funds available for this. Contact the Bower Center for the Arts at 540-586-4235.

The Worx at the Sedalia Center

The Worx will give their third annual performance at the Sedalia Center on Saturday, August 6, in a fundraiser concert sponsored by Century Beverage Distributors.

The Worx is a group of five consummate musicians, experienced and dedicated to perfecting their craft. Each exciting Worx performance is presented by professionals giving their best, enjoying themselves and their audience. After more than 20 years of performing, The Worx is one of the most successful in Virginia, with a mid-Atlantic tour schedule that's booked a year in advance.

They play everything from Top 40 hit and country music to metal ballads and alternative rock. The Worx has a repertoire of about 250 songs.

The gates will open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is just $10 in advance (through Friday, August 5) and $15 the day of the event. Advance tickets are available in Bedford at Bedford Welcome Center and Hair Then and Now, in Lynchburg at L. Oppelman and Lynchburg Music Center, and online. Children 12 and under will be admitted free. The concert will be held rain or shine, pets and coolers are not allowed.

The Sedalia Center is a non-profit cultural arts center located 11 miles north of Bedford, just off Route 122 on Sedalia School Road.

First Fridays in Lynchburg

Every First Friday in Lynchburg there is a lot going on and it is free(except for the food) and you don't have to even walk if you don't want to as the GLT provides transportation from one location to the next. There are many places open on First Friday. Free parking is available at the Midtown Parking Deck, located at 9th & Commerce Streets.

A typical night includes the ability to visit the following:

921 Main Street Fine Art at 921 Main Street

Art-n-soul, A Fine Art Gallery, 548 Oakley Avenue

Avenue Arts Studio Gallery, 1206 Rivermont Avenue

Beeswax Candle Co. - An Artisan Gallery, 109 13th Street

Blackwater Creek Gallery, 845 Belmont Street

The Dancing Leaf Gallery, 409 5th Street

The Firehouse Gallery, 1210 Rivermont Avenue

Hardwicks's, 915 Main Street in the Galleria

Light Wings Gallery, 849 Belmont Street

Rivermont Gallery and Studio, 1204 Rivermont Avenue

Riverviews Artspace, 901 Jefferson Street

The Lynchburg Art Club, 1011 Rivermont Avenue

Lynchburg Museum also offers Free Admission for First Friday and this month there will be a special event there:

Mourning, an outward show of respect for a departed loved one, is a part of history that dates back to before the 15th century. During the Civil War, death touched nearly everyone in Lynchburg and mourning became a way of life. Judi Harvey will be at the Lynchburg Museum, 901 Court Street, for First Friday on August 5 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. dressed in mourning attire, and the public is invited to come experience how people mourned through their dress, jewelry, black ornamentation, and photographs.

Mourning is also covered in Lynchburg at War: 1861-1865. This new Civil War exhibit, created as part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, looks at the impact of the war on the people of the city. Rare artifacts with a Lynchburg connection have been loaned by the Virginia Historical Society, VMI Museum, Museum of the Confederacy, South Carolina Relic Room, Jones Memorial Library, Stonewall Brigade Band and private lenders. On display are flags, cannon, uniforms, women's clothing, early medical instruments, weapons, and many historic photographs.

The Museum is on the free trolley route that loops between Downtown attractions during First Friday.

For more information, call 455-6226 or visit Lynchburg Museum, Point of Honor , or the Museum's Facebook page.

James River and Otter Creek Evening Programs

Programs at the Otter Creek Campground Campfire Circle (Milepost 60.8), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 6. Hey! What's That Tree? Do you ever wonder what kind of tree you might be looking at? One of the ways to identify trees is by their leave. Meet National Park Service Ranger Charles Wray to find out what a dichotomous key is and how to use one. Then you can use the key to identify trees by their leaves. Parking for visitors not registered to camp at the Otter Creek Campground is available in the Otter Creek restaurant parking lot. Night Hike: Following each Saturday evening program, weather permitting, join a National Park Service Ranger for an hour of nighttime exploration. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Free!

Bedford Cruise In August 6

A Cruise-In will be held on August 6, 3-8 pm (rain date August 13). $10 donation per vehicle show entry. Door prize drawings for vehicle show entries. Music provided by Tory Bailey. Food will be available for purchase. All proceeds go to the Bedford Fire and Rescue Squads. Directions: from 460W, 1st exit past Walmart, bear left onto Rt 714, 2nd right onto Smith St, left at stop sigh onto 43S, take 2nd left onto Four Seasons Drive, Bedford. For more information, call Willie 540-330-9193, Steve 540-586-5378 or Don 540-874-4883.

Funny Pictures and Captions FTW!

Started a new site this week, caption of the day. We're going to put some funny pictures up and ask folks to write their own captions.

I'll probably cross-post some of the better ones over here. The site is PG-13 -- we try to keep it clean, but just like PG-13 movies we'll probably also bend the rules from time-to-time. Sometimes funny is just funny, and sometimes it's a little risque too.

New Exhibit Featured at Bower Center

The Wharton Foundation's Bower Center for the Arts has a new exhibit entitled "Abstraction" which will hang until August 27 in both of the galleries.

Twenty-five artists from Bedford, Roanoke, Lynchburg, and surround areas answered the call to artists and entered their works. The entries include two and three-dimensional work in many different media. Their art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition, which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world.

The show has some examples of the stated trends of the 21st century such as hard-edge painting, geometric abstraction, abstract expressionism and color field painting collage. Visitors to the exhibit will be able to select their favorite work as the "People's Choice."

An Artist's Reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. on August 12, which is Bedford's Second Friday. The festivities will include music, food, and a surprise talk about community art.

The Center is gearing up for the fall schedule of classes. There is information on the web site about a encaustic wax painting workshop, drawing and water-color classes with Revelle Hamilton, new mosaic classes with Dotti Stone, new pottery classes with Debbie Hughes and many different opportunities for music lessons.

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screening

August 3rd, 9 - 11 am. Free. Bedford Post Office, 500 E Main Street. No registration required.

Campbell County Heritage

August 6, 2011

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
William Campbell Combined School
$2.00 admission; children 12 and under free

Created to honor Campbell County’s rich heritage, this event will offer: the “Amazing Grace” mule show; antique car show; sheep herding and shearing demonstrations; mule jumping; a quilt show; tobacco tying demos; corn husk doll making; grist mill; apple butter and cider making; basket weaving; historical reenactments; antique tractors/power show; fiber spinning; antique tools; crafters; children’s activities and live musical entertainment.

For more information