Skydivers jump into the season with Safety Day

MATTAPONI — In early spring, skydivers throughout much of the country are crawling out of hibernation. Most skydivers don’t jump through the cold months as often as they do in the summer, and their skills are a bit rusty. So, every year The United States Parachute Association (USPA) sets aside the 2nd Saturday in March for Safety Day.
On March 13th Skydive the Point will host Safety Day as a forum to prepare jumpers for the year ahead. Skydive the Point’s safety officer, John Meyer, along with other drop zone staff members, coordinate the activities for the event.
Safety Day promotes safety programs; helps inform jumpers of new developments, and reviews important information and procedures. Seminars will be on a variety of topics including canopy control, freefall safety, and equipment review. The LifeEvac crew members will be in attendance to illustrate first aide techniques. There will also be hands-on review and practice of safety procedures and equipment inspections.
After the Safety Day activities conclude, the jumpers will take to the sky. The day will conclude with a dinner for all who participated.
If you would like to learn more about skydiving, join us in the Safety Day activities at the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport in Mattaponi, VA.
Activities will start at 8am with coffee and doughnuts.

Musical will be dedicated to former educator

WEST POINT — This week West Point High School’s Drama, Music and Art Departments will present “Fame, The Musical” with performance dedicated to the memory of Charles Herbert “Herb” Brown Jr., who passed away last August.
“For all of those who were fortunate enough to know Herb Brown, it would come as no surprise that we want to honor a man that was a colleague, mentor, leader and friend to the West Point School System,” said Beverly Hammond, director of the drama department. “A large part of Herb’s life revolved around music; he loved music, taught music, supported the performing arts, and always strove to keep the arts program a large part of our school system.”
Brown came to West Point High School in 1967 as the band and choral director for both the elementary and high school, later becoming an associate principal. He married his wife, Margaret in 1967, and together they raised three children in West Point, each graduating from West Point High School. As an educator in West Point until his retirement in 1993, he remained dedicated to the school system by serving and working on the West Point School Board from 1994-2002. Brown’s leadership while serving in this position was instrumental in providing this community with the Robinson/Olsson Auditorium and Fine Arts Center. His passion for the arts was also invaluable in helping found Arts Alive, Inc., an arts group that brings entertainment to this community. Herb was the first president and served in this position for five years.
West Point Schools’ cast and crew invite everyone to come and enjoy an exhilarating show full of music and dance. “Help honor a man that will be long remembered and continues to live on as an inspiration to our community,” Hammond said.
Performances are on March 11th, 12th & 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Robinson/Olsson Civic Auditorium located at the high school. Tickets may be purchased at the door or you can call and reserve tickets. Please contact Teresa Glidewell at 804-514-4296, Winston Sheffield at 804-512-9286, or Karen Liberato at 804-843-4420 for reserved seating.

Taking care of Mother Earth

NEW KENT — On Saturday, April 17, 2010, the New Kent Cooperative Extension Office, in conjunction with the New Kent Clean County Committee, will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Envirothon Earth Day, a day of activities for all ages, is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. The New Kent Cooperative Extension Office is located at 11809 New Kent Highway (at the Historic New Kent High School).
Earth friendly educational demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 17 for the whole family feature:
•Virginia Aquarium’s “Ocean in Motion” Touch Tank & Aquarium
•Storm Water Management Demonstration
•Rain Barrel Making Demo and Ordering of Rain Barrel Kits
•How to Grow Mushrooms
•Honey Bee Display
•Handmade Milk Soaps
•Farm animals
•Recycling “Chicken Tractor”
•Forestry Department – Free Tree Seedlings
•Recycled Art and Clothing
•Master Gardeners’ Demonstrations
And much more!
Questions concerning this event may be directed toward the New Kent Cooperative Extension Office at 966-9645.

Upcoming Events:

Wildlife Photography Seminar
Ages: 18+. Instructor: Ken Conger, Saturday, March 13, 9:00-3:00 Location: New Kent County Sheriff's Annex. $125 Resident / $130 Non Resident Deadline: March 1st. Have you just bought or received a digital camera and enjoy photographing in the outdoors or do you have a good eye and the photo did not turn out right, than this seminar is for you. Course is primarily for upper beginners or serious hobbyists who wish to take their nature photography to the next level, own something more than a point and shoot camera. Class segments will concentrate on wildlife photography by teaching the fundamentals (equipment, composition, depth or field, light compensation) and some advanced techniques of digital photography. This is a three-segment seminar. Req.: Camera and manual. A tripod and laptop with Adobe Photoshop installed would be helpful. Instructor: As a retired conservation officer, Ken Conger has carried his motivation and enthusiasm for wildlife protection over to his passion of wildlife photography. You can view his images at www.kencongerphotography.com. Registration: Checks payable to County of New Kent. Mail to New Kent Parks & Recreation, P.O. Box 50, New Kent, VA 23124 or call (804) 966-8502 for more info.

4-H Camp Registration
Lifelong memories and friendships are made at summer camp. The 2010 4-H Summer Camp, for all youth ages 9 through 13, will be held July 12-16 at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center. The registration fee includes lodging, meals, classes/programs, transportation to and from camp, and a T-shirt. Classes in canoeing, kayaking, riflery, cooking, archery, swimming, crafts, marine science and performing arts are just a few of the activities offered. Evening activities are campfires, ice cream socials, pool parties, and other group activities. The cost of camp is $199.00. A $49.00 deposit is due by March 15th. Financial aid is available. To register a child, provide a donation toward a camper scholarship or to volunteer, please call the Virginia Coop. Ext. Office in New Kent County at 804-966-9645.

"Thrift Spot"
Proclaiming Grace Outreach, associated with Tabernacle UMC will open our "Thrift Spot" each Saturday in Barhamsville not far from the post office at 18457 New Kent Highway (look for our signs). Join us for shopping as well as dropping off ANY clothing, household items or anything else you may have to donate, including clothes hangers. We will also be accepting non-perishable food items at this location. 100% of proceeds go to support the missions of Proclaiming Grace Outreach which include our food pantry, local and international missions and our Thrift Spot. Questions? Call Holly Miller-Bopp at (757) 435-3620 or Melanie King at (757) 810-4337.

Wine for Words
To benefit the Dawn Library. Dinner, Wine Tasting, Book Signing & Silent Auction to be held at Meadow Event Park March 13, 3 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Information call 804-338-8697. Must get tickets by Feb. 28.

Casino Night
In conjunction with the King William Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, the Indian Rivers Humane Society presents their third annual Casino Night.
The event is set for Saturday, March 20, 7-11 p.m. at King William Volunteer Fire Department, 7936 Richmond-Tappahannock Highway - Aylett. Casino Night will include Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold'em, and Horse Racing. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar available. Tickets are $15 per person in advance, or $20 at the door. They are available from any KWVFD or IRHS member; King William Veterinary Clinic; Aylett Animal Hospital; Central Garage EVB Bank; Tony & George's Restaurant in West Point; and Dillard & Katona in Tappahannock. 21 and older only, please. For more information call Pinetta Hale 804-366-3091.