Civic news

The Community Mediation Center is seeking additional mediators to meet the increased demand for resolving area conflicts collaboratively and out of court. CMC is seeking certified mediators in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham and Staunton/Augusta area to contact the center for opportunities to mediate. Some mediators volunteer, others are paid a stipend for each mediation. Those who mediate can choose times that fit their schedule and choose to mediate one to twelve cases per week.
CMC offers the classroom and experiential learning for individuals to become certified by the Virginia Supreme Court. A 20-hour Basic Mediation training is scheduled for March 23-25. There is also a training specifically for juvenile and domestic relations cases scheduled for April 2-4 (Basic Mediation training is a prerequisite). Information about this training is available online at http://www.WeWorkItOut.org and by calling Rosie Riggleman at 434-0059.

The Ruffed Grouse Society will man a booth at the Western Va. Sport show through Sunday at ExpoLand near Fishersville. The chapter will raffle off a framed sponsor print titled “Stonewall Strut” by artist P. Clayton Wiers and a Tristar Hunter 28-gauge shotgun. Stop a visit and pick up some of the chapter’s informational handouts.

Chrysalis will host guest speaker on Sunday, from 3-5 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 565 Pine Ave. and 14th St., Waynesboro, a talk and discussion with Audrey Irvine, Ph.d., about infinite possibility, by donation. Irvine will explore the world of extraordinary abilities, visit some of the spiritual traditions that provide maps of the world beyond the veils and explore the abilities of animals: where they fit into the continuum of consciousness and why humans don’t commonly have access to the abilities that animals have. For more information, visit http://www.infinite-potentials.com.

Free tax preparation with AARP Tax-Aide through April 15. This service is for moderate to low income taxpayers of any age, with special consideration given to those age 60 and over. Times and locations are as follows:
n   Waynesboro Senior Center: Mondays, 1-4 p.m.; Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon; appointments are recommended and will be given priority; call Joanne Swanda, 942-9518; for tax information call Dick Eller, 943-6214.
n   Augusta County Government Center, Verona: Wednesdays, 2-5 p.m.; Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon and 2-5 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon; walk-ins only, no appointments; call Rob Saylor, 337-7067.
n   Nelson County Library, 8521 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston: Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.; call Marlene Howard, 434-361-0283.

Parenting classes, Mental Health of Augusta and the Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth, United Way agencies:
n   “For Kids Sake:” A program for parents, step-parents and grandparents who share custody or visitation of a child, whether or not there was ever a marriage. The class is appropriate for adults who are currently going through the courts, as well as those who have been separated for years. Charmi Neely, from Kuley, Ryan, and Associates, teaches this one-time, 4-hour seminar. The next class will be April 4 at the Mary Switzer building on the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center campus.
n   “Guiding Good Choices:” This class meets once a week for five weeks and focuses on helping parents lower the likelihood that their middle school children will participate in risky behaviors, especially drug use. Topics include risk and protective factors, family bonding, managing anger and conflict and refusal skills that go well beyond “Just say ‘No’ ”. Children 9 years old and over are invited to participate in the third session to practice refusal skills. The next class will be held at Waynesboro Free Methodist Church on Monday evenings from March 23 through April 20. Child care and a meal will be provided.
n   “Love and Logic:” This is a 7-week class appropriate for parents and caregivers of preschoolers, teenagers and all ages in between. Parents learn to replace anger with empathy and allow natural and logical consequences do the teaching. Instruction covers a wide variety of topics, including tantrums at Wal Mart, truancy, bedtime battles and shoplifting. The next class will be held at Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton on Thursday mornings through March 19. Child care and snack provided.

Habitat for Humanity open application period, Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity; through March 31; community members who wish to be considered for H4H housing should review program qualifications and income limits by contacting the organization for an application packet or stop by 434 Richmond Road (east entrance), Staunton or call 886-1944 extension 100 or visit the Web site at http://www.habitatsaw.org.

Monthly dance; Shenandoah Valley Chapter of USA Dance, Saturday at the Dayton Learning Center, 290 Mill St., Dayton; theme for the month is “Mardi Gras;” free beginner quickstep lesson Saturday at 7 p.m.; dance starts at 8 p.m. and features ballroom, latin and swing music in a smoke- and alcohol-free environment; casual dress; open to the public; information: 879-9126; Bachata workshop with Karen Thomas on Saturday, from 4-5 p.m. at the Dayton Learning Center; workshop is free to USA Dance members, $10 for non-members, $7 for seniors and $5 for students.

Camp Summer Fun registration begins Monday, Waynesboro Parks and Recreation; state-licensed program provides elementary-aged children with days filled with games, crafts, sports, small and large group activities, dance, drama, guest speakers, swimming and more; early registration is recommended; call or stop by the Parks and Recreation office, 942-6735; cost: $70 per week or $15 per day; info.: 942-6735, http://www.waynesboro.va.us/pr or e-mail .

“How to Identify and Grow Future Leaders,” Live Arts, Inc., 123 E. Water St., Charlottesville; March 5, noon to 1:30 p.m.; brown bag lunch session will focus on how to identify leadership skills in volunteers, young and old and, once identified, how to mentor and train potential leaders to become valuable contributors; topics will include what traits to look for in a potential leader, as well as mentoring and training successes and challenges in the cultivation of volunteers; register by calling the Center for Non-profit Excellence at 233-4440 or e-mailing ; cost is $10 for non-members.

Alpha Chi’s Second Annual Blood Drive, Smyrna Presbyterian Church, 174 Dooms Crossing Road; March 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; appointments are set 15 minutes apart, with several giving at once.

Rockingham Memorial Hospital Adult Diabetes Support Group, Rockingham Memorial Hospital, 235 Cantrell Ave., Harrisonburg; March 9, from 7-8:30 p.m.; topic: “Food Demonstrate: Fruits and Vegetables; Are You Eating All That You Should?;” meeting coordinated by the RMH Patient Education Department; attendance is free and open to the public; info.: 433-4269.

Fun Nutrition for Preschoolers, Augusta County Parks and Recreation; March 10, from 4-5 p.m. at Wilson Middle School in Fishersville; instructor: Pat Caulkins, RN, BSN, MS (Augusta Medical Center WOW Children/Youth Coordinator); with the rising obesity rate, it is important to teach your child healthy eating habits early in life; this nutrition course is designed for parents and caregivers of preschoolers and will offer advice on healthy options for your child; all ages welcome; cost: $10; payment must be received by Tuesday; info.: 245-5727 or http://www.co.augusta.va.us.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Blue Ridge Community College, Plecker Center, Weyers Cave; March 13, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; experience interactive exercises, case studies and poignant video segments; cost: $250 (includes breakfast and lunch); info.: 453-2215; hosted by Blue Ridge Community College’s Workforce Services and Continuing Education.

Mountain Heritage Cloggers, ARC (Fairfax Avenue); March 13, from 4-6 p.m.; deadline to register is March 10; sponsored by Waynesboro Parks and Recreation; info.: 942-6735, http://www.waynesboro.va.us/pr or e-mail .

The Augusta Parish Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mrs. Hardesty’s Tea Room , 212 S. Main St., Harrisonburg; meeting for formal tea on March 14, 4 p.m.; cost: $15; guests welcome; for reservations, contact hostess Ellen Jones at 886-7835; for more information about DAR, contact Regent Janie Sherman at 280-2727.

Lil’ Leprechauns, Rosenwald Community Center; celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (for ages 2-5) on March 16, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.; festivities include making potato prints, icing shamrock cookies and making some fancy green creations; minimum class size if 5, so invite a friend to sign up; deadline to register is March 12; cost: $4; info.: info.: 942-6735, http://www.waynesboro.va.us/pr or e-mail .

The General Daniel Morgan Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, Lynn’s Pancake House, Route 250; dinner meeting on March 18, 6 p.m.; the president, Rick Downs, will present the winner of the SAR Eagle Scout Award to Ryan Loomis, who will read his winning essay at the meeting; guests welcome; for reservations, contact Downs at 941-8148 or Registrar Dave Riel at 885-2277.

4th Annual Farm Toy Show, Riverheads High School, 19 Howardsville Road, Staunton; March 21, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; kids’ pedal tractor pull at 1 p.m.; food available and door prizes; admission: $2 for adults, $1 for children 6-12; info.: Bobby Arehart, 377-2454; sponsored by Riverheads Young Farmers and FFA Chapter; proceeds to benefit Riverheads Young Farmers Association and FFA Education Fund.

National Wilde Turkey Federation J.A.K.E.S. event; Shenandale Gun Club property, Route 42, Swoope; March 21, events: shotgun, archery, air rifle, skeet shooting and hands-on demonstration of turkey calls, target shooting and more; Shenandoah Valley “BuckMasters” will provide a Remington 870 in choice of 20- or 12-gauge to give away to a youngster attending the event; registration and check-in from 8-8:30 a.m., lunch from noon-1 p.m., with event ending at 4 p.m.; limited space is available, so register early; increased registration fee of $7-10 to join the J.A.K.E.S. program this year and is the only cost associated with this event ($7 for ages 1-12; $10 for youth 13-17 and $10 for youth over 18); registration fees should be received before March 10; please bring a few cans of nonperishable canned food to be donated to a local food pantry; info.: Jan or Eddy Pitsenbarger, 337-6902, Chuck or Tina Hite, 886-3141, Scott Robertson, 885-7880, Lennie or Bonita Tolley, 248-4564, Blaine Short, 997-5806 or Jeremiah Major, 943-8773.

Pizza fundraiser at CiCi’s Pizza, 850 Statler Blvd., Staunton; Mental Health America of Augusta, a United Way agency will hold a fundraiser on March 26, from 5-8 p.m.; proceeds to benefit the MHA-A’s programs and services in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County.

“The Wall That Heals,” Ralph Sampson Park, E. Washington Street, Harrisonburg (near blue water tower); on display April 2-5; one-half scale replica exhibit of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C., which travels with a museum and information center; museum chronicles the Vietnam War era and the unique healing power of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; open to the public, free of charge, 24 hours-a-day.

Camp Spring Break, Waynesboro Parks and Recreation, 413 Port Republic Road; childcare offered at Rosenwald Community Center; games, seasonal crafts, gym time, special cooking projects and more; cost: $15 per day, hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on April 6-10; payment is due upon registration; deadline to register is March 30; info.: 942-6735, http://www.waynesboro.va.us/pr or e-mail .

Better Portraits, Waynesboro Galleries, 112 S. Wayne Ave.; March 31, from 6-8 p.m.; learn ways to improve your portraits; will discuss posing, lighting, lenses and composition; intended for owners of digital SLR cameras that have basic knowledge of camera and flash use; cost: $15; sponsored by Waynesboro Parks and Recreation; info.: 942-6735, http://www.waynesboro.va.us/pr or e-mail .

11th annual yard sale; Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Council of Organizations; April 4; held indoors in the WWRC gym; ample parking; area is accessible with restrooms onsite; food for sale; doors open to the public from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; oak pie safe, made by WWRC students, will be raffled; to purchase a ticket, call 332-7939; all proceeds benefit students at WWRC.

Rockfish Valley Kite Flying Festival, Spruce Creek Park (in big field off Glenthorne Loop, Route 627); April 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; kite demonstrations and competitions courtesy of members of Richmond Air Force, professional organization of kite flyers; some performances done to music; noon: unfurling of 1,200 square foot flag by children in attendance while Star Spangled Banner plays; 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: free dual line group lasting half-hour; stunt kites flown, instructions given and kites available for purchase from 2 Guys Flying; children’s activities: free kites and assembly to first 100 children and basket races with parachutes; bring a picnic; food vendor, Botali’s, of Staunton; no rain date; free and open to the public; sponsors: Rockfish Valley Foundation, http://www.rockfishvalley.org, 434-361-2251 or ; and Richmond Air Force, http://www.richmondairforce.com and 2 Guys Flying.

Walk MS on May 9, at 9 a.m. at Augusta Medical Center, Fishersville; to participate, visit http://www.walkMSva.org; Bike MS 2009: Tour de Vine June 13-14, summer bike event to be held in Charlottesville; start and finish line at The Miller School of Albemarle; visit http://www.bikeMSva.org.

Hunting Heritage banquet, Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center, 152 Fairway Lane, Staunton; National Wild Turkey Federation hosts annual banquet on May 9; social hour, silent auction and raffle sales begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and a live raffle of wildlife and outdoor prints, sculptures and many other items; at least 14 guns will be given away through raffles and games; tickets: $60 for individuals, $80 for couples and $25 for J.A.K.E.S. or youth members; each ticket includes one regular N.T.W.F. membership; “supporter,” sponsor and corporate table tickets also available; print sponsors and silent auction donations are also needed; info.: Chuck or Tina Hite at 886-3141, Lennie or Bonita Tolley at 248-4564, Peery Plecker at 886-0630 or Jan and Eddy Pitsenbarger at 337-6902.

Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative annual meeting; June 11, 4 p.m.; meeting will feature a barbecue chicken dinner, live entertainment and a special Kids’ Zone area; scheduled speakers: SVEC President and CEO Myron D. Rummel, SVED Board of Directors Chairman Larry E. Garber and CFC’s CEO Sheldon Peterson; other speakers to be confirmed at later date.

SCORE small business workshop: “Plan It/Start It”; March 12, 301 W. Main St., Waynesboro, 6-8:30 p.m., $25 fee; review steps and components to a sound business; to register, call 949-4423.

14th Annual SAW Habitat Radiothon: March 9-11 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. SAW Habitat working to raise $20,000 to build homes in the spring. Call 886-1944 to pledge and talk on Classic Hit Country WKDW-AM 900 and News-Talk 970-WKCI. Gifts may be charged to VISA or MasterCard. Check accepted, payable to SAW Habitat for Humanity. For information, call 886-1944 or visit http://www.habitatsaw.org.