CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April - June 2008

All events listed are open to the general public and free except where a fee is noted. Donations to the Patrick County Food Bank are accepted.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather, information about program cancellations will be available through local radio stations and e-mail alerts, and also by calling the Homestead at (276) 694-7181.

June

2-7—Monday through Saturday—“Get Your Summer Reading” Book Sale Fundraiser. The Homestead has been collecting new and used books for several months, and the proceeds from the sale will be used to buy supplies and provide scholarships for our kids’ summer camps. Paperbacks are $1 and hardbacks $2. There are some valuable books in here too at good prices for collectors. Support our youth and get great summer reading at a bargain! M, T, W, F--10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Th--10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. S-9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

5—Thursday—Book Discussion: “Jayber Crow” by Wendell Berry. Beth Almond Ford hosts the discussion about Jayber Crow, town barber in Port William, KY, whose life story parallels the decline of sustainable agriculture in rural America. The book resonates with themes of change and transition. Bring a bag lunch, dessert and drinks will be provided. Browse the book sale and take a tour of the house. 12:00 noon.

7—Saturday—Homestead Quilters Exchange. 2:00 p.m.

9—Monday—Belly Dancing Class. Most people think of belly dancing as a sensual Eastern folk dance, but it can also be a unique way to get into shape.  A single belly dance session works hundreds of muscles, burns calories, and helps students to de-stress. Fitness instructor Eydie Clifton will be offering a “Belly Dancing for Fitness” on 4 consecutive Mondays in June. The course is an excellent way to improve your shape, especially for those who do not like going to the gym or running—and it is suitable for people at all different levels of fitness. $20. Advanced registration is required. 7:00-8:00 p.m.

CANCELLED. 10—Tuesday—“Travelogue:  Thailand.”  Take a trip to the Kingdom of Thailand that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia with world traveler Joe Richard. Learn about the culture, the people, and the sites of this mysterious country formerly known as Siam. 7:00 p.m.

11—Wednesday—Homestead Postcard Club. Wayne Bibby of Winston-Salem, NC will present a program on that city. 7:00 p.m.

13—Friday—The Homestead at Fairy Stone Park:  David Via of Corn Tornado.  Patrick County’s own hillbilly rock star, David Via opens the Homestead’s annual concert series at Fairy Stone Park. You will not want to miss David’s unique brand of bluegrass and country music against the beautiful setting of the amphitheatre on the lake. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic and settle back for a great evening of music. Held in a nearby picnic shelter in the event of rain. Park admission does apply. 7:30 p.m.

16—Monday—Homestead Decorative Painters Exchange. Continuation of the “Peach Orchard” project from May. Bring a bag lunch. 9:30 a.m.

17—Tuesday—Great Books Discussion Group. De Toqueville. Preregistration required. 6:30 p.m

17-19—Tuesday-Thursday—TimeTravelers Summer Camp. Students will travel to 6 historic or museum sites in this three-day camp and earn their TimeTravelers t-shirt and certificate signed by Governor Tim Kaine. Ages 9-14. $90 includes all admission fees, travel expenses, and a travel bag including camera, water bottle and sunglasses. Bring a bag lunch each day. Space is limited and preregistration is required. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 each day.

19—Thursday—Dinner and a Movie Night. Have dinner and a movie with a theme! The featured movie is “Proof” (2005). In this film the daughter (Gwyneth Paltrow) of a brilliant but mentally disturbed mathematician (Anthony Hopkins) tries to come to terms with the inheritance her recently deceased father may have left her: his insanity. Complicating matters are an ex-student who wants to search through her father’s papers and her estranged sister who shows up to help settle his affairs. Rated PG-13. Dinner will be served promptly at 6:15. The cost is $8 per person for dinner and reservations are required. Attend both events or either! The movie begins at 7:00.

22—Sunday—”Americana Roots” Concert with Suzanne and Jim. “Americana Roots,” is a 100-year survey of American popular music from the minstrel era of the 1840's through the heart songs from the turn of the century to the topical favorites of the 1940's. Audiences experience a sense of nostalgia remembering songs they may have heard before from a mother, father, or a grandparent. Songs to do chores by, songs of inspiration at the meetinghouse, songs sung at the family reunion. Bring a lawn chair or blanket (and maybe your cloggin’ shoes!) and relax with an afternoon of roots music. Held outside on the lawn, in the CEC in the event of rain. $8 adults, $5 students. 3:00 p.m.

27—Friday—The Homestead at Fairy Stone Park: The CeltHix. Drawing their energy from the roots of American Folk music, the group plays an original blend of Scots-Irish and mountain music. A perennial Fairy Stone favorite. Bring a chair and a picnic and enjoy the show! Held in the park amphitheater or a nearby picnic shelter in the event of rain. Park admission does apply. 7:30 p.m.

29—Sunday—Dessert and Coffee with—Lona Greer Watson. This new program at the Homestead will feature remarkable people sharing interesting information. Lona Greer Watson is a newly published first-time author from Rocky Mount, Virginia, and her novel “Nocturne” is getting fantastic reviews. In this suspense novel, townsfolk believe Molly McCleod is brain damaged and cannot speak, but the secret hidden in her skirt pocket could reveal an entirely different story. Have dessert and coffee with Lona as she talks about writing her first novel and does a reading from the book. 3:00 p.m.

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July

Exhibit:  Bull Mountain Artists and Friends. The 8th Annual exhibit showcases the work of the Bull Mountain Arts Gallery’s regional artisans. Members are from Patrick and surrounding counties, and the exhibit will feature paintings, drawings, pottery, fiber arts, jewelry, folk and decorative arts, stained glass, wood and photography. On exhibit through July 31.

5—Saturday—Homestead Quilters Exchange.  2:00.

7-11—Monday-Friday—Youth Art Camp. Take an “Art Safari” with Patrick County art instructors Linda Daumen and Grace Helms. This “wild” adventure will explore several different types of media and encourage students to discover art in interesting and diverse ways. Ages 5-9. $65 per student. Class size is limited and preregistration is required by June 30. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon each day. Friday from 12:00 to 1:00 will feature a reception for campers’ families and friends to view the results of the week’s activities. Refreshments served.

7-11—Monday-Friday—Drawing Class: “Draw What You See.” Drawing is the foundation of the visual arts and can also be just plain fun on its own. Students will draw a number of different objects using a number of different media, learning how to “draw what you see.” Participants of all skill levels and abilities are welcome. Greg Arens, instructor. $65 includes all drawing supplies except paper. 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. each day.

7—Monday—Patrick Henry Photography Club. Open to anyone interested in photography. 6:30 p.m.

9—Wednesday—Homestead Postcard Club. Club members should bring in various unusual postcards for short presentations. 7:00 p.m.

11—Friday—The Homestead at Fairy Stone Park: David LaFleur. Back by popular demand, West Virginian David LaFleur has been performing his unique mixture of folk, Appalachian, blues and bluegrass for over 20 years. His rich tenor voice and mastery of the guitar, dobro, mandolin and dulcimer are not to be missed. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic to the park amphitheater. Held in the park amphitheater or a nearby picnic shelter in the event of rain. Park admission does apply. 7:30 p.m.

13—Sunday—Dessert and Coffee with—David Oliver. This new program at the Homestead will feature interesting people sharing interesting information. David Oliver will begin with a discussion of the historic and biological perspective on the use of torture to extract important information from enemy prisoners. He will explore the roots of torture in human biology, and then discuss the more recent developments in brain and mind that provide a countervailing force. Dessert and coffee provided. 3:00 p.m.

15-17—Tuesday-Thursday—Beginning Watercolor with Jim McIntosh. Popular Homestead artist and retired professor Jim McIntosh returns for his annual summer watercolor class, a three-day workshop starting with the basics of watercolor for beginners, then moving to more advanced techniques and tricks to executing good paintings. $75 fee includes 140# paper. Bring a bag lunch, or purchase lunch for the three days for $20. Advance registration required by July 10. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

15—Tuesday—Great Books Discussion Group. Alexis de Toqueville, “Democracy in America.” Preregistration required. 6:30 p.m.

17—Thursday—Dinner and a Movie Night. Kick back and relax with dinner and a movie with a theme at the Homestead. This month’s feature is “After the Wedding” (2007).  Jacob Petersen has dedicated his life to helping street children in India. When the orphanage he heads is threatened by closure, he receives an unusual offer. A Danish businessman, Jørgen, offers him a donation of $4 million dollars. There are, however, certain conditions... not only must Jacob return to Denmark, he must also take part in the wedding of Jørgen's daughter. The wedding proves to be a critical juncture between past and future and catapults Jacob into the most intense dilemma of his life. Rated R. Dinner will be served promptly at 6:15. The cost is $8 per person for dinner and reservations are required. Attend both events or either! The movie begins at 7:00.

18-20—Friday-Sunday—Living History Civil War Camp. Hosted by the 51st Virginia Infantry Company D, this camp will take kids to the 1860s to live as they would have in the Confederate Army. Arise with reveille and to bed with taps—in between there will be drills, history, and learning about the roles within the company. Bring a sleeping bag and a change of clothes. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Demonstration for parents on Sunday morning. Children ages 8-12. Advanced registration required by July 10. $50 first child, $40 each additional child in the family. Friday 6:00 p.m. to Sunday 10:00 a.m.

20—Sunday—Homestead Weavers Exchange. This month’s meeting will feature a basket weaving workshop with Gail Wright. Pre-registration is required and there will be a $20 fee. Call Celie Cassady or Mary Kay Washington for more information. Open to members only. 2:00 p.m.

21—Monday—Decorative Painters Exchange. Carol Elliot will begin a two-month project showing how to paint a rug using floor tiles. This autumn scene project uses all of the beautiful fall colors. Non-members may participate for a $10 fee. Bring a bag lunch. 9:30 a.m.

25—Friday—Homestead at Fairy Stone Park: Kris Hale. Roanoke native and Emory and Henry professor of music Kris Hale brings his solo classical guitar to Fairy Stone. Enjoy the sun setting on the lake and relax with this enchanting performer. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic to the park amphitheater. Held in a nearby picnic shelter in the event of rain. Park admission does apply. 7:30 p.m.

July 28- August 1—Monday-Friday—Youth Quilt Camp. Learn the art of hand-quilting and appliqué, the history of quilting and quilt styles and techniques. Campers will create an 18” quilt square based on a popular 19th century quilt design. The squares will be on display during an open house for parents on the last day of camp and throughout August as part of the Reynolds Homestead exhibit for the public and staff to view. Ages 10 to 17—no previous sewing experience required. $65 includes all supplies. Bring a bag lunch each day. Preregistration required by July 18. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

August

Exhibit:  From the Field to the Hand: Photographs by Angela M. Orrell.This collection of photographs from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts documents the lives of people who have worked tobacco for generations. These timeless images, alternately modern and archaic, also serve as a record of the process of tobacco farming, its gradual decline, and its deep legacy in the families who made their living from the industry.

4—Monday—Patrick Henry Photography Club. Open to anyone interested in photography. 6:30 p.m.

8—Friday—The Homestead at Fairy Stone Park: The Foddrells. A mix of old-time blues and jazz results in an evening of great music and fun. Held in the park amphitheater or a nearby picnic shelter in the event of rain. Park admission does apply. 7:30 p.m.

13—Wednesday—Homestead Postcard Club. Annual picnic and postcard sale. 6:30 p.m.

18—Monday—Decorative Painters Exchange. Continuation of the project led by Carol Elliot. Bring a bag lunch. 9:30 a.m.

19—Tuesday—Great Books Discussion Group. Henrik Ibsen, “Enemy of the People.” Preregistration required. 6:30 p.m.

21—Thursday—Dinner and a Movie Night. Escape the summer heat and take an evening off with dinner and a movie with a theme at the Homestead. This month’s feature film will be “Charlotte Gray” (2001). Cate Blanchett plays Charlotte, a young Scottish woman who is living in London during World War II. Within weeks she both falls in love with a young pilot and is recruited by the Secret Service to act as a courier for the French Resistance. Her mission behind enemy lines, however, soon becomes a personal mission to find her lover who has been shot down. Assigned to a Communist Resistance group, she encounters acts of betrayal from sometimes unexpected sources, but meets the violence of war and her own disappointment with hope. Rated PG-13. Dinner will be served promptly at 6:15. The cost is $8 per person for dinner and reservations are required. Attend both events or either! The movie begins at 7:00.

22—Friday—Homestead at Fairy Stone Park: Simple Gifts of the Blue Ridge. This annual concert is one of the most popular of the summer series and features traditional English ballads, folk songs and novelty tunes played on dulcimer, acoustic bass and guitar. Held in the park amphitheater or a nearby picnic shelter in the event of rain. Park admission does apply. 7:30 p.m.

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