Towns & Villages Column by Anne Davis

Submit Markham and Hume community news to Anne Davis.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012

We are apparently in for more winter

The groundhog did see his shadow.

It was quite amusing to see the takeoff done in Washington with a stuffed animal; the fellow in Pennsylvania draped himself over the shoulders of his handler to enjoy the whole affair.

Project Running Gear, the joint effort to raise funds for the northern Fauquier volunteer fire companies, was quite successful.

A very large crowd came to Barrel Oak Winery to enjoy the music, see a stunning performance by Eddie Payne, have dinner, and bid on a wide variety of auction items.

An impressive display of equipment from Orlean, Marshall, The Plains, and Upperville, plus large groups of volunteers from the five companies, made everyone know how fortunate we are to have such dedicated volunteers to respond when there are fire and medical emergencies.

Thank you to everyone in the community who came to show support and, in addition, to have a good time.

Birthday greetings this week to Olivia Burke, Jose Johnston, Elijah Huston, Ursula Baxley and Anne Douglas Atherton.

Celebrate with someone special on your special day.

Next week we observe St. Valentine's Day. Many folks opt for gifts of expensive jewelry, outrageous and exotic candy and other items for those they love.

May we suggest that a wonderful thing to do would be to find special cards or small gifts for older friends and children who would not be remembered otherwise.

I sponsor a little girl at the Pine Ridge Reservation who is overjoyed when she receives a card. She had never received any mail before we became involved.

A little thought can make a big difference. Try it; it will make you feel good.

The Orlean Volunteer Fire Department breakfast will be held on Feb. 19 (always the third Sunday of the month) from 8 to 11 a.m. Please come and bring a friend or neighbor.

Doug Johnson, a fire company member who generally greets folks at the door to take their money, is currently recuperating at home following a medical problem.

We hope he will be at his post that Sunday. Please keep him in your thoughts as he recovers.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012

Will the groundhog see his shadow?

Watch for the groundhog this week. Thursday is supposed to be his special day. Will he be wearing sun shades and a swim suit?

Do you have a young person in your family who is planning to a post-secondary education program next year? If you live in the Markham, Marshall, Orlean, Hume or Delaplane area, there may be scholarship help available for that person.

The Leeds Ruritan Club awards a limited number of scholarships each year to young people living in those areas, and the application date is drawing near.

Applications for the fall are due by March 12. Information is available from Leeds Ruritan Club members. Fauquier High School students should check with Ms. Kirk or Mr. Hackney in the Guidance Office.

The fundraising efforts of the Ruritan Club (parking cars at the Strawberry Festival, Hume Day) help provide funds for this very worthwhile cause.

This is the last week to get tickets for $25 to the “Project Running Gear” event to be held at Barrel Oak Winery on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets at the door are $30.

This family-friendly event will help provide funds for running gear for our northern Fauquier firefighter and medic volunteers who are here for us every single day of the year, including Super Bowl Sunday.

The evening will include a fashion show by the volunteers (modeling running gear, not swim suits), music, food, and chances to bid on live and silent auction items.

Last week, we told you that the running gear is expensive, but we really did not know how expensive. The cost to outfit a firefighter is more than $7,000. Outfitting a medical person is more than $2,000.

The neighbors who serve us in Orlean, Marshall, The Plains and Upperville are appreciative of your help and look forward to seeing you at Barrel Oak on Saturday.

The Marshall United Methodist Men’s Group will have the annual Chili Feed on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the church in Marshall.

In addition to some really good chili and other goodies, the Cobbler Mountain Grass bluegrass group will play between noon and 2 p.m.

Adult tickets are $7; children ages 5 to 12 are $4; ages 4 and under are free. Information: Joe Bersack at 347-1757.

The Service of Installation for the Rev. Justin McIntosh, new Rector of Leeds Episcopal Church, will be held at Leeds Church on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m., followed by a reception in the parish hall. Friends and neighbors are invited to attend.

“Drive Like Your Kids Live Here” signs have appeared in some strategic locations in Warrenton. Please encourage those living in our country neighborhoods to heed this.

There are some folks who completely disregard the speed limits and stop signs because they don’t like them or are just thinking about something else.

Please try to keep the safety of our children, older people and our pets on your mind when moving through these areas.

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012

Red Cross blood drive a success

Mother Nature reminded us over the weekend that she’s not through with us yet.

Saturday was a fine day to read, work on needlepoint, nap and do house chores.

Thanks to the VDOT drivers who worked hard to make our roads safer Friday night. It’s very comforting to hear those big trucks chugging past the house with flashing lights during the night hours.

Thanks to all who participated in the Red Cross blood drive at Marshall Baptist Church last week.

Ursula Baxley, chairperson, reported that the goal was reached with 51 pints donated. Good work, friends and neighbors.

Have you purchased your tickets for the Project Running Gear event at Barrel Oak Winery on Saturday, Feb. 4? This event, sponsored by the fire and rescue companies in northern Fauquier County, will help with the purchase of running gear (very expensive, by the way) which is essential to keep the volunteers safe when they respond to our calls for help.

This family-friendly evening will provide music, live and silent auctions, food and a style show where firefighters will model ( you guessed it) running gear.

Tickets for adults and children ages 13 and over are $25 and are available from members of the Orlean, Marshall, The Plains and Upperville fire and rescue companies. Tickets at the door are $30. Your support will make matters much better for all of the volunteers.

Birthday greetings this week to Ruth Bushara, Lauren and Christopher Fitzsimmons (darling little twins), Stephanie Mastri, Cannie Green Campbell and Will Hirst Baxley. Special celebrations are planned for some, so enjoy your day.

Hume Baptist Church will sponsor a community supper from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27. The menu includes homemade soups, side dishes and dessert. Proceeds will be directed to Spiritual Care Ministries in Warrenton.

Donations are appreciated to support this valuable work, which includes grief counseling.

The Service of Installation for the Rev. Justin McIntosh, new rector of Leeds Episcopal Church, will be held at Leeds Episcopal Church at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4.

The service will be conducted by The Right Rev. Edwin Gulick, assistant bishop of the Diocese of Virginia. Friends and neighbors of Leeds Church are invited to attend the service, which will be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.