Towns & Villages Column by Anne Davis

Submit Markham and Hume community news to Anne Davis.

Wednesday, Jun. 5, 2013

Congratulations to local graduates

Did the thunder bumpers annoy you on Sunday?

Many in our area had severe storms while some of us had nothing more than a few flashes of lightening and a few claps of thunder. Our dog was terrified and the cats found comfy spots to hide out until it was all over.

Graduation is a special time for many young people. It is a new beginning and, sometimes, a bittersweet ending for many. We offer congratulations for those we know who are moving on.

Candace Pearson, daughter of Lois and Gary Pearson, recently received her degree from the University of Virginia. Her father reports that she has already made plans to begin her new employment in New England.

Sorry, Candace, but it seems like only yesterday that your father was taking you for rides in a stroller on Leeds Manor Road in Hume. Time really flies.

Carl Liles, son of Mary and Larry Liles, graduated from Wakefield Country Day School on Saturday with a Classical Diploma and High Honors. He has been active in Boy Scouts, where he attained Eagle Scout rank and did service projects in New Orleans. Carl is planning to attend the University of Virginia.

Conner Newlun, son of Karen and Tom Newlun, has completed his studies at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria. He will be ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church next week.

He will begin employment at historic Aquia Church, Stafford, Va. He and his family (wife Sara and their two young children) will be moving to the Aquia Church area soon. Conner will be ordained to the priesthood this fall or winter.

Birthday wishes this week to Martine Hutt, Alex Munn, Shaw Armstrong and Gary Pearson. Hope all of you have great and happy days with someone special.

Wednesday, May. 29, 2013

Stay out of the kitchen on Saturday

Did you freeze last week? Those were three-cat nights, with each one claiming a favorite spot under the covers.

Forget those summer duds for awhile; just wait for the end of this week when the temps will soar to the 90s.

Leeds Episcopal Church, Markham United Methodist Church and Hartland Orchard are joining hands to support the Fauquier Food Bank.

To raise needed funds for this effort, there will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday, June 1, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Family Life Center (the old schoolhouse) in Markham.

The FLC is located on Route 55 just west of Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road) on the left coming from Markham. Your donations and attendance at this breakfast will help feed hungry families in our own area.

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church will sponsor a huge yard sale on Saturday, June 1, beginning at 8 a.m. There will be all sorts of bargains and "must-have" items for the yard sale hunters.

A hot dog lunch and snacks will be for sale by the youth group. Proceeds from this sale will benefit mission projects of the church.

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church is located on Wesley Chapel Road between Orlean and U.S. 211.

Hume Baptist Church will host a dinner on Saturday, June 1, beginning at 6 p.m. followed by a time for praise and a special speaker. Everyone is invited to come.

RSVPs are helpful but not necessary. These ladies put out a delicious dinner.

You can have breakfast in Markham, lunch at Wesley Chapel and dinner in Hume. See, no cooking and no dishes to wash all day. Come and support our neighbors.

The Markham/Marshall Theater Group will present two classic fairy tales "Snow White and Rose Red" and "Puss-in-Boots" on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 1, at 3 p.m. at the Marshall Community Center auditorium, 4133 Rectortown Road, Marshall.

These plays are done without written scripts and will be delightful entertainment. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved by calling (540) 422-8580.

Birthday greetings this week to Judy Adams, Katie Hill, Justin McIntosh and Seth Marshall. Justin has already had a celebration, and we hope the others follow suit with family and friends.

Here is a cute cat story. A friend mine has several feline family members which include a very large marmalade long-haired male cat who is usually a very friendly fellow.

Last week, roofers (large burly men) came to her home and ascended the ladder to make repairs. Loud cries for help from these men brought the friend's husband outside to find this large cat was standing with front paws on the second rung of the ladder, growling and would not allow them to come down. New sign at house reads "Attack cat on duty."

Wednesday, May. 22, 2013

Plan to donate blood June 3 in Marshall

It really is spring. The iris that are such an important part of my beloved flower beds are in full bloom with that delicious odor of grapes and the spiderwort with its delicate blooms give us a lift each morning.

Enjoy each lovely thing that you have in bloom; forget about those pesky dandelions. They make wonderful wine.

Congratulations to Doug Smith and his bride Jen on their marriage last week. The wedding was held at White Hall in Loudoun County with very nice weather and many family members and friends in attendance.

Doug and his twin brother Scott attended Fauquier High School, where they had many friends. Their father, Donn Smith, is a resident of Orlean, where he is active in many community activities.

Attendance at the Orlean Fire Department breakfast was sparse this week. Please make an effort to attend this monthly event which is always held on the third Sunday of the month. We miss you when you don't come.

Lots of birthdays to celebrate this week: Alice King, William Stribling, Davis Sharp, Tom Hood, Bill Smythe, Shawn Nashwinter, Crystal Sharp, Linda Stribling and Molly Wolfe. Be sure to acknowledge this important day if you have the opportunity .

The Marshall Community blood drive will be held on Monday, June 3, at Marshall Baptist Church from 2 to 7 p.m. The average number of people who donate blood is only about 4 percent of the population.

Blood supplies are often critically short, especially in wake of the serious accidents which have happened in our country in recent months (e.g., the Boston Marathon bombings).

If you are able, please consider making this important contribution to your community. Ursula Baxley works very hard to make this drive a success; please don't disappoint her.