Because this section is free of charge, community events are subject to run based on available space. Email events to calendar@newsadvance.com.
Through March 31
Friends of the Amherst County Public Library March Madness Sale, during regular business hours at Amherst Library, 382 South Main St. Books, audio books and DVDs available for all ages. All money raised goes to support the library.
Through April 1
"Lasting Impressions: Black Portraiture in Lynchburg from 1850 to the Present" exhibit at Lynchburg Museum, 901 Court St., Lynchburg. The pop-up exhibit features portraits of Lynchburg’s African American citizens over the decades. Chronicling the evolution of trends and attitudes in representation, this exhibit explores image-making between the 19th and 21st centuries. The work of Lynchburg photographer James T. Smith as well as paintings by Christina Davis, Ann van de Graaf and Jon Roark are featured. This exhibit will remain on display until April 1. Admission is free. See lynchburgmuseum.org for open days and hours.
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Through April 29
Leticia Colls 2024 exhibit, during regular hours at the Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library's MOarts Gallery, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. Leticia Colls' homemade jewelry will be on display. Call (540) 425-7004 for hours and directions.
March 28
Fiber Club: Knitting, Crocheting, and More, 3 to 5 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Would you like to learn to knit, crochet, weave or share your talents with others? You’re invited to join our new Fiber Club. This will be an introductory meeting, and future meetings will be held on the last Thursday of each month. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, all are welcome. Supplies will be provided or you can bring your own. We’ll have yarn for small projects, but if you have some extra yarn, you can donate it to someone else to use. Bring your projects you’re already working on or start a new one. We’ll also have small projects for kids to make at the beginner’s sessions. Kids younger than 12 must be supervised by an adult. All ages are welcome.
Acoustic Yoga at the Aviary, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Aviary at Miller Park, 400 Grove St., Lynchburg. An immersive acoustic Yin Flow Yoga experience at the Aviary. Jessica Adams guides participants through low-impact poses while being surrounded by the gentle sounds of meditational violin provided by Daniel Kepel, meant to provide a nourishing environment. Plan to hold poses a little longer to sink deeper into relaxation. Warm socks and comfortable clothing are recommended. After the session, unwind further with social time, savoring hot tea and light refreshments, making it a perfect evening of relaxation and connection. Register by March 25 by visiting lynchburgparksandrecom.
The Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors regular meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spring House Restaurant, 9789 Richmond Highway, Lynchburg. The meeting is open to the public and accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, call (434) 352-2819 or email www.releeconservation.com.
March 29
Friday Breakfast Book Club, 10 to 11 a.m. at Bedford Library. The Friday Breakfast Book Club meets on the last Friday of every month to discuss a different book. This month’s selection is "The Lost City of the Monkey God" by Douglas J. Preston.
March 30
Mushrooms: Putting the “Fun” Back in Fungus, Presented by the Bedford Area Master Gardeners, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bedford Library. Come explore the fun world fungi with the Bedford Area Master Gardeners this spring at the library. In addition to discussing different types of mushrooms, topics will include the health benefits of mushrooms, how to safely grow mushrooms at home, where to buy supplies, choosing and preparing logs for growing shiitakes, common fungal pests and more. The library will supply participants with shiitake mushroom plugs to get attendees started on their mushroom-growing journey. Supplies are limited so registration is required.
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body, Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, 11 a.m. to noon at Forest Library. Join us to learn about the latest research providing insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age.
Saturday Matinee Presents: "A Haunting in Venice," 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Join us for a monthly Saturday afternoon screening of a movie for adults and teens. This month, we’ll watch the latest film in the Kenneth Branagh adaptations of Agatha Christie’s famous Hercule Poirot novels, "A Haunting in Venice" (based on Christie’s Hallowe’en Party). The film stars Kenneth Branagh, Dylan Corbett Bader, Kelly Reilly, Michelle Yeoh and others. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot (Branagh) reluctantly attends a seance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.
March 31
56th Annual Community Easter Sunrise Service, 7 a.m. at Altavista Memorial Park, U.S. 29 just north of Altavista, sponsored by Penuel Baptist Church. The Rev. Carlton R. Gunter, pastor of Penuel Baptist Church, will bring the Easter message. Tim Coleman and Billy Worley will provide music. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Penuel Baptist Church sanctuary. For more information, contact the church at (434) 369-7009.
April 2
Mushrooms: Putting the “Fun” Back in Fungus, Presented by the Bedford Area Master Gardeners, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Big Island Library. Explore the fun world fungi with the Bedford Area Master Gardeners this spring. In addition to discussing different types of mushrooms, topics will include the health benefits of mushrooms, how to safely grow your own mushrooms at home, where you can buy supplies, choosing and preparing logs for growing shiitakes, common fungal pests and more. The library will supply participants with shiitake mushroom plugs to get you started on your mushroom-growing journey. Supplies are limited so registration is required.
The Heart of Virginia Beekeepers meeting, 7 p.m. at the Prince Edward County Extension Office, 100 Dominion Drive, Farmville, near Lowe's. Keith White of Honey & The Hive will speak on "Sustainable Beekeeping, Including Queens, Splits and Nucs." Anyone who has bees or is interested in bees is welcome. For more information, call Mary Jane Morgan at (434) 315-1433 or go to Heart of Virginia Beekeepers forum on Facebook or heartofvirginiabeekeepers.org.
Got Dirt? Garden Soil Testing, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Patrick Henry Memorial Library, Brookneal. Learn how to understand soil test reports and how different nutrients and types of soil will work for your vegetable and flower gardens and lawns. Free soil test kits will be available to take home. For adults.
April 3
Marshall Masonic Lodge #39 blood drive, noon to 5 p.m. at The Masonic Lodge, 1730 Wards Ferry Road, Lynchburg. All types of blood are urgently needed. Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are highly encouraged. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Masons39 to schedule an appointment.
Lynchburg Hillcats 2024 Fan Fest, 5 to 7:30 p.m. at City Stadium, 3176 Fort Ave., Lynchburg. The full team will be in attendance for an open practice and to sign autographs. This will be the first opportunity to meet the players and coaches, and wish them well this season. Also available for fans will be local vendors, a preview of the kids fun zone and tours of the ballpark. The event is free and open to fans of all ages.
April 4
Land & Table Book Club, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bedford Library. The Land & Table Book Club offers a way to engage with the core ideas and topics that are motivating a new generation to create more resilient food systems and vibrant local community life. Read books about eating locally, self-reliant living, agrarian culture, growing food, culinary history, community resilience, going back-to-the-land and more. The club meets on the first Thursday of each month and welcome anyone to our meetings, even if you haven’t read the book. Visit the BPLS online calendar and follow the link provided to place a copy of each month’s book on hold. April’s book up for discussion is "All Creatures Great and Small" by James Herriot. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, check out the Land & Table website at: https://landandtable.com.
Adult Book Club, 2 to 3 p.m. at Montvale Library. The book club meets the first Thursday of every month. This month we’ll discuss "The Last Chance Library" by Freya Sampson. No registration is necessary, and new members are always welcome.
Computer 101 Class: Digital Photos 101, 1 to 2 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Receive tips for organizing, backing up and editing photos, including transferring them from your phone or camera to your computer.
April 5 and 6
Academy Youth Theatre’s performance of "Seussical, Jr.," 7 p.m., April 5 and 11 a.m., April 6 at the Academy Center of the Arts' Historic Academy Theatre, 600 Main St., Lynchburg. The Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Over spring break (April 1 to 5) students ages 9 to 14 from the City of Lynchburg and surrounding areas will come together to learn, rehearse and perform the fantastical musical Dr. Seuss-themed extravaganza from Tony-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Tickets for the performances are $6 to $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the ticketing office at (434) 846-8499 or visit academycenter.org. To enroll your students in Academy Youth Theatre camps, contact Kelli Johnson at kjohnson@academycenter.org or visit academycenter.org/classes.
April 6
Saturday Matinee Presents: "The Public," 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. at Bedford Library. Join us for a monthly Saturday afternoon screening of movies for adults and teens. Celebrate National Library Day with us as we watch "The Public" (2018), starring Alec Baldwin, Emilio Estevez, Jena Malone, Taylor Schilling, Christian Slater and others. A librarian helps a group of homeless people take refuge from a brutal winter night by staging a sit-in at the free public library. A misunderstanding causes his noble act to wrongly escalate into a hostage situation with a political candidate and a TV reporter stoking the drama for their own agendas.
Pickelball, 8:30 to noon at Crosswhite Athletic Club, 118 Davis Cup Road, Lynchburg. AARP Virginia will host King and Queen of the Courts, and invites pickleball players ages 50 and older to participate in social connection through friendly competition on the courts. Co-ed players will be randomly assigned to starting spots and partners for play. At the end of each match, pairings will be split with winners advancing to a “higher” court, while losing players will move down one court “lower.” In each case, players will rotate pairing partners from match to match. Prizes will be awarded to those making their way up to court No. 1 (the King & Queen’s Court) after the event. AARP Virginia will provide water and healthy snacks to all who participate. This event is designed to encourage healthy behaviors and social interaction — both aspects of maintaining brain health and function while aging. These benefits will be presented at a final gathering and prize award celebration. AARP resources will be shared with all who participate. Play is limited to 40 players. Registration is required to participate.
Thrive Outside Festival, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Falling Creek Park, 1257 County Farm Road, Bedford. Thrive outside this outdoor season by meeting local vendors, outfitters, camps, clubs, farms, health care practitioners, gyms, gear outfitters and non-profits that specialize in adventure/recreation, agriculture/homesteading and health/wellness. Workshops offered. Other activities include a farm petting zoo, inflatables, foam machine, kids bike course and outdoor music. Food trucks also are available. Event is free.
Quilting Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon at Montvale Library. In this fun and creative workshop series for quilting beginners, learn how work on simple quilting techniques to turn your quilt vision into a reality. The suggested finished size is 30 inches x 50 inches; useful but not too small or large for a first project. Before the class begins, you’ll be contacted about meeting with Marietta Nester, owner of Bargain Barn Fabrics, to start planning your quilt. Registration recommended.
Mushrooms: Putting the “Fun” Back in Fungus, Presented by the Bedford Area Master Gardeners, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Explore the fun world fungi with the Bedford Area Master Gardeners this spring. In addition to discussing different types of mushrooms, topics will include the health benefits of mushrooms, how to safely grow your own mushrooms at home, where you can buy supplies, choosing and preparing logs for growing shiitakes, common fungal pests and more. The library will supply participants with shiitake mushroom plugs to get you started on your mushroom-growing journey. Supplies are limited so registration is required.
Blue Ridge Fiber Gathering, 10 a.m. to noon at Stewartsville Library. Blue Ridge Fiber Gathering meets on the first Saturday of every month. This event is for teens and adults, and is a morning for knitters, crocheters, spinners and weavers, from beginners to pros. Learn a new skill or share your skills and talents with others, and have a good time. Bring the projects you’re currently working on and enjoy the companionship and knowledge of other fiber enthusiasts. You can also drop off hats, sweaters and scarves for the Adele’s Legacy program at the meetings or at any of our six library locations. Every year, Adele’s Legacy works with the school superintendents' offices in Franklin and Bedford counties to choose elementary schools eligible for giveaway day.
April 7
Smith Mountain Lake State Park 2024 Winter Lecture Series, 3 to 4 p.m. at Discovery Center, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Huddleston. This month, the 19th annual lecture series will feature "The Amazing Life of Bees" by Ann Zudekoff, of Piedmont Beekeepers Association. Ticket prices are $10 (single ticket), $30 (single season ticket), $8 (single ticket, Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park members), $24 (single season ticket, Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park members). Prices includes parking. All tickets paid for at the door. The lecture series is presented by the Friends of SMLSP and all proceeds benefit the park. For more information, call the park at (540) 297-6066.
April 8
Friends of the Forest Library Book Club, 1 to 2 p.m. at Forest Library. The Friends of the Forest Library Book Club meets every second Monday of the month. Join us as we discuss "Luck of the Titanic" by Stacey Lee.
Literary Lakers Book Club, 3 to 4 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Join us for the first meeting of the Literary Lakers Book Club. For this first meeting, a book will be shared from a local or regional author. A decision will be made on next month’s discussion book, and the club will meet in the community room on the second Monday of each month going forward.
Total Eclipse of the Park, 1:45 p.m. at Timbrook Park & Library, near the pond. A limited amount of free eclipse glasses will be available to participants to share. There will be craft activities to enjoy during the eclipse, a citizen science experiment, plus we’ll be making pinhole viewers. This event is weather permitting. Check our social media for the latest updates. For all ages.