Towns & Villages Column by Sarah Smarrelli

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Wednesday, May. 22, 2013

Free lunch Saturday at Grace Episcopal

This month's free community lunch is Saturday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains. Everyone is welcome.

The lunch will feature a chef's special menu. Serving usually begins about 11:25 a.m. For more information or to volunteer to help, contact Susan Smith at (703) 753-4947 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

It is once again time for the annual standardized testing regimen in public schools. If your students are taking SOLs this month, help them handle the pressure of these high-stakes tests by giving them extra time to play outside and unwind.

Of course, be sure they also get enough rest and eat breakfast.

It can be difficult for a third grader to sit for nearly two hours in front of a computer taking reading, math, science and social studies SOLs. Yes, third graders must take four SOLs.

Save the date. Long Branch Baptist Church in Halfway will be hosting a friendship lunch on Monday, June 10, at 11:30 a.m.

In addition to a free lunch, they will be playing bingo. Please plan to come and bring a friend. RSVP to either Joanne Glascock at (540) 428-0029 or Susan Schulz at (540) 253-5311.

Friday, May. 10, 2013

Congratulations to the MMS band

Despite the somewhat cool temperatures, it was a glorious spring weekend. Perfect for all our local events -- Gold Cup, Archwood Green Barns Farmer's Market, and the bargain basement at St. Mark's Methodist Church.

I enjoyed meeting some St. Mark's members during my shopping excursion. I do want to pass along that St. Mark's previously announced breakfast on May 11 has been canceled and will be rescheduled in the near future.

I also learned this week that the best way to stay in touch with all that is happening at the Archwood Green Barns, is to "like" them on Facebook.

Farm market manager Becky Brothers reports that the barn is full, with 12 vendors scheduled to be on site once the full season begins.

The market is open, rain or shine, every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering veggies, fruits, bedding plants, orchids, salsa, alpaca products, baked goods, felted items, gourds, bamboo, fresh meat (beef, chicken, rabbit, pork), jams and jellies, jewelry, and more.

Congratulations to the Marshall Middle School band on its tremendous performance at the annual music competition in Hershey, Pa.

The band took home top honors and the trophy in all categories. Congratulations to the band director, Mr. Hicks, and all the dedicated band students.

Friday, May. 3, 2013

Farmer’s market near The Plains opens for the season

THE PLAINS – As May debuts this year, it's time also for the Archwood Green Barns season to begin, with vendors offering a variety of fresh foods and other goodies. Located in a restored horse barn, this indoor/outdoor farmer's market is open rain or shine every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There's still time to make plans to attend the 88th Virginia Gold Cup on Saturday, May 4. For details, tickets and everything you need to know to make it a great day, visit www.vagoldcup.com/new/virginia/.

On Saturday, May 11, St. Mark's Methodist Church in The Plains is hosting a breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Free-will donations are requested for the breakfast. The church will also be showcasing hand-crafted Mother's Day gift baskets and bakery items for purchase. For more information, call Richard Work at (703) 517-4112.

There is more local school news this week, with the announcement that David Graham will become principal of Marshall Middle School when current principal Christine Moschetti retires at the end of this school year. Congratulations, Mr. Graham.