Community Notebook: Yard Sale to Benefit Nonprofits, Deadline for Arts Grants

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Mark your calendars for an upcoming yard sale that will benefit three nonprofit organizations, the deadline for the state’s arts commission funding, and two opportunities to get free admission to Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg this month. Read on for more details.

Yard Sale Benefits Several Nonprofits

Yorkminster Presbyterian Church in Yorktown is hosting a large yard sale to benefit only nonprofit organizations.

The “From the Heart Yard Sale” will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the church. The items for sale were donated, and all money raised will go to: Menchville House Ministries, a transitional home for homeless women and children; the York County Food Closet; and Yorkminster’s Fellowship Center.

As admission to the Yard Sale, shoppers are asked to bring a canned food for the York County Food Closet.

For more information, call 898-4972 or click here.

New Town Dental Fundraiser Benefits Children

Over the spring and summer, Dr. Sebastiana Springmann and her staff at New Town Dental Arts offered teeth whitening services at a significantly reduced fee.

The effort was part of the Crown Council’s Smiles for Life campaign, and 100 percent of the proceeds went to charity. Half of the $2,450 raised was given to Dream Catchers of Williamsburg, while the other half was given to Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation, for use in health, education and inner city programs that benefit children. Over five years, Springmann has raised more than $32,000 through the Smiles for Life campaign.

Pictured are, left to right, Dr. Sarah Allen, Patty Holt of Dream Catchers, Terry Jacoby of Dream Catchers, Nancy Paschall of Dream Catchers, Ed Hawfield of Dream Catchers, Dr. Sebastiana Springmann and Carrie Rhodes.

State Arts Commission Sets Grant Application Deadline

The Virginia Commission for the Arts will accept applications for general operating support for arts organizations and project grants until 5 p.m. on March 1.

All applications can be downloaded here.

General operating support provides financial assistance to arts organizations for ongoing artistic and administrative expenses. Eligible applicants must have been incorporated in Virginia for at least a year. Funding will be awarded for July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013.

Project grants support projects designed to increase high quality arts for all Virginians; increase opportunities for artists to create and present their work; or to expand arts education opportunities for young people. Eligible activities include: commissions of new works of art; operating support for new and emerging arts organizations; new or expanded arts education programs; new or expanded performances or exhibitions; and services to artists and arts organizations.

For more information, call (804) 225-3132 or click here.

Free Admission for Locals at Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement will host “Community Day” on Feb. 11, inviting guests to make an art history connection with family tours, a lecture and a children’s craft activity related to its special exhibition, “The 17th Century: Gateway to the Modern World.”

The exhibit, organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, explores the transformation from the “old world” of the Mediterranean to a newly connected world in the 17th century, thanks to the opening of new trade routes. Family-friendly guided tours will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

At noon, Senior Curator Thomas Davidson will present a lecture called, “Gateway to the Modern World.”

At 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m., children can shape their own blocks for block printing.

With proof of residency, Historic Triangle residents will receive free admission. For more information, call (757) 253-4838 or click here.

CW Offers Free Admission to Presidents of Any Type

Colonial Williamsburg invites all current and former presidents to enjoy free admission during Presidents Day Weekend from Feb. 18 to 20. The offer applies to any guest who has ever served as president of any group or organization, whether it’s a company or an elementary school class.

Special programs that weekend include “Breakfast with the Presidents” at 9 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Williamsburg Lodge. Guests can dine with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

The three presidents will also appear in “An Evening with the Presidents” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Kimball Theater. The three will discuss the roles and relationship of the Executive to Legislative branch.

The presidents, portrayed by costumed interpreters, will discuss public service and more in several events over the weekend. Find more information on special programming here.

Spring Fire Season Starts Feb. 15

Gov. Bob McDonnell is warning Virginians that the threat of wildfires is increased due to Virginia’s mild winter.

As a result, citizens are asked not to burn brush or trash after 4 p.m. or if wind speed is in excess of 20 miles per hour and humidity is below 30 percent. Keep a fully charged hose and shovel on hand to extinguish any spot fires, and be sure to burn in small piles rather than one big one.

If a fire gets out of control, dial 911. More than 40 percent of Virginia’s 1,114 wildfires last year were caused by people burning trash or debris, according to State Forester Carl Garrison.

Spring fire season runs from Feb. 15 to April 30.