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Advertisement for Bids - Banister Lake Boat Ramp Improvements in Halifax, Virginia

Separate sealed Bids from qualified contractors will be received by the Town of Halifax (Owner) at the Halifax Town Office at 70 South Main Street, Halifax, VA  24558 until July 30, 2015 at 2:00p.m., then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

Major portions of the work will include but are not limited to:

• Demolition & Reconstruction of the existing concrete power boat ramp ad courtesy pier
• Construction of a new hand launch facility
• Rehabilitation of the existing gravel parking area
• Installation of site lighting and signage
• ADA Accessibility Improvements
• An Add Alternate will also be bid for the installation of a Town of Halifax Gateway Sign, including lighting installation, along US 501 S adjacent to the subject property.

This project is funded in part by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Public Boating Access Grants to Localities Program.  The award of contract shall be made in accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act, Va. Code Section 2.2-4300, et seq.

Evidence of proper registration with the Virginia State Registration Board of Contractors, pursuant to Chapter 7 of Title 54 of the Code of Virginia, must be submitted with each bid.  Bidders shall be prepared to provide evidence of successful completion of projects of similar size and scope.

A Bid Bond payable to the Owner must accompany each bid in the amount of 5% of the total amount of the bid.  A certified check may be submitted in lieu of a bid bond.

A performance bond and payment bond, each in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price, with a corporate surety approved by the Owner, will be required for the faithful performance of the contract.

Bids shall remain open for 60 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.  Withdrawal of any Bid due to error shall be in accordance with Section 11.54, Procedure (1), Code of Virginia, 1982.

The Owner reserves the right to waive irregularities and informalities in Bids received, to reject any and all Bids, and to award a contract in the best interests of the Town of Halifax.

For further information and to request a Bid package, please contact Jimmy Epps, P.E., at B&B Consultants, Inc. - 706 Hamilton Blvd., South Boston, Virginia - (434) 572-3251.

By:  Carl Espy, IV - Halifax Town Manager

Fairy Garden Contest at Museum

     On Saturday, August 29 starting at 10 a.m., the Southside Master Gardener Association will hold a Fairy Garden Contest. A miniature container garden may be submitted by an individual of any age, a group such as a Sunday School Class or a Garden Club or a family, a Grandmother and Grandchild for example. The gardens must be brought to the South Boston – Halifax County Museum on the morning of August 29 between 10 and 10:45 a.m. Registration forms and rules are available at the Museum or the Halifax Extension Office.

            Fairy Garden interest may have been inspired by the Bonsai dish gardens displayed in the Japanese Pavilion at the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1893. However, gardening for Fairies is a much older art and was based on fear that not all Fairies were friendly. It was best to offer a small place for a Fairy to rest in a miniature landscape that might encourage a malicious Fairy to do no harm or a friendly Fairy to visit more often. Today Fairy Gardens bring to mind small containers with miniature plants, tiny pieces of hardscape like seats and arbors and of course some Fairies, Gnomes or similar magical characters.

            The beauty of Fairy Gardens is that because of their small size it is a wonderful way to involve children in gardening. Kids just love to help pick out the plants and small items for the garden. Being involved in the building of the garden and the maintenance can teach all respect for growing things and a love of playing in the dirt.

            For the contest, the entrant must be able to hand carry the container that will be displayed on tables provided. The Fairy Garden must contain at least 2 live plants and NO artificial plants or live animals. Entries will be judged by a panel of independent judges based on overall design and creativity and imaginative use of plant material and components. The judges’ decision is final.

            Visitors may vote for one entry for the People’s Choice category between 11 a.m and noon. Judges will determine the first and second place winners. Winners will be announced at 12:45 p.m.

            Please join in the festivities of these gardens in miniature. Entry forms and rules may be picked up at the Museum during regular hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at the Halifax Extension Office Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.ssmga.org or call the Halifax Extension Office at 434-476-2147 option 0.

This miniature western landscape, created by Master Gardener Carol Nelson, evokes the feel of the desert with the cacti, stones and cattle skull.  Bring your Container Fairy Garden to the South Boston - Halifax County Museum between 10 and 10:45 a.m. on August 29 for your chance to win the contest.   

Master Gardeners and Hyper What? By Laverne Fuller

     Hypertufa:  what is it and why do you want to know?  Hypertufa is the art of mixing Portland cement, sphagnum peat moss, perlite and water to make stone-like garden pots.  The mixture can be made into many different shapes depending on what is used for molds.  Boxes, bowls and old flowerpots can be used.  Hypertufa pots have the appearance of old stone, but are much lighter and easier to handle.  They can add a natural, organic look to your landscape.  Unlike clay pots, hypertufa does not crack if left outside over the winter.  Join the Southside Master Gardeners at the Halifax Farmer's Market on Saturday, July 11, from 8 to 11 a.m. to make your own hypertufa pot.  The cost is $5 per pot and all materials will be provided.  For more information about the Southside Master Gardener program, please call the Halifax Extension Office at 434-476-2147, visit their website at www.ssmga.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

     The Southside Virginia Herb Society will also be at the Farmer's Market from 8 to 11 a.m. with herbal treats for tasting and a special display on drying herbs.  Herbs are easy to grow, provide ingredients for making delicious meals and add beauty to the garden.  Heres de Provence, herbal butter and herbal booklets will be for sale.

     As always, the freshest local produce and homegrown and homemade items will be available for sale.  What a great opportunity to support your friends and neighbors and feed your family the best food available.  See you there!

Master Gardeners Tommy Conner, Linda Singer and Agnes Gregory mix up

the hypertufa ingredients.  Easy enoough for kids to do.  Join in the fun on

July 11th at the Halifax Farmers Market and make your own container.

Eat Smart, Move More - Article 2 - Corn