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241st Crossing of the Dan Anniversary

241st Anniversary of the Crossing of the Dan

Thursday Event

“Race to the Dan, Race to Defeat”

Historical Program by Jim Morgan, MA

Thursday February 17, 2022 at 5:00 P.M.

South Boston – Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History

1540 Wilborn Avenue South Boston, Virginia 24592

Guests are encouraged to tour the permanent exhibit

“The Crossing of the Dan” before & after the Program

 

 Friday Event                                                                           

“Halifax County Patriots in the Revolution”

Historical Program by Colonel Greg Eanes USAF (Ret.)

Friday February 18, 2022 at 5:00 P.M.

King’s Bridge Landing – Banister Encampment

1041 Bethel Road – Scenic Byway 360 Halifax, Virginia 24558

Program to include:

Preliminary Revolutionary Era Music by David Russell & Roland Terry

Presentation and Posting of the Colors by the Virginia Society SAR Color Guard

Wreath Laying Ceremony

Musket & Cannon Fire by the 7th Infantry Regiment

 

Saturday Event

Crossing of the Dan                        

Saturday February 19, 2022 at 10:00 A.M.

South Boston Volunteer Fire Company Support Center

801 Wilborn Avenue South Boston, Virginia 24592

Sign in will Begin at 9:00 A.M.

Commemoration Begins 10:00 A.M.

“The Race to the Dan: A Resilience Theory Perspective”

Historical Program by Andrew Waters, Historian, Editor, and Conservationist

 Wreath Laying Ceremony - Location to be determined by weather.

 

 

Change in Sanitation/Recycling Schedule Due to President's Day Holiday

Landscape for Life Offered this Spring

Landscape for Life Offered this Spring

            Are you a gardener new to Southside? Have you ever wanted to take the Master Gardener course but are still working or don’t want to commit to the volunteer obligation? The VCE Southside Master Gardener Association’s Landscape for Life may be just what you need. Landscape for Life is based on sustainable landscape practices. Think of it as a mini-Master Gardener training. The six classes will start on March 4 and be held on the every Friday in March and the first and second Friday in April from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Boston – Halifax County Museum.

            The Landscape for Life series starts off on March 4 with an introduction to soils by Kathy Conner Cornell. Most times we don’t give soil any thought. Soils are everything to the plant. It is through the interaction of roots and the soil that plants receive their nutrition and water. Healthy soils are the basis of a beautiful garden. Bring a small baggie of soil from your garden to the class.

            Water quality will be discussed on March 11. Stormwater management is very important no matter where you live. We need to garden and manage runoff in ways that protect our waterways. You will learn special techniques to properly manage rainwater in your landscape.

            On March 18 Kathy will review how to determine the right plant for the right place. It is important to avoid invasive alien plants that disrupt our natural habitats. Native plants can often be a good choice in the sustainable garden but not necessarily the only choice. You will learn what to consider as you make the best plant selections for your garden.

            We will have a special treat on March 25. A strong design is the backbone of any landscape. You shouldn’t put a shovel in the ground until you’ve assessed your space and determined what functions you want your landscape to serve such as play area, private area or entertaining area. The design development will be an ongoing project but to help with the plan Jean Blanton, VCE Southside Master Gardener, will guide you through the basics of landscape design principles.

            Materials, normally thought of as hardscape, will be discussed on April 1. In the landscape, hardscapes are often used for things such as fencing, arbors, trellises or pathways. This will be a fun session chock full of ideas on how to use repurposed/recycled materials to define areas in the garden. A main way we can recycle and repurpose is to compost. You will be guided through the steps to create black gold that is so important to our soils. Kathy will lead a presentation on Integrated Pest Management. Using chemical pesticides should be the last resort for garden pest problems. The IPM method details the steps to be taken before ever reaching for a pesticide and what improper pesticide use is doing to our wildlife especially bees.

            The last class on April 8 will be devoted to each member’s personal design and their specific issues. Some designs will be discussed in the class and everyone will have the opportunity for a personal consultation. You will leave the program feeling confident that you can have the landscape of your dreams and help protect the environment for enjoyment of future generations.

            There will be a $25 fee to cover the materials for the 6 sessions. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions to get the maximum value out of the classes. However, if this just doesn’t work into your schedule, individual classes will have a $5 fee. The fee is for a family – husband and wife, parent and mature child or friends.

            Advance registration and payment is required. Space is limited. To register go to the Halifax Extension Office to pick up an application form or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request an application form. Mail completed form and check made out to SSMGA to Halifax County Extension Office, PO Box 757, Halifax, VA 24558. The six classes will be held on 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1 and 4/8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Boston – Halifax County Museum, 1540 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston. For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or or call the extension office at 434-476-2147, option 0.

 

Caption for picture: It is important to have sustainable landscapes that attract pollinators such as this beautiful butterfly. If you are interested in learning how to garden with nature, sign up for the Landscape for Life being offered by the Southside Master Gardener Association.

Master Gardeners Looking for Plants

We want your plants!

The Southside Master Gardener Plant Sale rolls around every spring on the first Saturday in May, almost as much of a tradition as Easter and the first day of the baseball season.

Master Gardeners are already busy getting ready for May 7th – but we could use your help. Do you have plants in your garden that are getting crowded (such as hostas, iris or daylilies) or small perennials and bushes that you would be willing to donate for the Plant Sale? We will come out and dig up these specimens (nothing overly large and heavy, please) and pot them to be included in our Sale. We also gratefully accept container plants and houseplants.

Our Association relies on donated and refreshed plants to be offered at very reasonable prices to raise funds for Master Gardener projects and educational events.

We’re looking forward to warmer weather and welcoming you to this year’s sale on May 7th, 7:30 am to noon in the parking lot in front of the Halifax Library, Main Street, Halifax. In addition to a wide array of herbs, plants and trees, there will be garden art items like wine bottle wind chimes, birdhouses, hardscape items, and hypertufa pots to add interest to your landscape.

We appreciate your donation of plant. If you have plants, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the VCE Master Gardener Help Desk at 434-830-3383, to schedule the digging crew. Please state your first and last name, phone number and nature of the call. Looking forward to seeing you at the Plant Sale!

Caption for picture: Watch for a new item this year: Draped hypertufa. These containers may look delicate but they are sturdy and built to withstand the weather. Pictured here with a Sansevieria, draped hypertufa pots are made by dredging cloth in a thick cement mixture before draping the material over paint pots to drip and harden.