Community Events JANUARY
3 – Bedford Public Library System’s “Smitten with Reading” Adult Winter Reading Program
Through Feb. 14
Patricipants fill out a BINGO board for a chance to win prizes. Learn more at www.bplsonline.org. 5 – Last Day of Festival of Trees
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Bedford Area Welcome Center
13 – Mountain Cross MTB Series
9 – March Mudness MTB Race
Follow Bedford Outdoor Adventures on Facebook for more information.
Courses for beginners and experts. Follow Bedford Outdoor Adventures on Facebook for more information.
12 p.m., Falling Creek Park
27 – Mountain Cross MTB Series
12 p.m., Montvale Park
12 p.m., New London Tech Park
12 – Regenerative Gardening 101
FEBRUARY
Hosted by Bedford Outdoor Adventures, a division of Bedford County Parks & Recreation.
Follow Bedford Outdoor Adventures on Facebook for more information.
6 p.m., Bedford YMCA
23 – Celtic Festival & Highland Games at the Sedalia Center Highland Athletics, Pipes & Drums, Highland Dancers, Celtic Music, Irish Clans, & more! Info at sedaliacenter.org/2024-celtic-festival-highland-games
If you didn’t get a chance to see the trees, time is running out! Vote for your favorite for $1/vote. Proceeds go to local charities.
10 – Mountain Cross MTB Series
8 – Valentine’s for Vets Begins
13 – Bike Maintenance 101
Each branch of the Bedford Public Library System will provide supplies for families to make valentines for local veterans. More than 1,800 valentines were collected in 2023.
Hosted by Bedford Outdoor Adventures, a division of Bedford County Parks & Recreation.
APRIL
MARCH
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Falling Creek Park
11 – Knots and Ropework 101
1 – Bedford Master Gardener Class Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Bedford Master Gardener Training Class. Learn more at bedfordmastergardeners.org.
Through Feb. 7
6 p.m., Falling Creek Parks & Rec Office
Hosted by Bedford Outdoor Adventures, a division of Bedford County Parks & Recreation.
12 p.m., Falling Creek Park
Follow Bedford Outdoor Adventures on Facebook for more information.
6 p.m., Falling Creek Parks & Rec Office
6 – Thrive Outside Festival
Meet local vendors, outfitters, camps, & more. Kids bike course, clinics/workshops, outdoor music. $5 for adults, Under 14 free.
RESOURCE LINK: MENTAL HEALTH As we start a new year, it’s important to spend time thinking about mental health and coping strategies. Mental health is often affected by weather. Cold, dark, damp days can have a negative impact on mental health. Here are some resources if you or someone you know needs mental health assistance:
12
and be prepared to provide your zip code and what type of service you need. Horizon Behavioral Health Horizon is the area’s Community Services Board and can be reached at 434-477-5000 to schedule an intake, or 434-522-8191 for after hours emergencies.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline If you are in distress or experiencing difficult thoughts call 9-8-8, which is available 24/7 to assist in mental health crises with free and confidential support.
Impact Living Services Impact currently offers counseling in the Town of Bedford as well as in Forest and can be reached at 434-533-1088.
211 Virginia 221VA is both a telephone number and a website that can assist in finding services available in your locality. To call, simply dial 2-1-1 from your phone
Hope for Tomorrow Hope for Tomorrow offers counseling in the Town of Bedford and in the Forest area and can be reached at 434-300-HOPE (4673). B e d f o rd C o u n t y C o m m u n i t y C o n n e c t i o n | W i n te r 2 0 24
