Sept. 13, 14

by Rose Javier, Publicity Committee, LOW Garden Club

Spicebush is a host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterflies. In the fall, the green leaves turn yellow.

Black-capped chickadees and American goldfinches love to eat ironweed bush seeds.

The LOW Garden Club wants residents to be informed consumers before purchasing plants for their yards. Together we can support the wonderful ecosystem that is part of LOW life.

Doug Tallamy, PhD, professor and chair of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware and a leading wildlife ecologist, wants you to understand that every property — no matter the size — is an important link in the local ecosystem, and points out three vital facts about Butterfly Bush: 1. Butterfly Bush is not a larval host plant for ANY butterfly species: Butterflies do come for the nectar, but butterflies need host plants on which to lay eggs and on which their caterpillars feed. Not a single native caterpillar eats Butterfly Bush leaves. 2. Butterfly Bush is highly invasive: It crowds out and replaces native beneficial plants that have grown in your community for centuries. There’s clear documentation of aggressive Butterfly Bush invasions in wildlife habitat. 3. Butterfly Bush contributes to the collapse of food webs: Planting non-native plants like Butterfly Bush makes it harder for birds to survive. A family of newborn chickadees needs to eat 6,000-9,000 caterpillars during its first 16 days. Without leaves to eat, caterpillars will not survive. Without caterpillars, baby birds will not survive.

How can you help? Here’s a list of native plants (deciduous shrubs or tall, sturdy perennials) that display a growth habit and/or bloom structure similar to Butterfly Bush, without the drawbacks: America Boneset, Blue False Indigo, Buttonbush, Culver’s Root, Ironweed, Lead Plant, Spicebush, Sweet Pepperbush, Sweetspire, and Wild Senna. So, grow native!

The LOW Garden Club is a member of the Shenandoah District of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, as well as the National Garden Clubs. It is through the National organization that we participate in Penny Pines. At each meeting, we collect pennies for the purchase of acres to be planted in our national forests, to replace trees lost due to fire, drought, or other natural disasters. Our club’s donations are earmarked for Virginia, but individuals may donate a plantation for any state they choose.

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Deadline for submissions to the Sept. 23 issue of Lake Currents is Sept. 12.

Deadline for submissions to the Oct. 7 issue of Lake Currents is Sept. 26.

Advertising Info: Call 540-972-2278 or email LakeCurrents@LOWA.org Media Kit online at LOWA.org

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Lake Authors Member Julie Phend Published in Chicken Soup for the Soul

by Sharon Lyon, Steering Committee Member

The Lake Authors club is excited to announce that Julie Phend’s story, Keep Steering will appear in the upcoming book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles and the Unexplained, coming out Sept. 13.

Asked about the story, Julie said, “It happened on a chilly evening in November 2019. I was driving on I-95 in heavy traffic when a sudden explosion sent me flying sideways across the highway. The lights of oncoming cars streamed toward me, and a concrete barrier loomed in front of me. I was certain I would die.

“But then I heard a voice that said, ‘Just keep steering.’ With the aid of that voice, I managed to drive my mangled car to safety and escaped without a scratch.

“The miracle of that night and the lesson it imprinted on my soul will live with me forever. I’m grateful to be able to share it with Chicken Soup for the Soul readers worldwide.”

Chicken Soup for the Soul has been a publishing sensation since the first bestseller was published in 1993. Today, with over 110 million books sold in the U.S. and Canada, more than 300 titles in print, and translations into nearly 50 languages, Chicken Soup for the Soul books continue to inspire readers, one true story at a time.

Julie Phend has lived in Lake of the Woods since 2010. She joined the Lake Authors club shortly afterward and loves the camaraderie and support of other writers in our community. She is the author of D-Day and Beyond, a True Story of Escape and POW Survival. She is currently writing fiction for young people.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles and the Unexplainable is available on Amazon and in major bookstores on Sept. 13. Interested in learning about Lake Authors or joining us? Email us at lakeauthors@gmail.com.

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by Emily Slunt, Board Member, LOWLINC

Community Health Workers from the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District will be coming to speak at the Community Center and share the latest guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine, and other Virginia Department of Health priorities on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 1:30 PM. This update will include recommended vaccination schedules for ages 6 months and older, including booster vaccinations. The latest guidelines for quarantine and isolation, travel, and prevention methods to keep you from getting sick will be shared.

Speakers include Megan Cummins, Community Health Worker Supervisor with the VDH, who holds a Master of Public Health degree and has a background in nutrition, health, and wellness, and Diane Crawford, also with VDH, who holds a Master of Public Health degree and has a background in health education.

While LOWLINC focuses on older adults, we remain committed to improving the health of the entire LOW community and have arranged for a Flu Vaccine Drive-Through Clinic again this year. It will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the Clubhouse lower-level parking lot with both the Senior and Adult vaccines available. LOWLINC is working with Genoa Healthcare to bring this clinic to the Lake. Registration is required and you will receive a reminder and forms a few days prior to the event. See www.lowlinc.org to register online or call LOWLINC at 540-9380974 for assistance in registering (this number is for Flu Clinic registration only).

When you arrive to receive your vaccination, LOWLINC volunteers will assist with the flow of cars and distribute refreshments after your injection is complete. Genoa Healthcare pharmacists and assistants will be responsible for administering the vaccine. Bring along any required paperwork, such as insurance information and registration forms, and plan to stay at the site in your car for about 10 minutes. LOWLINC is proud to host this event, and we thank you for your attention to your health and that of the Lake of the Woods community.

Photo by Karen O’Donnell

Attention photographers, want-to-be photographers, and anyone else interested in photography!

The LOW Photography Club meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7 PM in the Community Center. We spend a portion of our meeting sharing our work and a portion learning from each other. We organize photography field trips and travel together or meet up to find the best local photo opportunities.

Our members range from beginner photographers to very experienced photographers. They shoot with everything from the latest mirrorless cameras to their cell phones. Everyone is welcome and no matter how much we think we already know, we are always learning from each other.

Each month we have a topic to shoot to. This gives us each a chance to practice our skills, try some things that we might not otherwise, and learn in the process. Photos taken during the month are shared at the meeting – either those that correspond to our topic, or others that have been taken. The topic for September is … you guessed it … silhouettes!

Please join us! For more information contact Jen Heinz (jenheinz6103@ gmail.com) or Karen O’Donnell (odonnellake@gmail.com). Our September meeting will also include more information about the exposure triangle and calibrating your monitor.

Check out our FaceBook group LOWPhotoClub to see what else we are up to!

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Music on the Point – Sept. 23, join Chris & Mark on the Point at 7 PM. This is a St. Jude fundraiser.

Story Time Tuesdays at the Wilderness Library – Sept. 13, 20, & 27: 10:15 AM, Toddler Time, 15-20 minutes of stories, fingerplays, nursery rhymes, and music for children ages 18 months to 3 yrs old with a caregiver. 11 AM, Preschool Storytime, 30-45 minutes of stories, action rhymes, music, and crafts for children 3 to 5 yrs old with a caregiver.

Save the Date! Christkindlmarkt – Dec. 3 at the Community Center, from 9 AM-3 PM. Vendor registration, call the Community Center at 540-972-9680.

The Blue Ridge Chorale, is happy to announce that Melanie Bolas will be the new director for the choir. The new season has started. All interested singers are welcome to join us for practices on Mondays at 6:30 PM at the Culpeper United Methodist Church, 1233 Oaklawn Drive, Culpeper. Registration for the fall singing season will be until Sept. 12 at http://brcsings.com/registration/ or you can register in person.

The LOW Square Dance Club offers intro dances on Sept. 9, Community Center 7:30 PM. Lessons begin Sept. 20, Clubhouse Lower Level, 7 PM. Call 571-3289247 or 703-298-6254.

Lost or Found Pets in LOW can be posted on facebook.com/ LOWlostandfoundpets.

Hearing Aids/Eyeglasses

Recycled: Place used hearing aids and eyeglasses in LOW Lions boxes at the Ferris Building & Holcomb Building.

Fundraisers

Antique/Classic Car Cruise

In. Sept. 10, Oct. 8 at the Locust Grove Town Center on Route 20, from 5-8 PM. Free to spectators and participants. Help support the food bank and local charities with canned goods or cash donations. Enjoy an evening of seeing and remembering cars from yesterday’s gone-by while listening to the rocking oldies. Sponsored by the Good Time Cruisers, www.goodtime-cruisers.webs.com.

Christmas at the Biltmore -Join the LOW Chapter of the AARP on a 4 day trip to the Biltmore in Ashville, NC Dec 6 -9, 2022. Candlelight tour of the Biltmore mansion, 3 dinners and a show at the Blue Ridge Mountain Opry, and more, are included. Bus leaves from and returns to LOW. All profits will be distributed to local charities through the AARP Chapter #5239 benevolent fund. For a flyer and info, call Pierre at 540-972-0519 and leave a clear message.

LOW F&R Phone Directory. The LOW Directory is available for $10, cash or check only, at LOWA Member Services, Holcomb Bldg. Sales benefit LOW Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company.

Cause 4 Paws. We need volunteer foster homes, monetary donations, and donations of the following: Purina Kitten Chow, Purina Cat Chow, Friskies Pate canned food and Fancy Feast Kitten Wet Food. Proceeds benefit feline rescue. Donations may be tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) charity. Donations may be mailed to Cause 4 Paws, P.O. Box 301, Locust Grove, VA 22508. Facebook: causefourpaws Locust Grove VA or call LA, 540-4854181 or Darlene 540-972-8038.

LOW Lioness Book Sale. Used books will be sold on the last Saturday of the month (Feb.Nov.) from 8:30 AM to 1 PM at the Ferris Building. Proceeds go to the Benevolence Fund. Book donations are accepted the day of the sale. No reference or textbooks, please. Info: Ann, 540-972-4338; Sherri, 540412-9854; or Helene, 540-412-0798.

LOW Lions Medical Equipment

Loan Program seeks donations of wheelchairs and rollators in working condition to share with neighbors in need. Donate at Velona Building (by compactor) any Saturday from 9 AMnoon. Call 540-388-0110 to schedule a pick-up. If you or a family member needs a walker, shower bench, bedside commode, or other medical equipment, the Lions are here for you!

Lions Furniture Pickup and Yard

Sale. The LOW Lions accept donations of furniture and merchandise at the Velona Building (Shoosmith Road, near the trash compactor). Donations accepted Saturdays from 9 AM to noon. To arrange for donation pickup, call Doug at 540-495-0640. The Lions are a 501(c)(3) charity; donations may be tax deductible. The Lion’s Yard Sale at the Velona Building is open every Saturday from 9 AM to noon.

Orange County Humane

Society of VA. Our TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) feral, free roaming cat program needs canned and dry cat food as well as monetary donations. Food donations may be dropped off at Locust Grove Vet Clinic. Monetary donations are needed for all our programs, including our Pets In Place program for pet dogs and cats in need. Mail donations to: OCHSVA, PO Box 852, Locust Grove, VA 22508, or send through Paypal. Remember when shopping with Amazon, select us as your charity of choice. OCHSVA is a 501(c)3 charity, your donations may be tax deductible. Facebook: Orange County Humane Society VA. Call 540-672-0069, for questions about our TNVR community cat program (that we affectionately call Andi’s Cats), and our Pets In Place program. Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous:

Meeting every Monday at 7 PM at LOW Church (Rm 210). For other local online AA meetings go to http://d39.wildwoodweb.com/ Meetings.shtml. Info: LOW Church 540-972-9060.

Cancer Support Group for Women and their Caregivers: Meetings are held at LOW Church. Please contact Suzanne Lentine for meeting dates/time or for more information, 540-972-9060.

Dementia Memory Café: This is a social event where the person with dementia and/or the caregiver(s) are welcome to come discuss issues. Contact Bonnie at 540-547-4824 or bonnired@comcast.net.

Divorce Care Support Group

Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM, at the LOW Church Library. For more information, contact Mike Lemay at 540-972-9060 or email mike@ lowchurch.org.

Grief Support Group:

Griefshare is a free worldwide Biblebased support group to help you through your grief journey after the loss of a loved one. We meet twice a year for 13-week sessions of videos and discussions at the LOW Church. Info: 540-972-9060 or www. lowchurch.org.

Living Water Community

Clinic in Locust Grove Town Center (32345 Constitution Hwy, Suite P) offers free medical care, dental care, and prescription assistance to the eligible uninsured in Orange, Spotsylvania, and Culpeper counties. Medical care available on 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th Thursdays from 5 to 8 PM. Medical and dental care available on the 2nd Saturday from 9 AM to noon. Call 540-854-5922 for medical appointments. Call 540854-5923 for dental appointments. Volunteers Needed. Info: 540-8545922, Suzanne.

LOWLINC - Non-profit membership service organization dedicated to enabling seniors at the lake to continue living fully and independently in their homes. Volunteer services provided: transportation, light home maintenance, computer assistance, check-in calls, friendly visits, and referrals to screened service providers. Fee-based. Opportunities to volunteer, too. Info: 1-855-LOWLINC or visit lowlinc.org.

LOW Lions/Lioness Wilderness

Food Pantry: Located behind Locust Grove Town Center, Route 20. The pantry is open several times a month to provide food to qualified persons/ families in Orange County. Please call 888-508-9274 for the schedule of openings and other information about the pantry. LOW Lions rely on Federal food programs, local retail stores, community food drives, and financial donations to feed the hungry in our community. Lions Wilderness Food Pantry, P.O. Box 605, Locust Grove, VA 22508. Info: Nicki, 703-217-5615.

LOW Lions Medical

Equipment: Durable medical equipment is available for temporary loan to those with needs. Currently loans are being made by appointment only. Please call 540388-0110.

Orange County Free Clinic:

Offers primary medical care and prescription assistance to the uninsured in OC. Medical care available by appointment. 101-C Woodmark Street, Orange. Info: 540-672-0793.

Parkinson’s Support Group

meets the second Thursday of each month at The Lake of the Woods Church at 4 PM. Contact Lee Moore at 540-972-0395 with any questions.

Red Cross Blood Drive: From noon to 6 PM, in the Community Center. Usually fourth Tuesday every other month (call to confirm date). You must be generally healthy and 17 or older. Go to www.redcrossblood. org for schedule and more detailed information. Make an appointment online or call 1-800-733-2767. Making an appointment saves you time! Walkins accepted, on space available basis. Info: Ginny, 540-848-5829 or Carol, 540-972-0664.

Seeking Counseling? The LOW Church offers affordable counseling for all persons by appointment. Info: Church, 540-972-9060.

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Care-A-

Van will provide transportation to health care (including picking up prescription medications) and legal appointments for senior citizens (over 60) and persons (over 18) with physical disabilities. Available Mon-Fri. with minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Free Service (donations accepted), Call 540-825-3100 ext. 3358 or 3013.

Vision Impaired Support

Group. Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 AM, Community Center, Room 1. Sponsored by the LOW Lions. Contact: Gail Sauro, 540-972-1629 or Gail.Sauro@ yahoo.com

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