1. Saturday, May 3, 2008 (10 am-1 pm): Join the Defenders of Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park to restore wildlife habitat by removing invasive species. Almost a quarter of all plants in Shenandoah are non-native, and many of these plants -- like Oriental bittersweet and garlic mustard -- invade and alter the natural landscape, compromising habitat integrity for the wildlife that makes these forests special. Defenders of Wildlife's mission is to ensure native animals and plants survive and flourish in the wild. And we’re counting on caring people like you to help us carry out that mission in your community. Register by clicking on this link: Join the Wildlife Volunteer Corps next weekend to contribute to wildlife conservation in your area.

2. Saturday, May 3 (9 am- 1 pm): Page County Farmers Market Opening Day, parking lot next to Evergreen Outfitters. Set-up usually begins around 8:30 am and breakfast is available. The Farmers Market is open until the end of October.

3. Saturday, May 10 - Sunday, May 11, 2008: Shenandoah National Park’s 22nd Annual Wildflower Weekend: Park's Visitors will have a chance to meet woodland beauties such as wild geranium, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and many others on a variety of naturalist-led hikes. There will be two feature programs this year, both presented by trail hiker and author Leonard M. Adkins. Mr. Adkins, a self described "Habitual Hiker", recently completed his fifth thru-hike of the 2,176-mile Appalachian Trail. Mr. Adkins will share memories of his hikes from Maine to Georgia and his encounters with wildflowers in Shenandoah through two multi-media presentations in the Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium located at MP 51 on Skyline Drive. Hikes include Millers Head, Mill Prong, Pocosin Mission, Gravel Springs-Bluff Trail, Appalachian Trail, Passamaquoddy, and South River Falls trails. There will also be bird walks, a children's program, a journaling activity, and more. The complete program schedule is available at the park's website: www.nps.gov/shen. Programs are free, and there is no registration required. There is a $15-per-car entrance fee to the park, good for seven days. For more information about Wildflower Weekend, call the park at 540-999-3283.

4. Saturday, May 10: Luray Festival of Spring – look for the recycling containers and please recycle! Volunteers are needed for the event. Visit luraydowntown.com or call 743-7700 for an application. Please contact Catherine Stewart at ldi@shentel.net.

5. Saturday, May 17- Sunday, May 18: Save the Meadow! Shenandoah National Park is Recruiting Volunteers to Help Control Invasive Plants at Big Meadows. SNP invites the public to join in a weekend to Save the Meadow! May 17-18, 2008. (Rain dates are June 7-8, 2008.) Staff and volunteers from the park will illustrate the beauty and rare importance of the site and species found within Big Meadows. The public is encouraged to participate in invasive control activity led by park staff and volunteers. Invasive species threaten to degrade the highly valued plant community found at Big Meadows Swamp, a wet meadow. The swamp is a natural heritage site of rare significance. Call to register at (540) 999-3492.

Friday Night Live at the Warehouse Art Gallery, Downtown Luray

Our next "Friday Night Live" is scheduled about 6:30 pm. This is a very casual and informal get together for friends of the arts. Come as you are, when you can, and bring a friend, meet a friend, or make a friend.
The Warehouse will provide ice, drinking water, a few light snacks, and cups/napkins/plates. Please bring anything else you would like to eat or drink, or to share. Children may attend.

Entertainment is often scheduled but there is always an open mic. In addition to the singing/guitar talents of John Fisher and Russ Good, we have the singing/guitar playing of Sculptor Wendy Rome, the readings of poet Paul Wood, pianist Paul Ackerman, singer Betty Booten Grubbs, singer/songwriter/guitarist B.J. Thomas and Jimmy Drain, and singer/guitarist Lee Blanton.

The primary goal is to provide a convenient location where friends can get together informally. We can play cards or other games; please bring something fun. Again, the focus will be on friendship and fun.

Current hours:
Monday - Friday 12 - 6 pm, except Friday which goes until (last Friday, we
did not get away until almost midnight)
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 12 - 5 pm

The Warehouse Art Gallery
15 Campbell Street
Luray, Va. 22835
540-843-0200
dmayes@shentel.net
www.warehouseartcenter.net