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Winter Reading: The Rural Retreat Public Library Adult Winter Reading Program will be Jan. 5 through March 20.  Pick up a Book Log at the RR Library and each Book Log gives you another chance to win prizes.  For more information, call 276-686-8337. 

Master Gardener Information Table:  On Saturday, March 21, from 1-60 p.m., the Mountain Empire Master Gardeners will have an Information Table at Gate Center Shopping Days, at Gate Center, 122 Davis Street, Independence, VA 24348.  There is free admission to the market and the information booth.  No registration is required.  Who may come:  local shoppers, home gardeners, and community members interested in volunteer opportunities or improving their gardening knowledge.  The Information Table will feature a revolving digital presentation on a smart board highlighting seasonal gardening tips and local projects.  Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be on-site to answer gardening questions, distribute educational materials, and share information about the 2026 Master Gardener Training Program and upcoming spring workshops.

WCC Jamboree: New Grass Additions Bluegrass Band and Whitetop Mountain Old Time Band will play the Saturday, March 21, Wytheville Community College Jamboree, at 7 p.m. in Snyder Auditorium. Admission is free.

Start Your Own Apple Trees Workshop:  On Thursday, March 26, there will be two classes, one at 3 p.m. and the other at 6 p.m., in which the Mountain Empire Master Gardeners are sponsoring an Apple Tree Grafting Workshop at the SWVA Farmers Market - Wholesale Building, 497 Farmers Market Drive, Hillsville, VA 24343.  MEMG is presenting this event as a favor to the Carroll County Cooperative Extension that normally presents this event.  The cost to attend will be $20 per person, which includes 5 grafted trees to take home.  Because space is limited, registration is required. Contact Carroll County VCE at 2760730-3110.  Who should come:  home orchardists, local residents, and anyone interested in learning fruit tree propagation.  This is a hands-on workshop designed to introduce participants to grafting their own apple trees.  Attendees will learn the techniques and will graft five trees of their own to take home, using varieties of local interest.  This event is sponsored by the VCE Extension Master Gardeners. Please remember to register.

After Prom Benefit: The Rural Retreat After Prom Benefit will be held Friday, March 27, from 4-6:30 p.m. in the RRHS Cafeteria.  Jumbo baked potatoes are on the menu.

Egg Hunt: Holston Health and Rehab and Holston Senior Living will have their 7th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, at 2 p.m. with a rain date of April 4.  The Easter Bunny will be there, face painting, games and a grand variety of prizes.  This will be for ages 0-3, 4-7 and 8-12.  For more information you may call 276-228-5595.

Hunter Education: The Wythe County Hunter Education Class will be held Sunday, March 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rural Retreat Community Center.  For more information call 276-620-6564.

Egg Hunt: The Max Meadows Ruritan Club will have a free Easter Egg Hunt for all ages on Sunday, March 29, from 2-3 p.m. at the Max Meadows Community Field.  They will also be giving away 16 shiny new bikes.

 Used Book Sale:  On Friday, April 3, from 9  a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., in the little red bookshop behind the Wythe County Public Library, 300 E. Monroe St., Wytheville, the well-attended book sales are continuing.  All are welcome!  Come and browse and take home some good reads!

Easter Concert: The Max Meadows Community Choir Easter Concert will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 7 p.m., at the First Methodist Church in Max Meadows.  Everyone is welcome! 

Car Show: Fort Chiswell High will host a car show from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. Entry fee is $20 per vehicle and each car entry receives a free barbecue lunch.  Barbecue will be sold for $10.  Funds go for the Fort Chiswell Softball Team.

Trail Challenge: Ivanhoe Civic League presents the 2026 Spring Cowboy Trail Challenge on Sunday, April 12, at 3 p.m.  Admission is $5, with ringside parking priced at $10 at the Ivanhoe Jubilee Park/Horse Show Grounds.

Plant-based Cooking School:  Monday, April 13, at 6:30 pm, at the Wytheville SDA Church, 1600 Chapman Road, Wytheville.  Come learn ways to prevent, reverse and/or improve pre-Diabetes and Type II Diabetes one bite at a time in a simple, delicious way.  This is a free event.  Any questions, contact Joya Cleveland at 276-617-2875.  

Radio Club: The Briarpatch Amateur Radio Club serves amateur radio operators in Southwest Virginia and northwestern North Carolina. All amateur radio operator are invited to the on-air weekly gathering held each Tuesday night at 8 p.m. with a frequency of 147.090+ and 103.5 tone. Additional information can be found online at www.vaemcommdb.or/BARC/ or on the Briarpatch Amateur Radio Club Facebook page.