November 11 – Here we are in the middle of November, the weather is delightful and Mother Nature has put on her finest attire – the autumn leaves are gorgeous – a perfect time for tree-viewing.

Thanksgiving is just two weeks away, but you can get a jump on the season by attending the Beulah United Methodist Women's Annual Turkey Supper. It will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Abilene Community Center. Take-out will be available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sit-down dinner will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. The price is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. For more information or to reserve your ticket, contact Nancy Nelson at 223-8346.

On Nov. 9, the second six-week grading period for Prince Edward County Schools ended. Report cards will be out on Nov. 18. Thanksgiving holiday for the schools is Nov. 24-26.

As most of you know, I volunteer at Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's retreat home, in Bedford County. On Nov. 9, a group of us from Poplar Forest went to Monticello, Mr. Jefferson's primary residence, in Charlottesville to see some of the changes that they have made there.

Speaking of Poplar Forest, they will be holding their 2nd Annual Wine Festival on Saturday, Nov. 20. There will be 12 local wineries represented – a great opportunity to sample different wines from our local area.

America Recycles Day is Nov. 15; American Education Week is Nov. 16-22; and the Great American Smoke Out is Nov. 20.

The Abilene Homemakers Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Tueday, Nov. 16, at the Abilene Community Center. We will be working on Christmas favors for some of the area nursing homes. Each year, as part of our community outreach program, we make approximately 200 goodie bags for the residents of Trinity Mission in Farmville, and Britthaven and Windsor Gardens in Keysville. Visitors, guests and new members are always welcome. For more information you can contact me at 223-2271.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Barbara Acton and Ralph Neilson who will be celebrating on Nov. 16, and Glenn Johnson on Nov. 20. Additionally, Happy Anniversary wishes go out to David and Barbara Acton who will be celebrating on Nov. 18.

Speaking of birthdays, our good friend and neighbor, Violet Thackston had a full weekend of celebrating her 91st birthday on Nov. 6. On Saturday, her granddaughter, Sharon Drinkard and husband Mark and sons Heath and Braden, helped Violet celebrate. On Sunday, Ralph and Nancy Dodd took Violet to lunch at Sheldon's in Keysville. And, Sunday evening, her niece, Margaret Burroughs, took her to a musical at Cullen Baptist Church in Cullen. Violet enjoyed all the visits, cards, and calls that she received.

If you have any announcements or news that you would like to share, please call me at 223-2271 or e-mail me at kz5ro@kinex.net.