Union Branch Baptist Church in Arvonia celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the advent of Black History Month on Jan. 14. The theme of the celebration was “Innovation and Initiative: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.” In addition to paying homage to the contributions of past generations, the program also highlighted local African American entrepreneurs, authors, educators and public servants.

Buckingham County Primary School students have been participating in a Winter Reading Challenge through Jan. 12. Their challenge was to read in many different settings- with their pets, outside or even on a train. Second graders will be competing in classroom Spelling Bees in the coming weeks. The top two spellers from each class will compete in the school-wide Spelling Bee on Feb. 6. Holiday PTO performance by first graders happened in December and they did a marvelous job. The next PTO meeting will be held Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. with kindergarten classes and the elementary school chorus performing. There will also be a Family Literacy Night and Gifted Showcase at the Carter G. Woodson Education Complex on Feb. 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Virginia Repertory Theater will be performing Huck and Tom and the Mighty Mississippi. It will be a great time.

Where does your milk come from? For many young students today, they do not know. Students from Buckingham County Middle School do, as they got to see first-hand, thanks to a visit from The Mobile Dairy Classroom sponsored by the Buckingham County Middle School National Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) Chapter. The Mobile Dairy Classrooms are a part of a dynamic educational program by the Southland Dairy Farmers. The 32-foot trailer houses a live cow and a fully operational milking parlor. The 45-minute presentation instructed students on the characteristics and anatomy of dairy cows, the modern milking process, and environmental and food safety practices on the farm. The instructor also spoke on the importance of dairy foods in a healthy diet. This program is made possible by Southwest Dairy Farmers, an alliance of dairy farmers that spans eight states, and is free of charge to schools.

The FFA and SCA at Buckingham County High School are selling fresh strawberries until Feb. 23. Strawberries will be delivered the week of March 12. To order yours, contact Casey Davis at (434) 969-6100 ext. 102 or Mary Stearrett at (434) 969-6100 ext. 2.

SHERRI WISE is the columnist for the Buckingham Bulletin. She can be reached at wise.buckingham@gmail. com or (434) 983-1393.