Central Virginia Christian School (CVCS) held its annual Christmas program at Jarman Auditorium on the campus of Longwood University Dec. 19. A sold-out crowd of 1,100 people enjoyed lively music and drama presented by 150 CVCS students from grades Pre-K through 8. The original script written just for CVCS, “A CVCS Christmas Carol,” told the story of a student who had lost his interest in the play and was granted a wish “not to be in it this year.” He is visited by the “angels of Christmas plays past” to help him understand the true meaning of Christmas and the purpose of the CVCS play every year. In celebration of the school’s 15th anniversary, CVCS graduates from the past joined the current CVCS students onstage for the finale. Don’t forget about the Buckingham/Dillwyn Garden Club trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show in March. Departure will be at Dillwyn Food Lion. Contact Barbara Wheeler at (434) 647-8997 or email bwheeler@comcast.net for more details or further information.

The Cumberland extension office will again be offering a monthly food and activity calendar to involve families in health and wellness activities. The goal of this program is to involve adults and children in fun activities, make healthy food choices and be more physically active. Buckingham residents are included and welcome to participate in this fitness activity. If you are interested, contact (804) 492-4390 or email dplumley@vt.edu.

It’s a great time of year to check your smoke detector batteries, as well as carbon monoxide detectors. Don’t get caught when it’s too late for these wonderful devices to save your life. And be sure to water your live Christmas tree. A dry tree can be a fire hazard. Stay safe this holiday season. Remember to check on your elderly friends and neighbors too. Bringing a warm meal to a shut-in can also be a joy, especially this time of year.

Happy new year to everyone. Please be safe and enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Wishing everyone the best in 2019.

Sherri Wise can be reached at wise.buckingham@gmail.com.