Recently, I was asked by a woman who had been in the U.S. for only a few years, to explain what Veterans Day was. Friday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, an official United States public holiday honoring military veterans — persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly Armistice Day, Nov. 11 is the anniversary of the armistice that ended the major hostilities of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Let us all remember and honor our veterans everyday of the year.

A Hunter’s Breakfast will take place Saturday, Nov. 19 from 5-8 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 12341 S. Constitution Route, Scottsville. Proceeds go towards purchasing a new lawn mower for the church. For more information, call (434) 286-3380.

During the weekend of Dec. 2-4, the place to be will be the Buckingham Courthouse area. Buckingham County’s 26th annual Community Tree Lighting will take place Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. Help bring in the holiday season with the lighting of the community tree and enjoy performances by the Buckingham County JROTC color guard with Sarah Garceau singing the National Anthem, preschool and elementary students, as well as a surprise guest.

There will be an open house at the Housewright Museum, across from Buckingham Courthouse, on Dec. 2 after the tree lighting, as well as on Dec. 3 and 4 from 1-4 p.m. Artifacts from World War II will be the theme of this open house.

The Buckingham County Arts Council will hold an open house of its art exhibit and sale on Dec 2., after the tree lighting at 7 p.m.

The annual Village Christmas Market also takes place Dec. 3 and 4 from 1-4 p.m. at the Historic Village at Lee Wayside. There will be arts and crafts, jewelry, candy and baked goods, Christmas ornaments and all sorts of gift ideas. Nan Holt will also be present to sign her most recent book, “Hero and Hallie – New Friends.”

The 18th annual Virginia Biological Farming Conference will take place Jan. 9-11, at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs. This conference is Virginia’s premier gathering of organic farmers, gardeners and supporters. Whether you are an experienced grower or just starting out, you will find plenty of things of interest. There will be more than 30 speakers, an exhibition of useful tools and services, delicious locally-sourced meals and the very best in networking opportunities. The event is a collaboration of Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia State University and the Virginia Association for Biological Farming. Visit vabf.org for more information.

The Buckingham Chamber of Commerce is looking for a few good people to honor at its annual awards banquet on Monday, Jan. 16. Nominations are being sought for volunteer of the year, lifetime achievement, youth achievement and business of the year. Help recognize those who make our lives better with their service and work in our communities. Nominations should be submitted by Dec. 15 to the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 951, Dillwyn, VA or call (434) 983-2372.

Janet Miller is a poet, writer and retired educator. Her email address is: janet.miller@farmvilleherald.com