The Buckingham VFW Post 8448 announced the winners of its annual youth essay contest. Three Central Virginia Christian School students were recognized. Jacob Crawford received first place, Noah Jones was awarded second, and Piper Scialdo won third place in the essay contest. Did you enjoy the 4-H cooking workshops offered by the Buckingham Extension Office for youth this fall? If so, there will be additional cooking activities where you can join a 4-H Food Challenge team in January, with after school practice sessions in January and February and contests in March and April. The Food Challenge prerequisite is having previously participated in Food Challenge, Fun with Foods, or 4-H Foodies Day Camp. Contact the Extension Office at (434) 969-4261 for more information.

Concord Baptist Church will present the Christmas musical/drama “Journey to the Manger” at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation. Concord Baptist Church is located at 12053 Francisco Road in the Sheppards area. Everyone is welcome to attend and share in the Christmas spirit.

Join the fun on Friday, Dec. 20, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Buckingham Agriculture Center for a day filled with crafts and fun activities at the Winter Wonderland Workshop. The workshop is for ages five-13 with separate tracts for the Cloverbuds and Jr. Clovers. Youth need to pack a lunch. For more information, contact the Buckingham Extension office at (434) 969-4261.

Just in time to get some exercise before the holidays, Central Virginia Community Health Services continues to offer classes to keep you fit. On Mondays and Wednesdays enjoy yoga at 6 p.m., Tuesdays come out for Weight Watchers at 4:40 p.m. and kickboxing at 6 p.m., and take advantage of the free use of the gym all day on Wednesdays. On Thursday, Dec. 19, there will be no Tai Chi, but the pre-diabetes class takes place at noon and Rebounderz will be held at 6 p.m.

If you have a live Christmas tree up and decorated, remember to water it regularly to prevent a fire hazard. During this time of the year, also remember those less fortunate and do a nice favor for someone. It’s what the season is all about and let us be kind to one another.

Buckingham County Public Schools begin Christmas break on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 12:30 p.m., barring no inclement weather before that date. Classes resume on Thursday, Jan. 2. Wishing everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season, with a merry Christmas and happy new year.

SHERRI WISE is the columnist for the Buckingham Bulletin. She can be reached at wise.buckingham@gmail.com.