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Lake Anna – May 2012
Written by Sandy O'Brien - Editor
Time to get out and play! The weather is fine and Lake Anna’s siren song is playing loud and clear, calling out to our winter-weary souls. The Lake is brimming (I know… bad) with activities for the outdoor lover. Whether you like to let the lake carry you where it may while fishing on a lazy afternoon, or whether you would rather have the wind and spray in your face as you sport around with your friends on your jet ski, the Lake is ready for you. Get out there and enjoy it!
Speaking of fun and merriment, the Virginia Renaissance Faire is returning to the Central Virginia area. Once again holding court on the grounds of the lovely Lake Anna Winery, the Faire brings you the chance to go back in time to late 16th century Staffordshire, England. The Faire is scheduled to run from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday from May 12th through June 10th. Wandering minstrels, jugglers, musicians and dancers will entertain you while you learn from various period craftsman. Let the purveyors of fine foods tempt you with many sumptuous foods and, of course, cool beverages to quench your hearty thirst. And, what kind of Faire wouldn’t have a busy market? Watch artisans as they create unique merchandise and take home a souvenir sword, candle or piece of jewelry. Ever wanted to learn to throw an ax? Well, Faire-goers will actually be using a hatchet, but that’s just semantics.
There will be plenty to keep the little ones busy at the Renaissance Faire, too. Children can enjoy playing 16th century games with names such as “Pell Mell” and “9 Man’s Morris.” Kids can learn about archery, spinning and weaving, leatherworking and other crafts. Each weekend has a theme and the weekend of May 19 and 20 is “Pirate Invasion Weekend!” You know how kids love pirates and if your child is a Scout, this weekend has special activities scheduled to help fulfill merit badge requirements. This weekend also promotes Deaf Awareness and will feature on-site interpreters and special discounts for the hearing-impaired. For additional information, please check out the Virginia Renaissance Faire’s web site: http://www.varf.org .
On a more serious note, the NRC (United States Nuclear Regulatory Committee) plans to hold a public meeting on May 1st from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Louisa County Middle School. The topic of discussion will be the assessment by the NRC of the safety performance of the North Anna nuclear plant, including North Anna’s performance during the August 23, 2011 earthquake. The NRC staff will conduct a brief presentation and following will be a question and answer period. If you are interested or have questions, be sure to mark your calendar.
Now, moving from land back to water, we all know that safety is the most important aspect of boating and all water-related activities. Over the course of the past few years, more stringent laws and regulations have been passed and are being phased in over time. A law enacted in 2007 will require all PWC (powered water craft) and boat operators to take the required boating safety class prior to July 1, 2016. Ultimately, these regulations and required boater education classes will help to keep us all safe. The best part about the classes is that these classes are being offered for FREE! Please read the following Public Service Announcement for information on classes forming in our area.
May Safe Boating Classes! Prepare for a safe boating season!
Take a FREE Boating Class from the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Safe Boating Experts
Boat Smart from the Start! Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 87 (Lake Anna) is offering the FREE Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) class that will teach you how to be responsible and safe on the water. The Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors are experienced boaters who have been trained and qualified by the Coast Guard Auxiliary as boat operators. You will learn skills to help you prevent boating accidents. You will also learn all of the Virginia Boating and PWC requirements. After attending the class and taking the final exam, you will get a DGIF Wallet card to show that you passed the course. This card could also help reduce your boat insurance.
The class meets the Virginia requirement for boaters to take a boating course. Under this 2007 law, all PWC operators must have a boating course by July 1, 2012 and all boat operators under thirty (30) years old must have a class by July 1, 2012. Other ages are phased in so that by July 1, 2016 all PWC and boat operators must have a boating class. Visit www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/education/requirement for more information on this state law.
In addition to the class room instruction from the experienced Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors, you will receive class materials. This class is FREE. Reservations are required three days in advance of the class. For reservations, please call Jean McCormick at 571-236-5247 or email her at jeanmccor@aol.com.
During 2012, FREE Safe Boating classes will be offered on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Evening classes will be offered during April, May and June. There is a calendar of 2012 Safe Boating classes on the Flotilla website at http://a0540807.uscgaux.info.
Also, please visit the Flotilla 87 website at http://a0540807.uscgaux.info for more information on safe boating and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Remember to wear your life jacket and to boat sober.
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