Saturday, Feb. 19
In conjunction with the National African American Read-In, Piedmont Arts (215 Starling Avenue, Martinsville) invites the community to take part in a celebration of African American artists, performers, and writers. Community members will read excerpts from books, stories, and poems by their favorite African American authors and a selection of books will be on display. All ages are welcome. The read-in takes place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Martinsville YMCA and Miles in Martinsville is bringing back its popular Nail the Rail 9-Miler and Run the Rail 5-Miler for 2022. Runners have the chance to run their choice of 9 or 5 miles beginning at milepost 0 of the Dick & Willie Trail. For more information or to register, visit milesinmartinsville.com.
The Spencer-Penn Centre (475 Spencer-Penn Road, Spencer) is hosting a charcuterie class. Charcuterie boards are all the rage. Learn how to create your own and wow your friends at your next get-together. All supplies will be provided. Cost is $25 and participants must pre-register by calling (276) 957-5757.
Sunday, Feb. 20
The Spencer-Penn Centre (475 Spencer-Penn Road, Spencer) will host a barn quilt class from 12-4 p.m. All supplies are provided and pricing is based on size, ranging from $75 to $85. The registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 11. For more details or to register, call (276) 957-5757.
Monday, Feb. 21
The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the Collinsville Church of Christ (2115 Daniels Creek Road, Collinsville) from 1-6 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org.
Tuesday, Feb. 22
The Henry County School Board and the Henry County Board of Supervisors will hold a joint budget work session beginning at 5 p.m. in the 4th floor conference room of the Henry County Administration Building, located at 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville.
Wednesday, Feb. 23
The West Piedmont Health District will provide free, drive-through PCR testing for COVID-19 from 12:30-4 p.m. at the National Guard Armory parking lot (315 Commonwealth Boulevard, Martinsville.) The tests are limited to the first 100 participants. No registration is required and there is no age limit for testing. Participants must wear a mask and no pets are allowed in vehicles.
Thursday, Feb. 24
Longwood University presents a Zoom workshop, Building the Foundation for Your New Business with business analyst Michael Scales. Participants will prepare to start a successful business by evaluating their entrepreneurial abilities, learning about marketing strategies and financial resources, and gaining tips on preparing a business plan. This virtual workshop will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. To register, visit clients.virginiasbdc.org/events.
Thursday, March 3
The Henry County School Board will hold its regular meeting beginning at 6 p.m. in the Summerlin Meeting Room of the Henry County Administration Building, 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville.
P&HCC is offering a hyflex (in-person or virtual) professional development workshop, “Customer Service: Rev Up Your Engines” from 9-11 a.m. This workshop focuses on ensuring guests have the best possible experience at hotels or restaurants. Cost is $49. To register, visit ph.augusoft.net or call (276) 656-0260.
The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the Martinsville Elks Lodge (300 Fairy Street Ext., Martinsville) from 12-6 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org.
Friday, March 4-6
P&HCC is offering a motorcycle basic rider course. This 3-day course is for those who want to learn to ride a motorcycle properly and safely. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for your use during the course. Sessions meet Friday from 6-9:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The cost of the class is $100. Pre-registration is required. Call (276) 656-5461 or visit ph.augusoft.net.
Saturday, March 5
Piedmont Arts presents its annual, fabulous fundraiser Dancing for the Arts, beginning at 4 p.m. in the Martinsville High School Auditorium. The contest features 8 teams competing to win the most votes, the highest score from the judges, and a set of hand-crafted trophies. The cost is $10 for general admission and $25 for reserved seating. Purchase tickets at piedmontarts.org.
Thursday, March 10
Piedmont Arts (215 Starling Avenue, Martinsville) is celebrating Art at Happy Hour. Enjoy complimentary drinks and light snacks provided by the Piedmont Arts Guild while you go on a casual, self-guided tour of current exhibits. RSVP by March 9 to (276) 632-3221 or online at piedmontarts.org.
Friday, March 11
It’s Music Night at the Spencer Penn Centre. Enjoy tunes from the Jus Cauz Bluegrass Band in the Centre’s Alumni Hall (475 Spencer-Penn Road, Spencer.) Gate opens at 5 p.m. and the band goes on at 6:15. Admission is a $5 donation. Social distancing is required, and masks when distancing is not possible. Concessions will be sold.
Thursday, March 17
The Henry County School Board will hold a special meeting beginning at 6 p.m. in the Summerlin Meeting Room of the Henry County Administration Building, 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville.
The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the Martinsville Elks Lodge (300 Fairy Street Ext., Martinsville) from 12-6 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org.
ONGOING
The Lousie R. Lester Spay/Neuter Clinic is hosting wellness clinics every Tuesday beginning Feb. 1. Clinics are by appointment only—walk-ins are not accepted. February’s clinics will be dedicated to families with public assistance only, but will open to everyone beginning in March. Call (276) 638-7297 to schedule your appointment.
The Warming Center of Martinsville and Henry County, located at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church (725 Beechnut Lane) is open to provide a warm place to sleep, a warm meal, and personal supplies at no cost to those in need. Anyone who needs transportation to the center can be picked up at 6:45 p.m. at the Martinsville library and 6:25 p.m. at the Collinsville library. Weekly schedules are posted at the Martinsville library, YMCA, and on the MHC Warming Center Facebook page every Saturday. For more information, call (276) 207-9660. Anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Warming Center or make a donation can find more information on Facebook or at www.foresthillspc.com/mhc-warming-shelter.html.
Patrick & Henry Community College is organizing a virtual Leadership Learning Community. If you have leadership questions, P&HCC can connect you with answers through this virtual community. Participants have the opportunity to collaborate and brainstorm current, real-time challenges and successes with fellow leaders while learning from each other or gaining insights from professionals skilled in areas of concern. Sessions will be held from 4-5 p.m. every other Wednesday through June 22. Prices range from $225 for 12 sessions to $25 for individual sessions. For more information or to register, visit ph.augusoft.net or call (276) 656-0260.
Piedmont Arts hosts three exhibits: “Our Living Past: Platinum Portraits of Southern Music Makers,” “Dear B.J.: Postcards from the Pandemic,” and “Tara Compton.” All exhibits run through March 12. Museum admission is free.
Henry County Parks & Recreation invites you out for a trek along the trail! Meet as a group and walk along a different trail each week. Explore the trails of Martinsville-Henry County, make new friends, and get some fresh air and exercise. Call the HCPR Senior Services office at (276) 634-4644 to find out where the week’s trek is happening! Trail Trekkers meet Thursday of each week (weather permitting) at 1 p.m. in the fall and winter and 9:15 a.m. in spring and summer.
The Blue Ridge Regional Library offers free one-day passes to the Virginia Museum of Natural History and the Henry County YMCA with your library card. The passes are good for one day and exclude special events. There is a wait period before you can check out the pass again. For more details and exclusions, visit brrl.lib.va.us.
The Fontaine Ruritan Club hosts Bingo every Tuesday at its headquarters (1903 Joseph Martin Highway, Martinsville.) Doors open at 5:30 and games begin at 7. Money from Bingo supports community service awards, scholarships, and other community efforts.
MHC Coalition for Health and Wellness offers no contact Medicaid application assistance for eligible Virginia residents from birth to 64 years of age. No sign-up fees, no premiums, no deductibles. Including Children’s Medicaid/FAMIS, Pregnancy Medicaid and Adult Health Care -19 to 64 years old. Questions can be answered, and applications completed by phone. In-person application assistance is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays at The Community Storehouse.
Call or text Ann Walker 276 732-0509 to see if you qualify.
The Henry County Adult Learning Center offers free in-house and online classes to help prepare for college, career, or earn your high school equivalency or GED. Classes can help improve digital literacy, job skills, English language skills, and earning potential. Call (276) 647-9585.
(Event information/calendar items must be received by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before the desired publication date. Email to newsreporter@theenterprise.net)