Thelma Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may e-mail her at .

Action taken by the Bush adminstration on its way out could open more national lands to mountain biking.

Say no—early.

Check out some of these happenings in the community.

Chef Mena Hughes combines a love of food and a love of travel, and it shows at the table. (Check out some of her recipes at the end of the story.)

Patricia Wild looks back on her experience during the integration of E.C. Glass High School with an unflinching eye.

It’s 10:30 p.m. on a Monday night when a bloodcurdling scream echoes through an empty road in the New London Business & Technology Center off U.S. 460.

Check out some things happening around the area ... .

Indoor rock climbing comes to town.

It’s First Friday, time to get your eyes in gear for some art.

If you’re going:

WHAT: Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4
WHERE: The Ellington
PRICE: $20 in advance; $25 at the door
INFO: Visit http://www.rosieledet.com or http://www.theellington.org.

Thelma Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may e-mail her at

ALTAVISTA — Generally, it is the teacher who tries to convince the student to get his or her work published. In Alma Rountrey’s case, however, the roles were reversed.

The winemaker behind the vineyard that started the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival has his own way of doing things.

Ken West is a professor at Lynchburg College. His book, ‘The Shelbys,’ has been translated into Indonesian and Czech. Readers may write to West in care of The News & Advance, P.O. Box 10129, Lynchburg, VA 24506.

If you’re going
WHAT: Lynchburg Historical Foundation Annual Tour and Patrons’ Party
WHEN: Tour, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Party, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Sept. 28
WHERE: Daniel’s Hill neighborhood
COST: Tour, $20; Party, $75
INFO: Call (434) 528-5353 or visit http://www.lynchburghistoricalfounda
tion.org

In this new feature we will catch up with Central Virginians who have gained notice in the entertainment world.  Do you know any former Hill City residents who are doing something interesting? Let us know. Contact Casey Gillis at .

During the past few months, all Monnie Steele wanted was rain.

JONESVILLE, N.C. - Phillip A. George sculpts mountains in the eyes of needles and builds lighthouses on the heads of pins.

It’s a chance to celebrate, ja!

Thelmas Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may e-mail her at

Donald H. Mustard is the service officer for DAV Chapter 8 and VFW Post 8184.

A gardener’s FAQ ...

A Lynchburg artist, who grew up in Africa, has opened her new gallery, Africa House.

The fourth reason children misbehave can stem from a belief about themselves that stymies achievement.

This former postman has a new job: raising his adoptive kids.

“While there’s tea, there’s hope.” For Clarise Hicks, those words could not resonate more. In February, the Lynchburg native launched Sisters’ Tea for the Soul, a support and networking group for women.

The area’s food bank network is participating in a national effort to counter hunger.

Want to see if you can get your fall festival listed in our calendar? Here’s how.

The Academy of Fine Arts has two juried photography shows currently on exhibit.