Discover the value of journaling not only for personal histories but future record keeping. Ms Currie will speak about her experience developing a series of children’s books about Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah County. The books cover the educational, environmental, and conservation adventures of two dogs! A Q&A will follow the presentation. Lisa Currie grew up in Woodstock, VA, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Writing from George Mason University and a Master’s in Science from Shenandoah University in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University. Currently, Lisa is semi-retired while still teaching English composition at various Virginia universities as well as taking care of her bees, her cats, her fish, and dozens of house plants!

Cyrus McCormick’s invention of the reaper ushered in the first major agricultural revolution by mechanizing the harvest of wheat, allowing Virginia to become the “bread basket” of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The second revolution has just begun: food that is totally laboratory-produced. What are the ramifications of this development? What will be the effects on farmers? Come hear Jeff Ishee’s analysis and share your predictions! Jeff Ishee has devoted his life to all aspects of agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley. His daily broadcast on WSVA keeps residents informed of all pertinent and interesting agricultural news. His keen observations raise our awareness of issues affecting the food we eat.