Community briefs for the week of July 3

Annual Theatre Awards Banquet
Stage Door Production’s annual awards banquet honored thespians and playwrights alike for the 2008-2009 season. “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” Steve Martin’s take on a fanciful meeting between Picasso, Einstein, and Elvis, received Best Production honors, with director Matthew Armentrout garnering the Best Director award. Joe Blackwell was also named Best Actor for “Lapin Agile.”

Best Actress was awarded to Kaitlin Kemp while Best Supporting Actor went to Joel McCormick. Jessica Pinskey accepted Best Supporting Actress honors, with Tim Wall picking up kudos for set design. Olivia Finnegan and Ashley Lindberg shared the Best Costumes distinction.

For more information on Stage Door, a non-profit theatre company, please call (540) 310-4055 or visit stagedoorproductions.org.

Badges for Baseball
STAFFORD — The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation proudly held the Badges for Baseball program the week of June 22. More than 70 boys and girls from all over Stafford County participated in baseball while at the same time learning values and building character. Under the supervision of Sgt. Shaw, youth participation as well as the number of events increased from last year. This program fosters interaction between law enforcement and children.

Golden Horseshoe Amateur Tournaments
WILLIAMSBURG — Colonial Williamsburg is set to host both the Golden Horseshoe Invitational and the Jones Cup amateur golf events in July. The Invitational is limited to 50 teams at a cost of $460 per team and takes place July 11 and 12. The father and son Jones Cup two-day tournament begins July 18 with an entry fee of $480 per team. Preferred room rates for participants are available. To reserve hotel rooms, call 1-800-HISTORY. For more information or to register, call (757) 220-7696.

Great Danes in Need of Great Homes
NORTHERN VIRGINIA — Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League works hard to find homes for abandoned Great Danes throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. During their many events, guests are able to meet Great Danes for adoption, ask volunteers questions, and make donations. For more information about adoption, fostering, and events, visit nova-magdrl.org.

Hands-on Education Studio for Families
WILLIAMSBURG — Colonial Williamsburg Art Museums now offer an inclusive Education Studio, which allows families a hands-on approach to history and art. After participating in one of the many family programs offered, guests are encouraged to make use of the 1,500 square ft. studio to create unique artwork. Programs include informational tours inviting children to crack codes used during the American Revolution, as well as providing children the ability to craft their own artist trading cards. For more information and reservations, call (757) 220-7724.

Knowledge Blooms in Colonial Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG — Landscape volunteers of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area lead tours to promote appreciation for the beauty of colonial gardens. Three tours are offered for those interested in aesthetic flora. The Gardens of Gentility walking tour is designed to explain the presentation of gentility and social status through three different gardens. An hour long tour, Through the Garden Gate teaches guests the documentation used to recreate colonial gardens. Finally, on the Meet the Gardener Tour, visitors are able to ask questions while learning about period plants and their preservation. For more information, visit history.org.

Save the Manatees
Through June 5, 2009, there have been a reported 42 watercraft-related manatee deaths. There have been 240 confirmed manatee fatalities already this year. Save the Manatee Club believes that through public awareness and education, such accidents may be avoided. Save the Manatee Club is a nonprofit conservation organization. For more information, go to savethemanatee.org.

Stage Door Seeks Local Talent
FREDERICKSBURG — Stage Door Productions will be holding auditions for its presentation of “Foxfire.” Casting calls for 3 men, 2 women, and 2 musicians. Auditions are Monday and Tuesday, July 13 and 14, starting at 7 p.m. in Stage Door’s offices, 805 Princess Anne Street, Suite 3. For more information, please call (540) 310-4055 or visit stagedoorproductions.org.