Greene County residents benefit from the activities of a number of civic and non-profit organizations, many headquartered in Stanardsville, whose various missions are to help families in need, especially children with limited opportunities; make the community a better place to live and work; preserve and honor the history and cultural heritage of the area; support local businesses and boost economic vitality; and promote the arts and local artists. Following is a brief description of these organizations, all of which depend on volunteers and financial support from the community.
► Art Guild of Greene
The Art Guild of Greene supports and promotes artists in Greene County and surrounding areas, and organizes exhibits and activities that create opportunities for local artists and benefit the community at large. The Art Guild works with the Town Council to help improve the appearance of Main Street and is a key player working with the County in efforts to highlight Stanardsville as a center for the arts.
► Blue Ridge Heritage Association
The mission of the Blue Ridge Heritage project is to honor and memorialize the families displaced from the Blue Ridge Mountains when Shenandoah National Park was established in the 1930’s. The project’s goal is to create a monument in each of the eight counties surrounding the park that will display the names of displaced families and educate visitors about their lives and culture. BRHA president, Bill Henry, can be reached at 434-985-7905.
► Feeding Greene Food Pantry
The Food Pantry, a branch of the Blue Ridge Food Bank, provides donated canned food, cereals and other food staples to needy families in Greene County. The Pantry is located next to Domino’s Pizza at 41 Ford Ave. and is open Tues. and Thurs. from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, and the 3rd Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Manager Carroll Lawson can be reached at 434-985-3663.
► Friends of the Greene County Library
The Friends of the Greene County Library, Inc. help to sponsor programs and events open to the community which focus on the library, books, and reading and which help to extend and improve library services and resources. Through annual membership fees and donations, the Friends are able to meet these goals. Membership forms can be obtained online at www.jmrl.org/friends/fog or picked up at the Greene County Library branch.
► Greene Alliance of Church & Community Efforts
Known as GRACE, the Greene Alliance partners with churches, civic organizations and social service agencies in identifying and creating resources to help Greene County residents in need. Each year, it organizes a School Supply Drive, Thanksgiving Box Program, and Christmas Gift Program, and provides on-going services of household items, budget counseling, and emergency financial aid to needy families in crisis. The office is located next to Greene Pharmacy at 329 Main Street, and is open on Tues. and Thurs. from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Phone 434-985-6792.
► Greene Care Clinic
Greene Care Clinic provides health care services to uninsured citizens of Greene County whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level. The clinic is a nonprofit organization and depends on volunteer physicians, nurses, health care coordinators, and administrative staff. The website above provides information on who is eligible and the kinds of services provided. The clinic is located at 39 Stanard Street and is open from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on Mon., Tues. and Thurs. Phone 434-985-7000.
► Greene Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the economic vitality and quality of life in the Greene County area. It organizes monthly networking meetings for members and provides services to help local entrepreneurs grow their business. The Chamber can be reached at 434-906-4859.
► Greene County Historical Society
The purpose of the Historical Society is to bring together people interested in the history of Greene County. Its museum has been transferred from the Old Jail on Court Square to the Bickers/Whitlock House at 360 Main Street. The museum features exhibits of numerous historical objects, photographs, and printed materials, many of which were donated by long-time residents of the county. Visitors may also research their family origins using the Society’s extensive genealogy database. The museum is open Fri and Sat from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Phone 434-985-1834.
► 4-H Club
The 4-H Club (so-called from the aim of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture-sponsored organization to improve Head, Heart, Hands, and Health) offers programs for youth ages 9 – 19 featuring in-school clubs, workshops, contests, shows, and leadership development opportunities. The office is located at 10013 Spotswood Trail. Coordinator Kathy Alstat can be reached at 434-985-5236.
► Habitat for Humanity
Habitat is an ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to helping lower-income residents of Greene County obtain high quality, affordable, and energy-efficient housing, and a mortgage with a low interest rate.
► Lions Club
The International Association of Lions Clubs is dedicated to promoting responsible citizenship, sound government, and community welfare. The Greene County Lions Club sponsors bi-monthly blood drives and provides services to aid the vision- and hearing-impaired. It hosts three major fundraisers during the year: Miss Greene, Little Miss Greene, and Little Mister Greene pageants. Lions Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tues of each month, at 6:30 p.m., at the Blue Ridge Cafe. President George Long can be reached at 434-985-7020.
► Madison-Greene Humane Society
The Humane Society offers residents of Greene and Madison counties low-cost spay and neuter services for cats and dogs, and provides free dog and cat food to those in need. The Shelter for cats is located at 375 Jeri Allen Way (entrance to County Park) and is open Mon, Tues, and Fri from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sat from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Phone 434-985-3203.
► Public Safety Foundation
The Public Safety Foundation works in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, the Courts, and community groups to help fund programs that will enhance public safety and community well-being for all in Greene County. President Carl Schmitt can be reached at 434-985-9815.
► Ruritan Club of Greene County
The Ruritan Club was chartered in 1969 with a mandate to promote fellowship and goodwill among members of the Greene County community, and to help make the surrounding area a better place to live and work. The Club serves as stewards of the Greene Community Park, and operates the Park soccer concession. It organizes the county-wide roadside clean-up campaign each spring and fall, and operates the Farmers’ Market during the summer. The Ruritans meet at 7:00 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at the Rosebrook Inn.
► Skyline CAP
Skyline CAP is the federally designated community action agency providing services since 1990 to low-income families in Greene, Madison and Orange counties through programs that promote education, affordable housing and housing stability. Skyline administers the Head Start program in Greene and Madison counties. Executive Director Kim Frye Smith is in the Main Office in Madison (540-948-2237). The Greene County office is located at 45C Business Park Drive in Ruckersville. Hours are Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone 434-985-6066.
► Spotswood Trail Garden Club
The Spotswood Trail Garden Club’s mission is to protect and conserve our natural resources. The club also participates in community beautification and education activities. It meets monthly at the Stanardsville Town Hall. All are welcome and new members are encouraged. For additional information contact Kip Cain at kipcain@hotmail.com
► *STAR*
Stanardsville Area Revitalization, known as *STAR*, is a public-private partnership that works with the Town of Stanardsville and Greene County to restore economic vitality to the historic county seat, both through physical improvements and by attracting new business and housing in and around the town. It is also involved in community activities to help build community spirit and encourage support of its efforts to restore the area’s economic health. Executive Director Roy Dye can be reached at 434-409-5796.
► Women’s Club of Greene County
The Women’s Club operates and raises funds for the Greene County Food Bank. An annual yard sale raises funds for the Children’s Christmas Gift Project, and its Crafts Bazaar raises money for its scholarship awards to qualifying high school seniors. President Maura Rodriguez can be reached at 434-985-6648.
► Youth Development Council
The Youth Development Council was formed in 2013 to pursue establishment of a comprehensive youth development program serving 3rd – 5th grade youth with limited opportunities in Greene County. YDC has undertaken that mission by providing a summer program for disadvantaged youth over the past three years, and has begun a two-day a week after-school pilot program for 21 elementary school children focused on academic, social and personal development activities. Executive Director Mike Alley can be reached at 434-760-4322.
