Community notes

SBC to host student leadership conference
Sweet Briar College will host its 12th Annual Student Leadership Conference from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at the Florence Elston Inn and Conference Center. The theme for this year’s event is “Leadership Beyond the Bubble.”

The event, sponsored by the College’s Leadership Certificate Program, is designed to foster leadership in the world beyond the protective college or high school environment.

Guest speakers and presenters include Richard F. LeBlanc, CEO of SEROPTYX, Inc.; Jo Ann Vaught, president of J.A. Vaught Consulting; Major Dave Cotting of Virginia Military Institute; Grace Killelea, vice president of talent management and leadership initiatives for Comcast; Barry Schacter, director of quantitative resources at Moore Capital; as well as a panel of students from Sweet Briar and other colleges who have demonstrated real-world leadership experience.

Advance registration is required and space is limited. Registration is $10 for non-Sweet Briar students, which includes a continental breakfast, refreshments, lunch and door prizes.

For more information or to register, visit the conference Web site.

Poplar Forest to host volunteer open house
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest will host a Volunteer Open House from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11. The event is open to anyone interested in becoming a volunteer at Poplar Forest. Those attending will have an opportunity to meet current volunteers and hear first-hand about their experience.

Poplar Forest seeks people interested in history, archaeology, and historic preservation and enjoy working with adults and children. Volunteers are needed to assist in the museum/admission shop and lead guided tours through the house and landscape. 

All volunteers participate in a training program, consisting of four three-hour training classes supported by comprehensive training materials. Training will take place in February and March.

Volunteers get access to the Poplar Forest library, a discount on purchases in the museum shop, free admission to Poplar Forest for volunteers and their immediate family, and public recognition for their service.

For maps and directions, call 525-1806 or visit http://www.poplarforest.org/directions.

Poplar Forest is located in Forest on Bateman Bridge Road.  In the event of hazardous weather, the event will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 18.