Celebrate the season with fellow river lovers at our annual MPRA Holiday "Rent Party" to be held on Friday, Dec. 17 from 6:30 until 8:30 or so) at the home of Bob and Adele Smith (High Banks). Directions are below. Bob and Adele have requested that it be an adults only party this year. Bring your favorite holiday hors d'ovre or goodies to share and your favorite beverage.
 
Directions to High Banks:
From Central Garage go 15-17 miles on Rte. 30 toward West Point.  Take a left onto state road 640/Wakema Rd. (first paved road past Colosse Baptist Church and intersection with the big sign advertising the Mattaponi Indian Museum).  Go 2 miles on Wakema Rd. and when it takes a 90 degree turn to the right, take the gravel road to the left -- Old Fraziers Tr.  There will be 6 mailboxes there.  Old Fraziers Trail becomes our driveway. 

From West Point go 10 miles on Rte. 30 toward Central Garage and turn right onto state road 626/East Rose Garden at Jim Hall's Store.  At 2nd stop sign turn right onto 640/Wakema Rd.  Go 1 mile and when Wakema Rd. takes a 90 degree turn to the right, take the gravel road to the left -- Old Fraziers Tr.  There will be 6 mailboxes there.  Old Fraziers Trail becomes our driveway. 

What are Rent Parties?

 During the Harlem Renaissance in New York City, “rent parties” were held where neighbors got together, played music and shared food and drink. A door charge helped the host to pay the rent. Since our rent is being provided by a generous donor, our version of the “rent party” helps MPRA with expenses such as supplies or postage for mailings. The idea is that everyone brings a little food and beverage to share and we ask a donation of $5.

For those who haven’t attended one of these functions yet, you’ve missed a fun get together with other folks who care about the rivers and like to eat! It’s a great way to find out new places to paddle, if any fish are biting and share ideas about current and future projects.