J. Joshua Wheeler normally spends little time thinking about what happens at a children's museum. As associate director for the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, Wheeler is typically trying to convince adults about the Constitutional merits of free speech.
"I'm an (...)
Probably putting an end to fears that Albemarle County would close three of its elementary schools in favor of building one giant elementary, Superintendent Pamela Moran issued a press release Thursday night saying that the cost to fix and expand Red Hill Elementary, located in North Garden; B.F. (...)
Registration is underway for Charlottesville Parks & Recreation’s fall classes. More than 200 classes are available for kids of all ages. Classes include aquatics, athletics, fitness, gymnastics, dance, art, enrichment, outdoor adventure, therapeutics, seniors, and much more. To view the class (...)
Downtown denizens who stroll the bricks on a warm weekend evening may have noticed a new addition to the parade of characters haunting the Mall recently. Tall and lean, sporting a grey mustache and spectacles, and clad in a turn-of-the-century cutaway and top hat, Rob Craighurst is exactly the sort of (...)
Splashing in the deep end of bad publicity, the city of Charlottesville has formally ended a pricing plan on summer pool passes that charged more to students going to private schools.
Following the pricing change, the City's acting parks director, Brian Daly, defended the original policy and (...)
Greenleaf Park's "spray garden" has been refurbished and opens for the season Saturday, May 16. Greenleaf--- which used to be part of McIntire Park until the 250 Bypass was built--- is also getting some construction to improve pedestrian access from Rose Hill Drive, according to City spokesperson Ric (...)
Pick up the chalkAs Americans one of our most important rights is the Freedom of Expression. The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression and the Virginia Discovery Museum have teamed up to bring you a hands-on exhibition that teaches about this important right. Young Americans can learn about the history of free expression in this great land and how the media has had an important roll. Use your right to express yourself through music or on your own television show. In the Back Gallery at the Virginia Discovery Museum. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Tandem Tag SaleWhether you’re in the market for vintage clothing or David McCullough’s biography of John Adams, you can find it at the annual Tandem Tag Sale. They have everything imaginable, including antiques, furniture, house wares, toys and games, decorative home accessories, sporting goods, a Better Items Boutique, and much more. Sunday is half-price day when you can fill a grocery bag with clothes for $1. Proceeds benefit the school and several local charities. Tandem Friends School across the street from Monticello High School on Mill Creek Road. 296-1303.
Vintage Virginia Apples hosts an Apple Harvest Festival featuring the diverse bounty of the apple crop and the heritage of apple-growing in Southern Albemarle County. Go on a hayride, look at crafts, tour the new cidery, Albemarle CiderWorks, to taste cider and apple butter and learn about growing your own fruit. Rural Ridge Farm, on Rt. 29 south in North Garden. 297-2326.
The Virginia Film Festival treats young movie goers to a full day of flicks and fun at the Paramount Theater and on the Downtown Mall. It’s a come-one, come-all cornucopia of family entertainment that includes a trio of screenings in the Paramount along with an array of interactive events for all ages. The screenings include:
• Pixar Shorts - A collection of short animations from the revolutionary studio, including Luxo, Jr., For the Birds, Tin Toy, and others. (10am)
• A 20th Anniversary presentation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid - A rare chance to see Ariel, Sebastian, Ursula, King Triton, and the rest of the undersea favorites come to life on the big screen. (11:30am)
• More Than a Game - An inspirational documentary that follows NBA megastar LeBron James and his Ohio friends from the start of their athletic careers through their highly-publicized high school careers and his ascension to his current status as international icon. It’s a moving tale about friendship, determination, loyalty, and a coach who made it his job not just to win games, but to build men.(1:30pm)
Meanwhile, on the mall, kids are treated like true stars with events like their own “Red Carpet Walk ” (complete with clamoring paparazzi); green screen technology that puts kids in the middle of the action; debuts of films by members of the Young Filmmakers Academy and Lighthouse; special exhibits (and free admission from 1-3pm with VFF ticket stub) at the Virginia Discovery Museum; a sneak peek at this year’s Sprout Film Festival (hosted by PREP/Parent Resource Center), and musical guests form the Music Resource Center. 982-5277.
PREP/Parent Resource Center invites the public to preview an hour of The Sprout Film Festival at the Virginia Film Festival’s Family Day. The event features films that explore the complexities of disability experience and the rich diversity of disability culture. (Special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.) Regal Cinema, Downtown. Mark your calendar for the full Sprout Film Festival on Friday, March 12, 2010 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center. 975-9400 ext. 68032.
WilhelminaWilhelmina has lived her whole life in peaceful safety on the banks of the Maury River. She’s one of the Maury River rats, a stable, close-knit pack. But Wilhelmina is bored with safety, tired of being protected. She longs to break free and strike out on her own. When a flood sweeps her away from her family, she’s washed downstream and into the adventure of a lifetime. Local children’s author Dougie Morris tells the tale of this adventure-parts of which are based on a true story!-in her new middle-grades chapter book Wilhemina Under the Stairs. “The story explores the universal issues of gaining independence, finding one’s place in the world, developing friendships and romantic relationships, and learning the value of family and community,” says Morris, who is signing books at New Dominion Book Store today.
The ever popular Heidi Rugg delights young and old alike with a Barefoot Puppets tale based on the true story of “Lonesome George,” a one-of-a-kind tortoise from the Galapagos Islands at area Jefferson-Madison Regional Libraries. 979-7151, ext. 3.
Wednesday, November 4 at10am – Scottsville Library
Wednesday, November 4 at 4pm – Gordon Avenue Library
Thursday, November 5 at 4pm – Northside Library
Saturday, November 7 at 1pm – Crozet Library
Tuesday, November 17 at 10:30am – Central Library
Old Michie Theatre presents a live performance of the beloved children’s classic Charlotte’s Web, featuring the not-so-scary spider, Charlotte, and the lovable pig, Wilbur . This adaptation remains close to author E.B. White’s tale and is performed by local youth withunique, animal-inspired costumes and simple staging that convey the story in an accessible and graceful manner. 221 Water St. 977-3690.
Sunrise - Watercolor painting by a student Image courtesy of CWSCharlottesville Waldorf School offers Parent/Child classes where families with young children can get a taste of the nurturing, child-centered environment of Waldorf education. Classes meet at the CWS campus across from Pen Park Rd. Contact Vivian Jones-Schmidt for registration and information: vjs@cwaldorf.org, 973-4946, ext. 102.
Session I: Ages 9 months - 2 years
Orientation September 13, 1:30 - 3:30
6 Sessions: September 14, 21, 28; October 5, 19, 26
Monday mornings 9:30 - 11:30
Session II: Ages 2-3 years
Orientation, November 8, 1:30 - 3:30
6 Sessions: November 9, 16, 23, 30; December 7, 14
Monday mornings 9:30 - 11:30
Monday morning isn’t so bad with New Dominion Bookshop’s Storytime for Toddlers. Wee ones can hear selections from the great variety of kid lit. 404 E. Main St., on the Downtown Mall. 295-2552.
Teens in grades 6-12 can hang out with their friends at the Scottsville Library for an afternoon of handcrafting with needles, beads, and thread. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.
Teenage fans of Japanese animation can get a sneak preview of the latest releases and meet other enthusiasts at Northside Library’s Anime Club. There’s food, flicks, and lots of fun for kids in grades 6-12. Registration is ongoing. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Wee ones ages 3-5 can nestle in for the fall season at Crozet Library with special Monday night storytimes in November. Wear your pajamas, bring a special blanket or stuffed animal, and get ready to snuggle in and listen to some great stories before bedtime. Registration is not required. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050
PHOTO BY Bart EversonStars in grades 1 and up meet on at Northside Library for playful fun. Play theater games, learn your lines, and plan the performance on November 12. We will put on a show for family and friends on November 19. Registration is required. Players must attend both dates.
Are there instructional areas or tasks within the literacy curriculum that are difficult for your child? Are you confused about assistive technology considerations and your child’s IEP? PREP/Parent Resource Center hosts an Assistive Technology fair, where students and parents can learn about (and try out) word prediction software, authoring and text to speech programs, IEP considerations, and AT issues related to statewide assessments. Carol Weigle, TTAC/JMU Coordinator with a specialty in Assistive Technology and Communication, addresses AT issues related to statewide assessments and IEP considerations. There will be time for Q&A. Registration required and space is limited. For more information and to register: sblech@k12albemarle.org or (434) 975-9400 ext. 68032. Ivy Creek School Gym, 227 Lambs Lane.
Public television station WHTJ celebrates 20 years of broadcasting in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties with a party at the Freedom of Expression exhibition at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Kids and their families are invited to come out and express themselves! All children will have the chance to make music, create their own art project, write a book, make signs, and to create buttons to wear that express a message they want everyone to read. Participants can even write their own episode of “Charlottesville Inside-Out” and go “on-air” to interview friends and see themselves on TV! Special PBS gifts will be given to the first 100 children in attendance. This hands-on exhibit is sponsored by the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression and to inspire and help children learn about their right to the freedom of expression. One of the main highlights of the exhibit includes screenings of an episode of PBS’ “Arthur” in the theater portion of the exhibit. This special episode addresses free expression as Arthur’s discovers that his favorite book has been banned from his local library. Come learn about the history of the first amendment of the United States Constitution and how the media has had an important role. 760-2996.
The Artisans Center of Virginia invites would-be artists to make your own one-of-a-kind blown glass holiday ornaments. Pick your own colors and patterns, and blow your own glass ornament with help from artisan Charles Hall. This special workshop at Hall’s studio (Frozen Motion Glass Studio-Studio #7) in the McGuffey Arts Center benefits the Artisans Center of Virginia, a non-profit arts organization that supports and promotes the culture of Virginia artisans. No experience is necessary. Reservations are required. Space is limited. 540-241-9096 or contact@artisanscenterofvirginia.org. 201 Second St., Charlottesville.
Please note that ornaments require a cool down period and can be picked up at Charles’ studio on the immediate Sunday following or later in the week at the ACV office in Waynesboro.
Holiday refreshments will be served and the McGuffey Arts Center will be open all day so participants can wander through the galleries and studios.
Peter Jones, the host and producer of the internationally syndicated children’s radio program, Tell Us A Tale (heard locally on WTJU 91.1 FM every Sunday from noon to 2 pm), comes to Alakazam Toys to tell us a few of his favorite tales from around the globe. More than a storyteller, Jones is a bit like superman: a mild mannered, intelligent young man by day, he turns into multiple, huge, exciting characters when a microphone is placed in front of him. Peter has performed around the United States and Europe for many years, including a few performances in German high up in the Austrian Tyrolean Alps. 100 E Main St, on the Downtown Mall. 971-1717.
Central Library is Game Central. Players in grades 6-12 can brush up their skills on their favorite game in Wii Sports, then show off their footwork in DDR. There’s Boggle, checkers, and more in between turns at the video games. Snacks, too. No registration required. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
Crafty teens can create a groovy felted bag and learn an ancient technique to get a hip, retro look at Scottsville Library. Registration is required. Grades 6-12. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.
The Kluge-Ruhe Collection offers an art program for children ages 7 - 11. Inspired by rock art and paintings on paper from Western Arnhem Land, participants will begin by making hand stencils. While their paper dries, they will sketch out their own design, experimenting with different styles and techniques. Finally, they will combine the two for a fabulous “rock” art picture. Registration is required. To register, call 244-0234 or email kluge-ruhe@virginia.edu. 400 Worrell Dr.
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection hosts “Rock, Paper, Fun,” a program for children ages 7-11. Inspired by rock and art paintings from Western Arnhem land, participants will begin by making hand stencils, and then experiment with various styles and techniques to create a “rock” art picture. Free but registration is required. Call 244-0234 or email kluge-ruhe@virginia.edu. 400 Worrell Dr., Peter Jefferson Place.
Visitors to James Madison’s Montpelier can take in a tour of the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore who was born a slave at Montpelier, followed by a walking tour of the 1863-64 Confederate winter encampment site. On Route 20 opposite the main entrance to Montpelier, 11407 Constitution Highway/Rt. 20 in Orange. 540-672-2728, ext. 441.
Ash Lawn-Highland celebrates the anniversary of James Monroe’s arrival at Highland in 1799 with free admission for residents of Albemarle and the surrounding counties (Augusta, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, Orange and Rockingham). Visitors can meet and chat with President Monroe himself. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-8000.
Wee ones ages 3-5 can join Nicol Butters to explore the wonders of the natural world at Ivy Creek with puppets, songs, and poetry followed by a walk on the trails. Meet on the third Wednesday of the month in the Education Center. A parent or caregiver must accompany each child. 1776 Earlysville Rd. 973-7772.
Kids 5 and under who are hungry for a good read are invited to hop in the pot for a generous serving of stories, rhymes, songs, and fun especially designed for mixed ages at Central Library. The soup changes with the age of the ingredients (you), so come add your flavor to the pot. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
It’s time to get into the holiday mood as Mayor Dave Norris flips the switch, lighting up the entire Downtown Mall with brilliant holiday lights for the Charlottesville’s traditional Grand Illumination. Enjoy candlelight caroling, face painting, and more. The Central Place on the Downtown Mall.
The view is out of this world at Public Night at McCormick Observatory (weather permitting). UVA’s research telescopes on O-Hill will be pointed heavenward, and Astronomy Department staff and students will be on hand with a slide show and answers to starry questions. McCormick Rd. 924-7494.
