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.
More than two dozen local artisans sell handcrafted goods made locally at the Artisan’s Bazaar at UVA. Newcomb Ballroom is transformed into a market for crafts of all kinds including ceramics/pottery, fiber, glass, herbals, jewelry, metal, photography, and wood. Newcomb Hall, 3rd floor. 924-3286.
Mountainside Petting Farm invites families to talk to the animals while you warm your toes and tummy, feasting on yummy s’mores on weekends in November. The Afton farm’s friendly residents, including donkeys, ponies, goats, and Chloe the camel. There’s a great wooden train for little ones to play in and a picnic area. Although Mountainside Petting Farm will officially close for the winter after November 28, visitors are welcome on nice days throughout the winter. Please do not feed or chase any of the animals. A donation box at the entrance will help feed the animals. Call ahead if you would like to rent the pavilion, use the gas grill and/or have a camp fire.141 Blundell Hollow Rd., Afton. 434-361-0203.
Santa comes to Charlottesville in style. An old-fashioned Revolutionary pipe and drum parade, complete with historic costumed characters, snakes through the Downtown Mall starting at the Ice Park at 10am and ending at the Pavilion. A show at the Pavilion, starting at 11am, includes musical performances, dances and musket firings, and brief greetings from historic and modern public officials. Enjoy carriage rides with Santa after the show from noon-4pm (for a fee). 978-4466.
The Old Michie Theatre presents a puppet play of the classic children’s story Little Red Riding Hood. The cautionary tale with a Big Bad Wolf and a Happily Ever After promises to delight early childhood audiences and the young at heart. The Marionette puppets are in full “swing” with audience participation at the end of the show. 221 East Water St. oldmichie@aol.com. 977-3690
Children can explore the first Thanksgiving–complete with Pilgrim outfits, games, stories, and crafts–in the Community Room at Amazement Square. Bring a can of food (or two or ten!) for Lynchburg Daily Bread to make sure that everyone in the community is well-fed during this holiday season. 27 Ninth St., Lynchburg. 434-845-1888.
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.
The Hamner Theater presents a holiday favorite: The Homecoming on stage. Earl Hamner’s celebrated play features the heart-warming story of a family waiting for the magic of Christmas Eve to arrive - not Santa, but Daddy - told from the perspective of the adult Clay-Boy as he remembers the journey he took, that snowy evening long ago. Reservations are advised. 434-361-1999.
“It is remembered in my family that on Christmas Eve of 1933 my father was late arriving home. That, along with the love he and my mother bestowed upon their eight red-headed offspring, is fact. The rest is fiction.” - Earl Hamner
University of Virginia Art Museum gives aspiring Wahoos and architects ages 5-12 the chance to Create a Lawn Room of Their Own in a special Family Art Jam program. Children tour a room on the UVA Lawn, learn the basics of the design process, and create a model of their own micro-living space. Reservations required. 1-3pm: 5-7 year-olds with an adult , 3-5pm: 7-12 year-olds with an adult. 155 Rugby Road. museumoutreach@virginia.edu. 243-2050.
The University Art Museum hosts a Family ArtJAM, “Bird’s Eye View: Design Your Own Academical Village.” The workshop for 5-7 year olds meets 1-3pm, followed by one for 7-12 year olds, 3-5pm. 155 Rugby Road. To register call 243-2050, or write museumoutreach@virginia.edu.
PVCC and The Blue Ridge Irish Music School present a multicultural showcase featuring dances from around the world including Appalachian, Polynesian, Irish, Latin, Middle Eastern, and more. V. Earl Dickinson Building, PVCC. boxoffice@pvcc.edu. 961-5376.
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.
Northside Library hosts Game Night. Teens in grades 6-12 can get in on trivia, cards, board games, and more as they meet new friends and show off their skills. Try theirs, or bring your favorites. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
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.
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
Folks are invited to cut their own Christmas trees from Ash Lawn-Highland’s fields of Virginia pine and cedar. This is not a tree farm, so choppers may do some hiking, and the trees are growing naturally, not shaped. Check in at the Gift Shop for directions to the cutting fields. Bring a saw and a rope to tie the tree to vehicle. Daily 11am-4pm. Donations will be used to help preserve the historic presidential home. 1000 James Monroe Parkway/ Rt. 795. info@al-h.us. 293-9539.
An inter-generational handcraft group for stitchers ages 8-108 meets at Crozet Library. Bring any handwork you’re working on and join a fun group of fellow crafters. As you work on your own project, we’ll highlight a variety of craft techniques, allowing you to explore and expand your interests and creativity. Registration is requested and is ongoing. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.
Teens in grades 6-12 can come and hang out in the game space at Crozet Library with video games, board and card games, and snacks. Learn a new game or bring an old favorite to play. Drop in and bring a friend. Registration requested. Find them at the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.
Once the turkey’s been eaten, the holiday is over. For the kids, though, it’s the perfect time for adventure - maybe even several adventures. The Science Museum of Virginia invites families to come pet a shark, crash through whitewater rapids, go deep sea diving, shrink to the size of a bug, explore caves around the world, and do it all without leaving Richmond. During their Thanksgiving Weekend Free Movie Adventure, free tickets for the IMAX movies Grand Canyon Adventure, Coral Reef Adventure, Bugs!, and Journey Into Amazing Caves are available on the day of the show on a first-come basis to visitors with exhibit admission. Admission to Shark Space and Masters of the Night are included with admission. See website for show times. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-864-1400 or 800-659-1727.
Artist Adam Peacock takes nature lovers of all ages out for a walk with paper, pencil, and drawing board in hand to draw at Ivy Creek Natural Area. Please register by emailing icf@ivycreekfoundation.org. Meet in the Education Center. 1776 Earlysville Rd. 973-7772.
Ivy Creek Natural Area boasts a rich history, and today they’re telling that story. The barn, formerly the showpiece of the working farm known as River View Farm, is open for a rare opportunity to glimpse into the past. Earlysville Rd. 973-7772.
Discover French cuisine during this month’s Family Fun Night at Amazement Square. Learn about the French art of cooking by making crepes from scratch and discussing dozens of other family-friendly French recipes in the Imagination Studio. 27 Ninth St., Lynchburg. 434-845-1888.
The Old Michie Theatre invites young thespians to audition for their winter production of Beauty and the Beast. Directed by Anna Lien, Beauty and the Beast will be performed on January 29-31, February 5-7 and 12-14. The traditional tale will be presented in rhymed couplets and set in the Renaissance-a must for budding Shakespeare enthusiasts. Seeking actors ages 10-17 for Belle, Father, Sisters, Beast, and Fairy Queen, and ages 9-7 for supporting roles (exceptions made at director’s discretion). Call to reserve a 15 minute audition slot at 977-3690, or by e-mail at oldmichie@aol.com. 221 East Water St.
Teens ages 13-18 interested in creative writing can join the club and get inspired at Crozet Library. This writing group is a chance to practice your skills, learn new techniques, read what other teen writers are working on, and hear helpful comments about your own writing. 6:30pm. Free. Registration required. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 832-4050.
Get it writeYoung writers in grades 4-6 can work together with the ideas of Gail Carson Levine’s Writing Magic and share ideas about their own writing at a Young Writer’s Workshop at Crozet Library. After school snack provided. Registration ongoing. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. in Crozet. 823-4050.
Kids in grades 1 and up are invited to play with their food and create interesting and edible concoctions at Northside Library. Make a mess with peanut butter playdough, snack on sweet candy sushi, cast a spell with edible wands, and show off your talent by creating an edible necklace. Registration is required. We will be using ingredients containing allergens (nuts, wheat, dairy, etc). Please inform children’s staff of any allergies when registering. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Local folks can make a child’s holiday wish come true by donating a new toy or book to the Toy Lift. This annual holiday event began in 1989 when founder Tom Powell decided to perch himself 80 feet up in a bucket truck until people donated 1,000 toys, which he then distributed to local children in need. Toy Lift has grown into a huge annual community event with festival activities, entertainment, and thousands of toys and books donated. Fashion Square Mall. info@kidslift.org. 975-8697.
The Paramount Theater offers yet another opportunity to get your holiday on with classic holiday movies showing in December. While you’re there, walk through the 6th Annual Virginia Gingerbread House Competition in the Theater’s lobby. (For movie ticket holders only.) On the Downtown Mall. info@theparamount.net. 979-1333.
A Christmas Carol (1951) - Friday, December 4 at 6 & 8pm
White Christmas (1954) - Sunday, December 6 at 1 & 4pm
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.
Kids in grades 6-12 can come to Crozet Library after hours and share music, poetry, stories, and more. Perform an old favorite, bring something new to share, or just come to relax and enjoy the show. Refreshments will be served. Registration is requested. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.
Friday, September 25 - The Survival Episode - We‘ll try to survive the cutthroat competition in an homage to the Hunger Games.
Friday, October 30 - The Halloween Episode - Share your best ghost story and celebrate all things scary. Costumes encouraged but not required.
Friday, December 4 - The Snowball Episode - Put on your mittens and get in a wintry mood – bring on the snowflakes!
Four County Players presents A Christmas Story. The memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Look for all your favorite moments from the motion picture in this stage production of a beloved holiday tale. Barboursville, just off Highway 33 on Route 678. 540-832-5355.
