Calendar
James River Advisory Council sponsors annual Parade of Lights

In The Spotlight

James River Parade of Lights. This lighted-boat parade spans nearly 12 miles of the James River from Richmond to the Varina-Enon area, and is a holiday tradition for spectators and boaters alike. The boats will be lighted on the James at Richmond and then will cruise down the river. Chesterfield viewing locations include the Dutch Gap Boat Landing, 441 Coxendale Road. (parade viewing at 7:15-7:25 p.m.) and Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road. (entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m.; parade viewing is at 7:30-8 p.m.). Parking is limited, so arrive early. For more information, or to register a boat for the parade, please call 717-6681 or visit www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com.

Wed., Dec. 6

Information Session, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m., Capital Area Workforce Center, 7333Whitepine Rd. These sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis to acquaint job seekers with the various services available at the CAWF centers. This session is required if you plan to advance to the individualized (one-on-one) services. For more information, call 271-8510 or visit www.co.henrico.va.us/catc .

Annual Christmas Tea, 2-4 p.m, Magnolia Grange, 10020 Iron Bridge Road. Hosted by the Chesterfield Historical Society. Enjoy an afternoon of tea, sumptuous refreshments and a musical performance at this historic plantation home. Tickets are $15 for historical society members and $20 for non-members. Reservations are recommended. For more information or for reservations, call 796-1479.

Jingle Jail & Bail, 10am-3pm., Chester Perk, 11884 Chester Village Drive, Chester. Jail & Bail provides local personalities, community leaders and citizens the opportunity to "Do Time for the March of Dimes!" A "volunteer" judge, Captain Steven Neal from the Chesterfield County Police Department, will sentence "jailbirds" to serve one hour in a mock "jail." During this time, the "convicts" will call friends, family and coworkers to raise their bail in the form of donations to the March of Dimes. Jailbirds will receive free prizes and the person who raises the most money will win a free TMX Elmo toy! For information or to make donations, go to www.marchofdimes.com/jailandbail .

Thurs., Dec. 7

A Three-Year-Olds' First Look at Pets, 10-11 a.m., Rockwood Park, 3401 Courthouse Road. Join the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department for this program where children ages 3-4 will learn which animals make good pets, what pets need and how to handle them. The fee is $4 per child, and registration is required. For more information, call 674-1629, or to register, call 748-1623.

Get in the Know: Christmas Concert, 10:30 a.m.- noon, LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Road. Refreshments will be served. This program is recommended for adults ages 55 and older. Please call 276-7755 for more information. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chesterfield County Public Library and the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department.

Holiday Craft, 7:00 p.m., Castlewood, Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield. Make an apple cone centerpiece. Fee $10. Sponsored by the Chesterfield Historical Society. Call 796-1479 for information and directions.

Winter Band Concert, 7 p.m., Clover Hill High School, 13900 Hull Street Rd., Midlothian. Admission is $5.

Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., Manchester High School, 12601 Bailey Bridge Rd., Midlothian. The school's band, orchestra and guitar ensemble will perform. For information, call 739-6275.

Fri., Dec. 8

Make a Santa Face, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Bensley Community Building, 2900 Drewry's Bluff Road. Participants will make a beautiful Santa decoration. Cost is $12.50. Call David Potter at 275-5321 for more information.

Winter Concert, 7:30 p.m., Cosby High School, 14300 Fox Club Parkway Midlothian. The chorus will present its first winter concert in the school auditorium.

Winter Concert, 7 p.m., Chester Presbyterian Church, Rt. 10 and Osborne Rd, Chester. The Clover Hill High School chorus will perform. Admission is $5. For information, call Sharon Maddox, 739-6230.

Sat., Dec. 9

Santa breakfast, 8 a.m.-noon., Clover Hill Elementary School, 5700 Woodlake Village Parkway, Midlothian. Families can enjoy a pancake breakfast and have pictures taken with Santa. Children will have an opportunity to purchase gifts. Class baskets and donated items will be auctioned. For information, call 739-6220.

17th Century Christmas, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road. Tour the 1611 Citie of Henricus and talk with the settlers about their life and holidays in the 17th century. Free. Held in conjunction with the James River Parade of Lights (see listing under "In The Spotlight"). For information, call 706-1340.

Santa Party, 1-4 p.m., Woodlake Swim and Racquet Club, 5000 Woodlake Village Parkway. Bring your child for a visit with Santa and his elves. Photos with Santa will be available. The children also have the opportunity to make a special Christmas ornament. Refreshments will be served. Nominal fee for ornaments. For more information, call Linda Dollar at 739-8956.

Tues., Dec. 12

Winter Concert, 7:30 p.m., Midlothian High School, 401 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothan. The high school band, orchestra and chorus will perform in the auditorium. Admission is $3.

Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., Matoaca High School, 17700 Longhouse Lane, Chesterfield. The school's choirs, band and orchestra will perform a holiday concert in the auditorium. Admission is $5.

LOOKING AHEAD...

A Christmas Celebration Potluck will be held on Dec. 12 from noon-2 p.m. at the Bensley Community Building, 2900 Drewry's Bluff Road. Enjoy holiday music and a visit from Santa. Bring a dish to share. Free. For more information, call David Potter, 275-5321.

The Clover Hill High School orchestras invite the community to attend their Winter Concert on Wed., Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Admission is $5. The concert features the music of Tchaikovsky, Manheim Steamroller, Elgar, Handel's Messiah and many more holiday favorites.

Genito Woods Neighborhood Watch Program (NWP) will host a startup meeting on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. in the LaPrade Library Meeting Room, 9000 Hull Street Road. All residents, chairmen, block captains and businesses are invited to attend. Bring a neighbor; there will be information for all. Crime Prevention Office Bryan Miltenberger and other Chesterfield County representatives will attend.

Cosby High School's Titan Band will perform in its first winter concert on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. Admission is $5.

Crestwood Elementary School, 7600 Whittington Dr., Richmond, will host a holiday sing-along for children, parents and the community on Dec. 19.

Have a special event coming up? Please e-mail your calendar items to calendar@chesterfieldobserver.com, mail them to P.O. Box 1616, Midlothian VA 23113, or fax them to 744-3269. Please include a contact name and number with your announcements.