Calendar

In The Spotlight

Holiday Social for Seniors, Fri., Dec. 14, 7-9 p.m., Bensley Community Building, 2900 Drewry's Bluff Rd. Bring a friend or come solo and celebrate the holidays with live entertainment, dancing and light refreshments. Cost is $7. For registration information, call David Potter at 275-5321.

Thurs., Dec. 13

Top Threats to Your Business Seminar, 7:30-9 a.m., BizWorks, 2545 Bellwood Rd. Guest speaker Eric Bucci of Business Advisors International will discuss the importance of identifying partners and solutions to overcome business obstacles, creating improvements that enable reaching both business and personal objectives. Cost is $20, and registration is required. For more information or to register, call 275-5190 or visit www.bizworkscenter.org .

LaPrade Book and Bites, 10:30 a.m., LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. "The Alchemist: A Fable about Following Your Dreams" by Paul Coehlo will be discussed. For more information, call 276-7755.

Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m., Brandermill Country Club, 3700 Brandermill Pkwy. Guest speaker, Hugh Keogh, president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, will speak on the economic trends for 2008 and Virginia's ranking by Forbes.com as "the best state for business." Registration for the event is required. Cost is $10. E-mail admin@chesterfieldchamber.com or call 748-6364 ext. 4.

Cancer workshop, 6:30-8:30 p.m., CJW Medical Center, Johnston Willis campus, 1401 Johnston Willis Dr. This workshop is designed to help women cope with the appearance related side effects of cancer treatment. Volunteer cosmetologists will conduct a program on skincare and makeup as well as how to use wigs, turbans and scarves. Participants must be undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment or recently finished with their treatment. To register, call Carolyn Haynes at the American Cancer Society, 527-3778.

"The Girls of the Garden Club," 7 p.m., through Dec. 15, and 4 p.m. on Dec. 16, John Tyler Community College, Nicholas Student Center, 13101 Jefferson Davis Hwy. The theatre workshop class will perform this comedy by John Patrick. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact ksullivan@jtcc.edu or 594-1498.

Holiday concert, 7 p.m., Clover Hill High School, 6701 Deer Run Dr. The high school band will perform. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 739-6230.

Holiday concert, 7:30 p.m., Cosby High School, 14300 Fox Club Pkwy. The Titan Band, percussion ensemble and jazz ensemble will perform. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 639-8340 ext. 8421.

Fri., Dec. 14

Huguenot Trail Rotary Club weekly meeting, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Bottega Bistro, 11400 W. Huguenot Rd. For information, contact Terry Hargrove at 722-9555.

Holiday play, 7 p.m., Brandermill Church, 4500 Millridge Pkwy. "Where Did All the Snow Go?," an original play, along with dancing, music and audience sing-along, will be presented by the Swift Creek Academy of the Performing Arts to benefit the Virginia Arts Partners Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $8/adults, $5/children. For more information or tickets, call 744-2801.

Winter concert, 7 p.m., Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, 7151 Belmont Rd. The Clover Hill High School chorus will perform. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 739-6230.

Sat., Dec. 15

Breakfast with Santa, seatings at 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., Manchester High School, 12601 Bailey Bridge Rd. Enjoy breakfast with Santa and entertainment provided by the Manchester Lancer Band and Swift Creek Academy performers. Tickets are $10/adults, $5/children ages 5-12, free for under 5. Tickets available at Swift Creek Academy of the Performing Arts, 744-2801 or 739-6275 ext. 108.

Pathways to the Past: Hike to the Old Mill, 10 a.m.-noon, Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd. Meet at the nature center. Explore one of the most fascinating sites in the park, the remnants of an old grist mill and mill pond site. Free, but registration is required. Recommended for ages 6 and older. For more information or to register, call 796-4255 or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/stateparks/poc.shtml .

Pet adoptions, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., PetSmart, 12264 Chattanooga Plaza (in the Wal-Mart shopping center on Hull Street Road). Adopt a new, furry family member during this adoption event featuring animals from the Chesterfield Animal Shelter. Volunteers from the Chesterfield Humane Society will be on hand to answer questions and assist with adoptions.

Noah's Ark Stuff & Fluff Workshop, 11 a.m.-noon, Bensley Community Building, 2900 Drewry's Bluff Rd. Children ages 2-10 will choose an un-stuffed collectible animal, hand stuff it, wish upon and insert a rainbow star into the animal, and then zip it closed. Children will name their creation and create a customized birth certificate. Cost is $10. For registration information, call David Potter at 275-5321.

Chesterfield Writer's Group monthly meeting, noon, Central Library, 9501 Lori Rd. For information, call 986-2985 or visit www.writersclub.us .

Holiday gift-wrapping, 2-6 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 1200 Huguenot Rd. The Friends of the Chesterfield County Library is hosting its annual gift-wrapping fundraiser. Friends members supply the manpower and bows, Barnes & Noble supplies the paper, tape and seals, and the customers leave behind a generous tip in exchange for beautifully wrapped gifts and books. Tip money is used to support Friends projects.

"Mr. Scrum and the Christmas Ghosts," 4 p.m., John Tyler Community College, Nicholas Student Center, 13101 Jefferson Davis Hwy. The theatre workshop class will perform a modern adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact ksullivan@jtcc.edu or 594-1498.

Sun., Dec. 16

Winter Bird Count, 7-11 a.m., Dutch Gap Conservation Area, 411 Coxendale Rd. Join veteran birders to conduct a census of bird populations. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Mark Battista at 706-9690.

Pet pictures with Santa, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., PetSmart, 1276 CarMia Way. Have your pet's picture taken with Santa. Richmond Animal League will receive $5 of each $8.95 photo package sold. For more information, call RAL at 379-0046.

Talking to Your Teen About Money, 3-4 p.m., Ettrick Community Center, 20400 Laurel Rd. This workshop is designed to help parents teach teens how to become financially responsible adults. For ages 12 and older. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Jackie Maclin, 748-1123.

Mon., Dec. 17

Basic Computer Skills Workshop, 9 a.m.-noon, 7333 White Pine Rd. This introduction to basic computer skills is designed for those individuals who have minimal or no computer skills. Classes are small, and students get hands-on computer experience with individual attention from the instructor. For more information or to register, call the Capital Area Workforce Center at 271-8510.

Central Brown Bag Page Turners, 1 p.m., Central Library, 9501 Lori Rd. "A Redbird Christmas" by Fannie Flagg will be discussed. For more information, call 751-4955.

Book club meeting, 7 p.m., Enon Library, 1801 Enon Church Rd. "A Redbird Christmas" by Fannie Flagg will be discussed. For more information, call 530-3403.

LaPrade Chick Lit Book Club, 7 p.m., LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. "Confessions of a Shopaholic" by Sophie Kinsella will be discussed. For more information, call 276-7755.

Tues., Dec. 18

Fitness for Older Adults, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. Learn tips on staying healthy and fit by a personal trainer from American Family Fitness. Free. Part of the Get in the Know Series for seniors ages 55 and older. For more information or to register, call Judy Jones, 751-4135, or Blanche DePonte, 717-6381.

Read 2 Rover, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Central Library, 9501 Lori Rd. Children are invited to read to a certified therapy dog in this program by Caring Canines that's designed to help children become better readers. The dogs sit quietly next to the children while they read, providing comfort and companionship to children who struggle with reading or who simply want to improve their reading. For more information, call 748-1604 or visit www.library.chesterfield.gov .

Childcare Provider Workshop, 6:30- 8:30 p.m. (check in at 6 p.m.), Virginia State University, L. Douglas Wilder Building, 1 Hayden Dr. The topic is "Math for Every Age." Part of the Cooperative Extension series of workshops designed for childcare providers, center owners, operators and directors. Childcare providers will receive certificates for two hours of professional development credit per workshop. Free and open to the public. Registration is required. To register, call Mary Saunders, VSU administrative specialist, at 524-5966, or e-mail msaunder@vsu.edu .

Bon Air Book Talks, 7 p.m., Bon Air Library, 9103 Rattlesnake Rd. "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri will be discussed. For more information, call 320-2461.

Planning commission monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Rd. For information, call 748-1050.

Wed., Dec. 19

MOMS Club of Midlothian North monthly meeting, 10 a.m., Bethlehem Baptist Church, 9600 Midlothian Tnpk. Support group for stay-at-home moms. For more information, call 403-3829 or e-mail mleetjeffs@peoplepc.com .

Chesterfield Women's League monthly meeting, 10 a.m.-noon (doors open 9:30 a.m.), Foxcroft Clubhouse, 15100 Fox Club Pkwy. A presentation by Master Chocolatier Jeanne-Louise Womble from the de Rochonnet delights chocolate shop in Midlothian will feature the history, culture and art of making fine chocolates. Samples will be offered. The holiday meeting of the league has a festive theme with a voluntary Secret Santa gift exchange. Bring a wrapped gift (around $15 value) to participate. For more information, call Susan Austin at 378-8004 or Carol Stearns at 739-4365.

Holiday gift-wrapping, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4600 Commonwealth Centre Pkwy. See listing under Dec. 15 for more information.

Midlothian Classics and Award Winners Book Club, 10:30 a.m., Midlothian Library, 521 Coalfield Rd. "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis will be discussed. For more information, call 794-7907.

Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting, 3 p.m., Public Meeting Room, County Administration Bldg., 10001 Iron Bridge Rd. For more information, call 748- 1200.

Book club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Midlothian Library, 521 Coalfield Rd. "The Lighthouse Keeper" by James Michael Pratt will be discussed. For more information, call 794- 7907.

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.