Calendar

Project Percussion showcases local musicians

In The Spotlight
Sixth Annual Project Percussion, Fri., Mar. 30, 3:30-9 p.m., Midlothian High School, 401 Charter Colony Pkwy. This is a day of percussion clinics, soloists and performances from college, high school and middle school percussion groups including Virginia Commonwealth University, Godwin High School, Pocahontas Middle School, Midlothian High School, Independent Indoor Drumline Innovation and others. There will be a raffle of cymbals and drums as well as door prizes. Concessions will be available. Admission is $4. For more information, contact Chris Thomas, director of percussion, at ct.music@ netscape.com.

Thurs., Mar. 29

12th Annual Literary Festival, 7 p.m., John Tyler Community College, Chester campus, Nicholas Student Center, 13101 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Novelist Sheri Reynolds will read from her fiction. Reynolds is the author of "The Rapture of Canaan" (an Oprah Book Club selection and New York Times bestseller), "Bitterroot Landing" and "The Firefly Cloak." A reception and book signing will follow. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sandra Via at svia@jtcc.edu or 594-1486.

Horticultural workshop, 7 p.m., Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. "Planting America's Anniversary Garden" will be discussed. Workshop is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension. For more information or to register, call 751-4401.

Fri., Mar. 30

Alcoholics Anonymous weekly meeting, 1 p.m., Atrium conference room, Johnston Willis campus, CJW Medical Center, 1401 Johnston Willis Dr. A program for people who want to stop drinking or need support on the road to recovery. For information, call 330-2000.

Arts on the Hill reception, 2-5 p.m., Clover Hill High School library, 13900 Hull Street Rd. In celebration of Youth Art Month, the library will be transformed into an art gallery. Students, parents and community members are welcome. For more information, call 739-6230.

Friday Evening Lecture Series, 7 p.m., Magnolia Grange, 10020 Ironbridge Rd. Speaker Norie Burnet will discuss "Landscaping with Moss and Ferns." Admission is free for historical society members, $5 for nonmembers. For tickets or more information, call 777-9663.

Sat., Mar. 31

Henricus Comes Alive, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Rd. Talk to settlers in the "citie" and learn about their trials during a hard winter and their relief as spring brings an end to the "starving time." Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-12. Henricus members are admitted free. For more information, call 706- 1340 or visit www.chesterfieldtourism.com .

Rummage and bake sale, 7 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 2341 Winterfield Rd., Midlothian. Rain or shine. Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 811.

Yard sale, carnival and book sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Falling Creek Elementary School, 4800 Hopkins Rd. The yard sale will begin at 9 a.m. The carnival with rides, games and food will begin at 10 a.m. Themed baskets will be up for silent auction, and new and gently used books will be for sale. For more information, call 743-3630.

Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m., Harry Daniels Park at Iron Bridge, 6600 White Pine Rd. Come visit with the Easter Bunny and bring your own basket for the egg hunt. Sponsored by the Chesterfield Jaycees. For more information, visit www.chesterfieldjaycees.com .

Folk Concert, 8 p.m., doors open at 7:15 p.m., Congregation Or Ami, 9400 W. Huguenot Rd. Concert features "Rising Appalachia" with Leah and Chloe Smith, and old-time fiddle, banjo and vocals. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. For tickets or information, call 647-7856, visit www. richmondfolkmusic.org or e-mail richmondfolkmusic@yahoo.com .

Mon., Apr. 2

Cancer Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m., John Randolph Medical Center, third floor family life classroom, 411 West Randolph Rd. For information, call Tricia Cox at 452-3275 or visit www.hcarichmond.com .

International Baccalaureate Art Show, 7 p.m., Midlothian High School, 401 Charter Colony Pkwy. Art, crafts and photography will be displayed throughout the school. Admission is free.

Tues., Apr. 3

Discover Chesterfield Walking Club, 9 a.m., Henricus Park/Dutch Gap Conservation Area, 411 Coxendale Rd. This walking program introduces adults ages 55 and older to the county's parks, open spaces and greenways while meeting new walking partners. Monthly organized walks take place at different locations and are led by Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department staff. For information, contact Judy Jones, 751-4135.

Flower Show in a Box, 1-4 p.m., Masonic Temple, 13510 Westfield Rd. "Spring is a Many Splendored Thing" is the theme. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Midlothian Garden Club.

"How to File your Tax Return Electronically" workshop, 2-3:30 p.m., Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. This seminar is intended to educate taxpayers on the various electronic filing options available, show taxpayers how easy it is to file online, and address any security concerns taxpayers may have about filing taxes online. Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Taxation. For more information, call 530-3403 or visit www.tax.virginia.gov .

Benefit concert, silent auction begins at 6 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m., Manchester Middle School, 7401 Hull Street Rd. The Manchester Middle School band will perform a benefit concert titled, "Bless the Beasts and the Children." Proceeds will go to the Richmond Animal League and a charity that helps families of wounded veterans at McGuire VA Medical Center. Admission is free. For more information, call Peg Moncure, 674-1385.

Wed., Apr. 4

Nutrition, Food Safety and Storage, and Stretching Your Food Dollars, 10 a.m.-noon, Cooperative Extension Office, 6807 Mimms Loop, Chesterfield County Government Complex. Learn about the new food guide pyramid, food safety skills and how to use money-saving strategies to stretch your food dollars. Admission is free. Seating is limited, so register to reserve your space. For more information, or to register, call 751-4401.

Chester Choices Book Discussion Group, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. "In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex" by Nathaniel Philbrick will be discussed. Call 748-6314 for information.

LOOKING AHEAD...

Thurs., Apr. 5

Now I Am an American, 10:30 a.m.-noon, LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. Part of the Get in the Know: We the People Cultural Program. Chesterfield County employees who have come to America from different lands will share their native countries and cultures and tell the stories of how and why they became Americans. Experience the process of becoming an American citizen through the eyes of two naturalized citizens, Nancy Tam and Barbara Glick. Come listen to their stories and share your own. Questions and discussion are welcome. Refreshments will be served. This program is recommended for adults ages 55 and older. Sponsored by the Friends of Chesterfield County Public Library.

Beginning Word, 2-3 p.m., Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Dr. This class covers the basics of how to create, edit and save a text document using Microsoft Word. Call 739-7335 to register.

Book and video sale, 3-9 p.m. Apr. 5, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Apr. 6 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Apr. 7, Central Library, 9501 Lori Road. Central Friends of the Chesterfield County Public Library will hold a used book and video sale. Teachers receive a 10 percent discount off the already low prices. For more information, contact Sheila Callear, 271-9675.

Bon-Air-Manchester-Midlothian (BAMM) Lions Club Meeting, 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Koger Center, Koger Center Blvd, Midlothian. For information or reservations, call Bill Daniels at 272-7673.

Jazz Concert, 7 p.m., Nicholas Student Center, John Tyler Community College, Chester campus, 13101 Jefferson Davis Hwy. The concert features a high-energy jazz and world-beat ensemble inspired by salsa, samba, swing, funk and African rhythms. Admission is $5 for the general public, free for John Tyler students, faculty and staff who present their college ID. For more information, contact Deborah Rose at drose@jtcc.edu.

Midlothian Junior Women's Club monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Winfree Memorial Baptist Church, 13617 Midlothian Tpke. All are welcome. For more information, call Andrea at 739-0793.

Woodlake Women's Club monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Woodlake Swim and Racquet Club, 5000 Woodlake Village Pkwy. This month's meeting will feature letterboxing and geocaching. All are welcome. For information, call Dee, 739-2606.

Fri., Apr. 6

Golf tournament, 11 a.m., River's Bend Golf Club, 11700 Hogans Alley. Money raised from this golf tournament will support scholarships for automotive technician apprentices, an end-of-the-year reception and equipment for future automotive professional students at the Chesterfield Technical Center. Registration deadline is Mar. 30. For more information, contact Steve Dimmett, 768-6160 ext. 1020

Sat., Apr. 7

April Art Exhibit, through May 2, Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. "A Peaceful Discovery," a collection of watercolors by Robin W. Loving, will be on display. Loving was awarded the first place prize for body of work at the 2006 Maymont Flower and Garden Show and has pieces on display at the James Center and the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. A reception will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. at the library. Refreshments will be served. Hosted by the Chesterfield Center for the Arts at Chester Foundation. For more information, call 748-6314.

"The Confederate Experience" historical program, noon-3 p.m. (rain or shine), Historic 1917 Courthouse, 10020 Ironbridge Rd. An educational program on Confederate history and heritage featuring historian Ed Bearss. The event includes banjo and fiddle music and living history exhibits. Open to the public. Admission is free. Presented by the Chesterfield Confederate Heritage Foundation. For more information, call 377-0438.

Tues., Apr. 10

Chesterfield County School Board meeting, 7:30 p.m., Public Meeting Room, County Administration Bldg., 9901 Lori Rd.

Wed., Apr. 11

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Midlothian Chapter 2265 monthly meeting, 9:30 a.m., Brandermill Woods Retirement Community Meeting Room, 14311 Brandermill Woods Trail. The program will be a comedy skit on Social Security by Elvira Shaw. For details or directions, call Joyce Burton, 743-2584.

Board of Supervisors meeting, 3 p.m., Public Meeting Room, County Administration Bldg., 9901 Lori Rd.

Thurs., Apr. 12

Book Discussion Group, 7-8 p.m. Ettrick- Matoaca Library, 4501 River Rd. "The Known World" by Edward P. Jones will be discussed. Call 526-8087 for information.

Motivators Toastmasters Club meeting, 7:15 p.m., Central Library, 9501 Lori Rd. This organization helps people become more comfortable with public speaking. For more information, call Kimberly Johnson 768- 9266.

Sat., Apr. 14

7th Annual Ettrick Heritage Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Old Ettrick Methodist Parsonage, 21300 Chesterfield Ave. (Rt. 36), Ettrick. Celebrate Scottish history and enjoy firefighters' memorabilia, Native Americans, historical displays, civic groups and Civil War re-enactors. There will be a "Doggie Parade" (dogs must be on a leash) and a "Knobby Knees Contest" (for those in kilts). Food will be available. Sponsored by the Ettrick Historical Society and Ettrick-Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad. For more information, or if you would like to participate, call Jeffrey Anderson at 526-8367 or e-mail victoriaandalbert@comcast.net .

Mon., Apr. 16

Book Discussion Group, 7-8 p.m., Enon Library, 1801 Enon Church Rd. "The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America" by Erik Larson will be discussed. Please call 530-3403 for information.

Tues., Apr. 17

Home Management-Housekeeping class, 9 a.m.-noon, Cooperative Extension Office, 6807 Mimms Loop, Chesterfield County Government Complex. This is a two-part course and will conclude on Tues., May 1. Learn and improve the basic skills of maintaining a home. Admission is free. Seating is limited, so register to reserve your space. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension Office. For more information, or to register, call 751-4401.

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.