Calendar

School Board looks for opinions regarding the future of Chesterfield County schools

In The Spotlight

Community discussion, Tues., Aug. 14, 7-8:30 p.m., Chesterfield Room, Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Rd. The Chesterfield County School Board invites parents, teachers, students, business leaders and community members to a discussion about the school system - its strengths and challenges in preparing students for success in the 21st century, what schools should continue to emphasize and what should be added. To help gather an equal number of high school students and adults for this discussion with the School Board and superintendent, adults are encouraged to bring one of their children, a neighbor, a babysitter or a youth member of their church if possible. Please RSVP to 748-1405.

Thurs., Aug. 9

LaPrade Books and Bites, 10:30 a.m., LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield will be discussed. For more information, call 276- 7755.

A Journey Down the Appalachian Trail, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. Meet some of the wild creatures that call the Appalachian Trail home and learn the history of the trail in this program presented by the Wildlife Center of Virginia. For all ages. For more information or to register, call 748-6314 or visit www.library.chesterfield.gov .

Fri., Aug. 10

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 1 p.m., Atrium Conference room, 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 more information, call 330-2000.

Sat., Aug. 11

Introduction to Touring Kayak, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Dutch Gap Conservation Area, 513 Coxendale Rd. This class is designed to teach the basics of flat-water kayaking and covers entries, exits, strokes, safety and the equipment needed to start kayaking. An optional tour of the Dutch Gap Conservation Area is included. Rental includes kayak and all equipment. Minimum age is 11 (youth ages 11-14 must be accompanied by a participating adult). The cost is $49 ($55 with rental). Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information or to register, call Greg Velzy, 748-1124.

Saturday morning series, 11 a.m., Magnolia Grange, 10020 Iron Bridge Rd. Pat Roble will discuss "Historic Gardening." Free. For more information, call 777-9663.

Pocahontas Premieres concert, 6 p.m., Pocahontas State Park's Heritage Amphitheater, 10301 State Park Rd. "A Night of Big Jazz" will feature the Aaron Noe Orchestra and Doc Branch and the Keynotes. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 the day of the show. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is $4 (free for advance ticket holders). Food and beverages are available. For tickets or more information, call (800) 933-PARK or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.

Sun., Aug. 12

VMFA Summer Interlude Concert series, 3 p.m., (also Aug. 19 and Aug. 26), Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Rd. The Richmond Chamber Players will perform selections from Luigi Boccerini, Ludwig van Beethoven and Robert Schumann. Tickets for the series are $56 (museum members, seniors, students, $48). Single tickets, if available, are $16 (museum members, seniors, students, $14, students under 18 free). To purchase tickets at least 24 hours prior to the concert, visit the museum Wed.-Sun. from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or call 340-1405. Tickets may be purchased at the door beginning at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.vmfa.museum.

Mon., Aug. 13

Youth Beginner Tennis, 8:30-9:30 a.m., through Fri., Aug. 17, Swift Creek Middle School, 3700 Old Hundred Rd. Learn the fundamentals in a fun-filled environment. Bring your own racket and balls. For ages 7-12. Cost is $40. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Paul Wilmoth, 748-1130.

Girl's Lacrosse Camp, ages 7-12, 9 a.m.- noon, ages 13+, 5-8 p.m., through Aug. 17, Clover Hill Athletic Park, 17701 Genito Rd. Renowned coaches from Australia, Canada, Holland and Britain will group players by age and skill level to customize training and make playing this sport fun. $175. To register, visit www.academyinternational.net or call (888) 529-3827 for further details.

Locks of Love haircut event, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Design One Hair and Day Spa, 13190 Midlothian Tnpk. The salon will offer free haircuts to benefit Locks of Love, an organization which provides hair prosthetics for children who have developed long-term medical hair loss. Walk-ins welcome. For more information or to make an appointment, call Linda, 794-4247.

Adult Beginner Golf, 6:30-7:30 p.m., weekly through Sept. 3, Windy Hill Sports Complex, 16500 Midlothian Tnpk. Lessons include instruction in grip, stance and swing fundamentals. For ages 15 and older. Cost is $70. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Paul Wilmoth, 748-1130.

Tues., Aug. 14

Archaeology Summer Camp, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through Aug. 16, Historic Castlewood, 10201 Iron Bridge Rd. Campers will examine historical structures and interpret real artifacts that were found in the area. Cost is $60. For children ages 8-10. For more information or to register, call the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia, 777-9663.

Tuesday Exploration for Twos, 10-10:30 a.m., Rockwood Nature Center, Rockwood Park, 3401 Courthouse Rd. Discover the difference between geese and ducks. $3 per child. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information or to register, call 748-1623.

Richmond Dive Club monthly meeting, socializing at 6 p.m., meeting starts at 7 p.m., La Siesta Restaurant, 9900 Midlothian Tnpk. Guest speaker will be Mike Boring. Food and drinks will be available. For more information, visit www.richmonddiveclub.com or call Bob Ross, 320-4483.

Wed., Aug. 15

Lagoon Boat Tour, 9 a.m., Henricus Visitor Center, 251 Henricus Park Rd. Discover wildlife that lives in the lagoon and visit the graveyard. For children ages 5-12. Part of the Dawn Discoveries program at Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Cost is $4 per child. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Mark Battista, 706-9690.

MOM's Club of North Midlothian monthly meeting, 10 a.m., Bethlehem Baptist Church, 9600 Midlothian Tnpk. Support group for stay-at-home moms. For more information, call Jacqueline Price, 897-0459, or visit www.northmidlomomsclub.com .

Midlothian Classics and Award Winners book club, 10:30 a.m., Midlothian Library, 521 Coalfield Rd. "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt will be discussed. For more information, call 794-7907.

A Journey Down the Appalachian Trail, 10:30 a.m. and noon, LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. See listing for Aug. 9. For more information or to register, call 276-7755 or visit www.library.chesterfield.gov.

LOOKING AHEAD... Sat., Aug. 18

I got this new digital camera...now what?, 10-11:30 a.m., Ettrick Community Bldg., 20400 Laurel Rd. Topics covered include the differences between film and digital cameras, selecting and using media cards, getting prints made and camera care. Participants should bring their cameras (with instruction booklet). For ages 18 and older. Free. Sponsored by Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Tonya Branch at 526-5596.

Mon., Aug. 20

Book club meeting, 7 p.m., Enon Library, 1801 Enon Church Rd. "Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plaque" by Geraldine Brooks will be discussed. For more information, call 530-3403.

LaPrade Chick Lit, 7 p.m., LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. "Watermelon" by Marian Keyes will be discussed. For more information, call 276-7755.

Tues., Aug. 21

inVision Chesterfield, 7:15-9 a.m., CJW Medical Center, Johnston Willis Cafeteria, 1401 Johnston Willis Dr. Formerly known as the Business Council Networking Breakfasts, this series features breakfast and casual networking followed by a brief program on a timely topic important to the jurisdiction. This meeting will feature Sara Dunnigan of the Greater Richmond Partnership who will speak on Business First Greater Richmond. For more information, contact Katina Lancaster, 783-9346 or katina.lancaster@grcc.com .

Bon Air Book Talks, 7 p.m., Bon Air Library, 9103 Rattlesnake Rd. "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen will be discussed. For more information, call 320-2461.

Wed., Aug. 22

Board of Supervisors monthly meeting, 3 p.m., Public Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 1001 Iron Bridge Rd.

Book club meeting, 7:30 p.m., Midlothian Library, 521 Coalfield Rd. "The Photograph" by Penelope Lively will be discussed. For more information, call 794-7907.

Fri., Aug. 24

94th Chesterfield County Fair, through Sept. 1, Mon.-Fri., 4-11 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun., 1-11 p.m. Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Rd. Midway rides, exhibits, music, food and fun. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for seniors (ages 60 and over) and children (6-12 years old), and free for children ages 5 and under. Wristband days are Aug. 27-30. Wristbands cost $18 per person, per day. For more information, call 768-0148 or visit www.chesterfieldcountyfair.org.

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.