Calendar
Spend an evening with the stars and planets

In The Spotlight

Starry Nights and Campfire Tales, Fri., Nov. 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Henricus Visitor Center, 251 Henricus Park Rd. View constellations, planets and other sky objects. Sit around the campfire for s'mores and stories. Bring something warm to drink. Minimum age is 4. Cost is $5/person, $12/family. Sponsored by Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Mark Battista at 706-9690.

Thurs., Nov. 29

Women's Newcomers Group, 9:30 a.m.- noon, Woodlake UMC, 6601 Village Pkwy. Contact Sue, 739-4209 or new2chesterfield@verizon.net

Family story time, 3-3:30 p.m., Bon Air Library, 9103 Rattlesnake Rd. All interested children are welcome. For more information, call 320-2461.

Beginning Excel, 6-7 p.m., Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 4501 River Rd. Find out how to create, edit and save a workbook using Microsoft Excel. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Public Library. For more information or to register, call 526-8087.

Fri., Nov. 30

Chesterfield County Public Library branches will be closed for staff training.

Huguenot Trail Rotary Club meeting, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Bottega Bistro, 11400 W. Huguenot Rd. Guest speaker is Aleta Shelton, community liaison with Caring Canines. For information, contact Terry Hargrove at 722- 9555.

Sat., Dec. 1

Art Exhibit, library hours through Jan. 2, Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. "The Animal Paintings of Adele Castillo," a collection of acrylics featuring pets, will be on display. Hosted by the Chesterfield Center for the Arts at Chester Foundation. For more information, call 748-6314.

Santa Breakfast, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Spinnakers Restaurant, Chesterfield Towne Center, 11500 Midlothian Tnpk. Cost is $5/adults, $3/children. Sponsored by Village Bank. For information, call 794-0045.

Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 2341 Winterfield Rd. Featuring crafts, ornaments, jewelry, oil paintings, objects d'art, gourmet food, Native American crafts, kitchen items, bake sale and so much more! Raffle of vendors' items. Lunch and snacks available. Proceeds will support the outreach projects of the Episcopal Church Women. For more information, call 379-8899.

16th Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Ecoff Elementary School, 5200 Ecoff Ave. More than 110 crafters will participate. Sponsored by the school's PTA. For more information, call 768-6185.

Tree sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Dec. 2, same time, James River High School, 3700 James River Rd. Balsam firs, wreaths and roping will be sold to support the school's baseball program. For more information, call 378-2420.

Christmas Open House, 1-4 p.m., Magnolia Grange, 10020 Iron Bridge Rd. The 19th century plantation will be elegantly decorated for the holidays by local garden clubs. Light refreshments will be served. The gift shop will have its annual holiday sale. Get your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 777-9663 or www.chesterfieldhistory.com .

Celtic music concert, 8 p.m. (doors open 7:15 p.m.), Congregation Or Ami, 9400 Huguenot Rd. John Skelton, master of the Irish flute, will perform. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. For tickets or more information, contact Richmond Folk Music Society, 647-7856, richmondfolkmusic@yahoo.com or www.richmondfolkmusic.com .

Manchester Class of 1987 20th High School Reunion, 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Sheraton Park South, 9901 Midlothian Tnpk. For more information or to register, contact Stacy White at stacywhite@comcast.net, 739-1140 or http://classreport.org/usa/va/midlothian/mhs/1987 .

Sun., Dec. 2

"Ladies Night at Stein Mart," 7-9 p.m., Stein Mart, 4740 Commonwealth Centre Pkwy. Connor's Heroes Foundation is sponsoring an evening of shopping and socializing. All who attend will receive a 20 percent coupon for any item in the store. Enjoy food and beverages from local restaurants and caterers, a chair massage or a makeover. Silent auction and door prizes. Tickets are $20. All proceeds benefit the Connor's Heroes Foundation, which helps to ease the burden of childhood cancer and supports research efforts to find a cure. For more information, call Lisa at 305-4280 or visit www.connorsheroes.org/event/ladiesnightatsteinmart .

Mon., Dec. 3

Book discussion group, 7-8 p.m., Meadowdale Library, 4003 Cogbill Rd. "On Agate Hill" by Lee Smith will be discussed. For more information, call 743-4842.

Kickin' Karate, 7-8 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec.19, Ettrick Community Bldg., 20400 Laurel Rd. This program is designed to teach self-defense, safety awareness, self-discipline and respect in children ages 7 and older. Fee is $25. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Tonya Branch at 526-5596.

Tues., Dec. 4

Discover Chesterfield Walking Club, 9 a.m., Harry G. Daniel Park at Iron Bridge, 6000 Whitepine Rd. Meet at shelter 3. Join an organized walk led by Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department staff. For adults ages 55 and older. Free. For more information, contact Judy Jones, 751-4135.

Club Mom, 9-11 a.m., Chesterfield Towne Center food court, 11500 Midlothian Tnpk. Featured guest is Magic4U. Free. For more information, call 794-4661.

Midlothian Garden Club monthly meeting, 10:30 a.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 1100 Huguenot Springs Rd. Guest speaker Sue Ramsey will present a program on Christmas designs for the home. All are welcome. For more information, contact Alice Steal at 744- 5392.

Jewelry trunk show, 1-9 p.m., Schwarzchild Jewelers, 1200 Alverser Plaza. Featuring David Yurman jewelry. From 6-9 p.m., a portion of the proceeds will go to the Massey Cancer Center. For more information, call 344-0150.

Wed., Dec. 5

Chester Choices Book Club meeting, 10:30 a.m., Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" by Fannie Flagg will be discussed. For more information, call 748-6314.

A Musical Celebration, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Ettrick Community Building, 20400 Laurel Rd. Enjoy the sounds of local musicians as they perform at this Christmas concert. Light refreshments will be served. For ages 50 and older. Free. Registration is required by Nov. 28. Call Tonya Branch at 526-5596 for more information.

Poinsettia Open House, noon-5 p.m., Virginia State University Randolph Farm 4415 River Rd., Ettrick. The first 288 guests who attend the open house and participate in a consumer preference survey will receive a free poinsettia, compliments of VSU's Department of Agriculture. Poinsettia plants varying in size, shape and color will be on display for survey respondents to examine. Free and open to the public. For more information on the event or the survey, call 524-5849 or e-mail ccantanzaro@vsu.edu .

Christmas Tea, 2 p.m., Magnolia Grange, 10020 Iron Bridge Rd. Enjoy an afternoon of tea, sumptuous refreshments and a musical performance at this historic plantation home. Tickets are $15 for Chesterfield Historical Society members and $20 for non-members. Reservations are required. For more information, call 777-9663 or visit www.chesterfield history.com.

"A Christmas Carol," 7 p.m., through Dec. 8, Manchester High School, 12601 Bailey Bridge Rd. The theater department will perform this holiday classic. Tickets are $6/adult, $5/student. Special matinee on Dec. 8, 3 p.m., $3/all. For more information, call 739-6275.

Midlothian Junior Woman's Club monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Winfree Baptist Church, 13617 Midlothian Tnpk. The club is a philanthropic civic organization dedicated to improving the lives of others in the community. For more information, visit www.midlothianjuniors.org .

LOOKING AHEAD... Thurs., Dec. 6

Holiday Goodies for Pets, 10-11 a.m., Rockwood Nature Center, Rockwood Park, 3401 Courthouse Rd. Discover what is safe and what is harmful for pets during the holiday season. Children will make a Santa hat for a stuffed animal they bring along. There will be a donation box for special toys and treats for homeless pets at the Chesterfield Animal Shelter. Part of the Exploring Nature with Small Hands Series for 3-4 year olds. Registration is required. Cost is $4. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Denise Flora at 674-1629. To register, call 748-1623.

Winter concert, 7 p.m., James River High School, 3700 James River Rd. The orchestra will perform. Guest performance by Virginia Commonwealth University professor and pianist Dr. Dmitri Schteinberg. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 378-2420.

Sat., Dec. 8

Lunch with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Ettrick Community Building, 20400 Laurel Rd. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at the Ettrick Community Building for an afternoon of games, arts and crafts and free photos. Make your lists and come have lunch with Santa. Cost is $4 per person. Registration is required by Nov. 29. For registration information, call Tonya Branch at 526-5596.

15th Annual James River Parade of Lights, at two locations - Dutch Gap Boat Landing, 441 Coxendale Rd., and Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Rd. View a parade of boats decorated for the holidays. At Dutch Gap, entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. with parade viewing from 7:15-7:45 p.m. At Henricus, entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m. with parade viewing from 7:30-8 p.m. Free. For more information, call 748-1623.

Sun., Dec. 9

Whitewater Kayak Rolling Clinic, 8-11 a.m., Manchester YMCA, 7540 Hull Street Rd. Learn and practice kayak rolling during the off season. For beginner or experienced kayakers. Previous kayaking instruction is required. Kayaks and equipment is available for rent. For ages 13 and older. Cost is $40. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information or to register, call Greg Velzy at 748-1124.

Holiday gift-wrapping, 6-9 p.m. and same time Mon., Dec. 10, Barnes and Noble, 1200 Huguenot Rd. The Friends of the Chesterfield County Public 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. For more information, call 378- 3651.

Mon., Dec. 10

Christmas Celebration Potluck, noon-2 p.m., Bensley Community Building, 2900 Drewry's Bluff Rd. Bring a favorite dish to share and enjoy some delightful holiday music. Free. For more information, call David Potter at 275-5321.

Tues., Dec. 11

Winter concert, 7:30 p.m., Midlothian High School, 401 Charter Colony Pkwy. The concert and symphonic bands, orchestra and chorus will perform. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 378-2440.

Wed., Dec. 12

Craft Closet, 11 a.m.-noon, Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. Individuals ages 21 and older with disabilities are invited to make a seasonal craft. All craft materials will be provided. Registration is required. Cost is $2. For more information or to register, call 751-4134.

Book club meeting, 2 p.m., Ettrick- Matoaca Library, 4501 River Rd. "A Corpse in the Koryo" by James Church will be discussed. For more information, call 526- 8087.

Holiday gift-wrapping, 2-6 p.m., and Sat., Dec. 15 from 2-6 p.m., Barnes and Noble, 1200 Huguenot Rd. See listing for Sun., Dec. 9.

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 is Hugh Keogh, president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Registration for the event is required. Cost is $10. Email admin@chesterfieldchamber.com or call 748-6364 ext. 4.

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.