Calendar
Annual Parade of Lights sets sail on the James River

In The Spotlight

15th Annual James River Parade of Lights, Sat., Dec. 8 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.

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.

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 are 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 on Mon., Dec. 10, Barnes & 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 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.

Southside Area Mothers of Multiples (SAMOM) monthly meeting, 7 p.m., St. Francis Medical Center, 13710 St. Francis Blvd. For more information, call Brenda at 986-5790 or visit www.samom.com.

Tues., Dec. 11

Winter concert, 7 p.m., Thomas Dale High School, 3626 W. Hundred Rd. The Specialty Center for the Arts' choral and orchestral ensembles will perform seasonal music. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 768-6245 ext. 664.

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.

Chesterfield County School Board meeting, 7:30 p.m., Public Meeting Room, County Administration Bldg., 10001 Iron Bridge Rd. For more information, call 748-1405.

Wed., Dec. 12

Brandermill Woman's Club monthly meeting, 10 a.m., Brandermill Country Club, 3700 Millridge Pkwy. Theater students and faculty members from John Tyler Community College will perform holiday readings and skits. An optional luncheon follows the entertainment portion of the meeting. For more information, call Ann Gatz at 639-6868.

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 & Noble, 1200 Huguenot Rd. See listing for Sun., Dec. 9.

Holiday concert, 7 p.m., Manchester High School, 12601 Bailey Bridge Rd. The band and chorus will perform. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 739-6275.

LOOKING AHEAD...

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. 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, 7:30 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

Holiday happening, 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 of Virginia Arts Partners Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $8/adults, $5/children. For more information or tickets, call 744-2801.

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

Sat., Dec. 15

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.

"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 one week prior to class. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Jackie Maclin, 748-1123.

Mon., Dec. 17

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.

LaPrade Chick Lit, 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.

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.

Wed., Dec. 19

Holiday gift-wrapping, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 4600 Commonwealth Center Pkwy. 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 wrapped gifts and books. Tip money is used to support Friends projects. For more information, call 744-5483.

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 mleetjeffs@ peoplepc.com.

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.

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.