Calendar
Lecture explores "How virtuous was Socrates?"

In The Spotlight

"How Virtuous was Socrates?," Thurs., Mar. 6, 5 p.m., John Tyler Community College, Chester campus, Bird Hall Auditorium, room B124, 13101 Jeff erson Davis Hwy. Dr. Nils Rauhut, chair of philosophy and religion at Coastal Carolina University and author of "Ultimate Questions: Thinking about Philosophy and Reading about the Ultimate Questions," will address this question during a lecture. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Basil Smith at bsmith01@jtcc.edu or 706-5247.

Wed., Mar. 5

Chesterfield County Democratic Committee monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Central Library, 9501 Lori Rd. Del. Rosalyn R. Dance (63rd - part of Chesterfield/Dinwiddie County/Petersburg) will give an update on the 2008 General Assembly session. This meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call 768-4711.

Thurs., Mar. 6

Textbook review, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Cosby High School library, 14300 Fox Club Pkwy. Parents and others are invited to review and give feedback on textbooks that could be selected for use in the Health Science Specialty Center at Cosby High School. A recommendation on which textbooks to adopt will go before the Chesterfield County School Board in March or April. For more information, call 748-1433.

What is the Wind?, 10-11 a.m., Rockwood Nature Center, 3401 Courthouse Rd. Explore what the wind is and how it feels on a short hike. Part of the Exploring Nature with Small Hands Series for 3-4 year olds. Cost is $4/child. For more information, call Denise Flora at 674-1629.

Get in the Know: St. Patrick's Day with the James River Trio, 10:30 a.m.-noon, LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. Celebrate the season with a musical visit to the River Shannon, Glocca Morra, Galway Bay and the land of the leprechauns. Wear something green and grab your shillelagh. Refreshments will be served. This program is recommended for adults ages 55 and older. Free. Sponsored by the Friends of Chesterfield County Public Library and the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call 717-6381.

James River Soil & Water Conservation District monthly board of directors meeting, 3 p.m., Prince George County Human Services Dept., 6450 Administration Dr., Prince George. This meeting is open to the public. For directions or more information, call 957-6148.

Fri., Mar. 7

Owl Prowl, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Henricus Visitor Center, 251 Henricus Park Rd. Search for the elusive barred owl. Dress for the weather and bring a warm drink. Cost is $4/person or $8/family. For more information or to register, call Mark Battista at 706-9690.

"The Battle of Chester Station," 7 p.m., Historic 1917 Courthouse, 10011 Iron Bridge Rd. The featured speaker is Civil War historian Ed Bearss. Part of the Chesterfield Historical Society's Winter Lecture Series. Free for historical society members, $5 for nonmembers.

Sat., Mar. 8

Financial expo, 9 a.m.-noon, DuPont Fibers Federal Credit Union Operations Center, 11651 Alliance Circle, (behind Bruster's on Rt. 10). Seminar topics include credit scores, money management, tax preparation, identity theft, auto buying, balancing a checkbook and more. Adults and teens welcome. Food and prizes. Free and open to the public. Seminar seating is limited. For more information or to register, call 748-9488 ext. 3366 or visit www.dupontcu.org for details.

Pet therapy workshop, 10 a.m.-noon, LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. Find out if your pet has what it takes to be a therapy animal. Please don't bring your pet to the workshop. Free. For more information, call Mark Pinney at 748-1992.

Noah's Ark Stuff & Fluff Workshop, 11 a.m.-noon, Bensley Community Building, 2900 Drewry's Bluff Rd. Children ages 2-10 will have the opportunity to make their own stuffed animal. Cost is $10. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information or to register, call David Potter, 275-5321.

Karate, 6:30-7:30 p.m. for ages 10-15, 7:30-8:30 p.m. for ages 16 and older, weekly through Apr. 21, Midlothian Middle School, 13501 Midlothian Tnpk. Ongoing instruction in the basics of karate and self-defense. Cost is $50. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Paul Wilmoth, 748-1130.

Sun., Mar. 9

USAF Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble, 3 p.m. (doors open at 2:15 p.m.), Congregation Or Ami, 9400 W. Huguenot Rd. Heritage Aire blends a contemporary musical approach with traditional Celtic music. Free, but reservations are necessary. Light refreshments will be available. For reservations, call 647-7856 or e-mail richmondfolkmusic@yahoo.com, specifying the number of tickets needed (they will be held at the door). For more information, visit www.richmondfolkmusic.com.

Northfield Foundation Stein Mart fundraising event, 6:30 p.m., Stein Mart at Commonwealth Centre. This private shopping event will support the Northfield Foundation, which will provide counseling, medical care and more for girls suffering from eating disorders or facing an unplanned pregnancy when it opens later this year. Tickets are $30 and include a 20 percent off coupon, refreshments, onsite spa treatments, door prizes and more. For more information, visit www.northfieldfoundation.org.

Mon., Mar. 10

Healthy Family Communication, Opening Doors with Teenagers, 7-8:30 p.m., LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. This class is designed to provide you with tips and techniques to reduce destructive patterns in your communication style, kindle more in-depth communication between parents and teens and help keep family attachments strong. This class is for parents only. Part of the Information Chesterfield: For the Quality of Your Life Series. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 276- 7755.

Tues., Mar. 11

Craft Closet, 10-11 a.m., Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. Individuals ages 18 and older with disabilities are invited to make a seasonal craft. Cost is $2. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information or to register, call 751-4134.

What Does Nature Sound Like?, 10- 11:30 a.m., Rockwood Nature Center, 3401 Courthouse Rd. Two-year-olds will listen to the sounds of nature around them. Part of the Tuesday Exploration for Two's Series. Cost is $3 per child. A parent or guardian must accompany each child. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call 674- 1629.

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

Tuesday Night Westerns, 7 p.m., LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. Join hosts Harry Daniel and Tom Wyatt for "North to the Klondike" with Broderick Crawford and "Daredevils of the Red Circle," chapters 7 and 8. Free. For more information, call 276-7755.

Growing a Bountiful Harvest Vegetable Garden, 7 p.m., Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Dr. Master gardener Mike Magnusson will lead this seminar. Sponsored by the Chesterfield office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Free and open to the public, but seating is limited. For information or to register, call 751-4401 or e-mail dunkuma@chesterfield.gov.

Traditional Hispanic Dancing, 7:30-9 p.m., weekly through Apr. 15, Bensley Community Building, 2900 Drewry's Bluff Rd. This beginner course is a fun way to exercise and learn Latin moves. Se habla espanol. Cost is $20. For more information or to register, call David Potter at 275-5321.

Wed., Mar. 12

The 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 Tr. The program will feature William Young presenting a first person impression of John Paul Jones. For more information, call Joyce Burton, 743-2584.

Ettrick-Matoaca Library Book Discussion Group, 2-3 p.m., 4501 River Rd. "Goodnight, Nobody" by Jennifer Weiner will be discussed. For more information, call 526-8087.

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

LOOKING AHEAD… Thurs., Mar. 13

Outreach Conference for Small Farmers, 9 a.m., L. Douglas Wilder Building, Virginia State University, 1 Hayden Dr. The Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University, in cooperation with USDA, has scheduled this conference for small and part-time farmers, community-based organizations and others interested in agriculture. Presentations and workshops will cover grant writing; services available through USDA agencies; loan and grant applications; farm and forestland management programs; 2007 Farm Bill updates; and farm management tips and tools. Free and open to the public. For more information or to register, contact Mike Wooden, Farm Service Agency district director at large, at 287-1537 or e-mail mike.wooden@va.usda.gov.

Books & Bites Book Discussion Group, 10:30-11:30 a.m., LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. "A Spot of Bother" by Mark Haddon will be discussed. For more information, call 276-7755.

Belly dancing, intermediate, 6:30-7:30 p.m., beginner, 7:40-8:40 p.m., Watkins Elementary School, 501 Coalfield Rd. Learn this popular Middle Eastern form of dance. For ages 14 and older. Cost is $30. For more information, call Mark Pinney, 748-1992.

Motivators Toastmasters, 7:15-8:30 p.m., Chester Library, 11800 Centre St. Develop and improve your communication and leadership skills in a friendly, comfortable environment. Toastmasters is a nonprofit organization that provides a practical learning program that benefits both experienced professionals and beginning speakers. For more information, call Paul at 605-1317 or visit www.motivators.freetoasthost.com.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Annual Fundraising banquet, 7:30 p.m., Sheraton Park South Hotel, 9901 Midlothian Tnpk. Fisher DeBerry, the all-time winning head football coach at the Air Force Academy, will be the featured speaker. Tickets start at $500. Reservations required. For reservations or more information, call the FCA at 272-2001 or visit www.FCAVACAP.org.

Fri., Mar. 14

2008 Winter Lecture Series, 7:30 p.m., Monacan High School, 11501 Smoketree Dr. Will Gadd, outdoor sports athlete, awardwinning filmmaker and writer, will discuss the question "How much risk is life worth?" Sponsored by The Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call 748-1623 or e-mail parksrec@chesterfield.gov.

Sat., Mar. 15

Spring Gardening with the Pros, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Boulevard Flower Garden, 2100 Ruffin Mill Rd. Enjoy a day of gardening fun featuring a plant clinic booth, "kid's corner" and seminars by master gardeners. Sponsored by the Chesterfield Cooperative Extension. For more information, call 751-4401.

O.B. Gates Elementary School Spring Carnival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 10001 Courthouse Rd. All indoors. Food, games, prizes, inflatable moon bounces, mazes and more. Vendor booths and silent auction with many items, including NASCAR tickets. Wristbands ($7) and individual tickets for games and inflatables will be sold at the door. For more information, e-mail gates.carnival@verizon.net.

Berry Conference, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., L. Douglas Wilder Building, Virginia State University, 1 Hayden Dr. Virginia Cooperative Extension will teach new and experienced growers about the production and marketing of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. Registration fee of $7 per participant covers lunch, refreshments and educational materials. To register, call VSU's Agriculture Extension Office at 524-5960 or e-mail agsuite@vsu.edu.

Writers Workshop 2008, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Central Library, 9501 Lori Rd. Local authors will share their knowledge of the craft and business of writing. $25 nonrefundable registration fee includes a box lunch and is due by Mar. 10. Registration forms will be available at all county libraries or may be printed from the Web site. For more information, call 717- 6381 or visit www.library.chesterfield.gov.

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.

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.