Calendar
The Civil War's impact on county citizens

In The Spotlight
The Impact of the Civil War on the Residents of Chesterfield County, Sat., Apr. 26, 11 a.m.- noon, Historic 1917 Courthouse, 10011 Iron Bridge Rd. Join Chesterfield Historical Society member Scott Williams for a lecture about the military engagements that took place in the county during the Civil War and the impact the war had on the community. The lecture is free. Visitors are encouraged to view the temporary Civil War exhibit on display at the Chesterfield County Museum. For more information, call 777-9663.

Thurs., Apr. 24

Who Lives in Rockwood Park?, 10- 11 a.m., Rockwood Nature Center, 3401 Courthouse Rd. Children will learn about the animals that live in the park and what they eat. 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.

Clover Hill book discussion group, 11 a.m.-noon, Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Dr. "Behind the Scenes at the Museum" by Kate Atkinson will be discussed. For more information, call 739-7335.

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 benefits both experienced professionals and beginning speakers. For more information, call Paul at 605-1317 or visit www.motivators.freetoasthost.com.

Fri., Apr. 25

Plant sale, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., sale will continue 9 a.m-1 p.m. weekdays through May 16, Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Rd. Perennials, annuals, vegetables, mixed containers and hanging baskets will be available for purchase at this annual sale. For more information, call 768-6160 ext. 1037.

Socrates Café, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lifelong Learning Institute, 13801 Westfield Rd. Annebel Lewis will facilitate an ongoing philosophical discussion group using the Socratic Method to discuss, "What is Choice?" For adults ages 50 and older. Free. For more information, call 378-2527 or visit www.llichesterfield.org.

Starry Nights and Campfire Tales, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Henricus Visitor Center, 251 Henricus Park Rd. Gather at the peninsula to view constellations, planets and other sky objects and hear tales of the night sky. Then enjoy s'mores and nature tales around the campfire. Bring a warm drink. Cost is $5 per person or $12 per family. Sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, call Mark Battista at 706-9690.

Sat., Apr. 26

Gordon School community yard sale, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 11701 Gordon School Rd. For more information, call Dena at 539-9285.

Second Annual Walton Park Craft and Trade Show, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Walton Park Clubhouse, 530 Walton Park Rd. Rain date Sun., May 4, 1-5 p.m.

Preparing the Tobacco Fields and Vegetable Gardens, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Rd. Help prepare the fields for planting of tobacco, "pease, coleflowers and cowcumbers." Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children with children under 2 admitted free. For more information, call 706-1340 or visit www.henricus.org.

Annual Spring Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Clover Hill Elementary School, 5700 Woodlake Village Pkwy. This year's theme is "Wild West." Featuring food, games and prizes. No admission fee, but game tickets are 4/$1. Open to the public. For more information, call 739-6220.

Mountain Bike Celebration, noon-6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Heritage Center, Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd. Celebrate 10 years of mountain biking with group and kids' rides, night rides, skill clinics, seminars, giveaways and more. Check out the latest in bikes and gear at the demonstration area. Free. For more information, call 796-4255 or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/stateparks/poc.shtml.

Aladdin Jr. auditions, 2 p.m., Chesterfield Children's Theatre, 3600 North St., Chester. The theatre will hold auditions for children under age 17 for its upcoming production of Aladdin Jr., based on the Disney classic. For audition details, call Tracey at 691-7235 or e-mail chesterfieldchildrenstheatre@hotmail.com.

Concert, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:15 p.m.), Congregation Or Ami, 9400 West Huguenot Rd. SilverSmith performs traditional folk ballads of Britain and the United States. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Light refreshments will be available. Sponsored by the Richmond Folk Music Society. For more information, call 647-7856 or visit www.richmondfolkmusic.com.

Sun., Apr. 27

Greyhound Meet and Greet, 1-3 p.m., Petco, 13329 Rittenhouse Dr. Find out how you can adopt your own retired greyhound racer. Come and talk with volunteers and meet some hounds during this event sponsored by Greyhound Pets of America's Richmond Chapter. For more information, visit www.greyhoundsvirginia.com.

Chesterfield Historical Society quarterly meeting, 2 p.m., Woods Church, Hickory Rd. Guest speaker is Mason Chalkley. Free. For more information, call 777-9663.

Mon., Apr. 28

For Better or For Worse, 7-8:30 p.m., weekly through June 9, Woolridge Road Church, 5130 Woolridge Rd. This class teaches couples how to communicate, resolve conflict effectively and keep fun, friendship and intimacy a part of their relationship. Fee is $50. Sponsored by Chesterfield County Prevention Services. For more information or to register, call Robin Jones, 717-6540.

Tues., Apr. 29

What Does Spring Look Like?, 10- 11:30 a.m., Rockwood Nature Center, 3401 Courthouse Rd. Take a short hike, explore the park and look for signs of spring. 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.

Spring Discovery Programs for Homeschoolers, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Nature Center, Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd. Learn about vascular plants. Cost is $2/child or $6/family per class. Registration is required. For more information, call 796-4255 or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/stateparks/poc.shtml.

Battle of the Books, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Swift Creek Middle School, 3700 Old Hundred Rd. Students from county middle schools will compete in the "Battle of the Books." For more information, call 739-6315.

Wed., Apr. 30

Fireside Chat, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bon Secours Retirement Community, 6701 Ironbridge Pkwy., Chester. Sister Elena Henderson, a chaplain from the Bon Secours Richmond Hospital System, will present a forum on advance medical directives and do not resuscitate orders. Free. Refreshments will be served. RSVP at 748-7000 by Apr. 28.

Gardening seminar, 7 p.m., Central Library, 9501 Lori Rd. Master gardener Bill Bishop will discuss "How to Select and Plant Trees and Shrubs and Keep Them Happy." Free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Sponsored by the Chesterfield office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension. For information or to register, call 751-4401 or e-mail dunkuma@chesterfield.gov.

LOOKING AHEAD… Thurs., May 1

Get in the Know: Identity Theft, 10:30 a.m.-noon, LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Rd. Officer Mike Catron of the Chesterfield County Police Department will lead a discussion on identity theft. Refreshments will be served. No registration is required. Recommended for adults ages 55 and older. Sponsored by the Friends of Chesterfield County Public Library. For more information, call 717-6381.

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.