Application Deadline: February 15

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
UVA Curry School of Education.
A residential summer program for gifted and talented students where emphasis is on extending a student's capabilities in problem-solving, creativity and critical examination. In depth study for fun topics of interest to student, and low teacher-pupil ratio. Separate programs for adolescents rising into grades 5-8 and grades 9-11. UVA grounds.  Email: curry-sep@virginia.edu. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 924-3182. 

February 9, Tuesday

MAKE A VALENTINE'S DAY BAG
Michaels Arts and Crafts Store.
Purchase a pink bag for 79 cents and make a delightful personalized Valentines holder. The Barracks Road Shopping Center.  6-8pm.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 971-1087. 

February 11, Thursday

I-SPY WITH PICTUREKA
JMRL - Northside Library.
Spot what is out of place at the library for an I-Spy challenge! Play Pictureka and create an I-Spy collage with the librarians. Northside Library.  Directions: 300 Albemarle Square.  4pm.  $Free.  Recommended for ages 6 to 11.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-7893. 

February 13, Saturday

A SWEET HEART OF A BOOKMARK
JMRL - Scottsville Library.
Join us the day before Valentines day to make a sweet heart of a bookmark to mark your place in your favorite book, or any book you choose. A sweet project for a book lover! Fun for kids 4 and older. Registration begins January 25, limit 12 participants. Scottsville Library .  Directions: 330 Bird Street Scottsville, VA 24590-0759.  11am.  $free.  Email: scottsville@jmrl.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 286-3541. 

February 13, Saturday

BUILD & GROW
Lowe's Home Improvement Store.
This month, kids can make the jewelry organizer. A perfect Valentine's Day Gift for Mom or Grandmama. Lowes.  Directions: Rio Hill Road off Route 29N.  10-11am.  $free.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 975-7140. 

February 16, Tuesday

TAKE AND MAKE MAGAZINE BOWLS
JMRL - Northside Library.
Make a bowl or vase out of magazines with us! Can't make it? Pick up the supplies and instructions anytime on the 16th and do it yourself! Grades 6-12. Northside Library.  2 pm.  $free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-7893. 

February 8-10 in person; through February 12 online

CENTRAL, MCINTIRE & MONTICELLO LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL & T-BALL REGISTRATION
Spring Registration for Baseball and T-ball for anyone interested in playing at Central, McIntire or Monticello Little League. All registrants will need proof of residence and birth certificates for children interested in playing. Online registration available until February 12. Walker Upper Elementary School.  6-8pm.  $60.  All ages welcome. 

January 12-February 12, 2010

LANE BABE RUTH BASEBALL REGISTRATION
Lane Babe Ruth League.
Register for the spring baseball season! Lane League Boundaries are defined by the elementary school district of the resident of the parent/guardian. From Albemarle County: Agnor-Hurt, Baker-Butler, Broadus Wood, Cale, Greer, Hollymead, Scottsville, Stone-Robinson, Stony Point, and Woodbrook elementary schools. From Charlottesville: Burnley-Moran, Clark, Greenbrier, Jackson-Via, Johnson, and Venable elementary schools, and from Nelson County: all elementary schools. Applications received after February 12 will not be guaranteed a place on a team, but will be placed on a waiting list. Send application to Lane Babe Ruth League, c/o Robert Mullinax, 1645 Derby Lane, Charlottesville, Va. 22911.  Directions: Copy of birth certificate must be sent in with payment..  $90.  Recommended for ages 13 to 15.  Contact: Robert Mullinax.  Email: LaneInfo@embarqmail.com. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434-978-4307. 

Starting January for returning players; Starting February 1 for new players

COVE CREEK PARK BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION
Cove Creek Park.
Albemarle County baseball and softball leagues at the privately owned Cove Creek Park. Leagues are organized for boys ages 5-15 and girls ages 5-14. All proceeds from concessions, sponsorships, and registration are used to fund the park and its activities. Find application forms online. Games take place at Cove Creek Park in Albemarle County.  $40.  Recommended for ages 5 to 15.  Email: covecreek@covecreekpark.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434-970-2255. 

January 1-February 16, 2010

SOCA HOTSHOTS SOCCER PROGRAM REGISTRATION
SOCA.
Hot Shots meets Saturday mornings at Darden Towe & Crozet Park for one hour starting at 9:00am. The SOCA Hot Shots Program introduces children to the sport of soccer in a kid-friendly, non-competitive environment. Each session includes fun, skill building games and ends with small sided games to goals. Teams are formed around schools and neighborhoods so that friends can play together. Games run Marh 27-May 15. For children born between 8/1/2003 through 7/31/2005. South Fork Soccer Park.  9am Saturday mornings.  $57; $15 late fee after February 16.  Recommended for ages 4 to 6.  Contact: Don Dolinger.  Email: Don.Dolinger@SOCAspot.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 975-5025. 

Entries due by February 12, Friday

JOHN J. SNOOK CHILD ADVOCATE AWARD
CYFS and Partnership for Children.
Nominate a child advocate for this honor and recognize an individual who has, over time, demonstrated a continuing commitment to the well being of children and families in the community and to the advancement of children's issues through volunteer or professional services and/or public advocacy. You can find the nomination form on the website. Contact: Erin Garvey. For more info call: 296-4118. MACAA 1025 Park Street.  $Free.  Contact: Erin Garvey.  Email: egarvey@cyfs.org . For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-4118 . 

February 13, Wednesday

KINDERGARTEN READINESS WORKSHOP
JMRL - Gordon Avenue Library.
Sylvia Henderson, former Principal of Meriwether Lewis Elementary School and MaryEllen Elias, Kindergarten teacher for Albemarle County will lead a workshop on kindergarten readiness and give practical tips for getting you and your child ready for big school. Limited free childcare; must register in advance. Infants welcome to attend with parents. Gordon Avenue Library.  10-noon.  $free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: Call 296-4118 ex. 0. 

February 13, Saturday

AMERICAN GIRL BOOK GROUP
Barnes and Noble Bookstore.
This group is for girls ages 8-12 who love American Girls books and dolls. Barnes & Noble Bookstore.  10am.  $free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 984-0461. 

February 11, Wednesday

CHARLOTTESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT AND ART SHOW
Charlottesville High School.
Come hear the symphonic sounds of the CHS Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, created for one concert performance each year by combining the strings of the CHS Orchestra with the top winds, brass,and percussion of the CHS Wind Ensemble. In between musical pieces, visual artworks from CHS students will be displayed on a large screen above the stage. Performing Arts Center.  Directions: 1400 Melbourne Road, Charlottesville, VA.  7:30pm.  $free.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Laura Mulligan Thomas.  Email: laura.thomas@ccs.k12.va.us. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 245-2726. 

February 13, Saturday

DUELING JAZZ PIANOS
The Hamner Theater.
Dueling Jazz Pianos will make their first appearance at the Hamner Theater Cabaret series. Hod O'Brien, local piano legend, and Jim Wray, upstart from California, team up for an entertaining evening of piano give and take. Earl Hamner, Jr. Theater.  Directions: From Charlottesville, take I-64 West, Exit 107 to Crozet/Yancey Mills, Make a left on Route 250 West for 4.7 miles. Turn left onto Rte. 151 South for 8.5 miles. Turn right onto Rte. 635, Rockfish School Lane. Turn right just after the recycling area, into the Rockfish Valley Community Center parking lot. The Theater entrance is around towards the back of the building. Driving time from Charlottesville is roughly 30 minutes. .  7:30pm.  $20.  All ages welcome.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434-361-1999. . 

February 13, Sunday

UVA'S BLACK VOICES GOSPEL CELEBRATION
MRC.
We are proud to announce UVA's Black Voices will be performing a benefit concert for the Music Resource Center. All are welcome! Youth 17 and under are admitted for free! The mission of the Music Resource Center is to educate and inspire young people through music education and performance opportunities, as well as life-skills mentoring. MRC - 105 Ridge Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.  2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m..  $5.  Contact: Damani Harrison.  Email: musicresourcecenter@gmail.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434-979-5478. 

Entries due February 12, Friday

VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK POETRY & PROSE CONTEST
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.
Students in grades 5-12 in Central Virginia are invited to participate through their poetry and/or prose in the 2009 Virginia Festival of the Book's celebration of reading and literacy. Deadline for entering is February 12 and entries should be sent to Virginia Festival of the Book, 145 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville VA 22903-4629. $Free.  Contact: Nancy Damon.  Email: vabook@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 982-2983. 

Through February 15

ENTRIES FOR THE PIEDMONT REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR BEING ACCEPTED
Piedmont Regional Science Fair, Inc..
Entry Application review meeting for the regional Science Fair will take place on February 18, 2010 at 4:30 at Buford Middle School, Charlottesville. Applicants must bring all forms and application materials to the meeting. See website for details. Junior division open to students in grades 6-8; senior division open to those in grades 9-12. All ages welcome.  Contact: Gary Henry.  Email: director@vprsf.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 981-7541. 

February 10, Wednesday

TWILIGHT TEEN BOOK GROUP
Barnes & Noble Bookstore.
Are you a 'Twilight' fan? Have you read the books from cover to cover? Do you like books that go bump in the night? Join local paranormal author Patrice Michelle as she facilitates this new book group. All are welcome. Barnes & Noble.  Directions: 1035 Emmet Street, Charlottesville, VA.  6:30pm.  $free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 984-0461. 

February 17, Wednesday

GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING: TEEN BOOK CLUB
JMRL - Central Library.
Join us to discuss Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese, a Printz Award winner and one of the best of the graphic novel genre. Books will be provided, but space is limited. Registration begins Monday, January 25. JMRL - Central Branch.  Directions: 201 E. Market St., Charlottesville.  4pm.  Recommended for ages 13 to 17.  Email: central@jmrl.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 979-7151. 

February 12, Friday

FIRST FRIDAY ART RECEPTION - NOTE: RESCHEDULED
McGuffey Art Center.
Come see the new shows decorating the halls of the McGuffey Art Center, home to more than 100 talented local artists. McGuffey Art Center.  Directions: On the corner of Market and 2nd Street, NW downtown Charlottesville.  5:30-7:30pm.  $free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 295-7973. 

February 11, Thursday

SPIRITUALS WITH CALVIN EARL
Monticello.
Music historian and recording artist Calvin Earl will interpret African-American spirituals in a lecture and performance in Monticello's Jefferson Library. Offered as part of Monticello's observance of Black History Month. 4pm.  $Included with admission.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 984-9822. 

February 15, Monday

CELEBRATE PRESIDENTS' DAY!
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum.
Celebrate Presidents' Day by learning about the life and times of our 28th president! Tour Wilson's birthplace, a beautiful pre-Civil War manse. Explore the brand new, dynamic World War I trench exhibit complete with lights and sound in the Woodrow Wilson Museum. Children will especially enjoy the interactive Kids' Corner, seeing the president's Pierce-Arrow limousine, and strolling through the boxwood garden. Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, 18 North Coalter St., Staunton.  Directions: I-64W to I-81N to Exit 222. Turn right off ramp onto 250W. At T, turn right onto Coalter St. Turn left onto Frederick St. Parking is immediately on your left..  10am-4pm.  $Free for children and students when accompanied by adult, Regular adult $12, AAA/Senior $10.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Janet James.  Email: jjames@woodrowwilson.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 540-885-0897. 

February 13-15, Friday-Monday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEORGE WASHINGTON!
Mount Vernon.
Celebrate George Washington's 278th birthday with a "Surprise Birthday Party" for the General! Daily from February 13 through February 15, the party features "General Washington" receiving surprise birthday cheers, 18th-century music and birthday gifts presented from his friends. On Saturday, February 13, and Sunday, February 14, have a taste of Washington's favorite breakfast, hoecakes swimming in butter and honey with "the General" himself! The weekend leads up to a grand holiday party for the first president on Monday, February 15, with free admission, spirited military demonstrations, the new "Surprise Birthday Party" celebration, and a moving wreathlaying ceremony at Washington's tomb. Mount Vernon.  $Free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 703-780-2000. 

February 17, Wednesday

MEET THE MONACANS
JMRL - Gordon Avenue Library.
Nancy Newman, from the Virginia Museum of Natural History, will be here to tell about the Monacan Indians, who have lived in this area for over 10,000 years. By looking at reproductions and artifacts, you'll learn how these ancient people met their daily needs for food, shelter, clothing, and protection. No registration required. Gordon Avenue Library.  Directions: 1500 Gordon Avenue, Charlottesville, VA.  4pm.  $free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-5544. 

February 15 & 16, Monday & Tuesday

KIDZ DAY OFF
ACAC.
When school is out, the fun is at Adventure Central! Packed with fun and excitement, the children enjoy the Big Room (gigantic indoor playground), The Field House, Movie Theatre, Dance Dance Revolution, and more! Please be sure to dress your kids for fun (athletic shoes & socks!) Please pack your child's lunch and two snacks. K-8th grade. ACAC Adventure Central.  Directions: 200 Four Seasons Drive Charlottesville, VA.  8am-5:30pm.  $54 members; $59/non-members. Family membership: $45.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 978-7529. 

Now through February 12

BUGS! A RAINFOREST ADVENTURE IMAX FILM
The Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Shrink to the size of an insect. It's a bug-eat-bug world. Meet a praying mantis called Hierodula and a butterfly called Papilio. They live with other bugs deep in the heart of the Borneo jungle. Follow the entire life cycle of the mantis and the butterfly, from birth to encounter between predator and prey. 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond.  Directions: I-64 east to I-95/I-64 to exit 78 go south on Boulevard, left on Broad St (SMV signs are posted).  $8.50.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-864-1400. 

Now through February 12

JOURNEY INTO AMAZING CAVES: IMAX
Science Museum of Virginia.
Meet scientists who boldly explore places once thought off-limits to humans. Wriggle through tiny, twisting passages. Drop into blue ice labyrinths. Swim through flooded underground vaults. Circle the globe, stopping in the Yucatan, Greenland and Arizona. Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.  Various times.  $8.50.  For details, please click this link. 

February 10, Wednesday

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
Gordon Avenue Library.
February is Black History Month, so celebrate African culture with drummer Will Whitten. Drums will be provided, but bring along your favorite percussion instrument if you have one. Here's your chance to make lots of noise at the library. Gordon Avenue Library.  4pm.  $Free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-5544. 

February 13, Saturday

BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE
Wintergreen Nature Foundation.
Your special Valentine has left you a gift, but didn't tell you exactly where. Decipher the "tree" clues in this rollicking scavenger hunt that lead us to the big mystery tree and the prizes hidden there. Dress for the outdoors. Trillium House, Wintergreen.  10:30am.  $5 members, $8 nonmembers.  Recommended for ages 7 to 12.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434-325-8169. 

February 15, Monday

OAKLAND SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Oakland School.
Prospective families can visit and learn what the school offers students with learning disabilities. Oakland School, Keswick.  10am.  $ Free.  Email: information@oaklandschool.net. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 293-9059. 

February 3 & 15

CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
The Charlottesville City Schools.
The Budget Information Sessions are open to all PTO members from any school, as well as staff and community. They are: Wednesday, February 3 - 6:30pm - Venable Elementary School Library; Monday, February 15 - 6:30pm - Community Comment on the 2010-2011 Proposed Budget, CHS B Commons. Contact: Central Office.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 245-2400. 

February 12, Friday

FATHER-DAUGHTER VALENTINE'S DANCE
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation.
Dads (uncles & Grandpas too!) take your little valentine out for a fun night of dancing! Register early! This program fills quickly. Carver Rec Center .  6:30 to 8:30pm.  $5 per couple.  Recommended for ages 3 to 12.  Contact: Leslie Genson.  Email: genson@charlottesville.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 970-3298. 

February 13, Saturday

DATE NIGHT: VALENTINE'S DANCE FOR ADULTS
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation.
Call your sitter, put on your dancin' shoes and come out for an evening of music and dancing! The Key Center.  7-9pm.  $5 per couple.  Email: genson@.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 970-3298. 

February 13, Saturday

VALENTINE'S LAUGHTER YOGA CELEBRATION
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation.
Bring anyone you love to celebrate laughing for no reason, chocolate of many kinds, door prizes and local gift cer- tificates! The 3rd Annual Valentines Laughter Celebration promises boosted moods, less stress, social connection, and easy, tangible relaxation. Carver Rec Center .  2-3:30pm.  $10(R)/$15(NR).  Email: www.yogalaughs.com.. For details, please click this link. 

February 14, Sunday

ALBEMARLEFAMILY FUN FAIR & CAMP EXPO
AlbemarleFamily.
Mark your calendar for the best event of the new year, Sunday, February 14, from 10am-3pm at the Doubletree Charlottesville! Camps for kids & teens from all over the East Coast! The annual AlbemarleFamily Fun Fair & Camp Expo helps parents get a jump on camp shopping. Meet exhibitors from camps offering horseback riding, sailing, sports training, travel, robotics, and much more! With entertainment, giveaways and special kids' activities! The Doubletree Charlottesville.  Directions: 29 N, near Sam's Club .  10am-3pm.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 984-4713. 

February 14, Sunday

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: DANCE & STEP COMPETITION (NOTE: RESCHEDULED FROM 2/6)
Charlottesville High School.
The 3rd Annual Best of Both Worlds Dance and Step Competition will return with $1,500 on the line for the best dance and step teams around. Tickets on sale at EcoDry Cleaners. MLK Jr. Performing Arts Center.  Directions: 1400 Melbourne Road, Charlottesville.  6:00pm doors open; show starts at 6:30.  $12 in advance; $15 at the door.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 979-9532. 

February 16, Tuesday

GATHERING FOR GAMES
JMRL Crozet Library.
Meet up with your friends at the Crozet Library for some school's out fun. The Wii set-up with some games and a few board games will be provided. You bring your friends and if you have a favorite game, bring it along to share. Registration is requested and begins on Mon, Jan 25. Drop-ins are also welcome. For grades 3-5. Crozet Library.  2pm.  $free.  Email: crozet@jmrl.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 823-4050. 

February 16, Tuesday

ICE PARK SCHOOL'S OUT!
Charlottesville Ice Park.
Join us for a fun time ice skating at the Charlottesville Ice Park. Transportation provided. Meet at Carver Rec Center at 9:00am. All participants must bring their own lunch and beverages. Please dress your child appropriately for the ice park. Meet at Carver Rec Center .  Directions: 230 West Main Street on the Downtown Mall.  9:00am - 4:00pm.  $10(R)/$15(NR).  Recommended for ages 5 to 11.  For details, please click this link. 

February 17, Wednesday

TANDEMONIUM! ARTS EXPO
Tandem Friends School.
Tandem Friends School Arts Department presents an evening of student films, music, theatre and visual arts. C'ville Coffee.  Directions: 250E, R on McIntyre, R on Harris - 1301 Harris Street.  6:30-8pm.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  Special Needs Accommodation: None  Contact: Lydia Horan.  Email: lhoran@tandemfs.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-1303. 

February 15, Monday

GO PINK FOR UVA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL VS. NORTH CAROLINA
UVA Cancer Center Breast Care Program.
For one game only, the UVA women's basketball team will give up their orange and blue jerseys for a good cause - raising awareness and support for breast cancer research and patient care! Wear pink and help us make the John Paul Jones Arena a Pink Zone for this nationally-televised game. Take advantage of special ticket pricing and bring the whole family! General admission tickets are only $4. To purchase tickets, visit VirginiaSports.com. Click "Tickets", then "Online Promotions" and use the promo code PINK. John Paul Jones Arena.  7pm.  $4.  All ages welcome.  For more info call: 434-924-UVA1 (8821). 

February 13, Saturday

BOOK CLUB FOR KIDS
Barnes & Noble.
Come join us as we select our newest book to read and discuss. An activity is also planned. Children ages 8 to 12 will enjoy this group as they discover new books to read. Directions: Barracks Road Shopping Center.  10am.  $Free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 984-6598. 

February 17, Wednesday

F IS FOR FAMILY
JMRL - Louisa County Library.
Celebrate a very special relationship using a variety of stories and activities. Louisa County Library.  Directions: 881 Davis Highway, Mineral.  4:00pm.  All ages welcome.  Email: louisa@jmrl.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 540-894-5853. 

January 29-February 14

THE SONG OF MULAN
Theatre IV.
When Mulan learns that her ailing father is drafted into Khan's army, she protects him by serving in his place. Disguised as a boy, she risks everything to maintain family honor and earn the love of her nation. This noble Chinese folk tale features an extraordinary heroine, a dynamic and powerful score, gorgeous costumes and one of the most inspiring stories of all time. Empire Theatre.  Directions: 114 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220.  Varies.  $22. Discounts: Seniors, students (13-18 yrs) $21. Children (12 & under) $18.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-344-8040.