September 8, Wednesday

VIRGINIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY MEETING
Virginia Native Plants Society.
Come hear a prepared talk about native plant issues. Monthly Meetings on the second Wednesday of the month are free and open to all plant enthusiasts in the Education Center at Ivy Creek Natural Area. Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Road.  7:30pm.  $Free.  Contact: Bruce Gatling-Austin.  Email: programs@ivycreekfoundation.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-7772. 

September 9, Thursday

MONTICELLO BIRD CLUB MONTHLY MEETING
Monticello Bird Club.
Learn about the birds and bird habitat of the Culpeper Basin of northern Virginia. Mary Elfner will lecture about their present as well as future difficulties they face. Free and open to the public. Meet in the Education Center. Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Road.  7pm.  $Free.  Contact: Bruce Gatling-Austin.  Email: programs@ivycreekfoundation.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-7772. 

September 9, Thursday

THURSDAY AFTERNOON ADVENTURES: MAKE A POTATO STAMP
JMRL - Scottsville Library.
A fun arts and crafts activity! Scottsville Library.  3-4:30pm.  $free.  Recommended for ages 3 to 5.  Email: scottsville@jmrl.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 286-3541. 

first two Fridays in September

FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE: SEPTEMBER LINE-UP
Charlottesville Pavilion, LLC.
These free Friday concerts feature primarily local and regional artists performing from rock and blues to salsa and reggae. September 3-Abbey Road followed by the UVA "Paint the Town Orange" Football Pep Rally; September 10-The Hill and Wood. Charlottesville Pavilion.  Directions: east end of the mall.  5:30-8:30pm.  $free.  All ages welcome.  Email: info@charlottesvillepavilion.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 245-4910. 

September 10, Friday

LIGHT HOUSE YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL
Enjoy some popcorn and mingle with Light House participants before the 8pm screening of the year's best works. The Ix Building.  Directions: Intersection of Monticello Avenue and 2nd Street.  6:30-9pm.  $35 adults (advance), $40 adults (at the door); $5 students.  Contact: Sam Baker.  Email: sam@lighthousestudio.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 293-6992. 

September 11, Saturday

1ST ANNUAL MIDTOWN STREET FAIR
Midtown Business Association.
Participants will enjoy live music from local favorites We Are Star Children, Mr. Baby, Panther Burn, and Downbeat Project, plus a variety of locally inspired entertainment such as salsa dancing, face painting, and a vintage bike show - including a penny farthing! Also featured will be a Midtown restaurant BBQ Cook-Off, a Waiter Olympics competition (open to all Charlottesville servers), as well as a variety of artisan and food vendors selling local products. West Main Street between 4th and 7th Streets.  12-5pm.  Contact: Jackie Bright.  For more info call: 409-0453. 

September 11, Saturday

ALL ABOARD THE POTTY TRAIN
CYFS.
Learn different approaches to potty training to consider, how you know if your child is ready for potty training, and tips for common problems with potty training. Gordon Avenue Library.  Directions: 1500 Gordon Library.  10am-12pm.  $free.  Contact: Debbie Baber.  Email: dbaber@cyfs.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-4118. 

September 11, Saturday

ALZHEIMER'S MEMORY WALK 2010
Central & Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
This annual event is held to help promote awareness about Alzheimer's disease and how it affects the 20,000+ people in our region. A slate of family-friendly activities are planned, featuring music, and entertainment in a street-fair type of atmosphere. Refreshments included. 2 miles. Doubletree Hotel.  Directions: 990 Hilton Heights Road.  8am check-in; 10am walk begins.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Lisa Ferrari.  Email: lisa.ferrari@alz.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-6122. 

September 11, Saturday

BUILD & GROW: PET LEASH HANGER
Lowe's Home Improvement Store.
Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build this fun Leash Hanger! Even if you don't have a pet, they will have a blast building it! Recommended age for attendees: Grades 1st - 5th. 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. 

September 11, Saturday

HERITAGE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Monticello and the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.
The Heritage Harvest Festival is an annual celebration of gardening, sustainable agriculture and local food, held at the home of Thomas Jefferson. Join us for tastings, workshops, hands-on demonstrations and a variety of tours and exhibits. Kids activities run all day. Ivy Publications is proud to sponsor! West Lawn of Monticello and the new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center.  10am-4pm.  $General Admission: $8 (Children under 12 free); Premium Workshops and Lectures: $10 each; Combination Ticket: $22; Tickets for Preview Night, featuring Rosalind Creasy: $50.  All ages welcome.  Email: festival@southernexposure.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 540-894-9480. 

September 11, Saturday

MOVIES IN THE PARK: UP!
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation.
Pack a picnic dinner, bring a blanket and enjoy the movie starting at 8:30pm. Pen Park.  8:30pm.  $free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 970-3260. 

September 11, Saturday

ORANGE STREET FESTIVAL
Orange County Chamber of Commerce.
Held in the center of downtown Orange, this annual festival features food, crafts, local businesses displaying their wares and a great atmosphere for all. Rain or shine. Main Street in Orange.  9am-5pm.  All ages welcome.  Email: Barbara@orangevachamber.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 540-672-5216. 

September 11, Saturday

PARENT SURVIVAL NIGHT AT THE LITTLE GYM: SEPTEMBER EVENTS
The Little Gym.
The Little Gym makes it possible for parents to enjoy a much-needed night out on the town, knowing their kids are safe and having a blast. Children enjoy an evening of friends, games, music and continue their motor skill development under the watchful eyes of our professional instructors. Must be potty trained. 907 Gardens Boulevard.  Directions: Behind Pier 1 Imports, adjacent to Carmike theater, 29N.  6:45-9:45pm.  $Rates vary.  Recommended for ages 3 to 12.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 975-5437. 

September 9-12, Thursday-Sunday

BARRACKS ROAD ANNUAL FALL SIDEWALK SALE
Barracks Road Shopping Center.
Sashay into fall, jump-start your holiday shopping and save on fabulous finds at more than 80 shops and restaurants. Barracks Road Shopping Center.  Directions: 1117 Emmet Street. Route 29 from the south: Directly after Arlington Blvd. Route 29 from the north: Directly after Barracks Road .  All ages welcome.  Email: snorth@federalrealty.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 977-9233. 

May 15 - September 12

IT'S EASY BEING GREEN!
Virginia Discovery Museum.
A healthy planet is important! Come learn what you can do to help keep it that way. Did you know the wind and sun can be used to power electronic devices? Play recycling games, see how compost works, and learn about sources of alternative energy. Virginia Discovery Museum.  Directions: Downtown Mall.  Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm.  $free with admission.  Email: vadm@vadm.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 977-1025. 

September 12, Sunday

IVY CREEK FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING
Ivy Creek Foundation.
Hear the historic Riverview barn's past. Listen to the Foundation's hopes and plans for the future of the barn. Give us your feedback. Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901.  Directions: Meet in the Education Center at Ivy Creek Natural Area.  1pm.  $Free.  Contact: Bruce Gatling-Austin.  Email: programs@ivycreekfoundation.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-7772. 

September 12, Sunday

MUSIC IN THE PARK
McIntire Botanical Garden.
Music provided by the "Astronomers" band and sponsored by the McIntire Botanical Garden to promote the beautiful east side of McIntire Park as a public botanical garden site. Bring a blanket, picnic basket and some friends to enjoy the music in the park! East side of McIntire Park, Charlottesville, VA.  Directions: 250 bypass west to parking area by wading pool and playground at McIntire Park.  5-7pm.  $free.  All ages welcome.  Special Needs Accommodation: None  Contact: Helen Flamini.  Email: hflamini@gmail.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 960-6844. 

September 12, Sunday

NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS' DAY
AlbemarleFamily wishes everyone a very happy Grandparents' Day!

September 11 & 12, Saturday & Sunday

PICK YOUR OWN APPLES WEEKEND
Silver Creek Orchards.
Come on out for some famous Nelson County apple-picking! Choose from Red, Golden Delicious and Jonagold apples. Nelson County.  Directions: Route 29 South for 30 miles. Turn right onto Route 56 West. Go about 1 mile, turn right onto Route 655 (Roseland Road). At stop sign, turn left (Route 151S), go over bridge, and take the next right on Route 56W again. Stay on 56W for about 5 miles and turn left onto Route 680 (Pharsalia Road). Follow pick-your-own signs to the orchard..  9am-5pm Saturday, 12-4pm Sunday.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 277-5824. 

September 12, Sunday

SUNDAYS IN THE PARK
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation.
Sundays in the Park will be held on the second Sunday of the month this year. Stroll, picnic, make music, and enjoy special activities in McIntire Park. Get out your sunscreen, take your hula hoops out of the closet, and bring your kites and instruments over to the park. McIntire Park; eastern end (golf course side).  Directions: Park next to the wading pool off of Rt. 250, or take a 15-minute walk from the Downtown Mall.  12pm-sunset.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 970-3260. 

Now through September 15

"CALLING ALL TEACHERS" CAMPAIGN - POST CLASSROOM PROJECTS FOR FUNDING
U.S. Cellular.
Teachers are invited to register on DonorsChoose.org as a "U.S. Cellular Teacher" and post their classroom projects, ranging from math, science and history to special needs, health and fitness, to be considered for funding. U.S. Cellular will announce the teachers whose projects are selected for funding in October. Contact: Melissa Watkins .  Email: melissawatkins@comcast.net. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-402-5316. 

September 15, Wednesday

BABY BOOT CAMP'S FALL INTO FITNESS CELEBRATION!
Baby Boot Camp.
Join Baby Boot Camp (formerly StrollerFit), for our 4th annual "Fall Into Fitness" Celebration at Pen Park. We'll have a free exercise class, followed by food, prizes, and a fall craft for the kids! Pen Park pavilions.  Directions: Take Rio Rd. east for about 2 miles to Pen Park Rd. on left. Continue to a left before the tennis courts. We will meet by the pavilions.  9:10am.  $free.  All ages welcome.  Special Needs Accommodation: bring a stroller  Contact: Kira Sullivan.  Email: kira.sullivan@babybootcamp.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 953-6888. 

September 15, Wednesday

WHIZZPOPPER WEDNESDAY!
JMRL - Gordon Avenue Library.
Roald Dahl's birthday is September 13th! Celebrate one of our favorite authors by joining us for a scrumdiddlyumptious afternoon. We'll read from Roald Dahl's books, have snacks, and play games related to the BFG, Matilda, Willy Wonka and all your favorite characters! Registration is required and begins on Wednesday, September 1. For ages 6 and up. Gordon Avenue Library.  4pm.  $free.  All ages welcome.  Email: gordon@jmrl.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-5544. 

September 16, Thursday

ALBEMARLE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Albemarle County School District.
Get involved in your local school and learn more about what the School Board is working on. Albemarle County Office Building.  Directions: 401 McIntire Road, Lane Auditorium.  6:30pm.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 972-4055. 

September 14-16

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Charlootteville Community Scholarship Program.
Food for Thought is an opportunity to dine at local restaurants with your friends and family while contributing to the Charlottesville Community Scholarship Program. Generous area restaurants contribute a percentage of their proceeds to support the scholarship fund. Enjoy a great meal, knowing that you will be helping someone who is aspiring to further their education! Eppie's, Fellini's #9, HotCakes, L'etoile, Maya, McGrady's Irish Pub, Rapture, Siips Wine Bar, Ventana, Zocalo.  lunch and dinner.  $varies.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Gail Hyder Wiley.  Email: scholars@cvillescholarships.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 979-6457. 

August 26, September 2, 9 & 16, Thursdays

HOMESCHOOLERS NATURE WALK & NATURE JOURNALING SERIES
Forrest Green Farm.
Nature Study is a great way to start off the school year. Each week we will take a hike around the fields and on the trails at forest on Forrest Green Farm. Rob and Krista will show the children the bounty of nature that awaits this glorious time of year. We will explore the flora and fauna, do an in depth nature study, and sketch in our journals. Beautiful sketch journal and colored pencils will be provided. Krista will also bring along field guides and sample journals for your children to use for research and journaling ideas. Families are welcome to pack a lunch and picnic on the farm the days of class. Forrest Green Farm.  Directions: 2317 Evergreen Rd., Louisa.  9am-12pm.  $40 per student plus a one time material fee of $10 for the 4 part series.  All ages welcome.  Special Needs Accommodation: Family discounts available, call for details.  Email: forrestgreenfarm@rahmweb.com. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 540-967-1165. 

September 16, Thursday

RADICAL REELS
Shenandoah National Park Trust/Blue Ridge Mountain Sports.
Faster, steeper, higher, deeper! The most daring mountain sport films from the 33rd annual Banff Mountain Film Festival will thrill and inspire you with big screen adventures. Presented by National Geographic Adventure. All proceeds benefit Shenandoah National Park Trust. Tickets are available at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports or online. Dickinson Theater at PVCC.  Directions: Head South off Exit 121 on I64, PVCC will be on your right. Theater is at the end of the campus on your right.  7pm.  $10 in advance/$12 at the door.  Recommended for ages 10 to 100.  Contact: Julie Shuren.  Email: info@snptrust.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 293-2728. 

September 17, Friday

CONSTITUTION DAY
Montpelier.
Celebrate with a free visit to the home of the fourth U.S. President. Montpelier.  Directions: Take Route 29 north to Ruckersville, then turn right onto Route 33 east. At Barboursville, turn left onto Route 20 north toward Orange. Go about 8 miles. Turn right into the Montpelier entrance.  9am-5pm.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 540-672-2728. 

September 17, Friday

FREE MOVIE FRIDAY AT PVCC FEATURES "TOY STORY 3"
PVCC's Student Art Club.
Enjoy a showing of of "Toy Story 3" on the big screen in the comfortable and spacious Dickinson theatre! V. Earl Dickinson Building, Piedmont Virginia Community College.  Directions: 501 College Drive.  7:30pm (Doors open at 7pm).  $Free.  All ages welcome.  Special Needs Accommodation: wheelchair, stroller accessible  Contact: Beryl Solla.  Email: bsolla@pvcc.edu. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 961-5362.