March 14 & 15, Sunday & Monday

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR
Blue Ridge Mountain Sports.
Geared for the whole family with more films (7 total) and a shorter overall duration, this year's tour features a collection of thought-provoking action, environmental, and adventure mountain films. Traveling from remote landscapes and cultures to up close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2010 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. UVA's Darden School.  4pm Sunday; 7pm Monday.  $12, $10 for students with a valid UVA ID.  All ages welcome.  Email: kpeterson@brms.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 977-1397 x312. 

March 16, Tuesday

COME SEE US IN ACTION: ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE
Tandem Friends School.
Come learn more about what Tandem Friends School has to offer - small classes, academic flexibility, personal attention, no cut sports, arts, cooperative learning, cutting edge programs and more. Take a tour, meet faculty, visit classes, and participate in a student panel. Tandem Friends School.  Directions: 279 Tandem Lane, just off Mill Creek Drive, across from Monticello High School.  9-11:30am.  $free.  Contact: Louise Cole.  Email: lcole@tandemfs.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-1303. 

March 16, Tuesday

JAMES MADISON'S 258TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Montpelier.
Attend a poignant commemorative ceremony with the United States Marine Corps laying a wreath on James Madison's grave. Montpelier.  Directions: Route 20, four miles south of Orange.  9:30am to 4:30pm.  $free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 540-672-2728. 

March 16 & 17, Tuesday & Wednesday

RICHMOND BALLET
Piedmont Virginia Community College.
The State Ballet of Virginia returns to PVCC with a full-length program from the company's repertoire. Come see why audiences return again and again to the athleticism and artistry of the Richmond Ballet on Tour. Dickinson Main Stage, Piedmont Virginia Community College.  3/16, 7:30pm and 3/17, 5:30pm.  $20, $15 students & seniors.  Special Needs Accommodation: wheelchair, stroller accessible  Contact: PVCC Box Office.  Email: boxoffice@pvcc.edu. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434.961.5376. 

March 17, Wednesday

CATCH THE LUCK OF THE IRISH
JMRL - Louisa County.
Bring your wee ones for a wee bit of Irish shenanigans with stories and crafts. Louisa County Library.  Directions: 881 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA.  4pm.  $free.  All ages welcome.  Email: louisa@jmrl.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 540-894-5853. 

March 17, Wednesday

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION: GORDON AVENUE LIBRARY
JMRL - Gordon Avenue Library.
Come join the Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) at the library for a St. Patrick's Day celebration. BRIMS Scoil (Irish for school) and the BRIMS Traditional Performance Ensemble will perform Irish music, song and dance and teach a jig step or two, while talking a wee bit about the musical instruments being played. For ages 5 and up. No registration required. Gordon Avenue Library.  4pm.  $Free.  Contact: Jacqueline Lichtman.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-5544. 

March 17, Wednesday

STROLLERFIT'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY CRAFT AND COOKIES!
StrollerFit.
Please join us for a free StrollerFit class, followed by a St. Patrick's Day craft and festive cookies! Enjoy social time with other moms and let the kids play! Covenant Church gymnasium.  Directions: 1025 E. Rio Rd .  9:10am.  $free.  Special Needs Accommodation: bring a stroller  Contact: Kira Sullivan.  Email: kira.sullivan@strollerfit.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 953-6888. 

March 17, Wednesday

SWAN LAKE
The Paramount Theatre.
The Moscow Ballet performs Tchaikovsky's famous Swan Lake, the classic story of Prince Siegfried, his search for love, and its unlikely recipient - Odette, the Swan Queen. The Charlottesville Welcome Book is a proud sponsor. The Paramount Theatre.  Directions: 215 East Main Street.  7pm.  $24.50 youth; $44.50 & $54.50 adults.  Email: boxoffice@theparamount.net. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434 979 1333. 

March 17

THE ART OF MAKING A CHILDREN'S BOOK
Virginia Festival of The Book.
Illustrator and author John Trippel leads youth in creating their own PaperBag Art based on two children's books about Jackie Robinson: "Testing the Ice: Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson" and "The Value of Courage" by Spencer Johnson. Carver Recreation Center.  Directions: 223 4th St NW, Charlottesville .  6:30pm.  $5 donation is suggested.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 924-3296. 

March 17, Wednesday

VIRGINIA DISCOVERY MUSEUM HOSTS JENNIFER ELVGREN
Virginia Festival of the Book.
Jennifer Riesmeyer Elvgren shares her book Josias, Hold the Book, a story about a young boy in rural Haiti. Free with admission or membership. Virginia Discovery Museum, Downtown Mall.  4pm.  $4.  All ages welcome.  Email: vadm@vadm.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 977-1025. 

March 13 - 18

GREEN VALLEY BOOK FAIR
Green Valley Book Fair.
Encourage your child to read by expanding his or her home library at prices you won't believe! Huge selection of children's books at 60%-90% off retail prices on new, over-run or irregular books. Mt. Crawford (in Shenandoah Valley btwn Harrisonburg and Staunton).  Directions: 2192 Green Valley Lane, take I-64 west to I-81 north, exit 240 on Rt 682, go east, following signs.  9am-7pm daily.  $free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 800-385-0099. 

February 18 & March 18, Thursdays

JOIN THE RAPUNZELS
JMRL - Greene County.
This Book Group for Girls meets the 3rd Thursday each month during the school year. Girls can join at any time. Sign up at the Library or call for more information. February 18: A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck, March 18: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Greene County Library.  Directions: 222 Main Street, Stanardsville, VA.  3:30-5pm.  Recommended for ages 9 to 13.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 985-5227. 

March 17 & 18, Wednesday & Thursday

LET'S MAKE BELIEVE! STORYTIME
Barnes & Noble Bookstore.
Come join in fun while booksellers read favorite stories. This week, it's 'Let's Make Believe!' stories and an activity. Wednesday March 17, 2010 11:00 AM Jr Department of Barnes & Noble Bookstore.  Directions: Barracks Road Shopping Center.  11am.  $free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 984-0461. 

March 19, Friday

$1 FAMILY NIGHT
Children's Museum of Richmond.
Target $1 Family Night is back by popular demand. Bring the whole family to enjoy what The Children's Museum has to offer for only $1! Children's Museum of Richmond.  Directions: 2626 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA.  5-7:30pm.  $1.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-513-6650. 

March 19, Friday

OUR PARENTS, OUR SELVES: THE LATER YEARS
UVA Institute on Aging.
Institute on Aging Hosts, "Our Parents, Our Selves: The Later Years," featuring Renowned Eldercare Expert Virginia Morris, at the 2010 Virginia Festival of the Book. There is no admission fee, but please RSVP at either uvaging@virginia.edu or (434) 243-5695 to reserve your space. The theater address is 109 Culbreth Road. Culbreth Theater, UVA.  Directions: 109 Culbreth Road.  2-4pm.  $Free.  Contact: John B. Rudder.  Email: uvaging@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: (434) 243-5695. 

March 20, Saturday

ANNUAL STORYFEST FOR FAMILIES!
Virginia Festival of the Book.
AlbemarleFamily Magazine is proud to be a sponsor of this free, day-long celebration of books and reading, held on and around the Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall. Various locations.  10am-3pm.  $free.  All ages welcome.  Email: vabook@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 924-6890. 

March 20, Saturday

APPALACHIAN TALES
Virginia Festival of The Book.
Albemarle Family Magazine is proud to be a sponsor for this StoryFest Event! Stories! Crafts! Popular storyteller Kathy Coleman brings Appalachian folk tales to life. Carver Recreation Center.  Directions: 223 4th St NW, Charlottesville.  2pm.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: (434)293-2259. 

March 19-20, Friday & Saturday

CAFE 007: HEART, HUMOR, HISTORY
Tandem Friends School.
The Tandem Friends School 7th grade presents a self created production of skits, poems, music, dance and film. Tandem Friends School.  Directions: 279 Tandem Lane, off Millcreek Road and across from Monticello High School.  7pm.  $5-8.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Lydia Horan.  Email: lhoran@tandemfs.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-1303. 

March 20, Saturday

CAMP HOLIDAY TRAILS 5K
Camp Holiday Trails.
UVA Medical Students host the 26th Annual Camp Holiday Trails 5K. All proceeds from this event go directly to Camp Holiday Trails, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing a special camp experience to children with chronic illness and special medical needs. This event is open to the entire Charlottesville community. Runners and walkers of all levels will be represented. T-shirts and prizes for participants! UVA Grounds - Newcomb Hall Plaza.  Directions: next to the top level of the Emmet Street Parking Garage and the University Bookstore on the grounds of UVA.  9am.  All ages welcome.  Email: campisgood@campholidaytrails.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 977-3781. 

March 20, Saturday

CINDERELLA'S CLOSET
Monticello High School.
Monticello High School is currently seeking donations of prom dresses and all related attire. Donations of dresses, shoes, handbags, jewelry, hosiery and men's dressy attire can be dropped off at the MHS guidance dept during school hours of 8:30-4:30. Receipts available upon request. The event is scheduled for March 20 at MHS from 10-2. Open to the public. All money raised goes into a student needs fund. No dress priced over $25. Monticello High School .  Directions: 1400 Independence Way, Charlottesville, VA.  10am- 2pm.  $All dresses priced $25 and under.  All ages welcome.  Email: cinderellascloset@hotmail.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 409 4063. 

March 20, Saturday

FANCY NANCY: I JUST LOVE THAT BOOK
JMRL - Crozet Library.
Does putting on a crown make you feel like a real princess? When you put on that pirate hat, can you taste the salt spray of the ocean? If so, come for an afternoon of dress up and make-believe fun and help kick off the first of a program series, "I Just Love That Book!" celebrating Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor. Registration is required and begins on Mon, March 1. Crozet Library.  Directions: 5791 Three Notch'd Road.  10:00am.  $free.  Recommended for ages 4 to 6.  Email: crozet@jmrl.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 823-4050. 

March 20, Saturday

FASHION SQUARE MALL EASTER CELEBRATION
Come celebrate Easter at Fashion Square Mall! Enjoy fun activities for children and create a lasting memory with a photo of your child with the Easter Bunny! Sear's court.  10am - 2pm.  $FREE.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Jonas Fortenberry.  Email: jfortenberry@simon.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434-973-9333. 

March 20, Saturday

HOME FOR DINNER: A LOCAL FOOD WORKSHOP
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation.
How can I feed my family local food and stay within my budget? Where can I buy locally-produced milk and eggs? What's the difference between a CSA and a food cooperative? All of these questions and more will be answered in this three hour workshop that explores the local food scene. Tonsler Recreation Center.  10am-1pm.  $15.00/residents; 22.00 non-residents.  Email: genson@.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 970-3298. 

March 20, Saturday

IS YOUR MAMA A LLAMA?
Virginia Festival of The Book.
AlbemarleFamily Magazine is proud to be a sponsor for this StoryFest Event! Enjoy a story and activity with Play Partners, a program of Children, Youth & Family Services, Inc. This event is suited especially for families with preschoolers. Based on the book by Steven Kellogg. Carver Recreation Center.  Directions: 223 4th St NW, Charlottesville.  10am.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: (434)293-2259. 

March 20, Saturday

KIDS' BOOK SWAP
Virginia Festival of the Book.
AlbemarleFamily Magazine is proud to sponsor this StoryFest Event. A kid's book exchange for children only. Free and open to the public. Bring books and trade. Oakley's Gently Used Books.  Directions: 112 West Main St, #9 York Place .  11am.  $free.  All ages welcome.  Email: vabook@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 924-6890. 

March 20, Saturday

KIDZ NIGHT OUT
ACAC.
Children play in the Big Room (gigantic indoor playground) and enjoy a night of games at the Arena, sports, movie, and pizza while parents have a night out on the town. Fees are per evening, per child. For grades K-8. ACAC Adventure Central Clubhouse.  Directions: 200 Four Seasons Drive.  6 to 10pm.  $Family $15; member $20; non-member $25.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 978-7529. 

March 20 - 21, Saturday & Sunday

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! CAMP-IN
Children's Museum of Richmond.
You bring your sleeping bag and tooth brush and we provide the fun! Join our cast and crew on an exciting adventure of the imagination. Petals and Try-its based on music, movement, acting and theatre design will be highlighted in this Camp-in. Troops can choose from a variety of performing arts based petals/ try-it workshops lead by Museum Educators. Children's Museum of Richmond.  Directions: 2626 West Broad Street, Richmond.  6:30pm - 8:00am.  $35/child - $20/adult.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-474-7000. 

March 20, Saturday

MICHAELS BIRTHDAY BASH
Michaels Arts and Crafts Store.
Learn all about birthday parties at Michael's while your kids do a fun craft. With purchase of a t-shirt, children can get instructions and fabric paint to make a one-of-a-kind garment. Barracks Road Shopping Center.  1-3pm.  $Event is free; fee for t-shirt.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 971-1087. 

March 20, Saturday

PBS KIDS GO! WRITERS CONTEST
WHTJ and Virginia Festival of the Book.
AlbemarleFamily Magazine is proud to be a sponsor of this StoryFest Event! See the next generation of writers and illustrators and hear their stories from the WHTJ PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest. 223 4th St NW Carver Recreation Center.  Directions: 223 4th St NW.  10am.  $free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: (434)293-2259. 

March 20, Saturday

PHILOSOPHY AND POETRY FOR LITTLE BIG MINDS
Virginia Festival of The Book.
AFMagazine is proud to be a sponsor for this StoryFest Event! Marietta McCarty (Little Big Minds) explores with children in lively conversation two invaluable concepts from her book: gratitude and compassion along with creating poetry and art based on their newfound understandings. Materials are provided. Carver Recreation Center.  Directions: 223 4th St NW, Charlottesville.  10am.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: (434)293-2259. 

March 20, Saturday

PUB DAY: HOT YOUNG ADULT & TEEN FICTION
Virginia Festival of The Book.
David Macinnis Gill (Soul Enchilada), Jennifer Hubbard (The Secret Year), Amy Brecount White (Forget-Her-Nots), and Paula Chase Hyman (Flipping the Script) read from their Young Adult and Teen books. Moderated by: Anne Marie Pace. Omni Hotel.  Directions: 235 West Main St..  4pm.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 984-0461. 

March 20, Saturday

STONY POINT ELEMENTARY CRAFT SHOW
Stony Point PTO.
Craft Vendors and PTO Bake Sale inside school gym. Also community Yard Sale and Mulch Sale on school grounds. Rain or Shine. 3893 Stony Point Road, Keswick, VA 22947.  Directions: Approx. 9 miles North on Route 20 from Pantops (Route 250).  9:00am - 1:00pm.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Crystal Buyaki.  Email: caskeens@yahoo.com. For more info call: 434-973-7026. 

March 20, Saturday

TAYLOR SWIFT 2010 FEARLESS TOUR
John Paul Jones Arena.
Taylor, who at 19 is the youngest artist in history to be nominated for the Country Music Association's prestigious Entertainer of the Year Award, will kick off her Fearless 2010 Tour. Special guests Kellie Pickler and Gloriana will open for Taylor on this special one-night event. John Paul Jones Arena.  7pm.  $27-$61.50.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 243-4960. 

March 20, Saturday

WVPT'S SESAME STREET CELEBRATION
Virginia Festival of The Book.
A StoryFest Event sponsored by AlbemarleFamily Magazine! WVPT, Virginia's Public Television, presents a Sesame Street Celebration featuring Sonia Manzano (Maria of Sesame Street). Come for a parade with favorite PBS characters, music, and storytime, and sign up for a library card! Walk begins around noon at the Omni Hotel and ends at the Paramount Theater, where there will be more fun, excitement and entertainment. The Paramount Theatre.  Directions: Downtown Mall.  12-3pm.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 984-4404. 

March 20- 21, Saturday & Sunday

ST. PATRICK'S DAY ICE SKATING OPEN
Charlottesville Ice Park.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the ice park. Watch amazing ice artistry at the Recreational Ice Skater Team Competitions in individual, partner and team events. Charlottesville Ice Park.  Directions: 230 West Main Street on the Downtown Mall.  All day.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 817-2400. 

March 21, Sunday

ANNUAL SHEEP SHEARING
Ash Lawn Highland.
Watch as the sheep don their new spring coats. Master shearer Emily Chaplein will demonstrate her art with manual shears as well as the modern electric ones. Ash Lawn Highland.  12 - 3pm.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 293-8000. 

March 21, Sunday

CELEBRATE DR. SEUSS
Barnes & Noble.
Come celebrate Dr. Seuss with University of Virginia Chapter of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and booksellers. Special readings of Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham are planned and great activities are also on the menu. Sure to be a splendorlicious time. Barnes & Noble.  Directions: Barracks Road Shopping Center.  1pm.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434-984-0461. 

March 21, Saturday

EASTER EGG: MAKE-IT TAKE-IT
Michaels Arts and Crafts Store.
Free instructions and supplies to make an adorable Easter egg chick with the purchase of craft eggs. Michaels Arts and Crafts Store.  Directions: 1035 Emmet St N.  1-3pm.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 971-1072. 

March 21, Sunday

ESCAPING ENDLESS ADOLESCENCE: TEENAGERS
Virginia Festival of The Book.
Psychologists Claudia Worrell Allen and Joseph Allen discuss their work Escaping the Endless Adolescence: How We Can Help Our Teenagers Grow Up Before They Grow Old. Barnes & Noble.  Directions: 1035A Emmet St..  1:30pm.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 971-5500. 

March 17-21, Wednesday-Sunday

VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.
The Virginia Festival of the Book, uniquely Charlottesville, is in its 15th year. It offers a variety of programs for a wide audience featuring prominent figures in the literary world. The many special events for youth and families span from a high school poetry evening to the Annual StoryFest for Families sponsored by AlbemarleFamily! Various venues.  $Most events are free.  All ages welcome.  Email: vabook@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 924-6890. 

March 21, Sunday

WRITER'S EYE AWARD CEREMONY
University of Virginia Art Museum.
Winners of this year's Writer's Eye competition will receive awards and first-place winners will read their entries; judges of high school, University and adult entries will comment on their winners. The Writer's Eye Anthology will be available. A reception in the University of Virginia Art Museum follows. Campbell Hall, UVA.  2pm.  All ages welcome.  Email: vabook@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 924-6890. 

February 1 - March 22, Mondays

MOTHER GOOSE TIME
JMRL - Central Library.
A special program of simple stories, rhymes, and songs. Please come to the session that best suits you and your baby's schedule. For ages 6-24 months with an accompanying caregiver. Registration is required. Please note: Library closed Monday, February 15. Central Library.  Two Sessions - 10:00am and 11:00am.  $free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 979-7151. 

March 23, Tuesday

CONES FOR A CAUSE
Ben & Jerry's.
Free cone day at Ben & Jerry's. Bring your spare change because they are collecting coins for the Virginia Institute of Autism. Ben & Jerry's, Barracks Road Shopping Center.  11am-8pm.  $Free.  For details, please click this link. 

March 23, Tuesday

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR ALBEMARLE COUNTY SCHOOLS
Albemarle County Public Schools.
Parents of rising county kindergartners are invited to attend registration for 2010 kindergarten classes at the school their child will attend. To be eligible for kindergarten, children must be 5 years old by September 30, 2010. Families should bring an original birth certificate or passport if child is of an international background, a Social Security Card (preferred but not required), and three proofs of county residency displaying the same physical address: a deed, mortgage contract, or rental agreement (required); a personal bill or payroll stub dated within the past 30 days; and a county receipt for paid personal property taxes. The International & ESOL Office at 296-6517 is available to assist parents who are non-native English speakers. All Area County Elementary Schools.  9am-1pm & 3-6pm.  $free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-5877. 

February 2 - March 23, Tuesdays

TWOS AND THREES TOGETHER
JMRL - Gordon Avenue Library.
A 30-minute program of stories, songs, finger plays, and simple crafts. For ages 2-3 with an accompanying adult. No younger siblings, please. Registration is required. Gordon Avenue Library.  Directions: 1500 Gordon Avenue.  10:30am.  $Free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-5544. 

March 9 - March 23, Tuesdays

YOGA FOR ADOLESCENTS
UVA Children's Hospital Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center.
A yoga class for teenagers taught by pediatric occupational and physical therapists. This program adapts traditional yoga teachings to meet the special needs of youth with disabilities. The approach is non-competitive and provides a foundation for building trust and self-confidence. Instructors: Ruth Goldeen, Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Yoga Teacher and Emily Berry, Pediatric Physical Therapist. Parents, siblings and friends welcome. ***LIMITED SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE*** UVA Children's Hospital Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center.  5:30-6:30pm.  $40 for 3-week session.  Contact: Ruth Goldeen.  For more info call: 434-243-6869. 

March 24, Wednesday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VINCENT
JMRL - Gordon Avenue Library.
Local artist Susan Northington will help celebrate the March birthday of artistic genius Vincent van Gogh. You'll learn a little about his life and then create your own masterpiece in his distinctive style. For ages 6 and up. Registration is required and begins on Wednesday, March 3. Gordon Avenue Library.  Directions: 1500 Gordon Avenue.  4pm.  $ Free.  Recommended for ages 8 to 12.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-5544.