February 4, Saturday

CLOWNING AROUND WITH CHRISTOPHER THE CLOWN
Children's Museum of Richmond.
Join Christopher the Clown of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus at CMoR: Short Pump for a special story time and other silly shenanigans! Children's Museum of Richmond, Short Pump.  9:15-10:30am.  $Free with museum admission.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Michelle Rosman.  Email: mrosman@c-mor.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-474-7000. 

February 4, Saturday

FABULOUS FIVE DAY
Cat Thrasher Photography, Sweethaus Cupcake & Candy Shop.
Come to the studio and bakery to pose for a 5 minute portrait session, and then treat the kids to $5 worth of cupcakes or candy! Within 24 hours you will receive 5-to-10 perfect pictures in high resolution digital format. By appointment only. Cat Thrasher Photography, Sweethaus Cupcake & Candy Shop.  Directions: 315 West Main Street.  10am-4:30pm.  $85.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Cat Thrasher.  Email: cat@catthrasher.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 703-864-1712. 

February 4, Saturday

INDOOR FITNESS
Amazement Square.
Learn fun indoor fitness activities like yoga and aerobics. Also, find out how to check your pulse and calculate your target heart rate for your age, as well as what a healthy resting heart rate should be. Amazement Square.  1-2pm.  Email: visitus@amazementsquare.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434-845-1888. 

February 4, Saturday

JUMP FOR JOY PORTRAIT EVENT
Robert Radifera Photography.
Jump for Joy is a unique portrait experience for your family. Robert, a professional photographer with 18 years of experience, will artfully capture your children (or you too) jumping for joy! 25% of all profit from this event will go to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Charlottesville Food Bank and will be holding a raffle for those who bring food donations. Explorations Play Studio, 1919 Commonwealth Drive, Charlottesville.  9am-5pm.  $20+.  Contact: Robert Radifera.  Email: robert@radifera.com. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 245-8547. 

February 4, Saturday

SUPER SATURDAY FINANCIAL AID EVENT
PVCC & Va. Associations of Financial Aid Administrators.
Interested in higher education and how to pay for it? Meet one-on-one with financial aid counselors; learn about grants, scholarships and loans; complete the FAFSA; and register to win a $100 book scholarship. Charlottesville High School .  10am-3pm.  $Free.  Contact: Lisa Morales.  Email: lisa.morale@ccs.k12.va.us. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 245-2685 . 

February 4, Saturday

VICTORIAN VALENTINE'S DAY CELEBRATION
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library.
Girls can create their own fashionable hat for an elegant tea party, make a scented sachet and enjoy a scavenger hunt. Learn etiquette of both the Victorian era and today, and take part in social dances. Bring a doll friend, if you'd like! Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library.  Directions: 18 North Coalter St., Staunton.  10am & 1pm.  Recommended for ages 7 to 12.  Contact: Susan Laser or Nadine Woodrum.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: (540) 885-0897. 

February 4, Saturday

VINTAGE VEGAS-THE CABARET
Junior League of Charlottesville.
Celebrate 30 years of the Junior League of Charlottesville and 75 years of service with this fundraiser! Enjoy gaming, Texas hold'em poker tournament (the winner wins a trip to Las Vegas!), signature cocktails, dancing and a silent auction. 100% of the proceeds benefit the JLCs community programs, including community partners: The Children, Youth and Family Services, Boys and Girls Club of Charlottesville and the Virginia Discovery Museum as well as community grants and the Emily Couric Community Advocacy Award grant. The Boar's Head Inn Pavilion.  7pm.  $85.00.  Contact: Grace Garrigan or Dani Antol.  Email: fundraising@jlcville.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 516-456-3622. 

February 4, Saturday

WORLD BEAT WORKSHOP
Children's Museum of Richmond.
Through interactive performance by The World Beat Workshop's Robert Josepe, children can explore West African rhythms in the Americas and their influence on current music. Children's Museum of Richmond.  $Free with admission.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-474-7000. 

February 4 & 5, Saturday & Sunday

BEHIND THE SCENES AT MAYMONT NATURE CENTER
Maymont Nature Center.
Walk through the "Employees Only" door for a special peek at the inner workings of the Maymont Nature Center. Thirteen linked aquariums and more than 200 animals require much more care than meets the eye. For ages 5 to adult; children must be accompanied by a parent. Maymont .  Directions: 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond.  1-1:30pm.  $6 per person/$3 for members.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-358-7166, ext. 333. 

February 5, Sunday

HEARTS AND CRAFTS
Over the Moon Bookstore and Artisan Gallery.
Stop by Over the Moon Bookstore to create something lovely out of red and pink papers, doilies, paint and sponges, crayons, wax paper and an iron! If you'd like to make a heart stencil tee shirt, please bring a clean, solid-white tee with you. Please register by Saturday, February 4. Over the Moon Bookstore and Artisan Gallery.  2-3pm.  Email: anne@overthemoonbookstore.com . For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 823-1144. 

February 5, Sunday

LUNAR NEW YEAR
Children's Museum of Richmond.
Celebrate the start of the lunar year of the dragon! Explore Chinese culture through music, traditional and modern dance, dumpling making, painting and calligraphy demonstrations. Children's Museum of Richmond.  Directions: Central location.  10am-4pm.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-474-7000. 

January 27 & 29, February 3 & 5, Fridays & Sundays

UVA CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
UVA McIntire Department of Music.
The University of Virginia McIntire Department of Music presents the UVA Chamber Music Festival. To purchase tickets, visit the Arts Box Office at www.artsboxoffice.virginia.edu or call 924-3376. Old Cabell Hall.  Fridays 8pm, Sundays 3:30pm.  $20/adults, $10/students.  Contact: UVA McIntire Department of Music.  Email: mday@virginia.edu. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 924-3052. 

February 5, Sunday

WOODOWRKING WITH CHILDREN OPEN HOUSE
Judy Cahill.
A chance for children to try woodworking. See if this is their activity! They can hammer and drill--we'll save sawing for the classes. 1104 Forest Street.  Directions: Off Preston Avenue. Between Harris Street (Bodo's) and Rose Hll Drive (traffic light) is Forest Street. Turn and go several blocks. We are on the right at the Charlottesville Friends Meeting, the small building to the right. Located next to Murray Alternative High School.  4-5pm.  $Free.  Recommended for ages 5 to 14.  Contact: Judy Cahill.  Email: JCahill5@aol.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 979-1220. 

February 6, Monday

MEET THE NEW UVA TRACK AND FIELD COACH
UVA Athletics.
"Meet and Greet" with UVA Coach Brian Fetzer and his new distance coaches. Learn more about the beautiful, new UVA track & field facility as well as UVA's plans to host the ACC Outdoor Track & Field Championships on April 19-21. Ragged Mountain Racing Clubhouse.  Directions: 3 Elliewood Avenue.  6:30-7pm.  $Free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 293-3367. 

February 7, Tuesday

CONNECTIONS INFORMATION SESSION
Connections Achievement and Therapy Center.
Tour the office and learn more about the services offered. Connections Achievement and Therapy Center.  6-7pm.  $Free.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 823-2199. 

February 7, Tuesday

LAWYER ASSISTANCE NIGHT
FOCUS Women's Resource Center.
Do you have questions about taxes, bankruptcy, housing, landlord/Tenant Issues, divorce, consumer issues, child custody, visitation or support? Receive a free 20-minute consultation with an attorney. FOCUS Women's Resource Center.  Directions: 953 2nd St. SE.  6-8:30pm.  $Free.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 293-2222. 

February 6-8, Monday-Wednesday

ALBEMARLE BABE RUTH GIRLS SOFTBALL REGISTRATION
Albemarle Athletic Association.
This recreational league focuses on developing fundamental fastpitch softball skills in girls ages 4-18. Registration for the Albemarle Babe Ruth Girl's Fast-Pitch Softball Spring 2011 season. Walker Upper Elementary School, cafeteria.  6-8pm.  Recommended for ages 4 to 18.  Email: albemarlefastpitch@gmail.com. For details, please click this link. 

February 6-8, Monday-Wednesday

JEFFERSON AREA GIRLS LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL
Jefferson Area Girls Little League Softball.
Recreational girls softball league serving Charlottesville, Albemarle and Fluvanna. Walker Upper Elementary School, cafeteria.  6-8pm.  $50 per child with a sibling discount.  Recommended for ages 4 to 16.  Email: JAGSLLinfo@gmail.com.

February 6-8, Monday-Wednesday

LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION
Central Little League.
Spring registration for Babe Ruth, Central, Jefferson Area, McIntire, Monticello and more for baseball, softball and T-ball Little Leagues. Walker Upper Elementary School.  6-8pm.  Email: jdkuehler@gmail.com. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 284-2173. 

February 6-8, in-person registration

MONTICELLO LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL & T-BALL REGISTRATION
Monticello Little League.
Monticello Little League remains committed to providing area boys and girls with an enriching, challenging and exciting baseball experience. Walker Upper Elementary School, cafeteria.  6-8pm.  All ages welcome.  Contact: Steve Morris.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 953-6491. 

February 6-8, in-person registration

MONTICELLO LITTLE LEAGUE CHALLENGER DIVISION BASEBALL & T-BALL REGISTRATION
Monticello Little League.
Monticello little league challenger division registration for handicapped children. Walker Upper Elementary School, cafeteria.  6-8pm.  Contact: Steve Morris.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 953-6491. 

February 8, Wednesday

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS: PROMISING POETS
JMRL - Gordon Avenue Library.
Discovery different types and styles of poetry, hear great poems and create some poetry of your own. Registration begins January 25. For ages 8 and up. Gordon Avenue Library.  4pm.  $Free.  Email: gordon@jmrl.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-5544. 

February 9, Thursday

ANIMALS IN WINTER
JMRL - Northside Library.
Nancy Newman from the Virginia Museum of Natural History will teach about what happens in the world of nature during winter months. Which creatures migrate, remain active, hibernate, become dormant or die? You'll get a chance to look at mounted specimens, pelts and pictures. Registration begins January 26. For grades K and up. Northside Library.  4pm.  $Free.  Email: northside@jmrl.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-7893. 

February 9, Thursday

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NIGHT
FOCUS Women's Resource Center.
Do you have questions about budgeting, credit, loans, balancing your checkbook, identity theft and more? Receive a free 20-minute consultation with a bank representative. FOCUS Women's Resource Center.  Directions: 953 2nd St. SE.  6pm.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 293-2222. 

February 10, 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. Key Recreation Center.  6:30-8:30pm.  $10 per couple.  Recommended for ages 5 to 12.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 970-3260. 

February 10, Friday

GATHERING OF GODDESSES
Amazement Square.
Show your admiration by joining us in recognizing this years Honorary Goddess, Frances Giles! As Chair of Allocations with the United Way of Central Virginia, she is enhancing citizens live and empowering them to live up to their full potential. Her many contributions to the community are truly inspiring. Amazement Square.  Directions: 27 Ninth Street, Lynchburg.  6pm-11pm.  $100; $115 after January 31.  Contact: Megan Rapp.  Email: pr@amazementsquare.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: (434) 845-1888. 

February 11, Saturday

ARCHAEOLOGY FAMILY WORKSHOP
Monticello.
Kids - dig into archaeology at Monticello! This two-hour workshop for children in grades 4-7 accompanied by an adult provides a hands-on introduction to archaeology. Part of "Celebrate Black History at Monticello." Monticello's Archaeology Lab.  Directions: 931 Jefferson Parkway.  10am-12pm.  $Free.  Recommended for ages 10 to 13.  Contact: Archaeology.  Email: info@monticello.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 434-984-9880. 

February 11, Saturday

CHARLOTTESVILLE WALDORF SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Charlottesville Waldorf School.
Enjoy open play in a Kindergarten classroom & outdoors, visit an early childhood storytime at 10:15, create seasonal crafts, and tour the grade school classrooms, library, gardens and music & arts building. Charlottesville Waldorf School.  Directions: CWS is located on Rio Rd. East, across from Pen Park..  10am-12pm.  $Free.  Contact: Cynthia Corby.  Email: ccorby@cwaldorf.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 973-4946, X 102. 

February 11, Saturday

CHILDREN'S BALLET SERIES: A FAIRY TALE GATHERING
Charlottesville Ballet.
A Fairy Tale Gathering brings together some of ballets most famous stars for an enchanting afternoon tea party. Meet Cinderella as she dreams of the ball. Help the Prince wake up his Sleeping Beauty. Look for Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The show also features Seven Dwarfs played by young dance students from Charlottesville Ballet Academy. Dont miss these characters and more in this interactive 45-minute performance. Piedmont Virginia Community College, V. Earl Dickinson Building.  Directions: 501 College Drive.  11am, 1pm. 3:30pm.  $15/adults, $10/children.  All ages welcome.  Email: tickets@charlottesvilleballet.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 227-7592. 

February 11, Saturday

EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT STARTING KINDERGARTEN
Children, Youth & Family Services.
In this workshop, parents will learn what their child should be able to do to be successful in kindergarten and how to decide if they're ready. There will be practical tips to get children ready for school and an open discussion with panelists from City and County Schools staff. Children, Youth & Family Services.  Directions: 250 bypass to Locust, past old Martha Jefferson Hospital, left on High Street, CYFS will be on right side of street at 1000 East High Street.  10am-12pm.  $Free.  Contact: Debbie Baber.  Email: dbaber@cyfs.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-4118 . 

February 11, Saturday

KINDERGARTEN READINESS PARENTING WORKSHOP
Children, Youth and Family Services.
Workshop to provide parents with information about things children can do to be successful in kindergarten, how to decide if your child is ready to attend, practical tips for getting you and your child ready for school and information about the application process. 1000 East High Street- CYFS office.  Directions: 250 bypass to Locust Ave turn onto Locust Ave towards Martha Jefferson Hospital. Turn left onto High Street and CYFS is on the right had side at 1000 East High Street.  10am-12pm.  $Free.  Contact: Debbie Baber.  Email: dbaber@cyfs.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-4118. 

February 11, Saturday

LITTLE HOUSE AT THE LIBRARY - A LAURA INGALLS WILDER CELEBRATION
JMRL - Crozet Library.
Celebrate author Laura Ingalls Wilder's 145th birthday! Take a peek at her life by playing games and exploring activities that Laura and her friends would have experienced when they were young. Participants are welcome to wear period clothing and bring related items they would like to share. Registration begins January 23. Crozet Library.  1pm.  $Free.  Recommended for ages 8 to 11.  Email: crozet@jmrl.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 823-4050. 

February 11, Saturday

SUPER SATURDAY FINANCIAL AID EVENT
PVCC & Va. Associations of Financial Aid Administrators.
Interested in higher education and how to pay for it? Meet one-on-one with financial aid counselors; learn about grants, scholarships and loans; complete the FAFSA; and register to win a $100 book scholarship. PVCC Campus.  10am-3pm.  $Free.  Contact: Heather Marshall.  Email: hlutz@pvcc.edu. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 961-5275. 

February 11, Saturday

THE RICHMOND BOYS CHOIR
Children's Museum of Richmond.
The Richmond Boys Choir will showcase African history and culture through song. Children's Museum of Richmond.  $Free with admission.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-474-7000. 

February 11, Saturday

VALENTINE SWING DANCE
Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, Western Albemarle Rescue Squad.
Dance the night away to live music by Salute to Swing after taking a free swing dance lesson from 7-8pm. Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department and the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad. The Field School.  8-11pm.  $Suggested donation of $25 per person or $40 per couble.  All ages welcome.  For more info call: 996-6159. 

February 9-12, Thursday-Sunday

MAYMONT FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW
Maymont, Richmond.
As a special feature of the MAC Events Home Show - Richmond, the 23rd Annual Maymont Flower & Garden Show brightens the Convention Center with full-scale landscape exhibits, seminars, the Great Garden Marketplace and home-related floral displays. Greater Richmond Convention Center.  Thursday 1-9pm; Friday & Saturday 11am-9pm; Sunday 11am-5pm.  $10 adults; $6 kids 12-17; 11 & under free.  All ages welcome.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-358-7166, ext. 329. 

February 11-12, Saturday-Sunday

THE LOVE TOUR AT MAYMONT MANSION
Maymont Mansion.
When Queen Victoria married her handsome Prince Charming in 1840, they set the romantic tone for the 19th century. Elegantly costumed ladies and gentlemen relate details of this royal love story and the courting customs of the era. Maymont Mansion.  12-5pm; tours available every half-hour, last tour 4:30pm.  $5 per person/$3 members.  Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 804-358-7166, ext. 329. 

February 12, Sunday

VALENTINE CELEBRATION WITH THE MONROES
Ash Lawn-Highland.
Enjoy a tea to celebrate the Monroes 226th wedding anniversary! A proper afternoon tea will be served with emphasis on Monroe period etiquette. Guests will also learn the language of the fan, create a greeting card using the century-old art of paper quilling and play nineteenth century games. A house tour will also be included. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended for ages 8 and over. Ash Lawn-Highland.  2-4pm.  $20, $10 for ages 8-11.  Contact: Baylor Reinhart.  Email: baylor@ashlawnhighland.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 293-8000. 

February 10-12, Friday-Sunday

WINTERFEST WEEKEND AT WINTERGREEN
Wintergreen Resort.
Enjoy a fun weekend of winter sports and games! Live entertainment, family games, campfires and more. Wintergreen Resort.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: (434) 325-8180. 

February 13, Monday

MONDAY AFTERNOON ADVENTURES: VALENTINE CARDS
JMRL - Scottsville Library.
Make an easy pop-up card that will delight your sweetheart. Scottsville Library.  4-4:45pm.  $Free.  Recommended for ages 5 to 10.  Email: scottsville@jmrl.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 286-3541. 

February 14, Tuesday

BOOK CRUSH PARTY
JMRL - Crozet Library.
Celebrate Valentine's Day with your favorite literary characters! Play a book speed dating game and book character bingo, and make a special Valentine's Day craft. Don't forget to bring your favorite book with you! Grades 6-12. Crozet Library.  6:30-7:30pm.  $Free.  Email: crozet@jmrl.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 823-4050. 

February 14, Tuesday

R.E.A.D. REGULARS
JMRL - Gordon Avenue Library.
Read, Enjoy and Discuss! Meet other kids to read new books and old favorites. Free copies of the book and snacks will be provided. Call for titles. Ages 10 and up. Registration begins January 24. Gordon Avenue Library.  4pm.  $Free.  Email: gordon@jmrl.org. Reservations are required.  For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 296-5544. 

January 1-February 14

SOCA HOT SHOT SOCCER PROGRAM REGISTRATION
SOCA.
Hot Shots is a fun way to play and learn soccer. Join the SOCA staff for this great introductory program for beginning soccer players. 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. Ages 6 & under. $59 for on-time registration.  Email: Don.Dolinger@SOCAspot.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 975-5025. 

February 14, Tuesday

VALENTINE'S MAKE IT, TAKE IT!
JMRL - Central.
Whet your appetite for Valentine's Day and make a sweet little something that will get you in the mood for our sweetest holiday! JMRL - Central.  4-5pm.  $Free.  All ages welcome.  Email: central@jmrl.org. For details, please click this link.  For more info call: 979-7151 ext. 3.