The Week Ahead: August 20-26

This week promises to be great with fantastic weather and lots of fun events for kids and families. Let us know of others we need to add to our calendar.

Real Cute Kids voting begins August 20 and runs through August 30 on Richmondmom.com.

Special Olympics Virginia is seeking participants for a FREE Young Atheletes Program – contact them by August 31 if you’d like to enter your child.

Running the Numbers: An American Self Portrait by Chris Jordan, Element 29, How People Make Things, Save a Brain!, Body Worlds & the Brain, Grand Canyon Adventure, To The Arctic (film in IMAX®DOME)  are all now playing at the Science Museum of Virginia. Check them out while they last.

Family Lifeline School Supply Collection ends August 22. Contact them if you can donate.

Monday, August 20

Bitten by the Bug at the Science Museum of Virginia.  Opening day – Check out this art gallery that has an art and science and a father and son connection! Chris Semtner paints wonderful bugs. No doubt his fascination grew as he watched his father, an entomologist, work at this profession and love. Bitten by the Bug features Semtner’s bug paintings and specimens and tools of the trade supplied by his father. (Through November).

Babysitting Workshop at Glen Allen Library from 2-4p.m. – Middle-High School students. Ages 13 and up will learn how to be a good sitter. Call 804.290.9500 – it’s FREE!

Last Gasp of Summer at Gayton Library from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Fun for the whole family. 10600 Gayton Road, Henrico, VA.

Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Bowie Baysox at 7:05 p.m. at The Diamond.

Tuesday, August 21

Head to the Virginia Historical Society every Tuesday and Friday night this summer for the RVA Food Truck Court, a gathering of over 10 gourmet mobile catering vendors. Participating food trucks will offer gourmet chef inspired food, specialty beverages, and desserts. Check website for changes in dates/times.

African Art at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts from 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Ages 7-9 visit the African collection, then create a work of art that has personal meaning. Register at 804.340.1405.

Families After Five at Lewis Ginter. The garden stays open late on Tuesday evenings in June, July and August for families to explore the gardens and the Children’s Garden for WaterPlay and special activities each week. Celebrate summer and stay out late!

Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Game. 7:05pm. The Diamond. Visit the website for ticket prices, giveaway night info, and whether there are fireworks!

Kids of all ages are invited to join Pottery Barn Kids for story time every Tuesday. Members receive an official Book Club Passport at their first story time and a special gift after attending five story times.

Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation and We rVirginia volunteers are focusing over the next 88 days on connecting with Undecided/Independent voters about the important issues that will shape our country’s future – Hanover Tavern at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 22

Spirited Art is starting a weekday class - every Wednesday, we will be offering an adult class at 11 a.m.  You’re welcome to bring your own lunch/snacks during this weekday class.  Check out our calendar www.myspiritedart.com.

Orientation to Mentoring and Volunteering with Youth at 5:30 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia. This is an open and free training session where volunteers will learn what to expect in the mentor-mentee relationship and volunteering in school, community, or site-based programs. Session participants will be introduced to the definition of mentoring and the boundaries of a mentoring relationship. Using the Positive Youth Development approach, trainers will lead volunteers through discussion and activity to generate ideas for fostering positive developmental assets in their menteers.

Lunch Break Science: Wind Energy, Creating Electricity out of Thin Air at The Science Museum of Virginia from noon until 1:00 p.m.

Daytime Gallery Walk. Noon. Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard, Richmond. “Virginians in the 20th Century”, presented by Chris Van Tassell. Reservations not required. $6 adults, $5 seniors 55-plus, $4 students and children under 18 and free for VHS members. www.vahistorical.org/news/gallery_walks.htm.

August Musicales at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. wth Brass Quintet and Organ Concert. 804.359.2463.

Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Game. 7:05pm. The Diamond. Visit the website for ticket prices, giveaway night info, and whether there are fireworks!

Food Truck Court Wheels into Chesterfield Town Center from 6-9 p.m.

Thursday, August 23      

FAM JAM – A Free two day, evening event, for the entire family. Games, Water Slides, Ice Cream, Animals, Surprise Guest, Food and more. Email [email protected] or call 804.387.2066. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Maymont’s Lions in the Library – Discover all the wonderful animals that “inhabit” Maymont Mansion during this engaging tour for families. $5 per person. For information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 329. Call to arrange a carriage ride before or after your tour!

Barnes & Noble Storytime at Short Pump – Children’s Storytime: Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 6 and Under). Join us each Thursday for our Children’s Storytime. On the third Thursday of each month, we’ll have a special visit from Seymour and the Children’s Museum.

Habitat for Humanity Hanover dedicates the Goodman home – thanks to generous donations by Virginia Women’s Center. It’s at 6:00 p.m. – join the celebration!

Let’s Talk About the Tween Years (Parents of 9-12 year-olds). Bon Secours Innsbrook at 6:30 p.m.  Talk about the changing parent-child relationship as tweens strive for independence and self identity. Discuss some of the physical and emotional changes taking place and how this affects tween behavior. Focus on effective communication and get tips for handling typical challenges facing parents of tweens.

Light the Night Kickoff Celebration. Please join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for Blues N’ Barbeque at Dominion Resources, Riverside Cafe for the 2012 Light The Night Kickoff Celebration! Live Music by Lil’ Ronnie & The Grand Dukes  – In Memory of Bobby Oliver. Gather your teammates, friends, and loved ones and join us for this free evening of great supporters, food, entertainment and prizes.  Learn about the Walk; receive fundraising ideas and materials; and meet staff, volunteers, and fellow walkers!

Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park – Summer is here! Enjoy live music while you stroll, shop and dine to all your favorite tunes performed by local musicians — all summer long!

Messiah Christian Church – 1501 Huguenot Rd – Take the plunge into the Word and learn how Jesus used the very common element of water to teach some uncommon lessons. So put on your sunglasses… set up the chairs and umbrellas… grab your beach towels… and turn on the garden hose! It’s time to make a splash with Jesus.  An event for all ages, register online. Fill out this form to register your family for the “Take the Plunge” family event. Call the church offices at 423-7021 for more information.

Friday, August 24

A Night Out at Body Worlds & the Brain Friday, August 24, 6-8:30 pm. Join the Science Museum of Virginia’s young professional group, the Universe Society, to discover the intricacies of the human body in Body Worlds & the Brain. Body Worlds takes an in-depth look inside the human body. The evening includes a cocktail reception with light hors d’oeuvres. You must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets are $15 for Universe Society members and $25 for non-members. Register on the website.

Tuckahoe Library Used Book Sale – Join us for our semi-annual book sale from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Book sales benefit the Friends of the Tuckahoe Library. For more information call 290-9130.

Tickles & Giggles Consignment Sale – deep discounts on clothing, furnitures, accessories, and more. Shop early for best choices.

Fun in the Sun Fridays at Spirited Art. Come out and let your kids celebrate the final days of summer with Spirited Art and All Fired Up! What a great way to enjoy the final days of summer. To register go to www.myspiritedart.com and click on the Richmond Calendar.

Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park – Summer is here! Enjoy live music while you stroll, shop and dine to all your favorite tunes performed by local musicians — all summer long!

Head to the Virginia Historical Society every Tuesday and Friday night this summer for the RVA Food Truck Court, a gathering of over 10 gourmet mobile catering vendors. Participating food trucks will offer gourmet chef inspired food, specialty beverages, and desserts. Check website for changes in dates/times.

Eerie Nights Ghost Tour at 17th St. Farmer’s Market. Join Eerie Nights for a walk through Richmond’s haunted streets for en experience you will never forget. A “Ghoul Guide”, dressed in 19th Century attire and special effects make-up, will take you to haunted historical sites and tell you of the horrific events that occurred there and the paranormal activity that continues there today. Get tickets here.

Chesterfield County Fair and Festival –  Popular entertainers, rides, food, and fun!

4^th Fridays with Frank at CMoR – The fourth Friday of each month will feature a book that emphasizes financial literacy. After story time, the educator will stick around to play and answer questions in CMoR’s very own Franklin Federal Branch! Story time starts at 11:00am

Great Festival of St. Augustine – Join us for our 3rd year of Music, Food, Games, Rides. Visit our vendors. Enjoy Great Family Fun. Join us for the “Crowning” of the Festival Queen and Princess.

Saturday, August 25

Chesterfield County Fair and Festival –  Popular entertainers, rides, food, and fun!

Tickles & Giggles Consignment Sale – deep discounts on clothing, furnitures, accessories, and more. Shop early for best choices.

Tuckahoe Library Used Book Sale – Join us for our semi-annual book sale from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Book sales benefit the Friends of the Tuckahoe Library. For more information call 290-9130.

Great Festival of St. Augustine – Join us for our 3rd year of Music, Food, Games, Rides. Visit our vendors. Enjoy Great Family Fun. Join us for the “Crowning” of the Festival Queen and Princess.

Magic Mornings at Hanover Tavern – Local Magician Watt Hyer will amaze all with his magical powers! Watt has been the Tavern magician for years and will excited the imagination of those who are lucky enough to view his magic show. This event is FREE and will be sure to excite. This event is open to all!

The 10th Annual Seafood Splash is happening this year Saturday, August 25th from Noon to 8pm.  At Hadad’s Lake at 12:00 noon on August 25. Bigger, Better and much more food and fun. All you can eat Crabs, Fish, Shrimp, Chicken and more. 4 Live Bands featuring the KATZ Band and Da Grease. Also headlined by 4 DJs – Lonnie B, Mister G, DJ MG and DJ Drake. There will be card games, door prizes and watersports.

Romp n’ Roll Fall Class Open House.  Learn all about Romp n’ Roll Fall Class options for you and your child at a free Open House from 9am – Noon at all three Richmond-area Romp n’ Roll locations (West End, Midlothian, and Mechanicsville). The kids can play in the gym or do an art project while you learn all about Romp n’ Roll’s fun and imaginative gym, art, and music classes! Free for non-members with children 5 years and younger, no reservations required.

Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG) Youth Triathlon.  It’s an exciting new event from Endorphin Fitness for ages 5 – 14 years old.  Boys and girls can run, bike and swim as individual racers or join a relay team.  Each racer will receive an event t-shirt, water and post-race food with their registration.  Beginners are welcome to participate.

The Slave Story at Crump Park and Meadow Farm Museum – Meadow Farm Museum’s Sheppard family owned slaves. Learn their stories as you tour the grounds and farmhouse. Discover who Tom and Pharaoh were and how they made their mark in history. Information: 501-2130.

Kings of Swing at 6:00 p.m. at Historical Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs. Beach music, Motown, swing, and more. 328.4491. Reservations required.

Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park – Summer is here! Enjoy live music while you stroll, shop and dine to all your favorite tunes performed by local musicians — all summer long!

Family friendly festival at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church. African Warm Corporation presents Richmond Multicultural Day on Saturday, August 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 4401 Forest Hill Ave. The event is free and features entertainment, children’s activities, concessions, and live music. Virginia Blood Services will be there until 2 p.m. Multicultural Day is a program that shows how diversity can be the strength of our community. For information, call 243-2645 or check out the organization’s website.

Sunday, August 26

Walkerton Summer Concert at 6:00 p.m. for all ages. Join the Hanover Concert Band for an evening of music on the lawn at Walkerton Tavern. Bring the whole family and your lawn chair for some summer fun! Information: 261-6898.

Great Festival of St. Augustine – Join us for our 3rd year of Music, Food, Games, Rides. Visit our vendors. Enjoy Great Family Fun. Join us for the “Crowning” of the Festival Queen and Princess.

Tickles & Giggles Consignment Sale – deep discounts on clothing, furniture, accessories, and more. Shop early for best choices.

Come for Jazz Vespers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 26, 5-5:45 p.m.  A service of scripture, prayer and jazz, all are welcome for this evening service every 4^thSunday at 5 p.m. There will be a light reception following the service in the Parish Hall, and free parking is available in St. Paul’s Garage. St. Paul’s is located at 815 E. Grace Street.