Community Calendar

Submit calendar listings to freepress2@ntelos.net.

Friday, September 3

Wine: Maps, Silver and Glass exhibit in the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art featuring original maps – artworks in themselves – many of which detail Thomas Jefferson’s tour of the wine country in France. The exhibit will also include displays of hand-wrought silver and hand-blown glass, important components to the wine experience of Jefferson’s period. The exhibit is a collaboration of the Staunton Augusta Art Center, Historic Staunton Foundation, and Augusta County Historical Society. The exhibit will be available to the general public at no charge through Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 540.885.7676 or visit www.rrsmithcenter.org.

Afton Amblers perform at Stone Soup Books and Cafe, Downtown Waynesboro, 6 p.m. No cover charge, donations graciously received. Space limited. Call for reservation. Stone Soup Books and Café, 908 W. Main St., Waynesboro, 540.943.0084, www.stonesoupbooks.net.

Friday Nights Downtown in Downtown Staunton features Slaters Juggling and Unicycles, Caricatures by Heath Peccorino and a performance by the Queen City Fire Circus. Info: www.downtownstaunton.org.

Come out to enjoy the first of Court Square Theater’s live concerts this season when Jubal’s Kin arrives on Friday, September 3, at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets are available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available in advance by calling 540.433.9189 x 2 from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday or anytime by visiting www.courtsquaretheater.com. Advanced tickets are $7, $5 for seniors and students. All tickets are $4 more at the door.

A Night in the Keys, Theater at Lime Kiln, Lexington. Parrot Heads Unite! The Key West Band is coming to Theater at Lime Kiln to spread some Buffet-style holiday cheer. Info: 540.463.7088.

Fall Arabian Classic, September 3-5, Virginia Horse Center, Lexington. Info: 540.464.2950.

This September, the Arts Council of the Valley will feature ceramic and metal sculptures by Michael Hough in the Darrin-McHone Art Gallery in the Smith House at 311 S. Main St., Harrisonburg. A public reception for the artist will be held from 5-7 p.m. on September 3 in conjunction with First Fridays Downtown. Info: www.valleyarts.org.

The Arts Council of the Valley welcomes JMU alumnus Sarah Byrd back to Harrisonburg to celebrate the launch of her first novel “Finding the Way Home.” In conjunction with First Fridays Downtown, the ACV will be hosting a reception and book signing at the Smith House from 5-7 p.m. Come meet the author and share in the festivities. Books will be available for purchase via cash and check, and the author will be on hand to answer questions and sign copies. To read more about the author and the novel, visit www.SarahByrd.net.

Saturday, September 4

Local bands will rock Downtown Staunton from noon to 10 p.m. during the semi-annual Staunton Jams street party. The event will feature eight bands from a number of genres including singer-songwriter, Americana, bluegrass, funk, rock and western swing and will also have kid-friendly activities provided by Staunton Parks & Recreation from 1-4 p.m. “Lil Country” activities include face painting, arts & crafts and tractor pictures for “lil critters,” and are suitable for all ages. A special appearance by the Rocktown Rollers women’s roller derby team will round out the day. This is a FREE event!

Author and journalist Nancy E. Lynch will be signing her new book, Vietnam Mailbag: Voices from the War 1968-1972, at Bookworks, 101 W. Beverley St., Downtown Staunton, 1-3 p.m. Info: 540.887.0007.

Blues, Roots, and Barbeque, Theater at Lime Kiln, Lexington. Gates open at 5 p.m. Concert begins at 6 p.m. Info: 540.463.7088.

The Charlottesville Derby Dames will host the New River Valley Roller Girls Bruisin’ Burgs at Augusta Expoland in Fishersville. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the bout starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Kids 5 and under are free. More info: www.charlottesvillederbydames.com.

Joel Salatin, an alternative farmer known worldwide for his appearance in the documentary films “Food Inc.” and “Fresh, the Movie,” will talk about “Food Emancipation” at ShenanArts at Ntelos Theatre, Gypsy Hill Place, 300 Churchville Ave., Staunton, at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $19.50 for adults, $15.50 for seniors/students, and $8.50 for children 12 and under and are available at several stores in Downtown Staunton and online. Tickets at the door will be one single price of $25. Salatin’s talk is co-sponsored by Transition Staunton Augusta, a citizens’ group dedicated to helping the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia move to a strong local economy beyond fossil fuels, and Transition Voice, a new online magazine for the peak oil movement. All proceeds from Salatin’s talk will support the two groups’ outreach activities. More information at http://transitionstaunton.org.

Monday, September 6

40th annual Labor Day Festival, Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista. Featuring a parade, live music, arts and crafts, vendors, fireworks, more. Event from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Wine: Maps, Silver and Glass exhibit in the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art featuring original maps – artworks in themselves – many of which detail Thomas Jefferson’s tour of the wine country in France. The exhibit will also include displays of hand-wrought silver and hand-blown glass, important components to the wine experience of Jefferson’s period. The exhibit is a collaboration of the Staunton Augusta Art Center, Historic Staunton Foundation, and Augusta County Historical Society. The exhibit will be available to the general public at no charge through September 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 540.885.7676 or visit www.rrsmithcenter.org.

Tuesday, September 7

Old Time Music Jam, Virginia Horse Center, Lexington, 6 p.m. Info: 540.464.2950.

In observance of National Suicide Prevention Month, RMH Behavioral Health will host a daylong suicide prevention seminar featuring national and regional experts on Sept. 7 at the RMH Grace Street Building (former RMH Outpatient Center). Those encouraged to attend the seminar include primary care providers, mental and public health providers, social workers, nurses, public safety and law enforcement officers, first responders, community leaders and advocates, survivors, family members, counselors, clergy and faith community leaders, educators and school administrators and elder services staff. All are welcome to attend. The seminar will be held 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Grace Street Building’s fourth floor conference center. The cost is $50; students receive a reduced rate of $15. Registration is required by calling RMH Healthsource at (800) 433-4580. Registration deadline is August 31. Seating is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Debate: Legalization of Marijuana – Steve Hager, editor of High Times magazine takes on veteran DEA administrator Robert Stutman. Event at Cole Hall, Bridgewater College, 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, September 9

Virginia Quarter Horse Association Breeder’s Futurity, September 9-12, Virginia Horse Center, Lexington. Quarter horses from around Virginia and surrounding states will compete in a wide range of halter and performance classes during this three-day show. Info: 540.464.2950.

Book Club: “In an Uncharted Country” by Clifford Garstang, The Darjeeling Cafe, 103 W. Beverley St., Downtown Staunton, 6:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: The Emerging Role of the Female Executive in Indiawith Priyanka, Sunayna, Archana, three Indian business women. Event will be held at Miller Chapel, 110 N. Market Street, Staunton, 8 p.m. Free and open to the public.

The Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival presents pianist Benjamin Hochman along with Raphael Bell and the Orpheus String Quartet, The Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, 8 p.m. Info: www.cvillechambermusic.org.

Friday, September 10

Wine: Maps, Silver and Glass exhibit in the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art featuring original maps – artworks in themselves – many of which detail Thomas Jefferson’s tour of the wine country in France. The exhibit will also include displays of hand-wrought silver and hand-blown glass, important components to the wine experience of Jefferson’s period. The exhibit is a collaboration of the Staunton Augusta Art Center, Historic Staunton Foundation, and Augusta County Historical Society. The exhibit will be available to the general public at no charge through September 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 540.885.7676 or visit www.rrsmithcenter.org.

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Golf Tournament, sponsored by Farmers & Merchants Bank, on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Lakeview Golf Club. The tournament is open to the public and provides a full day of activities and networking opportunities not only for golf enthusiasts, but also for community members who prefer to watch the game from the clubhouse. Kicking off the tournament will be a “Taste of Downtown” at 11:30 a.m. Golfers will sample popular dishes from five Chamber member restaurants, including Dave’s Downtown Taverna; Beyond; Local Chop & Grill House; Pennybackers; and Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint. Lunch is available to non-golfers for $15; however, advanced registration is required at www.hrchamber.org. The “Taste of Downtown” is sponsored by the Harrisonburg Downtown Dining Alliance. Afterlunch, players will tee off at noon. The format for the tournament will be captain’s choice, four-person teams. And, to increase the competition this year, golfers will have the opportunity to win a hole-in-one prize – an ATV courtesy of Blue Ridge Power Sports. A silent auction will also feature college sports memorabilia and more! Following the tournament will be a bbq reception and awards ceremony. The entry fee includes 18 holes of golf, lunch and a bbq reception. Registration forms are available online at www.hrchamber.org. The registration deadline is September 6, 2010.

Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership Academic Awards Parade: 4:30 p.m., Physical Activities Center Parade Ground, Tams Street, Mary Baldwin College, Staunton. Free and open to the public.

Mark Campbell performs at Stone Soup Books and Cafe, Downtown Waynesboro, 6 p.m. No cover charge, donations graciously received. Space limited. Call for reservation. Stone Soup Books and Café, 908 W. Main St., Waynesboro, 540.943.0084, www.stonesoupbooks.net.

Friday Nights Downtown in Downtown Staunton features Interactive Art Activity by Staunton Art Supply and performances by the Amadeus Strolling Improv Troupe, Buskers, the Fire in the Belly Belly Dancers and the Queen City Fire Circus. Info: www.downtownstaunton.org.

Ride With Pride, therapeutic horseback riding program, will be hosting a benefit concert at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton. Music will be performed by Faithful Men Gospel Group and Lisa Meadows and the Virginia Dreams Band. Tim Flick will be providing a catered BBQ meal. Ticket price is $15. Tickets available at Shenandoah Trophies and Awards, Frontier Drive, Staunton, Harrisonburg Auto Mall, Harrisonburg, Tim Spears Music, Waynesboro, Bit N Bridle Tack Shop, Staunton. Kline’s ice cream will be available. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and come early for a good spot. Info: www.ridewithprideva.org.

Join WVPT at Back Home on the Farm from 7-9 p.m. for some toe tapping Blue Grass music under the stars. Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the sounds of Me and Martha. Tickets are $8.50 for adults and children under 16 free. Check our website to purchase tickets and directions to the venue: www.wvpt.net.

Saturday, September 11

Rockbridge Food and Wine Festival, Theater at Lime Kiln, Lexington, noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advanced $20 at gate. Entertainment provided by The Pop Rivets. Info: 540.463.5375.

Mountain Music Jam at Stone Soup Books and Cafe, Downtown Waynesboro, 3-5 p.m. “Mountain Music” includes old-time, bluegrass, gospel, and traditional country music. If a beginner, don’t worry—Dinah will offer a circle for “slow-jam.” Jim Plitt will be hosting more experienced players. All acoustic instruments welcome. Stone Soup Books and Café, 908 W. Main St., Waynesboro, 540.943.0084, www.stonesoupbooks.net.

Global Rhythms Concert: Francis Auditorium in the Pearce Science Center, at the corner of Coalter and Frederick streets, on the campus of Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, September 12

Open house at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, the nation’s leading teaching and research hospital for native wildlife, in Waynesboro. The Center will have three separate sessions each day – at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Each session lasts about an hour. As a wildlife emergency room and hospital, the Wildlife Center is not usually open to the public. The seasonal open houses are the times during the year when visitors may tour the Waynesboro facility. There is no charge to participate in an open house; however, reservations are required [540.942.9453 or wildlife@wildlifecenter.org]. A limited number of spaces are available for each session. Reservations may be made for up to five individuals; children must be accompanied by parents or guardians. Larger groups [school groups, scout troops, etc.] are encouraged to contact the Center’s Education Department to make alternate arrangements.

WriterHouse will hold its annual fall open house from 3-5 p.m. Tour the facilities, find out about fall classes from the instructors, and meet other local writers. Free and open to the public. 508 Dale Avenue, behind the Preston Avenue Bodo’s. Info: 434.296.1922 or www.writerhouse.org.

The Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival presents solo harpist of the Berlin Philharmonic Marie-Pierre Langlamet, English clarinetist Matthew Hunt and American flutist Demarre McGill in a predominantly French music program, along with some minimalism and Mozart, Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 3:30 p.m. Info: www.cvillechambermusic.org.

Monday, September 13

Four survivors and a rescuer from the USS Indianapolis will gather at Blue Ridge Community College to share their memories of days spent in shark-infested waters during the closing days of World War II. Two-hour programs are slated Monday, September 13 at 10 a.m. and Tuesday, September 14 at 7 p.m. in the Plecker Workforce Center on the Weyers Cave campus. Both events are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis. The two USS Indianapolis programs are funded by Dominion Resources and a Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation Strategic Initiative Grant. For more information, call Blue Ridge Community College at 540.453,2216.

Wine: Maps, Silver and Glass exhibit in the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art featuring original maps – artworks in themselves – many of which detail Thomas Jefferson’s tour of the wine country in France. The exhibit will also include displays of hand-wrought silver and hand-blown glass, important components to the wine experience of Jefferson’s period. The exhibit is a collaboration of the Staunton Augusta Art Center, Historic Staunton Foundation, and Augusta County Historical Society. The exhibit will be available to the general public at no charge through September 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 540.885.7676 or visit www.rrsmithcenter.org.

Children’s Nature Art Camp, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, September 13-15, 10 a.m.-noon (home-schooled session) and 4-6 p.m. (after-school session). Artist Lenna Frances Keefer leads the fall-themed workshop for children ages 9 to 12; participants produce their own botanical journals, focusing on root structures, the fall season, acorn and hickory sketches and early colored deciduous leaves found within the arboretum; advance registration required; $35 fee. To register, contact the arboretum at 540.568.3194 or visit www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

Adult Degree Program Information Sessions, Dean’s Conference Room 3165, Memorial Hall, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, noon and 5:30 p.m. The program provides returning adult students with the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degrees; each session includes a program overview and question-and-answer period. For information, call 540.568.6824.

Haitian Men and Boys Choir in concert, Trinity Episcopal Church, 214 W. Beverley St., Staunton, 7 p.m. Cost: free, but tickets required. Available at: Trinity Episcopal Church, Staunton; Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, Fishersville; Stone Soup Books 908 West Main Street, Waynesboro; St. John’s Episcopal Church, Waynesboro; The News Leader, 11 N. Central Ave, Staunton; or reserve at proger.bowen@gmail.com.

Tuesday, September 14

Surviving Hard Times, Augusta County Park and Recreation Conference Room, Verona, 6:30-8 p.m. Learn financial strategies to weather the current economy and how to overcome financial difficulties. Learn to apply the right tools to be in a position to take advantage of the coming economic turn. Fee: $10 per person. Registration deadline: September 7. Info: p.copper@yahoo.com.

Thursday, September 16

Nationally known stand-up comedienne Lynne Koplitz has a live performance scheduled at The Visulite Cinema in Downtown Staunton. A reception with cash bar begins at 7 p.m. followed by the performance at 7:30 p.m. The show will include adult content and is not intended for children. The admission ticket price is $25 and tickets may be purchased online at www.saartcenter.org, by telephone at 540.885.2028, or in person at the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art at 20 S. New Street. Proceeds will benefit the Staunton Augusta Art Center, a 501(C)3 non-profit arts organization. Ms. Koplitz is currently filming as the co-star with Joan Rivers in WE’s new reality show “Mother Knows Best.” She is a nationally known comedienne with many TV commitments and she is a regular headliner at major comedy clubs and colleges across the country.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival Radical ReelsTour comes to Charlottesville for the first time. Growing out of the famous Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Radical Reels screens the best in action sports filmmaking in theaters across North America. The films will appeal to a wide range of viewers, from hard-core outdoor adventurers to weekend warriors. This one-night film festival features 10 short films and great giveaway and raffle items from prestigious outdoor outfitters, including Deuter, Merrell and more. The Charlottesville Racial Reels debut is co-hosted by Shenandoah National Park Trust and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. All proceeds benefit Shenandoah National Park Trust. Event held at Dickenson Theater at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Doors open at 7 p.m. Film starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advance / $12 at the door. Available at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports in Barracks Road Shopping Center and online at www.snptrust.org. More information: 434.293.2728 or info@snptrust.org.

The Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival presents an evening of surreal, modern and contemporary music, featuring a fully narrated Poe story and George Crumb’s landmark string quartet (with exotic percussion). The Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville, 8 p.m. Info: www.cvillechambermusic.org.

Friday, September 17

Chat-N-Play. Enjoy interactive play for your little one and conversation for you. Open to children ages 0-3 and their caregivers. At the Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Ave., 9:30 a.m.

Wine: Maps, Silver and Glass exhibit in the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art featuring original maps – artworks in themselves – many of which detail Thomas Jefferson’s tour of the wine country in France. The exhibit will also include displays of hand-wrought silver and hand-blown glass, important components to the wine experience of Jefferson’s period. The exhibit is a collaboration of the Staunton Augusta Art Center, Historic Staunton Foundation, and Augusta County Historical Society. The exhibit will be available to the general public at no charge through September 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 540.885.7676 or visit www.rrsmithcenter.org.

Me & Martha aka Don Depoy & Martha Hill at Stone Soup Books and Cafe, Downtown Waynesboro, 6 p.m. No cover charge, donations graciously received. Space limited. Call for reservation. Stone Soup Books and Café, 908 W. Main St., Waynesboro, 540.943.0084, www.stonesoupbooks.net.

Friday Nights Downtown in Downtown Staunton features performances by Mr. Jefferson’s Bones Trombone Ensemble, the Amadeus Strolling Improv Troupe, Buskers, Slaters Juggling and Unicycles and the Queen City Fire Circus. Info: www.downtownstaunton.org.

The monthly Sunsets at the Vineyard event at Barren Ridge Vineyards in Fishersville will feature Scruffy Murphy from 7-10 p.m. Admission is $10 – children 12 and under are admitted free. Bring a picnic or order a catered buffet meal by Tuesday, Sept. 14, for an additional $15. Info: www.barrenridgevineyards.com.

Saturday, September 18

Rockbridge Pie Festival, Brewbaker Field, Lexington. Pie contests, children’s games and activities, and delicious seasonal foods. Info: www.rockbridgepiefestival.org.

Book Talk. James Thompson, author of The Birth of Virginia’s Aristocracy, leads a discussion about the book as part of the Adult Summer Reading Program. Sign up for the October 2 bus trip to Poplar Forest, Sandusky, and Point of Honor in Lynchburg at this discussion. Approximate cost of the bus trip is $30. At the Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Ave., 2 p.m.

Sunday, September 19

The Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival presents solo Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto and Scottish pianist Alasdair Beatson, Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 3:30 p.m. Info: www.cvillechambermusic.org.

Mixing Journalism with Memoir: A Literary Salon with Fran Hawthorne, award-winning author of The Overloaded Liberal: Shopping, Investing, Parenting and Other Daily Dilemmas in an Age of Political Activism (Beacon Press, 2010). Hawthorne will talk about how tackling a serious topic (like saving the earth) while writing intimately enough to create an enjoyable read can result in blurring the line between journalism and memoir. Hawthorne is a freelance reporter for the New York Times, Newsday, and The Scientist, with 20 years of journalism experience and four books to her credit. Free and open to the public. Event is at 7 p.m. at WriterHouse, 508 Dale Ave., Charlottesville. Info: 434.296.1922 or www.writerhouse.org.

Monday, September 20

Wine: Maps, Silver and Glass exhibit in the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art featuring original maps – artworks in themselves – many of which detail Thomas Jefferson’s tour of the wine country in France. The exhibit will also include displays of hand-wrought silver and hand-blown glass, important components to the wine experience of Jefferson’s period. The exhibit is a collaboration of the Staunton Augusta Art Center, Historic Staunton Foundation, and Augusta County Historical Society. The exhibit will be available to the general public at no charge through September 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 540.885.7676 or visit www.rrsmithcenter.org.

Tuesday, September 21

Going Global-Tastes of “Babette’s Feast,” Stone Soup Books and Cafe, Downtown Waynesboro, 6 p.m. The three-part Going Global Series featuring books and tastes from around the world starts in the North with Babette’s Feast (Anecdotes of Destiny) by Isak Dinesen. Stone Soup Chef Laura Bon Cash will prepare some great tastes from this French-Danish Cuisine classic. Book Discussion with Film excerpts will follow at 7 p.m. “Taste” reservation required at $10/person. Book discussion is Free and open to all ages. Books are available at Stone Soup Books. Stone Soup Books and Café, 908 W. Main St., Waynesboro 540.943.0084, www.stonesoupbooks.net.

Wednesday, September 22

10th annual Nothing’ Fancy Bluegrass Festival, September 22-25, Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista. With Rhonda Vincent, Mary Raven, James King Band, Josh Williams, Nothin’ Fancy and more. Info: 800.555.8845.

The Adult Health and Development Program, sponsored by the James Madison University Department of Social Work, is an intergenerational program that partners adults aged 50+, with trained JMU students, to engage in activities that improve health, well being, physical fitness, and health knowledge. These partners participate in various activities including exercise, health education and social activities, while building relationships between the generations through shared activities and conversation. AHDP meets for nine Wednesdays beginning September 22, from 3:30-5:30 pm at the Price Rotary Senior Center. While this program is free, you must be able to provide your own transportation to the Price Rotary Senior Center. For more information contact Nancy Owens at 540.568.2333.

Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale, Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Ave., September 22-25. The sale includes 10,000 hardcover and paperback books from 50 cents to $12. Best books range from $50-500. FOL Members Only Preview from 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday with memberships for sale at the door. Thursday is open to the public from 2-8 p.m. and Friday from 2-6 p.m. Saturday is half price day and open to public 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, September 23

Irish Draught Horse Society of North America, September 23-26, Virginia Horse Center, Lexington. The annual show for Irish Draught and Irish Draught Sport Horses from North America to compete in Hunters, Jumpers, Dressage, Combined Training, Breeding and USEA sponsored Future Event Horse classes. Info: 540.464.2950.

Speaker: Sonia Shah – an author and investigative journalist, weaves together the science, economics, politics and social history of oil. Event at Cole Hall, Bridgewater College, 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

The Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival presents pianist Judith Gordon, Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 8 p.m. Info: www.cvillechambermusic.org.

Friday, September 24

Wine: Maps, Silver and Glass exhibit in the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art featuring original maps – artworks in themselves – many of which detail Thomas Jefferson’s tour of the wine country in France. The exhibit will also include displays of hand-wrought silver and hand-blown glass, important components to the wine experience of Jefferson’s period. The exhibit is a collaboration of the Staunton Augusta Art Center, Historic Staunton Foundation, and Augusta County Historical Society. The exhibit will be available to the general public at no charge through September 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 540.885.7676 or visit www.rrsmithcenter.org.

Rae & The Boys at Stone Soup Books and Cafe, Downtown Waynesboro, 6 p.m. No cover charge, donations graciously received. Space limited. Call for reservation. Stone Soup Books and Café, 908 W. Main St., Waynesboro, 540.943.0084, www.stonesoupbooks.net.

Friday Nights Downtown in Downtown Staunton features a Living Chess Match, Rockin’ All Nite Long DJ, the Valley Dance Theater Dancers, cellist Wes Swing and the Queen City Fire Circus. Info: www.downtownstaunton.org.

Saturday, September 25

Fall Festival, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 809 Lee-Jackson Highway, Staunton, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food, music and more. Free sale spaces are available for crafters, yard sales and other vendors. To reserve a space, call Hugh F. Pettis at 540.377.9449. More info: www.goodshepherd-staunton.com.

WVPT—Virginia’s Public Television is planning the fifth annual WVPT Kids’ Book Festival at the Downtown Pavilion in Charlottesville on Saturday, September 25, from 1-5 p.m. The WVPT Kids’ Book Festival is designed to raise awareness of the importance of literacy in young children so they arrive at school ready to learn. Parents and caregivers learn how books can be engaging for all children. Children of all socio-economic populations can attend because the event is entirely free. And community organizations and companies can demonstrate a shared value on literacy. Last year, over 70 organizations participated by providing funding, products and services, and more than 40 fun, literacy-based activities for the 5,000+ children and family members that attended. The child-friendly, interactive entertainment included storytellers, puppet show, Captain Kidzo (a Reading Super Hero) and the Virginia Discovery Museum. Also “Cubby, the WVPT Bear” joined Clifford the Big Red Dog and other costumed characters to celebrate books and reading. More info: www.wvpt.net.

Virginia Chili, Blues n’ Brews Cook-Off, Constitution Park, Waynesboro, 3-8 p.m. Info: www.virginiachili.com.

Sunday, September 26

Monday, September 27

Of Vine and Verse wine tasting and poetry sharing, Stone Soup Books and Cafe, Downtown Waynesboro, 5:30 p.m. Info: 540.943.0084, www.stonesoupbooks.net.

Thursday, September 30

B.Y.O. Bring your own shoebox, small boxes, and containers to use or to share: jello, pop tart, single serve cereal boxes, peanut butter lids, juice concentrate containers. We will make a cool school organizer for your desk! At the Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Ave., 6 p.m.

Regional College Night, Stuarts Draft High School, 6:30-8 p.m. Over 60 colleges represented. Public event – all are welcome!

Saturday, October 2

Book-A-Trip Adult Summer Reading Program. Read The Birth of Virginia’s Aristocracy by James Thompson. Copies of the book are available at the Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Ave., for $10. The bus trip to Poplar Forest, Sandusky, and Point of Honor will be Saturday, October 2. Approximate cost of the bus trip is $30.

WVPT Silent Art Auction, Shenadoah Vineyards, Edinburg, October 2-3, 1-5 p.m. Enjoy tasting Virginia’s fine wines, the beautiful Valley scenery around the growing wine industry and bid on beautiful artwork donated by local artists. All proceeds go to support your public television station in the Valley. Info: www.wvpt.net.

Sunday, October 10

Tuesday, October 12

Running a Business on a Shoestring Budget, Augusta County Park and Recreation Conference Room, Verona, 6-8 p.m. Learn how to plan, set goals and budget for your business without going into debt or putting your personal and family finances in jeopardy. Gain an understanding of how your personal finances affect your business. Fee: $15 per person. Registration deadline: October 5. Info: p.copper@yahoo.com.

Sunday, October 17

Saturday, October 30

The North Carolina Transportation Museum is offering North Carolina/Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains Autumn Leaf Train Excursions on Saturday, October 30, and Sunday, October 31. The trips will be from Spencer/Greensboro, N.C., to Roanoke, Virginia. People come from all over the Southeast to ride these trains through the Blue Ridge Mountains. A great outing for the entire family, which many have never ridden a train. Online: http://www.nctrans.org.

BSR Entertainment Productions presents an evening of great stand-up comedy with the finalists from NBC’s popular laughfest “Last Comic Standing,” as the official NBC tour comes to Richmond. The tour will make a stop at Carpenter Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800.745.3000.

Tuesday, November 9

Eliminating Debt and Improving Credit, Augusta County Park and Recreation Conference Room, Verona, 6-8 p.m. Debt – What’s good, what’s bad? Is consolidating okay? How to eliminate debt? How does debt affect my life? Credit – Its proper use, how to improve, how to neqotiate delinquent accounts, how does it affect my future? These and many more questions will be answered. Fee: $15 per person. Registration deadline: November 2. Info: p.copper@yahoo.com.