Barack Obama.
CAMPAIGN PHOTO

John McCain.
PHOTO BY Image Editor - Flickr

Middle Schoolers at North Branch School in Afton are fired up about the presidential election. And though they can’t vote themselves, they want to make a difference by making sure the eligible voters get their questions answered before going to the voting booths on November 4. They’re hosting a multi-partisan Issues Forum for interested voters. It’s a chance to get to know where the candidates stand on the issues in plain, clear language. Each student has chosen one issue prominent in this election and researched the views of John McCain, Barack Obama, and a third party candidate.  They will present these views in writing and informal conversation with any adults who would like to know more before they vote. North Branch School, 221 Mickens Rd., Afton. 540-456-8450.

Brother Oswald.
PUBLICITY PHOTO

The Virginia Discovery Museum hosts the Smithsonian Institution exhibition: New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.  New Harmonies tells the American musical story through photographs, instruments, lyrics, and artist profiles. The exhibition, which runs from October 24-December 4, not only describes the work of well-know artists like Ma Rainey, BB King, Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family, Mahalia Jackson, Woody Guthrie, and Joan Baez that have inspired generations of musicians. It also captures the spirit of musical styles that are at the heart of our local heritage: Tejano, zydeco, polka, Cajun, conjunto, and klezmer. Kids can get into the music at a 1920’s radio/recording studio, hang out on the porch with instruments, strum a giant guitar, and more. Adults will like this one, too, with public performances including the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Wayne Henderson and Friends, Flory Jagoda and Susan Gaeta, Matty Metcalfe & Crewe d’Bayou, Jeffrey Scott and Gregg Kimball, John Hamlett and Andy Thacker, and more. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

Iceland.
PHOTO courtesy of the Science Museum of Virginia

Local adventurers can take a trip around the world without leaving the state. Meet lemurs in Madagascar, visit with nomads in Tibet, canoe along the Amazon, explore the Namib Desert with migrating dunes that are one thousand feet tall, take a spin with dog sledders in Greenland, and discover what life is like for lions, hippos, elephants, giraffes and cape buffalo in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. You can take your popcorn along as you sit back in your theater seat to watch The Greatest Places in IMAX at the Science Museum of Virginia. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727.

Gruffalo.
Publicity photo

Adventurous kids can join Mouse on a journey through the deep, dark woods in the whimsical adaptation of the popular picture book “Gruffalo” performed by Tall Stories Theater Company at The Paramount Theater. On the Downtown Mall. 979-1333.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Publicity photo

Theatreworks USA presents an enchanting musical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved adventure story “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” The story of four siblings in war-torn England who accidentally enter the land of Narnia through a magic wardrobe and ultimately fulfill an ancient prophesy by defeating the cold-hearted White Witch, restoring sunshine and peace to the spell-bound Narnia, and returning the great Lion King Aslan to his throne. The Paramount Theater, on the Downtown Mall. 979-1333.

Kids of all ages can make their own paper out of the stuff in the trashcan at Scottsville Library. Learn how to recycle scrap paper and add interesting objects to personalize it and make it into beautiful art paper. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.

Think you have what it takes to be a secret agent? Sleuths in first grade and up who think they do can accept their mission and come to spy training academy at Northside Library where they will learn the ins and outs of being a master spy. Registration for this mission is required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

University Montessori School hosts it’s 9th Annual Fall Fun Fair and Silent Auction with great food, fun games, and prizes for pre-school and young elementary children, seasonal stories, crafts, face painting, live music for all ages, and a silent auction. 1034 Reservoir Rd. 977-0583.

Kids in first grade and up can have a blast making fun penguin key chains to place on your backpack. We provide the materials needed to make these great decorations. Registration is required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Kids ages 8 and up can come in out of the cold for a workshop at Gordon Avenue Library. Make a fuzzy fleece scarf that has a bonus feature: a pair of pockets that double as hand warmers. Registration is required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

LiveArts Latte is looking for teens who want to test their limits. Auditions are being held now for eight juicy, varied, and significant roles in Gore Vidal’s “Visit to a Small Planet,” a witty, political, sci-fi comedy. All characters are race neutral.  Extraterrestrial characters are also gender neutral. 12 performances from February 5-22. Clothing and shoes should allow free range of motion. Reading the script is recommended, but not required. Script check out: fourth floor Live Arts.  977-4177, ext. 100.

The entire family can get into the game at UVA’s Fall Festival of Fun with intramural-recreational sports. The North Grounds Recreational Center is teeming with enthusiastic youth instructors who will provide activities for all ages. Parents are welcome to stay for the fun, or take a couple of hours off. Registration is required. 510 Massie Rd. 924-3791.

Read-Aloud Time.
PHOTO BY M Woodard - Flickr

Wee ones ages 3-5 can nestle in for the fall season at a special story time each Monday night in November at Crozet Library. Wear your pajamas, bring a special blanket or stuffed animal and get ready to snuggle in and listen to some great stories before bedtime. Registration is not required. Drop-ins are welcome. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.

Kids of all ages can join Grandpa as he introduces you to some amazing creatures, great and small, during this fantastic puppet show by award winning author David Messick. This musical review of animal songs and stories provides entertainment for the whole family. Performed today at Crozet Library. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.

Kids ages 8-11 who can’t get enough of reader’s theater can join like-minded friends for another production—plus a pizza party—at Central Library. Learn tips for voice projection, warm-ups, and different accents as you read through and perform theater scripts. Registration is required. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.

Light House Studio managing director Sam Baker hosts an open studio where young filmmakers and their friends (ages 13 -19) can drop by and learn more about movie making in this casual forum. Participants will have the opportunity to learn storytelling basics, develop and refine camera skills, and learn editing in a playful and social environment. Equipment and snacks provided. 121 E. Water St. (in the City Center for Contemporary Arts). 293-6992 or email [email protected] for more information.

Sam Baker (Managing Director) and Bree Luck (Outreach Director) invite the public to take a tour of  Light House studio in the City Center for Contemporary Arts. Baker and Luck will discuss the programs that Light House offers, show student films, and serve pizza and refreshments. Parents and students are welcome! 121 E. Water St.  434-293-6002 or email [email protected] for more information.