Connecting with nature.
PHOTO courtesy of LES

The Living Earth School hosts a workshop for parents, educators, and children featuring accomplished nature educator and musician Evan McGown. McGown is coauthor of the new book, Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature. He is director of Wild Intelligence in Georgia, and is an instructor at the Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall, Washington, which promotes an informal model of nature education akin to those used by indigenous cultures. Evan McGown and Kate Knott of the Living Earth School will  co-facilitate this weekend workshop.

McGown, the Wilderness Awareness School (WAS), and the Living Earth School teach and practice nature-based mentoring as an educational style patterned after indigenous cultures.   WAS co-founder, Jon Young, often calls this educational system “the Invisible School.” Invisible Schools used everyone in the village and all the elements of the landscape to draw out their student’s curiosity and inspire hands on learning.  During this workshop, Evan will teach parents and educators how to use this unique nature  education model and mentoring techniques to create an “Invisible School” that combines the best of native wisdom and modern science.

The weekend will offer concurrent programs for adults and children of different ages (kids ages 3-6 years and age 7+ will have their own earth-based mentoring camp experience within the weekend).  This weekend class is a must for anyone who wants to become more involved in re-generating a culture that hones each person’s gifts, supports a more heart centered way of life and nurtures connection with the natural world. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or friend to others, this workshop will help guide you into a path of nature connection for yourself and others as a mentor. Our mentoring model uses games, music, stories, routines, and the fires of everyone’s curiosity to create an empowering weekend together that will carry into your daily life.

The workshop takes place at the Living Earth School’s training center near Afton. 540-456-7339.

Virginia Discovery Museum.
PHOTO BY Linda J. Kobert

The Virginia Discovery Museum offers families a night out…for parents and kids. VDM’s Date Night Drop-off program for children ages 4-7 lets the kids enjoy crafts, games, pizza,carrots, a beverage, and lots of free time to play in the Museum, giving parents the chance to enjoy other things. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 12 children per week and will not run without a minimum of 4 children. Registrants will be notified by 1pm on the Friday of the program if we need to cancel. Payment is due when child is dropped off for program. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

PHOTO courtesy of the CMB

Charlottesville Municipal Band presents “A New Season of Old Favorites” at the Paramount Theater. Under the direction of conductor  Steve Layman, the performance includes George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables, “The Sound of Music,” and John Philip Sousa’s “The Picadore.” Come early (7:30pm) to hear the Charlottesville Albemarle Saxophone Ensemble (CASE) perform in front of the theater.

The cool of the pool.
PHOTO BY Lee Coursey - Flickr

Charlottesville Parks and Recreation offers more than just a cool splash in the pool. Folks can swim for free from 5:30-7:30 at Washington Park pool, then pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the movie Monsters vs. Aliens starting at 8:30pm. 1001 Preston Ave. 970-3260.

PHOTO BY Zaqqy J - Flickr

India Association of Charlottesville hosts the Indian Nakshatra Summer Fest 2010 at Hollymead Elementary School.  The fun includes games for kids, henna designs, a cultural talent show by children from 5-6pm followed by a food bazaar featuring homemade Indian delicacies from 6:30-8:30pm. Yum! 2775 Powell Creek Dr.

There’s something new at Jefferson-Madison Regional Libraries, and patrons are advised to get theirs now. JMRL’s new library cards are vibrant and exciting just like the Library. They come in three different fun colors and you can choose whichever one you want. All cards will now have a wallet size card and an attached key card.

During May and June old cards can be exchanged for the new card for free. After July 1, replacement cards will cost $1. Patrons can still use their old card and new patrons can always get a free library card at any JMRL branch.

Young chefs in grades 6-12 can make a splash when they make their own cake using microWAVES at Northside Library. Registration is required, and space is limited. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Old Michie Theatre is taking its show down the road to PVCC where it will make its grand scale debut at the V. Earl Dickenson theatre. Young thespians are invited to audition for a part in the cast of Treasure Island, then spend a summer with the crew as we tackle the nautical classic and learn techniques for professional theatre including movement, voice, and lots of stage combat.

Auditions are held the week of May 31st. Please bring a memorized audition piece and be prepared to do readings from the script. Call to schedule a 15 minute appointment. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690.