Look for a variety of events to benefit charities this weekend. Davidson Housing Coalition welcomes hundreds of cyclists Saturday for its Ride for Hope & Housing, with routes up to 100 kilometers on local streets and greenways. Also Saturday, you the downtown  CVS store offers hot dogs and car washes. Then Saturday night, A Giving Spirit Foundation hosts its 2nd Fall Family Fest with kid friendly activities, food and live music.

The Davidson Reads townwide reading series continues today (Thursday), as Davidson Professor Shireen Campbell leads an open discussion of this year’s book, “The Color of Water,” by James McBride. And don’t forget the Amazing Maize Maze, a 7-acre cornfield maze, continues Thursday to Sunday at Rural Hill in Huntersville.

Saturday brings back the Davidson Farmers Market, 8 to noon next to Town Hall. On Sunday, Community School of Davidson will break ground for its new high school, on Armour Street.

DavidsonNews.net’s calendars are updated continuously. Check back for additions and changes. And come back Monday when our This Week Calendar helps you plan your week.

WEEKEND OF OCT. 1-OCT. 4

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SCHOOL EVENTS Davidson Elementary School kicks off its 2009 Tigers on the Prowl student fitness program on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 9:30 a.m. at McEver Fields, across from the school, 635 South St. More school news in Laurie Dennis’s “School Notes” column. [1]

THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 6 p.m., Davidson College Belk Turf Field – Davidson field hockey vs. UC Davis.

THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 7 p.m., Northwest Cabarrus High School auditorium, 5130 NW Cabarrus Drive, Concord – N.C. Department of Transportation public hearing on proposed I-85 improvements from I-485 to N.C. 73/Davidson Highway. The hearing includes discussion of a proposed realignment of Pitts School Road near Poplar Tent Road, which would bisect the Barbee Farm. At a pre-hearing open house from 4:30 to 6:30, officials will answer questions and accept comments. Info: 919-431-6500 or jarobbins@ncdot.gov ^[2]. See also a Help Save the Farm ^[3] website set up by supporters of Barbee Farm. And read Alex Gregor’s story about the situation, and preview of the hearing, “State DOT plots a road through Barbee Farms.” ^[4]

THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 7 p.m., Davidson public library branch, on the Village Green – Professor Shireen Campbell of Davidson College leads an open conversation about “The Color of Water” and will discuss memoirs. The program is part of DavidsonReads. She has a PhD in English from Tulane University and has been teaching at Davidson College since 1993. Free. More about DavidsonReads and upcoming programs in our Sept. 3 season preview, “Are you reading yet? DavidsonReads sets schedule.” ^[5]

THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: E.S. Guthrie ^[6]. Info: 704-895-9090

THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music: TBA. Info: 704-987-2022.

FRIDAY, OCT. 2, 2:30 p.m., Davidson College Martin Lecture Hall – Chemistry lecture: John Brock, chair of the department of chemistry at Warren Wilson College, will speak on “Human Health and the Environment.” Free. For information call 704-894-2307.

FRIDAYS, OCT. 2 and 9, 3-6 p.m., SATURDAYS, OCT. 3 and 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and SUNDAYS, Oct. 4 and 11, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St. – Davidson United Methodist Women Book Exchange – a book sale for missions, with all proceeds going to local charities for women and children. They’ll have a wide variety of pre-owned books including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and media, prices from 50 cents to $1.50.

FRIDAY, OCT. 2, 6:30 p.m., Campania Cafe, South Main Square, 416 S. Main St. – Weekly Party on the Porch with live music: Scotti Benge.

FRIDAY, OCT. 2, 7 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson women’s soccer vs. UNC Greensboro.

FRIDAY, OCT. 2, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music: TBA. Details: 704-987-2022.

FRIDAY, OCT. 2, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: Grey Revell ^[7]. Info: 704-895-9090

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 8 a.m. to noon, downtown Davidson next to Town Hall – Davidson Farmers Market, with local farmers and vendors selling meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, and other items. More about this week’s schedule: www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org. ^[8] DavidsonNews.net is pleased to be sponsor of the Davidson Farmers Market.

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 8:30 a.m., Davidson United Methodist Church parking lot, 233 S. Main St. – 2009 5th annual Ride for Hope & Housing, a benefit for Davidson Housing Coalition. Sign up for 25k, 50k and 100k routes in Davidson and surrounding counties. Also, 5K family fun ride through Davidson neighborhoods. Registration and more information, CLICK HERE> ^[9]

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., CVS store at 127 S. Main St. – The CVS store in downtown Davidson holds the fourth of six Saturday Easter Seals Car Wash sessions, through Oct. 10, with hotdogs and drinks available for $1 each starting at 10 a.m. Carwashes will be available for a donation to the Easter Seal program, which provides hope for people with disabilities.

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, noon, Davidson College Belk Turf Field – Davidson field hockey vs. Catawba.

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 1 p.m., Jacksonville, Fla. – Davidson football vs. Jacksonville. Radio – 1350 AM Mooresville and MI-Connection cable TV channel 4 (audio only).

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 5-9 p.m., St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane, off Concord Road – 2nd Annual Fall Family Fest, to benefit A Giving Spirit Foundation, to support mothers experiencing adversity as well as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and ALS research. With kids/ games, face painting, food, and music by The Blue Dogs. Buy tickets or make a donation online at www.agivingspirit.org ^[10]

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 7-11 p.m., Davidson College Chambers Building Lilly Gallery – “Dancing through the Decades,” a benefit dance for Barium Springs Children’s Home. Hosted by students from the college’s Rusk House, the dance will have music from the ’50s through the ’90s and will feature performances by three a cappella groups. Tickets available at the Davidson Box Office ($3 for children, $8 for adults). All proceeds will benefit the Barium Springs “Strengthening Families” program. Read more about the event in Brenda Barger’s Sept. 29 Around Davidson column ^[11].

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: Adam Whiting ^[12]. Info: 704-895-9090

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music with TBA. Details: 704-987-2022.

SUNDAY, OCT. 4, Doors open 10:30 a.m. meeting starts 11 a.m., Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble Street – The Rev. Amy Brooks, a Unitarian Universalist minister and Huntersville resident, will speak on “Building Community” at this meeting of the UU Fellowship of Lake Norman. Refreshments follow. For more information, see www.uulakenorman.org ^[13]

SUNDAY, OCT. 4, 2 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson women’s soccer vs. Elon.

SUNDAY, OCT. 4, 6:30 p.m., Community School of Davidson high school site, 404 Armour St. – Community School of Davidson will break ground for its new high school. See our previous coverage, “Community School to add high school.” ^[14]

THEATER AND FILM

OCT. 8-25, Davidson Community Players’ Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. – “Almost Maine,” directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge. A romantic comedy set in the mythical town of Almost, Maine, it follows nine tales of love on a cold, clear, moonless night. Performances Oct. 8, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. Tickets $15-$17. For reservations, call 704-892-7918 or go online to www.carolinatix.org ^[15]. Details also at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org ^[16]

OCT. 23-25 and OCT. 30-31, Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – The Davidson College Theatre Department’s 2009-10 Mainstage Series begins with “Tartuffe” by Moliere, translated by Christopher Hampton, directed by theater professor Ann Marie Costa. Performances Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31 at 8 p.m., Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. (Recommended for ages 13 and up.) Admission $15, seniors $11, faculty/staff $9, students $6. Details: 704-894-2135 or www.davidson.edu/tickets ^[17]

FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 7:30 and 11 p.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Main Street and Concord Road – A screening of the 1923 silent film classic “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” starring Lon Chaney, with live organ accompaniment provided by Henry Lebedinsky. Free. For information call 704-892-5641.

NOV. 11-14, Cunningham Theater Center Barber Theater – Davidson College theater department presents “Alice in Wonderland,” script by the Manhattan Theatre Project under the direction of Andre Gregory. Directed by Davidson senior Samantha Karlin. An innovative adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s uproarious books is aimed at adults as it brings out the classic stories’ darkness, surreality and loopy humor. Shows Wednesday, Nov. 11 to Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m. Details on the college website. ^[18]

DEC. 3-20, Davidson Community Players Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Anne Lambert. www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org ^[16]

MARCH 23-28, Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – The Davidson College Theatre Department’s 2009-10 Mainstage Series concludes with “Leading Ladies,” by Ken Ludwig, directed by theater professor Mark Sutch. Performances March 24-25 at 7:30 p.m., March 26-27 at 8 p.m., and March 28 at 2 p.m. Admission $15, seniors $11, faculty/staff $9, students $6. Details: 704-894-2135 or www.davidson.edu/tickets ^[17]

GALLERIES & ART EVENTS

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MONDAYS, 6-9 p.m., Creative Art Exchange, Cornelius – open figure drawing sessions, hosted by David Smith. $10 model fee. Contact davidbsmith@bellsouth.net ^[19] to be added to the notification list.

DAVIDSON COLLEGE VISUAL ARTS CENTER, Smith Gallery, Davidson College, 315 N. Main St., at Griffith St. – Through Oct. 7: “2009 Studio Art Faculty Exhibition” ^[20] with etchings of human forms by Herb Jackson, bronze models of monumental public art sculptures by Cort Savage and prints and video by Rebekah Tolley. Also through Oct. 7, “Cristina Toro: Alive on the Intricate Earth Under Trees,” ^[21] in the Smith Gallery, with paintings by the Puerto Rico-born artist from upstate NY. Hours: Weekdays, 11-4.

CORNELIUS ARTS CENTER/COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT, Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., behind the police station, Cornelius – Through Oct. 30: paintings by Manny Rashet. Details: 704-892-7323 or www.creativeartexchange.org ^[22]

LAKE NORMAN ART LEAGUE, gallery in South Main Square, 442 S. Main St. – Through Nov. 12, 2009 Fall Show. Opening reception Friday, Sept. 18, 6-8 p.m. Gallery hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Details: 704-620-4450 or www.lknart.org ^[23].

MERRILL-JENNINGS GALLERIES, 463 S. Main St. – “The Summer Show,” featuring new works by gallery artists. Through August the gallery will offer rotating original art by all the gallery regulars, with major exhibits by impressionist Dee Beard Dean, expressionist Charlotte Foust, landscapes by Susan Jennings and Ray Byram, folk art by Addie James, whimsical collages by Betsey Hampton, and more. Hours: Mon-Fri 10–5, Sat 10–3. For more information call 704-895-1213 and visit the website at www.merrilljennings.com ^[24]

DAVIDSON TOWN HALL Atrium Gallery, 216 S. Main St. – Through Oct. 24 Photographs by Dana Pianowski and metal sculpture by Rich Nossell. Ms. Pianowski ^[25], of Davidson, has studied at Parsons School of Design and International Center of Photography in New York. Mr. Nossell ^[26] is a native of Long Island, N.Y., who now lives in Huntersville and makes custom furniture. Open weekdays during Town Hall hours, and other times during Town Hall events.

CHRISTA FAUT GALLERY, 19818 North Cove Road, Jetton Village, Cornelius – Through Sept. 29, an exhibit of gallery artists to celebrate the gallery’s 20th year. Gallery hours: Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. Information: www.christafautgallery.com ^[27] or 704-892-5312.

WOODEN STONE, 445 S. Main St. – Functional fine art and hand-made objects. Gallery hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sundays/Mondays. 704-892-1449. www.woodenstonegallery.com ^[28].

SANCTUARY GALLERY, 108 S. Main St. (next to Village Store) – New work from Larry Dukes, Jenny Kiker, Ryan Blythe, Jason Hendrickson, Michael Joe Moore, and Nora Bouknight. Gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11-5; Saturday, 10-2; Sunday, 12-2; and by appointment. Info: mary@soalive.org ^[29].

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

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Library programs Davidson public library branch, on the Village Green, has a variety of programs for kids and adults. Check out as the list is updated on the library’s blog, CLICK HERE> [30] Cornelius public library branch now has a blog, too. Programs there are open to all as well. To read it, CLICK HERE> [31] School calendar Read more about key dates in local schools, from curriculum nights to beautification projects to fund-raisers, in Laurie Dennis’s most recent School Notes [32].

• MONDAY, OCT. 5, 4 p.m., Davidson College Alvarez College Union Room 302 – Panel discuss on “Trash Talk: The Why and How of Sustainable Waste Disposal.” Davidson College Professor of Economics David Martin, Director of Purchasing Beth Christenbury, and Sustainability Fellow Kealy Devoy will speak about the ethics of trash. Free. For information call 704-894-2388.
• TUESDAY, OCT. 6, 7 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson men’s soccer vs. Duke.
• TUESDAY, OCT. 6, noon-10 p.m., Davidson Ben & Jerry’s, 202 S. Main Street – Ben & Jerry’s will donate $1 from every ice cream purchase to Project Life at Davidson College, which helps fund bone marrow typing every year. For information call 704-892-0604 or email scoopss@bellsouth.net ^[33].
• TUESDAY, OCT. 6, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Main Street and Concord Road – Davidson College Chorale will perform a variety of works from unaccompanied and keyboard-accompanied literature. Free. For information call 704-894-2848.
• TUESDAY, OCT. 6, 8:30 p.m., Davidson College Alvarez College Union 900 Room – 12th annual “Davidson Reads” with readings by Brenda Flanagan, Davidson’s Armfield Professor of English, and 1989 Davidson alumna Sheri Reynolds, professor of English at Old Dominion University. Flanagan is the author of a collection of short fiction entitled In Praise of Island Women and Other Crimes, and the prize-winning novel “You Alone Are Dancing.” Reynolds is the bestselling author of the novels “Bitterroot Landing,” “The Rapture of Canaan,” “A Gracious Plenty,” “Firefly Cloak,” and “The Sweet In-Between.” Free. For information call 704-894-2254.
• WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 6:30 p.m., Mooresville Town Hall, 413 North Main Street – Lake Norman Transportation Commission monthly meeting. Agenda includes an appearance by state Rep. Thom Tillis, who represents much of the area, and well as discussion of the group’s web site, strategy for winning support for the North Corridor Commuter Rail Line, the Augustalee mixed-use development in Cornelius and plans to work with the Urban Land Institute.
• WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – Davidson College Symphony Orchestra presents the first of five “Concerts for a Cause” throughout the year to reach out to those in need through the power of music. Free but donations will be accepted at the door for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, an organization that supports children with cancer. This season opening concert will include works by Dvořák, Torke, and Villa-Lobos. For information call 704-894-2848.
• THURSDAY, OCT. 8, 7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Join area Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy for a panel discussion about religion and education, as part of the DavidsonReads program. In “The Color of Water,” author James McBride states that “it was in her sense of education, more than any other, that Mommy conveyed her Jewishness to us.” Is this value on education uniquely Jewish or do other faiths share this? How does one’s religious ideology affect one’s educational philosophy? Panelists: Dr. Jody Seymour – Davidson United Methodist Church; Rev. Darrell VanPelt – Davidson Presbyterian Church; Rabbi Michael Shields – Lake Norman Jewish Congregation; Rev. Shelli Latham – Davidson College Presbyterian Church;Bassam Halaweh – Davidson College. Moderator: David Boraks, editor of DavidsonNews.net. Free. More about DavidsonReads and upcoming programs in our Sept. 3 season preview, “Are you reading yet? DavidsonReads sets schedule.” ^[5]
• THURSDAY, OCT. 8, 7-8:30 p.m., Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St. – Join the Lake Norman Conservationists as they present “Spooky Spectacular Spiders”. Dr. David Grant, professor emeritus of Biology at Davidson College, will discuss the behavior, ecology and anatomy of local spider fauna. He will bring some live specimens along with him, if weather conditions are favorable. Free. For more information, see www.lakenormanwildlife.org ^[34] or call 704-332-5696.
• FRIDAY, OCT. 9, 3-6 p.m., SATURDAYS, OCT. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and SUNDAY, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St. – Davidson United Methodist Women Book Exchange – a book sale for missions, with all proceeds going to local charities for women and children. They’ll have a wide variety of pre-owned books including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and media, prices from 50 cents to $1.50.
• SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 10 a.m to 4 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St. – The Social Justice Committee of Davidson United Methodist Church sponsors a community forum for anyone interested in learning more about “restorative justice.” This relatively new process of community mediation brings together victims, first-time or youthful offenders and the community to “restore” the community. Marty Price, a lawyer and pioneer in the field, will facilitate the program, which organizers hope is a first step toward establishing the Charlotte area’s first formal restorative justice program. Free and open to the public. Lunch provided. Inquire or RSVP by Oct. 5 to Bob Haupt 704-807-5450 or Lorna Bishop 704-892-4754.
• SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 1 p.m., Birkdale Golf Club, Huntersville – McKinney Academy of Davidson will hold its first fund-raising golf tournament. Fee is $80 and includes golf and post-tourney buffet. For more information or registration, visit the McKinney Golf Tournament web page ^[35].
• SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 1 p.m., Davidson College Richardson Stadium – Davidson College vs. Morehead State football. Enjoy an afternoon of fun, while supporting the community programs of United Family Services. You can purchase half-price game tickets in advance at www.DavidsonWildcats.com ^[36]. Select tickets, Oct. 10, then enter the password “UFS.” Also, buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win an adult bike from Cool Breeze Cyclery or a gift card from RimzOne. Drawing on game day. Also, enter your family in the Punt, Pass & Kick competition and win a $100 Harris Teeter gift card. Advance info or raffle tickets: 704-808-4750.
• SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 4-7 p.m., Lake Norman Volunteer Fire Dept., Brawley School Road, Mooresville – 1st Lake Norman High School Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-Off. Organized by the school’s Youth United Campus Chapter, which hopes to build a Habitat home in spring 2010 through Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. Tickets $5 per person, including chili, cornbread, drink and dessert. Chili, sponsors, donations and participants are needed. Call 704-507-6294or 704-766-5035. www.ourtownshabitat.org ^[37].
• SUNDAY, OCT. 11, 4-6 p.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church – The church will have a “Blessing of the Animals” service. Bring pets and gather on the front steps of the church for a procession followed by the blessing service. The Rev. Lib McGregor Simmons will officiate. Bring chairs for seating. Rain Date is Sunday, Oct. 18.
• TUESDAY, OCT. 13, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Davidson Town Board monthly meeting. Agenda to be announced. Check the town website. ^[38]
• TUESDAY, OCT. 13, 6:30 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Exploring identity with Woodlawn School students, part of the 2009 DavidsonReads series. “The Color of Water” by James McBride, is in many ways a story about identity. To discover who he is, Mr. McBride must uncover the story of his mother’s past. Woodlawn 11th and 12th graders will lead group discussions about McBride’s memoir that explore the quest for identity and the complicated relationship between different generations. Free. More about DavidsonReads and upcoming programs in our Sept. 3 season preview, “Are you reading yet? DavidsonReads sets schedule.” ^[5]
• WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Sloan Music Center Tyler-Tallman Hall – Free recital and lecture in tribute to jazz musician Art Tatum on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth. Pianists Cynthia Lawing and Ruskin Cooper will perform selected transcriptions of Tatum’s work, with remarks by Milner Professor Bill Lawing. Free. For information call 704-894-2848.
• WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14, 6-10 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Second “Official NASCAR Jail & Bail” fund-raiser. Watch NASCAR personalities, including drivers and crew chiefs, get “locked up” and have to raise money to bail themselves out. Benefits the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund, in honor of the Universal Technical Institute graduate and Sprint Cup official who died last year at 28. The fund encourages women to seek careers in the auto industry. Also, charity auction begins 2 p.m. With food, drink and entertainment, including music by From a Seed and country music star Rodney Atkins. Tickets $10. Details www.nascar.com/foundation ^[39].
• WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14, 8 p.m., Davidson College Alvarez College Union 900 Room – International Studies and Ethics Lecture. “Can a Counter-Terrorism Strategy Be Both Successful and Moral?” by J.L. Holzgrefe, adjunct professor of international law and ethics at Emory School of Law, and professor of terrorism and counter-terrorism at Agnes Scott College. He will discuss whether democratic governments can successfully combat terrorism without violating human rights. Free. For information call 704-894-2440.
• THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 5 p.m., Davidson Day School fields – Davidson’s new middle school football team will host a home game against St. Mark’s School. (Click here ^[40] to read our report on the new team and see their full schedule.)
• THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 7:30 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce sponsors an Election 2009 candidate forum, with candidates for Town Board and the District 1 Mecklenburg Board of Education seat. Free. Details in our Sept. 23 election notes column ^[41].
• FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 12:30 p.m., Davidson College Sloan Music Center Tyler-Tallman Hall – Davidson College invites the public to attend a musical interlude concert by pianist Christina Tan. Free. For information call 704-894-2848.
• FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 2:30 p.m., Davidson College Martin Lecture Hall – William Kwochka, associate professor of chemistry at Western Carolina University, lectures on “Using Weak Interactions to Build Complex Molecular Systems.” Free. For information call 704-894-2307.
• SUNDAY, OCT. 18, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Sloan Music Center Tyler-Tallman Hall- Liederabend vocal concert, where Davidson students will perform eclectic songs and arias. Free. For information call 704-894-2848.
• MONDAY, OCT. 19, 6:30-8p.m., 9624 Bailey Road, Suite 290 in Cornelius – Beth Carter, a bankruptcy attorney with The McIntosh Law Firm in Davidson,will be conducting this session entitled “Bankruptcy Myths and Realities.” She will discuss what to expect if you file for bankruptcy, when someone should consider bankruptcy, and other options to explore. Free. Light refreshments will be provided. For information contact Kathryn Firmin-Sellers at 704-655-8745.
• TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Sloan Music Center, Tyler-Tallman Hall – Davidson College 2009 Concert Series begins with The American Chamber Players. Tickets $20 general admission, $15 faculty/staff/seniors, $5 for youth 18 and under, free at the door for college students with ID. Order online at www.davidson.edu/tickets ^[42]. For information call 704-894-2848.
• THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 4 p.m., Davidson College Dana Building, Room 146 – Dan Boye, chair of Davidson’s physics department, lectures on “Hollow Nanoparticles Made Easy.” Free. Info: 704-894-2073.
• THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 7 p.m., St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane, off Concord Road – St. Alban’s neighborhood and DavidsonNews.net sponsor an Election 2009 forum, with candidates for Town Board and the District 1 Mecklenburg Board of Education seat. Free. Details in our Sept. 23 election notes column ^[41].
• THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 7 p.m., Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “Everything You Wanted to Know about Blacks & Jews,” an open discussion about cultural differences with Rabbi Barbara Thiede and the Rev. Brenda Tapia. Part of this year’s DavidsonReads series, focusing on “The Color of Water” by James McBride describes. Come learn what you might not know about your neighbors and what would they like you to know. Free. More about DavidsonReads and upcoming programs in our Sept. 3 season preview, “Are you reading yet? DavidsonReads sets schedule.” ^[5]
• FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Davidson College – Family Weekend Concerts, 7 p.m. Davidson College Chorale and the Davidson College Symphony perform at Davidson College Presbyterian Church. 10 p.m., the Jazz Ensemble will perform vintage standards and new tunes in Alvarez College Union 900 Room. Both performances free. For information call 704-894-2848.
• SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Sloan Music Center Tyler Tallman Hall – Piano studio recital with students of Davidson College professors Cynthia Lawing and Ruskin Cooper, playing works by Chopin, Schumann, and Barber as part of the year-long Bicentennial Celebration of Chopin and Schumann, and the Centennial Celebration of Samuel Barber. Free. For information call 704-894-2848.
• MONDAY, OCT. 26, 8 p.m., Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – Sisters and authors Elizabeth Gilbert and Catherine Gilbert Murdock will deliver the annual Reynolds Lecture. Elizabeth Gilbert is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir “Eat, Pray, Love,” which was No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list for more than a year. Catherine Gilbert Murdock is an award-winning writer of young adult fiction. Her debut novel, “Dairy Queen,” tells the story of a girl who runs her father’s struggling dairy farm and tries out for the high school football team. Free, but tickets required, and may be picked up in person beginning Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alvarez College Union ticket office, or at the door beginning an hour before the event if any tickets remain. For more information call 704-894-2254.
• TUESDAY, OCT. 27, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Chambers Building Lilly Family Gallery – Spanish writer Laura Freixas lectures on “Souls in Purgatory — Or, Why I Became a Writer Under the Influence of Franco, My Mother and Simone De Beauvoir.” She explores human relationships through the lens of growing up under the dictatorship of Franco. She is now a member of the European Cultural Parliament, and has taught creative writing in Spain, the U.S., and the U.K. Free. For information call 704-894-2608.
• THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 7 p.m., Davidson College Belk Visual Arts Center, Main and Griffith streets – Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, professor of Women’s Studies at Emory University, presents a lecture based on her latest book, “Staring: How We Look.” The lecture is presented in conjunction with the exhibition “STARING,” on view in Davidson’s Belk Visual Arts Center from Oct. 16 – Dec. 9. Free. For information call 704-894-2575.
• THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 7 p.m., Davidson College Alvarez College Union 900 Room – A panel of experts on relations between North Korea and the U.S. will speak on “SOS North Korea: Confronting the Nuclear and Human Security Challenges of Kim Jong Il’s DPRK.” Free. Info: 704-894-2440.
• THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 5 p.m., Davidson Day School fields – Davidson’s new middle school football team will host a home game against Southlake Christian.
• FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 5-8p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 South Main Street – Costumed characters of all ages are invited to parade down Main Street and collect treats from local merchants. All participants should line up in front of Town Hall at 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 704-892-3349
• SUNDAY, NOV. 1, 3 p.m., St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane – Music at St. Alban’s series presents “Fanfare: A Brass Festival” with 12 of the area’s best brass musicians playing music from the Renaissance to the present. Details: 704-941-0650. www.saintalbans-davidson.org/musicatstalbans.htm ^[43].
• WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 10 a.m., The Pines at Davidson, 400 Avinger Lane – Book discussion with author Tony Abbott, a retired full professor from Davidson College and author of critical studies, novels, and poetry. He will be returning to DavidsonReads to lead the second book discussion of “The Color of Water.” More about DavidsonReads and upcoming programs in our Sept. 3 season preview, “Are you reading yet? DavidsonReads sets schedule.” ^[5]
• SATURDAY, NOV. 14, 8;30 a.m., Lake Norman State Park, Troutman – Rumble in the Woods running races, including 12.6-mile, 6.6-mile and 5k runs on park trails. Sponsored by Team Triumph ^[44], a group of Lake Norman area women runners and triathletes. Proceeds benefit Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports Charities. Registration on Active.com ^[45].
• SATURDAY, NOV. 14, noon to 2:30 p.m., Davidson Villagle Green – “A Day of Music, Food & Fun,” a free community event that serves as the finale of the DavidsonReads 2009 program. By bringing Davidson’s different religious and community groups together by celebrating with singing, dancing and food we hope to illustrate the best lessons of James McBride’s “The Color of Water.” Local churches, synagogues and schools are planning to participate with choral and musical performances, an ethnic dancing showcase and dramatic readings. The Davidson Historical Society will display archived family trees and local citizens are encouraged to display their family trees. There will be a community potluck, pie baking contest and children’s holiday art projects by The Community Arts Project. More about DavidsonReads and upcoming programs in our Sept. 3 season preview, “Are you reading yet? DavidsonReads sets schedule.” ^[5]
• THURSDAY, DEC. 3 to SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 6-9 p.m., downtown Davidson – Christmas in Davidson community festival. Main Street closed for strolling and shopping. Santa will be there, and the Village Green stage hosts performances. Vendors sought. For more info on becoming a vendor, see the town website. ^[46]
• SUNDAY, DEC. 13, 3 p.m., St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane – Music at St. Alban’s series presents The Beggar Boys, featuring Kate Minogue. A portion of the proceeds from this concert benefit Mooresville Soup Kitchen. Details: 704-941-0650. www.saintalbans-davidson.org/musicatstalbans.htm ^[43].

GROUPS AND ONGOING EVENTS

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THROUGH NOV. 1 – THE AMAZING MAIZE MAZE, Rural Hill Farm, Neck Road, Huntersville – You and your group or family can find your way through this challenging cornfield maze, and learn about local history. Sponsored by Rural Hill and the Catawba Valley Scottish Society. Open Thursdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket at 5). Flashlight Mazes: Sept. 18, Oct. 9, 23 & 30, tickets on sale 6:30 to 8 p.m. Enter the flashlight maze from 7 pm – 8 pm. Bring your own flashlight. Admission: $10 for adults 13-plus, $7 youth 5-12, 4 and under free. Details: www.ruralhill.net ^[47] Watch our 4-minute audio slideshow interview with Ed McLean of Rural Hill ^[48] previewing the event.

LAKE NORMAN TEEN COUNCIL – Want to meet new friends or have something fun to do that looks great on your college application? Join our newly established LKN Teen Council for middle and high school students. Provides service projects, workshops, campus cruises, and teen trips. Upcoming: a Halloween fundraiser, holiday festivals, service projects, state youth conferences, and more. Limited to 40 teens so don’t miss your chance. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month through Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m., for pre-meeting activity, then 7:15 p.m. meeting. At Davidson Parks & Recreation office, 416 Armour St. Supported by the Parks and Recreation Departments of Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville. Details: 704-892-3349 or www.d-recs.org ^[49].

JUST MOVED – A 13-week group for folks who are new to the area or who want to connect with others, began Thursday, Sept. 10. New to the area? Not really new, but still feel new? Learn to laugh again. Meet some great new friends. Get acquainted with the Lake Norman area. Debbie Lovvorn and Janet Mowery will facilitate this 13-week group for women new to the area. The group will meet Thursdays from 10–11:45 a.m. in Room 216/218 of the Alexander Education Building of Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 South Main Street, Davidson. Register by calling the church office at 704-892-8277.

STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY – Davidson public library branch, on the Village Green, offers story times for todders to preschoolers. “Yearlings” is for toddlers 12-24 months, alternate Thursdays, 10:15 a.m., (about 15-20 minute programs). Dates: Oct. 1 and 15, Nov. 5 and 19. Preschool storytime, a 30-minute story time with books, finger games, and music, Sept. 21, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19 at 10:15 a.m. Jumping Jacks, a 20-30-minute story time for 2 year olds, Sept. 21, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19 at 11 a.m.

ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St. The group will meet twice monthly to offer education, fellowship, support, and family fun for those considering, in the process of or at home with adopted children. Register and request child care by calling the church office, 704-892-8277. Questions? Call Cheryl Mahony at 704-895-8043.

MS SUPPORT GROUP – Meets third Friday of the month at 10 a.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, Room 218. It’s a casual round-table discussion for those facing life with MS. On Oct. 16, they’ll host Dr. Michael Kaufman, who will answer questions.

50+ COFFEE CLUB, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon, Davidson Parks & Recreation office, 416 Armour St. – Join the 50-Plus Coffee Club, meeting every Wednesday. It’s a relaxing social environment where you can meet old and new friends. Coffee, games, newspapers and pastries provided. No registration required, just show up! Info: 704-892-3349.

CHRONIC AND LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP, first and third Wednesdays each month, 7-8:30 a.m., Davidson United Methodist Church Congregation Care House, 262 South St. – Individuals coping with an illness or who have family members coping with an illness welcome. Call the church office at 704-892-8277 to register and request child care. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate. Questions? Contact Karen Gray, Director of Congregational Care, at 704-947-0612.

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP, Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church Congregation Care House, 262 South St. – Facilitators Mark and Gayle Olenik provide resources to help you cope and work toward a new beginning. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate. Call the church office at 704-892-8277 to register and request child care.

NOW WHAT? GRIEF BEYOND THE FIRST YEAR, second Saturday each month, 9:30 a.m., Davidson United Methodist Church Congregational Care House, 262 South St. – If you are coping with the loss of a loved one for one year or more, we welcome you to join. Janet McKee and Bryan Readling will facilitate. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate. Register by calling the church office at 704-892-8277. Questions? Contact Karen Gray, Director of Congregational Care, at 704-947-0612.

CALENDARS ON THE WEB

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DAVIDSONNEWS.NET SCHOOL CALENDAR – Laurie Dennis’s most recent listing of school events, see our “schools” category. CLICK HERE> ^[50]
DAVIDSON COLLEGE – For an up-to-date listing of events on the college campus, visit the college calendar page ^[51].
DAVIDSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – http://http://www.davidsonumc.org/Calendar ^[52]

DAVIDSON COLLEGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – http://www.dcpc.org/ ^[53]

DAVIDSON ELEMENTARY PTA calendar, http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/davidsonpta/calendar/ ^[54]

DAVIDSON PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCH events – Events calendar on the library’s blog davidsonlibrary.wordpress.com/ ^[30].

NORTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY events, Huntersville – Events calendar, www.plcmc.org ^[55]

ST. ALBAN’S CHURCH online calendar – http://www.saintalbans-davidson.org/ ^[56]

ST. ALBAN’S SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD – http://www.stalbanssq.org/calendar.html ^[57]

LAKE NORMAN SENIOR CALENDAR, at LKNSenior.com ^[58]

YOUR COMMUNITY CONNECTOR – online listing of alternative and holistic health information and events. http://www.yourcommunityconnector.com/ ^[59]

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Send listings and press releases to us at editor@davidsonnews.net ^[60]. Don’t forget to include a contact phone number, in case we have questions.

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