Our community calendar this weekend includes dueling Thursday night events – a  school and town board election forum, an Irish poet, and an art opening –  as well as helpings of music and sports. Davidson College’s football team is away (at Dayton) this weekend, but its nationally ranked soccer team takes on Furman at home on Saturday night. And the women’s team has home games Friday and Sunday. “Almost, Maine” continues at Davidson Community Players. And get ready for hoop: Don’t miss Friday’s “Night With Cats”  kickoff for the Davidson College basketball season, complete with dancing, scrimmages, contests and giveaways.

Get in the fall spirit with pumpkin carving and special seasonal dishes at the Davidson Farmers Market.

Davidson’s Red Jesse plays a benefit Davidson hip-hop songwriter Red Jesse (Jesse Kimmel) performs this Saturday, Oct. 17, at “The Krawl” (thekrawl.org [1]), a community arts crawl in the Plaza-Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte. Red Jesse’s performance and other events that night are in support of “Save the Ta-Tas” and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The performance will be in front of the Boris & Natasha clothing store at 1214 Thomas Ave. in Charlotte. Red Jesse [2]‘s new album, “Lily-P,” is due out later this month.

Irish poet Anne Leahy visits Charlotte Writers Club North on Thursday. And an exhibit of 30 years of photographs of Davidson by college news director Bill Giduz opens with a reception Thursday night.

DavidsonNews.net’s calendars are updated continuously. Check back for additions and changes. On Monday, check out Davidson This Week Calendar to help you plan your week.

WEEKEND OF OCT. 15-18

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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 ^[3] to read our report on the new team and see their full schedule.)

THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 7 p.m., The Sanctuary of Davidson, 108 South Main Street – Charlotte Writers’ Club North will host Irish poet Ann Leahy as its guest speaker. Her debut poetry collection, ‘The Woman who Lived her Life Backwards,’ was the winner of the Patrick Kavanagh Award. Open to the public. For more information, see the Charlotte Writers’ Club ^[4] website.

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 ^[5].

THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 7-9 p.m., Davidson College Visual Arts Center, 315 N. Main St., at Griffith St. – “Picturing Davidson: Bill Giduz and His First 30 Years,” an exhibit of photographs by longtime college news office writer and photographer Bill Giduz, opens with a reception. Exhibit runs Oct. 16 to Dec. 19. More information on the college website. ^[6] See David Boraks’s Oct. 15 preview of the show, “30 years in Davidson, through the eyes of Bill Giduz.” ^[7]

THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: Sandcrawler. Info: 704-895-9090

THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music: TBA. Info: 704-987-2022.

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.

FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 6:30 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson women’s soccer vs. Wofford.

FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 6:30 p.m., Campania Cafe, South Main Square, 416 S. Main St. – Weekly Party on the Porch with live music: Clyde Derberry.

FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Belk Arena – Davidson basketball annual tip-off event, with dance performances by the men’s and women’s teams, a basketball preview and team scrimmages, three-point contest, T-shirt giveaways, Bob McKillop look-alike contest, and more. Free admission. For more information, see www.davidsonwildcats.com ^[8].

FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music: TBA. Details: 704-987-2022.

FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: Billy Jones & The Pocket. Info: 704-895-9090

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., Davidson-Cornelius Day Care, 242 Gamble St. – Benefit Garage Sale, with toys, children¹s clothes, furniture, bikes, games, and much more. Donations of items for the sale maybe dropped off at the center. For a pickup, call 706-464-3230. For more info: 704-892-1288.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 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. Local artists from Sanctuary of Davidson will be on site from 9-11:30 a.m. to carve pumpkins. There will be a pumpkin carving area for children and a guest chef will be cooking seasonal, pumpkin dishes. Also, Ratcliffe on the Green chef Mark Hibbs will be cooking his recipe from the new book “Glorious Grits: America’s Favorite Comfort Food,” by Susan McEwen McIntosh. More about this week’s schedule: www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org. ^[9] DavidsonNews.net is pleased to be sponsor of the Davidson Farmers Market.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 9 a.m. to noon, Community rooms A & B, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, exit 33 off I-77 – The Stork’s Landing Maternity Center hosts the Annual Baby Fest for future parents and current parents and their children to learn more about planning for childbirth and caring for newborns. The event includes tours of Stork’s Landing, free car seat checks, prize drawings, physician and hospital staff meet & greets, and activities for children. Free and open to the public. For more information call 704-660-4374.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., CVS store at 127 S. Main St. – The CVS store in downtown Davidson holds the sixth 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. 17, 1 p.m., Dayton, Ohio – Davidson College football away game vs. Dayton. Radio: 1350 AM. Also, audio only on MI-Connection cable Channel 4. Details on www.DavidsonWildcats.com ^[10].

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 7 p.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House – DCPC Gong Show, an evening of performances by church members, including local vocal sensations The Four Coursemen, Sunday Union, a comedienne, a dance troupe, and other suprises. Child care available at 6:45 p.m. Free.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson vs. Furman soccer.

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.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music: TBA. Details: 704-987-2022.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: Eric Scott Guthrie. Info: 704-895-9090

SUNDAY, OCT. 18, 1-3 p.m., N.C. Community Sailing & Rowing Center, Blythe Landing Park, 15901 N.C. 73, Huntersville – Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville recreation departments will be offering free sailboat rides on a 19-foot Flying Scot Sailboat for individuals with disabilities and one parent/caregiver. Rain or shine. Families are invited to pack a picnic and enjoy watching the sailboats from the park’s picnic area. Please pre-register by Oct. 9 by e-mailing or calling: Denise Clark at dclark@ci.davidson.nc.us ^[11] or 704-892-3349 x309.

SUNDAY, OCT. 18, 2 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson women’s soccer vs. Furman.

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 ^[12]. Details also at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org ^[13] See our Oct. 7 Theater notes column ^[14] for more about the play and other local theater news.

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 ^[15]

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. 6-14, Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius – Warehouse PAC presents “‘night Mother,” by Marsha Norman, directed by Louise Robertson of Davidson. Starring Gloria King and Marla Brown. This play, about the last hours of a young woman who has decided life is not worth living, won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize. Performances Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 6-7 and 13-14, 7:30 p.m. House and beverage bar open at 7 p.m. Also, matinee Sunday, Nov. 8, 2:30 p.m. Doors open 2 p.m. Tickets at tickets@warehousepac.com or via phone at 704-619-0429. More information: Warehousepac.com. ^[16]

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. ^[17]

DEC. 3-20, Davidson Community Players Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Anne Lambert. Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 8 pm,
Dec. 16 at 7:30 pm, Dec. 5 at 4 pm matinee (Christmas in Davidson), Dec. 6, 12, 13 & 20 at 2 pm. Tickets $17 adults, $15 students and seniors (65+). Reservations: 704-892-7918 or carolinatix.org ^[18]. More information about the theater company: www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org ^[13]

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 ^[15]

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.

SATURDAY, OCT. 24 and SUNDAY, OCT. 25, 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Homewood Suites, Griffith Street at I-77 Exit 30 – Davidson residents Nancy and Russ Gavitt, owners of Natural Images Photography, will introduce their new line of Fine Art Photographic Prints of Davidson and Lake Norman. In addition they will be introducing their line of environmentally green photo frames made of fully recycled lumber and offered in various decorative finishes to complement country home decor.

SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Daveste Vineyards, Troutman – Lake Norman Art League presents a multimedia printmaking workshop with Noyes Capehart, an artist and author and juror of the art league’s current fall show. All skill levels welcome, bring your own supplies. Details: www.lknart.org ^[20].

DAVIDSON COLLEGE VISUAL ARTS CENTER, Smith Gallery, Davidson College, 315 N. Main St., at Griffith St. – Exhibit runs Oct. 16 to Dec. 9. “Picturing Davidson: Bill Giduz and His First 30 Years,” an exhibit of photographs by longtime college news office writer and photographer Bill Giduz. Also through Dec. 9, “Staring,” an exhibit of paintings and drawings by Doug Auld and Chris Rush, photographs of Weegee, Diane Arbus, Garry Winogrand, and work by other artists. Opening reception Thursday, Oct. 15, 7-9 p.m. For more information click here. ^[6] See David Boraks’s Oct. 15 preview of the show, “30 years in Davidson, through the eyes of Bill Giduz.” ^[7]

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 ^[21]

LAKE NORMAN ART LEAGUE, gallery in South Main Square, 442 S. Main St. – Through Nov. 12, 2009 Fall Show. Gallery hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Artists of all media are invited to enter work in 2009 Small Works Exhibit and Sale. The exhibit runs Nov. 16 through Jan. 8 during gallery hours. Entries are accepted Nov.13 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Nov. 14 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Works will be on display during Christmas in Davidson: December 3-5, 6-9 p.m. with awards announced on December 5 at 8:00 p.m. Details: 704-620-4450 or www.lknart.org ^[20].

MERRILL-JENNINGS GALLERIES, 463 S. Main St. – Hours: Mon-Fri 10–5, Sat 10–3. For more information call 704-895-1213 and visit the website at www.merrilljennings.com ^[22]

DAVIDSON TOWN HALL Atrium Gallery, 216 S. Main St. – Through Oct. 24 Photographs by Dana Pianowski and metal sculpture by Rich Nossell. Ms. Pianowski ^[23], of Davidson, has studied at Parsons School of Design and International Center of Photography in New York. Mr. Nossell ^[24] 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 – 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 ^[25] 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 ^[26].

SANCTUARY GALLERY, 108 S. Main St. (next to Village Store) – Fine art and handmade crafts by local artists. Grand opening and fund-raising silent auction Thursday, Oct. 8, 7-9 p.m. Auction benefits Davidson-Cornelius Day Care. Live music by Reeve Coobs and Matt Glass. Gallery hours: Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BBQ, BLANKET & BLUEGRASS?
We’ve had inquiries about what happened to the town’s annual BBQ, Blanket & Bluegrass event. It was held for 10 years, at Beaver Dam on Davidson-Concord Road, sponsored by Davidson Parks & Recreation. Town officials tell us the festival was not held this year as they focused on more downtown events. One of those will
be the Nov. 14 “Day of Music, Food and Fun” on the Village Green, which will wrap up the 2009 DavidsonReads program. (See “Mark Your Calendar” below) – David Boraks

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> [27] Cornelius public library branch now has a blog, too. Programs there are open to all as well. To read it, CLICK HERE> [28] 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 [29].

• MONDAY, OCT. 19, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Public kickoff meeting for development of a new town marketing plan aimed at boosting business for retailers, restauranteurs and other businesses. This meeting is the first of three days of meetings between citizens, town leaders and businesspeople. The town is working with Greenville, S.C.-based Arnett Muldrow. To learn more visit www.ci.davidson.nc.us ^[30] or contact Sandy Lemons, downtown director at slemons@ci.davidson.nc.us or 704 940-9622.
• 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 ^[31]. 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 ^[5].
• 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.” ^[32]
• 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.
• FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 6 p.m., Davidson public library branch, on the Village Green – A Zombie Party, for teens. ^[33] To celebrate Teen Read Week 2009, join us for a discussion and fun with Carrie Ryan, author of “The Forest of Hands and Teeth,” a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller. Prizes for best zombie costumes, zombie makeup etc. Enjoy the Zombie Buffet and Thriller dance contest. Call 704-416-4000 for more information. Registration is required.
• SATURDAY, OCT. 24 and SUNDAY, OCT. 25, 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Homewood Suites, Griffith Street at I-77 Exit 30 – Davidson residents Nancy and Russ Gavitt, owners of Natural Images Photography, will introduce their new line of Fine Art Photographic Prints of Davidson and Lake Norman. In addition they will be introducing their line of environmentally green photo frames made of fully recycled lumber and offered in various decorative finishes to complement country home decor.
• SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 6-9 p.m., Bailey Middle School, Bailey Road, Cornelius – “Boo-Bash 2009,”  a Halloween treat for families, with costume contest (pre-school to adult), “Monster vs. Aliens” film screening on the inflatable screen, a “Monster Mash” dance, arts & crafts by the Community Arts Project, and a Haunted Trail organized by members of Lake Norman Teen Council. Info: 704-892-6031 ext 160, or www.corneliuspr.org ^[34].
• 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.
• SUNDAY, OCT. 25, 11 a.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church – At its 11 a.m. service, the church will honor its music director, Jane Cain, on her 3oth anniversary with the church. A reception will follow. Details: 704-892-5641.
• 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, 8:30 a.m., South Main Square Business Center conference room – South Main Square Business Networking Group monthly meeting. Coffee, doughnuts and conversation. RSVP by email to krose@roseassociates.com ^[35]
• 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 ^[36].
• SUNDAY, NOV. 1, 5 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 South Main Street – All Saints Remembrance Service in honor of DUMC members who have passed away in the last year. Service will feature the Requiem of John Rutter with full orchestra presented by the DUMC Chancel and Senior High Choirs. Guest soprano soloists, Jenny Giduz and Lacey Burt. Also included are hymns, prayers and meditation by Rev. Dr. Jody Seymour. Childcare provided. For more information call 704-892-8277.
• MONDAY, NOV. 2, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Alvarez College Union 900 Room – Interdisciplinary panel discussion of the 1982 Ridley Scott film “Blade Runner.” Panelists are Davidson College biologist Karen Hales, English professor Annie Ingram, and religion professor Doug Ottati. Free.
• 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.” ^[32]
• SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 9 a.m. registration, march and rally begin 10 a.m., Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road in Huntersville – Dogs and their human owners compete in the Strut Your Mutt Spay/Neuter March for prizes and to raise money for Humane Animal Rescue efforts and Friends for Life Spay/Neuter Programs. Registration is $10 for the first canine entry and $5 for each additional Canine. The Rally to Rescue Pet Expo and Adoption Pet Fair held by Friends for Life Lake Norman also starts at 10 a.m. and will include rescue organizations, animal control facilities with pets available for adoption, educational awareness activities, animal related vendor exhibits, entertainment, food, and children’s activities. For more information call 704-875-3113 or email office@ruralhill.net.
• SATURDAY and SUNDAY, NOV. 7-8, Gates open 8 a.m., competition begins 8:30 a.m., Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road in Huntersville – Over 100 dogs will be competing in the 15th Annual Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials. Competitions, bounce house and inflatables, hayrides, mazes, livestock and food are included in the event. Admission is $10 per person ages 13+, $7 per child ages 5-12, and children ages 4 and under are free. See Rural Hill ^[37] for complete schedule of events.
• SATURDAY, SUNDAY and MONDAY, NOV. 7-9, Takeoff daily 7 a.m., weigh-in 4 p.m. daily, Lake Norman and Davidson Village Green – Northern Regional College Fishing Tournament. Includes fishing competition, battle of the bands, national anthem competition and iPod and Macbook giveaways. Registration required. See here ^[38] for complete schedule of events.
• 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 ^[39], a group of Lake Norman area women runners and triathletes. Proceeds benefit Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports Charities. Registration on Active.com ^[40].
• SATURDAY, NOV. 14, noon to 2:30 p.m., Davidson Village 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.” ^[32]
• SUNDAY, NOV. 15, Davidson College Alvarez College Union 900 Room – Davidson College Eco House sponsors a showing of “Food Inc.” ^[41] Free. The Eco House is a student residence whose members try to buy most food from local sources.
• 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. ^[42]
• 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 ^[36].

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 ^[43] Watch our 4-minute audio slideshow interview with Ed McLean of Rural Hill ^[44] previewing the event.

THROUGH SUNDAY, NOV. 22, 10 to 5:30 p.m., Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville – 16th annual Carolina Renaissance Festival, a 22-acre festival of food, fun and entertainment. With a cast of more than 500 costumed characters, games, jousting, shops, crafts and performances on 10 stages. Details: RenFestInfo.com ^[45].

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 ^[46].

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. 15, Nov. 5 and 19. Preschool storytime, a 30-minute story time with books, finger games, and music, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19 at 10:15 a.m. Jumping Jacks, a 20-30-minute story time for 2 year olds, 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> ^[47]
DAVIDSON COLLEGE – For an up-to-date listing of events on the college campus, visit the college calendar page ^[48].
DAVIDSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – http://http://www.davidsonumc.org/Calendar ^[49]

DAVIDSON COLLEGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – http://www.dcpc.org/ ^[50]

DAVIDSON ELEMENTARY PTA calendar, http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/davidsonpta/calendar/ ^[51]

DAVIDSON PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCH events – Events calendar on the library’s blog davidsonlibrary.wordpress.com/ ^[27].

NORTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY events, Huntersville – Events calendar, www.plcmc.org ^[52]

ST. ALBAN’S CHURCH online calendar – http://www.saintalbans-davidson.org/ ^[53]

ST. ALBAN’S SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD – http://www.stalbanssq.org/calendar.html ^[54]

LAKE NORMAN SENIOR CALENDAR, at LKNSenior.com ^[55]

YOUR COMMUNITY CONNECTOR – online listing of alternative and holistic health information and events. http://www.yourcommunityconnector.com/ ^[56]

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Send listings and press releases to us at editor@davidsonnews.net ^[57]. Don’t forget to include a contact phone number, in case we have questions.

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