A reception at Davidson College Wednesday night will mark the opening of several new exhibits and celebrate publication of this new book titled "Davidson Collects," essays by 100 Davidson students about works from the college's art collection.

By BILL KISER
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson College will hold a series of lectures and other events at Alvarez Student Union on Monday as part of the college’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. And there’s plenty more going on in the area this week, as well – from organ music to an art exhibit opening to the start of the three-weekend VisitLakeNorman.org Soccer Series.

On Tuesday night, a performance by organist Susan Bates kicks off the second half of Davidson College Presbyterian Church’s Organ at Davidson series, with a reception to follow. Wednesday night, Davidson College’s Van Every/Smith Galleries will host an exhibit of recent gifts and acquisitions, a selection of works by artist Sean Scully and the launch of “Davidson Collects: 100 Writers Respond to Art,” a book that includes essays by 100 college students on works in the school’s permanent art collection.

Friday night, head to the Charles Mack Citizen Center in downtown Mooresville for “Dolphin Tale” (PG), the first offering in this year’s Mooresville Movies on Main series. On Saturday, the Lake Norman YMCA in Cornelius will hold an open house to show off its newly-renovated fitness center. There also will plenty of local acts performing on Thursday through Saturday nights at Summit Coffee and the Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson.

Davidson College basketball teams have three games this week at Belk Arena — the Wildcats’ men’s team hosts the College of Charleston on Thursday night and The Citadel on Saturday night, while Davidson’s women’s team host Samford on Saturday afternoon.

These events — and more below — are in our day-by-day calendar at right. Also, at right on this page, see our movie show times listings for Our Town Cinemas.

MONDAY, JAN. 16

Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Banks, schools, government offices closed; CATS on Saturday schedule.

Davidson College Martin Luther King Jr. Day events – The college will host a series of lectures and other events to observe the King holiday. Additional events Tuesday. More info in our preview news item. Monday’s events:

• King Day for Kids, 9-11:30 a.m. in the Alvarez College Union Atrium, King Day for Kids combines three areas of focus: literacy, social justice, and community involvement. Area youth (kindergarten through sixth grade) will take part in small group readings, storytelling and arts and crafts. At the end of the day children receive literacy-based goody bags filled with books. Please register via e-mail assherrill@davidson.edu or by calling 704-894-2423. (Update: Registration is now closed.)
• Dr. Martin Luther King Day Lecture, 11:30 a.m. in the Alvarez College Union Smith 900 Room. Derald Wing Sue, professor of psychology and education at Columbia University’s Teachers College and School of Social Work, will speak about “Manifestations and Impact of Microaggressions.” Derald Wing Sue is a pioneer in the fields of multicultural psychology, multicultural education, multicultural counseling, and psychology of racism and antiracism. He has written more than 150 publications, addressed President Clinton’s Race Advisory Board on National Dialogue on Race, and participated in a Congressional briefing on the psychology of racism and myth of the color-blind society.
• Romare Bearden on Art and Activism, 1:30-2:45 p.m. in the Alvarez College Union Room 302. Davidson College Professor of Anthropology Nancy Fairley will examine ideas about artistic expression by this Charlotte native and influential 20th century artist. Bearden was asked to contribute to the Civil Rights Movement by creating protest art, but Bearden refused. Instead, Bearden established “Spiral,” an artist collective which explored the relationship between art and political activism.
• Asian American College Students: Interrogating the Model Minority Myth, 1:30-2:45 p.m. in the Alvarez College Union Room 313. Tae-Sun Kim, Davidson’s director of multicultural affairs, will demystify common myths about Asian American college students. She will discuss stereotypes about Asian American academic exceptionalism, and raise awareness about underreported, serious struggles that Asian American communities face.
• Always Part of the Fabric, 3-4:15 p.m. in the Alvarez College Union Smith 900 Room. College Archivist Jan Blodgett will examine the history of African-American contributions to Davidson College. Based on documents from the college archives, she will trace the roles and the ways African-Americans helped shape the college from the construction of the first campus building through integration and into the 21st century.
• Beloved Community-Building & Environmental Justice, 3-4:15 p.m., Alvarez College Union Room 313, Davidson College, Davidson. Current Davidson student James Tolleson ’13 and recent graduate Allison Dulin ’10, an employee of the college sustainability office, will discuss King’s legacy in today’s environmental justice movement. After the passage of the Civil Rights Act, King believed the civil rights movement needed to move beyond protest tactics. He called for a revolution of values to address “the giant triplets of racism, militarism, and materialism.” Those triplets still plague us, but the growing movement to become better stewards of the Earth can serve as a model for achieving King’s dreams. More info in our preview news item.

TUESDAY, JAN. 17

Davidson Station Area Plan workshop, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St., Davidson – Public planning workshop for the town’s 2012 Station Area Plan Update. Open to the public. Read more in our Jan. 16 news item, “Workshop to take a close look at planning along rail line.” The workshop runs Tuesday to Friday, Jan. 17-20.

CharMeck Utilities planning information meeting, 1:30 p.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Administrative building, 5100 Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte – One of a series of meetings to present the draft five-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Public invited. Also Wed. and Thurs. More info on the Cornelius town website.

Susan Bates

Organ at Davidson, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church, corner of Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. Performance by organist Susan Bates kicks off the second half of DCPC’s 2011-2012 Organ at Davidson series. Reception to follow performance. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Information: Visit www.dcpc.org. See also our Jan. 11 news item.

Poetic Reflections of Social Justice, 8 p.m., in Davidson College Lilly Family Gallery, Chambers Building – Davidson’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance concludes with a performance by the student spoken word club “Free Word.” These performers will bring to life the historic voices of social justice through poetic expression. Additional events Monday. More info in our preview news item.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18

Davidson Station Area Plan workshop, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St., Davidson – Public planning workshop for the town’s 2012 Station Area Plan Update. Open to the public. Read more in our Jan. 16 news item, “Workshop to take a close look at planning along rail line.” The workshop runs Tuesday to Friday, Jan. 17-20.

Mail Workshop for Small Businesses, 10 a.m., Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville. LKN Media and the U.S. Postal Service will present a seminar on the new EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) program and how businesses can take advantage of direct mail without a bulk mail permit. No charge. Please RSVP by calling 704-662-9991 or visit www.lknmedia.com.

CharMeck Utilities planning information meeting, 10 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Administrative building, 5100 Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte – One of a series of meetings to present the draft five-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Public invited. Also Tues. and Thurs. More info on the Cornelius town website.

Dennis Appleyard

Davidson Senior Scholars, 1 p.m., Davidson Parks and Recreation office, 416 Armour St., Davidson. Program on “Inequality, Deficits and Unemployment” by Dr. Dennis Appleyard, James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of International Studies and Economics at Davidson College. The program is free and open to the public.

DCPC Wednesday Night Live, 5:45-7 p.m., Congregation House, Davidson College Presbyterian Church. The church’s Wednesday Night Live series of dinner and devotion begins its Spring 2012 run. Reservations for both meals and childcare must be made by 12 p.m. Tuesday. Cost: $8 for adults and youth, $4 for children. Information-reservations: Visit www.dcpc.org/wed_night_live, email rboggs@dcpc.org or call 704-892-5641.

Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, 6 p.m., Meeting Chamber, Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St., Charlotte. Regular meeting of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. Updates can be found by going to www.mecklenburgcountync.gov and clicking on Calendar.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission, 7 p.m., Conference Room 267, 2nd floor, Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St., Charlotte. Work session of the full Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission. Updates can be found by going to www.mecklenburgcountync.gov and clicking on Calendar.

Davidson Design Review Board, 7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Davidson Design Review Board monthly meeting. Agenda includes three projects for review: Community School of Davidson exterior alterations at 404 Armour Street, Davidson College store/BB&T Building exterior alterations, 137 N. Main St.;  and Pretty boutique projecting sign, 106 N. Main St.

Sean Scully, "Wall of Light-Red Shade, " 2011, is among the works in an exhibit opening Wednesday at Davidson College.

Davidson Collects Opening, 7-9 p.m., Van Every/Smith Galleries, Davidson College. Opening ceremonies led by Davidson College president Carol Quillen for an exhibit of recent gifts and acquisitions, a selection of works by artist Sean Scully and the launch of “Davidson Collects: 100 Writers Respond to Art,” a book that includes essays by 100 college students on works in the school’s permanent art collection. The exhibitions will be on display to the public Jan. 19-March 2. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 12-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Information: Visit www.davidsoncollegeartgalleries.orgor call 704-894-2519.

THURSDAY, JAN. 19

Chamber Speed Networking, 8 a.m., Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville. The Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce and the BNC Group co-host the monthly Speed Networking meeting. Open to all business persons. Information: Email jluke@shoppinglocal.biz or call 704-241-0284.

Davidson Station Area Plan workshop, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St., Davidson – Public planning workshop for the town’s 2012 Station Area Plan Update. Open to the public. Read more in our Jan. 16 news item, “Workshop to take a close look at planning along rail line.” The workshop runs Tuesday to Friday, Jan. 17-20.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission, 10 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Administrative building, 5100 Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte – One of a series of meetings to present the draft five-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Public invited. Also Tues. and Wed. More info on the Cornelius town website.

Mecklenburg County Library Board of Trustees, 12 p.m., Main Library, 310 N. Tryon St., third level, Dickson Board Room, Charlotte. Meeting of the Mecklenburg County Library Board of Trustees. Updates can be found by going to www.mecklenburgcountync.gov and clicking on Calendar.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities Advisory Committee, 3:30 p.m., first floor, Conference Room, 5100 Brookshire Boulevard, Charlotte. Meeting of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Advisory Committee. Updates can be found by going to www.mecklenburgcountync.gov and clicking on Calendar.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory Committee, 4:30 p.m., Auditorium I & II, Hal Marshall Services Center, 700 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Meeting of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory Committee. Updates can be found by going to www.mecklenburgcountync.gov and clicking on Calendar.

LKN Kiwanis Social Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Harvey’s Bar and Grill, 13812 Cinnabar Place, Huntersville. An evening with members of the Lake Norman Kiwanis open to the public. Members are being sought from all ages and walks of life. Information: Call 704-351-5644.

Davidson men’s basketball vs. College of Charleston, 7 p.m., Belk Arena, Davidson College, Davidson. The Wildcats’ men’s basketball team host the College of Charleston in a Southern Conference game.

Summit Coffee Songwriters Showcase, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson. Performances by Jackie Moseley, Summit’s 2011 Songwriter of the Year winner, and Cambridge, Mass., folk singer Matthew Alexander. Information: Call 704-895-0505.

Live music at the Brickhouse, 8:30 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St., Davidson. Live music with Rayen and Joanna. Info: 704-987-2022 or brickhousetavern.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 20

Davidson Station Area Plan workshop, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St., Davidson – Public planning workshop for the town’s 2012 Station Area Plan Update. Open to the public. Read more in our Jan. 16 news item, “Workshop to take a close look at planning along rail line.” The workshop runs Tuesday to Friday, Jan. 17-20.

Celebrate Business Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Cove Church, 197 Langtree Road, Mooresville. Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber’s annual Celebrate Business Luncheon. Guest speaker is former Charlotte mayor and N.C. gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory. Information-reservations: Call 704-664-3898.

Freckled Dog Pub & game night, 5-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Freckled Dog Pub 5-9 p.m., followed by Board Game Night, 7-11 p.m. Info: 704-895-9090.

Art Exhibit at Cafe Elle, 6-8 p.m., Cafe Elle, 20700 N. Main St., Cornelius. Exhibit of works by artist Pattie Lagonia, followed by a reception. Information: Call 704-728-5554.

Mooresville Movies on Main, 7 p.m., Charles Mack Citizens Center, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville. Mooresville’s Movies on Main series presents “Dolphin Tale” (PG). Info: 704-662-3334. Information: www.ci.mooresville.nc.us/portal/moviesonmain.

YMCA Fun Night, 8 to 10:30 p.m., Lake Norman YMCA, Cornelius – Monthly Fun Night for 4th and 5th graders only. The cost is $5 for YMCA members and $8 for non-members. Pizza and soda available for purchase. Activities will include a kickball game in the gym, dancing in the cardio room, and jumping around in our gymnastics center. Register by calling 704-716-4400 or visiting the front desk.

Live music at the Brickhouse, 8:30 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St., Davidson. Live music with Phil and Mike. Info: 704-987-2022 or brickhousetavern.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

VisitLakeNorman.org Soccer Series, All day, various area parks – The North Mecklenburg Soccer Club hosts the first of three weekends of events in the VisitLakeNorman.org Soccer Series. This weekend, a friendly tournament with visiting teams from around the Southeast of U11-U18 boys and U11-U14 girls. Continues Sunday. Info on the North Meck Soccer Club site.

Community Blood Drive, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., St. Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. Blood drive by the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. Appointments can be made by calling 704-972-4700. Information: Visit www.cbcc.us.

The Web Ahead for Writers, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., The Farm at Weathers Creek, 1170 Shinnville Road, Cleveland, N.C. Workshop by social media consultant and digital strategist Ian Hucksbee will teach writers new ways to use the Web and social media to build audience and online engagement with readers, other writers, publishers, bookstores and reviewers. Space is limited to 14 students. Lunch is included. Cost: $75 per person. Information-reservations: Call 704-662-0187.

Reading Tips for Parents and Educators, 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville. Seminar by Mike Cerkovnik, head of educational innovation and research at Davidson Day School, on essential reading tips for parents and educators. Event is part of Barnes and Noble’s Educators Appreciation Week. Information: Call 704-237-5221 or 704-895-8855.

YMCA Fitness Center Open House, 1-4 p.m., Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius. Open house for the Y’s newly renovated fitness center. Members of the community are invited to visit the new space, try the new equipment and familiarize themselves with the facilities offered at the Lake Norman YMCA. Details in our Dec. 30 report on the renovations.

Community Blood Drive, 2-6 p.m., Regal Theaters Birkdale, 16950 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville. Blood drive by the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. Appointments can be made by calling 704-972-4700. Information: Visit www.cbcc.us.

Davidson women’s basketball vs. Samford, 2 p.m., Belk Arena, Davidson College, Davidson. The Wildcats’ women’s basketball team hosts Samford in a Southern Conference game.

Art Exhibit at Cafe Elle, 3-6 p.m., Cafe Elle, 20700 N. Main St., Cornelius. Exhibit of works by artist Pattie Lagonia, followed by a reception. Information: Call 704-728-5554.

Davidson men’s basketball vs. The Citadel, 7 p.m., Belk Arena, Davidson College, Davidson. The Wildcats’ men’s basketball team hosts The Citadel in a Southern Conference game.

After Holiday Jam, 8 p.m., The Birdsnest, 102-B S. Main St., Davidson. Second-annual event will feature music by Billy Jones and Mason Bissett. Information: Call 704-990-6378.

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music: Rick Spreitzer Trio Info: 704-895-9090.

Live music at the Brickhouse, 8:30 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St., Davidson. Live music with Golden Eagles. Info: 704-987-2022 or brickhousetavern.com.

SUNDAY, JAN. 22

VisitLakeNorman.org Soccer Series, All day, various area parks – The North Mecklenburg Soccer Club hosts the first of three weekends of events in the VisitLakeNorman.org Soccer Series. This weekend, a friendly tournament with visiting teams from around the Southeast of U11-U18 boys and U11-U14 girls. Also Saturday. Info on the North Meck Soccer Club site.

DCPC Covenant Class, 9:45 a.m., Room B, Congregation House, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, downtown Davidson. George Ramsey, Kristen Herrington professor emeritus of religion at Presbyterian College, will lead four sessions on the artistry of Biblical storytellers. Information: Call 704-892-5641.

Gethsemene Gospel Explosion, 3 p.m., Gethsemene Baptist Church, 565 Jetton St., Davidson. A day of gospel singing during Gethsemene Baptist Church’s annual Gospel Explosion. The event is free and open to the public. Information: Visit www.gbclakenorman.org or call 704-892-1635.

HAVE NEWS?

To have your event listed in our calendars, please send to listings@davidsonnews.net. Our events calendars appear on both DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.