The start to last year's Day Care Dash fun run.

Town Day, Davidson’s annual celebration on the Green, is the highlight of this weekend.

The event will be held Saturday, a day that starts with the Day Care Dash for the fleet of feet, and ends with the carnival events, food treats, musical entertainment and more on and around the Green.  In between, is the official opening for a new season of the Davidson Farmer’s Market.

The weekend also features the opening of “The House at Pooh Corner,” by Davidson Community Players, and the restaging of “Doubt: a Parable,” this time around at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.

APRIL 30-MAY 3

Davidson Community Players open “The House at Pooh Corner” this weekend, for a run through May 10 at the company’s Armour Street Theatre.  The play, by A. A. Milne, adapted by Bettye Knapp is aimed at children 4 and above and tells the story of how Christopher Robin has decided to run away with his friends Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and the rest. As the situation becomes clearer, Christopher Robin isn’t quite so sure that running away is the answer. Performances: April 30, May 1 and 8, at 4:30 p.m.; May 2 and 9, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., May 3, 2 p.m. Tickets: $7. Reservations: 704-892-7918.

The next “Musical Interludes” program at Davidson College will feature recitals by top college musicians playing a variety of music Friday, starting at 12:30 at the Sloan Music Center’s Tyler-Tallman Hall.  The free event is open to the public.

Davidson’s annual Day Care Dash, a fund-raising 5k race and fun run/walk to benefit Davidson-Cornelius Day Care, kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday. Packet pickup and race day registration: 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at the Village Green.  More information, registration links, etc. in our April 14 news item in The Guide.

The Davidson Farmer’s Market holds its opening day for the new season this Saturday, in conjunction with Town Day.  The Farmer’s Market is held Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon, through October on the field next to Town Hall. Opening day will begin with a brief ceremony at which Davidson Mayor John Woods will rings the market bell.  A kids activity tent will run from 9-10 a.m., featuring a scavenger hunt to “Find the Farmer”, and a map activity to see where the DFM farms are located, and more.  Davidson IB Middle School 8th graders will have a booth selling seedlings to raise funds for their produce garden at Ada Jenkins Center, which supplies the Loaves and Fishes food pantry.  Music entertainment for opening day will feature “The Generals,” a men’s acapella singing group from Davidson College.  The market will open with seasonal veggies, meats cheeses.

Davidson Town Day, with food, music, fun and games for the whole family runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Details in our April 8 news item in The Guide.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church will host a public reading Sunday, starting at 8 p.m. of John Patrick Shanley’s award-winning play “Doubt, a Parable,” which also was a hit movie. This cast also performed the play in the February Festival of Faith and Arts at Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Directed by Alan England, with Larry Ligo as Father Flynn. Set in the Bronx in 1964, it is structured as a clash of wills and generations between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn, the young priest who may or may not be too fond of the schoolboys in his charge. Free. Donations will be accepted for St. Alban’s Habitat for Humanity House now under construction.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Fund-raisers See our latest listings of local fund-raising events, CLICK HERE>

• MONDAY, MAY 4, 7:30 p.m., Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble St. – UU Fellowship of Lake Norman will hold its weekly meeting. Details: www.uulakenorman.org.
• THURSDAY, MAY 7 – Mecklenburg County Air Quality Don’t Drive Day. Details on the county website, www.charmeck.org/
• SATURDAY, MAY 9, 5:30-9 p.m., Our Towns Habitat for Humanity ReStore parking lot, 20414 N. Main St., Cornelius – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity hosts its 2nd Annual Habitat for Humanity Car Show. Categories include sports cars, muscle cars, vintage cars, hot rods and show cars. With food, drawings, a DJ and dancing. All proceeds will help fund the 4th Youth United Habitat home. Tickets $1 general admission. Car Show entry fees are $20 for early registration and $25 the day of the event. To register a vehicle, please contact Sarah Heithoff at 704-896-9657, ext. 1120, or seithoff@ourtownshabitat.org. For more information, visit www.ourtownshabitat.org.
• SUNDAY, MAY 10, 6-8 p.m., Village Green – Downtown Davidson Inc. presents a Concert on the Green with the Carter Brothers. Details and a full schedule of the summer series in our April 24 season preview
• MONDAY, MAY 11, 7 p.m., Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Lake Norman Regional Bicycle Plan public input meeting. NC DOT and Centralina Council of Governments are putting together a Lake Nomran regional bicycle route in Catawba, Lincoln, Iredell and Mecklenburg counties with bike paths and on-road bike lanes. Come put in your two cents. Details: www.lakenormanrpo.org/Lake Norman RBP.htm.
• FRIDAY, MAY 15, 7 p.m., Ben &Jerry’s, 202 S. Main St. – The Lake Norman Teen Council and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream offer wall-sized outdoor gaming, including Rock Band, Mario Kart and Wii sports. Come and play, cheer for your friends, or just hang out. There will be 2-3 game stations with 4 players per game. Free. Registration at 7, games begin at 7:30. Details: 704-892-0604.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Ramsey Creek Park, Cornelius – 10th annual Asian Festival and 4th annual Dragon Boat Festival. With dragon boat races, Miss Asian Festival Pageant, Asian music and dance, traditional crafts and food, and family fun.charlottedragonboat.com
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2 p.m., Torrence Chapel Field – Softball game face off between the Cornelius Police and the Cornelius Fire Department. Public is invited to see who will walk away with bragging rights.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16,, 3-6 p.m., Woodlawn School, Presbyterian Road off N.C. 115 – The Helping Paws Dog Show will raise funds for area shelters Project Halo and Lake Norman Animal Rescue while offering the public an opportunity to adopt dogs from Project Halo, a no-kill shelter. For registration information or to become a sponsor, go to www.helpingpawsdogshow.org or email info@helpingpawsdogshow.org. Details in our March 31 news item.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 6 p.m., Beaver Dam Park, Davidson-Concord Road – Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region hosts a USA Ark of Taste feast, featuring 10 renowned North Carolina chefs and a local chocolatier preparing a 10-course meal featuring regional foods from local farms and producers. A limited number of tickets are available, $100 per person, which includes meal, wine and music. Proceeds benefit Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region convivia, the Davidson Farmer’s Market and the Lincoln County Farmer’s Market at Denver.
• FRIDAY, MAY 22 to SUNDAY, MAY 24, Fiddler’s Grove Campground, Union Grove, Exit 65 off I-77, Iredell County – 85th Ole Time Fiddlers and Bluegrass Festival, which claims to be the oldest continuous festival of its kind. More than 50 traditional bands in old time and bluegrass divisions, junior and senior categories, will vie for Fiddlers Grove championships. Camping, food, music and other events for families. Tickets $35 in advance for adults, entire festival, $15 in advance for youth 10-15. Tickets also available for day and festival at the gate. Children free. www.fiddlersgrove.com
• SATURDAY, MAY 30, 8 p.m., and SUNDAY, MAY 31, 3 p.m., Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – North Mecklenburg Community Chorus spring performance, on the theme “There’s No Place Like Home.” Songs include “Ease on Down the Road” from “The Wiz,” “Consider Yourself (at Home)” from “Oliver,” and a medley of songs from “Mama Mia,” as well as others from Broadway musicals, movies and television. Tickets $15 each. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets, call 704-875-1471. www.northmeckcommunitychorus.org
• SATURDAY, JULY 4, 4:30 to 8 p.m., Village Green – Davidson Fourth of July celebration, with a parade of bicycles, strollers, and pets and an evening of music and games. Music by Rough Draft. $5 admission for children’s activities.
• SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, noon to 4 p.m., Ramsey Creek Park, Cornelius – Jewish Council of Lake Norman presents the first Shalom Lake Norman festival, with klezmer music, soloists, an Israeli dance group, children’s crafts and rides, ethnic food. Organizers hope it will become an annual celebration.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

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

WEEKEND OF APRIL 23-26

Lake Norman is hosting the 2009 National Guard Open Bass Fishing Tournament.  That means 300-plus top anglers from around the country will be on hand to seek a $1.1 million purse.  Contestants will take off from Blythe Landing in Huntersville at 7 a.m. each day and return for weigh-ins at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday.  The final weigh-in will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Cabarrus Arena Events Center.  Click here for results and more details.

Student art will be on display at Davidson College's main gallery through May 6.

The 2009 Student Art Exhibition for Davidson College officially opens this weekend with a reception Thursday, 7-9 p.m., in the atrium of the Belk Visual Arts Center. The exhibition will run through May 6.  Gallery hours: weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends, noon to 4 p.m.

This is Reunion Weekend at Davidson College, which means lots of alums strolling about, no doubt still buzzing with the news of Stephen Curry going pro. Details on the college website.

Davidson College’s next “Musical Interludes” concert features flutist Shirley Gilpin and pianist Cynthia Lawing performing Friday at 12:30 pm in Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Building.

The North Mecklenburg Soccer Club will host its 2009 Club Day Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Richard Barry Park in Huntersville.  The event includes a Youth Health and Wellness Festival, representatives from the Huntersville Police Department Child ID service, a fire truck, dunking booths, moon bounce, face painting, food and more.

Radiant Life Fellowship, locatd at 412 Armour St., will host “G-Live” Saturday, 9:30 a.m. -4 p.m.  This event is for K – 5th graders. Parents may join children at 3 p.m. for some fun. The theme is “Wild and Crazy” stories in the Bible. Registration is $25, and the fee covers T-shirt, lunch, snack, and activities.

Booths on the Green at the 2008 arts festival.

The 2009 Art on the Green festival will be held this weekend, with 45 artist’s exhibits, demonstrations, food, and live music. Music includes The Merrow’s Celtic Band, Rusty Knox and Michael Orlando, Billy Jones, Lexi Vo, and the Off Main Jazz Quintet. The festival marks the final weekend of the “April is for Arts” program. Artists from Creative Art Exchange and the juried show will be demonstrating their talents.  The festival runs from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, and from noon – 4 p.m. Sunday, with all events centered on the Davidson Village Green at the corner of Concord Road and Main Street. Also during the event, the Davidson Historical Society will offer 30-minute walking tours of downtown.  Tours start at the info tent on the Green Saturday (noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m. and 3 p.m.).

Andy Dunnill's "Bouquet for Davidson" will be dedicated Saturday. (David Boraks photo)

Davidson officials will host the dedication of the town’s first public artwork, “Bouquet for Davidson,” Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. at the post office plaza.  The event features a 15-foot metal sculpture to be installed by artist Andy Dunnill. More about the work and the artist, as well as past coverage of the town’s development of a public art program, can be found in the DNN “public art” category.

Summit Coffee will host its third “Summit Cares” community outreach benefit concert Saturday, with live music from 12:30 – 11 p.m.  Bands will play on the coffee shops back patio.  Cash donations will be accepted for the Autism Society of America as part of Autism Awareness month.  Find more details, and a schedule of bands in our previous coverage of this event.

Our Towns Habitat for Humanity invites the Lake Norman community to celebrate is selection as “Affiliate of the Year” by Habitat for Humanity International at a “Racin’ Rockin’ ‘n Roofin’” event with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and music and dancing to the Center City Groove band.  The event will be held Saturday, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Raceworld USA, 20310 Chartwell Center Drive, off I-77 Exit 28, Cornelius.  Free, donations welcome. For reservations or information, contact Donna Nestor.

Students from Davidson College’s Pre-Medical Health Professionals group will offer a free community health fair Sunday, 3-6 p.m. at the Ada Jenkins Center. Details on our Health & Fitness page.

Dr. Raymond Arsenault

Raymond Arsenault, the John Hope Franklin Professor of Southern History and co-director of the Florida Studies Program at the University of South Florida, will give a free public lecture Sunday, starting at 3 p.m. in the Davidson College union’s 900 room. Dr. Arsenault will deliver the college’s biannual Kendrick Kelley Program lecture, discussing the refusal in 1939 by the Daughters of the American Revolution to let African American opera singer Marian Anderson sing at Constitution Hall. Dr. Arsenault is the author of the 2006 book Freedom Riders and many other works on the history of civil rights and Southern history.

Concerts on the Green 2009 debuts Sunday, 6-8 p.m. with the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra and Davidson College Jazz Ensemble sharing the stage outside the public library. Pack your most artistic picnic for the picnic contest and bring family and friends to enjoy the music. Details: www.downtowndavidson.org

SPORTS

Wildcat sports this weekend features the following home events on the campus of Davidson College:

• The men’s baseball team will face UNC-Greensboro in a three-game series this weekend at Wilson Field.  Games are at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m Sunday.  Friday’s game also features “Beach Night,” with family-fun activities that start at7 p.m.
• The 15th annual Dr. Tom Scott Memorial Golf Tournament, benefiting Davidson Athletics and men’s golf will be held Friday in conjunction with Reunion Weekend.  The tournament will be held at the Birkdale Golf Club in Huntersville.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

• MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1 p.m., River Run Country Club – Davidson Lions Club and other area Lions club host the annual Russell B. Knox Memorial Golf Tournament, with proceeds benefiting the club’s programs and services. Details: Ed Roberts, 704-892-0276.
• THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 8:30 a.m., South Main Square conference room, 442 S. Main St. – South Main Square Business Networking Group.  Coffee, doughnuts and conversation with folks from professional and service businesses in Davidson. Email krose@roseassociates.com to confirm your attendance.
• SATURDAY, MAY 2, 8 a.m., Davidson Village Green – Davidson Town Day Day Care Dash, a fund-raising 5k race and fun run/walk to benefit Davidson-Cornelius Day Care. Packet pickup and race day registration: 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. More information, registration links, etc. in our April 14 news item in The Guide.
• SATURDAY, MAY 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Davidson Village Green – Davidson Town Day, with food, music, fun and games for the whole family. Details in our April 8 news item in The Guide.
• MONDAY, MAY 4, 7:30 p.m., Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble St. – UU Fellowship of Lake Norman will hold its weekly meeting. Details: www.uulakenorman.org.
• SATURDAY, MAY 9, 5:30-9 p.m., Our Towns Habitat for Humanity ReStore parking lot, 20414 N. Main St., Cornelius – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity hosts its 2nd Annual Habitat for Humanity Car Show. Categories include sports cars, muscle cars, vintage cars, hot rods and show cars. With food, drawings, a DJ and dancing. All proceeds will help fund the 4th Youth United Habitat home. Tickets $1 general admission. Car Show entry fees are $20 for early registration and $25 the day of the event. To register a vehicle, please contact Sarah Heithoff at 704-896-9657, ext. 1120, or seithoff@ourtownshabitat.org. For more information, visit www.ourtownshabitat.org.
• FRIDAY, MAY 15, 7 p.m., Ben &Jerry’s, 202 S. Main St. – The Lake Norman Teen Council and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream offer wall-sized outdoor gaming, including Rock Band, Mario Kart and Wii sports. Come and play, cheer for your friends, or just hang out. There will be 2-3 game stations with 4 players per game. Free. Registration at 7, games begin at 7:30. Details: 704-892-0604.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2 p.m., Torrence Chapel Field – Softball game face off between the Cornelius Police and the Cornelius Fire Department. Public is invited to see who will walk away with bragging rights.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16,, 3-6 p.m., Woodlawn School, Presbyterian Road off N.C. 115 – The Helping Paws Dog Show will raise funds for area shelters Project Halo and Lake Norman Animal Rescue while offering the public an opportunity to adopt dogs from Project Halo, a no-kill shelter. For registration information or to become a sponsor, go to www.helpingpawsdogshow.org or email info@helpingpawsdogshow.org. Details in our March 31 news item.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 6 p.m., Beaver Dam Park, Davidson-Concord Road – Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region hosts a USA Ark of Taste feast, featuring 10 renowned North Carolina chefs and a local chocolatier preparing a 10-course meal featuring regional foods from local farms and producers. A limited number of tickets are available, $100 per person, which includes meal, wine and music. Proceeds benefit Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region convivia, the Davidson Farmer’s Market and the Lincoln County Farmer’s Market at Denver.

OF REGIONAL INTEREST:

• APRIL 23-MAY 10, Overlook neighborhood, Mountain Island Lake, Huntersville – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity offers tours of the “High Performance Home by Schreiner Custom Homes,” built with eco-friendly materials and products. Public tours will raise funds for Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. Open Thursdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Tickets $5 at the door. For more information, visit www.HighPerformanceHomeNC.com.
• FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2 p.m., Charles Mack Citizens Center, Mooresville – Dr. Mehmet Oz, heart surgeon, author and health expert on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” will speak about health and wellness and answer questions in a fund-raising appearance for HealthReach Community Clinic in Mooresville. The clinic offers free medical care to low-income residents. Advance tickets are required and may be obtained by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for $25 per ticket to the HealthReach Community Clinic, PO Box 1265, Mooresville, NC, 28115. Guests donating $100 or more per ticket get preferred seating and a private reception with Dr. Oz.
• FRIDAY, MAY 1, 6-9 p.m., downtown Mooresville – “A Taste of Wine on Main Street.” Wine tasting at participating businesses along Main Street, with wine and food pairings donated by local restaurants, wine shops and wineries. Sponsored by Food for Friends outreach at Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church, to provide groceries for families supported through Winnie Hooper Center in Mooresville. Tickets available through Saint Patrick’s Episcopal, 201 Fairview Road (next to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center). Details: 704-663-5659.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

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

WEEKEND OF APRIL 16-19

Charlotte Observer columnist Mary Newsom will be the featured speaker at “Neighborhood Design and Housing,” a community forum that is part of the town’s Comprehensive Planning process. The free event will be held Thursday, starting at 7 p.m. at Davidson Town Hall.  Speakers, also including Town Commissioner Margo Williams, will discuss Davidson’s planning ordinance and design process, and outline innovative neighborhood design and housing options. (See also our Feb. 19 series preview, “Town lecture series to focus on economy, sustainability.”)

Cuban-born writer Pablo Medina, an English professor at the University of Nevada and faculty member at Warren Wilson College’s MFA writing program, will read from his work Thursday starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Davidson College Union.  Dr. Medina will also judge the Vereen Bell Writing Competition. A book signing follows. Co-sponsored by Department of Spanish and Organization of Latin American Students. 

Davidson Local will be performing songs written by Davidson College history professor John Wertheimer Thursday, 8-11 p.m. at Summit Coffee.

Children’s Community School will hold its annual golf tournament Friday at Verdict Ridge Golf Club in Denver. Check in and breakfast buffet begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start. Click here for more details.

The “April Is for Arts Gallery Crawl” will be held Friday from 6-9:30 p.m. in Davidson and Cornelius.  Davidson galleries, businesses and Davidson Town Hall as well as Cornelius Town Hall, Cornelius Art Center, and various Cornelius businesses on Catawba Avenue will open their doors to art lovers. Displays will include work by artists who are featured at Davidson’s Art on the Green April 25-26. Park in Davidson or Cornelius and ride to venues on a trolley. Live music and refreshments available. Details on downtowndavidson.org.

The Davidson College Dance Ensemble presents its annual spring show of student-choreographed works Friday and Saturday, starting at 8:30 p.m. both nights at the Duke Family Performance Hall. Tickets are $4 for students and $6 general admission. Details on the college website.

The Annual Rural Hill Farm‘s Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games will be held this weekend in Huntersville.  The event features food, music, demonstrations, Scottish athletic events and more. New this year is a Saturday night Celtic music concert with top performers from the U.S. and Scotland.

The Run Too Overcome 5K and Kids Fun Run will be held Saturday morning at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, hosted by the Davidson Elementary PTA Too for exceptional children. Proceeds to benefit seven elementary schools, including DES. Register for the race through queencitytiming.com. More about the run in our April 14 School Notes.

The Davidson IB Middle School National Junior Honor Society and Student Leadership Team, in conjunction with the STAND committee from Davidson College, will host a “Community Walk for Darfur” Saturday, 9 a.m. until noon on the Davidson Village Green.  The walk is aimed at raising awareness about the situation in Darfur, Sudan, and funds. More in our April 14 School Notes.

An alligator was one of the special critters on view at the 2008 Reptile Day.

The Davidson College herpetology lab will sponsor its 9th annual Reptile Day, a perennial family favorite, Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the garden courtyard between the Dana and Watson Science Buildings along Concord Road.  Enjoy close encounters with live snakes, turtles and amphibians and let your kids ask as many questions they want of the herpetology students. Dr. Mike Dorcas will offer a kid-friendly lecture on venomous snakes of North Carolina.

Davidson Farmer’s Market holds its final tailgate market of the spring on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the parking lot behind Summit Coffee. The farmers will have local produce, including lettuces, spinach and other greens, green onions, eggs, beef, pork and poultry, and dairy products including goat cheese. Other vendors will have baked goods, soaps, plants and more. Meanwhile, the 2009 Davidson Farmers Market regular season opens May 2, 8-noon. Details: DavidsonFarmersMarket.org.

Seventeen condos off South Main Street will go on the auction block Saturday monrning at 11 a.m. Registration begins at 10 a.m. at Campania Café, 416 S. Main St.  Read more in our March 27 news item, “S. Main condo developer puts units up for auction.”

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee at Davidson College will sponsor its third annual Cats Carnival Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. at the college soccer practice fields (across from the golf course).  The free event will feature face painting, a giant slide, a moon bounce and more, plus the chance to get an autograph from Stephen Curry and other Wildcat athletes.

The Cornelius Arts Center will host Family Arts Day Saturday, 1-4 p.m. with stage performances, hands-on art activities, kite-making, food and fun for children and families. Performances will include the Cornelius Youth Orchestra, Davidson Community Player’s Connie Company, Children’s Community School dance and drama ensembles, and an original play by the Ausie Rivens Scholarship Foundation. The center is lcoated in the Oak Street Mill at 19525 Oak St., behind the police station.

Davidson College piano recital

The Davidson College Music Department will host a Piano Studio Recital Saturday at 4 p.m., featuring the  students of Ruskin Cooper and Cynthia Lawing.  The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Sloan Music Center’s Tyler-Tallman Hall.

Beth Shalom of Lake Norman will host a Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance) and Interfaith Passover Seder this weekend, in conjunction with two Davidson churches.  Saturday, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, listen to an original musical composition by Henry Lebedinsky, musical director of St. Alban’s, while viewing art painted by his grandfather, a holocaust liberator. Hear a holocaust survivor and professor reflect on the atrocities of the holocaust as well as current human rights violations. Sunday will feature an Interfaith Passover Seder at 1 pm at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House.  Adults & children of all ages and faiths invited to both free events. (Note: The time of the Holocaust Remembrance has been corrected in this item.)

The Lake Norman Parade of Barns, a new event offering tours and demonstrations at local equestrian facilities will be held Saturday, noon-4:30 p.m.. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for 12 and under. The event ends with a reception at Hinds’ Feet Farm, and a chance to mingle with therapy horses.

Davidson College Presbyterian Church will worship outdoors Sunday for its 11 a.m. “Celebrate Creation” service. The event is co-sponsored by the Davidson College Office of Sustainability. Worshipers should plan to meet on the front lawn of the sanctuary; in case of rain, the service will use the sanctuary. Pre-worship educational activities for kindergarteners through adults will begin at 9:45 am on the brick steps to the old Fellowship Hall (on the campus side of the church). Planned activities include charting your own carbon footprint (please bring a year’s summary of power bills, travel, and garbage produced), a trash relay and a skit on trash, plus information on worm farming and container gardening. A reception featuring local foods will follow worship.

SPORTS

Wildcat sports this weekend features the following home events on the campus of Davidson College:

• The men’s tennis team will face Charlotte Friday, starting at 2:30 p.m. at the Covington Courts.
• The women’s lacrosse team faces Stanford Friday, starting at 6 p.m. at Richardson Stadium.
• The women’s tennis team will have a double-header Saturday, facing Belmont Abbey at 11 a.m. and Furman at 1 p.m. in play at Alumni Stadium.
• Lacrosse follows Friday’s game against Stanford with a 1 p.m. game Sunday against Duke.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Fund-raisers See our latest listings of local fund-raising events, CLICK HERE>

• MONDAY, APRIL 20 – The 2009 Annual Davidson Day School Golf Tournament will be held on at the River Run Golf Club in Davidson. This will be the main fundraiser for the Patriots Club 2008-09 year.
• APRIL 20-21 – Donation drive at Cannon School, accepting gently-used items from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Items will be collected by Goodwill’s newest retail store, which will open next month at 5511 Poplar Tent Road. The event is being organized by student Tyler Carson.
• APRIL 20, 7 p.m., Davidson College Chambers Hall, Room 1027 – Dean Rusk International Studies Program presents 1st Lt. Kevin Bell ’05, who returned recently from a year leading a dismounted reconnaissance platoon in Paktya province in Afghanistan. The title of his talk is “Pulling Teeth: a Platoon Leader’s Perspective after a Year in Afghanistan.” Free.
• TUESDAY, APRIL 21, noon to 8 p.m., Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, 202 S. Main St. – Free Cone Day. North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue will be there with dogs and adoption info. Bring items for donation to the group, including used blankets, dog crates and medicines, cleaning supplies, gift cards, bleach, dog treats. Info: 70-892-0604.
• TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “What Does Sustainable Look Like?” a community forum as part of the town’s Comprehensive Planning process. Speakers: TBA. Moderators: Commissioner Laurie Venzon and former Commissioner David Martin. This forum will focus on ways to balance a sustainable ecosystem with economic goals, recreational needs, and infrastructure expansion. Free. For more information call 704 892-7592. (See also our Feb. 19 series preview, “Town lecture series to focus on economy, sustainability.”)
• THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 12:30 p.m., River Run Country Club – Fourth Annual Dick Sanderson Driving 4 Life Golf Tournament. Lunch provided at noon. The event honors local resident Dick Sanderson, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 2004, and raises funds to advance ALS research and assist the Sanderson family. Registration and more information at www.dicksandersondriving4life.org.
• APRIL 23-MAY 10, Overlook neighborhood, Mountain Island Lake, Huntersville – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity offers tours of the “High Performance Home by Schreiner Custom Homes,” built with eco-friendly materials and products. Public tours will raise funds for Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. Open Thursdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Tickets $5 at the door. For more information, visit www.HighPerformanceHomeNC.com.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Richard Barry Park, Huntersville – North Mecklenburg Soccer Club 2009 Club Day, including a Youth Health and Wellness Festival, Huntersville Police Department child ID service, fire truck, dunking booths, moon bounce, face painting, food and more. www.northmecksoccer.org.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Radiant Life Fellowship, 412 Armour St. – “G-Live,” an event for K – 5th graders. Parents may join children at 3 p.m. for some fun. Theme is “Wild and Crazy” stories in the Bible. Registration $20 before April 10 and $25 after April 10 until the event. Fee covers T-shirt, lunch, snack, and activities. www.radiantlifefellowship.org
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 11 a.m., Davidson post office plaza – Dedication of the town’s first public artwork, “Bouquet for Davidson,” a 15-foot metal sculpture to be installed in mid-April by artist Andy Dunnill. More about the work and the artist, as well as past coverage of the town’s development of a public art program, at davidsonnews.net/category/public-art/
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 7:30 p.m., Raceworld USA, 20310 Chartwell Center Drive, off I-77 Exit 28, Cornelius – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity invites the Lake Norman community to celebrate is selection as “Affiliate of the Year” by Habitat for Humanity International at a “Racin’ Rockin’ ‘n Roofin’” event with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and music and dancing with the Center City Groove band. Free, donations welcome. Reservations required by March 31. For reservations or information, contact Donna Nestor at donna@ourtownshabitat.org or 704-896-8957, ext. 1122.
• MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1 p.m., River Run Country Club – Davidson Lions Club and other area Lions club host the annual Russell B. Knox Memorial Golf Tournament, with proceeds benefiting the club’s programs and services. Details: Ed Roberts, 704-892-0276.
• FRIDAY, MAY 1, 6-9 p.m., downtown Mooresville – “A Taste of Wine on Main Street.” Wine tasting at participating businesses along Main Street, with wine and food pairings donated by local restaurants, wine shops and wineries. Sponsored by Food for Friends outreach at Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church, to provide groceries for families supported through Winnie Hooper Center in Mooresville. Tickets available through Saint Patrick’s Episcopal, 201 Fairview Road (next to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center). Details: 704-663-5659.
• SATURDAY, MAY 9, 5:30-9 p.m., Our Towns Habitat for Humanity ReStore parking lot, 20414 N. Main St., Cornelius – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity hosts its 2nd Annual Habitat for Humanity Car Show. Categories include sports cars, muscle cars, vintage cars, hot rods and show cars. With food, drawings, a DJ and dancing. All proceeds will help fund the 4th Youth United Habitat home. Tickets $1 general admission. Car Show entry fees are $20 for early registration and $25 the day of the event. To register a vehicle, please contact Sarah Heithoff at 704-896-9657, ext. 1120, or seithoff@ourtownshabitat.org. For more information, visit www.ourtownshabitat.org.
• FRIDAY, MAY 15, 7 p.m., Ben &Jerry’s, 202 S. Main St. – The Lake Norman Teen Council and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream offer wall-sized outdoor gaming, including Rock Band, Mario Kart and Wii sports. Come and play, cheer for your friends, or just hang out. There will be 2-3 game stations with 4 players per game. Free. Registration at 7, games begin at 7:30. Details: 704-892-0604.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2 p.m., Torrence Chapel Field – Softball game face off between the Cornelius Police and the Cornelius Fire Department. Public is invited to see who will walk away with bragging rights.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16,, 3-6 p.m., Woodlawn School, Presbyterian Road off N.C. 115 – The Helping Paws Dog Show will raise funds for area shelters Project Halo and Lake Norman Animal Rescue while offering the public an opportunity to adopt dogs from Project Halo, a no-kill shelter. For registration information or to become a sponsor, go to www.helpingpawsdogshow.org or email info@helpingpawsdogshow.org. Details in our March 31 news item.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 6 p.m., Beaver Dam Park, Davidson-Concord Road – Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region hosts a USA Ark of Taste feast, featuring 10 renowned North Carolina chefs and a local chocolatier preparing a 10-course meal featuring regional foods from local farms and producers. A limited number of tickets are available, $100 per person, which includes meal, wine and music. Proceeds benefit Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region convivia, the Davidson Farmer’s Market and the Lincoln County Farmer’s Market at Denver.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

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

The weekend will also include the spring concert at Davidson College, headlined by Death Cab for Cutie, along with tennis matches Friday for both men and women, and the Wildcat baseball team hosting a three-game series with the Citadel.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 9-12

Death Cab for Cutie, Thursday at the college.

Davidson College will host its annual spring concert Thursday, starting at 8 p.m. in the Belk Arena, with headliners Death Cab for Cutie. Other acts include Cold War Kids and Ra Ra Riot. Tickets are $20 with a Davidson ID and $30 for the general public. Details on the college website.

Summit Coffee will have live music from 8-11 p.m. this weekend. Thursday Billy Jones and The Pocket take the stage, while Friday will feature the Mike Strauss Trio, and Saturday it’s time for Joshua Panda and the A-OKs.Bands play on the back patio when the weather is accommodating, and on the upstairs stage when it’s just too cold or wet. The coffee shop is located at 128 South Main St.

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, located at 202 S. Main St., will host a “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” blood drive Friday from 2-6:30 p.m. Stop in and you’ll get a free cone just for showing up and a pint of ice cream after you donate. Call 704-892-0604 for details or make an appointment online.

The Bradford Store, located at 15915 Davidson-Concord Road, will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt and petting zoo Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The egg hunt begins at 11:30 a.m. sharp, and participants should bring a basket.

The 2008 egg hunt for the McConnell neighborhood.

The McConnell neighborhood will host its annual egg hunt and chicken dinner Saturday on the McConnell green.  A hunt for ages 3 and under will begin at 4:15 p.m., and a hunt for older children will follow at 4:30 p.m.  Neighbors are asked to bring 12 filled eggs to 119 Morrison Hill by 2 p.m. Saturday, and indicate the age of hunt participants.  The chicken dinner will follow at 5 p.m. and neighbors are asked to bring a sidedish.

Lake Norman YMCA will host its 2nd annual Easter Sunrise Service Sunday at 6:30 a.m., on the Y campus overlooking the lake in the natural setting of an outdoor chapel. The non-denominational, spiritually-inclusive service is supported by the branch’s Community Development Team and Christian Emphasis Committee. The Rev. Shelli Latham from Davidson College Presbyterian Church will be lead pastor for the service. The scripture reading will be provided by a member of Lake Norman Baptist Church with music provided through Lake Forest Community Church. Dress is casual and all are welcome to begin celebrating Easter at sunrise.

SPORTS

Wildcat sports this weekend features the following home events on the campus of Davidson College:

A tennis Friday, featuring the women’s team taking on Elon at 2 p.m. and the men’s team facing UNC Charlotte at 3 p.m., all at the Covington Courts.

Drew Gadaire

The baseball team playing a three-game series with Citadel at Wilson Field.  Games will be at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at Wilson field.  The Wildcats are now 12-14, following a thrilling home game Wednesday, at which freshman first baseman Drew Gadaire tied the school record with four home runs, and the team went 12 innings, in a 11-10 loss to Gardner-Webb.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

• MONDAY, APRIL 13, 7 p.m. – Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting (rescheduled from April 7). Site to be determined.
• TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Monthly town board meeting. Agenda on the town website.
• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 7:15 p.m., Davidson public library branch, community room, on the Village Green – Discussion of “Unitarian Universalism and the Environment” with guest speaker Dave Martin, an economics professor at Davidson College and president of Davidson Lands Conservancy. For more information about UU Lake Norman, visit www.uulakenorman.org.
• THURSDAY, APRIL 16,7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “Neighborhood Design and Housing,” a community forum as part of the town’s Comprehensive Planning process. Speakers: Commissioner Margo Williams and local builders and architects. Moderator: former town Commissioner Bruce McMillen. Speakers will discuss Davidson’s planning ordinance and design process, and outline innovative neighborhood design and housing options. Free. For more information call 704 892-7592. (See also our Feb. 19 series preview, “Town lecture series to focus on economy, sustainability.”)
• FRIDAY, APRIL 17 – Annual golf tournament for Children’s Community School will be held at Verdict Ridge Golf Club in Denver.  Check in and breakfast buffet begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by  a shotgun start.  Click here for more details.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 18 – Run Too Overcome 5K and Kids Fun Run at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, hosted by Davidson Elementary PTA Too for exceptional children.  Proceeds to benefit seven elementary schools, including DES.  Register for the race through queencitytiming.com. (More about the run in our March 28 news item.)

Fund-raisers See our latest listings of local fund-raising events, CLICK HERE>

• SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 9 a.m. to noon, Davidson Village Green – The Davidson IB Middle School National Junior Honor Society and Student Leadership Team, in conjunction with the STAND committee from Davidson College, host a “Community Walk for Darfur.” The walk is aimed at raising awareness about the situation in Darfur, Sudan, and funds. Parent volunteers needed. To help, email Karen Wood at Davidson IB school. Karen.wood@cms.k12.nc.us
• SATURDAY, APRIL 18, noon – 4:30 p.m. – Lake Norman Parade of Barns, a new event offering tours and demonstrations at local equestrian facilities. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for 12 and under. Event ends with a reception at Hinds’ Feet Farm, and a chance to mingle with therapy horses.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 18 and SUNDAY, APRIL 19 – Yom Hashoah and Interfaith Passover Seder weekend with Beth Shalom of Lake Norman. Saturday, April 18, 8:30 p.m., Yom Hashoah/Holocaust Remembrance Day, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane. Listen to an original musical composition by Henry Lebedinsky, musical director of St. Alban’s, while viewing art painted by his grandfather, a holocaust liberator. Hear a holocaust survivor and professor reflect on the atrocities of the holocaust as well as current human rights violations. Also, candle-lighting ceremony. Sponsored by Beth Shalom of Lake Norman and St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Adults & children of all ages and faiths invited. Free (donations appreciated). Sunday, April 19, 1 p.m., Interfaith Passover Seder, Congregation House – Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Davidson. Sponsored by Beth Shalom of Lake Norman, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Adults & children of all ages and faiths invited. Free (donations appreciated). Details: 704-896-6556. Or RSVP Beth Shalom’s website, www.BSLKN.org.
• MONDAY, APRIL 20 – The 2009 Annual Davidson Day School Golf Tournament will be held on at the River Run Golf Club in Davidson.  This will be the main fundraiser for the Patriots Club 2008-09 year.
• APRIL 20-21 – Donation drive at Cannon School, accepting gently-used items from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.  Items will be collected by Goodwill’s newest retail store, which will open next month at 5511 Poplar Tent Road. The event is being organized by student Tyler Carson.
• TUESDAY, APRIL 21, noon to 8 p.m., Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, 202 S. Main St. – Free Cone Day.  North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue will be there with dogs and adoption info. Bring items for donation to the group, including used blankets, dog crates and medicines, cleaning supplies, gift cards, bleach, dog treats. Info: 70-892-0604.
• TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “What Does Sustainable Look Like?” a community forum as part of the town’s Comprehensive Planning process. Speakers: TBA. Moderators: Commissioner Laurie Venzon and former Commissioner David Martin. This forum will focus on ways to balance a sustainable ecosystem with economic goals, recreational needs, and infrastructure expansion. Free. For more information call 704 892-7592. (See also our Feb. 19 series preview, “Town lecture series to focus on economy, sustainability.”)
• THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 12:30 p.m., River Run Country Club – Fourth Annual Dick Sanderson Driving 4 Life Golf Tournament. Lunch provided at noon. The event honors local resident Dick Sanderson, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 2004, and raises funds to advance ALS research and assist the Sanderson family. Registration and more information at www.dicksandersondriving4life.org.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Richard Barry Park, Huntersville – North Mecklenburg Soccer Club 2009 Club Day, including a Youth Health and Wellness Festival, Huntersville Police Department child ID service, fire truck, dunking booths, moon bounce, face painting, food and more. www.northmecksoccer.org.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Radiant Life Fellowship, 412 Armour St. – “G-Live,” an event for K – 5th graders. Parents may join children at 3 p.m. for some fun. Theme is “Wild and Crazy” stories in the Bible. Registration $20 before April 10 and $25 after April 10 until the event. Fee covers T-shirt, lunch, snack, and activities. www.radiantlifefellowship.org
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 11 a.m., Davidson post office plaza – Dedication of the town’s first public artwork, “Bouquet for Davidson,” a 15-foot metal sculpture to be installed in mid-April by artist Andy Dunnill. More about the work and the artist, as well as past coverage of the town’s development of a public art program, at davidsonnews.net/category/public-art/

Wild Food class Davidson Outdoors presents Wild Food Classes with traditional arts and wild food specialist Mark Warren April 18 and 19 at Davidson College. The class will explore basic botanical background, foraging technique, and local available wild food. You’ll also spend part of the afternoon exploring the Davidson Campus for possible edible plants. The class is offered from 9 am to 3 pm on either Saturday, April 18, or Sunday, April 19. (Same class both days.) Signups are in the Davidson Outdoors office, in the basement of Alvarez College Union. Price: $15 for faculty/staff/students. Please email Katie Epstein kaepstein@davidson.edu with questions.

• MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1 p.m., River Run Country Club – Davidson Lions Club and other area Lions club host the annual Russell B. Knox Memorial Golf Tournament, with proceeds benefiting the club’s programs and services. Details: Ed Roberts, 704-892-0276.
• SATURDAY, MAY 9, 5:30-9 p.m., Our Towns Habitat for Humanity ReStore parking lot, 20414 N. Main St., Cornelius – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity hosts its 2nd Annual Habitat for Humanity Car Show. Categories include sports cars, muscle cars, vintage cars, hot rods and show cars. With food, drawings, a DJ and dancing. All proceeds will help fund the 4th Youth United Habitat home. Tickets $1 general admission. Car Show entry fees are $20 for early registration and $25 the day of the event. To register a vehicle, please contact Sarah Heithoff at 704-896-9657, ext. 1120, or seithoff@ourtownshabitat.org. For more information, visit www.ourtownshabitat.org.
• FRIDAY, MAY 15, 7 p.m., Ben &Jerry’s, 202 S. Main St. – The Lake Norman Teen Council and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream offer wall-sized outdoor gaming, including Rock Band, Mario Kart and Wii sports. Come and play, cheer for your friends, or just hang out. There will be 2-3 game stations with 4 players per game. Free. Registration at 7, games begin at 7:30. Details: 704-892-0604.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2 p.m., Torrence Chapel Field – Softball game face off between the Cornelius Police and the Cornelius Fire Department. Public is invited to see who will walk away with bragging rights.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16,, 3-6 p.m., Woodlawn School, Presbyterian Road off N.C. 115 – The Helping Paws Dog Show will raise funds for area shelters Project Halo and Lake Norman Animal Rescue while offering the public an opportunity to adopt dogs from Project Halo, a no-kill shelter. For registration information or to become a sponsor, go to www.helpingpawsdogshow.org or email info@helpingpawsdogshow.org. Details in our March 31 news item.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 6 p.m., Beaver Dam Park, Davidson-Concord Road – Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region hosts a USA Ark of Taste feast, featuring 10 renowned North Carolina chefs and a local chocolatier preparing a 10-course meal featuring regional foods from local farms and producers. A limited number of tickets are available, $100 per person, which includes meal, wine and music. Proceeds benefit Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region convivia, the Davidson Farmer’s Market and the Lincoln County Farmer’s Market at Denver.

OF REGIONAL INTEREST

• TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 7-8:30 p.m., North County Regional Library 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville – The Women’s Summit and the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County host a program on domestic violence as part of a month of events for the women of our community. Learn from experts how to handle tough situations and where to find help when you or someone you know needs help. For more information, call 704-416-0101 or visit the public library website.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 18 and SUNDAY, APRIL 19, Rural Hill Farm, Huntersville – Annual Rural Hill Farm Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games. Food, music, demonstrations, Scottish athletic events and more. New this year: A Saturday night Celtic music concert with top performers from the U.S. and Scotland. www.ruralhillscottishfestivals.net.
• APRIL 23-MAY 10, Overlook neighborhood, Mountain Island Lake, Huntersville – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity offers tours of the “High Performance Home by Schreiner Custom Homes,” built with eco-friendly materials and products. Public tours will raise funds for Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. Open Thursdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Tickets $5 at the door. For more information, visit www.HighPerformanceHomeNC.com.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 7:30 p.m., Raceworld USA, 20310 Chartwell Center Drive, off I-77 Exit 28, Cornelius – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity invites the Lake Norman community to celebrate is selection as “Affiliate of the Year” by Habitat for Humanity International at a “Racin’ Rockin’ ‘n Roofin’” event with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and music and dancing with the Center City Groove band. Free, donations welcome. Reservations required by March 31. For reservations or information, contact Donna Nestor at donna@ourtownshabitat.org or 704-896-8957, ext. 1122.
• FRIDAY, MAY 1, 6-9 p.m., downtown Mooresville – “A Taste of Wine on Main Street.” Wine tasting at participating businesses along Main Street, with wine and food pairings donated by local restaurants, wine shops and wineries. Sponsored by Food for Friends outreach at Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church, to provide groceries for families supported through Winnie Hooper Center in Mooresville. Tickets available through Saint Patrick’s Episcopal, 201 Fairview Road (next to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center). Details: 704-663-5659.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

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

WEEKEND OF APRIL 2-5

The Charlotte Writers Club North will host poet Larry Sorkin and Charlotte Symphony cellist Tanya Bechtler Thursday, starting at 7 p.m. at the So Alive Gallery, 108 South Main Street.  Expect an evening of words and music in celebration of National Poetry Month. More information at www.charlottewritersclub.org. Davidson Community Players ends its run this weekend of “How I Learned to Drive,” by Paula Vogel. The final two shows are scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Armour Street Theatre. A funny, surprising and devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. Includes mature themes. Tickets: adults $17; students and seniors (65 & above) $15. For reservations call 704-892-7918.

"Company" ends Saturday at Davidson College.

“Company,” a production by the Davidson College theater and music departments,  runs through April 4 at the Duke Family Performance Hall. Directed by Davidson theater professor Ann Marie Costa, the play features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and is based on the book by George Furth. This Tony Award-winning Broadway show follows a committed bachelor named Robert, his married friends and his girlfriends. On the night of his 35th birthday he faces a dilemma: Hold onto himself, or lose himself in a long-term relationship. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets $15 general admission, $11 seniors, faculty/staff $9, students $6. (Listen to our “4-minute interview” and musical preview with directors Ann Marie Costa, Bill Lawing and Jacquelyn Culpepper.

Summit Coffee will have live music from 8-11 p.m. this weekend. Friday will feature jazz/fusion artists Actual Proof (Eric Mullis on vibraphone, Phillip W. Berkley on bass, drummer Scott Brower, and Clint Presley on guitar). Bands play on the back patio when the weather is accommodating, and on the upstairs stage when it’s just too cold or wet. The coffee shop is located at 128 South Main St.

Contra Dance Carolina will host an evening of high-energy dancing Friday, starting at 7:15 p.m. at the Davidson IB Middle School gym.  Tickets are $7 for general admission, $5 for students.  The caller for the evening will be Dean Snipes, and the band will be Hands Four.

The April Is for Arts festival begins Saturday with “Benches on the Green,” with teams from local businesses transforming unfinished benches into masterpieces with their favorite designs. The free event will start at 10 a.m. on the Davidson Village Green and include juggling, along with music by The Generals, Davidson College’s male a capella group. The completed benches will be placed throughout Davidson as a visual reminder that April is for Arts.

The Mooresville Artist Guild’s 2009 Spring Paint Out Competition will be held Saturday at the Depot Fine Arts Center, 103 W. Center Avenue.  (Rain date is Sunday.) Morning check-in starts at 8 a.m., and the day concludes with a dinner and awards. Paint all day at the locations of your choice, share your experiences with your fellow artists during the Artists’ Dinner, and win an award for your efforts! Open to all ages, skill levels and mediums. $15 per artist to enter.

Engage for Change at Davidson College will host “Greenstock,” a day of service and advocacy around the theme of environmental justice, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The morning will begin with several group service projects from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by environmentally-focused music, vendors, activities and a clothing swap from noon until 4 p.m. The market and afternoon events are open to the public.

The Lake Norman YMCA will hold its Spring Soccer Trophy and Family Fun Day Saturday, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., with the final games of the season for soccer teams, trophy presentations, sand volleyball, canoeing, archery, arts & crafts, games, food, inflatable moon bounce and more. Also, info about summer camps. Contact Matthew McAulay at 704-716-4442 or matthew.mcaulay@ymcacharlotte.org for more info.

The Amity & Bailey Trading Company, which sells vintage clothing and other items, will hold a grand opening celebration Saturday, 5-7 p.m., and the new store location in South Main Square.  Refreshments will be served.   Click here for our previous coverage of the opening.

The egg hunt starts promptly at 3:15 p.m. Sunday

North Mecklenburg Park in Huntersville will be the scene of the Annual Eggstravaganza egg hunt Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Join Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville Recreation Departments, bring your own basket and have fun searching for eggs, getting your face painted, visiting with Peter Cottontail and enjoying family entertainment.  New this year is a special egg hunt area set aside for children with special needs.  Details on the Cornelius Parks & Rec website, www.corneliuspr.org

The Music at St. Alban’s series presents VOX & Friends Sunday, starting at 3 p.m. at the church, 301 Caldwell Lane. Vox is a professional vocal group from Charlotte, led by David Tang. Tickets required. Details on the Music at St. Alban’s website.

The Francophile Film Festival, a first-ever film festival presented by the Davidson College French department, will run through April 5, with screenings set for Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  All films are free and have English subtitles.  To see a list of the films that will be shown, click here.

Davidson College vocal students will perform “Leiderabend,” a concert Sunday, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., that will feature a variety of song selections, from classical to Broadway.  The free event will be held in the Sloan Music Center’s Tyler Tallman Hall.

SPORTS

Wildcat sports this weekend features the following home events on the campus of Davidson College:

• Davidson women’s tennis vs. Charlotte, Friday at 3 p.m. on the Covington Tennis Courts.
• Davidson women’s soccer vs. UNC Greensboro, Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Alumni Soccer Stadium

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 4-7 p.m., Cornelius Town Hall – public meeting to present plans for widening of I-77 and other public transportation improvements associated with the proposed Augustalee mixed-use development at I-77 and Westmoreland Road in Cornelius. Developer Cornelius Bromont has promised the improvements as part of the project, and they are under consideration for inclusion on the priority list of the Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO). www.augustalee.com
• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 7 p.m., Davidson College Chambers Hall Room 1027 – A talk by Army 1st Lt. Kevin Bell, 2005 Davidson graduate, talking about his experience in Afghanistan. Free.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 11, Bradford Store, 15915 Davidson-Concord Road, Huntersville, annual Easter Egg Hunt and petting zoo.
• TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Monthly town board meeting. Agenda on the town website.
• THURSDAY, APRIL 16,7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “Neighborhood Design and Housing,” a community forum as part of the town’s Comprehensive Planning process. Speakers: Commissioner Margo Williams and local builders and architects. Moderator: former town Commissioner Bruce McMillen. Speakers will discuss Davidson’s planning ordinance and design process, and outline innovative neighborhood design and housing options. Free. For more information call 704 892-7592. (See also our Feb. 19 series preview, “Town lecture series to focus on economy, sustainability.”)
• SATURDAY, APRIL 18 and SUNDAY, APRIL 19 – Yom Hashoah and Interfaith Passover Seder weekend with Beth Shalom of Lake Norman. Saturday, April 18, 8:30 p.m., Yom Hashoah/Holocaust Remembrance Day, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane. Listen to an original musical composition by Henry Lebedinsky, musical director of St. Alban’s, while viewing art painted by his grandfather, a holocaust liberator. Hear a holocaust survivor and professor reflect on the atrocities of the holocaust as well as current human rights violations. Also, candle-lighting ceremony. Sponsored by Beth Shalom of Lake Norman and St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Adults & children of all ages and faiths invited. Free (donations appreciated). Sunday, April 19, 1 p.m., Interfaith Passover Seder, Congregation House – Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Davidson. Sponsored by Beth Shalom of Lake Norman, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Adults & children of all ages and faiths invited. Free (donations appreciated). Details: 704-896-6556. Or RSVP Beth Shalom’s website, www.BSLKN.org.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 18, noon – 4:30 p.m. – Lake Norman Parade of Barns, a new event offering tours and demonstrations at local equestrian facilities. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for 12 and under. Event ends with a reception at Hinds’ Feet Farm, and a chance to mingle with therapy horses.
• TUESDAY, APRIL 21,7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “What Does Sustainable Look Like?” a community forum as part of the town’s Comprehensive Planning process. Speakers: TBA. Moderators: Commissioner Laurie Venzon and former Commissioner David Martin. This forum will focus on ways to balance a sustainable ecosystem with economic goals, recreational needs, and infrastructure expansion. Free. For more information call 704 892-7592. (See also our Feb. 19 series preview, “Town lecture series to focus on economy, sustainability.”)
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Richard Barry Park, Huntersville – North Mecklenburg Soccer Club 2009 Club Day, including a Youth Health and Wellness Festival, Huntersville Police Department child ID service, fire truck, dunking booths, moon bounce, face painting, food and more. www.northmecksoccer.org.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Radiant Life Fellowship, 412 Armour St. – “G-Live,” an event for K – 5th graders. Parents may join children at 3 p.m. for some fun. Theme is “Wild and Crazy” stories in the Bible. Registration $20 before April 10 and $25 after April 10 until the event. Fee covers T-shirt, lunch, snack, and activities. www.radiantlifefellowship.org
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 11 a.m., Davidson post office plaza – Dedication of the town’s first public artwork, “Bouquet for Davidson,” a 15-foot metal sculpture to be installed in mid-April by artist Andy Dunnill. More about the work and the artist, as well as past coverage of the town’s development of a public art program, at davidsonnews.net/category/public-art/
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 7:30 p.m., Raceworld USA, 20310 Chartwell Center Drive, off I-77 Exit 28, Cornelius – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity invites the Lake Norman community to celebrate is selection as “Affiliate of the Year” by Habitat for Humanity International at a “Racin’ Rockin’ ‘n Roofin’” event with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and music and dancing with the Center City Groove band. Free, donations welcome. Reservations required by March 31. For reservations or information, contact Donna Nestor at donna@ourtownshabitat.org or 704-896-8957, ext. 1122.
• MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1 p.m., River Run Country Club – Davidson Lions Club and other area Lions club host the annual Russell B. Knox Memorial Golf Tournament, with proceeds benefiting the club’s programs and services. Details: Ed Roberts, 704-892-0276.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2 p.m., Torrence Chapel Field – Softball game face off between the Cornelius Police and the Cornelius Fire Department.  Public is invited to see who will walk away with bragging rights.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 3-6 p.m., Woodlawn School, Presbyterian Road off N.C. 115 – The Helping Paws Dog Show will raise funds for area shelters Project Halo and Lake Norman Animal Rescue while offering the public an opportunity to adopt dogs from Project Halo, a no-kill shelter. For registration information or to become a sponsor, go to www.helpingpawsdogshow.org or email info@helpingpawsdogshow.org. Details in our March 31 news item.
• SATURDAY, MAY 16, 6 p.m., Beaver Dam Park, Davidson-Concord Road – Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region hosts a USA Ark of Taste feast, featuring 10 renowned North Carolina chefs and a local chocolatier preparing a 10-course meal featuring regional foods from local farms and producers. A limited number of tickets are available, $100 per person, which includes meal, wine and music. Proceeds benefit Slow Food Carolina Piedmont Region convivia, the Davidson Farmer’s Market and the Lincoln County Farmer’s Market at Denver.

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

"Company" opens Friday at Davidson College.

It’s a weekend for theatergoers in Davidson, with the opening of a new student production at the college, “Company,” and more shows for the Davidson Community Player’s “How I Learned to Drive.” Also this weekend, Davidson Presbyterian Church will celebrate the election of the first African-American president with an Inaugural Ball Saturday night, while three local churches will combine their choirs for a Lenten concert Sunday.

Several Wildcat teams have home games over the weekend, including tennis, soccer and baseball, while a pancake dinner will be held Sunday evening for the women’s volleyball and field hockey teams. All that, plus the opening of a new Francophile Film Festival Sunday evening.

WEEKEND OF MARCH 26-29

Dr. Michael Branch

Dr. Michael P. Branch will give a public reading of his recent creative nonfiction Thursday, starting at 7:30 p.m. in room 146 of the Dana Science Lab.  The free public reading will include a work-in-progress that incorporates some of his Davidson experience.  Dr. Branch, Professor of Literature and Environment at the University of Nevada, Reno, is currently serving as Davidson College’s inaugural Thomson Distinguished Visiting Professor of Environmental Studies.

Pianist Peter Hansel will present his senior recital Thursday, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Davidson College Sloan Music Center.  The free public concert will feature works by Beethoven, Liszt, Debussy and Chopin.

Summit Coffee will have live music from 8-11 p.m. this weekend. Thursday will feature Chicago blues with Matt Walsh, Friday Davidson College student performers take the stage,  while Saturday will showcase The Rick Spreitzer Trio. Bands play on the back patio when the weather is accommodating, and on the upstairs stage when it’s just too cold or wet. The coffee shop is located at 128 South Main St.

"How I Learned to Drive" ends Sunday (Photo by Bill Giduz)

Davidson Community Players performs its second weekend of “How I Learned to Drive,” by Paula Vogel. Shows are scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and then a final show at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Armour Street Theatre. A funny, surprising and devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. Includes mature themes. Tickets: Adults $17; Students and Seniors (65 & above) $15. Reservations: 704-892-7918. (CORRECTION: Shows continue Thursday and Friday, April 2-3, at 8. An earlier version of this article said this was the final weekend.)

A new performance by the Davidson College theater and music departments, “Company,” opens Friday and runs through April 4 at the Duke Family Performance Hall. Directed by Davidson theater professor Ann Marie Costa, the play features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and is based on the book by George Furth. This Tony Award-winning Broadway show follows a committed bachelor named Robert, his married friends and his girlfriends. On the night of his 35th birthday he faces a dilemma: Hold onto himself, or lose himself in a long-term relationship. Show times are 8 p.m. on March 27-28, 2 p.m. on March 29, 7:30 p.m. on April 2, and 8 p.m. on April 3-4. Tickets $15 general admission, $11 seniors, faculty/staff $9, students $6. (Listen to our “4-minute interview” and musical preview with directors Ann Marie Costa, Bill Lawing and Jacquelyn Culpepper.)

Team Triumph will host a “Rumble in the Woods Trail Run” Saturday morning at Lake Norman State Park.  The event will feature 5k, 6.6 mile, and 12.6 mile trail run races. Register online through 3 p.m. Friday, or register on race day 7 – 7:45 a.m.  Team Triumph is a Charlotte-based women’s triathlon and multisport club.

Davidson Presbyterian Church will host a 2009 Davidson Community Inaugural Ball, Saturday, 6:30 p.m., at the Ada Jenkins Center.  The party honors important people from African American history and celebrates election of the first African American president. Wear formal or African attire or dress as your favorite historical or contemporary character. Light refreshments served. $5 at the door. Open to all.

Three Choirs Festival, featuring choirs from Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Davidson United Methodist Church, and St. Alban’s Episcopal Church will perform Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Alban’s. The free Lenten-themed program will include congregational hymns and guest cellist Deborah Mishoe of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

The Lake Norman Jewish Congregation Sisterhood’s Circle of Caring group holds a Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar Sunday, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Charles Mack Citizens Center in downtown Mooresville. With expert advice and discussion from Lake Norman domestic abuse experts and aid agencies. The free seminar is sponsored by The Lake Norman Jewish Congregation, Congregation Emanuel, Beth Shalom of Lake Norman and the Jewish Council of Lake Norman.

Fans of field hockey and volleyball at Davidson College will be at a pancake supper, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Sunday at Toast Cafe on Main Street in Davidson. Tickets are $8 in advance (at the student union) and $10 at the door for this all-you-can-eat event.

The Francophile Film Festival, a first-ever film festival presented by the Davidson College French department, will run through April 5 and celebrate its opening Sunday at the college union with a 7 p.m. screening of “Le Grand Voyage,” prefaced by an introduction from Caroline Beschea-Fache.  All films are free and have English subtitles.  To see a list of the films that will be shown, click here.

SPORTS

Wildcat sports this weekend features the following home events on the campus of Davidson College:

• Women’s tennis versus Cal State Friday at 2 p.m. at the Covington Tennis Courts.
• Women’s soccer taking on Winthrop Friday starting at 4 p.m. at Alumni Soccer Stadium.
• The baseball team playing Appalachian State Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. at Wilson Field.
• Men’s tennis playing UNC Greensboro Satuday, starting at 7 p.m. at the Covington Tennis Courts.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2 p.m., Davidson College Wilson Field – Davidson baseball vs. Applachian State.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

• MONDAY, MARCH 30, 7 p.m., Davidson IB Middle School, South Street – Parenting expert John Rosemond speaks on “Parenting a Strong-Willed Child.” Sponsored by Church of the Good Shepherd. $10 for individuals, $15 for couples, with all proceeds benefitting the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson. Tickets and info: www.tcotgs.org/rosemond.
• TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Fresh Market, Fresh Market Shopping Center, off I-77 Exit 28 – Third annual “A Taste of Art,” wine, hors d’oeuvres, and art auction, to benefit Creative Art Exchange and Children’s Arts Project. Tickets $25. Tickets available at Fresh Market or Cornelius Arts Center, in the Oak Street Mill, behind the police station, Cornelius. www.creativeartexchange.org.
• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 7:30 p.m., Davidson public library community room, on the Village Green – UU Lake Norman, a Unitarian Universalist group in formation, will host a discussion of Buddhism at its next meeting. Read more in our March 28 note.
• THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 7 p.m., So Alive Gallery, 108 S. Main Street – Charlotte Writers Club North hosts poet Larry Sorkin and Charlotte Symphony cellist Tanya Bechtler for an evening of words and music in celebration of National Poetry Month. More information at www.charlottewritersclub.org.
• FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: jazz/fusion with Actual Proof, Eric Mullis on vibraphone, Phillip W. Berkley on bass, drummer Scott Brower, and Clint Presley on guitar.
• SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2-4 p.m., North Mecklenburg Park, – Annual Eggstravaganza egg hunt. Join Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville Recreation Departments at their annual Eggstravaganza. Bring your own basket and have fun searching for eggs, getting your face painted, visiting with Peter Cottontail and enjoying family entertainment. Details on the Cornelius Parks & Rec website, www.corneliuspr.org
• SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 3 p.m., St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane – Music at St. Alban’s series presents VOX & Friends. Vox is a professional vocal group from Charlotte, led by David Tang. Tickets required. Details on the Music at St. Alban’s website.
• SATURDAY, APRIL 11, Bradford Store, 15915 Davidson-Concord Road, Huntersville, annual Easter Egg Hunt and petting zoo.
• THURSDAY, APRIL 16,7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “Neighborhood Design and Housing,” a community forum as part of the town’s Comprehensive Planning process. Speakers: Commissioner Margo Williams and local builders and architects. Moderator: former town Commissioner Bruce McMillen. Speakers will discuss Davidson’s planning ordinance and design process, and outline innovative neighborhood design and housing options. Free. For more information call 704 892-7592. (See also our Feb. 19 series preview, “Town lecture series to focus on economy, sustainability.”)
• SATURDAY, APRIL 18, noon – 4:30 p.m. – Lake Norman Parade of Barns, a new event offering tours and demonstrations at local equestrian facilities. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for 12 and under. Event ends with a reception at Hinds’ Feet Farm, and a chance to mingle with therapy horses.
• TUESDAY, APRIL 21,7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “What Does Sustainable Look Like?” a community forum as part of the town’s Comprehensive Planning process. Speakers: TBA. Moderators: Commissioner Laurie Venzon and former Commissioner David Martin. This forum will focus on ways to balance a sustainable ecosystem with economic goals, recreational needs, and infrastructure expansion. Free. For more information call 704 892-7592. (See also our Feb. 19 series preview, “Town lecture series to focus on economy, sustainability.”)
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 11 a.m., Davidson post office plaza – Dedication of the town’s first public artwork, “Bouquet for Davidson,” a 15-foot metal sculpture to be installed in mid-April by artist Andy Dunnill. More about the work and the artist, as well as past coverage of the town’s development of a public art program, at davidsonnews.net/category/public-art/
• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 7:30 p.m., Raceworld USA, 20310 Chartwell Center Drive, off I-77 Exit 28, Cornelius – Our Towns Habitat for Humanity invites the Lake Norman community to celebrate is selection as “Affiliate of the Year” by Habitat for Humanity International at a “Racin’ Rockin’ ‘n Roofin'” event with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and music and dancing with the Center City Groove band. Free, donations welcome. Reservations required by March 31. For reservations or information, contact Donna Nestor at donna@ourtownshabitat.org or 704-896-8957, ext. 1122.
• MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1 p.m., River Run Country Club – Davidson Lions Club and other area Lions club host the annual Russell B. Knox Memorial Golf Tournament, with proceeds benefiting the club’s programs and services. Details: Ed Roberts, 704-892-0276.

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