This weekend kicks off with several lectures at Davidson College, including speakers on “Ethics and War in the Islamic Tradition” and “Haiti, Cuba and the American Experience”.  Also on Thursday, the college hosts a sustainable Thanksgiving workshop on how to use local foods in the preparation of holiday meals.  If that doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, maybe some shopping at the Mt. Zion UMC Crafts and Gifts Show will.  Or, on Sunday, visit The Village Store and Sanctuary Gallery where 10 percent of your purchases benefit the Salvation Army’s shelter for homeless women.

Meanwhile, get ready for next week’s feast with the Davidson Farmer’s Market Pre-Thanksgiving market on Saturday at 9 a.m. (note the later start time). Other fall-themed charity events this weekend include the Turkey Trot 5k and the annual Rake-a-Thon. And if you haven’t gotten yourself a  turkey leg yet, this weekend is your last chance, at the Carolina Renaissance Festival.

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Felicia van Bork, Deep Music in Deep Water, monotype, diptych, 2008, 35.5 x 106 in.

Davidson-based artist Felicia van Bork captured the top prize last weekend at a juried exhibition in Raleigh. Also below, our listing of current exhibits at galleries in and around Davidson.

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Our community calendar this week includes a Davidson Family Reunion on the Village Green Saturday, a finale to this year’s DavidsonReads community wide reading program. The event includes performances, readings, food and activities for children. On Sunday afternoon, you can learn about the history of the town during the 20th century in a presentation by The Davidson Historical Society.  Theater lovers have a lot to choose from this weekend as “‘night Mother” continues at Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius, Davidson College hosts performances of “To Kill a Mockingbird” (tonight only) and “Alice in Wonderland.”

On the music front: Davidson College pianist Cynthia Lawing and veteran pianist Harriette Line Thompson play a duo piano concert at 12:30 p.m. Friday as part of the college’s Musical Interludes series. Sunday afternoon, organized Henry Lebedinsky plays a benefit concert of organ music to aid his Music at St. Alban’s series. And Sunday evening the college’s a cappella singing group combine to sing a benefit concert for the elementary school PTA Too program.

Davidson College football team plays its final game of the season this weekend, against Marist, on Saturday. Or you may want to stay home and watch the Wildcat men’s basketball team in its season opener against Butler, in Indianpolis, on TV.

On Friday morning, several agencies will offer “Caregivers Caring for Themselves,” a panel discussion and workshop on the mistreatment of elders, for caregivers and seniors. That’s at Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Cornelius. And have you raked your leaves yet? If not, look for help from Davidson College students raising money for their Habitat for Humanity house as part of “Rake-a-Thon 2009,” this weekend and next. Read the full story