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Cultural Calendar December 9-16, 2004
THURSDAY, December 9
Sing-a-Round: Do-re-mi for the holidays at the annual caroling night at Central Place on the Downtown Mall. Meet at the Community Holiday Tree at 5:30pm, and go from there. No fee.
It's a Hoot: Get to know the unique adaptations, behaviors, and lifestyles of nocturnal birds with "Owls: Birds of Mystery and Majesty" at the Ivy Creek Natural Area. 7:30pm in the Education Building. No fee. 971-9271.
A Christmas Carol: This adaptation of Charles Dickens's holiday classic will delight the whole family. Let's face it, Ebenezer, Tiny Tim, and those ghosts never get old. Today's performance is a school matinee. 10:30am. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $14-26. 540-855-5588.
Winston in Concert: Pianist George Winston graces the home of Shenandoah Shakespeare with his mix of folk, pop, and R&B. The performance benefits the Blue Ridge Food Bank. Nonperishable food items will be taken at the door. 7:30pm. $35. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-855-5588.
Return Engagement: Award-winning poet Lucie Brock-Broido, whose reading was cancelled at the last minute several weeks ago, is rescheduled to read from her work this evening. She is director of poetry at Columbia's School of the Arts, having just left the position of director of creative writing at Harvard. Her most recent book is Trouble in Mind, published this fall by Knopf. 8pm. University Bookstore atop the Central Grounds parking garage, Emmet street. 924-6675.
Revival Plans: UVA architectural historian Richard Guy Wilson discusses past and present trends in Colonial Revival architecture, based on his recent book, The Colonial Revival House. 5:30pm. New Dominion Bookshop. 404 E. Market St. 295-2552.
Hail, yes: With yellow cab karaoke, you're not just a singer, you're the star! Join the fun of over 18,000 songs, digital karaoke, and spectacular lights. 9pm-1am. Damon's at the Holiday Inn, 1901 Emmet St. 977-0803.
Irish Set Dance Workshop at the Prism: The Blue Ridge Irish Music school sponsors a lesson of this social dance from County Clare, Ireland– four couples in square sets hopping about to reels and jigs. $5, 7pm.
Charley Orlando (singer/songwriter) at Kokopelli's. $3, 7-9:30pm.
Karaoke Night with DJ Wild Wes at Buffalo Wild Wings. Free, 9pm.
Danny Beirne (piano-man) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Karaoke Night at Damon's Sports Bar. Free, 9-12am.
Chicken Head Blues Band at Dürty Nelly's. $4, 9pm.
Peter Markush (piano) at Gravity Lounge. Free, 12-1pm.
Morwenna Lasko with Jay Pun & Julie Lloyd at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Thompson / D'earth and friends (freeform jazz) at Miller's. $4, 10pm.
Dj Scumbag at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm.
Temple of Giants at Outback Lodge. No cover, 10pm.
Satisfaction with Noel Sanger (18 and up dance party) at Rapture. $3/Ladies free, 10:30pm.
Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 6:30pm.
FRIDAY, December 10
PJ Party: Kids of all ages can jump in their jammies, grab a stuffed friend or blankie to cuddle with, and come over to Barnes & Noble for their first Christmas Story Time Pajama Party. Children's bookseller Allyson reads favorite traditional holiday stories like The Night Before Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and holiday treats are on tap. 7pm. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Christmas on the Frontier: Frontier Culture Museum Holiday Lantern Tours explore Christmas as it used to be. Historic holiday traditions from Old World Europe and 19th Century Shenandoah Valley are presented by costumed interpreters. Tours leave every 30 minutes from 5:30-8:30pm. $12 adults, $8 children. Advance reservations required. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540-332-7850.
Best Ever: The Herdmans are back as Four County Players presents a holiday performance of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on a children's classic by Barbara Robinson. When "the worst kids in the world" take over the church's annual nativity play, these street-wise siblings give everyone a new take on the reason for the season. A bistro with homemade goodies and gifts opens for business with each show, and Santa makes a cameo at every matinee. 7:30pm. $12 adults, $10 seniors/students, $8 children. Barboursville Community Center, Rt. 678. 540-832-5677.
A Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 9. Today's performance is at 7:30pm.
Violin Improv: Two local musical gurus, Stephen Nachmanovitch and Timothy Summers, team up to offer improvisations on violin, viola, mezzo violin, and electric violin. 8:30pm. $10-15. Gravity Lounge, 103 S. First St. 977-5590.
Get Lost in Santaland: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents the ultimate anti-holiday show: The Santaland Diaries, a hilarious one-man act written by NPR humorist and author David Sedaris. As usual, it's about his zany life: this time as an unemployed artist working as an elf in the Big Apple. $10-21. 10pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588.
Wreath Workshops at Monticello: These ever-popular workshops, now in their 19th year, result in a beautiful Christmas wreath for each participant to take home. Learn the process of making your own, then get busy. $40 fee covers the workshop and all materials. 984-9822 or monticello.org.
Holiday Market: Start your holiday celebrations at the annual Holiday Market. Come shop for crafts, baked goods, toys, and greenery on Fridays and Saturdays now until Christmas. 10am-5pm. Central Place on the Downtown Mall.
Ash Lawn for the Holidays: Come experience a 19th century Christmas, complete with natural greenery and period decorations, at James Monroe's Albemarle estate. Admission charge. 293-9539 or ashlawnhighland.org for details. See Walkabout feature.
Yuletide Feast: Michie Tavern knows all about transporting guests back in time, and this weekend you can even experience local holiday traditions at their annual Yuletide Feast. Strolling musicians, 18th century style decorations, fresh greens, fruits, and more. 6pm. Reservations required. 977-1234 or michietavern.com for details. See Walkabout feature.
Floral Meditations: Join the Gentle Gardener staff for a workshop on decorating with container gardens for the holidays. You'll also learn tips and tricks for wintering indoor plants safely. 10Am-noon. $10 fee. gentlegardener.com or 1-877-GENTLEG.
Information Session: The Outdoor Adventure Social Club offers a photo show and social hour for potential members. 8-10pm. Free if you RSVP. 420 E. Main St. #3. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.
Still a Great Society?: Oxford University's Gareth Davies speaks on "The Great Society after Johnson: The Case of Federal Education Policy." Davies has published a book on the Great Society and its welfare efforts. He discusses Lyndon Johnson's education legacy at the Miler Center. Free and open to the public, including lunch, but reservations are required. Noon. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-4694.
Books and Hoots in the Valley: Occasional Hook contributor Chris Graham– late of the Charlottesville Observer and now co-brain behind the August Free Press– signs copies of his new book, Stop the Presses, at the Sharon Book Store, 6-9pm. At 7:15pm he talks on humor writing. 540-249-1198.
Monthly Drum Circle at Better Than Television Community Center (106 a3 Goodman St.): The first meeting of the drum circle, where those with a groove can get it out before the work week is upon us. Bring your assorted percussion instruments and beat. Free, 8pm.
Local Duets at the Prism: Jake Armerding and Greg Liszt, James Leva and Danny Knicely, Ben Krakauer and Pete Frostic (of Old School Freight Train), Morwenna Lasko and Jay Pun (fiddle and guitar), Andy Thacker and Peyton Tochterman (of Fair Weather Bums) begin at 7pm and just keep chugging– see some of best, in their most stripped-down form. $15/$12 advance.
Open Mic Night at Rapunzel's: Whatever you've got, Rapunzel's will take it (within limits of course): poetry, music, dance, magic, a catch all for the exhibitionist in us all. Free, 7:30pm.
The Pat McGee Band at Starr Hill: The Richmond based jam sextet continues its almost 10-year career, performing over 250 live dates a year. Come see why they still pull them in. $18/$15 advance, 9pm.
Sweet Trouble (pop/rock) at Kokopelli's. $5, 8-11pm.
Vernon Fisher ("romantic side of jazz") at Keswick Hall. No cover, 6:30pm.
James McLaughlin w/members of Old School Freight Train ("Latin jazz") at Michael's Bistro. No cover, 10pm.
Porter Davis and Taylor Davis ("eclectic acoustic) at Miller's. $3, 10:30pm.
Travis Elliott and Supercomp at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm.
This Means You at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
William Walter & Co. (acoustic-rock originals) at the Shebeen. No cover, 11pm.
Mass Movement of the Moth with Arcadia, Sing Sing Prison, and Shapiro at Tokyo Rose, $5, 10pm.
Evening of Electronic Music at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 9pm.
SATURDAY, December 11
Scrawled War Art: Troopship soldiers left behind their thoughts and impressions during the Vietnam War by scrawling graffiti on their canvas bunks. Author Art Beltrone has collected some of those scrawlings, and Charlottesville publisher Howell Press has come out with a book of them. Meet Beltrone and see his display of some of the graffiti-bearing bunks at New Dominion Bookshop at 1:30pm. 404 E. Market St. 295-2552.
If You Build It: Young architects ages 4 and up can build their house and eat it too at the Virginia Discovery Museum's Holiday Houses workshop. 10:30-11:15am. $5 members, $7 non-members. Pre-registration required. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Friends Around the World: Kids can make a friend in another land at Crozet Library. In a project based on the book Boxes for Katie, young folks ages 8 and up and an adult will sew Teddy bears for children in a Haitian orphanage. The toys will be sent along with boxes of donated clothing. Bring a small treasure for the bear's pocket and some clean, out-grown clothes. 1pm. Free. Registration required. In the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. 823-4050. See Family feature.
Down on the Farm: Mangham Wool & Mohair Farm host a country Christmas Fair on the farm. City folks can explore the farm with animals to pet, enjoy hot cider and cookies, and finish up some holiday shopping with wooly socks, hand knit sweaters, blankets, hats, yarns for sale. Noon-5pm. 901 Hammocks Gap Road. 973-2222. wool.us.
Enchanting Dilemma: Follow the bread crumbs to Old Michie Theatre for a newly staged marionette production of the classic Grimm's tale Hansel and Gretel. 11am, 2 and 4pm. $5. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690.
Never Grow Up: Jefferson Youth Theater presents Peter Pan at Burnley-Moran Elementary School. This new millennium version of the classic musical features over 50 children along with veteran actor Brad Stoller as Captain Hook. 5pm. $6. Just off the 250 Bypass near Locust Ave. 249-2803.
Wild Blue Yonder: It was December 17, 1903 when Orville Wright made the first successful, powered, controlled flight, and the Virginia Aviation Museum is celebrating this achievement. High flyers can examine a life-size reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer and three full-size reproductions of Wright brothers' gliders, make their own Wright Flyer out of foam or construct a kite, enjoy Wright brothers movies all day, and soar with children's activities that celebrate the day. 10am-noon. Included in the price of museum admission. 5701 Huntsman Road. 804-236-3622. vam.smv.org.
Best Ever: See Friday, December 10. Matinee also today at 2:30pm.
Christmas on the Frontier: See Friday, December 10.
Trails Workday: Help the Rivanna Trails Foundation in its ongoing effort to build a trail network around Charlottesville, and get dirty in the process! 8:45am. 923-9022 or rivannatrails.org for directions and more information.
Wreath Workshops at Monticello: See Friday, December 10. Today's workshops are at 9:30am and 2pm. Reservations required.
Beginner Hike: Get your boots wet at this beginner/intermediate hike in Shenandoah National Park with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club. 10am departure. $5, plus membership fee. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.
Cooper Vineyards Open House: Plan your holiday festivities with wine, gifts, and light holiday fare from Cooper Vineyards. 10am-5pm. No fee. 13372 Shannon Hill Road in Lousia. 540-894-5253 or email@example.com.
Holiday Market: See Friday, December 10.
Afton Winter Open House: It's a party, with barrel tastings of Afton Mountain Vineyards' 2004 vintage with complementary minestrone soup. No fee. 10am-5pm. (540) 456-8667.
Chrysalis Open House: Celebrate the season with award-winning Chrysalis wines, warm soup, and holiday treats. 11am-5pm. (540) 687-8222 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
18th Century Evening: You've probably seen Monticello before, but how many times have you been there at night? You can do just that at the annual Holiday Evening Tour. Live music, costumed interpreters, holiday deserts, and plenty of authentic 18th century decorations. Best of all, this walkthrough is self guided, so you can go at your own pace. 5:30-8:30pm. $10 for adults ($5 for kids under 11). monticello.org or 984-9822. See Walkabout feature.
Yuletide Feast: See Friday, December 10. 6pm. Reservations required. 977-1234 or michietavern.com.
Rock Climbing: Practice makes perfect. Join the Outdoor Adventure Social Club for some training on the plastic rocks at Peak Experiences rock gym in Richmond. Noon. $17 plus membership fee. Registration required. 760-HIKE or outdoorsocial.com.
King Family Open House: Enjoy mulled wine and take advantage of special discounts on wines and wine related gifts for holiday giving at King Family Vineyard. No fee. 823-7800 or email or email@example.com.
Plant a Family Tree: The Central Virginia Genealogical Association meets at Northside Library for their monthly discussion. 1:30pm. 973-7471 or avenue.org/cvga.
Get Lost in Santaland: See Friday, December 10.
Holiday Spotlight: The Paramount Theater showcases hundreds of local singers, musicians, dancers, and actors in 17 different groups throughout the day. 10-5pm. A new performance begins every half-hour on the Downtown Mall, left of the theater's construction barrier. 979-1922.
A Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 9. Today's performance is at 7:30pm.
Best Christmas Pageant: See Friday, December 10. Today's shows are at 2:30 and 7:30pm.
David Matthews (not Dave Matthews), Alli Collis, Jose Maria, and Karma Bums at Live Arts Upstage: The 8th season of Acoustic Charlottesville opens with an evening of multi-cultural (and multi-genre) sounds. $6, 8pm.
Ralph Rush and Swang at SongSharing CoffeeHouse at the Fork Union Community Center: Hooktown Blues recording artists Rush and Swang perform live as part of the SongSharing monthly Community Music Series in Fork Union. Those interested in performing should call to take one of the opening slots. $3, 7pm. 842-3150.
Ralph Stanley at Starr Hill: A Virginia native, Stanley has been playing bluegrass for 50 years; recently he was featured in the soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou has brought Stanley a whole new group of fans. $25/$20, 8pm. See Tunes feature.
Victor Cabas (blues) at Basic Necessities. No cover, 6:30pm.
Populist Dancing at Club Rio. $10, 9pm.
Soldiers of Jah Army (reggae) at Garden of Sheba. $7, 10pm.
Vernon Fisher ("romantic side of jazz") at Keswick Hall. No cover, 6:30pm.
Robot Surfer (rock) at Miller's. $2, 10:30pm.
Meade Skelton (singer-songwriter) at the Mudhouse Downtown. No cover, 8pm.
Minus the Sidekick (indie-rock) and the Chicken Head Blues Band at Outback Lodge. $6, 10:30pm.
Soul Canoe (Tom Prout, Emily McCormack, and Mary Gordon Hall- folk) at Rapunzel's. $5, 7:30pm.
Metanoia (classic rock-dance) at Kokopelli's. $5, 8-11pm.
Hard Rain (rock covers, originals) at Dürty Nelly's. $3, 9-11pm.
SUNDAY, December 12
A Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 9. Today's performance is at 7:30pm.
Best Christmas Pageant: See Friday, December 10. Today's show is a 2:30pm matinee.
Holiday Spotlight: See Saturday, December 11. Today's hours are 1-3:30pm.
Hello, Charlie: The Waynesboro players are looking for three women and four men to cast in Goodbye, Charlie, directed by Betty Hales. Performances will be March 3-5. 2-5pm. Waynesboro Players warehouse, Main and Delphine, Waynesboro. 964-0872.
Charlottesville Municipal Band Holiday Concert: It's not Christmas in Charlottesville until we've heard from the Municipal Band. Seasonal and traditional music, "snow fall," and audience participation highlight this annual festivity. A free event, but tickets are required, available at Greenberry's, Plan 9 Records, and the Senior Center. 3:30 and 7:30pm. Main stage, V. Earl Dickinson Building, PVCC. 961-5202.
Santa Claws: Animal Connections offers Rover and Boots the chance to have their photos taken with the big bearded guy in the red suit to benefit the Charlottesville/Albemarle SPCA and other animal rescue groups. Noon-6pm. 1701 E. Allied St. 296-7048.
Winter Fiesta: Central Library hosts a bilingual Winter Fiesta with seasonal stories and songs in English and Spanish. Partiers can make a gift for a loved one, and refreshments will be served. 3pm. Free. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
Never Grow Up: See Saturday, December 11.
Best Ever: See Friday, December 10. Today's show 2:30pm.
Down on the Farm: See Saturday, December 11.
Christmas on the Frontier: See Friday, December 10.
Rink in the Season: Come to the Downtown Ice Park for a live skating performance by the Charlottesville Figure Skating Club. Then, stay for the Charlottesville Ice Park Adult League Hockey Championship game at 6pm. Starts at 4pm. $7. 817-1423 or icepark.com.
King Family Open House: See Saturday, December 11.
Cooper Vineyards Open House: See Saturday, December 11. 10am-5pm.
Cold Enough?: Winter weather permitting, the Outdoor Adventure Social Club will hit the slopes for a day of skiing and snowboarding at Wintergreen. 11:15am departure. Fee plus membership. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.
Afton Winter Open House: See Saturday, December 11.
Chrysalis Open House: See Saturday, December 11.
Soul Canoe at Gravity Lounge: Soul Canoe is a new group composed of the harmonious duo Tom Proutt and Emily McCormick, with the addition of Mary Gordon Hall. Donations, 11am-2pm.
Music of the Early Modern Era at Old Cabell Hall: Featuring music from the 16th and 17th centuries and directed by Paul Walker, the show includes works by Josquin des Prez, Michael Praetorius, Orlande de Lassus, Giovanni Gabrieli, Johann David Heinichen, and others $10/$5 students, 3:30pm. 924-3984.
Sugar Ridge Quartet Holiday Concert at Gravity Lounge. $10, 3pm.
Choral Music (Back, etc.) at First United Methodist Church (101 E. Jefferson St). Free, 11am.
Gaye Adegbalola with Joan Fenton at Gravity Lounge. $15/$12, 7pm.
Funktastic Five (hip-hop) at Miller's. $2, 10:30pm.
Native American Flute Circle meeting at Rapunzel's. No cover, 1pm.
Irish Music Session at Shebeen. No cover, 3-6pm.
Brad Bryant (acoustic "bluesy pop") at Kokopelli's. $3, 7-9:30pm.
MONDAY, December 13
Stealing Christmas: That cuddly-as-a-cactus Grinch comes to Gordon Avenue Library via video. Children of all ages are invited to munch some popcorn and watch this modern holiday classic. 3pm. Free. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
Christmas on the Frontier: See Friday, December 10.
Scuba Club: Explore the waters of the northeastern seaboard with Pete Nawrocky, a well-known diver and underwater photographer, at the monthly meeting of the Sea Devil Divers. 6:30pm. Free. Rococo's Restaurant. 975-5570 or SeaDevilDivers.com.
Voters Voice: The Fluvanna League of Women Voters meets at 4:30pm in the new Public Safety Building. Route 53 in Palmyra. 589-6221.
Paws To Ponder: Caring For Creatures presents a free community lecture series designed to enhance your relationship with the animals in your life. December's focus is on protecting your pets during the hectic and busy holiday season. 7pm. No fee (except for dinner, or course). At Wild Greens Restaurant in the north wing of the Barracks Road Shopping Center. 591-6113 or caringforcreatures.com.
Easy Hike: Head into the mountains with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club and enjoy a summit view of the new moon and the Geminid meteor shower on this easy hike. 6pm. $5, plus membership fee. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.
Hello, Charlie: See Sunday, December 12. Today's hours are 7-9pm.
Are you Mr. Adams? Four County Players is holding auditions for its winter musical, the lovable 1776, a comic reworking of America's road to independence. Performances will run from March to April. Actors should prepare a short vocal selection. Must be 18 or older. All parts open, none paid. 7pm. Barboursville Community Center, Route 678 just off Route 33, Barboursville. 832-5355.
Open Mic Night with Charles Davis at Baja Bean. No cover, signup 8:30pm/9pm.
Michael Glabicki with Greg Howard at Gravity Lounge. $14/$10, 7pm.
Greg Howard (acoustic) at Miller's. No cover, 9pm.
George Melvin (piano merriment) at South Street Brewery. No cover, 9:30pm.
Jim Gagnon and Co. at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 9pm.
Travis Elliot (pop) and John Figura at the Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
TUESDAY, December 14
Before Jackie Was O: Barbara A. Perry, author of the recently published Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier, shares insights from her book at the Miller Center today at 11am. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-0921.
English Christmas in Virginia: The Kluge Farm Shop will be decked out in holiday spirit for this evening of English and old Virginia Christmas traditions, foodstuffs, and beverages. Learn to cook all sorts of favorites, then stay to share some seasonal cheer. 6:30-8pm. $45 includes all materials, reservations required. Limit 20. Part of an ongoing series of wine/food events at the Shop. 100 Grand Cru Drive, Esmont. 977-3895.
It's a Snap: The Charlottesville camera club meets to discuss successes and tips– this month focusing on the year's best pictures. Visitors welcome. 6:30pm. Turtle Creek Club House, 100 Turtle Creek Road. 973-4856.
Women's Discussion: "Black women, White women, All Women In Dialogue" holds its monthly meeting. All welcome. 5:45pm. Garden of Sheba. 609 E. Market St. 295-2612.
In Your Dreams: If it's just not Christmas without Sugarplum Fairies dancing through your dreams, you're in luck. The Moscow Ballet Company comes to the Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center for two performances of the Great Russian Nutcracker ballet. Over 40 local children join the pros as mice, angels, snowflakes, and party guests. 7:30pm. $28-48; tickets available through Musictoday at 800-594-TIXX, or nutcracker.com. Melbourne Road. 499-1733.
An Unfortunate Event: Fans awaiting the December 17 release of the movie based on the burdensome books known as Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events will probably not want to attend the unpleasant program planned at Northside Library celebrating that event. There will be horrid games and minimal fun, so kids ages 8-12 are advised to sign up only if they must. 6:30-8pm. Free. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
A Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 9. Today's performance is a 10:30am (school matinee) and 7:30pm (interpreted in sign language).
Are You Mr. Adams?: See Monday, December 13.
Karaoke Night (what you make of it) at Baja Bean. Free, 8pm.
Glen Mack (rock) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10:30pm.
Faster Than Walking at Miller's. $3, 9:30pm.
George Turner (jazz) at Orbit. No cover, 10pm.
$2 Tuesdays with Big Circle at Outback Lodge. No cover, 10pm.
WEDNESDAY, December 15
A Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 9. 10:30am school matinee and 7:30pm.
Bennett Ball: The grand gala reopening of the Paramount Theater has been moved up a day to accommodate singing legend Tony Bennett's busy schedule. The night includes an open house and reception, and proceeds benefit the theater's capital campaign. Bennett's appearance opens a weekend of special performances to commemorate the renovations. 8pm. Paramount Theater, on the Downtown Mall. $250-1,000. 979-1333 or theparamount.net. See Performance feature.
Cold Enough?: Hit the slopes tonight with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club. 5:30pm departure. Fee, plus membership. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.
Intro to Iyengar: This yoga style is excellent for beginners because it teaches a variety of different poses and works with the body's natural alignment. This Outdoor Adventure Social Club class offers indivdualized attention and a highly trained teacher. 6:30pm at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlottesville. $7 plus membership fee. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.
Cheesy Trivia with M&M Express at Buffalo Wild Wings. No cover, 8:30pm.
Benny Dodd (rock covers) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Open Mic Night at Dew Drop Inn. No cover, 7:30pm.
Country Dance Night (couples and line) at Fry Spring Beach Club. $7/$4 students, lessons 7-8pm, dancing 8-11pm.
Justin Rosolino at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
The Mike Rosensky Jeff Decker Quartet (jazz) at Miller's. No cover, 9:30pm.
Pre-thanksgiving bash with Travis Elliott at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm. See Music Review, page 40.
Open Jam at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 7pm.
Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 6:30pm.
Jim Davies (acoustic rock and blues) at the Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
Karaoke Night at West Main. No Cover, 10pm.
THURSDAY, December 16
Afghans in Sport and War: An expert on Afghanistan, G. Whitney Azoy, speaks on "Afghanistan and Iraq: Two Bad Hands Played Differently– Reflections of a Diplomat, Consultant and Anthropologist, 1971-2004" at the central branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library today at 7pm. 201 E, Market St. 866-882-6887. See Words feature.
Matthew Willner solo at Atomic Burrito: Always a chameleon of sound, Willner morphs into a solo star tonight, as his guitar, bass, synths, loops and devices show you don't need a band. Just a lot of money and some soul. No cover, 10pm.
Karaoke Night with DJ Wild Wes at Buffalo Wild Wings. Free, 9pm.
Danny Beirne (piano-man) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Karaoke Night at Damon's Sports Bar. Free, 9-midnight.
Chicken Head Blues Band at Dürty Nelly's. $4, 9pm.
Live Reggae Lounge at Garden of Sheba. $7, 10pm.
Peter Markush (piano) at Gravity Lounge. Free, 12-1pm.
Thompson / D'earth and friends (freeform jazz) at Miller's. $4, 10pm.
Satisfaction with Noel Sanger (18 and up dance party) at Rapture. $3/Ladies free, 10:30pm.
Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 6:30pm.
Upcoming and Ongoing
Look Around: The Artisans Center of Virginia invites entries for a national competition/juried exhibition, "Sacred Icons: A Collective Vision of Symbolic & Ritual Objects." All media are accepted, but work must have been completed in the past two years. The entry fee is $20, and the submission deadline is February 19, 2005. Info: 540-946-3294 or email@example.com.
Glass-Blowing Workshop: Try your hand at glass blowing with a one-day class at Sunspot Studios in Staunton. You'll get to watch a master in action, and then jump in to create a paperweight, ornament, or a hand-blown vase of your own. Class times and themes vary, as do fees. 202 S. Lewis St. in Staunton near the old train station. Details and registration info: 540-885-0678 or email@example.com.
All Around the World: "Joy from the World," brightens the Science Museum of Virginia where holiday customs of the world light the museum in festively decorated fir trees, a display of handcrafted dolls representing actual and mythical characters, and special weekend cultural presentations. The museum's Carpenter Theatre Company presents the play "One Bad Camel," and "First Star I See Tonight" shows in the planetarium. Included in the price of admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
Traditions!: "Our Community, Our World in Celebration" explores the holiday traditions of Hanukkah, Diwali, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Eid at the Children's Museum of Richmond. The interactive exhibit features six miniature houses where young visitors have the chance to play games such as Dreidel and Mancala, hear stories, make Kwanzaa candles, dance the dragon dance, and more. Included in the price of admission. 2626 West Broad St., Richmond. 804-474-7006. c-mor.org.
Christmas on the Frontier: The Frontier Culture Museum celebrates Holidays in History through December. The four historic farms are festively decorated, and costumed interpreters talk about holiday traditions from historic England, Scotland/Ireland, Germany, and the Shenandoah Valley. 10am-4pm. Included in the cost of admission. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540-332-7850. See Family feature, page 43.
Tree Trimming: Intrepid hunters and gatherers can cut their own Christmas tree from the fields at Ash Lawn-Highland. Trees are growing naturally so are not shaped, and there may be a hike to find just the right Virginia pine or cedar. Bring your own saw and a rope to secure the tree to your vehicle. 11am-4pm daily through December 24. $5 donation requested. James Monroe Parkway (Rt. 795). 293-9539. ashlawnhighland.org.
Write for the Animals: Published and aspiring writers of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction are invited to participate in Writer's Gallery, a reading and reception to benefit an animal rescue organization. Writer's Gallery takes place on February 24, but writers' submissions and applications are due by Wednesday, December 15. Contact Kalela Williams at 971-8841 or email@example.com.
Script It: Offstage Theatre seeks scripts for two upcoming series, Barhoppers and Bedroom Plays, set (duh) in bars and bedrooms. Pieces should run 10 to 20 minutes and require minimal props, costumes, etc. Comedies, dramas, monologues, musicals all eligible. Offstage pays $50 per chosen script. Deadlines: mid-December for Barhoppers; mid-February for Bedroom Plays. Send inquiries to email@example.com and submissions to email@example.com, or send mail to Chris Patrick, 210 Little Graves St., Charlottesville 22902.
Modern Dance: Classes with the Miki Liszt dance company. Safety release technique: 7pm Tuesdays. Dynamic alignment: 10:30am Wednesdays. Horton technique: 5:30pm Fridays. Studio 20, McGuffey Art Center, 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.
Practice Swing: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts weekly practice sessions for beginners and intermediates Thursdays. Singles and couples welcome. DJ takes requests. 7:30-9pm. Auditorium of the Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.
Sunday Salsa: The Charlottesville Salsa Club sponsors a weekly opportunity to learn and practice Salsa and other dances, in a smoke-free nightclub atmosphere. A basic lesson (usually salsa) gets the evening started at 8. DJ'd music is 80 percent salsa mixed with other Latin styles. Complimentary water and sodas. The Outback Lodge, 917 Preston Ave. 8pm-midnight. $5 (members $3). 979-7211.
Country Dance: Couples and line dancing at Fry's Spring Beach Club. Dance lesson Wednesday 7-8pm, dancing 8-11pm. $7, students $4. (students $2 every fourth Wednesday). 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. 977-0491.
Belly Dance and More: Get kinky at the Berkmar Ballroom with lessons in everything from exotic dance to salsa and tango. Classes, schedules and prices vary. Visit www.bermarballroom.com for a complete listing or call for more information. 652 Rio Road W. 975-4611.
More Belly Dance: Studio 206 Belmont offers one-hour belly dance lessons every Tuesday with instructor Amalia Habibi. 7:15pm. 501 Monticello Road (above Mas tapas bar). $9-12. 296-6250.
Keep Rotating those Abs: Studio Bijoux's Leila offers Egyptian belly dance for advanced beginners (permission required) at 7pm Mondays and 7:15pm Wednesdays. A technique course open to dancers of all skill levels takes place at 8pm Mondays. Ages 15 and up welcome. All courses at ACAC Albemarle Square. $10-12. 978-3800 or studiobijoux.com/dance.
Ninja Yoga: Towards a revolution of consciousness. Free yoga classes. Bring a mat. Thursdays, 9-10:15am. Mondays, 6:30pm, followed by a writing workshop at 7:30pm. Meditation, an indirect non-action, meets Wednesdays 8-9am for instructions, discussions, short sittings. Meets Thursdays 8-9am for a silent "bare bones" hour-long sitting (followed by yoga). Free and open to the public at "Better than Television," a new community center at 106 A3 Goodman St. 295-0872.
Water Watchers: StreamWatch needs for volunteers interested in stream ecology and willing to collect aquatic organisms for the purpose of evaluating stream health. See streamwatch.org for info, then call 923-8642.
Green Gatherings: Explore the spiritual side of nature with NatureSpirit. Explore the spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions and learn how to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. Meets the first Sunday of the month at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church at 6:30pm. firstname.lastname@example.com, call 243-6421, or naturespirit.info.
Parla italiano? If you don't, Christina Ball of Ecco Italy offers "Italian for Beginners" lessons on Wednesday mornings (9:30-11am; $15 drop-in fee). If you do, why not drop by for the Tavola italiana (Wednesdays 11:30am-12:30pm) for a free chat hour in italiano? Or what about "Cinema Chat," a series of intermediate Italian conversation classes inspired by Italian films. ($55 for five-week chat series or $15 single class drop-in; Thursday 7L30-9pm). All classes held in the Verity blue Tower Lounge at the Main Street Market 406A W. Main St. Contact email@example.com or 825-4390.
Monticello in Winter: See Jefferson's homestead up close and personal on a cold weather tour of the property's architectural highlights. Now through the end of February. Usual admission fee applies. 984-9822 or monticello.org for a complete schedule.
Alliance Dinner Meeting: Interfaith Gay Straight Alliance of Central Virginia, a faith-based group working for full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgenders and their families, meets the first Thursday of each month. 7pm. St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church, 1700 University Ave. Brown bag supper at 6pm. 220-0970.
Transition Workshop: A chance for families of high school students with disabilities to explore post-high school options happens December 1, at 6:30pm in the Charlottesville High School Media Center. Sponsored by Albemarle County and Charlottesville Public Schools. Free. 244-3110, ext. 3234.
Bead Business: Studio Baboo presents weekly classes in bead stringing and jewelry making. Call the shop for specifics
Madison House: Help UVA's Madison House bring a happy holiday to over 100 low-income families in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area. Call Reimi Okuyama at 977-7051 for details.
Early Music Meeting: The Shenandoah Recorder Society meets on the third Sunday of every month to discuss the recorder and early music in general. Open to all. For more information, call 295-1395.
Mindfulness Meditation: Tuesdays 12:15-12:45pm. UVA Hospital Chapel. Meditation practice with guidance. Free. No experience necessary. 924-1190.
Second Street Gallery presents "Drawn into Light: Works on Paper by Kay Hwang and Imi Hwangbo," on view through January 29. 115 Second St. SE. 977-7284.
Through December 23, the University of Virginia Art Museum displays "Whiteness, A Wayward Construction," a collaborative exhibition by 24 artists exploring "the concept of whiteness as an ideology of power." Also on view: "Lifeline: Movement and Time in Prints, Drawings and Photographs from the Collection," and video artist Bill Viola's "Six Heads," presented in conjunction with the Virginia Film Festival. The latter two shows run through December 23. Also extended through December 23 is the exhibition "Museums: Conditions and Spaces." 155 Rugby Road. 924-3952.
The McGuffey Art Center presents its annual Holiday Group Show, featuring work by over 50 artists, during December. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.
Vanity Salon features photography by Aimee Wade and Shannon Winter through December. 1112 High St. 977-3332.
Through December 30, The Art Box presents "Outside the Box," an exhibition of work by nine young female artists. 2125 Ivy Road, lower level. 295-5426.
The Main Street Market Galleria displays paintings by Kiki Slaughter during 416 W. Main St. 244-7800.
The 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams is currently showing the glass and metal sculpture of Bill Hess, landscape photography by Mary Withers, and oil cityscapes by Edward Thomas. Ten percent of proceeds from artwork sold is donated to Habitat for Humanity. Suite 500, Citizens Commonwealth Building (UVA Credit Union), 300 Preston Ave. 220-2200.
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church presents an "all church" group show of artwork by members of the congregation during December. 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.
Angelo displays "Thailand-China, September 2004," photographs by Pam Perugi Marraccini, through December 31. 220 E. Main St. 971-9256.
The Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Aboriginal Art opens two new exhibitions in December: "Shades of Black: Photographs by Wayne Quilliam" and "Black & White & Red Ochre." Both shows run through January 29. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place (off Route 250 East at Pantops). 244-0234.
Les Yeux du Monde presents "Places of Color and Light," paintings by Annie Harris Massie, through January 2. Also on display during December: "Small Treasures," a wide-ranging holiday group show. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
The Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville displays photographs from its "Where Else but Downtown?" photography contest at the Charlottesville Community Design Center through the end of December.101 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-2232.
During December, Transient Crafters hosts "Horses: Drawings, Paintings, and Limited Editions by Milenko." 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
Nature Visionary Art presents "Visions of Haiti," a group show curated by Laurie Carmody of Galerie Bonheur, through December 30. 110 Fourth St. 296-8482.
For its December show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water offers the Africa-inspired work of Gloria Mitchell, plus paintings by Lindsay Michie Eades. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.
Can't get enough of Lindsay Michie Eades? Then head to New Dominion Bookshop, where Eades' paintings are also on display through December 31. 404 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-2552.
During December, CODG presents "Abstract Ornamentation," spotlighting eight local artists working in a wide range of media.. 112 E. Main St., under the Jefferson Theater. 242-4212.
The C&O Gallery features "A Secret Garden," an exhibition of stunning botanical prints by John Grant, through December. Next door to the C&O Restaurant, 511 E. Water St. 971-7044. See Art feature.
Sage Moon Gallery highlights work by Elliott Twery during December. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.
New works by members of the Central Virginia Watercolor Guild, featuring watercolors, oils, pastels, and mixed media are on display at the Albemarle County Courthouse. 501 E. Jefferson Court Square. 296-8484.
During December, the Mudhouse shows "Snowflakes," paintings by Christian Peri.. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.
View Ray Wirth's photography exhibition, "Distillations from Larger Landscapes," at Art Upstairs during December. Also, this month the gallery features its annual members' exhibition and sale of miniature paintings. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.
For the month of December, Bozart Gallery offers a group show by Bozart members. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.
L'étoile Restaurant displays paintings by local artists Barry Gordon, Malcolm Hughes, and Christian Peri. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts displays "Selections: 20th Century Latin American Art in the VMFA Collection" through March 13. Also on view, "Albrecht Durer: A Renaissance Journey in Print" runs through January 9. 200 N. Broad St., Richmond. 804-340-1400.
Washington and Lee University presents new large-scale paintings by Frank Hobbs, on display through January 7. Lexington. 540-458-8954.
During December, the Staunton Public Library displays the photographs of Bonnie Rutledge Edwards. 1 Churchville Ave. 540-332-3902.
Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center shows the pastel and oil paintings of Janice Dunn Rosenberg through February 22. 403 Pathwork Way, Madison. 434-295-8315.
Noon Whistle Pottery and Art Gallery presents an exhibition of three local landscape artists, Will Brown, Mark Collins, and Carol Weiss. Main Street, Stanardsville. 434-985-6500.
Ombra's in Crozet features paintings by Doris deSha and Laurel Johnson, on view through December. 434-823-5332.
Spruce Creek Gallery presents "Nature in the Abstract," an exhibition of paintings by Alyce Ananda McCoy, through December 13. 434-361-1859.
The Barn Swallow features pottery by Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burke, plus other handcrafted artwork. Route 682 off 250W. 434-979-4884.
Staunton's Painted Thunder Studios welcomes the work of equine artist Jennet Inglis. 19 W. Beverley St. 540-851-0864.
During the holidays, Sun's Traces Gallery displays three-dimensional pictures by Michie Taylor, shadow baskets by Charlotte LaRoy, as well as turned wood pieces by Richard Cruise, and clay works by Paula Brown-Steedly. Barboursville. 540-832-7044.
The Ed Jaffe Gallery features paintings and marble sculptures by Ed Jaffe, plus abstract photographs by Marc Jaffe. 108 W. Main St., Orange. 540-672-2400.
Staunton's Middlebrook Gallery offers contemporary art and fine crafts, including sculpture by Ken Smith. 5 Middlebrook Ave. 540-885-9955.
The Artisans Center of Virginia invites entries for a national competition/juried exhibition, "Sacred Icons: A Collective Vision of Symbolic & Ritual Objects." All media are accepted, but work must have been completed in the past two years. The entry fee is $20; the submission deadline is February 19, 2005. 540-946-3294 or email@example.com.
Budding insights: Grant's powerful lovely flowers
Lovely. It's not a word I often choose. Usually, it seems too polite, too say-nothing, too insubstantial. But in the case of John Grant's botanical prints, currently on view at the C&O Gallery, lovely is the word I can't escape. Grant's enlarged and luminous flower portraits are undeniably lovely. Tenderly lovely. Achingly lovely. Intimately lovely.
Grant captures his images using a scanner rather than a camera, a technique that allows him to arrange subtle relationships among the petals as they rest upon the glass. In some cases, he opts for a reflective scan, illuminating flowers only from the front so shadows come into play as the image recedes into the background. For other images, Grant chooses a transparency scanner that lets light actually flow through the blooms to create an ethereal translucence.
Once the flowers are scanned, Grant digitally works and re-works various elements to yield idealized versions of the blossoms. "I try to keep the color and the look true to the original essence of the flower," he says, although he admits, "I do whack the colors occasionally."
Grant's large-scale explorations call to mind both Georgia O'Keefe's flower paintings and Edward Weston's intimate photographs of peppers. Presented against backgrounds of either bright white (transparency scanned) or rich black (reflective scanned), Grant's flowers, like Weston's peppers, lack context, forcing viewers to focus solely on the intricacies of their structure.
In "Stormy Dahlia," the flower fills the frame, its shadowy under-petals extending into the imagined space beyond the image's borders. Around a glistening yellow center, soft white petals radiate, tenderly folded and crushed like the sheets of an unmade bed after lovers have left it. The image evokes a sweet, almost funereal, melancholy, perhaps thanks to the dahlia's defiant beauty even as it has clearly begun to wilt.
For "Twin Fuschia," Grant dangles two intensely purple blossoms from the top of his frame, hanging them against a black background. Tan-tipped fuschia strands dance down from the middle of the velvety petals as red outer leaves appear to jump back in surprise. Above the two flowers, a sprig of green leaves with two unopened, red-streaked buds provides a counterpoint as well as a temporal comment on the flowers' fleeting opulence.
Grant's professional background in graphic design and publishing is evident in his mastery of materials. Using archival inks and acid-free archival paper, he pushes his images' lush colors to the limit (no black was ever richer).
John Grant's "A Secret Garden" is on view at the C&O Gallery through the end of December. 511 E. Water St., next to the C&O Restaurant. 971-7044.
Warm fuzzies: Sharing bears with other kids
In the spring of 1945, Postman Kleinhoonte delivers a small box from America to a Dutch girl, Katje. It's a relief package from young Rosie who lives in Mayfield, Indiana, one of thousands sent to people in Europe under the auspices of charities such as the Children's Aid Society after the devastation of World War II. The gift sparks a long-distance friendship not only between the girls, but their respective communities as well.
The children's picture book Boxes for Katje tells the story of author Candace Fleming's mother. It has also been the inspiration for gift-giving at Crozet Library.
"When this book came in," says children's librarian Rhonda Johnson, "I fell in love with it and immediately started trying to come up with program ideas."
Along with colleague Margaret Haupt and local pediatrician Ray Ford, Johnson put together "Friends Around the World," a holiday program that gives local young folks the chance to help less fortunate kids in a distant village. Like events in the original story, the generosity of strangers has caused this project grow beyond initial expectations.
Friends Around the World invites children ages 8 and up (and a helpful adult) to come stitch and stuff small Teddy bears as they listen to the story of Katje and Rosie. The plump, coverall-clad bears will then be sent to an orphanage in Haiti. It's a place where, for several years, Dr. Ford has led a team of local medical professionals who provide the only available health care for over 1,000 individuals in the Grison-Garde area.
Kids who come to the library for this program are asked to bring along a tiny treasure– a small seashell, polished stone, interesting button, or trinket– to tuck into the bear's pocket as a special gift. They are also invited to donate some of their outgrown clothing and shoes for the 52 children ages 4-15 who live at the orphanage.
The only unfortunate part of the story is that spaces in the program are currently filled. Those who still want to participate can add their names to a waiting list. Folks can still add to the shipment, however. The library is accepting donations of summer clothing, and perhaps other hand-stitched toys, for the kids in Grison-Garde.
But there are oodles of other options out there for those eager to share their good fortune with others this holiday season. Shaele Wood at United Way's Thomas Jefferson Area Volunteer Center can help folks sort through a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to find the one that fits just right. And sewing skill is optional.
Friends Around the World takes place Saturday, December 11 at 1pm. Registration is required for this free program, which currently has a waiting list. Crozet Library is in the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. 823-4050. Shaele Wood is director of the Volunteer Center at United Way: 972-1705. www.unitedwaytja.org.
Sports and war: Goat-grabbing in Afghanistan
In 1978, a cultural anthropologist published a book based on his field work among sportsmen in northern Afghanistan. Then G. Whitney Azoy's Buzkashi: Game and Power in Afghanistan gathered dust on shelves alongside other scholarly books about esoteric foreign subjects.
The few who read it learned of the ancient Afghan sport named "buzkashi"– literally, goat-grabbing– in which tribal leaders sent fierce horsemen to vie for the headless carcass of a goat or calf. Traditionally, there were no teams, no rules, no referees. Spur-of-the-moment alliances formed among the weak in order to topple the strong, then dissolved as the balance of power shifted. Brawls to the death broke out. Buzkashis could last for days, ending not when participants reached some clearly stated goal, but when the warlord hosting the event gave an imperious nod from the sidelines.
In the same year that Azoy's book was published, Afghan politics grabbed the world's attention. Amid riots and massacres, a Communist coup overthrew the dynasty that had been in power since 1929. Indigenous guerrillas– the Mujahidin– emerged.
A year later, the Soviets invaded. Through a decade of occupation, they lost tens of thousands of troops but gained no ground or power. With a Geneva peace accord, the Soviets withdrew, but the Mujahidin ultimately set up their own Islamic state. In the mid-1990s, a new power nexus called the Taliban arose in opposition.
After September 11, American journalists seeking ways to understand Afghanistan happened on Azoy's 1978 sporting analogy and found that it worked. Azoy's publisher asked him to write a chapter bringing the book up to date and issued a 2002 revision. Azoy's work in and on Afghanistan in the intervening years had deepened his understanding of how society and sport mirror one another there.
"When it seems as if you're going to do it, everybody gangs up on you. When it seems you're a little weak, everybody gangs up on whoever seems strong," Whitney Azoy told ABC News earlier this year. "That's exactly what happened in Afghanistan in the 1980s and 1990s."
It's still happening today, he believes, and he urges American leaders and citizens to understand that. For him, America should focus on Kabul, not Baghdad, in its war against terrorism.
Soon to move to Kabul to head the State Department&endash;backed American Institute of Afghanistan Studies, UVA alumnus Azoy is stopping in Charlottesville on his way. His lecture title says a lot: "Afghanistan and Iraq: Two Bad Hands Played Differently: Reflections of a Diplomat, Consultant, and Anthropologist, 1971-2004." In person, no doubt he will say even more.
G. Whitney Azoy speaks at 7pm Thursday, December 16, at the Downtown Branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library. 201 E. Market St. 866-882-6887.
Finally! Bennett, Graves open the season
BY ROBERT ARMENGOL email@example.com of the days when it was the local place to take a date to the movies, the Downtown Mall's Paramount Theater rises from the Phoenix-ashes of history next weekend to become the latest swank venue for the performing arts in Charlottesville.
Hard to believe, but the nonprofit group spearheading this $15 million operation has managed to fit 1,000 seats in the refurbished auditorium. They've also added a new box office and arranged an eclectic first-season lineup featuring music, dance, comedy, film, plays, and more.
The reopening actually begins Wednesday, December 15, with a high-priced fundraising gala featuring musical legend Tony Bennett. Though he climbed to American stardom in the 1950s, the old guy is still kicking, and is sure to offer some of his classic renditions including "Rags to Riches," "The Good Life," and "I Left my Heart in San Francisco."
Admission to the gala includes an open house and reception, and proceeds from the performance benefit the theater's capital campaign. The funds, in other words, will make sure the theater's marquee-facade, ornate interior detail, and plush seats don't fall into the same kind of disrepair they saw in the last 30 years.
Now the catch. Tickets for the Bennett show range from $250 to $1,000. Not surprisingly, they're still available. Such is not the case for the jazzy, brassy, retro (and sold-out) musical In the Mood, coming to the Paramount straight from World War II to cap off opening weekend on Sunday, December 19.
In between those two performances are chances to see what they've done to the place.
Opera star Denyce Graves headlines the weekend with a recital on Friday, December 17, accompanied by piano virtuoso Warren Jones. Together they'll present a repertoire of classical, spiritual, and holiday tunes.
Graves debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 1995 in the title role of Carmen and has since won critical and popular acclaim, especially for her signature part in Samson et Dalila. With her voice, she has graced the great opera houses of the world as well as audiences of dignitaries at the White House and the National Cathedral. So a visit to humble Charlottesville is quite a luxury for us.
And finally, for the less urbane around town, there's "A Day at the Movies"– an event that might well draw a crowd to wrap around the block, if only for its 25-cent admission price. On Saturday, December 18, the Paramount screens two timeless films, a matinee Wizard of Oz (for the kiddies), and an evening Casablanca (for the grownups).
What more can be said? As the Paramount's website proclaims, "This is how cinema was meant to be enjoyed."
FYI, the grand gala reopening of the Paramount Theater has been moved up a day from the original program to accommodate Tony Bennett's busy schedule. Bennett will croon Wednesday, December 15, at 8pm, $250-1,000. All other opening-weekend events remain as scheduled: opera star Denyce Graves on Friday, December 17, at 8pm, $50-125; on Saturday, December 18, screenings of The Wizard of Oz at 2pm and Casablanca at 7pm, 25 cents; and Sunday, December 19, In the Mood at 3pm (sold out). The Paramount Theater, Downtown Mall. 979-1333.
Yules of yore: Party like it's 1799
BY TIM SPRINKLE firstname.lastname@example.com's true; the holiday season now officially starts in October. The decorations, the music, the sales, the jingle bells&endash; these days they all seem to make their appearances pre-Halloween. It's not so bad, really. After all, who's going to turn down a plate of candy cane cookies with Thanksgiving dinner?
But the extended season does take some of the anticipation and excitement out of the holidays. Sure, it's fun in December, but it can be hard to keep the merriment up for three whole months.
When Thomas Jefferson was in the neighborhood, however, the holidays were a time to relax (tell that to the crowds at Barracks Road), a chance to slow down and reflect on the year. Decorations were minimal, and the celebration usually consisted of a day free from work and a nice meal with the family.
If your holiday season could benefit from such a low-key approach, high-tail it to one of the Route 53's holiday open houses and experience the season in proper old-Virginia fashion.
In addition to all sorts of 18th century holiday fare, Monticello's Holiday Evening Tour offers a rare opportunity to see the house at night. The evening is set up as a walkthrough rather than a guided tour, so visitors can go at their own pace, lingering over the period decorations, costumed interpreters, and live music as long as they wish.
"If you've seen the house during the day, seeing it at night is a very different and very cool experience," says Monticello's Wayne Mogielnicki. "We decorate, but trees, lights, and electric trains were not in vogue in Jefferson's day. We're sticking to historical accuracy, so there will be some greenery in the house, but it's often not what people expect."
At Ash Lawn-Highland, you can experience Christmas in two different time periods: the Victorian and Federal eras. In the "new" section of the house, you'll hear from 19th century interpreters and can admire a massive Victorian tree, while James Monroe and his family's traditions are featured in the older back section.
But it's food that takes center stage at Michie Tavern's annual Yuletide Feast. Traditional Virginia favorites are served in the Ordinary, accompanied by wandering musicians and festive 18th century decorations. Candlelit tours of the original tavern are offered each evening.
Monticello's Holiday Evening Tour happens Saturday night, December 11, 5:30-8:30pm. $10 adults, $5 children 6-11. The decorations go up at Ash Lawn-Highland this Friday, and interpreters will be on hand for the popular candlelit tour on December 17. Normal admission fee applies. Reservations for Michie Tavern's Yuletide Feast December 12 and 13, can be made by calling 977-1234.
Starry, starry night: Living legend comes to town
The holiday season has always been a little trying on the music editors here at The Hook– other than regal winter concerts, things tend to dry up the month of December and the landscape continues to be parched until the students come back in late January.
Even so, pearls can still be found in the pigpen of off-season local tunes, and living bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley's solo show at Starr Hill can be taken as a sign of divine intervention.
Starting with a series of recordings in the early '50s with his brother, guitarist Carter, claw-hammer banjo-player Ralph Stanley helped define the bluegrass genre, playing tunes that spoke to their childhood home near Norton on the Virginia-Tennessee border.
Though they had experience playing around the town where they grew up, it was not until 1947, after the brothers had served their time in the Army, that they formed the five-piece Clinch Mountain Boys to back them. Playing radio gigs led to local fame, and after a few years of increasing popularity, Columbia Records picked up the group. There they recorded songs which would later be called classics.
Changing labels a number of times through the late '50s and early '60s, the duo eventually broke away to perform on their own. But Carter's 1966 passing in the prime of his life left Ralph bereft, and he shifted the band's emphasis away from standard bluegrass and to a simpler sound.
His contributions to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack in 2000 brought Stanley back into the spotlight, and in 2002 he won the Grammy for Best Country Male Vocalist Performance and Album of the Year for his part in the O Brother collection. He has been inducted into the Grand Old Opry, he holds the Living Legend award from the Library of Congress, and if you need something else to convince you of his worth, he was the first recipient of the Traditional American Music award from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Ralph Stanley's latest album was released in 2002, a self-titled simple and poignant piece of bluegrass history composed of 10 traditional pieces and one original that moves from praises of the Lord to tales of murder, all performed with an ear for the unadorned.
"When Jesus was around here on this land / He certainly did do his Father's command" begins an a cappella Stanley on the first song on the disc, "Lift Him Up, That's All." Shortly his solo work gives way to acoustic guitar and banjo joining the prayer. In place of Stanley's tenor now exists a voice worn with age, but still vibrant with warmth and life, perfectly fitting his choice of material.
"Henry Lee" combines a high flying melody, slide guitar, and acoustic strumming into a song about a girl killing her "one true love" (with a penknife, of all things) and is my favorite number from the collection.
A true American classic, Ralph Stanley at Starr Hill is unquestionably a can't-miss show.
Ralph Stanley performs at Starr Hill, December 11, $25/$20, 8pm.


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Thread: Filing VA Claim
#1 Filing claim Part II
- Join Date
- May 2008
- Posts
- 123
There is a recognized medical condition called xxx. It causes the kinds of things which force a person into that sort of lifestyle." There is no known test to identify and diagnose this illness (the doctor needs to be direct the comments to either a Judge or adjudicator by talking in the first person) The doctor should state he "believes in this person" and he/she should state "If you also believe her complaints and that she now lives this lifestyle, then you have to believe she has this disabling condition." 5. Get statements from anyone Get statements from anyone who knows you and your issues. Write your own statement too! Have these individuals state how the problems affect you (example: It is hard to bend over, or squat, or hear, etc.). This includes your wife, kids, parents, co-workers even the guy/gal walking along the street.
All of these people can contribute! All their statements are evidence that must be considered. If you have them put their phone number down on the statement and request the adjudicator to call (not if they have any questions), the adjudicator is required to call. If they don't call, you have grounds for appeal. The medical facts and findings speak louder than any of this testimony, and the veterans own testimony is quite powerful in describing the effect of this proven medical condition. The VA doctor's report that seeks to negate the claim is wide open to attack when he fails to do procedures or make determinative tests. 6. Get the Vet Center Records If you have been going to a Vet Center, get their records. They are independent of the VA medical system (CAPRI) so you need to get a statement or copy of your provider's notes or both from your treating Social Worker.
7. Vocational Rehabilitation If you have gone to Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab), you were evaluated by them too. Do a Privacy Act request and get all copies of evaluations and anything else (to include reports of contact [ROC]). The Voc Rehab evaluations carry some weight, since they are independent evaluations. Get copies of the contractor evaluations (the people that did the Voc Rehab screening) and the VA's Voc Rehab evaluations. 8. Legal Research Go to http://www.findlaw.com or or http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ and look up all Board of Veteran Appeal, Court of Veteran Appeals, US District Court, US Court of Appeals and Supreme Court decisions that affect your issues. These legal opinions as well as the courts opinions narrows the focus of how the adjudicator can look at the evidence. Use these sites to support your other evidence. Do your own legal research!
If you don't have access to the internet or are not internet savvy, you can get copies of any appeals and decisions from the VA. They can be requested from Veteran Benefits Office or the Adjudication Office. A simple phone call to one of those offices, explaining that you are requesting a copy of those records for your own file should be sufficient. Keep the information of who you talked with and their phone/fax numbers and addresses in your notebook for ready reference! Again, you may need to provide this request in writing, but this can usually be accomplished by phone or fax. Some Service Officers from DAV, VFW, or American Legion will do this for you, but don't depend entirely on them! Some mental health records are kept separate from the main medical records, so again, you may need to call the Mental Health Clinic in your VA to request copies of those records from that office.
9. Statements From VA Personnel If you have been seeing a counselor at the VA Hospital, then get him/her to write you a statement of how bad they think you are. Plus, write up a statement on your own, let the adjudicator know about your background, your stressors and how this affects your daily life. Counselors are sometimes skeptical that people are acting out, pretending, not real. If the guy is really bogus, you might do better not to ask, but in truth, further questioning may well reveal that the skeptical counselor really believes the guy is pretty bad off or he wouldn't be going through all of this. That it is the stress of daily life that drives him to it. And NO counselor ever treats a death threat as anything other than real! 10.
SF 180 Use our system to create a customized order form to request information from your, or your relative's, military personnel records. You may use this system if you are: A military veteran, or Next of kin of a deceased, former member of the military The next of kin can be any of the following: surviving spouse that has not remarried, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother. If you are not the veteran or next of kin, you must complete the Standard Form 180 (SF 180). You can obtain this form from Fax-on-Demand, or download it, then mail or fax it to the appropriate address on the form. The SF 180 may be photocopied as needed. Please submit a separate request (either SF 180 or letter) for each individual whose records are being requested. You may submit more than one request per envelope or fax. How to Initiate a Request for Military Personnel Records: Click on the "Request Military Records" button to start. This will launch a separate window. Enter the required information in the system to create your customized request form. There are 4 steps that you need to navigate. The system will guide you through the steps and tell you exactly which step you are on. Print, sign and date the signature verification area of your customized form.
If you don't have a printer, have a pen and paper handy and we will guide you through the process. This is important because the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) requires that all requests for records and information be submitted in writing. Each request must be signed and dated by the veteran or next of kin. Mail or fax your signature verification form to us, and we will process your request. You must do this within the first 20 days of entering your request, or your request will be removed from our system. 11. Reviewing Your Military Records Review your military medical records and make a list of every ailment that you had while on active duty. Note each biohazardous exposure you may have had. For example, If you used cosmoline on everything to protect it from rust, and then we would be in carbon tetrachloride up to the elbows because that was what used to clean it off. Carbon tet is cancer producing. I am sure there are many other examples. 12. Cross Reference
All your Military Ailments With Your Civilian Ailments Cross reference all you military ailments with your civilian ailments. If the problem persists or a secondary issue has cropped up as a result of the issue that developed during your time in the military then you need to apply for that issue (as a secondary issue). An example of a secondary issue would be if you hurt your right knee and had to put weight on your left knee and now the knee is damaged. You can claim the left knee as a secondary issue to the injured right knee. 13. Downloading Go to the VA web site and down load all the Fast Letters, Memo's and any other documentation that will support your case. www.va.gov. 14. Go to the DAV, PVA and any other VSO Web Site Go to the DAV, PVA and any other VSO web sites and bookmark them (and down load anything related to your claims). 15. WARMS Go to http://groups.msn.com/unitedveterans/yourwebpage1.msnw
Look up what your issue is and determine the percentage that you want to apply for. Now 98% of the Veteran Service Rep's (VSR's) will tell you not to give a percentage, but if you don't ask for a percentage and you are awarded 0% for an issue, you can't complain because they gave you exactly what you asked for. If the adjudicator denies your issue and you did not ask for a certain percentage, then you have to prove the VA didn't follow proper procedure (this is very hard to prove). Your VSR will tell you that the law can change. If it increases then just fax, email (w/receipt) or mail in an updated request. If the percentage decreases, you don't need to do anything. The Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 allows the law that is most favorable to you to be applied to your claim so don't change your percentage. 16. Current law favors the Vet. Call the Regional Office ..Don't be intimidated !
#2 Filing VA Claim
- Join Date
- May 2008
- Posts
- 123
Filing A Claim with the VA
What To Do
Please print this info
If you do the following you will have a better than average chance of winning your claim. 1. Gather All Military, Private and VA Medical Records Gather all the military, private and VA medical records (get copies made). Make a Privacy Act Request at your VA Regional Office. They will have a copy of your Military Medical Record. Request Copies of Military Personnel Records http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/ to include all restricted records, counseling statements and evaluation reports. Do not expect the VA to automatically have your medical records from your active duty. Those records will need to be requested either from your unit of assignment or the staging facility in St Louis, MO by completing an SF180. Call or visit your Service Officer from DAV, VFW, or American Legion for this form. Mail the SF 180 to the appropriate address listed on the back of the Form. Written letters may be mailed to: The National Personnel Records Center (Military Personnel Records) 9700 Page Avenue St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. Response time varies dependent upon the complexity of your request, the availability of records, and workload. Please do not send a follow-up request before 90 days have elapsed as it may cause further delays. http://www.archives.gov/research_roo...ecs/index.html
2. Obtaining medical records that are already within the VA system Obtaining medical records that are already within the VA system can be achieved by faxing or mailing a written request providing a "release of information" to the VA Records Section. State the dates of records you're looking for, doctors' reports, lab and X-ray reports; your name, address, phone number, social security number, and signature. Label your request as a Privacy Act Request. 3. Go to your civilian doctor Go to your civilian doctor, have him/her perform a C&P exam. Have your doctor perform all the test you should have. The VA rarely does the necessary tests. You need to have this done because the VA will not do a complete C&P examination. See #4 for further explanation
4. Get statements from all private doctors or other medical provider Get statements from all private doctors or other medical provider, have them state that your problems and how they could be service connected. Get more than one doctor to say the same thing then write if two doctors say the same thing, then the reasonable doubt (§3.102) rule should apply and you state the probability is slim that the issue ISN'T service connected. Doctors don't like to be pushed to give tenuous opinions - unless they are lousy doctors who will swear to anything. And the bottom line is that the opinion won't be worth spit unless he has medical findings to support it. It is awfully easy to disregard a "definite" opinion given by some yo- yo who hasn't made a decent exam nor recited any findings to give that opinion a sound basis.
You need to tell the doctor what you were exposed to in the military. If you have documentation, then show that to the doctor, then ask the doctor to assume you were exposed to this hazard in service, and this is his work and personal history where he did not have other similar exposures, then assuming those things to be true ask the doctor to express his opinion based on reasonable medical certainty as to the cause of his condition? If the doctor is uncertain, then you need to him/her to say he/she it is probable. Obviously the more evidence the better. The fact is that one opinion of probable, based on the right assumptions and medical facts and findings, is enough to carry the proof because probable means that it is more likely than not, and the legal system operates on belief that truth is that which is most likely.
Medical facts means the doctor can't say it's a particular disease with out the required blood tests, cat/MRI scans, and whatever is necessary to prove the doctors opinion. An example would be, if the doctor says you have cancer and when there has been no cat scan, no biopsy, no blood test of antigen - looking pale, or an undocumented complaint doesn't cut it. Or, to state it differently, when there are complaints that are not documented by physical findings, the doc can talk all day about how disabled this man is (because he says he is), and that really is unpersuasive. There are exceptions. Connective tissue diseases exist which cannot be documented. There a doctor can say in his/her letter to the adjudicator: "the complaints are persistent, and this person who used to be happy and outgoing and very active has now adopted a very restricted lifestyle.
- Join Date
- May 2008
- Posts
- 123
On the Information pages...we have never discussed the info that was posted.
It is strictly for info. It is edited from time to time. We can post threads regarding info but somehow most pertinent information gets lost
with posts attatched.
A sticky info post is just that.
A thread can be started and discussed but people generally do not want to scroll past several posts to get what they are looking for.
#5 Filing VA Claim Part I
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
- Location
- United States
- Posts
- 5
most lawyerswork on presetage of your settelment and some one else may know but i beleve their is a set amount they can only take iam not forsure on that someonelse my know?
good luck
I also strongly recommend contacting an advocacy group - I worked with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) organization and they were amazingly helpful.If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be "Can't follow directions."
Yep, I Know it's backwards, and punish's the victim instead of the perp. But they lock your stuff down like Ft. Knox when that happens and it makes it a real pain in the you know what to then get copies.
Requested my 214 to apply for a service dog six months ago, still getting the run around about it from the damned DoD and VA. So help me, had I known, that we vets would be treated the way we are, once wounded and back home. I'd have never joined. Would have went to college as my parents wanted me to do, instead.
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CryoSat flight control team in intensive training
As CryoSat comes ever close to flight, the flight control team at ESOC are going through a demanding series of training simulations for launch.
The CryoSat flight control team (FCT) have been in intensive training at ESA's Space Operations Centre (ESOC), in Darmstadt, Germany, since early 2005. The training, simulations, drills and procedural practices are necessary to prepare the controllers for any unforeseen problems during the actual launch.
In the course of many hours spent training together, individual specialists from numerous European countries have bonded together into a dynamic and cohesive team that can respond quickly and correctly in the unforgiving environment of spacecraft operations.
Building a cohesive team within a team
The 11-person core team consists of the Ground Segment Manager (GSM), Pier Paolo Emanuelli, the Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM), Nic Mardle, and nine engineers, analysts and controllers whose work is dedicated to planning and operating CryoSat's ground segment. In addition to the core team, additional specialised engineers and scientists at ESOC provide ongoing support to CryoSat and other missions in areas including orbit calculations, ground station communications and network operations.
Since January 2005, CryoSat's FCT have conducted seven system verification tests, written operational procedure manuals, tested the software that comprises the spacecraft simulator and Mission Control System, run interface and onboard system testing and prepared and started the launch and flight simulation campaign.
Post-launch LEOP critical for success
Much of the preparation has focused on the critical Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP), the period immediately after launch when satellite systems are initially switched on, calibrated and checked for nominal operation. If any initial problems occur, LEOP is when they are likely to be found. During this time, the FCT will be split into A and B teams, each on 12-hour shifts. The teams will be augmented by the GOCE FCT to provide live control in ESOC's Main Control Room 24 hours per day during the first critical days.
Following separation from the launcher, the team will perform an initial check-out to verify that nothing has changed as a result of the harsh launch environment, and also start configuring the satellite from Separation Mode into the final Fine Pointing Mode. If there are any problems during the first crucial pass, the team has to react immediately, says Spacecraft Operations Manager Nic Mardle.
Team members are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting 8 October launch event.
From YGT to Payload Engineer
Isabel Rojo's first experience at ESOC came as an ESA Young Graduate Trainee (YGT) after completing aerospace engineering studies in Paris. "As a YGT in spring 2004, I got involved in planning LEOP for CryoSat and the mission really grew on me. I like working on CryoSat because the data — ice measurements — are beneficial for everybody on an issue that concerns us all," she says. Isabel is now employed full-time and serves as CryoSat's backup Payload Engineer.
ESOC gathers European-wide talents
Franco Marchese, originally from Brescia, Italy, has been working on CryoSat since March 2004. Among other responsibilities, he is the team's Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystem (AOCS) expert, planning CryoSat's orbital and attitude manoeuvres together with specialists from ESOC's Flight Dynamics section.
He joined the CryoSat team in March 2004. "I used to work at the Italian Space Agency, but I heard good things about the international atmosphere of ESA and ESOC in particular, so I wanted to move. ESA missions are quite interesting and very technical," he says.
Martin Houston is one of the three Spacecraft Controllers, or Spacons, who actually compile and upload flight commands to CryoSat; Atiya Sufi and Kerry Sanz round out the trio. During LEOP, they will take turns so that someone is always on duty in the MCR. "All commands go through us. No one else can actually send instructions to the spacecraft," says Houston. An Irish national, Houston has also worked at the German Space Agency, DLR.
Ardani Medina, originally from Gran Canaria, Spain, is CryoSat's Mission Control Systems (MCS) engineer. He joined the team in August 2003, and has been responsible for assembling and validating the mission's ground control software and systems. Ardani says the most interesting part of his work is the opportunity to be involved in multiple aspects of the mission, including learning about onboard systems, configuring the MCS and helping operate the CryoSat simulation software.
Remaining team members include Kate Adamson, Payload Operations Engineer, Ian Shurmer, Data Handling Operations Engineer, and Rudy Ciarletta, the Operations Analyst.
CryoSat launch puts flight team in driver's seat
For the FCT, launch will mark a welcome culmination of several years' preparation and hard work during which everyone has learned new skills, solved countless unforeseen problems large and small, and become integrated and effective as a team.
CryoSat is scheduled to be launched into a near polar orbit from Plesetsk, Russia, on 8 October 2005. From an altitude of approximately 717 km and reaching latitudes of 88°, CryoSat will monitor precise changes in the thickness of the polar ice sheets, glaciers and floating sea ice. The observations made over the three-year lifetime of the mission will provide conclusive evidence of rates at which ice cover may be diminishing.
Editor's note:
To listen to an MP3 audio interview on launch preparations with CryoSat Payload Operations Engineer Kate Adamson, click here or on the link at right.


text:
Every day Poets & Writers Magazine scans the headlines—from publishing reports to academic announcements to literary dispatches—for all the news that creative writers need to know. Here are today's stories:
GalleyCat reports publishing-related Kickstarter projects raised over fifteen million dollars in 2012, but with a 30 percent success rate.
On the Best American Poetry blog, Don Share recalls his time working at the venerable Partisan Review, which was in operation from 1934 to 2003.
"Curll was rumored (by Henry Fielding among others) to keep a team of hacks confined to a garret, where they churned out a high volume of disreputable and highly disposable texts, like an 18th-century outpost of the Gawker Media empire." Laura Miller reveals the worst publisher in history. (Salon)
A musical parody of erotic bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey is coming to the New York City stage. (Entertainment Weekly)
Meanwhile, Doubleday is releasing the E. L. James trilogy in hardcover on January 29. (GalleyCat)
Dan Chiasson looks at the poetry of David Ferry, who recently won the National Book Award at age eighty-eight. (New Yorker)
The Huffington Post offers advice on composing a succinct agent query letter.
Sterling Lord, the agent who introduced Jack Kerouac to the reading public, has written a memoir entitled Lord of Publishing. (Vanity Fair)


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At the Three Fiddles (Rabštejn House) - Nerudova Street 12/210, Lesser Town
Nerudova Street 12/210, Lesser Town
Originally a Gothic house was rebuilt in early Baroque style in 1618 (the portal was preserved), its current appearance is from mid-18th century. The house sign of three crossed violins in a Baroque frame is from the beginning of the 18th century and reminds of three families of violin-makers who owned the house – the most famous owner was the well known violin-maker T. Edlinger (1662-1729), the founder of Prague violin-making school. A reconstruction of the house took place in 1965 and there is a wine tavern on the ground floor now.
navštivte také:
počet návštěvníků stránek:


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National Republicans on Wednesday backed away from Mark Sanford, the former South Carolina governor who is now running for Congress, after court documents alleged that he trespassed at his ex-wife's house.
The National Republican Congressional Committee said it would not provide any money for Mr. Sanford's comeback bid, as his campaign tried to stanch the fallout from his latest personal scandal.
"Mark Sanford has proven he knows what it takes to win elections," said Daniel Scarpinato, a spokesman. "At this time, the N.R.C.C. will not be engaged in this special election."
Court records show that Jenny Sanford filed a complaint with the police on Feb. 4 after she found Mr. Sanford leaving her house on Sullivan's Island. The couple's 2010 divorce agreement says that neither may enter the other's house without permission.
On Wednesday, Mr. Sanford said he had been watching the Super Bowl with his 14-year-old son that night, while Ms. Sanford was out of town. "As a father, I didn't think he should watch it alone,"
he said in a statement through his campaign. "It's an unfortunate reality that divorced couples sometimes have disagreements that spill over into family court."
The couple divorced after he confessed at a televised news conference to having an affair with an Argentine woman who is now his fiancée. Mr. Sanford was censured by the State Legislature and an ethics investigation
found he had misused state travel funds. This year, he announced plans to run for the Charleston-area Congressional seat he held in the 1990s and he won the party's nomination this month.
Mr. Sanford is scheduled to appear before a family court judge on May 9. Two days earlier, in a special election, Mr. Sanford will face the Democratic nominee, Elizabeth Colbert Busch, a Clemson University administrator and sister of the comedian Stephen Colbert. The district heavily favors Republicans, but polls have shown a tight race.
The trespassing report, filed by Ms. Sanford's lawyer, Deena Smith McRackan, alleges that Mr. Sanford "entered into a pattern of entering onto plaintiff's property. Plaintiff has informed defendant on a number of occasions that this behavior is in violation of the court's order and has demanded that it not occur again."
The complaint also cited Mr. Sanford for not paying $5,000 toward the college expenses of one of the couple's four boys. Ms. Sanford told reporters the situation has since been resolved.
Ms. Sanford told reporters on Wednesday that she did not intend the complaint to be leaked to the news media. But Mr. Sanford questioned how the documents had become public.
"I am particularly curious how records that were sealed to avoid the boys' dealing with embarrassment are now somehow exposed less than three weeks before this election," he said in the statement. "I agree with Jenny that the media is no place to debate what is ultimately a family court matter."
National Republicans said they were caught off guard by the complaint and feared Mr. Sanford had become a liability and an embarrassment.
The N.R.C.C. had done polling about the race and started a Web site, WordswithElizabeth.com, that painted Ms. Colbert Busch as a liberal. But the group said it would not donate any more money or run advertisements.
Meanwhile, the Colbert Busch campaign declined to comment. But a Democratic campaign group, House Majority PAC, increased the visibility of a television ad attacking Mr. Sanford's political record.


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Ask any forest ranger and he or she will tell you, if you want to find the crowds, follow the water.
My friend and former colleague Geoff Bilau of La Verne proved the corollary last week when he took his son Walter on a hike to Eaton Canyon Falls in east Pasadena in the Angeles National Forest.
There, on his Facebook page, stands a drenched Walt knee-deep in a shallow pool, the falls trickling down the granite rock behind him.
"Having the waterfall being active made the whole hike worth it. It was so refreshing and just kind of a natural wonder to enjoy," he wrote in an instant message.
My friend is so right. That's why there's usually a crowd, especially on weekends, at Eaton Canyon (just don't climb above the falls or you'll be labeled stupid or dead), Hermit Falls (no diving), San Antonio Falls (near Mt. Baldy Village), Switzer Falls, Sturtevant Falls and Millard Canyon Falls, just to name a few of the most popular water holes in the Angeles.
"It is certainly relaxing to hear the water flowing," said my colleague Don Sproul, another avid hiker.
There's a weekly pilgrimage to San Gabriel Canyon, a stream of people carrying lawn chairs, inner tubes and hibachis day-camping at various East Fork and North Fork picnic grounds. Yeah, kids love swimming in the water and the river runs year-round.
Not very long ago, weekend warriors like myself would put on wool socks and lace up hiking boots for a trip to Monrovia Falls or better still, the Ben Overturff Trail where the canyons divide and give you "Twin Springs Canyon," a wet creek on a canopied landing that resembles Michigan, not Southern California.
Geoff's Facebook photos are proof that water still flows in the San Gabriels, despite the area being in the third year of a drought and despite some of the lowest rainfall totals in the history of Los Angeles.
But not all the famous waterfalls are running this year. The drought has taken them away from us.
Two weeks ago I made it up to Fish Canyon via the new access road and trailhead parking lot provided by Vulcan Materials, located off Encanto Parkway. When I arrived at the falls, there was no water in them.
"Did you see any water in the falls?" was the first question posed by colleagues. When I said no, the falls were bone dry, most became disinterested.
Still, the trek up Fish Canyon dazzled with steep canyon walls, bright red wildflowers and patches of brown-and-yellow sunflowers. The poison oak was still ripe, I told the female hiker I met on the trail who was seated in the midst of the stuff.
"You mean this? This is poison ivy?" she said with a horrified look.
I kept on, my blue jeans and long-sleeved hiking shirt protecting me from the evil weed.
Instead of a waterfall, I could feast my eyes on a hawk soaring against the azure sky or the blackened bush that look like manzanita to me. The cool wind from the canyon entrance tickled the sweat running down my back.
Cabin owner Glen Owens, founder of the Big Santa Anita Canyon Historical Society, said he's seen the teens walking from Hermit Falls with their beach towels this summer. But Winter Creek leading to Hoegees Camp is dry in patches, leaving behind a parched canyon in mid-July.
"The canyon looks like September now. It is two months ahead," he said. The drought has speeded up the seasons. "The maple trees are dropping their leaves and the fall colors are there now," he said.
He promised me a day in his cabin not listening to no water flowing.
"The shade is still there. The ambience of the canyon is still there," Owens said.
No drought can take that away.