What’s happening around Virginia... EASTERN REGION November 2, 2016 National Alliance of Mental Health Support Group, 7460 Tidewater Drive, Suite 202, Norfolk, VA 23505 Community Services Board: Offered in thousands of communities across the United States through NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates, our education programs ensure hundreds of thousands of families, individuals and educators get the support and information they need. Start 6:30 p.m. November 4th– 6th, 2016 St. Andrews Fall Festival and Bazaar– 1004 Graydon Avenue, Norfolk, VA Friday: BBQ/Oyster Roast, Music, Silent Auction $20; Saturday: Bazaar with holiday craft vendors (Free); Children's Street Fair - Bounce House, Pony Rides and more $10.00 All Activities; Sunday: Evensong and wine/cheese reception. Price: $10+, Start 6:00 p.m. November 5th, 2016 2016 Tidewater Autism Summit– Festival Center, 708 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA The largest gathering of Autism service providers in Virginia; De-stress area, petting zoo, bubble land, bounce house, breakout sessions to include information on waivers and long term planning. FREE– 11:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. PREREGISTER by contacting Melanie at [email protected] or call 757-567-9805. November 6th, 2016 Hampton Roads VegFest– Festival Center, 708 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA The 2016 inaugural festival will bring together vegans and curious omnivores alike to feast on delicious food, hear from diverse speakers about overhauling our health and protecting our planet, shop eco-friendly products, and enjoy some of the region’s best entertainers. FREE– Open 12:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. November 6th, 2016 Shanghai Acrobats “Shanghai Nights” – Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA Featuring 40 award-winning acrobats, “Shanghai Nights” is a new performance by the Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China. “Shanghai Nights” builds a storyline around a dreaming boy who enters a fantasy world. Price: $28- $52, Open: 3:00 p.m. November 11th– 13th, 2016 S.T.E.A.M Women’s Conference 2016 – Refuge Nation Church, 3509 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA The conference will take place on November 11-13 and it will be three days filled with powerful women speakers, inspiration, and great fellowship. Sponsored by the Women of Refuge Nation. Price: $35, Open: 7:00 p.m. November 12th, 2016 Sons of Norway Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar – Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, 1871 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA Traditional Norwegian foods, bake sale, crafts, vendors and 30-foot Viking long boat, raffle. FREE- Open: 9:00 a.m., 757-631-0362, www.hrson.org

What’s happening around Virginia... December 3rd, 2016 International Conscious Connections Holistic & Spiritual Expo.– Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA There will be over 100 exhibitor booths, Workshops and free Lectures throughout the day. Our world renowned guest speakers not only entertain, but teach how to improve many areas of your life. Enjoy an exciting, enlightened two days at Virginia Beaches’ first holistic, spiritual, wellbeing and natural therapies expo. Visit our web Site: http://www.internationalcc-holisticart-expo.com or call 757-288-4756. Price: $4+ December 9th, 2016 A Christmas Carol– Wells Theatre, 254 Grandby Street, Norfolk, VA It wouldn't be the holidays without Dickens' A Christmas Carol at VSC. This heartwarming tradition for the whole family follows the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they visit Ebenezer Scrooge and remind us all of hope, redemption, and love. Price: $19-$55, Start: 8:00 p.m. December 18th, 2016 Across the Ages: A Celtic Christmas- Samuel Johnson Theater at Norfolk Academy, 1585 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, VA Please join us for our annual Celtic Christmas concert featuring the King's Choir, Tidewater Pipes and Drums, and Live Orchestra. FREE, Start: 3:00 p.m. CHARLOTTESVILLE REGION November 1st– December 16th, 2016 Damien Shen: On the Fabric of Ngarrindjeri Body– Kluge Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, 400 Worrell Drive Charlottesville, VA 22911 This is an exhibition of drawings, prints and photographs by Australian Aboriginal artist Damien Shen (Ngarrindjeri, Chinese). These works tell the story of the hallowed Aboriginal body and its desecration when colonial scientists stole Aboriginal remains to collect them for research. Drawing works from two different series of his work, Shen explores the dehumanization of the body after death by Western cultures and views his practice as an effort to “reintroduce some spirit back into the body” in honor of Ngarrindjeri beliefs and culture. November 3rd– 6th, 2016 Virginia Film Festival – University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA The Virginia Film Festival is delighted to announce its 2016 lineup! This year we will feature some of the most highly anticipated titles in the film world while also showing off the talents of rising stars in the industry. We’ll offer a carefully-curated selection of transformational classics, fascinating documentaries, outstanding foreign films and more – all combining to offer up a thought-provoking creative window on some of the most important issues in our world today. Visit http://virginiafilmfestival.org/ for tickets and more information. December 18th, 2016 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker – The Paramount- 215 East Main St. Charlottesville, VA 22902 The biggest Christmas experience of the year! The original, direct from Russia, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! "Knock Out!” raves the New York Times. Enchant the whole family with larger than life magical props, a 60′ growing Christmas tree and spectacular Russian-made costumes and sets. A must-see event, witness the world’s best dancers on stage at The Paramount!

What’s happening around Virginia... NORTHERN REGION November 5th, 2016 Celebrating Shalom– Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031 An evening of stories and song, Celebrating Shalom is an invitation to come listen and reflect and sing along. Rabbi Matisyahu Tonti performs original compositions and traditional Jewish tunes in a participatory joyous musical experience. After spending many years as a song leader and folk singer, Tonti discovered the music of Rabbi Shlomo Carlibach and the power of the 'Niggun,' a wordless melody that sweeps its singers into another world. Price: $5- $18, Call (703) 537– 3000 to order tickets. Start: 8:00 p.m. November 10th, 2016 Dinner, Fashion Show and Evening at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20037 Our Meetup has the remarkable privilege of transporting you around the world to an ancient land filled with wonder and excitement. Featuring a Saudi Dinner, Film, Tour of the Embassy, Diplomats, and a Fashion Show that YOU Star in. Start: 7:30 a.m., Tickets $50, call (301) 519-8030 to order tickets. December 2nd– December 3rd, 2016 Hecho en Puelto Rico– GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010 A student prepares to graduate and leave Puerto Rico to escape the economic crisis, he unearths his cultural roots through the lives of noted men and women in the island’s history. A tender and funny tale of discovery and pride. In Spanish only. Start: 8:00 p.m., Price $30, call (202) 234– 7174 to order tickets. December 13th, 2016 Bulgarian Rhapsody– Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 A story of teenage love and friendship told against the backdrop of the Holocaust, this was Bulgaria’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. Start: 7:30 p.m., Price $13, Call (202) 777-3247 to order tickets. December 17th, 2016 Holiday/Winter Ball & Celebration At The Embassy Of France– 4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007 Celebrate a Parisian Holiday Ball without ever getting on a plane! Open Bar, Holiday Cheer, European Ballroom Dancing, casino games, late night DJ dancing, chocolates from throughout Europe, and hundreds of young professionals. Start: 8:30 p.m., Price: $75- $100, call (301) 519-8030 to order tickets. December 17th– December 18th, 2016 Kwanzaa Celebration– Dance Place, 3225 8th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017 Join us this holiday season for Dance Place’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration, under the direction of Sylvia Soumah. Gather family and friends to join Coyaba Academy, Coyaba Dance Theater and special guests to celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Saturday– Start 7:00 p.m., Sunday– Start 4:00 p.m., Price $15- $30, Call (202) 269-1600 to order tickets. RICHMOND REGION November 1st– November 26th, 2016 Cuba: Photography Exhibit– Padow’s on Main, 1009 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219 The gallery at Padow's on Main is so pleased to host a stunning view of our neighbors in Cuba through the eyes of four local photographers, Ann Fulcher, Fred Morton, Lynda Richardson, and Joe Ring. The thought-provoking images provide four different perspectives of the beauty and essence of the people, culture and landscape of the country.

What’s happening around Virginia... November 10th, 2016 Sushi Samurai – Edible education- 13566 Waterford Place Midlothian, VA 23112 Join Edible Education's guest, expert Sushi Chef Amiga to create authentic sushi along with yummy sauces. On the menu: Sushi, sweet vinegar sauce, wasabi paste and a samurai sauce. November 11th, 2016 Mock Spanish, Gringoism and talking About Race in Spanish Language Classrooms – Carole Weinstein International Center, 28 Westhampton Way Richmond, VA 23173 Adam Schwartz is an assistant professor in the School of Language, Culture & Society at Oregon State University, where heteaches courses in the World Languages & Cultures, Linguistic Anthropology, and Ethnic Studies programs. He studies and researches Spanish-English multilingualisms and Spanish language education in the U.S. and U.S.-Mexico borderlands. In particular, he seeks to understand why and how culture, borders, foreignness, race and privilege are socially constructed both in and outside classroom spaces. November 11th, 2016 25th Great American Indian Expo.– Richmond International Raceway, 600 E Laburnum Ave. Richmond, VA 23222 Great American Indian Expo is an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand about rich Native American traditions including dancing, drumming, singing, arts, crafts and foods. Artisans from across the country will offer unique turquoise, wampum, silver and clothing. November 19th, 2016 Pysanky Ukranian Eggs– Mechanicsville Branch Library, 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Learn how to decorate a Pysanky egg using a wax resist method. This art form's name comes from the Ukrainian "pysaty," meaning "to write." Pysanky club members will show you how to make these beautiful eggs to take home. December 7th, 2016 8th Annual Asian Gala– The Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St. Richmond, VA 23220 Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce presents our 8th Annual Asian Gala, a Black Tie Banquet to benefit Asian Foundation Education Programs and honor successes in advancing the Asian American business landscape in Virginia. We will recognize and celebrate service leaders that have served the Commonwealth through their dedication to business diversity and community stewardship. Our Gala will feature VIP Networking Program with top corporate and community leaders, award presentations, and Asian cultural performances. December 17th, 2016 Boar’s Head Feast– Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Rd. Chester, VA 23836 Tis’ the Season to step back in time! Follow the merry Lord of Misrule to England in the 1590s. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavours of Christmas as we knew it then. A multi-course feast including roasted meats, pies, ale, cider & more, served at table in our spacious, candle-lit Guest House with a blazing Yule log fire. Dine to the sounds of period musicians with wassailing a-plenty, & many a toast to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I. Begin your holidays with one of the oldest English Christmas traditions in one of the oldest English settlements in North America: Henricus!

What’s happening around Virginia... SOUTHERN/ SOUTHWEST REGION November 12th, 2016 India Family Day- Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Ave. Martinsville, VA 24112 Celebrate India at this fun Piedmont Arts Family Day. All ages welcome. Snacks provided. November 14th, 2016 The Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China-Radford University, University Drive, Radford, VA 24141 The Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China is one of the most influential and competitive acrobatic companies in China. Founded in 1959, this entertaining company of artistic performers has won many awards at the acrobatic and circus competitions at home and abroad. November 18th– November 19th, 2016 Kriskindlmarkt-Clifton Forge School of the Arts, 518 Church Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 Enjoy "The Mill" (our re-purposed lumber mill) filled with laughter, lights, holiday scents & cheer, shopping extravaganza & entertainment!! This has become a treasured annual event for us and is a festive place to prepare for your Holidays and handle much of your shopping and decorating needs early. Featuring hand-made & homegrown artisan items & gift ideas: jewelry, metalworks, pottery, toys, glasswork, artwork, wooden wares, skin products, fiber & needlework, and much more. Father Christmas will meet children and adults for photos and conversation. German foods, baked goods, chocolates, Kinder-punch, German beer/wine-Gluhwein for ages 21+, sodas & water.