Thursday In Old Towne continues each Thursday night through September
24th. These community events are sponsored by The Petersburg
Foundation. All proceeds will go to the "Picture Petersburg"
[url=<http://www.petersburgarea.org/Modules ... ument.aspx?documentid=236>]<http://www.petersburgarea.org/Modules ... ument.aspx?documentid=236>[/url]
project - the revitalization and beautification of the Washington Street
entrance off I-95 into the City of Petersburg. The Petersburg
Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

Each Thursday evening, come early to shop and dine in Old Towne. Check
out discounts offered at many of [url=<http://www.petersburgarea.org/Index.aspx?page=68>]Old Towne's
<http://www.petersburgarea.org/Index.aspx?page=68> specialty shops[/url] and
restaurants.

Outside band, Embers begins playing at 7p.m. and the inside band,
Throwin Knivez begins at 9:30p.m. Military discount tickets available.
Gates open at 6:30p.m., rain or shine. Must be 18 years old or older to
attend.
Download Band List
<http://www.petersburgarea.org/Modules ... ument.aspx?documentid=356>
804-733-8344
Old Towne Civic Center
136 River Street
Petersburg, Virginia 23803
www.otciviccenter.com <http://www.otciviccenter.com/>
www.oldtownepetersburg.com <http://www.oldtownepetersburg.com/>

On May 19, 2009, the centennial of President Howard Taft's famous visit
to Petersburg will be held on the south lawn of historic Centre Hill
Museum where attendees will be transported back in time as the luncheon
event and presentations by President Taft and other notables of 1909 are
recreated on the south lawn of the property. Descendents of guests
present at the original event have been invited to attend the function
which will provide a legacy-connection to the ceremony. The luncheon is
also open to anyone interested in celebrating the centennial-and
creating their own legacy-as being a part of the 2009 celebration.

To "capture the moment" of the past, the event will closely replicate
the details of 1909. Tables will be decorated similar to those of 1909
with sod and flowers and the south porch décor will be recreated with
bunting and flags. Re-enactors portraying dignitaries of the period will
arrive by horse-drawn carriage. The centennial commemoration will begin
at 1:00pm with a luncheon for the "President" and other "dignitaries"
and guests. During the luncheon, the Petersburg Symphony will perform
selections popular during the early 20th century and the afternoon will
also feature patriotic musical selections by the Fort Lee Army Band
beginning at 3:00pm and continuing until 5pm.

As was the case in 1909, with the promise of fair weather, with the city
crowded with thousands of visitors from far and near, with every detail
of the elaborate, exquisite and unique festivities worked out to a fine
point, Petersburg celebrated the visit of President William Howard Taft
on May 19, 1909. President Taft was in Petersburg for the dedication of
the Pennsylvania Monument on Wakefield Street in current day Walnut
Hill. He spoke both at the monument and later at Centre Hill where a
luncheon was hosted by the City. It was described that Petersburg had
entertained many notable men in her day, but "none had been honored with
such prodigality, sumptuousness and extensiveness as was President
Taft".

Limited luncheon seating is available for purchase by the public for $30
per person. All interested parties are encouraged to secure their
attendance to the luncheon by contacting the Petersburg Department of
Tourism at (804) 733-2402.

Beginning at 2:45pm, the event is open to the general public, free of
charge, as the reenactment continues with presentations by President
Taft and other dignitaries. St. Joseph's School Choir will perform the
National Anthem prior to the introduction of President Howard Taft.
Beginning at 3:30pm, the Centre Hill Museum will be open free-of-charge
to all event attendees. Items from the 1909 event will be on display and
a film of the event shot by a local film studio in 1909 will be
available for viewing.

In case of rain, the event will be relocated to the Union Train Station
located at 103 River Street.
[img width=500]<http://www.petersburgarea.org/Modules/ShowImage.aspx?imageid=1523> [/img]

Shaking, baking, cooking and creating . . . it's the 34th U.S. Army
Culinary Arts Competition coming to Fort Lee!

Open to the public for the first time is the Field Cooking Competition
on March 4th, 5th and 6th outside McLaughlin Food Service Training
facility (Building 4200). Purchase your ticket ($4.25) there after 10am
each day for your choice of team cooked competition meals using "field
kitchen" equipment. Teams will post their menus and you get to choose
which one to buy and enjoy. First-come, first-served. Space is limited
so arrive early!

Don't miss March 11th and 12th at the Post Field House for the
impressive dishes, sculptures, ice carvings and much more. Public
viewing times are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 11th and from 7 a.m.
to 4 p.m. on March 12th. Be part of the audience as Soldiers compete in
a "Jeopardy" style competition answering food related questions and see
live cooking first hand. It's all free!


For details click this link

Happy New Year to you all! We wish you health and happiness in the upcoming year.

Below are upcoming events in Old Towne. Related to the Edgar Allen Poe event at Minerva Books (see below), there is also an interesting article by Petersburg resident Jeff Abugel in the January Richmond Magazine - about the link to Poe here in Old Towne and the “Hiram Haines Coffee House” building he and his wife Bev Rivers are restoring on Bank St.

Please note that TONIGHT – Monday, Jan 5 – 5:30 pm there is a Bi-Annual Organizational Meeting for the purpose of electing a Mayor and Vice Mayor and also the adoption of the Rules of Council”. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers, City Hall. City Council members will choose the Mayor and Vice Mayor. You may give your input to your council person if you have an opinion as to whom should be Mayor and Vice-Mayor. Time is probably too short for this evening’s meeting, but IN THE FUTURE if you want to contact your council member, he or she is accessible by email, if that is easiest for you.
Ken Pritchett – Ward 3 'Pattykenp@aol.com'
Dama Rice – Ward 1 'dama.rice@att.net'
Mayor Mickens, and Council member Ward 5 'ammickens@hotmail.com'
Mike Ross – Ward 2 'rosscm@netzero.com' or 'mike.ross1@mepcom.army.mil'
Horace Webb – Ward 7 'hwebb66@comcast.net'
Brian Moore – Ward 4 'councilman.moore@verizon.net'
Ray Coleman – Ward 6 ‘drc42@netzero.net'.
AND, the regular City Council meeting will be Tues, Jan 6 at the Union Train Station. The agenda is online at http://petersburg-va.org/council/010609.htm. The public is welcome at these meetings, and citizens’ input is needed as Petersburg addresses important issues for 2009 and beyond.

Frida for the Arts! is coming up again this Friday, January 9. We will post the entire schedule online at http://oldtownepetersburg.com/FridayfortheArts.html as soon as we have it. You may also check http://www.oldtownepetersburg.com/events.html anytime for up to the minute information on Old Towne and area happenings.

SALES/SPECIALS

**** Divine Diva will be closed for inventory from Sunday, January 4th - Thursday, January 8th! Please call 731-4040 if you need to pick up or purchase during those days.
Winter Hours - Sunday, Monday – Closed / Tuesday - 10-2 / Wednesday - 10-2 / Thursday 10-5 / Friday 10-5 / Saturday - 10-5 and extended hours during Friday for the Arts! the 2nd Friday of each month.
"Jammin' January Sales" - Starting January 9th, all Christmas purses, gift items, children's clothes and jewelry will be 75% off! Come take advantage of this final sale on our Holiday items!
Divine Diva / 10 Bollingbrook St. * 804.861.3355. Email divinedivaboutique@gmail.com to get on their mailing list. Most newsletters contain a GREAT COUPON!

**** Take a look at the gorgeous new section now open!!!! The HIGH STREET LOFTS - 422 – 424 High Street - Historic Condos just up the hill from Old Towne. Prices from $140,000. Contact us for more information: 804.344.0032 / email sales@MonroeProperties.com. Inquire about OPEN HOURS to view the units.

**** Therapeutic Massage Center & Boutique offers services such as massages, hot herbal baths, spa wraps and exfoliation, back facials, skin care, manicures and pedicures!! 27 Bollingbrook Street, 2nd floor, Hours : Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5 - www.tmc-and-boutique.com


UPCOMING EVENTS

**** HAPPY 200th BIRTHDAY EDGAR ALLAN POE!
Master of the Macabre Edgar Allan Poe would be 200 this year. Given his ties to the local area, we're throwing him a birthday bash on January 17. Granted, it's a couple of days early, but I don't think he'll mind. EVENT PARTICIPATION IS OPEN TO ALL ADULTS OVER 21 WHO RSVP BY JANUARY 12. We will be serving wine and will therefore need to be "officially" closed to fulfill ABC requirements. Hence the need for pre-registration. We'll kick the evening off with an Edgar Allan Poe lookalike contest at 8 pm (props, dramatic renderings and creativity are encouraged) and then move on to a literary scavenger hunt, in which teams will be asked to pool their wits to solve a mystery. PRIZES will be awarded for both competitions. Minerva Books / minervabooks.net / 233 Bartow Alley / 732-2440 REGULAR HOURS: Tues/Wed: 11-6 / Thurs: 11-7 / Fri/Sat: 11-6 / Sun: Resting and fishing / Mon: Running around town like a mad-woman

**** At Java Mio - This Friday, Jan.9th (Friday for the Arts) Java Mio will have live music, wonderful dinner specials and spirits. Join us as we present "Spillsheet"...a fantastic mix of contemporary and old school rock and roll. Our featured artist is Mr. John Rooney, Photographer..
Dinner Specials to include our "almost world famous" Empanadas, Spicy Salsa and Herbed Rice. Lighten up with one of our dinner signature salads (Grilled chicken and fresh fruit, Spicy Seared Beef Caesar, The Muffalatta Salad or House Chop Salad).
www.javamiocoffeehouse.com / next to The Oak Antique Mall, 804-861-2700

National Main Street Center webinars - -interactive sessions led by Main Street staff and other experts and open to anyone. Each is $25 and runs 1-2pm Eastern Time. Archives of past seminars are free to Main Street members.
These look pertinent to many of us here in Old Towne! Here are dates of upcoming webinars:
January 8: "Design on a Dime, Main Street Style"
February 5: "Why Tourists Shop: How to Become a Powerful Heritage Travel Destination"
April 2: "Upstairs Downtown: Successful Upper-floor Housing Development"
May 7: "Green Main Streets: Practical Steps You Can Take Now"
See: www.mainstreet.org/webinars for more information. Make sure to run the system test before you register to ensure that your computer can support the webinar.

**** The American Red Cross - Southside Area Chapter is sponsoring a community BLOOD DRIVE at the Train Station at 103 River St in Old Towne Petersburg on January 14, 2009 - 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm Call Rosalyn B Andrews, Executive Director, American Red Cross - Southside Area 804-733-5711 for more information.

Well, FRIDAY FOR THE ARTS rolls around again this Friday, Nov. 14. As soon as we get the listing of events, they will be posted on http://oldtownepetersburg.com/FridayfortheArts.html .

We are starting to get information about holiday events. It seems the Season is upon us as Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. This year, make the short drive to Old Towne to do your Christmas shopping. The charming shops in renovated historic buildings are a great destination for unique and fabulous gifts in all price ranges. You can make a special occasion of your shopping trip here with a great meal from one of our outstanding restaurants, also. Below are upcoming events in Old Towne. You may also check http://www.oldtownepetersburg.com/events.html anytime for up to the minute information on Old Towne and area happenings.

SALES/SPECIALS

**** At Yoga One - SPECIAL: ALL CLASSES $10. PAY AS YOU GO WITH NO WORRY OF EXPIRATION DATE.
(CASH/CHECK ONLY).
Schedule Changes: No classes on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday 11/27 930am & 630pm CANCELLED. Yogaonepetersburg.com * 306 N. Sycamore St. * (804) 240-6796.

**** SIGNATURE STYLE POLISH POTTERY SHOP announces our own “economic stimulus packages.” We have a host of items ON SALE in the store. Sale items will change each week to reflect website specials. View this week’s “ESPs” on http://polishpotteryshop.com or stop in at the store – Polish pottery and Bay Pottery make perfect Christmas gifts, priced from $5 and up! 13 W Old St. * 733.4495 * open Tues – Sat 11-5 and later on Friday for the Arts!

**** THE OAK ANTIQUE MALL: Savings Abound At The Oak! Up to 40% off!!!
With our great deals and ever-changing array of antiques, collectibles, and unique gifts we are your ONE STOP SHOP for all your gift giving needs!
SPECIALS include: Siege City Antiques' Rhinestone Jewelry 40% off; Siege City Antiques' Hunt Prints 20% off; Selected Royal Doulton Toby Mugs 15% off; Cockade City Art original oil paintings of Civil War heroes & Westover Plantation by renowned artist Noel Y. Pantig priced hundreds below their appraised value; Deep discounts on items throughout the store! Look out for SALE signs and SALE tags!
Act quickly, these items won't be around much longer at these great prices!
Don't forget your sweet tooth! The Oak carries SWEET SHOP USA handmade chocolates! These make a perfect hostess gift or indulgent treat! In case you don't know, Sweet Shop USA has been the EXCLUSIVE chocolatier of Neiman-Marcus for over twenty years!
Live Music this Friday for the Arts! Local Pianist & Organist, D. Michael Fuller will perform Popular classical tunes, Yuletide favorites, and more from 7:00pm - 7:45pm, and again from 8:15pm - 9:00pm. And, SPECIAL SALE on Friday for the Arts Week-end Only: ALL The Flower Girl items 20%. Including Christmas décor, wreaths, floral arrangements, candles, hand-made chocolates, and more!
The Oak HOLIDAY HOURS: Open 7 Days a Week!!! 10-6 Mon.-Sat.; Noon-5 Sunday; Until 10pm Friday For The Arts!
November 28th-December 23rd--we will be open until at least our normal hours, even later if you’re still shopping!
Closed Thanksgiving Day / Closing at 3pm Christmas Eve / Closed Christmas Day / Open Noon-5 New Year's Day *** 400 N. Sycamore Street, (804) 861-6111 / www.theoakantiques.com

**** Have a formal holiday party or gala coming up? Stop in at Lavendar and Lace for a unique look for your next gown or special-event dress! The knowledgeable staff offers pecialized assistance in finding a modern, glamorous and beautifully priced dress!
Plus, LAVENDAR AND LACE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE is the one-stop provider of wedding services and supplies in Petersburg, Virginia. 23 W Old St, (804) 733-6100.

**** Take a look at the gorgeous new section now open!!!! The HIGH STREET LOFTS - 422 – 424 High Street - Historic Condos just up the hill from Old Towne. Prices from $140,000. Contact us for more information: 804.344.0032 / email sales@MonroeProperties.com. Inquire about OPEN HOURS to view the units.

**** Therapeutic Massage Center and Boutique - Therapeutic Massage Center & Boutique - 2nd floor, Bollingbrook Street. Hours Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m AND SUNDAY HOURS beginning Nov 23 until Dec 21st 1-5p.m. for shopping. Gift certificates.and gift wrap available. 722-1720, tmc-and-boutique.com.

**** Maggie's - 50% OFF Designer Inspired Jewelry on Friday for the Arts Night, PLUS 20 % off Christmas decor & Vera Bradley Luggage PLUS 10 % off storewide Friday Only.. ( excludes Biagi & She beads).
Just in this week - Thymes, Frasier Fir collection.. It IS the smell of Christmas, whether in a candle, room spray, all purpose cleaner, dish detergent or the lovely sink caddy set with hand soap & lotion. Nothing compares to Frasier Fir by Thymes.
Maggie's is open Tuesday - Sat 11-6ish , 12-5 every Sunday.
Our CHESTER , Rivers Bend Location is OPEN Thanksgiving NIGHT for our 3rd annual walk off that "TURKEY NIGHT SALE". It is the single LARGEST sale at Maggie's. Special Black Friday sales will be offered all weekend at both locations Thanksgiving weekend too.
We will offer warm apple cider & desserts every weekend in December. We offer free gift wrapping & free layaway to make shopping a little easier! Gift Cards are available too.
8 Bollingbrook St / 804.861.9006.

**** Utopia Spa is now open at 115 N. Sycamore St., Historic "Uptowne" Petersburg, VA – OPEN W, Th, F 9am-8pm, Sat. 9am-4pm / www.TheUtopiaSpa.com * 804.732.1234.
Free Massages for a Year! Purchase GIFT CERTIFICATES online at www.TheUtopiaSpa.com or at Utopia Spa And…You’ll be entered ONCE for every $25.00 worth of Gift Certificates you purchase before Christmas! TWO Chances to win! ONE Drawing Nov. 28th, ONE Drawing Dec. 26th, 2008 PLUS...
Every new client will receive a set of Utopia Spa’s Exclusive “Welcome Certificates” after his or her first service! One Free $15.00 gift certificate to be used toward services on their second visit, And… One Free $10.00 gift certificate to give to a friend, which can be used toward services on their first visit to the spa! (Some restrictions may apply)

**** DIVINE DIVA – 10 Bollingbrook St. * 804.861.3355
Reserve your Christmas Outfits Today and save 10%!!! Stop by our store or visit Rosalinbaby.net and Baileyboys.com to reserve your favorite outfit. Call or e-mail us with your pre-order by November 15, and we'll take 10% off ! *Subject to availability
Customer Appreciation Day! November 22, 2008 - Divine Diva would like to say "Thank you" to our faithful customers by having you join us for a special day of refreshments and shopping! Bring your wish list with you OR fill one out at our store. Get into the "holiday spirit" and check out some of our new jewelry from Pandora and Brighton! We'll also be giving out our famous "Diva Dollars"! Spend $100 and receive $20 Diva Dollars to be used on your next purchase. (Offer applies on 11/22/08 only) *Certain rules apply for redemption.
EMAIL LEIGH ANN TO GET ON THE DIVINE DIVA EMAIL/NEWSLETTER LIST – this month’s newsletter contains a 25% OFF COUPON!!!!

*** MINERVA BOOKS is ready to serve cafe latte, Earl Grey tea and espresso supplied by Rostov's of Richmond. Stop by soon and try one! We're proud to announce our featured artist for November's Friday For the Arts! Local photographer and woman of many talents Sharla Martinez will display her Positive Body Image Photography in the store during November's Friday For the Arts, and we'll be open late for your shopping convenience.
We've just received a 100 book-plus shipment of items specifically designed with gift-giving in mind! We also have some great stocking stuffer ideas: from Bonsai In a Box, to Andrew Bacevich's The Limits Of Power, to the unique brand of humor shown in our Ephemera magnets. Don't forget, we're having a huge after-Thanksgiving sale, with 15% off all new items not obtained at cost. We also run specials every Tuesday, and we'll have several other specials and extended hours during the month of December. Look for more details on our website, in our December calendar and in next month's newsletter. Minerva Books * 233 Bartow Alley * minervabooks.net

UPCOMING EVENTS

**** SIEGE MUSEUM - Two acclaimed authors will be featured during Friday for the Arts! on November 14th in historic . Nancy Carter Crump and Henry Kidd will provide brief presentations at 6:15pm and 7:00pm respectively, in addition to book signing opportunities.
NANCY CARTER CRUMP has recently released an expanded edition of her culinary book Hearthside Cooking: Early American Southern Cuisine Updated for Today’s Hearth and Cookstove. Hearthside Cooking has become a standard guide for museum interpreters and guides, culinary historians, historical re-enactors, in addition to campers, scouts and home cooks interested in period food and experimenting with new recipes and techniques. The book contains authentic recipes for more than 250 historic dishes. With this new edition, she includes information on African American period foods, how the Civil War affected traditional southern food customs, and the late nineteenth-century transition from hearth to stove cooking.
HENRY KIDD has written a historical novel entitled Petersburg, War on the Doorsteps where all the history is true. He writes of the numerous battles fought throughout the area during the War Between the States. Whenever possible, he uses quotes or veterans recollections of conversations to enhance the story’s accuracy. This novel helps one understand not only the historical facts of the time period, but the people who lived and died during the war. Mr. Kidd is not only an author but also a nationally recognized artist and humanitarian.
This event is proudly sponsored by The City of Petersburg and the Historic Petersburg Foundation. For more information, contact Anne Thomas: (804) 898-0123.

**** Java Mio – upcoming events! 322 N Sycamore St – javamiocoffeehouse.com * 861-2700.
Join us this Friday, Nov. 14th for "JIMMY BUFFET NIGHT"...Celebrate "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburgers in Paradise" with Fantastic Dinner Specials, Wine Flights and Live Music featuring Kenny S. Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt and we'll dazzle you with Coconut Shrimp and Fish with Mango Salsa, Cheeseburgers in Paradise (made just the way the song says) and Pineapple Chicken skewera with rice pilaf!!! Fantastic Music and wine flights.... Keep the cold away and come sing your favorite Buffet song with us. Festivities begin at 6 and end when we decide to lock the doors. Looking forward to seeing all you fellow Parrotheads at Java Mio this Friday.
We also have Java Mio's own favorite, RD this Sat. Dinner specials and beer specials too. Come say hey and let RD know your favorite song...he's guaranteed to please the whole crowd!!!

**** UPCOMING EVENTS at Sycamore Rouge:
QuintEssential Jazz ~ November 15 at 8pm / Burlesque University Graduation Glory! November 21 at 8pm / Steve Abshire & Vince Lewis - November 22 at 8pm. All tickets for the above shows are $15 and are on sale now!
Inspecting Carol is right around the corner! Opening on December 4, our Holiday show will run Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 20. Find out when your family & friends will be visiting, and make your reservations now!
(or, be the very cool boss who gets group tickets & treats the office crew for the coolest Holiday party ever!) Call 957-5707 for Tickets, Reservations, & Information! 21 West Old Street / sycamorerouge.org

At the DIXIE DINER – Great all American comfort food (with some surprises), music many nights. Get the full schedule at http://dixiedinerrocks.com / 250 N Sycamore St. / 804-732-7425

**** CHRISTMAS HOMES TOUR - Sunday, Dec. 14 from 1 – 5 pm. The tour features 7 homes on Westover Avenue in the Walnut Hill neighborhood of Petersburg – all decorated for the holiday season. Refreshments will be served 2-4 pm at Christ & Grace Episcopal Church. Music performed by the Appomattox Regional Governor School students and the Petersburg Festival Chorus.
Tickets $25, available Nov. 7 at: Historic Petersburg Foundation, Java Mio, Joyner Paint and Frame, Petersburg Visitors’ Center, Palmore Decorating Center, Laine’s Paint and Frame and Windows and Walls. For more info call 732.2096.

**** Pathways has two events coming up:
1) In partnership with Virginia Supportive Housing, Pathways will offer a free information session that will provide a “road map” for anyone considering buying a home in the midst of the current economic crisis. This session will be November 17, 2008, 5:30pm-7:30pm, at Pathways’ new operational center, 1200 W. Washington St. Click here [1.8MB] for a flyer.
2) Pathways’ annual Harvest Fest will be November 25 at 5pm. Food, fun, and prizes – all free and open to the public. Call 804-862-1104 for more information.

**** Civil War Santa - November 29, 2009. Bring your family to the Park to visit Civil War Santa in the National Museum lobby! 10:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00 - 4:00pm. After your family visits Santa, enjoy:
• Hot cider, tree trimming, and decorations at Tudor Hall • Christmas in Camp:” items soldiers would receive around the holidays at the Military Encampment • King of Battle” artillery program at 12:15pmVisit Santa free. 1-804-861-2408 or toll free 1-877-PAMPLIN (877-726-7546). 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA , http://parmplinpark.org

**** Power Up Petersburg - Nov 22
Five local groups — Gamaliel Foundation, Legal Aid Justice Center, Virginia Organizing Project, Virginia LISC, and Cap-Up — join with residents to identify issues, forge bonds, and improve communities. While the historic recent election promised to break many records for voter turnout, organizers of Power Up Petersburg point out that voting is important, but it does not always engage people in the long run. “This election has been incredibly energizing for many people, but people want to know what they can do after Election Day. They also want to know they are making a difference when they commit to something,” says Angela James of the Gamaliel Foundation. “Sometimes it’s hard to see the direct results of an election on people’s everyday lives,” she adds. “On the other hand, when you take action in your community, the difference you can make is huge.”
On Saturday, November 22, from 9:30AM until 3PM, over 200 Petersburg residents will gather at Vernon Johns Junior High School to hone their skills in grassroots community action. Power Up Petersburg, an all-day leadership training institute, will combine speakers, interactive workshops, and a community luncheon. According to event organizers, participants will not sit passively and receive information—they will be actively involved throughout the day, sharing their knowledge and experience, and absorbing new ideas. “The current challenges we face, both locally and nationally, create a unique opportunity for everyday people to join together and make a difference,” says Cathy Woodson of the Virginia Organizing Project, one of the co-sponsors. Woodson adds, “Sometimes we cannot wait for public officials to solve our problems. Sometimes we need to make it happen ourselves, and sometimes our officials need a little encouragement.”
In addition to activities designed for everyday community members, there will be workshops for public officials and faith leaders as well. Participants will choose from the following interactive sessions: Building Relationships in Your Community; Strategic Planning to Address Community Concerns; Impacting People and Places of Power; Real Leadership—What Is It; The Role of Faith in Justice and Democracy; Public Service and Democracy; and Self-Interest—What’s In It for You. The goal of the workshops is for participants to walk away with concrete tools they can use to effect positive change in their communities.
Between the morning and afternoon workshops, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), another co-sponsor, will hold its community update luncheon. “Whether your priority is housing, or education, or jobs, or something else in your community, this event will help you join with your neighbors and take action more effectively,” says Veronica Jemmott of LISC. She added “transportation and children’s activities will be provided at no cost.”
Citizens can rsvp at 358-7602 ext. 15 or PowerUpPetersburg@yahoo.com.

**** The Petersburg Visitors Center will offer a Petersburg holiday card featuring the courthouse this year. It is a watercolor by Betsy McNeer who has family ties to Petersburg. Tile trivets with her watercolors of Battersea and Blandford are expected soon, also.
Please NOTE that the Visitors Center will be CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING DAY. 425 Cockade Alley. Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily / (804) 733-2400