Sunday, May 4: 3:00 p.m. Monthly meeting of the Blue Ridge Virginia Chapter of the UNA-USA (United Nations Association). Al Weed will speak on "Global Warming: The Coming Flood and Why No One Seems to Care." Al has just returned from the third meeting of Governor Kaine's Commission on Climate Change, so he has up-to-date information about the potential effects of climate change in general and specifically how it might affect the Commonwealth.

At the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist, 717 Rugby Road, Charlottesville. The program is free and the public is invited.

Monday, May 5: 11:00 a.m. Miller Center Forum: Dee Dee Myers, former Clinton White House press secretary, will discuss her new book Why Women Should Rule the World (Harper, 2008) Forums are free and open to the public. 2201 Old Ivy Road, Charlotttesville. Further information, directions at www.millercenter.org

Tuesday, May 6: 2:15 p.m. Rally for Mark Warner at the east end of the Downtown Mall, Charlottesville. A stop on his rolling tour to officially kick off his run for Senate this year.

Tuesday, May 6: 5:30 p.m. left of center on Virginia's global economic challenges. Virginia’s Secretary of Technology, Aneesh Chopra, and Fairfax Delegate Steve Shannon identify the global economic challenges facing Virginia. They will discuss how information technology positions Virginia to compete and how the current and next generation will adapt and thrive in this era of new technology.

Wednesday, May 7: 11:00 a.m. Miller Center Forum: Cokie Roberts, political commentator for ABC News, will discuss her new book Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation (William Morrow, 2008). Forums are free and open to the public. 2201 Old Ivy Road, Charlotttesville. Further information, directions at www.millercenter.org

Thursday, May 8: 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Fundraiser in Washington D.C. for the National Black Farmers Ass'n. Meet and greet John Boyd (president of the association) and Rep John Conyers (D-Mich.), chair of the House Judiciary Committee. In the Wasserman Meeting Room of the Democratic National HQ, 430 South Capitol Street SE. Further info (804) 691 8528 or http://www.blackfarmers.org

Thursday, May 8: 7:30 p.m. Regular monthly meeting of the Monticello Bird Club.“Near and Far”: It’s the Bird Club’s annual variety show when members show their best slides. Many of the club’s birders are also skilled photographers who travel widely so this is a chance to see striking slides of not only nearby beauties but also exciting exotic species.

Education Building, Ivy Creek Natural Area. Information: Ellen Dudley: 244-2688, Patricia Wilczek: 985-4444, Jenny Gaden: 293-6275. www.monticellobirdclub.org

Saturday, May 10: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Festival of Cultures at Lee Park in Charlottesville. This festival is a celebration of the diversity of cultures in our community. BRVC is a co-sponsor of this event, organized by the Adult Learning Center of the Charlottesville City Public Schools.

Saturday, May 10: 11:00 a.m. "The Road To American Health Care" Bus Tour is coming through Charlottesville. A nationwide bus tour pushing for health care reform will stop at Westhaven Nursing Clinic — Charlottesville Mayor David Norris, Dr. Mohan Nadkarni and other local health care workers will discuss how the rising cost of health care affects all Virginians.

Monday, May 12: 11:00 a.m. Miller Center Forum: Frederick P. Hitz, CIA Inspector General under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Clinton, will discuss his new book Why Spy? Espionage in an Age of Uncertainty (Thomas Dunne Books, 2008) Forums are free and open to the public. 2201 Old Ivy Road, Charlotttesville. Further information, directions at www.millercenter.org

Thursday, May 15: 11:00 a.m. Miller Center Forum: Newsweek Editor at Large Evan Thomas, a U.Va. Law School graduate, will discuss "Presidential Leadership." Forums are free and open to the public. 2201 Old Ivy Road, Charlotttesville. Further information, directions at www.millercenter.org

Saturday, May 17: Democratic Breakfast Canceled -- 5th District Convention, UVa graduation offer too much competition

Monday, May 19: 11:00 a.m. Miller Center Forum: Author and publisher Helena Cobban will speak on foreign policy after George W. Bush. Forums are free and open to the public. 2201 Old Ivy Road, Charlotttesville. Further information, directions at www.millercenter.org

Thursday, May 22: 7:00 p.m Book Signing at Barnes and Noble for "The Saint Troubadour - Speaking and Singing Truth and Love" by Uriah J. Fields. Everyone invited. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1035 Emmett St. (Barracks Road Shopping Center) Charlottesville, Virginia.

From the author: ""The Saint Troubadour" is a collection of writings the author has done over many years and about many subjects. In the role of a troubadour with a philosophers's heart, he shares how living can be a celebration filled with meaning and purpose. The book is designd to: advance optimum health, raise consciousness, increase joy and promote peace."

Thursday, May 22: 7:00 p.m. Fundraising meet & greet with Cindy Sheehan, now a candidate for Congress in California's 8th District, challenging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In the Preston Room at the Omni Hotel at the Downtown Mall: 235 W Main St, Charlottesville.

Free parking at the Omni for those attending this event. Admission at door by cash, check, credit: students $10, general admission $20, admission plus your photo with Cindy $50, admission plus photo and priority seating $100.

For flyers or to volunteer to help promote this event, write to: david@davidswanson.org.

Thursday, May 29: 7:15 p.m. Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering at St. Paul's Memorial Church (On the Corner). "On the final Thursday of every month, the Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs to an inspired and inspiring flow of prayers, meditations and songs for peace." Sponsors: Interfaith Cooperation Circle of Central Virginia-URI; Gesher Center; Unity Church. Further information: Heena Reiter, gesher@mindspring.com 434-970-7836