Ongoing: until January 10, 2010 Freedom of Expression Exhibit for Children. A first of its kind, interactive exhibit to help children learn, understand, and practice the right of free speech. The exhibit's two central themes are (1) the many different ways a person can express an idea when free to do so, and (2) freedom of expression encompasses not only the right to express oneself but also the right to hear, read, or see the expression of others.

The Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5:00 and on Sundays 1:00 - 5:00. Check website (www.vadm.org) for holiday hours.

Tuesday, December 1: 7:00 p.m. left of center People Power! How Communities Can Shape Public Policy. At Rapture Restaurant 303 East Main Street on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall. Featuring a lively discussion with panelists Nina Meiers of Organizing For America; Kevin Simowitz of VOP and Juan Wade, member of the Charlottesville City School Board and community organizer.

Friday, December 4: 6:30 p.m. Tom Perriello Campaign Kick-off Event @ LiveArts, 123 E. Water St., Charlottesville. RSVP online or to Anna Scholl at (434) 260-0875 or anna@perrielloforcongress.com

Tuesday, December 8: 5:30 p.m. Candlelight Vigil for Health Care, in front of the old Albemarle County Office Building 401 McIntire Road at the corner of Preston and McIntire. To sign up for this event, click here: http://pol.moveon.org/event/costofdelay/100037

Wednesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 10: 7:00 p.m. Charlottesville premiere of a new documentary film Coal Country, a dramatic look at the controversial practice of hilltop removal coal mining in Appalachia. At the Vinegar Hill Theater; $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Reservations www.WiseEnergyForVa.org/coalcountry or call Kayti Wingfield, (540) 470-0643.

Thursday, December 10: 6:00 p.m. The Charlottesville Democratic Committee will hold an assembled caucus (mass meeting) in the cafeteria at Buford Middle School, 901 Cherry Avenue, for the purpose of electing 100 members of the Charlottesville Democratic Committee. Doors to the caucus will open at 5:30 p.m. for check-in. Any person wishing to participate in the caucus shall sign a declaration form stating that he or she is a Democrat, believes in the principles of the Democratic Party, does not intend to support any candidate who is opposed to a Democratic nominee in the ensuing general election, and is a registered voter in the City of Charlottesville. Declaration forms must be filled out at the caucus prior to 5:45 p.m. No one may complete a declaration form or participate in the caucus after that time with the exception of persons already in line. For further information, contact the Party Co-Chairs Jennifer McKeever at (434)296-4138 or Jonathan Blank at (434) 977-2509 or visit the City Democrats' website: www.cvilledems.org.

Friday, December 11: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Fluvanna Democrats' Holiday Party at Glen Burnie, the historic home of Marvin Moss just north of the Village of Palmyra. Free, potluck and not a fundraiser! Kids welcome. Map, directions at www.fluvannademocrats.org. Bring a flashlight for the parking area.

Saturday, December 12 - Saturday, December 19: The Nation Magazine Cruise on Holland America Liner Eurodam out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Guest speakers include Howard Dean, Katrina vanden Heuvel, Victor Navasky. Further info NationCruise.com

Monday, December 14: 7:00 p.m. Dr. Rosa S. Adkins, Superintendent of Charlottesville Public Schools, will speak at the NAACP - Albemarle-Charlottesville Branch meeting at J. P. Burley Middle School on Rose Hill Drive. Meetings are open to the public.

Saturday, December 19: (No Democratic Breakfast this month)