<lst>To have community events listed free in the Fairfax Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail Joy Allen at fairfax@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday before publication. Photos/artwork encouraged.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 4
<cal2>"Santa's Lap" photos for dogs, cats, children, parents and/or other pets. Bows and antlers available. All well-behaved, leashed pets welcome. Cost is $12 for one color print in a keepsake folder. $2 per sale will be donated to Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Cash and checks accepted. Digital photo can be e-mailed at no extra cost. 5-9 p.m., at Starbucks Coffee, 6525-B Frontier Drive, Springfield.
FamilySearch introduction. 7 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Learn how to use genealogy databases and the Family History Library Catalogue. Age 12 and up. For more information or to register, call 703-293-6227.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 5
<cal2>Chanticleer, "A Chanticleer Christmas." This Grammy-winning group combines Medieval and Renaissance music with carols, American spirituals and 13th-century motets. Tickets are $44, $36, $22. 8 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax. Call 703-993-2787.
Navy Band Concert. 7:30 p.m., at Robinson Secondary School, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Free; reservations not required. For more information, call 202-433-2525.
Night Hike with Mike. 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield, 703-451-9588. Aged 6 and up. Naturalist Mike will lead a winter hike to show what goes on when the sun goes down. Hike begins at the nature center and ends at a roaring campfire by the amphitheater in the woods. Dress for the weather; wear sturdy shoes. Reservations required. Advanced payment required by Dec. 3. $3.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 6
<cal2>14th Annual Model Train Display. Sponsored by the Friends of Fairfax Station. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Many different gauges, all moving. Bring model train problems to the Loco Doctor. The caboose and gift shop will be open. Refreshments. Cost is $3 for adults, $1 for children. Call 703-425-9225.
Springfield Chorale Holiday Concert. 8 p.m., at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield. Directed by Robert S. Webb Jr., the performance will feature Poulenc's "Gloria," choruses from Handel's "Messiah" and a seasonal sing-along. Tickets at the door: $15/regular, $12/seniors and students. To purchase or reserve discounted advance tickets, call 703-239-2180 or e-mail springfieldchorale@hotmail.com. For more information, visit www.springfieldchorale.org.
"A Christmas Celebration." 8 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria campus, the Fairfax Choral Society will sing traditional music as well as premiere two pieces, "El Hombre" by Aaron Grad, written especially for FCS, and "A Manger Carol," by Douglas Mears, FCS artistic director. Joining the 130-voice adult chorus will be 85 youth chorus members, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, bagpipes and the Kings' Ringers hand-bell choir. Tickets are $21 to $31 and are available online at www.tickets.com or by calling 703-218-6500. For more information, contact the FCS at 703-642-3277.
Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. An array of handmade arts and crafts, including paintings, pottery, photography, woodwork, jewelry, quilts, dolls, clothing, floral arrangements, edible treats, ornaments, glasswork and more are offered, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Audrey Moore RECenter, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, 703-321-7081. Admission is $2/adults, children under 12 free.
Kaydee Puppet Program. 2:30 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Annie Bear visits Santa's workshop. All ages. For more information or to register, call 703-293-6227.
Microsoft Excel. 2 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Introduction to creating spreadsheets. Age 12 and older. For more information or to register, call 703-293-6227.
Web Treks. 10:30 a.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. Bring Internet questions, problems and puzzles. Adults. For more information or to register, call 703-978-5600.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Sponsored by Friends of the Pohick Regional Library. For more information, call 703-644-7333.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 7
<cal2>Cy Richardson's Student Practice Dance Party. Cy Richardson is having his annual dance party for all of his past and current dance students, 6 - 9 p.m., at the Landings Community Center in Burke Centre. This is a great opportunity to brush up on dances, practice and improve. The dance, snacks, refreshments and a special short lesson will be $10 per person. Sign up for the event by calling Cy at 703-250-5360.
14th Annual Model Train Display. Sponsored by the Friends of Fairfax Station. 12-4 p.m., at Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Many different gauges, all moving. Bring model train problems to the Loco Doctor. The caboose and gift shop will be open. Refreshments. Cost is $3 for adults, $1 for children. Call 703-425-9225.
David Bowie with Macy Gray. 7:30 p.m., George Mason University Patriot Center. Tickets are $58.50 or $48, available at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT.
"Santa's Lap" photos for dogs, cats, children, parents and/or other pets. Bows and antlers available. All well-behaved, leashed pets welcome. Cost is $12 for one color print in a keepsake folder. $2 per sale will be donated to Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Cash and checks accepted. Digital photo can be e-mailed at no extra cost. 1-5 p.m., at Starbucks Coffee, 6525-B Frontier Drive, Springfield.
Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. An array of handmade arts and crafts, including paintings, pottery, photography, woodwork, jewelry, quilts, dolls, clothing, floral arrangements, edible treats, ornaments, glasswork and more are offered, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Audrey Moore RECenter, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, 703-321-7081. Admission is $2/adults, children under 12 free.
Holiday Book Mart. 2 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Meet local authors and buy their latest books. Adults. For more information or to register, call 703-293-6227.
Used Book Sale. 12-5 p.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Sponsored by Friends of the Pohick Regional Library. For more information, call 703-644-7333.
<cal1>MONDAY/DEC. 8
<cal2>Celebrate! 2:30 p.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Stories, poems and crafts for the holidays. Age 6-12. For more information or to register, call 703-644-7333.
Brrrrrds. 2 p.m., at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Stories, activities and a craft about snow and animals in winter. Age 6-12. For more information or to register, call 703-451-8055.
Book Discussion Group. 7 p.m., at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. "The Mouse That Roared," by Leonard Wibberly. Adults. For more information or to register, call 703-451-8055.
Winter Concert, featuring the W. T. Woodson High School and Robert Frost Middle School Orchestras. 7:30 p.m., at the W. T. Woodson Auditorium at 9525 Main St. in Fairfax. Diana Kim and Victor Tuazon, violinists, and Katie Myers, cellist, will be the featured soloists. All students from age 3 to 90 are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $3 each and will be available at the door. For those under age 5 or over 65 there is no charge for a ticket. For more information call, Howard Albers at 703-560-5514.
MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers) meeting. Join other moms with children, newborns through kindergartners, to hear "mentor moms" speak about Christmas traditions. Enjoy Christmas music, food and fun. 7-9 p.m., at Immanuel Bible Church, 6911 Braddock Road, Springfield. For information, call 703-941-4124 or visit www.immanuelbible.net.
The Lake Braddock Bands' High School Jazz Band and Trombone Choir will perform at 7:30 p.m., in the Lake Braddock Little Theater. Come out and celebrate the season. For additional information visit the Web site at www.lbband.org, or for questions, call 703 426-1072.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 9
<cal2>Crime Prevention Seminar. A seminar for the National Rifle Association's "Refuse to be a Victim" crime prevention program will be conducted at 7 p.m., at 5618 Ox Road, Suite B, Fairfax Station. Seminars promote awareness and prevention of criminal confrontations. Topics include home, automobile, phone, technological, travel and personal security. Firearm instruction not included. Seminar is three to four hours long and open to the public. Free. To attend, contact Ed O'Carroll, regional counselor, at ejocarroll@att.net or 703-475-4598.
The Lake Braddock Secondary Middle School's Orchestra Winter Concert. 7:30 p.m., in the school's Little Theater. Free. Lake Braddock Secondary School is located at 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke. For questions regarding the concerts, contact Stephanie Holmes, orchestra director, at 703-426-1074.
Free Estate Planning Seminar. 7-9 p.m., at the office of Bryan R. Bishop, attorney, Living Trust Attorney Ltd., 8704 Lee Highway, Suite 201, Fairfax. Learn the benefits of a living trust. It saves time, trouble and probate fees. Reservations appreciated, 703-641-0300, but walk-ins are welcome.
Inova Vaccinations. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Flu shots $20 or Medicare Part B; must be 18 or over. Pneumonia shots $25; must be 65 or older. For more information, call Inova at 877-895-5284. At Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.
Two-riffic Twos. 10:30 a.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. Stories and activities. Age 24-35 months with adult. For more information or to register, call 703-978-5600.
Book Discussion Group. 1 p.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Reader's choice: "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck, or "The Ginger Tree" by Oswald Wynd. Adults. For more information, call 703-644-7333.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 10
<cal2>Estate planning seminar. Learn effective estate planning centered around the revocable "living trust" with the Law Firm of Steffan & Macdonald. 7-9 p.m., at Holiday Inn, 11787 Lee Jackson Highway, Fair Oaks. Free. For more information, call 703-691-4310.
Lambgoat.com presents: The Black Dahlia Murder, Himsa, Three Inches of Blood, I'd Rather Die, Face Dive. 6 p.m., at Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Tickets are $10. For ticket information, call the Jaxx Hotline at 703-569-5940.
What Is Winter? 10:30 a.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. For more information or to register, call 703-293-6227.
Mitten Tales. 1:30 p.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Stories, activities and a craft. Age 2-5 with adult. For more information or to register, call 703-644-7333.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 11
<cal2>Estate planning seminar. Learn effective estate planning centered around the revocable "living trust" with the Law Firm of Steffan & Macdonald. 7-9 p.m., at Comfort Inn, 6560 Loisdale Court, Springfield. Free. For more information, call 703-691-4310.
"Out of This World" with Sesame Street Live. What happens when Martians land on Sesame Street? 7 p.m., at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets are $14 and $17. A limited number of $23 premium seats are available. Opening night, non-premium seats are $13. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 703-573--SEAT.
The W.T. Woodson High School Choral Department hosts “Songs of the Season." Director Michael Ehrlich and the five Woodson choirs present a multicultural blend of secular and sacred pieces for the winter season and holidays. Join them at 7 p.m., in the Joan Bedinger Auditorium at Woodson High School, 9525 Main St., Fairfax. Free.
It's Wise to Immunize. 10:15 a.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Puppet show presented by the Fairfax County Health Department. Age 1-5 with adult. For more information or to register, call 703-644-7333.
The Lake Braddock Bands' All High School concert bands will perform at 7:30 p.m., in the Lake Braddock Little Theater. Come out and celebrate the season. For additional information visit the Web site at www.lbband.org, or for questions, call 703 426-1072.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 12
<cal2>"Out of This World" with Sesame Street Live. What happens when Martians land on Sesame Street? 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets are $14 and $17. A limited number of $23 premium seats are available. Non-premium seats will all be $13. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 703-573--SEAT.
Michael Shencker. Live music. 7:30 p.m., at Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Tickets are $20. Must be over 21. For ticket information, call the Jaxx Hotline at 703-569-5940.
Santa's Hay Ride. Join Santa's helpers on his hay wagon for a nighttime ride through Santa Land. Meet Santa, make a wish and have a picture taken on his lap; the souvenir digital photo will be on a disk to take home. Dress for the weather and feel free to bring a flashlight. 5-7 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, 703-569-0285. Register in advance by sending participant's name, address, phone number, age, program title and a check payable to FCPA to Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA 22150. $8 per child; parents ride free. Call 703-569-0285 for credit card registrations. Refunds for inclement weather only.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson is performed at 7:30 p.m., by HMS Productions at Harvester PCA, 7800 Rolling Road, Springfield. An hilarious play suitable for children ages 3 and older. Tickets $5/$3 students/seniors/children. Call 703-455-7800 or visit www.BestPageant.com.
"A Time for Christmas." Fairfax Assembly of God presents a musical for the whole family, featuring affiliates of the Washington Opera. 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 4104 Legato Road, Fairfax. For more information, call 703-591-4284, or go to www.fairfaxag.org. The concert is free and provides child care through age 3.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 13
<cal2>Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul, "Celtic Christmas." Eileen Ivers, violinist and chief instrumentalist of "Riverdance," leads a program infused with Irish roots, African percussion and tap dance rhythms. Tarik Winston, also a "Riverdance" alum, enhances the performance with Irish step and tap-dancing. Tickets are $24, $34, $21. 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax. Call 703-993-2787.
"Out of This World" with Sesame Street Live. What happens when Martians land on Sesame Street? 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets are $14 and $17. A limited number of $23 premium seats are available. Non-premium seats will all be $13. Tickets available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 703-573--SEAT.
New School of Northern Virginia Rudolph's Red Nose Race. The event includes a 10K race for all ages, the 10k Baby Santa Baby Jogger Boogie and a 1k fun run. 9 a.m., at Van Dyck Park, Fairfax. Call 703-691-3040 for more information.
"Net Operating Losses and Alternative Minimum Tax (NOL and AMT)." Jackson Hewitt Tax Service leads a one-day professional development seminar to help students calculate the correct AMT and NOL amounts. Seminar is $69, due at time of registration. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Springfield Mall, second level, in the Target wing. For more information, call 704-486-9090.
Agents of the Sun performs with 33 West at 10 p.m., at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St., Fairfax. For more information on the venue visit www.ttreynolds.com.
Creepy Creatures Alive! 2 p.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. Reptiles Alive will present a tarantula, cockroaches, toads, snakes and more. All ages. For more information or to register, call 703-978-5600.
"Nutcracker in a Nutshell" presented by the Center for Ballet Arts. A 70-minute condensed version of the Christmas classic, "The Nutcracker Suite," is offered at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., in the Fairfax High School Theatre. Tickets are $12/adults, $11/students, $10/children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over. Advance tickets are available by calling 703-273-5344. Tickets are also available at the door.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson is performed at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., by HMS Productions at Harvester PCA, 7800 Rolling Road, Springfield. An hilarious play suitable for children ages 3 and older. Tickets $5/$3 students/seniors/children. Call 703-455-7800 or visit www.BestPageant.com.
Pet Pictures with Santa. 12-2 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-0285. Bring a dog, cat or other furry friend to Lake Accotink Park for pictures with "Santa Claws." A souvenir digital photo will be recorded to a disk to take home. Cost is $5 per picture. Register early by sending name, address, phone number, program title and a check payable to Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park, Springfield, VA 22150, or call 703-569-0285 for credit card registrations or more information. Refunds for inclement weather only. Pets must be leashed. Remember to bring a pooper scooper.
Puddle Jumpers. 1-2 p.m., Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield, 703-451-9588. For children age 3-5. Join naturalist Patricia Wood for a program designed with the preschool set in mind. Call for topic. Reservations required. $3.
Choralis presents "A Classic Brass Christmas" with The Classical Brass Quintet. Seasonal music featuring premiere of "Gloria" by artistic director Gretchen Kuhrmann. 8 p.m., Falls Church Presbyterian, 225 E. Broad St., Falls Church. Tickets: $30, $25 or $20 (senior/student); advance purchase recommended. Contact 703 237-2499 or www.choralis.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 14
<cal2>"Out of This World" with Sesame Street Live. What happens when Martians land on Sesame Street? 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets are $14 and $17. A limited number of $23 premium seats are available. Non-premium seats are $13. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 703-573--SEAT.
Holiday Wreath Making. A demonstration will show participants how to make two wreaths using natural materials. Children under 10 years need to be accompanied by an adult. At Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield, 703-451-9588. Reservations and pre-payment required. $15.
Sons of Confederate Veterans Frank Stringfellow Camp 822 meets on at the American Legion Post located at 3939 Oak St., Fairfax. Social hour 5 p.m., supper 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Gregg Clemmer, past historian of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and author of "Valor in Gray: The Recipients of the Confederate Medal of Honor," discusses one of the recipients of the Confederate Medal of Honor. Supper $20/adult; $15/senior citizens; $10/ages 7-18; children under 7 free when accompanied by a paying adult; $5 lecture only. For reservations or information, call 703-971-6234.
"Nutcracker in a Nutshell" presented by the Center for Ballet Arts. A 70-minute condensed version of the Christmas classic, "The Nutcracker Suite," is offered at 3 p.m., in the Fairfax High School Theatre. Tickets are $12/adults, $11/students, $10/children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over. Advance tickets are available by calling 703-273-5344. Tickets are also available at the door.
Holiday Wreath Making. 2-3:30 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield, 703-451-9588. Clara Ailes, the wreath specialist at Hidden Pond, will show participants how to make two beautiful wreaths by using natural materials. Children under 10 years need to be accompanied by an adult. Reservations at $15 prepayment required.