<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>Ongoing Events
<cal2>"Pedestrian," a multimedia work of public art by Shelley Eshkar and Paul Kaiser, will be on display from Sept. 22 to Oct. 15, at the George Mason University Johnson Center Gallery. Running simultaneously will be Kaiser's homage to theatrical maverick Robert Wilson, "Robert Wilson: Visionary of Theater," at the Center for the Arts Concert Hall. A talk by Bonnie Marranca and Kaiser takes places Sept. 25, at 3 p.m., in GMU's Mason Theater. A reception follows at 4:30 p.m., in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall.
Flea Market, co-sponsored by the Merrifield Lions Club and the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge, takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, located at 8421 Arlington Blvd. (Route 50) in Fairfax. No rain dates. 175 vendor spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations for vendors can be made by calling 703-560-3023. Charge for vendors is $15 per space.
Fairfax farmers' market is open Tuesdays, through Oct. 29, at Van Dyck Park on Old Lee Highway. For more information about Fairfax County farmers' markets, call 703-941-7987; TTY 703-324-3988.
Kingstowne farmers' market is open Fridays, 4-7 p.m., at Kingstowne Center off Manchester Lakes, Alexandria. For more information about Fairfax County farmers' markets, call 703-941-7987; TTY 703-324-3988.
Burke Centre farmers' market is open Saturdays, through Nov. 8, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., in the Virginia Railway express parking lot at 5671 Roberts Parkway. For more information about Fairfax County farmers' markets, call 703-941-7987; TTY 703-324-3988.
Personalized Internet tutoring. Learn to use the Web or increase skill level, through Sept. 30. Call for an appointment. Ages 12 and up. At the Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Personalized Internet and catalog training. Basics for beginners, through Sept. 30. Call for an appointment. Adults. At the Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
Personalized Internet tutoring. Learn to use the Web or increase skill level, through Sept. 27. Adults. At the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610 for appointment.
Book Sale. Through Sept. 30, at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.
Book Sale. Through Sept. 30, at the Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Adults who finish 10 books by Sept. 8 as part of the adult summer reading program can exchange completed reading logs for a free item from the used book sale.
Practice English. Every Wednesday, 10 a.m., at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Call 703-339-4610 to register.
Book Drive. The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia and Safeway are hosting their annual book drive at participating Safeway stores in Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. Through Sept. 30, drop off new or gently used books at local stores. All books will be sold at the Literacy Council's annual book sale Oct. 3, 4 and 5 at the Literary Council office, 3431 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church. For more information, call the council at 703-575-7900 or visit www.lcnv.org.
"Jewels of the Occoquan." Featuring digitally interpreted photographs of Historic Occoquan by Springfield photographer David Ernst and sterling silver jewelry by Fairfax artisan Wayne Verity, the show continues through Oct. 6 at the Artists' Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill St., Historic Occoquan. The gallery is open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For gallery information, call 703-494-0584.
"Oy!" by Richard Orloff. The season opener for the Center Company, the professional theater of the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia. A string of touching and funny vignettes. Reserve early and use a JCCNV room for a pre- or post-show gathering. Meet the playwright on Oct. 1 or come for Open Mic Joke Night on Nov. 1. Performances are Oct. 22. through Nov. 23, with the final performance on Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. Tickets on Saturdays are $22 members, $24 nonmembers, $18 students/seniors with a group rate for 12 or more people of $18 each. Tickets on Sundays are $18 members, $20 nonmembers, $16 seniors/students, $5 college students, with a group rate for 12 or more of $15 per person. Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. is sold out. On Wednesday Oct. 22 and Thursday Oct. 23, a special price will be available of two tickets for $24, limit of four tickets; individual tickets are $18 members, $20 nonmembers, $16 for students/seniors. Reservations require pre-payment. Tickets are not refundable. Free parking. Wheelchair accessible. Call the box office at 703-323-7965.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 18
<cal2>In the Jungle. Stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:15 a.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
Annual Sidewalk Book Sale. Adult and children's hardback, paperback and recorded books. Sponsored by the Friends of Richard Byrd Library. All ages. 1-9 p.m., at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055 to register.
Novelist Porter Shreve. 8 p.m., at George's Restaurant in the Johnson Center on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus. Shreve is the author of the New York Times Notable Book in 2000, "The Obituary Writer." Shreve teaches fiction writing, creative nonfiction and literature at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and is the co-editor of three anthologies. Houghton Mifflin will publish his second novel, "Who's Going to Drive You Home," in 2004. The reading series is sponsored by the creative writing program in the English department. For more information, call 703-993-1160.
"Your Professional Image." Jean O'Brien will lead a half-day seminar on how to enhance professional polish and image. 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Il Lupo Restaurant, Fairfax. Cost is $225. Call 703-385-2597 to make a reservation.
Fairfax Antique Arts Association monthly meeting. 7 p.m. Wally and Gloria Cheney will be the speakers and give practical advice on how to buy or sell on eBay auction. Generate profit potential from antiques, collectibles, etc. All are invited. Free. 703-352-3007.
Springfield Chamber of Commerce September Mixer. 5-7 p.m., at the Red Roof Inn, 6868 Springfield Blvd. Food, goodies and giveaways. Come see the Red Roof Inn's newly remodeled rooms. For more information, call 703-644-5311.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 19
<cal2>Bingo. 7:30 p.m., at Fire Station 3 in Fairfax City. Call 703-273-3638 for more information.
Open Mic night with Michael Sheppard at Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. 18 and over. No high school bands please. Free. For more information, call the Jaxx Hotline at 703-5569-5940.
Mamie Eisenhower Republican Women's Club fund-raiser. A dinner and silent auction fund-raiser will take place at 6 p.m., at the International Country Club, 12300 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax. Jane Woods, Virginia Secretary of Health and Welfare, will be the auctioneer. The cost is $45. For more information, call 703-620-3652.
Philip DeStefano, contemporary singer-songwriter/guitarist, performs, 8 p.m., at Borders, 11054 Lee Highway, Fairfax. 703-359-8420.
Ready, Set, MOVE! with Kinderdance. 10:30 a.m., at Borders, 6701 Frontier Drive, Springfield. 703-924-4894.
Semi-annual Book Sale. New and used books and other items of interest for all ages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Lunch bunnies. Bring a lunch and listen to favorite stories. Age 1-5 with adult. 12 p.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
Annual Sidewalk Book Sale. Adults and children's hardback, paperback and recorded books. Sponsored by the Friends of Richard Byrd Library. All ages. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055 to register.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 20
<cal2>Robinson High School's Arts and Crafts Showcase. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Robinson High School, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Admission is $3; children under 12 are free. Over 85 artisans will present their wares. Door prizes and food sales will also be part of the festivities. Sponsored by the Robinson High School PTSA, assisted by the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild. Proceeds will help fun the seniors' All-Night Grad Party.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, "Ode to Joy." 8 p.m., at George Mason University Center for the Arts. The orchestra will open its season with Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D Minor. William Hudson, musical director. With guest soloists Linda Mabbs, Kirsten Gunlogson, Jingma Fan and Francois Loup, along with the Fairfax Choral Society and the Reston Chorale. A free pre-concert lecture is open to all ticket-holders and begins at 7 p.m. Single ticket prices range from $25 to $50 and may be purchased through www.tickets.com or by calling 703-218-6500. Students are eligible for a 10 percent discount.
"An Evening of Art." John Bannon, a local, award-winning artist, will provide a still-life painting demonstration, 6-8 p.m., at Broadway Gallery, 12231 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive in Fairfax. The event is free and all are welcome.
Little Explorers Storytime. Weekly story reading and activities for children. 11 a.m., at Borders, 11054 Lee Highway, Fairfax. 703-359-8420.
Semi-annual Book Sale. New and used books and other items of interest for all ages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Annual Sidewalk Book Sale. Adult and children's hardback, paperback and recorded books. Sponsored by the Friends of Richard Byrd Library. All ages. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055 to register.
Slugfest. All ages. 2-4 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 703-451-9588. Slime trail drawings, slug facts, slug poetry, the play "Slug Pirates of Suburbia," and games including the run sluggy derby races. Reservations and advance payment required.
Introduction to canoeing. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 703-569-0285. Ages 8 to adult. Basic mechanics will be covered with an emphasis on safety and enjoyment. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $16 per person, all equipment provided.
Little Angel Consignment Sale for gently used children's clothing, equipment, toys, coats and costumes. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at Fairfax United Methodist Church, 10300 Stratford Ave., Fairfax. Half-price sale, 11:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Proceeds go to support local missions of the church.
Steeple, a Christian rock band from Springfield, performs on the regional stage at ShoutFest 03, on the grounds of Manassas Baptist Church in Manassas, Va. Other Christian rock bands appearing at the show include ZOEgirl, Tait, Skillet and six others. The regional stage runs from 2-4 p.m., with the main stage lasting from 4-10 p.m. Tickets can be bought in advance from Steeple for $10, by e-mailing management@steepleonline.net. Tickets can also be bought through www.christianhappenings.com for $15 or for $20 at the gate the day of the event. For more information about Steeple, visit www.steepleonline.net. For more details about ShoutFest, visit www.shoutfest.com.
Artist's Reception. Circa Home & Garden hosts a reception for an exhibit of watercolors by regional artist Miriam Hunter. The free exhibit and reception will take place 5-7 p.m., at Circa Home & Garden, 10435 North St., Fairfax. Refreshments and an opportunity to win an original work be the artist will be offered. For more information, call 703-385-1995.
The USS Athena, a science fiction and community service organization, hosts an educational contest and fun activity — building a model bridge using some common household items. The bridge that supports the greatest weight wins. Prizes will be awarded to winning entries. This is a fun activity for people of all ages and levels. The contest will take place at 1:30 p.m., at Centreville Library, 14200 St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. The event is free, and all materials will be provided. Spectators are welcome too. Contact the USS Athena through its Web site at http://athena.QL.ORG, via e-mail at ussathena@QL.ORG, or call 703-862-0457.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 21
<cal2>Walking Tour: The Ratcliffe-Farr Family Legacy. Discover the influence of two important Fairfax families in building a town. This tour will include stops at four buildings: the Fairfax County Court House, Ratcliffe-Allison House, Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, and the Farr House. The tour begins at 1 p.m., at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St., Fairfax. Cost is $4 for adults, and $2 for children under 12. For reservations, call 703-385-8414.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 22
<cal2>Book chat. All-female book discussion group. Girls 12-14 with adult. 7 p.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 23
<cal2>Computers Demystified. Afraid to touch the keyboard? Having trouble finding files? Want to figure out the Web? This class will help. Adults. 1:30-3:30 p.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
Two-riffic Twos. Stories and activities. Age 24-35 months. 10:30 a.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
Book discussion group. "My Losing Season" by Pat Conroy. Adults. 7:30 p.m., at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdown Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610 to register.
The Reel Book Club. Read "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl beforehand and then come see the movie. Age 8-16. 6 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 24
<cal2>Becoming a foster parent to special-needs children. Northern Virginia Family Services will offer information sessions for people who would like to provide temporary, quality family settings for children with emotional, behavioral, physical or developmental needs, newborns through age 18. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Richard Byrd Public Library, Springfield.
Sights and Sounds of Autumn. Stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for adults learning English. 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdown Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610 to register.
Silly Stories. Funny stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdown Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610 to register.
Pockets and purses. Stories, activities and a craft. Age 2-5 with adult. 1:30 p.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 25
<cal2>Is it Red, Yellow, Blue or Green? Stories and activities. Age 3-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
CAGs (Calling All Guys). All-male book discussion group. Guys 11-16 with adult. 7:30 p.m., at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. To register, call 703-978-5600.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 26
<cal2>Bingo. 7:30 p.m., at Fire Station 3 in Fairfax City. Call 703-273-3638 for more information.
Mother Goose on the Loose. Rhymes and fun for everyone. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055 to register.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 27
<cal2>Microsoft Access. Introduction to creating, modifying and mastering databases. Age 12 and up. 2 p.m., at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Clara's Fall Wildflower Walk. All ages. 10-11:30 a.m. Naturalist Clara Ailes leads a walk through the meadow and stream valley. Reservations required. Canceled in case of rain. Free. 703-451-9588.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 28
<cal2>Keyboard Conversations, "Bach and Beyond." 7 p.m., at George Mason University Center for the Arts. Jeffrey Siegel will perform and comment on selections including Bach's "Toccata in D" and Brahms' "Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel." Tickets are $35, $27, $17.50. Children under 12 are half price. Charge by phone at 703-218-6500 or visit www.tickets.com. Free parking available in university lot K.
Newspaper Discussion Group. 4-6 p.m., at the meeting room at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Bring an article from the newspaper to discuss in a small group gathering.
Equality Fairfax Pie Contest and Ice Cream Social. Compete with a favorite pie recipe or just come to enjoy ice cream and community. 6-8 p.m. at the home of Larry and Kevin in Burke. All are welcome. R.S.V.P. to info@EqualityFairfax.org. Visit www.Equality.Fairfax.org, or call 703-255-1552 for more information. Equality Fairfax is a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and advocacy group.
Annual Living History Day at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. This year's theme will be "The Civil War Comes to Fairfax Station.” Five re-enactment groups will bring to life the realities of camp life during the Civil War. Jeff Smith, a living historian, will portray Col. John Mosby and Red Cross founder Clara Barton will be on hand to demonstrate how wounds were tended during the conflict. The "Ladies in Mourning" will show off their period dress and original jewelry. There will also be children's period games, folk, music, Civil War authors, special exhibits and more. Gates open at 10 a.m. Admission is $4.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 30
<cal2>Genealogy on the Web. Research family history using the Internet. Adults. 7:30 p.m., at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdown Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610 to register.
Hello, Fall. Stories, activities and a craft. Age 2-3 with adult. 10:15 a.m., at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 1
<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.