<lst>To have community events listed free in the Springfield Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail Nina M. Dry at springfield@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday before publication. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call 703-917-6458.
<cal1>Ongoing Events
<cal2>Senior Center. Activities for seniors include fitness classes, crafts, bridge, discussion groups, trips and social gatherings. The Center is located at 4401 Sideburn Rd., Fairfax. Call 703-359-2487.
Little Explorers Storytime. Every Monday in April, at 11 a.m., at Borders Books, 6701 Frontier Drive, Springfield. Stories, listening, singing, clapping and laughing for children.
American Century Theater's "A Flag is Born." Performances run through April 24. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., with 2:30 p.m., matinees on April 17, 18 and 24. In this, the first production in 56 years, life-sized puppets created by George Mason University staff and students will be featured. For information/tickets/group sales, call 703-553-8782 or www.americancentury.org.
Kinderdance. Every Friday in April, at 10:30 a.m., at Borders Books, 6701 Frontier Drive, Springfield. Creative movement sessions for children ages 6 and under.
'Spots and Dots.' The Artisans United Craft Gallery presents a full-time fine craft sale and exhibition, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., through May 5. Pottery, baskets, glass, porcelain, wearables, photography, handmade cards, polymer clay, watercolors, mixed media and more. The show takes place at 4022 Hummer Road, Annandale. Free admission. Call 703-941-0202.
Historic Exhibit. Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St., Fairfax, presents "Raids, Romance and Writings" in the Gano Gallery. Discover how the Confederate partisan leader John S. Mosby captured a Union general in March 1863 and other Civil War trivia. Group tours available. Call 703-385-8414.
New Mothers Lunch Group. Mothers and babies newborn to 8 months old, are invited for lunch, speakers, discussions and a fun, different program every week. Meet other new moms and babies in the Northern Virginia area. Babies are welcome. Reservations are required and each lunch costs $20. For additional information, contact Rochelle Goldberg at 703-961-9179, eventbuilders@hotmail.com or check out www.event-builders.com.
Children's Programs. 11 a.m., Little Explorers, every Monday, features stories and songs. Every Friday, at 10:30 a.m., Kinderdance, features creative movement for children ages 6 and under. Borders, 6701 Frontier Drive, Springfield. Call 703-924-4894.
Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia. Ongoing programs, classes and social opportunities for all ages. The Center is located at 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Call 703-323-0880.
Fairfax Arts Center. Art to Wear, T.A.G., Gallery Justine, Gallerie DiArt 101 and Waterford Weavers Gallery, 3949 Chain Bridge Road, behind the post office. Free parking, handicapped accessible.
Internet Training. Personalized Internet and catalog training. Basics for beginners. Call for an appointment. Adults. At the Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Call 703-644-7333 to register.
Personal Internet Tutoring. Call 703-339-4610 for appointments; adults, at Kingstowne Public Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.
Book Sales. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria, 703-339-4610. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield, 703-451-8055.
Practice English. Every Wednesday, 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Call 703-339-4610.
Irish Dance. A Ceili (Irish country dance) sponsored by the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE) takes place on the second Saturday of every month except July and August at the John Wood Center, located at 3730 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax. Lessons start at 7:30 p.m. The Bog Wanderers Ceili Band plays from 8 p.m. to midnight. Members, $10; non-members, $12; ages 6-16, $6; children under 6, free. Maximum family charge $25. Coffee, tea and soda bread free. Soft drinks 75 cents. Call 703-521-4340.
Girl Talk. The Jewish Social Services Agency sponsors Girl Talk, a weekly meeting for middle school girls to discuss school, family and peer issues. Ongoing group meets Thursdays at 5 p.m., at 3018 Javier Road, second floor.
The Jewish Social Services Agency sponsors social skills/therapy groups for children who have difficulty in social situations because of ADHD or other challenges. Call 703-204-9100 for details.
<cal1>Thursday/April 15
<cal2>Children's Program. Springfield Mall hosts the Moms & Moppets Kids Club program at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., in the JC Penney Court on the lower level. Magical Puppet Creations presents "Rules Are Cool." Free. Reservations are not necessary. To become a registered Kids Club Member, stop by the information desk or call 703-971-3000.
Children's Stories. Activities, and crafts. 10:30 a.m., Fairfax Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.
Computer Basics. Adults. 1 p.m., at Kings Park Public Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke.
Tax Counseling by VITA. Adults. 10-1:30 p.m. at Pohick Regional Public Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke.
Children's Books. Stories and activities; ages 2-3 with adult. 10:15 a.m., at Pohick Regional Public Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke.
Live Music. Sould. 10 p.m., at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St., Fairfax. Tickets are $5.
Flower Show. Springfield Acres Garden Club and the District II National Capital Area Federation of Garden Clubs presents "A Magical Garden Journey." 1:30-4:30 p.m., at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath St., Springfield. For more information call Nancy Angelelli, 703-560-8595.
<cal1>Friday/April 16
<cal2>Scholarship Music Concert. 8 p.m. George Mason University Department of Music with guest soloist, soprano Alessandra Marc. Tickets are $15 for adults; $8 for students and seniors. Charge by phone at 703-218-6500. Visit www.tickets.com.
Children's Books. Come and listen to stories; ages 1-5. 12 p.m., at Kings Park Public Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke.
Children's Books. Stories and activities; ages 2-3 with adult. 10:15 a.m., at Pohick Regional Public Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke.
Live Music. Krass Judgement, Stuck in Kaos, Dreams in Fear, Swythe, Frown Upon, Lifted. 6 p.m., at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Tickets are $10.
Live Music. Kustom Blend. 10 p.m., at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St., Fairfax. Tickets are $5.
<cal1>Saturday/April 17
<cal2>Career Counseling Coffee Chat. 2-3:30 p.m., Barnes and Noble Booksellers Café, Fair Lakes Promenade Shopping Center. Free drop-in event sponsored by Jewish Vocational Services. Resumé writing, job search strategy and alternative employment possibilities. Call 301-562-2202.
WHFS Big Break Semi-finals at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. 21 to enter, Free admission.
Tchaikovsky Concert. The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra presents an all-Tchaikovsky program on at George Mason University Center for the Arts. The concert begins at 8 p.m., with a free pre-concert lecture by WGMS personality Chip Brienza at 7 p.m. For tickets call Tickets.com at 703-218-6500.
Science Festival. The Sally Ride Science Club presents the second Sally Ride Science Festival and TOYchallenge 2004 Regional Showcase from 11 a.m.-4:15 p.m., at George Mason University, Fairfax Campus. The festival is for girls in fifth-eighth grade. Parents and teachers also welcome to attend. Astronaut Sally Ride will be the keynote speaker. The event features Discovery Workshops given by women professionals from veterinarians to rocket scientists, and a street fair with exhibits, hands-on activities, food, music and a free drawing for prizes. There is also an adult track of workshops for parents and teachers on topics such as hands-on science and gender equity. The cost is $18 in advance/$25 at the door, and includes all festival events, lunch and materials. Girls attending the festival can also join the Sally Ride Science Club for a sponsored rate of $5 for the first year. Teachers, parents and students can pre-register, and find out more about the festival schedule and workshops either online at www.SallyRideFestivals.com or by phone at 800-561-5161. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Spring sale. ECHO hosts its Spring Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. Call Pat at 703-451-7955 for more details.
Artists Reception. The Fairfax Art League hosts a reception and original works by area artists 2 p.m., in the Old Town Gallery, 3999 University Blvd., Fairfax. Call 703-281-2798.
Spruce Up Springfield. Help clean up the community. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sponsored by Fairfax County Community Resource Team, Supervisor Dana Kauffman (D-Lee), Clean Fairfax Council, Fairfax County Park Authority - Lake Accotink Park, Crestwood Elementary, and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Afterwards, enjoy festivities at Lake Accotink Park including a free lunch, mini-golf and boat rides. Call 703-569-3464 for more information or to sign up.
<cal1>Sunday/April 18
<cal2>Walking Tour. 1 p.m. Fairfax Museum leads tour in Old Town Fairfax focusing on Pozer Garden. Call 703-385-8415.
Christian Rock Concert. Third Day, featuring TobyMac and Warren Barfield, performs in concert at 7:30 p.m., at the Patriot Center, on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University. Tickets for Third Day are $26 and $16 (plus applicable service charges) and are on sale now through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Patriot Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and via Phonecharge at 202-432-SEAT, 703-573-SEAT, 410-481-SEAT. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 703-993-3035.
Karaoke at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St., Fairfax. Tickets are $3.
The Northern Virginia NTRAK's Model Trains will be running from 1-4 p.m., at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road. Cost is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 4 -10. For more information call 703-425-9225.
GMU Vocal Jazz Concert. 7 p.m., at the George Mason University Harris Theatre in Fairfax. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. For tickets call Tickets.com at 703-218-6500.
Ute Lemper. The Best of Ute Lemper, 7 p.m., at the George Mason University Concert Hall in Fairfax. Tickets are $40, $32, $20. For tickets call Tickets.com at 703-218-6500.
Basket Bingo. Robinson Secondary School DECA invites the community to participate in the 2004 Basket Bingo, at 1 p.m., in the school cafeteria at 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax. The event benefits the 44 students raising funds for their International DECA Competition in Nashville, Tenn. The admission cost is $15 per person in advance and $20 at the door. This admission includes 20 game cards. Twenty Longaberger Baskets filled with theme items, gift certificates and additional special games will be available the day of the event.
Dahlia Culture. Prize-winning grower Katharine Morris, show judge and executive board member of the National Capital Dahlia Society, presents an informative video followed by discussion on Dahlia culture. The meeting takes place at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, starting with refreshments at 2 p.m. Free. Call Jim Dunne 703-560-8776 for details.
Jazz Brunch. Equality Fairfax hosts its Jazz brunch at 11:30 a.m., at Mama's Italian Restaurant, 9715 Lee Highway, Fairfax. For details, call 703-255-1552 or visit www.equalityfairfax.org.
<cal1>Monday/April 19
<cal2>Sharing Nature with Children. Master Gardener Beth Smith discusses how to cultivate gardens, spot wildlife and more. 6:30 p.m., at Pohick Regional Public Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke.
Live Music. Dave Hill/BOTB. 10 p.m., at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St., Fairfax. Tickets are $3.
GMU Band & Wind Symphony performs at 8 p.m., at the George Mason University Concert Hall in Fairfax. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. For tickets call Tickets.com at 703-218-6500.
TV Taping. "Life Notes with Vera Turner," a new cable TV show, tapes before a live audience at Fairfax Public Access Studios. Reserve a seat in the audience by sending an e-mail to: info@lifenotestv.com or by calling 703-837-0227. For more information, visit www.lifenotestv.com.
Panel Discussion. 50 Years Later: Brown v. Board of Education. Historians discuss the judicial history, the decision itself, and what has changed in the past 50 years as a result of Brown v. Board of Education. Video clips of interviews with activists Julian Bond and John Lewis will be part of the presentation. 11 a.m., at NVCC, Ernst Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Free. 703-323-3868.
Public meeting. Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence) invites residents to participate in a public meeting to discuss the possible relocation of the historic Oakton School House and development of the Corbalis park property in Oakton. The meeting convenes at 7 p.m., in the Oakton High School cafeteria, 2900 Sutton Road, Fairfax. Call 703-324-8694.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 20
<cal2>Book Club. Adults. 7:30 p.m., at Fairfax Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.
Book Club. "Lolita in Tehran" by Azar Nafisi. Adults. 11 a.m., at Kings Park Public Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke.
Book Club. "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck. Adults. 11 a.m., at Kings Park Public Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke.
Space. Stories and activities about the universe; ages 3-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Kingstowne Public Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.
Information Session on Volunteering; ages 5 and up. 6:30 p.m., at Pohick Regional Public Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke.
Live Music. Voodoo Blue. 10 p.m., at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St., Fairfax. Tickets are $3.
Library meeting. The Friends of the Burke Centre Library meets at 7:30 p.m. at the Commons Community Center in Burke Centre, 5701 Roberts Parkway. The meeting is open to the public and will feature a speaker discussing Fairfax County Public Library resources available on the Internet.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 21
<cal2>Mothers First Lecture. 7:30 p.m., 'Child Passenger Safety-What You Need to Know' with Ed Clark, life safety officer, City of Fairfax Fire Department. The lecture takes place at Fairfax Fire Station #3, third Floor, 4081 University Drive, Fairfax. rsvp@mothersfirst.org or call 703-827-5922.
Mothers First support group meets at 10:30 a.m., at the Pohick Regional Library, Burke. For more information, visit www.mothersfirst.org or call 703-827-5922.
Children's Stories. Activities and crafts. 10:30 a.m., Fairfax Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.
Computers. Learn how to use eBay. 3 p.m., at Fairfax Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.
Language. Practice conversational English; adults. 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., at Kingstowne Public Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.
Japanese Children's Day Celebration. Festival hosted by Anne Cox, includes games, stories, songs, crafts, and treats; all ages, 6:30 p.m., at Pohick Regional Public Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke.
Live Music. Welbilt. 10 p.m., at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St., Fairfax. Tickets are $3.
<cal1>Thursday/April 22
<cal2>Computers. Learn Windows; ages 12 and up. 2 p.m., at Fairfax Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.
Computers. Learn tips for Web browsing; ages 12 and up. 3:30 p.m., at Fairfax Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.
Computer Basics. Adults, 1 p.m., at Kings Park Public Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke.
Men's Literature. All-male discussion group; ages 11-16. 7:30 p.m., at Kings Park Public Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke.
Library Bowl. Win prizes in trivia games; all ages. 6:30 p.m., at Pohick Regional Public Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke.
Live Music. UFO. 7:30 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Tickets are $25.
Live Music. Sould. 10 p.m., at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St., Fairfax. Tickets are $5.
<cal1>Friday/April 23
<cal2>Live Music. Ebo with Some Odd Sense. 10 p.m., at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St., Fairfax. Tickets are $5.
Thrift Sale. Lord of Life Lutheran Church sponsors thrift sale from 1-5 p.m., at the Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center, 10304 Willard Way, Fairfax. The sale runs through Sunday April 25. Call 703-323-9500 or visit www.lordoflifelutheran.com.