<lst>To have community events listed free in the Fairfax Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail Bonnie Eaton at fairfax@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday before publication. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call 703-917-6458.
<hdr15>Ongoing Events
<cal2>'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.
GMU Student Art Exhibit. Through March 31, George Mason University, Mason Hall Atrium and Concert Hall galleries. Art and Visual Technology Graduate Student Exhibit 2004 features digital arts, painting, photography, printmaking and mixed media. Atrium hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Concert Hall, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call gallery office at 703-993-8865.
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.
Spring Art Exhibit. Through April 5, 'March Out of Winter' at The Artists' Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill St., Occoquan. Jane Ernst of Springfield shows her digitally interpreted photos and David Barnes of Sterling exhibits his fused glass. The gallery is open Monday-Sunday, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 703-494-0584.
Chinese Silk Painting. Through April 4, at The Loft Gallery, 313 Mill St., Occoquan. Paintings by Lillian T. Elkey feature formal Chinese paintings with layers of transparent washes on the back and front of the material. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; closed Monday. Call 703-490-1117.
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.
Mother's First, Fairfax. A support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips, moms night out and more. March meetings are March 3 and 17 at 10:45 a.m. at the John C. Wood Complex Room 1, 3730 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
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.
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.
<cal1>Thursday/March 11
<cal2>National Trumpet Competition. March 11-14, all day. Center for the Arts Concert Hall, Johnson Center, Harris Theater. Free. Visit www.nationaltrumpet-comp.org for more information.
Live Music. Gilby Clarke (formerly of Guns 'n' Roses and Heart), The Blues Vultures, Group Therapy. Ages 21 and over. Tickets are $10. Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. For more information, call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
Child Abuse Program. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., sponsored by the Springfield and Franconia Exchange. Presenters include community-based services supervisor, Department of Family Services, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs, Tilly Blanding; and social worker, Lou Phelps. First Baptist Church of Springfield, Fellowship Hall, 7300 Gary St., Springfield. Free, bring a brown bag lunch. For special accommodations, call Irmina Howe at 703-324-7130. No need to R.S.V.P.
Comedy. 7:30 p.m. 'Rough Around the Collar Comedy Tour' featuring Larry the Cable Guy and Ron White. George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax. Tickets are $38.50 and $32.50. Call 202-432-SEAT (7328). Visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Children's Program. 7 p.m. Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. 'Let's Hear it for the Girls' is an all-female book discussion group, ages 9-11 with an adult. Call to register at 703-978-5600.
'Something Smells Fishy.' 10:30 a.m. Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Stories, activities and a craft. Ages 3-5 with adult. Call to register at 703-293-6227.
League of Women Voters Meeting. Kings Park Library at the Braddock District Supervisors Office, 9002 Burke Lake Road. Free. Guests are welcome and no registration is required. For time and further information concerning the League, call 703-658-9150 or visit www.lwv-fairfax.org.
<cal1>Friday/March 12
<cal2>David Dorfman Dance. Program will include pieces "See Level" and "No Roles Barred." Tickets are $40, $32, $20. 8 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax. Call 703-993-2787.
U.S. Navy Band. 7 p.m. St. John's United Methodist Church, 5312 Backlick Road, Springfield. "Country Current" country-bluegrass group. Call the hotline at 202-433-2525 or visit www.navyband.navy.mil.
Nature Program. 4-5 p.m. Hidden Pond Nature Center 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Ages 6 and up. 'Signs of Spring' features a walk in search of the 'who's who' of the spring club: skunk cabbage, wood frogs and fiddle head ferns. Cost is $3. Call to register at 703-451-9588.
Free Concert. 8 p.m. Aldo Ragone Piano, 'Romanticism and Counterpoint,' at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. Call 703-352-2787.
'Round and Round.' 10:30 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Stories and activities about things that rotate and spin for ages 2-5 with adult. Call 703-451-8055.
<cal1>Saturday/March 13
<cal2>Pinewood Derby. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Fair City Mall, Fairfax. Cub Scouts from Annandale, Burke, Clifton, Fairfax and Fairfax Station gather for the 'Indianapolis 500' model car racing event. Handmade cars along a wooden track. Judges are members of the Fairfax County Sheriff's Department.
Used Book Sale and Beanie Babies. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Christ United Methodist Church in Crosspointe, 8285 Glen Eagles Lane, Fairfax Station. Call 703-690-3401 or visit www.christchurchva.org.
Dogs and a Cruise. 2 p.m. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Treat the family pet to a cruise on a pontoon boat for glimpses of geese and other lake dwellers. Cost is $5 for adults; $3 for children ages 8-15. No children under age 8. One dog per adult. Call to register at 703-569-0285.
Nature Program. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Hidden Pond Nature Center 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. All ages are welcome to walk with a naturalist through the park and to the adjacent stream valley forest. Free. Call to register at 703-451-9588.
Lecture. 7:30 p.m., 'Escape from China' by author Zhang Boli, one of the student leaders in the Tinanmen Square tragedy. Zhang Boli recounts his two years as a fugitive, living in the mountains of China before escaping to the United States. 7 p.m. desert/reception. Fairfax Christian Church, 10185 Main St., Fairfax. Free. Call 703-385-3520.
Computers Demystified. March 13 and 27, 10:30 a.m. Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. Adults. Call to register at 703-978-5600.
Computer Class. 2:30 p.m. Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Microsoft PowerPoint. Ages 12 and up. Call to register at 703-293-6227.
<cal1>Sunday/March 14
<cal2>Canadian Brass. This five-piece group has an affinity for Baroque music but varies its repertoire with jazz and pop standards. Tickets are $44, $36, $22. 2 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax. Call 703-993-2787.
Singles Social. 7 p.m. Jewish Community Center, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Join singles 55 and older for a discussion with Janette Kenner Muir of George Mason University about political ads. Cost is $1 for members; $3 for non-members. Call 703-323-0880.
Social/Discussion Group. 10 a.m.-noon. Jewish Community Center, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Ages 40-55. Free for members; $5 for non-members. Call for more information at 703-323-0880.
<cal1>Monday/March 15
<cal2>Nature Program. 10-11 a.m. Hidden Pond Nature Center 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. 'Nature Quest, Vernal Pools' explores the spring pools created as winter departs. Dress to get messy. Ages 4-6. Cost is $3. Reservations required. Call 703-451-9588.
Children's Program. 3:30 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Origami for ages 6-12. Call to register at 703-451-8055.
<cal1>Tuesday/March 16
<cal2>Book Discussions. 10 a.m. Kings Park, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. 'Nickle and Dimed' by Barbara Ehrenreich. 7:30 p.m., 'A Lesson Before Dying' by Ernest J. Gaines. Adults. Call 703-978-5600.
Teddy Bear Time. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Stuffed animal stories and activities. Bring a favorite animal. Ages 3-5 with an adult. Call to register at 703-339-4610.
Evening Book Club. 7:30 p.m. Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. 'Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books' by Azar Nafisi. Adults. Call 703-644-7333.
Book Club. 7:30 p.m. Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Ask for book at information desk. Adults. Call 703-293-6227.
Travel Seminar. 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Northern Virginia Community College, Ernst Cultural Center, Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. Jessica Stockwell, author of "Live and Travel Well — It Takes Technique," discusses how to travel successfully in uncertain times. Free. Call 703-323-3175.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 17
<cal2>Children's Program. 10:15 a.m. Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. 'Leapin' Leprechauns!' is designed for St. Patrick's Day. Ages 2-3 with an adult. Call 703-644-7333.
'March Hares.' 10:30 a.m. Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Stories, activities and a craft for ages 2-5 with adult. Call 703-293-6227.
Lecture Series. 7:30 p.m., Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. English professor Coilin Owens speaks on "Old and New Ireland: From English Colony to Celtic Tiger." Reception follows. Call 703-993-8846.
<cal1>Thursday/March 18
<cal2>Live Music. Phunk, Junkeez, Saint Dog, OPM, Last Laugh, Mower. All ages. Tickets are $10. Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. For more information, call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
Animal Egg Mobile. 2-3:30 p.m. Hidden Pond Nature Center 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Create a spring mobile using plastic eggs. Materials provided. Adults must accompany children. Cost is $5 per mobile. Reservations required. Call 703-451-9588.
Music Together. 10:15 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Music and movement for families. Ages newborn-4 with an adult. Call to register at 703-339-4610.
Children's Program. 10:15 a.m. Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. 'Leapin' Leprechauns!' is designed for St. Patrick's Day. Ages 2-3 with an adult. Call 703-644-7333.
Family Search. 7 p.m. Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Use the genealogy databases and Family History Library Catalog to search ancestors. Ages 12 and up. Register at 703-293-6227.
Women's History Month Program. 12 p.m., at Northern Virginia Community College, Ernst Cultural Center, Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. Author Betty Mahmoody talks about her experiences, the basis for the movie "Not Without My Daughter," which starred Sally Field. Free. Call 703-323-3455.
Friday Morning Music Club. 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. Mark Noble, bassoon; Bill Taylor, piano; Victoria Wyatt, piano; Peggy McNulty, soprano; and Gillian Cookson, piano. Free. Call 703-352-2787.
<cal1>Friday/March 19
<cal2>Musical. The Children's Theatre production of "Into the Woods" takes place March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $7-$10. Call for reservations at 703-548-1154.
Live Music. Roughhouse, formerly known as Teeze and others TBA. Ages 21 and over. Tickets are $10. Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. For more information, call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
Children's Program. Noon, Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. 'Lunch Bunnies' for ages 1-5 with an adult. Bring a lunch and listen to a story. Call to register at 703-978-5600.
International Potluck Dinner. 7 p.m. Infant/Toddler Family Day Care providers come from all over the world to share food and costumes from their countries of origin. Penelope Gross, Mason District Supervisor, will speak at 8 p.m. Also, Chairman Gerald E. Connolly (D), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Del. Jeannemarie A. Devolites (R-35th); Del. Mark Sickles (D-43th). Luther Jackson Middle School cafeteria, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Contact Ileene Hoffman or Wynne Busman at 703-352-3449. Visit www.infanttoddler.com.
<cal1>Saturday/March 20
<cal2>Opera Gala. The adult and youth choruses of the Fairfax Choral Society will combine with the Fairfax Symphony to present the world’s finest opera choruses including selections from Wagner, Handel, Verdi, Tchaikovsky and other composers. 8 p.m., at George Mason University Center for the Arts. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 703-642-3277 or online at www.tickets.com. Visit www.faifaxchoralsociety.org.
Harlem Globetrotters. 7 p.m. The team plays the New York Nationals at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax. See some fancy ball handling action. A 30-minute “meet and greet” session at the conclusion of the game; each child has an opportunity to meet a Globetrotter. Tickets start at $13.50 and are available by calling 202-432-SEAT, 703-573-SEAT or 410-481-SEAT. Tickets can also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting a Ticketmaster outlet including Hecht’s and the Patriot Center box office.
Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon. 11 a.m. Country Club Fairfax, 5110 Ox Road, Fairfax. Silent auction; styles by Draper's & Damon's. Sponsored by the Springfield-Annandale Branch of the American Association of University Women. Tickets are $30. To make a reservation, call Rose at 703-256-6246.
Free Financial Seminar. 5:30-7 p.m., Thrivent Financial based in Fairfax offers a seminar to help attendees finance their children's education. The seminar, 'Paying for Education,' takes place at 12500 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 100, Fairfax. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. Seating is limited. Call 703-449-9870.
Spring Bunny. Through April 10, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., in the Fountain Court, Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax. Have photos taken with Spring Bunny. Stuart Little in the three-dimensional Central Park display on Saturdays only, through April 10. Visit www.ShopFairOaksMall.com.
Park Clean-up Day. 9 a.m.-noon. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. All ages. Gloves and trashbags provided. Rain or shine. Advance registration not required, but appreciated. Call 703-569-0285.
Children's Program. 2 p.m., Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. 'Bingo & Buddies' for all ages features Bingo the Clown with a live animal magic show. Call to register at 703-978-5600.
Celebration of the Arts. March 20-22, Jewish Community Center, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Ticketed events: Patrons Gala, March 20, 7 p.m.; Young Collector's Evening, March 20, 8:30 p.m.; Singles Art Preview Reception, March 21, 4 p.m. No admission fee March 21-22. Juried fine arts and crafts show, art pavilion featuring ceramics, glass, painting, calligraphy and more. For more information, visit www.jccnv.org or contact Irene Gavin at 703-323-0880; e-mail ireneg@jccnv.org.
Bike Rodeo. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Washington Bike Center, 13061 Fairlakes Center, Fairfax. Ages 6-12. Sponsored by Liberty Mutual's Herndon office. Bring a bicycle and a properly fitted bike helmet. Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or caregiver. Reservations not required. Call 703-968-2404.
<cal1>Sunday/March 21
<cal2>'Fit for Life.' 12:30-4:40 p.m., at George Mason University in Fairfax. The afternoon features workshops for both "body and soul" and benefits the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization National Capital Area Affiliate. For more information and registration, call 703-461-9595, or visit www.y-me.org/nca.
Orchestra and Chorus. 7 p.m., Vienna Presbyterian Church. "Happy Birthday Bach!" featuring The Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, the Lenten cantata "Christ Lag in Todesbanden and various organ works. The George Mason University Symphonic Chorus and Chamber Orchestra joins the Vienna Presbyterian Young Adult Choir. Free will offering.
Fountainhead Bass Club Tournament. 7 a.m. Fountainhead Regional Park, 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station. Fifteen tournaments culminate in an invitation-only classic the weekend of Oct. 23-24, 2004. Call for more information at 703-250-9124.
Wine Master Dinner. Bailiwick Inn, Old Town Fairfax, Meet new people and learn about wine from the Rhone region of France. Call for reservations at 703-691-2266.
Model Trains. 1-4 p.m., at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. The Northern Virginia NTrak model train club hosts their monthly display. Cost is $2 for adults and $1 for children 4-10. The museum is located at 11200 Fairfax Station Road. Call 703-425-9225.