Red Hat Society — A chapter of the Red Hat Society is now in Centreville. Women age 50 and up wear red hats, purple outfits, kick up their heels and have fun. Meetings are the last Wednesday of the month, at 11 a.m., at the Sully Senior Center, 5690 Sully Road (inside Centreville Presbyterian Church, off Route 28 south, near the I-66 west exit).
All area seniors are welcome to join or come for a visit. Call Mary Doerman, 703-968-7889; Scotti Brennan, 703-378-5206; or Sully Senior Center Director Carma Ryan, 703-322-4475.
<cal2>The Holiday season is just around the corner! Our Neighbors Child (ONC) is now in its 13th year of serving families in the immediate area. This year it expects to help more than 500 families, many of whom could greatly benefit from some additional warm clothing.
The group is currently receiving information on the needy families and individuals in the area and is looking for groups or individuals that can assist with the clothing needs of these families.
Share this information with family or friends who might also be interested. Churches, Bunco groups, book clubs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scout troops, or any group affiliation can join together to sponsor a family. For example, every year Chesterbrook Academy involves its whole school to help more than 25 families keep warm.
If you would like to help, send Tracy McInturff an e-mail at gmfamily1@aol.com or call 703- 222-6669, or Holly Cameron at 703-266-8588.
<cal2>The Western Fairfax County Woman's Club (formerly the Greenbriar Woman's Club) is selling the 2004 White House Christmas ornaments. This year's ornament honors President Rutherford B. Hayes. The cost of the ornament is $17 and all profits benefit charity. Order yours by calling 703-378-6841 or 703-378-6216.
<cal1>THURSDAY/NOV. 4
<cal2>Mothers & More of Northern Virginia general meeting. Mothers & More is a support organization for women who have altered their career path to care for their young children at home. General meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Fairfax County Government Center at 7:30 p.m. Call (toll free) 866-716-7766 for more info. Visitors are welcome. Free.
<cal2>Centreville Baptist Church is hosting a Mom and Loving It! concert by 2MOMS on Thursday, Nov. 4, from 7-9:30 p.m. at 15100 Lee Highway, Centreville. This event is for "moms who love it — and those who want to." 2MOMS (Laurie and Sharon) are wives, mothers, speakers, singers, and sisters who have been sharing their message of hope all across America. Tickets are $6 in advance, $9 at the door. Call the church at 703-830-3333 for tickets.
<cal2>Mothers First – Chantilly/Centreville is dedicated to supporting women that have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms night out, and lectures. November's meetings are Nov. 4 and Nov. 18 from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 Saint Germain Dr. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>FRIDAY/NOV. 5
<cal2>Season tickets are now on sale for the Center for the Arts Rooftop Productions and Pied Piper Theatre. Rooftop Productions will be opening the season with "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 5, 6, 12, and 13 at 8 p.m. at the Kellar Theatre at the Candy Factory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors 62 and over. Season tickets are also available. Call the Center for the Arts at 703-330-ARTS for tickets.
<cal2>Swing dances are held Friday nights at the Dulles Hilton in Herndon (corner of Route 28 and McClearen). All dances include a beginner class from 8:30-9 p.m. and then the bands play three sets between 9 p.m. and midnight. All for $12 per person. Visit www.gottaswing.com. Hosted by Sue and Gary Caley www.sueandgary@gottaswing.com All dances are in the solarium at the Dulles Hilton.
* Nov. 5 — Rockin' Bones.
* Nov. 12 — Jimmy & Blue Dogs.
* Nov. 19 — The Sevilles.
* Nov. 26 — Lush Life.
* Dec. 3 — The Grandsons.
* Dec. 10 — No dance.
* Dec. 17 — Daryl Davis Band. Winter Holiday dance.
<cal1>NOV. 5-6
<cal2>Fair Oaks Shopping Center will be conducting a
JOB FAIR on Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6 from 1-8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The event will directly address retailers’ concerns that they are facing a shortage of staff for the holiday season. Representatives at the job fair will be available to answer questions, provide applications, and set-up interview opportunities, including those from the department stores: Hecht’s, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Sears and JCPenney. For more information, visit www.ShopFairOaksMall.com.
<cal1>SATURDAY/NOV. 6
<cal2>The next meeting of the Lane’s Mill Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, is Saturday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. This month’s meeting will take place at a member’s home and feature a program on “Sharing Family History.” Light refreshments will be provided at 12:30 p.m. for visitors and chapter members. Contact Jennifer Smith at jsmithtot@aol.com for directions to the meeting.
<cal2>Boy Scout Troop 30 is having an open house program "Webelos in the Woods" on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 1-7 p.m. at the Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. This is an invitation for boys 6th-11th grades to come and see what the Boy Scout program is all about. Potential candidates will experience a fun-filled day of hands-on activities side by side with Boy Scouts. The day's activities include: first aid/ emergency preparedness, whittling chip, knots, tenting, fires, and orienteering. Dinner and a closing campfire will conclude the evening, for the guest. Advanced registration is required. Contact Scout Master Richard Nash at 703-830-9125. The group meets Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. at the Centreville Presbyterian Church located at Route 28 and I-66.
<cal2>Washington's top calligraphers will be demonstrating the art of elegant writing at the Washington Calligraphers Guild's Holiday Calligrafest, Saturday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. View demonstrations of calligraphy, frame gilding and fabric painting and shop for unique art supplies, hand-lettered artwork and personalized ornaments. Admission $5 (under 12 free). See www.calligraphersguild.org for more information.
<cal2>RESOLVE of the Washington Metropolitan Area, is offering a one-day program on adoption that will focus on all aspects of the adoption process, from the decision to adopt and what to expect from agencies, attorneys and other professionals, to descriptions of home studies and the emotional and medical aspects of the process. "Adoption Options: Real People, Real Stories and Informational Nuts and Bolts" is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the George Mason Regional Library in Annandale. The event is free; box lunch is available for $6. Register online at: www.resolvedc.org/register.htm or call 202-362-5555.
<cal2>A Health and Fitness Fair will take place Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chantilly Olympus Athletic Club. The event includes free chair massages, spinal wellness evaluations, body fat analysis, finger printing for children, facepainting, Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, a business expo and lots of fun for the whole family. Call for directions 703-378-1155.
<cal1>SUNDAY/NOV. 7
<cal2>The Center for the Arts in Manassas is holding its second Ballroom Dance, on Sunday, Nov. 7, from 4-6 p.m. This session will offer a short ballroom dance lesson, followed by “your chance to dance”! Practice what you’ve just learned, or have fun with the steps you already know! Enjoy fun, food, and great music, as you dance in the Kellar Theatre, all $10 per person. If you can’t make it this time, there will be another dance on the first Sunday of every month. The next dance will be held on Dec. 5th.
<cal2>The Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee will celebrate its 20th anniversary of supporting excellence in minority students in Fairfax County Public Schools with a Scholarship Support Banquet. The event is open to the public and will be held Sunday, Nov. 7 at the Hyatt Fair Lakes Hotel, 12777 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax. The reception will start at 3 p.m., followed by the dinner/program from 4-7 p.m. The combined cost and donation to support the event is $50 per person. Proceeds from this event will help provide scholarships and academic achievement awards for the children.
<cal2>A Fun Shoot: Partner Shoot Tournament will be held on Sunday, Nov. 7. The start time is 10 a.m. and entries will be allowed until 2 p.m. NVRPA’s Bull Run Regional Park Public Shooting Center, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Take aim; enjoy the challenge at this contest sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Bull Run Shooting Center. No advance registration. For fees and more information, call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>MONDAY/NOV. 8
<cal2>New Mothers Luncheons are held every Monday for mothers and newborn babies to 8 months old. The group meets for lunch, speakers, discussions and fun — a different program every week. Bring a friend or come alone — it's a great way to meet other new moms and babies in the area. Meets Mondays from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Il Lupo Italian Restaurant, 4069 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Lunch is $20; four-lunch series is $75. Reservations required. Call Rochelle Goldberg at 703-273-5593 or e-mail eventbuilders@hotmail.com.
* Monday, Nov. 8 — “Simplify and organize your life and your home,” Jill Peterson, Owner of Simplify! Organizing.
* Monday, Nov. 15 — “I know I am a mom – but who am I?” by Lisa Lyons.
* Monday, Nov. 22 — To be announced.
* Monday, Nov. 29 — No lunch. Happy Thanksgiving.
* Monday, Dec. 6 — “Sign language for babies,” Stephanie Steffer, Time to Sign;
* Monday, Dec. 13 — “Making the transition from work to home,” Jill Peterson, Owner of Simplify! Organizing;
* Monday, Dec. 20 — No lunch. Happy Holidays.
* Monday, Dec. 27 — No lunch. Happy Holidays.
<cal2>Jacquie Lambertson of Noodles & Noggins in Clifton offers a story time with more for children. Enjoy some great books ... do a fun craft ... have fun. Toddler Time is for ages 1-6; cost is $5 supply fee per child; from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton. Call 703-815-8600 for reservations.
* Monday, Nov. 8 — Sing, clap and tap along to a special Story Time event with guest, Oh Susannah! She's one of the best children's artists around! Kids will be inspired to make up their own songs and dances.
<cal1>TUESDAY/NOV. 9
<cal2>The members of the GFWC-Western Fairfax County Woman's Club, formerly the Greenbriar Woman's Club, invites all women to join them for An Affaire with Chocolate on Tuesday, Nov. 9 from 7-9 p.m. at the Greenbriar Community Center, 4615 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly. Dale Fisher, past president of GFWC — Virginia Northern District, will present an overview of the history of the General Federation of Women's Clubs in a fun way using hats to demonstrate the many areas in which club women have made a difference in community life since GFWC was founded in 1868. Seating is limited. Call 703-222-0997, ext. 4 to reserve your seat.
<cal2>The Western Fairfax County Woman’s Club will host An Affaire with Chocolate, Tuesday, Nov. 9 from 7-9 p.m. at the Greenbriar Community Center. There will be a special guest appearance by The Chocolate Chick, door prizes and lots of chocolate. This event is open to area women, 21 and older. Seating is limited and reservations required. The community center is located at 4615 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. For reservations, call 703-222-0997 ext. 4.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/NOV. 10
<cal2>Join members of the community for Conversation Cafe — an open conversation about life in America. Meets Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 7-8:30 p.m. The group discusses everything from everyday feelings and thoughts to actions as a society in this complex, changing world. Topic of the week "What would you put in a time capsule for 2004?" Location: Jammin Java, 227 Maple Avenue E., Vienna (in the Glyndon Shopping Center between Safeway and Outback). Call 703- 554-9595 for more information or visit www.conversationcafe.org.
<cal2>Retributive justice focuses on what laws were broken, who broke them and who should be punished. In the exercise of restorative justice, three key parties to a crime are recognized: the offender, the victim and the community. This subject was discussed at the May meetings of the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area. In November, there will be further study, and a consensus.
The Fairfax Station unit, comprised primarily of residents of Clifton and Fairfax Station will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. For directions, call the unit chair at 703-690-0908 or the membership chair at 703-335-9723.
For a meeting at a more convenient day or time, call the League office at 703-658-9150. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, community-based political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
<cal2>Join Sully Senior Center and George Mason University Speakers Bureau on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 10:30 am as they present: "Exercise and Chronic Disease," with Fred Schack, Ph.D. Dr. Schack is an expert in the field of Adapted Physical Education and currently coordinates the Outdoor Adventure, Recreation and Sports Program for George Mason University Department of Health, Fitness and Recreation Resources. Call Sully Senior Center at 703-322-4475.
<cal2>The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum will host speaker Paula Elsey, who will be discussing her book "Stone Ground: A History of Union Mills" on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 7:30-9 p.m. Ms. Elsey will cover the Union Mills area of southwestern Fairfax County and will address the people, history and events occurring in this area as well as how both armies used it during the Civil War. The forum meets at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Call 703-425-9225. Bring a friend with you to hear this topic of local interest. Donations greatly appreciated. Ms. Elsey's book will be available for sale.
<cal1>NOV. 12-14
<cal2>The 5th annual Aquatic Gardeners Conference 2004 will take place Nov. 12-14. Hosted by the Greater Washington Aquatic Plants Association at the Crystal Gateway Marriott. Registration for the three-day event is $79, and includes workshops on aquascaping by aquatic landscape master Takashi Amano and others. An auction on Sunday is free and includes aquatic plants, fish and aquascaping equipment. Visit: www.aquatic-gardeners.org or www.gwapa.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/NOV. 13
<cal2>A walk to raise money for GRREAT, a local rescue that finds new homes for unwanted golden retrievers, will take place Saturday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. at Weber's Pet Supermarket, 11021 Lee Highway, Fairfax. People treats and doggy treats will be provided along the way. Cost is $15 per walker. Register in advance by visiting www.grreat.org or register at the walk. Call Jill Kurtz at 703-250-3012 or mail@grreat.org.
<cal2>Wild Birds Unlimited will host an educational discussion and slide show by Dr. Dexter Hinkley, of the Fairfax Audubon Society on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. The presentation will cover how to attract and enjoy birds in your backyard. Visit the Web site at www.wbu.com.
<cal2>The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Inc. will be holding an open House on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 1-5 p.m. Come and see the action on Northern Virginia's largest fixed operating "HO" scale model railroad. Featuring digital control, sound, and smoke. Also, visit the W&OD railroad's real caboose. The club is located in the historic Washington & Old Dominion Railroad station, 231 Dominion Road in Vienna. Free admission. However, cash or check donations are accepted at the door. Obtain additional information and directions at-'www.nvmr.org', by e-mail at 'nvmrinc@hotmail.com', or by calling 703-938-5157 on the day of the open house.
<cal1>MONDAY/NOV. 15
<cal2>The Assistance League of Northern Virginia will hold a multi-town membership meeting on Monday, Nov. 15 from 10:15 a.m. to noon at the Chantilly branch of the Fairfax County Public Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly. For more information, contact Debbie Kiessling, Membership Chairman, at 703-758-1085 or Cindy Burgess, President, at 703-758-8454. The Assistance League national Web site http://www.assistanceleague.org/.
<cal1>NOV. 20-21
<cal2>Greenberg's World's Largest Train, Toy and Hobby Show will take place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20-21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chantilly's Dulles Expo Center. More than 50,000 sq. ft. of operating railroads, toy trains and toy collections will be on display. Visit www.greenbergshows.com.
<cal2>The Northern Virginia Mineral Club, Inc. will hold its 13th Annual Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show at the Student Union II Building, George Mason University, Fairfax, on Nov. 20-21. The hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking for the show is available in Lot F. Look for the signs to catch the shuttle van from the parking lot to the show. Admission is $4 for adults; $2 for senior citizens (65+) and teens (13-18); free for children (12 and under), Scouts in uniform, and George Mason University students with ID. Contact: George Loud at 703-319-7923 or e-mail at gloud@comcast.net Diane and Jeff Nesmeyer at 703-680-7724 or e-mail at nvmcshow@verizon.net
<cal2>The 24th Annual Fall Craft Fair sponsored by St. Timothy School will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts; only hand-made crafters participate. While adults shop, there will be children-supervised activities. Highlights include: a stained glass cafe, raffles, and fun for the whole family. To be held at 13809 Poplar Tree Road Chantilly.
<cal2>An Adoption Workshop will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McLean. The workshop will include adoptive and biological parents, lawyers, psychologists and social workers on the independent adoption process, including legalities, home studies, finances, relations with biological parents. Includes a 190-page how-to book, Continental breakfast and lunch. Call 202-722-0338 or visit the FPA Web site at www.ffpa.org.
<cal1>FRIDAY, NOV. 19 - SATURDAY, JAN. 8
<cal2>Miracle of Lights will be run from Fri., Nov. 19-Sat., Jan. 8, It will be open from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. nightly at Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA.
Santa, angels, the universe and an enchanted forest—the Miracle of Lights—Northern Virginia’s only drive-thru holiday light show, features five holiday theme groups and more than two miles of lighted entertainment.
<cal1>NOV. 26-28
<cal2>On Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26, 27 and 28, the annual Art & Craft Showcase presented by members of the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild will be held at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., S.E., Vienna. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $1. This members-only show features 75 outstanding juried artists and artists showing their finest work in six display areas. There's stained glass, fine jewelry, photography, decorative painting, hand weaving, pottery, porcelain ornaments, wearable art and more. Visit www.nvhg.org.
<cal1>DEC. 3-4
<cal2>The 2004 Northern Virginia Conference on Nonprofit Management will be held Dec. 3-4, at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
“Synergy In Our Sector” is the theme for this year’s conference featuring nearly 30 outstanding sessions, peer exchange groups, and numerous exhibitors. The conference will engage hundreds of nonprofit professionals by focusing on a broad range of management issues common to the nonprofit sector including advocacy, board governance, communications, program evaluation, financial management, fundraising, human resources, leadership, nonprofit law, research, service delivery, small/all volunteer nonprofit issues, and volunteer management. Visit the conference Web site at www.nvcbo.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/DEC. 4
<cal2>It's Christmas time in Manassas. Come celebrate "Christmas Around the World" in the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. The parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m. The Nov. 1 deadline for participant applications is fast approaching. Anyone interested in being part of this honored tradition should call the parade hotline at 703-369-9030 to obtain an application.
Kids can sweeten up the holidays by learning to make gingerbread houses like pros at the Hilton Washington Dulles. Join Hilton Pastry Chef Steve Miller for a class in gingerbread house creating and learn to decorate professional pastry chef techniques. This complimentary class includes all supplies needed to take home an edible masterpiece. Children ages 6-10 can sign up. The class takes place on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Spaces are limited, so call now to reserve a spot! Call Debbie at 703-478-2900, ext. 1061. Located at the Hilton Washington Dulles, 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon.
<cal1>DEC. 4-5
<cal2>Area artists can join members of the Manassas Art Guild for its Winter Art Exhibit, "Let It Show," to be held on Dec. 4-5. The show features more than $700 in cash awards during the judged exhibit phase. Participating artists can also offer framed or matted pieces for the art mart phase. "Let It Show" will be held at the Java Rock Coffee House, 8730 Sudley Road in Manassas. The fee for non-members is $30, and the deadline to enter is Oct. 30. For entry forms, contact Debbie at 703-754-0354.
<cal1>DEC. 4-5
<cal2>The Prince William Art Society and the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation will be presenting "A Look At Prince William, Past and Present," a holiday fine art show and sale at the Old Manassas Courthouse at Grant and Lee Streets in Manassas. The show will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4 from noon to 8 p.m. (with reception from 5-8 p.m.) and on Sunday, Dec. 5 from noon to 5 p.m.
Prince William Art Society members will exhibit local scenes, landscapes and structures of historical bent. This show will have a distinctly Victorian flavor to complement the activities scheduled in Manassas that weekend: Tree lighting at 6 p.m. Friday night, carols, hayrides and Manassas Museum Holiday Open House; the Annual Christmas Parade Saturday morning and Old Town Manassas Merchants Open House on Sunday. Contact Jackie Fitzpatrick at 703-670-7971 or email jackiefitz@worldnet.att.net.
<cal1>TUESDAY/DEC. 14
<cal2>Gretchen Laskas, author "The Midwives Tale," will be the guest speaker at the Novel Society Book Discussion Group held at the Centreville Regional Library, on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. The library is at 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville. Free. Sign up at 703-830-2223.