<lst>Send announcements to the Herndon Connection, by mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, by e-mail to herndon@connectionnewspapers.com or by fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday 5 p.m. for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call Meghan Williams at 703-917-6407 with questions. This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. For additional calendar listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Holiday Shopping Trip. Reston Association invites residents to a day of holiday shopping at Potomac Mills, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Upon arrival at the mall, participants receive a coupon book for discounts throughout the mall. $12 Reston residents, $15 non-Reston residents. Space is limited, call 703-435-6577 or visit www.reston.org. Bus pick-up times and locations: 9 a.m. Hunters Woods Fellowship House, 2231 Colts Neck Road; 9:15 a.m. Thoreau Place, 1951 Sagewood Lane; Lake Anne Fellowship House, 11450 North Shore Drive.
Nature Program. Join the Reston Association from 1:30–2:30 p.m., at the Glade Community Room, 11550 Glade Drive, Reston, to find out what kinds of woodpeckers live in the Nature Center and learn some woodpecker songs. $4 RA members and $7 non-residents. Contact Mike McNamara at 703-435-6533.
Chamber Mixer. The Herndon Dulles Chamber's annual "Seasons Greetings Mixer" is from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Hilton-Washington Dulles Airport, 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon. $10 for HD Chamber members; non-member rate $15. Save time in line at the door by registering in advance online at HerndonDullesChamber.org or call 571-323-5300, or info@herndondulleschamber.org.
Sushi Class. Learn to make sushi with a Japanese Sushi Chef from 6-7 p.m. at Obi Sushi, 1771 Library St., Reston. Take home what is made; all materials provided. $30 per person. Limited classroom, adults only. 703-766-SUSHI (7874) for information and reservations.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 16
<cal2>Concert. Jazz vocalist Stacey Kent performs 8 p.m., at CenterStage. Seats are reserved and cost $15 for adults and $12 for youths and seniors. For season telephone orders, brochures, directions, or more information call 703-476-4500, and Press 3.
Child Care. Wee Play has Open House Classes from 9:30-10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon. Open house classes are free, but space is limited and reservations are required. Wee Play is a weekly activity class for parents and 2- and 3-year-olds. Wee Play is located in the Classical Ballet Academy, 320 Victory Drive, in the Herndon/Reston Business Park.
Swing Dancing. Swing Dance with Tom and Debra and Rockin’ Bones is having a swing dance from 8:30 p.m.–12 a.m. at 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon, with beginner swing lessons from 8:30-9 p.m. The cost is $13. For more, visit www.gottaswing.com or call 703-359-9882.
Toys for Tots Kick Off. The Mix 107.3 Morning Show broadcasts live from 6-11 a.m., at Fountain Square in the Reston Town Center to kick off its 16th annual Toys for Tots toy and fund-raising campaign. Unwrapped toys and cash donations will be accepted.
Musical Theater. "School House Rock Live" is playing 7:30 p.m., at Langston Hughes Middle School, 11401 Ridge Heights Road, Reston. The show is a musical presentation based on the classic Saturday morning cartoon series. The cost of admission is $5. For more information call 703-715-3664.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 17
<cal2>Santa's Workshop. Children ages 3 and up may meet and have a picture taken with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., bring a camera. Receive holiday tattoos and play games. Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., RSVP by Dec. 12. $6 for children, $3 for parents if eating lunch. Call 703-787-7300 or visit www.herndon-va.gov.
Concert. Over Under Down Yonder, bluegrass-styled band, Lakeside Inn, 11150 South Lakes Drive, Reston, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover. Visit www.overunderdownyonder.com or call The Lakeside Inn at 703-264-0781.
Theater. The Reston Tradition of "Snow White for the Holidays" returns to the CenterStage at 3 p.m. Take a family break from the holiday frenzy and come to the CenterStage. This Reston tradition tickles the daylights out of everyone who comes so don't miss it. Brutsché is working on a new show, so this may be your last chance to catch this one for a while. This show is suitable for all ages. Tickets are $10 all seats, reserved seating. For season telephone orders, brochures, directions, or more information call 703-476-4500, and Press 3.
Holiday Jazz. Jazz at Tarara from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia’s finest musicians. 12-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Rain or shine at Tarara Winery, located at 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Tasting Fee. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Chorale Concert. Reston Chorale performs from 2-4 p.m., at the Gaelic Gardens, singing holiday favorites and other sing alongs. Gaelic Gardens is located on the corner of Baron Cameron and Route 7, Reston. 703-757-7511.
Brush Chipping. Drop off brush anytime during the day at Lake Audubon Pool, 2070 Twin Branches Road, Reston and RA crews will chip the brush for use on RA open space. Bring brush only; branches should be less than 4 inches in diameter. No grass clippings, dirt, trash, paper, vines, thorns or other debris. Contact Brian Murphy at 703-435-6550.
Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy breakfast with Santa Claus and Friends from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at McCormick & Schmicks Seafood Restaurant, 11901 Democracy Drive, Reston. Photos available. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821 or e-mail msrestonbanquets@msmg.com
Carriage Rides. Enjoy carriage rides through Reston Town Center from 1-4 p.m. Rides are $5 per person and benefit Reston CHARACTER COUNTS!
Children's Holiday Party. Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, 697 Spring St., Reston is having its annual Children’s Holiday Party from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Santa Claus will be there for photos, arts and crafts, singing carols and lunch. $10.95 per child, reservations encouraged, all children must bring a grownup. 703-435-JIMS.
Children's Theater. "School House Rock Live" is playing at 7:30 p.m., at Langston Hughes Middle School, 11401 Ridge Heights Road, Reston. The production is a musical presentation based on the classic Saturday morning cartoon series. The cost of admission is $5. For more information call 703-715-3664.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 18
<cal2>Holiday Meander. Reston Historic Trust presents a holiday meander down the byways of the 100 year-old village of Wiehle, with its three surviving structures situated in the heart of Reston. The walk includes a stop at the Robert Wiehle House, built in 1895, which is rarely open to visitors. Recently restored, it is presently a private home that will be decked out for the holidays. The home is on St. Louis Avenue, one of the original Wiehle streets, tucked in the midst of modern Reston, and surrounded by Sycamore trees. Meet at the Reston Museum at Lake Anne Village Center at 1:30 p.m., for a brief orientation, then carpool to Wiehle Village. For information and reservations, call 703-709-7700. A $5 donation is requested.
Chanukah Lunch. B'nai B'rith Chanukah Pot Luck Dairy Lunch and light entertainment, at the Reston Community Center. 12:30-3:30 p.m. Call 703-620-3844 for reservations.
Chorale Concert. Reston Chorale performs from 2-4 p.m., at the Gaelic Gardens singing holiday favorites and other sing alongs. Gaelic Gardens is located on the corner of Baron Cameron and Route 7, Reston. 703-757-7511.
Children's Activities. Gaelic Gardens has children’s craft activities from 1-5 p.m., including marshmallow roasting. Gaelic Gardens is located on the corner of Baron Cameron and Route 7, Reston. 703-757-7511.
Brush Chipping. Drop off brush anytime during the day at Lake Audubon Pool, 2070 Twin Branches Road, Reston, and Reston Association crews will chip the brush for use on RA open space. Bring brush only; branches should be less than 4 inches in diameter. No grass clippings, dirt, trash, paper, vines, thorns or other debris. Contact Brian Murphy at 703-435-6550.
Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy breakfast with Santa Claus and Friends from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at McCormick & Schmicks Seafood Restaurant, 11901 Democracy Drive, Reston. Photos available. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821 or e-mail msrestonbanquets@msmg.com
Calico Cloggers. The cloggers will perform a mix of dances for the holidays from 3-4 p.m. at the Reston Town Center. www.restontowncenter.com.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 19
<cal2>Bake Sale. Good Beginnings School, 11501 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, will have a bake sale from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Proceeds go to innovative nonprofit organizations fighting childhood hunger across country.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 21
<cal2>Stories. Ho, Ho, Holidays! Stories and activities for the whole family. All ages, 7:15 p.m., Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive. 703-689-2700.
Senior Movie Day. The Reston Association presents "Meet Me at the Movies." Doors open at 9:15 a.m. and the film starts at 10 a.m. The show plays in the Reston Town Center 11900 Market St. Refreshments and door prizes are provided prior to the movie. For more information visit www.reston.org or call 703-435-6577 for movie titles.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 22
<cal2>Book Group Meeting. The Reston Community Center's senior book group, Bookends, meets 12:30-2 p.m., at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, to discuss "The Outside World" by Tova Mirvis. Participants should bring a bag lunch. Books are on reserve at the Reston Regional Library. This free activity is intended for adults age 55 or older. Call 703-476-4500.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 27
<cal2>Blood Drive. Inova is having a blood drive from 12-7:30 p.m. The blood mobile will be located beside the Pavilion near Williams-Sonoma in the Reston Town Center. Schedule an appointment time by calling 1-866-256-6372 or online at www.inova.org/donateblood. On site registration will be in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency, 1800 Presidents St., Reston.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 29
<cal2>Sushi Class. Learn to make sushi with a Japanese Sushi Chef from 6-7 p.m., at Obi Sushi, 1771 Library St., Reston. Take home what is made; all materials provided. $30 per person. Limited classroom, adults only. 703-766-SUSHI (7874) for information and reservations.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 31
<cal2>Golf Tournament. Herndon Centennial Golf Course, 909 Ferndale Ave. Celebrate the New Year's Eve by playing a round, 10 a.m. Visit www.herndongolf.com, or call 703-471-5769.
New Year's Eve Party. Join neighbors in dinner and dancing at Jimmy's Old Tavern. No cover, but reservations are encouraged. Visit www.jimmystavern.com or call 703-435-5467.
New Year’s Celebrations. Welcome the New Year at Reston’s Lake Anne Center. Call the Historic Trust at 703-709-7700.
<cal1>Monday/Jan. 2
<cal2>Choir Concert. West Springfield High School Show Chorus performs holiday tunes 7-8 p.m., at the Reston Town Center.
<cal2>Tuesday/Jan. 4
<cal1>Senior Social. Enjoy sipping beverages, munching on delicious goodies, and socializing with new friends from 1:30-3 p.m., at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road. Learn about upcoming recreational activities in Reston. Door prizes will be announced during the event. Free. Contact Ashleigh Soloff at 703-435-6577.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 6
<cal2>Nature Class. Investigate snakes from 7-8 p.m., at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave. $10 per family. Take a look at native Virginia species, then compare them to exotic snakes. Learn about venomous and non-venomous snakes. The program will not have any venomous species.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 7
<cal2>Winter Bird Count. Join the Reston Association from 6:45 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Reston Association main office, 1930 Isaac Newton Square, for a half-day annual bird count throughout Reston's natural areas. Meet local bird experts, learn tips on identification, and have fun while helping obtain important information to help feathered friends in the area. Contact Ha Brock at 703-435-7986.
Cultural Arts Series. Mime Craig Babcock performs at 8 p.m., at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Business Park Drive, Herndon. Tickets required. 703-787-7300.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 9
<cal2>Nature Hike. Start the year off right with a talk and a walk through nature's lair from 3-4 p.m., at the Glade Community Room, 115500 Glade Drive, Reston. Then after warm up with a cup of cocoa. Contact Mike McNamara at 703-435-6533.
CASA Informational Orientation Session. Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is offering an informational orientation session from 7:30-9 p.m., at the Fairfax CASA office, 4103 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 200, Fairfax, for those interested in learning more about how to be an advocate for abused and neglected children in the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Prospective volunteers are invited to meet current CASA volunteers and staff to learn about the Fairfax CASA program.
<cal1>Saturday/Jan. 14
<cal2>Cosmetic Seminar. The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery, 1825 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, has an in-house educational seminar from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. The seminar features contemporary lectures, slide shows and discussions about the latest cosmetic surgery procedures and techniques. The seminar is free. Visit www.austin-weston.com or call 703-896-6168 to register to attend.
Nature Class. Discover the winter mysteries of the insect world with song, story and craft from 10-11 a.m., at the Glade Community Room, 115550 Glade Drive, Reston. $4 for Reston Association members, $7 for non-residents. Contact Mike McNamara at 703-435-6533 for more information.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 15
<cal2>Commemorative March. The Reston Community Center presents a music event from 3-6 p.m. honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, 1141 Wiehle Ave, Reston.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 16
<cal2>Children’s Performing Arts. Kevin Brown performs "1-Man/So Much Fun" 10:30 a.m., at the Phoenix Worldgate 9 Theatres, 13025 Worldgate Drive, Herndon. Tickets required. 703-787-7300.
<cal1>Thursday/Jan. 19
<cal2>Nature Class. Meet a snake and learn how this forest predator moves, smells, and eats his prey from 1:30-2:30 p.m. At the Glade Community Room 11550 Glade Drive, Reston. $4 RA members / $7 non-residents. Contact Mike McNamara at 703-435-6533.
Winter Animals. From 10-11 a.m. feel thick, warm hair of fox and beaver pelts to see how animals live outside all winter long. Come to Brown's Chapel, 1875 Brown's Chapel Road off Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston. Listen and watch as a winter scene unfolds during a felt board story. Create winter scene crafts. Sing a song about what Old Man Winter brought to town. Reserve space by Jan. 16. $4 RA members / $7 non-residents. Contact Mike McNamara at 703-435-6533.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 20
<cal2>Winter Sky. Join astronomer Bill Burton and a naturalist from 7-8:30 p.m., to view Mars, Saturn, the stars and Galaxies through a high-powered telescope at Quartermaster Field, Glade Drive, one block east of WNEC in Reston. Learn about the stories and lore behind these celestial objects. Cloud dates are Jan. 21 and 22, 2006. Reserve by Jan. 17. $4 RA members / $7 non-residents Contact Mike McNamara at 703-435-6533 for more.
Butterflies in Winter. Find out where butterflies go in the winter from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave. Learn how to help Herndon’s butterfly population. Keep a butterfly craft. $7 per family.
<cal1>Saturday/Jan. 21
<cal2>Brush Chipping. Drop off brush anytime during the day at Lake Audubon Pool, 2070 Twin Branches Road, Reston, and Reston Association crews will chip the brush for use on RA open space. Bring brush only; branches should be less than 4 inches in diameter. No grass clippings, dirt, trash, paper, vines, thorns or other debris. Contact Brian Murphy at 703-435-6550.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 22
<cal2>Brush Chipping. Drop off brush anytime during the day at Lake Audubon Pool, 2070 Twin Branches Road, Reston, and RA crews will chip the brush for use on RA open space. Bring brush only; branches should be less than 4 inches in diameter. No grass clippings, dirt, trash, paper, vines, thorns or other debris. Contact Brian Murphy at 703-435-6550.
<cal1>Tuesday/Jan. 24
<cal2>Blood Drive. Inova is having a blood drive 12-7:30 p.m. The blood mobile will be located beside the Pavilion near Williams-Sonoma in the Reston Town Center. Schedule an appointment time by calling 1-866-256-6372 or online at www.inova.org/donateblood. On site registration is in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency, 1800 Presidents St., Reston.
<cal1>Wednesday/Jan. 25
<cal2>Senior Movie Day. The Reston Association, presents "Meet Me at the Movies." Doors open at 9:15 a.m. and the film starts at 10 a.m. The show plays in the Reston Town Center 11900 Market Street. Refreshments and door prizes are provided prior to the movie. Check out www.reston.org or call 703-435-6577 for movie titles.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 27
<cal2>Bird Watching. Join a hike from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., for a day trip to The Mason Neck Management Area to observe our nation’s symbolic birds in their native habitat fishing, sky dancing and soaring in flight. Meet at Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave. Bring binoculars if you have them, wear sturdy shoes, pack a light lunch and water. Rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
<cal1>Saturday/Jan. 28
<cal2>Concert. The Hardy/Emenheiser Duo performs 3 p.m., at CenterStage. They are performing a sweeping program with works by Stravinsky, Pergolesi, Chopin and Grieg. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for youths and seniors. Suitable for ages 9 and older. Call the 24-hour box office at 703-476-4500.
Natural Aromatherapy. Make herbal tea, bath or essential oil from 10-11:30 a.m., at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave. Plants have long been used for healing and well being. Aromatherapy uses scents of herbs and flowers to heal, soothe and relax the body and soul. $15.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 29
<cal2>Capitol Steps. The 23rd Annual Capitol Steps Performance is from 7-9:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, 1800 Presidents St., Reston. The event benefits Reston Interfaith. All tickets may be purchased by phone, mail or on Reston Interfaith’s Web site www.restoninterfaith.org. Contact Meredith Young at 571-323-9566 or by e-mail at meredith.young@restoninterfaith.org. This event sells out every year, get your tickets early. For the best seats in the house priority tables are recommended. Priority Tables - $1,200, Patron Reserved Seats - $75. Tables seat 12.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 10
<cal2>Valentine’s Day Social Dance. The RCC's first annual Valentine's Day Social Dance is from 8-11 p.m., at the Reston Community Center in the lower level of the Hunters Woods Shopping Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road. The ballroom expert will provide music for swing, fox trot, cha-cha, waltz and rumba dancing. Arrive at 8 p.m. for a complementary dance lesson. A buffet dinner and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Semi-formal attire is encouraged. Register either in person or by faxing a completed RCC Registration form to 703-476-2488. This activity is targeted to people age 18 or older. Admission is $10 for people who live or work in Reston and $15 for all others. For more, contact the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500, VA Relay 800-828-1120 (TTY) or visit the Web site at http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com.