<i>Send announcements to The Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to reston@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call Jean Card at 703-917-6437, with questions. This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost.</I>
<b>Monday/May 23</b>
Chapter Meeting. "How to Spot a Scam Artist" and "Guard Your Golden Years" are the lunch topics for the Dulles Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, NARFE. The Chapter meets at the Amphora Deluxe Diner, 1151 Elden St., Herndon. James P. Ruth, CFP, NARFE Retirement Life Magazine columnist will identify 15 retirement mistakes and ways to avoid them. He'll discuss scam artists who prey on all age groups and suggest ways to identify them and protect against them. Ruth is the author of "Managing Money." Meeting is open to NARFE members and anyone interested in NARFE. Cost of luncheon is $13.50. Make reservations by Thursday, May 19, with Sue Righter, 703-966-1122.
<b>Tuesday/May 24</b>
Blood Drive. Please schedule your appointment time by calling 1-866-256-6372 or online at www.inova.org/donateblood. The INOVA bloodmobile will be located beside the Pavilion near Williams-Sonoma from noon until 7:30 p.m. Onsite registration will be held in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Reston.
Writers Series. Author Rebecca Goldstein will be at the Reston Regional Library at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Nextbook Metro Washington, D.C. series, a joint program of Nextbook, the Fairfax County Public Library and the Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center, where leading writers from around the world visit locations throughout the area to discuss their work and its relationship to Jewish history and culture. Free, reservation encouraged either online at www.nextbook.org or by calling toll free, 888-621-2230 weekdays between noon-5 p.m.
Author Discussion. Peter Kramer "Against Depression." The author of the best-selling "Listening to Prozac" and host of public radio show "The Infinite Mind" signs his new book about depression and discusses his comprehensive new theory of the illness. 7:30 p.m., Borders at Tysons Corner, 8027 Leesburg Pike. Call 703-556-7766.
Equality Seminar. Watch a 40-minute documentary film on Barbara and Tibby, a committed couple of 40 years, who no longer feel safe in Virginia. Hear their story and participate in a discussion afterward with the film maker and community leaders, from 7-9 p.m., at Cinema Arts Theatre, Fairfax City. This event is sponsored by Equality Fairfax. It is free and open to the public. For directions or additional information, visit www.EqualityFairfax.org or call 703-255-1552. Equality Fairfax is a not-for-profit, social and advocacy organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of Fairfax County.
<b>Wednesday/May 25</b>
Senior Movie. Reston Association presents "The Notebook" at Reston Multiplex Cinema. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Movie begins 10 a.m. Free to those 55 years old and older. Call 703-435-6530.
Blood Drive. Inova Blood Donor Services will conduct a community blood drive, from 3:30-7:30 p.m., at United Christian Parish's church on Colts Neck Road across from Hunters Woods Shopping Center in Reston. Donating is scheduled at 15-minute intervals and requires one hour. Appointments can be made with David Roe at 703-860-9430.
<b>Saturday/May 28</b>
Open House. The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Inc. will be holding an open house, 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 on the Northern Virginia Regional Parks W&OD Trail in downtown Vienna. Free admission. However, cash or check donations are gratefully 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.
<b>Sunday/May 29</b>
Open House. The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Inc. will be holding an open house, 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 on the Northern Virginia Regional Parks W&OD Trail in downtown Vienna. Free admission. However, cash or check donations are gratefully 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.
<b>Tuesday/May 31</b>
A Day to Remember. Every year several local Fairfax County high schools arrange a day prom for students with special needs. This is the fourth year for "A Day to Remember" prom. It is being celebrated by Herndon, South Lakes, Westfield High and Fairfax High Schools, at the Reston Hyatt, from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The purpose of having this dance is to teach students with special needs what is involved in preparing for a prom. It is hoped through this experience, that they will attend the prom at their respective schools before graduation.
<b>Thursday/June 2</b>
Senior Workshop. "Panorama of India" will be held at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne on Thursday, June 2 and Thursday June 9, from 1:30-3 p.m. This two-session survey of India explores the exotic beauty and intrigue of this ancient land. Ranjana Chawla, the course instructor, received her undergraduate and masters' degrees in Indian history from Delhi University. The fee for this class is $10 for people who live or work in Reston and $20 for all others. Register either in person or by faxing a completed RCC registration form to 703-476-8617. Contact the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500, 703-476-1514 (TTY) or visit the Web site at http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
Herndon Festival. This communitywide celebration will be held from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5, in and around downtown Herndon’s Municipal Center complex and historic Town Hall Square. The festival, produced by the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department with assistance from area civic organizations and businesses, is one of Northern Virginia’s top outdoor events. Festivities begin with a carnival, food and entertainment on two stages. The Herndon Festival is free and open to the public, although there is a charge for some activities. Call 703-787-7300 or visit www.herndonfestival.net.
<b>Friday/June 3</b>
Herndon Festival. This communitywide celebration will be held from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5, in and around downtown Herndon’s Municipal Center complex and historic Town Hall Square. The festival, produced by the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department with assistance from area civic organizations and businesses, is one of Northern Virginia’s top outdoor events. Festivities begin with a carnival, food and entertainment on two stages. The Herndon Festival is free and open to the public, although there is a charge for some activities. Call 703-787-7300 or visit www.herndonfestival.net.
<b>Saturday/June 4</b>
Doggie Expo. The Herndon Parks and Recreation Department is actively soliciting vendors for the 2005 Herndon Festival K9/2K Doggie Expo from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Acceptance into the event is limited with priority given to local businesses and residents. The selection of vendors will be at the discretion of the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department. Call the Herndon Community Center at 703-435-6800, Ext. 2109 or e-mail Kimberly.Wood@herndon-va.gov for an application.
Concert. Reston Concerts on the Town from 7:30-10 p.m. at Reston Town Center Pavilion featuring Radio King Orchestra (Vegas swing). Continuing every Saturday evening in June, July and August. Visit www.restontowncenter.com for a full concert schedule.
Festival. Clyde’s Strawberry Festival at Reston Town Center Pavilion from 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Nature booths, live animals, children’s activities & entertainment. Proceeds from food sales will benefit The Friends of Reston Nature House fund. Call Reston Association at 703-435-6530, or visit www.reston.org.
Strawberry Festival. Celebrate spring at Clyde’s Strawberry Festival at Reston Town Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. After the festival, the season kick-off of the popular summer series, Reston Concerts on the Town, will begin at 7:30 p.m. presenting The Radio King Orchestra (Vegas swing) at the Reston Town Center Pavilion. For more information on Nature House or the Strawberry Festival, please visit the Reston Association Web site at www.reston.org or call RA at 703-435-6514. The Reston Concerts on the Town are free and rain or shine. Call 703-912-4062 for further concert information or visit www.restontowncenter.com for a full summer concert lineup.
Herndon Festival. This communitywide celebration will be held from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5, in and around downtown Herndon’s Municipal Center complex and historic Town Hall Square. The festival, produced by the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department with assistance from area civic organizations and businesses, is one of Northern Virginia’s top outdoor events. Festivities begin with a carnival, food and entertainment on two stages. The Herndon Festival is free and open to the public, although there is a charge for some activities. Call 703-787-7300 or visit www.herndonfestival.net.
<b>Sunday/June 5</b>
Reunion and Picnic. Herndon High School classmates and teachers, from classes 1920-1964 will celebrate at the 14th annual all-class picnic and reunion at Pavilion No. 1 in Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, from noon-5 p.m. Rain or shine. Contact K. Farrar at kayfar@bigplanet.com or 703-430-3975.
Dog Show. The Potomac Valley Shetland Sheepdog Club (PVSSC) invites one and all to a Fun Match, Sheltie Conformation and All-Breed Obedience, at Picnic Area No. 2, Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville. Registration from 9-10:30 a.m., judging begins at 11 a.m. Visit http://www.shetlandsheepdog.us.
Herndon Festival. This communitywide celebration will be held from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5, in and around downtown Herndon’s Municipal Center complex and historic Town Hall Square. The festival, produced by the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department with assistance from area civic organizations and businesses, is one of Northern Virginia’s top outdoor events. Festivities begin with a carnival, food and entertainment on two stages. The Herndon Festival is free and open to the public, although there is a charge for some activities. Call 703-787-7300 or visit www.herndonfestival.net.
<b>Tuesday/June 7</b>
Support Group. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) sponsors groups for injured victims and for relatives and friends of those who have been killed in drunk driving
crashes. The next Injured Victim Support Group meeting will be held at 7 p.m. New participants are always welcome.
Free. Call 703-978-3025.
<b>Wednesday/June 8</b>
Alzheimer’s Seminar. L i f e A f t e r D i a g n o s i s — A p r o g r a m f o r f a m i l y c a r e g i v e r s c o n c e r n i n g A l z h e i m e r s d i s e a s e , t r e a t m e n t , s t a g e s o f p r o g r e s s i o n , c o m m u n i t y r e s o u r c e s a n d w h a t t o e x p e c t . A l z h e i m e rs A s s o c i a t ion Office, 11240 Waples Mill Road, Suite 402, Fairfax, from 6-7:30 p.m. 1-866—259-0042.
<b>Thursday/June 9</b>
Senior Workshop. "Panorama of India" will be held at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne, from 1:30-3 p.m. This two-session survey of India explores the exotic beauty and intrigue of this ancient land. Ranjana Chawla, the course instructor, received her undergraduate and masters' degrees in Indian history from Delhi University. The fee for this class is $10 for people who live or work in Reston and $20 for all others. Register either in person or by faxing a completed RCC registration form to 703-476-8617. Contact the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500, 703-476-1514 (TTY) or visit the website at http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
<b>Friday/June 10</b>
Auditions. Creative Dance Center will be holding auditions for the 2005/2006 dance season for both the Ashburn and Chantilly Competition Teams at the Chantilly studio. Call Chantilly 703-378-1800 or Ashburn 703-724-4900.
<b>Sunday/June 12</b>
Bike-a-thon. American Diabetes Association Tour De Cure from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at Reston Town Center Pavilion and W&OD Trail. Call 202-331-8303 ext. 4535 or visit http://tour.diabetes.org/.
Elderhostel Presentation. Fairfax Elderhostel Alumni Association presents Randal Woodfield, lyric baritone, faculty member of the Peabody Institute's Elderhostel, from 2-4 p.m., at the George Mason Public Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. He will present a sample lesson on Cole Porter's "Kiss Me, Kate!" from his course The Music of Cole Porter, and information on the 17-year-old Peabody Institute's Elderhostel, which offers programs 46 weeks per year. The event is free. Must RSVP to Rebecca Prather at 703-534-2274.
<b>Wednesday/June 15</b>
Senior Social. Seniors are invited to learn about recreational activities in Reston at a free Senior Social, from 1:30-3 p.m., at the RCC, Hunters Woods. The Senior Social will include light refreshments and door prizes. No registration is required for this activity. For information, directions, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500, 703-476-1514 (TTY) or visit the Web site at www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
<b>Thursday/June 16</b>
Alzheimer’s Seminar. How to Have a Good Visit — Learn strategies for meaningful visits with those who have significant memory impairment. This program will explore tips for effective communication and suggestions for activities while visiting. At Sunrise at Hunter Mill, 2863 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, from 7-8:30 p.m. Speaker: Judy Hennessey, M.Ed., RN, health-care education consultant.
Current Events. "Middle East: Behind the Headlines" will be presented by William Kirby, a retired Foreign Service Officer who has spent 40 years dealing with the Middle East, this two-session program will take place on two Thursdays, June 16 and June 23, at 10:30 a.m.-noon, at the RCC Lake Anne. The cost of the program is $10 for Reston residents and $20 for nonresidents. Course listings and registration forms can also be found on RCC's Web site, http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
<b>Saturday/June 18</b>
Taste of the Town. The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce presents the Reston Taste of the Town from noon-10:30 p.m., Market Street, Fountain Square, Reston Town Center Pavilion. Rain date, June 25. With more than 30 of the region’s fantastic restaurants, this annual sumptuous food extravaganza is full of tasty delights from around the world. Free admission. Taste tickets are $1 each. Call 703-707-9045 or visit www.restonchamber.org.
<b>Wednesday/June 22</b>
Senior Movie. Reston Association presents "The Terminal" at Reston Multiplex Cinema. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Movie begins 10 a.m. Free to those 55 years old and older. Call 703-435-6530.
<b>Sunday, June 26
Bike Race. Evolution Cycling and the Reston Bike Club present the Reston Grand Prix from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on the streets within Reston Town Center. Experience the speed and thrills of bicycle races featuring the Mid-Atlantic’s top men and women racers competing for thousands in cash and prizes. Visit www.evolutioncycling.com.
<b>Monday/June 27</b>
Golf Benefit. Kids R First, a recipient of The Best of Reston award this year, will hold its Fourth Annual Golf Classic at Pleasant Valley Golfers’ Club in Chantilly. Proceeds from the classic will be used for school supplies to benefit 13,000 students at 70 schools from grades kindergarten-12. Mini-scholarship opportunities will help students in high schools. For sponsorship inquiries, player registration, guest tickets for post activities or purchase of raffle tickets, call 703-860-2255, or e-mail kidsrfirst2@msn.com. Tax deductible donations can be mailed to Kids R First, P.O. 3242, Reston, VA 20195.
<b>Tuesday/June 28</b>
Blood Drive. Please schedule your appointment time by calling 1-866-256-6372 or online at www.inova.org/donateblood. The INOVA bloodmobile will be located beside the Pavilion near Williams-Sonoma from noon until 7:30 p.m. Onsite registration will be held in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Reston.
<b>Wednesday/June 29</b>
Pottery Program. "The Pottery of Mata Ortiz, Mexico" is a video/question-and-answer program that examines the revival of an ancient Native American pottery style in one Mexican village. This program is free, but registration is required. "The Pottery of Mata Ortiz, Mexico" will be held, from 2-3:30 p.m., at the RCC Lake Anne. Course listings and registration forms can also be found on RCC's Web site, http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
<b>Sunday/July 17</b>
Nature Walk. An update on Reston watershed restoration and a walk in the Buttermilk Creek area, with Diana Saccone of Reston Association. Call the Reston Museum at 703-709-7700.
<b>Saturday/Sept. 17</b>
Multicultural Festival. Reston's 5th Annual Multicultural Festival returns to Lake Anne Plaza, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and will provide a rich multicultural experience. This year, there will be a Spotlight Focus to highlight the culture of a particular region of the world, for 2005 the focus will be Central America. In the future, each year's festival will offer a "spotlight" that will illuminate the culture of a different region of the world. Contact Haywood R. Hopson, the Reston Community Center's special events director, at 703-390-6161 or visit www.restonweb.com/multiculturalfestival/.
<b>Saturday/Nov. 12</b>
Community Gala. The YMCA Fairfax County Reston Gala will "Celebrate the Stars! Mardi Gras Style" at the YMCA. The evening will feature: dinner and cocktails, live music, a live auction, and a silent auction with many great items donated by community partners. 7 p.m.-midnight at the YMCA Fairfax County Reston, 12196 Sunset Hills Road. Individual tickets: $100; Table of 10: $1,000.