<i><lst>Send announcements to the Reston Connection, by mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, by e-mail to reston@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.</i>
Reston Epilepsy Group of The Epilepsy Foundation of the Chesapeake Region meets Dec. 9, 7-8:30 p.m., Herndon High School, 700 Bennett St., Entrance 5, Room 123. Call 703-425-6660.
Reach to Recovery Program. The American Cancer Society offers free services to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo recent surgery. A trained volunteer who has survived breast cancer is available to talk with patients confidentially, provide helpful information and offer emotional support. A "Reach kit” is given to each patient, which includes a leisure bra, a soft prosthesis for mastectomy patients, exercise items and literature. Held on the first Thursday of the month, at 10 a.m. Call 703-938-5550.
Mitral Valve Prolapse/Sysautonomia Support Group. The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month, at noon. Call 703-689-9240.
Ombudsman Program. Volunteers are needed for the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Volunteers are assigned to a specific nursing home or assisted living facility and make weekly visits. Using the skills of listening, observing and mediating, the ombudsman works with the residents, their families and the staff of the facility to ensure that residents' rights are being protected. Applicants must successfully complete a training session and must be available to volunteer four hours per week, primarily during business hours. Call 703-324-5435 for an application. Visit www.co.fairfax.va.us/service/aaa/html/ombud_main.htm.
Foster Care. Homes are needed in the area for foster children. Call Children’s Services of Virginia at 703-331-0075 or visit www.childrensservicesofva.com.
Haven of Northern Virginia. A support group for suicide survivors. The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. There is no charge and space is limited. Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org.
The Family Compass talks are free and open to the public. Presenters will be available for 30 minutes before and after talks to discuss issues with attendees and answer questions. RSVPing is not mandatory, but preferred. 11150 Sunset Hills Rd., Suite #150 in Reston. Call 703-471-5517 or visit www.familycompassgroup.com.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder support groups sponsored by the OCD Foundation. Family and friends group meets on the first Monday of each month from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Call Marie at 703-978-6425. Sufferers group meets every Monday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Call Peter at 703-535-6575. Both groups meet at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, from 7:30-9:30 p.m.