<cal1>THURSDAY/SEPT. 22
<cal2>The Naomi Project, a free, confidential, interfaith program sponsored by the Virginia Council of Churches, needs volunteers who will be trained to serve as mentors to at-risk pregnant women and new mothers. Mentors provide positive reinforcement and encouragement, help clients learn about good health during pregnancy, locate needed information and services, model sound parenting skills and support their clients as they plan for healthy, stable futures. The next training session for volunteers is four Thursday evenings this fall — Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 6 — at the Fairfax County Government Center from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed. Contact Pilar Jones at 703 860-2633 or naomiproject@hotmail.com, or visit www.naomiproject.org.
<cal1>SEPT. 22-24
<cal2>Capital Home & Remodeling Expo from Friday, Sept. 23 - Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly. The show features a variety of home-related products and services with more than 500 exhibits, the latest styles and trends showcased in designer rooms and a technology area, and workshops and appearances from local professionals. Show hours are 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors can purchase tickets at www.HomeandRemodelingExpo.com. Admission is $9 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12. Free for children ages 5 and under. Call the show hotline at 703-533-4848.
Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee and Barnes and Noble Booksellers will have a book fair and SAT workshop at the Barnes and Noble in Fairfax, 12193 Fair Lakes Promenade. The workshop will be on Sept. 22-24 at 6:30 p.m. and instructed by a Kaplan-certified instructor.
<cal1>SATURDAY/SEPT. 24
<cal2>A Night of Song and Comedy will occur to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina. The performances will feature student stars of the National Capital Area and Cappie winning alumni from nearby colleges. The show is at 7:30 in the Hayfield theatre at Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Tickets can be ordered online at www.cappies.com or call 703-924-4759. A ten dollar donation is requested but large donations are welcome. All proceeds will be used to benefit families who have recently arrived in Northern Virginia after having been displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
<cal1>SATURDAY/SEPT. 24
<cal2>King of Kings Lutheran Church and Preschool is having its 3rd Annual Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be 20 crafters and vendors offering a variety products. The proceeds will support the educational programs at King of Kings. King of Kings is located at the intersection of Fairfax County Parkway and Route 50, off of Middle Ridge Drive, on Kings Way. Free parking and admission. Visit www.kofk.org or call 703-378-7272.
<cal1>SATURDAY/SEPT. 24
<cal2>The Cox Farm Festival returns to action offering hay rides, slides, rope swings, the fun tunnel, baby animals, food, entertainment and tons of pumpkins. New this year is a music stage for live performances and a young donkey. The festival runs from Sept. 24 – Nov. 6 and is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sept. 24 – Oct. 29) and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Oct. 30 – Nov. 6). $1 from all opening weekend admissions will go to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. 24 hour info line: 703-830-4121.
<cal1>SATURDAY/SEPT. 24
<cal2> The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia is holding a Buddy Walk from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Come join this short Walk followed by a festival featuring live music on two stages, agility dogs, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob, moon bounces, a police helicopter, plus much more. $15 per person, discounts for families. Fairfax City Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Go to www.dsanv.org or call 703-621-7129.
<cal1>SUNDAY/SEPT. 25
<cal2>The Democratic Women of Clifton will be hosting the First Annual Blue Ribbon Classic fundraising event with silent auction from 5-7 p.m. at the home of Marsha and Noel Wolber 7121 Twelve Oaks Drive Fairfax Station, VA 22039. The event is being held to raise campaign funds for local first time local Democratic Delegate candidates; David Bulova, Chuck Caputo, Dave Marsden and Greg Werkheiser. The fund-raiser is open to all Democrats. RSVP: Jane Blechman at 703-239-2616 or jsblechman@aol.com
<cal1>SUNDAY/SEPT. 25
<cal2>The Renaissance Art Club will have its first meeting at the Centreville Library in order to organize the club and form a nonprofit guild. The meeting will run from 2-4 p.m.
<cal1>SUNDAY/SEPT. 25
<cal2>Fair Oaks Mall is celebrating 25 years with an exciting “At Home Event” featuring an afternoon full of activities all designed to celebrate the home. Genevieve Gorder, host and celebrity designer of TLC’s hit series “Town Haul” and “Trading Spaces” will be there to host the event, judge the Domestic Diva Contest, meet customers and sign autographs. Customers are invited to register for a chance to compete in the Domestic Diva Contest and win a $500 home shopping spree. The event runs noon-3 p.m. at Fair Oaks Mall. Visit www.mix1073fm.com for contest registration and rules.
<cal1>MONDAY/SEPT. 26
<cal2>“Katrina Kasino” to Aid Hurricane Victims. Vegas Time Associates of Sterling and the Dulles Airport Marriott Hotel are teaming to sponsor “Katrina Kasino,” a fund-raiser for victims of the recent hurricane. Players will purchase “funny money” for blackjack, craps, roulette and Texas Hold-‘Em by check made out to a charity of their choice. The event hours are 7:30-10:30 p.m., and a grand prize will be awarded by drawing at the end of the evening — the more funny money accumulated, the more raffle tickets for the drawing. A silent auction is also planned, for which additional donations are being sought. To donate an item, or to register in advance, e-mail KatrinaKasino@aol.com, fax 703-444-8636, or call 571-283-1561.
Dealers are volunteering their time and tips for the relief efforts, and the Oakleaf Restaurant at the Marriott will donate 15 percent of checks to the relief efforts for attendees dining there that evening. Vegas Time dealers are especially adept at teaching the games, so this is a unique opportunity to learn without risking real money and aid in hurricane relief at the same time.
<cal1>MONDAY/SEPT. 26
<cal2>Storytime for children ages 2-5 with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. Free. Space is limited. Call 703-830-2223 to register two weeks in advance.
Sully book discussion group on "House of Sand and Fog" by Andre Dubus for adults at 10 a.m. at Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. Free. No registration necessary. Call 703-830-2223.
Stories and activities about small wonders for children ages 12-23 months with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Free. Space is limited. Call 703-502-3883 to register two weeks in advance.
<cal1>MONDAY/SEPT. 26
<cal2>The Historic Centreville Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. Present will be Charles Mauro author of ‘The Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill: A Monumental Storm)’ and ‘Herndon: A Town and its History’. Call 703-352-2370 or 703-830-8547.
<cal1>TUESDAY/SEPT. 27
<cal2>Films for preschoolers ages 2-5 with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. Free. Space is limited. Call 703-830-2223 to register two weeks in advance.
Novel Society book discussion group on "Falling Angels" by Tracy Chevalier for adults at 7 p.m. at Centreville Regional Library, located at 14200 St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. Free. No registration necessary. Call 703-830-2223.
Read-aloud stories, poems and favorite songs for all ages at 7 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Free. Space is limited. Call 703-502-3883 to register two weeks in advance.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 28
<cal2>Stories and activities about hide-and-seek fun for children ages 2-3 with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. Space is limited. Call 703-830-2223 to register two weeks in advance.
Fairfax Corner will host the Little Tots Summer Fun Series on the second and fourth Wednesdays of September. The series will feature free children's entertainment at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the Fountain Plaza outside of the Fairfax Corner Cinemas.
* Sept. 28 — Blue Sky Puppet Theater, "Rufus"
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 28
<cal2> New Neighbors League Club (NNLC) will enjoy a fall fashion show presented by Talbot's. Come see what's new this year in fall fashions. Cost of the luncheon is $25 per person. A social hour begins at 11 a.m. with the lunch and fashion show from 12–2 p.m. The Bamboo Club is located in Fair Oaks Mall. Call 703-453-6116.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 28
<cal2>The Red Hot Mammas, a chapter of the Red Hat Society, located in Centreville, is having a “Get Acquainted Coffee” at the Fairfax County-Sully District Government Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. From 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Ladies 50+ are invited to come to meet and make new friends and join in on the fun. Contact Annetta at 703-988-9366.
<cal1>THURSDAY/SEPT. 29
<cal2>Mothers First is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home and will hold meetings on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 10:15-11:30 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' nights out and lectures. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>FRIDAY/SEPT. 30
<cal2>There will be an All American Sock Hop to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina through the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. It will be held at the Washington Dulles Hilton off Route 28. The band "King Cadillac" will play from 9-midnight. A beginner swing dance class will be held at 8:30 p.m. to teach some basic jitterbug moves. The cost is $15 per person for the class and dance. Throughout the evening there will be drawings, raffles, dollar dances, a silent auction, a dance routine demo by the 8 Week Wonders Dance team, a Dance Jam demo by a variety of experienced dancers, and light refreshments. Call Sue Caley 703-887-3801 or Tom Koerner 703-359-9882
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 1
<cal2>The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust is co-sponsoring "An Introduction to Stream Health", a free hands-on program presented by the Audubon Naturalist Society. To be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the heart of the Popes Head Creek watershed in Clifton to find out what insects can tell us about the health of local streams and how you can participate in efforts to protect water quality. After an introduction to streams and their ecology at the Clifton Community Center, the group will head over to nearby Popes Head Creek for a hands-on exploration of stream life. Then put your knowledge to work and join us for a streamside tree planting after lunch. RSVP to Cliff Fairweather: cliff@audubonnaturalist.org or 703-737-0021. Co-sponsored by the Audubon Naturalist Society and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 1
<cal2> Youth For Tomorrow (YFT), will hold its 20th Annual Country Fair and Auctions at the YFT campus from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Washington Redskin and NFL Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs will host the event.
YFT’s Country Fair is one of the premier fall family events in Northern Virginia, attracting thousands to the campus near Manassas. Hundreds of items will be auctioned in the silent auction tent and blind bid board such as sports and dining packages, NASCAR and Redskins items.
Some of the features are: games, a rock-climbing wall, pony rides as well as hayrides in a Clydesdale-drawn wagon, children's craft activities and exhibits.
Admission to the event is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 17 and under. There is no charge for pre-school children. Parking is free. All proceeds from the fair are used to fund programs for the young men and women who live at YFT.
Call 703-368-7995 or visit www.youthfortomorrow.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 1
<cal2>Centreville High School's Class of 1995 reunion will be held at the Doubletree Tysons Corner in Falls Church. Visit GreatReunions.com for up-to-date information and a list of classmates.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 1
<cal2> A Tour of Local Civil War Railroad Sites. This tour features Civil War sites along the original Orange and Alexandria Railroad in Alexandria and environs. Alexandria stops include the waterfront where major Union activities occurred, the United States Military Rail Road complex, grave sites of people associated with the railroad, existing bridge and actual stream crossing locations, and mill sites and Union encampments west of the then city limits. The environs include stops in Springfield and Lake Accotink Park to discuss wartime activities there.
There is a moderate amount of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat. Van transportation. Rain or shine. Time 8:30-4 p.m.
The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum hosts the tour and all proceeds go to the nonprofit museum. Costs are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Lunch is at a local restaurant at extra cost.
Call 703-978-6820 to make your reservations. Checks should payable to the Fairfax Station RR Museum and mailed to:
Friends of Fairfax Station
P.O. Box 7
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 1
<cal2> Fall for Fairfax will bring old-fashioned family autumn entertainment to more than 30,000 area residents, families and friends. From 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., the 13th Annual Fall for Fairfax will give attendees two stages of live entertainment, hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin painting, scarecrow-making, trackless train rides, face painting, arts and crafts such as candy art, giveaways and a farmers market.
Other attractions at Fall for Fairfax include a rock climbing wall, the Inova Arcade of Health and KidZone presented by Booz Allen Hamilton — where children can enjoy a moon bounce, Velcro wall, slides, and other inflatable fun. The Fairfax County Fire Department will be showing off its fleet of trucks, the Fairfax County Police Department and Tysons Jeep Dodge will team up to demonstrate proper car seat installation, and the Inova Blood Mobile will be accepting blood donations on-site.
Attendees will also be able to enjoy taste delights such as Chinese and Indian food, pizza, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, funnel cakes, kettle corn, and lemonade.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 1
<cal2>Amish Country Quilts and Crafts will be having an Amish quilt and craft sale 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Dulles Expo Center, South Hall, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center. The sale will feature a large selection of 250 quilts, 500 wall hangings, pillows, dolls, artwork, toys, furniture, rugs, books and much more from the Amish and other craftspeople of Lancaster County, Pa. There is no admission charge.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 1
<cal2>The Clifton Community will be holding an Introduction to Stream Health 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the heart of Popes Head Creek watershed to find out why “bugs” can tell us about the health of local streams and how to participate in efforts to protect water quality. After an introduction to streams and their ecology at the Clifton Community Center, the group will head over to nearby Popes Head Creek for a hands-on exploration of stream life. This program is free. RSVP to cliff@audubonnaturalist.org or 703-737-0021.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 1
<cal2>The 13th Annual Plane Pull and Dulles Day Family Festival will take place at Washington Dulles International Airport behind Cargo Building 5 (follow the signs on airport grounds to free parking and free shuttle buses to the cargo ramp). The festival will include a tug-of-war game with an airplane to raise money for the Special Olympics in Virginia. The festival lasts from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and will have live music, food, games, airline ticket raffles, and a car show.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCT. 2
<cal2>Jazz Sets to Benefit Hurricane Victims. A jazz jam-session for Centreville area musicians will be at 4:30 p.m., in Chantilly. The Alan Baylock Quartet with vocalist Christina Crerar leads off the event. The opening set will be a Jazz Vespers focused on creation and compassion, and donations will benefit the Western Fairfax Christian Ministries fund for hurricane evacuees.
The jazz vespers & jam is sponsored by Wellspring UCC, and will be held at the Unity Life Fellowship building, 14088 Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly (just south of Route 50 and east of Route 28). Call 703-257-4111.
<cal1>MONDAY/OCT. 3
<cal2>New Moms Lunch. Mothers and babies newborn to eight months old, come for lunch, speakers, discussions and fun — a different program every week. Bring a friend or come alone. Meet other new moms and babies in the Northern Virginia area. Group meets every Monday from 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. at Il Lupo Italian Restaurant, 4069 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Cost is $20, or a four-lunch series for $75 (good for any four lunches). Reservations are required. Call Rochelle Goldberg at 703-273-5593 or e-mail eventbuilders@hotmail.com.
Upcoming events are:
* Oct. 3: “Safety in and around your home,” with Officer Liz Barrington of the Fair Oaks Police Department Office of Public Safety.
* Oct. 10: No lunch.
* Oct. 17: “Preserving your precious memories in a scrapbook,” with Gayle Allain of Creative Memories.
* Oct. 24: “Early infant communication,” with Dani Waters of the Children’s Speech and Therapy Center.
* Oct. 31: “Great books for mommies and babies,” at A Likely Story Bookstore, Alexandria.
<cal1>FRIDAY/OCT. 7-9
<cal2>The U.S. National Dance Championships will be held at the Westfields Marriot Conference Center, 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly. Three days and nights of workshops for social dancers, social dancing, competitions in 14 dance genres and spectators welcome to all the dances. Call 703-803-9621 or www.USNDC.com.
<cal1>FRIDAY/OCT. 7-9
<cal2> The Mosby Heritage Area Association will sponsor its 8th Annual Conference on the Art of Command in the Civil War in Middleburg. This year’s topic, The Generals and Their Presidents, will focus on the roles that Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis had as commanders-in-chief with their military commanders in the field.
The weekend begins on Friday evening at 4 p.m. with a reception, registration and book browsing followed by presentations by Craig L. Symonds and Emory Thomas. Saturday is filled with six lectures from Gary Ecelbarger, Kim Holien, Robert K. Krick, Steven Woodworth, Robert E.L. Krick, and Brooks Simpson. Brooks Simpson will speak on the relationship of Lincoln and Grant at the conference dinner meeting Saturday evening. Buses will depart Middleburg on Sunday morning for a visit to the Cold Harbor Battlefield, the Museum of the Confederacy and the White House of the Confederacy in Richmond.
For an information brochure or registration form for the conference call the Mosby Heritage Area Association at 540-687-6681, e-mail them at info@mosbyheritagearea.org, or download the registration form from the Web site www.mosbyheritagearea.org.
<cal1>OCT. 7-23
<cal2>"Bell, Book and Candle," John Van Druten's classic comedy, is being presented by Vpstart Crow Productions from Oct. 7-23 at The Cramer Center, 9008 Center St., Old Town Manassas. Gillian, a New York City practicing witch, casts a love spell over the unsuspecting Shepherd Henderson. But Gillian becomes entangled in her own spell, which threatens to cause a loss of all her powers if she falls in love. The production runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There will be a pay-what-you-can preview on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m., as well as a talkback with the audience following the matinee performance on Sunday, Oct. 16. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. For individual tickets contact Tickets.com or call 800-955-5566. For group sales or more information, call 703-365-0240, e-mail vpstartcrow@comcast.net, or visit www.vpstartcrow.com.
<cal1>TUESDAY/OCT. 4
<cal2>The Sully District Council Boy Scouts is hosting its annual Golf Tournament at 1 p.m. at Bull Run Golf Club in Haymarket. The funds raised will support the council budget for Boy Scout activities for the upcoming year. The Council is seeking to enlist sponsors and donors to play and make this a successful event. Included in the entry fee will be green fees, golf carts, lunch, dinner, prizes, awards, and an auction. This will be a four-person scramble. Sponsors may post promotional signage at the sponsored items. Contact Dan Ross, at 703-266-0617 or dross@boyscouts-ncac.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 8
<cal2>The Manassas Community Chorale, under the direction of Becky Verner, will present the first of four concerts at Manassas Baptist Church, 8800 Sudley Road, at the corner of Stonewall Road at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. The concert theme “It’s About Time” will include selections such as “Rock Around The Clock” and “As Time Goes By.” Further information about the Manassas Community Chorale is available at: www.manassascommunitychorale.com.
<cal2>SUNDAY/OCT. 16-17
<cal1>Upstart Crow Productions, a professional theatre company, will hold auditions for its annual holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, on Sunday from 6-9 p.m., and Monday, from 7-9 p.m., at The Cramer Center, located at 9008 Center St. in Old Town Manassas. Callbacks, if necessary, will be Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 7-9 p.m.
No appointments are necessary, and monologues or prepared readings are optional. The directors will require cold readings from the script. All roles are open and paid. Upstart Crow is seeking men and women of all ages and types, and children ages 7 and up. Some actors may be asked to play multiple roles. Contact Upstart Crow at 703-365-0240 or
vpstartcrow@comcast.net or visit www.vpstartcrow.com.
<cal1>TUESDAY/OCT. 18
<cal2>Mothers First will have its monthly lecture, ‘Preschool Panel Discussion’ at 7:30 p.m., at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>FRIDAY/OCT. 21-23
<cal2>The Friends of Chantilly Regional Library are holding their Fall Used Book Sale from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 21 and 22 at the Chantilly Regional Library at 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. A clearance sale will be held on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 12-3 p.m. There will be a wide assortment of children and adult fiction and non-fiction as well as audio visual, textbook, and reference materials all at bargain prices. Call 703-502-3883.
<cal1>THURSDAY/NOV. 10
<cal2>Centreville Quilters Unlimited will have an auction, open to the public, at Colin Powell Elementary School.