<ro>Fresh Produce at Clifton Farmers Market
<lst>Chapel Road in Clifton.
<bt>The Clifton Farmers Market is open each Sunday, from 8 a.m.-noon, on Chapel Road in the post office parking lot. Purchase farm-fresh produce, such as strawberries, lettuce, asparagus and tomatoes, as well as a variety of craft items, chocolate, soap and candles.
<ro>A History of Flying High
<lst>Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly
202-633-1000
<bt>The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center opened in Chantilly in December 2003 and is the companion facility to the Smithsonian Institution’s museum on the National Mall in D.C. Among the planes on display are the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird — the fastest jet in the world — and the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay.
The centerpiece of the museum’s space hangar is the space shuttle Enterprise. The center, which welcomed its millionth visitor in June 2004, also offers an IMAX theater, flight simulations, food service, a museum store, free tours, daily educational programs and school group tours and activities. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Parking costs $12, but admission is free.
Get Involved
<ro>Fight for Human Rights
<lst>Amnesty International
703-830-4194
amnestyusafairfax@lycos.com
<bt>Anyone is welcome to join the Fairfax branch of this crusading club, or just come to discuss current human rights issues from around the world.
<ro>Won't You Be My Neighbor?
<lst>New Neighbors League, 703-453-6116
www.newneighborsvirginia.com
<bt>The New Neighbors League, perfect for newcomers, was established in 1988 to bring together neighbors from all over Northern Virginia. Though it originated as a group for people new to the area, it is open to anyone looking to get to know new people and get involved in activities. The group consists of about 200 women, and members can participate in whichever events interest them. For a $25 membership fee, members are welcome to monthly luncheons, coffees, wine-tastings, bridge, crafts, performing arts, bible study and much more. The Club welcomes new members to join at any time. First year membership is $50.
<ro>Befriend a Child in Need
<lst>PALS Mentoring Program, Contact Brianna Jordan at 703-746-0440, ext. 15.
<bt>This organization is seeking citizens willing to give up some time to make a difference in the life of a child stricken with HIV/AIDS through the agency’s PALS Mentoring Program. Volunteers make a one-year commitment to a child and visit with their "pal" twice a month. Mentors are needed throughout Northern Virginia for children ranging from 6-15 years old. Training and ongoing support is provided and an agency-funded background check is required.
Hey Athlete!
<ro>Southwestern Youth Association
<lst>SYA office is at 5950 Centreville Crest Lane
Centreville
703-815-2180
<bt>Southwestern Youth Association is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that works hard to complete its mission to provide safe, fun athletics for kids of all ages. It offers sports programs for just about every major sport including baseball, basketball, rugby, volleyball and wrestling, and they are offered all year round. After years of volunteer effort and planning, the SYA will see half of its Fields of Dreams creation be completed for use in the fall. It will be comprised of five playing fields situated off Bull Run Post Office Road for several sports. Visit SYA online at www.syasports.org.
<ro>Any Sport, Any Age
<lst>CYA, P.O. Box 220242
Chantilly
<bt>Chantilly Youth Association is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that works hard to complete its mission to provide safe, fun athletics for children of all ages. It offers sports programs for 12 major sports, including football, baseball, cheerleading and basketball. With 14,000 registrants annually, the CYA offers just about something to satisfy any child. For more information, visit CYA online at www.chantillyyouth.org.
History Buffs
<ro>Preserve and Protect Centreville's History
<lst>Historic Centreville Society, 703-830-6123
<bt>Founded by Carol Drake Friedman, the was established in 1987 as a nonprofit organization to promote and encourage historical research, to preserve and protect buildings and sites of historic interest, and to foster and promote public knowledge of and interest in local history. The group has a quarterly newsletter, and a small membership fee of $15 per family. It has four program meetings a year, plus other meetings that are unscheduled. The group meets in the local library and Mount Gilead house to hear speakers of historical importance.
<ro>Relive the Battles of Bull Run
<lst>Manassas National Battlefield Park, 12521 Lee Highway
Manassas
703-361-1339
<bt>Only a few miles down the road from Centreville is a historic, Civil War battlefield, the Manassas National Battlefield Park. This 5,000-acre park is a perfect place to spend a leisurely Sunday walking around the grounds and learning of its significance. Often thought of as a gigantic classroom, the Manassas battlefield is a popular site for field trips.
Take a 30-minute walking tour guided by a ranger, or opt for one of the self-guided tours which range from one mile to five miles. To reach the battlefield, take I-66 West to Exit 47B, Business Route 234 North. Proceed through the first traffic light. Make second right. Henry Hill Visitor Center is at the top of the hill.
<ro>Become a DAR Member
<lst>Contact Jennifer Smith, 703-961-1030
<bt>The Lane's Mill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is small, but active organization that offers a broad range of programs on historic preservation and natural conservation, education of the nation’s youth, promotion of patriotism, and love of the country. Prospective members and guests are encouraged to attend meetings.
The Artsy and Dramatic Side
<ro>2nd Flight Productions
<lst>2nd Flight Productions
703-927-5438
<bt>2nd Flight Productions is a local theater company for Chantilly, Centreville and Manassas. The company is a not-for-profit organization and was formed by local performance artists from the area. 2nd flight is looking to bring high-quality performances and workshops to the Chantilly/Centreville community.
Co-founders include Shannon Khatcheressian, also the theater director at Chantilly High School, and Rebekah Frye, an English teacher at Robinson Secondary School. The company is looking for individuals to work on-stage as well as behind the scenes.
<ro>The Alliance Theatre
<lst>The Alliance Theatre
703-263-2085 or 703-830-1078
<bt>The Alliance Theatre is a community theatre that puts on both adult and children’s productions. In the past, the theatre company has produced "I Ought to be in Pictures," "The Fourposter," and "I Hate Hamlet."
In the summer, the theatre runs a program for adults and children. Through it, Alliance has produced "Oliver," "The Music Man" and "Honk." The summer plays usually involve around 50 children and 25 adults. For information, contact Pat Boswell Kallman at 703-263-2085 or Elaine Wilson at 703-830-1078.
<ro>Westfield Summer Stage
<lst>4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly
703-488-6439
<bt>Sponsored by Westfield Theatre Boosters, Summer Stage provides a fun, summer musical-theatre performance opportunity for middle- and high-school students in Northern Virginia. Summer Stage is a four-week acting workshop culminating in a full, musical-theatre production performed in July.
Students are admitted by auditions held in May. Past productions include "Grease," "Annie Jr.," and "Peter Pan." For a list of upcoming events and performances, see www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com.
<ro>Exercise Your Artistic Palette
<lst>Centreville Regional Art Guild
Meets at the Centreville Regional Library,
14200 Saint Germain Drive
Centreville, Va.
703-631-1856
<bt>Bring your own art, come to discuss art, or just enjoy the art of others every month. The Centreville Regional Art Guild is a nonprofit organization formed to bring together local artists, stimulate ideas and interests, and provide art sessions for budding artists or veterans looking to hone their skills.
For Moms, Dads and Families
<ro>Northern Virginia Summer KidFest
<lst>Town of Clifton Park
<bt>Clifton Park plays host to the annual Northern Virginia Summer KidFest each June. Professional children's entertainers perform throughout the day, and festivities include music, moonbounces, children's crafts and activities, plus vendors' booths and a silent auction for adults. Entry fee is $5, and proceeds from this year's event go toward renovating the park's playground. Call 703-815-8600 or visit www.novakidfest.com.
<ro>Support Mother’s First
<lst>Centreville Regional Library
144200 Saint Germain Drive
Centreville
703-827-5922
<bt>A group organized to support women that have chosen to raise their children at home and require a career change or alteration. A slew of activities for the group include lectures, field trips, mom's night out, etc. Members are dedicated to assisting women in the difficult, but rewarding task of motherhood no matter what obstacles may arise in the transition from the office to the home.
<ro>Lunch with New Moms
<lst>Restaurant Il Lupo
4069 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax
703-273-5593
<bt>If you are a new mother in the area, you may be interested in this fun opportunity to meet with other mothers and their infants to get together for lunch, a speaker and a good time. The group meets every Monday at Restaurant Il Lupo in Fairfax City, and each week there is a different program. Reservations are required for all luncheons. To register, call 703-273-5593 or contact Rochelle Goldberg at eventbuilders@hotmail.com.
<ro>NOVA Chapter of Parents Without Partners
<lst>703-683-1522
<bt>This organization holds many social, family-oriented and educational events, such as hiking, picnics, workshops, moderated discussions and museum trips for men and women with children who do not have a spouse for whatever reason. Membership is $35 a year, and they receive a membership card along with a newsletter listing the month’s events.
Clubs and Organizations
<ro>Get Active, Seniors
<lst>Sully Senior Center
5690 Sully Road
Centreville
703-322-4475
<bt>The Sully Senior Center provides seniors with roughly 40 different activities a month and offers socialization with other people of the same age. Operated by the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services, the Sully Senior Center is housed at Centreville Presbyterian Church, 5690 Sully Road (Route 28), adjacent to the I-66 ramp.
Planned activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a variety of interests — ballroom dancing, billiards, weight-lifting class, Reike, and current events discussions. In addition, there's Sing-Along with Claudia, pizza parties and piano performances, tap and line dancing, to name a few.
The center also offers sightseeing trips to places like Baltimore or the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Every Thursday there is a shopping trip. The cost is $1, and pre-registration is necessary. The center hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., although the seniors usually leave at 2 p.m. when the planned events end.
<ro>Encourage Equality in Fairfax
<lst>P.O. Box 1223
Vienna, Va.
703-255-1552
<bt>Equality Fairfax is a nonpartisan organization that strives to improve the quality of life and meet the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community throughout Fairfax County. Equality Fairfax reflects the diversity of the Fairfax community and builds relationships with business, civic, religious, and community leaders. It also provides regular social events and meetings that inform and promote the community.
<ro>Democratic Women of Clifton
<lst>Clifton Town Meeting Hall,
12641 Chapel Road, Clifton
<bt>The Democratic Women of Clifton is a group active in Democratic, political affairs. For more information, see cliftonwomendems@aol.com.
<ro>Support the GOP
<lst>Sully Government Center
4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly
703-266-9531
<bt>The Western Fairfax Republican Women's Club meets every third Thursday of the month (except this July), at 7 p.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center. There's a guest speaker, plus political discussions and planning of community projects throughout the year.
<ro>Want To Be a Debutante?
<lst>The Old Dominion Cotillion
703-476-9576
<bt>The Old Dominion Cotillion provides an opportunity for parents to prepare their daughters for the adult social world through planned social events culminating with an elegant ball. The annual Debutante Ball is held in July at the Westfields Marriott. The Cotillion welcomes young ladies in their freshman and sophomore years of high school as Future Debutantes, and young ladies in their junior and senior years as Debutantes. The program even continues through college and beyond. The many activities planned during the year-long social season include Ball Week and instruction in dance, poise and the social graces. The events are not only fun, but help prepare the Debutantes for future social situations.
<ro>Soup and Fish Club
<lst>703-815-9073
<bt>The Virginia chapter of the Wodehouse Society is for all ages and meets at various bookstores, libraries and restaurants around Fairfax county. If you love to laugh, talk, and have fun, or simply want to seek refuge from unpleasantries in the gentle writing of the master of farce — P.G. Wodehouse — this club is for you.
<ro>Beam Aboard the USS Athena
<lst>703-862-0457
<bt>This Northern Virginia science fiction and community service organization has been in existence since 1995, sponsoring several educational events annually. Based in Reston, the USS Athena is a club devoted to Star Trek or simply science fiction in general. If you like playing laser tag, working at conventions, socializing and discussing science fiction, or performing community service, this may be the organization for you.