To have community events listed in Centre View, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to <a href=mailto:centreview@connectionnewspapers.com> centreview@connectionnewspapers.com</a> or fax to 703-917-0991. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6434.
<b>ONGOING</b>
Austin Grill in Centreville is holding a Kids Eat Free (2 per paying adult) on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m.
Yoplait Pink Lids are being collected by the Western Fairfax Alumnae of Zeta Tau Alpha. Yoplait will donate 10 cents to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and 5 cents to the ZTA Foundation for every lid sent in by Zeta. A pink drop box can be found in the Centreville United Methodist Church narthex (intersection of Route 28/New Braddock Road) on the mission table until Dec. 9.
Chick-fil-A at Fair Oaks Mall hosts "Family Night" every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Every week there is a free, different activity to entertain kids of all ages. Come celebrate at Fair Oaks Mall, located inside the main entrance between Sears and Macy’s. Call us 703-279-1883 or email at CFAEVENTS@aol.com.
Our Neighbors Child is the local organization that steps in during the holiday to provide toys and clothing for families in the immediate ZIP code who are having a difficult time. Through the help of 15 local churches, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries-Ways and Means, and many school counselors and social workers, ONC is able to determine the families who have the greatest need. Local volunteers then work together to meet those needs.
In its 17th year, ONC is looking for groups or individuals that would "adopt" the special needs of local families for the holiday season. The focus this year is on winter coats. Specific family information will not be available until Thanksgiving. If you are interested in helping, email to Kathy Sposa and Tracy McInturff at Sposafamily@aol.com.
The Clock Tower Thrift store in Centreville needs volunteers on weekdays and weekends to help in sorting out merchandise, tagging and organizing it. Volunteers (not younger than 16 years old) will also greet and assist customers that bring donations and buy store items. Northern Virginia Family Service has served low income individuals and families for over 80 years. Contact Monica Arispe at 703-219-2193 or volunteer@nvfs.org. Court-ordered volunteers are welcome.
<b>DEC. 18</b>
Mothers First - Chantilly/Centreville is a nonprofit support organization dedicated to helping women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Meetings are first and third Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library,14200 St Germain Dr., Centreville. Contact 703-827-5922 or www.mothersfirst.org.
<b>DEC. 19-21</b>
The Alliance Theatre and Westfield Theatre Boosters is presenting "A Christmas Carol" Dec. 19-21. The showtimes are Dec. 19, 20 at 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 20-21 at 2 p.m. at Mountain View School in Centreville. Tickets are $10/adults, $8/students and seniors. Produced by Elaine Wilson and directed by Matt Lanoue-Chapman, the show features adorable Tiny Tim, those spooky Christmas ghosts, and a multigenerational cast of dozens of actors. For tickets, call 703-834-0200 or visit www.thealliancetheatre.org. Mountain View School is at 5775 Spindle Court, Centreville.
<b>Friday/Dec. 19</b>
Swing Dances are held every Friday night at the Dulles Hilton in the Red Fox Room with Sue and Gary Caley. Drop-in beginner lesson included in price of admission from 8:30-9 p.m. Live music from 9 p.m. to midnight. Cost is $15. All ages welcome, large dance floors, air conditioned. Hilton Washington Dulles Hotel, 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon. Go to www.gottaswing.com for details etc.
* Dec. 19 — King Teddy (and our Winter Wonderland Dance with decorations desserts and lots of sparkle!);
* Dec. 26 — JP McDermott and the Bop, also our annual PJ party so wear your Pajama's! We'll bring the milk and cookies.
<b>DEC. 20-21</b>
Encore Theatrical Arts Project presents "Over the North Pole," its 12th Annual Holiday Spectacular. Written by Brandon Kalbaugh and directed and choreographed by Raynor van der Merwe. See www.encore-tap.org. The dates are Dec. 20 at 1, 4, 8 p.m.; and Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Harris Theatre, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Cost is $15/students and seniors; $17/adults; $15 Scout Special (includes behind-the-scenes tour, pre-seating and snack). Visit www.encore-tap.org or call 703-222-5511.
<b>Saturday, Dec. 20</b>
The Fairfax County Park Authority is freeing up some shopping time for busy parents this year. Drop the kids off (ages 6 to11) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Saturday, Dec. 20 for food, fun and holiday shopping. Adults can use this time to finish their last-minute shopping and wrapping. Reservations are required and the cost is $20 per child.
On Tuesday, Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon, the staff at E.C. Lawrence Park will watch children ages 3 to 5. The kids will be kept busy and entertained with nature stories around the campfire, a snack, and they will make a holiday craft. Reservations are required and the cost is $12 per child. E.C. Lawrence Park is located at 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. Call 703-631-0013 to reserve a spot for either activity.
Get a glimpse of historic Christmas celebrations at Sully Historic Site on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 1-4 p.m. During the afternoon tour, visit with members of the recreated 54th Engineers Battalion as they do their best to enjoy a holiday while on duty during World War II. Inside the house, a World War II Washington Post correspondent works to report the latest news. In the exhibit room, gather ‘round the Christmas tree as costumed interpreter recalls a childhood holiday spent at Sully. The nine-foot cedar tree sparkles with gilded walnuts, and boughs bend as they enfold dolls, pop-guns and toys of a bygone era. Tours are given on the hour. The cost is $6 for adults, $5 for students, and $4 for seniors and children. Call 703-437-1794. Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly, near Dulles Airport.
<b>DEC. 27, 28, 29</b>
The Virginia Ballet Company and School will present the classic Nutcracker ballet in its 59th consecutive season. These performances are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day at the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Campus in the Ernst Community Cultural Center Theater. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children, students and seniors. Group pricing is available for groups of 10 or more for the same performance. Tickets may be purchased through the website, www.virginiaballetcompany.org or at the door. A limited number of $10 open seating tickets is available for the working stage rehearsal on Dec. 26 at 6:30 p.m. They must be purchased in advance and may be purchased through the Web site. Go to www.virginiaballetcompany.org or call 703 249-8227.
<b>Thursday, Jan. 8</b>
Mothers First - Chantilly/Centreville is a nonprofit support organization dedicated to helping women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Meetings are first and third Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library,14200 St Germain Dr., Centreville. Contact 703-827-5922 or www.mothersfirst.org.
<b>Thursday, Jan. 15</b>
La Leche League of Centreville/Chantilly will hold its January meeting on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. The topic is "The Advantages of Breastfeeding to Mother and Baby". Pregnant and nursing women as well as their children are welcome to attend. Meeting location is the Centreville Library, 14200 St. Germaine Drive. Free. Call a La Leche League Leader at 703-471-7762 or 703-449-0131.
<b>Thursday, Jan. 22</b>
Mothers First - Chantilly/Centreville is a nonprofit support organization dedicated to helping women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Meetings are first and third Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library,14200 St Germain Dr., Centreville. Contact 703-827-5922 or www.mothersfirst.org.
<b>Feb. 11</b>
Pre-Schoolers Plus, chapter of Mothers First, a support group for women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children. 7:30 p.m., Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Pl, Oakton. Contact 703-827-5922 or www.mothersfirst.org.