Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6459. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
<b>Thursday/April 16
</b>Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, 7 p.m. at the Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets $14-$95, available by Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Earth Day: Birthday! 10:30 a.m. at the Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Stories, songs and a craft celebrating our Earth. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-249-1520.
Springfield Writers' Group, 7 p.m. at the temporary Richard Byrd Library, 6315 Backlick Road in Springfield, on the second floor of the Bank of America building. Share work, give and receive feedback. Adults. 703-451-8055.
Dope, Burn the Fields, Bitter and Blood Corps. 7:30 p.m. at Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $18 in advance, $20 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Friday/April 17
</b>Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus,10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets $14-$95, available by Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Lunch Bunch, 12 p.m. at the John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring lunch and join us for stories. Birth-5 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Paganfest Amerika II. 5:15 p.m. at Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $10 in advance. $12 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
‘The Judgment Seat II’ by Dr. Russ Houck, 7:30 p.m. at The Harvester Presbyterian Church, 7800 Rolling Road in Springfield. 703-455-7800 or harvesterpca.org.
Lake Accotink Adult Civil War History Program, at Braddock Hall in the King’s Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. The focus is on 1860s life in Fairfax County during the Civil War, the role of women during the war, slavery in 1860s society and period entertainments. $10 fee. Pre-registration required by March 28 at 703-569-3464.
Workhouse Film Institute Screening of ‘Man on Wire.’ Join the Workhouse Film Institute for the second in its series of film screenings 7-9 p.m., in the Workhouse's Gallery W-16. The evening will include a short reception and an artists Q&A after the screening of the film. Tickets are $10 each. To reserve tickets call 703-584-2900. Workhouse Arts Center is located at 9601 Ox Road, Lorton.
<b>Saturday/April 18
</b>The Shenandoah University Conservatory Dance Ensemble performing the works of Alwin Nikolais, 3 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9517 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Includes opportunities for audience interaction with dance professor Kim Gibilisco. clorange@su.edu or acambel@su.edu.
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets $14-$95, available by Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Summer Reading Program Sneak Preview, 10 a.m. at the Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. A sneak preview of 2009's Summer Reading Program. Youth Services Staff will discuss their favorite books. 703-249-1520.
Artists’ Reception at the Artists’ Undertaking Gallery, 4-6:30 p.m. at 309 Mill St. in Occoquan. “Artistic Impressions” is an exhibit of hand-built pottery by Sherri Johnson of Fairfax and digitally painted photographs by David and Jane Ernst of Springfield. The exhibit runs April 7-May 4, and the gallery is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 703-494-0584 or at www.theartistsundertaking.com.
Y&T, Switched at Birth, Sinners Trail and Under Command. 8 p.m. at Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $25 in advance, $28 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
‘The Judgment Seat II’ by Dr. Russ Houck, 7:30 p.m. at The Harvester Presbyterian Church, 7800 Rolling Road in Springfield. 703-455-7800 or harvesterpca.org.
Lake Accotink Adult Civil War History Program, at Braddock Hall in the King’s Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. The focus is on 1860s life in Fairfax County during the Civil War, the role of women during the war, slavery in 1860s society and period entertainments, with additional presentations on medicine, soldier’s camp life, learning to load cannon, rudimentary infantry drill and firing blank rounds in a black powder musket. $10 fee. Pre-registration required by March 28 at 703-569-3464.
Art Exhibit and Sale. The Kingstowne Area Artists Association will exhibit and sell its work 12-5 p.m., at the Snyder Center located at 6450 South Van Dorn St., Kingstowne. Free. Work in a variety of media will be displayed, including: acrylics, oils, watercolor, mixed media, pastels, photography, pen and ink and digital media. Refreshments will be served. For directions to the Snyder Center, go to www.kingstowne.org. For more, contact Ginny Sywyj at duchessducky@msn.com or Nancy Hannans at nhannans@cox.net.
The Lions Club Flea Market. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at the VRE Parking Lot, 6900 Hechinger Drive/5701 Backlick Road, Springfield. Free. Vendors $15. 703-960-6739. www.sfhostlions.org. All funds earned go for Lions charities.
ECHO Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Bernadette Catholic Church Gym, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. All proceeds are used to support ECHO programs. For additional information call 703-569-9160 or 703-440-1353.
Friends of the Occoquan Clean Up Day at Occoquan Water Trail, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. River and shoreline clean up of the Occoquan River at Fountainhead Regional Park, Bull Run Marina, Occoquan Regional Park, The Town of Occoquan and Lake Ridge Park.
Art in the Park at Occoquan, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Artists from the Workhouse Arts Center will display their art and also be creating new work along the riverfront at Occoquan Regional Park, 9520 Ox Road, Lorton. Contact: John Houser, 703-690-2121 or Occoquan@nvrpa.org.
<b>Sunday/April 19
</b>Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets $14-$95, available by Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
N-Scale Model Trains, 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum at 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Admission is $2 adults, $1 children. 703-425-9225 or www.fairfax-station.org.
OWL Bull Run Virginia Bluebell at Occoquan Water Trail, 1-5 p.m. $2/$3 launch fee. River paddle along the upper Occoquan. Contact Jim Zawlocki, www.cpakayaker.com.
Paddle Adventure-Morning Tour at Pohick Bay, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., at 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton. $30 per person or group rate. Enjoy a morning park paddle tour on the water before the hustle and bustle of boaters. See eagles in the morning light as they hunt for the day. No experience is necessary Contact: 703-339-6104.
Art in the Park at Occoquan, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Artists from the Workhouse Arts Center will display their art and also be creating new work along the riverfront at Occoquan Regional Park, 9520 Ox Road, Lorton. Contact: John Houser, 703-690-2121 Occoquan@nvrpa.org.
Exhibition. Members of the Workhouse Artist Associates are exhibiting a variety of works in the Associates Gallery, Gallery W-16, First Floor through May 16. Free reception for this exhibition and for the Workhouse Art Guild exhibition April 19, 2-4 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists to learn more about their work. Workhouse Arts Center is located at 9601 Ox Road, Lorton.
The American Philharmonic, conducted by Luis Haza of the National Symphony Orchestra, will perform “Virtuosity” at 1 p.m., at George Mason University Center for the Arts in Fairfax. The concert features violinist Marina Aikawa, AYP Concertmistress and protege of Maestro Luis Haza, performing Paganini's “Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major.” Repertoire also includes Verdi's “Overture to Nabucco,” Tchaikovsky's “Pas de deux” from “Nutcracker Suite No. 2” and Elgar's “Enigma Variations.” Tickets are $10 for students, including college; $10 for seniors, age 62 and above; and $14 for adults. Children ages 5 and younger are free. Buy tickets at www.aypo.org or at the door.
‘The Sari Soldiers’ a film by Julie Bridgham. 4-6 p.m., at the Ernst Community Cultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Tickets: $10 and students: $8. Online purchase available at www.cmiNepal.org.
Spring Birding Outing at Huntley Meadows Park. 8-11 a.m. Search for warblers, thrushes waterfowl and a host of other birds at the park as we approach the peak of spring migration. Following the hike, recap the sightings during a continental breakfast at the visitor center. Bring binoculars and field guides. Reservations are required and the cost is $8 per adult. For information or reservations for all the events, call 703-768-2525. Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria.
Eco-Savvy Expo. 12-4 p.m. at the Huntley Meadows Visitor Center. Host of presentations available including tips for shade-gardening, rain garden plant lists, wildlife brochures and ideas for attracting local native wildlife. Purchase native plants, bee boxes, rain barrels and wildflower seed mixes. Free, small fee for some presentations. For information or reservations for all the events, call 703-768-2525. Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria.
Meet Author Marfe Ferguson Delano. 2-4 p.m., at the Huntley Meadows Visitor Center. Delano will sign her new book, “Earth in the Hot Seat.” Her book is for children and speaks about global warming. This publication is illustrated with photographs from the National Geographic Society. The event is free to attend and books will be available to purchase. For information or reservations for all the events, call 703-768-2525. Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria.
Electric Sunday. Fairfax County residents will be able to recycle televisions, computers and peripheral electronic devices from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Interstate 66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax. This is a free service available only to Fairfax County residents provided by Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program. Devices from businesses will not be accepted at these events. For more, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/recycling or call 703-324-5250, TTY 711.
<b>Monday/April 20
</b>Stretch Your Mind, 2 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Join us for brain teasers and puzzles designed to make you think. Age 6-12. 703-339-4610.
<b>Tuesday/April 21
</b>Down Came the Rain, 10:30 a.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Raindrop stories and activities. Age 13-23 months with adult. 703-339-4610.
Scoping Out the Bear, 7 p.m. at the Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Bessette discusses Air Force reconnaissance during the Cold War, including Strategic Air Command missions, information collected and how it was used. 703-249-1520.
Resume Skill-Building Workshop, 7 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Adults. 703-339-4610.
Computer Tutoring, 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Get one-on-one help with computers, common software applications and navigating the Internet. Call to sign up. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Evening Book Discussion Group, 7:30 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. “Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance” by Barack Obama. Adults. 703-339-4610.
‘A Night of Broadway: It’s Too Darn Hot!’ George Mason University’s University Chorale performs under the direction of music department professor Dr. Lisa A. Billingham with graduate assistant Amanda Grizzle, accompanied by Jane Kaye on the piano. 8 p.m., at the Harris Theater on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus. Tickets for the George Mason University’s University Chorale performances are $15 adult, $10 student/senior. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit www.tickets.com. Harris Theater is located on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
<b>Wednesday/April 22
</b>Mother-Daughter Book Club, 7 p.m. at the Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Book club for girls age 9-11 and their mothers. 703-249-1520.
Using Ancestry and Heritage Quest for Genealogy Research, 7 p.m. at the John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Tips and tricks from a Virginia Room Librarian. Adults. 703-971-0010.
Older Adults Book Group, 2 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. “Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America 1789-1989” by Michael R. Beschloss. 703-339-4610.
Travel Club, 1 p.m. at the temporary Richard Byrd Library, 6315 Backlick Road in Springfield, on the second floor of the Bank of America building. Bring lunch and enjoy a discussion. Adults. 703-451-8055.
Small Wonders, 10:30 a.m. at the John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories, fingerplays and activities. Age 13-23 months with adult. 703-971-0010.
English Conversation Group, 6 p.m. at the Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Practice your English with other adults. 703-339-7385.
Practice Your English, 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation groups for adults learning English. 703-339-4610.
Friends of Burke Centre Library Annual Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at the Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Join the Friends for a program on bookbinding, presented by a representative from Berryville Graphics. Also includes election of officers and voting on bylaw changes. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Writer’s Group, 7 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Review peers' works and receive feedback on your own work. Adults. 703-339-4610.
Mother-Daughter Book Group, 7 p.m. at the John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call for the title and to sign up. Age 9-11 with adult. 703-971-0010.
The Haunted, Nachtmystium, Kylesa, Intronaut, The Osedax and Kysmet. 6:15 p.m. at Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $18 in advance, $20 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Thursday/April 23
</b>April Showers, 10:30 a.m. at the temporary Richard Byrd Library, 6315 Backlick Road in Springfield, on the second floor of the Bank of America building. Storytime with books, songs and fingerplays about rain. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-451-8055.
Preschool Storytime, 1 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Join us for stories, songs and activities! Age 3-5 with adult. 703-339-4610.
Suicide Silence and Bury Your Dead. 6:15 p.m. at Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $13 in advance, $15 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Friday/April 24
</b>Kings of Leon, 8 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Tickets are $45, available online at www.ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT. www.patriotcenter.com or www.kingsofleon.com.
Lunch Bunch, 12 p.m. at the John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and join us for stories. Birth-5 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Dance Gavin Dance, Attack Attack, Lower Definition, In Fear and Faith, Girls Get All the Action and Escape Takes Lead. 6:15 p.m. at Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $12 in advance, $14 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Saturday/April 25
</b>The Arthritis Walk Fairfax, 9 a.m. at Robinson Secondary School, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, to raise funds and awareness to fight arthritis. Participants walk in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis on a 3-mile or 1-mile course and take part in activities for the entire family. Visit www.letsmovetogetherfairfax.kintera.org or contact Christina Thomas at 202-537-6800, ext. 3016 or cthomas@arthritis.org.
“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” 3 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9517 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Performed by members of the Shenandoah University Conservancy. Includes opportunities for audience interaction with Director Jonathan Flom. clorange@su.edu or acambel@su.edu.
Movement in Response to Nature, 11 a.m.-1p.m. Participate in improvisational movement in Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. A creative way to experience wonder, meditation, and playfulness in a natural setting. No experience necessary. Reservations required. $10. 703-768-2525.
Hartwell Eagle Festival and David Klinghard 5K Walk-Run, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Check-in and walk-up registration for the 5K walk-run will be at the Flag Circle. Registration is $20 per person or $30 per family of four or fewer. Festival events begin at 10 a.m. with demonstrations, exhibits, live music, magic shows, Reptiles Alive and Under the Sea. Festival admission and parking are free. 703-339-2384 or www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/mas.shtml.
‘It's All about the Cats’ Adoption Day sponsored by Commonwealth Cat Rescue, Inc., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 5935 Fred's Oak Road - Burke, 703-757-8560. Contact Chris C. Haslam, Commonwealth Cat Rescue, Inc. at 703-568-3600.
‘Both Sides Civil War Tour,’ 8 a.m.-8 p.m. beginning at the Franconia Museum in the Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Road. Bus tour to Monocacy’s new visitor’s center, the Camp David museum, Harrisburg and the National Civil War Museum. $100 per person includes lunch, admission to the National Civil War Museum and a contribution to the Franconia Museum and the Monocacy Battlefield Park. Contact Don Hakenson at 703-971-4984 or dhakenson@cox.net.
Enjoy Gardening as a Family, 10:30 a.m. at the John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Join a horticulturist from Green Spring Gardens to learn the fun of gardening. All ages. 703-971-0010.
Back in Black and more. 8 p.m. at Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $12 in advance, $15 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
Virginia Ballet Company presents “Giselle.” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the Ernst Community Cultural Center Theater at the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. Tickets are on sale online at www.virginiaballetcompany.org. Reserved seating is $30 for adults and $20 for children, seniors and students. Group rates are available; for further information please call 703 249-8227.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Is Oxygen the Problem and Why? Paul Cheney, M.D./Ph.D., of Asheville, N.C., presents a general overview and his CFS treatment protocol to the Northern VA Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyagia (CFS/FM) Support Group at the Fairfax Governmental Center, Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035, from 6-9 p.m. Registration requested. No cost. For more information, contact Elly Brosius via 703-968-9818, cfsupport-owner@yahoogroups.com or visit geocities.com/cfsnova/events.html.
Shakespeare’s “Henry V” presented by the Acting Company. 8 p.m., at the GMU Center for the Arts. Tickets are $36, $28 and $18. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit www.tickets.com. The Center for the Arts complex is located on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
<b>Sunday/April 26
</b>Virginia Ballet Company presents “Giselle.” 2 p.m., in the Ernst Community Cultural Center Theater at the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. Tickets are on sale online at www.virginiaballetcompany.org. Reserved seating is $30 for adults and $20 for children, seniors and students. Group rates are available; for further information please call 703 249-8227.
James Fenimore Cooper’s “The Spy” presented by the Acting Company. 4 p.m., at the GMU Center for the Arts. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 minutes prior to each performance on the Center’s Grand Tier III. Tickets are $36, $28 and $18. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit www.tickets.com. The Center for the Arts complex is located on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
<b>Monday/April 27
</b>Writer’s Group, 7 p.m. at the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Review peers' works and receive feedback on your own work. Adults. 703-339-4610.
Kindergarten Orientation. 2 p.m. in the Rolling Valley Elementary School cafeteria, 6703 Barnack Drive, Springfield. 703-923-2700. E-mail gerry.chechile@fcps.edu. Students must be 5 by Sept. 30, 2009 to register for kindergarten.