<i>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.</i>
<b>ONGOING</b>
The Fairfax County Police Department is now seeking residents to attend the upcoming Spring Citizens Police Academy, held Thursday evenings March 12 through May 16. The Citizens Police Academy offers Fairfax County citizens a better understanding of the Police Department and a greater awareness of the daily challenges faced by its officers.
The Citizens Police Academy is a 10-week program designed to provide members of the public a unique "glimpse behind the badge."
The Spring Citizens Police Academy will be held Thursday evenings from March 12 through May 16, 2009. Classes meet from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the exception of graduation which will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Class locations will rotate to various police facilities throughout the county.
The program is offered free of charge. Applicants are required to live or work in Fairfax County, must be 18 years of age, and provide their own transportation to and from training. Acceptance is subject to review of applicant’s criminal record and police contact history.
For more information or an application form, e-mail CPA@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-280-0713.
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is searching for a new partner to operate Hemlock Overlook Regional Park. Hemlock Overlook Regional Park is one of 22 parks owned by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
The facility includes a zip line through the woods and a high elements challenge course. All features at the facility have been used for team building and environmental education for both fifth and sixth graders. Various companies and organizations have also utilized the facility in order to promote and strengthen teambuilding skills. The park includes 275 acres of rolling woodlands situated on the banks of Bull Run in Clifton. Also included are cabins, rest room/shower buildings, mess hall, administration building, and several picnic shelters.
Organizations interested in submitting proposals can obtain a copy of the newly release request for proposals at: http://www.nvrpa.org/html/index.php?pg=bidsproposals.html
Centreville Regional Library will be offering AARP Tax-Aide to walk-in clients on Tuesdays from 1-8 p.m.; Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Feb. 1 through April 15. The library is at 14200 St. Germaine Dr., Centreville. This year, all tax returns will be electronically filed. All taxpayers MUST bring a government issued picture ID and Social Security cards for all persons included on the tax return. For more information, call 1-888-227-7669 (AARP NOW) or visit the Web site at www.aarp.org/taxaide.
Austin Grill in Centreville is holding a Kids Eat Free (2 per paying adult) on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m.
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.
<b>Friday, Jan. 30</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.
<b>Jan. 30-Feb. 1</b>
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival kicks off the 2009 season with its annual craft show highlighting 300 artisans on Friday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. Shoppers will find unique creations in functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, furniture and home accessories, items for the garden, and photography. Hours are Friday, Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7/adults online, $8/adults at door, free for children under 12. The Dulles Expo Center is located at 4320 Chantilly Place Center in Chantilly. Visit www.SugarloafCrafts.com or call 800-210-9900.
<b>Saturday/Jan. 31</b>
Del. Chuck Caputo will host a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly.
<b>Sunday/Feb. 1</b>
Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow when he ventures out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Hill on Groundhog Day? People have relied on this famous groundhog’s uncanny weather-forecasting abilities since 1886. This year, attend a festive program at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly to meet Phil’s distant cousin, the larger-than-life Walney groundhog.
Bring your family and celebrate Groundhog Day early while learning interesting facts, visiting the groundhog’s home, and playing groundhog games on Sunday, Feb. 1 from 1 to 2 p.m. Reservations are required for this free program. To register, call 703-631-0013.
Cold weather invites indoor activities. Why not add a bit of history to the mix for a delightful family adventure at Sully? Checkers, nine pins, a bean bag toss and other old fashioned games will be set up for play at Sully Historic Site from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, and again on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009. These games were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and are a fun way for visitors to experience the lighter side of life on the former farm.
Play games for $2 and make an historic toy for an additional $2. Tours of the main house are available at a separate cost of $6 per adult and $4 per senior and child. To make a reservation, please call 703-437-1794.
<b>Tuesday/Feb. 3</b>
The Northern Virginia Holistic Moms will hold its February meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. This month's topic is: "Osteopathic Manipulation" Learn about a holistic treatment option with guest speaker Michael Porvaznik.
<b>Thursday/Feb. 5</b>
Book author Anthony Pitch will hold a discussion and signing for "They Have Killed Papa Dead!" The Road to Ford’s Theatre, Abraham Lincoln’s Murder, and The Rage for Vengeance, on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Borders in Fairfax, 11054 Lee Hwy., Fairfax. Call 703-359-8420.
<b>Saturday/Feb. 7</b>
The Lane's Mill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its monthly meeting on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Sully Government Center. Those interested in the DAR and attending are welcome and should contact jsmithtot@aol.com.
<cal2>The Nighthawks band will perform on Saturday, Feb. 7 at Sully's in Chantilly.
<b>Monday, Feb. 9</b>
Special story time with Susan Crites, children's author of "I Love You More Than Rainbows," on Monday, Feb. 9 at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library. All ages welcome. Go to www.susancrites.com.
<b>Wednesday/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.
<b>FEB. 12-15</b>
Valentines, Singing Valentines! For that "very special someone" in your life, send an elegantly dressed traditional Barbershop quartet from the Fairfax Jubil-Aires Barbershop Harmony Chorus to serenade your loved one with a Valentine gift that will be cherished and remembered in the years to come. Your very special Valentine will include two romantic love songs sung in the Barbershop style, a red rose, a box of chocolates, and a personalized Valentines card from you. Quartets are available on Feb 12th,13th, 14th, and 15th at a location of your choosing. All this for only $70 on Feb 14th. Special Pricing of only $50 on Feb 12,13, and 15. Call Ron at 703-978-7691.
<b>FEB. 13-14</b>
The Alliance Theatre will present "Plaza Suite" on Feb. 13-14, 20-21 at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees on Feb. 14 and 22 at 2 p.m. Performances will be held at Mountain View High School, 5775 Spindle Court, Centreville. Tickets are $10 with group discount pricing available and $8 for seniors and children under 12. For tickets, order online at TheAllianceTheatre.org.
This play is directed by Kevin C. Robertson and produced by Elaine Wilson and Maggie Swan. The small cast includes old and new faces including Jym Newton (Sam), Janet Deweke (Karen), Kelly Ingram (Jean/Mimsey), Ryan Ingram (Bellhop), John Ingargiola (Jesse), Anja Akstin (Muriel), Sean Wilson (Roy), Sarah Daniels (Norma) and Ian Burns (Borden.) For more information about how to join The Alliance Theatre, family visit TheAllianceTheatre.org or call Elaine Wilson at 703-830-1078.
<b>Thursday/Feb. 19</b>
The Western Fairfax Republican Women's Club will host Del. Tim Hugo on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. Hugo will be speaking on Virginia's General Assembly and how most of us are more concerned about how short our pocketbooks will be with a reported $3 billion shortfall. The address is 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. For details, go to www.wfrwc.org.
La Leche League of Centreville/Chantilly will hold its February meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. The topic is "The Family and the Breastfed Baby". Pregnant and nursing women as well as their children are welcome to attend. Meeting location for February is the Chantilly Library, 4000 Stringfellow Rd. Free. Call a La Leche League Leader at 703-471-7762 or 703-449-0131.
<b>FEB. 26-28</b>
The Capital Home & Garden Show will be held Feb. 26 – March 1, at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. Look for valuable show specials, get expert advice and learn cost-saving measures all under one roof. Hours are Thursday, Feb. 26 from 5-9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $12/adults, $3/children (6-12) and free kids 5 & under. Go to www.CapitalHomeShow.com.
<b>Tuesday/March 3</b>
The Northern Virginia Holistic Moms will hold its March meeting on Tuesday, March 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. This month's topic is: "Organic Gardening" Hear organic gardening tips from Mitch Baker of American Plan and Nursery.
<b>Saturday/March 7</b>
Del. Chuck Caputo will host a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, March 7 from 2-4 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly.
<b>APRIL 3-5</b>
Women's Show of Northern Virginia — Informing, Entertaining & Celebrating Women, will be held April 3-5 at Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. The 3-day event will have fashion shows, musical entertainment, celebrity appearances, cooking demos, prizes, as well as hundreds of exhibitors with information, services and products on healthy living, childcare, education, travel and more.
<b>Sunday/Aug. 23</b>
The Caring Hands Animal Hospital will hold its annual Open House on Sunday, Aug. 23 at its location at 5659 Stone Road in Centreville. Visitors are welcome to come and tour the hospital, meet the doctors and staff, participate in a silent auction, meet local rescue groups, spin a prize wheel, etc. All proceeds from the day go directly to benefit local pet rescue groups.