<i>To have community events listed in the Connection, send to vienna/mclean/greatfalls@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday.</i>
<b>Thursday /Oct. 8</b>
A Southern Spy in Northern Virginia: The Civil War Album of Laura Ratcliffe, by Charles V. Mauro. McLean Historical Society, 7:30 p.m., at the McLean Community Center , 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101. There is no charge and the Public is welcome. For further information, contact Jacque-Lynne Schulman schulm@erols.com 703-442-9370.
The Fall Legislative Luncheon of the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce will feature candidates Mark Keam and Jim Hyland for the Virginia’s 35th District House of Delegates seat. Candidates will respond to questions from the audience. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the program at noon at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. For costs and additional information, contact the Vienna Chamber at 703-281-1333.
<b>Saturday/Oct. 10</b>
The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting an open house, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Fire station tours, free hot dogs and popcorn, a fire safety house, the chance for children to use a real fire hose, as well as some new learning programs centered on the theme of "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned".Visit the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department website at http://www.vvfd.org
<b>Sunday/Oct. 11</b>
Old Dominion Chrysanthemum Society will present a sneak preview prior to the 2009 Annual Show and demonstrate simple techniques on how to improve the appearance of your Mums and garden flowers for home and/or show presentations. Entries will be received between 2 and 3 p.m. The meeting and show will be held at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church, VA starting with refreshments at 3 p.m. Open to the public. Free Admission. Call Jim Dunne (703-560-8776) for more information.
<b>Tuesday/Oct. 13</b>
National Association Active and Retired Federal Employees Monthly Meeting. 1:30 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna. Congressman Gerry Connolly, Democratic candidate Mark Keam and Republican candidate Jim Hyland will speak. A Blue Cross Blue Shield representative will provide benefit information. 703-205-9041 or 703-698-1838.
<b>Wednesday /Oct. 14</b>
A group for anyone with Multiple Sclerosis and/or their family and friends. Sponsored by the National Capital Chapter of
the MS Society. Free. The group meets the 2nd Wednesday of every
month. 7 p.m., Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St., NE, Vienna To learn more, call 703-768-4841.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) will hold its monthly meeting on October 14, 2009 in room 1600 at the Gatehouse Administrative Center located at 8115 Gatehouse Rd., Falls Church, Virginia, 22042. The meeting begins promptly at 7:30 p.m.NGuests are welcome to observe and/or provide public comment at any meeting. Anyone needing accommodations for a disability in order to attend or participate in this Fairfax County Public Schools activity should call 703-204-3956 or # 711 to access the Virginia Relay TTY service. For more information about the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities, visit http://www.fcps.edu/dss/ACSD
Vinson Hall Retirement Community in partnership with Home Depot, the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and the Fairfax County Building for All Committee will host a panel discussion to address the senior-friendly home improvement options including small changes, such as replacing a doorknob or light switch that can make a big difference in seniors’ everyday lives, 2-4 p.m. Following the discussion, guests may tour Vinson Hall’s Innovative Model of Living, a model apartment that incorporates universal design concepts, or features that can be used and enjoyed by anyone, but are specifically designed to provide accessibility and ease to those with physical and sensory limitations. Home Depot and the Fairfax County Building for All Committee will also have information booths. For more information or to RSVP to this event please call 703-506-2133.
<b>Thursday/Oct. 15</b>
Health Fair and Bazaar at the Lewinsville Senior Center (1609 Great Falls St. McLean VA 22101), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The fair will include flu shots provided by Maxim, glucose and cholesterol screenings provided by Inova, hearing screenings provided by Better Hearing Center, and more. (Flu shots and health screenings are for people 55 years and over).
There is no co-pay with the following health plans as your primary insurance: Medicare part B, Humana Gold and Aetna (all plans). If you are not covered by one of these insurance plans, the cost of the flu shot is $22. Also be sure to stop by our Bazaar Sale hosted by the Advisory Council and open to all ages. For more information call (703) 442-9075.
<b> Tuesday/Oct. 20</b>
The McLean Branch of the American Association of University Women will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the McLean Community Center. The program will feature a representative from the League of Women Voters who will speak about its mission and activities as well as provide an update on the upcoming elections in Virginia. All are welcome. 703-734-0367 or visit www.mcleanaauw.org
<b>Ongoing</b>
Join Volunteers for Change, a program for adults which offers more than 50 weekend and evening volunteer opportunities per month. Visit Volunteer Fairfax for orientation dates, at www.volunteerfairfax.org.
*Widow/Widowers Bereavement Support Group, beginning Saturday, Oct. 10, from 2-3:30 p.m.
The Advisory Board of the Northwest Center for Mental Health Services needs volunteers. We serve and act as advocates for women's shelters, homeless shelters, etc. The Board meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. We are looking for volunteers who are dedicated to improving mental health services.
For more information call Cleveland at 703-435-0868.