Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
<b>Thursday/Sept. 10
</b>Third Annual Positive Aging Fair: Tools for Creative Aging. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. The New Yorker magazine cartoonist Mort Gerberg will share his knack for finding humor in aging as the keynote speaker.The aging fair provides information and resources that promote active aging through healthy lifestyles that help seniors live longer, more independently and more positively. General admission: $8, or $10 if a kosher lunch is requested in advance. Registration may be done by phone at 703-323-0880 or online at.
Teen Writers Roundtable. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Join the Roundtable to hone your skills and receive honest, friendly criticism from other teens. Age 12 and up. 703-249-1520.
Prevention of Blindness. 11 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 6315 Backlick Road, Springfield, on the second floor of the Bank of America building. Provides essential information to prevent blindness among older citizens. Adults. 703-451-8055.
Visual Voices Speaker Series: "Artifice of Nature" by John Ruppert, 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Theater, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Free.
Progression of Metal Progressive Metal Showcase, with Iris Divine, Wisteria and Origin Theory. 7 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Friday/Sept. 11
</b>Lunch Bunch. 12 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring lunch, come for stories. Birth-5 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Faculty Artist Series: Faculty Showcase Recital. 8 p.m., at the Harris Theater, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Free.
Edguy, Epicurean, Luna Mortis, Blood Corps and Eternal Winter. 8 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $23 in advance, $27 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Saturday/Sept. 12
</b>Life Without Limits 10K Run. 8 a.m., at South County Secondary School, 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton. The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is holding the “Life Without Limits” 10K Run to raise money for the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Awards will be given out to participants in different categories. Runners can also enjoy live music, local celebrities and enter a prize raffle. For more information, go to www.southfairfaxchamber.org.
Tag Day. Lake Braddock Secondary School Marching Band will be canvassing homes in their district for tax-deductible contributions to help support band activities. Rain date: Sept. 19.
Friends Book Sale. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. 703-339-4610.
Workhouse Film Noir Night. 6:30 p.m., at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road Lorton. Join guest speaker Judy Riggin for an entertaining and thoughtful look at this distinct style of filmmaking. Riggin speaks at 7 p.m., film shown at 7:30 p.m. followed by an informal discussion and Q&A. Film title TBA. 703-584-2927.
Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Mini-Walk hosted by Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter, 13000 Lee Highway, Fairfax. $25 for adults and $15 for youth (up to age 25). Registration form at www.shelterhouse.org or 703-536-5383. Help raise funds to prevent and end homelessness. A Community Open House will follow the walk and will include shelter tours, moon bounces, magic shows, a scavenger hunt, and much more.
Concert. Fairfax Symphony Orchestra presents “Great Expectations,” introducing it new Music Director Christopher Zimmerman at 8 p.m., at George Mason University's Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive in Fairfax. Free pre-performance lecture at 7 p.m. Free students tickets available until Sept. 11. Concert features Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story,” Elgar’s “Introduction and Allegro for Strings” and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” Single tickets now available. Go to www.fairfaxsymphony.org.
Comedy Hypnotist featuring hypnotist Tom DeLuca. Comic Pain Relief benefit show will take place at 7 p.m. at George Mason University, Center for Arts, Harris Theater. For Tickets call 703-993-2787 or go to www.tickets.com. Ticket prices are $20; $10-students.
A Platinum Jubilee reception featuring George Mason University Jazz Ensemble led by Jim Carroll plus a full assortment of refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. 5-8 p.m., at The Mathy House, home of George Mason University President Alan and Sally Merten. A limited number of tickets remain available Visit www.FairfaxLibraryFoundation.org.
How to Find a Job in Today's Troubled Economy. 2 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Advice from an experienced HR recruiter on all aspects of finding and keeping a job. Bring a copy of your resume. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Friends of the Library Book Sale. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Gems and finds for all readers. 703-339-4610.
Paws to Read. 11 a.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Meet Chance, our new therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. Choose a favorite book and read it to Chance. Call to register. Age 6-12 with adult. 703-339-7385.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m., at Concert Hall, George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets: $55, $45, $35, $25
Kix, Mis-Fit Reunion 09, Tilt and Messenger. 8 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. Age 21+ only. $27 in advance, $30 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Sunday/Sept. 13
</b>Years Spend Cold, In Alcatraz 1962, Weight of the Crown, Behold the Flood and more. 3:15 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
Nancy’s Hands Puppet Show. 1:45 p.m., in Hottle Hall at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church. Free. These youth puppeteers have traveled widely and performed in 10 states since being formed in 2001. The performance lasts 45 minutes. The church is located at the corner of Hooes and Sydenstricker roads in Springfield. For more information, visit www.sumcdisciples.org or call 703-451-8223.
Centennial Open House and Community Picnic. 12:30 p.m., at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church. Face painting, balloon tying, free food and live music. The church is located at the corner of Hooes and Sydenstricker roads in Springfield. For more information, visit www.sumcdisciples.org or call 703-451-8223.
<b>Monday/Sept. 14
</b>Doggie Swim. 6-8 p.m., Fox Hunt Swim and Tennis Club, 7024 Spaniel Road Springfield. Give your pet an opportunity to enjoy the pool.
My Colorful World. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Stories, songs and fun about colors. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-339-4610.
Early-Reader Book Discussion. 3:30 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Early-reader book activities. Call for titles. Age 6-8 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Arsonists Get All The Girls, Awaken Demons, aFREUDIANSLIP, GI9 and Unskilled Professionalz. 6:15 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $11 in advance, $13 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Tuesday/Sept. 15
</b>Computer Tutoring. 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. One-on-one help with computers, common software applications and navigating the Internet. Call to sign up. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Color Me Happy 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. What's your favorite color? Age 13-23 months with adult. 703-339-4610.
Can't Sit Still Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Join us for stories and activities where sitting quietly is optional. No sitting, no silence required. Age 2-3 with adult. 703-339-7385.
Mother-Daughter Book Group. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call for title. Age 9-11 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Pagan's Mind, Borealis, Division and End Game. 8 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $18 in advance, $20 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Wednesday/Sept. 16
</b>Needlework Group. 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Bring a project to work on and enjoy the company of other needlecrafters. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Hidden Ponds Nature Program. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Nature and local ecology. Age 6-12. 703-249-1520.
Practice Your English. 10:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for adults learning English. 703-339-4610.
Lorton Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. “Thee Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace, One School at a Time” by Greg Mortenson. Adults. 703-339-7385.
Hello Everybody. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Age 2-3 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion Group. 6:30 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout. Adults. 703-971-0010.
<b>Thursday/Sept. 17
</b>Nuts About Squirrels! 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Stories, songs and activities about squirrels. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-249-1520.
Barnyard Friends. 10:30 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 6315 Backlick Road, Springfield, on the second floor of the Bank of America building. Classic and not-so-classic tales from down on the farm. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-451-8055.
Cold, Taproot, Killer and the Star, Midnight to 12 sand more. 8 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $20 in advance, $23 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Friday/Sept. 18
</b>Lunch Bunch. 12 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring lunch, come for stories. Birth-5 with adult. 703-971-0010.
The Hardknock Life summer Tour at 4:15 p.m. $13 in advance, $15 day of show. Jaxx Midnight Madness with Cycle of Pain and Fuzzbox at 10:30 p.m. $10. Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Saturday/Sept. 19
</b>29th Annual Fall Mosby’s Confederacy Bus Tour sponsored by the Stuart-Mosby Historical Society. The Tour Leaders will be Don Hakenson, Gregg Dudding and Eric Buckland. The bus will be leaving the Truro Rectory at 8:30 a.m. We will be visiting various sites in Marshall (Salem) and Rectortown as well as the Caleb Rector House, and more, arriving back at Truro around 5-5:30 p.m. Price: $65 members of the Stuart-Mosby Society $75 for non-members. Contact Don Hakenson, 703-971-4984 or dhakenson@cox.net; Gregg Dudding, wdudding@cox.net. Send a check made payable to Don Hakenson to Don Hakenson , 4708 Lillian Drive, Alexandria, VA 22310.
Alexandria Jaycees Community Yard Sale. 6-7 a.m. for set-up and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. for event at Anthony Lane Elementary School, 7137 Beulah St., Alexandria. The cost for sellers is $15 per space. No cost to browse. www.alexjaycees.org.
Silent Civilian, We Were Gentlemen and more at 1:15 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. George Lynch's Souls of We, Napolean & Rags and more at 9:30 p.m. $18 in advance, $20 day of show. Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Sunday/Sept. 20
</b> Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel. This year marks Siegel’s 17th at George Mason University and the 40th anniversary of Keyboard Conversations. Created so that audiences can gain a richer understanding and appreciation for piano and classical music. Tickets for Keyboard Conversations are $38, $30, $19 at the George Mason Center for the Arts Concert Hall on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 7pm. Family Friendly! Youth through grade 12, half price! Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit www.tickets.com.
"Grand" Piano Celebration. Jean Carrington Cook Memorial Scholarship Concert featuring Mason's
Piano Faculty and Scholarship Students. 3 p.m., at Concert Hall, George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets: $15 adult, $10 senior, students free.
"Chopin for Lovers!" Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel. 7 p.m., at Concert Hall, George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets: $38, $30, $19. Youth through grade 12, half price.
Apex Booking Local Showcase. 3:15 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Monday/Sept. 21
</b>One-on-One eAudiobook Training. 6 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Learn to download digital audiobooks to a personal computer and portable MP3 player. Call to sign up. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Back to School DIY: Marble Magnets. 4 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Make fun and funky magnets to keep or share. Age 13-18. 703-339-7385.
"Global Warming: Science, Adaptation and Mitigation" by Jagadish Shukla. 7 p.m., at Concert Hall, George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Free.
<b>Tuesday/Sept. 22
</b>Computer Tutoring. 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. One-on-one help with computers, common software applications and navigating the Internet. Call to sign up. Adults. 703-249-1520.
<b>Wednesday/Sept. 23
</b>Kingstowne Library Writers Peer Review Group. 7 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Review peers' works and receive in-depth feedback on your own work. Adults. 703-339-4610.
Practice Your English. 10:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for adults learning English. 703-339-4610.
Travel Club. 1 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 6315 Backlick Road, Springfield, on the second floor of the Bank of America building.
Bring lunch and enjoy a lively discussion. Adults. 703-451-8055.
Tell It Again. 6 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 6315 Backlick Road, Springfield, on the second floor of the Bank of America building. Enjoy a story in English and Spanish. Age 4-12 with adult. 703-451-8055.
Staged Reading. 4:15 p.m., at TheaterSpace, George Mason University. “The English Channel” by Robert Brustein, follows a young Shakespeare on the eve of his theatrical career and stealing his plotlines and dialogue from friends and fellow tavern-goers as they take refuge from the plague. Free.
Staged Reading. 7:30 p.m., at The Space, 10427 North St., Fairfax. “Mortal Terror” by Robert Brustein, involving William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, John Marston, King James, Queen Anne, the Gunpowder Plot and the destiny of free expression in a time of terror. Free.
Chthonic, Krass Judgement, Cab Ride Home, Apothys and Stitch the Lids. 7 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $12 in advance, $15 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Thursday/Sept. 24
</b>Discussion of “The Tainted Muse.” 10:30 a.m., at George Mason University, Research 1 building, Room 163, Fairfax. Brustein discusses his latest book. Free.
Literary Presentation. E.L. Doctorow receives the 2009 Fairfax Prize for Lifetime Achievement. 7:30 p.m., at Concert Hall, 4400 University Drive, George Mason University, Fairfax. Part of the Fall for the Book Festival, sponsored by the Fairfax Library Foundation. www.fallforthebook.org.
Stories and Science. 4 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Simple experiments and stories. Age 4-6 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Gorilla Music Battle of the Bands. 6:15 p.m. at Jaxx, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $8 in advance, $10 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.