<lst>The Pilates for Students Scholarship Fund kicks off a fund-raising campaign with a holiday shopping fair on Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Orchid Pagoda Studio, 8626 Lee Highway #200, in the Merrifield area of Fairfax. Holiday gift baskets, centerpieces, Pilates and yoga books, videos and clothing will be offered for sale with 100 percent of the proceeds going to programs for high school and college athletes in the D.C. area. Local artists offering their work in the fair include Steve Alterman, who will be signing copies of his new book "Kauai" and Kathy Ginsburg offering natural stone jewelry. Refreshments, including eggnog, cider, fruit and nuts and sweets, will be served, compliments of Whole Foods and Orchid Pagoda. For more information, call Sarah Christensen at 703-207-9120.
The National Piano Foundation is offering free piano lessons to both children and adults in communities across the country. This program is a community service designed to offer a fresh approach to piano lessons, breaking down traditional barriers to learning, and focusing entirely on the fun aspects of playing. For participants who feel they are not musical, this new approach to learning will change their minds forever. For adults who played piano as a child and wished they hadn't quit, this program provides an easy way to get back into the joy of active music making. For parents, this free lesson program provides a risk-free way to gauge their children's interest in learning before making a commitment to the piano. Call 1-800-968-4807 to set up an appointment for free lessons. Participating locations include Jordan Kitt's Music, Inc., 6719 Springfield Mall, Springfield.
Mother's First Organization is a support group for women who are adjusting to motherhood and staying at home full/part time. Support meetings, field trips, lecture series, mom's night out and other events. Groups throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland. Call 703-827-5922 or contact mothersfirst.org.
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park is seeking footage in home movies, documentaries and other film capturing moments in time of the old W&OD Railroad. The film footage will be part of the agency's ongoing study of the park's history. To share information about available footage, call the trail office at 703-729-0596; e-mail wodtrail@erols.com or write: W&OD Trail Office, 21293 Smiths Switch Road, Ashburn, VA 20147.
The 25th Anniversary Adopt-a-Flag Program calls for the display of American flags along Burke Centre Parkway each year on various holidays and other notable dates. Currently, the program consists of 50 flags to be displayed, which residents may adopt. The adoption fee is $50 for a two-year period. The adoption fee covers the cost of the flags, poles, pipe sleeves, flag storage and general upkeep. Flag adopters will receive a certificate of adoption noting the number of their particular flag. Those interested in adopting a flag should stop by the Burke Conservancy office to complete a short form and make payment. Adoption certificates will be issued by mail. For more information, contact the Burke Conservancy office at 703-978-2928.
New Beginnings offers discussion groups and social events for recently separated or divorced men and women. For Northern Virginia activities, call 301-924-4101 or visit www.newbeginningsusa.org.
NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees): The only organization that serves current and retired federal workers, spouses and survivors united to preserve their economic security and well-being by supporting legislation to protect current retirement benefits; to clarify the public's perception of federal workers; and to strengthen political influence at both state and national levels. Springfield Chapter 893 meets the second Wednesday each month, except July and August, at 1 p.m., St. John's United Methodist Church, 5312 Backlick Road, Springfield.
World Heritage is seeking families, couples (with or without children) or single parents interested in hosting a high-school-age foreign exchange student. Call Judith Henderson at 703-998-0606.