To have community events listed free in The Arlington Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Photos, especially color, are encouraged. Deadline is the Friday before publication.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18
Nature Craft Workshop. Long Branch Nature Center, 625 Carlin Springs Road. 3-4:30 p.m. Kids 6-12 with adult. Create wildlife inspired crafts from natural materials. $3. Reservations required. Call 703-228-6365.
Gemstone Club. Kids in grade two and up learn about the gemstones turquoise and zircon. Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. 3-4 p.m. $3 fee must be paid in advance. Reservations required. Call 703-228-3403.
Swing Dance. The Jive Aces. Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd. Lesson 7-8 p.m., dance 8-11 p.m. $12. $5 for students in Tom and Debra's Tuesday and Wednesday night classes. Vintage clothing encouraged. Call 703-359-9882.
Trigger Point Workshop. ProHealth Chiropractic Wellness Center, 2778 Washington Blvd. Free lecture and workshop about trigger point therapy, a popular treatment where gentle finger pressure is applied to help alleviate headaches, back pain, carpel tunnel, neck pain, joint pains, low energy and stress. Workshop limited to those who can attend with a partner. Call 703-522-7788.
THURSDAY/DEC. 19
“Talk on Genealogy: The Hunt for Family.” Arlington Central Library Auditorium. 10 a.m.-noon. Sponsored by the Arlington Historical Society. Meeting at 7:45 p.m., program at 8:15 p.m. Call 703-892-4204.
Book Discussion Group. Sandor Marai's "Embers." Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. 10:30 a.m. Second floor meeting room. Books and biographical materials provided free. New members welcome. Call 703-228-5996.
FRIDAY/DEC. 20
Popcorn Fun. Learn about popcorn and its importance to ancient people, and enjoy tasty snacks. Grades K-2. Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Reservations required. Call 703-228-3403.
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
Reindeer Boogie: Celebrate with Bells On. Concert of Medieval and American folk music performed by Hesperus. The Rosslyn Spectrum, 1601 Kent St. Free garage parking. $15, $10 students. 7 p.m. Call 703-525-7550 or visit www.hesperus.org.
Christmas Stories for Children. Comedy Spotz Theatre, on the fourth floor next to the movie theaters at the Ballston Commons Mall, between Wilson Boulevard and Glebe Road. 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. $8 per person. Reservations required. Call 703-486-4242.
SUNDAY/DEC. 22
“Reindeer Boogie: Celebrate with Bells On.” Concert of medieval and American folk music performed by Hesperus. 3 p.m. Rosslyn Spectrum, 1601 Kent St. Free garage parking. $15, $10 students. Call 703-525-7550, or visit www.hesperus.org.
"Wisdom of the Elders." Free annual winter solstice event celebrating the wisdom of the ages from a variety of cultures in the area. Potomac Overlook Park., 2845 N. Marcey Road. Age 8 and up and adults. Reservations required. Call 703-528-5406.
TUESDAY/DEC. 31
Scavenger Hunt Hike. Take a winter hike and participate in an unusual scavenger hunt. Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Dress warmly, and prepare to spend the whole time outdoors. Canceled if raining. Free, reservations required. Call 703-228-3403.
WEDNESDAY/JAN. 1
4th Annual D.C. Road Runners Predictions and Resolutions 5K. Gateway Park (Rosslyn end of Key Bridge). Registration begins at 11 a.m. at Key Bridge Marriot. Race starts at noon. Free parking. $1 for DCRRC members, $5 for non-members. Call 703-241-0395 or visit http://www.pvtc.org/dcy2k.html.
ONGOING
"The Snow Queen." The Children's Theatre. Performed at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Dec. 28 and 29 at 3 p.m., Jan. 3 7:30 p.m., Jan. 4 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. Tickets available at the door. $10 adults, $7 for children, students and seniors (55+). Reservations recommended. Call The Children's Theatre at 703-548-1154 ext 1.
Everything You Wanted to Know About the Design and Construction Industry workshop. The Marriott Crystal City. Feb. 10-12. Society of Marketing Professional Services members: $645 before Jan. 9, $745 after Jan. 9. Non-members: $695 before Jan. 9, $795 after Jan. 9. Call 1-800-292-7677, ext. 227.
Small Business Tips. Free one-on-one counseling by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-5984 to make a reservation.
Online Training. Learn how to use the Internet and the library's electronic databases. Shirlington Library, 2786 S. Arlington Mill Dr. Call 703-228-6545 to make an appointment. Westover Library, 1800 N. Lexington St. Call 703-228-5260 to make an appointment.
"110 in the Shade." The musical version of N. Richard Nash's novel "The Rainmaker." Signature Theatre, 3806 S. Four Mile Run Drive. Jan. 21-March 2. Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets $20-38. For tickets call tickets.com at 800-955-5566 or 703-218-6500.
"Icarus." Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Run Drive. Dec. 18-21 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. $20 ($18 for seniors and students). Call 703-912-1649.
“The Snow Queen.” Classika Theatre, 4041 S. 28th St. in the Village at Shirlington through Jan. 12. Recommended for children 6 and up. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Military ID, groups and senior citizens, 10 percent off regular ticket price. Call 703-824-6200.
Painting Exhibit. Metropolitan Gallery, 2420 Wilson Blvd. Through Dec. 30. Over 80 original landscape, still life and figure paintings by 12 artists. Call 703-358-9449.
"Tis the Season." The Arlington Planetarium, 1426 Quincy St. Through Dec. 22. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 and 3 p.m. $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and children 12 and younger. Learn about the winter solstice, winter constellations, meteors, a lunar eclipse and more. Call 703-228-6070 or 703-228-6019.
“A Midsummer Night's Dream.” Washington Shakespeare Company Clark Street Playhouse, 601 S. Clark St. Through Jan. 4, Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Call 703-418-4808 or 800-494-TIXS (8497), or go to www.boxofficetickets.com.
“The Seven-Year Itch.” Theater II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St. Dec. 19-Jan. 25. No performances Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturdays starting Dec. 28 at 2:30 p.m., and Jan. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $24-$19 for Friday-Saturday evenings and $22-$17 for all other performances. Call 703-553-8782 or visit www.americancentury.org.
Jane Franklin Dance classes. Adult Dance Technique, Mondays 8-9:30 p.m., Saturday 10:15-11:45 a.m., both at 3700 S Four Mile Run Drive. Visit http://www.janefranklin.com/jf_getinvolved.htm.
Master Gardener Training Classes. Practical gardening and landscaping techniques that preserve and protect the environment. Registration extended to Dec. 20. 60 hours of classroom instruction followed by a 60-hour internship. Jan. 9-March 27, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Arlington Extension Office. $130-180. Call 703-228-6414.
Public Art. Temporary art installation by Corcoran College of Art and Design art students at Clarendon Park, at the Clarendon Metro between Wilson & Clarendon Boulevard. Free. On display for approximately two months after Nov. 26. Call 703-228-1850.
"The Christmas Carol Rag." Signature Theatre, 3806 Four Mile Run Drive. Through Dec. 22. Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $38. Call tickets.com at 800-955-5566 or 703-218-6500.
Holiday Art Show, featuring the work of local artists and sponsored by the Arlington Artists Alliance. The Gallery at Little Falls, Little Falls Church, 6025 Little Falls Road. Through Jan. 5. Free parking available next to church. Reception Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m. Free. Call 703-538-5230.
"Gifts for the Holidays," Gray House Potters' annual show. Through Dec. 24 at 5509 Wilson Blvd. Advent rings, menorahs, ornaments, pottery, candle holders and more. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Holiday hours, beginning Dec. 2, are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 703-522-7738.
Free blood-pressure screening for seniors. Culpepper Garden Senior Center. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Newcomers welcome. Call 703-228-4403 to sign up.
Puppy Parties. Join other dog owners Saturdays, 9-11 a.m. The fenced-off area inside Shirlington Dog Exercise Area, along the bicycle path behind a storage facility along South Four Mile Run (between Shirlington Road and South Walter Reed Drive). One-year old or younger puppies with proof of vaccinations are welcome. A volunteer will be on hand to answer questions. Call 703-578-0522, or visit www.arlingtondogs.org.
Saturday Morning Stock Talks. 11 a.m. In the auditorium at Central Library on 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-1850.
Latin Dance for Teens. Learn to dance different types of Latin dance: salsa, meringue, mambo and cha-cha. Free classes held Tuesdays (4 - 6 p.m.) and Thursdays (3 - 5 p.m.) at the Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center, 4200 S. Four Mile Run. Call 703-228-7783.
AMC Movie Club. Movie and dinner. Saturdays, 4-6 p.m. Call Howard at 703-522-0529 or e-mail bulldog344@hotmail.com.
Social Group for 40s and 50s. Join other Arlington men and women in their 40s and 50s for movies, art and music, dining, theater, books, arts and crafts, cards, walks, conversation and more. Call Polly Fields at 703-683-7733.
"Art at the Heights." Exhibition of works by local painters. 4502 Old Lee Highway. Every Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (noon - 3 p.m.). Showings sponsored by the Arlington Artists Alliance, a nonprofit organization in support of art and artists in Arlington.
Moms Clubs. Support group for mothers who stay at home with their children. Mom's Club of South Arlington meets the second Monday of each month at the Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. Meeting places alternate between weeks. Call Tina at 703-486-1036. MOMS Club of North Arlington meets the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Call 703-234-3950, Ext. 3403.
Master Gardeners' Plant Clinic. Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. 7 p.m. Gardening and plant-care advice and identification every Thursday. Call 703-228-6400.
Farmers markets. An open-air market featuring a wide selection of produce, flowers, herbal soaps, eggs, cheeses, meats, breads and other baked goods. Through Dec. 21. Saturdays, 8 a.m. - noon. Courthouse Plaza, North 14th Street and North Courthouse Road. Free parking in the lot behind the Arlington Executive Building at 2009 N. 14th St. Call 703-228-6423, or visit www.arlingtonfarmersmarket.com. Farmers market Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m., at Clarendon Metro Park adjacent to the Metro station entrance. Look for a variety of regional fresh and homemade goods.
Antiques and Collectibles Market. Year-round Saturday event. 2900 Wilson Blvd. About 50 vendors. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free parking available at 3033 Wilson Blvd.
Stop in for Stories. For children ages 2-4 at 11 a.m. Thursdays. 735 S. 18th St. in Aurora Hills. Call 703-228-5715. For ages 3-6 at 10 a.m. Fridays. The Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-5990. No registration required.
Free Aerobics. Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 S. 16th St. Ongoing adult program featuring a high/low combination physical workout. Includes stretching, toning, cardiovascular and abdominal exercises. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 7 - 8 p.m. Call Margo Watters at 703-228-5718.
Play Group. Ongoing opportunity for parents and young children (birth to 4 years) to interact in a safe, fun environment. Every Tuesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center, 4200 S. Four Mile Run. Drop-in cost is $2 for an adult with any number of children. Call 703-228-0701.
Tiny Tots and Preschool Programs. Long Branch (703-228-6535) and Gulf Branch (703-228-3403) nature centers offer programs for children 1 1/2 years through the end of their second year and preschool-age children. Morning and afternoon programs available. $1 fee per child, payable on the day of the program. Reservations must be made by phone only during the month the program is offered.
SOS-Seniors Online. Internet coaching for seniors the first and second Tuesday each month. 1-3 p.m. Aurora Hills Public Library, 735 S. 18th St. Registration required. Call 703-228-5715.
Internet Introduction. Shirlington Library, 2700 S. Arlington Mill Road. Mondays at 2 and 2:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 and 11 a.m. Free. Advance registration required. Call 703-228-6545.
Billiards. Three senior action centers in Arlington. All day Monday-Friday. Free. Newcomers welcome. Call Gunston at 703-228-5700, Culpepper Garden at 703-228-4403, or Thomas Jefferson at 703-228-5290.
CyberCenter Classes. Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-6346 to reserve a time. Cherrydale Library, 2190 N. Military Road. Call 703-228-6330 to reserve a time.
Senior Travel. The county's Office of Senior Adult Programs (OSAP) offers a variety of travel opportunities and day excursions throughout the year. Trips range in price from $4-$80 and include theaters, museums, sports, outlet shopping, casinos and historic sites. Overnight trips are planned several times a year. Seniors need to join OSAP to access the travel program at an annual cost of $5. Call Mimi Fitzgerald at 703-228-4749.
Senior Walking Clubs. There are six senior walking clubs in Arlington sponsored by senior action centers. The groups travel weekly to area destinations for a walk of an hour or more. Walter Reed Walkers walk at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays; Madison Walkers, 7 a.m. on Tuesdays; Walking Club of Arlington, 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays; Walking Sticks, 10 a.m. on Thursdays; Dawson Terrace, 9:30 a.m. on Thursdays; and The Lee Walkers, 10:30 a.m. on Fridays. Call the Office of Senior Adult Programs at 703-228-4744.
Bingo. Culpepper Garden Senior Action Center. Mondays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Fridays at 11:15 a.m. at Gunston/Drew. Bilingual bingo Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at Dawson Terrace. Call 703-228-4744.
Bridge, Poker and Canasta. Lee Senior Action Center, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call 703-228-0555.
Tai chi. Classes for seniors held weekly at four senior centers. Call 703-228-4744 for a schedule and location of nearest center.