<cal1>FRIDAY/FEB. 14
<cal2>The Christian Women's Club of Fairfax County invites the public to "Cinderella's Slipper" luncheon on Friday, Feb. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ronda McDonald, manager of Marmi Shoes, will demonstrate the latest fashions in footwear and accessories. The keynote speaker, Tempe Brown, shares how one can live happily ever after — despite a rough cobblestone road. To be held at the Hidden Creek Country Club, 1711 Clubhouse Road, Reston. Required reservations are $14 inclusive. Call Elizabeth at 703-757-0801.
<cal2>Former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs invites the public to the Youth For Tomorrow's Sweet Heart Ball and Benefit Raffle at the McLean Hilton, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean. This dance on Friday night, Feb. 14, will start with a reception at 7:30 p.m., dinner at 8 p.m. and dancing until midnight.
Tickets are $200 per couple and the special overnight package is $275. Raffle tickets are $100 each. Prizes include a 2003 P.T. Cruiser, Jamaican Vacation, 51-inch Hitachi Projection TV and diamond earrings.
Youth For Tomorrow is a residential group home based in Northern Virginia and serves the metropolitan area. Joe Gibbs started Youth For Tomorrow in 1986 as a home for troubled teens. Through its regimen combining faith, education and loving care, the group has helped more than 500 boys get their lives back on track. Soon this successful program will also be offered to girls. Log onto http://www.youthfortomorrow.org or call 703-631-3360 to order tickets.
<cal1>SATURDAY/FEB. 15
<cal2>The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Inc. will be holding an open house on Saturday, Feb. 15 from noon until 4 p.m. Watch the action on the operating "HO" scale model railroads of the Southern Railway and the Western North Carolina Railroad. The club is located in the historic Washington & Old Dominion Railroad station, located at 231 Dominion Road (at the intersection with Ayr Hill Road) in Vienna. There is no admission charge. More information can be obtained by going to the Web site at www.nvmr.org, by e-mail at nvmrinc@hotmail.com or by calling 703-938-5157 on the day of the open house.
<cal2>Beginner Bird Walks will take place at the Webb Sanctuary of the Audubon Naturalist Society, Clifton, on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 8 to 9 a.m. Join an experienced guide for a walk around the 20-acre Webb Sanctuary to look for resident winter birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. Older children welcome. Free, but call by Friday to let the manager know you are coming. Call 703-803-8400. Located at 12829 Chestnut Rd., Clifton.
<cal1>FEB. 15-16
<cal2>Babies R Us in Chantilly is hosting Baby Fest Weekend on Feb. 15 and 16, from noon to 4 p.m. As a special service to help parents, Babies R Us is offering free Digital ID photos for all who attend on Sunday, Feb. 16 from noon–4 p.m.
One of the most critical issues that surfaces whenever a child is reported missing is a parent’s ability to get an up-to-date photo and other pertinent information regarding the child disseminated right away. A digital I.D. enables parents to take the precaution of being prepared with the vital information they’ll need immediately if the unthinkable ever happens, and to get that information to authorities with the click of a button.
Babies ”R” Us brings reliable resources together under one roof to assist guests on important topics in bringing up baby. Stop in to learn more about Digital ID and Safe Kids Coalition, Fairfax Police Department, Infant Massage, American Express, Mudpies, Mary Kay, The Women’s Club and Deer Park Water. The store is located at 13954 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly.
<cal1>SUNDAY/FEB. 16
<cal2>Come and see the N-gauge model trains run at the newly renovated Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Rd., Fairfax Station. The Northern Virginia NTRAK model train group will set up their layouts on Sunday, Feb. 16 from 1-4 p.m. Admission: $2 for adults; $1 for children ages 4-10. Call 703-425-9225.
<cal1>MONDAY/FEB. 17
<cal2>The next meeting of the Greenbriar Woman's Club will be Monday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Greenbriar Community Center, 4615 Stringfellow Road, Fairfax. The speaker will be Dr. Elizabeth A. Garreau who will present a program and answer questions regarding women's health issues. Dr. Garreau is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the Virginia Medical Society. Her program will specifically address concerns about recent findings regarding hormone replacement therapy.
The Greenbriar Woman's Club is a community service organization open to all women in Greenbriar and the surrounding communities. The Club is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), which is the largest women's volunteer organization in the United States, and international in scope. Call Barbara Cale at 703-378-6009 or Lee Conley at 703-266-7032.
<cal1>TUESDAY/FEB. 18
<cal2>The New Mothers Luncheon Group in Northern Virginia offers an opportunity for mothers and their infants (up to 8 months old) to get together for lunch, a speaker and fun. The group meets every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Restaurant 7, located at 8521 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner. Reservations are required for all luncheons. Contact Rochelle Goldberg at 703-961-9179 or at eventbuilders@hotmail.com.
The schedule is as follows:
* Tuesday, Feb. 18 — "Great Books for New Moms and Babies." Sheilah Egan, A Likely Story Bookstore.
* Tuesday, Feb. 25 — "Making the Transition from Work to Home (and back?)." Susan DeRitis, Family and Home Network.
* Tuesday, March 4 — "Planning for Your Child's Financial Future." Susan Kim, American Express Financial Planning.
* Tuesday, March 11 — "Mudpies." Location TBA. Additional cost for the mudpies.
* Tuesday, March 18 — "Safety In and Around Your House." Officer Liz Barrington, Fairfax County Police, Crime Prevention.
* Tuesday, March 25 — "Getting Back In Shape after the Baby." Charity Moreno and Patrick Avon, Sergeants Fitness Program.
<cal1>THURSDAY/FEB. 20
<cal2>Amnesty International, Fairfax branch, will meet at the Fair Lakes Barnes & Noble on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome for discussion of cases of political and religious oppression around the world. The group will plan for a delegation to the Amnesty USA General Meeting, April 4-6, in Pittsburgh. Call 703-830-4194 for information, or write aigroup528@lycos.com. Contact Alice Foltz, Centreville, 703-830-4194.
<cal1>FEB. 20-23
<cal2>The Spring Capital Home & Garden Show presented by GMC will be held Feb. 20-23 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. The show features 675 exhibits encompassing two halls.
Three celebrity TV personalities will provide expert advice and tips of the trade when they appear.
* Vern Yip of "Trading Spaces" (a McLean, Va., native) will appear on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Friday, Feb. 21 at noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
* Erica Glasener, host of HGTV's "A Diary Garden" will appear three times each day on Saturday and Sunday.
* HGTV's "This Small Space" contributor and Style At Home magazine editor Karl Lohnes will reveal "Designer Secrets" all four days.
There will be exhibits areas on dream gardens, decorating, garden & outdoor, cooking, kitchen & bath, pools & spas, remodeling and dream gardens. Other features include daily "how-to" workshops conducted by local experts, 12 dream gardens, demonstrations at the Green Thumb Theater and cooking stage.
Show hours are Thursday, Feb. 20, 5-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-22, 10-10 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 23, 10-6 p.m.
Admission is $9/adults, $3/children ages 6-12. Call the hotline at 202-969-2976.
<cal1>SATURDAY/FEB. 22
<cal2>The St. Timothy School Spring Craft Fair will be on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Chantilly. There will be more than 100 crafters selling their homemade crafts for St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's Day and for Spring. For more information or to see how you might be able to participate, contact Kelly Schmank at 703-222-9893 or Karen Yee at 703-803-0460 for details, or log onto sainttimothyschool.org.
<cal2>Escape winter and create your own new spring look at The Orchid Pagoda on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn new ways to get in shape for Spring's new clothes and see a trunk show of the latest Casall of Sweden spring/summer activewear line. Pair new Spring outfits with stunning sterling silver or semi-precious stone jewelry created by Kathy Ginsberg of Alexandra Michael Designs.
At noon time, experience a free introduction to Pilates mat class and Pilates equipment class demonstration. Tours of the studio with Pilates, yoga, therapeutic massage and Gyrotonic information will also be available throughout the event. The Orchid Pagoda is located at 8626 Lee Highway, Fairfax. Call 703-207-9120 or go to www.orchidpagoda.com.
<cal1>SUNDAY/FEB. 23
<cal2>Those who appreciate good music and tales of the past will enjoy traditional African American music, Appalachian music and storytelling at Sully's "Banjos, Bones and Tales" on Sunday, Feb. 23 at Sully Historic Site. Local musician and teacher Cass Harris will perform at 1 p.m., featuring the history of the banjo and Appalachian music as well as African American music. At 2 p.m., visitors will listen as a costumed interpreter weaves a tapestry of African American stories and brings the past to life. At 3 p.m., Ralph Lee Smith plays Appalachian music with the dulcimer and bones, while recounting local lore and oral traditions of the past. The cost is $5 per person for each concert. Storytelling at 2 p.m. is free. Call 703-437-1794.
<cal2>Nature, Winter and Hot Chocolate will take place at the Webb Sanctuary of the Audubon Naturalist Society, Clifton, on Sunday, Feb. 23 from 1-2:30 p.m. Discover nature's tricks of winter survival, in a walk around the sanctuary, followed by a hot chocolate warm-up. For children accompanied by adults. Fee: $5-$8. Call 703-803-8400. Located at 12829 Chestnut Rd., Clifton.
<cal1>MONDAY/FEB. 24
<cal2>The Centreville Toastmasters Club meets twice a month at the Centreville Regional Library, from 7-8:15 p.m. on Mondays, Feb. 24, March 3, March 17. Toastmasters will help members speak confidently, listen effectively and think on their feet. Guests are always welcome. Contact Lynn Griesemer, 703-263-2468, greeze@juno.com.
<cal1>TUESDAY, FEB. 25
<cal2>Bob and Dannah Gresh, authors of two books for teens, will be hosting a two-day sexual purity conference in the Centreville area. Dannah wrote the best-selling book entitled "And the Bride Wore White." More than 70,000 girls have embraced Dannah's message in either book or conference form.
She will be speaking to girls about living a life of sexual integrity and giving them the "seven secrets to sexual purity." An event for both boys and girls will be held Friday, March 7, from 7:30-10:30 p.m., at Chantilly Bible Church, 4390 Pleasant Valley Road in Chantilly.
Then Dannah will address the girls on Saturday, March 8, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Centreville United Methodist Church at New Braddock Road and Route 28 in Centreville. Bob Gresh will be speaking to young men at the Chantilly Bible Church on Saturday, March 8, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The guys' event is a high-contact, aggressive event to help them learn "seven winning strategies in the sexual gameplan."
Some 15 area churches are joining together to host the conference and it is open to the public. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 25. Register through any of the following church youth ministries or by calling Judy Wear at 703-802-3025.
Participating churches include:
Centreville Baptist, Centreville Presbyterian, Centreville United Methodist, Christ the Redeemer Episcopal, Chantilly Bible Church, Clear River Community, Church of the Apostles Episcopal, Truro Episcopal, Church of the Epiphany, Southview Baptist, New Life Christian Church, Pender Methodist, Christian Life Center, Church of the Holy Spirit and Mt. Olive Baptist Church.
The registration fee is $35 and includes a conference kit and lunch on Saturday (provided by Chick-Fil-A).
Bob and Dannah Gresh's message has been featured on such radio and TV programs as Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Today, New Man, Christian Parenting Today and the 700 Club.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/FEB. 26
<cal2>The Clifton Horse Society will host a photo seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. with professional photographer Meikka Cutlip at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton. The seminar will cover composition, film and processing. RSVP by Feb. 24 to Sid Newman, e-mail sonewman@starpower.net or 703-968-6615
<cal1>FEB. 28-MARCH 1
<cal2>Centreville Baptist Church is sponsoring a conference on Addictions from Feb. 28-March 1.
Topics include:
* How You Got Where You Are;
* What Keeps You in Bondage;
* Giving Up on Self;
* Freedom From Fear ... and more.
The church is located at 15100 Lee Hwy., Centreville. The cost is $30 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 703-830-3333, ext. 126.
<cal1>SATURDAY/MARCH 1
<cal2>The Centreville Regional Art Guild will host a free, open invitation exhibit at Jamie's General Bean coffee shop. The theme is "Foolin' Around," inspired by the holidays of Mardi Gras and April Fool's. Area artists are invited to drop off their work (maximum two pieces of two-dimensional art) on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m.-noon. There is no entry fee and no commission charged on works sold. Opening reception Sunday, March 2 from 4-6 p.m. Call Beth Latture at 703-802-1640.
<cal1>SUNDAY/MARCH 2
<cal2>The Centreville Regional Art Guild will host a free, open invitation exhibit at Jamie's General Bean coffee shop. The theme is "Foolin' Around," inspired by the fun holidays of St. Patrick's Day and April Fool's. This show will feature work that makes people smile. Area artists are invited to drop off their work (maximum two pieces of two-dimensional art) on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. There is no entry fee and no commission charged on works sold. Opening reception is Sunday, March 2 from 4-6 p.m. Call Beth Latture at 703-802-1640.
<cal1>SATURDAY/MARCH 8
<cal2>An Irish Social Dance (Ceili) will take place on Saturday, March 8 from 8 p.m. until midnight at the John C. Wood Center, 3730 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax City (next to St. Leo's). Basic dance lessons will be offered from 7:30-8 p.m. The Bog Wanderers will perform live Irish Music. Cost is $12 per person, $25 maximum per family. These dances are fun and for the whole family. Beginners, singles, couples and families are welcome. Ceili and set dances will be featured. Sponsored by the Washington Area Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, the dances are held every second Saturday of the month during the school year (March 8, April 12, May 10 and June 14). Call Vicki Ryan-Barr at 703-521-4340.
<cal1>MARCH 11-13
<cal2>The League of Women Voters invites local area residents to help it celebrate Women's History Month by attending one of its March unit meetings, which will focus on a review and discussion of the role of women in history. The meetings will consider women's efforts and exclusion from history from a literary perspective, include a review of the women's movement in the United States, and highlight selections from the writings of persons active in the women suffragist movement and from Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own."
The League's meetings will be held at 15 locations throughout Fairfax County, on March 11 to 13, including the Reston Museum on Lake Anne Plaza on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. and the Beacon Street Restaurant at 13041 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Fairfax on Thursday, March 13 at 6:45 p.m. Daytime meetings are also scheduled. The meetings are open to guests, free, and no registration is required. Call 703-658-9150 or visit the League's Web site at: www.lwv-fairfax.org for further information and
other meeting locations.
<cal1>SATURDAY/MARCH 15
<cal2>An Antiques Show will be held at George Mason University on Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be 120 quality dealers featuring room settings decorated in the finest period American and European furniture and decorative arts. For sale is primitive and folk art, wicker, quilts, linens and vintage clothing, antique maps, oils and prints, rugs and tapestries, porcelains and more. Admission is $6.50; children under 12 free. The show is presented by Hospice of Northern Virginia in conjunction with Soroptimist International of Fairfax County. Held at the George Mason University Field House, 4400 University Drive in Fairfax. Call 301-654-6483.
<cal1>SUNDAY/MARCH 30
<cal2>A Whistling Wind 100 (NSCA) will take place on Sunday, March 30, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park Public Shooting Center, 7700 Bull Run Dr., in Centreville. Take aim at this contest sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Bull Run Shooting Center and Short Flight Shooting Instruction. This will be a National Sporting Clays Association event. For fees and more information, call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>SUNDAY/APRIL 13
<cal2>The April Rain 100 (NSCA) Contest will be held Sunday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Bull Run Regional Park Public Shooting Center, 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville. Take aim at this contest sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Bull Run Shooting Center and Short Flight Shooting Instruction. This will be a National Sporting Clays Association event. For fees and more information, call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>SUNDAY/APRIL 13
<cal2>The annual bluebell walk will take place Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville. View a spectacular display of bluebells, with spring beauties and other spring wildflowers, along the Bluebell Trail. The guided hike is free and no reservations are required. Bull Run Regional Park boasts one of the largest stands of bluebells on the east coast. Call 703-528-5406.
<cal1>SUNDAY/APRIL 20
<cal2>A Spring Fling Skeet Tournament (NSSA) will take place on Sunday, April 20, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park Public Shooting Center, 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville. Take aim at this contest sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Bull Run Shooting Center. This will be a National Skeet Shooting Association tournament. For fees and more information, call 703-830-2344.