<cal1>FRIDAY/OCT. 24
<cal2>Boys in first through fifth grades are invited to join in the fun of Pack 1862 which meets at Cub Run Elementary School. Contact Cubmaster Jim Carpenter at 703-830-4070, or attend the next Pack Meeting on Friday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cub Run cafeteria.
<cal2>Pumpkin painting and crafts will begin the Halloween Hunt evening on Friday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a candy hunt at 7 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park. Children ages 2-9 are invited to come in costumes and bring trick-or-treat bags and flashlights. Reservations are limited; call 703-631-0550. The fee is $5 per child. Located at 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville.
<cal1>OCT. 24-25
<cal2>The Center for the Arts will present the musical "Godspell" in the new Kellar Theater in Old Town Manassas. Based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, "Godspell" is one of the biggest Broadway successes of all times. The dates are Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 24, 25, 31, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15/adults, $12/students and seniors. The Center for the Arts Kellar Theater is at 9419 Battle Street in Manassas. Call 703-330-ARTS.
<cal1>OCT. 24-26
<cal2>The Friends of Chantilly Regional Library are holding their annual Fall Used Book Sale on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library at 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. A clearance sale will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 from noon-3 p.m. There will be a wide assortment of children and adult fiction and non-fiction as well as audio visuals, all at bargain prices. Call 703-502-3883.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 25
<cal2>BJ's Wholesale Club is teaming up with the community on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to offer support to the military personnel serving overseas. In honor of USA Weekend's National Make a Difference Day, each of BJ's 146 Clubs will host a "Heart of Gold Hero Bags" project. Kids at all BJ's Clubs will be invited to create personalized "Heart of Gold Hero Bags" filled with snacks and homemade "Thankful Thoughts" cards where children are allowed to express their gratitude for our servicemen. In total, 7,000 bags will be created for military personnel; the USO will distribute the bags. BJ's will also welcome Centreville Elementary School as its Adopt-a-School Partner for 2003-2004. At 11 a.m., BJ's will hold a Pass the Torch and cake-cutting ceremony. Other activities will include Oreo Cookie Stacking contests at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. BJ's is located at 13503 Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Fairfax.
<cal2>The Ninth Annual VolunteerFest, an area-wide day of service, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by Volunteer Fairfax in partnership with the Fairfax County Public Library, the day will feature such hands-on projects as organizing books, assisting with children’s programs, Internet tutoring, landscaping, creating displays, sorting book donations, cleaning, and more. The theme for this year is "Volunteers Bring Libraries to Life." Registration forms are due Oct. 9. Call 703-246-3460 or email at VolsRUs@volunteerfairfax.org or visit the Web site at www.volunteerfairfax.org.
The Town of Clifton will hold its fourth annual Eight-Acre Trail of Terror on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7-11 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to be scared senseless while walking through eight acres of woods. This year's skits will include an 18th century gravedigger, the Pirates of Clifton Creek, a Civil War Hospital, crazed woodsmen with chainsaws, and the usual ghouls, goblins and demons. New this year is Monster Movies Under the Moon, which will be playing in an adjacent field throughout the evening, thanks to Cox Communications. Movies will include "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein," "The Bride of Frankenstein" and "Beetlejuice." Food and beverages will be sold throughout the evening. Admission is $5 and is not recommended for young children. Take Clifton Road to the Town of Clifton. Look for parking signs. The Hayride will take you to the park. Call 703-830-0976.
<cal2>Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets monthly on the fourth Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m., at Sully Senior Center, 5690 Sully Road (Route 28), Centreville. No charge. Patients and family members welcome. Call Darryl Edwards at 703-38-9213.
<cal1>OCT. 25-27
<cal2>Meet top sports legends from the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Orioles from the past four decades at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly on Oct. 25-27 from noon to 2 p.m. These Redskins will be in person on Saturday, Oct. 25: John Riggins, Charley Taylor, Bobby Mitchell, Mark Moseley, Joe Jacoby and Patrick Ramsey. Sunday, Oct. 26 is Baltimore Orioles Day and the following Orioles will be in person: Brooks Robinson ('60s), Eddie Murray ('70s), Jim Palmer ('80s), Cal Ripken, Jr. ('90s). Also Jose Canseco and Joe Durham (first black member of the Baltimore Orioles). Athletes will sign autographs and greet fans during the afternoons. Visit accessthewebsite.com.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCT. 26
<cal2>Listen to ghost stories during Halloween Hauntings at E.C. Lawrence Park on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 1-2 p.m. Don't forget your pumpkin for carving. Dress in costume if you choose and be prepared to be tricked or treated. For ages 8 years and up. Free. Reservations required. E.C. Lawrence Park, Walney, in Chantilly. Call 703-631-0013.
<cal2>The Northern Virginia Christian Fellowship of Fairfax presents a preview of the Get Healthy Stay Balanced Workshop on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sully Government Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Learn how to transition to a way of living that promotes a healthy body, mind and soul, learn how to prepare healthy food, share a common interest for a healthy lifestyle, get connected with people who care about their family's future and are seeking healthy relationships. RSVP by 703-298-6947.
<cal1>MONDAY/OCT. 27
<cal2>Centreville Toastmasters is the place to improve your communication and leadership skills. The club meets from 7-8:15 p.m. on Mondays at the Centreville Regional Library. Guests are welcome. Prepared speeches, oral evaluations and impromptu speeches (table topics) will be on the agenda. Upcoming meetings: Monday, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, Dec. 15, Jan. 12, and Jan. 26. Call Lynn Griesmer 703-263-2468.
<cal1>OCT. 28, NOV. 18, DEC. 16
<cal2>The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area presents "More Power to You." The program, comprising four sessions explaining how local government works and how it relates to state government, will take place once a month from 7 to 9 p.m. in Fairfax Government Center. The sessions will be on Oct. 28, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. The program costs $25. Those who complete the program will receive a certificate. Pre-registration is required; call 703-227-2231.
<cal1>SATURDAY/ NOV. 1
<cal2>Broadway Gallery will offer a free Appraisal Day on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 1-5 p.m., featuring Ben Hastings, a member of the International Society of Appraisers and host of "Trash and Treasures." The public can bring their artwork, antiques, collectibles and objects of interest for a free verbal appraisal. Or come by just to listen to his interesting stories and comments. Broadway Gallery is located at 12231 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive in Fairfax. Call 703-273-2388.
The Lane's Mill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet on Saturday, Nov. 1 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Centreville Library. Lane's Mill is a small but active chapter that offers a broad range of programs on historic preservation and natural conservation, education of our nation's youth, promotion of patriotism, and love of our country. Prospective members and guests are encouraged to attend meetings. Contact Jennifer Smith, Chapter Regent, at 703 961-1030 or visit the chapter Web site at http://www.dar.org under "chapters".
<cal2>A Civil War Heritage Tour of the existing Orange and Alexandria and Manassas Gap Railroad sites in Fairfax County will take place Saturday, Nov. 1 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Trip leaders are members of the Bull Run Roundtable and they bring a wealth of information on the Civil War and railroading in the county. There will be stops at Springfield, Accotink, Annandale, Burke, Fairfax Station, Clifton and the Bull Run Railroad Bridge. Rain or shine; wear comfortable shoes and hat. Bring lunch for stop at Fairfax Station Museum where you'll view new Virginia Civil War Trails marker. Travel will be by car pool or small vans. All proceeds go to the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. Cost: $25 members; $30 non-members. Call Ron at 703-978-6820 for more information. Reservations by Oct. 25 to Friends of the Fairfax Station, P.O. Box 7, Fairfax Station, VA 22039.
<cal2>The Clifton Horse Society is sponsoring a Poker Ride on Saturday, Nov. 1 on the equestrian trails along the Occoquan River in Fountainhead Regional Park. The game is 7 Card Draw, choosing the best five cards out of seven. Riders draw two cards at registration, three cards along the trail and two cards on completion of the ride. Preregistration is required because only 30 trailer spaces are available. Registration is at 9 a.m. The trail closes at 1 p.m. Cost is $20. Register by Oct. 27. Call Pat Hepner at 703-830-8394 or Mary Flowers at 703-250-6188.
<cal1>SUNDAY/NOV. 2
<cal2>A Partner's shoot will take place Sunday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Registration at Bull Run Regional Park Public Shooting Center, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. Take aim at this contest sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Bull Run Shooting Center and Short Flight Shooting Instruction. Call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>MONDAY/NOV. 3
<cal2>Learn how to swing dance with Rockin' Bones on Monday, Nov. 3 from 9-11 p.m. at The Shark Club in the Newgate Shopping Center, Centreville. Join dance champs Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg for swing dance lessons. The Shark Club is at 14114 Lee Highway, Centreville. Call 202-244-9166 or visit www.gottaswing.com.
<cal1>TUESDAY/NOV. 4
<cal2>New Mothers Luncheons are held every Tuesday for mothers and newborn babies to 8 months old. The group meets for lunch, speakers, discussions and fun — a different program every week. Bring a friend or come alone — it's a great way to meet other new moms and babies in the area. Meets Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Il Lupo Italian Restaurant, 4069 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Lunch is $20; four-lunch series is $75. Reservations required. Call Rochelle Goldberg at 703-961-9179 or email: eventbuilders@hotmail.com.
* Tuesday, Nov. 4 — Usborne Books — educational books for kids of all ages, Mona Lampe, Usborne Books;
* Tuesday, Nov. 11 — Making the Transition From Work to Home, Susan DeRitis, Family and Home Network;
* Tuesday, Nov. 18 — Healthy Eating Habits/Picky Eaters (even as infants), Leigh McCarthy, MA, CCC-SLP;
* Tuesday, Nov. 25 — No lunch;
* Tuesday, Dec. 2 — Early Infant Communication, Diane Robey, MS, CCC, Children's Speech and Language Therapy Center;
* Tuesday, Dec. 9 — Physical Movement for Infants, Christina Souci, The Little Gym;
* Tuesday, Dec. 16 — Allergies — Your Questions and Answers, Food allergy and Anaphylaxis Network;
* Tuesday, Dec. 23 — No lunch;
* Tuesday, Dec. 30 — No lunch.
<cal1>THURSDAY/NOV. 6
<cal2>Residents who are new to the greater Northern Virginia area and members of the Welcome Club of Northern Virginia are invited to attend the Thursday, Nov. 6 luncheon at International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax. The program will feature a Silent Auction and Holiday Boutique. Registration begins at 11 a.m. For reservations and additional information about the luncheon or the organization, call 703-319-9043. Deadline for reservations is noon on Oct. 31.
<cal2>Mother’s First-Chantilly/Centreville is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Join moms and tots of all ages for meetings, lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. November meetings are Nov. 6 and Nov. 20 at the Centreville Regional Library from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org for more information.
<cal1>NOV. 8-9
<cal2>A Ski Swap by Ski Chalet of Chantilly will be held for both skiers and snowboarders on Nov. 8-9. The swaps are hosted by Ski Chalet and the National Ski Patrol divisions from five mid-Atlantic mountain resorts. A Ski Swap is a charitable event where hundreds of enthusiasts buy and sell used sporting goods for skiing and snowboarders. All equipment, clothing, and accessories in good condition will be accepted. Admission is free. A percentage of all consignment sales benefits local nonprofit volunteer Ski Patrols. The event will take place at 14130 Sullyfield Circle in Chantilly. Call 703-631-7880.
<cal1>SATURDAY/NOV. 8
<cal2>Equestrians are invited to support the bridle trails at the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's 1,000-acre Bull Run Regional Park by gathering sponsors for a Fall Ride-a-Thon on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. Trail enthusiasts may donate per-mile or set-amount contributions to benefit the park's hiking and equestrian trails. Checks should be written to NVRPA-Bull Run Regional Park. Ride options will vary from more than 20 miles to shorter routes. For registration and pledge forms and more information, call Al Ennis at 703-623-5504 or Dale Riggs, Assistant Park Manager, at 703-631-0550, ext. 101.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/NOV. 12
<cal2>The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area, Fairfax Station Unit, will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Civil Liberties, taking a close look at the U.S. Patriot Act, will be the subject of the meeting. One of 15 League discussion groups, the Fairfax Station unit is comprised primarily of residents of Clifton, Fairfax Station and Burke and meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Phone the membership chair at 703-335-9723 or the hostess at 703-492-4574 for directions.
<cal1>MONDAY/NOV. 17
<cal2>The Greenbriar Woman's Club will meet Monday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m., at the Greenbriar Community Center, 4615 Stringfellow Road, Fairfax. The featured speaker is Barbara Ferris, president of Gilda's Club Greater Washington. Gilda's Club Greater Washington is currently raising $3 million to purchase, renovate, decorate and open a Clubhouse in Washington, D.C. Gilda's Club Greater Washington is one of the organizations the GWC has supported from funds raised through sales of White House ornaments.
Gilda's Clubs are named in honor of the "Saturday Night Live" comedian, Gilda Radner, who died in 1989 from ovarian cancer. Guests are always welcome at GWC meetings and events. Membership is open to all women 18 and over living in Greenbriar and the surrounding communities. Call 703-378-6009 or 703-266-7032. GWC is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (www.gfwc.org), the largest volunteer organization of women in the world.
<cal1>NOV. 14 TO JAN. 3
<cal2>Santa, angels, the universe and an enchanted forest — the Miracle of Lights — Northern Virginia's only drive-thru holiday light show, features five holiday theme groups and more than two miles of lighted entertainment. Admission is $12 per carload (1-14 people), $25 per commercial van (15-34 people) and $50 per busload (35 or more). Discount coupons are available at www.miracleoflights.com. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Medical Care for Children's Partnership. Dates are Friday, Nov. 21-Saturday, Jan. 3, 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. nightly. Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville.
<cal1>FRIDAY/NOV. 21
<cal2>The MOMS Club of Centreville North will hold an all-member meeting and Thanksgiving Potluck social on Friday, Nov. 21 at 10:30 a.m. Learn about the club's activities (playgroups, social events, speakers, etc.) for mothers and their children. The meeting is at the Sully Government Center on Stonecroft Blvd. Children welcome. Call 703-830-7580 or visit the Web site at www.momsclubccva.org.