<sh>Chinese Classes at GMU
<bt>New World Bilingual Institute (NWBI) opens its 2003 Fall Semester to the general public beginning Sunday, Sept. 14. On every Sunday, from 1:30-5:30 p.m., NWBI will offer Chinese language, cultural, dance and martial arts classes on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University. English SAT, writing and speaking classes and various community outreach services will also be offered. Registration is required. Contact Hsu Terry Wang, principal, at 703-978-7905; Linda Yao, assistant principal, at 703- 978-6323; Judith Boose, dean, at 703-241-5569; and Gloria Yeh, registrar, at 703-502-0533.
<sh>County to Dedicate 9/11 Memorial
<bt>The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Free Commission will dedicate the county's 9/11 Memorial Grove Garden, on Monday, Sept. 15, at 1 p.m. The 9/11 Memorial Grove Garden is located on the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The dedication is open to anyone interested and attendees should gather in the forum area of the Government Center prior to the ceremony. Those attending will proceed to the 9/11 Memorial Grove Garden site as a group at 1 p.m.
The Fairfax County 9/11 Memorial Grove Garden was designed by National Park Service landscape architect and Fairfax County Tree Commissioner Michael McMahon. During the ceremony, a permanent plaque for the garden will be unveiled and a local family will lay a wreath at the base of the plaque in memory and in honor of those affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. In addition, the Fairfax County Public Safety Honor Guard will present the colors and the Fairfax Jubilaires will perform the national anthem. For more information on the ceremony, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935.
<sh>September Sampler Scheduled
<bt>The Assistance League of Northern Virginia (ALNV) will host its September Sampler meeting on Monday, Sept. 15 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Chantilly Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly. The meeting will inform prospective and new members about ALNV's philanthropic projects. ALNV is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, volunteer service organization founded in 1919. The guild is dedicated to promoting the well-being, self-esteem and education of at-risk youth and adults living in Fairfax Loudoun and Prince William Counties. For more information about September Sampler or ALNV, contact Cindy Burgess at 703-758-8454.
<sh>Learn How to Be a Lobbyist
<bt>Del. James Dillard (R-41st) and Kathy May will present a "How to be a Professional Lobbyist?" workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m., at the Good Shepard Church, on Braddock Road, in Burke. The Arc of NoVa will be hosting a night of learning. Seating is limited. Sign up by calling 703-532-3214.
The Arc of Northern Virginia is also sponsoring a "Call to Action: Building Communities for Citizens with Disabilities" rally in Richmond on Sept. 20. Participants will march from Mayo Island to Virginia's Capitol from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Participants from the Northern Virginia area are invited to meet at the Northern Virginia Training Center from 7-7:30 a.m. The group will leave at 8 a.m. and return by 4:30 p.m. For more information, call Lynn Ruiz at The Arc at 703-532-3214.
<sh>DeBoer to Address Aging Forum
<bt>Jay W. DeBoer, commissioner of the Virginia Aging Department, will speak to over 30 Northern Virginia legislators at a Sept. 23 breakfast forum hosted by the Northern Virginia Aging Network (NVAN).
NVAN hosts the breakfast forum annually to present its legislative proposals for health care, housing, safety and other issues of concern to Virginia's elderly. This year's forum will take place at the Conference Center of the Greenspring Retirement Community in Springfield. The public is invited to attend the 8:30-10:30 a.m. breakfast. Those wishing to purchase tickets may contact Carolyn Carter at 703-324-5403 or Carolyn.Carter@Fairfaxcounty.gov.
<sh>Charity Golf Tournament
<bt>The Ashley Fister Cole Foundation is sponsoring a charity golf event, "Driving for Surviving" Melanoma, on Oct. 3, at Bristow Manor Golf Club, in Bristow, Va. The Foundation was founded in memory of Ashley Fister Cole who died of melanoma on Oct. 8, 2002 at the age of 28. All proceeds from "Driving for Surviving" will go directly toward melanoma research and trial studies. The cost to play in this 18 hole four-person Captain's Choice is $85 and includes range balls, green and cart fees, and a barbecue dinner.
A shotgun start at 1 p.m. will kick off the afternoon which concludes with dinner, a silent auction and raffle drawings. To register to play, send a check to The Ashley Fister Cole Foundation, Driving for Surviving, 9601 Hershour Court, Fairfax, VA 22032, by Sept. 19. For more information, contact Brian Cole at 703-323-4683 or briancole428@hotmail.co.
<sh>Coptic Orphans 5K
<bt>To help raise funds to end the cycle of poverty in Egypt, Coptic Orphans will be hosting the 3rd annual 5k run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8 a.m. at Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. A $10 donation per person is suggested. Pledges are encouraged as well, and the participant with the most pledges will receive an award. First and second place runners and walkers will also be recognized. Participants can register by calling Danyelle Ballard at 703-641-8910 or register and download pledge forms online at www.copticorphans.org.