<cal1>ONGOING
<cal2>The Clifton Farmers Market will be held each Sunday, from 8 a.m.-noon, beginning May 2. It's on Chapel Road in the Town of Clifton, across from the fire station. It offers a wide variety of items including fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, honey, soap, chocolate and even crafts such as handmade birdhouses, chairs and jewelry.
<cal1>APRIL 22-24
<cal2>The Alliance Theatre of Chantilly is now holding auditions for its summer production of "The Music Man." Youth auditions are Thursday, April 22, from 6-10 p.m. Call backs are Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m.-noon. The two lead roles are already cast, but still needed are singers, dancers, actors and crew members.
Hopefuls will be asked to perform one-minute vocal selections — if possible, from "The Music Man." Vocal/dance combinations should be limited to two minutes. Actors may be asked to read from a script supplied by the director, and an accompanist and tape/CD player will be available.
The show will be performed July 30-31 and Aug. 1 at Chantilly High. Any questions may be e-mailed to PBKallman@allvantage.com or Ewilson16@cox.net, or call Kallman at 703-263-2085.
<cal1>NOW THROUGH MAY 1
<cal2>Noel Coward’s comedy, “Blithe Spirit,” opens at the Kellar Theater at the Candy Factory in Manassas on April 16. This hilarious English farce follows novelist Charles Condomine, played by Prince William prosecutor, Scott Bailey. Charles decides to research his next book by bringing in a medium to stage a séance. The results are not what he is expecting. “Blithe Spirit” is produced by the Center for the Arts’ Rooftop Productions and will be presented on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. from now through May 1. The Kellar Theatre is located at 9419 Battle Street in Manassas. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Call the Center for the Arts at 703-330-ARTS.
<cal1>FRIDAY, APRIL 23
<cal2>Enjoy swing dancing every Friday night at the Dulles Hilton in the Solarium, corner of Route 28 and McLearan Road. Hosted by Sue and Gary Caley. Beginner's class from 8:30-9 p.m., followed by live bands from 9-11 p.m. Cost is $12 for the evening. Visit www.gottaswing.com.
Live Band Schedule:
* April 23 — Fabulettes. A sock hop. Dress in '50s fun.
* April 30 — BG & Mojo Hands
* May 7 — Daryl Davis
* May 14 — King Teddy
* May 21 — Rockin' Bones and May's birthday dance
* May 28 — Lush Life
<cal2>Twelve bands will compete in Fair Oaks Mall's first Battle of the Bands contest on Fridays, April 23, and 30 from 7-9 p.m. The bands will be judged by the audience members and the winning band will receive $1,000 worth of Fair Oaks Mall gift certificates and headline Fair Oaks Mall's Teen Night on Sept. 25.
Performing on Friday, April 23:
* How About Shirley, Robinson students;
* ETC, Paul VI students;
* 45th Loft, Langley High students;
* Sight Unseen, Annandale High students;
Performing on Friday, April 30:
* Random Hero, Robinson High students;
* Black Line, South Lakes High students;
* SKA Face, Oakton High students;
* Red Star, Herndon High students;
On Friday, May 7, the winner from each previous night will perform in front of a panel of judges selected by Fair Oaks Mall.
Visit www.shopfairoaksmall.com and click “mall events” for a list of schools and rules.
<cal1>APRIL 23-24
<cal2>The Friends of Chantilly Regional Library are holding their Spring Used Book Sale on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library at 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. A clearance sale will be held on Sunday, April 25 from noon to 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/APRIL 24
<cal2>The 31st Annual Flea Market sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 893 of Centreville will be held Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the old Lowe's hardware store at 13955 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly — across from the K-Mart and Babies R Us. Enter from Centreville Road, off Route 50 west. Items for sale include: motor boats, cars, large and small kitchen appliances, furniture, housewares, sports equipment, books, clothes for the entire family, electronics and white elephant merchandise. Donations will only be accepted this Saturday, April 17, and may be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the site.
<cal2>Maneesha Sathe, a renowned Kathak dancer, will give a dance performance on Saturday, April 24 at the Durga Temple in Fairfax Station. Sathe is an internationally acclaimed performer who has performed in Singapore, Malaysia, Sweden, the U.K., Canada, Japan and the U.S. A food bazaar will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The dance performance begins at 8 p.m. Cost is $15/person. The Durga Temple is located at 8400 Durga Place, Fairfax Station.
<cal2>Fairfax ReLeaf, Fairfax County Tree Commission and the Virginia Run Home and Garden Club are all working together to enhance the appearance of Centreville. A tree planting project will take place on Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help plant tree saplings at the intersection of Routes 28 and 29. Meet at the Newgate Shopping Center parking lot near Route 28 ramp onto Lee Highway. Look for the volunteers with orange vests. Bring some basic supplies: empty milk gallon jugs filled with water for watering the trees, shovels, hammers and bags of top soil. Contact co-chairs Mary-Rose Woodward at 703-222-2489 or Lvtoocook@aol.com or Judy Kelsen at 703-263-0576 or Judy@kelsen.com.
<cal1>APRIL 24-25
<cal2>The Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild and Artisans United will hold its third Fine Arts & Crafts Spring Showcase on April 24-25 at Northern Virginia Community College. The show hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $1. Some 60 outstanding local artists and artisans have been chosen to participate in this exciting event. There will be stained glass works, handwoven shawls and throws, lamps made from old books, silver jewelry, hand-painted silk clothing, pottery, fine needlework vests, ceramics, photography and more. Contact Cele Sinnott at 703-938-8306.
<cal1>SUNDAY/APRIL 25
<cal2>The 7th Annual "Walk for Shea" Megale is scheduled for Sunday, April 25 at the Virginia Run Community Center. Mark your calendars to meet at 9 a.m., rain or shine. This is an activity for the entire family and a chance to give to the less fortunate. For those new to the area, Shea Megale is an 8-year-old Virginia Run resident who has a rare and terminal form of muscular dystrophy called Spinal Muscular Atrophy for which there is no cure to date. Although she is confined to a wheelchair, Shea leads walkers on a 5K walk throughout the community showing her determination and spirit for living life to the fullest. The cost is $4 for children under 18 and $6 for adults. Friendly dogs and strollers welcome. Log onto www.walkforshea.com.
<cal2>Enjoy bluebells and other spring wildflowers on Sunday, April 25 from 1-3 p.m. along Cub Run Stream at Bull Run Regional Park while learning what the Fairfax County watershed management planning process could mean for this watershed and how to get involved in watershed protection. Walk over mostly level ground on dirt trails. Free, but register at 703-737-0021 or cliff@audubonnaturalist.org. Co-sponsored by ANS, NVSWCD, NVCT, and Fairfax County Watershed Planning and Assessment Branch.
<cal2>Hemlock Overlook Regional Park will host a Summer Camp Open House on Sunday, April 25 from 1:30-4 p.m. Parents and future campers may ask questions, tour the Center for Outdoor Education, learn about the center’s educational and team building opportunities and register for one of the Center’s Adventure and Outdoor Education Camps for 7- 17-year-olds. The Center is operated by George Mason University in cooperation with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
<cal1>MONDAY/APRIL 26
<cal2>Amnesty International, Fairfax branch, will meet on Monday, April 26, at 7 p.m., at Brookfield Elementary School in Chantilly. Members and friends will join in letter writing to support those whose human rights are threatened. There will be an update on Father Ly, a prisoner who has spoken out for religious freedom in Vietnam. On May 6, Fairfax Amnesty will hear author Alan Elsner discuss his book, "Gates of Injustice: The Crisis in America's Prisons." This event, organized by Arlington Amnesty International, will be at the Unitarian-Universalist Church , 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, 7:30-9 p.m. Visitors are welcome to join in these meetings. Call 703-830-4194 for information, or write amnestyusafairfax@lycos.com.
<cal1>TUESDAY/APRIL 27
<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 11:45 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, April 27– “The Anchor in the Storm: Keeping Your Marriage Strong So That Your Family Will Thrive” Debbie Beach, LCSW;
* Tuesday, May 4 – “Infant Massage,” Sheila Hautbois, Massage Therapist;
* Tuesday, May 11 – “Nutrition for Infants and New Moms,” Beth Potter, BS, RD;
* Tuesday, May 18 – “Sign Language for Infants,” Stephanie Steffer, Time to Sign;
* Tuesday, May 25 – “Toys! Toys! Toys!” Susie Waterstreet, Tree Top Toys;
* Tuesday, June 1 – “The Aches and Pains of Pregnancy and Beyond,” Dina Rosa;
* Tuesday, June 8 – “Smart Women Finish Rich – Tips for Planning Your Financial Future,” Deana Withrow, Morgan Stanley.
<cal1>THURSDAY/APRIL 29
<cal2>Supporters of President Bush are invited to a Party for the President on Thursday, April 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Blue Water Grille, 5127 Westfields Blvd., in Centreville. This gathering helps the Bush/Cheney campaign meet its goal of having 2004 Parties for the President on this one night. Come show your support and learn what you can do to help the President in the coming election. Any questions can be directed to Carl Cecil at 703-585-9651.
<cal1>FRIDAY/APRIL 30
The 4th Annual Sugarloaf Craft Festival will be held on April 30, May 1-2 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. The show features more than 300 artisans — specializing in pottery, fine art, jewelry and leather goods, to name a few — each of whom is among the best in their craft. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $7/adults, children under 12 free. (Pictured) This hand-crafted leather bag can be found at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival.
<cal2>The MOMS Clubs of Centreville-North, Clifton/Centreville-South and Chantilly/South Riding are hosting an Open House and Family Resource Day on Friday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at the Sully Government Center, located at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. (located near the Westfields Blvd./Route 28 intersection) in Chantilly. The MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) is a non-profit organization for mothers and their families offering support, activities and special interest groups. Come learn more about the MOMS Club and about products, services and information from family-friendly organizations. Email momsclubopenhouse@yahoo.com with questions. Check out www. momsclubccva.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/MAY 1
<cal2>A Charity Yard Sale sponsored by St. Andrew Lutheran Church will take place on Saturday, May 1 from 8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine). It will be held at 14640 Soucy Place, Centreville (Braddock Road at Cranoke Street). Items for sale include: children's clothing, toys, furniture, tools, housewares, books, videos and more. Items to be donated for the sale will be accepted Friday, April 30 from 3-7 p.m. at the church. All proceeds will be matched by Thrivent Financial and will benefit the Bethany House and NOVACO programs for victims of domestic abuse. Call 703-830-2768.
<cal2>Equality Fairfax will host its Spring Dance on Saturday, May 1 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. There will be a deejay, dancing and cash bar. Cost is $12/advance or $15/at door. To be held at the Falls Church Inn on Route 50. For details, visit www.equalityfairfax.org or call 703-255-1552. Equality Fairfax is a social and advocacy organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of Fairfax County.
The Virginia Ballet Company will present "Alice in Wonderland" on Friday, April 30 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 2 at 2 p.m. at the Ernst Cultural Center Theatre on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. Pictured (from left): Eleni Liagouris of Centreville, Martha Thieman of Fairfax Station, Sarah Larson of Fairfax, Frances Iannone of Burke, Amy Koenig of Annandale and Nancy Chae of Fairfax.
<cal1>MONDAY/MAY 3
<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. Call Cindy Walsh at 703-378-1280. Upcoming meetings: May 3, 17, June 7, 28, July 12, 26.
<cal1>MAY 5-6
<cal2>Art Showcase. Art Showcase, an exhibition of original artwork, opens at Broadway Gallery in Fairfax on Wednesday, May 5 and continues Thursday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Broadway Gallery is located at 12231 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive in Fairfax. Stop in to see works of art by more than 60 different artists, featuring many new collections. Works include originals on paper and canvas, serigraphs and etchings. The event is free and all are welcome.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/MAY 5
<cal2>2nd Flight Productions is a new community theater company serving the Chantilly, Centreville and Manassas area. The company is a not-for-profit organization and was formed by local performance artists from Centreville. 2nd Flight is looking to bring high-quality performances and workshops to the Chantilly/Centreville community. Co-founders include Shannon Khatcheressian, also the theater director at Chantilly High School and Rebekah Frye, an English teacher at Robinson Secondary with B.A.'s in English and Theater as well as a Master's Degree in Theater and Dance Education.
2nd Flight Productions is looking to bring a sense of community involvement to the area along with bringing more opportunities for performance for local residents.
A meeting will be held for anyone interested in joining on Wednesday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Chantilly High School (room 106).
2nd Flight Productions' premier performance will be "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" performed at the Cramer Center in Old Town, Manassas. The show will run through mid-August and auditions will be held in early June. The company is looking for individuals to work on stage as well as behind the scenes.
For details, call Shannon Khatcheressian at 703-927-5438 or visit www.2ndflightproductions.com.
<cal1>THURSDAY/MAY 6
<cal2>Mothers First — Centreville/Chantilly is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips, mom's night out, etc. May meetings are May 6 and May 20 at 10:15 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/MAY 8
<cal2>Fire Station 15 of Chantilly is holding a Safe Kids Day in honor of National Safe Kids Week on Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include child safety information and handouts presented by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Dept.; station tours, puppet shows and raffles, traffic and bicycle safety information presented by the Fairfax County Police Department; and water safety information presented by the Fairfax County Water Authority. All activities and refreshments are free of charge. Fire Station 15 is located at 14005 Vernon Street in Chantilly.
<cal2>Fairfax County Public Library Foundation Inc. will celebrate its 10th anniversary by hosting The Capital Book Festival at the Fairfax County Government Center on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; call 703-467-3000 or visit the Library Foundation’s Web site at: www.fcplfoundation.org. The festival will feature celebrity author presentations, writers’ workshops, autographed book sales and special children’s activities. Authors confirmed include:
* David Baldacci, best-selling author of "Absolute Power and Split Second."
* Peter and Cheryl Barnes, authors and illustrators of "Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse."
* Ric Edelman, radio talk show host and author of "The Truth About Money."
* Stanley Greenberg, political pollster and author of "The Two Americas."
* Laura Ingraham, nationally-syndicated radio talk show host and author of "Shut Up & Sing."
* Alma Powell, author of "America’s Promise and My Little Wagon."
* Diane and John Rehm, authors of "Finding My Voice and Toward Commitment."
* Larry Sabato, political analyst and author of "Dirty Little Secrets and Dangerous Democracy?"
* Judge Kenneth Starr, author of "First Among Equals."
* Gaye Newton, author of "Past Presence."
* Gary W. Gallagher, author of "The Confederate War" and "The Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862."
* Diane Chamberlain, award-winning romance novelist and author of "Her Mother’s Shadow."
* Alice McDermott, author of "That Night" and National Book Award winner, "Charming Billy."
Call the Library Foundation at 703-324-8300.
<cal1>SATURDAY/MAY 15
<cal2>An educational seminar on retirement planning will be held Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m. at 5870 Trinity Parkway, Suite 100, Centreville. Discover how to make the most of your retirement plan assets including:
* How to plan successfully for the retirement you've always wanted.
* How to take advantage of tax-free retirement income.
* What you need to know about your Retirement Plan Distributions.
* How your expenses will change in retirement and how to meet them.
* How to provide yourself with a stream of income during retirement.
You'll also receive an informational workbook you can use to assess your current financial situation.
This is an educational seminar. There's no cost or obligation. Space is limited. Make a reservation for you and up to three guests. Call 703-653-8942
<cal2>RESOLVE Adoption and Infertility Conference. "Road to Resolution 2004 — Adoption and Infertility Conference and Consumer Fair" hosted by the Washington, D.C., Area Chapter of RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Ernst Community Cultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. The one-day event offers the latest information on coping with both male and female infertility issues and recurrent pregnancy loss, medical information on the latest assisted reproductive technologies and complementary treatments, assistance with financing issues, deciding to live child-free, mental health issues and adoption. Sessions of special interest will cover Embryo Donation, Embryo Adoption, and Surrogacy. The event is $50 per person or $70 per couple for RESOLVE members, and $110 for individuals and $130 for non-member couples. Register online at www.resolvedc.org or call 202-362-5555.
<cal1>SUNDAY/MAY 16
<cal2>A Turkey Hatch 100 Sporting Clay Tournament will take place Sunday, May 16 starting at 10 a.m. at Bull Run Regional Park. Take aim; enjoy the challenge at this National Sporting Clays Association contest sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Bull Run Shooting Center. No advance registration. Call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>THURSDAY/MAY 20
<cal2>The Clifton Community Woman's Club Homes Tour will take place Thursday, May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This annual fund-raiser benefits local charities and scholarships. The boutique hours are Wednesday, May 19, from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, May 20, from 9:30-5 p.m. Silent auction hours are Wednesday, May 19, from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, May 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. Tickets are available at Antiques of Clifton, Baskets and Boughs, Heart in Hand Restaurant and Cottage Art in Clifton; Temptations Gifts and Special Touch Gifts in Burke. Call 703-803-1425.
<cal1>MAY 22-23
<cal2>Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) is calling for volunteers for the 13th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, May 22-23, at Reston Town Center. Contact GRACE at 703-471-9242 or, e-mail info@restonarts.org or, visit the GRACE gallery at 11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 110, in Reston Town Center. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, rated as on of the top 10 in America, features artwork to see and to buy from more than 180 of the nation's fine artists, a Children’s Art Zone, two days of musical performances, festival foods and more.
<cal1>JUNE 5
<cal2>The Seventh Annual Railroad Photography Competition, sponsored by the 10th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival, will be held on June 5 in Old Town Manassas. All entries must have a railroad theme and the competition is open to the public. Entries may be submitted to: Historic Manassas Inc., Attn: Railroad Photography Contest, 9431 West Street, Manassas, VA 20110. Entries are due on Friday, June 4. Contact Gordon Tassi of the Manassas Warrenton Camera Club at gtassi22193@comcast.net or visit www.mwcc-photo.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/JUNE 19
<cal2>A Father’s Day 100 Sporting Clay Tournament will take place Saturday, June 19 at 10 a.m. at Bull Run Regional Park's Public Shooting Center in Centreville. Take aim; enjoy the challenge at this National Sporting Clays Association contest. No advance registration. Call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>Sunday/June 20
<cal2>Judged Pleasure Trail Ride. The Clifton Horse Society will sponsor a Judged Pleasure Trail Ride, the third of six in the Crystal Crown Competition, at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. Call 703-239-8590, email forhorses@erols.com or download an application at www.cliftonhorsesociety.org.
<cal1>SUNDAY/JULY 18
<cal2>A Lightning 100 Sporting Clays Tournament will take place Sunday, July 18 at 10 a.m. at Bull Run Regional Park's Public Shooting Center in Centreville. No advance registration. Call 703-830-2344.