Send announcements to The Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to herndon@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. For additional calendar listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Fitness Seminar. Fitness through empowerment seminar, participants will learn everything they need to know to get into shape including nutritional and exercise guidelines and a review of current myths in the diet and exercise world. This 90-minute workshop costs $30. 7-8:30 p.m., at Blue Star Fitness' studio inside the ReCharge Wellness Center at 1041 Sterling Road, Suite 101 in Herndon. Call 703-481-4400 to register.
The Polar Express P.J. Celebrating Chris van AllsburgÕs classic with stories and activities. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, 7:15 p.m. All ages. Call 703-689-2700 to register.
Senior Movie. Reston Association will be hosting senior movie day, at Reston Town CenterÕs Multiplex Cinemas. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. and the movie starts at 10 a.m. This monthÕs film is ÒMona Lisa Smile.Ó This program is held the fourth Wednesday of each month with coffee, pastries and orange juice being served prior to the movie. Senior adults age 55 years and older are welcome to attend. This is a free event. Call 703-435-6577, e-mail Ashleigh@reston.org or visit www.reston.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 16
<cal2>ChildrenÕs Workshop. For teens in grades seven-12. In this workshop, teens will look at how Joseph Cornell, a surrealist artist, created his boxes as personal expressions. Students will learn how to create their own sculptural boxes. Greater Reston Arts Center Gallery (GRACE), 11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 110, Reston, 3:30-5 p.m. The cost is $8 for members of GRACE and $12 for nonmembers. Preregistration is recommended and participation is on a first-come first-served basis. Call 703-471-9242 to register.
AARP Party. AARP Dulles Chapter will hold its annual holiday party, featuring a potluck array of finger foods and desserts. Members are also asked to bring new unwrapped children's toys or gifts to be contributed to a local shelter for abused women and their children. At 7 p.m., at the North County Governmental Center, 12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Guests and prospective members are welcome. Call 703-758-1517.
Design Film. Educational design film on loan from VMFA, 7 p.m. GRACE (Greater Reston Arts Center Gallery) at the Reston Town Center at 11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 110. Call to register, 703-471-9242.
Art Workshop for Teens. "Joseph CornellÕs Boxes," a look at how Joseph Cornell created his boxes as very personal expressions. After a brief discussion, students will learn how to create their own boxes using a variety of materials. For young people in grades seven-12. The cost per session is $8 for members of GRACE and $12 for nonmembers. Pre registration is recommended since space is limited and participation is on a first-come first-served basis. Call 703-471-9242 to register. Visit www.restonarts.org/education.htm. All workshops will be held at the Greater Reston Arts Center in Reston Town Center. Senior Cinema. "A Christmas Story" at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., at 2 p.m. Refreshments and a movie are free. All movies are rated PG or PG-13. Call 703-435-6868 or visit www.herndon-va.gov.
Practice Your English. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, 7 p.m. Beginner-level conversation group for people learning English. For adults.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 17
<cal2>Celtic Holiday Celebration. An evening of song and dance with hammered dulcimer player and Irish instrumentalist, Maggie Sansone. The performance will be held at the Industrial Strength Theatre located at 269 in the Sunset Business Park in Herndon, at 8 p.m. Also features Lisa Moscatiello, a vocalist and guitarist, Sue Richards on Celtic harp and Fred Leider on cello. Admission is $9 in advance and $10 at the door for adults; $7 in advance and $8 at the door for children 12 and under.
Winter Holiday Dance. Gotta Swing hosts a dance at the Dulles Hilton, 13869 Park Center Road in Herndon, includes treats, decorations and Swingin' Santa. Daryl Davis is the live band. Beginner class from 8:30-9 p.m. followed by the band between 9-midnight. Cost $12 per person. Visit www.gottaswing.com.
Jazz Performance. The Caroline Drury Trio performs at CenterStage at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, at 8 p.m. Suitable for age 13 and up. Tickets are $15. Call 703-476-4500 for tickets. Visit www.carolinedrury.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 18
<cal2>The Snow Tree. Learn about the Snow Tree and all its animal friends. Make tree decorations and other holiday crafts using natural materials. From 10-11 a.m., at the Glade Community Room, 11550 Glade Drive, Reston. Supplies included. For ages 3-5. Reservations required, call 703-476-6509. Fees: $5 per child, Reston Association members/$8 per child, nonmembers.
Chamber Concert. Voce Chamber Singers presents Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" and Susa's "Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest," 8 p.m., at St. John Neumann Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston. Advanced admission is $18 for adults, $13 for seniors and $5 for students; $20 adults, $15 seniors and $7 students at the door. Call 703-277-7772 or e-mail VoceVAhotmail.com.
Comedy. Mark BrutschŽ is "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" at CenterStage at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, at 3 p.m. Local BrutschŽ is a veteran of the Kennedy Center's long-running "Sheer Madness." Suitable for all ages. Cost $10. Call 703-476-4500 for tickets.
Carousel Puppets. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, 10:30 a.m. The Holly Follies, a North Pole talent show. All ages. Call 703-689-2700 to register.
Gingerbread House Decorating Party. At 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., at Amphora Bakery in Herndon. Decorate your own gingerbread house with AmphoraÕs pastry chefs. Punch and cookies will be served. $16.96. Reservations required, call 703-964-0500.
Santa Paws Event. Reston Town Center and doggiefun.com will hold the third annual Santa Paws Photo Event, from 1-5 p.m. Pet owners are invited to bring their pets to have their photos taken on SantaÕs lap. Photos are $12 each with a $2 donation to local nonprofit Gooddogz.org. Photos will be taken next to PaoloÕs Restaurant at 1 Fountain Square. Visit www.restontowncenter.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 30
<cal2>Practice Your English. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, 7 p.m. Beginner-level conversation group for people learning English. For adults.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 2
<cal2>Country-Western Dance. From 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods. Participants dance to recorded music and enjoy light refreshment. Admission is $5 per person. Call 703-476-4500 or visit the Web site at http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com. The Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, is located in the Hunters Woods Shopping Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road.
<cal1>Tuesday/Jan. 4
<cal2>Kittens and Mittens. Stories and activities at Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, 10:30 a.m. For ages 2-3 with an adult. Call 703-689-2700.
<cal1>Thursday/Jan. 6
<cal2>Circle Time. Interactive story time for child and adult. For ages 13-17 months with adult. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, 10:30 a.m. Call 703-689-2700.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 7
<cal2>Reston VIP. Support group for people with vision loss. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, 2 p.m. For adults. Call 703-689-2700.
<cal1>Saturday/Jan. 8
<cal2>Kaydee Puppets: Teddy Bear Time. For all ages. Reston regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, 10:30 a.m. Call 703-689-2700.
<cal1>Wednesday/Jan. 12
<cal2>MOMS Meeting. The MOMS Club of Reston meets at 10 a.m. Children welcome at all activities. The Reston chapter is open to residents of ZIP codes 20190, 20191 and 20194. For more information, including meeting location, call 1-800-520-0801, Ext. 1524, or e-mail MomsClubofReston@onebox.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 30
<cal2>Film Series. The Independent and International Film Series at CenterStage at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, presents "Gaza Strip." Free, tickets required and must be picked up at the customer service desk or CenterStage box office. Limit four per person. For ages 18 and older.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 9
<cal2>MOMS Meeting. The MOMS Club of Reston meets at 10 a.m. Children welcome at all activities. The Reston chapter is open to residents of ZIP codes 20190, 20191 and 20194. For more information, including meeting location, call 1-800-520-0801, Ext. 1524, or e-mail MomsClubofReston@onebox.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 13
<cal2>Classical Concert. Nokuthula Ngwenyama in concert at CenterStage at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, at 3 p.m. Ngwenyama performs her classical chamber repertoire on both viola and violin. Suitable for ages 9 and up. Cost $15. For tickets, call 703-476-4500. For more information about Ngwenyama, visit www.ngwenyama.com.
Film Series. The Independent and International Film Series at CenterStage at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, presents "Whale Rider." Free, tickets required and must be picked up at the customer service desk or CenterStage box office. Limit four per person. For ages 18 and older.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 19
<cal2>New Orleans Jazz. Marcus Belgrave and Charlie Gabriel in "Detroit's New Orleans Connection," at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, at 8 p.m. Suitable for ages 9 and up. Cost $15. For tickets, call 703-476-4500. For more information about Belgrave and Gabriel, visit www.zajoncvalentimanagement.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 9
<cal2>MOMS Meeting. The MOMS Club of Reston meets at 10 a.m. Children welcome at all activities. The Reston chapter is open to residents of ZIP codes 20190, 20191 and 20194. For more information, including meeting location, call 1-800-520-0801, Ext. 1524, or e-mail MomsClubofReston@onebox.com.
<cal1>Sunday/March 13
<cal2>Film Series. The Independent and International Film Series at CenterStage at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, presents "Dirty Pretty Things." Free, tickets required and must be picked up at the customer service desk or CenterStage box office. Limit four per person. For ages 18 and older.
<cal1>Sunday/April 10
<cal2>Film Series. The Independent and International Film Series at CenterStage at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, presents "The Triplets of Belleville." Free, tickets required and must be picked up at the customer service desk or CenterStage box office. Limit four per person. For ages 18 and older.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 13
<cal2>MOMS Meeting. The MOMS Club of Reston meets at 10 a.m. Children welcome at all activities. The Reston chapter is open to residents of ZIP codes 20190, 20191 and 20194. For more information, including meeting location, call 1-800-520-0801, Ext. 1524, or e-mail MomsClubofReston@onebox.com.
<cal1>Tuesday/May 24
<cal2>Writers Series. Author Rebecca Goldstein will be at the Reston Regional Library at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Nextbook Metro Washington, D.C. series, a joint program of Nextbook, the Fairfax County Public Library and the Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center, where leading writers from around the world visit locations throughout the area to discuss their work and its relationship to Jewish history and culture. Free, reservation encouraged either online at www.nextbook.org or by calling toll free, 888-621-2230 weekdays between noon-5 p.m.