Boy Scout Flea Market
<bt>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. Start cleaning out your closets and garages now to be ready for the scouts to come by and haul away your "stuff". The first pickup is scheduled for Saturday, April 3, and will continue for the following two Saturdays. If you do not see the flyer in your mailbox over the weekend of March 27, contact the special hotline to arrange for pickup. Call 703-222-2333 after March 24. Or drop off donated items to the location at The Old Lowe's Hardware Store located at 13955 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly — across from K-Mart and Babies R Us between April 3-17 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
<cal1>MARCH 25-APRIL 10
<cal2>The Spring Bunny will be making appearances along with Stuart Little at Fair Oaks Mall, March 25-April 10. The hours are Mondays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Fair Oaks Mall Spring Bunny will visit with children on a garden bench surrounded by colorful landscaping. Everyone who visits the Spring Bunny receives a storybook and leaves with lasting memories. Information on photo packages is available at Fair Oaks Mall or visit www.ShopFairOaksMall.com. There is also a Stuart Little Central Park display featuring giant topiaries, floral landscape lush with tulip, pansies, daisies and trees will transform the Fair Oaks Fountain Court into New York Central Park featuring the movie character Stuart Little. Visit www.ShopFairOaksMall.com.
<cal1>MARCH 26-28
<cal2>The Craftsmen's Classic Arts & Crafts Festival will be held March 26-28 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. It will feature more than 400 artisans from 30 states, with contemporary and traditional treatments of handthrown pottery, custom made jewelry, fine art in virtually every medium, stained glass, decorative metalwork, toys, baskets, blown glass, furniture, clothing, stitchery, leathercraft, sculpture, musical instruments and more. Hours are Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7/adults, children ages 6-12 is $1. Call 1-888-96-CRAFT or via e-mail at: gilmoreshows@triad.rr.com
<cal1>SATURDAY/MARCH 27
<cal2>The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Zeta Upilon Lambda Chapter, will host their annual Black and Gold Scholarship Ball on Saturday, March 27 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Fair Lakes Hyatt Hotel. A donation of $6 per person is required. All profits support the scholarship fund. Contact Lawrence Davis at 703-830-0813.
<cal2>The Bull Run Swamp Stomp will take place Saturday, March 27 at 6 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. Search at night for the amphibian life of Bull Run Regional Park on a free, naturalist-led night hike at this stream valley park.
<cal2>The 11th annual All Aboard Quilters Special Quilt Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 27-28 from noon to 5 p.m. each day. The show features quilts owned by area residents, including a small sales area with hand-crafted items. To be held at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Sponsored by Friends of the Fairfax Station, a non-profit organization. Suggested $3 donation to assist with improvement and upkeep of an historic railroad station. Call 703-425-9225.
<cal2>Strengthen the eco-warrior in you. Gain resilience. Develop real immunity to stress, excuses and insults. Build better communities. Make more of a difference in the world. Weekend workshop in Centreville on March 27-28. Cost is $150. Call 703-803-4051 or visit sallyramsden@bigfoot.com.
<cal2>Monte Carlo Casino Night. The Northern Virginia Community Foundation will host its annual Casino Night on Saturday, March 27 at Waterford at Fair Oaks. Admission includes casino cash, open bar, food (including dessert buffet) and door prizes. Use your winnings to take a chance in various raffle drawings to win a weekend stay at The Stardust Resort in Las Vegas, or VIP passes to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, or Ride in Lockheed Martin's demonstration simulators for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter & F/A22 Raptor. Tickets start at $100 with sponsorship packages available. Contact Christine Lee at 703-902-3157 or by email at chrislee.nvcf@erols.com.
<cal1>TUESDAY/MARCH 30
<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, March 30 — "Safety In and Around Your House," Officer Liz Barrington, Fair Oaks Police, Office of Public Safety.
<cal1>THURSDAY/APRIL 1
<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. Meetings are Thursdays, April 1 and April 15 at 10:15 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>APRIL 2-4
<cal2>Super Pet Expo welcomes pet lovers, owners and their pets to attend the area’s largest animal extravaganza at the Dulles Expo Center April 2-4. Highlights include: Pet Detective Tales, Dog Agility Demos, Rizzo's Reptile Discovery, the Chicken Man, Exotic Bird Show, Feline and K9 Purr-formers, and Pet Portraits. Hours are 4-9 p.m. on Friday (April 2), 10 a.m. -8 p.m. Saturday (April 3), and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday (April 4). Admission is $9 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under, and free for kids three and under. On Friday, admission is free for all children 12 and under. To order discounted tickets in advance, visit www.superpetexpo.com or call 301-230-9040.
<cal1>FRIDAY/APRIL 2
<cal2>Mothers of Youth presents: "Parenting with Honesty" on Friday, April 2 at 10 a.m. The workshop is being presented by Laura Gauld, author of "Parenting: The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have. Find the Right Balance Between Character and Achievement for Your Child." To be held at the Sully District Police Station, 4900 Stonecraft Blvd., Chantilly. Cost: $10, includes light breakfast. Come early, seating is limited. RSVP: Mothersofyouth@aol.com.
<cal1>SATURDAY/APRIL 3
<cal2>The Lane's Mill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter meeting is on Saturday, April 3 at 1 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library. There will be the election and installation of new officers as well the chapter's birthday. 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 site at http://www.dar.org under "chapters".
<cal2>The Westfields Marriott invites local residents and their families to celebrate the Easter holiday a few weeks early at Breakfast with the Westfields Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Westfields Marriott, 14750 Conference Center Drive in Chantilly. Along with the Frying Pan Farm Petting Zoo, which will be on hand for kids to hug, pet and feed bunnies, chickens and a goat, activities include the Easter Egg Hunt and face painting. Call 703-818-3520.
<cal2>The Spa at Westfields Marriott in Chantilly and The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston are hosting a free and open to the public Spring Well Being Seminar on Saturday, April 3, featuring educational discussions and demonstrations on the following topics: the latest cosmetic surgery procedures, exercise and nutrition tips, skincare techniques and hair care demonstrations. The seminar, which also features high tea service and gift bags for guests, will be held the Westfields Marriott at 14750 Conference Center Drive in Chantilly from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 571-323-0552 to reserve a space.
<cal1>SUNDAY/APRIL 4
<cal2>A Floppy-Eared 100 Sporting Clay Tournament will take place Sunday, April 4 starting at 10 a.m. at Bull Run Regional Park's Shooting Center. Take aim; enjoy the challenge at this National Sporting Clays Association contest. No advance registration. Call 703-830-2344.
<cal1>SUNDAY/APRIL 4
<cal2>The Clifton Horse Society is hosting a Spring Tune Up Ride on Sunday, April 4. Ride for 5, 10, 15, or 20 miles through Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station. Call 703-830-8394 or e-mail wkime@cox.net.
<cal2>"Improve Communications with Your Children" is a workshop that will be held Sunday, April 4 from 1-3 p.m. at Unity Life Center in Chantilly. This program will provide five simple, easy-to-remember steps to improve communication with your children. The church is at 14088-C Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly. Contact the church office at 703-263-7645.
<cal2>The Prince William Art Society will be holding its sixth annual Spring Show and Sale on Sunday, April 4, at the Canterbury Woods Community Center in Lake Ridge. The show, which features original artwork and fine art reproductions by local artists, is always a popular event. Many works are under $50. The show will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The Canterbury Woods Community Center is located at 12184 Chaucer Lane, Lake Ridge. Contact Michele Frantz at 703-791-5767.
<cal1>MONDAY/APRIL 5
<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 Lynn Griesmer 703-263-2468. Upcoming meetings: Monday, April 5, and Monday, April 19.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/APRIL 7
<cal2>An Easter Egg Hunt will take place Wednesday, April 7 at 11 a.m. at Bull Run Regional Park. Children ages 2 through 7 may bring a basket, enjoy some spring crafts, pose for a picture with Mr. Bunny and search for the Easter Bunny’s colorful eggs. Food may be purchased at the event. Easter Bunny photos are $2 each. The fee is $5 per child and reservations are required; call 703-631-0770.
<cal1>SATURDAY/APRIL 10
<cal2>A Suburban Safari Hike will take place Saturday, April 10 at 9 a.m. at Bull Run Marina in Clifton. Hikers will explore six miles of the 17.5-mile Bull Run-Occoquan Trail on this journey through park land on the shore of the Occoquan Reservoir. Travelers will stop for a lunch break. Adventurers must be age 12 or older and an adult must accompany hikers younger than age 18. The fee is $15 per person and reservations are required; call 703-352-5900 or visit www.nvrpa.org to register.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/APRIL 14
<cal2>The Chesapeake Bay Report will be the subject of the April 14 meeting of the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area Fairfax Station Unit. Fairfax Station meets the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. The majority of its attendees reside in Clifton, Fairfax Station or Burke. Everyone is welcome. Call the membership chair at 703-335-9723 for directions.
For a meeting at a more convenient day or time, call the League office at 703-658-9150. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, community-based political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Any person of voting age is encouraged to join. The League's Web site is www.lwv.fairfax.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/APRIL 17
<cal2>The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Inc. will be holding an open house on Saturday, April 17 from 1-5 p.m. Come and see the action on Northern Virginia's largest fixed operating "HO" scale model railroad featuring digital control, sound and smoke. Also visit the W&OD railroad's real caboose. The club is located in the historic Washington & Old Dominion Railroad station, 231 Dominion Road in downtown Vienna. Free admission. However, cash or check donations (at the door) are accepted. Visit www.nvmr.org, by e-mail at nvmrinc@hotmail.com, or call 703-938-5157.
<cal1>APRIL 17-18
<cal2>The Fairfax Automile Credit Union New Car Sale will be held April 17-18, at the Patriot Center. Hundreds of new cars representing 22 different brands will be available for sale at the Patriot Center on Saturday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than a dozen area credit unions will be on site to provide financing for customers. Participants include: AFL/CIO, Apple, Belvoir, Fairfax Employees Credit Union, HEW, Interior, Navy, New Horizon, Northwest, NRL, Pentagon, SECU, State Department and Strategic Credit Unions. The sale will benefit Arts & Education In Concert, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing drug abuse and youth violence. The show is being sponsored by the Fairfax City Auto Dealers, The Patriot Center and MCI Center. Visit www.cusale.com or www.aeconcert.org.
<cal1>SUNDAY/APRIL 18
<cal2>Take a Bluebell Walk on Sunday, April 18 at 2 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. View acres and acres of fairy-tale-like, misty bluebells on the fields and creek banks at the 1,500-acre Bull Run Park. The bluebells at Bull Run are said to be the largest stand on the east coast. The naturalist-guided Sunday walk is free. Free, self-guiding tour pamphlets will be available at the camp center. Call 703-528-5406.
<cal1>TUESDAY/APRIL 20
<cal2>Learn more about MOMS Club activities (playgroups, park days, social events, etc.) for mothers and their children living in the 20121 or 20124 ZIP code. Monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Centreville Library. Children welcome. Visit the Web site at www.momsclubccva.org and click on Clifton/Centreville South Chapter.
<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>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 noon. Volunteers are needed to help 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>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>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>SATURDAY/MAY 8
<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>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>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/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. For fees and more information, call 703-830-2344.