APRIL 6-27
Local artist Barbara Haeme of Sully Estates will show her series of Dimensions in Mixed Media on April 6-27 at The Women's Center atrium at Fairfax Inova Hospital. The show will feature a collection of three-dimensional, mixed media created from surgical instruments and X-ray film as well as other metals, paper and textural objects — priced from $75 to $500. Inova Hospital sponsors a different artist every month. (Pictured) One of Barbara Haeme's works done in copper, sterling silver, and an X-ray of a pelvic bone. The hospital is at 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. For more information or to purchase, contact: Inova Hospital's Tower Gift Shop at 703-532-8555.
<cal1>APRIL 1-10
<cal2>The Spring Bunny will be making appearances along with Stuart Little at Fair Oaks Mall, April 1-10. 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>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>Inge Heyer from Space Telescope Science Institute presents a fun and educational talk about the ongoing missions and discoveries of our planetary neighbor, Mars. Sponsored by USS Athena, the seminar is Saturday, April 3 from 2-4:30 p.m. at Chantilly Library. Admission is free. The USS Athena is a Northern Virginia Star Trek and science fiction fan club and community service organization. In addition to enjoying science fiction and hosting educational talks, the group also supports local charities.
<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>TUESDAY/APRIL 6
<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.
<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>FRIDAY/APRIL 9
<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 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.
<cal2>With all the recent publicity on the condition of drinking water in the Washington Metropolitan area, Fairfax residents are most likely concerned about what is coming out of their faucets. If your are interested in finding out, join members of the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area for their April meetings as they discuss the Occoquan Watershed and what needs to be done to maintain the high quality of water in the Reservoir.
League meetings will be held at 14 locations throughout Fairfax County and City including Fairfax Station on Wednesday, April 14 at 9:30 a.m. (call 703-658-9150 for location). Meetings are free, guests are always welcome and no registration is required. For further information concerning the League, call 703-658-9150 or visit the LWVFA Web site at www.lwv-fairfax.org.
The League of Women Voters is a non partisan organization that promotes an active and informed participation in state, local and national government. All persons of voting age, male and female are encouraged to become members of the League and participate in its activities.
<cal2>A Benefit Fashion Show and Luncheon featuring fashions by Chico's will be held on Wednesday, April 14 at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Women's Association of Northern Virginia, the show will be held at the International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax. Proceeds from this event will go to Veteran's Affairs and Rehabilitation of the American Legion of McLean. Tickets are $30 (including tax and gratuities) and reservations are required by April 9. Guests and new members are welcome. Call Eleanor Bogner at 703-451-5247 for reservations.
<cal1>APRIL 16-MAY 1
<cal2>Tickets are now on sale for The Center for the Arts Rooftop Productions, “Blithe Spirit”. This Noel Coward comedy, directed by Scott Bailey, opens at the Center’s Kellar Theater on Friday, April 16 at 8 p.m. Shows continue every Friday and Saturday evening at 8 p.m., April 16-May 1. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $12 for Students and seniors. Call 703-330-ARTS for tickets or more information.
<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.
<cal2>Model Trains will be running on Sunday, April 18 from 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. The Northern Virginia NTRAK model train club will host their monthly display. Cost is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 4-10. The museum is located at 11200 Fairfax Station Road. Call 703-425-9225.
<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>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, located at 13955 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly — across from the K-Mart and Babies R Us. Items for sale include: motor boats, cars, furniture, housewares, sports equipment, books, clothes for the entire family, electronics and white elephant merchandise. Donations are being accepted on the following Saturdays only: April 3, 10 and 17. They can be dropped off between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the site on Saturdays only. Call and leave a message at 703-222-2333. If you'd prefer, you can register your pickup on-line on the troop's Web site at WWW.TROOP893.ORG/FLEA.
<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>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.