The Clifton Farmers Market is now opened Sundays, from 8 a.m.-noon. 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>FRIDAY/MAY 7
<cal2>The finalists will compete in the Battle of the Bands at Fair Oaks Mall on Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m. The bands are: We Say Goodbye from Falls Church High, Sight Unseen from Annandale High and SKA Face from Oakton High. Students from 21 area high schools were invited to send in a demo tape for a chance to participate. The winning band will receive $1,000 worth of Fair Oaks Mall gift certificates, headline Fair Oak’s Teen Night on Sept. 25 and be eligible for the Battle of the Bands competition at Celebrate Fairfax in June. Second-place band splits $500 and third place, $250 of Fair Oaks Mall gift certificates.
<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:
* May 7 — Daryl Davis
* May 14 — King Teddy
* May 21 — Rockin' Bones and May's birthday dance
* May 28 — Lush Life
<cal1>SATURDAY/MAY 8
<cal2>The Staples Store at Chantilly Plaza is holding a special four-hour sale on Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with proceeds to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Staples will offer discounted office products and furniture that were removed from or in damaged packaging, which means discounted prices. The Staples is located at 13653 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Chantilly.
The Town of Clifton Beautification Committee is sponsoring a Clifton Clean-up Day on Saturday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to noon for flower planting, gazebo clean-up, painting, tidying and pruning. Meet any time at the Clifton Caboose for assignments. For questions, call Jennifer Chesley at 703-830-2129 or Lynne Garvey Wark at 703-322-1811.
<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.
Explore Bull Neck Run on Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Bull Neck Run is rated as excellent by Fairfax County, but faces typical urban stream threats. The walk will traverse the upper portion of this stream to see what factors might affect its health. Free, but to register and for directions, call 703-737-0021 or cliff@audubonnaturalist.org.
<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 9
<cal2>The Angel Kisses 5K run and 2K walk will be held Sunday, May 9, at 8 a.m., starting at the Poplar Tree Estates swimming pool at Point Pleasant Drive in Chantilly. It's in memory of resident Jeffrey Virostek who died of leukemia, Sept. 25, 2003 at age 4, and will raise funds to help other families fighting cancer. Enter at www.angelkisses-5k.org. Registration is 5K, $20; 2K, $15. There's no race-day registration.
<cal1>TUESDAY/MAY 11
<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, 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>WEDNESDAY/MAY 12
<cal2>Learn about a new paradigm in addressing crime within the criminal justice system. Join members of the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area for their May meetings as they discuss Restorative Justice.
League meetings will be held at 14 locations throughout Fairfax County and City including Fairfax Station on Wednesday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m. (call 703-658-9150 for location). Meetings are free, guests are always welcome and no registration is required. For specific times and locations and further information concerning the League, call 703-658-9150 or visit the LWVFA Web site at www.lwv-fairfax.org.
Terry Angelotti, a speaker with the Lion & Lamb Project, will discuss the effect of violent toys on children's play, violence in video games and TV, and what parents can do. The talk will be held Wednesday, May 12 from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library. This free talk is sponsored by Centreville Preschool, Inc., a nonprofit, cooperative preschool. Call 703-830-5656.
<cal2>The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum Forum will be held on Wednesday, May 12. Speaker David Miller will trace the nine-month service of the 16th Vermont Regiment. This unit spent the winter of 1862-63 on guard duty in and around Fairfax Station prior to their fateful march to Gettysburg where they played a significant role in repulsing Pickett's Charge on July 3, 1863. Miller will discuss his great grandfather's diary and other contemporary accounts. The Forum meets at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum from 7:30-9 p.m.
<cal1>FRIDAY/MAY 14
<cal2>The Access Services branch of the Fairfax County Public Library is sponsoring a Sight and Sound Technology Fair for people with disabilities on Friday, May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, Suite 123, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. Activities include hands-on demonstrations of equipment that helps people with vision or hearing disabilities perform everyday tasks; a discussion of the digital Talking Books program administered by the Library of Congress; demonstrations of electronic books; branch tours; and the latest assistive technology offered by vendors. Call 703-324-8380.
<cal1>SATURDAY/MAY 15
<cal2>The Friends of Little Rocky Run is planning a tree-planting day on Saturday, May 15 beginning at 10 a.m. along Little Rocky Run Stream. A large number of additional volunteers will be needed to help plant 300 young trees and shrubs. The goal of the project is to restore the vegetation along the edge of the stream. This area is a called a steam buffer and aids in the filtering of rain water and helps improve the water quality of the stream. In addition to improving water quality, this project will add beauty along the banks of the stream, in sight of a community walking trail. The meeting place is in Centreville, adjacent to the footbridge over Little Rocky Run Stream on Old Braddock Road between the Colonnade Shopping Center and the Little Rocky Run townhomes. Call Renee Kitt at 540-347-0108 or Ned and Lynn Foster at 703-815-3844 to register and for more information. Visit the Web site at www.friendsoflittlerockyrun.com.
<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>Centreville Animal Hospital is holding an open house on Sunday, May 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. Take a tour of the hospital, meet the staff and Clifford the Big Red Dog, and learn veterinary facts. The hospital is located at 13663 Lee Highway, Centreville. Call 703-830-1182.
<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>MONDAY/MAY 17
<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 17, June 7, 28, July 12, 26.
<cal1>THURSDAY/MAY 20
<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. The next meeting is May 20 at 10:15 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<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 and are available at Antiques of Clifton, Baskets and Boughs, Heart in Hand Restaurant and Cottage Art in Clifton; and at Temptations in the Colonnade at Union Mill shopping center.Reservations for lunch will be taken at the Heart in Hand and the Hermitage Inn. The Clifton Store will be selling lunch. Call 703-803-1425.
<cal1>MAY 22-23
<cal2>The 13th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival will be held on May 22 and 23 at Reston Town Center. It offers plenty to see, taste, hear and do from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., both days. Artwork by more than 180 of the nation’s finest painters, sculptors, fine-crafters and jewelers will be available for purchase. There will be festive foods, some wine tasting, and artist demonstrations. Children (of all ages) can experiment with techniques in the Children’s Art Zone. The two-day juried art festival draws an attendance of 60,000. To volunteer, call 703-471-9242 or visit www.restonarts.org.
<cal1>MAY 26-MAY 29
<cal2>The Chantilly High School Music Department will present its annual Jazz & Pizzazz concert, featuring Touch of Class and the Chantilly Jazz Band, from Wednesday, May 26 through Saturday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. Reserved seats are $9 per ticket and may be purchased at Chantilly High School, beginning May 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria. Call 703-222-8181 or email Joyce Resua at jazzpizzazz@cox.net.
<cal1>JUNE 4, 5, 6
<cal2>The 31st Annual Quilt Show will be held June 4, 5, and 6 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center. Admission is $7 for one day, $15 for three days. The show is open 10-6 Friday/Saturday and 12-5 Sunday. More than 500 quilts, dolls and art-to-wear will be exhibited, in addition to classes, free product demos and more than 70 vendors. Visit www.QuiltersUnlimited.org or call 703-250-6407.
<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.