To have community events listed in The Arlington Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Photos, especially color, are encouraged. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. This free community listing is reserved for events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. Call Elizabeth Orr at 703-917-6449 with any questions.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 17
<cal2>Metro Customer Appreciation and Dialogue. Meet with senior Arlington County staff responsible for transit services in the county. 3:30-7 p.m. at the bus platforms outside Rosslyn Metro station.
Afternoon Stories. Stories and activities for children ages 3-6. 2 p.m. at Westover Branch Library, 1800 N. Lexington St. Call 703-228-5260.
Civil War Story Times For Kids. This is an opportunity for boys and girls to see what life was like for families during the Civil War. Children will receive a book of historic costumed paper dolls to take home. Meet at Fort C.F. Smith Park and Historic Site, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington, at the Tractor Barn. $5 fee per person. Call 703-228-340.
Family Stories. Stories for children ages 3-6. 7:30 p.m., at Glencarlyn Branch Library, 300 S. Kensington St. Call 703-228-6548.
Family Stories. Stories, songs, poetry and a craft for the whole family to enjoy. 7 p.m., at Shirlington Branch Library, 2786 S. Arlington Mill Drive. Call 703-228-6545.
Read And Discuss. "Changes: An Anthology by New Writers." Stories and poems about experiences that have shaped the authors' lives. 7 p.m., at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-5990.
Stop In For Stories. Stories for children of all ages with an adult. 7 p.m., at Cherrydale Branch Library, 2190 N. Military Road. Call 703-228-6330.
Tenant-Landlord Commission Meeting. Public hearing regarding proposed Gates of Ballston Tenant Relocation Plan. 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Barrett Elementary School, 4401 N. Henderson Road. Call 703-228-3787.
Super Stop Design Meeting. 7-9 p.m., at the
Arlington Career Center, 816 S. Walter Reed Drive. The public is invited to share opinions about how to improve bus stops on Columbia Pike. Call Lynn Rivers, Metrobus Service coordinator, 703-228-7929, lrivers@arlingtonva.us.
Community Meeting. The county hosts an open community meeting at Arlington's Department of Human Services building. Chris Tathem, vice president, ETC Institute and Michelle Ferguson, assistant county manager and project manager for the Citizen Survey, will present the results of a recent community survey and answer questions. 7:30 p.m., at 3033 Wilson Blvd., seventh floor, conference rooms E and F.
Friends of Clarendon House Meeting. Monthly meeting begins at 7:45 a.m. Clarendon House is located at 3414 N. 10th St., Arlington.
<cal1>THURSDAY/NOV. 18
<cal2>National Security Lecture. The Spotlight Speaker Series on Politics, Law, and Negotiations presents "Connecting the Dots- National Security" at 7 p.m. The panel will be held at the Arlington campus of George Mason University, 3401 Fairfax Drive, Arlington. The event is free and open to the public.
"The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail." Presented by Yorktown Theatre Arts, a play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, based on the historical event inspiring Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience." 7 p.m., in the auditorium at Yorktown High School, 5201 N. 28th St. Tickets $8 adults, $5 children. Call 703-228-5414.
Connecting The Dots. "Connecting the Dots - National Security" is presented by David Schum, professor, School of Law and School of Information Technology & Engineering at George Mason University. 7 p.m., at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Cosponsored by Arlington Public Library and George Mason University. Call 703-228-5999.
Gobble, Gobble Turkey. Ages 3 through 5 years with an adult. Preschoolers will learn all about the wonderful wild turkey in this highly interactive program which may include stories, a craft and a short hike. 1:30 p.m., at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. Call 703-228-3403.
Stop In For Stories. Stories and a craft for children ages 2-5 with an adult. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., at Aurora Hills Branch Library, 735 S. 18th St. Call 703-228-5715.
Toddler Time. Stories and activities for children age 2 with an adult. 10:15 a.m., at Cherrydale Branch Library, 2190 N. Military Road. Call 703-228-6330.
Threes And Fours Together. Stories and activities for children ages 3-4 with an adult. 11:15 a.m., at Cherrydale Branch Library, 2190 N. Military Road. Call 703-228-6330.
After School Stories. Stories and a craft for children ages 3-6. 4 p.m., at Aurora Hills Branch Library, 735 S. 18th St. Call 703-228-5715.
Book Discussion. Freelance writer Chris Santella discusses his new book, "Fifty Places To Fly Fish Before You Die: Fly-Fishing Experts Share the World's Greatest Destinations." 7 p.m., at Olsson's Arlington/Courthouse, 2111 Wilson Blvd. Call 703-525-4227.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 19
<cal2>"The Magic Flute." Fully-staged production of Mozart's masterpiece, sung in English, presented by the Opera Theater of Northern Virginia. 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Tickets $12 adults, $6 children; group rates available. Call 703-528-1433 or visit wwww.novaopera.org.
"The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail." Presented by Yorktown Theatre Arts, a play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, based on the historical event inspiring Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience." 7 p.m., in the auditorium at Yorktown High School, 5201 N. 28th St. Tickets $8 adults, $5 children. Call 703-228-5414.
Aurora Hills Library/Senior Center Book Discussion. Discuss Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickel and Dimed." 1 p.m., at Aurora Hills Branch Library, 735 S. 18th St. Call 703-228-5715.
Gobble, Gobble Turkey. Ages 3 through 5 years with an adult. Preschoolers will learn all about the wonderful wild turkey in this highly interactive program which may include stories, a craft, and a short hike. 10:30-11:30 a.m., at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. $3 per child. Call 703-228-4747.
Marlo Thomas. Meet the Emmy and Peabody award-winning actor and author Marlo Thomas in a special bookstore appearance. "Thanks & Giving: All Year Long," by Marlo Thomas and friends, is an original collection from some of today's more acclaimed writers, artists and performers for children ad adults. 6 p.m., at Olsson's Arlington/Courthouse, 2111 Wilson Blvd. Call 703-525-4227.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 20
<cal2>"The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail." Presented by Yorktown Theatre Arts, a play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, based on the historical event inspiring Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience." 7 p.m., in the auditorium at Yorktown High School, 5201 N. 28th St. Tickets $8 adults, $5 children. Call 703-228-5414.
Fine Arts and Crafts Sale. The studio artists of Arlington’s Lee Arts Center and members of the Ellipse Fine Crafts Shop will participate in this event. Participating artists include: Ramon Camarillo, Lieve DeWulf, Marcia Finnerty, Anji Henderson, Jeanne Heimann, Sara Lissabet, Maggie Mathis, Nicole Pineau, Joe Roeben, Enid Sport-Stewart, Darlene Tsukamoto, Pearl Wang and David Woodin. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Lee Arts Center, 5722 Lee Highway. Call 703-228-0560.
Christmas Junction Craft Show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Overlee Community Clubhouse, 6030 Lee Highway. Call 703-532-4896.
Fun with Stories. Stories in Spanish and English. 11 a.m., at Columbia Pike Library, 816 S. Walter Reed Drive.
The Fall Hunt. For ages 8 to adult. 2-3 p.m., at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington. Learn about this tradition that runs from the Native Americans to current day and sample some venison. $3 per person. To register, call 703-228-4747.
Pebble Pups Rock Club: Igneous, Sedimentary. Children will learn fascinating facts from members of the Northern Virginia Mineral Club about the three basic types of rocks and how they are formed. There will be a show-and-tell period before the program for your personal finds. Refreshments and door prizes will also be part of the fun. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carling Springs Road. Registration is required. Call 703-228-4747.
Hawk & Owl Workshop. Join Kent Knowles of the Raptor Conservancy, for a two-hour workshop, at 2 p.m., at 2437 N. Harrison St., in the Lee-Harrison Shopping Center. See hawks and owls up close and learn about their lives. The event is held in celebration of Wild Birds Unlimited 14th anniversary. No reservations. For directions and more information, call Michael Zuiker at 703-241-3988.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 21
<cal2>"The Magic Flute." Fully-staged production of Mozart's masterpiece, sung in English, presented by the Opera Theater of Northern Virginia. 4:15 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Tickets $12 adults, $6 children; group rates available. Call 703-528-1433 or visit wwww.novaopera.org.
Christmas Junction Craft Show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Overlee Community Clubhouse, 6030 Lee Highway. Call 703-532-4896.
Local Artist Expo. Crafts including pottery, hand-painted silk, handmade jewelry, hand-knitted clothing, paintings, photography, holiday ornaments and even Jewish ritual objects such as mezzuzot, which contain passages from the Bible. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at Congregation Etz Hayim, 2920 Arlington Blvd. Call 703-465-8666.
Fabulous Fat! 2-3 p.m., at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. Discuss how, why and when animals get fat. Then make a fattening treat for animals. $3 per child. To register, call 703-228-4747.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 22
<cal2>Children's Book Signing. Local author Jacqueline Jules, will be signing copies of her new book, "Noah and the Ziz," at Aladdin' Lamp bookstore, 2499 Harrison St., from 5-7 p.m. "Noah and the Ziz" is a story for children ages 2-8 about a giant clumsy bird who enthusiastically helps Noah gather the animals for the ark. Visit www.jacquelinejules.com or call 703-241-8281.
Monday's Child. Stories and activities for children ages 3-6. 11 a.m., at Columbia Pike Library, 816 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington.
Story time. Stories, songs, finger plays, poetry and a craft. 10:30 a.m., at Shirlington Library, 2786 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington.
Monday Evening With The Friends. 7:30 p.m., at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington. Discuss Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle." New members welcome. Call 703-228-5990.
Book Discussion. 7:30 p.m., at Aurora Hills Library, 735 S. 18th St., Arlington. Discuss Edward P. Jones' "The Known World."
<cal1>Wednesday/ Nov. 24
<cal2>Thanksgiving Throwdown. 6 p.m.-2 a.m., at the Clarendon Ballroom. Band Love Seed Mama Jump, disc jockey Pat Premier and prizes, Including tickets to HiBall Events' "Big Night D.C." New Year's Eve Gala. $10 with canned goods. $15 without. No advance sales. Visit http://www.hiballevents.com.
Stop In For Stories. Stories for children of all ages with an adult. 7 p.m., at Cherrydale Branch Library, 2190 N. Military Road. Call 703-228-6330.
<cal1>MONDAY/NOV. 29
<cal2>The Life of Lew Wallace. Gail Stephens speaks about American hero General Lew Wallace from 3-4:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 1
<cal2>Ice Cream Social at Arlington Traditional School, 755 N. Edison St., to benefit the Arlington Academy Hope. 6:30 p.m. No RSVP required.
UVA Club of Washington Holiday Party. 7-11 p.m., at Gua-Rapo, 2039 Wilson Blvd. Tickets $20 members, $25 nonmembers. The party will collect donations to support UVA graduates in the military. Visit www.dchoos.org.
<cal1>FRIDAY/DEC. 3
<cal2>The Nutcracker. The Center Dance Company Presents "The Nutcracker," 7:30 p.m., at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $15 for children. At the door tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for children. For tickets, visit www.arldance.org. Call 703-522-2414.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 4
<cal2>"Songs and Stories of Christmas" Christmas carols and Advent and Solstice poems and readings, performed by the Washington Women's Chorus at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Arlington. For more information, visit www.washingtonwomenschorus.org.
Annual Messiah Sing. Featuring the Metropolitan chorus. Free; food drive donations accepted. 5 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 601 N. Vermont St. Call 703-933-2500.
Christmas with the Camerata. A performance by the Washington Men's Camerata, including secular and sacred music from the United States, Canada and Europe. 8 p.m., at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Tickets $25 adults, $15 students. Visit www.camerata.com or call 202-364-1064.
Holiday Bazaar for Animals. The Feline Foundation of Greater Washington presents its third annual Holiday Bazaar for the Animals. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 3313 Arlington Blvd., Arlington. Enjoy antiques, gifts, crafts, rescue groups, treasures, silent auction and cat-themed items. Call 703 920-8665.
The Nutcracker. The Center Dance Company Presents "The Nutcracker," 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $15 for children. At the door tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for children. For tickets, visit www.arldance.org. Call 703-522-2414.
<cal1>SUNDAY/DEC. 5
<cal2>The Nutcracker. The Center Dance Company Presents "The Nutcracker," 3 p.m., at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $15 for children. At the door tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for children. For tickets, visit www.arldance.org. Call 703-522-2414.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 10
<cal2>“Thanks for the Memories” Luncheon. Marking the 50th anniversary of Arlington County’s Office of Senior Adult Programs. Seniors are required to register by Dec. 3 at any senior center. The cost is $10. Call OSAP at 703-228-4744.
<cal1>SATURDAY/DEC. 11
<cal2>Washington-Lee Holiday Bazaar. Shop, enjoy ethnic food and listen to the singing of the Madrigals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Washington-Lee High School is located at 1300 N. Quincy St., Arlington. Proceeds benefit the class of 2005.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 12
<cal2>Dessert with Dickens. By the Arlington Symphony. 3 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom, Arlington Hilton. $80 reserved seat. This holiday fund-raiser includes tea, champagne, dessert, music and a performance by Gerald Charles Dickens of his great, great grandfather's classic, "A Christmas Carol." For tickets and information, call the Arlington Symphony at 703-528-1817.
Holiday Music Show. The Sweet Adelines present their holiday show "Here We Go A-Caroling," at 3 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson Theater. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children. Thomas Jefferson Theater is located at 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Call 703-764-3896 or visit www.potomacharmony.org.