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Chanukah Wonderland from Dec. 18 - Jan. 1 at 2095 Chain Bridge Road in Vienna. Hours are: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. – noon. Free. Activities: meet Judah Maccabee, tour the scenic Chanukah House, arts and crafts kiosks, giant Tabletop Chanukah games, olive oil show and olive press, holiday video station, computer center, candle making, build a giant Lego menorah, design cards for Israeli soldiers, make a potato Latke, make your own Sufganiyot, Chanukah Super store and Chanukah Cafe. Call the Wonderland Hotline at 703-356-3451 or email CW@JewishNoVA.com.
The Claude Moore Colonial Farm has expanded the hours of the shop for the holiday season. The GateHouse will be open 7 days a week until Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The farm, itself, features self-guided tours, other ongoing special events, apprentice programs, a farm skills educational program and internships. Group visits welcome. Located at 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, the farm is open through Dec. 11, Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission is free with Farm membership. Regular admission: $3 adults; $2 children and senior citizens. Call 703-442-7557.,
Birthdays on the wild side at Riverbend Nature Center, 8814 Jeffery Rd, Great Falls. Choose to explore the world of reptiles and amphibians, uncover clues about forest animals, dig into dinosaurs, take an archeology adventure or go on an insect safari. For more information call 703-759-9018. Appropriate for 3-11 year olds. Reservations required.
Duff and stuff trail guide: Families can take the bag and hike one-quarter mile trail and use the clues to investigate the habitat at Riverbend Nature Center, 8814 Jeffery Rd., Great Falls. From 12-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Mondays. Free. Donations appreciated. Call 703-759-9018.
Nature Escapes: Take part in self-guided activities from 12-5 p.m. at Riverbend Nature Center, 8814 Jeffery Rd., Great Falls., on Wednesdays-Mondays. Free. Call 703-759-9018.
Potomac River Gorge Trail has self-guided tours going daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Trail begins at Riverbend Picnic area, 8814 Jeffery Rd., Great Falls, and ends at Great Falls Park. Free. The hike is 2.5 miles. Call 703-759-9018.
Scavenger hunt is available for all ages at Riverbend Nature Center, 8814 Jeffery Rd., Great Falls, from 12-4 p.m. on Wednesdays-Mondays. No reservations needed. Recommended for families and scout groups. Free. Call 703-759-9018.
Kids Appreciation Night at the Silver Diner, 8101 Fletcher Ave., every Tues. night, 5 - 8 p.m. Every Kids Night features activities such as face painting, balloon art, clowns and music in addition to food. All kids receive a free milkshake with their meal. Call 703-821-5666.
Vienna Presbyterian Church Young Adults Group meets every Wednesday at the Vienna Presbyterian Church, 146 Maple Ave., Vienna. 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Contact Amy Reeves at Amy.Reeves@viennapres.org.
Mothers & More of Northern Virginia General Meeting:
Mothers & More is a support organization for women who have altered their career path to care for their young children at home. General meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Fairfax County Government Center at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome. Free. Call toll free 866-716-7766 or visit www.novamoms.org.
The Women’s Center of Vienna is forming a support group to aid victims, as well as family and friends of victims who have been directly affected by the hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This support group will be free. Friends and relatives who are housing or helping victims are also encouraged to be a part of this support group. For more information about the support group, contact Jane Depopolo, support group coordinator, at 703-281-2657, extension 307. The Women’s Center is located at 133 Park Street N.E., Vienna.
Evening Walking Group. An evening walking group for adults meets each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Vienna Community Center, located at 120 Cherry St., S.E. The walk is 3 miles long, along local trails and scenic paths. The program is free, and registration is not required. Call 703-255-6360.
Historic Exhibit. Historic Vienna Inc. presents an exhibit of memorabilia on loan from the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department until the end of 2005, Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon-4 p.m., Sundays, 1-4 p.m. The exhibit is at the Freeman House, 131 Church St., NE, Vienna. Visit www.historicviennainc.org, or call 703-938-5187.
Falls Church City Farmers Market. The market is open Saturdays, through Dec. 17, 8 a.m.-noon in the City Hall parking lot, 300 Park Ave., Falls Church. The Fairfax County Master Gardeners also staff a booth at the market to answer gardening questions. Contact Recreation & Parks at 703-248-5077 or recreation@ci.falls-church.va.us.
Day trip to see "Wicked" at the Kennedy center. The trip is being offered through the McLean Community Center on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. The day trip will depart from the center at 10:45 a.m. and return approximately at 5 p.m. The cost of the trip, which includes orchestra seats, transportation, lunch at Tivoli’s restaurant in Rosslyn and driver’s tip, is $172/non-resident and $162/McLean resident. "Wicked" tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch before Dorothy entered Oz. For information on how to register call 703-790-0123; TTY 703-827-8255 or visit www.mcleancenter.org. Registration must be completed by Friday, Dec. 9.
Salsa Dancing. Free Salsa dance lessons are offered every Tuesday at 8 p.m. at eCitie Restaurant and Bar, on the 8300 block of Tyco Road, Tysons Corner.
Library Disability Access Services. Library group serves individuals with disabilities, sponsors a support group for seniors and people with low vision, at the Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. The VIP (Visually Impaired Person) Vienna Group meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Patrick Henry Library is located at 101 Maple Ave. E. in Vienna. Call 703-938-0405.
Swing Dancing takes place every Wednesday night at the Potomac Swing Dancing Club Room, 146 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, across from Whole Foods. Beginning jitterbug/Lindy Hop lessons are at 7:30 p.m., and dancing continues 8:30-11 p.m. Club members pay $10 for the lesson and dance, $6 for dance alone. Nonmembers pay $12 for lesson and dance, $8 for dance alone. For more information, call Donna Barker at 703-978-0375 or visit www.erols.com/swing4me.
Voce Chamber Singers, a 20-member mixed choral ensemble, is taking auditions for its 2005-2006 concert series. There are openings in all voice parts, and all soloists are selected from within the ensemble. Voce rehearses on Monday evenings, September through May, in Vienna and performs in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Auditions are scheduled by appointment. To schedule an audition, leave a message at 703-277-7772 or send an e-mail to voceva@hotmail.com. More information is available at www.voce.org.
The McLean Youth Orchestra has openings for all positions. Musicians ages 12-18 can schedule auditions by calling Pauline Anderson, director, at 703-451-2399.
The Potomac River Gorge Trail: A Globally Rare Environment. Enjoy a self-guided, two-mile hike along the Potomac River. Fourteen trail stops reveal secrets of the Potomac River Gorge. Begins in the Riverbend picnic area, near 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls, and ends at Great Falls Park. Daily and free of charge. Offered from 7 a.m.-dusk. Ages 8 and up. Call 703-759-9018.
Mothers First is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' night out and lectures. For Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
GriefShare seminar/support groups are held Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., through Dec. 5 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean. The nondenominational curriculum includes a Bible-based video series followed by support group discussion. $12 covers the cost of a workbook. Scholarships and child care available. Call 703-356-3312.
Foster Family Training. Northern Virginia Family Service offers summertime training for prospective foster families. NVFS foster and respite families receive: intensive training, certification, continuing education, careful child/parent matching, ongoing assistance and 24-hour support from professional social workers, financial reimbursement, help locating support services for your special foster/respite child, foster/respite parent support groups and family activities. Call Ginny Snaider at 703-219-2184, e-mail gsnaider@nvfs.org or go to www.nvfs.org for more information or to join the next training class.
The Master Singers of Virginia is taking auditions for its 11th season. Singers in all voice parts are encouraged to audition. The Master Singers is the premiere a capella choral ensemble in Northern Virginia concentrating in 20th and 21st century choral music. This 28-voice ensemble perform three major concert programs each season, each of which is performed 3-4 times, as well as other engagements throughout Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C., area. Visit www.msva.org. To schedule an audition call Diana Manfredi, president, at 571-213-6306.
Arc of Northern Virginia now offers respite care at their Kidz Clubhouse in Great Falls. They offer after-school, evening or weekend care. Respite care is available for children of all ages with disabilities and their siblings. Rates are $15 per hour from 8 a.m.-11 p.m., $7 per hour from 11 p.m.-8 a.m. and $5 per hour for siblings, with no charge for overnight care. Call 703-438-8370, fax-703-438-8371 or visit www.kidzclubhouse.org.
St. John Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, operates a thrift shop for all residents of Northern Virginia. The shop is located on the lower level of Carlin Hall under the parish office and features clothing, a children's room, a kitchen and household room and a limited amount of artwork and "bric-a-brac." Hours are Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Donations are accepted during hours of operation and Mondays from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Call 703-356-7420.
All women throughout the Northern Virginia area and the Department of Defense in the National Capital Region are invited to explore possible membership in the Pentagon Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. Membership is open to any woman (military, civilian, spouse, or contractor) 18 or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove direct lineal descent from anyone who contributed to the cause of American independence. Contact Margaret Thompson at mvthompson1@hotmail.com or Barbara Ellis at bjellis@erols.com.
Duff and Stuff Trail Guide is offered daily from noon-4 p.m. at Riverbend Visitor Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Pick up the "Duff and Stuff" bag and hike the trail, using the clues in the bag to investigate the forest habitat. Especially suited to families with young children. Reservations suggested; donations appreciated. Call 703-759-9018.
Scavenger Hunt is offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays and noon-4 p.m. weekends and holidays at Riverbend Visitor Center, 8814 Jeffery Road, Great Falls. Follow the clues through the park in search of nature facts. No reservations needed; free. Call 703-759-9018.
Nature Escapes is offered daily from noon-5 p.m. at Riverbend Visitor Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Take part in self-guided activities including crafts, exhibits and animal watching. Each month is a different theme. Free. Call 703-759-9018.
Northern Virginia Bookcrossing Meetup. These book lovers like to keep their books busy by reading, releasing and tracking their books' adventures with others locally, nationally and internationally. Take fun book challenges, hunt for books "in the wild" and more. Share books and be part of a group with a different angle to book loving. For more information and next monthly Meetup date, visit bookcrossing.meetup.com/72.
Toastmasters International, McLean Chapter, meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6:45 p.m. Churchill Elementary School, 7100 Churchill Rd., McLean. Join them to work on improving your communication skills, to become more effective in meetings and to convey your message more concisely. Contact Kevin Whelan, 703-759-5009.
The Great Falls Women's Club offers bridge lessons, a knitters and crocheters group, a tennis group and a book discussion group. Anyone interested in joining the club is welcome to attend. Membership is open to all Fairfax County residents. Call Patty Staas, 703-356-5845.
Access Services, the Library Branch that serves individuals with disabilities, sponsors a support group for seniors and people with low vision, at the Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. The VIP (Visually Impaired Person) Vienna Group meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Patrick Henry Library is located at 101 Maple Ave. E. in Vienna. For more information, call 703-938-0405.
The Women's Center hosts the Job Hunters Forum the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9 p.m. The forum offers support for women and men who are actively searching for jobs. Cost is $10 members, $25 nonmembers each session.
Mothers Against Unjust Law (MAUL), meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. in the library of McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Women experiencing difficult litigation, legal abuse, parental alienation or custody evaluations should call 703-748-0072. Free.
New Beginnings, a nonprofit support group for separated and divorced individuals, has six meetings a month in the area on different nights in various locations in members' homes. Call 301-924-4101 or visit www.newbeginningsusa.org.
Mothers & More of Northern Virginia is a support organization for mothers who have altered their career path to care for their young children at home. General meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month in Braddock Hall at Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke, at 7:30 p.m. and the first Thursday of each month at the Fairfax County Government Center at 7:30 p.m. Call toll-free 866-716-7766, or visit www.novamoms.org for more information.
JAM! Jazz McLean, a teenage jazz band directed by Rob Holmes meets every Monday, 6-8 p.m., at the Old Firehouse Teen Center in McLean. Bring an instrument. For more information, call 703-893-0910 or visit www.geocities.com/jam4teensva.
McLean Newcomers Club is a social organization made up of newcomers and not-so-newcomers from McLean and its environs. The club meets at different locations throughout the month, both public and private, for various activities such as museum tours, coffees, card groups, book group, potluck luncheons, house and garden activities and much more. Call 703-790-8384, or visit www.geocities.com/mcleannewcomers for information on activities or to join the club.
Vinson Hall Treasure Shop. Vinson Hall Military Retirement Community operates its Treasure Shop in the building at 6251 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. Anyone may come to shop Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Look at glassware, dishes, pictures, kitchen items and jewelry. Additional hours are the second Saturday of the month. Call 703-970-3722.
Falls Walk. Take a 30-minute walk with a ranger to Overlook 2 at Great Falls Park, exploring the park's natural and cultural aspects. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Visitor Center desk. Saturdays and Sundays from 1-1:30 p.m. Call 703-285-2965.
Ranger Talks. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. during the weekends; see the daily program schedule for weekday times. Join a ranger at Overlook 2 to learn more about Great Falls Park and the Potomac River at Great Falls Park. Check daily program schedule for times during the weekdays. Call 703-285-2965 for more information. Free.
Bird-Watching. Rain or shine on Sundays from 8-10 a.m. Join an informal group of bird-watchers to catch a glimpse of resident and migratory birds in Great Falls Park. Meet in the Visitor Center courtyard dressed for the weather. Call 703-285-2965 for more information.
Friends of the Great Falls Library. A group of book-lovers and library users who support special programs for children and adults at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. The board meets monthly, September through June. For information on becoming a library friend, call 703-757-8560.
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets every second Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Beverly Hills Methodist Church, 3512 Old Dominion Blvd. in Alexandria. For more information, call 301-439-FLAG or visit pflagdc.org.
Personalized Internet Training. Learn how to use the Web, work with e-mail, or use the library databases. At Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call for an appointment, 703-757-8560. Adults.
Personalized Internet Training. Learn to use the Web or increase skills. At Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call for an appointment, 703-790-8088. Adults.
The Order of the Eastern Star, Herndon Chapter 55, whose district includes Great Falls, holds its closed, regular meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at the Masonic Lodge in Herndon at 8 p.m. For information, call Donna Sumpter at 703-437-0859.
Newcomers of Great Falls is a nonprofit, social, philanthropic and cultural organization through which members can meet and get involved in the Great Falls community. Membership is open to residents with a Great Falls address of those residing in the Great Falls/Langley High School district. Call 703-326-4382 or visit www.greatfallsnewcomers.com.
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) invites you to uncover all that can be found in our universe as mothers. If you are a mother of a child, age birth through kindergarten, come and be encouraged in your role as a mom, wife and woman. Each meeting includes teaching based on Christian Principles, breakfast, discussion time with other moms, and a craft. Your little ones will be participating in a morning planned just for them, in our MOPPETS program. MOPS meet two Thursdays a month, September through May, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at McLean Presbyterian Church, McLean. If interested, please visit www.mcleanpres.org/mops.htm or call 703-821-0800.
Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes. Offered by Hogar Hispano of Catholic Charities at 24 locations in Northern Virginia. The cost is $40 per semester, textbook included. Call 703-534-9805, Ext. 222, or visit www.ccda.net for schedule.
Personalized Internet Training. Learn to use the Web or increase skills. At Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call for an appointment, 703-790-8088. Adults.
Personalized Internet Tutoring. Learn to use the Web or increase skill level. Call for an appointment. Ages 12 and up. At the Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Call 703-293-6227 to register.
Job Hunters Forum. The Women's Center hosts this event on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9 p.m. The forum offers support for women and men who are actively searching for jobs. Cost is $10 members, $25 nonmembers each session. Call 703-281-2657 for information about events and workshops.
'Banjo Man.' The Banjo Man, Frank Cassel, performs a musical children's show every Friday at 10:30 a.m. for 45 minutes at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave., Vienna. A donation of $5 per child is recommended. 703-255-1566 or www.jamminjava.com.
Waterford Weavers Gallery. Fairfax Arts Center, 3949 Chain Bridge Road, Studio 4, behind the post office. Original fiber art. Free parking, handicapped accessible. Gallery hours are Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays, noon-8 p.m., and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Call 703-385-4800, waterfordweaversgallery@cox.net. Contact Cynthia Hull at 703-860-4814 or e-mail cchull1@mac.com.