<cal1>DEC. 8-18
<cal2>Vpstart Crow Productions will conclude the 2005 season with its annual holiday classic production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", Dec. 2-18 at The Cramer Center, located at 9008 Center St. in Old Town Manassas. The production will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, seniors, and City of Manassas or Prince William County employees. Go to Tickets.com or call them at 800-955-5566. For group sales or more information, call Vpstart Crow at 703-365-0240 or visit us at www.vpstartcrow.com.
<cal1>THURSDAY/DEC. 8
<cal2>League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area will meet on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly. The program is a review of league positions. Call 703-815-1897 or visit www.LWV-fairfax.org.
<cal1>THURSDAY/DEC. 8
<cal2>Celebrate the holiday season with Santa at McDonald's on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5 - 7 p.m. at McDonald's Centreville, 5931 Fort Drive, Centreville. Children receive a candy cane and coupon for a free item at McDonald's. Free to the public. Call 703-266-2741.
<cal1>DEC. 8-9
<cal2>The Chantilly High School's Performing Arts Department presents their annual Holiday Spectacular on Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9. Reserved seats are $6 and are now available through students in the performance. Tickets will also be sold between 11 - 1 p.m. in the cafeteria from Thursday, Dec. 1 through Wednesday, Dec. 7, while they last.
<cal1>FRIDAY/DEC. 9
<cal2>12th wedding anniversary dance with cake. Swing dance on Friday, Dec. 9 with Daryl Davis in the solarium at the Dulles Hilton in Herndon (located on the corner of Route 28 and McLearen Road). Dance includes a beginner class from 8:30-9 p.m. The band plays three sets between 9 p.m.-midnight. Available for $13 per person. Visit www.gottaswing.com or call 703-359-9882.
<cal1>FRIDAY/DEC. 9
<cal2>Fairfax Women's Connection is holding a "Vision of Sugar Plums" luncheon from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9. Children will model the latest fashions. Vocalist Tom Larry will sing. This will take place at the Hidden Creek Country Club, 1711 Clubhouse Road, Reston. Reservations are required and cost $17. Call 703-924-2825 or E-mail Fairfaxwmconnect@aol.com.
<cal1>DEC. 9-11
<cal2>Encore Theatrical Arts Project presents a brand new holiday Musical Theatre song and dance spectacular "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" at the Ernst Cultural Center, Annandale NOVA Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. This year's musical is the story of a young boy who has lost the Holiday spirit. Audiences of all ages will enjoy. Tickets are $12 for Students/Seniors and $15 for Adults. Dates are Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 10 at 1, 4 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 11 at 1 and 4 p.m. Call 703-222-5511 or visit www.Encore-tap.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/DEC. 10
<cal2>The Westfield Guitar Ensemble will be performing at 12 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive in Centreville, as part of the Library's annual musical celebration "Sounds of the Season." The group is comprised of Fairfax County Public School music groups.
<cal1>SATURDAY/DEC. 10
<cal2>Chi Omega, a sorority at George Mason University, will be holding a benefit for the Make-A-Wish foundation on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Lord and Taylor department store at Fair Oaks. The organization will be in the mall to provide shoppers with a free gift wrapping service and free delivery of packages to cars, as well as raising money for the foundation. Visit http://www.wish.org to find out more.
<cal1>SUNDAY/DEC. 11
<cal2>The annual Clifton Children’s Holiday Party. Lots of fun and entertainment on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall. Bring a toy donation and holiday cookies to share. Toy donations will be given to Our Neighbor’s Child to distribute to local children/families in need. There will be:
* Magic & Music galore.
* Balloon animals and hats a plenty.
* Special appearance by You-Know-Who.
Magic will be performed by Ralph the Great. Event organized by The Anton family and the Hollaway family. Contact Phyllis Lovett 703-815-3269.
<cal1>SUNDAY/DEC. 11
<cal2>Local History Book Mart at the Fairfax City Regional Library, Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2-4 p.m. Purchase new books and have them signed by their authors. Sponsored by the Virginia Room, the Fairfax County History Commission, the Historical Society of Fairfax County and the Friends of the Fairfax City Regional Library.
<cal1>SUNDAY/DEC. 11
<cal2>The National Air and Space Museum celebrates the second anniversary of its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on Sunday, Dec. 11 with a special all-day $5 parking fee at the Chantilly facility.
The museum is discounting the regular fee of $12 for one day — Dec. 11 — to share with visitors the convenience of a complete holiday-season outing in one location. In addition to breathtaking displays of the peerless Smithsonian flight collection, the center offers museum store shopping, IMAX film entertainment, simulator rides, casual dining and even a coffee shop. As part of the Dec. 11 celebration, a drawing will be held for five of the new aviation-themed, limited-edition M&M candy dispensers created exclusively for the museum. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, off of Route 28. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
<cal1>SUNDAY/DEC. 11
<cal2>A Holiday Art Sale will be held by the Northern Virginia Artists League on Sunday, Dec. 11. The show will feature original paintings, fine art photography, prints and cards. It will located at the Croan residence, 5144 Pleasant Forest Drive, Centreville, from 2-6 p.m. This adult only event is free and open to the public. To learn more about the Northern Virginia Artists League, check out the Web site at NOVALArt.com. All media — watercolor, acrylic, oil, colored pencil, photography — are welcome.
<cal1>SUNDAY/DEC. 11
<cal2>Give the gift of an original work art to special people on your holiday list. Visit the Fairfax Art League Holiday Show and Reception at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Dr. Fairfax (second floor). On Sunday, Dec. 11 from 5-7 p.m. Original paintings and photographs by area artists available for sale. Admission is free. Refreshments served. Free parking in nearby city lots. Call 703-352-ARTS ext. 5.
<cal1>SUNDAY/DEC. 11
<cal2>Gate Post Estates will hold its 9th annual Christmas Luminaria event on Sunday, Dec. 11 from dusk until approximately 10 p.m. The streets through the 200-home development will be lined with more than 2,400 luminaries. Sponsored by the Second Gate Post Estates Homeowner's Association. Gate Post Estates is located off Route 29, a mile west of I-66. A rain date of Dec. 18 has been planned.
<cal1>SUNDAY/DEC. 11
<cal2>The Fairfax City Regional Library will host more than a dozen local authors who will sell and autograph their work. Co sponsored by the Friends of the Fairfax City Regional Library and the Fairfax County History Commission. Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Event is free. Sign up by calling 703-293-6227.
<cal1>MONDAY/DEC. 12
<cal2>Mighty Mondays with Mr. Knick Knack from 10 - 11 a.m. at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road. Sing, dance and have fun with Mr. Knick Knack. For all ages. Suggested contribution per child.
<cal1>MONDAY/DEC. 12
<cal2>New Moms Lunch. Mothers and babies newborn to 8 months old, come for lunch, speakers, discussions and fun — a different program every week. Bring a friend or come alone. Meet other new moms and babies in the Northern Virginia area. Group meets every Monday from 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. at Il Lupo Italian Restaurant, 4069 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Cost is $20, or a four-lunch series for $75. Reservations are required. Call Rochelle Goldberg at 703-273-5593 or e-mail eventbuilders@hotmail.com.
Upcoming events are:
* Monday, Dec. 12 — “Stroller Strides — How to get in shape and have fun!” Tabatha Mitchell, Stroller Strides.
* Monday, Dec. 19 — “Baby Splendor” Karen Robinson, Baby Splendor consultant.
* Monday, Dec. 26 — No lunch; happy holidays!
* Monday, Jan. 2 — No Lunch — Happy New Year.
* Monday, Jan. 9 — “Sign language for baby”
* Monday, Jan. 16 — “Kindermusik”
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/DEC. 14
<cal2>The 17th annual Santa's Ride, conducted by the Fairfax County Police Department's Motor Squad. Event begins at 9:30 a.m. at Sully District Government Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. This event will have a toy collection for young people who are in the hospital or have families that cannot afford to buy them gifts. Call 703-814-7018.
<cal1>THURSDAY/DEC. 15
<cal2>The Junior League of Northern Virginia is currently accepting new members for the 2005-2006 League year. The club is looking for women to help make an impact in the community. Send e-mail to mit@jlnv.org or call 703-442-4163. Visit the Web site at www.jlnv.org. Membership applications and dues must be received by Dec. 15 in order to join the Winter class.
<cal1>THURSDAY/DEC. 15
<cal2>Mothers First in Chantilly/Centreville is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' nights out and lectures. December's meetings are Dec. 1 and 15 from 10:15 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 Saint Germain Dr. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>THURSDAY/DEC. 15
<cal2>Mothers First in Chantilly/Centreville is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' nights out and lectures. December's meetings are Dec. 15 from 10:15 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 Saint Germain Dr. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>FRIDAY/DEC. 16
<cal2>Holiday Sparkle Swing dance on Friday, Dec. 16 with Rockin Bones in the solarium at the Dulles Hilton in Herndon (located on the corner of Route 28 and McLearen Road). Dance includes a beginner class from 8:30-9 p.m. The band plays three sets between 9 p.m.-midnight. Available for $13 per person. Visit www.gottaswing.com or call 703-359-9882.
<cal1>SATURDAY/DEC. 17
<cal2>Breakfast with Santa at Westfields Marriott, Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. Westfields Marriott is located at 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly Bring the family and enjoy breakfast and a visit from Santa. Reservations are required.
<cal1>MONDAY/DEC. 19
<cal2>Mighty Mondays with Mr. Knick Knack from 10 - 11 a.m. at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road. Sing, dance and have fun with Mr. Knick Knack. For all ages. Suggested contribution per child.
<cal1>MONDAY/DEC. 19
<cal2>The Westfield High School Guitar students will be presenting their annual Winter Concert on Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. The concert will be held at Westfield High School on Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. The guitar boosters will be holding a bake sale in conjunction with the concert. Admission to the concert is free.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/DEC. 21
<cal2>Celebrate the holiday season with Santa at McDonald's on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 5 - 7 p.m. at McDonald's Greenbriar, 13003 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax. Children receive a candy cane and coupon for a free item at McDonald's. Free to the public. Call 703-378-4631.
<cal1>SUNDAY/DEC. 25
<cal2>Christmas Day Brunch at Westfields Marriott, Sunday, Dec. 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Palm Court Christmas Day Brunch is the epitome of sophistication and elegance. The Westfields Marriott
is located at 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly.
<cal1>MONDAY/DEC. 26
<cal2>Mighty Mondays with Mr. Knick Knack from 10 - 11 a.m. at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road. Sing, dance and have fun with Mr. Knick Knack. For all ages. Suggested contribution per child.
<cal1>SATURDAY/DEC. 31
<cal2>Westfields Marriott and the Palm Court are offering a New Year’s Eve night to remember, Saturday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. Dinner will consist of an elaborate buffet to include classical dinner entrees, home-made salads, a huge selection of desserts, as well as an open bar, champagne toast and party favors for everyone.
Westfields Marriott offers a room package, which includes a room, dinner, champagne and truffles in the room for $399 per couple. The dinner package, for $299 per couple, includes upscale dinner buffet, drinks, entertainment, party favors, 20 percent service charge and 5 percent sales tax. Seating starts at 7 p.m.
<cal1>ONGOING
<cal2>For December, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter has added special holiday hours to provide more time for the public to view animals available for adoption at the shelter. In addition to being open its normal adoption hours from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Friday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturdays, the shelter will be open for adoptions on Sundays on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
The goal of the Fairfax shelter's Home 4 the Holidays program is to increase pet adoptions during the month of December by 10 percent. Members of the public who wish to add a pet to their family this holiday season can visit the shelter at 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax or call 703-830-1100. More information is available online at www.fairfaxpets.org.
Christmas Tree Sale fund-raiser sponsored by the Fairfax High School Baseball Program, beginning on Monday, Nov. 28 at Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax. Over 300 beautiful Fraser fir trees from which to choose. Selection includes a wide array of different shapes and sizes. Fraser Firs are the easiest trees to decorate and fill your holiday home with a wonderful pine scent aroma. All proceeds will be used to support the FHS baseball program. Call 703-818-1429.
Fancy Cats Rescue Team adoption event on the first and third Saturdays and every Sunday of the month from 12-4 p.m. at the PetsMart, Fair Lakes. Cats and kittens need a loving home. Choose from a wide variety of loving cats. Visit the Web site a www.fancycats.org. E-mail to info@fancycats.org
Starlight Starbright has teamed up with Starbucks across the country to collect books and toys to give to children in need. Centreville Starbucks, 5623 Stone Road, is kicking off the 2005 toy drive with a bang and goal of being the Starbucks with the most toys. They are challenging the community to donate a bicycle per week and the local Starbucks will match it. Call 703-502-4845.
The Centreville chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Club meets Thursday evenings at the Centreville Presbyterian Church, 5690 Sully Road. Weigh-in is from 6:15-7 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:10 p.m. TOPS is a non-profit, non-commercial weight loss support group open to anyone seven years of age and older. At $20 per year, this is an affordable, supportive program for weight loss and weight maintenance. Call Susan at 703-392-7937 or visit www.tops.org
The Western Fairfax County Woman's Club (formerly the Greenbriar Woman's Club) is selling the 2005 White House Christmas ornaments. This year's ornament honors President James A. Garfield. The cost of the ornament is $17 and all profits benefit charity. Order yours now by calling 703-378-6841 or 703-378-6216.
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 third Wednesday of each month in Braddock Hall at the Kings Park Library, Burke at 7:30 p.m. The group offers children's and family activities, guest speakers, book club, mom's night out, movie night, chat group and much more. Call (toll free) 866-716-7766 or visit the Web site www.novamoms.org.
Two scouts from Scout Pack 1682 out of Chantilly (meeting at Virginia Run Elementary), want to do something for their scout peers in the affected areas of Hurricane Katrina. Those troops have lost everything — including their uniforms. Nathaniel, Webelos II level scout, and Jason, Bear level scout, came up with an idea. As scouts climb levels, they wear new uniforms and often don't have a use for the old ones. Nathaniel and Jason are now collecting uniforms and pieces — belts, hats, handbooks and anything else scout-related to send to the scout councils in those areas. Scouts who would like to donate should see their Cubmaster for details. To donate supplies, call Dede Schrader 703-222-0480 to arrange for pick up. Those who wish to donate a new hat/shirt/belt are also welcome.
Mighty Mondays with Mr. Knick Knack. Come sing, dance, and have loads fun each Monday with Mr. Knick Knack from 10-11 a.m. The event will be indoors all this month at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road. Open to all ages.
Wednesdays with Noodles & Noggins Fun Club from 10 to 11 a.m. at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road. A new theme each week. Listen to a story, make a craft, sing songs, dance, and have fun. Suggest contribution per child. Reservations requested. Call 703-815-8600.
Thumpin' Thursdays with Mister Don from 4 to 5 p.m. Sing, play, and get the wiggles out before dinnertime. For all ages. Suggested contribution per child. Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road.
Vpstart Crow Productions, a professional theater company, is seeking a "sixth" character for its next production, John Van Druten's classic American comedy "Bell, Book and Candle," which runs through Oct. 23, at The Cramer Center in Old Town Manassas, with rehearsals already underway.
Director Don Petersen is seeking someone (male or female) who can sing and play the piano. This person will sit at a piano stationed stage left in front of the proscenium and sing 1940s love songs before and after the show, during intermission and even during scene changes.
This person will be paid a stipend and specific rehearsal dates and times will be decided by the director once the role has been cast.
The production runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There will be a talk-back with the audience following the matinee performance on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Those who are interested may contact Don Petersen at curmudgeondon@aol.com, assistant director Melissa York at melsiwelsie@yahoo.com, or Vpstart Crow Managing Director Steve Cramer at 703-365-0240 or vpstartcrow@comcast.net. Visit www.vpstartcrow.com.
The Centreville Regional Art Guild (CRAG) and Centreville Community Foundation (CCF) are producing a 16-month calendar with artwork of Centreville area landmarks, to be available in time for Centreville Day this September. The calendar features reproductions of member artwork, including works in watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel and photography. CRAG is offering space to local businesses and artists to list their names and contact information in return for donations. In addition to the calendar listing, donating companies will receive CRAG's monthly newsletter, a link on CRAG's Web site and a "We support the local arts" window decal. Anyone interested in being included in the calendar can contact CRAG President Angela Kleis at 703-963-6771. The calendars will be available for a donation at Centreville Day and at local shopping centers this fall.
The Meals on Wheels program is in immediate need of volunteers to deliver meals to clients in the areas of Chantilly/Centreville. The job involves picking up meals at specified sites between 10:30 a.m.-noon and ensuring that the meals are delivered to the clients, usually by 1 p.m. Drivers can choose to deliver meals weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or to substitute as needed. Call the Volunteer Intake Hotline at 703-324-5406, TTY 703-449-1186.
A Mindfulness Meditation Class will be held every Sunday from 7-8 p.m. at the Fairfax Sun and Moon Yoga Studio, 9998 Main St., Fairfax. Free. Contact ErikaKL@aol.com or call 703-864-2807.
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. Fun book challenges, hunt for books "in the wild" and more. Share books and be part of a unique group with a different angle on book loving. Visit bookcrossing.meetup.com/72/.
Fairfax Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is recruiting community-minded citizens from diverse backgrounds to volunteer as advocates for children whose families have been cited for abuse and neglect by the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The role of a CASA is to investigate a child's situation and to advocate for what is in the best interest of the child in court. All CASA volunteers undergo training to prepare them for this role, and no prior experience in child welfare is required. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity and upcoming orientation and training dates, visit www.casafairfax.org or contact CASA's development and recruitment associate at 703-273-3526 or staff@casafairfax.org.
Red Hat Society. A chapter of the Red Hat Society is now in Centreville. Women age 50 and up wear red hats and purple outfits and kick up their heels. Meetings are the last Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. in the Sully Senior Center, 5690 Sully Road (inside Centreville Presbyterian Church, off Route 28 south, near the I-66 west exit). All area seniors are welcome to join or visit. Call Mary Doerman at 703-968-7889, Scotti Brennan at 703-378-5206, or Sully Senior Center Director Carma Ryan at 703-322-4475.
Don Shim and his staff from Einstein Tutoring Service will be offering a free, two-hour SAT math class at Centreville Library to improve SAT math scores four Saturday mornings. Registration fee is $50 and a material cost is $50. Lecture is free. Call 703-968-8132.
<lst>To have community events listed in Centre View, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Photos, especially color, are encouraged. Deadline is one week before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6434 with any questions.