<cal1>Ongoing
<cal2>The Clifton Farmers Market is open each Sunday, from 8 a.m.-noon, on Chapel Road in the post office parking lot. Purchase farm-fresh produce, such as strawberries, lettuce, asparagus and tomatoes, as well as a variety of craft items, chocolate, soap and candles.
<cal1>Now through June 30
<cal2>Clifton artist Phoebe Twichell Peterson will show her art at Willow Antiques and Interiors, 7145 Main St., Clifton. This show will feature local landscapes and scenes from New England where she grew up. All her paintings are done in oil on hand-stretched, linen canvases.
<cal1>Now through Aug. 30
<cal2>Chick-fil-A at Fair Oaks Mall will be hosting "Family Night" every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Family Night will run all summer long. All are invited to share an evening of fun, crafts, face painting, musical entertainment and more. Check out the entire list of entertainment when visiting the store located inside the mall entrance between Sears and Macy's.
<cal1>Now through Sept. 2
<cal2>The Fairfax County Public Library invites children in Fairfax County to participate in the 2006 Summer Reading Program. The program encourages children to read for pleasure during the summer. More than 25 businesses and organizations have donated more than $1 million worth of prizes to kids who finish the program; other sponsors will donate prizes for special drawings at the end of the summer. An array of performers from jugglers and puppeteers to magicians and musicians will entertain and educate children at library branches all summer long. Call to sign up beginning two weeks before an event. Ask for signed interpretation or assistive listening devices when you call 703-324-8365.
<cal1>Thursday/June 22
<cal2>The Fairfax Coalition of Police, I.U.P.A. Local 5000 in partnership with Glory Days Grill will be hosting a major fund-raising event at the Centreville location. Proceeds from the event will be used to benefit the families of the two Fairfax County Police Officers who where ambushed on May 8, at the Sully District Station. Det. Vicky Armel and Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino where ambushed by a heavily armed gunman at the Sully District Station. Each officer leaves behind a spouse and two children. The public can help the families of the victim officers by dining at any of the 10 Glory Days Grill locations in Northern Virginia between 4 p.m. and midnight. Ten percent of the proceeds for food and non-alcoholic beverages will benefit the Armel and Garbarino families. While dining at the Glory Days locations, members of the police union will be selling raffle tickets for some prizes. Glory Days Grille is located at 13850 Braddock Road, Centreville; (www.glorydaysgrill.com). Call 703-266-4100.
<cal1>June 22-23
<cal2>Border Cafe, 5825 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, is holding a fund-raiser for the Armel Family and Garbarino Family trust funds. (Vicky Armel and Mike Garbarino were the two police officers killed at the Sully District Station). To participate, diners at Border Cafe need to tell their server that they wish to do so, and a percentage of their total check will be contributed. Large groups are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity because, the larger the group, the more money that can be donated. Call Stacie Brown at 703-554-3270 or e-mail sbrown@bordercafe.com.
<cal1>Friday/June 23
<cal2>Join the Fairfax Fatherhood Collaborative in a panel and group discussion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the importance of addressing Responsible Fatherhood, at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. All are welcome to participate in a discussion about the necessity of how to promote father-friendly services and agencies. Call 703-246-3033.
<cal1>June 23-24
<cal2>The Fifth Annual Great American Scrapbook Convention from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Center, Chantilly. Call 801-627-3700.
<cal1>Saturday/June 24
<cal2>The Second Annual Summer Kidfest in Clifton will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and is expected to attract more than 4,000 people from the Washington Metropolitan area. There'll be two stages with live music performed by professional children's entertainers, hands-on children's crafts and activities, a silent auction, bazaar, vendors, moonbounces and a safety village with police and firefighters. Admission is $5. Visit www.novakidfest.com or call 703-815-8600.
A Dog Wash will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Centreville's Fire Station 17, at 5856 Old Centreville Road. Proceeds benefit the new dog park at Quinn Farm Park, 15150 Old Lee Road in Centreville, and CentrevilleDogs, a nonprofit group of 350 area residents and businesses who maintain the park.
Basic Pistol Shooting Class. Learn about all types of pistols in a safe, responsible and fun way at the Basic Pistol Shooting class offered at National Rifle Association headquarters from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. in Fairfax. This 10-hour class focuses on safety, operation, maintenance, purchasing, storage, transportation and shooting of different types of pistols. Range safety test, range fees, and a range card are included as well as use of a pistol, eye and ear protection and ammunition. Certificate awarded for completion of the course which can be used to apply for a Virginia concealed handgun permit. Email amselle@nrahq.org or call 703-267-1567.
Fair Oaks Shopping Center celebrates the official start of summer on June 24 with a fun-filled Balloon Day. In addition to free balloons, everyone attending can enjoy special offers from participating stores and restaurants from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit www.ShopFairOaksMall.com or call 703-359-8302.
<cal1>Monday/June 26
<cal2>The Chick-Fil-A restaurant of Chantilly, 4412 Chantilly Place, will host a Benefit Night from 5-9 p.m. for the families of slain Fairfax County police officers Vicky Armel and Michael Garbarino. Chick-Fil-A of Chantilly Operator Richard Jerrell has pledged to donate 75 percent of his evening's sales to the families, and the remaining Chick-fil-A restaurants in Northern Virginia collectively have pledged to match that figure. "Eat Mor Chikin" Cow will be on-hand for photos. For more information on Detective Armel and MPO Garbarino or to make a donation, visit http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=18306.
<cal1>June 28 - Aug. 16
<cal2>National Amusements launches the eighth annual "Bookworm Wednesday" an exciting summer reading program developed to encourage children to read during summer vacation. "Bookworm Wednesday" runs for eight weeks and entitles kids to free admission to a select children's film ever Wednesday at 10 a.m. when they present a book report at a participating theater box office. Official book report forms will be available at participating theaters and online a nationalamusments.com. Local theaters are the Centreville Mulitplex Cinemas at 6201 Multiplex Drive and Fairfax Corner 14: Cinema de Lux, 1190 Palace Way.
<cal1>Saturday/July 1
<cal2>Cox Farms’ First Taste of Summer. Cox Farms in Centreville kicks off the holiday weekend with the First Taste of Summer from 12-5 p.m., offering free samples of Cox’s Corn Roast — fresh and hot from the new corn roaster, Iced melon slices — juicy and cold, real tomatoes — try them with basil or a little salt and other early summer fruits and vegetables for sale at the farm market . There are also beautiful container gardens and hanging baskets for sale — straight from the Cox Farms greenhouses — to brighten up a own deck, patio and home for the holiday weekend. Children can play on the toy train and tractor, visit the family of goats, or just run around the playing field kicking a ball.
<cal1>Sunday/July 2
<cal2>Let Freedom Ring at the Sully Historic Site from 1-3 p.m. Find out why Sully flies a 15-star flag, sign the declaration, learn of the fight for independence among the enslaved African American community. Guided tour and quill pen with ink packet included. Cost is $6. Call 703-324-8563 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully.
<cal1>Monday/July 3
<cal2>Fourth of July Story Hour at 10:30 a.m. A morning of stories that celebrate the red, white, and blue. Read about the 4th of July and create a fun fireworks picture at Barnes & Noble, 12193 Fair Lake Promenade Drive Fairfax.
<cal1>Tuesday/July 4
<cal2>Celebrate America this Independence Day with a fireworks extravaganza in Old Town Manassas, Sponsored by the City of Manassas. Live music, great food, and fun for the whole family. Beginning at 6 p.m., enjoy the rock and roll sounds of Fancy Pants in the Train Depot parking lot. Let the children enjoy the Moonbounce and other children's rides. Challenge yourself at Aggressive Ascent's Rock Climbing Wall, with a high climb to the top. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and come early to get the best seats for the fireworks display, the largest display in Northern Virginia. Contact Maryanne Toal, Event Coordinator for Historic Manassas, Inc., at 703-361-6599 or maryanne@historicmanassasinc.org.
<cal1>Thursday/July 6
<cal2>Mothers First – 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. July's meetings are from 10:15-11:30 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 Saint Germain Drive. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>July 6-8
<cal2>Young Onset Parkinson Network Conference at the Hyatt Reston Town Center, 1800 Presidents Street, Reston. Time varies each day of conference. This important event is coordinated by and for people living with Young-Onset Parkinson disease. Conference sessions include presentations by clinical experts, professionals in the areas of caregiving, support and advocacy, as well as persons living with Parkinson disease. Registration fee: $87 includes conference bag and meals. Register online at www.parkinson.org/yopn/ or call 1-800-327-4545 x 2928. Also onsite registration.
<cal1>Friday/July 7
<cal2>It's the Bear Story Hour at 10:30 a.m. Poor little Eddie has lost his teddy and so has a great big bear. Read Jez Alborough's stories about Eddie and the bear, and create a paper plate teddy at Barnes & Noble, 12193 Fair Lake Promenade Drive Fairfax.
<cal1>Saturday/July 8
<cal2>Pistol and Shotgun Classes. Learn about all types of pistols in a safe, responsible and fun way at the Basic Pistol Shooting class. This 10-hour class focuses on safety, operation, maintenance, purchasing, storage, transportation and shooting of different types of pistols. Range Safety test, range fees, and a range card are included as well as use of a pistol, eye and ear protection and ammunition. $125 per person.
On Sunday July 9 learn about fun summertime shotgun sports. This National Rifle Association class covers safety, maintenance, and operation of a standard pump-action shotgun and includes a round of trap shooting, shotgun, ammo, eye and ear protection. Courses taught at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax. Certificate awarded for completion of either course which can be used to apply for a Virginia concealed handgun permit. Email: jamselle@nrahq.org or call 703-267-1567.
<cal1>Monday/July 10
<cal2>Three Cheers for Tacky Story Hour at 10:30 a.m. Tacky is an odd bird, but he always has lots of fun. Read Helen Lester's stories about Tacky the Penguin and create cool pictures straight from the iceberg at Barnes & Noble, 12193 Fair Lake Promenade Drive Fairfax.
<cal1>Friday/July 14
<cal2>Fairfax Women's Connection invites the public to a "Packing Made Easy" luncheon from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. American Tourister of Leesburg will show the steps to perfect packing. Velma Geis, National PTA speaker and personal shopper, will tell how she cleaned out her "Life Closet." At the Hidden Creek Country Club, 1711 Clubhouse Road, Reston. Required reservations are $17 inclusive and should be made by July 11. Call Fran at 703-815-4204 or email Farifaxwmconnect@aol.com.
Helen Lester Story Hour at 10:30 a.m. A morning of stories by acclaimed author Helen Lester, whose sweet and silly stories like 'Hooway for Wodney Wat' show how cool being different can be at Barnes & Noble, 12193 Fair Lake Promenade Drive Fairfax.
<cal1>July 14-30
<cal2>Vpstart Crow Productions Inc. will continue its 2006 season with "Anne of the Thousand Days," Maxwell Anderson's classic play about Anne Boleyn's turbulent and eventually fatal marriage to Henry VIII 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. For tickets contact Tickets.com or call them at 800-955-5566. For group sales or more information contact Vpstart Crow at vpstartcrow@comcast.net or 703-365-0240 or visit www.vpstartcrow.com.
<cal1>Monday/July 17
<cal2>Monkeys on Monday Story Hour at 10:30 a.m. A morning of monkey trouble while reading about Eileen Christelow's Five Little Monkeys and making monkey puppets at Barnes & Noble, 12193 Fair Lake Promenade Drive Fairfax.
<cal1>Thursday/July 20
<cal2>Mothers First – 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. July's meetings are from 10:15-11:30 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 Saint Germain Drive. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>July 21-25
<cal2>"Mamas, Don’t Let Your Cowboys Grow Up to Be Actors." A one cowboy show with 20 characters written and performed by James Beard, a Centreville resident, directed by Colin Hovde well be performed Friday, July 21 from 9-10:25 p.m., Saturday, July 22 from 12–1:25 p.m., Sunday, July 23 from 3–4:25 p.m., Tuesday, July 25 from 10–11:25 p.m., National Building Museum Auditorium, 401 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Tickets: $15. On sale starting July 10th. Call 866-811-4111 or www.capfringe.org. Presented as part of the inaugural Capital Fringe Festival. July 20 – 30.
<cal1>Monday/July 24
<cal2>The New Moms Lunch Group will present a lunch with Leslie Morgan Steiner of The Washington Post and author of The Mommy Wars. She will be joining the group to discuss her new book in which she writes about the choices of stay-at-home moms and working moms. RSVP as space will be limited. The cost for the lunch is $20. In addition, it is possible to pre-order a copy of her book for $15.72. Contact Rochelle Goldberg at eventbuilders@hotmail.com.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 1
<cal2>National Night Out is intended to heighten crime and drug prevention and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in the community.
Vpstart Crow's 2006 theater season:
July 14-30 — "Anne of the Thousand Days";
Oct. 6-22 — "The Seagull";
Dec. 1-17 — A Christmas Carol".
All performances take place at The Cramer Center, a restored church-turned-theatre, at 9008 Center St. in Old Town Manassas, on 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. Tickets are available through www.tickets.com or at the door (subject to availability) 30 minutes prior to performances. Reservations can be made by contacting Vpstart Crow at 703-365-0240 or vpstartcrow@comcast.net. Visit www.vpstartcrow.com.
Noodles & Noggins presents Mighty Mondays with Mr. Knick Knack each Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton. Sing, dance, and have loads fun. For all ages. Suggested contribution per child. Call the store at 703-815-8600.
Noodles & Noggins presents Fun Club each Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton. Enjoy some books, do a craft, sing songs and dance. A new theme each week. For ages 1-6 years. Suggested contribution per child. Call the store to register at 703-815-8600.
While the INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital Auxiliary is in need of volunteers to assist with various functions in the hospital, the current need is especially acute in the Thrift Shop at Fairfax Circle. The Thrift Shop needs volunteers who can sort and price merchandise, stock shelves, process sales, and assist customers in various ways. Call 703-391-3659 for information regarding the next orientation for volunteers.
The Fairfax Meals on Wheels (MOW) group needs a volunteer to serve as Treasurer. This leadership position is responsible for the finances of the MOW group, including a monthly report to the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals (Monday through Friday) to senior adults in the following areas: Annandale, Baileys Crossroads, Falls Church, Manchester Lakes, Centreville/Chantilly, Fairfax, Tysons, Herndon/Reston and Little River Glen. The job involves picking up meals at specified sites between 10:30 a.m. and noon, and delivering them to seniors by 1 p.m. Volunteer drivers can choose to deliver meals on a daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly or substitute basis. Call the Fairfax AAA Volunteer Intake Line at 703-324-5406 or E-mail melanie.mitchell@fairfaxcounty.gov
Volunteers are needed for day and evening hours to work one-to-one with adult learners in public libraries or adult learning centers. Additional opportunities are available working with adolescents in alternative school settings. The Volunteer Learning Program (VLP) trains tutors, assesses learners, and provides materials with follow-up support. VLP is a joint community project of the Fairfax County Public Schools (Adult & Community Education), Fairfax County's Juvenile Court, and the Fairfax County Public Library. Call 703-246-2139 or e-mail VLP@fcps.edu.
Mocha Moms Inc. is a support network for stay-at-home mothers of color. Meetings are every first, third and fifth Wednesday between 10 a.m. and noon at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. www.restonmochamoms.org. All are welcome.
The Northern Virginia Artists League (NOVALArt.com) is a local group of artists and photographers who meet every month for an "Art Outing" and general meeting. The group meets monthly to encourage each other, critique each other's work, and share ideas for marketing the art. There are monthly art outings for plain air painting or photography. All medias, watercolor, acrylic, oil, colored pencil, photography, etc., are welcome.
The Centreville chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Club is moving. The club will meet Thursday evenings at the Centreville Presbyterian Church 15040 Lee Highway, Centreville. TOPS is a non-profit, non-commercial weight loss support group open to anyone 7 years of age and older. At $20 per year, this is an affordable, supportive program for weight loss and weight maintenance. Weigh-in is from 6:15-7 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:10 p.m. Call Susan at 703-392-7937 or visit www.tops.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
<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.