To have an item listed in The Arlington Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, write an e-mail to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Photos, especially color, are encouraged. This free community listing is reserved to events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457 with questions.
The Arlington Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St., Arlington, is extending its weekend show “The Planet Patrol” through Sunday, June 4. Astronomy set in a detective story, leading children on a solar system tour. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 and 3 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children 12 and younger. Call 703-228-6070,
Youth Rugby teams across Northern Virginia are now accepting registrations for summer league play late May to early August. Boys and girls. Ages 6-16. Touch (all age groups) and tackle rugby (11 y/o and up). Volunteer coaches needed, with and without rugby experience. Contact Eric Pittelkau at epittelkau@gmail.com or 703-587-7462.
The Greater Chesapeake & Potomac (GC&P) Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is offering an exciting opportunity for all blood drive and donor center participants this summer: A weekly raffle for $100 worth of free gas. Every participant at any Regional blood donation center or blood drive will automatically be entered into a raffle for the free gas card. All eligible donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a blood donation appointment and show up for their chance to win $100 in free gas. In addition to asking individual members of the community to donate blood, the American Red Cross strongly encourages businesses and community groups to schedule and organize blood drives. Any groups interested in scheduling a drive or obtaining further information is asked to call 1-800-787-9282, ext. 4925. Visit www.my-redcross.org.
The Georgetown Flea Market has temporarily relocated from Georgetown to Arlington. The Courthouse Plaza parking lot will be its new home for the next 18 months. The market, a Georgetown fixture for 35 years, began operating at Courthouse Plaza on May 7. It had to relocate due to the ongoing renovation of the Hardy Middle School, where the market has functioned since 1988. The market will reopen in December 2007 when Hardy's renovation is completed. Along with its easy-to-reach location, the new site at Courthouse Plaza provides space for up to 150 vendors and free underground parking for 600 vehicles. Hours of operation are Sundays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Michael Sussman at 202-775-FLEA, or visit, www.georgetownfleamarket.com.
The ‘stars’ are visible all day long in Arlington's Arts Al Fresco, the free outdoor summer performance series entering the 2006 Summer Season, sponsored by Arlington Cultural Affairs. Events begin Tuesday, May 9 and continue through Thursday, Sept. 21, at locations throughout Arlington, including: Courthouse Plaza, Rosslyn’s Metro Park and Gateway Park, and Crystal City, over 100 events in all. Visit www.arlingtonarts.org.
Opening June 2 in Welburn Square, the 2006 Ballston Farmers Market will feature chef’s demonstrations, live music, organic produce, preservative-free sausage, and artisan breads and cheeses. The Market will be held in Welburn Square, located between 9th and N. Stuart Street across from the Ballston Metro station, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday through October 13. Call 703-528-3527 or email ballstonvasquare@aol.com.
Arlington National Cemetery Civil War Walk. A look at some of the many hundreds of Civil War heroes and the history of the cemetery and the role of the Civil War in creating it. Sundays at 1 p.m. $12 per person. Call 202-903-6255 for reservations.
Pub Trivia. Come to Gaffneys in Ballston on Monday nights for Headgames, an irreverent pub trivia contest. Compete to win $30, $20, and $10 gift certificates based on knowledge of things tawdry and tasteful, academic and trashy. From 7-8:30 p.m. No admission charge. Gaffneys is located at 4301 Fairfax Drive.
Every Saturday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. during Spring and Fall, expect to find fun and educational activities outside the nature center at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington. Come see music, artists, crafts, games, nature exhibits, and more. There will even be cold drinks on hot days.
The Thomas Jefferson after-school program is held at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. Second St., Monday-Friday from 2:30-6 p.m. Weekly activities include arts and crafts, organized sports and weekly cooking classes. Contact LaTonya Garner for a schedule of events at 703-228-7782.
Teen Lounge at Gunston Community Center every Monday - Friday, 6-9 p.m. for ages 13-19. Activity options include snack bar, PS2, movies, TV, music, board games, pool, air hockey, etc. Call Kristen 703-228-6983 Also, at Gunston Community Center 9th & 10th graders may join TREK2 every Monday - Friday, 4:30-6 p.m. Call Kristen 703-228-6983.
NNLC (New Neighbors League Club) for fun and friendship. NNLC has many different interest groups. Visit the new Web site at www.newneighborsvirginia.com or call 703-453-6116. Reminder: Nina's Dandy is scheduled for May.
The Arlington County Farmer's Market is open year round from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The market sells seasonal produce and farm products including fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, bedding plants, cut flowers and more. The market is located at North 14th and North Courthouse, Arlington. Call 703-228-6400 or visit www.arlingtonfarmersmarket.com.
Stock market discussion every Saturday at 11 a.m. at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-5990 to confirm.
Farmers' Market. Join lovers of fresh, locally grown food at the Arlington Farmers’ Market each Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, at the intersection of N. 14th St. and N. Courthouse Road.
The Horticulture Hotline is available from 9 a.m.-noon, Monday through Friday, year-round at 703-228-6414. Home gardeners are also welcome to visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension office at the Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., during these hours.
Creative Preschoolers Program at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. For 3- to 5-year-olds, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 703-228-6430. To register, call 703-228-4747.
Cooperative Playgroup at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., for toddlers 12-36 months old with three sessions available per age group Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursdays or Fridays only from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Sessions are available throughout the year at costs ranging $15-$30. Call 703-228-6588.
Friday Night Roller Skating at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Fridays throughout the year for grades kindergarten-fourth. The cost is $5 per child and includes a hot dog, chips, cookies, lemonade and skate rental. No pre-registration required. Helmets are required in order to participate. Call 703-228-6588.
Tunes and Tales with Miss Linda. Fridays at 11 a.m. at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 N. Harrison St., Suite 10. Ages 18 months to 3 years. Call 703-241-8281.
Story Hour. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. with a special guest or a staff member at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 N. Harrison St., Suite 10. Ages 2 and a half to 6, unless otherwise noted. Call 703-241-8281.