Experience a Hayride at Meadow Acres Farm in Brandy Station, VA. Belgian Draft horses will take groups on a hayride around the farm and then back for a campfire with hot mulled cider and doughnuts. Rides run at 7 and 8:30 p.m. every evening. Cost is $4 per child, $9 per teenager or adult. Call 540-825-6707. Reservation required. Visit www.cadcol.com/harmons.
The Western Fairfax County Woman's Club is selling the 2006 White House Christmas ornaments. This year's ornament honors President Chester A. Arthur who assumed the office of President after the death of James A. Garfield who died of wounds from an assassin's bullet. The cost of the ornament is $18 and all profits benefit charity. Orders can be placed through any club member or by calling 703-378-6841 or 703-378-6216.
<cal1>Now through Dec. 31
<cal2>The Sully Historic Site is featuring a new exhibit evoking the adventurous spirit of travel and trade, open daily except Tuesdays, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., to accommodate a time when Virginia is commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown. Explore the global trade in the Federal period, across the high seas on the India Venture, and recapture the spirit during a tour of the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee. The Sully Historic Site is located at 3601 Sully Road in Chantilly. Call 703-437-1794 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 12
<cal2>Author Gregg S. Clemmer will discuss and sign his book, "Old Allegheny," at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville. Free. Call 703-830-2223 to sign up.
Free Wills & Legacy Planning workshops will be held on at 7 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library, located at 4000 Stringfellow Road. The workshops on the latest in tax and financial benefits, planned gift options, how to maximize estate planning tools, will be presented by Jeffrey M. Armstrong, CMFC, a financial advisor and coach with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc., and attorney James McConville. Seating is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis; to sign up, contact the library foundation at 703-324-8300 or by e-mail at info@FCPLfoundation.org.
<cal1>Friday-Sunday/Oct. 13-15
<cal2>Fair Oaks Shopping Center will be conducting a job fair from 1-8 p.m. The event will directly address the need for extra staffing for the holiday season. Nearly all of the 190 stores and restaurants will have jobs available in both full and part-time positions in all area of retail from management to entry-level positions. Call 703-359-8302 or go to www.ShopFairOaksMall.com.
The Fairfax County Public Library and Volunteer Fairfax will sponsor four teen volunteer fairs in October. The fairs help students in middle and high school find volunteer opportunities with local groups that will help them fulfill community service hours required by area schools. There will be one at the Centreville Regional Library at 3 p.m. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 14
<cal2>Fire and Rescue Stations Host Open House. In an effort to battle home fires before they start, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will host Fire Prevention Open House Week on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The theme for Fire Prevention Week is "Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat." Stations will have displays and activities that will both raise awareness and educate residents on fire safety, including preventing fires and fire injuries, especially at home. Firefighters and paramedics will be providing information on cooking safety, the dangers of unattended cooking, and what to do should a fire occur in the home.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 15
<cal2>The Democratic Women of Clifton (DWC) is hosting a get together for all Democrats living in Clifton's Little Rocky Run community from 3-6 p.m. at the home of Ellen and Tobin Beck. At this event, Helen Thomas, considered "the First Lady of the White House Press Corps" after covering the presidency for 57 years, will be signing copies of her latest book, "Watchdogs of Democracy?: The Waning Washington Press Corps and How It Failed the Public." Also attending the event is Gerry Connolly, chair, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Becks reside at 13630 South Springs Drive, Clifton. To RSVP, contact cliftonwomendems@aol.com.
The Old Dominion Cotillion (ODC) will begin its 2006-2007 social season with an Invitational Tea at 3 p.m. in a private home in Oakton. The tea is an opportunity for young ladies who are interested in joining the ODC to meet current members and their mothers and to learn about Cotillion activities. Events planned include teas, dances, a father-daughter sweetheart brunch, a women's day in Washington, D.C., a Halloween night in Old Town Alexandria, visits to the National Cathedral and the U.S. Department of State, a Mardi Gras party, a road rally, picnics, and an auto maintenance seminar. For more information, to receive an invitation to the tea, or to request a brochure describing the ODC and its activities, contact Mrs. Donald Pressley at 703-304-7126.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 17
<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. This month's meetings are at 10:15 am at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 Saint Germain Drive. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
The Ashburn Adoption Seminar will present an overview of international and domestic adoptions as well as adoptive parents sharing their stories. This free seminar will be held at Broadlands Community Center, 43004 Waxpool Road, at 7 p.m. To register, contact Karen Law at klawadoption@aol.com or call 703-723-4385.
The League of Women Voters of Loudoun and of the Fairfax Area, announce a 10th Congressional District Candidate Forum to be held Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Dulles Hyatt Ballroom. The event will feature incumbent Congressman Frank Wolf (R) Judy Feder (D) Wilbur Wood (L) and Neeraj Nigam (I). The Forum will follow the "Meet the Press"-style of format used in previous League of Women Voters Candidate Forums. The moderator will be Hillary Howard. Following media questions, members from the audience will be allowed to ask questions from the floor.
<cal1>Oct. 17-28
<cal2>Gymboree Play & Music of Chantilly is celebrating its littlest members in a big way with special baby events throughout October. Parents with babies newborn to 10 months are invited to sample classes, win prizes, shop and socialize with other parents and babies at the inaugural Gymboree Baby Social event at 14155 Sully Field Circle Suite I, Chantilly. Call 703-378-0144, or email us at changymb@gmail.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 19
<cal2>Kala Quintana, director of Public Transportation for Northern Virginia, will be the guest speaker at the Western Fairfax Republican Women's Club, which meets at the Sully District Governmental Center starting at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments, followed by the program at 7 p.m. Newcomers are welcome. Contact Betty Ann Olson, 703-263-1062.
<cal1>Oct. 20-21
<cal2>Recent Works: A Fine Arts Exhibition and Sale. Come experience recent works of art by local artists Elaine Florimonte, Kim Basinger, Debbie Glakas, Krister Killinger, Rory Marcaccio-Schaffer and Pat Washburn. The show will be open at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. An opening reception will be held Friday evening from 4-10 p.m. The show will be open Saturday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
<cal1>Oct. 20-22
<cal2>Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville, will hold a used book sale. Call 703-830-2223.
<cal1>Through Oct. 22
<cal2>Vpstart Crow Productions Inc. will continue its 2006 season by presenting Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull" 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, order online at Tickets.com or call 800-955-5566. Contact Vpstart Crow at vpstartcrow@comcast.net.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 21
<cal2>The Pleasant Valley Community will hold a Yard Sale on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The community is located south of Route 50 at Pleasant Valley Road and Cub Run Rd in Chantilly. Rain or shine. Follow signs.
<cal2>Vpstart Crow Productions Inc. will hold auditions for Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" from 12-3 p.m. at The Cramer Center, at 9008 Center St. in Old Town Manassas. Callbacks, if necessary, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 7-10 p.m. The production will run Dec. 1-17, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., at The Cramer Center, with a pay-what-you-can preview on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m. Email carlblong@yahoo.com, or call Vpstart Crow at 703-365-0240 or email vpstartcrow@comcast.net. Go to www.vpstartcrow.com.
Gate Post Estates residents will hold a Fall Community Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to noon. Find treasures such as clothing, toys, furniture and other items. Look for homes with a balloon on their mailbox. Visit the Web site: www.gatepostestates.org.
Join local artist Gwen Bragg for a watercolor workshop sponsored by the Fairfax Art League from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Green Acres Center, 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Fees: FAL members -$60; nonmembers $75. To register or for more information, contact Julie Cosentino 703-323-1688 or jcosenti@cox.net.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 22
<cal2>Astronaut and author Buzz Aldrin will sign copies of his children's book, "Reaching for the Moon," from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dulles Air and Space Museum. Chronicling Aldrin's childhood dreams of flight, "Reaching for the Moon" follows his life and adventures during the first Moon landing. Also on hand will be children' book author Lonnie Joes Schorer to sign copies of her new book, "Kids to Space: A Space Traveler's Guide."
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 23
<cal2>Vpstart Crow Productions Inc. will hold auditions for Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" from 7-9 p.m. at The Cramer Center, at 9008 Center St. in Old Town Manassas. Callbacks, if necessary, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 7-10 p.m. The production will run Dec. 1-17, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., at The Cramer Center, with a pay-what-you-can preview on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m. Email carlblong@yahoo.com, or call Vpstart Crow at 703-365-0240 or email vpstartcrow@comcast.net. Go to www.vpstartcrow.com.
<cal1>Oct. 23-28
<cal2>Centreville Chiropractic Center will host its first Annual Get Your Bones Checked. Children 14 and under will receive free spinal check-ups. Call 703-266-0505 for an appointment.
<cal1>Thursday, Oct. 26
<cal2>Dinner MyWay is hosting a nutrition seminar at 6 p.m. at 14215F Centreville Square, Centreville. This month's theme is "Heart Healthy Eating — Develop A Healthy Lifestyle, It’s A Family Affair". Join dietitian, Michelle Berman, as she discusses ways to increase healthy habits into the family and improve your child’s diet. All participants will take home a heart-healthy snack. Cost is $5 per participant. To RSVP, contact centrevilleva@dinnermyway.com or 703-266-4200.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 27
<cal2>The Friends of Chantilly Regional Library are holding its Fall Used Book Sale on Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library at 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. A clearance sale will be held on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 12-3 p.m. Call 703-502-3883.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 28
<cal2>A first-ever Girl Scout Expo will take place from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Center, Chantilly. Enjoy games, prizes, performances and more. Everyone is invited. Contact the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capitol at 800-523-7898 or visit www.gscnc.org/expo.
Pistol Class. Learn about handgun use in a safe, fun and responsible way. This 10-hour class focuses on safety, operation, maintenance, selection, purchasing, sports, storage, transportation and shooting of all types of handguns. Range safety test, range fees, and range card are included as well as use of a gun, eye and ear protection and ammunition. Courses taught by a National Rifle Association certified instructor in Fairfax, VA. amselle@yahoo.com.
Volunteer Fairfax is accepting volunteer registration for this year's VolunteerFest. Hundreds of volunteers will contribute their time and energy to help 45 area nonprofits complete 57 projects on this county-wide day of service, held in conjunction with national "Make a Difference Day." Contact Erin Whyte at 703-246-3460 or ewhyte@volunteerfairfax.org.
The merchants of Franklin Farm Village, Colonnade at Union Mill and Centrewood Plaza shopping centers are hosting free trick-or-treating, rain or shine. Children dressed in their Halloween costumes will receive candy and other goodies from merchants at Franklin Farm Village in Herndon from noon to 2 p.m., at Colonnade at Union Mill in Clifton from 1-3 p.m. and Centrewood Plaza in Centreville from 2-4 p.m.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 31
<cal2>19th Annual Mall-O-Ween from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thousands of young ghosts, goblins, clowns, and other costumed children will parade through Fair Oaks Mall at the 19th Annual Mall-O-Ween. Children and parents are invited to trick-or-treat throughout the mall at participating retailers. Free and open to the public. Visit www.ShopFairOaksMall.com or call 703-359-8302.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 2
<cal2>A display for the movie "Happy Feet" will be at Fair Oaks Mall, located at the intersection of I-66 and Route 50. The display will include giant snow globes displaying scenes from the movie.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 4
<cal2>The Lanes Mill, the Centreville-based chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, will hold its monthly meeting at 1 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library. The program will be given by the chapter's Junior American Citizens group. Prospective members are encouraged to attend. Contact Van Lee at van_lee@comcast.net.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 11
<cal2>Adoption Workshop. Speakers include adoptive and biological parents, lawyers, doctors and social workers on the independent adoption process, legalities, home studies, finances, and relations with biological parents. A 190-page how-to book, continental breakfast, and lunch available, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church, McLean. $65 per couple pre-registrants ($75 on-site). Call 202-722-0338 or visit www.ffpa.org.
Boy Scout Troop 30 hosts Webelos in the Woods from 2-8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Centreville Presbyterian Church, Troop 30 will host an event for local Webelos II Scouts at Bull Run Regional Park. Webelos II Scouts can learn basic Scout skills such as tying knots, fire building, first aid and orienteering. A get-to-know-you dinner will be served followed by an evening campfire program. Contact Gregg Badger, at 703-378-7538 or takeahike5@verizon.net.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 15
<cal2>Devotion To Children will hold its fourth annual Red, Heart & Soul fall gala. Reception starts at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will be invited to enjoy an evening of food and drinks, live band, dancing, and raffle prizes. Attire will be red, business, or black tie optional. The event is the culmination of the year's efforts to raise funds and create awareness for DTC's programs and initiatives.
The gala will be held at The Waterford at Fair Oaks, 12025 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax. Admission is $75 pre-event, $85 at the door. Sponsorships begin at $500. Visit www.devotiontochildren.org.
<cal1>Nov. 22 - Jan. 7
<cal2>Bull Run Festival of Lights will run daily for drive-throughs from 5-9:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Cost is $15 per car, $25 for commercial van and $50 for buses. Visit www.bullrunfestivaloflights.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 meets 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 $24 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.
Ongoing events at the National Air and Space Museum include daily tours of the building on the National Mall and the Udvar-Hazy Center, IMAX movies, and planetarium shows. There are also movies at the Udvar-Hazy Center, and segments at the Museum on the Mall such as "How Do Things Fly?" and Discovery Stations on a daily basis. For more information on the movies or to purchase tickets, call 202-633-IMAX (4629) or visit www.smithsonian.org/IMAX.