<i>To have community events listed in Centre View, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to <a href=mailto:centreview@connectionnewspapers.com> centreview@connectionnewspapers.com</a> or fax to 703-917-0991. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6434.</i>
<b>ONGOING</b>
Austin Grill in Centreville is holding a Kids Eat Free (2 per paying adult) on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m.
Yoplait Pink Lids are being collected by the Western Fairfax Alumnae of Zeta Tau Alpha. Yoplait will donate 10 cents to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and 5 cents to the ZTA Foundation for every lid sent in by Zeta. A pink drop box can be found in the Centreville United Methodist Church narthex (intersection of Route 28/New Braddock Road) on the mission table until Dec. 9.
Chick-fil-A at Fair Oaks Mall hosts "Family Night" every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Every week there is a free, different activity to entertain kids of all ages. Come celebrate at Fair Oaks Mall, located inside the main entrance between Sears and Macy’s. Call us 703-279-1883 or email at CFAEVENTS@aol.com.
Our Neighbors Child is the local organization that steps in during the holiday to provide toys and clothing for families in the immediate ZIP code who are having a difficult time. Through the help of 15 local churches, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries-Ways and Means, and many school counselors and social workers, ONC is able to determine the families who have the greatest need. Local volunteers then work together to meet those needs.
In its 17th year, ONC is looking for groups or individuals that would "adopt" the special needs of local families for the holiday season. The focus this year is on winter coats. Specific family information will not be available until Thanksgiving. If you are interested in helping, email to Kathy Sposa and Tracy McInturff at Sposafamily@aol.com.
The Western Fairfax County Woman’s Club is selling 2008 White House Christmas ornaments. This year’s ornament honors the 23rd President, Benjamin Harrison. The cost of the ornament is $18, and all profits go to charity. Orders may be placed through any club member or by calling 703-378-6841 or 703-378-6216.
The Clock Tower Thrift store in Centreville needs volunteers on weekdays and weekends to help in sorting out merchandise, tagging and organizing it. Volunteers (not younger than 16 years old) will also greet and assist customers that bring donations and buy store items. Northern Virginia Family Service has served low income individuals and families for over 80 years. Contact Monica Arispe at 703-219-2193 or volunteer@nvfs.org. Court-ordered volunteers are welcome.
<b>THURSDAY/DEC. 11</b>
Fairfax Area League of Women Voters Gives Input to State and Regional Leagues. In December, at unit meetings throughout Fairfax County and City, League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA) members will be discussing issues of importance to the League for the next biennium. These meetings afford the "grassroots" a chance to sound off about topics that the state and regional Leagues should explore during 2009-2011. These meetings are open to the public. Call 703-658-9150 or go the LWVFA Web site: lwv-fairfax.org.
* Thursday, Dec. 11 at 9 a.m. (Luncheon meeting) at 2615 John Milton Drive, Herndon. Contact: Rona 703-476-5758.
<cal2>The Alliance Theatre will hold auditions for "Plaza Suite" by Neil Simon on Dec. 11, 15, and 16 from 7:30-10 p.m. at Mountain View School, 5775 Spindle Court, Centreville. Rehearsals are held in the evenings. Character ages are one man and one woman who can play 47. Ages 2-6 actors. Two waiters or waitresses. One younger woman 20s-30s. Readings from the script. Mountain View School, Spindle Court, Centreville. Produced by Elaine Wilson and directed by Kevin Robertson. The show will be held Feb. 6-7 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 13-14 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10/adult, $8/students and seniors at the door and the web site. www.thealliancetheatre.org.
<b>Friday/Dec. 12</b>
Peter Douskalis, Centreville resident and Shenandoah Music Conservatory senior, will be back at Pacino's Restaurant on Friday, Dec. 12 from 7-9 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 24 from 7-9 p.m. Peter specializes in many aspects of the guitar such as jazz, classical, rock, and pop. Pacino's is located at 5653 Stone Rd., Centreville. Admission is free. Call 703-222-5885.
Swing Dances are held every Friday night at the Dulles Hilton in the Red Fox Room with Sue and Gary Caley. Drop-in beginner lesson included in price of admission from 8:30-9 p.m. Live music from 9 p.m. to midnight. Cost is $15. All ages welcome, large dance floors, air conditioned. Hilton Washington Dulles Hotel, 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon. Go to www.gottaswing.com for details etc.
* Dec. 12 — The Grandsons;
* Dec. 19 — King Teddy (and our Winter Wonderland Dance with decorations desserts and lots of sparkle!);
* Dec. 26 — JP McDermott and the Bop, also our annual PJ party so wear your Pajama's! We'll bring the milk and cookies.
<b>Dec. 12-14</b>
The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will take place Dec. 12-14 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. The event includes more than 350 artists and designers exhibiting their handmade works in sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, fine arts and home decor. The Festival will also feature live demonstrations, music, and family entertainment. The hours are Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Dulles Expo Center is at 4320 Chantilly Place Center, Chantilly. Admission is $7/online purchase; $8/adult at door; free for children under 12. Free parking. Visit www.sugarloafcrafts.com or call 800-210-9900.
Encore Theatrical Arts Project presents "Over the North Pole," its 12th Annual Holiday Spectacular, in two locations. Written by Brandon Kalbaugh and directed and choreographed by Raynor van der Merwe. See www.encore-tap.org. The dates are Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 13 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at The Richard J. Ernst Theatre, NOVA Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. Also playing on Dec. 20 at 1, 4, 8 p.m.; and Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Harris Theatre, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Cost is $15/students and seniors; $17/adults; $15 Scout Special (includes behind-the-scenes tour, pre-seating and snack). Visit www.encore-tap.org or call 703-222-5511.
<b>Saturday/Dec. 13</b>
"It’s All About the Cats" – A kitten and cat adoption extravaganza is Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, St. Germaine Drive, Centreville. There will be all breeds of cats, from Long Haired, Semi-Long Haired and Domestic Short-Hairs in a variety of colors, Black, Orange, Gray, and White, Tabbies, Patch-cats, and Tuxedoes. Sponsored by Commonwealth Cat Rescue Inc.
Chantilly Bible Church is hosting a free holiday Model Train Display on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is especially for families with children, and will feature train displays including a large Lionel display, Lego display and an HO Modular display. Chantilly Bible Church is at 4390 Pleasant Valley Road in Chantilly.
<b>DEC. 13-14</b>
Take a candlelight tour of Sully Historic Site on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14. Tours begin at 5 p.m. with the last tour at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday and 7:15 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10/adults and $7/seniors and children. Call 703-437-1794. Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly.
<b>Sunday/Dec. 14</b>
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the holiday season with its "Holiday Pops" concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, at George Mason University's Center for the Arts. The Fairfax Choral Society and the W. T. Woodson High School Select Vocal Ensemble return to join the Symphony for renditions of the season's most beloved tunes. FSO Associate Conductor, Glenn Quader, shares the podium with Dr. Douglas Mears, Music Director of the Choral Society, and Michael Ehrlich, Director of the W.T. Woodson Chorus. Tickets are $15 for children and students with valid identification, and range from $15 - $45 for adults. Tickets are available in person at the GMU box office (Tuesday-Saturday, 10-6 p.m.), online at Tickets.com, or by phone at 888-945-2468. To arrange a discount for groups of 20 or more students, call the FSO office at 703-563-1990. All seating is reserved.
<b>Monday/Dec. 15</b>
A Sierra Club Holiday Party will be held Monday, Dec. 15 from 6:30-9 p.m. Enjoy music and a potluck dinner with members and other like-minded people at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 Washington Plaza N, Reston. Free and open to all. Contact Linda Freimark at Linda.Freimark@virginia.sierraclub.org to coordinate food contributions.
The Alliance Theatre will hold auditions for "Plaza Suite" by Neil Simon on Dec. 15, and 16 from 7:30-10 p.m. at Mountain View School, 5775 Spindle Court, Centreville. Rehearsals are held in the evenings. Character ages are one man and one woman who can play 47. Ages 2-6 actors. Two waiters or waitresses. One younger woman 20s-30s. Readings from the script. Mountain View School, Spindle Court, Centreville. Produced by Elaine Wilson and directed by Kevin Robertson. The show will be held Feb. 6-7 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 13-14 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10/adult, $8/students and seniors at the door and the web site. www.thealliancetheatre.org.
<b>DEC. 18</b>
Mothers First - Chantilly/Centreville is a nonprofit support organization dedicated to helping women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Meetings are first and third Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library,14200 St Germain Dr., Centreville. Contact 703-827-5922 or www.mothersfirst.org.
<b>DEC. 19-21</b>
The Alliance Theatre and Westfield Theatre Boosters is presenting "A Christmas Carol" Dec. 19-21. The showtimes are Dec. 19, 20 at 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 20-21 at 2 p.m. at Mountain View School in Centreville. Tickets are $10/adults, $8/students and seniors. Produced by Elaine Wilson and directed by Matt Lanoue-Chapman, the show features adorable Tiny Tim, those spooky Christmas ghosts, and a multigenerational cast of dozens of actors. For tickets, call 703-834-0200 or visit www.thealliancetheatre.org. Mountain View School is at 5775 Spindle Court, Centreville.
<b> Saturday, Dec. 20</b>
Get a glimpse of historic Christmas celebrations at Sully Historic Site on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 1-4 p.m. During the afternoon tour, visit with members of the recreated 54th Engineers Battalion as they do their best to enjoy a holiday while on duty during World War II. Inside the house, a World War II Washington Post correspondent works to report the latest news. In the exhibit room, gather ‘round the Christmas tree as costumed interpreter recalls a childhood holiday spent at Sully. The nine-foot cedar tree sparkles with gilded walnuts, and boughs bend as they enfold dolls, pop-guns and toys of a bygone era. Tours are given on the hour. The cost is $6 for adults, $5 for students, and $4 for seniors and children. Call 703-437-1794. Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly, near Dulles Airport.