Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
<b>Wednesday/Oct. 14
</b>Older Adult Book Discussion Group. 2 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. The Lemon Tree: an Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan. Meet next door at Kingstowne Center for Active Adults. 703-339-4610.
Practice Your English. 10:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for adults learning English. 703-339-4610.
hed (p.e.), Johnny 3 Legs, Sensylla, Others May Fall and The Backwoodz Band. 7 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Thursday/Oct. 15
</b>Eensy Weensy Spiders. 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Spooks and shrieks at story time. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-249-1520.
Ventana (with Members of Mushroomhead) with Hell Trash, Eyes Set to Kill, The Word Alive, Dreaming of Eden, GI9 and Redshift. 6:30 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $13 in advance, $15 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
Visual Voices Speaker Series: "Teaching and Learning: The Power of Creativity" by Ruth Lozner. 7:30 p.m., at Harris Theater, on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123. Free.
Bingo. 7-11 p.m., at the Springfield Volunteer Fire Company Event Hall, 7011 Backlick Road, Springfield. Come out and have an evening of fun playing bingo, sponsored by the Veteran's of Foreign Wars. Proceeds support our work in the community, with Veterans and active duty families in need.
<b>Friday/Oct. 16
</b>Virginia Opera: Puccini’s “La Bohème.” 8 p.m., at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 minutes prior to the performance on the Center’s Grand Tier III. The Center for the Arts complex is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123. Tickets are $86, $72, $44. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit www.gmu.edu/cfa.
Lunch Bunch. 12 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring lunch and come for stories. Birth-5 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Moonspell with Divine Heresy, Book of Black Earth, Secrets of the Moon Blood Corps and Todesbonden. 6:30 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
Bingo. 7-11 p.m., at the Springfield Volunteer Fire Company Event Hall, 7011 Backlick Road, Springfield. Come out and have an evening of fun playing bingo, sponsored by the Veteran's of Foreign Wars. Proceeds support our work in the community, with Veterans and active duty families in need.
<b>Saturday/Oct. 17
</b>Puppetopia. 2 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Animal Tales. All Ages. 703-971-0010.
PAWS to Read. 11 a.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Meet Chance, our new therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. Choose a book and read with Chance for a 10-minute session. Call to register. 703-339-7385.
Molly Hatchet with The Roadducks, Black Onyx, 300 Proof and From the Ashes of My Sins. 8 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Age 21 and up. $20 in advance, $23 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
Hearts & Hands Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at Messiah United Methodist Church, 6215 Rolling Road, Springfield. Shop for crafts, white elephants, jewelry, toys, unusual one-of-a-kind items, have lunch, stop by the pumpkin patch, and bid on silent auction baskets and services. 703-569-9862 or www.messiahumc.org.
Comedian Wayne Brady. 8 p.m., at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax. General Admission tickets are $25 and available at all Ticketmaster locations.
<b>Sunday/Oct. 18
</b>Virginia Opera: Puccini’s “La Bohème.” 8 p.m., at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 minutes prior to the performance on the Center’s Grand Tier III. The Center for the Arts complex is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123. Tickets are $86, $72, $44. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit www.gmu.edu/cfa.
God Dethroned with Abigail Williams, Woe of Tyrants, Augury, Fallen Martyr and Octanion. 6 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $16 in advance, $18 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
N Scale Model Trains will be running 1-4 p.m., at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. The Northern Virginia NTRAK model train club will host its monthly display in both the station and the caboose. $2 for adults, $1 ages 4-11. The museum is at 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. 703-425-9225.
Cooking Class: "Beans & Grains." Learn how to cook with ancient "new" grains such as quinoa, spelt, kamut and lesser-known beans such as azuki beans. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at 9302 Hallston Court, Fairfax Station. $50/person. Class includes recipes and food samples. Pre-registration required. Call 703-643-2713 for space availability. www.localdc.com/cooking.
<b>Monday/Oct. 19
</b>Halloween on Parade. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Wear a costume for Halloween stories and fun. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-339-4610.
Early Reader Book Discussion. 3:30 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call for title. Age 6-8 with adult. 703-971-0010.
The Vision Series: "How We Learn: Human Exceptionality and Cognition" by Margo A. Mastropieri. 7 p.m., at GMU Concert Hall. Free. The Concert Hall is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
<b>Tuesday/Oct. 20
</b>Computer Tutoring. 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Call to sign up. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Early Readers Book Group. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. A book group for 6-8 year olds and their parents. 703-249-1520.
Down on the Farm. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Animals who moo, baa and oink. Age 13-23 months with adult. 703-339-4610.
Mother-Daughter Book Group. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Join a lively book discussion. Call for title. Age 9-11 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Can't Sit Still Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Stories and activities where sitting quietly is optional. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-339-7385.
Despised Icon with Through The Eyes of The Dead, Abacabb, Molotov Solution, In Alcatraz 1962 and An Obscure Signal. 6 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
GMU Wind Symphony Fall Concert with special guest: Fairfax Wind Symphony. 8 p.m., at GMU Concert Hall. $15 adults, $10 seniors, students free. The Concert Hall is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
Jason Linett Comedy Hypnosis Show presented by the South County Secondary School Class of 2010 All Night Graduation Committee. 7 p.m., in the South County Secondary School auditorium located at 8501 Silverbrook Road in Lorton. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the door, online at www.MagicForTheMind.com/Stallion or by e-mailing slmoses@aol.com. 703-495-8737.
<b>Wednesday/Oct. 21
</b>Needlework Group. 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Bring a project to work on in the company of other needlecrafters. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Hidden Pond Nature Program. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Nature and local ecology, hosted by the Hidden Pond Nature Center. Age 6-12. 703-249-1520.
One-on-One Genealogical Research Assistance. 6 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Get started on genealogical research with the assistance of experienced volunteers. Call for an appointment. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Practice Your English. 10:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for adults learning English. 703-339-4610.
Book Discussion Group. 6:30 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. “House Made of Dawn” by N. Scott Momaday. Adults. 703-971-0010.
Lorton Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. “Twenty Wishes” by Debbie Macomber. Adults. 703-339-7385.
<b>Thursday/Oct. 22
</b>A Is for Apple. 10:30 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 6315 Backlick Road, Springfield, on the second floor of the Bank of America building. Stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-451-8055.
Lighters and Matches are Tools for Grownups Only. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Puppet show presented by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Participants will each receive a helmet and activity book. 703-339-4610.
Stories and Science. 4 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and simple science experiments. Age 4-6 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Mainstage #1: "Ah, Wilderness." 8 p.m., at GMU TheaterSpace. $12 adult, $8 student/senior. TheaterSpace is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! 7 p.m., at The Patriot Center at George Mason University. Ticket Prices: $70, $50, $27, $20 and $15. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets via charge, by phone at 703-573-SEAT; via www.ticketmaster.com ; and at the Patriot Center box office. www.disneyonice.com.
Bingo. 7-11 p.m., at the Springfield Volunteer Fire Company Event Hall, 7011 Backlick Road, Springfield. Come out and have an evening of fun playing bingo, sponsored by the Veteran's of Foreign Wars. Proceeds support our work in the community, with Veterans and active duty families in need.
<b>Friday/Oct. 23
</b>Lunch Bunch. 12 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring lunch and come for stories. Birth-5 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Conditions and more. 5:15 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
Mainstage #1: "Ah, Wilderness." 8 p.m., at GMU TheaterSpace. $12 adult, $8 student/senior. TheaterSpace is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
L.A. Theatre Works: "War of the Worlds" and "The Lost World." 8 p.m., at GMU Concert Hall. $36, $28, $18. Pre-Performance Discussion 45 minutes prior to the performance. The Concert Hall is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
GMU Opera Review Recital. 8 p.m., at Harris Theater. $20 adult, $15 student/senior. The Harris Theater is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., at The Patriot Center at George Mason University. Ticket Prices: $70, $50, $27, $20 and $15. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets via charge, by phone at 703-573-SEAT; via www.ticketmaster.com ; and at the Patriot Center box office. www.disneyonice.com.
Harry Potter Lecture. Melissa Anelli presents “Harry, A History: The True Story of a Boy Wizard, His Fans, and Life Inside the Harry Potter Phenomenon” 7 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium. The Government Center is at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. 703-324-8428.
Bingo. 7-11 p.m., at the Springfield Volunteer Fire Company Event Hall, 7011 Backlick Road, Springfield. Come out and have an evening of fun playing bingo, sponsored by the Veteran's of Foreign Wars. Proceeds support our work in the community, with Veterans and active duty families in need.
<b>Saturday/Oct. 24
</b>Springfield Plaza Free Halloween Parade. Registration starts at 10 a.m. in the Springfield Plaza courtyard on Commerce Street next to Dollar King. Enter to win a $100 shopping spree at registration. Parade starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. rain or shine. No cost to participate. Free treat bags while supplies last. Springfield Plaza is located at the intersection of Old Keene Mill Road and Commerce Street in Springfield.
Book Burrow Dedication. 2 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Unveil a new outdoor storytime area, enjoy stories and songs. Ages 2-5 with parent. 703-249-1520.
FY 2011 Budget Community Dialogue. 10 a.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Presentations by county and school budget staff followed by facilitated small group discussions. Registration is required. 703-324-2391 or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget.
Rhino Bucket with American Dog, Universal, Ill Anjelic and 8 Lives Spent. 7:30 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Age 21 and up. $20 in advance, $23 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
Mainstage #1: "Ah, Wilderness." 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., at GMU TheaterSpace. $12 adult, $8 student/senior. TheaterSpace is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
Shaolin Warriors. 8 p.m., at GMU Concert Hall. $44, $36, $22. Youth through grade 12 half price. Pre-performance discussion 45 minutes prior to the performance. The Concert Hall is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
GMU Opera Review Recital. 8 p.m., at Harris Theater. $20 adult, $15 student/senior. The Harris Theater is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
ECHO Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at St. Bernadette Catholic Church gym, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. All proceeds are used to support ECHO programs. For more, call 703-569-9160 or 703-440-1353.
Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., at The Patriot Center at George Mason University. Ticket Prices: $70, $50, $27, $20 and $15. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets via charge, by phone at 703-573-SEAT; via www.ticketmaster.com ; and at the Patriot Center box office. www.disneyonice.com.
Howloween Dog Costume Contest & Goblin Golf and Bonfire at Lake Accotink Park. Show off your dog’s talents and compete for special prizes and treats from 2-4 p.m All dogs must be leashed. $6 per dog. Play glow-in-the-dark mini golf on the haunted course from 6 to 9 p.m. Ride the spooky carousel, and join in storytelling over a cup of hot chocolate around a lakeside bonfire. $6 per person. To reserve your spot, call 703-569-0285. Lake Accotink Park is at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield.
Ghost Train Rides at Burke Lake Park. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Be there when the Great Pumpkin arrives to hand out treats. Thrills and chills appropriate for children are provided by students from Northern Virginia Community College. Costumes encouraged. Children under age 6 need adult supervision. No pets. $4 per person, under age 2 ride free. Ticket sales stop at 4:30 p.m., and the last train departs at 5:15 p.m. 703- 323-6600. Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station.
Fall Arts Show presented by the Kingstowne Area Artists Association. 12-5 p.m., at the Kingstowne Snyder Center, 6450 South Van Dorn St., Kingstowne. kingstowneartists.com.
<b>Sunday/Oct. 25
</b>Misfits, Cab Ride Home, Unskilled Professionalz, So Damn Thirsty, The Buried, Dead Kings Rising and The Pogo. 5:15 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $23 in advance, $25 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
Shaolin Warriors. 4 p.m., at GMU Concert Hall. $44, $36, $22. Family Friendly: Youth through grade 12 half price
Pre-Performance Discussion 45 minutes prior to the performance. The Concert Hall is on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
GMU Choirs Concert. 7 p.m., at Providence Presbyterian Church, 10723 Main St., Fairfax. Donation suggested.
Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at The Patriot Center at George Mason University. Ticket Prices: $70, $50, $27, $20 and $15. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets via charge, by phone at 703-573-SEAT; via www.ticketmaster.com ; and at the Patriot Center box office. To discover more about Disney On Ice, log on to www.disneyonice.com.
Ghost Train Rides at Burke Lake Park. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Be there when the Great Pumpkin arrives to hand out treats. Thrills and chills appropriate for children are provided by students from Northern Virginia Community College. Costumes encouraged. Children under age 6 need adult supervision. No pets. $4 per person, under age 2 ride free. Ticket sales stop at 4:30 p.m., and the last train departs at 5:15 p.m. 703- 323-6600. Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station.
American Legion Children's Halloween Party. l-3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 176, Springfield. For ages10 years old and under. Costumes not necessary. Annabell the Clown, games and story telling, spooky music and face painting, snacks and drinks. Goodie bags to take home. 703-451-5254.
Community Day, a celebration featuring class demonstrations and mini-workshops, art exhibit of instructor work, entertainment, door prizes and giveaways, food, games and storytelling for children. Open house 1-5 p.m. hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education at the Plum Center for Lifelong Learning, 6815 Edsall Road, Springfield. Free. 703-658-1201 or www.fcps.edu/aceclasses/CommunityDay.htm.
<b>Monday/Oct. 26
</b>Stretch-Your-Mind Games and Activities. 4 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Enjoy brain teasers, games and other activities designed to stretch your mind. Age 6-12. 703-339-4610.
Read to the Dog. 3:30 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Sign up for a 15-minute session to read to a trained therapy dog. Age 6-12. 703-971-0010.
Slighty Scary Stories. 11 a.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Join us for stories and activities. Age 4-5 with adults. 703-339-7385.