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>Thursday/Aug. 27
</b>Redemption Thursdays. 8 p.m. at Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road, West Springfield. $5 in advance, $7 day of show. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Friday/Aug. 28
</b>City of Fairfax Band’s Alte Kamaraden German band. 7:30 p.m. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. 703-324-SHOW.
Kingstowne Farmers Market. 4-7 p.m. at Kingstowne Town Center behind the Sunoco Gas Station.
Dragonflies. Learn about the lifecycle, behavior and identification of Huntley’s many dragonflies and damselflies from 9-11:30 a.m., at Huntley Meadows Park & Visitor Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. This walk suggested for adults. Activity will be canceled in case of rain. $6 per person. Call 703-768-2525 to register.
<b>Tuesday/Sept. 1
</b>Computer Tutoring. 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. One-on-one help with computers, common software applications and navigating the Internet. Call to sign up. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Teen Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Fun, food and great book discussions. Age 12-18. 703-249-1520.
Lullaby Stories. 7 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Evening stories and activities. Pajamas and stuffed animals welcome. Age 1-5 with adult. 703-339-4610.
Quack, Moo, Oink! 10:30 a.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Stories and activities featuring animal sounds. Age 2-3 with adult. 703-339-7385.
<b>Wednesday/Sept. 2
</b>Needlework Group. 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Bring a project to work on and enjoy the company of other needlecrafters. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Evening Book Discussion Group. 6:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. “I'm A Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America after 20 Years Away” by Bill Bryson. 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.
<b>Thursday/Sept. 3
</b>Monkey Tales. 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Stories, songs, and activities about monkeys. Age 13-23 months with adult. 703-249-1520.
Daytime Book Discussion Group. 12:15 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey. Adults. 703-339-4610.
<b>Friday/Sept. 4
</b>Stream Study. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Join a naturalist and discover the diversity of the stream with netting and identification. Learn how people impact this fragile environment. Water shoes are recommended. This program is suited for children ages 6-12 and the cost is $6 per child. For more information about the park, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenpond/. 703-451-9588.
Animal Feeding with Naturalist Chef Bri’an. 2-3 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Naturalist Brian displays his animal caretaking culinary skills. Find out what type of foods the animals on exhibit need to stay healthy. Help feed the animals, too. This program is suited for children ages 6-10. The cost is $4 per child. For more information about the park, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenpond/. 703-451-9588.
Native or Not. 4-5 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Children and their parents get a close up look at plants not native to Fairfax County on a naturalist-led walk. This program is appropriate for children ages 8 and older with an accompanying adult. The cost is $4 per child. The cost is $4 per child. For more information about the park, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenpond/. 703-451-9588.
After Dark in the Park. 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Visitors of all ages are invited to net some pond creatures and study reptiles on a night hike. Learn about nocturnal animals seen in a stream valley forest and enjoy cool refreshments and a cheery campfire with a sing-a-long. The cost is $2 per person. For more information about the park, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenpond/. 703-451-9588.
<b>Sunday/Sept. 6
</b>Train Show. 12-5 p.m., at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. $2 for adults and $1 for children. 703-425-9225. LEGO trains will be running. Come see the caboose and speeder, or browse the gift shop.
<b>Monday/Sept. 7
</b>St. Mary’s 134th Labor Day Picnic, the oldest outdoor social in Fairfax County, on the grounds of the historic church at Fairfax Station Road and Route 123. The celebration begins with Blessing of the Tools and Mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by a day of food, fellowship and fun.
Train Show. 1-4 p.m., at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. HO, N-scale and $2 for adults and $1 for children. 703-425-9225. LEGO trains will be running. Come see the caboose and speeder, or browse the gift shop.
<b>Tuesday/Sept. 8
</b>Computer Tutoring. 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. One-on-one help with computers, common software applications and navigating the Internet. Call to sign up. Adults. 703-249-1520.
<b>Wednesday/Sept. 9
</b>Go Green With Designer Jewelry luncheon hosted by the Springfield/Alexandria Women’s Connection, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Springfield Golf & Country Club, 8301 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. $17 includes the luncheon and free childcare. Reservations must be made by Friday, Sept. 4 to 703-569-4670 or 703-590-6562 or e-mail to SpringWmConn@yahoo.com.
Older Adult Book Discussion Group. 2 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. “Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books” by Azar Nafisi. Meet next door at Kingstowne Center for Active Adults (KNCAA). 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.
Girls' Night Out Book Discussion Group. 6:45 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call for title. Age 12-16 with adult. 703-971-0010.
<b>Thursday/Sept. 10
</b>Third Annual Positive Aging Fair: Tools for Creative Aging. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. The New Yorker magazine cartoonist Mort Gerberg will share his knack for finding humor in aging as the keynote speaker.The aging fair provides information and resources that promote active aging through healthy lifestyles that help seniors live longer, more independently and more positively. General admission: $8, or $10 if a kosher lunch is requested in advance. Registration may be done by phone at 703-323-0880 or online at.
Teen Writers Roundtable. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Join the Roundtable to hone your skills and receive honest, friendly criticism from other teens. Age 12 and up. 703-249-1520.
Prevention of Blindness. 11 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 6315 Backlick Road, Springfield, on the second floor of the Bank of America building. Provides essential information to prevent blindness among older citizens. Adults. 703-451-8055.
Visual Voices Speaker Series: "Artifice of Nature" by John Ruppert, 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Theater, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Free.
<b>Friday/Sept. 11
</b>Lunch Bunch. 12 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring lunch, come for stories. Birth-5 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Faculty Artist Series: Faculty Showcase Recital. 8 p.m., at the Harris Theater, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Free.
<b>Saturday/Sept. 12
</b>Tag Day. Lake Braddock Secondary School Marching Band will be canvassing homes in their district for tax-deductible contributions to help support band activities. Rain date: Sept. 19.
Friends Book Sale. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. 703-339-4610.
Workhouse Film Noir Night. 6:30 p.m., at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road Lorton. Join guest speaker Judy Riggin for an entertaining and thoughtful look at this distinct style of filmmaking. Riggin speaks at 7 p.m., film shown at 7:30 p.m. followed by an informal discussion and Q&A. Film title TBA. 703-584-2927.
Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Mini-Walk hosted by Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter, 13000 Lee Highway, Fairfax. $25 for adults and $15 for youth (up to age 25). Registration form at www.shelterhouse.org or 703-536-5383. Help raise funds to prevent and end homelessness. A Community Open House will follow the walk and will include shelter tours, moon bounces, magic shows, a scavenger hunt, and much more.
Concert. Fairfax Symphony Orchestra presents “Great Expectations,” introducing it new Music Director Christopher Zimmerman at 8 p.m., at George Mason University's Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive in Fairfax. Free pre-performance lecture at 7 p.m. Free students tickets available until Sept. 11. Concert features Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story,” Elgar’s “Introduction and Allegro for Strings” and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” Single tickets now available. Go to www.fairfaxsymphony.org.
Comedy Hypnotist featuring hypnotist Tom DeLuca. Comic Pain Relief benefit show will take place at 7 p.m. at George Mason University, Center for Arts, Harris Theater. For Tickets call 703-993-2787 or go to www.tickets.com. Ticket prices are $20; $10-students.
A Platinum Jubilee reception featuring George Mason University Jazz Ensemble led by Jim Carroll plus a full assortment of refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. 5-8 p.m., at The Mathy House, home of George Mason University President Alan and Sally Merten. A limited number of tickets remain available Visit www.FairfaxLibraryFoundation.org.
How to Find a Job in Today's Troubled Economy. 2 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Advice from an experienced HR recruiter on all aspects of finding and keeping a job. Bring a copy of your resume. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Friends of the Library Book Sale. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Gems and finds for all readers. 703-339-4610.
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 favorite book and read it to Chance. Call to register. Age 6-12 with adult. 703-339-7385.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m., at Concert Hall, George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets: $55, $45, $35, $25
<b>Monday/Sept. 14
</b>Doggie Swim. 6-8 p.m., Fox Hunt Swim and Tennis Club, 7024 Spaniel Road Springfield. Give your pet an opportunity to enjoy the pool.
My Colorful World. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Stories, songs and fun about colors. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-339-4610.
Early-Reader Book Discussion. 3:30 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Early-reader book activities. Call for titles. Age 6-8 with adult. 703-971-0010.
<b>Tuesday/Sept. 15
</b>Computer Tutoring. 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. One-on-one help with computers, common software applications and navigating the Internet. Call to sign up. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Color Me Happy 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. What's your favorite color? Age 13-23 months with adult. 703-339-4610.
Can't Sit Still Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Join us for stories and activities where sitting quietly is optional. No sitting, no silence required. Age 2-3 with adult. 703-339-7385.
Mother-Daughter Book Group. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call for title. Age 9-11 with adult. 703-971-0010.
<b>Wednesday/Sept. 16
</b>Needlework Group. 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Bring a project to work on and enjoy the company of other needlecrafters. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Hidden Ponds Nature Program. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Nature and local ecology. Age 6-12. 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.
Lorton Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. “Thee Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace, One School at a Time” by Greg Mortenson. Adults. 703-339-7385.
Hello Everybody. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Age 2-3 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion Group. 6:30 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout. Adults. 703-971-0010.