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/Feb. 4
</b>Blue Sky Puppet Theater and Open House. 10:15-11:30 a.m. at St. Christopher's Preschool, 6320 Hanover Ave., Springfield. Preschoolers free. Reservations required at 703-451-1845 or preschool@saintchristophers.net.
Owl Tales. 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Stories about owls. Age 13-23 Months with adult. 703-249-1520.
Daytime Book Discussion Group. 12:15 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout. Adults. 703-339-4610.
Reading and Rocking Preschool Class. 10:30 a.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Early literacy storytime. Ages 2-4 with an adult. 703-339-7385.
The 2010 W.E.B. DuBois Lecture and Film ‘Black and Queer in America.’ Lecture at 1:30 p.m., film screening and discussion begins 4 p.m. at Research I, Room 163, George Mason University, Fairfax campus. This program is part of George Mason University's programs in African and African American Studies, and Women and Gender Studies. Speakers include Patrik-Ian Polk, creator, director, and producer of Logo Channel's Noah's Arc, and Marlon Ross, University of Virginia professor of African American Literature and Gender & Queer Theory. Free admission. 703-993-4080 or http://aaas.gmu.edu.
<b>Friday/Feb. 5
</b>Fairfax Symphony Valentine Pops Gala: Amore! An Evening of Italian Love Songs. At the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean. 6:30 p.m. silent auction and cocktail reception, 8 p.m. dinner, 9 p.m. FSO in concert with tenor Robert Petillo and soprano Jeanine Thames. $300 per person or $3,000 per table, available by credit card at 703-563-1990, or by check to Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, 3905 Railroad Ave., Suite 202N, Fairfax, VA 22030. www.fairfaxsymphony.org.
Jewish Scout Shabbat. Congregation Adat Reyim invites all Jewish Scouts, Scouters and their families to the annual Scout Shabbat service at 8 p.m. Those wishing to present a Jewish Religious Emblem Award to a Scout or to participate in services may contact CAR at 703-569-7577. Congregation Adat Reyim is located at 6500 Westbury Oaks Court in Springfield. Scouts are asked to wear their uniform.
Cardinal Forest PTA Third Annual Fun Fair and Silent Auction. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Cardinal Forest Elementary School, 8600 Forrester Blvd., Springfield. Moon bounce, cake walk, food and more. Tickets for games are 50 cents each, available at the door. 703-569-7518.
Lunch Bunch. 12 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring lunch and hear stories. Birth-5 with adult. 703-971-0010.
‘The Vagina Monologues.’ 8 p.m. at George Mason University Harris Theatre, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets $25. Part of the Vday campaign to end violence against women and girls. sas.gmu.edu.
<b>Saturday/Feb. 6
</b>Jeri Sager. 7:30 p.m. at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, 1624 Trap Road, Vienna. West Springfield High School alumnus and Broadway star Sager debuts at the Barns of Wolf Trap with her solo cabaret show, “Broadway by Jeri.” Accompanied by a four-piece band, Sager will re-create her roles in “Cats,” “Les Misérables” and “Evita.” $25. 703-938-2404 or www.wolftrap.org.
One-on-One Computer Tutoring. 10-11 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Learn to use a computer, navigate the Internet, and work with common software applications. Call for an appointment. Adults. 703-249-1520.
VITA Tax Assistance. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. 703-339-4610.
Birds in Your Backyard Science Class. 2 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Assist the researchers at Cornell University in monitoring bird populations. 703-339-7385.
Drummers and Drillers. 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Variety of woodpeckers on the suet feeders. $6/adult. 703-768-2525.
‘The Vagina Monologues.’ 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at George Mason University Harris Theatre, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets $25. Part of the Vday campaign to end violence against women and girls. sas.gmu.edu.
<b>Monday/Feb. 8
</b>Little Valentines. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Stories, songs and fun for Valentine's Day. Age 24 months to 5 years with adult. 703-339-4610.
Early Reader Book Discussion. 3:30 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Titles: “Library Lil” by Suzanne Williams and “Paul Bunyan” by Steven Kellogg. Ages 6-8 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Nature Quest: Rotting Logs. 10-11 a.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd. Springfield. Explore the habitat of decomposing logs. For children ages 3-6. $4/person. 703-451-9588.
Monday Bird Walk. 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Eakin Community Park. Discover resident birds of the Accotink Stream Valley. Boardwalk is for all ages. Meet at the Prosperity Avenue parking lot. Activity is free. 703-941-1065.
<b>Tuesday/Feb. 9
</b>Outerloop Presents: For the Fallen Dreams, The Ghost Inside, Your Demise, Suffokate, An Obscure Signal, This Time Never, Calvin Broadus, TBA. All ages. $10 advance, $12 door. Doors open at 5 p.m., show at 5:15 p.m. Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road Springfield. 703-569-5940.
Fun With Twos and Threes. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Age 2-3 with adult. 703-971-0010.
<b>Wednesday/Feb. 10
</b>Open Irish Song Session. 8:30-11:30 p.m., at Hard Times Cafe, 6362 Springfield Plaza, Springfield. This song session is open to anyone who would like to sing or listen to Irish songs. Songbooks provided, but singers may bring their own songs as well. All kinds of Irish/Scottish songs are welcome. wvjordan@aol.com or 703-913-5600.
Friends of Fairfax Station Quarterly Forum. 7:30 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Local author Charles Mauro will discuss his book about a friendship between Confederate Brig. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and Laura Ratcliffe of Centreville. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Free admission, donations accepted. 703-425-9225.
Nonfiction Book Discussion Group. 7 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Call for title. Adults. 703-249-1520.
One-on-One Genealogical Research Assistance. 6-7:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Get started on genealogical research with the assistance of our experienced volunteers. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Older Adults Book Group. 2 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. “Tortilla Curtain” by T.C. Boyle. Meet next door at Kingstowne Center for Active Adults. Adults. 703-339-4610. 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.
Springfield/Alexandria Women’s Connection Valentine Luncheon. on 11:30 a.m. at the Springfield Gold & Country Club, 8301 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. $17 includes luncheon and free childcare. Reserve at 703-569-4670 or SpringWmConn@yahoo.com.
<b>Thursday/Feb. 11
</b>MOMS Club of Springfield: Pamper Yourself. 7:30 p.m. at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, Springfield. An evening of pampering, shopping and food. Proceeds benefit the children of Fairfax Hospital. $5. momsclubofspringfield@hotmail.com.
Afternoon Book Discussion Group. 1 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Call for title. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Reading and Rocking Preschool Class. 10:30 a.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Early literacy storytime. Ages 2-4 with an adult. 703-339-7385.
Dan Dietz's ‘tempODYSSEY.’ 8 p.m. at George Mason University's Black Box Theater in the Performing Arts Building, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. $6, $3 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by phone at 703-993-8888.
<b>Friday/Feb. 12
</b>Ponderings: Calls of the Wild. 4:30- 6:30 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Children 6-10. $6/person. 703-451-9588.
Dan Dietz's ‘tempODYSSEY.’ 8 p.m. at George Mason University's Black Box Theater in the Performing Arts Building, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. $6, $3 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by phone at 703-993-8888.
<b>Saturday/Feb. 13
</b>Second Saturday Art Walk. The Workhouse Studio Artists will keep their doors open after hours, from 6-9 p.m., 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. The Association of Interior Design Professionals (AIDP) will host a reception in conjunction with the Art Walks in W-16 from 6-7 p.m. to bring together artists, interior design professionals and the public to highlight the creative incorporation of original art into interior design settings. 703-495-0001 or www.workhousearts.org.
Naturally Sweet. 1-3 p.m. at Huntley Meadows, Visitor Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Meet at the South Kings Highway entrance to the park. Celebrate Valentine's weekend in a natural way. $10/person. 703-768-2525.
Dan Dietz's ‘tempODYSSEY.’ 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at George Mason University's Black Box Theater in the Performing Arts Building, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. $6, $3 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by phone at 703-993-8888.
One-on-One Computer Tutoring. 10-11 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Learn to use a computer, navigate the Internet, and work with common software applications. Call for an appointment. Adults. 703-249-1520.
Friends of the Library Book Sale. 10 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Gems and finds for all readers. All ages. 703-339-4610.
VITA Tax Assistance. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. 703-339-4610.
Hug-A-Bug. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Storyeller/puppeter Lynn Rhuehlman, with interactive stories for the whole family. 703-971-0010.
<b>Sunday/Feb. 14.
</b>Those Whom The Gods Detest North American Tour. Nile, Immolation, Krisiun, Abigail Williams, Dreaming Dead, Krass Judgement. All ages. $23 advance, $25 door. Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m. Jaxx Nightclub, 6355 Rolling Road Springfield. 703-569-5940.
The Acting Company in “Romeo and Juliet.” 4 p.m. at George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4500 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets are $18-$36. Charge at 888-945-2468 or www.gmu.edu/cfa.
Animal Sweethearts Dance. 1-2:30 p.m. at Hidden Pond, Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Recommended for 3-8-year olds. $6/child. 703-451-9588.
Dan Dietz's ‘tempODYSSEY.’ 2 p.m. at George Mason University's Black Box Theater in the Performing Arts Building, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. $6, $3 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by phone at 703-993-8888.
<b>Monday/Feb. 15
</b>Monday Bird Walk. 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Eakin Community Park. Discover resident birds of the Accotink Stream Valley. Boardwalk is for all ages. Meet at the Prosperity Avenue parking lot. Activity is free. 703-941-1065.
<b>Tuesday/Feb. 16
</b>Sweet Little Hearts. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Heartfelt stories and activities. Age 13 to 23 months with adult. 703-339-4610.
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.
Lightning Strikes! Percy Jackson Movie Release Party. 4:30 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Celebrate the release of the new film based on the book series by Rick Riordan. Age 8-14. 703-339-7385.
<b>Wednesday/Feb. 17
</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. 703-249-1520.
Mother-Daughter Book Club. 7 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Book club for girls. Age 9-11 and their mothers. 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. A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore. Adults. 703-971-0010.
Lorton Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton.Adults. 703-339-7385.
Habitat Restoration: Lake Accotink. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Learn plant identification and help restore this woodland/field habitat. Participants must be 13 or older. 703-324-8681.