August

Saturdays

Birding by the Bay, 10:00 - 11:00 am Join this walk to look for songbirds, waterfowl and of course the bald eagle. Meet at Bay View Trailhead. Parking fees apply. Call Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, (703) 339-2385

Pondering, 12:30 – 1:30 pm, In this pond study program, you will immerse themselves in the wonders of area wetlands. Hands-on collection and observation will help you learn about the amazing adaptations of aquatic creatures. Meet at Large Pond by Car Top Boat Launch. Parking fees apply. Call Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, (703) 339-2385

Lost and Found GPS Adventures, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Ever use a Global Positioning System? Come and learn how to navigate using this small Hand - held electronic devices and then find hidden caches around the park. GPS units provided. Meet at Visitor’s Center. Parking fees apply. Call Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, (703) 339-2385

Majestic Eagles, 5:00 - 6:00 pm, Look for bald eagles, osprey and red-tailed hawks with us, and learn about their fascinating lives. Meet at Visitor Center. Parking fees apply. Call Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, (703) 339-2385



Sundays

Nature’s Neighborhood, 11:00 – 12:00 pm, Explore different natural neighborhoods and learn about plants and animal that call places home. Meet at Bay View Trailhead. Parking fees apply. Call Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, (703) 339-2385

Crawly Creatures beneath you feet, 1:00 – 1:30 pm, Learn how creatures live under a log, you will have a change to see them close, and count the legs, body parts and wings. Meet at the Picnic Area.

Make tracks for home
3:00 – 3:45
Learn about wildlife including their habitat needs, food, water, shelter, and space. Then make a plaster cast of an animal footprint to take home. Meet at the Picnic Area

Majestic Eagles
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Look for bald eagles, osprey and red-tailed hawks with us, and learn about their fascinating lives. Meet at Visitor Center

Belmont Bay and Kanes Creek Paddle Expeditions, Experience Mason Neck State Park like never before. Come explore the natural diversity and history of kanes Creek and Belmont Bay from a flat water canoe or kayak. $15.00 per person. Reservations required.
Kayak Trips: Saturdays and Sundays 9am -11:30am
Canoe Trips: Saturdays 6- 8:30 pm
Parking fees apply. Call Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, (703) 339-2385

25 Electric Sunday: (Recycling) This event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road, Lorton). Residents may recycle old televisions, computers and peripheral electronics such as speakers, printers, scanners, etc. Also, residents can recycle unbroken fluorescent tubes and light bulbs.
Program’s web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/recycling, or call the Recycling InfoLine at 703-324-5052, TTY 711.

27 Andrew Acosta & Speedy Tolliver String Band (Folk/Bluegrass) Mt. Vernon Nights Grist Mill Park Friday, 7:30 pm. For last minute performance cancellations due to inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

September

 

SATURDAYS

Nature’s Neighborhood, 11:00 – 12:00 pm Explore different natural neighborhoods and learn about plants and animals that call these places home. Meet at Bay View Trailhead. Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, call Mason Neck State Park at (703) 339-2385.

Birds of a Feather 1:30 - 2:00 pm Check out real feathers and find out that birds come in all shapes and sizes. Learn about feathers, beaks and feet. Meet at Picnic Area. Mason Neck State Park, (703) 339-2385.

GPS Adventures 3:00-4:30pm Come join the park naturalist on this one mile hike with park GPS units. We'll experience nature while searching for hidden caches! This program is most appropriate for ages six and up. Maximum of 10 people. First come, first served. Meet at Visitor Center. Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, call Mason Neck State Park at (703) 339-2385.

Majestic Eagles 5:00 - 6:00 pm Look for bald eagles, osprey with us, and discover their fascinating lives. Meet at Visitor Center. Mason Neck State Park, (703) 339-2385.

SUNDAYS

Got Butter? 12:30 - 1:00 pm Come make and eat delicious fresh butter with us. You’ll love the pure creamy taste, just like George Mason’s family might have enjoyed. Meet at Picnic Area. Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, call Mason Neck State Park at (703) 339-2385.

Pondering 1:30 – 2:15 pm In this pond study program, we will immerse participants in the wonders of area wetlands. Hands-on collection and observation will help you learn about the amazing adaptations of aquatic creatures. Meet at Large Pond by Car Top Boat Launch. Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, call Mason Neck State Park at (703) 339-2385.
.
The Backyard Invertebrates 3:30 – 4:00 pm Learn how creatures live under a log, habitats, and adaptations, have a change to see them close, and count the legs, body parts and wings. Meet at the Picnic Area. Mason Neck State Park, (703) 339-2385.

Majestic Eagles 5:00 - 6:00 pm Look for bald eagles, osprey with us, and discover their fascinating lives. Meet at Visitor Center. Mason Neck State Park, (703) 339-2385.

Events by Date

4 Workhouse Celebration, Saturday, 1pm-8pm Campus-wide FREE! $5 donation suggested -all proceeds go to the Lorton Arts Foundation, Inc Come to Workhouse Arts Center for a spectacular day of arts and entertainment. Don't miss artist demonstrations on the Quad, a Kid Zone Open House and the opportunity to visit with more than 100 studio artists as they work in their studios. In addition, the Workhouse will present two very special musical performances from The Classical WETA Players and legendary musician, Chuck Brown!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
1-4pm "The Classical WETA Players", a brass quintet of professional musicians.
1-6pm Visit with more than 100 artists in their studios and take in Artist Demos on the Quad and Kid Zone Open House!
1-7pm Food vendors and Workhouse merchandise tent will be open 6pm
Performance from the Godfather of Go Go, "Chuck Brown"!

5 Architecture Tour, Sunday, September 5, 2:00. This 90-minute tour explores the mansion’s exterior and interior, including the cellar. Discover why Gunston Hall’s carpenter-joiner William Buckland and master carver William Bernard Sears are highly regarded. Regular admission. Tour recommended for adults and young persons over 12 years old. 703-550-9220 or www.gunstonhall.org. Included in site admission: $9, $8 seniors, $5 ages 6 to 18, younger free.

8 Encore Chorales at Lorton Workhouse Arts Center. meet Wednesday, 1:00 to 2:30pm. Singers improve their voice, meet new friends and enjoy a great new adventure singing holiday music in four parts in preparation to join other Encore Chorales from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, for exciting holiday concerts. Tuition is $145.00 for fifteen weeks of rehearsals and performances. Lorton Workhouse, Jeanne Kelly, Encore Creativity, Inc. 301-261-5747

11 Nature Walk with experienced naturalists, Saturday, Walk runs from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM. at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area. Enjoy strolling along quiet trails and open meadows while identifying birds, wild animals, insects and native plants with volunteers from the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia. Wear good walking or hiking shoes, trails are gentle to moderately steep. Meet at Bureau of Land Management office, 10406 Gunston Road, For more information: (703) 339-0410, ext. 3.

11 Commodores perform at Belmont Bay, The Navy's premier jazz ensemble, Saturday, from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Belmont Bay marina pavilion in Woodbridge. Sponsored by the Belmont Bay HOA Social Committee, open to the public, bring a blanket or lawn chair. Near 570 Harbor Side St.

11 Workhouse 2 year Anniversary, Saturday, 11am-7pm Campus-wide, FREE! This free, all-day open house will feature children's events in the Kid Zone, artist demos and much more! Don't rush off, because the 2nd Saturday Art Walk allows you continue the fun as we stay open late until 9pm! 2nd Saturday festivities include opening receptions campus-wide, where guests will have the opportunity to meet more than 100 of our studio artists and featured artists of the month!

11 "That Day in September", by Artie Van Why, Only One Performance: at 8:00 pm september 11th. Experience surviving 9/11 in New York City. The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria, Ticket Prices: $15 General Admission;$10 Students, Seniors, Active Duty or Retired Military, Groups, Matinee; $5 Children For reservations call (703) 615-6626 or email Zina Bleck at zbleck@aol.com.

12 Shiloh is celebrating its annual homecoming service at 3:00 pm. Rev. Joseph Graham will be the Guest speaker. We will have an 11:00a.m. worship service and lunch will be served immediately following. The community is invited to join in at the church 10704 Gunston Road, Lorton. For further information call the church office at 703 550-8557.

12 Second Annual 10K event! The South Fairfax Chamber Challenge 10K Race, Family Fitness Fair and Fun Run will be held on Sunday, beginning 8:00 AM at South County Secondary School in Lorton. The Family Fitness Fair is free and open to the public, and will feature informative exhibits and entertainment with music, games, a moon bounce, health screenings, and nutrition counseling. Benefiting Academic and Athletic Programs at South County Secondary School. http://www.southfairfaxchamber.org 703-550-0005

12 Gunston Conversations, Sunday, September 12, 2:00 to 4:00, Play an 18th-century game or converse with 18th-century costumed characters. Discuss politics, fashionable dress, or the doings of the neighborhood with Founder George Mason's family and friends including his wife, Sarah Brent Mason, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Mason, and neighbors on Mason Neck, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Cockburn. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Rd., Mason Neck, Virginia. 703-550-9220 or www.gunstonhall.org. Included in site admission: $9, $8 seniors, $5 ages 6 to 18, younger free.

14 Annual Belvoir Officers' Wives' Club Super Sign-Up information and membership fair Tuesday, 10:00am-1:00pm at the Belvoir Officers' Club (Mount Vernon Room), 5500 Schulz Circle, Fort Belvoir. This free event is open to the wives of all services whether active duty, retired, reserve or National Guard. Come to find out all the exciting new luncheons and activities BOWC has planned. Stop by and check out the area's entertainment line up for the year with representatives from Wolf Trap, Center for the Arts and Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre. Talk with post agencies such as the new Dewitt Hospital, Tricare and MWR or browse volunteer opportunities with the USO and LCAC. Have you ever wanted to master the art of riding the DC Metro? Our WMATA rep will help answer questions. Refreshments will be served, handcrafted items will be available from vendors and event is stroller friendly. Contact Kris Needham for more information (703) 646-4542 or www.belvoirowc.org

17 Red Molly, Americana trio --Abbie Gardner, Laurie MacAllister and newest member Molly Venter--bring outstanding harmonies and stunning instrumental playing to the Lyceum in Alexandria. Friday, at 8:00 pm. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 at the door, children under 14 with an adult half price. Reservations can be made at www.sunspotpro.com or by calling 800 404-9049.

18 Spiritual Life Event "Turning Prayer Inside Out" Saturday from noon-4pm. Guest speaker is Irene McGee, location is Franconia UMC, 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria (703-971-51551)
Registration Deadline is Sunday September 12th. Event cost is $15 which includes lunch. For more information please contact Linda Stocks at lgstocks@cox.net Bring your Bible!

18 Gallery After Hours: Art Out Loud ...a fusion of art and music. Saturday, 7pm. Performance Tent, FREE! will feature the drawings of Mary Gallagher Stout and the eclectic alternative rock of "Big Green Cherry". She will also sign copies of her new book: REAL Life Drawings: My Eye on Washington D.C., published in August 2010 by Sunbury Press.

19 103rd Homecoming Celebration Sunday, at Silverbrook UMC. Special Coffee hour will be at 9: 30am, in worship at 11am and a Welcome Home Luncheon with activities at 12:30pm. Silverbrook UMC is located at 8616 Silverbrook Road, Lorton. 703.690.4159 The Lorton community is invited to fellowship.

19 Architecture Tour, Sunday, September 19, 2:00, This 90-minute tour explores the mansion’s exterior and interior, including the cellar. Discover why Gunston Hall’s carpenter-joiner William Buckland and master carver William Bernard Sears are highly regarded., Regular admission. Tour recommended for adults and young persons over 12 years old.

21 "Using Footnote.com." Mount Vernon Genealogical Society program will be presented by Laura G. Prescott at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday and is free and open to the public. Additional information about the meeting and MVGS can be found at http://www.MVGenealogy.org/. Call Harold McClendon at 703-360-0920 or haroldm@erols.com.

22 What Happens in Dyke Marsh Doesn’t Stay in Dyke Marsh, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., The talk is featured at the Friends of Dyke Marsh quarterly meeting. The speaker is “native son” Chris Miller, President of the Piedmont Environmental Council. Huntley Meadows Park Visitors’ Center, 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria, free to all, 703-768-2525 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/

24 Quiet Day Retreat is from 10am - 2pm. This month's topic is Forgiveness. The retreat is limited to 5 registrants and payment of $25 is due one week in advance. Lunch is included. Registration form can be found on www.Silverbrook-umc.org or by contacting Pastor Kim at Pastor@Silverbrook-umc.org. Silverbrook UMC is located at 8616 Silverbrook Road, Lorton. 703.690.4159

25 Parenting Workshop on Saturday, from l0-11 a.m. Dr. Rene Hackney will be the featured speaker at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church. Dr. Hackney, of Parenting Playgroups, will discuss children and stress, a timely topic at the beginning of the new school year. The free workshop is sponsored by the United Methodist Women and will be held in the church fellowship hall and is open to the public. The church is located at 8508 Hooes Road in Springfield. For more information or to register call 703-644-6384.

25 National Public Lands Day celebration Saturday, Join enthusiastic volunteers and BLM staff for a "Reopening the Meadowood Trail System" program highlighting the Bureau of Land Management's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act trail projects at Meadowood. Join us on hikes on the Wood Thrush, Thompson Creek, and Chicken Coop Trails, trail maintenance projects, and a picnic lunch. Free T-shirt, Federal park pass, and lunch provided in this celebration of YOUR public lands and Meadowood's improved trail system! Call (703) 339-0410, ext. 4 for information.

26 “Heaven’s Mountain Band” at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, Christ the Saviour Anglican Church invites you to a Blue Grass Sunday Service held at Washington Mill Elementary School, 9100 Cherry Tree Drive in the Mount Vernon area just south of the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway near George Washington’s Historic Mount Vernon Estate. For more information please call 703-953-2854, e-mail us at office@christthesaviouranglican.org, or visit our website at www.christthesaviouranglican.org .

26 Gunston Conversations, Sunday, September 26, 2:00 to 4:00 Dance a few steps or converse with 18th-century costumed characters. Discuss politics, fashionable dress, or the doings of the neighborhood with Founder George Mason's family and friends. Included in site admission: Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Rd., 703-550-9220 or www.gunstonhall.org.

30 Widow Club Hosts Inaugural Common Bond Luncheon, Thursday, Noon – 2 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) For widows to share, socialize, relax and learn hosted by Alliant Wealth Advisors. Luncheon speakers in this ongoing series will offer solid, practical advice, with ample time set aside for networking, nurturing and nutrition. September’s topics include: Benefits of Massage Therapy — presented by an on-site Licensed Massage Therapist, who will provide complimentary chair massages. Household Finance 101 — presented by John A. Frisch, CPA/PFS, CFP®
Learn about trusted resources. Refresh your spirit. Relax in a caring environment. Our bi-monthly luncheon series is exclusively for widows to share common bonds in all aspects of their lives. Explore solutions for challenges essential and complex. Celebrate successes large and small. Register online at www.alliantwealthadvisors.com by Monday, September 27. $15 includes lunch, with all proceeds donated to charity. Payment can be made with PayPal during registration, or at the door with cash or check.

 

October

October 2 and 3rd open house Lorton Homecoming party.
Cranford UMC will be celebrating their 110th anniversary. There will be an open mic coffee house style entertainment. Choirs and musical groups from all over Lorton. Fun and Games for the kids, good food, arts and crafts and an opportunity to learn more about this historic church right in your own back yard. October 2nd is the open house, October 3rd is the Homecoming Worship Service. contact Cranford questions at 703-339-5382. www.cranfordumc.org

2 Get a free 5x7 photo of your child by professional photographer Sabrina Bryant! between Noon and 2:00 pm on Saturday October 2nd. Mom, Dad, it’s Free! Create some art for yourself too. Both free! While there for your child to be photographed your entire family is welcome to enjoy free art activities with a Fall theme, including mask making, hosted by the Kingstowne Area Artist Association (KAAA.) Their members will be there to help and guide you. Take your creations home with you.

5 FCA GOLF CLASSIC, Tuesday, October 5th the NOVA FCA will be holding the 11th Annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes One Way 2 Play Drug Free FCA Golf Classic at Westfield’s Golf Club, Clifton, Virginia.
FCA has been serving local athletes and coaches in our community for many years and the One Way 2 Play Drug Free FCA Golf Classic will provide the needed resources for camp scholarships, leadership opportunities, and drug-free assemblies in our schools. Please visit our website at www.novagolfclassic.org to see how you can sign up.

October 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23 'The Miracle Worker' Performances at 8pm; also a matinee on the 16th at 1pm. "Castaways Repertory Theatre presents William Gibson's 'The Miracle Worker', directed by Katherine Bisulca. Featuring a strong cast, the play follows the moving story of Annie Sullivan, who is determined to teach the deaf and blind Helen Keller how to speak.
All performances are held at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge, Tickets are $14 general admission; seniors, students, military, PWC employees $11; matinee and groups of 10 or more $10 each. Saturday the 9th is Lions Club night, get a discount and visitation credit for your club. Also, be sure to bring in your old glasses to donate to The Lion's Club, and receive $1 off your ticket price."

15 "American Voices" Friday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. The Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas presents the premiere performance of its inaugural season with Country crossover legends Crystal Gayle and Larry Gatlin take the stage with Irish crooner Andy Cooney for a performance titled "American Voices" that features their own signature hits as well as selections from America's Songbook that celebrate country, faith, heritage and friendship. Tickets for "American Voices" are $50, $42, $34. Visit the box office or charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit hyltoncenter.org. The Hylton Performing Arts Center is located on George Mason University’s Prince William Campus at 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas,

October 22,23 Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Friday Preview 2-7 p.m. Saturday adoption 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. BLM Meadowood main entrance. 10406 Gunston Rd., Lorton, VA. Call 800-370-3936 for further information or visit www.blm.gov/adoptahorse

Saturday, October 23: Music Festival
With Guest Artists, Jennifer Carsillo, violin and her husband Michael Butterman, conductor. There will be masterclasses in both violin and conducting, seminars and a performance. J. S. Bach's Violin Concerto in E Major Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Captivating Masterpieces performances held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 5640 Hoadly Road, Performances begin at 8pm. See OBCO.org for details!!

October 23 and 24th, the KAAA will be holding its Fall Show and Sale Saturday October 23rd, 11-6 and Sunday October 24th,12-5at Kingstowne’s Snyder Center 6450 S. Van Dorn St. near Franconia Road. Free admission, light refreshments, children welcome. Any parent whose child was photographed at the October 2nd free event will receive a free 5x7 print of their child when they attend the KAAA Fall Show and they will also receive a disc of all the photos taken of their child which they can share online or however they wish. The mission of the KAAA is to stimulate community involvement with arts. Ginny Sywyj at duchessducky@msn.com or Nancy Hannans at nhannans@cox.net.

 

December

Saturday, December 4: Winter Celebration
Join us for a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, Pachelbel’s Canon, White Christmas and other holiday favorites Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Captivating Masterpieces performances held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 5640 Hoadly Road, Performances begin at 8pm See OBCO.org for details!!

December 12 Plantation Christmas, Now just 1 day ONLY: It is not too early to start thinking of reservations for the new, redesigned Plantation Christmas at Gunston Hall on Saturday, December 12. It is still the 18th century but we do have a new caterer. 703-550-9220 or www.gunstonhall.org.

 

2011

Saturday, March 12: Opera!
With Guest Artist Carolina Kipnis, soprano. Music from the Marriage of Figaro,
Dido and Aenaes, The Pearl Fishers and Un Ballo in Maschera, Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Captivating Masterpieces performances held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 5640 Hoadly Road, Performances begin at 8pm. See OBCO.org for details!!

Saturday, April 30: Finale
We finish our season of “Caprivating Masterpieces” with a Grande Finale of Symphonies by Haydn and Mendelssohn Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Captivating Masterpieces performances held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 5640 Hoadly Road, Performances begin at 8pm. See OBCO.org for details!!