For the Birds
Burke store helps bring nature closer to home.
Is it true that when one holds a bird in one’s hand, the bird gets so nervous it dies? No, said Steve Pyne, owner of the Wild Bird Center in Burke. This is the type of expertise and more that customer Kathy Morris can rely on when she comes in the store.
‘Don’t Be Afraid to be Different’
Robinson grad performs in “Shrek the Musical.”
A big green ogre, a princess, a wisecracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.” And right there with them will be Robinson Secondary graduate Spencer Boyd.
Workshop Promotes Science Education
On Tuesday, July 15, the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA), in conjunction with the George Mason University College of Education and Human Development, held a day-long program that focused on advancing science education in Fairfax County schools.
Putting On Dancing Shoes
Relay for Life of Springfield/Burke raises money for cancer research.
Relay for Life of Springfield/Burke held a fundraiser at the Empire in Springfield on Wednesday, June 25. The event’s theme is “Dance for a Cure.” DJ Lance Ortega provided the selection of music.
Saturday Morning Live!
Mr. Gabe kicks off Arts in the Parks at Burke Lake Park.
Burke Lake Park started its summer entertainment series on Saturday, June 28, with a live and interactive performance by Mr. Gabe. The event is part of Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax Park Foundation’s Arts in the Parks.
Sunny With a Chance of Learning
OLLI-GMU offers classes and community to retired persons.
One hundred and forty-two people attended a seminar delivered by NBC Washington meteorologist Amelia Segal at the Church of Good Shepherd in Burke on Friday, June 13. The class was called, "A Day in the Life of a Meteorologist." The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, OLLI-GMU, organized the event at the suggestion of member Stephanie Trachtenberg, of Burke. "I have always been interested in the weather," she said. She reached out to several area meteorologists and Segal was the only one who responded.
Netcasters Reborn
The ecumenical music group from the Springfield-Burke area was originally formed over 30 years ago.
You hear about babies being born in the back seats of cars, but sometimes good ideas are, too. Six months ago on the way back from singing at a church service in Romney, W. Va., a small group of vocalists and musicians that had formerly sung together decided that the there was simply too much harmony between them to let it go. With that, The Netcasters were reborn.
Animal Shelter Grand Opening
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house this Saturday, May 17, to celebrate the official completion of the shelter’s renovation and expansion. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. and will include behind-the-scenes tours, face-painting and hands-on interaction with rabbits, guinea pigs and small reptiles. The shelter’s at 4500 West Ox Road and is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
County Hosts Nearly 100 Outdoor Festivals
With a population of more than one million residents, it has long been known that Fairfax County is the most populous jurisdiction in the National Capital Region. However, what may surprise both residents and visitors is that the County is also home to nearly 100 annual outdoor festivals, most of which have very strong arts and cultural components.
Musical, Murder Mystery Whodunnit Comedy
It’s ‘Curtains’ for Robinson’s Cappies play.
A whodunnit, murder mystery, musical comedy, “Curtains” is Robinson Secondary’s upcoming Cappies play. Show times are Thursday-Saturday, May 8, 9, 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 at www.robinsondrama.org.
Bonsai Show Coming Up at Garden Center
Learn about, see and vote for favorite trees.
The Northern Virginia Bonsai Society will hold its Spring Show this weekend at the Merrifield Garden Center. It’s at 12101 Lee Hwy. in Fairfax and the free show runs Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church to Host ‘A Choral Feast’
The Friends of Music and the Arts at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6509 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, will host "A Choral Feast," a concert of choral music, in Burke on Sunday, April 6, at 4 p.m. "There is no admission fee for our concerts, because we want to make great music available to everyone who is interested," said Jay Wilcox, the organist-choirmaster at St. Andrew's. "We hope that those who are able to donate to support the ongoing series will do so." The series is in its third year, and presents a variety of artistic events. There is plenty of free parking at St. Andrew's, and there is free childcare so that parents of young children can attend without having to worry about hiring babysitters. The 90-minute concert will be performed by the Potomac Ensemble, a group of 10 of the D.C. area's finest professional singers. All of the choral music on the program is written for five-part choir (with two soprano parts), rather than usual four part choir. "The added soprano part gives the music a degree of richness that four-part music cannot achieve," notes Wilcox.
Mothers and Daughters Tea at Burke United Methodist Church
Mothers and daughters, come together to enjoy bingo, crafts, games, refreshments and more. Bring your favorite teacup and wear your best tea party hat for special contest categories. The cost is $25/couple with an extra $5 for each additional sibling.
Children of Eden at the Burke Stage
Burke youth wow community audiences at the Burke Presbyterian Church.
Senior and junior high school youth from Burke Presbyterian Church presented the musical Children of Eden in four performances on March 13-16. The free events were open to the community. The Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, and other stories of the Old Testament were brought to life on the stage
Valentine’s Weekend
Romantic events happening in the Fairfax County area.
Enjoy your Valentine’s Day by heading off to one of these events this weekend.