Starr to Speak at McLean Chamber Luncheon

Alice Starr, former president of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce and prominent McLean community activist, will be the featured speaker at the TML Copiers Power Networking Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 2.

Starr will discuss her involvement in the development of the Chamber, the role of public-private partnerships in the business community and development in Tysons and downtown McLean. Attendees will have the opportunity for pre-event networking with Starr, a lunch from Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (1960-A Chain Bridge Road, McLean). Tickets are $25, pre-registration required. For online reservations, visit www.mcleanchamber.org or call 703-356-5424.

Falls Church FIRSTFriday Coming this Weekend

Falls Church’s FIRSTFriday, held the first Friday of each month, creating an opportunity for residents to enjoy local artwork, learn about the city’s history and take advantage of businesses in the downtown area. The following businesses will be participating in FIRSTFriday on Oct. 3: Art and Frame of Falls Church, Falls Church Arts’ Gallery, Clay Café Studios, Ireland’s Four Provinces Restaurant, Curves, Monkey Business, Stifel and Capra, Sunrise of Falls Church Terrace Room and Dominion Camera.

At Impulsive (502 W. Broad St., Falls Church) an art exhibit and sale featuring local artist Staci Palmer of Pink Tulip Glass Art will be held. Come see her handmade fused glass art including dishes and trays. Complimentary Cabot Cheese by Cabot Creamery Cooperative will also be offered from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Impulsive will also take 10 percent off any item excluding sale items. For more information on FIRST Friday, visit www.firstfridayoffallschurch.com.

Russian Vocal Ensemble Visits Falls Church

This vocal ensemble, “Lyra,” from St. Petersburg are professional musicians that have sung in different churches around St. Petersburg. Friday Oct. 3, they will perform at The Falls Church (115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church) at 8 p.m. in the main sanctuary. Through their performances, they want to introduce the musical heritage of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as traditions of Russian folk music to anyone interested in Russian history and culture. Admission is free, a freewill offering will be taken. For more information, call 703-533-7831.

Sears Hearing Aid Center Promotes Awareness
In honor of Hearing Aid Awareness Week Sept. 28 – Oct. 4, Sears Hearing Aid Center (6211 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) wants to promote awareness of hearing-impaired people who avoid getting hearing aids. It is estimated that 80 percent of the 31.5 million hearing-impaired people in the United States that could benefit from a hearing aid do not have one.

McLean to Hold Family Harvest Festival

The McLean Community Fall Family Harvest Festival is an indoor-outdoor family event at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean). The event will be held from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 4. Featuring live entertainment, arts and crafts for kids, fun, food and special attractions.

Activities will include face painting, craft projects, moon bounce, pony rides, prizes, buy and decorate your own pumpkin ($3-4 per pumpkin), food concessions and more. For more information, call 703-790-0123.

Native American Museum Hosts Film Series

The National Museum of the American Indian and the National Gallery of Art have come together to present a eight part film series about the contemporary Native American experience starting at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the East Building Auditorium of the National Gallery of Art (7th St. and Constitution Ave., NW Washington, D.C.), with films “Conversion” and Disney’s “Pocahontas.” Admission is free. Form more information, contact Leonda Levchuk at 202-633-6614 or visit www.nmai.si.edu.

Naomi Project Strives to Mentor New Mothers

The Naomi Project needs volunteers who will be trained to serve as mentors to disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers in the Northern Virginia area.

Mentors are matched with a client in a one-on-one relationship, and help clients in a variety of ways such as stressing the importance of vaccinations for the baby, breast feeding or properly mixing infant formula. Mentors may also assist in locating necessities such as safe car seats and cribs. Experienced area supervisors help mentors develop and manage a relationship with a client in their area.

Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed. The mission of the Naomi Project, a free, confidential, interfaith program sponsored by the Virginia Council of Churches, is to promote healthy pregnancies, babies and mothers.

The next training session for volunteers is from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 E. Broad St., Falls Church). A $20 registration fee covers a background check, study materials and lunch. For more information, please contact Pilar Jones at 703-860-2633 or visit www.naomiproject.org.

Art Festival Comes to McLean Central Park

McLean Central Park (1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean) will hold the McLean Project for the Arts Art Fest, and will be covered in mini-art galleries selling the works of 40 juried artists and craftsmen. The Art Fest will include live entertainment, food and children’s activities. Admission and parking is free. For more information, visit mpaart.org.

Catholic Cultural Institute Holds Medieval Festival

St. John the Beloved Catholic Church (6420 Linway Terrace, McLean) is holding a Medieval Festival from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Oct. 4. The festival will include wine tasting, an ancient Christian art exhibition, a Shakespeare play, traditional music and dancing, children’s crafts, food fair, local artisans and more. Admission is free. For more information, St. John Institute of Catholic Culture at www.sjicc.com.

Petco Puts Hamsters on the Line in Derby Race

At the Bailey’s Petco (5825 Leesburg Pike, Bailey’s Crossroads), a Hamster Ball Derby will be held Saturday Oct. 4. Hamsters, mice, rats and gerbils are invited. If you have a ball for your pet, practice rounds start at 1:30 p.m., with official races from 2 – 3 p.m. For more information, call 703-845-2780.

Children Invited to Annual Fairfax Fall Festival

The 16th annual Fall for Fairfax Kidfest from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway #266, Fairfax). Fall For Fairfax admission is free for attendees; all entertainment and most programs are also free of charge. Some activities have a minimal fee to participants, however Fall for Fairfax keeps all activities affordable for event visitors. Fall for Fairfax is produced by the non-profit organization, Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. For volunteer information, contact Meagan Lindsay or call 703-324-5457. For more information on the event, visit www.fallforfairfax.com.

Greater Chamber of Commerce Holds Drive

The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce and West*Group present a monthly breakfast networking event for area professionals at J. Gilbert’s Steakhouse (6930 Old Dominion Drive, McLean) from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. on Oct. 8, to celebrate its membership drive. Pre-registration is required for this event. $20 for members, $25 for non-members. For more information, visit www.mcleanchamber.org.