Fall in Love with Chocolate

TOUS les JOURS is excited to announce its upcoming Valentine’s Day collection, “Fall in Love with Chocolate,” featuring decadent cakes and indulgent coffees. Available at participating locations in Arlington, Burke, Chantilly and Centreville, from Feb. 1-14, these treats are the perfect way to celebrate the season of love. Here are some highlights of the collection: 

Heart Chocolate Cake: Rich chocolate buttercream with decorative chocolate hearts.

Chocolate Lovers Cake: Made with Valrhona chocolate and signature chocolate cloud cream.

Red Velvet Bliss: A velvety cocoa latte, perfect for those who love a rich treat.

Additional cakes launching Feb. 7 includes: 

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake: Soft vanilla layers complemented by tart raspberry jam and white chocolate shavings. 

Valentine’s Cloud Cake: Light vanilla sponge paired with fresh berries. 

Mini Red Velvet Cake: Layers of red velvet sponge and a smooth cream cheese frosting.

City of Fairfax Events

Funday Monday. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. This is a free program perfect for preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax. For more information, visit the website at https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/cultural-arts or contact Megan DuBois at 703.273.6097/ Megan.DuBois@fairfaxva.gov. 

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The Bonita Lestina Old Town Hall Performance Series is now in its 35th Season! 8 p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax. For more information, visit the website at https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/cultural-arts or contact Megan DuBois at 703.273.6097/ Megan.DuBois@fairfaxva.gov. 

SCHEDULE 

February 14 – The Cathedral Brass “Winter Brass Festival”

February 28 – Mason Jazz Vocal Night

March 14 – Baltimore Composers Forum “Intersegmental 38”

March 28 – Dr. John “JJ” Mitchell, Organ Recital (held at Truro Anglican Church, Fairfax)

April 11 – Bobby J and the Hot Lanes

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ARTScreen Free Film Series celebrating the Arts at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax. Doors open at 6:30; Film begins at 7 pm. FREE admission includes popcorn, candy and refreshments. For more information, visit the website at https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/cultural-arts or contact Megan DuBois at 703.273.6097/ Megan.DuBois@fairfaxva.gov. 

SCHEDULE

February 21 “Amazing Grace” (Celebrating Black History Month)

March 7 “Field of Dreams”

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Versa-Style Street Dance Company Lecture & Demonstration, Tuesday, February 11 at 7 p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax. FREE but reservations required. For more information, visit the website at https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/cultural-arts or contact Megan DuBois at 703.273.6097/ Megan.DuBois@fairfaxva.gov. 

In this lecture demonstration, Mason Artist-in-Residence Versa-Style Street Dance—named “Los Angeles’ Best Dance Troupe for Hip Hop Empowerment” by LA Weekly—introduces the audience to the electrifying world of Hip Hop and street dance culture. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the troupe provides an “uplifting and joyous” (Maryland Theatre Guide) experience with its unique blend of choreography and freestyle elements, “a stylistic smorgasbord” (New Yorker) representing the diverse experiences of the BIPOC communities of Los Angeles.

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The Constitution and Loving v. Virginia Legal Panel

Thursday, February 6 @ 7 p.m. at Sherwood Center

Free, reservation required: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/r7oTPP0/loving 

Co-presented by the City of Fairfax and Center for the Arts at George Mason University. 

In support of Virginia Opera’s world premiere production of Loving v. Virginia, co-commissioned by the Richmond Symphony, this legal panel discusses the origins, challenges, and significance of the 1967 Supreme Court ruling that struck down state laws banning marriage between individuals of different races. Panel participants will include Mary Bauer, Executive Director of ACLU-VA, as well as other constitutional scholars, active attorneys and/or judges, and experts in the area. There will be a brief Q & A session following the discussion. 

2025 City of Fairfax Black History Month Events

Feb 6 – The Constitution and Loving v. Virginia: A Legal Panel; Sherwood Center, 7 p.m.;

Feb. 9 – AfroTales: Then and Now; City of Fairfax Regional Library, 11 – 11:45 a.m. (ages 4 – 10);

Feb 10 – Funday Monday - the AX Experience; Sherwood Center, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.;

Feb 11 – Mason Artist in Residence: Versa-Style Street Dance Company; Lecture/Demonstration; Sherwood Center, 7 p.m.;

Feb 20 – Black History Month Lecture: Carter G. Woodson Streamlined Live; City of Fairfax Regional Library, 2 – 3 p.m. Adults 18+;

Feb 21 – ARTScreen Presents: “Amazing Grace” Aretha Franklin Documentary; Sherwood Center, 7 p.m.;

Feb 22 – Alison Crockett Presents “The Evolution of Jazz;” City of Fairfax Regional Library, 11 a.m. (Adults and Teens); 

Feb 22 – The Civil War Defenses of Washington, D.C. and the Role of the United States Colored Troops; Historic Blenheim, 2 p.m.;

Feb 22 – Illustrator Talk: Tequitia Andrews; City of Fairfax Regional Library; 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Age 7 – 12;

Black History Month with the Fairfax County Park Authority

Embark on a journey of cultural richness and historical significance during Black History Month with engaging programs in Fairfax County parks. Join in honoring and exploring the vibrant tapestry of Black heritage through interactive events, programs, exhibits and offerings for all ages. Programs include:

Enslaved Lives and the Legacy of Slavery, Historic Huntley, Feb. 27, 1-2 p.m., $12

Black History Month at Historic Frying Pan Church, Frying Pan Farm Park, Feb. 15, noon-3 p.m., Free

Paths of Freedom Seekers, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Feb. 23, 3-4 p.m., $8

Remembering Metilda- An Enslaved Child at the Mill, Colvin Run Mill, Feb. 22, 1-2 p.m., $9

Jan. 31 to Feb. 9

Fall Church Restaurant Week. Falls Church offers local diners the perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of over 40 participating restaurants in a dynamic hub brimming with international, immigrant-owned, innovative, and award-winning eateries. Twenty new restaurants recently opened and more are on the horizon. 

Jan. 30 to Feb. 16

“The Lake Effect.” At 1st Stage in Tysons Corner. A drama of family secrets by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph. During a fierce Cleveland mid-winter storm, estranged siblings are reunited by their father’s sudden death. In the midst of closing his failing Indian restaurant, they must confront the painful memories and secrets that drove them apart. Show times are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at $25, $40, and $55. Student, educator, and military tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.1ststage.org or by calling the 1st Stage box office at 703-854-1856. 

Feb. 4 to March 2

Exhibition: The Creative Quest: Three Generations of Intuitive Painting. At Reston Community Center’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery, 1609-A Washington Plaza North Reston. Featuring 30 works by intuitive painter Judith Forst and many of her students, and their students. Inspired by the teachings of Michele Cassou who founded the Painting Experience in San Francisco, CA, Reston resident Judith Forst transformed her traditional painting practice from an academic based approach to one focused on painting without inhibition. Focusing on the process rather than a product or desired result led to a freedom of expression and the discovery of a compelling authentic voice. Ms. Forst began sharing this technique in her home studio in 2001, and dozens of local artists have been exposed to this innovative practice. A selection of Judith’s paintings will be featured along with works by 17 other intuitive painters. 

Feb. 6-9

Chief vs. Chief Adoption Bowl Kickoff. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Chief Butler and Fairfax County Police Department’s Chief Davis are getting ready and choosing their canine teams for the big Chief vs. Chief Adoption Bowl kickoff! The adoption event will be Feb. 6-9, during which all dogs 45 pounds or larger will have their adoption fees waived -- and one adoption equals one point. May the best team win!

Thursday/Feb. 6

Support Assistance League of Northern Virginia. On Thursday night, Feb. 6, you can get dinner at the Panera Bread at 12120 Fairfax Towne Center in Fairfax and they will donate 25 percent of your order to help support Assistance League. This non-profit volunteer organization helps support local area Title 1 elementary school children with food, clothing and books. You can also order online for pickup by using the code FUND4U at the checkout. Visit alnv.org to learn more about ALNV.

Thursday/Feb. 6

“The Intouchables” (France; directed by Olivier Nakache). 1 p.m. At The McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. A Parisian aristocrat, quadriplegic since a paragliding accident, hires a young man to be his live-in caretaker. Although very different, the two men bond and develop a close friendship. Rated: R. Runtime: 2 hours.

Feb. 7-9 and 14-16

“The Last Five Years.” 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. At the Theatre at Seneca Ridge Middle School, Sterling. Presented by Sterling Playmakers. This intimate show juxtaposes the love story of two New Yorkers over the course of five years - Cathy, the female, tells their story backwards while Jamie, the male, tells their story chronologically. They line up only once, half-way through the show at their wedding. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.sterlingplaymakers.org/tickets or at the door.

Friday/Feb. 7

State of Centreville Event. 8:30 a.m. At Chantilly National Golf and Country Club, 14901 Braddock Road in Centreville. Centreville is the most populated area of Fairfax County, according to the most recent census, and is also headquarters to several nationally recognized businesses. The State of Centreville will share updates in many areas of interest, including future Orange Line Metro stops, improvements to the Centreville Regional Library, potential land-use changes, bike/pedestrian improvements, and an update from the county’s Centreville Task Force. Networking and a continental breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 9 a.m. Fairfax County Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully) is the keynote speaker. The cost is $20. Register at https://www.dulleschamber.org/events/1955/centreville-committee-19.

Friday/Feb. 7

Czech National Philharmonic. 8 p.m. At GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax. Experience the first U.S. tour of the Czech National Philharmonic—one of the leading and oldest symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic—for a performance of beloved Eastern European masterpieces. Based in the historic capital of Moravia and founded in 1908, the orchestra was reconstituted after the Second World War in 1945. The Czech National Philharmonic is famous for performing the works of Dvořák, Smetana, Martinu, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and Schubert. 

Friday/Feb. 7

Sweetheart Parent & Child Dance. 7-9 p.m. At McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. For all ages. Children are invited to come to MCC for a fancy “date” with their parents or guardians. Featured activities included a photo booth, a DJ playing your favorite tunes, craft projects and light refreshments. Create lasting memories by joining us! A parent or guardian must attend the event with their child/children and register individually.

Feb. 7-9

Valentine Sweetheart Deal. At Church of the Covenant, 2666 Military Road, Arlington. The special exhibit, “Valentine Sweetheart Deals,“ provides an opportunity to acquire original art priced at $150 or less. Dates: Friday, Feb 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. (Reception); Saturday, Feb 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb 9, from 12 to 4 p.m.

Saturday/Feb. 8

2025 CBA Ping Pong Tournament. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. At Clifton Town Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton. No fee to enter. All ages and levels of experience welcome. To register, visit https://C25K.redpodium.com/clifton-annual-ping-pong-tournament-2025. Registration closes at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2025.

Saturday/Feb. 8

Town Hall Meeting. 9:30 a.m. Sen. Saddam Salim Vienna Town Hall with Del. Holly Seibold. At Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center Street S, Vienna.

Saturday/Feb. 8

Celebrate the Lunar New Year. 6-8 p.m. At Twin Lakes Golf Course, 6201 Union Mill Road, Clifton. Enjoy traditional Lunar New Year performances, including music, dance and cultural showcases; interactive crafts and games for all ages to immerse in the holiday spirit; delicious Asian cuisine available from local food trucks. Bring your family, friends and neighbors to honor this rich cultural tradition and enjoy an evening of community connection. The event highlights the beauty of cultural diversity and creates a space to learn, celebrate and share in the joy of the Lunar New Year.

Saturday/Feb. 8

The Black Opry Revue. 7 p.m. At McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. For all ages. Country music has been made by and loved by Black people since its conception. Country, blues, folk and Americana music overlap or are woven together by a proper revue of Black country artists. In true Opry style, this concert will feature a variety of Black country music artists from around the country. Featured artists: Acisse Jay, Sug Daniels, Mel Washington and Justin Golden.

Sunday/Feb. 9

Traditional Celtic Music. 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. At the Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls. Featuring Jody Marshall and her sparkling hammered dulcimer with Paul Nahay on keyboard, Jim Queen on fiddle and guitar, and Susan Queen on bass guitar. Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://oldbrogue.com/winter-celtic-concert-2025 - $21 general admission. 

Sunday/Feb. 9

Table Top N Gauge Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m. At Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Table Top N Gauge Model Trains (T-TRAK) will be on display and running at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. Admission: Museum members and ages 4 and under, free; ages 5-12, $3; ages 13 and older, $5, $6 for special events; seniors and military (active and retired), $4. http://www.fairfax-station.org, http://www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, 703-425-9225. 

Monday/Feb. 10

Personal Safety for Teens and Adults. Two sessions: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. At Sully District Police Station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Learn essential skills to boost awareness, confidence and preparedness in any situation. From everyday safety tips to self-defense strategies, the instructor will cover a wide range of crucial topics, including Crime Prevention, Situational Awareness, Observing Your Surroundings, Reducing the Risk of an Attack, Developing a Plan of Action, and Knowing When to Use Force. There will be no physical maneuvers or scenarios. Register in advance at https://bit.ly/personalsafety02102025.

Tuesday/Feb. 11

Versa-Style Street Dance Company Lecture/Demonstration. 7 p.m. At Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax. In this lecture demonstration, Mason Artist-in-Residence Versa-Style Street Dance Company introduces the audience to the electrifying world of Hip Hop and street dance culture. The session integrates both movement and discussion to explore the intersectionality between the arts, culture, and education using the lens of street dance. 

Tuesday/Feb. 11

Versa-Style Street Dance Company Lecture/Demonstration. 7 p.m. At Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax. In this lecture demonstration, Mason Artist-in-Residence Versa-Style Street Dance Company introduces the audience to the electrifying world of Hip Hop and street dance culture. 

Wednesday/Feb. 12

Learn About Sully Police. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. At Sully Police District - Community Room, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly. Do you live or work in the Sully District? Are you interested in learning more about the Fairfax County Police Department? Would you like to meet the Commanders of the Sully Police Station? If so, then you are invited to the upcoming February Community Advisory Committee Meeting! Discover What Neighborhood Watch Is All About! Speakers: MPO Scott Richards and Marjorie Ham, Leader of Little Rocky Run Neighborhood Watch.

Thursday/Feb. 13

Black History Month Selection: “How It Feels to be Free.” 1 p.m. At McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Based on the book by Ruth Feldstein, this PBS documentary tells the inspiring stories of six iconic African American female entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier. Rated TV-PG, runtime 113 minutes.

Saturday/Feb. 15

Crys Matthews. 7:30 p.m. At The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling, 22135 Davis Dr Suite 104, Sterling. A troubadour of truth, Nashville resident Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Country, Americana, Folk, Blues, and Bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. Info and tickets at https://focusmusic.org/shows#sat-2-15-crys-matthews-sterling-and-virtual

Saturday/Feb. 15

Versa-Style Street Dance Company. 8 p.m. At GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax. Versa-Style Street Dance Company immerses its audience in the electrifying world of Hip Hop and street dance culture. To mark its 20th anniversary, the troupe presents Rooted Rhythms, a mixed repertory program of its most popular works, paying homage to street dance styles such as whacking, popping, and house dance, as well as a blend of Afro-Latin styles including salsa and West African.

Sunday/Feb. 16

N Gauge Model Trains on Display. 1-4 p.m. At Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. The Northern Virginia NTRAK members will have N gauge model trains on display and running at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. Admission: Museum members and ages 4 and under, free; ages 5-12, $3; ages 13 and older, $5, $6 for special events. Seniors and military (active and retired), $4. http://www.fairfax-station.org, http://www.Facebook.com/FFXSRR, 703-425-9225.

Sunday/Feb. 16

Traditional Celtic Music. 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. At the Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls. Featuring Kinnfolk, a husband and wife duo of Josh and Julie Kinn of Roanoke. Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://oldbrogue.com/winter-celtic-concert-2025 - $21 general admission. 

Tuesday/Feb. 18

Vienna’s Honesty Family in 18th and 19th Century Virginia. 7:30 p.m. Zoom. Historic Vienna, Inc. celebrates Black History Month with a zoom program and a poster exhibit at the Vienna Community Center. What were some challenges for an indentured woman with a young mixed-race family? Race and status were controlled by Virginia’s slavery and servitude laws. Learn how Elizabeth Honest, forbear of Vienna’s longstanding Honesty family, fought to protect her family. Learn about tightening slavery laws that forced her and her descendants here to make tough decisions. Program presented by Historic Vienna, Inc. Presenter Heather Bollinger is an independent professional historian and former archivist at the Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records Center. Visit www.HistoricViennaInc.org

Wednesday/Feb. 19

Journey Within: Self-Discovery Book Club (Virtual). 6:00-7:30 p.m. At Reston Library, Reston. Literary discussion that focuses on a character’s personal growth and how it relates to our own. Led by life coach Shabnam Curtis. At this month’s meeting we’ll discuss Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Visit Journey Within: Self-Discovery Book Club - Fairfax Library Calendar - Library Home

Feb. 21-22

Bill Blagg: Magic & Illusion. Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. At McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. For all ages. This action-packed spectacular is filled with mind-blowing magic and jaw-dropping illusions that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Over 90 minutes of interactive magic. 

Saturday/Feb. 22

Ron Kowalski Real Estate Group’s Monopoly Tournament. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. At Moose Lodge, 9612 Fernedge Lane, Lorton. To benefit the Lorton Community Action Center. They’ll play 3 timed rounds of Monopoly - those with the most assets advance. Players of any / all skill levels are encouraged to play. Cash prizes: 1st-$500; 2nd-$250; 3rd-$100. Trophies & door prizes too! Continental breakfast will be provided by South County Cares Church and lunch will be catered by Antonnelli’s Pizza & Subs. The registration fee is $35 in advance/online; $50 at the door. Ages 8+. A flyer is attached. 

Sunday/Feb. 23

Burke Historical Society Meeting. 3-4:30 p.m. At Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Larrie D. Ferreiro, professor at George Mason University, will speak on his 2016 Pulitzer finalist book, Brothers at Arms: American Independence and the Men of France and Spain Who Saved It.

Sunday/Feb. 23

Barron Ryan, Piano. 2 p.m. At McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. For all ages. Award-winning pianist Barron Ryan grew up in a musical household filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Michael Jackson. In “Classic Meets Cool,” he features some of the greatest piano music ever made---groovy classical works, renditions of great jazz and pop tunes and original compositions. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

Sunday/March 9

Aurora Dance Fest. 4:30 p.m. At Capital One Hall, Tysons Corner. Aurora Dance Fest will feature a vibrant evening of dance performances hosted by Gin Dance Company and featuring works by 10 companies and 16 talented choreographers. This event promises to be a delightful mix of contemporary ballet, modern dance, and the fiery passion of Flamenco from Southern Spain. 

Saturday/May 10

44th Annual Spring Civil War Mosby Bus Tour, “Mosby and the End of the War.” Sponsored by the Stuart - Mosby Historical Society. Tour Leaders will be Kevin Pawlak and Rob Orrison. Follow Mosby’s Rangers during the closing acts of the Civil War, from the final fights to the disbandment at Salem. Cost is $80 members of the Stuart-Mosby Historical Society $90 for non-members. Tour does not include lunch. To sign up contact Rob Orrison at 703-431-2869 or email mosbytours@gmail.com or send your check to Rob Orrison (make checks payable to Rob) at 102 Melody Lane Stafford, VA 22554. Venmo: @Robert-Orrison. No refunds after May 1, 2025.