Monday, May 22, 2017

May Community Events


INFORMATION






Everyday Oz
MVLE Moves! is excited to debut its inaugural performance, ‘Everyday Oz’ this spring. ‘Everyday Oz’ is a family-friendly performance that partners MVLE individuals with professional performers. Equal parts zany and poetic, ‘Everyday Oz’ includes active audience participation to reveal the ways that we are smart, compassionate, brave, and creative…every day!

The production will be performed at all three of MVLE’s Community Centers and then the Fairfax County Government Building May 1
the USO Family Center at Ft. Belvoir May 16
and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center on May 21. All performances are open to the general public and are FREE to attend.
For full performance details please visit www.mvle.org for registration details. 
The ‘Everyday Oz’ performance is possible in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Questions about ‘Everyday Oz’ please contact Sarah Caldwell at Sarah.Caldwell@mvle.org or 703-337-4846.





Community Events

MAY 



Homework and Study Strategies 
Mon. May 15, 11:00 am - noon
PEATC, 8003 Forbes Place, Suite 310, Springfield, VA 

Topics to be covered include how to help your child to get organized and manage time and various strategies to be used for children with specific homework difficulties.




Medication Intervention for ADHD and Autism
Tues. May 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m. 
The Arc of Greater Prince William/Muriel Humphrey Training Center, Training Room 2, 13505 Hillendale Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22193

Presented by Dr. Joni Johnson. The workshop is free, but registration is required.  
To register, contact Jan Russell at jrussell@arcgpw.org.   




FCPS Parent’s ABA Workshop on “Building Independence in the Community"
Wed, May 17, 10:00 – 11:30 am   or   7:00 – 8:30 pm
Gatehouse Adm. Ctr. Rm. 3050/51, 8115 Gatehouse Rd. Falls Church, VA 

This workshop is intended for parents of students with autism, intellectual disabilities, or physical disabilities. Interpreters available with advance notice.
Register: provide name & phone to Liane Sprunk  lsprunk@fcps.edu or 571-423-4110 




Control the Clutter: Piles into Files
Wed. May 17, 6:30 - 8:00 pm 
4031 University Ave., Fairfax (enter on South St), VA 

Learn high- and low-tech strategies for managing medical and educational events and records, including tracking symptoms and setting reminders.



The Social Impact of ADHD
Wed. May 17, 7:00 - 8:30 pm,
Rm. 2 Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA Information:  novadc@chadd.net or (703) 829-6129




Mindful Parenting: Remaining Calm While Improving Family Dynamics
Thursday, May 18, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Loudoun County Public School, Admin. Building, 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn, VA 

Join Donilee Alexander-Goldsmith, LCPS School Social Worker, and Michelle Bogdan, LCSW, to learn about Mindfulness and Mindful Parenting.  Mindfulness is noticing your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in the present moment without judgement.  Learn how to utilize Mindfulness in your role as a parent to support your children in improving focus, reducing anxiety, and being more present in each moment.




Scream FREE Saturday
Sat, May 20, 8:30am – 2:30pm  
Dunn Loring Ctr. Entr. 1, 2334 Gallows Rd. Dunn Loring, VA 

Learn strategies to become the calm and connected parent your child really needs. Scream free Parenting gives you the tools to stay cool during life's challenging moments. Register:  www.fcps.edu/node/28279  or 703 204-3941




Academic Transitions POAC-NoVA Information and Support Group Meeting  
Sat, May 20, 1pm – 3pm  
Jewish Community Center of NOVA, 8900 Little River Tnpk. Fairfax, VA

Experienced parents and professionals will present strategies to reduce the difficulty of transitions into kindergarten and middleschool (1-2 pm) and beyond high school (2-3 pm)
RSVP for childcare by noon on Friday, May 19th to president@poac-nova.org






JUNE



Hidden Talents Shine Up 2017
Sat., June 3, 4:00-9:00 p.m.
King of Kings Lutheran Church, 4025 Kings Way, Fairfax, VA

Performances, Music, Dance, Magic Show, Balloons, Prizes, Food and more for children with disabilities and special needs. 
People interested in performing at the event should email yoursunshine@teachers.org
Tickets can be purchased on line at https://yoursunshine.yapsody.com, or tickets can be purchased at the door



Special Needs Planning Conference
Sat, June 3, 9am – 3pm  
Westin Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 

This conference and resource fair is for all individuals with disabilities looking for information to help plan for the transition to adulthood and a secure financial future. 




Family Movie Night - RESILIENCE screening
Fri, June 9, 2017, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM 
Offices of Formed Families Forward, 4031 University Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax, Va 22030

Children, youth, parents and caregivers are all welcome. Light dinner served to all at 6 PM; movies start at 6:30.
Children will enjoy a G-rated movie and snacks, supervised by skilled caregivers. Next door, parents, caregivers and interested older youth will screen the recent documentary Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope





RECURRING AND ONGOING EVENTS


Autism Acceptance Night @ Flight
Tuesdays 5:00pm-7:00pm 
Flight Trampoline Park, 7200 Fullerton Road, Springfield, VA 22150

JCCNV Special Needs Parent Support Group
1st Wed. of each month, 7:00–8:30 pm  
Contact:  Melissa at MelissaH@jccnv.org      Cost: $15 per meeting. 

Youth and Young Adults: Stronger Together 
Alternate Tuesdays, October 4 through May 2017, 6:30-8:00 pm  in Fairfax., VA 
Sponsored by Formed Families Forward, this peer-to-peer support group for youth ages 14 - 22  meets twice a month through May.   Parents, caregivers and guardians meet at the same time. Register:  formedfamiliesforward.org/youth-together-peer-group/    or (703) 539-2904

People First for Young Adults
2nd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 - 8:00 pm  
The Arc , 2755 Hartland Rd Suite 200, Falls Church
Youth with disabilities ages 14-26 practice public speaking skills, plan social outings, learn from guest speakers on topics of life skills and advocacy, and do projects to enhance social skills.
Information:  Diane Monnig  703 208-1119 x 118


ACPS Monthly Support Group for Parents of Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities
Wednesday June 14, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Parent Resource Center, Minnie Howard Campus of T. C. Williams High School, Room 134
3801 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 

Please join us for support, strategies and conversation. 
For more information, contact Janet Reese, ACPS Parent Support Specialist, janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us, or Courtney Davis, Ph.D., ACPS Parent Resource Center Coordinator, courtney.davis@acps.k12.va.us703-824-0129.


Monthly Support Group for Parents of Young Children Receiving Special Education Services (Preschool-First Grade) in ACPS 
Tuesday June 6, from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Parent Resource Center, Minnie Howard Campus of T. C. Williams High School, Room 134
3801 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 

Please join us for support, strategies and conversation. 

For more information, contact Janet Reese, ACPS Parent Support Specialist, janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us, or Courtney Davis, Ph.D., ACPS Parent Resource Center Coordinator, courtney.davis@acps.k12.va.us703-824-0129.



CHADD:  Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder www.chadd.org

West Fairfax CHADD Parent Support Group
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 pm
Room 201 at Fairfax Church of Christ, 3901 Rugby Road, Fairfax, VA  22033
Contact Sharon 703 716-4646 or clintob@aol.com.

Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 
4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm



Support Group for Middle School Students with ADHD
First Sunday of each month, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
4031 Univ. Dr Fairfax, VA (enter on South St.)
No parents!

Support Group for High School Students with ADHD
First Sunday of each month, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
4031 Univ. Dr., Fairfax, VA  (enter on South St.) No parents!
Call 703-403-3335 to enter the building.


NAMI:  National Alliance on Mental Illness 
Works to build better lives for those affected by mental illness.

Oakton Family Support Group 
First Thurs. of each month, 7:30-9:00 pm
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, Room 9, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 

Alexandria Family Support Group
Second Wednesday of the month, 7:30-9:00 pm, 
First Christian Church of Alexandria, 2723 King St., Alexandria, VA

Fairfax Family Support Group
Second Thur. of each month  7:30-9:00 pm
Contact:  Heather   daviesva@gmail.com  or  703-362-4985

Springfield Family Support Group  
Fourth Thur. of each month 7:00-8:30 pm
Contact:  Heather    daviesva@gmail.com  or  703-362-4985

Contact:  Joanna Walker at 703 620-2633 or Joannaw.walker@gmail.com


OCD Family Support Group
First Monday of the Month, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom, Lane, Arlington, VA 
For family and friends of those with obsessive compulsive disorder. 

POAC: Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia  
Bimonthly Support Group