667838 Tue Nov 17 09:29:57 -0800 2009 0 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 5188590 http://www.jlnv.org/theenchantedforest Junior League of Northern Virginia Brings Enchanted, Family-Friendly Holiday Event to Reston featuring the Children’s Science Center The ninth annual The Enchanted Forest returns to Reston with celebrity guest Spike Mendelsohn McLean, Va., Oct. 10, 2009-–The Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV), a women’s volunteer organization that empowers women to be a driving force to improve the Northern Virginia community, is hosting its largest annual fundraiser, the ninth annual The Enchanted Forest, Nov. 21-22, 2009, returning to the Sheraton Reston in Reston, Va. In addition to the wide variety of affordable holiday festivities for the entire family, this year’s Enchanted Forest will host special guest Spike Mendelsohn from Bravo’s Top Chef. Mendelsohn, a contestant on Season Four of the program, Top Chef: Chicago, is known as much for his cooking as his trademark fedora. Last year, he opened the popular Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and can also been seen on the Top Chef Tour Bus. Mendelsohn will appear on the Enchanted Forest’s main stage from 11-noon on Saturday with a healthy, holiday cooking demonstration, followed by an appearance and meet and greet in the Kids in the “Holiday” Kitchen room, a section of The Enchanted Forest dedicated to the award-winning educational initiative on childhood obesity and nutrition. The Enchanted Forest will also feature exhibits from the JLNV’s signature project, the Children’s Science Center and, back by popular demand,an elaborate model train display presented by the National Capital Trackers. "We are proud to present our ninth year of The Enchanted Forest to the community as an even more spectacular, fun and enriching event than ever before, kicking-off the holiday season and showcasing two programs that are at the heart of our mission and focus to prepare children in Northern Virginia for success: the Children's Science Center and Kids In The Kitchen," said Nene Spivy, President of the JLNV. "We are grateful for the support of our host, the Reston Sheraton, as well as the many donations from community businesses and individuals that make this event possible." At The Enchanted Forest, visitors will walk into a winter wonderland of theme-decorated trees which are part of a silent auction that continues through the duration of the event. Throughout the weekend, children are treated to special events and activities, including Cocoa & Georgetown Cupcakes with the Snow Fairy Princess, Breakfast with Santa, photos with Santa, face painting, magic shows, crafts, and games. Local artisans and vendors will entice attendees wanting to get an early start on holiday shopping. There will be two Gingerbread Workshops on Saturday, Nov. 21, where participants will have the opportunity to create an edible masterpiece to take home and enjoy throughout the holidays. Also held Saturday, Nov. 21, the Sugar & Spice Gala will provide an opportunity for adults to ring in the holiday season with cocktails and dancing. The JLNV’s community projects for 2009-10 include working to build The Children's Science Center, coordinating Back-to-School Health Fairs for uninsured children in Alexandria, Herndon and Loudoun County, supporting the JLNV-created My Life self-esteem photography and Kids Can character development programs for children living in area shelters, and expanding its participation in the national Kids in the Kitchen program. The Enchanted Forest Event Schedule and Pricing The Enchanted Forest General Admission Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. General admission: $10 Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 10-11 a.m., $25 per person Includes general admission to The Enchanted Forest Cocoa and Georgetown Cupcakes with the Snow Fairy Princess Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 1-2 p.m., 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 1-2 p.m., $25.00 per person Includes general admission to The Enchanted Forest Snacks and Stories with Santa Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $25.00 per person Includes general admission to The Enchanted Forest Enchanted Forest Gingerbread Workshop Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40.00 per house Includes general admission to The Enchanted Forest Sugar & Spice Gala Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 8-11:30 p.m. $60 per ticket if purchased before Nov. 7 $65 per ticket if purchased after Nov. 7 Includes general admission to The Enchanted Forest For more details and reservations for these special events, call 703-442-4163 or visit www.jlnv.org/theenchantedforest. The Junior League of Northern Virginia The Junior League of Northern Virginia is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The JLNV is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and member of the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. Seeking to empower women to be a driving force to improve the Northern Virginia community, the JLNV focuses on preparing children in Northern Virginia for success. More information can be found at www.jlnv.org or by calling 703-442-4163. Tue Nov 17 09:29:57 -0800 2009 1125244 mlashinsky