To have community events listed free in The McLean Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail Joy Allen at mclean@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday before publication. Photos/artwork encouraged.
<lst>To have community events listed free in the Great Falls Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail Joy Allen at GreatFalls@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday before publication. Photos/artwork encouraged.
<cal1>ONGOING
<cal2>Toastmasters International, McLean Chapter, meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Dolley Madison Library. Join them to work on improving your communication skills, to become more effective in meetings and to convey your message more concisely. Contact Melissa Adkins, vice president of membership, at work at 703-262-5373 or at home at 703-815-4304, or e-mail her at madkins@cnri.reston.va.us.
The Great Falls Women's Club offers bridge lessons, a knitters and crocheters group, a tennis group and a book discussion group. Anyone interested in joining the club is welcome to attend. Membership is open to all Fairfax County residents. Call Patty Staas, 703-356-5845.
The Newcomers Club of Vienna and Friends is a women's social club open to everyone in Northern Virginia. The club has three non-smoking bridge events each month: a social bridge club held on the first Tuesday of the month and a duplicate bridge club on the third and fourth Wednesday of every month. All the events are at the Marco Polo Restaurant in Vienna and include a buffet lunch. The club also has a monthly book exchange lunch bunch and various trips and tours on a monthly basis. For reservations and information, call 703-560-4437 or 703-938-3505.
The Fairfax Jubil-Aires, members of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, meet Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall in Fairfax. Visitors are always welcome. For information on membership, call 703-968-4292. For information on performance, call Mike Huddleston at 703-228-3250 or at 703-968-0263 or visit www.thefairfaxjubilaires.org.
Access Services, the Library Branch that serves individuals with disabilities, sponsors a support group for seniors and people with low vision, at the Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. The VIP (Visually Impaired Person) Vienna Group meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Patrick Henry Library is located at 101 Maple Ave. E. in Vienna. For more information, call 703-938-0405.
Colvin Run General Store. Visit this restored building with fixtures from 100 years ago, and browse through the old-fashioned merchandise. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., every day except Tuesday. Call 703-759-3403.
The Women's Center hosts the Job Hunters Forum the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9 p.m. The forum offers support for women and men who are actively searching for jobs. Cost is $10 members, $25 nonmembers each session.
Open Mike Showcase at The Old Brogue, the first and third Thursday of 30 p.m. 760 Walker Road. 12 artists per evening.
New Beginnings, a nonprofit support group for separated and divorced individuals, has six meetings a month in the area on different nights in various locations in members' homes. Call 301-924-4101 or visit www.newbeginningsusa.org.
Mothers & More of Northern Virginia is a support organization for mothers who have altered their career path to care for their young children at home. General meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Fairfax County Government Center at 7:30 p.m. Call toll-free at 866-716-7766 for more information.
JAM! Jazz McLean, a teen jazz band directed by Rob Holmes, meets every Monday, 6-8 p.m., at the Old Firehouse Teen Center in McLean. Bring an instrument. For more information, call 703-893-0910 or visit www.geocities.com/jam4teensva.
Swing Dancing will take place every Wednesday night at the Potomac Swing Dancing Club Room, 146 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, across from Whole Foods. Beginning jitterbug/Lindy Hop lessons are at 7:30 p.m., and dancing continues 8:30-11 p.m. Club members pay $10 for the lesson and dance, $6 for dance alone. Nonmembers pay $12 for lesson and dance, $8 for dance alone. For more information, call Donna Barker at 703-978-0375 or visit www.erols.com/swing4me.
Mclean Newcomers Club is a social organization made up of newcomers and not-so-newcomers from McLean and its environs. The club meets at different locations throughout the month, both public and private, for various activities such as museum tours, coffees, card groups, book group, potluck luncheons, house and garden activities and much more. Call 703 237-3138, or visit www.geocities.com/mcleannewcomers for information on activities or to join the club.
Ranger Talks. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. during the weekends; see the daily program schedule for weekday times. Join a ranger at Overlook 2 to learn more about Great Falls Park and the Potomac River at Great Falls Park. Check daily program schedule for times during the weekdays. Call 703-285-2965 for more information. Free.
Bird Watching. Rain or shine on Sundays from 8-10 a.m. Join an informal group of bird watchers to catch a glimpse of resident and migratory birds in Great Falls Park. Meet in the Visitor Center courtyard dressed for the weather. Call 703-285-2965 for more information.
Friends of the Great Falls Library. A group of book-lovers and library users who support special programs for children and adults at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. The board meets monthly, September through June. For information on becoming a library "friend," call 703-757-8560.
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets every second Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Beverly Hills Methodist Church, 3512 Old Dominion Blvd. in Alexandria. For more information, call 301-439-FLAG or visit pflagdc.org.
The McLean Photo Club meets every second Tuesday of the month, September through June, at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. Meet-and-greet at 7 p.m. is followed by the program at 7:30 p.m. Contact Bill Prosser, president, at ProsserWM@aol.com or 703-821-2670.
Open Mike with host Steve Key takes place every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, 703-255-1566, Ext. 8, www.jamminjava.com.
“Banjo Man.” The Banjo Man, Frank Cassel, performs a musical children's show every Friday at 10:30 a.m. for 45 minutes at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave., Vienna. A donation of $5 per child is recommended. 703-255-1566 or www.jamminjava.com.
Tai Chi practice. Saturdays, 8-9 a.m., through March, at St. Luke's Catholic School Gymnasium, 7005 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Sponsored by the Tai Chi Study Center of Great Falls. Open to all ages and skill levels. Free. For more information and directions, visit www.taichicenter.com or call 703-759-9141.
Birthdays on the Wild Side. Come celebrate a birthday by discovering nature. Explore the world of reptiles and amphibians, uncover clues about forest animals, learn about bird life or become an archaeologist for a day. Each party is active and will keep the group on the move. For children 3-12, at Riverbend Nature Center. For reservations, available dates and cost, call the park, 703-759-9018.
Nature Escapes — Geology. 12-5 p.m., at Riverbend Nature Center, 703-759-9018. Take part in self-guided activities including crafts, exhibits and animal watching. Free.
Personalized Internet Training. Learn how to use the Web, work with e-mail, or use the library databases. At Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call for an appointment, 703-757-8560. Adults.
Personalized Internet Training. Learn to use the Web or increase skills. At Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call for an appointment, 703-790-8088. Adults.
Springfield Music Club meets September through May on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings and programs usually take place at Jordan Kitt's Showroom on Gallows Road in Vienna at 10 a.m. The 30-minute business meeting is open to members, and programs that follow the meetings are open to all interested. Programs range from opera to baroque trios to member recitals. The club also offers workshops for music teachers. To learn more about the club or its programs, contact Marcia Chaplin, president, at 703-281-5342.
The Golden Girls, a senior women's slow pitch softball league, is looking for women 40 and older (most members between 50 and 70) to play on its six-team league playing Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings in Vienna, April through July and September through October. Tournament teams are formed from the more competitive players in the 45-50 plus, 55 plus, 60 plus, 65 plus, and 70 plus age brackets. The tournament teams travel to play other women's teams. Businesses can sponsor a team for publicity. For more information and registration details, contact Donna at 703-938-0387. .
The Order of the Eastern Star, Herndon Chapter 55, whose district includes Great Falls, holds its closed, regular meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at the Masonic Lodge in Herndon at 8 p.m. For information, call Donna Sumpter at 703-437-0859.
Mothers First, Great Falls, is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. March meetings are March 3 and 17. at 10 a.m. at the Great Falls Library. Call 703-827-5922, or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Mothers First, Vienna/McLean, is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. March meetings are March 10 and 23 at 10:15 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Library, Vienna. Call 703-827-5922, or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Vita Tax Counseling. Adults. Wednesdays in March, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/MARCH 3
<cal2> “The Shopping Benefit.” Bloomingdale’s will host this year’s multi-charity event at Tysons Corner and White Flint stores from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is $10 with 100 percent of ticket proceeds benefiting local charities, which include Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, Special Lone Inc., National Center for Policy Research (CPR) for Women and Families, and The Children’s Inn at National Institutes of Health. Tickets entitle purchasers to a 15-percent to 20-percent savings (certain exclusions apply.) Tickets can be purchased in advance at Bloomingdale’s Customer Service (Level 3 at each store). For more information, call 703-556-4519.
Dr. Barbara Frank, otherwise known as "Doc Rock," speaks on the geology preserved in the rocks of Great Falls, at the next meeting of The Great Falls Friends. Wednesday, March 3, at 8 a.m., at The Old Brogue Snuggery in Great Falls. There will be a light breakfast.
Lions and Lambs. Windy day stories and activities. Ages 2-3 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
<cal1>Thursday/March 4
<cal2>Jammin' Java. Music begins at 8 p.m., 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Acoustic rock of Braddigan. Admission is $12. Call 703-255-1566, Ext. 8. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
<cal1>Friday/March 5
<cal2>Jammin' Java. Music begins at 8 p.m., 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna. Rocker Randy Thompson CD release show. Admission is $10. Call 703-255-1566, Ext. 8. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
<cal1>SATURDAY/MARCH 6
<cal2>Meadowlark Nature Photography Exhibition, Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7, at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Professional and top amateur photographers from the Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs (NOVACC) host the event from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day in the indoor garden setting of The Atrium and in the Visitors Center. Admission and each day's activities will be free, including complimentary camera cleanings on Saturday. Aspiring and experienced photographers may bring samples to be critiqued and may attend photography technique programs. For more information about the exhibit and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, call 703-255-3631 or visit www.nvrpa.org/atrium.html.
Colvin Run Dance Band. Dance to the Colvin Run Dance Band's Big Band sound, 9 p.m.-12 a.m., at the Colvin Run School House, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. $12 per person. Bosa Nova dance lesson, 8 p.m., $5 per person. For information, call 703-430-3342.
Falls Walk. Visit Great Falls Park and take a 30-minute walk with a ranger to Overlook 2. Along the way, explore the natural and cultural aspects of the park. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at 1 p.m., at the Visitor Center.
Unsolved Mysteries Tour. Join a park ranger at Great Falls National Park to explore areas that leave more questions than answers. Expect moderately difficult terrain. Wear sturdy shoes, and dress for the weather. Approximately one mile will be covered. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet the ranger at 2 p.m. at the Visitor Center desk. The program is free; reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
Casino Night and Taste of the Town. The Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce sponsors this event at 7 p.m., at the Westwood Country Club. This year's theme is a Hawaiian luau. Make reservations by calling 703-281-1333. Play games of chance with "Chamber Cash" while sampling gourmet food from area restaurants. $60 admission includes $25,000 in Chamber Cash, all-you-can-eat food and two free drinks. Mention "Mahalo" when ordering tickets and receive an extra $5,000 in "Chamber Cash." A cash bar will be available.
Jammin' Java. Music begins at 8 p.m., 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Pop/blues/rock artist Deanna Bogart. Admission is $15. Call 703-255-1566, Ext. 8. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
Mosen Jalali Art Reception. Light refreshments. This photographer's Persian Gulf culture and landscapes will be exhibited through March 15. All ages. 2 p.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>SUNDAY/MARCH 7
<cal2>Concerts at the Alden. 3 p.m. at Alden Theatre in McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Features the National Symphony Brass Quintet, consisting of Steven Hendrickson and Adel Sanchez on trumpet, Martin Hackleman on horn, Milton Stevens on trombone and David Bragunier on tuba. Free. For more information, call 703-324-8344 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.
Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans will perform at 7:30 p.m. at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $17. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
The Great Falls Citizens Association hosts an open forum to discuss the design plans for the Great Falls Defense of Freedom memorial presented at the GFCA Land Use and Zoning Committee Feb. 12 meeting. 7:30 p.m., at the Old School House. If unable to make this meeting, e-mail comments to the GFCA vice president at rmayes031@aol.com.
Jammin' Java. Music begins at 8 p.m., 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Ember Swift plays pop and rock. Admission is $10. Call 703-255-1566, Ext. 8. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
Maple Syrup Boil-Down. Celebrate the coming of spring with a maple syrup boil-down, 12-2 p.m., at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Watch sap collected from Colvin Run's own trees boiled down over an open fire to produce maple syrup. Free. For more information, call 703-759-2771.
The American Youth Philharmonic performs at 3 p.m. at George Mason University Center for the Arts. Among the performers are Alicia Ward of Marshall High School, who plays cello, and Rachelle Hunt of McLean High School, who plays violin. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students/seniors. For advance tickets and more information, call 703-642-8051, or visit www.ayporchestras.org.
Meadowlark Nature Photography Exhibition, Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7, at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Professional and top amateur photographers from the Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs (NOVACC) host the event from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day in the indoor garden setting of The Atrium and in the Visitors Center. Admission and each day's activities will be free, including complimentary camera cleanings on Saturday. Aspiring and experienced photographers may bring samples to be critiqued and may attend photography technique programs. For more information about the exhibit and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, call 703-255-3631 or visit www.nvrpa.org/atrium.html.
Afternoon Victorian Tea. 2-4 p.m., at the Falls Church Woman's Club Clubhouse, 222 N. Washington St., Falls Church, next to the State Theater. Tea and snacks are provided in an atmosphere replete with Victorian music and Victorian-clad men and women. Sponsored by the Fairfax County Federation of Women's Clubs. Free, but donations benefit Camp Easter Seals East, which is located near Mechanicsville, Va., and organizes camping experiences for handicapped people of all ages. Representatives from the camp will be present at the tea. For more information, call 703-356-0089.
Falls Walk. Visit Great Falls Park and take a 30-minute walk with a ranger to Overlook 2. Along the way, explore the natural and cultural aspects of the park. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at 1 p.m., at the Visitor Center.
Snakes and Turtles. Join a park ranger to meet a couple of reptiles, find out the answer to scaly questions, and explore the habits and characteristics of these animals. Meet the ranger at 2 p.m., at Great Falls Park Overlook 2. If weather is inclement, meet in the Visitor Center auditorium. The program is free; reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
Iona, a pan-Celtic band, will perform at the Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls on Sunday, March 7, as part of the winter concert series. There are three sittings in the Snuggery at 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Admission is $12. Reservations can be made by calling 703-759-3309.
<cal1>Monday/March 8
<cal2>BPW Meeting. Business and Professional Women (BPW) of Greater Fairfax host Andrea Perr, chair of the Women's Rights Committee, on Monday, March 8, from 6:30-9 p.m., at the Tysons Corner Embassy Suites, 8517 Leesburg Pike, Vienna. She will speak on “Getting Involved for Women's Rights.” Cost is $25. Call Elyse Galik for information and reservations at 703-471-4604.
Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
David Maraniss, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, launches the second season of the Fairfax Library's Perspectives series. 7:30 p.m., at the Alden Theatre in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Free. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at 6:30 p.m., at the Alden Theatre. For information, call 703-790-0123.
<cal1>Tuesday/March 9
<cal2>Great Falls Parks. Kevin Fay, Dranesville representative to the Fairfax County Park Authority, and Michael Kane, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority, discuss the public input process for the park bond that will be on the November ballot. 7:30 p.m., at the Great Falls Grange.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) sponsors support groups for injured victims and for relatives and friends of those who have been killed in drunken driving crashes. The next Injured Victim Support Group meeting will be held Tuesday, March 9, at 6 p.m. New participants are always welcome. Free. For more information call 703-978-3025.
The Newcomers of Great Falls will host a fireside brunch at 10 a.m., at the Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls Village Center. The event includes a breakfast buffet. Residents of the Great Falls area, both new and established, are invited to attend. $18 per person. For more information and to reserve a space, call 703-326-GFVA or visit www.greatfallsnewcomers.com. Reservations must be made no later than March 5.
Irish Music Program. At the McLean Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) monthly meeting, the Songfellows, a men's chorus, present a musical program including Irish selections in recognition of St. Patrick's Day. Bring an ample dish to share with all, including the performers, for the Irish-themed potluck lunch at 12 p.m. The music program takes place at 1 p.m., followed by a business meeting. For details, call 703-560-8648.
The McLean Unit of the Fairfax League of Women Voters meets at 12:30 p.m., at the McLean Community Center. The discussion centers on "Celebrating Women's History: The ERA in Virginia." The public is welcome. Call 703-448-8711 for further information.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 10
<cal2>Premiere of John Musto’s comic opera "Volpone." Features a lively score and English libretto. 8 p.m. at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $54. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
Vita Tax Counseling. Adults. 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
The McLean Photo Club meets at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. Meet-and-greet at 7 p.m. is followed by the program at 7:30 p.m.
Jammin' Java. 8 p.m., 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Pat Dinizio from The Smithereens performs rock music. Admission is $17-20. Call 703-255-1566, Ext. 8. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
Sweet Dreams. Bedtime stories and activities. Come in pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal. Children of all ages. 7:30 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
Counting on Spring. Stories and activities. Ages 2-3 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
<cal1>Thursday/March 11
<cal2>Jammin' Java. 8 p.m., 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Amy Correia and Brenda Weiler perform acoustic pop/rock. Admission is $10. Call 703-255-1566, Ext. 8. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
<cal1>Friday/March 12
<cal2> Premiere of John Musto’s comic opera "Volpone." Features a lively score and English libretto. 8 p.m. at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $54. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
Charity Citrus Fruit Sale. Friday, March 12, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, March 13, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., at American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Proceeds support local community youth, patriotic and veteran needs. Ruby Red grapefruit, tasty Temples and delicious Honey Murcotts are featured. For more information, call 703-356-8259, or visit www.mcleanpost270.org.
Toddler Time - Spring Is Coming. 10:30-11:15 a.m., at Riverbend Nature Center. Activities include a puppet show and a hike. Ages 2-3 with adult. Cost is $5. Reservations and advance payment required. For more information, call 703-759-9018.
Woodpeckers — A Talk and Hike. Learn about the many species of woodpeckers that live at Great Falls National Park. A park ranger leads this one-hour hike. Meet at the Visitor Center. The program is free; reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
Jammin' Java. 8 p.m., 227 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. The Kennedys perform folk rock selections. Admission is $12. Joe Rathbone opens. Call 703-255-1566, Ext. 8. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
<cal1>Saturday/March 13
<cal2>The Order of the Eastern Star, Herndon Chapter 55, whose district includes Great Falls, hosts an open meeting at 7:30 p.m. to initiate officers. Visitors are welcome to attend at the Masonic Lodge in Herndon. For information, call Donna Sumpter at 703-437-0859.
Falls Walk. Visit Great Falls Park and take a 30-minute walk with a ranger to Overlook 2. Along the way, explore the natural and cultural aspects of the park. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at 1 p.m., at the Visitor Center.
Charity Citrus Fruit Sale. Friday, March 12, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, March 13, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., at American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Proceeds support local community youth, patriotic and veteran needs. Ruby Red grapefruit, tasty Temples and delicious Honey Murcotts are featured. For more information, call 703-356-8259, or visit www.mcleanpost270.org.
Birds, Bugs and Butterflies. 1-3 p.m., at Historic Green Spring in Alexandria. Curator Sherrie Chapman leads a tour of the fiber arts exhibit with a nature theme. A full English tea follows. The exhibition runs through April 25. Adults. Cost is $22 per person. Nonrefundable prepayment required. For more information, call 703-941-7987.
Billy Jonas brings his recycled instruments and unique brand of “forged folk music”to the Alden Theatre at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $8, $6 for McLean residents. The Alden Theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. This performance is recommended for children 4 and older. For more on Billy Jonas, visit www.billyjonas.com To purchase tickets, stop by the Alden Theatre Box Office, or to charge tickets by telephone, call Ticketmaster at 202-432-SEAT. For more information, call 703-790-9223/TTY: 703-TAP-TALK (703-827-8255), or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Inc. hosts an open house, 1-5 p.m., in the historic Washington & Old Dominion Railroad station, 231 Dominion Road in downtown Vienna. Come and see the action on Northern Virginia’s largest fixed operating "HO" scale model railroad, featuring digital control, sound and smoke. Free admission; however, donations at the door are gratefully accepted. Additional information and directions at www.nvmr.org, by e-mail at nvmrinc@hotmail.com, or by calling 703-938-5157 on the day of the open house.
Jammin' Java. 8 p.m., 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Bill Kirchen plays a semi-acoustic concert. Admission is $15. Call 703-255-1566, Ext. 8. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
Book Discussion. 3 p.m. Karen Armstrong, "The Spiral Staircase." The author of the bestselling "A History of God" shares the inspiring story of her climb from the depths of a private hell to the heights of spiritual fulfillment in the years after her departure from a Roman Catholic convent. Free. Borders at Tysons Corner.
Violinist Amy Beth Horman. Performance by winner of the National Symphony Young Soloists' Competition. 11 a.m. All ages. At Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
Vita Tax Counseling. Adults. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.