July 19, 2002
A variety of clubs and organizations are active in the McLean and Great Falls area. To add to or modify this list, call editorial assistant Sarah Lucas at 703-917-6440.
McLEAN
American Associated of Retired Persons
Meets at noon on the third Friday of every month September through June at the McLean Community Center Bring a brown bag lunch; AARP provides coffee and dessert. Program begins at 12:45 p.m. Call Mary Kingman, president, 703-356-4744
American Association of University Women
The association promotes education and equity for women and girls and sponsors a yearly book sale to raise money for scholarships for young women. Call Hope Syverson at 703-356-6293, or visit the web site at www.mcleanaauw.org.
Dranesville District Democratic Women’s Club
Promotes Democratic policies and candidates. Meets monthly at noon on the fourth Monday of the month at a local restaurant for lunch and a guest speaker who addresses local issues. For information, call Carole Herrick, president, 703-356-8223
Friends of McLean Central Park
Supports development and enhancement of the ambiance and features at McLean Central Park, a Fairfax County Park Authority property at the intersection of Dolley Madison Boulevard and Old Dominion Drive in McLean. The group sponsored fund-raisers to construct a new gazebo, where Sunday concerts will be held at 3 p.m. through Aug. 18. The group also is raising money for a tot lot, with construction to begin in fall 2002. Call Bari Levingston, president, 703-748-6068
Friends of McLean Community Center
Raises money and provides support for programs to enhance the MCC. An 11-member, elected board serves as liaison for the Community Center staff. Open, public meetings are held on the second Monday of every month. For information 703-790-0123.
Georgetown Pike Association
Preserves the character and integrity of 13-mile long Georgetown Pike, once a buffalo trail along the Potomac River and now a two-lane road between Route 7 in Great Falls and Route 123 in McLean. The Pike, 13 miles long, was Virginia’s first Scenic Byway. This winding, shady, historic road is the home of residences, schools, churches, and horse farms. Call John Adams, 202-955-1512.
McLean Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce, 1437 Balls Hill Road, promotes the business community's interests in McLean and works to revitalize McLean to make it the best place to live, work and shop. The visitor center at the McLean Government Center offers maps, nonprofit information and McLean handbooks. The public is welcome to come for information. Contact Elise Neil Bengston, executive director, or Bill DuBose, president, 703-356-5424.
McLean Citizens Association
Founded in 1914, the McLean Citizens Association, "the voice of McLean," is celebrating its 88th year of preserving the quality of life. In lieu of a town council, it provides a forum for McLean residents to resolve civic issues. The association supports excellence in education, protection of residential areas from commercial development, prudent taxation and spending policies, safe streets and highways, protection and preservation of the environment, and the planting and maintenance of trees. Meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. at the McLean Community Center. Annual membership dues is $10 per member. For more information write P.O. Box 273, McLean, VA 22101, or call John Foust, president, 703-893-1900.
McLean Citizens Foundation
Formed by the McLean Citizens Association, the McLean Citizens Foundation makes grants to McLean charities. Recent beneficiaries include the gazebo and tot lot at McLean Central Park, the nationally ranked McLean High School Crew, and other educational and civic projects. Meets the first Tuesday of the month at the McLean Community Center. Call Lilla Richards, president of the board, 703-442-9071.
McLean Community Center
Opened in 1975, the McLean Community Center serves an area of 25 square miles with more than 60,000 residents of Dranesville Small District One, a special tax district in the center of McLean. Programs include classes and activities for adults and senior citizens, youth activities, visual and performing arts, the Alden Theatre, the Old Firehouse Teen Center, special events such as McLean Day, and cooperative programs with the Emerson Gallery/McLean Project for the Arts. Call 703-790-0123, 703-827-8255 (TTY), or 703-790-9223 (Alden Theatre Box Office) for information. The center is located at 1234 Ingleside Dr., McLean, VA, 22101.
McLean Conservancy
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of open land and green space in the McLean area. For information, call Adrienne Whyte, 703-241-1095.
McLean Historical Society
Meets September through June on the first Thursday of the money at 7:30 p.m. at the McLean Community Center for refreshments and a program about local history. The group is beginning to help plan for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in 2007. Call Carole Herrick, president, 703-356-8223.
McLean Little League
McLean Little League has a softball program for girls and boys 7-15. League offers softball players regular season games, training clinics, post season tournament play and fall ball. The Little League also offers baseball for boys and girls ages 5-12. Contact Kevin Fay 703-356-3529.
McLean Newcomers Club
The McLean Newcomers Club is a woman's social club open to new and longtime residents. It welcomes new people to the area through monthly luncheons, coffees, tours and activities. Call Patsy Wolf, president, at 703-903-9409.
McLean Orchestra
The McLean Orchestra, directed by Col. Arnald Gabriel, has existed for 30 years. The group presents a full concert season beginning in September with performances at Langley High School. A youth orchestra is also nurtured by the organization. Several fund-raisers including a dance benefit, a silent auction, and a raffle are held to fund the orchestra projects. Call 703-893-8646 or write The McLean Orchestra, P.O. Box 760, McLean, VA, 22101.
McLean Planning Committee
This advisory group supports the interests of the Community Business Center in McLean. It includes four representatives from each of four stakeholders: downtown landowners, the McLean Chamber of Commerce, the McLean Citizens Association, and surrounding neighborhood associations. The MPC meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the McLean Community Center. Call Dan DuVal, president, 703-761-1100, or write MPC, P.O. Box 57, McLean, VA 22101.
McLean Postcomer Club
A social club drawn primarily from those who have belonged to the Newcomers Club for three years. Activities range from bridge, golf and tennis to arts and crafts, parties and excursions. Call Olivia Jenney at 703-734-9015.
McLean Project for the Arts
MPA provides education in the visual arts through exhibitions, classes, tours and lectures at three galleries at the McLean Community Center. The group raises money for lectures, exhibits, and lessons in the Susan B. DuVal Art Studio, where classes are provided by MPA and the Corcoran College of Art and Design. The Museum Shops, held on the weekend after Thanksgiving, bring goods from many different museums to be sold as a fund-raiser for MPA. In the spring, a benefit is held in a local home.
MPA exhibits are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 1 - 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA, 22010. Call Nathalie Sullivan, president, 703-790-1953.
McLean Revitalization Corporation
A corporation formed to further the revitalization of the McLean Community Business Center (CBC), MRC is governed by a board of directors with two members each from the McLean Citizens Association, McLean landowners, McLean Chamber of Commerce, and surrounding neighborhood associations.
The revitalization effort seeks to improve the appearance and ambiance of the CBC, enhance pedestrian access, improve traffic flow and safety, promote balanced land use and encourage public/private partnerships. Call George Lilly, executive director, 703-241-5420, or write MRC, P.O. Box 6223, McLean, 22106.
McLean Symphony
The McLean Symphony is a community orchestra that will present a series of five concerts in 2002-03. The season opens on Oct. 19 with "Great Romantic Concertos, including a violin and piano concerto. Dingwall Fleary is the music director. All programs are performed in the Alden Theater, 1234 Ingleside Drive, McLean. 703-790-0123.
McLean Trees
A standing committee of the McLean Citizens Association which recycles newspapers, sells them, and invests the proceeds in the purchase, planting, and maintenance of trees and shrubs to beautiful and conserve green space in McLean. Call Dick Poole, chairman, 703-356-6001.
McLean Youth Incorporated
MYI is an organization dedicated to the development of leadership, character and athletic skills through team sports for young people within the community since 1963. It sponsors house leagues and travel teams in sports such as soccer, lacrosse, track and field, football, cheerleading, rugby and field hockey. For information, visit www.myi.org or call Forrest Horton, MYI president, 703-893-0431
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Call Sherry Edwards of the Freedom Hill Chapter at 703-356-8316. The organization promotes history, education, patriotism.
New Dominion Women’s Club
A civic organization committed to enhancing the quality of community life through volunteer service and philanthropy. The club holds several fund-raisers and social gatherings each year. Established the annual McLean Family Walkathon at Lewinsville Park on McLean Day. Meets monthly on Monday evenings at the McLean Community Center. New members welcome. For information, call Kimberly Whitmore Briggs, president, 703-288-1898, or Kitty Gonzalez, publicity chair, 703-448-6101.
Old Firehouse Teen Center
Sponsored by the McLean Community Center and supported by a special tax district, the Old Firehouse Teen Center is located across from Starbucks at 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, 703-448-TEEN. It sponsors dances and battles of the bands and offers a place for young people to congregate after school. The annual membership of $20 includes access to the center, free pool, table tennis, volleyball, discounted admission to events and discounts at local businesses. Open to all Fairfax County students in grades 7-12. The center sponsors a dance every Friday, 7:30-10:15 p.m., for students in grades 7 and 8.
Rotary Club of McLean
The club was founded in 1965 as a part of Rotary International. Approximately 60 members pursue the Rotary objective of Service Above Self through a variety of community services, as well as supporting programs of Rotary International, including leading the effort to stamp out polio worldwide, and a student exchange program. McLean Rotary, meets weekly for Tuesday lunch. Write P.O. Box 561, McLean, VA 22101.
Safe Community Coalition
Dedicated to maintaining a safe community for youth in public schools in the Langley and McLean High School pyramids, Thomas Jefferson High School, and private schools in McLean. Sponsors programs to keep schools and neighborhoods free of alcohol, substance abuse, and violence; provides opportunities to discuss current issues; encourages sense of family and community; promotes honesty and respect for individuals and property. Board meets bi-monthly at the McLean Community Center. Call Jan Auerbach, president, 703-893-6953, or e-mail SCC@crosslink.net
Web site is www.crosslink.net/~scc
Woman's Club of McLean
The Woman's Club of McLean is one of Northern Virginia's largest women's service organizations. Trips, arts workshops, historic preservation and public-affairs activities are offered along with monthly luncheons. The club's largest fund-raiser is the annual Holiday Homes Tour. Call Joan Morton at 703-356-0089.
<sh>GREAT FALLS
<bt>Amadeus Concerts Inc.
Now in its 21st year, this band of professional music lovers and musicians presents a calendar of concert-hall quality classical music by the Amadeus Orchestra, chamber groups, and soloists at venues in Great Falls and McLean. All performers and soloists are professional musicians. Programs begin in October.
Amadeus Concerts promotes and assists young artists in the advancement of their musical careers and sponsors performances for children in local schools. Amadeus sponsors a middle-school cultural and service group that is open to young people interested in music, art, photography and drama. Call Tim Rowe, 703-759-5334, or visit the Amadeus Concerts office in the Village Centre in Great Falls.
Analemma Society
Named for the infinity eight-shaped correction curve used to convert "sun time," which changes day to day, to "civil time," or clock and calendar time, this group of astronomers and scientists meets monthly to plan the astronomy park planned at the Turner Farm in Great Falls. They are developing a site plan for a sundial garden and observatory with several telescopes for public use. For information on this 501(c)3 organization contact Charles H. Olin at 703-759-6616 or olin@dgs.dgsys.com, or visit www.analemma.org.
Brogue Charities
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Brogue Charities raises money for local causes in Great Falls, including the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Amadeus Concert Series, Newcomers Club, Langley High School Crew team, and Habitat for Humanity, and others. In 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002, Brogue Charities sponsored fireworks for the public at The Turner Farm on July 4. The group also raised money to pay for a picnic pavilion at The Turner Farm, and hopes to go forward with plans to construct it this year. Call Mike Kearney, The Old Brogue, 703-759-3309.
Friends of the Great Falls Library
A group of book-lovers who raises money to expand programs for children and outreach at the Great Falls Community Library 9830 Georgetown Pike. Meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month from September through June. For information call the library at 703-757-8560; Diane Anderson, president, 703-759-7811, or e-mail Rumana Chaudhuri: ra63@georgetown.edu.
Great Falls Arts Center
Located on Walker Road in Great Falls, this center holds exhibitions, art classes, and monthly programs on famous artists and major art movements. Year-round art classes in drawing, oil painting and pottery are held at the Fouquet Art Studio weekdays and Saturday. The center also offers annual summer art camps through the second week of August for ages 6 and up. Call Marcia Fouquet, 703-759-3867, for a schedule.
Great Falls Business and Professional Association
Advances the community welfare by encouraging high business and professional ethics and practices. Supports patronage of local retail and professional services. Supports Great Falls Children’s Festival and Great Falls Day. Meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Great Falls Library. Call Ralph Lazaro, president, 703-759-3011 or Stephen Dulaney, membership chairman, 703-759-4155.
Great Falls Citizens Association
This volunteer civic group exists to protect the scenic, historic, and semi-rural quality of life in Great Falls, defined as the area west of Difficult Run stream valley, south of the Potomac River, east of the Loudoun County line, and north of Route 7. Members who resides within those boundaries pay $10 per person annually for voting privileges, but the public is invited to attend meetings. The GFCA is governed by an executive board of 12 members elected from the membership, plus the president emeritus. GFCA committees study planning and zoning issues, parks and trails, and transportation issues such as roads and traffic. General membership meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month except August at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange on Georgetown Pike. Eleanor Anderson is president. Call 703-757-0448 or write GFCA, P.O. Box 27, Great Falls, VA 22066.
Great Falls Ecumenical Council
The Great Falls Ecumenical Council has members from all the churches in Great Falls. The group supports Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and the Good Shepherd alliance housing for the homeless. It also sponsors blood drives on July 4 and throughout the year as well. The council holds ecumenical worship services at Thanksgiving, on Good Friday, a sunrise service at Great Falls National Park on Easter Sunday, and a January ecumenical service. Contact Richard Keller, president, at 703-759-6068.
Great Falls Equestrian Society
Not limited to Great Falls residents, the society works to foster equestrian sports in Fairfax County and develop equestrian facilities at The Turner Farm, including a riding arena and trails. No dues. Call Molly Hockman at 703-759-1952.
Great Falls Friends
GFF is a "laid back" community group based on friendship that has three kinds of membership: individuals, businesses, and community organizations. The organizing principle is that the Friends believe in "giving back" to the community. They sponsor the annual July 4 celebration and a fall festival at Halloween at Village Centre and Great Falls Shopping Center. The Friends meet from 8 to 9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month except July and August at the Snuggery of the Old Brogue at Village Centre. Everyone is invited to attend. After a brief social time, introductions, and coffee (contribution, $1) there is a topical program brought by a local person with a special interest. Membership fee is $20. For information, call Anna Krell, president, 703-759-2377, or write to GFF, P.O. Box 388, Great Falls, VA 22066.
Great Falls Garden Club
Organized in 1941, the club maintains a perennial bird and butterfly garden featuring native species at the Great Falls Library. Its purpose is to improve the quality and character of gardens, study gardening, share experiences and problems, encourage the protection of natural resources, native plants, wildlife and scenery.
Meets in members’ homes for programs about all aspects of gardening, floral design, and the environment. Members have plant exchanges, field trips to other gardens, and nature walks. Rilla Crane, president, 703-757-8176 or write GFGC, P.O. Box 1412, Great Falls, VA 22066.
Great Falls Historical Society
Researches and preserves the accuracy of the historical record of Great Falls as a community that was first known as Matildaville and later, Forestville, before it was named Great Falls. Produces publications on local historical sites and holds varied social functions such as poetry, music, wine and cheese parties and field trips. Membership fee is $20. Call Milburn Sanders, 703-759-2352; Karen Washburn, 703-759-2199, or Doris Carpenter, 703-759-2583, or Betty Nalls Swartz, 703-759-2378. Write GFHS, P.O. Box 56, Great Falls, VA 22066.
Great Falls Lacrosse Association
Open to boys and girls, third through eighth grade (not only for Great Falls residents). An instructional league is held in the fall, and competitive play begins in the spring. Call the association at 703-759-4552, leave a message. The website is: www.greatfallslacrosse.com.
Great Falls Lions Club
Local chapter of the country's largest service organization successfully raised money to build a tot lot for young children at The Turner Farm. Ongoing fund-raisers include regular crab feasts and citrus sales at the Great Falls Fire Department and sales of a commemorative coverlet depicting Great Falls scenes.
The Lions maintain a "medical locker" of specialized equipment for use by residents of Great Falls free of charge. The club awards two $1,000 scholarships to Langley High School students and supports a long list of other charities. Dinner meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Great Falls United Methodist Church, 10100 Georgetown Pike. Call the Lions hotline at 703-757-5361 or Jay Furick, president, at 703-759-9648. To purchase a coverlet, call Gene Cole, 703-759-2334, or write GF Lions, P.O. Box 43, Great Falls, VA 22066.
Great Falls Optimist Club
A group of men and women committed to programs that educate youth and help them expand their horizons and avoid pitfalls as they mature. The Optimists sponsor the "Just Say No" program and an oratorical contest. They sponsor boys and girls softball teams and co-sponsor the Children's Spring Festival, the Bicycle Safety Rodeo, and the Great Falls Halloween Parade. Call Mike McCombs 703-759-9453.
Great Falls Players
This theater group will present an all-Neil Simon lineup of plays during the 2002-03 season. Performances are presented at the Great Falls Grange and the Alden Theater at the McLean Community Center. Volunteer actors, technical workers, and others to make it happen are always welcome. Call 703-759-6224
Great Falls Republican Women’s Club
Chartered in 1982, its membership is broad based geographically and diverse in its interests and talents, but united by common goals and a commitment to the Republican Party, its philosophy, and its candidates. Write P.O. Box 616, Great Falls, VA 22066. For information, call Colleen Karmol 703-759-5024.
Great Falls Trailblazers
Supports development and maintenance of trails, both stonedust and natural surface, in Great Falls. Monitors development to ensure compliance with the trails designated in Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan trails map. Actively working to complete trails on Georgetown Pike and Walker Road. Meets monthly at 7:30 p.m. on first Thursday [except December] at the Old Schoolhouse in Great Falls. Call Eleanor Weck 703-759-2059 or visit www.geocities.com/greatfallstrails
Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department: Historically, the volunteer fire department augments Fairfax County’s fire and rescue department in Great Falls. The building is owned by the Great Falls volunteers and staffed by professionals salaried by Fairfax County. The volunteers are raising money for a new building there and sponsor fund-raisers to support it. For information on the project, call John Szajgin, 703-444-6348, or the fire station at 703-759-2300.
Great Falls Woman’s Club
A group of women who do a lot more than "lunch." This diverse group makes things happen in the community and looks to residents to join in. It does community service, raise money, award women’s scholarships, and have "fun" programs that foster camaraderie within the club. Recently conducted a gala to benefit the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department’s Building Fund. Membership includes many former Great Falls Newcomers. Call Cynthia Travers, publicity chair, at 703-406-4331.
Newcomers of Great Falls
Newcomers of Great Falls helps new residents of Great Falls and its school district meet each other and assimilate into the community. The nonprofit organization offers more than 300 members a variety of activities and programs, along with opportunities for leadership, community service and support to local charitable and civic organizations. Newcomers' spring fund-raiser supports five local charities.
Other activities include monthly lunches, coffees, bridge, tennis, gardening, book club, evening socials, wine and food tastings, cultural excursions, a mom and tots group, and volunteering for charitable and community events. Call membership vice president Ruth Morgan at 703-757-3858.
Turner Farm Team
Formerly known as Save the Farm, this group of community volunteers works to support a public park that was once a dairy farm at Georgetown Pike and Springvale Road. The Turner Farm team supports community efforts to build a picnic pavilion, tot lot, equestrian features, and astronomy observatory at The Turner Farm. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of alternate months at the Great Falls Community Library. Call Betty Nalls Swartz, 703-759-2378.
The American Indian Society of Washington, D.C.
Non-profit organization serving the needs of Native American tribes in the D.C. area. P.O. Box 6431, Falls Church, 22040-6431. Call 703-231-6466 or visit www.aisdc.org.