To have community events listed free in The McLean Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail Mary Anne Weber at mclean@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 Vienna Toastmasters meet twice a month at 7:30 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., Vienna. Participants will have the opportunity to improve communication skills. For more information, call Valerie Hall at 703-426-8073.
Toastmasters Saturday Morning. Too busy during the week for Toastmasters? Join this club, which meets Saturday at 10 a.m. twice a month in Vienna Presbyterian Church, Room 376. Improve communication and presentation skills in a supportive environment. Contact Viki Kinsman, 703-476-1736, or jvkinsman@aol.com.
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. For reservations, call 703-281-4811 or 703-938-3505.
The Fairfax Jubil-Aires, members of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, meets 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.
Club Phoenix Teen Center at the Vienna Community Center features a big screen TV, jukebox and CD player, Dreamcast, pool and pingpong tables and more for Vienna-area middle-school students. Hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday from 3-6 p.m., Friday from 3-10 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. For more information, call 703-255-6360.
Access Services, the Library Branch that serves individuals with disabilities, is sponsoring a new 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 Tuesdays. Call 703-759-3403.
Nature Escapes take place every day except Tuesdays, from 12-5 p.m., at Riverbend Visitor Center, Great Falls. Activities include crafts, exhibits and animal watching. Each month features a different theme. Call 703-759-9018.
The History of Great Falls is presented every day all through the day at the auditorium at the Great Falls Visitor Center. The program features a 10-minute slide show introducing 11,000 years of history of Great Falls. Ranger talks take place daily and on the weekends from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at Overlook 2, Great Falls Park. Join a ranger to learn more about Great Falls Park and the Potomac River. The Children's Area is open daily for children to check out seasonal exhibits and activities at Great Falls Park. Children 7-12 are welcome to participate in the Junior Ranger Program and explore the park on their own.
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 Microphone Showcase at The Old Brogue, the first and third Thursday of every month, 9 p.m.; sign-up, 8:30 p.m. 760 Walker Road in Great Falls. Three songs or 10 minutes. Twelve 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.
Bring binoculars and watch the resident and migratory birds every Sunday, 8-10 a.m., at Great Falls Park. Meet in the Visitor Center courtyard dressed for the weather, rain or shine.
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.
T'ai Chi Practice every Saturday, 8-9 a.m., at McLean Central Park, located behind Dolley Madison Library, McLean. Open to all people and all skill levels, this free ongoing practice provides a chance to experience the benefits of the ancient art of slow, smooth, gentle motion for fun, health and relaxation. No special equipment or clothing needed. Sponsored by the T'ai Chi Study Center. Visit www.TaiChiCenter.com or call 703-759-9141 for more information.
Registration is under way for summer youth sports programs sponsored by the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department. Children can learn the fundamentals of golf, horseback riding, fencing, in-line skating, roller hockey, tennis, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, softball and football. For information on dates and fees for each camp, call 703-255-6360 or register online at www.ci.vienna.va.us.
The Northern Virginia Carvers will teach carving every first and third Sunday of August at Colvin Run Mill Historical Site, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. For more information, call 703-759-2771.
"Writing Your Personal History," an informal, group-run class, will be held each Thursday through Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. The class is for those interested in documenting their life stories for themselves and future generations to enjoy. Advance registration is required. The class is free, but a donation of $5 will be used to provide coffee and tea at each class. 703-255-6360.
Preschool Storytime. Every Monday in August, share stories and fun, 10:30 a.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Ages 1-5 with adult. Call 703-757-8560 to register.
Personalized Internet Tutoring. Learn to use the Web or increase skill level. August. At Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call for an appointment: 703-757-8560.
Personalized Internet Training is available at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library during August. Tysons-Pimmit is located at 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-790-8088 for an appointment.
Original pastel and pen drawings of musicians by Northern Virginia artist Karen Francis are on display at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. The drawings feature musicians who have performed at the Monday night open mike at Jammin' Java as well as some who play at the Tuesday jam at Bangkok Blues Thai Restaurant in Falls Church.
"Language in Motion," an introduction to Spanish and French for children 5-10, is registering participants for classes. Spanish classes are scheduled Aug. 11-15. French classes are scheduled Aug. 4-8. All classes take place at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. S.E. The cost for each session is $150 for Town of Vienna residents and $165 for out-of-town participants. Call 703-255-6360.
Swing Dancing will take place every Wednesday night at the Potomac Swing Dancing Club Room, 146 Maple Ave. E., 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.
Adventure Camps for rising sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. The Vienna Parks and Recreation Department invites students to experience white water tubing, ropes courses, mountain biking and Kings Dominion. Adventure camps are scheduled weekly through Aug. 15, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. There is a charge for each camp; participants should bring lunch. Registration and travel tour form required. For more information, call Vienna Parks and Recreation at 703-255-6360.
McLean Newcomers Club. A social organization made up of newcomers and some not-so-new-comers from McLean and its environs. Create new friendships and socialize with the community. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at a private home. Potluck luncheons, a book group, bridge groups, play groups, local tours and more. Call 703 237-3138 or 703 734-1840 or visit www.geocities.com/mcleannewcomers.
History of Great Falls. Enjoy a 10-minute slide presentation introducing the 11,000 years of history of the Great Falls at Great Falls Park. Program will be shown in the auditorium periodically throughout the day. Call 703-285-2965 for more information. Check Visitor Center for times. Free.
Ranger Talks. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. during the weekends. 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.
Children’s Area. Children are urged to stop by the seasonal exhibits and activities to have fun learning about Great Falls Park. Call 703-285-2965 for more information. Open daily. 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.
Adult Co-Ed Kickball League. Begins Aug. 24 for age 18 and up. Doubleheader games will be played at Southside Park on Sundays at 10 a.m. The fee is $250, which includes umpires, equipment and awards. League is limited to 12 teams, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call Vienna Parks and Recreation at 703-255-6360.
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.
Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS) seeks men over 50 and women over 40 for fall ball, a September and October slow-pitch, 32-game season. Two seven-inning games are played Tuesday and Thursday mornings on Fairfax County fields. NVSS has 29 teams organized into three skill-level conferences; people are assigned to teams based on skill. $35 fee includes hat and shirt. Visit nvss.org or call Dave at 703-524-5576 or Joyce at 703-860-1867. Season begins Sept. 2.
The Golden Girls Women’s Softball Association is a Vienna-based organization for women in the metropolitan area who are 40 and over. League play is on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings during the spring and fall. Instruction and a less competitive atmosphere are provided for beginners. There are also traveling tournament teams and National Senior Games teams in five-year age brackets, beginning with age 50. Call Donna Packard, 703-938-0387, for more information.
The Vienna Woman's Club is now accepting applications for its 43rd annual Harvest Bazaar on Nov. 8 at the Vienna Community Center. Space is limited. For information or to request an application, call 703-938-7716 or 703-851-1313.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 6
<cal2>Reptiles Alive. Get up-close and personal with a real alligator, tortoise and lizards. Ages 6-12. 10:30 a.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
Preschool Singalong. Songs and fun with Miss Belle. Ages 1-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike.
Vienna Theatre Company Auditions. 7:30-9:30 p.m., auditions for the fall production of "Our Town" will be held at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. S.E. There are 14 male and six female parts available, ranging from non-speaking and minor roles to large principal roles. Call Suzanne Maloney at 703-281-7160.
Mary Chapin Carpenter with special guest Caitlin Cary. Country, Cajun, boogie, folk and rock. 8 p.m., at Wolf Trap. Tickets range between $20 and $34. Tickets can be purchased at the Filene Center box office, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; by calling Tickets.com at 703-218-6500; or by visiting www.wolftrap.org. For more information, call 703-255-1860.
Jeff Lang, guitarist/songwriter. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $10. Call 703-255-1566 for more information.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 7
<cal2>Breaking the Code. Solve the puzzling secrets from past to present. Ages 6-10. 2 p.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
Storytime Picnic. 11:30 a.m. Stories and activities for all ages. Bring a lunch, a blanket and join others at the Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave., Vienna. Call 703-938-0405 to register.
Charivari. Cajun music featuring waltzes, two-steps, fiddle tunes and Creole songs. A part of the Nottoway Nights summer concert series. Admission is free. 7:30 p.m. at Nottoway Park, 9601 Courthouse Road, Vienna. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
Kaydee Puppets: "Be Your Best." Have fun getting ready for school; free goody bag provided for each family. 10:30 a.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-790-8088 to register.
Jethro Tull with special guest Willy Porter. 8 p.m., at Wolf Trap. Tickets range between $22 and $34. Tickets can be purchased at the Filene Center box office, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; by calling Tickets.com at 703-218-6500; or by visiting www.wolftrap.org. For more information, call 703-255-1860.
The Waybacks. Roots music. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $10. Call 703-255-1566 for more information.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 8
<cal2>The Lunch Pack. Bring a lunch and listen to stories. Ages 2-6 with adult. 12:30 p.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
Reptile World. Meet live, gentle reptiles and learn how important they are to the environment. Ages 6-12. 2 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-790-8088 to register.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” performed by the Vienna Youth Players. 7:30 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. S.E. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $7 for students and senior citizens. For more information, call 703-255-6360.
The Clumsy Lovers. 8 p.m., will perform at Jammin’ Java, located at 231 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Tickets are $10.
Peter, Paul and Mary. 8 p.m., at Wolf Trap. Tickets range between $18 and $30. Tickets can be purchased at the Filene Center box office, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; by calling Tickets.com at 703-218-6500; or by visiting www.wolftrap.org. For more information, call 703-255-1860.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 9
<cal2>Book Collection. The American Association of University Women will be collecting used books, records, CDs, tapes, videos and software at the SunTrust Bank, 515 Maple Ave., Vienna, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Funds raised will create scholarships. For more information, call 703-356-6293.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” performed by the Vienna Youth Players. 7:30 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. S.E. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $7 for students and senior citizens. For more information, call 703-255-6360.
Falls Walk. 1-1:30 p.m. Explore the natural and cultural aspects of Great Falls Park with a ranger at Overlook 2. Wear comfortable shoes, and meet at the Visitor Center desk. Call 703-285-2965 for more information.
Vulture Watching. 2-2:45 p.m. Come learn more about the vultures that soar over Great Falls Park. A park ranger will discuss the many images that these birds have come to represent, while leading a short walk to observe them in their natural habitat. Meet the ranger at the Visitor Center desk. Program is free. Call 703-285-2965 for more information.
11th Annual D.C. Pen SuperShow. Buy and trade vintage and new pens, visit repairmen, learn new trends, join clubs, try out the "2003 D.C. Pen SuperShow Special Edition" blue ink, door prize of $30-$75 Monteverde pens. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Sheraton Premiere Hotel at Tysons Corner, 8661 Leesburg Pike/Route 7, Vienna. For information, call 703-448-1234. Entry is $6; people under 21 free with adult admission.
Peter, Paul and Mary. 8 p.m., at Wolf Trap. Tickets range between $18 and $30. Tickets can be purchased at the Filene Center box office, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; by calling Tickets.com at 703-218-6500; or by visiting www.wolftrap.org. For more information, call 703-255-1860.
Pierce Pettis, singer/songwriter. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $12. Call 703-255-1566 for more information.
The Virginia Draft Horse and Mule Association presents the Old Dominion at Rosemont Farm in Spotsylvania. 9 a.m. There are a variety of classes to take throughout the day and shows to see. For driving directions and more information, call Steven Smith at 540-672-2484 or visit the Web site, www.vdhma.org.
Coin and stamp Show. 10-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10-5 p.m. on Sunday at the Vienna Community Center. There will be approximately 15 stamp dealers and 45 coin dealers. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Coin Club. For more information, call Darren Coker at 703-532-6640 or 703-444-2812.
Playmobil Play Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Once Upon a Time, 120 Church St. N.E., Vienna. Discover the world of pirates, knights, grocery stores, construction, space, farms and other themes. A Playmobil representative will be in attendance to answer questions and give suggestions. Free prizes and surprises. Refreshments will be served. For further information, call Once Upon a Time at 703-255-3285.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 10
<cal2> Falls Walk. 1-1:30 p.m. Explore the natural and cultural aspects of Great Falls Park with a ranger at Overlook 2. Wear comfortable shoes, and meet at the Visitor Center desk. Call 703-285-2965 for more information.
Snakes and Turtles. 2-3 p.m. Join a park ranger to meet a couple of reptiles at Great Falls Park. Come learn about these animals, some threats they face and their interesting habits. Meet the ranger near Overlook 2. Program is free. Call 703-285-2965 for more information.
Ruthie and the Wranglers. Live music. Time to be announced. At Jammin' Java, 231 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. $10. Call 703-255-1566.
11th Annual D.C. Pen SuperShow. Buy and trade vintage and new pens, visit repairmen, learn new trends, join clubs, try out the "2003 D.C. Pen SuperShow Special Edition" blue ink, door prize of $30-$75 Monteverde pens. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Sheraton Premiere Hotel at Tysons Corner, 8661 Leesburg Pike/Route 7, Vienna. For information, call 703-448-1234. Entry is $6; people under 21 free with adult admission.
Coin and Stamp Show. 10-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10-5 p.m. on Sunday at the Vienna Community Center. There will be approximately 15 stamp dealers and 45 coin dealers. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Coin Club. For more information, call Darren Coker at 703-532-6640 or 703-444-2812.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 11
<cal2>Can You Keep a Secret? Learn the science and art of codes, ciphers and magic writing. Ages 8-12. 11 a.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-790-8088 to register.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 13
<cal2>Preschool Singalong. Songs and fun with Miss Belle. Ages 1-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
Dog Days of Summer. Stories and activities. Ages 3-5 with an adult. 10:30 a.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
ABC, 123. Stories and activities. Ages 2-3 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-790-8088 to register.
Howl! Miss Cathy's Children's Productions presents famous wolf stories with audience participation. Ages 6-12. 2 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-790-8088 to register.
Summer Garden Party and Plant Sale. 6-9 p.m. at Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run. Follow the red plant-sale signs. Light refreshments will be offered. The horticulture group volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. Call 703-847-0710 for more information.
Ani DiFranco. 8 p.m. at Wolf Trap. Tickets are $32 in-house and $26 on the lawn. For tickets, call 703-218-6500.
Estate Planning Seminar. Learn effective estate planning centered around the revocable living trust with the law firm of Steffan & Macdonald. 10 a.m.-noon at the Sheraton Premiere, 8661 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner. Free. For more information, call 703-691-4310.
Trip to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The McLean Travelers will tour the museum, dine at the Army/Navy Club and tour the Anderson House. Cost is $125, $120 for McLean district residents, and includes transportation, a private showing of the DAR quilts, and lunch at the Army/Navy Club. Participants will meet at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. For more information, call 703-790-0123 or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 14
<cal2>Kaydee Puppets: "Be Your Best." Have fun getting ready for school; free goody bag for each family. 10:30 a.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
Silly Stories. Funny stories and activities. 11 a.m. At Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call 703-757-8560 to register.
Storytime Picnic. 11:30 a.m. Stories and activities for all ages. Bring a lunch, a blanket and join others at the Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave., Vienna. Call 703-938-0405 to register.
Trinidad & Tobago Steel Band. A virtual trip through the islands through music. A Nottoway Nights performance. 7:30 p.m., at Nottoway Park, 9601 Courthouse Road, Vienna. Canceled in case of rain. Call 703-930-7532 for cancellation information. Park is not lighted; bring a flashlight for a safe exit after dark.