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 Joy Allen at 703-917-6432.
<lst>Alzheimers Family Day Center
Provides services and support for Alzheimers patients and their families, including family day care. For information, call Joan Dutches, 703-532-8899
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 Carole Herrick at 703-356-8223 for more information.
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.
McLean Great Falls Celebrate Virginia 1607-2007
This group was formed last year to plan a celebration for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown on May 14, 1607. For information, call Carole Herrick, 703-356-8223.
Cooper Trash Parkout, Inc.
A private, nonprofit organization formed in June 2003 to continue community garbage pickups and recycling efforts at Cooper Middle School. Membership is $225 and entitles members to return recyclables and trash for pickup at Cooper every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Call John Theon, 703-356-1435, or Dennis Lucey, 703-448-6870.
Democrat Women’s Rights Committee
Raises money and supports women candidates. The Women’s Rights Committee meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at Fairfax County Democratic headquarters, 7245 Arlington Blvd., suite 205, Falls Church. Call 703-573-6811.
Dranesville District Democratic Women’s Club
Promotes Democratic policies and candidates. Meets monthly at noon on the fourth Monday of the month for lunch at a local restaurant and a guest speaker who addresses local issues. For information, call Carole Herrick, president, 703-356-8223, or Trianthe Dakolias, 703-356-0529.
Dranesville District Democratic Committee
Identifies, grooms and supports potential political candidates for public office. Contact Dale Evans, district chairman, 703-848-2522.
Dranesville District Republican Committee
Goal is nominating and electing Republicans to public office. This is where volunteer grass roots politics begins. Contact Gary H. Baise, district chairman, 703-790-1315.
Equality Fairfax
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community and Advocacy. Equality Fairfax offers a wide variety of regular social activities, volunteer opportunities and issues education in Fairfax County. Pick and choose the activities of interest: social, volunteer, civic or issues advocacy. Equality Fairfax, P.O. Box 1223, Vienna, Va. 22183. Call 703-255-1552 or visit www.EqualityFairfax.org.
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. Call Bari Levingston, president, 703-748-6068. P.O. Box 77, McLean, Va. 22101
Friends of McLean Community Center
Raises money and provides support for programs to enhance the MCC. Open, public meetings take place on the second Monday of every month. To join or for information, call Carole Herrick, 703-356-8223
Georgetown Pike Association
Preserves the character and integrity of 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 in McLean and Great Falls. Call John Adams, president, at 202-955-1512.
JAM! Jazz McLean
A teen jazz band directed by Rob Holmes, Jam! Jazz McLean 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.
McLean Art Club
P.O. Box 7724, McLean
Meetings are held on the fourth Friday of each month at 10:30 at the McLean Community Center. Meetings usually consist of lectures and art demonstrations. Annual dues are $25. The president is Eliane Kesteloot. For more information, call 703-356-5519 or 703-476-6676 or visit www.mcleanartclub.org.
McLean Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce, located at 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 Frederic B. Roehner, president, at 703-356-5424.
McLean Citizens Association
Founded in 1914, the McLean Citizens Association, "the voice of McLean," is celebrating its 89th 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. It meets on the first Wednesday of every month except August at 8 p.m. at the McLean Community Center. Annual membership dues are $10 per member. For more information, write to P.O. Box 273, McLean, Va. 22101 or call Jan Perriello, president, at 703-556-9424.
McLean Citizens Foundation
Formed by the McLean Citizens Association, the McLean Citizens Foundation makes grants for capital purchases to McLean charities. Recent beneficiaries include Friends of McLean Central Park, SHARE Inc., Alzheimers Family Day Center, Old Firehouse Teen Center and Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center, as well as other educational and civic projects. Meets the first Tuesday of the month at the McLean Community Center. Call Maj. Gen. Ira (Jim) Hunt, 703-893-0809, or Kal Rumberg, publicity chairman, 703-827-9210.
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 Drive, McLean, Va. 22101.
McLean Historical Society
Meets September through June on the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the McLean Community Center for refreshments and a program about local history. Call Carole Herrick, 703-356-8223.
McLean Land 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. P.O. Box 224, McLean Va. 22101.
McLean Little League
McLean Little League has a softball program for girls and boys ages 7-15. League offers softball players regular season games, training clinics, postseason tournament play and fall ball. The Little League also offers baseball for boys and girls ages 5-12. Call 703-356-2695.
McLean Newcomers Club
The McLean Newcomers Club, founded in 1969, is open to both new and longtime residents. It fosters new friendships and provides opportunities for socializing while welcoming new arrivals to the community with monthly luncheons, coffees, tours and activities. The initial coffee of the school year will be Wednesday, Sept. 3. For information, call Mary Lou Spear, 703-536-2422, or access the Web site at www.mcleancenter.org.
McLean Planning Committee
This advisory group supports the interests of the Community Business Center in McLean. It includes four representatives and four alternates 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 Postcomers Club
A social club drawn primarily from those who have belonged to the Newcomers Club for three years or more. 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 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 takes place in a local home.
MPA exhibits are free and open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday, 1 - 5 p.m., at the Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., 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, Va. 22106.
McLean Trees
A standing committee of the McLean Citizens Association that collects and recycles newspapers at Cooper Middle School. The committee invests the proceeds in the purchase, planting and maintenance of trees and shrubs to beautify 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 and patriotism. Meetings are at noon on the second Saturday of every month except July and August at the American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean.
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. It established the annual McLean Family Walkathon at Lewinsville Park on McLean Day and meets monthly on Monday evenings at the McLean Community Center. New members welcome. For information, call Kitty Gonzalez, publicity chair, 703-448-6101 or visit the Web site at www.ndwc.org
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. Call Tom Mangan, president, 703-821-3344, or Bob Rosenberg, publicity, 703-356-3444, or 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. Call Jan Auerbach, president, 703-893-6953, or visit the Web site, www.crosslink.net/~scc.
Toastmasters International, McLean chapter.
Toastmasters 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 communication skills, become more effective in meetings and to convey messages more concisely. Contact Connie Rader, vice president of membership, at 703-356-5374 or cbrader@aol.com.
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.
Fairfax Audubon Society
The Audubon Society is the largest conservation organization in Northern Virginia. Their mission is to conserve and enhance natural ecosystems. Call 703-256-6895 or visit the Web site, www.fairfaxaudubon.org, for information about membership, the adult education programs, field trips and/or conservation activities.
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. A plan for a sundial garden and observatory with several telescopes for public use is under development. For information on this 501(c)3 organization, contact Charles H. Olin at 703-759-6616 or olin@dgs.dgsys.com. Visit www.analemma.org.
Brogue Charities
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Brogue Charities raises money for local causes in Great Falls. Brogue Charities sponsors fireworks for the public at The Turner Farm on July 4. Call Mike Kearney, The Old Brogue, 703-759-3309.
Colvin Run Citizens Association
Meets at Colvin Run Schoolhouse and holds regular Saturday night dances featuring music of the '30s, '40s and '50s, and the Big Band sounds of the Colvin Run Dance Band at the Colvin Run Schoolhouse, 10201 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls. Lessons begin at 8 p.m. with instruction in tango, jitterbug, polka, salsa, waltz and other popular favorites.
Dances follow at 9 p.m. and continue to midnight. Set-ups are provided. Admission is $12 per person. Call 703-430-3342 or e-mail www.dcdancenet.com/regularevents
Dranesville Trash and Recycling, Inc.
A private, nonprofit organization of volunteers who wanted to continue the traditional “parkouts” in Great Falls, which permit citizens to pay a $225 annual fee to bring their trash and recyclables, including newsprint, bottles and cans, to Great Falls Elementary School at 701 Walker Road on Saturday morning. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to noon. Call Garrett Preis, 703-757-6543, or Mark Palarameras, 703-757-2223. For more information, visit
www.gfcitizens.com.
Friends of Colvin Run Mill
Volunteers dedicated to preserving the heritage of Northern Virginia for future generations. The restored Colvin Run Mill is a working 19th century water-powered grist mill at a park at Colvin Run Road and Route 7 in Great Falls. Exhibits, programs and demonstrations include grinding grains, blacksmithing and whittling. Visit the mill the and period-appropriate dry goods store at 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Call 703-759-4360.
Friends of the Great Falls Library
A group of book-lovers that raises money to expand programs for children and outreach at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. It currently has no set time for meetings. For information, call the library at 703-757-8560. The president is Rumana Chaudhuri, 202-429-3806.
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 take place 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 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, Great Falls Day, the Great Falls Freedom Memorial and other community developments and events. Meets every other month at Marcello's Restaurant. 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 reside within those boundaries pay $20 per person annually for voting privileges, but the public is invited to attend meetings. The GFCA is governed by an executive board of 13 members elected from the membership, plus four officers. GFCA committees study planning and zoning issues, parks and trails, and transportation issues such as roads and traffic. General membership meetings are the second Tuesday of every month except July and August at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange on Georgetown Pike. Call Eleanor Anderson at 703-757-0448 or write GFCA, P.O. Box 27, Great Falls, Va. 22066. Web address: www.gfcitizens.com
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, the Good Shepherd alliance housing for the homeless, Pedals for Progress in April, after-graduation parties for local high schools, Camp Fraser and a 5K walk/run and blood drive on July 4. It also sponsors blood drives throughout the year. The council hosts 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 Paul Gysan, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, president, 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 community group based on friendship that has three kinds of membership: individuals, businesses and community organizations. The organizing principle is that the Friends believes in giving back to the community. It sponsors the annual July 4 celebration and a fall festival at Halloween at Village Centre and Great Falls Shopping Center. The Friends meets 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 Candace Bovee, president, 703-759-0375, 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. Call Laura Barlow, president, 703-759-2552, 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 music, wine and cheese parties and field trips. Membership fee is $20. Call Betty Nalls Swartz, 703-759-2378, or Milburn Sanders, 703-759-2352. 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 takes place in the fall and competitive play begins in the spring. Call the association at 703-759-4552 and leave a message. The Web site is www.greatfallslacrosse.com.
Great Falls Lions Club
Local chapter of the country's largest service organization. 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 club awards two $1,000 scholarships to Langley High School students and supports a long list of other charities. Dinner meetings convene 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 Larry Simmons, president, at 703-450-5373. 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 and baseball teams and Operation Smile. Call Helen Learner, 703-975-9306.
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.
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 third Wednesday, except August and December, at the Old Schoolhouse in Great Falls. Call Eleanor Weck 703-759-2059 or visit www.geocities.com/greatfallstrails.
Great Falls Woman’s Club
This diverse group makes things happen in the community and looks to residents to join in. For the last two years, the club has raised thousands of dollars with a Casino Night Gala and fundraiser to support construction of a new fire station for professional and volunteer firefighters and paramedics in Great Falls.
While they perform community service, raise money and award women’s scholarships, members of the Great Falls Woman’s Club and have programs that foster camaraderie within the club. Membership includes many former Great Falls Newcomers. Call 703-757-6234.
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.
The Newcomers sponsors the Halloween Haunted House at Village Centre and actively supports the baby parade and other festivities July 4 Hometown Celebration.
Other activities include monthly lunches, coffees, bridge, book clubs, evening socials, wine and food tastings, cultural excursions, play groups for parents and young children and volunteering for charitable and community events.
The Newcomers provide financial support for such community charities as Camp Fraser, Lift Me Up and the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department. Call Jan Stewart Clark, president, at 703-757-1719, or Barb Chen, membership vice president, at 703-757-7962.
The Turner Farm Team
A group of community volunteers who raise money and public support for a public park that was once a dairy farm at Georgetown Pike and Springvale Road. The Turner Farm team is a liaison with the Fairfax County Park Authority and supports community efforts to build a picnic pavilion, a tot lot, equestrian features and an astronomy observatory at The Turner Farm. For information and notification about meetings, call Beverly Crawford, 703-406-2487, or e-mail mamacow@cox.net. Molly Hockman, 703-759-1952, e-mail mhockman@cox.net, chairs the equestrian committee. For information about the astronomy observatory, call Charles Olin, 703-759-6616, e-mail olin@dgsys.com, or call Bill Kemmerer, 703-757-7424.
The American Indian Society of Washington, D.C.
Nonprofit organization serving the needs of Native American tribes in the D.C. area. P.O. Box 6431, Falls Church, Va. 22040-6431. Visit www.aisdc.org.
Soup and Fish Club
The Virginia chapter of The Wodehouse Society meets the second Friday evening of each month at various bookstores and libraries around Fairfax County. For a good laugh or refuge from the unpleasant people and times, look to the gentle writing of the master of farce, P.G. Wodehouse. Call 703-815-9073 or write to plum1881@aol.com and put "Wodehouse" in the subject line.
Fairfax Trails and Streams
Meets the fourth Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m., at the McLean Government Center. The group discusses trails, especially stream valley trails and the Pimmit Run Trail through the heart of McLean, the group's adopted trail and major project. The group is also involved in Cross-County Trail and the Potomac Heritage Trail. Those who like to hike and are interested in building trails, cleaning them up, improving them are welcome. Contact Bill Niedringhaus at 703-883-7169 or fairfaxtrails@aol.com. An e-mail newsletter is available.