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, a social organization made up of newcomers and some not-so-newcomers 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.
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. 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 Great Falls Lions Club citrus sale will be held Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 26-28, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., next to the Great Falls Fire Department. Valencia and Temple oranges and three grapefruit varieties will be sold at $20 per box, or $11 per half box.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/FEB. 18
<cal2>Roger McGuinn, former frontman for The Byrds, will perform at 8 p.m. at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
February Favorites. Miss Cathy's Story Theatre presents interactive seasonal tales. Sponsored by the Friends of the Dolley Madison Library. Ages 2-6 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
Lunchtime Tots. Stories and fun for toddlers. Bring a snack or a brown bag lunch. Age 11-25 months with adult. 12 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
McLean Newcomers Luncheon. Social hour takes place at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon at noon, at Marcello Ristorante, 774-A Walker Road, Great Falls. Cost: $22 per person. The speaker is Victoria Schmidt, author of "Triumph in Exile," a novel based on the life of Madame de Stael, a woman who challenged Napoleon. R.S.V.P. to Mary at 703-821-7567 before Feb. 16.
<cal1>THURSDAY/FEB. 19
<cal2>Former Woodstock musician Richie Havens will perform selections from 50 years of folk music at 8 p.m. at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
Great Falls Woman's Club Trip to the Torpedo Factory. The historic wartime facility in Old Town Alexandria is now a working art gallery and home for the Art League School and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Meet artisans to learn the secrets of weaving, ceramics, printing and enameling. Lunch is at Le Gaulois cafe. Departure is at 11 a.m., tour at 12:30 p.m. For more information, call Dawn at 703-757-6234.
Mark Erelli and Bill Mallonee perform. Mark Erelli celebrates the release of his new album, "Hillbilly Pilgrim," at 8 p.m., at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, 703-255-1566, Ext. 8, www.jamminjava.com. Tickets are $10.
February Meeting and Rose Care Program. Jason Brown of Star Roses will show slides and discuss new roses for 2004, Thursday, Feb. 19, at the McLean Government Center, 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Open to all. Free.
<cal1>FRIDAY/FEB. 20
<cal2>New Guitar Summit. Guitarists J. Geils, Duke Robillard and Gerry Beaudoin will perform blues and swing music at 8 p.m. at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $22. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
Gary Ferguson, Sally Love, Jordan Tice, Kip Martin and special guests Mike Auldridge and Ron Stewart appear 8 p.m., at Jammin' Java Coffee House, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. The concert features new arrangements of the bluegrass and folk music of Mike Auldridge, one of the founding members of Seldom Scene, by the other five performers. For more information, call Jammin' Java at 703-255-1566.
Celebrate Snowmen. Stories, activities and a craft about these frosty friends. Ages 2-5 with adult. 2 p.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
Virginia Opera, Verdi’s "Rigoletto." Victor Hugo's classic tale of love, nobility and hired assassins, this opera will be sung in Italian with English DigiText Supertitles. Tickets are $78, $64, $42. 8 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax. Call 703-993-2787.
Toddler Time: Little Mice. 10:30-11:15 a.m., at Riverbend Nature Center, 703-759-9018. Ages 2-3. Play games such as "Where's the Cheese" and "Little Mouse." Hear a story, sing songs and create a little squeaker to take home. Reservations and advanced payment required. $5.
"A Little Princess." Young McLean actors present weekend run, Feb. 20-22. Show times are Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $6.50/$4.50 for McLean district residents. The Alden Theatre is housed in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. 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, or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Potomac Theatre presents "Pippin," book by Roger Hirson, music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Friday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Engelhard Performing Arts Center, The Potomac School, McLean. For information, call 703-883-2225.
<cal1>SATURDAY/FEB. 21
<cal2>An Evening with Sonny Landreth. Musical trio The Goners will perform at 7:30 p.m. at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $18. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
"Music to George Washington's Ear.” Tea program, 1-3 p.m. Celebrate Washington's birthday with musical hits from the past. The Colonial Recorders perform. An English tea follows the program. Reservations required. Greenspring Gardens Park is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Reservations are required; call 703-941-7987. Children under 5 are not invited. $22. Visa or Mastercard accepted.
The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA) presents a public forum on "Civil Liberties: The Patriot Act," 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Westpark Hotel, 8401 Westpark Drive in Tysons Corner. The forum is open to the public and free of charge. Moderating the panel discussion is William Sessions, former head of the FBI and former federal judge. Panelists are Dan Bryant of the U.S. Department of Justice, Alice Fisher of the law firm of Lathem and Watkins, Lara Flint of the Center for Technology and Democracy, and Patrice Webb of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Following the forum, attendees are invited to the annual luncheon for a charge of $20. For details or to make reservations for the luncheon, call 703-658-9150. All persons of voting age, male and female, are welcome to become members of the League and participate in its activities. For information, visit the LWVFA Web site at www.lwv-fairfax.org.
When Lions Could Fly. African-American stories and songs presented by Baba Jamal Koram. Sponsored by the Friends of the Dolley Madison Library. All ages. 1:30 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
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.
Winter Tales for the Whole Family. Master storyteller Margaret Chatham tells traditional tales for the young and young at heart. Sponsored by the Friends of the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library. Age 6 and up. 2 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
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.
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.
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. Cha-cha dance lesson, 8 p.m., $5 per person. For information, call 703-430-3342.
"A Little Princess." Young McLean actors present a two-weekend run, Feb. 13-15 and Feb. 20-22. Show times are Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $6.50/$4.50 for McLean district residents. The Alden Theatre is housed in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. To purchase tickets, stop by the Alden Theatre Box Office, or charge tickets by telephone, call Ticketmaster at 202-432-SEAT. For more information, call 703-790-9223, or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 22
<cal2>Isla, a trio that blends Appalachian and Celtic music, performs in the Old Brogue Irish Pub's Snuggery (dining room). Seatings are at 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $12, and the Old Brogue's fare is available. Reservations must be made in advance; call 703-759-3309. For more information, visit www.ionamusic.com/brogueinfo.htm. The Old Brogue is located at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road in Great Falls. The venue is nonsmoking.
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.
Virginia Opera, Verdi’s "Rigoletto." Victor Hugo's classic tale of love, nobility and hired assassins, this opera will be sung in Italian with English DigiText Supertitles. Tickets are $78, $64, $42. 2 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax. Call 703-993-2787.
"A Little Princess." Young McLean actors present a two-weekend run, Feb. 13-15 and Feb. 20-22. Show times are Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $6.50/$4.50 for McLean district residents. The Alden Theatre is housed in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. To purchase tickets, stop by the Alden Theatre Box Office, or charge tickets by telephone, call Ticketmaster at 202-432-SEAT. For more information, call 703-790-9223, or and www.mcleancenter.org.
<cal1>Monday/Feb. 23
<cal2>Sweet Dreams. Bedtime stories and activities for children. Come in pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal. All ages. 7:30 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
Preschool Sing-a-long. Sing songs with Miss Belle. Ages 1-5 with adult. Preschool storytime. 10:30 a.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
The Great Falls Woman's Club special interests group will be discussing " The White Russian" by Tom Bradby on Feb. 23. The monthly meeting will take place at the home of Helen Cabell at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join for a lively critique. If interested, please call Carol at 703-848-1926.
<cal1>Tuesday/Feb. 24
<cal2>Mothers First Vienna/McLean. 10:15 a.m., at Patrick Henry Library, Vienna. Mothers First is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips and mom's nights out. For more information, call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Discover What You Want to Be: Conductor. Tim Rowe, artistic director for Amadeus Orchestra, visits. Sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Library. All ages. 4:30 p.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
Book Talk for Book Lovers. "Into Thin Air," by Jon Krakauer. Adults. 7:30 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
The Great Falls Woman's Club will be meeting Feb. 24 from 2-4 p.m. at the home of Odiorne Beebe. Everyone is welcome for this worthwhile endeavor. New knitters and crocheters are invited to be part of Project Linus. For information, call Odiorne at: 703-759-6739.
New York City’s infamous Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo will “redefine” traditional classical ballet when they perform at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at McLean’s Alden Theatre. Tickets are $30, $25 for McLean district residents. The theater is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. For more information, call 703-790-0123, or log on to www.mcleancenter.org The program, subject to change, includes “Swan Lake” pas de deux (or solo to be announced), “La Vivandiere,” and “Underwater Scene” from “The Humpback Horse.” For more information on Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, visit www.trockadero.org
To purchase tickets, stop by the Alden Theatre Box Office, or to charge tickets by telephone, call Ticketmaster at 202-432-SEAT (7328). For more information, call 703-790-9223; TTY 703-827-8255.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 25
<cal2> Support Group for Survivors of Clergy Abuse.
A support group for survivors of clergy abuse will meet next Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Dolly Madison Library, 1224 Oak Ridge Road, McLean. The group is co-sponsored by Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) of Northern Virginia and SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.) For information or directions, call 703-538-6128.