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 store. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., every day except Tuesday. Call 703-759-3403.
The Women's Center hosts the Job Hunters Forum the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9 p.m. The forum offers support for women and men who are actively searching for jobs. Cost is $10 members, $25 nonmembers each session.
Open Mike Showcase at The Old Brogue, the first and third Thursday of 30 p.m. 760 Walker Road. 12 artists per evening.
New Beginnings, a nonprofit support group for separated and divorced individuals, has six meetings a month in the area on different nights in various locations in members' homes. Call 301-924-4101 or visit www.newbeginningsusa.org.
Mothers & More of Northern Virginia is a support organization for mothers who have altered their career path to care for their young children at home. General meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Fairfax County Government Center at 7:30 p.m. Call toll-free at 866-716-7766 for more information.
JAM! Jazz McLean, a teen jazz band directed by Rob Holmes, meets every Monday, 6-8 p.m., at the Old Firehouse Teen Center in McLean. Bring an instrument. For more information, call 703-893-0910 or visit www.geocities.com/jam4teensva.
Swing Dancing will take place every Wednesday night at the Potomac Swing Dancing Club Room, 146 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, across from Whole Foods. Beginning jitterbug/Lindy Hop lessons are at 7:30 p.m., and dancing continues 8:30-11 p.m. Club members pay $10 for the lesson and dance, $6 for dance alone. Nonmembers pay $12 for lesson and dance, $8 for dance alone. For more information, call Donna Barker at 703-978-0375 or visit www.erols.com/swing4me.
McLean Newcomers Club is a social organization made up of newcomers and not-so-newcomers from McLean and its environs. The club meets at different locations throughout the month, both public and private, for various activities such as museum tours, coffees, card groups, book group, potluck luncheons, house and garden activities and much more. Call 703 237-3138, or visit www.geocities.com/mcleannewcomers for information on activities or to join the club.
Ranger Talks. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. during the weekends; see the daily program schedule for weekday times. Join a ranger at Overlook 2 to learn more about Great Falls Park and the Potomac River at Great Falls Park. Check daily program schedule for times during the weekdays. Call 703-285-2965 for more information. Free.
Bird-Watching. Rain or shine on Sundays from 8-10 a.m. Join an informal group of bird-watchers to catch a glimpse of resident and migratory birds in Great Falls Park. Meet in the Visitor Center courtyard dressed for the weather. Call 703-285-2965 for more information.
Friends of the Great Falls Library. A group of book-lovers and library users who support special programs for children and adults at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. The board meets monthly, September through June. For information on becoming a library "friend," call 703-757-8560.
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets every second Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Beverly Hills Methodist Church, 3512 Old Dominion Blvd. in Alexandria. For more information, call 301-439-FLAG or visit pflagdc.org.
The McLean Photo Club meets every second Tuesday of the month, September through June, at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. Meet-and-greet at 7 p.m. is followed by the program at 7:30 p.m. Contact Bill Prosser, president, at ProsserWM@aol.com or 703-821-2670.
Open Mike with host Steve Key takes place every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, 703-255-1566, Ext. 8, www.jamminjava.com.
“Banjo Man.” The Banjo Man, Frank Cassel, performs a musical children's show every Friday at 10:30 a.m. for 45 minutes at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave., Vienna. A donation of $5 per child is recommended. 703-255-1566 or www.jamminjava.com.
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 Order of the Eastern Star, Herndon Chapter 55, whose district includes Great Falls, holds its closed, regular meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at the Masonic Lodge in Herndon at 8 p.m. For information, call Donna Sumpter at 703-437-0859.
Mothers First – Great Falls is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. April meetings are April 7 and 21 at 10 a.m. at the Great Falls Library. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Mothers First – Vienna/McLean is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. April meetings are April 6 and 20 at 10:15 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Library, Vienna. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Potomac River Greenways Coalition Inc. (PRCG) is offering a free watershed stewardship program for people interested in learning about watersheds and how to protect streams. The program consists of eight 2 1/2-hour sessions focusing on technical and organizational information related to watershed management. Sessions are led by local, regional and national experts from organizations including the EPA, the Center for Watershed Protection, River Network, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Friends of the Rappahannock, as well as PRGC’s partner organizations, the Potomac Conservancy, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, Fairfax County DPWES Storm Water Planning Division and the Audubon Naturalist Society. Sessions are open to the public. All sessions are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from March through June, 7-9:30 p.m. The program is funded by a Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. For more information and a list of workshops, contact Bob Jordan, PRGC, at rjordan@fairfaxwatersheds or 703-556-4887.
Beginner Swing Dance Lessons. The Potomac Swing Dance Club, 146 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, offers this popular four-week series on Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21 and 28. Lesson is 7:30–8:30 p.m., followed by social dancing, 8:30-to-11. The instructor is Donna Barker. Dancers learn the basic footwork patterns, lead and follow technique, and plenty of moves. The cost is $40 and includes the lessons, dancing, complimentary snacks/beverages and a one-year membership to the Potomac Swing Dance Club. No partner required. Sign up on the first night of class. For the dance only, members pay $6, and nonmembers pay $8. For more information, call Donna Barker at 703-978-0375 or go to www.dancedc.com.
Mothers and the Law, a support/focus group for women with an interest in promoting justice for mothers and children of separation and divorce, meets the second and forth Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m., in the library of McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Share experiences as litigants in the courts of Virginia. Call 703-748-6203 for more information.
Garden Stroll and Tea. Spend an afternoon exploring Green Spring Gardens. An English tea is served in the historic Manor House following the guided tour. $22. At Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, 703-642-5173. Register and pre-pay for event.
Bird and Butterfly Walks at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Take a free, introductory, guided stroll with butterfly and bird photographer William B. Folsom. Sundays, 12:30 p.m., April-October, at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Call 703-255-3631.
Charity Citrus Fruit Sale at American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Friday, April 16, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, April 17, 8 a.m.-noon. Proceeds support local community youth, patriotic and veteran needs. Pink seedless grapefruit and Valencia oranges are featured. Visit www.mcleanpost270.org, or call 703-356-8259 for additional details.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/MARCH 31
<cal2>Austin Lounge Lizards will perform comedic music 8 p.m. at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $18. For more information, call 703-218-6500 or visit www.wolftrap.org.
Wiggly Things. Stories and activities about things that wiggle. Ages 2-3 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
Support Group for Survivors of Clergy Abuse. The group meets 7-8:30 p.m., at the Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Road, McLean. This 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.
<cal1>THURSDAY/APRIL 1
<cal2>The Bobs and Austin Lounge Lizards perform comedic musical acts at 8 p.m., at the Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $18. For more information, call 703-218-6500 or visit www.wolftrap.org.
<cal1>FRIDAY/APRIL 2
<cal2>The Bobs perform comedic musical acts at 8 p.m., at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $18. For more information, call 703-218-6500 or visit www.wolftrap.org.
“Taste for Literacy.” The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia invites area residents to help take a bite out of adult illiteracy by participating in its 2004 “Taste for Literacy” event and auction, 6:30 p.m., at the National Science Foundation in Arlington. The event features food from area restaurants, a silent auction and live music. All proceeds benefit the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia’s adult education programs. Tickets are $40 per person, $75 per couple in advance; $45 per person, $80 per couple at the door. Ticket price includes food, open bar, auction guide and entertainment. Reserve tickets by phone, 703-575-7900, or e-mail, info@lcnv.org. Those who R.S.V.P. by March 23 receive an auction preview guide in the mail before the event.
AAUW Used Book Sale. The Falls Church Area American Association of University Women, AAUW, is holding its annual Used Book Sale on Friday, April 2, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, just off Route 7. More than 40,000 books for browsing and buying. Most books priced at $2 or less. Bargain hunters can come Saturday for half-price specials.
For more information about the book sale, call 703-534-5345.
WAMMIE award-winning musicians Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun perform their “roots rock” at McLean’s Alden Theatre on Friday, April 2, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17/$14 for McLean tax district residents. The theater is located at 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 (7328). For more information, call 703-790-9223/TTY: 703-827-8255, or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Kathy Harty Gray Dance Theatre performs its spring concert at 8 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria campus. $20 general admission, $15 students/seniors. Preview performance, 1 p.m., $5 at the door. 703-413-3811.
<cal1>SATURDAY/APRIL 3
<cal2>17th Annual Evening of Comedy. 7 p.m., at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $18. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
McLean's Garage Sale. Residents can participate in the McLean Community Center’s annual Spring Garage Sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the parking garage of the Business Bank at 1451 Dolley Madison Blvd. (Route 123). Admission is free. For more information, call the McLean Community Center at 703-790-0123, or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
AAUW Used Book Sale. The Falls Church Area American Association of University Women, AAUW, is holding its annual Used Book Sale on Friday, April 2, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, just off Route 7. More than 40,000 books for browsing and buying. Most books priced at $2 or less. Bargain hunters can come Saturday for half-price specials.
For more information about the book sale, call 703-534-5345.
An Easter Egg Hunt for children 2-9 takes place, 1-3 p.m., at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, 10017 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls. Children hunt hand-dyed eggs, make a craft, listen to stories and meet the Easter Bunny. The hunt begins at 2 p.m. Bring a basket for gathering eggs. Reservations required by March 31. Cost is $5 per child. Call 703-759-2771.
The McLean Symphony performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Alden Theater at McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. The annual spring concert features selections from Bach, Morton Gould, John Dankworth and Michael Kamen as well as original works by area students selected by the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association. Cost is $18 for adults and $14 for seniors and youth. For more information, call 703-880-1611.
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. "Triple Swing" dance lesson, 8 p.m., $5 per person. For information, call 703-430-3342.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A special selection by the Friends of the Tysons-Pimmit Library. All ages. No registration is required. Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
McLean Community Center’s annual Spring Garage Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the parking garage of the Business Bank at 1451 Dolley Madison Blvd. (Route 123). Shoppers at the sale find bargain prices on toys, electronics, glassware, clothing, baby items, collectibles and more. A limited number of 10-feet-by-10-feet display spaces for sellers can be purchased for $40. This event is only for individuals selling personal items. For more information, or to reserve a display space, call McLean Community Center at 703-790-0123, or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Kathy Harty Gray Dance Theatre performs its spring concert at 8 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria campus. $20 general admission, $15 students/seniors. 703-413-3811.
Bog Gardens in Outdoor Containers. 10 a.m. Horticulturist Laurie Short shows how to create bog gardens with a variety of plants. $5. Reservations required. At NVRPA's Meadowlark Gardens Horticulture Building, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Call 703-255-3631.
<cal1>SUNDAY/APRIL 4
<cal2>Kennedy Center Chamber Players. 2 p.m., at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Part of the 2003-04 Discovery Series, the Chamber Players perform classic chamber works by a variety of composers, including Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms. Tickets are $25. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
Children's Spring Festival. The Adeler Family's 15th annual Children's Spring Festival takes place 2-4 p.m., at the Great Falls Village Centre. Sponsored by Adeler Jewelers and The Optimists of Great Falls, the egg hunt contains $9,000 worth of gemstones that are mixed with candy and stuffed into over 5,000 eggs. Admission is $6 for children 1-10. For more information, call 703-759-4076.
The Potomac River Sacred Harp Singing Convention takes place at the Great Falls Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Singers from across the country gather to sing early American shape-note hymns and choral music from "The Sacred Harp" tune book. All are welcome to sing or listen at singing sessions from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with a break for a potluck lunch. Admission is free. No vocal training required. The convention is sponsored by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington. For more information, call the Society's hot line at 202-546-2228.
Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Share stories, songs and fun. Age 1-5 with adult. Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Monday/April 5
<cal2>Evening Tour of the Atrium's Gardens. 8 p.m., at NVRPA's Meadowlark Gardens Horticulture Building, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Horticulturist Tammy Burke leads a free tour of the White, Peach and Yellow gardens at dusk, pointing out the evening flowers and their night scents in these gardens, which surround the Atrium, the indoor garden structure of the botanical gardens. Reservations required. Call 703-255-3631.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 6
<cal2>Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) sponsors groups for injured victims and for relatives and friends of those who have been killed in drunken driving crashes. The next Injured Victim Support Group meeting is Tuesday, April 6, at 3 p.m. New participants are always welcome. Free. For more information, call 703-978-3025.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 7
<cal2>Personalized Internet Tutoring. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn how to use the Web or develop skills. Call for appointment. Adults. Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
"The Little 'Bread' Hen." Puppet show. 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Friends of the Dolley Madison Library and the Virginia Commission for the Arts. All ages. Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
VITA Tax Counseling. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Adults. Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. 703-790-8088.
Mark Jaster presents "Piccolo’s Trunk," an introduction to the art of mime for children, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the Alden Theatre. Tickets are $8/$6 for McLean tax district residents. The Alden Theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., in the McLean Community Center. 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
<cal1>THURSDAY/APRIL 8
<cal2>Tom Paxton, songwriter for artists such as Pete Seeger, Willie Nelson and Placido Domingo, performs at 8 p.m., at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $18. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th) hosts a forum on the new Medicare prescription drug benefit at 9:30 a.m., at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and commonwealth of Virginia will be available to discuss how the new law affects seniors in the 10th District.
<cal1>FRIDAY/APRIL 9
<cal2>Christine Lavin performs a selection from her 15 albums, at 8 p.m., at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets are $18. For more information, call 703-218-6500, or visit www.wolftrap.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/APRIL 10
<cal2>Folk singer Lucy Kaplansky performs 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.
VITA Tax Counseling. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Adults. Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. 703-790-8088.
Puppet Double Feature. 2 p.m. Celebrate spring with Kaydee Puppets' funny versions of "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Peter Rabbit." Sponsored by the Friends of the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library. All ages. Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
Bunny Tales. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, sponsors this noncompetitive celebration of spring with arts and crafts projects and children's play and game areas, as well as entertainment and food sales. For information, call 703-790-0123 or www.mcleancenter.org.
Freedom Hill Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, welcomes Page Archer, also known as Princess Red Feather of the Virginia Powhattan Nation, to speak about the Powhattans at the meeting hall of Trinity Methodist Church on Rte. 123 in McLean. Meeting is at 12 p.m., lecture is at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. For membership information, call 703-356-2370 or visit users.erols.com/denwards.
<cal1>Sunday/April 11
<cal2>Spring Garden Tours. 1 p.m. View spring flowering bulbs, perennials and shrubs on this free tour with horticulturist Doris Rodriguez. Reservations recommended. At Meadowlark Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Call 703-255-3631.
<cal1>Monday/April 12
<cal2>Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Share stories, songs and fun. Age 1-5 with adult. Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 13
<cal2>The McLean Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) meets at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Area resident Gayle Reed relates her experiences as a W.W.II civilian pilot in the Army's Women's Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) Program. The public is welcome to attend this presentation at 1 p.m. Bring a dish for the 12 p.m. potluck and stay for the business meeting following the speaker's presentation. For details, call 703-560-8648.
Dranesville supervisor Joan DuBois will be at the Great Falls Grange at 7:30 p.m. to hear public comments about the needs of Great Falls residents. The meeting is sponsored by the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA). For more information, contact Cathy Mayes at 703-759-4194.
Newcomers of Great Falls Luncheon. Social hour is at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12:15 p.m. The program features exotic travel destinations. The cost of the luncheon is $25 per person at Fiore di Luna, located in the Seneca Square Shopping Center, Great Falls. To R.S.V.P., call 703-326-GFVA. Visit www.greatfallsnewcomers.com.