<cal1>Wednesday/April 6
<cal2>The McLean Newcomers Club, a social organization made up of newcomers and not-so-newcomers from McLean and its environs, meets at a member's home and is open to all. Call Jackie at 703-790-8284, or e-mail mcleannewcomers@yahoo.com.
Mothers First – Great Falls, supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home, meets from 10 a.m.-noon at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Rainbows & Raindrops. April stories and activities for children ages 2-5 with an adult at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. 10 a.m.-noon. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
Personalized Internet Tutoring. Learn how to use the Web, or increase your skills, at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, from 10 a.m.-noon. Call for an appointment, 703-356-0770. Adults.
Great Falls Friends Monthly Breakfast Meeting. Join the April meeting at 8 a.m. at the Old Brogue, 760C Walker Road, Great Falls, for networking, light breakfast and a speaker. Call Candace Bovee at 703-759-0375.
<cal1>Thursday/April 7
<cal2>Opening reception for the McLean Project for the Arts 24th Annual Youth Art Show middle- and high-school exhibit, featuring art by McLean-area middle- and high-school students. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Show runs April 1-6. MMPA is located on the upper level of the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. Call MPAA at 703-790-1953, or call the Community Center at 703-790-0123.
The Nighthawks film a live DVD of their blues/rock performance at 8 p.m at the Barns at Wolf Trap. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
We Love Trees. Stories, activities and a craft for ages 2-5 with an adult at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, at 1 p.m. Call 703-757-8560 to register.
<cal1>Friday/April 8
<cal2>Hearts in Bloom Gala. Friday, April 8, at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean. The gala supports the mission of the American Heart Association to reduce death and disability from heart disease and stroke. For sponsorship, underwriting, and/or individual ticket information, call 703-914-3700. Visit www.americanheart.org.
The Accessibility Summit 2005, presented by Access Ministry, McLean Bible Church, will take place Friday-Saturday, April 8-9, in Tysons Corner. This sixth annual conference for the Washington, D.C. area disability community brings together families and caregivers of those affected by disabilities, as well as faith-based organizations, professionals, community resource organizations and government agencies. For more information or to register, visit access.mcleanbible.org or contact Jan Sanders at 703-770-2938.
Musical performance by vocalist Livingston Taylor at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Tickets cost $18 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Oakcrest School, 850 Balls Hill Road, presents the musical comedy "The Trouble with Flowers," based on an original script written by Oakcrest senior Alli Bacaj. 8 p.m. Call 703-790-5450.
Geraldine Brooks, author of the new novel "March," will be the guest speaker at the April luncheon meeting of the Literature Group of the McLean Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Brooks, who currently lives in Northern Virginia, spent several years as a Middle East correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, where she reported on the Iran-Iraq war, the Palestinian uprising and the Gulf War. From 1993-94 she was the United Nation's correspondent covering the peacekeeping operations in Somalia. 11:30 a.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. Call Miriam Howard, 703-532-8975.
American Association of University Women's annual used book sale, to benefit the AAUW Educational Foundation, a women's scholarship program. 9 a.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St. Call 703-534-5345.
<cal1>Saturday/April 9
<cal2>The Accessibility Summit 2005, presented by Access Ministry, McLean Bible Church, takes place Friday-Saturday, April 8-9, in Tysons Corner. This annual conference for the Washington, D.C.-area disability community brings together families and caregivers of those affected by disabilities, as well as faith-based organizations, professionals, community resource organizations and government agencies. For more information or to register, visit access.mcleanbible.org or contact Jan Sanders at 703-770-2938.
Musical performance by vocalist Livingston Taylor at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $18 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Oakcrest School, 850 Balls Hill Road, presents the musical comedy "The Trouble with Flowers," based on an original script written by Oakcrest senior Alli Bacaj. 2 and 8 p.m. Call 703-790-5450.
American Association of University Women's annual used book sale, to benefit the AAUW Educational Foundation, a women's scholarship program. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St. Call 703-534-5345.
Equality Fairfax Second Annual Spring Dinner & Dance features hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, sit-down dinner and dancing from 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at the Tysons Corner Holiday Inn. Tickets cost $32 members and $35 for nonmembers. Dance-only tickets also available. Equality Fairfax is a not-for-profit organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of Fairfax County. For more information and to buy tickets online, visit www.EqualityFairfax.org or call 703-255-1552.
Day One of Two-Day Amphibian Monitoring Workshop. Activities run from 2-10 p.m. Short, indoor sessions are followed by field time studying terrestrial salamanders, visiting a variety of amphibian breeding spots and participating in nighttime frog-call monitoring. Participants gather at a local eatery before heading into the field for night observations. Reservations are required. Appropriate for adults. For reservations and information call 703-759-9018. Cost is $30.
Kite Making and Kite Flying. Children ages 4-10 are invited to decorate a kite with stencils and markers. 10 a.m.-noon at Krops Crops Farm, 1110 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Cost is $5 per child. Call for reservations, 703-430-8955.
TheatreworksUSA’s production of "Corduroy" will be presented at the Alden Theatre at 11 a.m. Based on Don Freeman’s popular book, this musical has a lively jazz and R&B score. Tickets are $8; $6 for McLean district residents. The Alden Theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. To purchase tickets stop by the Alden Theatre Box Office, or to charge tickets by telephone, call TICKETMASTER at 703-573-SEAT. For more information call 703-790-9223 or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
The Sky is Falling. A performance by Silly Socks Puppets in which farm animals learn teamwork. Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, at 3 p.m. Call 703-790-8088 to register.
"Adopted, the Chinese Way." Author Marguerit Chien Church discusses her experience growing up in China and signs her book at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, at 10:30 a.m. Adults. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
Amy Beth Horman. The acclaimed young artist discusses violin history and plays short pieces at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, at 11 a.m. Enthusiasts may bring their own violins. Ages 6 and up. Call 703-757-8560 to register.
Good Citizens Awards Presentation. The Freedom Hill Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution will present its annual Good Citizens awards to local students at the American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Meeting begins at noon. For membership information call 703-356-2370 or view our website at www.users.erols.com/denawards.
Discovery Walk. Join a ranger for a one-hour hike to experience some of the unique features of Great Falls Park, such as an ancient riverbed, a narrow, scenic gorge and the remains of a project dear to George Washington. Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. 2-3 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center in the park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive. Call 703-285-2965 for reservations.
"Everything You Do Counts; A Very Special Evening with Jane Goodall." Goodall, renowned primatologist and UN Messenger of Peace, is making an appearance at the Madera School, 8328 Georgetown Parkway. Scott Pelley, CBS 60 Minutes reporter, is the emcee for the evening, which begins with a reception for sponsors only at 6 p.m., followed by a silent auction and cocktails at 7, the presentation at 8 and a book signing at 9 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Jane Goodall Institute. Tickets cost $125, and sponsorships start at $1,000. Call Lisa Robertson at 703-821-8456 for tickets and information.
<cal1>Sunday/April 10
<cal2>GoodDogz Gala and Silent Auction at Maggiano's Little Italy Restaurant in Tysons Corner, 2001 International Drive, from 6-9 p.m. Proceeds from this event go to support the efforts of dog rescue organizations and to help keep homeless dogs out of shelters. Dress is black-and-white, classy. Black-tie optional. The evening includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, celebrity guests and silent auction. Cost is $75 per person; $120 per couple. For tickets, go to www.gooddogz.org/events/gala.htm or call 571-233-4557.
Assistance League of Northern Virginia, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization, will host its spring benefit, "Great Escapes," featuring wine tasting, Northern Italian cuisine and a silent auction, to raise funds for Operation School Bell and Operation Hugs. Great Escapes will be held at Dante's Ristorante, 1148 Walker Road, Great Falls, from 4-7 p.m. Wine tasting will be presented by The Wine Seller in Herndon. Silent auction bidding will take place from 4-6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person. For reservations, call 703-860-0412 or 703-914-2882 by April 5. For more information, visit www.assistanceleague.org.
Potomac River Sacred Harp Singing. Participatory singing of American shape-note religious choral music, sponsored by Folklore Society of Greater Washington; donations are appreciated but event is free. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Great Falls Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike.
Snakes Alive! Explore the interesting habits and characteristics of snakes at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive. Join a ranger in the auditorium of the Visitor Center from 2-3 p.m. Call 703-285-2965 for reservations.
Day Two of Two-Day Amphibian Monitoring Workshop. Activities run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Short indoor sessions are followed by field time studying terrestrial salamanders, and visiting a variety of amphibian breeding spots. Reservations are required. Appropriate for adults. For reservations and information call 703-759-9018. Cost is $30.
<cal1>Monday/April 11
<cal2>Musical performance by New Age pianist Jim Brickman at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
James Starrs, author and professor of law and forensic sciences at George Washington University, discusses some of his most celebrated cases at the Tysons Corner Borders Books, 8027 Leesburg Pike. 7:30 p.m. Call 703-556-7766.
Business and Professional Women of Greater Fairfax host Dr. Wanda K. Jones, deputy assistant secretary for health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, speaking on women’s health at its monthly dinner meeting from 6:30-9 p.m. at Tysons Corner Embassy Suites, 8517 Leesburg Pike. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. For information and reservations call Elyse Galik at 703-652-8364.
Preschool Story Time. Share stories, songs and fun at Great Falls Library, 9830 George town Pike, at 10:30 a.m. Ages 1-5 with adult. Call 703-757-8560 to register.
Magic Show. Meet Houdini, the live rabbit, and see a magic show. Dolley Madison Library at 3 p.m. For children ages 4 and up. The library is located at 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Call 703-356-0770.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 12
<cal2>Musical performance by New Age pianist Jim Brickman at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Meeting of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees' McLean Chapter. Margaret M. Carter, editor of the NARFE monthly magazine will speak at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. The public is welcome. Bring a dish to share for the 12N Potluck Lunch. Call 703-560-8648.
Mr. Garry Jewett, a Senior Fellow at the World Wildlife Fund and retired international lawyer/banker, will address the Tysons Civitan Club at noon at Clyde's of Tysons, 8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna. For information or to attend the meeting e-mail tysonscivitan@aol.com or contact Linda Powell at 703-356-0154. The cost is $9.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 13
<cal2>Musical performance by New Age pianist Jim Brickman at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Martha Burk, women’s advocate and author of "Cult of Power," talks about gender discrimination in the workplace and what can be done to end it, at the Tysons Corner Borders Books, 8027 Leesburg Pike. 7:30 p.m. Call 703-556-7766.
The Great Falls Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. In the Grange located at 9818 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The program will be "The Millers House Yesterday and Tomorrow." The speaker will be Mr. Mike Henry, site administrator for Colvin Run Mill, who will discuss the Miller House, on the grounds of the Mill. Mr. There is no charge, and the public is invited. Call 703-759-2626 or visit gfhs.org.
Wine Tasting Class. "Treasures from South America." Explore and experience the rich terroir of our neighbors in the Southern Hemisphere from 7:30-9 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. A seated wine tasting that includes gourmet snacks. The cost is $40 for residents, $45 for nonresidents, and registration is required. Call 703-790-0123.
Chip Clark presents "Tales of a Smithsonian Staff Photographer" at 7:30 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. Sponsored by the McLean Photography Club. Free. Call 703-536-9873, or visit our www.mcleanphoto.org.
Preschool sing-along with Miss Belle. Ages 2-5yrs. with an adult. Begins at 10:30 a.m. at Dolley Madison Public Library; 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Call 703-356-0770.
April Showers. Stories, activities and a craft for Spring. For ages 2-5 with adult. Begins 11a.m. at Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Thursday/April 14
<cal2>Rhapsody in Bob, by a cappella quartet The Bobs at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
<cal1>Friday/April 15
<cal2>Rhapsody in Bob, by a cappella quartet The Bobs at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Charity Citrus Fruit Sale at American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Proceeds support local community youth, patriotic, and veteran needs. Visit www.mcleanpost270.org or call 703-356-8259.
The Garden Group of the Great Falls Woman's Club visits the Daffodil Show at St. John Newmann Catholic Church in Reston. The show begins at 2:30 p.m. Call Ellen at 703-759-3006.
Lunch Pack. Bring lunch and listen to stories. For kids ages 2-6 with adult. Starts at 12:30 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Public Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Saturday/April 16
<cal2>"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Saturday, April 16, 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 17, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Little Falls Church, 6025 Little Falls Road, Arlington. The junior and senior high youth of Little Falls Church present this musical based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. Visit www.littlefallschurch.org/CharlieBrown2005FS.html. 703-538-5230. This event is free. Donations accepted.
Freddie Mac's Hoops for the Homeless returns to the courts this year on April 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the MCI Center, 601 F St. N.W., in Washington, D.C. Freddie Mac, along with Magic Johnson and dozens of other celebrities, will raise funds for six local nonprofits. This three-on-three tournament is a day-long event featuring round-robin play with over 50 teams, each coached by a celebrity for a portion of the day. For spectators, tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the door, and for children 12 and under, tickets are free. For more information on how to get involved in this tournament, or on the issue of homelessness, visit www.hoopsforthehomeless.org.
Improv comedy by Chicago City Limits at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Inc. holds an open House from 1-5 p.m., featuring Northern Virginia's largest fixed operating "HO" scale model railroad and the W&OD Railroad's real caboose. The club is located in the historic Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Station, 231 Dominion Road in downtown Vienna. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted. Call 703-938-5157.
Charity Citrus Fruit Sale at American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean. 8 a.m.-noon Proceeds support local community youth, patriotic, and veteran needs. Visit www.mcleanpost270.org or call 703-356-8259.
The McLean Storybook Festival will be held at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The festival features children’s author and illustrator Rosalyn Schanzer. Other activities include book-related arts and crafts projects, live entertainment, book sales and light refreshments. Tickets are $10 per child, $7 for McLean district residents. Call 703-790-0123 or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Hike in the Park. Join a park ranger for a hike to explore areas of natural and cultural history at Great Falls Park from 2-3 p.m. Sturdy shoes are a must. Meet at the Visitor Center desk. Reservations required. Call 703-285-2965. The park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive.
Big Band Ballroom Dancing with Colvin Run Dance Band. From 9 p.m.-midnight at the Colvin Run School House, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. The cost is $12 per person with optional Merengue lessons at 5 p.m for an additional $5. Call 703-430-6557.
Mystery Night: Murder on the Strip. Meet colorful Las Vegas characters, gather clues and decide “whodunit.” Begins 7p.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike. Adults only. Call 703-790-8088.
Colonial Fish-Salting. Learn the important contributions the Potomac River makes to the Claude Moore Colonial Farm family. Help them prepare, salt and pack herring into jars. 1-4 p.m. $3 adults; $2 children and seniors. Free for members. The farm is located at 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Call 703-442-7557.
<cal1>Sunday/April 17
<cal2>CBS evening news anchor Bob Scheiffer presents "Face the Nation: My Favorite Stories from the First 50 Years" at the Alden Theatre of the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., at 7:30 p.m.
Un-Natural Trail. Participants, aged 6-12, test their powers of observation on a hike along a very special trail. 2-3 p.m. Meet a ranger at the Visitor Center desk at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive. Call 703-285-2965 for reservations.
"Belle of the Bijou." Clark Gable, Mae West and little Shirley Temple are just a few in the parade of movie stars remembered in this one-woman show about an elderly ticket-taker at a decaying movie house that has seen its last days. 3-5 p.m. at the Dominican Retreat. Cost is $25 per person. This is a special benefit performance; all proceeds benefit the Ministry of the Dominican Retreat House. Call 703-356-4243 to charge tickets to a credit card or mail in your ticket reservation with a check to the Dominican Retreat House, 7103 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101.
Wildflower Walk. Join Biology Professor Marion Lobstein for an exciting and educational walk to learn how to identify wildflowers and the role they play in the ecosystem at Great Falls Park. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Reservations required. Call 703-285-2965. The park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive.