To have community events listed in The Arlington Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, write an e-mail to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Photos, especially color, are encouraged. This free community listing is reserved to events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Mike DiCicco at 703-917-6432 with questions.
<lst>Garden Tours. On the first Saturday of each month through August, Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia will conduct guided tours of two demonstration gardens that the group maintains in Bon Air Park. Coordinators for the Sunny Garden and the Quarry Garden will provide information on the plants that grow in each garden, share successes and failures and answer questions about garden planning and maintenance. The tours are free of charge and open to anyone interested. Those who wish to participate should meet in the north end of the parking lot at Bon Air Park, 850 N. Lexington St. The Sunny Garden tour will take place from 10-10:30 a.m.; the Quarry Garden tour runs from 10:30-11 a.m.
Arlington Arts Center presents works by 13 new artists who have just received the Master of Fine Arts degree from universities in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. In a concurrent exhibition, AAC continues its quest to test the pulse of area art in this exhibition of works by 33 artists who live or work in Arlington. AAC also features a two-person show of paintings by Ann Marie Ferramosca and Gilbert Trent. through Aug. 27, Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Arlington Arts Center is at 3550 Wilson Blvd. Contact curator Carol Lukitsch at 703-248-6800, ext. 12 or clukitsch@arlingtonartscenter.org. Visit www.arlingtonartscenter.org.
The Junior Ranger program meets Saturdays through Aug. 27 (no programs Aug. 20), from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Join the Arlington County Park Rangers for a summer of learning, adventure and discoveries. Children can become Junior Rangers by participating in at least five of the nine programs. Call 703-525-0168.
The Royal Hunt of the Sun is being performed by the Washington Shakespeare Company to conclude its 15th season through Aug. 28: Thurs.-Sat. 8p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. The play will be performed at WSC’s Clark Street Playhouse, 601 S. Clark Street, Arlington. Free Parking. Tickets range from $22-$30. Order tickets by phone at 1-800-494-TIXS (8497), or go online for more information and tickets at www.wasingtonshakespeare.org
Ceramic Art Utilizing Indigenous Clays. Exhibit by Marcia Koski, who has just received a grant from the Arlington Commission for the Arts. The exhibit runs through Aug. 31 at the Lee Arts Center, 5722 Lee Highway, and is free and open to the public. Call 703-228-0560.
Grey House Potters opens its new show Sept. 1. Available will be casseroles, platters, chip and dip servers, pitchers and many other special items to enhance the table. Show continues through Sept. 17. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Grey House Potters, 5509 Wilson Blvd. Call 703-722-7738.
Jewelry Exhibit. Summer and autumn pieces by Angela McCant at Aurora Hills Library, 735 S. 18th St. through Sept. 30. Call 703-228-5715.
The Fountainhead Theatre presents "Top Girls" by Caryl Churchill at the Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive. Previews Sept. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m., opening Sept. 8 at 8 p.m., and running Sept. 8 to Oct. 1, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. $20 for evenings, $10 for matinees. Previews are Pay-What-You-Can. Visit www.fountainheadtheatre.com or call 703-920-5923.
"It Had to Be You" (1981), a bright, fast-moving, romantic comedy by the husband and wife writing and acting team of Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna will launch The American Century Theater's 11th season. "It Had to Be You" really is an autobiographical comedy about a real show-business couple who seem stranger than fiction. Opens Thursday, Sept. 8 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Theater II, Gunston Arts, Center, 2700 S. Lang Street, Arlington. Performances are Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and 2:30 matinees on Sept. 10, 18, 25, and Oct. 1 and 8. tickets including senior and student discounts $20-$29.50. 703-553-8782 or visit www.americancentury.org.
Signature Theatre presents "Urinetown." This Tony Award-winning Broadway musical parody will be performed through Oct. 9, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. No show on Tuesday, Aug. 23. Tickets go on sale July 25. Tickets are $31-$55 and are available through Tickets.com at 800-955-5566 or 703-218-6500 or online at www.signature-theatre.org. Signature is located at 3806 S. Four Mile Run Drive.
The Tree Steward volunteer training course teaches the basics of tree growth, planting and urban forest canopy. Upon completion of the course Tree Stewards are expected to contribute over 25 hours of community service improving Arlington's urban forest by teaching others and doing service projects related to trees, including planting and caring for trees on school grounds, removing invasive vines, inventorying trees in parks, promoting private tree planting and working with urban forestry commissions. The course begins Tuesday evening, Sept. 13 from 7-9:30 p.m. at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., and runs consecutive Tuesdays through Nov. 10. Three Saturday mornings are also included for site visits and hands-on teaching. The cost is $40. Call Virginia Cooperative Extension at 703 228-6414 or visit offices.ext.vt.edu/arlington, and click on Newsletters for a registration brochure.
Scott Hutchison debuts his painted animations in the exhibition “Oil Painted Animations” at the Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd. Sept. 13-Nov. 5. The opening reception will be Friday, Sept. 16 from 6-9 p.m. Hutchison combines traditional painting and digital technology to create animated portraits which are displayed on small LCD panels or projected large-scale. Call 703-536-6701 or visit www.scotthutchison.com.
Fall Solo Exhibitions open at the Arlington Arts Center, featuring six one-person shows, each in its own gallery. Working in diverse media, these artists share a passion for texture and devotion to craftsmanship. Sept. 13-Nov. 5 at the Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd. Opening reception is Friday, Sept. 16 from 6-9 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Artists’ gallery talk is Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Contact Carol Lukitsch at 703-248-6800, ext. 12 or call 703-401-3552.
“The Boys Next Door,” written by Tom Griffin, directed by Jeff Keenan and presented by the Journeymen Theater Ensemble addresses the struggles of mainstreaming mentally challenged individuals into society and presents a vivid portrait of the world in which many mentally handicapped adults live and function. Sept. 16-Oct. 15. Previews Sept. 14 and 15. $20. Senior, student and group discounts $15. Clark Street Playhouse, 601 S. Clark St. Visit www.journeymentheater.com.
An exhibition of sculptural fused glass artwork by Cindy Ann Coldiron, a longtime Arlington resident, is being presented through Oct. 11 at Cox Communications, 3080 Centerville Road, first floor, in Herndon. The exhibit features everything from glass "boats" to vivid seaflowers. The focal point of the exhibit is the group of 12 spring-inspired glass tiles and glass bars on aluminum. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Fairfax County. Appointments must be made in advance through Alice Webb, corporate art program manager, at 703-642-0862, ext. 8, or awebb@artsfairfax.org. Coldiron also has a Web site at artist-cindyann.tripod.com. She also has two glass art works in the group juried exhibit at Washington Square, 1050 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. This exhibit is open through Nov. 4. Call 703-683-1780.
Stock market discussion every Saturday at 11 a.m. at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-5990 to confirm.
Arlington Mothers First is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities inclue parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' nights out, and lectures. For the month of September, the meetings are Sept. 8 and 22 at 10: 30 a.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
The ESL and Immigrant Ministries provides English classes in 17 locations in Northern Virginia, including Arlington and other nearby communities. Both day and evening classes are offered. Childcare is available at some locations. Registration begins Sept. 6. $15 donation is requested. Check www.eslim.org for class locations and schedules or call 703-841-0292 and leave a message. Calls will be returned in English, Spanish, Korean, or Vietnamese.
Mothers Against Unjust Law (MAUL), meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. in the library of McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Women experiencing difficult litigation, legal abuse, parental alienation or custody evaluations should call 703-748-0072. Free.
Toastmasters strives to improve participants' communication and professional skills. The program walks participants through a process that helps them get around fears about public speaking. The group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at Ledo's Pizza at Quality Inn Iwo Jima, 1501 Arlington Blvd. Call Catherine at 703-838-0477 or Greg at 703-892-1161, or visit www.challengertoastmasters.org.
The Merrifield Lions Club and the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge will have their co-sponsored flea market every Sunday through November from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There are more than 200 vendor spaces available on a reserved and non-reserved basis. Charge for vendors is $15 per space. Food service will be provided by the Elks Lodge. The lodge is at 8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. Call 703-517-7243 or visit www.merrifieldlions.com or www.bpoe2188.org.
Figure Drawing Open Studio Sessions. Nude model is provided, but there is no instructor. Participants bring their own materials. At the Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Wednesdays from 7-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from noon-2:30 p.m. No reservation necessary. Cost is $60 in advance for six sessions or $15 per session for drop-ins. Call 703 248 6800.
Ballston hosts a weekly Farmers Market in Welburn Square, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday May through Oct. 14. Welburn Square is located between N. Stuart and N. Taylor Streets across from the Ballston Metro Station. Call 703-528-3527 or e-mail ballstonvasquare@aol.com.
The Clarendon Alliance Farmers Market is open every Wednesday, 3-7 p.m., through Oct. 19. It is located above the Clarendon Metro Station on the 3100 block of Wilson Boulevard.
Farmers' Market. Join lovers of fresh, local grown food at the Arlington Farmers’ Market each Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, at the intersection of N. 14th St. and N. Courthouse Road.
Arlington Farmers’ Market Plant Clinic. Master Gardeners staff this clinic from 8-11 a.m. each Saturday through September. The market is at the intersection of N. 14th St. and Courthouse Road. Free. If possible, bring samples of problem plants, weeds or insects in plastic bags or other clear containers.
The Women’s Auxiliary of the Arlington Chapter of The Salvation Army meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Salvation Army headquarters, 518 S. Glebe Road. The Auxiliary was founded to help raise money for The Salvation Army’s Christmas projects for underprivileged children in Arlington. New members are welcome. Call 703-979-3380.
The Big Red Caboose at Bluemont is open for visitors through September 10, Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays noon-5 p.m. Stop in, talk to Ranger Moss about the Iron Horse past and check out the new interpretive signs. Programs about the caboose will be held 11 a.m.-noon Aug. 13 and Sept. 10. Free. All ages. No reservations needed. The caboose is located at 601 N. Manchester St. Call 703-525-0168.
Straight Partners, a support group for heterosexual spouses and partners, current or former, of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning mates, meets in Arlington and is co-led by professionally trained facilitators (male and female). Call 703-531-4938 for recorded information or to leave a confidential message. For more information visit www.StraightSpouseNetwork.org.
Plant Clinic at the Arlington County Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., from 7-9 p.m. This clinic is held every Thursday evening through early October. Free. If possible, bring samples of problem plants, weeds or insects in plastic bags or other clear containers.
The Horticulture Hotline is available from 9 a.m.-noon, Monday through Friday, year round at 703-228-6414. Home gardeners are also welcome to visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension office at the Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., during these hours.
The Ballston Art Market returns to Welburn Square offering original creations for home decor, gifts and personal use, including handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, wearable art, giftware, watercolors, oil paintings and photography. The monthly outdoor market operates 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of every month. Different artists exhibit each month. Artists are juried by a select panel. Welburn Square is adjacent to the Metro station at 9th and N. Stuart streets, near the Ballston Common Mall. For directions and further information, call 703-228-0560 or 703-528-3527.
Photo Show at the Hendry House at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St. Nov. 11-20. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m. There will also be workshops. Call 703-243-7329.
"Art at the Heights." Exhibition of works by local painters. 4502 Old Lee Highway. Every Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, noon-3 p.m. Showings sponsored by the Arlington Artists Alliance, a nonprofit organization in support of art and artists in Arlington.
Creative Preschoolers Program at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. For 3- to 5-year-olds, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. For more information, call 703-228-6430. To register, call 703-228-4747.
Cooperative Playgroup at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., for toddlers 12-36 months old with three sessions available per age group Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursdays or Fridays only from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Sessions are available throughout the year at costs ranging $15-$30. Call 703-228-6588.
Friday Night Roller Skating at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Fridays throughout the year for grades kindergarten-fourth. The cost is $5 per child and includes a hot dog, chips, cookies, lemonade and skate rental. No pre-registration required. Helmets are required in order to participate. Call 703-228-6588 or visit.
Tunes and Tales with Miss Linda. Fridays at 11 a.m. at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 N. Harrison St., Suite 10, Arlington. Ages 18 months to 3 years. For more information, call 703-241-8281.
Story Hour. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. with a special guest or a staff member at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 N. Harrison St., Suite 10, Arlington. Ages 2 1/2-6, unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 703-241-8281.
“Desperate Housewives” Viewing Parties will be given at La Tasca Clarendon, 2900 Wilson Blvd., on Sundays from 7-11 p.m. The event is being presented by Z104 Radio. Included at the party will be show merchandise giveaways, trivia contests, sangria and wine specials, drawings for restaurant gift certificates, and other attractions. The show will be viewed on the big screen. Call 703-812-9120.
Antiques and Collectibles Market. Year-round Saturday event. 2900 Wilson Blvd. About 50 vendors. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free parking available at 3033 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington National Cemetery Civil War Walk. A look at some of the many hundreds of Civil War heroes and the history of the Cemetery and the role of the Civil War in creating it. Sundays at 1 p.m. $12 per person. Call 202-903-6255 for reservations.
CyberCenter Classes. Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-228-6346 to reserve a time. Cherrydale Library, 2190 N. Military Road. Call 703-228-6330 to reserve a time.
Classes de Ingles. Inscripcion empezara en enero. Hogar Hispano de Caridades Catolicas ofrece clases de ingles para los adultos en 18 lugares por todo Norte Virginia. El costo es $40 y incluye el libro. Llame al 703-534-9805, Ext. 222, se habla espanol, o visita www.ccda.net para el horario.
Master Gardeners' Plant Clinic. Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. 7 p.m. Gardening and plant-care advice and identification every Thursday. Call 703-228-6400.
Pub Trivia. Come to Gaffneys in Ballston on Monday nights for Headgames, an irreverent pub trivia contest. Compete to win $30, $20, and $10 gift certificates based on your knowledge of things tawdry and tasteful, academic and trashy. Questions range from Britney Spears to the French Revolution and all points in between. Games 7-8:30 p.m., no admission charge. Gaffneys is located at 4301 Fairfax Drive.
All day Monday-Friday. Free. Newcomers welcome. Call Carver at 703-228-5700, Culpeper Garden at 703-228-4403, or Thomas Jefferson at 703-228-5290.
Elks Lodge Flea market. The Merrifield Lions the Arlington Fairfax Elks Lodge will sponsor a flea market every Saturday through Nov. 22, 2005. The market will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Charge for vendors is $15 per space. Call 703-517-7243
Come See New Adaptation of "Dracula" at Rosslyn Spectrum Theater: The Synetic theater company, a local theater troupe, will put on a recently adapted musical version of the Play "Dracula" from September 16 to October 29 In Rosslyn.Call 703-824-8060 for Ticket Info.