<cal1>Wednesday/March 23
<cal2>Down by the Pond. Frog and duck stories. Ages 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Book Discussion Group. Ask for this month's title at the Information Desk. Adults. No registration is required. 7 p.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
The Governing Board of the McLean Community Center (MCC) is seeking input from residents at its Public Hearing on Programming for FY ‘07. The hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, at the Center. Residents of the Center’s tax district (Small District 1A, Dranesville) are encouraged to voice their opinions on MCC programs and services, including classes, special events, theater programs, exhibits, tours, and youth and teen activities at this hearing. The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.
Those who wish to speak at the hearing should call the Center at 703-790-0123/TTY: 703-827-8255 to have their names placed on the speakers list. Residents also may submit written comments by mail, fax (703-556-0547), e-mail (mail@mcleancenter.org) or in person. The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Governing Board will follow the public hearing. All the meetings of the Governing Board are open to the public.
<cal1>Thursday/March 24
<cal2>It's Story Time! Planting and Growing. Stories, stretches, rhymes and crafts. Ages 3-5 with adult. 11 a.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Performance by Tom Paxton 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.
Washington Area Butterfly Club’s Butterfly Gardening Program. Keith Tomlinson, manager of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, presents "Fencing, Natives and Butterfly Diversity at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens," discussing the park’s continuing efforts to restore a diverse habitat for native plants and butterflies. The Club meets at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, at 7:30 p.m. The program is free, and all are welcome. Visit users.sitestar.net/butterfly, or call 703-228-6535 or 703-354-9668.
"Turning the Tides" Tsunami Benefit. Featured are fine art from 17 local and Eastern Shore artists, high fashion from Saks Fifth Avenue and specialties from several Washington-area restaurants. Honored guests include ambassadors from six affected countries, dancers from Indonesia and Thailand, government officials and athletes. 6-9 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue on the third level of Tysons Galleria, 2051 International Drive, McLean. Tickets cost $100 per person. All of ticket sales, 25 percent of art sales and 10 percent of Saks Fifth Avenue sales go directly to the Children's Tsunami Relief Fund. RSVP at 703-269-1317. If unable to attend, donations welcomed.
<cal1>Friday/March 25
<cal2>Performance by cabaret star Karen Akers at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Part of the Cabaret Series. Tickets cost $25 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.
Riverside Campfire/Night Hike. Bring hot dogs to toast around the campfire and then hike along the riverbank in search of nocturnal creatures. Finish the evening with s'mores. Bring a toasting stick and a flashlight to Riverbend Visitor Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Reservations and advance payment of $3 required. Call 703-759-9018.
<cal1>Saturday/March 26
<cal2>Performance by cabaret star Karen Akers at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 7:30 p.m. Part of the Cabaret Series. Tickets cost $25 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.
Falls Walk at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. Explore the natural and cultural aspects of the park on a 30-minute walk with a ranger to Overlook #1. 1-1:30 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Visitor Center Desk. Call 703-285-2965 or visit www.nps.gov/gwmp/grfa.
Discovery Walk. 2-3 p.m. Curious about what lurks behind the Great Falls Park overlooks? Join a ranger for a 1-hour hike to experience features unique to Great Falls Park. Wear hiking footwear and dress for the weather. Meet in the Visitor Center. The program is free; reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
Bunny Tales. Entertainer Susan McNelis, also known as Oh Susannah, will perform a variety of hand-clapping songs for young children at McLean Community Center’s Bunny Tales from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per child, $7 for McLean district residents. The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. Call 703-790-0123.
Kids Crafts/Easter Basket and Egg Hunt. From 10 a.m.-noon at Krops Crops Farm, 11110 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls. Cost is $5 per child ages 2-10. Call for reservations, 703-430-8955.
<cal1>Sunday/March 27
<cal2>Falls Walk at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. Explore the natural and cultural aspects of the park on a 30-minute walk with a ranger to Overlook #1. 1-1:30 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Visitor Center Desk. Call 703-285-2965 or visit www.nps.gov/gwmp/grfa.
If Rivers Could Talk. Hands-on activity building a clay river model at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. 2-3 p.m. Free. Reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
<cal1>Monday/March 28
<cal2>Jack Valenti, author and former head of the MPAA, discusses Hollywood's influence on U.S. culture. 7:30 p.m., in the Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Free; must have ticket. For ticket information call 703-790-0123.
Preschool Sing-a-Long. Sing songs with Miss Belle. Ages 1-5 with adult. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Tuesday/March 29
<cal2>Book Talk for Book Lovers. Call for this month's title. Adults. No registration is required. 7:30 p.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 30
<cal2>"Sailing Down to Rio on the Queen Mary 2," an installation in the Alden Theatre's Travel and Adventure Film Series, is screened at 8 p.m., at the Alden Theatre in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Hosted by Doug Jones, filmmaker. Tickets are $9, $7 McLean District residents. Call 703-790-9223, or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Pets on Parade. Stories, activities and a visit with a live animal. Ages 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
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, Great Falls. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Musical performance by the Battlefield Band 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>Thursday/March 31
<cal2>Pajamas and Popcorn. Family movie with free popcorn. Ask for title at the Information Desk. All ages. 7 p.m. at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Musical performance by the Battlefield Band 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.
Fairfax Genealogical Society Meeting. Lecturer Marie Melchiori, CGRS, CGL, will discuss "What's New at the Archives: A Researcher's View of Archives 1 & 2" from 7:30-9 p.m. at Oakton High School, 2900 Sutton Road, Vienna. Free; www.fxgs.org
Allies In Prevention Awards Luncheon. Noon-1:30 p.m. at Maggiano's at Tyson's Galleria, 2001 International Drive. Following is a workshop from 2-4 p.m.: Advancing A Social Movement To Prevent Child Maltreatment. Seating is limited, RSVP by March 24 to SCAN at 703-836-1820.
<cal1>Friday/April 1
<cal2>Musical performance by the Claremont Trio at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Part of the 2004-05 Discovery Series. Tickets cost $30 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.
Singles Dance. Parents Without Partners sponsors a Singles Dance from 8 p.m.-midnight at the Burke Fire Station, 9501 Old Burke Lake Road, Burke. Designed for singles ages 30 and older. Attire is dressy/casual, no denim. Cost is $14 general admission, $12 with this listing. Proceeds to benefit PWP Family & Youth programs. Call 703-362-6496 or 703-543-8215, or visit www.pwp715.org. Directions: www.bvfrd.org/quick/directions.html.
<cal1>Saturday/April 2
<cal2>Jazz, blues and Broadway performance by John Eaton with Tommy Cecil at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 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.
The McLean High School Booster Club hosts an art show and auction. Help the McLean Boosters celebrate the coming of spring in an evening of entertainment, door prizes, fun and auctioning fine art work at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 5115 Little Falls Road. The evening begins with a preview and reception at 7 p.m., offering live entertainment and a smorgasbord of hors d'oeuvres from local chefs and restaurateurs. The bidding begins at 8 p.m. Art for sale includes original oil, watercolors, enamels, etchings, lithographs and other graphics and is guaranteed to be substantially below gallery prices. Tickets cost $10 per person or 6 tickets for $50.00. Call John Smith at 703-760-9837. Tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the event for $15 per person.
Dance from the Heart: United Belly Dance Benefit for Tsunami Aid. Dances of 1001 Nights, coordinating with sponsors in cities across the United States, presents a Belly Dance Benefit to aid those in Southeast Asia affected by the tsunami. Titled “Dance from the Heart,” the Northern Virginia benefit will present performances of Egyptian, Persian, Turkish and American-influenced Middle Eastern dance styles. This event will showcase some of the area’s top Middle Eastern dance artists, who have donated their time and effort in support of this cause. The event will be held in the main auditorium of Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show may be purchased at the door for $20 per person or in advance for $15 per person. Additional donations are welcome. Contact Nazie Massoumi at 703-653-8565 or e-mail iluv2shimmy@yahoo.com
Dancing at the Colvin Run Schoolhouse. Quick step dance lessons at 8 p.m. and a ballroom dance with big band music from 9 p.m.-midnight. Cost is $12; lessons are $5. The schoolhouse is located at 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Call 703-6557.
Paper Bag Puppet. Children ages 4-10 are invited to craft a paper bag animal puppet and participate in a puppet show. 10 a.m.-noon at Krops Crops Farm, 1110 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Cost is $5 per child. Call for reservations, 703-430-8955.
<cal1>Sunday/April 3
<cal2>"Rendezvous at the Ritz" is the theme for this year's McLean Orchestra Patrons Gala, which takes place April 3 at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, in McLean. The evening promises "top-secret" and live auctions, dance maneuvers and a reconnaissance mission through the world of espionage and music. Tickets are priced at $185 per person and include a seated dinner, complimentary open bar and entertainment; $75 of each ticket is tax deductible. Dress is classic Bond 007 black tie. To order tickets or for more information, call 703-893-8646 or visit www.mclean-orchestra.org.
Spring Reopening of Colvin Run Mill. Watch the mill grind the first batch of cornmeal of the year on a free tour, noon-3 p.m. Colvin Run Mill Historic Site is located at 10017 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls. Call 703-759-2771.
<cal1>Monday/April 4
<cal2>Madeleine Albright, former U.S. secretary of state, discusses her best-selling memoir, "Madam Secretary," at the Tysons Corner Borders Books, 8027 Leesburg Pike. 7:30 p.m. Call 703-556-7766.
Teen Substance Abuse. Special town meeting hosted by Congressman Frank R. Wolf (R-10th) to address the drug problem in the community. Meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the McLean High School Auditorium. Call 202-225-5136 for more information.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 5
<cal2>Patrick Carman, best-selling author, talks with kids about the first book in his “Land of Elyon” fantasy series at the Tysons Corner Borders Books, 8027 Leesburg Pike. 7:00 p.m. Call 703-556-7766.
Mothers First – Vienna/McLean, supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home, meets from 10:15 a.m.-noon at the Patrick Henry Library, 101 E. Maple Ave., Vienna. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<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.
<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.
<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.
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.