<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.
The a capella group The Persuasions performs a mix of gospel, rock and pop at McLean’s Alden Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets are $26; $22 for McLean district residents. The theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., inside the McLean Community Center . 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.
Garage Sale. The McLean Community Center holds its annual Spring Community Garage Sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Business Bank parking garage. Admission to the sale and parking are free. The sale will take place inside the garage, 1451 Dolley Madison Blvd. A limited number of selling spaces remain and can be purchased for $40. Only individuals selling personal items may participate. For more information or to reserve a display space, call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 703-Tap-Talk (827-8255), or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
The McLean High School Jazz Band will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. The raffle drawing will take place at this concert. All raffle tickets have been sold. Ticket holders need not be present to win. The school is located at 1633 Davidson Road. Call Nancy Gorman, 703-448-9426.
Used book sale at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A special selection by the Friends of the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library. Call 703-790-8088.
Don't Hate Me Because I'm Ugly. Learn more about the vultures that soar over Great Falls Park. Meet the ranger at the park's Visitor Center desk, 9200 Old Dominion Drive. 2-2:30 p.m. Call 703-285-2965 for reservations.
<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.
Gesher Jewish Day School of Northern Virginia holds its annual Guardian of the Bridge Dinner at the McLean Hilton Hotel. This event is the school's major fundraising gala, and the theme this year is V'shinantam L'Vanecha, "and you shall teach them diligently to our children," from the Shima. Gesher is honoring community leaders who helped build the Northern Virginia Jewish community, teachers who transmit Jewish and American values to their students, and a former student who implemented the values she learned at Gesher in the "real world." Tickets are $250, with a special price of $25 for former students and alumni. The event features silent and live auctions and music by the Machaya Klezmer Band. Call Michelle Malet at 703-978-9789. For more information visit www.gesher-jdf.org.
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.
<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.
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.
<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.
Janis Ian performs at the Barns at Wolf Trap, touring on her latest album, Billie's Bones, which pays homage to Billie Holiday, Matthew Shepard and Woody Guthrie. 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 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.
Toddle on Over! Stories and activities for ages 15-23 months with an adult at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, at 10:30 a.m. Call 703-757-8560 to register.
<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.
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.
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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.