<cal1>Wednesday/March 1
<cal2>Bird walks. Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal walk through Long Branch and Glencarlyn Parks in search of resident and migratory birds. Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides. Meet at the Long Branch Nature Center parking lot, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road. 9-11:30 a.m. Admission is free. Registration required. Call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 634440A.
"Explore the Challenge" meeting. Find out more about the MS Challenge Walk Presented by Security Moving Storage Logistics, a 3-day, 50-mile journey to the nation's capital. 6 p.m. at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Free. For more information or to RSVP for a meeting, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.MSandYOU.org or call 202-296-5363.
Celebrate reading across America with Dr. Seuss. Listen to Dr. Seuss stories and sing along with Miss Belle and her guitar. Ages 2 and a half to 6 years old. 11 a.m. at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 N. Harrison St. Call 703-241-8281.
<cal1>Thursday/March 2
<cal2>"La Casa de Marina (The House of Marina)," a new play by Maroma Players Inc., a Spanish-language theatrical group, is written and directed by Cuban Rolando Moreno and will be performing at the Gunston Arts Theatre II, 2900 S. Lang St. Performances are at 8 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. The show is in Spanish with live English dubbing. Tickets are $25; $20 for students and senior citizens. For information and reservations call 703-548-3092 or 202-882-6227. This play will replace the La Rueda Coja troupe from Chile in the Teatro de la Luna's ninth International Festival of Hispanic Theater.
Lunchtime Chamber Concert presented by Friday Morning Music Club on Thursdays. Noon-1 p.m. Ellipse Arts Center 4350 N. Fairfax Drive. Admission is free. Call 703-228-7710 or visit www.arlingtonarts.org or www.fmmc.org.
Mothers First Arlington is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' nights out, and lectures. Meeting is at 10:30 a.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>Friday/March 3
<cal2>"La Casa de Marina (The House of Marina)," a new play by Maroma Players Inc., a Spanish-language theatrical group, is written and directed by Cuban Rolando Moreno and will be performing at the Gunston Arts Theatre II, 2900 S. Lang St. Performances are at 8 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. The show is in Spanish with live English dubbing. Tickets are $25; $20 for students and senior citizens. For information and reservations call 703-548-3092 or 202-882-6227. This play will replace the La Rueda Coja troupe from Chile in the Teatro de la Luna's ninth International Festival of Hispanic Theater.
Th 31st annual Washington Antiquarian book fair. Rare books, maps, prints and autographs presented by 75 dealers. 3-9 p. m. at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, 1900 N. Fort Myer Drive. $12 for opening night and both days. Visit www.wabf.com.
<cal1>Saturday/March 4
<cal2>"La Casa de Marina (The House of Marina)," a new play by Maroma Players Inc., a Spanish-language theatrical group, is written and directed by Cuban Rolando Moreno and will be performing at the Gunston Arts Theatre II, 2900 S. Lang St. Performances are at 8 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. The show is in Spanish with live English dubbing. Tickets are $25; $20 for students and senior citizens. For information and reservations call 703-548-3092 or 202-882-6227. This play will replace the La Rueda Coja troupe from Chile in the Teatro de la Luna's ninth International Festival of Hispanic Theater.
The 31st annual Washington Antiquarian book fair. Rare books, maps, prints and autographs presented by 75 dealers. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, 1900 N. Fort Myer Drive. $6. Appraisals from 11a.m.-1 p.m. $5 per item. Visit www.wabf.com.
Green Home Remodeling. For information about the series call Stella Tarnay at 703 228-4792 or Aileen Winquist at 703 228-3610 or visit www.arlingtonva.us/Portals/Topics/TopicsEnvironment.aspx.
Jane Franklin Dance at Arlington Arts Center. Works in sculpture, painting, drawing, collage, fine craft, photographs, prints, installation and video will be on display while Jane Franklin Dance performs miniature dance snapshots that circulate throughout the galleries. Original and live music by Jonathan Matis. Arlington Arts Center is located at 3550 Wilson Blvd. Free admission. Contributions accepted. Call 703-298-3235.
Springs of Barcroft Park. Tour the Barcroft bog, a globally rare wetland, and observe the dozens of woodland springs. Wetlands, spring wildflowers, geology and hydrology will be topics of discussion while strolling through one of Arlington's most natural parks. 1-2:30 p.m. Meet at Barcraft Park, at the entrance to the indoor parking garage adjacent to the fitness center. For adults. Free, but registration required. To register call 703-228-4747 or registration.co.arlington.va.us Program No. 634441A.
Flying squirrels: Pixies of the night. Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington but are seldom seen. After an indoor presentation, we will tiptoe outside to spy on them as they glide in for an evening meal. Families. $2 per person. 5.30-6.45p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center. Registration required. to register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 632440A.
SELF Challenge Day. SELF magazine and Bally Total Fitness have teamed up for a special fitness day, to be hosted at Bally Total Fitness locations across the country. Women taking part in the Challenge will gain access to a free online exercise log, calorie tracker, daily prizes, motivational tools, buddy connections, instructional videos and a new workout blog on Self.com. Attendees at the free, day-long event will sign up for the Challenge via Self.com to receive a three-month membership to the club. Bally fitness experts will bring the SELF Challenge's recommended exercise moves to life, inviting participants to take a 20-minute group training sessions. Attendees will also receive free fitness assessments, copies of SELF magazine and the opportunity to win prizes. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Bally Total Fitness, Pentagon Row, 1201 S. Joyce St., Suite C-6. Call 703-416-5131.
Sing along with Miss Belle. Sing along and dance with Miss Belle and her guitar. She will perform both classic and original children's songs. Ages 2 and a half to 6 years old. 11 a.m. at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 N. Harrison St. Call 703-241-8281.
<cal1>Sunday/March 5
<cal2>Neighborhood Cleanup. Help keep Arlington's streets and streams litter free by cleaning up trash around Washington Boulevard and Quincy Street. Supplies provided, as well as drinks and refreshments. 1-3 p.m. For adults and children over 12. Meet at Washington-Lee High School in the Stafford Street parking lot. Register at 703-228-6406 or volunteer@arlingtonenvironment.org.
The Columbia Pike Community Chorus is presenting its fourth concert, Songs of the Soul, at 4 p.m. at Trinity Church, 2217 Columbia Pike. The chorus, guest soprano Ellyn Lomack Crawford and the Community Jazz Combo will celebrate the black musical legacy from composers and arrangers such as Duke Ellington, Hall Johnson, Harry Burleigh, Florence Price, Moses Hogan, Lena McLin, Horace Boyer and Andre Thomas. The Chorus consists of singers from all over Northern Virginia. Auditions are not required, and anyone is welcome to participate. The concert is free, and voluntary contributions are accepted. The performance hall is wheelchair-accessible. Child care is provided, and a reception will follow the program. Call 703-920-7077.
Live music fund-raiser. Features performances by Carol Gaylor, Dagmar and the Seductones, Wicked Jezebel, and Bloody Merl. 4-10 p.m. at Bailey's Pub & Grille, 4238 Wilson Blvd. $15 at the door includes wings, pizza, and chips and salsa while it lasts, as well as door prizes. Sponsored by Dewey Animals Inc., a nonprofit whose purpose is to promote spaying and neutering, adoption, and humane treatment of all animals. Additional raffles benefit ASAP (Alliance for Stray Animals and People). Call 703-803-6175.
Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia (OTNV) presents Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 125 South Glebe Road. Reserved seating tickets are $35, 30 and 20. Call 703-528-1433 or visit www.novaopera.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/March 7
<cal2>Toastmasters Arlington/Alexandria community Open House. Meet new people and improve communication and leadership skills. Stop by the Toastmasters’ free-of-charge open house at 7:15 p.m. at the Aurora Hills Recreation Center, 735 S. 18th St. Alexandria and Arlington community clubs are being featured and refreshments being served. Call 703-863-7385 or e-mail A14Gov@dtm27.org.
Ultrarunning legend Dean Karnazes has run 262 miles — the equivalent of 10 marathons — without rest. He won the Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, running 135 miles in 120-degree temperatures in 27 hours and 22 minutes. In "Ultramarathon Man," Karnazes answers two questions he is most asked on his book tour: "What, exactly, do you eat?" and "How do you train to stay in such good shape?" He is appearing at 7 p.m. at Olsson's Arlington/Courthouse, 2111 Wilson Blvd. Call 703-525-4227.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 8
<cal2>2006 Elementary School Art Exhibit. The Arlington Public Schools Elementary visual arts faculty and the Arts Education Office invite the public to the artist's reception at the Education Center, first floor gallery, 1426 N. Quincy St. 6:30-8 p.m. Schools included are Ashlawn, Barcroft, Glebe, Hoffman Boston, Long Branch and McKinley. The exhibit will run from Feb. 16-March 21. Gallery hours are 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-228-6170.
Moth Gardening. Adults. Learn how to attract moths to your garden. 7-8 p.m. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. Free, but registration required. To register call 703-228-4747 or registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 634310A.
<cal1>Thursday/March 9
<cal2>"Las Reinas del Chantecler (The Queens of Chantecler)," a satirical comedy, represents Puerto Rico and San Juan in the ninth International Festival of Hispanic Theater, presented by Teatro de la Luna. A cleaning lady, portrayed by Angela Meyer, imagines her glorious past as an Argentine actress. Or maybe a comic opera soprano. Or was she a Puerto Rican ballerina? For ages 15 and up. In Spanish with live English dubbing. 8 p.m. at Gunston Arts Center Theater Two, 2700 S. Lang St. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $20 for students and seniors. A three-play pass costs $65/$50. Call 703-548-3092 or 202-882-6227, or visit www.teatrodelaluna.org.
"Planning the Mid-19th Century American Wedding." In celebration of Women's History Month, the Arlington Historical Society at its membership meeting at 7:30 p.m. is featuring speaker Susan Anthony speaking on the wedding of Robert E. Lee and Mary Anne Randolph Custis at Arlington House. The talk will be held in the auditorium at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Call 703-536-8270.
<cal1>Friday/March 10
<cal2>"Las Reinas del Chantecler (The Queens of Chantecler)," a satirical comedy, represents Puerto Rico and San Juan in the ninth International Festival of Hispanic Theater, presented by Teatro de la Luna. A cleaning lady, portrayed by Angela Meyer, imagines her glorious past as an Argentine actress. Or maybe a comic opera soprano. Or was she a Puerto Rican ballerina? For ages 15 and up. In Spanish with live English dubbing. 8 p.m. at Gunston Arts Center Theater Two, 2700 S. Lang St. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $20 for students and seniors. A three-play pass costs $65/$50. Call 703-548-3092 or 202-882-6227, or visit www.teatrodelaluna.org.
<cal1>Saturday/March 11
<cal2>Mid-Atlantic Shamrock Festival. Noon-8 p.m. at the Ballston Entertainment Zone at Wilson Boulevard and Quincy streets, by Ballston Common Mall. The festival covers six city blocks and six indoor bars in the area. Features food, beer, and awareness booths; four outdoor stages; 20 bands playing rock, Irish, retro and folk, a carnival midway with games, rides and activities; and an expanded Kids Zone and more. Children's activities end at 4 p.m. For tickets and information visit www.HiBallEvents.com.
Stream Cleanup. Help the Arlington County Park Rangers clean up streams at designated sites in Bon Air, Bluemont, Glencarlyn, Barcroft and Shirlington Parks. Or, to coordinate a cleanup of another Arlington stream, call the park rangers for help with organization. 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers should wear waterproof boots and bring work gloves. An adult must accompany children under 16 years old. This activity is not recommended for children under 6. In the event of inclement weather, call 703-228-4400 for cancellation announcement. Free. Registration encouraged. For information, directions or to register call 703-525-0168.
"Pay Day" — A Financial Conference for Teens. The conference will include sessions on budgeting, banking, credit, job readiness skills and more for middle and high school students. Fee of $5 includes handout materials, continental breakfast and a box lunch. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Carver Community Center, 1415 S. Queen St. For a registration form, contact Desi Jerry at 703-228-7781 or e-mail ajerry@arlingtonva.us, or call Noni Dabney 703-228-5705. Deadline to register is March 6. Space is limited.
"Las Reinas del Chantecler (The Queens of Chantecler)," a satirical comedy, represents Puerto Rico and San Juan in the ninth International Festival of Hispanic Theater, presented by Teatro de la Luna. A cleaning lady, portrayed by Angela Meyer, imagines her glorious past as an Argentine actress. Or maybe a comic opera soprano. Or was she a Puerto Rican ballerina? For ages 15 and up. In Spanish with live English dubbing. 3 and 8 p.m. at Gunston Arts Center Theater Two, 2700 S. Lang St. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $20 for students and seniors. A three-play pass costs $65/$50. Call 703-548-3092 or 202-882-6227, or visit www.teatrodelaluna.org.
The 38th annual Evening In Monte Carlo is presented by the Arlington Chapter of The Links Inc. at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. and include dinner, dancing to Washington's own Julia and Company, casino-style games and auctions. Funds raised from this event support Arlington Links programs, which include local scholarships, local educational partnerships, cultural, national and international civic projects and programs. The evening will bring together business leaders, elected officials, educators and young professionals. The Links Inc. is an African American women's service organization which addresses issues affecting persons of African heritage. Visit www.linksinc.org.
Darts and Arrows. Teens ages 13 and up. 2:30-3:45 p.m. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Spring Road. $2 fee, registation required. To register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 633441A.
Flying squirrels: Pixies of the night. Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington but are seldom seen. After an indoor presentation, we will tiptoe outside to spy on them as they glide in for an evening meal. Families. $2 per person. 5.30-6.45p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center. Registration required. to register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 632440B.
Snakes Alive. Families with children ages 5 and up. Here is a chance to meet some up close. $1 fee. Noon-1 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Registration required. To register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 632441A.
<cal1>Sunday/March 12
<cal2>Benefit Auction. Doorways for Women and Families, formerly The Arlington Community Temporary Shelter (TACTS), and Arlington’s only shelter for abused, homeless and at-risk women and their families, is holding its 16th annual Benefit Auction at The Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City, 1250 S. Hayes St., from 2-4:30 p.m. ABC 7 news broadcaster Maureen Bunyan is serving as mistress of ceremonies. Doorways is presenting their annual corporate Unsung Hero Award. This year’s winner is NVHomes. The benefit also includes speeches by Doorways’ clients and supporters and a live and silent auction featuring 100 items from retailers and organizations such as Coach, L’Occitane, Sony Style, Sephora, Washington Performing Arts Society, and golf and spa packages. Tickets are $100 per person, $900 for a table of 10. For information on tickets and sponsorships or to donate a silent auction item, contact Kerry at kgoldstein@doorwaysva.org or 703-522-8858, ext. 19. To volunteer at the event, contact Khyati at kdesai@doorwaysVA.org or 703-522-8858, ext. 13.
Stone Cutters and Flower Growers. A moderately strenuous hike to the river. On the way down the rocky face of the palisades, look for signs of the quarrying that occurred there in days gone by. Learn about the lives of the stoneworkers and search for early wildflowers in honor of the quarrymen who turned to gardening when the mining stopped. Free. 3-4 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. Registration required. Register online at registration.co.arlington.va.us or call 703-228-4747. Program No. 634311A.
"Nature's first green is gold." How fast do leaves grow? Who can find the tiniest leaf? Or the tastiest? Search out, sample and study new leaves. Free admission. 1-2 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. To register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 632310B.
Potomac Harmony Chorus, a women's four-part harmony a cappella chorus and four-time regional champion, performs for free at 2 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Theater, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Metro Connection, a quartet comprised of Potomac Harmony Chorus members, will also be performing. Contact Ozzi Mask, master director, at 703-764-3896, e-mail potomacharmony@yahoo.com, or visit www.potomacharmony.org.
<cal1>Monday/March 13
<cal2>Click with your dog. Adults and families with children 7 and up. Learn how to use the clicker method and positive reinforcement to learn things all dogs should know. Clicker will be included. This is the first of three sessions. The other two will be on March 20 and 27. All dogs must be fully vaccinated. $30 fee. First session without dog. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Dawson Terrace Community Center, 2133 N. Taft St. For more information call 703-525-0168. Registration required. To register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 632210A.
<cal1>Wednesday/ March 15
<cal2>Buzz on Buzzards. Celebrate National Buzzard day. For children age 3-7 that like listening to stories and learning about nature. 3.30-4.15 at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S Carlin Springs Road. Registration required. to register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 632442A.
In Search of Salamanders. Children ages 7-10. Learn about the life history, habits and favorite hiding places of salamanders. Free. 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3609 N. Military Road. Registration required. To register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 632312A.
<cal1>Thursday/March 16
<cal2>Nature Education Workshop for Parents of Preschoolers. For adults and their preschoolers, ages 3-5. 7-8 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. $10 fee covers parents and child or children. Registration required. To register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 624455A.
Mothers First Arlington is dedicated to supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home. Activities include parent/child morning meetings and field trips, moms' nights out, and lectures. Meeting is at 10:30 a.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Vietnam Veterans of America Inc. Chapter 227 invites veterans, friends and the general public to attend a chapter meeting at Neighbor's Restaurant, 262D Cedar Lane, Vienna, at 7:30 p.m. Tom Stryer will discuss his tour of duty with the Mobile Riverine Force in the delta of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Call Len Ignatowski at 703-255-0353 or visit www.geocities.com/vva227.
<cal1>Friday/March 17
<cal2>Go Green. Families, join a special St. Patrick's Day celebration. $2 fee. 3:45-4:45 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Registration required. To register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 632443A.
<cal1>Saturday/March 18
<cal2>Hands-On Enviro-Yard Workshop. Presented by the Arlington Invasive Plant Program. 9:30 a.m.-1p.m. Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Pizza lunch included. Free. 703-228-7636 to register.
Trout fishing in Bon Air Park. From 9 a.m.-1 p.m. is "kids only" fishing, and from 1 p.m. to half an hour after sunset, fishing is open to everyone. Rainbow trout will be stocked in Four Mile Run Stream. Bring bait and a pole. There is no fee to fish and no registration needed. Anyone over 15 must have a Virginia State Fishing License. A Trout Stamp is not required, but all other state fishing regulations apply. Limit is six trout. Bon Air Park is located at 850 N. Lexington St. Call the Arlington Park Ranger Office at 703-525-0168.
Children's Mineral Mining Day. Children ages 6-17 are invited to join the Northern Virginia Mineral Club to learn about earth sciences. Show-and-tell, refreshments and doorprizes. 10.30a.m-noon. Free. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carling Springs Road. Registration required. to register call 703-228-4747 or visit registration.co.arlington.va.us. Program No. 632444A.
A benefit dance performance for Arlington's Jane Franklin Dance features pianists Mary Helen Young and Kristen Benoit at the Ainslie Arts Center at Episcopal High School, 3900 West Braddock Road entrance, Alexandria. Benoit plays John Cage's "Suite for Toy Piano" on a toy piano. Young plays from Prokofiev's "Visions Fugitives" on a grand piano while male company members respond to Reuben Jackson's poem "Early Autumn." The dance portrays watching the World Series on a TV set with less-than-excellent reception. A live auction becomes part of the performance when auctioneer Todd Levick takes over. A reception follows the performance in the Angie Newman Johnson Gallery. All proceeds support Jane Franklin's public performances, community projects, educational outreach and artistic collaborations for the 2006/2007 season. Tickets cost $30 and are available at the door or can be reserved by calling 703-298-3235. Reduced-price tickets are available at www.janefranklindance.com.
<cal1>Sunday/March 19
<cal2>ACE Town Hall Meeting - Taking Action to Protect Arlington's Environment. 2-5 p.m. in the Arlington Central Library Auditorium, 1015 N. Quincy St. Join this open meeting to give input on top priorities for local conservation. The program includes small group discussions, an opportunity to vote on top issues and light refreshments. Call 703 228-6406.
Brownie Try-It: Eco-Explorer. Complete badge requirements. Individuals or groups welcome. Learn about ecology, habitats, food chains and wildlife. 2-3p.m. $2 fee. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. To register call 703-228-3403.
"Canto y Poesía: Caribbean Soul," a program of song and poetry, is being presented by Coral Cantigas at 4 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 6201 Washington Blvd. Admission is free; a freewill offering will be taken. Call 703-532-5991 or visit www.cantigas.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/March 21
<cal2>La Tasca's Taste of Spring Wine Tasting Dinner. Let a wine expert demonstrate the exquisite traits of Spanish wines. Sample seven Spanish wines paired with a variety of Spanish tapas. 7-9 p.m. at La Tasca, 2900 Wilson Blvd. Attire is casual. Cost of $50 includes the food pairings, wine samples and course. Call for reservations and tickets at 703-812-9120.