Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Thursday/April 12
18th Century English Country Dance Classes. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Gadsby's Tavern Museum. 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Dance Master Corky Palmer teaches dances that were popular in George Washington's era in the very ballroon where that famour first president danced with Martha. A fun way to prepare for the 18th Century Grand Ball on Saturday, April 21. $30. Registration required, 703-838-4242.
Art Reception. 6-8 p.m. at the Target Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria., there will be a reception for "Roots and Branches." The exhibit explores themes of ancestry, migration and history. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
English Practice. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Registration 703-971-0010.
History Lecture. 7 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. William Bushong will lecture on Glenn Brown's contributions to historic architecture. Free. Reservations required. E-mail reservations@aianova.org or call 703-549-9747.
Second Thursday Art Night. 6-9 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. "Spring Has Sprung" is the theme. There will be an artist's talk and reception. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or 703-838-4565.
Plant Discussion. Discuss "From Bald Cypress to Boltonia" at 7:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Free. For additional information, call 703-534-8179.
Poetry Readings . Olsson's is holding poetry readings by customers in honor of April being Poetry Month at 7 p.m. at Olsson's Alexandria, 106 S. Union St. Free. 703-684-0077.
Theater Perofrmance. T.C. Williams High School will hold "Little Shop of Horrors" in the auditorium, 3330 King St. 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $8/adult; $6/senior, student and staff of Alexandria Public Schools. Contact the school at 703-824-6800.
Friday/April 13
Basic Gardening Series: An Introduction to Ornamental Grasses. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. How to select, plant and maintain ornamental grasses to best benefit your garden. $11. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Adults. Registration 703-768-6700.
Lunch Bunch. Noon. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and join us for stories. Ages Birth-5 with adult. Registration 703-971-0010.
Elephants. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Stories, fingerplays, activities and a craft. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration 703-768-6700.
Opening Reception. 6:30-8 p.m. at the Athenaeum Gallery, 201 Prince St. See elementary students' art in the exhibit "Small Architects Dream Big: Architecture in Schools." Free.
Opening Reception. 7-10 p.m. at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave. The exhibit will incorporate words, art, poetry, paper/bookmaking and more. Free. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org or 703-838-4827.
Music Performance. The United States Air Force Band will play music for the trumpet and tuba at 8 p.m. at Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive . Free. Visit www.usafband.com.
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce's 21st Annual Public Safety Valor Awards. 11:30 a.m. The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Lunch and event with special guest narrator, Alison Starling of WJLA Channel 7 News. RSVP by April 3. Registration required, 703-549-1000 ext 218 or www.alexchamber.com.
Book Reading. 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway. Author and poet Kwame Alexander will read from his book "Crush: Love Poems." Free. 703-299-9473.
Theater Performance. Carl Sandburg Middle School performs "Holka Polka, a Fairy Tale Mystery" at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5/adult; $3/student. Doors open at 7 p.m. 703-799-6205.
Theater Perofrmance. T.C. Williams High School will hold "Little Shop of Horrors" in the auditorium, 3330 King St. 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $8/adult; $6/senior, student and staff of Alexandria Public Schools. Contact the school at 703-824-6800.
Saturday/April 14
Propagation Demonstration: Multiplying Your Garden Treasures. 9:30-11 a.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Staff horticulturist, Mary Frogale, gives a lesson on how to save money by turning a single plant into many. $18. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
The Secret Garden. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. A look into the Frances H. Burnett's popular children's book "The Secret Garden," and then a walk through Green Spring's very own. 8 years and up. Traditional English tea follows. $24. Registration and reservation required, 703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
Magic Performance. Ring 50 will perform magic with Bishop Ireton High School students will perform at 6:30 p.m. with strolling magic in the lobby. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the performance at 7:30 p.m. Located at 201 Cambridge Road. Tickets are $10 at the door. Visit www.IBMRing50.org.
Garden Party. Mount Vernon Estate is holding a Spring Garden Party from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be music, free wagon rides, opportunity to meet Mrs. Washington, games and more. Garden items and plants will be for sale. $13/adult; $12/senior $6/child 6-11. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Kaydee Puppets. 2 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Performance includes "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Little Red Riding Hood." All ages. Registration 703-971-0010.
Healthy Kids Day. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at YMCA Alexandria, 420 East Monroe Ave. Open to all ages. Games, balloon bounce, kiddie striker, ballet and karate demonstrations, art exhibits and more. Free. 703-838-8085.
Opening Reception. 6-9 p.m. at Gallery West, 1213 King St. A collection of woodturnings by Alan Becker. Free. 703 549 6006.
Art Show. The Twig is holding "Twig’s Premiere Artisans Show" from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in the auditorium of Historic Christ Church, 118 N. Washington St. Features 18 Twig artisans offering a wide variety of items created from many different mediums. Visit www.thetwig.org or contact Janet Hawkins at 703-370-8608.
Open House. Barrett Library, 717 Queen St., will have a silent auction, food, tea tasting, demonstrations and more. Free. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or 703-838-4555.
Theater Performance. Carl Sandburg Middle School performs "Holka Polka, a Fairy Tale Mystery" at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5/adult; $3/student. Doors open at 7 p.m. 703-799-6205.
Spirituality and Film Night. 6:30 p.m. at Convergence: a Creative Community of Faith, 1819 N. Quaker Lane. Watch and discuss "Lady in the Water." Free with popcorn and drinks provided. Directions at Convergergenceccf.net or at 703-998-6260.
Alive! Presents, "A Night at the Pyramids." 7-11 p.m. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Featuring Mediterranean food, silent/live auctions, dancing, and an open bar. $75 for individuals, $140 for couples. For more information, contact 703-837-9300 ext 6 or alivegala@alive-inc.org.
Charity Yard Sale and Raffle for Sunshine Kids. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 400 N. Washington St. Furniture, appliances, electronics, decorative items, sporting goods, kitchen appliances, pictures, holiday items, books, computers, and more! Bake sale held as well.
Country Music of "The Unforgiven." Noon-4 p.m. Hard Times Café, 1404 King St. Held in the parking lot behind the building. Contact Fred Parker for more information, 703-837-0700 or 703-915-7845.
Indoor Yard Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Prudential Carruther's offices, at the corner of N. Washington and Princess streets. Clothing, furniture, kitchen items, toys, artwork and more will be sold. Raffle tickets will be on sale $1/each or $5/6 tickets. For more information, or to make a tax-deductible donation, contact Maxine McLeod Miller at 703-836-1464.
Theater Perofrmance. T.C. Williams High School will hold "Little Shop of Horrors" in the auditorium, 3330 King St. 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $8/adult; $6/senior, student and staff of Alexandria Public Schools. Contact the school at 703-824-6800.
Sunday/April 15
Marine Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria Campus, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria. "Love is in the Air." Free, no tickets required. Parking $5. For info call 202-433-4011.
Focus Concert: Al Petty and Amy White. 7 p.m. Church of the Resurrection, 2280 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Contemporary Celtic and Appalachian-influenced acoustic concert. $12 for members. $15 in general. 703-380-3151.
Meet the Artist. 1-4 p.m. meet Torpedo Factory member Jewell Pratt Burns at The Loft Gallery, 313 Mill St., Occoquan, Va. The exhibit is entitled "Near and Far" and this is her third solo exhibit at the Loft Gallery. Visit www.loftgallery.org or 703-490-1117.
Garden Party. Mount Vernon Estate is holding a Spring Garden Party from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be music, free wagon rides, opportunity to meet Mrs. Washington, games and more. Garden items and plants will be for sale. $13/adult; $12/senior $6/child 6-11. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Music Performance. 2:30-5 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington. Watch Alif Laila & Ramon Tasat perform songs from around the world. $25/person and can be purchased by calling 703-838-4994.
Music Performance. 3:30 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, National Symphony Orchestra Brass Ensemble and the John Adams Orff Ensemble will perform. $25/adult; $12/child. Contact Alexandria Kiwanians Tim Wesling at 703-535-8280 or Dr. Steve Blood at 703-998-6760.
Raingardens for Homeowners. 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road. Includes information on how to design raingardens, and get some hands on experience doing some of the tasks involved. Registration required. 703-642-5173.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Enjoy music by William Hubbard. Free. Contact George Chadwick at gchadwick@verizon.net or 703-549-1421.
Open Mic Night. 5 p.m. at Convergence: a Creative Community of Faith, 1819 N. Quaker Lane. eat a great meal together and share communion. Come and see what's going on. Learn more at www.convergenceccf.net or call 703-998-6260.
The Grandest Congress. French and Indian War re-enactment from noon-4 p.m. at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Free. Visit www.carlylehouse.org or 703-549-2997.
Walking Tour. 1-3 p.m., meet at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Tour and learn history about Old Town. Free but reservations required, www.alanova.org or 703-549-9747.
Monday/April 16
Student Knitters. 4 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Learn to knit and share your skills with others. Bring your own needles. Ages 10-18. Registration 703-768-6700.
Discover Local History. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Featuring a guest speaker from the Franconia Museum. Adults. Registration 703-971-0010.
Let's Sing a Song. 10:30 a.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Songs and fingerplays. Ages 2-3 with adults. Registration 703-765-3645.
Book Discussion. Read "Digging to America" by Anne Tyler and discuss it at 7 p.m. at Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Free. 703-838-4566.
Tuesday/April 17
Mother-Daughter Book Group. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. A discussion about what you are reading. Ages 9-11 with adult. Registration 703-971-0010.
Dogs and More Dogs. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Ages 13-23 months with adult. Registration 703-339-4610.
Discussion Panel. Discuss "Immigration and Our Community: Understanding Today's Issues" at 7:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway. Free. 703-780-4055 or e-mail office@gs-cc.org.
Genealogical Meeting. 1 p.m. in room 112 of Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Free. Presentation titled "Scandinavian Research." 703-360-0920.
Food Seminar. 11:30 a.m. Seminar being held on food care at the YMCA Alexandria, 420 East Monroe Ave. Parents invited. Small fee. 703-838-8085
Wednesday/April 18
English Practice. 10:15 a.m and 7:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Registration 703-339-4610.
Natural Wonders: April Showers. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Registration 703-768-6700.
Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories, fingerplays and activities. Ages 13-23 months with adult. Registration 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion Group. 7:15 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams. 703-971-0010.
Native Americans. 4 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Hands-on activities based on Native culture, crafts and art. Ages 6-12. 703-339-4610.
Classic Books for Caregivers. 7 p.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. A survey of classic children's literature and how to use it in day-care settings. Registration 703-765-3645.
Genealogy on the Web. 7 p.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Learn how to trace your ancestors using HeritageQuest. Registration 703-765-3645.
Meeting. Learn how to care for a pet at 7 p.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Free. Call Susan Cash, Co-VP at 703-780-3902.
Auditions. The Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus is holding auditions at 7 p.m. at Durant Center, 1605 Cameron St. Call Gary at 703-868-5152 for an audition appointment.
Author Reading. Listen to Chandra Manning read and sign copies of her book "What this Cruel War Was Over: Soldiers, Slavery and the Civil War," at 7 p.m. at Olsson's Old Town , 106 S. Union St. Free. 703-684-0077.
Days of Remembrance. The City of Alexandria will remember the victims of the Holocaust at noon in Market Square , 301 King St. There will be guest speakers and is free. For additional information on Alexandria's Days of Remembrance ceremony, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703-838-4343.
George Washington and His Mother. Learn about the relationship between George Washington and his mother at 7:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $12 and reservations recommended www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Thursday/April 19
18th Century English Country Dance Classes. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Gadsby's Tavern Museum. 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Dance Master Corky Palmer teaches dances that were popular in George Washington's era in the very ballroon where that famour first president danced with Martha. A fun way to prepare for the 18th Century Grand Ball on Saturday, April 21. $30. Registration required, 703-838-4242.
Poetry Readings . Olsson's is holding poetry readings by customers in honor of April being Poetry Month at 7 p.m. at Olsson's Alexandria, 106 S. Union St. Free. 703-684-0077.
English Practice. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Registration 703-971-0010.
Just Twos. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Ages 24-35 months with adult. Registration 703-768-6700.
Technology Talks. 2 p.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Learn about new phone services like VOIP, Skype and GSM. Registration 703-765-3645
Poetry Group. 7 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Poems by Frank O'Hara. 703-768-6700.
Garden Sprouts: Earth Day Celebration. 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Children 3-5 years with adult(s) can celebrate Earth Day with poetry and face painting. Then make a play dough planet of your own. $5. 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Shop For a Cure. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road. There will jewelry, children's books, food, soaps and more. Money raised will benefit the National Mucopolysacharidosis Society. For more information, please contact the event chairperson, Margo Anderson at 703-619-0125 or via e-mail OBNurse15@hotmail.com.
Luncheon. The Army Officers' Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area Luncheon is at 10:30 am at the Fort Myer Officer's Club in the Koran Ballroom on Fort Myer. $18/person. Reservations with payment should be mailed no later than Friday, April 13 to Val Gass at 2306 Creek Drive, Alexandria, VA, 22308. Cancellations must be made by phone. Contact Val Gass at 703-780-5664.
Friday/April 20
Growing Native...In the Shade. 1:30-3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Staff horticulturist, Brenda Skarphol, gives pointers and an introduction on how to grow beautiful and colorful spring natives. $15. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Adults. Registration 703-768-6700.
Lunch Bunch. Noon. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and join us for stories. Ages Birth-5 with adult. Registration 703-971-0010.
Earth Day, Birthday! 10:30 a.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Stories and activities about taking care of the earth. Ages 4-5 with adult. Registration 703-765-3645
Spring Gala. Hosted by UCM, from 7:30-11 p.m. at Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Ft. Hunt Road. $125/person includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, magic, music and dancing with an auction. 703-765-8702 or 703-768-7106 ext. 346.
Garden Program. 1:30-3pm. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Brenda Skarphol, staff horticulturalist, introduces participants to the world of spring natives and gives pointers on how to grow them. $15. 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Shop For a Cure. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road. There will jewelry, children's books, food, soaps and more. Money raised will benefit the National Mucopolysacharidosis Society. For more information, please contact the event chairperson, Margo Anderson at 703-619-0125 or via e-mail OBNurse15@hotmail.com.
Plant Extravaganza. 1-3 p.m. at Winterthur Museum Store, 207 King St. Learn how to arrange flowers. Free. Visit www.winterthur.org or 703-684-6092.
Saturday/April 21
Grand Ball. Gadsby's Tavern Museum will host an 18th Century Grand Ball at 8 p.m. at the museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. There will be live music and a seasonal dessert. Costumes of the 1780s are encouraged and after five attire recommended. $50/person which includes the ball and three dance classes. Reservations required. Visit www.gadsbystaver.org or 703-838-4242.
Book Discussion Group. 10:30 a.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. "All Souls: A Family Story From Southie" by Michael Patrick MacDonald. 703-765-3645
Plant Sale. The American Horticultural Society will be selling garden plants, books and more from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard Drive. Free. Visit wwww.ahs.org or 703-768-5700.
Garden Sprouts: Earth Day Celebration. 10-11 a.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Children 3-5 years with adult(s) can celebrate Earth Day with poetry and face painting. Then make a play dough planet of your own. $5. 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Luminary Decorating Workshop. Decorate candle-lit bags that will honor 1,800 African American men, women and children buried in the Freedmen's Cemetery from 1-4 p.m. at the Archaeology Museum in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Free. E-mail archaeology@alexandriava.gov or 703-838-4399.
Book Discussion. 3 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway. Author Sarah E. Moffett will discuss and sign "Growing Up Moffett." Free. 703-299-9473.
Writers Workshop. 9 a.m. at Waterfront and Old Town. Walk around Old Town and stop at selected areas to write. Meet at Founders Park, at the intersection of Oronoco and Union streets. Free. There will be an informal sharing of writing afterwards. For more information or to register, call Mehret Gebrehiwet at 703-838-5095, extension 430, or e-mail mehret.gebrehiwet@alexandriava.gov.
Workshop. 10 a.m.-noon at Alexandria Friends School, 25 S. Quaker Lane. A workshop on military recruitment and conscientious objector status for young people. Free. Register at 703-461-7222 or e-mail info@afriends.org to register.
Fashion Expo and Luncheon. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Aldersgate Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. There will be a lunch and the show for $20/person. Reservations required. Make them at www.aldersgate.net or 703-765-6555. The ticket price includes a $14 donation that goes right to United Community Ministries. There will be a silent auction and door prizes.
Chili Cook Off. 6 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 1608 Russell Road, Alexandria. Hosted by the congregations of Good Shepherd Lutheran and Emmanuel Episcopal to raise funds for the ALIVE! Child Development Center. For more information please contact Patrick Anderson at panderson@pnalaw.com.
Tango Night. 6-9 p.m. at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Learn how to tango, no partner or experience necessary. $15/member; $20/non-member. Sangria and other refreshments will be provided. For more information or to make reservations, call 703-548-0035, or visit www.nvfaa.org.
Fun at the Run. 1-5 p.m. at Cameron Regional Park in celebration of Crime Victims' Rights Week. There will be discounted miniature golf, displays, face painting, door prizes and a raffle. For more
information, contact Laura Huynh at 703-838-4100.
Plant Extravaganza. 1-3 p.m. at Winterthur Museum Store, 207 King St. Learn about plants. Free. Visit www.winterthur.org or 703-684-6092.
Herb Sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Get answers to questions about plants and flowers, house tour, children’s activities and more. Free except for house tour. Visit www.carlylehouse.org or 703-549-2997.
Earth Day Celebration. Celebrate Alexandria while improving the environment from 9 a.m.-noon at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Duke St. There will be activities, food and beverages available. Free. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or 703-838-4686.
Sunday/April 22
A Legacy of Landscapes. 1-3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Celebrate Virginia's Historic Garden Week by learning about the preservation of America's historic landscapes and Green Spring's, as well. Traditional English tea follows. $24. Registration and reservation required, 703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
Plant Sale. The American Horticultural Society will be selling garden plants, books and more from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard Drive. Free. Visit wwww.ahs.org or 703-768-5700.
Plant Program. 1:30-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Doug Tallamy, Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, presents a plea: plant native plants to nourish our local wildlife community. $11 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Music Performance. Franconia Baptist Church, 5912 Franconia Road, will host the Alfred Street Baptist Church Male Chorus at 7 p.m. Free.
Book Discussion. 5 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway. Robert J. Sawyer will discuss and sign his book "Rollback." Free. 703-299-9473.
Music Performance. New Dominion Chorale will perform at 4 p.m. at the Rachel Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. They will perform Robert Schumann's "Quest for Paradise." Tickets are $25; $20 for seniors, and $5 for students. Parking is free. For tickets and information, call 703-442-0404 or purchase on line at www.newdominion.org.
A Legacy of Landscapes. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn about landscapes and go on a tour of the historic garden. Tea follows the program. $24/person. 703-534-8179.
Fundraiser. Stardust Restaurant and Lounge will host a "Dining for Dollars" fundraiser in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, from 4:30-9 p.m. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to SCAN. For reservations, call Stardust at 703-548-9864 or visit www.scanva.org for more.
Plant Extravaganza. 1-3 p.m. at Winterthur Museum Store, 207 King St. Learn how to pick the right gardening tools. Free. Visit www.winterthur.org or 703-684-6092.