Know of something missing from our community entertainment Calendar? Send it to The Arlington Connection, e-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with any questions. Photos are welcome.
Rock Spring Garden Club introduces the First Annual Garden of the Year Award. Any garden in Arlington is eligible for the First Annual Rock Spring Garden Club’s "Garden of the Year Award". Entries will be judged by qualified judges and the winner will be announced in June. Deadline for applications is May 31, 2010. Applications are available by contacting the Club at rockspringgardenclub@gmail.com
<cal1>Now Through June 4
<cal2>"America and Vietnam: Photographs by Charlene Nguyen." Cherrydale Branch Library, 2190 Military Road, Arlington (703-228-6330); Hours: Mon.: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tue.: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Wed.: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Thu.: 2 p.m.-6 p.m.; Fri.: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
<cal1>Mondays
<cal2>Meditation and Buddhism. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost $12. General Program - What is the key to a good relationship? This month we will explore the Buddhist psychology of love and how this can be applied practically in our daily lives. Topics include: The Bigger Picture; Living with Gratitude; Connecting with Others; The Practice of Loving Kindness. Each General Program class includes a teaching, guided meditations, and time for Q&A. Everyone is welcome. Each class is self-contained. You can drop in at any point. At Vajrayogini Buddhist Center – Arlington Branch – The Griffin Center 3800 Fairfax Dr., Suite 5. Visit www.meditation-dc.org or call 202-986-2257 or info@meditation-dc.org.
<cal1>Now Through May 16
<cal2>"The Fool at the Circus." Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. For ages 4 and up. Run time: 1 hour. Tickets are $12/advance, $15/door, $10 for parties of 10 or more. Call 800-494-8497 or www.classika.org. At the Synetic Family Theater, 4041 Campbell Avenue, Arlington.
<cal1>Now Through May 30
<cal2>"Sophisticated Ladies." Starring Maurice Hines. At Arena Stage at the Lincoln Theatre. Show times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (6 p.m. curtain on 4/25); Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. (1 p.m. curtain on 4/25); Weekday matinees at noon on 4/21, 4/27 & 5/5. Tickets range from $25 to $74. For tickets, call 202-488-3300. At Arena Stage, 1800 S. Bell Street, Arlington.
<cal1>Now Through June 20
<cal2>Just Imagine. It's astronomy with a twist, when imagining a sky lit only by stars, or the Earth without a moon, or our sun as a different kind of star. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 1:30 & 3 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for senior citizens & children 12 and younger. At the David M. Brown Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington. Call 703-228-6070.
<cal1>Beginning May 13
<cal2>Purpose and Power of Prayer. Tuesdays 7:30-9 p.m. Thursdays 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Eight-week study led by Lisa Gibbs-Smith. At Clarendon United Methodist Church, 606 N. Irving, Arlington. Contact Lisa for information mrslisagibbs@gmail.com or 703-426-4448
<cal1>Wednesday/May 12
<cal2>"Islam and the West." 7:30 p.m. Cost is $25. Joe Famme will focus on the origins and history of Islam and America's intersections with Islam, beginning with the Founding fathers. Presentation Hosted by Arlington Republican Women’s Club. At the home of Ann and Tom Hafer, 3805 N. Harrison Street, Arlington. To RSVP, contact Marcia Fioramonti at mfioramontirn@yahoo.com.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Storytime Celebration. 4 p.m. Enjoy folktales, music and costumes from all over Asia. Bring your favorite Asian snack to share. Call 703-228-5710. At the Columbia Pike Branch Library.
<cal1>Thursday/May 13
<cal2>Historical Society Program: Women in Military Service for America Memorial. 7 p.m. Brigadier Gen. Wilma Vaught, USAF(Ret.), discusses how the memorial at Arlington National Cemetery became a reality. At the Arlington Central Library auditorium.
CASA Program Multicultural Volunteer Recruitment Social Event. 5:30-7:30 p.m. At The Front Page, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. To RSVP, call Dana Taylor at 703-820-9001 or email to dtaylor@scanva.org.
<cal1>May 13-14
<cal2>The Infamous Stringdusters. 9 p.m. Tickets are $15. Performs at IOTA Club & Café, Arlington. Go to www.iotaclubandcafe.com.
<cal1>Saturday, May 15
<cal2>Huge Yard Sale / Bake Sale / Car Wash / Labyrinth Walks. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Celebrate Arlington Day with your neighbors on "the Ridge." Advent Lutheran Church, 2222 S. Arlington Ridge Rd., Arlington. Call 703-521-7010. adventlc@hotmail.com; www.adventlc.us
Free ZUMBA Class. 10 a.m. Followed by a breakfast at 11 a.m. Class with be taught by Tanya Nuchols, a certified Zumba instructor. At Clarendon United Methodist Church, 606 N. Irving, Arlington. Contact Laura Bishop ljbishop1@gmail.com.
Country Western Dance. Line dancing begins at 7:30 p.m. Beginners Night Club Two Step at 8 p.m. Open dancing from 8:30-11 p.m. and includes Two Step, Waltz, line, Swing, Cha Cha and specialty dances. $15/advance, $20/door. At Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Country Western Dance Association. Visit the Web site, www.nvcwda.org or call the hot line 703-860-4941.
Twilight Tattoo at Bluemont Park. 6-7:30 p.m. At Bluemont Park. Pack a picnic and bring the family to this military pageant featuring The Old Guard and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." Bleacher seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, but there’s plenty of space for chairs and blankets. Contact 703-696-3283.
Ashlawn Elem. Fun Fair. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include: Moon Bounce, Cake Walk, International Bake Sale, Scavenger Hunt, Crazy Hair Decorating, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Basketball Shooting Contest, Face Painting, Raffle & Games for all ages. At Ashlawn Elementary School, 5950 8th Rd. N., Arlington. Sponsored by the PTA.
Great Strides Arlington. 12 noon. A fund-raiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. At the Bon Air Park, Picnic Shelter, Arlington. Visit the Great Strides Web site http://www.cff.org/Chapters/metrodc/GREATSTRIDES/ . Call 301-657-8444.
Runners Training Program. A 16-week Runners Training Program for cancer survivors to successfully complete a half-marathon (13.1 miles) in Arlington. Craig Mastrangelo founded the Friends & Fitness Half Marathon Training Program in 1996. Go to www.FriendsandFitness.com, or contact Craig Mastrangelo, Program Founder directly at Craig@NeighborhoodHome.com.
Rainbow Hike. 2-3 p.m. Participants will join a naturalist on a hike to find all the colors of the rainbow in nature. Put our observation skills to the test. Information: 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington. $2 fee due upon registration. Register at https://registration.arlingtonva.us. Program #: 653610-18
<cal1>Sunday/May 16
<cal2>Service of Remembrance. 7 p.m. At St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4250 North Glebe Road, Arlington. Remembering those who have died, whether recent or long ago. Call 703-536-6606, or visit www.saint-peters.org
Free Concert. 3 p.m. IBIS Chamber Music Society. Members of the Kennedy Center Orchestra, National Symphony and Boston Pops perform Mendelssohn Octet, and works by Handel, Vivaldi and Debussy for flute, harp and strings. At Resurrection Lutheran Church, 6201 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington. Contact Susan Robinson 703-527-3960; susan@ibischambermusic.org; www.ibischambermusic.org
Taste of Arlington. Noon to 5 p.m. Lively street festival, local entertainment, children's activities and over 40 restaurants participating. 10,000 people expected. At Wilson Boulevard in front of Ballston Common Mall.
Jane Franklin Dance. 7 to 9 p.m. Zip Through a Tight Space. The evening features performances, light supper, wine tasting and a silent auction. Admission is $35, at the door $40; 703-933-1111 or www.janefranklin.com. At the Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington.
Open House. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At Culpepper Garden, a retirement housing community in Arlington at 4435 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington. Contact Executive Director Steve Holmes at 703-528-0162. sholmes@culpeppergarden.org
Scouting for Skinks. 2-3 p.m. Come along on this expedition to learn about these common lizards of Arlington. Call 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington. $3 fee due upon registration. Register at https://registration.arlingtonva.us. Program #: 623510-23
<cal1>May 18 Through June 13
<cal2>"Sycamore Trees." "Sycamore Trees" is the second part of Signature’s "American Musical Voices Project" sponsored by The Shen Family Foundation. Show times are Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets range from $52 to $76. Call Ticketmaster at 703-573-SEAT (7328) or go to www.signature-theatre.org. At Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington.
<cal1>Tuesday/May 18
<cal2>Author Event: "Getting a Grip 2." 7 p.m. By Frances Moore Lappe, author of "Diet for a Small Planet." Frances Moore Lappé discusses rethinking the meaning of power, democracy, and hope itself. At the Shirlington Branch Library.
Montessori Madness. 7:30 p.m. Come and listen to author, parent and nationwide speaker Trevor Eissler in a parent to parent argument for Montessori education. At Campbell Elementary School, 737 Carlin Springs Road, Arlington. Call 703-243-8282, 703-465-4405 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or nhernandez@fullcirclemontessori.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/May 19
<cal2>Container Gardening Made Easy. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Master Gardener Nancy Burns will demonstrate and discuss how to grow a beautiful, prolific vegetable or flower garden in a limited space by planting in containers. Learn how to select the right pots and plants, prepare for planting, and keep your plants healthy and happy, whether growing indoors or out. Fairlington Community Center, Room 118, 3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington. Free, but call 703-228-6414 to register.
Women in Business Networking Luncheon. 12 noon. $45/guest. The midday lunches are geared towards celebrating influential and successful women in the local business community, this time honoring Julie Taylor, president of the Greater D.C. chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and president of Capital Strategy and Development. At Morton's Steakhouse, 1750 Crystal Drive, Crystal City, Arlington. Call Kim Christensen at 703-418-1444 or cm.mar@mortons.com.
<cal1>Thursday/May 20
<cal2>AOWCGWA May Luncheon. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area meets for its May luncheon at the Koran Room of the Ft. Myer Officers Club. The program will include the installation of the 2010-2011 Executive Board and the performance of the U.S. Army Band Downrange Ensemble. Cost is $20. Reservations must be mailed by Friday, May 14, to Ruth Howell, 7709 Little River Turnpike, Suite 100, Annandale, VA 20003. Call Wendy Gifford, 703-903-1542, or Ruth Howell, 703-941-1300.
Author Event: William Nagy. 7 p.m. William Nagy discusses "Invisible Ink: Spycraft of the American Revolution." At the Arlington Central Library Auditorium.
Jim Lauderdale. The North Carolina-born, now Nashville-based musician was recently nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009 in the "Best Bluegrass Album" category for his album Could We Get Any Closer. At IOTA in Arlington.
Yoga Night. 7-9 p.m. Presentation and discussion about yoga styles and benefits of yoga followed by practice for adults and a separate practice for parents with children and babies. Presented by the Holistic Moms Network Arlington/Alexandria Chapter. At Arlington United Methodist Church, 716 S. Glebe Road, Arlington. Web site: http://arlalexva.holisticmoms.org/ or contact: Jessica Haney, Arlington/Alexandria Chapter Founder and Co-Leader holisticmomsarlalex@gmail.com or 703-824-6167.
<cal1>May 20-21
<cal2>"Misscalled Simplicity." A theatrical showcase to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Part of Mind's Wide Open. Admission by donation. Suggested donations: General $25, student $10, family $50. At Lyon Park Community Center, 414 North Fillmore Street, Arlington.
<cal1>Friday/May 21
<cal2>An Evening of American Song. 7:30 p.m. Free. Features American folk songs, spirituals, Gershwin, Porter and a Lerner and Loewe medley. Performing will be the Encore Chorales from: Goodwin Houses Alexandria and Baileys Crossroads; Langston-Brown Senior Center, Arlington; Smithsonian Institution, Washington; Workhouse Arts Center at Lorton; Potomac Academy of GMU at the Woodlands and Schweinhaut Senior Center, Silver Spring. At Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington. Call 301-261-5747.
Arlington County Bike to Work Day. 7-9 a.m. Join thousands of area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work on May 21. Meet up with your neighbors at one of 35 regional pit stops, ride into the city with experienced commuter convoys and meet your fellow cyclists at Freedom Plaza. The Ballston rest stop will be at Conte's Bike Shop, 3924 Wilson Boulevard, from 7 to 9 AM. There will be music, free food and giveaways.
<cal1>May 21-22
<cal2>It's a Steal." Arlington Artists Alliance art sale. All artwork $75 and under. Hours are Friday, May 21 from 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the Arlington United Methodist Church, 716 S. Glebe Road, Arlington.
<cal1>Saturday/May 22
<cal2>Building Block Blitz. 1 p.m. To raise funds to build real houses for families in Northern Virginia. A benefit for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. The event is designed for students grades 2nd to 8th and will feature 25 teams of 3 students for a total of 75 participants. At the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1100 South Hayes Street, Arlington.
Game Night and Dinner. 4-8 p.m. Bring the whole family to Advent Lutheran Church, 2222 S Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, to enjoy games for all ages and a casual dinner. Choose from casino games like poker and blackjack, old favorite (and new) board games, or Wii fun. Come when you can and stay as long as you like! A suggested donation of $25 per family will benefit our Building Transformation Fund. Contact Bobi Herrera at 703-622-3791.
Building Block Blitz. 12:30 p.m. Registration. The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to host a Building Block Blitz to raise funds to build real houses for families in Northern Virginia. To benefit the Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. At The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1100 South Hayes Street, Arlington. Call 703-415-2400 or visit www.habitatnova.org.
Washington Waterfront Kayak Trip. 9 a.m. to noon. Launch in the Pentagon’s shadow from Columbia Island Marina in Arlington. Tides will determine route. Explore/hike Historic Roosevelt Island, paddle under the Key Bridge viewing Georgetown Waterfront. See sights along the way including: the real Watergate, Kennedy Center, Memorial Bridge, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Meet next to the boat launch at Columbia Island Marina in Arlington. $60 fee due upon registration. Register at https://registration.arlingtonva.us. Program #: 643610-13 Dig That Dirt. 1-2 p.m. Join an Arlington Regional Master Naturalist in a fun investigation of soils. We'll dig down deep to find out why soil is so important. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, even muddy. Call 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington. Free. Register at https://registration.arlingtonva.us. Program #: 623610-12
<cal1>Sunday/May 23
<cal2>Film: "The Soviet Story" [2008]. 2 p.m. Directed by Edvins Snore. At the Shirlington Branch Library.
<cal1>May 25
<cal2>Volunteer & Partnership Celebration. 5 p.m. reception; 5:30 p.m. program. At Arlington Career Center, 816 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington.
<cal1>Wednesday/May 26
<cal2>Spring Concert. 7 p.m. Free. Yorktown High School Band will host a spring concert. To be held at Swanson Middle School, 5800 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington. Visit www.yorktownband.org.
<cal1>Thursday/May 27
<cal2>Author Event: Ruth Baja Williams. 7 p.m. Ruth Baja Williams will read from her memoir, "Detour Berlin," as the Library celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. At the Arlington Central Library Auditorium.
<cal1>Friday/May 28
<cal2>Celebration of 25 Years of Instrumental Music. 7-10 p.m. Come meet with old friends and reminisce about Mr. Robinson's 25 years. Jazz combos from the last three decades will perform, and alumni band members are invited to dust off their instruments and join a performance of a classic march. RSVP to verify your attendance, request information, or request sheet music (specify instrument) to WLBand25@yahoo.com. At Washington-Lee High School, in the W-L Commons, 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington.
<cal1>Saturday/May 29
<cal2>Argentine Festival. 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The 23rd Edition of the Argentina National Day Celebration highlighting the cultural and social diversity of the Argentinean people. Facundo Saravia, Daniel Bouchet and Los Musiqueros Entrerrianos will perform. At the Thomas Jefferson Theater, 125 South Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Tickets are $20/online, $25/door. For tickets, visit www.festivalargentinousa.com.
<cal1>Tuesday/June 1
<cal2>April Smith and the Great Picture Show. 8 p.m. Cost is $12. At IOTA Club & Café, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-8340 or visit http://www.iotaclubandcafe.com/
<cal1>Wednesday/June 2
<cal2>Jazz on the Lawn Concert. 7 p.m. Presented by the Yorktown Jazz Ensemble. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket. To be held at Williamsburg Middle School, 3600 N. Harrison Street, Arlington. Visit www.yorktownband.org.
<cal1>Friday/June 4
<cal2>Lecture on Free Will. 4-6 p.m. Speaker Lt. Col. William Casebeer, USAF, will speak on "The Neurobiology of Free Will: How I Learned to Love Determinism and Still Respect Myself in the Morning." At the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 901 North Stuart Street, Suite 200, Arlington, in the M level conference room. Visit www.potomacinstitute.org and www.neurobioethics.org.
<cal1>Saturday/June 5
<cal2>Country Western Dance. Bernie Vitale will be the DJ. Bo and Ann Marlin will teach the "Queen’s Waltz" line dance at 7:30 p.m., and Keith and Linda Buckle will teach the "Chiquita" couples specialty dance at 8 p.m. Open dancing is from 8:30-11 p.m. and includes Two Step, Waltz, line, Swing, Cha Cha, and specialty dances. Admission for NVCWDA members $10; non-members $12; children under 18 accompanied by a paying adult $5; PSDC members $10. At Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Visit the website, www.nvcwda.org or call the hot line 703-860-4941.
<cal1>Sunday/June 6
<cal2>"A German Requiem" by Johannes Brahms. 4 p.m. Clerestory Choir, Vocal Soloists and Two Pianos. At Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington. Contact Bob Griffith at bob.griffith@uucava.org or 703-892-2135.
<cal1>June 12-13
<cal2>Air Force Cycling Classic. 12.5 km course through Arlington's Clarendon neighborhood and continues on Sunday, June 13 in Crystal City. Visit www.airforcecyclingclassic.com.
<cal1>Tuesday/July 6
<cal2>U.S. Army Band. 7:30 p.m. Free. The 257th Army Band will perform patriotic music, marches and entertainment. At Kenmore Middle School Auditorium, Arlington. Go to www.257armyband.com or call 202-685-7899.
<cal1>Wednesday/July 14
<cal2>U.S. Army Band. 7:30 p.m. Free. The 257th Army Band will perform patriotic music, marches and entertainment. At Capital Sound, Fort Ward Park, Arlington. Go to www.257armyband.com or call 202-685-7899.