To have community events listed free in The McLean Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail Joy Allen at mclean@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday before publication. Photos/artwork encouraged.
<lst>To have community events listed free in the Great Falls Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail Joy Allen at GreatFalls@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday before publication. Photos/artwork encouraged.
<cal1>ONGOING
<cal2>Toastmasters International, McLean Chapter, meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Dolley Madison Library. Join them to work on improving your communication skills, to become more effective in meetings and to convey your message more concisely. Contact Melissa Adkins, vice president of membership, at work at 703-262-5373 or at home at 703-815-4304, or e-mail her at madkins@cnri.reston.va.us.
The Great Falls Women's Club offers bridge lessons, a knitters and crocheters group, a tennis group and a book discussion group. Anyone interested in joining the club is welcome to attend. Membership is open to all Fairfax County residents. Call Patty Staas, 703-356-5845.
The Newcomers Club of Vienna and Friends is a women's social club open to everyone in Northern Virginia. The club has three non-smoking bridge events each month: a social bridge club held on the first Tuesday of the month and a duplicate bridge club on the third and fourth Wednesday of every month. All the events are at the Marco Polo Restaurant in Vienna and include a buffet lunch. The club also has a monthly book exchange lunch bunch and various trips and tours on a monthly basis. For reservations and information, call 703-560-4437 or 703-938-3505.
The Fairfax Jubil-Aires, members of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, meet Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall in Fairfax. Visitors are always welcome. For information on membership, call 703-968-4292. For information on performance, call Mike Huddleston at 703-228-3250 or at 703-968-0263 or visit www.thefairfaxjubilaires.org.
Access Services, the Library Branch that serves individuals with disabilities, sponsors a support group for seniors and people with low vision, at the Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. The VIP (Visually Impaired Person) Vienna Group meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Patrick Henry Library is located at 101 Maple Ave. E. in Vienna. For more information, call 703-938-0405.
Colvin Run General Store. Visit this restored building with fixtures from 100 years ago, and browse through the old-fashioned store. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., every day except Tuesday. Call 703-759-3403.
The Women's Center hosts the Job Hunters Forum the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9 p.m. The forum offers support for women and men who are actively searching for jobs. Cost is $10 members, $25 nonmembers each session.
Open Mike Showcase at The Old Brogue, the first and third Thursday of 30 p.m. 760 Walker Road. Twelve artists per evening.
New Beginnings, a nonprofit support group for separated and divorced individuals, has six meetings a month in the area on different nights in various locations in members' homes. Call 301-924-4101 or visit www.newbeginningsusa.org.
Mothers & More of Northern Virginia is a support organization for mothers who have altered their career path to care for their young children at home. General meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Fairfax County Government Center at 7:30 p.m. Call toll-free at 866-716-7766 for more information.
JAM! Jazz McLean, a teen jazz band directed by Rob Holmes, meets every Monday, 6-8 p.m., at the Old Firehouse Teen Center in McLean. Bring an instrument. For more information, call 703-893-0910 or visit www.geocities.com/jam4teensva.
Swing Dancing will take place every Wednesday night at the Potomac Swing Dancing Club Room, 146 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, across from Whole Foods. Beginning jitterbug/Lindy Hop lessons are at 7:30 p.m., and dancing continues 8:30-11 p.m. Club members pay $10 for the lesson and dance, $6 for dance alone. Nonmembers pay $12 for lesson and dance, $8 for dance alone. For more information, call Donna Barker at 703-978-0375 or visit www.erols.com/swing4me.
McLean Newcomers Club is a social organization made up of newcomers and not-so-newcomers from McLean and its environs. The club meets at different locations throughout the month, both public and private, for various activities such as museum tours, coffees, card groups, book group, potluck luncheons, house and garden activities and much more. Call 703-237-3138, or visit www.geocities.com/mcleannewcomers for information on activities or to join the club.
Ranger Talks. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. during the weekends; see the daily program schedule for weekday times. Join a ranger at Overlook 2 to learn more about Great Falls Park and the Potomac River at Great Falls Park. Check daily program schedule for times during the weekdays. Call 703-285-2965 for more information. Free.
Bird-Watching. Rain or shine on Sundays from 8-10 a.m. Join an informal group of bird-watchers to catch a glimpse of resident and migratory birds in Great Falls Park. Meet in the Visitor Center courtyard dressed for the weather. Call 703-285-2965 for more information.
Friends of the Great Falls Library. A group of book-lovers and library users who support special programs for children and adults at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. The board meets monthly, September through June. For information on becoming a library "friend," call 703-757-8560.
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets every second Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Beverly Hills Methodist Church, 3512 Old Dominion Blvd. in Alexandria. For more information, call 301-439-FLAG or visit pflagdc.org.
The McLean Photo Club meets every second Tuesday of the month, September through June, at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. Meet-and-greet at 7 p.m. is followed by the program at 7:30 p.m. Contact Bill Prosser, president, at ProsserWM@aol.com or 703-821-2670.
Open Mike with host Steve Key takes place every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, 703-255-1566, Ext. 8, www.jamminjava.com.
“Banjo Man.” The Banjo Man, Frank Cassel, performs a musical children's show every Friday at 10:30 a.m. for 45 minutes at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave., Vienna. A donation of $5 per child is recommended. 703-255-1566 or www.jamminjava.com.
Personalized Internet Training. Learn how to use the Web, work with e-mail, or use the library databases. At Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call for an appointment, 703-757-8560. Adults.
Personalized Internet Training. Learn to use the Web or increase skills. At Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call for an appointment, 703-790-8088. Adults.
Springfield Music Club meets September through May on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings and programs usually take place at Jordan Kitt's Showroom on Gallows Road in Vienna at 10 a.m. The 30-minute business meeting is open to members, and programs that follow the meetings are open to all interested. Programs range from opera to baroque trios to member recitals. The club also offers workshops for music teachers. To learn more about the club or its programs, contact Marcia Chaplin, president, at 703-281-5342.
The Order of the Eastern Star, Herndon Chapter 55, whose district includes Great Falls, holds its closed, regular meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at the Masonic Lodge in Herndon at 8 p.m. For information, call Donna Sumpter at 703-437-0859.
Mothers First – Great Falls is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. May's meetings are May 5 and 19 at 10 a.m. at the Great Falls Library. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Mothers First – Vienna/McLean is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. The next meeting is May 18 at 10:15 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Library, Vienna. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Mothers and the Law, a support/focus group for women with an interest in promoting justice for mothers and children of separation and divorce, meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m., in the library of McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Join them to share experiences as litigants in the courts of Virginia. Call 703-748-0072 or 703-421-6203 for more information. Free.
Garden Stroll and Tea. Spend an afternoon exploring Green Spring Gardens. An English tea is served in the historic Manor House following the guided tour. $22. At Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, 703-642-5173. Register and pre-pay for event.
Bird and Butterfly Walks at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Take a free, introductory, guided stroll with butterfly and bird photographer William B. Folsom. Sundays, 12:30 p.m., April-October, at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Call 703-255-3631.
Grinding Grain. Sundays, 12-3 p.m., at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Fresh cornmeal, grits and whole wheat flour are for sale in the Colvin Run General Store. Call 703-759-2771 for more information or to check if the mill is running in case of bad weather.
Puppet Show for Preschoolers. Thursdays at 1 p.m., at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Children ages 3-5 can meet Marvin the Miller and his puppet friends to learn how the mill works and how grain is ground. Afterwards, feed the ducks on the mill pond. Cost is $3 per child. Adults are free. For more information, call 703-759-2771.
Freedom Hill Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) meets at the second Saturday of each month from September to June at 12 p.m. at the American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean. The DAR is a volunteer service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and improving education. Prospective members and those interested in the lecture topics are welcome. For membership information, call 703-356-2370 or visit http://users.erols.com/denwards or www.dar.org.
<<cal1>Wednesday/May 5
<cal2>Celebrate Mothers! Stories, activities and a craft. Age 3-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. To register, call 703-356-0770.
Great Falls Friends May Breakfast Meeting. 8 a.m., at the Old Brogue Snuggery. Come for a light breakfast and networking. For more information, call Candace Bovee at 703-759-0375.
<cal1>Thursday/May 6
<cal2>Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) sponsors groups for injured victims and for relatives and friends of those who have been killed in drunk driving crashes. The next Injured Victim Support Group meeting is Thursday, May 6, at 3 p.m. New participants are always welcome. Free. For more information call 703-978-3025.
Teitur and Griffen House perform live music at Jammin' Java, 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
<cal1>Friday/May 7
<cal2>The Master Singers of Virginia performs its spring concert series, "Songs of Light and Water," an evening of choral music featuring works by Eastern European composers Henryk Gorecki, Urmas Sisask, Gyorgy Orban and Victor Kalinnikov, at 8 p.m., at St. Francis Episcopal Church, Great Falls. The preconcert lecture is at 7:15 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at www.msva.org, or by calling 703-655-7809. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Cost is $12 for adults, $9 for students and seniors.
"An Evening of Vocal Magic" with Jennifer Aylmer, soprano, and Kim Pensinger Witman, piano, at 8 p.m., at the Barns at Wolf Trap. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at The Barns Box Office located at 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia; by calling Tickets.com at 703-218-6500; or online at www.wolftrap.org. For more information, call Wolf Trap at 703-938-2404.
Perennial Artistry: Creating Colorful Combinations. Friday, May 7, 1:30-3 p.m. This class is for the gardener who would like help creating perennial combinations that say "wow!" The class will concentrate on spring combinations. $9. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. For more information, visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
The Push Stars and Brent Palmer perform live music at Jammin' Java, at 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna.. Tickets are $12. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
<cal1>Saturday/May 8
<cal2>McLean Matinee Music Series. 4-6 p.m., at La Grand Cafe, located in the Salona Shopping Center, 1327 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.
Native Plant Sale. The Friends of Riverbend Park are sponsoring its annual Native Plant Sale, joining in the festivities of Great Falls Day, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Great Falls Grange picnic area, 9818 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The sale features plants native to the Potomac River Gorge.
Pig Tales. Blue Sky Puppet Theatre presents the story of three pigs during a typical day at school. All ages. 11 a.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
Art Sale. Members of Great Falls Studios exhibit and sell their work. Sponsored by Friends of Great Falls Library, the show is a part of the Great Falls Day Celebration. 1-5 p.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
Balalaika 2004. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Ernst Cultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Sponsored by The Washington Balalaika Society, the performance includes soloists, a dance ensemble and the largest Russian folk orchestra in the U.S. Guest artists include Alexander Tsygankov, domra; Andrei Saveliev, balalaika; Anya Titova, soprano and the Kalinka Russian Dance Ensemble. Tickets are $20 general admission and $18 for seniors and students. Call 703-644-9151, visit www.balalaika.org, or send a check and self-addressed, stamped envelope to Washington Balalaika Society, 7421 Calamo St., Springfield, VA 22150. For more information or to inquire about group rates, call 703-644-9151.
The Heritage Linen Sale and Tea, on the day before Mother's Day, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 8991 Brook Road, McLean. Fine linen, crystal stemware, old china, sterling and silver-plate serving pieces, and more are for sale. Enjoy cookies with tea poured from a silver tea service, or purchase a light lunch the women of the church have prepared. Then search for that wedding gift, Mother's Day remembrance, or something special for yourself. The event is sponsored as a fund-raiser by the Episcopal Church Women. Admission is free. St. Thomas is located where Brook Road and Lewinsville Road meet Leesburg Pike, just west of Tysons Corner. For information, call 703-356-2586.
Riverside Picnic and Hike for Adults. 7:30-10 p.m., at Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Bring a friend or come alone for a night of hiking in the park after dark. After the hike, relax and enjoy a late, light picnic supper. Reserve a prepared picnic box or bring one; bring a flashlight, sturdy shoes and water. Advance payment of $10 required, and additional $10 fee for each reserved picnic required.
Book Festival. The Fairfax County Public Library Foundation, Inc. celebrates its 10th anniversary with the "Capital Book Festival: A Celebration of Notable Authors," May 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center. Authors attending the book festival include David Baldacci; Peter and Cheryl Barnes; Diane Chamberlain; Mona Charen; Alan Cheuse; Eleanor Clift; Alan Colmes; Ric Edelman; Mary Foley; Edward Ayers, Ira Berlin and Gary Gallagher; Michele Green; Stanley Greenberg; Deborah Hautzig; Richard Holm; Laura Ingraham; Nelda La Teef; Margaret-Anne Mazzi Wampamba; Dr. Rallie McAllister; Alice McDermott; Suzanne McIntire; Arun "Yogi" Parekh; Alma Powell; Thomas C. Reed; Diane and John Rehm; Jhoon Rhee; Joel C. Rosenberg; Larry Sabato; and Kenneth Starr. The Fairfax County Government Center is located at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 703-467-3000, or visit www.fcplfoundation.org.
Shane Hines and Michael McDermott perform an evening of pop/rock at Jammin' Java, 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
Snakes Alive. Join a park ranger to meet a special snake. Find out the answer to scaly questions, and explore the habits and characteristics of snakes. Meet the ranger at 2 p.m., at Great Falls Park Overlook 2. If weather is inclement, meet in the Visitor Center auditorium. The program is free; reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
<cal1>Sunday/May 9
<cal2>Mother's Day Concert. Sunday, May 9, 3-4 p.m. Treat mothers, sisters, daughters and the whole family to an afternoon of music while surrounded by spring flowers. Sit on the lawn and relax while the Fairfax Woodwind Quintet plays a collection of classical and modern music in the Green Spring Gazebo. Homemade goodies will be available for purchase. Free concert. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. For more information, visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
May Flowers for Mother's Day. 1-3 p.m., at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Bring mothers to casually stroll the gardens of Green Spring with an expert guide. An English tea follows. Cost is $22 per person in advance, nonrefundable. For more information, visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173 for reservations.
Mother's Day Cruise. Take a cruise along the shoreline of Lake Accotink at Lake Accotink Park while listening to an interpretive history of the park, lake and surrounding area. Beverages are served on board. Cruises are canceled in case of severe weather. Boarding fee is $3.50 for moms, $4 for children, $7 for other adults, babies on laps free. Reservations required. Cruise times are 11 a.m. and 1, 3, 5 and 6 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-0285.
Screaming Puppets perform improv comedy at 6 p.m., at Jammin' Java, 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $10; $7 for children and seniors. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
<cal1>Monday/May 10
<cal2>Preschool Storytime. Share stories, songs and fun. Age 1-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Tuesday/May 11
<cal2>McLean Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees monthly meeting. 1 p.m., at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Orville Overboe, Virginia State federation service officer, briefs members on required actions related to Survivors' and Annuitants' Benefits prior to and after death. Bring a dish to share for the potluck luncheon at 12 p.m. A brief business meeting follows the presentation. For more information, call 702-560-8648.
Newcomers of Great Falls hosts its May luncheon on Tuesday, May 11, at L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls. The event begins with a social at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12:15 p.m. Residents, new and etablished in the Great Falls region are invited to attend. The cost for the luncheon is $50 per person. For more information and to reserve a space, call 703-326-GRVA or visit www.greatfallsnewcomers.com.
John Renbourn and Jacqui Mcshee perform an evening of British folk music at Jammin' Java, 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
<cal1>Wednesday/May 12
<cal2>Going on a Bug Hunt. Come for insect stories and activities. Age 2-3 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
Toddle on Over. Stories and activities. Age 13-23 months with adult. 11 a.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
Teddy Bear Tea. Stories and activities. Age 2-3 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
The Mammals perform a concert to celebrate its new album at 8 p.m., at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $10. For information, call 703-255-1566. The Wiyos open the show.
The McLean Photo Club has its next regular meeting on Wednesday, May 12, at the McLean Community Center. Meet and greet from 7-7:30 p.m. Meeting starts at 7:30.
<cal1>Thursday/May 13
<cal2>Andy Waldeck and Thao Nguyen perform an evening of acoustic rock at Jammin' Java, 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $8. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
<cal1>Friday/May 14
<cal2>Lunch Pack. Bring a lunch and listen to stories. Age 2-6 with adult. 12:30 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Call 703-356-0770.
Parent and Child Sleepover. 7 p.m. on Friday until 8 a.m. on Saturday, at Riverbend Nature Center, 703-759-9018. For children 8 and older, with adult. Unroll a sleeping bag on the floor, and join in the all-night fun. Take a night hike, and toast hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire. Top off the evening with movies and popcorn. Parents must stay the whole night. Reservations and advance payment required. $30 for adult and child.
Sight and Sound Technology Fair. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., in Suite 123 of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. People with disabilities, as well as those who provide assistance or care for friends, relatives or clients with disabilities, are encouraged to attend. The fair, sponsored by the Access Services branch of Fairfax County Public Library, includes hands-on demonstrations of equipment that helps people with vision or hearing problems perform everyday tasks, a discussion of the digital Talking Books program, demonstrations of electronic books, branch tours, and the latest assistive technology offered by vendors. For details, call 703-324-8380. For information about how Access Services makes events and activities available to people with disabilities, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.
Robbie Schaeffer performs live music, with Mike Clem opening, at Jammin' Java, at 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
<cal1>Saturday/May 15
<cal2>McLean Matinee Music Series. 4-6 p.m., at La Grand Cafe, located in the Salona Shopping Center, 1327 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. This week's group is the Potomac School a Cappella Singers.
Victorian Hanging Basket. 10 a.m. Horticulturist Laurie Short teaches workshop participants how to fill a moss-covered basket with a variety of foliage and flowering plants. The $30 fee covers supplies. Reservations required. At NVRPA's Meadowlark Gardens Horticulture Building, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Call 703-255-3631.
InterAct Story Theatre: "Glusgabi and the Wind Eagle," a Native American story about respecting nature. Age 7-11. 2 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
Colvin Run Dance Band. Dance to the Colvin Run Dance Band's Big Band sound, 9 p.m.-12 a.m., at the Colvin Run School House, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. $12 per person. For information, call 703-430-3342.
The McLean Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is collecting used books, CDs, tapes, videos and software on Saturdays, May 15 and 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the SunTrust Bank, 515 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. No records, textbooks or encyclopedias will be accepted. For further information, call 703-759-5112. The AAUW Used Book Sale benefits scholarships for women. The sale will be held at the McLean Community Center on Sept. 17-19. This year marks the 35th year that McLean AAUW has collected used books for scholarships.
Can You Canoe? Age 8 and up. 3-5 p.m., at Lake Accotink Park. Learn the basic mechanics of canoeing with an emphasis on safety and enjoyment. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $16 per participant. Equipment provided; bring a water bottle. To register, send participant's name, address, phone number, age, program title, and a check payable to FCPA, to Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA 22150. Call 703-569-0285 for credit card registrations or more information. Refunds issued only if class is canceled.
World Children's Choir Concert, "We Must Dream." 7 p.m., at Cherrydale United Methodist Church, 3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. The World Children's Choir is a professional choir made up of singers 4-18 and based in the Washington, D.C., area. For more information, call 703-734-0621, e-mail wchildsing@aol.com, or visit www.worldchildrenschoir.org.
Robbie Schaeffer performs live music, with Mike Clem opening, at Jammin' Java, 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
Friends of Pleasant Grove Country Fair. The Board of Directors of the Friends of Pleasant Grove host the annual all-day country fair on the grounds of the historic Pleasant Give Church, 8641 Lewinsville Road, McLean. The fair features the sales of attic treasures and baked goods. A king-sized dogwood appliqué quilt with a white background and mauve and pink flowers, hand made by former McLean resident Sylvia Gaskins, will be raffled off at 2 p.m. Plants will be available for sale. Chic and Nina Cullen will serve barbecue, burgers and hot dogs. Fred and Tim McKalip will perform bluegrass, Celtic and acoustic music. Peter Lowenthal will give a demonstration of solar devices and water heating equipment. For more information, call Joan or Garry Jewett at 703-893-9075.
International Migratory Bird Day. Celebrate one of the most important and spectacular events in the life of a migratory bird — its journey between summer and winter homes. On Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia presents a program with live birds at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. For young and aspiring ornithologists, visit the Children's Area for special activities. For information, call 703-285-2965.
<cal1>Sunday/May 16
<cal2>Washington Symphonic Brass Presents "Wind and Song." 7:30 p.m., at Saint Luke Catholic Church, McLean. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 703-243-1127 or at the door. Visit www.wsbrass.com.
Natural Expressions: Working with Natural Materials. 1-3 p.m., at Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018. Be expressive by drawing, painting, creating rubbings and collage using natural tools and subjects from the park. No prior experience necessary. Bring a drawing tablet, pencil, eraser and a towel or pad to sit on. Reservations and advance payment required by May 9. Rain date is May 23. $10.
The Michael Fath Group performs an evening of jazz/rock fusion. 7 p.m., at Jammin' Java, at 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
International Migratory Bird Day. Celebrate one of the most important and spectacular events in the life of a migratory bird — its journey between summer and winter homes. On Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia presents a program with live birds at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. For young and aspiring ornithologists, visit the Children's Area for special activities. For information, call 703-285-2965.
Wildflower Walk. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. Biology professor Marion Lobstein leads an educational walk to learn how to identify wildflowers and the role they play in the ecosystem of Great Falls Park. Free. Reservations required; call 703-285-2965.
Spring Scavenger Hunt. 2-3 p.m., at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. Join a park ranger to hunt for signs of nature while exploring the River Trail. Great for families with children between 5 and 12. Free. Reservations are required; call 703-285-2965.
Herons. 3-3:45 p.m., at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. Join a park ranger to learn about this bird, one of the most easily watched animals in the park. Meet at the Ranger Program Area by Overlook 2. Free. Reservations required; call 703-285-2965.