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. The next meeting is May 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 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.
Garden Party and Plant Sale. Wednesday, May 12, 6-9 p.m., at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm greenhouse, 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Local living history museum hosts first garden party of 2004 season. Tour the farm's greenhouse and grounds. Horticulture Group volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and recommend plants for gardens. Perennial flowers and herbs offered for sale. No admission fee. Light refreshments and cash bar. Casual dress, garden-party hats encouraged. Weather permitting. For information, write to aeberly@1771.org, or call 703-847-0710. Visit www.1771.org.
<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.
Scottish Fiddler Bonnie Rideout and her trio perform at 8 p.m., at the Alden Theatre. Tickets are $22, $18 for McLean District residents. The Alden Theatre is housed in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. To purchase tickets, stop by the Alden Theatre Box Office, or to charge tickets by telephone, call Ticketmaster at 703-573-SEAT (7328). For more information, call 703-790-9223/TTY: 703-827-8255, or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Great Falls Woman's Club luncheon and officers’ installation for 2004-05. May 14, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Cafe Renaissance, 163 Glyndon St., Vienna. If attending, contact Dawn at 703-757-6234.
<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 country fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 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.
18th Century Spring Market Fair. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike. Artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and skills such as spinning and furniture making. Festivities include family activities, live music and dancing. Purchase seasonal herbs, flowers and era merchandise, period food and drink. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children 3-12 and senior citizens. Weather permitting. For information, visit www.1771.org.
Third Annual McLean Family Walkathon. The New Dominion Women's Club (NDWC) hosts the third annual McLean Family Walkathon on Saturday, May 15, at 10 a.m. A family-focused event, the 2K walk takes place in McLean Central Park, in conjunction with the McLean Day Festival, to raise funds for three local organizations this year: Clemyjontri Park, Alternative House/Culmore Teen Center, and the McLean Youth Orchestra. Visit www.NDWC.org to register online by credit card. Registration is also possible the morning of the event at 9 a.m. at the McLean Central Park gazebo.
<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.
18th Century Spring Market Fair. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike. Artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and skills such as spinning and furniture making. Festivities include family activities, live music and dancing. Purchase seasonal herbs, flowers and era merchandise, period food and drink. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children 3-12 and senior citizens. Weather permitting. For information, visit www.1771.org.
Pops Concert. The Capital Wind Symphony performs a concert including music from American theater at 3 p.m., at McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children under 6 are free. For information, call 703-938-3521.
<cal1>Monday/May 17
<cal2>Sweet Dreams. Bedtime stories and activities. Come in pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal. All ages. 7:30 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. To register, call 703-356-0770.
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.
David Broder, political correspondent and author of "Democracy Derailed: Initiative Campaigns and the Power of Money," speaks at 7:30 p.m., at the Alden Theatre, located in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Free; tickets will be distributed beginning at 6:30 p.m. For directions or information, call 703-790-0123.
<cal1>Tuesday/May 18
<cal2>Book Discussion Group. Ask for this month's book title at the Information Desk. Adults. 11 a.m., at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. To register, call 703-757-8560.
Benefit Concert. A Parkinson’s disease benefit concert featuring Eric Brace, Ana Egge and Little Pink, takes place at Jammin' Java, 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
<cal1>Wednesday/May 19
<cal2>Garden Delights. Stories and activities. Age 3-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. To register, call 703-356-0770.
Lunchtime Tots. Stories and fun for toddlers. Bring a snack or brown bag lunch. Age 11-25 months with adult. 12 p.m., at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. To register, call 703-790-8088.
"Music in McLean" Organ Recital. 1 p.m., at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Patricia Shrock of Holy Trinity, Georgetown, performs. Free. For more information, call 703-356-0670.
Preschool Storytime: Rainbow Fun. 10 a.m., at Riverbend Nature Center, 703-759-9018. What makes a rainbow? Find out through activities, songs, stories and a craft. Reservations and advance payment required. $5.
An Evening with Steve Poltz at Jammin' Java, 237 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets are $12 in advance, and $15 at the door. For more information, call 703-255-1566.
On Wednesday, May 19, at 11:30 a.m., McLean Newcomers hosts its final luncheon of the season at L'Auberge Chez Francois, 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls. All members, their guests and anyone who would like to become acquainted with the club are welcome. R.S.V.P. by May 17 to Kathy at 703-821-2871.