<cal1>Wednesday/April 13
<cal2>Musical performance by New Age pianist Jim Brickman at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Martha Burk, women’s advocate and author of "Cult of Power," talks about gender discrimination in the workplace and what can be done to end it, at the Tysons Corner Borders Books, 8027 Leesburg Pike. 7:30 p.m. Call 703-556-7766.
The Great Falls Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. In the Grange located at 9818 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The program will be "The Millers House Yesterday and Tomorrow." The speaker will be Mr. Mike Henry, site administrator for Colvin Run Mill, who will discuss the Miller House, on the grounds of the Mill. Mr. There is no charge, and the public is invited. Call 703-759-2626 or visit gfhs.org.
Wine Tasting Class. "Treasures from South America." Explore and experience the rich terroir of our neighbors in the Southern Hemisphere from 7:30-9 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. A seated wine tasting that includes gourmet snacks. The cost is $40 for residents, $45 for nonresidents, and registration is required. Call 703-790-0123.
Chip Clark presents "Tales of a Smithsonian Staff Photographer" at 7:30 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. Sponsored by the McLean Photography Club. Free. Call 703-536-9873, or visit our www.mcleanphoto.org.
Preschool sing-along with Miss Belle. Ages 2-5yrs. with an adult. Begins at 10:30 a.m. at Dolley Madison Public Library; 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Call 703-356-0770.
April Showers. Stories, activities and a craft for Spring. For ages 2-5 with adult. Begins 11a.m. at Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Thursday/April 14
<cal2>Rhapsody in Bob, by a cappella quartet The Bobs at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
<cal1>Friday/April 15
<cal2>Rhapsody in Bob, by a cappella quartet The Bobs at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Charity Citrus Fruit Sale at American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Proceeds support local community youth, patriotic, and veteran needs. Visit www.mcleanpost270.org or call 703-356-8259.
The Garden Group of the Great Falls Woman's Club visits the Daffodil Show at St. John Newmann Catholic Church in Reston. The show begins at 2:30 p.m. Call Ellen at 703-759-3006.
Lunch Pack. Bring lunch and listen to stories. For kids ages 2-6 with adult. Starts at 12:30 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Public Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Saturday/April 16
<cal2>"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Saturday, April 16, 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 17, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Little Falls Church, 6025 Little Falls Road, Arlington. The junior and senior high youth of Little Falls Church present this musical based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. Visit www.littlefallschurch.org/CharlieBrown2005FS.html. 703-538-5230. This event is free. Donations accepted.
Freddie Mac's Hoops for the Homeless returns to the courts this year on April 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the MCI Center, 601 F St. N.W., in Washington, D.C. Freddie Mac, along with Magic Johnson and dozens of other celebrities, will raise funds for six local nonprofits. This three-on-three tournament is a day-long event featuring round-robin play with over 50 teams, each coached by a celebrity for a portion of the day. For spectators, tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the door, and for children 12 and under, tickets are free. For more information on how to get involved in this tournament, or on the issue of homelessness, visit www.hoopsforthehomeless.org.
Improv comedy by Chicago City Limits at the Barns at Wolf Trap. 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Inc. holds an open House from 1-5 p.m., featuring Northern Virginia's largest fixed operating "HO" scale model railroad and the W&OD Railroad's real caboose. The club is located in the historic Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Station, 231 Dominion Road in downtown Vienna. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted. Call 703-938-5157.
Charity Citrus Fruit Sale at American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean. 8 a.m.-noon Proceeds support local community youth, patriotic, and veteran needs. Visit www.mcleanpost270.org or call 703-356-8259.
The McLean Storybook Festival will be held at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The festival features children’s author and illustrator Rosalyn Schanzer. Other activities include book-related arts and crafts projects, live entertainment, book sales and light refreshments. Tickets are $10 per child, $7 for McLean district residents. Call 703-790-0123 or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Hike in the Park. Join a park ranger for a hike to explore areas of natural and cultural history at Great Falls Park from 2-3 p.m. Sturdy shoes are a must. Meet at the Visitor Center desk. Reservations required. Call 703-285-2965. The park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive.
Big Band Ballroom Dancing with Colvin Run Dance Band. From 9 p.m.-midnight at the Colvin Run School House, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. The cost is $12 per person with optional Merengue lessons at 5 p.m for an additional $5. Call 703-430-6557.
Mystery Night: Murder on the Strip. Meet colorful Las Vegas characters, gather clues and decide “whodunit.” Begins 7p.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike. Adults only. Call 703-790-8088.
Colonial Fish-Salting. Learn the important contributions the Potomac River makes to the Claude Moore Colonial Farm family. Help them prepare, salt and pack herring into jars. 1-4 p.m. $3 adults; $2 children and seniors. Free for members. The farm is located at 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Call 703-442-7557.
Community Forum on the Middle Potomac Watersheds, including Pimmit Run, Scotts Run, Turkey Run, Dead Run and Bull Neck Run. The forum is at Longfellow Middle School, 2000 Westmoreland St., McLean, from 12:30-4:30 p.m. and covers topics such as watershed ecology, planning and zoning, Fairfax County's stormwater program and site design and low-impact development. Advance registration not required but requested. To register, e-mail middlepotomac@virginia.edu or call 703-820-3840, ext. 2228, TTY 711 by April 13. Walk-in registrations welcome.
The McLean Orchestra presents an evening of "night" music in "Under Cover of Darkness" at 8 p.m. at Oakcrest School, 850 Balls Hill Road, McLean. The concert includes Mussorgsky's Night On Bald Mountain and Debussy's Nocturnes, featuring the Washington Women's Chorus, and "Les Nuits d' e tés," by Hector Berlioz, featuring a very special guest appearance by Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop. Tickets cost $23 for general admission, $20 for seniors and students and $5 for children 12 and under. To order tickets or for more information call 703-893-8646 or visit: www.mclean-orchestra.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
<cal1>Sunday/April 17
<cal2>CBS evening news anchor Bob Scheiffer presents "Face the Nation: My Favorite Stories from the First 50 Years" at the Alden Theatre of the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., at 7:30 p.m.
Un-Natural Trail. Participants, aged 6-12, test their powers of observation on a hike along a very special trail. 2-3 p.m. Meet a ranger at the Visitor Center desk at Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive. Call 703-285-2965 for reservations.
"Belle of the Bijou." Clark Gable, Mae West and little Shirley Temple are just a few in the parade of movie stars remembered in this one-woman show about an elderly ticket-taker at a decaying movie house that has seen its last days. 3-5 p.m. at the Dominican Retreat. Cost is $25 per person. This is a special benefit performance; all proceeds benefit the Ministry of the Dominican Retreat House. Call 703-356-4243 to charge tickets to a credit card or mail in your ticket reservation with a check to the Dominican Retreat House, 7103 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101.
Wildflower Walk. Join Biology Professor Marion Lobstein for an exciting and educational walk to learn how to identify wildflowers and the role they play in the ecosystem at Great Falls Park. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Reservations required. Call 703-285-2965. The park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive.
<cal1>Monday/April 18
<cal2>Preschool Story Time. Share stories, songs and fun at Great Falls Library, 9830 George town Pike, at 10:30 a.m. Ages 1-5 with adult. Call 703-757-8560 to register.
Sweet Dreams. Bedtime stories and more. Come in pajamas at 7:30 p.m. to the Dolley Madison Public Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Call 703-356-0770.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 19
<cal2>Mothers First – Vienna/McLean, supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home, meets from 10:15 a.m.-noon at the Patrick Henry Library, 101 E. Maple Ave., Vienna. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Preeminent Irish music from the band Altan at 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap. Tickets are $24 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Great Falls Public Library’s Book Discussion Group. Begins at 10:30 a.m. at Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Ask for this month’s title at the library’s information desk. Call 703-757-8560.
Jewelery Making for Kids. Ages 6-12. 4:30p.m. at the Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 20
<cal2>The McLean Newcomers Club, a social organization made up of newcomers and not-so-newcomers from McLean and its environs, has a luncheon at 11 a.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon, with a tour available. For reservations, call Jackie at 703 790 8284.
Flora Fraser introduces "Princesses," her group biography of the six daughters of “mad” King George III. Signing and discussion at 7:30 p.m. at the Tysons Corner Borders Books, 8027 Leesburg Pike. Call 703-556-7766.
Mothers First – Great Falls, supporting women who have chosen to alter their careers to raise their children at home, meets from 10 a.m.-noon at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Join members of the Jewish Community from throughout Virginia on Capitol Hill for Statewide Virginia’s Mission to Washington. Talk with Virginia’s Congressional Delegation about support for Israel and vital domestic issues; lunch with Jewish senators and representatives; meet with Israeli embassy officials and Middle East experts. To register, mail a $45 check (for kosher lunch) enclosed with name, address, e-mail and registration form. Carpool and transportation assistance available. Students pay $10. Call 703-893-4007 for registration form. Forms will also be available at area synagogues.
Preeminent Irish music from the band Altan at 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap. Tickets are $24 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
McLean Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at First Service Bank, 6830 Old Dominion Drive. Co-hosted by Helga's Caterers.
Tysons Business and Professional Women presents Claude J. Beheler, Chief Magistrate, Fairfax County for "If You are the Victim of a Crime…" at its monthly breakfast meeting, 7:30-9:00 a.m. at Holland & Knight LLP, 1600 Tysons Boulevard, No. 700, McLean. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members. For information or reservations, call Liz Simpson at 703-734-0342.
Wine Tasting Class. "Syrah, Zinfandel and Port - Which Pairs Best with a Cheese Course or Dessert?" A seated wine tasting that includes gourmet snacks from 7:30-9 p.m at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. The cost is $40 for residents and $45 for nonresidents, and registration is required. Call 703-790-0123.
Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt Program is the world’s largest junior golf program of its kind. The first 250 registrants in the area will be selected to compete. Winners from each local event will have the opportunity to compete in regional championships and, possibly, at the National Championship in October. Registration forms are available at www.TheGolfChannel.com, Twin Lakes Golf Course or by calling 703-631-9099. All participants will receive notification by mail, telephone or e-mail. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. The course is located at 6201 Union Mill Road, Clifton. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.TheGolfChannel.com.
Great Falls Public Library’s Evening Book Discussion Club. For adults. Ask for this month’s title at the library’s information desk. Begins at 7:30 p.m., 9830 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-757-8560.
Wonderful Ones. Storytime for ages 10-23 months with an adult. Begins at 11a.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike. Call 703-790-8088.
Organist J. Reilly Lewis performs at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, at 1 p.m. Dr. Lewis is recognized internationally as an accomplished conductor and keyboard artist, as well as a leading specialist of Baroque music, particularly that of Johann Sebastian Bach. The concert is free. Call 703-356-0670.
<cal1>Thursday/April 21
<cal2>The 13th Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards, sponsored by Volunteer Fairfax, honor individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made a difference and provided countless hours of service to the community. The public is invited to celebrate the achievements of these everyday heroes and the 30th anniversary of Volunteer Fairfax, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner from 8-9:30 a.m. Tickets are available online at www.volunteerfairfax.org or by contacting Erin Whyte at 703-246-3460 or awards@volunteerfairfax.org.
The Austin Lounge Lizards perform a fusion of bluegrass, folk, country and a bizarre sense of humor at the Barns at Wolf Trap at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
The Greater McLean Republican Women host Ms. Olivia Jenney at its monthly breakfast meeting. Ms. Jenny will address the GMRW on the history of the Republican Party in Virginia. The breakfast and talk begin at 8 a.m. at Kazan Restaurant, 6813 Redmond Drive, in downtown McLean. The cost is $12 per person. Reservations are required. Ccall Donna Royce at 703-734-0135 or Ann Murty at 703-532-1512.
The Great Falls Optimist Club holds its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the community meeting room at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Nonmembers are welcome. The Optimist Club organizes and funds programs for children in the community, including the Spring Children's Festival. Call Angela Bongiorno at 703-759-2925.
The Great Falls Woman's Club celebrates its 23rd annual Poetry Contest and Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the local country club. This is being held in partnership with Great Falls Elementary School. All students in third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades are eligible to submit poems. Cash prizes will be awarded. Everyone is invited to attend this event. Reservations must be made by April 15. The cost of the luncheon is $22. Call Kathy for more information at 703-430-1587.
Tiny Tot Tales. Stories and activities for ages 13-23 months with an adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Dolley Madison Public Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Call 703-356-0770.
The Great Zucchini. A magic show where every child is a star. Ages 2-6 with an adult. Begins at 10:30 a.m. at Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Friday/April 22
<cal2>Christine Lavin, founder of the group Four Bitching Babes, performs at the Barns at Wolf Trap at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 703-218-6500 or online at www.tickets.com. For more information, visit www.wolftrap.org. The Barns is located at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Northern Virginia Family Service hosts its annual Road to Independence Gala to celebrate the achievements of the past year. The gala also serves to generate support and crucial funds for NVFS programs that encourage, teach and empower individuals and families to overcome challenges and improve their lives. The gala is at the Hilton McLean at Tysons Corner and will feature entertainment from the comedy troupe the Capitol Steps. The general reception with a silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m. Businesses and individuals may support the Gala through several types of sponsorships. Individual tickets are also available. Call Christina Dubitsky at 703-219-2123. To learn more about NVFS visit www.nvfs.org.
The Garden Group of the Great Falls Woman's Club celebrates Historic Garden Week in Virginia with a tour of homes and gardens in the Clifton area. Call Ann at 703-759-5194 for information on times and tickets. The group meets in the CVS parking lot at 9 a.m.
<cal1>Saturday/April 23
<cal2>Garden Party. Children age 4-10 are invited to celebrate Earth Day. Learn to pot and care for a plant, then take it home. Dress to play in the dirt. 10 a.m.-noon at Krops Crops Farm, 1110 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Cost is $5 per child. Call for reservations, 703-430-8955.
Many Hats of a Park Ranger. Learn about the many different things park rangers do at Great Falls Park and at parks all over the country. Learn how to help park rangers in their efforts to conserve parklands. 2-2:45 p.m. Meet at the Ranger Program Area near Overlook 3. Reservations required. Call 703-285-2965. The park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive.
Chabad Lubavitch of Northern Virginia hosts their Community Passover "Seder." This is the first of two nights. No membership is necessary. Various Passover rituals are observed, including a full meal and the reading of the "Haggada," an ancient book that chronicles the Passover story. The Rabbi leads the reading in Hebrew and English. 8:50 p.m. at 3939 Prince William Drive, Fairfax. Cost is $36 per adult and $25 per child. For more information or for reservations, call 703-426-1980, or visit www.chabadva.org.
Spring Wildflower and Nature Walk. 9:30 a.m.–noon at The Nature Conservancy’s Fraser Preserve. 101 Springvale Road, Great Falls. Contact Joe Keiger at 703-528-4952 or Ben Wallen at ben_wallen@yahoo.com .
<cal1>Sunday/April 24
<cal2>Sailboat at the Mill. Assemble and decorate a wooden sailboat and test its abilities at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site at 1 p.m. Cost is $10 per boat. Reservations can be made at 703-759-2771. The Mill is located at 10017 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls. Call 703-759-2771.
Don't Hate Me Because I'm Ugly. Learn more about the vultures that soar over Great Falls Park. Meet the ranger at the park's Visitor Center desk, 9200 Old Dominion Drive. 2-2:30 p.m. Call 703-285-2965 for reservations.
Chabad Lubavitch of Northern Virginia hosts their Community Passover "Seder." This is the second of two nights. No membership is necessary. Various Passover rituals are observed, including a full meal and the reading of the "Haggada," an ancient book that chronicles the Passover story. The Rabbi leads the reading in Hebrew and English. 8:50 p.m. at 3939 Prince William Drive, Fairfax. Cost is $36 per adult and $25 per child. For more information or for reservations, call 703-426-1980, or visit www.chabadva.org.