<cal1>Wednesday/May 11
<cal2>Spring Fling party, presented by the Washington Area Chapter of Childhelp USA. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Olive Garden at Tysons Corner, on Route 7 and Gallows Road. Childhelp USA is one of the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect. Free. Books for children ages 6-12 are happily accepted and will be donated to childern living at the Alice C. Tyler Village in Culpepper. RSVP by May 4 to Bridgette Walsh, 1923 Kennedy Drive, No. 201, McLean, VA 22102, 703-734-1376 or spencer_bridgette@bah.com.
The Rise 'n' Shine Networking Breakfast is hosted by the McLean Chamber of Commerce at Café Oggi, 6671 Old Dominion Drive, from 7:30-9 a.m. Cost is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers. Call 703-356-5424 or visit www.mcleanchamber.org.
Preschool Sing-Along. Sing songs with Miss Belle at 10:30 a.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Ages 2-5 with an adult. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
Toddle on Over. Stories and activities at 10:30 a.m. at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Ages 15-23 months with an adult. Call 703-757-8560 to register.
Time for Twos. Stories, rhymes and a craft at 11 a.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-790-8088 to register.
Pee-Wee Explorers: All About Ants. For ages 3-5 at the Riverbend Nature Center, Riverbend Road, Great Falls. 10:15-11 a.m. and 1:15-2 p.m. Reservations and prepayment of $3 per child is required. Call 703-759-9018.
<cal1>Thursday/May 12
<cal2>Open Hire Session. The Fairfax County Park Authority and the Department of Community and Recreation Services are hiring staff for children’s programs, teen programs, community centers and therapeutic recreation. Open hire will be on the 10th floor of the Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, from noon- 5:30 p.m. For information about these positions and what to bring to the interview, call Rec-PAC at 703-324-5514, RecQuest at 703-324-8364, teen programs at 703-324-TEEN, therapeutic recreation at 703-324-5532, or for other positions call 703-324-8571. Visit the Park Authority online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
David S. Reynolds, a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist, discusses and signs "John Brown, Abolitionist: The Man Who Killed Slavery, Sparked the Civil War, and Seeded Civil Rights," his biography of the controversial Abolitionist who used terrorist tactics against slavery. 7:30 p.m. at Borders at Tysons Corner, 8027 Leesburg Pike. Call 703-556-7766.
Republican Candidates' Night, hosted by the Greater McLean Republican Women. Primary candidates for election to state political offices have been invited to attend, including governor candidates George Fitch and Jerry Kilgore, lieutenant governor candidates Sean Cannaughton and Bill Bowling, and attorney general candidates Steve Buril and Bob McDonnell. Candidates have the opportunity to meet constituents and present their positions on key political issues in advance of the June 14 primary election. The event is a potluck dinner and will be held at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Old Chain Bridge Road, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For reservations contact Ann Murty at 703-532-1512.
Power Networking Lunch is hosted by the McLean Camber of Commerce in the Community Room of the McLean Government Center, 1437 Balls Hill Road at 11:30 a.m. Free. Call 703-356-5424 or visit www.mcleanchamber.org.
Washington Nationals Shortstop Cristian Guzman signs original, classic, leather Nationals baseballs with any Waterford Crystal purchase at Hecht's, 8000 Tysons Corner, McLean, from 7-8:30 p.m. Natalie Case from Majic 102.3 FM is also on hand, playing music and giving away prizes.
Author and motivational speaker Carl Zaiss presents new perspectives, principles and practices for competing in today's marketplace at the Vienna-Tysons Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon. Book signing to follow. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Tysons Corner Marriott, 8028 Leesburg Pike. Cost is $40 for members with reservations five days in advance; $50 for nonmembers and walk-ins. RSVP to 703-281-1333 or www.vtrcc.org/rsvp.htm.
<cal1>Friday/May 13
<cal2>The Women's Association of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Great Falls will hold its 2005 Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Riverbend Country Club from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Through this fundraising effort, the Association will award Alexander DiFilipis college scholarships to deserving students in Fairfax County. Funds will be raised through a Chinese auction during the event. This year's fashions by Terry & Kate Clothiers of Great Falls, and fashions for young girls by Alexa's Fancy Boutique of Ashburn, will be modeled. For tickets call Donna Neuland at 703-759-6233 or e-mail neuland@cox.net.
Riverside Campfire at Riverbend Visitors Center, Riverbend Road, Great Falls. Enjoy a cookout with stories and songs. From 6:30-7:30 p.m. The cost is $3 per person. Bring a blanket and flashlight. Call 703-759-9018.
Dulles Rail: How, When, Why and How Much? Attend this informative event and receive an up-to-the-minute update on Dulles Rail, including the construction timeline, financing package progress and economic impact indicators. 8-10:30 p.m. at Hyatt Dulles, 2200 Dulles Corner Boulevard, Herndon. Cost is $25 pre-paid; $30 at the door. Register at www.restonchamber.org.
<cal1>Saturday/May 14
<cal2>Perfectly Polite: An Etiquette Tea. Part of "Two Ladies for Tea, My Mother and Me," a series of mother-daughter tea parties. Young ladies will learn proper tea party etiquette from a skilled etiquette expert while enjoying a tower of sweet treats and sandwiches. Atop the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in the exclusive Presidential Suite, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $65 for adults and $25 for children. All four teas are $270 for adults and $100 for children. Reservations for all events may be made by calling The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner at 703-917-5498.
Balloon Launch for children ages 2-10. 100 balloons with notes attached will be launched to see if anyone receives them miles away. 10 a.m.-noon at Krop's Crops Farm,11110 Georgetown Pike. Free. Reservations required. Call 703-430-8955.
The Washington Balalaika Society performs folk and semi-classical music from Russia and Eastern Europe. The concert features the WBS Orchestra, the premier Russian folk orchestra in the U.S., as well as solo artists. 7:30 p.m. at the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College, Ernst Cultural Ctr, 8333 Little River Turnpike. Tickets cost $20 for general admission, $18 for seniors and students and $15 for groups of 10 or more. For ticket purchase and information, visit www.balalaika.org or call 703-644-9151.
The McLean Family Walkathon is a family-friendly fundraiser for all ages organized by the New Dominion Women’s Club (NDWC). 9–11 a.m. in McLean Central Park. The event is a 2K walk that also includes a live music performance by Peter McCory, face painting, games, refreshments and prizes. The Walkathon will benefit Alzheimer’s Family Day Center, Claude Moore Colonial Farm and Education for Independence. Additionally, a portion of the funds raised will be donated to the NDWC general donations fund, which aids a multitude of local charitable and non-profit organizations. Registration is possible the day of the event beginning at 9 a.m. Registration fees are tax deductible. Fees are $25 per individual, $15 per person in groups of two or more and $5 per person for children's teams/clubs. To register online, visit www.ndwc.org. For more information e-mail walkregister@ndwc.org or call 703-827-0874.
The annual Parking Lot Sale at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church will be held from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the church's main lot at 1830 Kirby Road, McLean. On sale will be a wide variety of second-hand books, clothing, toys, linens, tools, and household items, as well as a number of unusual surprise pieces. Proceeds will benefits the community through a host of outreach projects. Call 703-356-7533.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra's final concert of the Masterworks series begins at 8 p.m. at the George Mason University Center for the Arts. For directions visit www.fairfaxsymphony.org. A free pre-concert lecture by music critic and jornalist Bernard Jacobson begins at 7 p.m. Single tickets range from $30-$50 and can be purchased through Tickets.com at 703-218-6500 or www.tickets.com.
Hike in the Park. Join a park ranger for a hike to explore areas of natural and cultural history at Great Falls Park. Expect moderate terrain and uneven surfaces. Sturdy shoes are a must. 2-3 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center, 9200 Old Dominion Drive. Free; reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas perform a mix of contemporary zydeco music at 8 p.m. at the Alden Theatre in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. Tickets are $22 for the general public, $18 for McLean district residents. To purchase tickets stop by the Alden Theatre Box Office, or to charge tickets by telephone call TICKETMASTER at 703-573-SEAT. For more information call 703-790-9223 or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
<cal1>Sunday/May 15
<Cal2>The Washington Symphonic Brass performs its program, "Carnival of the Animals: The French Connection," 7:30 p.m., at St. Luke Catholic Church, McLean. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and military, $10 for students. Call 703-243-1127.
Spring Concert. The Capital Wind Symphony presents a spring concert in the auditorium of McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean, at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens. Students and children 6 and younger are admitted free.
Mill Run Dulcimer Band Concert. From 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road. Picnic under the trees while enjoying the music. This event is free; donations accepted. Call 703-759-2771.
Wildflower Walk. Learn to identify wildflowers and the role they play in the ecosystem at Great Falls Park. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive. Free; reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
Spring Scavenger Hunt. Join a park ranger to hunt for signs of nature while exploring the River Trail at Great Falls park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive. 2-3 p.m. Great for gamilies with children 5-12 years old. Free; reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
<cal1>Monday/May 16
<cal2>The Food for Others is conducting its second annual Golf Tournament at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course at 1 p.m. The cost before April 30 is $400 per foursome, $100 per individual, and after April 30 is $475 per foursome, $125 per individual. Contact Food for Others at 703-207-9173 or visit www.tournamentor.com/foodforothers. Food for Others is a nonprofit food bank and food rescue operation, working to help some of the 90,183 persons living in poverty in Northern Virginia. Over 98 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to food program expenses.
Sweet Dreams. Bedtime stories and activities at 7:30 p.m. at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Come in pajamas and bring a stuffed animal. All ages. Call 703-356-0770 to register.
Preschool Storytime. Share stories, songs and fun at 10:30 a.m. at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Age 1-5 with an adult. Call 703-757-8560 to register.
Assistance League of Northern Virginia holds a multi-town membership meeting from 10:15 a.m.-noon at the Chantilly Regional Public Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly. Visitors are invited to participate in a workshop after the meeting to learn more about Operation Hugs, which supports the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program and the OB/GYN Clinic at Inova Fairfax Hospital. The workshop is at McLearen Self Storage, 13800 McLearen Road in Herndon, following a brown bag lunch. Contact the chapter membership chairman at 703-758-1085 or the chapter president at 703-758-8454, or visit www.assistanceleague.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/May 17
<cal2>Great Falls Library's Book Discussion Group. 10:30 a.m. For adults. Ask for this month's title at the Information Desk. Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike.
<cal1>Wednesday/May 18
<cal2>Organist Julie Vidrick Evans performs at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, at 1 p.m. Free. Evans serves as conductor in residence at American University and is now in her ninth year as director of music at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Bethesda. She is a prize-winning organist and active recitalist. Call 703-356-0670.
Parade of Colors. Participants wear their favorite colors to listen to stories at the Dolley Madison Public Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. For ages 2-5 with an adult. Begins 10:30 a.m.
Combined Concert of the McLean High School Chamber Soloists and the Detmold Youth Orchestra of Germany, conducted by Gretta Sandberg of McLean High School and Udo Monks of the DYO at 7:30 p.m. Musicians representing strings, woodwind, brass and percussion perform a selection of symphonic tunes from well-known German and American composers. Guest soloist Lewis Freeman, baritone, will be a featured performer. McLean High School is located at 1633 Davidson Road. Call 703-714-5817 or visit www.mcleanhsorch.com.
Tysons Business and Professional Women presents Sam Carnaggio, project director for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, at its monthly breakfast meeting from 7:30-9 a.m. at Holland & Knight LLP, 1600 Tysons Boulevard, No. 700, McLean. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members. RSVP to Liz Simpson at 703-734-0342 or at info@tysonsbpw.org
<cal1>Thursday/May 19
<cal2>Open Hire Session. The Fairfax County Park Authority and the Department of Community and Recreation Services are hiring staff for children’s programs, teen programs, community centers and therapeutic recreation. Open hire will be on the 10th floor of the Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, from noon- 5:30 p.m. For information about these positions and what to bring to the interview, call Rec-PAC at 703-324-5514, RecQuest at 703-324-8364, teen programs at 703-324-TEEN, therapeutic recreation at 703-324-5532, or for other positions call 703-324-8571. Visit the Park Authority online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
Business Mixer hosted by the McLean Chamber of Commerce at Commonhealth Chiropractic, 1360 Beverly Road, Suite 102, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-356-5424 or visit www.mcleanchamber.org.
The Four Seasons of Wolf Trap Cookbook Launch Event. At the Center for Education at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road from noon-2 p.m. Call 703-255-4030.
Under the Sea. Stories, activities and a craft about the ocean. Ages 2-5 with adult. Begins 1 p.m. at the Great Falls Public Library 9830 Georgetown Pike.
Baby Chicks: Stroll Along the Potomac. Ages 9-23 months with adult. From 10:30-11:15 a.m. Riverbend Visitors Center, Riverbend Road, Great Falls. Siblings welcome Reservations and prepayment of $3 per child required. Call 703-759-9018.
Farewell Party for Gary Powers. Hosted by the Vienna-Tysons Chamber of Commerce at Courtyard by the Marriott, 1960-A Chain Bridge Road, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Network, socialize and enjoy the festivities. Free. RSVP to 703-281-1333 or www.vtrcc.org/rsvp.htm.
<cal1>Friday/May 20
<cal2>The nation's largest provider of sexual abstinence education programs, Aim for Success, presents a three-hour parent/teen workshop at 7 p.m. at McLean Bible Church, 8925 Leesburg Pike. The workshop is for teens 7th grade and older who are accompanied by an adult. Aim for Success founder and president, Marilyn Morris, is the featured speaker. Cost is $10 per individual or $20 per family. Register at www.mcleanbible.org or call 703-770-1025.
The Master Singers of Virginia, a 28-member choral ensemble present a Renaissance work, "Musikalische Exequien," an early great Requiem written in German, as well as "Karelian Destiny," based on Balto-Finnic folksongs. 8 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. There is a pre-concert lecture at 7:15. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. To order tickets online visit www.msva.org. Call 703-655-7809 for more information.
Riverside Campout at Riverbend. Overnight camping for families. Enjoy a night hike, games and s’mores. Wake up to the dawn chorus and fresh breakfast of coffee, bagels and juice. Cancelled if raining. Cost is $40 per family. Reservations and prepayment required. Call 703-759-9018.
The McLean Citizens Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary at the home of Debbie and Tim Howard. The gala includes a catered buffet, open bar, entertainment and an array of silent auction items. for reservations or to learn more about the foundation visit www.mcleancitizens foundation.org.
<cal1>Saturday/May 21
<cal2>McLean Day 2005: Celebrating Our Hometown, sponsored by the McLean Community Center and featuring carnival rides, food, games and other family-friendly activities, draws families and individuals from all areas of Northern Virginia. The event presents an opportunity for business owners, organization staffers and crafters to show their community spirit and introduce their products and services to more than 8,000 prospective new customers, clients and supporters. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact MCC community events director Sam Roberts at 703-790-0123/TTY: 703-827-8255, sam.roberts@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Family History Fair. As a community service, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, along with the McLean Family History Center, will sponsor a Family History Fair to be held at 2034 Great Falls St., Falls Church, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Classes on researching colonial German and Scotch-Irish families, document preservation, family history, Internet sites and case studies will be offered. Admission is free to the public. Call the Family History Center at 703-532-9019.
The Princess Tea. Part of "Two Ladies for Tea, My Mother and Me," a series of mother-daughter tea parties. Ladies of all ages are invited to bring out their inner princess. Guests will don a tiara and magic wand while listening to a princess tells tales of mothers and daughters throughout history. Atop the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in the exclusive Presidential Suite, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $65 for adults and $25 for children. All four teas are $270 for adults and $100 for children. Reservations for all events may be made by calling The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner at 703-917-5498.
Strawberry Festival. From noon-4 p.m. Taste fresh Virginia strawberries at Krop's Crops Farm, 11110 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-430-8955.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm’s Spring 18th Century Market Fair. Period food and beverages and wares available for purchase from many stalls. From 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike. Only if weather permitting. Call ahead 703-903-9330. Fore more information call 703-442-7557.
McLean American Association of University Women needs used books,CD's,tapes, videos and software for their September book sale to benefit scholarships for women. No textbooks,records or encyclopedias. Collections from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sun Trust Bank, 515 E. Maple Ave. Call 703-726-6470.
Early Memory Changes: What Can I Do? An Inova physician and psychologist discuss options. Refreshments provided. Dolley Madison Public Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. Begins 10 a.m. For adults. To register call 703-204-3366.
Citizen Science: Dragonfly Survey. Assist with Riverbend’s ongoing survry by collecting cast skins. For ages 16 and up. 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Riverbend Visitor’s Center, Riverbend Road, Great Falls. The event is free, but reservations required. Call 703-759-9018.
Don't Hate Me Because I'm Ugly. Learn about the vultures soaring over Great Falls Park. 2-2:30 p.m. Meet the ranger at the Visitor Center, 9200 Old Dominion Drive. Free; reservations required. Call 703-285-2965.
Ballroom Dancing with the Colvin Run Dance Band. Colvin Run School House, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. 9 p.m.-midnight. $12 per person. Call 703-430-6557.
“Behind the Iron Curtain” is performed by the McLean Orchestra at 8 p.m. at Oakcrest School, 850 Balls Hill Road, McLean. General admission is $23; $20 for seniors and students; $5 for youth 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.
A silent auction fund-raiser is being held to help pay for a liver transplant for 15-year-old Courntey Payen of Great Falls. 2-4 p.m. at the Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Donations of items and services to be auctioned will be accepted until May 15. To contribute an item, contact Joanne Horton at 703-759-3819.
<cal1>Sunday/May22
<cal2>Strawberry Festival. From noon-4 p.m. Taste fresh Virginia strawberries at Krop's Crops Farm, 11110 Georgetown Pike. Call 703-430-8955.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm’s Spring 18th Century Market Fair. Period food and beverages and wares available for purchase from many stalls. From 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike. Only if weather permitting. Call ahead 703-903-9330. Fore more information call 703-442-7557.
“Opera Fest,” presented by New Dominion Chorale, features Metropolitan Opera National Council Mid-Atlantic audition finalists at 4 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College , 3001 N. Beauregard St . Advance tickets are $22; $18 for seniors; $15 for students. Tickets are $2 higher at the door. Free covered parking. For tickets, call 703-442-9404 or visit www.newdominion.org.
Island Hopping Kayak Tour. Explore the islands of the serene upper Potomac via kayak. No experience necessary. Basic kayaking will be taught. This is not a whitewater Tour. For ages 13 and up from 9:30 a.m.-noon at the Riverbend Visitor’s Center, Riverbend Road, Great Falls. Cost is $35 per person. Reservations and prepayment required. Call 703-759-9018.
Father Thomas Keating, one of the world's leading contemporary teachers and authors on Christian mystical spirituality, is a Trappist monk and the founder in 1984 of Contemplative Outreach International, based in Butler, N.J. Contemplative Outreach of Metro Washington is hosting a public event from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at The Falls Church, 115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church. There is no admission fee, but guests will be asked to consider making a contribution. For more information and to make reservations, visit http://comw.home.mindspring.com. or call 301-540-3858.