Alexandria Mom's Calendar of Events

Saturday, January 14, 2012

365 - lots of laughs!

NoVA Soil & Water Conservation Seedling Sale

Announcing the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
2012 Annual Seedling Sale

All the seedlings in this year’s offerings provide food for both humans and wildlife.  YUM!!

Two packages are available:

The Incredible Edibles Shrub and Small Tree package is offered for $15.95 and includes two Elderberry, two Serviceberry, two Cranberrybush viburnum and four American hazelnut seedlings.

The Incredible Edibles Tree Package is offered for $11.95 and includes two Chokecherry, two Persimmon, two American plum, and one Allegheny Chinkapin.

**All seedlings are native to Northern Virginia**


For more information about the seedling species including pictures at maturity please visit our website at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/seedlingsale.htm

If you have any questions, please contact Nick Kokales by phone at (703) 324-1420 or by e-mail at nicholas.kokales@fairfaxcounty.gov.   

Deadline for ordering is Monday, April 16. 

Friday, January 13, 2012

365 - Look what was on sale - PEEPS!


Alexandria Police DWI enforcement this weekend

ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600
NEWS RELEASE
JANUARY 13, 2012 #12-001
1:30 P.M. DONALDSON
Alexandria Police to Conduct Roaming DWI Enforcement
On January 14, Alexandria police will conduct a roaming DWI enforcement effort to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers.  The DWI crackdown will begin at 8:30 P.M. on Saturday, January 14, and will continue until 6:30 A.M. on Sunday, January 15.  Motorists will be stopped and drivers will be checked to assure that their abilities to drive have not been impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Chief of Police Earl L. Cook reminds drivers that the maximum penalty in Virginia for the first conviction for driving under the influence is 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and a 12-month suspension of driving privileges. In addition, there are mandatory jail terms associated with these offenses, depending upon the blood alcohol content of the driver. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administrative fees may apply as well.
For further details, please call the Public Information Office at 703.746.6600.

Wonders of Science at Apothecary Museum - February & March


Special Tours and Programs Explore 18th-Century Science

This winter, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street in Old Town Alexandria, is hosting two days of special tours and demonstrations exploring 18th-century natural and medical science.

On Saturday, February 4 and Saturday, March 24, visit the Apothecary and discover curious objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood, and find out how they were used – and if they worked! On these dates, Project Enlightenment, McLean High School’s historical-reenactment society, will conduct 18th-century scientific demonstrations which are certain to expand visitors’ knowledge about science in the 1700s.

These hour-long tours are an exciting way to explore the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, a family-run business in Old Town Alexandria for more than a hundred years. Tours will be held between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and are recommended for 3rd grade and older. Admission is $6 per person. Reservations are recommended as space is limited, and can be made by calling703.746.3852.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is noted for its outstanding collection of medicinal herbs, shop furnishings, apothecary bottles and equipment, many still in their original location. It also has a spectacular collection of archival materials, including journals, letters and diaries, prescription and formula books, ledgers, orders and invoices. The names of famous customers appear in the documents, including Martha Washington, Nelly Custis, and Robert E. Lee.

For more information, visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703.746.3852.

Buddie Ford Nature Center Spring Break Camp

Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center Offers “Rock’n Fossil Adventures” Spring Break Camp

Wondering what to do over spring break? Children ages 7 to 10 can enjoy a week long, full day nature camp for youth ages 7 - 10 where children learn about the geology of Alexandria and the surrounding region. Activities include outdoor hikes, games, rock and fossil collecting, related crafts, journaling, and more! Camp features a field trip to the Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, and local rock and fossil collecting sites. Register early, space is limited!
Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center5750 Sanger Ave.
April  2-6
9 am to 3 pm (drop off at 8:30 am)
Fee: $275 City resident / $300 nonresidents
To register, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or call 703.746.5559 for more information. 

ACPS Special Education Tour


SPECIAL EDUCATION TOUR ON JAN. 18
The Special Education Tour was developed by the Special Education Family Resource Center to help families understand the special education process. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Special Education Family Resource Center, Room 134, at the T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus, 3801 W. Braddock Road. For more information, contact Johnathan Harris or Monica Sanjur at 703-824-6750, extension 1114, orjohnathan.harris@acps.k12.va.us or monica.sanjur@acps.k12.va.us.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Alexandria Neighborhood Groups


The following is a list of listservs in Alexandria

All are yahoo groups

@yahoogroups.com


Oldtownmoms
alexplaygroup
delraymoms
rosemontmoms
beverleyhillsmoms
ARLANDRIA
SeminaryValley
GWPark
Taylor_Run
BeverleyHills
Delraycitizens
Oldtownmoms
Rosemontva
Taylorrun
Upperkingstreet
SeminaryValley

365 - January what?

Today it was 60 degrees and its January 12th.
So warm my bulbs are starting to come up.

Registration Open for Civil War Camp

Fort Ward Museum Now Accepting Applications for Civil War Kids’ Camp

Fort Ward Museum is now registering for its annual Civil War Kids’ Camp, a week of learning and fun for boys and girls ages 8 to 12.  Participants explore the lives of Civil War soldiers and civilians with marching, drilling, reenactor guest appearances, games, crafts and other activities.

Civil War Kids’ Camp runs Monday, June 25, through Friday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fort Ward, 4301 West Braddock Road. Registration is limited to 24 participants. Spaces fill quickly, and applications are accepted on a first-come basis. Registration, including souvenirs and healthy snacks, costs $200 per child, with limited scholarship assistance based on financial need. For more information or to sign up, please contact Fort Ward Museum at703.746.4848 or visit www.fortward.org.

Camp listings

I've started seeing a lot on the neighborhood listservs about summer camps.  Parents are starting the process and some seem worried.  Don't worry - there is a camp or a few camps for everyone.

Here is a list that I have compiled over the years.

Adventure links Day Camp www.adventurelinks.net
Alexandria Country Day School Day Camp Alexandria VA www.acdsnet.org
Animal Shelter Camp, Animal Welfare League Day Camp animals Alexandria VA www.alexandriaanimal.org
Arena Stage Day Camp theater www.arenastage.org
ArtStar Youth Camp Day Camp www.lortonarts.com
Bishop Ireton Basketball Day Camp sports Alexandria VA www.bishopireton.org
Browne Academy Day Camp Alexandria VA www.browneacademy.org
Burgundy Farms Day School Day Camp Alexandria VA www.burgundyfarm.org
Calvary Road Christian School Day Camp www.crcs.org
Camp Creativity, Corcoron College of Art Day Camp Art Washington DC www.corcoran.edu/campcreativity
Challenger Space Camp Day Camp space Alexandria VA www.launchpad.challenger.com
Chesapeake Academy Summer Session Day Camp www.qualitygraduates.org
Chinquapin Camp Day Camp Alexandria VA www.alexandria.gov/recreation
Computer Camp Day Camp writing Washington DC www.internaldrive.com
CompuWrite Day Camp writing Fairfax VA http://kihd.gmu.edu/camps
Congressional Camp Day Camp Falls Church VA www.cogocamp.org
Creative Cauldron Arts Adventure Day Camp theater Annandale VA www.creativecauldron.org
CyberCamp Day Camp computer VA www.cybercamps.com
Day Jams Music Camp Day Camp music www.dayjams.com
Discovery Creek Day Camp Vienna VA www.discoverycreek.org
Episcopal High School Day Camp Alexandria VA www.episcoplahighschool.org
Fairfax Collegiate Summer Program Day Camp www.fairfaxcollegiate.com
Fairfax County Park Authority Day Camp VA www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks
Fairfax County Public School Day Camp VA www.fcps.edu
Flint Hill School, Summer on the Hill Day Camp Oakton VA www.flinthill.org
Institute for the Arts Day Camp art Fairfax VA www.fcps.edu
Jewish Community Center of NoVa Day Camp   VA www.jccnv.org
Khary Stockton Soccer Camp Day Camp soccer Alexandria VA www.kharystocktonsoccer.com
Kid Spanish Day Camp language Alexandria VA www.kidspanish.org
Levine School of Music Day Camp music Arlington VA www.levineschool.org
Living Earth Day Camp science VA www.livingearthva.com
Mad Science Day Camp science VA www.madscience.org
Modeling Camp Day Camp modeling VA www.modelingcamp.com
Mt. Vernon Community Children's Theater Day Camp theater VA www.mvcct.org
National Zoo Day Camp animals Washington DC www.fonz.org
Potomac Overlook Park Day Camp outdoors VA www.nvpa.org
Potomac School Summer Programs Day Camp McLean VA www.potomacschool.org
Rockville Skate Park Day Camp skating Rockville MD www.ci.rockville.md.us
Sailing Camp Day Camp sailing Alexandria VA www.saildc.com
School of Rock Day Camp music Alexandria VA www.delrayschoolofmusic.com
Shakespeare Day Camp theater Washington DC www.shakespearetheater.org
Sport Rock Climbing Center Day Camp climbing Alexandria VA www.sportrock.com
Sports Broadcasting Day Camp tv Washington DC www.playbyplaycamps.org
St. Stephens St Agnes School Day Camp Alexandria VA www.sssas.org
Studio Theater Acting Conservatory Day Camp theater Washington DC www.studiotheater.org
TADA! Day Camp theater Annandale VA www.americanmusicstate.com
The Langley School Day Camp McLean VA www.langleyschool.org
Theater Lab School of The Dramatic Arts Day Camp theater Washington DC www.theaterlab.org
TIC Technology Camp Day Camp technology Bethesda MD www.ticcamp.com
Torpedo Factory/Art League Day Camp art Alexandria VA www.theartleague.org
Traveling players Ensemble Day Camp theater McLean VA www.travelingplayers.org
Virginia Baseball Club Day Camp baseball various VA www.govbc.com
Washington Sailing Marina Day Camp sailing Alexandria VA www.washingtonsailingmarina.com
Wilderness Adventure Day Camp outdoors VA www.wilderness-adventure.com
ADDitude's Camp Directory Guide www.additudemag.com/directory
American Camp Association Guide www.acavirginiacamps.org
Camp Page Guide to Summer Camps Guide www.camppage.com
Frost's Summer Camp Guide Guide www.gocamps.com
National Camp Association Guide www.summercamp.org
Camp Kooch - I - ching Overnight Boys International Falls MN www.kooch-i-ching.org
Camp Sea Gull Overnight Boys Arapahoe NC www.campseagull.org
Sandborn Western camp Overnight Boys
Science Camp Watonka Overnight Boys Hawley PA www.watonka.com
Valley Forge Military Academy Overnight Boys Wayne PA www.vfmac.edu
Camp Conrad Weiser Overnight co-ed Wenersville PA www.smymca.org
Camp Flintlock Overnight co-ed MD www.campflintlock.com
Camp Friendship Overnight co-ed VA www.campfriendship.com
Camp Highroad Overnight co-ed Middleburg VA www.camphighroad.org
Camp Horizons Overnight co-ed Harrisonburg VA www.camphorizonsVA.com
Camp St Charles Overnight co-ed MD www.campstcharles.com
Camp Stauton Meadows Overnight co-ed Clover VA www.campstauntonmeadows.com
Camp Talkk Timbers Overnight co-ed High View WV www.campfallingtimbers.com
Camp Twin Creeks Overnight co-ed Marlington WV www.camptwincreeks.com
CampHidden Meadows Overnight co-ed WV www.camphiddenmeadows.com
Capital Camps Overnight co-ed Waynesboro PA www.capitalcamps.org
Chanco on the James Overnight co-ed Spring Grove VA www.chanco.org
Kamp A-Kom-Plish Overnight co-ed MD www.kampakomplish.org
Kroka Expeditions Overnight co-ed VT www.kroka.org
National Young Leaders Conf Overnight co-ed www.cylc.org
Randolph-Macon Academy Overnight co-ed Front Royal VA www.rma.edu
SOAR Overnight co-ed NC www.soarnc.org
Summer Camp on the River Overnight co-ed Christ Church VA www.christchurchschool.org
Wilderness Adventure Overnight co-ed New Castle VA www.wilderness-adventure.com
YMCA Camp Letts Overnight co-ed Edgewater MD www.campletts.org
YMCA Camp Silver Beach Overnight co-ed Jamesville VA www.campsilverbeach.org
Camp Carysbrook Overnight Girls Riner VA www.campcarysbrook.com
Camp Rim Rock Overnight Girls Yellow Spring WV www.camprimrock.com
Camp Seafarer Overnight Girls Arapahoe NC www.seagull-seafarer.org
Hameau Farm in the Big Valley Overnight Girls Belleville PA www.hameaufarm.com
Kroka Expeditions Overnight Girls Newfane VT www.kroka.org
Basic Concepts Special Needs Rockville MD www.basicconcepts.org
Camp Little Foot Special Needs Rockville MD www.ttlc.org
Capital Camps Special Needs www.capitalcamps.org
Kamp A-Kom-Plish Special Needs MD www.kampakomplish.org
Kids' Camps Special Needs www.kidscamps.com
Oakland School Special Needs Keswick VA www.oaklandschool.net
Oakwood School Special Needs Annandale VA www.oakwoodschool.com
Over the Rainbow Camp Special Needs Bethesda MD
Paladin Academic Special Needs Sterling VA www.nubellearning.com
Summit Camp Special Needs Honesdale PA www.summitcamp.com
The Lab School Special Needs Washington DC www.labschool.org
Virginia Adventures Fishing Camp Day Camp fishing VA www.virginiafishingadventures.com/







Wednesday, January 11, 2012

365 - Apple


Requesting your Nomination for Heart of Del Ray Award

The “Heart of Del Ray Award” is annually presented by the Del Ray Business Association to the business that serves as the heart and soul of Del Ray.

On January 23rd, The Del Ray Business Association will  announce the 5 finalists and open up voting by the community .  
Before the voting process to select the winner begins, they would like to get YOUR nomination for who you think should be one of the five businesses on the ballot. The Del Ray Business Association Board will then take all the nominations and determine the five finalists.

Nominations should be based on which business best demonstrates their warm and welcoming attitude to the community/customers, their commitment and generosity to the community, and to their overall contribution to what makes Del Ray the best place in the world to live, work and shop!  In other words, what business warms your “heart” when you here it’s name?

Former winners of the Heart of Del Ray Award are as follows:
2009  A Show of Hands
2010 Jen Walker McEnearney Associates
2011  Bobi Bomar, Homes of Alexandria, Weichert Realtors

Nominations should be submitted by January 18th by emailing 

gtrdelray@yahoo.com 



City of Alexandria Announces Schedule of Services for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

All City of Alexandria government offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Virginia State offices will also be closed on Friday, January 13 for Lee-Jackson Day.

Health Facilities: The Alexandria Health Department,
4480 King St.
and the Flora Krause Casey Health Center,
1200 N. Howard St.
, will be closed on January 13 (for Lee-Jackson Day) and January 16. The Teen Wellness Center, 3330 King Street, will be closed on January 16.

Hotlines: All emergency hotlines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including the child protective services hotline (703.746.5800), the domestic violence hotline (703.746.4911), theemergency services for mental health or substance abuse crisis hotline (703.746.3401), and the sexual assault hotline (703.683.7273).

Libraries: All Alexandria Library branches will be closed on January 16.

ParkingIn accordance with Virginia law lifting certain parking restrictions on state holidays, on both January 13 and 16, the Alexandria Police Department will suspend enforcement of:

·         parking restrictions at metered spaces,
·         HOV regulations,
·         residential permit parking districts, and
·         other areas with signed parking time limits.

Recreation Centers: The Chinquapin Park Recreation Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 16. All neighborhood recreation centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 16. The Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center and Dr. Oswald Durant Center will be closed on January 16.

Refuse Collection: Residential refuse and recycling will not be collected on January 16. Collection services will be delayed by one day during the week of January 16. The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collections Drop-off Center will be closed on January 16. Christmas trees will be collected for recycling at the curb on Saturday, January 14, and Saturday, January 21. Trees must be set out by 6 a.m. on the day of collection.

Schools: All Alexandria City Public Schools and administrative offices will be closed on January 16.

State Offices: The following Commonwealth of Virginia offices located in Alexandria will be closed on January 13 (for Lee-Jackson Day) and January 16: the Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, and the DMV Office on 2681 Mill Rd.

Transit: Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule on January 16.  

For more information, contact Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, Office of Communications, at 703.746.3961 or Jennifer.harris@alexandriava.gov

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

365 - Professional?

Is there a non professional model?  

Project Play Needs your Vote!

The playground nominations are in and Project Play needs your help picking the winners!

This week is your last chance to vote for your neigborhood playground to win one of four Project Play Spruce Up Grants worth a total of $15,000.  Check out the nominated playgrounds and vote for your favorites by Friday, January 13:http://www.actionalexandria.org/challenge/project-play-spruce-grants
 
Nominated Playgrounds

296 South Whiting Playground
400 South Van Dorn Playground
Angel Park
Beverley Hills Church Preschool Playground
Buchanan Street Park
Carpenter's Shelter Playground
Cora Kelly Elementary
Ewald Park
Holmes Run Park
Hume Springs Park
Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy
Montgomery Park 901 N. Royal
Mount Vernon Community School
Polk Elementary Thinking Tree
South 28th Street (James Mulligan)
South Royal Street Toddler Playground
Sunset Park
 
You must register for an account on ACTion Alexandria to vote:http://www.actionalexandria.org/join
 
Presented by ACTion Alexandria, Childhood Obesity Action Network and Smart Beginnings. For more information about Project Play, visit:http://www.actionalexandria.org/project-play
Grant winners will be selected by the Project Play Taskforce based upon a combination of online votes and recommendations from the recently completed city-wide playspace assessment.Please review the official contest rules for details.
 

Fun Snow Activities

Missing the snow?  Here are a few ideas for "snow crafts"

- make snow flakes -
use white paper
fold and cut the paper to create snowflakes
(decorate the house with them)

-glitter snowflakes
use colored construction paper
use glue to "draw" a snowflake
use glitter on the glue

-use shaving cream and ice cubes to create snow scenes on construction paper

-marshmallow painting
use marshmallows dipped in white paint on blue construction paper

Monday, January 9, 2012

Books for Kids for the month on January

Here is a list of books that are appropriate for the Winter months.

The Mitten

Tacky

Mr. Poppers Penguins

I Like it When

Flip & Flop

Polar Bear Night

No Bath for Boris

Ralph's Frozen Tail

Little Mo

365 - Clean Desk

Sunday, January 8, 2012

365 - Love my new soda stream machine!

Runner Brook Fundraiser - Zumba Explosion 1/29


Here is the link for registering for this wonderful event - http://runningbrookeandzumba.eventbrite.com/

A great way to get in shape and raise funds for Alexandria charities

Alexandria PTA Council Summer Camp Fair



Families are invited to the 2012 Summer Camp Fair sponsored by the PTA Council of Alexandria.  The 2012 Summer Camp Fair is Wednesday, February 22, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of TC Williams Minnie Howard Campus, at 3801 W Braddock Road, Alexandria, 22302. Admission and parking are free.  Pizza will be available for purchase. Printed directories will be available.

At least 50 exhibitors will represent a wide range of camps including day and overnight camps. Students of all grade levels (PreK-12) will find interesting opportunities including art, academics, adventure, drama, enrichment, music, sports, special needs, and more! 

For more information, contact Marianne Hetzer at alexptaccamp@comcast.net.  Find us on Facebook at Alexandria PTAC Summer Camp Fair.