Alexandria Mom's Calendar of Events

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Book drive for ALIVE!

Book Drive for ALIVE!, Inc.
Date: 2012-01-31, 12:29PM
ALIVE!, Inc., an Alexandria non-profit that provides aid to low income families, is now collecting books, CDs and DVDs as part of an ongoing fundraising effort.

Your donations to this 501 (c)(3) organization are tax deductible, and you will receive a receipt for your donation.

We ask that media items be in good, clean condition. You can arrange to have your items picked up by calling 703-341-9628, or by responding to this email. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

About ALIVE!
ALIVE! (ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of volunteers from over 40 religious congregations and the community working together to help those in need in Alexandria, Virginia. Founded in 1969, ALIVE! is the largest private safety net for the needy in the city of Alexandria, addressing short-term to long-term needs for those less fortunate in the community.

ALIVE! serves thousands Alexandrians annually with shelter; low-cost early childhood education and childcare; financial help for rent, utilities, medical care and other critical needs; emergency food; and deliveries of donated furniture and housewares.

http://alive-inc.org

* Location: Alexandria
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Original URL: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/wan/2827546513.htm

365 - St. Patricks Day Parade

we began getting ready for St. Patrick's Day today...... (the parade got us going)



Friday, March 2, 2012

365 - Tulips - Spring is here!

Love that Whole Foods had tulips on sale!

Parking Lot Changes in Del Ray

FROM Gayle Reuter, and neighborhood Listserv: 







I've been asked by the landlord/owner to share with the community the following regarding changes to the parking lot that is just off E. Oxford and behind Virginia Commerce, Cheesetique, etc.

Starting
on Thursday March 1st the parking lot behind Virginia Commerce Bank will have
paid parking.

Paid
parking will be  5pm -10pm M-F and 7am -10pm Sat and Sunday and Holidays.
$3
for the first hour $3 for the second hour $7. all day.

Customers
using' The Avenue Shops' ... Va Comm. Bank, Meat on the Avenue,Del Ray School
of Music,Cheesetique,
Homemade
Pizza,Pilates and Caboose, will have 2 hour free parking with validation from
the' Shops'.

My understanding for the reasoning of this change is because the owner/landlord is required by the City and his SUP's to provide parking for the business owners, workers, tenants (apartments are located upstairs), and customers of the businesses on that block.  Over the last year or so, it has been increasingly difficult for the tenants, businesses and customers to find parking in their assigned lot due to others using it.  While it may have appeared that this was a public lot, it is a privately owned lot attached to those businesses and apartments and has had to be maintained, etc. by the current owner.

Hopefully, this change will not deter customers from coming down to the Avenue and visiting all the wonderful restaurants and businesses on the Avenue.  With warmer weather coming, maybe everyone can do more walking or riding their bikes?

Prom Dresses Needed

FROM ACPS:


PROM DRESSES NEEDED
The 10th annual Princess For a Night (PFAN) project is collecting dry-cleaned formal dresses, shoes, handbags, jewelry, unused make-up (for example, sample cosmetics) and "nice" shopping bags between Monday, March 5, and Friday, April 29. Donations can be dropped off at the T.C. Williams Main Office, 3330 King St., Alexandria, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Read more at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/news2012/nr2012030201.php .

Planetarium Show Registration

FROM ACPS:


PLANETARIUM SHOW REGISTRATION OPENS
Registration opens at noon on Monday, March 5, for the next Planetarium program, scheduled for Tuesday, March 27. Participants will meet at 7 p.m. in the auditorium lobby at T.C. Williams. The show will start at 7:15 p.m. This month’s kid-friendly show will feature a presentation on “The Reasons for the Seasons” and a "This Month in Manned Space Exploration" segment highlighting the Gemini 3 flight in which Gus Grissom and John Young orbited the Earth three times in America's first two-manned flight. The show also will include a “walk across the spring sky.” Enrollment is limited to the first 35 people who register online at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/tcw/planetarium/ or by calling the planetarium at 703-824-6805, extension 6300. To allow more people access to the planetarium shows, please note that we cannot honor bulk requests for tickets. Please order only the number of tickets you need for your family. For additional information, please email planetarium@acps.k12.va.us or call Bob Nicholson at 703-824-6805, extension 6300.

Ten Thousand Villages to Donate Portion of Sales to Domestic Violence Program

Ten Thousand Villages to Donate Portion of Sales to Domestic Violence Program
In honor of International Women’s Day, Ten Thousand Villages, a marketplace for crafts from around the world, will donate 15 percent of the day’s sales on Thursday, March 8, to the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program, a division of the Department of Community and Human Services that provides assistance to women (and men) in abusive relationships.  The Domestic Violence Program provides counseling, emergency shelter (when necessary), support groups and a wide array of services to persons who are seeking safety from harmful situations.
Ten Thousand Villages, located at 915 King St. in Old Town Alexandria, is a marketplace for crafts from around the world.  The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Hosting George Washington Lecture March 21

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 


Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Hosting George Washington Lecture March 21
Women’s History Month Event Examines Washington’s Relationship with Sally Fairfax
Join Dr. Peter Henriques, Professor Emeritus of History from George Mason University, as he continues to explore the many facets of the “Father of our Country” through his lectures. Don’t miss his latest lecture at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street.
For Women’s History Month, Dr. Henriques will examine George Washington’s relationship with Sally Fairfax, one of the most fascinating, controversial, and revealing relationships of his life. In his lecture, “Votary of Love,” Dr. Henriques summarizes what we know, what we don’t know, and what we can reasonably surmise about our first President’s first, if not greatest, love.
Lecture tickets cost $12 per person and $10 for members of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum volunteers. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling703.746.4242 or through the online shop at www.gadsbystavern.org.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria and the new Federal City of Washington.  The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents – including Washington – and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history.
For more information, call 703.746.4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

Cora Kelley Needs your vote

FROM ACPS:


CORA KELLY SEEKS ONLINE VOTES
The Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology PTA is entering an online contest in an attempt to win $15,000 to support special programs, including a running club and nutrition/wellness program, physical education equipment and a path around the new playground for accessibility. Four schools that receive the most votes at http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/182781/voteable_entries/45390587   will win the competition, sponsored by Rack Room Shoes. Daily voting takes place March 2-19. Contact ckpta@corakelly.org for more information or to sign up for a daily reminder email.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

365 - Hole in the Boot

discovered today that I had a hole in my boot.  Wasn't fun running through the puddles today

Healthy Living for Seniors in Alexandria

In celebration of National Nutrition Month

Senior Services of Alexandria and Inova Alexandria Hospital
present a
2012 Senior Speaker Series Event:
 
Healthy Living for Seniors in Alexandria
 
 
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
10:30 a.m. - Noon

 Inova Alexandria Hospital
4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 
 (Please Use the Visitor's Entrance)
 


Featuring 

Live Cooking Demonstrations
Simple, Healthy Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners

plus

Information From Local Professionals 
Followed by Q&A:

 - Healthy Eating for Disease Prevention - 
Dr. Z. Chris, Internist

 - Easy Meals for One -
Jane Sparnon, Registered Dietitian

 - Exercises to Stay Healthy and Mobile - 
Emily Tackach, PTA

  - Meal Programs for Alexandria's Seniors -
Senior Services of Alexandria

 
 
This event is FREE and open to the public
 
Seating is limited.

Public Hearing - 3/5, 4pm, on the City of Alexandria’s Proposed FY 2013 Budget

Public Hearing on the City of Alexandria’s Proposed FY 2013 Budget

WHEN:          Monday, March 5, 2012
                        4:00 p.m.

WHERE:        Alexandria City Hall
                        City Council Chambers, Room 2400 (2nd Floor)
                        301 King Street, Alexandria VA

WHO:             Alexandria City Council will hold a public hearing for individuals wishing to speak on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget.  Individuals may sign up online prior to the public hearing or call the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council at 703.746.4550. Presenters are requested to provide a copy of their text to the City Clerk and Clerk of Council. Persons with disabilities who wish to request an accommodation for this public hearing should contract the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council at 703.746.4550(TTY/TDD 703.838.5056) prior to March 5, 2012, if possible.

Any person desiring to review the proposed budget may visit the City’s website (www.alexandriava.gov/budget) or visit City Hall, Office of Management and Budget, Room 3630, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A copy of the budget is also available for review in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, City Hall, Room 2500.

Youth Music Showcase 3/17/12

Dinner for a Good Cause

Helping the Miracle League is as simple as enjoying a good meal with your
family. 
On Wednesdays in March, eat at designated restaurants between 5
p.m. and 9 p.m. and help fund a new, adaptive field for special needs kids
in Alexandria. 


For more about the Miracle League, visit the website:
http://www.miracleleagueofalexandria.com.

Wed. March 7th: zPizza

Wed. March 14th: Fuddruckers

Wed. March 21st: Baja Fresh

Wed. March 28th: Homemade Pizza

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

365 - birds!

my yard and trees were full of robins today, in the rain, all eating berries from my neighbors bushes and pooping all over my walkway, car, driveway, and house.

Beauregard Community Meetings

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:


Upcoming Beauregard Community Meetings
The City will host the following upcoming Beauregard Community Meetings at the John Adams Elementary School media center located at 5651 Rayburn Avenue in Alexandria on:
·         Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
·         Monday, March 12, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The meeting on March 6 will include a discussion of community comments received about housing for the working draft of the Beauregard Small Area Plan. The meeting on March 12 will include group discussions on specified land use/open space, transportation and housing issues related to the working draft of the Beauregard Small Area Plan. The final agendas will be posted prior to the meeting in the Community Outreach section of the Beauregard Small Area Plan website at http://alexandriava.gov/BeauregardPlan
These meetings are open to the public and comments are welcome. Spanish translation services will be provided at the meeting.
Information on additional upcoming Beauregard related meetings can be found in the Community Outreach Section of the Beauregard Small Area Plan webpage at http://alexandriava.gov/BeauregardPlan
If you have questions on these meetings, please contact contact Zunilda Rodriguez in the Planning and Zoning Department at (703) 746-3855 or email zunilda.rodriguez@alexandriava.gov.

St. Patrick's Day Parade Saturday 3/3

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:


City of Alexandria and the Ballyshaners Host 31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 3
For Immediate Release: February 29, 2012
On Saturday, March 3, the City of Alexandria and the Ballyshaners (Gaelic for “Old Towners”) will host the 31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in celebration of Irish-American heritage. The parade begins at King and Alfred Streets and follows a route down King Street, past the reviewing stand at North Royal Street, and ends on the block of Lee Street between King and Cameron Streets.  The parade will begin at 12:30 p.m., and is expected to conclude by 2:30 p.m.

The day’s festivities officially kick off with the Classic Car Show Competition. The show starts at 10 a.m. with automobiles on display on North Pitt Street at King Street. The Fun Dog Show begins at 10:30 a.m. in Market Square (corner of North Royal and King Streets) and will conclude at noon.
All events are sponsored by the Ballyshaners, a not-for-profit group that organizes and orchestrates the Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade in partnership with the City of Alexandria. For more information, visit www.ballyshaners.org.
For this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade, the King Street Trolley will utilize the following detour route from 11:30 am, until King Street is reopened following the parade:
  • Westbound trolleys starting at King and Union Streets (until King Street is reopened) will turn left onto Union Street, turn right onto Duke Street, turn right onto Daingerfield Road, and turn left onto Diagonal Road and proceed into the King Street Metro Station. 
  • Eastbound trolleys starting at the King Street Metro (until King Street is reopened) will turn left onto Diagonal Road, turn right onto Daingerfield Road, turn left onto Duke Street, turn left onto Strand, and proceed to King and Union via Strand. 

Both westbound and eastbound trolleys will stop and pick up at the following locations:
  • King Street Metro
  • Duke & Peyton
  • Duke & Payne
  • Duke & Alfred
  • Duke & South Washington
  • Duke & Royal
  • Duke & Union
  • King & Union
The trolleys will depart from the King Street Metro and the Waterfront every 15 minutes. Passengers should expect some delays in service due to heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic along the detour route and road closures on nearby streets. 
The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, please call the Special Events Office at 703.746.5418 (TTY 703.838.4902).

Eighth Annual Great Rum Punch Challenge

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 


George Washington Drank Here!
Eighth Annual Great Rum Punch Challenge at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
If you came to visit Gadsby’s Tavern in 1785, most likely you came for good conversation, fresh food, and of course....alcoholic beverages. And of all the drinks to choose from, you would prefer the tavern’s special blend of Rum Punch, made of rum, water, citrus juices, sugar and spices. More than 200 years later, you are invited to experience – and taste – this unique beverage at the eighth annual Great Rum Punch Challenge on Saturday, March 24, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy different rum punch creations from local restaurants and distilleries and vote for your favorite, as Dogfish Head Spirits defends its title. The Alexandria Town Crier will announce the winner at the end of the evening. Rum Punch Challenge participants include reigning champ Dogfish Head, returning competitors Bacardi, Bittersweet, FireFlies, and Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, and first-time challenger Red Rocks. Guests will also enjoy food – both period and modern – as well as a silent auction full of great items. Beverages will be provided for “designated drivers” by the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society.
Event tickets, which include admission (food and drink for the evening), are $50 per person, or $100 to include both admission and a special VIP pre-event tasting of Bacardi’s special rums.  Proceeds from the event will fund the Museum’s educational and preservation efforts.  Reservations are required, so for more information or to make reservations, please call703.746.4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
The origins of the Rum Punch Challenge came from the Museum’s participation in the American Whiskey Trail, an educational journey into the cultural heritage and history of spirits in America. For more information, visit www.americanwhiskeytrail.com.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria and the new Federal City of Washington.  The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents – including George Washington – and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
For more information, call 703.746.4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

365 - Bloomin'

Beverley Hills Preschool in Search of a new Director

FROM NEIGHBORHOOD LIST SERV: 


Beverley Hills Church Preschool is a parent-run cooperative, church-affiliated, and non-sectarian community preschool. We are seeking a part-time Preschool Director who is passionate about teaching and learning and eager to work closely with the children, staff, families, church, and Board of Directors. Candidates must have a Bachelors degree in early childhood education or a related field with at least six (6) years teaching experience in early childhood education or a preschool, of which two must be in a master-teacher, educational coordinator, or administrator role.  Interested candidates may respond by April 6, 2012 by submitting their resumes to BHCP Search Committee, 3512 Old Dominion Blvd., Alexandria, VA 22305 or by email to hr@bhcpnet.org.  Please email hr@bhcpnet.org for more information about the position.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority "Read Across America" Event 3/3

FROM ALEXANDRIA CHAPTER OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY: 

The Alexandria Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. will host its Annual Read Across America event celebrating literacy and Dr. Seuss's Birthday on Saturday, March 3rd! The Alexandria Chapter celebrates Read Across America Day with a fun and information filled event that includes guest readers, hands-on activities and prizes for children and a brief presentation about early literacy.

Read Across America is a national day celebrating reading created by the National Education Association along with many of the country's leading literacy and youth groups to motivate children to read and generate new enthusiasm for reading.

This year's event will be held on March 3, 2012 at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Library, 5005 Duke Street in Alexandria, VA from 2:00PM - 4:00PM.

Monday, February 27, 2012

365 - Hot Chocolate

sure needed it this morning! 

"House Storybook" at the Black History Museum

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 


Kids, Make a “House Storybook” at the Alexandria Black History Museum
March 10 Workshop Helps Children Tell Stories of a Favorite Place
On Saturday, March 10, the Alexandria Black History Museum is offering a fun family activity to help kids tell stories about a favorite house or building. Local artist and writer Sushmita Mazumdar will hold a workshop from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for children ages 6 through 12; adult family members are welcome to join in.
Sushmita will show how she makes books that are houses for all kinds of creatures and all kinds of stories. Then kids will learn how to make their own “House Storybook” of a special place – perhaps their own home or grandma’s house – and fill it with their own stories! The cost is $15 per family and includes materials. Advance registration is required, so call 703.746.4356 for more information or to register.
While at the Alexandria Black History Museum, kids and adults can see the current exhibition, Our Alexandria: African American Dollhouses by Sharon J. Frazier and Linwood M. Smith, featuring more than a dozen buildings and rooms – most inspired by real places in Alexandria – in miniature.
The Alexandria Black History Museum is located at 902 Wythe Street in the heart of the Parker-Gray Historic District and is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about the museum and Alexandria’s rich African-American heritage, please visitwww.alexblackhistory.org.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

365 - sunrise

Nationally Known Speaker at Oakwood School

FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD LIST SERV: 




The Oakwood School Parent Association
Presents
"Stop Defiance, Yelling & Sibling Fights”

Featuring America’s Calm Coach,
Kirk Martin and his son Casey

Tuesday, March 20, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
and/or
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Oakwood School
7210 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA

These events are FREE

Go to:  http://celebratecalmatoakwood.eventbrite.com  for the evening event

to register and reserve your seat.



Do you need help calming your explosive household?
Tired of yelling at, negotiating with and bribing your child?
Do you want your child to take responsibility for his assignments, chores and attitude?

We promise you will laugh and leave with a dozen practical strategies that really work.