365 - Chocolate

365 - veggie, weed, what?

We discovered these strange looking things on our walk today. 

Anyone know what it is?  

Chinquapin Pool to Close 6/22 for maintenance

For Immediate Release: June 15, 2012

Chinquapin Recreation Center Rixse Pool To Close Temporarily Friday, June 22

The Rixse Pool located at the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center will close from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 22 for the installation of a new variable frequency drive (VFD) filter pump motor. VFD systems are energy efficient resulting in a reduction in energy use for moving pool water through the filter system.

For additional information, please contact William Chesley, Deputy Director, at 703.746.5426.

365 - Scones

When you ask a question, you get a policy

cuz I asked....
here is the ACPS field trip policy

PURPOSE:

I.

To establish procedures to be followed to support School Board Policy IICA adopted January 9, 1997.

FIELD TRIPS A. Instructional Field Trips

Any planned student outing away from campus under the supervision of a teacher or other school official with the purpose of enriching and expanding the classroom instructional program 1. It is expected that all field trips incorporate specific objectives

supporting the Virginia Standards of Learning and include pre- and

post-activities along with an evaluation component. 2. In cases where participation is limited by the capacity of the facility, selection of student participants shall be random, if appropriate, or based upon student readiness to participate and ability to benefit from the activity. Students with disabilities and Limited English Proficient students should be included in field trip activities to the greatest extent possible given the

performance and safety requirements of the activity. 3. Student participation, while strongly encouraged, shall not be required for an

instructional program field trip. If a student chooses not to participate in the scheduled field trip, the school shall provide an appropriate educational alternative. No student shall be penalized for not participating in an instructional field trip.

4. Instructional field trip forms are signed by the principal or designee and forwarded two weeks prior to the trip to the Transportation Department. When the destination of the field trip is to a location that has been designated as “on heightened security alert” by the Department of Homeland Security, the field trip form must first be signed by the Elementary or Secondary Executive.

5. Walking field trips require the permission of the principal. These weather- dependent trips within a one mile radius of the school campus are planned to enhance or reinforce the curriculum. Parent permission must be secured for all off campus field trips, including walking field trips.

6. If activities occur in locations under heightened national security alert, specific permission forms will be distributed. The signature of a parent or legal guardian on this specific permission form will be required for student participation.

FIELD TRIP PROCEDURES

File IICA-RB.

Student Activity Field Trips

Any planned outing away from campus under the supervision of a teacher or other school official, in support of academic and athletic teams, performing groups, or other student activity 1. Student participation in field trips for activity purposes, though not strictly

required, is expected and may be required by a sponsor (teacher, coach) of the activity. For example, a student member of an athletic team or musical group is expected and could be required to attend games, scrimmages, or practices that are scheduled away from the school.

2. Student activity field trip forms are signed by the principal or designee and forwarded to the appropriate Elementary or Secondary Executive Director. 3. Parent permission will be secured for student participation in activity field trips. Such permission is usually secured during the informational meetings

with parents conducted by the coach/sponsor. 4. If activities occur in locations under heightened national security alert,

specific permission forms will be distributed. The signature of a parent or legal guardian on this specific permission form will be required for student participation.

C. Special Circumstances Field Trips

Any instructional or student activity field trip that involves special circumstances

The activity could raise issues of student safety or ACPS liability. Please see examples below: U Foreign travel [Must be approved by the Superintendent or the

Superintendent’s designee. Student participation on such trips must not be

dependent upon ability to pay for the trip.] U Water-related activities U Overnight trips U Activities scheduled after the annually established spring cutoff for field trips 1. Trips that fall into the special circumstances category must be approved by

the principal or designee and reviewed by the appropriate Executive Director

and the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration. 2. Foreign travel sponsored by outside agencies may not be promoted in the school or in any manner associated with the school. For example, solicitation may not occur during the instructional day; posters promoting the event may not be displayed in classrooms or distributed to students during the instructional day; the public address system, closed circuit television or electronic message boards may not be used to promote the event; and the event may not be referred to as the XYZ School Trip to the Orient or

promoted on school letterhead. U The PTA, Booster or other organization must plan and organize the

event; not an ACPS employee (full-time, part-time, stipend), or ACPS contractor or volunteer while working for ACPS.

2

II.

U No group of students may be formed or meet during the school day for the purpose of planning, conducting, or facilitating a non- approved program or tour.

U School Board liability insurance shall not provide protection for activities not approved and not sponsored by the Alexandria City Public Schools.

REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR FIELD TRIPS

A. Scheduling

1. By the final Friday in October, each school should submit a list of known field trips, planned for the year, to the appropriate Executive Director along with a Request for Approval of Field Trip Form.

2. Field trips should be scheduled to minimize time away from school.

B. Appropriate Field Trips

1. Field trips must include intended outcomes that justify the instructional time and transportation costs. One or more of the following conditions must be met: U The trip contributes significantly to the accomplishment of specific

class content area or grade level objectives. U Special training and/or enhancement of in-class activities can best be

accomplished at a site off-campus (e.g., nature center). U Students with disabilities and Limited English Proficient students should be included in field trip activities to the greatest extent possible given the performance and safety requirements of the

activity.

2. Field trips that shall not be approved for sponsorship by the Alexandria City Public Schools include the following: U Field trips that are primarily recreational in nature or are rewards for

accomplishments, such as trips to an amusement or theme park or to a student=s home for a celebration, unless such trip is scheduled during non-instructional time (nights, weekends, etc.).

U Field trips that require travel time that would be too long for the age levels of the students involved.

U Field trips that require inordinate expense or excessive absence from campus.

U Field trips outside the United States unless approved under the provisions of this regulation.

3

C. Procedures

1. Each field trip request should list the Virginia Standards of Learning or curricular objective(s) the trip addresses.

2. Field trip requests must be approved by the principal and submitted to the appropriate Executive Director at least two weeks prior to the actual date.

3. The principal will make certain the dates do not conflict with religious holidays, major school wide events, or early dismissal days.

4. Each principal must maintain a list of all students and chaperones by bus, a map of the intended route, the name of the bus company with a contact person and phone number (if private company), and the cellular phone number of the teacher on the field trip (if available). Additionally, each chaperone must carry a complete set of this information.

5. Field trips will only be operated between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 6. Field trip sponsors and school administrators must:

a. request sufficient buses for the size of the group. Seating capacity: 44 secondary students or 66 elementary students per bus;

b. notify food services two weeks in advance of the trip if a class will not be having lunch in the cafeteria and if you wish to order bag lunches; and

c. notify the school nurse of a scheduled field trip a minimum of four days before the trip so that necessary arrangements may be made for administration of medications or special procedures arranged for any of your students.

7. One adult chaperone should be provided according to the following ratio: grades K-2 – 1:5; grades 3-5 – 1:10; grades 6-8 – 1:10; and grades 9-12 -- 1:15.

8. A written permission slip must be obtained from the parent/guardian of each student who is scheduled for the trip. Students who do not return a signed permission slip must remain at school. When field trip destinations are under heightened national security alert, parents must sign permission forms that clearly indicate their awareness of the alert status.

9. Schools should keep completed parent/guardian permission forms on file at least until the end of the quarter in which the trip was taken.

10. In some instances, because of behavior that threatens safety, the principal, in consultation with the teacher, may determine a child should be excluded from a trip or that a parent accompany the child or that a chaperone be assigned to accompany the child in order for the student to attend. If a student is excluded from participating in a field trip for behavioral reasons, the parent must be informed. Withholding of educational field trips as a general punitive measure is not appropriate.

11. If a trip is canceled due to weather or other extenuating circumstances, students cannot be taken to another location in lieu of the planned activity. The original field trip request should include a rain date. Cancelled trips should be rescheduled for a later date.

4

III.

12. To provide appropriate supervision and to control the use of illegal substances or dangerous items on overnight field trips, parents must be made aware that a search of student luggage may be conducted at any time during the field trip.

13. All school and school division policies, rules and regulations apply for the duration of the field trip.

14. Homeland security alerts could result in the Superintendent canceling selected field trips.

FUNDING

1. Field trips are funded through a per pupil allocation based on school enrollment. The Transportation Department will inform schools of their annual allocated number of field trips.

2. Differentiated resources and instructional operating funds may be used to fund field trips. 3. Funds may be donated by the PTA, Booster Clubs, or private donations*. 4. No child will be denied access to a field trip due to an inability to pay. The principal is

expected to work with the Elementary or Secondary Executive Director to seek funds for needy students.

*Complete gift form for private donations.

Old Town Area Parking Study Work Group Mtg 6/18

The Old Town Area Parking Study Work Group (OTAPS) is reconvening  on Monday, June 18 from 5:00 - 7:00 in City Hall on the 2nd floor in room 2000, the Chet & Sabra Avery Conference Room.

In the first meeting, the Work Group will continue reviewing and making recommendations on parking management in the Old Town Area that was begun in 2010.  On the agenda for the Work Group is a review of the Residential Parking Permit Program (RPPP), strategies identified by the Waterfront Small Area Plan and other parking technology recommendations.

Meetings are open to the public.  Meeting materials will be made available at www.alexandriava.gov/ParkingStudies#OldTownStudy.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact Faye Dastgheib atfaye.dastgheib@alexandriava.gov, or call 703.746.4139.

                     AGENDA

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Purpose of the OTAPS Work Group

3. OTAPS and Waterfront Recommendation Status Update

4. Draft Meeting Schedule and Work Program

5. Group Discussion

6. Public Comments

Alexandria City Council Approves Del Ray/Arlandria Trolley Service

Alexandria City Council Approves Del Ray/Arlandria Trolley Service

For Immediate Release: June 14, 2012

On June 13, the Alexandria City Council voted 7-0 to approve a pilot program to provide additional trolley service to Rosemont, Del Ray, and Arlandria. 

The new Del Ray/Arlandria Trolley will provide free service originating at the King Street Metro station. After the King Street Metro station, the trolley will follow a route along Commonwealth Avenue and East Braddock Road to the Braddock Road Metro station; then will  travel north on Mt. Vernon Avenue, turn left onto West Glebe Road, right onto Russell Road and right onto Mt. Vernon Avenue to return. 

The route was developed with coordination among several City agencies and with input from the public through community meetings, trolley tours, and a resident survey. City Council modified the final route staff recommended by moving it from North West Street to Commonwealth Avenue, based upon concerns expressed by the community.

The new free trolley service is expected to begin in the fall of 2012, after a contractor is selected. The trolley will operate on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The King Street Trolley, launched in April 2008, was Alexandria’s first trolley service connecting King Street Metrorail station to the Potomac River waterfront, providing free transportation for more than 2.2 million passengers. Because of its high ridership and popularity, City Council designated the expansion of the trolley system as a priority last year. Potential areas for trolley expansion were evaluated and guided by the following goals:

·         To catalyze economic development by encouraging visitor spending in new areas of the City;

·         Ease congestion and reduce parking needs in business districts; and

·         Create a seamless trolley system by connecting with the King Street Trolley.

Funding for the new trolley service, which has been designated in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 budget, will come from the Transportation Improvement Program. This program was established as part of the FY 2012 budget, when Council dedicated 2.2 cents of the real estate property tax rate for transportation purposes. 

Schools Out for the Summer

Schools out for the summer by Alice Cooper 




Well we got no choice
All the girls and boys
Makin all that noise
'Cause they found new toys
Well we can't salute ya
Can't find a flag
If that don't suit ya
That's a drag

School's out for summer
School's out forever
School's been blown to pieces

No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks

Well we got no class
And we got no principles
And we got no innocence
We can't even think of a word that rhymes

School's out for summer
School's out forever
School's been blown to pieces

No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks

Out for summer
Out till fall
We might not go back at all

School's out forever
School's out for summer
School's out with fever
School's out completely 

Alexandria Police Seek Publics Help

ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600

NEWS RELEASE
JUNE 14, 2012 #12-034
10:00 A.M. HILDEBRANDT

Alexandria Police Seek Public’s Help to Identify Burglary Suspect

Alexandria Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in four different burglaries that have occurred this year at the same location.  The most recent burglary occurred on Saturday, June 2.  Sometime between 9:00 p.m. and 11:15 p.m., an unknown suspect forced entry into Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota, located at 3750 Jefferson Davis Highway.  The suspect was able to remove cash from an office safe before fleeing.
The suspect is described as an unknown race male, wearing a baseball cap, a hooded sweatshirt, jeans, sneakers and gloves.
The three other burglaries occurred on the following dates and times.
Monday February 27, between the hours of midnight and 1:00 a.m.
Monday March 12, between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 2:45 a.m.
Saturday March 31, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Anyone recognizing the suspect from the surveillance photos or with additional information about these burglaries is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Section of the Alexandria Police Department at703.746.6711.

Combined Pic.JPG 13K   View   Download

Fathers Day Tours in Old Town

Several sites in Old Town will be hosting Fathers Day Tours.

Carlyle House & Museum - 121 N. Fairfax St.
     hourly tours of the home and garden
     noon - 4pm
     $5 for adults, $3 for children 5-12 and FREE for dads

Gadsby's Tavern Museum - 134 N. Royal St.
     hourly guided tours
      1-5pm
     $5 for adults, $3 for children and FREE for dads

Stabler- Leadbeater Apothecary Museum - 105/107 S. Fairfax St.
     1-5pm
     $5 for adults, $3 for children and FREE for dads

Friendship Firehouse - 107 S. Alfred St.
     self guided tours
     1-4pm
     FREE
   
   

Alexandria YMCA Fit Kids Program

PHD FIT KIDS PROGRAM-
IT'S FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! 
PHD is the Y's signature program that encourages safe physical activities for kids.   Join the YMCA Alexandria on June 15h and June 22nd from 9:30am to 11:00am for fitness activities on land and in the water.   Your little one's will love their time at the Y!

PHD For Young Kids on Land!
Friday, June 15th, Children ages 2 to 5
Activities include:

YMCA fitness activities for small kids
Story time
Healthy snacks



go to http://www.ymcadc.org/branch/newsD.cfm?bid=02 for more information 

365 - out

going out and collecting the phones at the table.....
ya think this group likes the iphone?

Environmental Assessment for I-395 HOV/Transit Ramp to Seminary Road Approved

Environmental Assessment for I-395 HOV/Transit Ramp to Seminary Road Approved

Rendering of I-395 and Seminary Road Interchange with new HOV/transit ramp

ALEXANDRIA – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) cleared the final environmental hurdle for building a reversible transit and high occupancy vehicle (HOV) ramp on I-395 at Seminary Road  in Alexandria near the Mark Center.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact, known as a FONSI, on the proposed project which means that an environmental impact statement is not required.

“We are now positioned to begin construction next spring,” said Governor McDonnell. “The new ramp will give carpools and buses direct access to the Mark Center, and ease delays in that area of I-395.”

VDOT expects to receive design approval from the FHWA this month and then advertise for a design-build contractor. The $80 million ramp would open to traffic in summer 2015.

Other projects to mitigate the Mark Center’s impacts to traffic include intersection improvements along Seminary Road and Beauregard Street, and widening the southbound on-ramp to I-395 at Seminary Road. Those projects were funded by the Department of Defense and will begin this summer. 

VDOT is also working on design plans to build an auxiliary lane on northbound I-395 linking the on-ramp at Duke Street with the Seminary Road off-ramp.  The mile-long lane could go to construction next spring if funding is approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board this month.

The Environmental Assessment can be viewed at www.vamegaprojects.com under Mark Center.

Events for Special Needs Children in the Area

FROM THE ACPS PRC: 

Webinar - Learning Is for Everyone: Making College a Reality for Students with Intellectual Disabilities 
Date: Thursday, June 14, 2012
Time: 1:00pm ET
Click here to register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/363214722

Please join NDSS for their June webinar featuring Donald Bailey, Executive Director of the Charleston Transition College. Mr. Bailey will recount the inspiring true story of his family’s quest to provide postsecondary opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities. DSANV’s own Stephanie Smith Lee, Senior Policy Advisor, Postsecondary Education, National Policy Center, will share resources and action steps.

There will be time to ask questions of the speakers during the webinar and slides from the presentation will be posted on the NDSS (www.ndss.org)
Contact Vanessa Quick, Manager of Education & Programs, at vquick@ndss.org or 212-763-4364with any questions about the webinar or suggestions for future topics.


2012 Washington DC Gluten-Free Expo
Date: Friday June 15, 2012
Time: 3:00pm-8:00pm
Place: Four Points Sheraton Hotel
1201 K Street, NW
Washington DC 20005-4011

The Celiac Disease Program at Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) is thrilled to invite you to the Second Annual Washington DC Gluten-Free Expo! The 2012 Expo will feature even more gluten-free vendors than last year! Each vendor will sample and/or sell their products. In some cases, the vendors will offer large discounts to purchase products at the event.
Go to http://www.dcglutenfreeexpo.com/attend.html for more information.



Chessie's Big Backyard Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Date: Saturday June 16, 2012
Time: 3:00 PM
Place: Lee District Park
6601 Telegraph Road
Franconia, VA 22310-3338

Chessie's Big Backyard is a fully accessible playground area, where children of all ability levels can play, learn and grow together. The entire playground will consist of three sections and will be located next to the Joey Pizzano Memorial Sprayground. The playground seeks to create an environment where children and adults with different needs will be judged and defined by who they are, and not by their abilities. This Chesapeake Bay themed play area features a Tiki Village designed for ages 5-12.

Due to limited parking, guests are invited to take a shuttle bus from Rose Hill Elementary School located at 6301 Rose Hill Drive in Alexandria, VA. Shuttle service will run from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

For more information about the ribbon cutting event, contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662. For information about how you can help support Chessie's BIG Backyard Capital Campaign, visit the Park Foundation at www.fairfaxparkfoundation.org or call 703-324-8582.

365 - Vote

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Announces New Fees for Fiscal Year 2013 - Effective July 1, 2012

On May 7, City Council voted to increase fees in multiple City departments. The increases were made in response to the City’s current economic challenges, the need to meet Fiscal Year 2013 budget goals, and the increased cost of providing these services to residents and the public.

Effective July 1, 2012, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will increase fees for Out of School Time 2012-2013 School Year and 2013 Summer Programs. New fees are as follows:

• 2012-2013 School Year Out of School Time Program: $250 per child (September 2012 - June 2013)
• 2013 Summer Program (8-weeks): $50 per child (July 2013 - August 2013)

City of Alexandria will continue to provide fee assistance for those who qualify. Assistance options include:

• Fee assistance is available to those students who qualify for free/reduced lunch, or who receive other government assistance;
• Installment payments (up to 6 months) available;
• Multiple Child discounts (10% for each additional child); and
• 10% discount for full payment at time of registration

For additional information on the approved FY 2013 City of Alexandria Budget, visithttp://alexandriava.gov/Budget.

For additional information on the Out of School Time Program, visit http://alexandriava.gov/12382 or call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.4343.

News from the Parent Resource Center

FROM THE ACPS PRC:

The Family Resource Center Thursday morning support group 
10:00 am-Noon, Minnie Howard, Room 134, 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria

Please join us for coffee, bagels, and sharing. This will be our last meeting for the school year.

June 14: Free Suessical Presentation

7:00pm, Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Road, Burke

Sensory friendly presentation with special consideration being made to accommodate people with Special Needs: some lights will be left on, guests are not expected to remain seated or quiet during the show, mats and pillows will be provided for seating options. Please let us know if any special requirements (aisle access for wheel chairs, etc.), are needed. Come as you are--Leave as you need! Contact:goodshepherdplayers@gmail.com, subject: Special Needs Show

June 15: Deadline to Infuence DSM Decision

The publishers of the 2013 revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) have announced the third and final opportunity for public comments on the proposed revisions to the DSM-5. The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation is coordinating its last comment campaign to show the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that there is widespread, informed support for including SPD in the revised DSM-5 that will be published in 2013. To submit a comment to the APA supporting recognition of Sensory Processing Disorder in DSM-5:http://www.dsm5.org/proposedrevisions/pages/conditionsproposedbyoutsidesources.aspx.

June 16: Groundbreaking for New Miracle League Field of Alexandria

8:30am Lee Center Field, 1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria
The long awaited day has come, the ground breaking ceremony for the Miracle League Field is here! On Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 8:30am on the Nannie J. Lee Field we will celebrate the beginning of a great adventure! If you are able please come out and join us for this victorious event

June 16: Technology Training at MLK Library in Washington DC

1:00-:00pm, MLK Library, Adaptive Services Division, Room 215, 901 G St. NW, Washington DC

The meetings are a chance for people who use Adaptive Technologies to get together and share information, learn about technologies. This week's topic is Community, Social Engagement and Education for People on the Autism Spectrum and with Intellectual Disabilities. The presenters include: Lauren Lee, George Mason Univeristy Life Program; Melissa Gurman, American Association of People with Disabilities Summer Intern, Adaptive Services DC Public Libraries; Matthew McCollough, Director of DC Development Disabilities Council; Doreen Hodges, Family Voices of DC; Jessica Swanson, Accessibility Manager JFK Center; Matt Rosen, the Arc of DC;Ricardo Thornton, MLK Library.

June 16: Sensory Friendly Film

10:00am-Noon, Check your local AMC Theater

Please join AMC and the Autism Society for "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted." AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy new current in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

June 19: Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting

7:00-8:00pm Minne Howard Media Center, 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria

This is the last meeting of the school year. Please consider coming to the last meeting and joining the advisory committee. For more information on joining the committe please contact the co-chairs: Janet Reese jreese3286@aol.com or Nan Ryant njr.otr@verizon.net

June 23: TOPSoccer Festival 

The Virginia Youth soccer Association's 2nd Annual Spotsylvannia TOPSoccer Festival will take place Saturday, June 23 from 9:00am-12:00pm at Ron Rosner Family YMCA. Open to ALL TOPSoccer players and buddies. Free, but must pre-register. For more information: 252-586-5341 or bobsokolinsky@gmail.com

The Virginia Ability Alliance maintains a calendar of local events. For more information:http://www.thearcofnova.org/info-referral/calendar/

Call for Entries: Sustaining/Creating - A national juried exhibition of emerging artists, ages 16-25, with disabilities.
This exhibition is presented by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ VSA & Accessibility Office and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Deadline: July 8, 2012. For more information:https://www.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=983

Asperger's Research

FROM PEATC: 

James E. Gilliam, Ph.D. (Author of the Gilliam Asperger’s Disorder Scale and the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2) is conducting research on children who have Asperger's Disorder or who are considered to have "High Functioning Autism."  The research involves completing a survey on the characteristics of children who have this disorder.  He will pay people who participate in this research.  For additional information about him and his research, go to:http://www.jamesegilliam.net.  Then click on the link "Asperger's Research."

www.PEATC.org

1-800-869-6782

Alexandria Birthday Celebration 7/7

City of Alexandria to Hold Annual USA & City Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 7

News Highlights

• Birthday celebration features children’s activities, community exhibits, birthday cake, performance by Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and fireworks display over the Potomac River on July 7

More Information

• Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Recreation

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 263rd and the USA’s 236th birthday on Saturday, July 7, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., located at the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton, and Madison Streets. Admission is free.

The celebration includes fun for the entire family, including musical entertainment, children’s activities, community exhibits, and birthday cake. The highlight of the evening is a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Kim Allen Kluge presenting an explosive night of fun and fanfare featuring “Stardust on the Potomac.”

Fireworks close out the celebration featuring Tchaikovsky's “1812 Overture” with cannon support by the United States Marine Corps, Basic Training School, Quantico, VA at 9:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 8 at 9:30 p.m.

Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating, and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food, such as ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, shaved ice and kettle corn will be available for purchase, but everyone is welcome to pack a picnic supper. No grilling allowed.

Visitors to the historic district are encouraged bike, walk or take the Metrorail Yellow or Blue lines to the King Street Station and take King Street Trolley to the unit block of King St., a short walk to Oronoco Bay Park. The King Street Trolley will operate until midnight for individuals wishing to return to the King Street Metro following the celebration.

For DASH schedule information, call 703.746.DASH or visit www.dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit www.wmata.com.

Parking is available at Simpson Properties Garage, 700 North Fairfax Street; Tishman Speyer, 44 Canal Center Plaza (at a special $5 fee); and Trammell Crow Company, 601 North Fairfax Street.

For additional information, visit alexandriava.gov/recreation or call the Special Events Hotline at703.746.5592.

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, call Cheryl Lawrence at 703.746.5419 (Virginia Relay 711) or e-mailcheryl.lawrence@alexandriava.gov.