Alexandria Mom's Calendar of Events

Saturday, September 15, 2012

365 - Autumn

Is it time for this yet??

Parkfairfax Native Plant Sale, 9/29

The fall Parkfairfax Native Plant Sale will be held Saturday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This marks the 9-year anniversary of this twice-a-year, non-profit, community plant sale--with it's 19th occurrence.  Eleven vendors from four states will be hosted! 

Yes, it's that time again, and now couldn't be a better time to plant native gardens!  (Our record-setting July heat showed me the value of having a garden that requires far less watering than those "other" gardens.)  Plus, it seems our weather in late-September will be perfect for gardening!  

The 11 vendors hosted at this sale will be:
Atlantic Star Nursery    410-838-7950     atlantic@iximd.com
Beech Tree Farm     800-326-2524     beechtreefarmva@yahoo.com
Bill & Martha Boone     301-731-4350     bnmboone@verizon.net
Carnivorous Plant Nursery     301-519-7505     inquiry@carnivorousplantnursery.com     www.carnivorousplantnursery.com
Go Native Tree Farm     717-399-0195     gonative@voicenet.com     www.gonativetrees.com
Grounds For Nature     304-258-3687     terra@groundsfornature.com     www.groundsfornature.com
Heartwood Nursery     717-993-5230     heartwoodnursery@yahoo.com     www.heartwoodnurseryinc.com
Hill House Farm & Nursery     540-222-4631     4cgardeners@copper.net     www.hillhousenativeplants.com
Morningside Farm & Nursery     540-547-3726     geomorningside@gmail.com     www.morningsidefarmandnursery.com
Mostly Edibles     703-765-6619     pfried@hers.com

Please contact them for advance orders, which helps them to "bring what you want and not bring what you don't want" (to quote one of the vendors).  Above is their essential contact information.  

I'd like to ask a favor of supporters of the sale.  I'm starting a Facebook page for the Parkfairfax Native Plant Sale sale, which is www.facebook.com/parkfairfax.nativeplantsale .  (I'm new to Facebook so I may not have set this up correctly--advice is welcome.)  I hope to start off by posting photos of the flyer for the plant sale taken at various coffee shops and other places.  Please submit your photos to me for posting on the page.  Please include in the photo as much of the surroundings as possible with the words "Parkfairfax Native Plant Sale" on the flyer still legible.  Please include in your email the name and general address of the place photographed.  (An example would be "St. Elmo's Coffee Pub in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA.")

Flyers for the sale are available at http://home.earthlink.net/~sknudsen/id1.html .  Thanks for your help with this new project!

Lastly, I want to give the address and general directions to the sale, in case the website closes for exceeding its maximum capacity of pageviews (as happened twice in the last three sales).  The address of the sale is 3601 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA  22302.  The directions are:  Parkfairfax is located inside the I-495 Beltway, across I-395 from Shirlington.  From I-395, exit Shirlington/Quaker onto Quaker.  At the first light on Quaker, turn left onto Preston.  Follow Preston to Valley and turn left on Valley.  Sale will be past Gunston on your right.

Please pass this email along to interested friends!  This sale depends entirely on word-of-mouth support.  Thanks for helping to spread the word!
   

Cheers,
Scott Knudsen
Organizer, Parkfairfax Native Plant Sale

Three meetings about the Beauregard Corridor Small Area Plan

FROM THE SEMINARY HILL ASSOCIATION: 


Three meetings about the Beauregard Corridor Small Area Plan were just announced:

1.  Results of the Beauregard Tenant Survey--20 Sept--7-9pm

During a Town Hall meeting, the Affordable Housing Adviory Committee will present the results of the Beauregard Tenant Survey at the William Ramsay Recreation Center, 5650 Sanger Avenue.

2.  Open Space Sites--1 Oct--7-9pm

Regular meeting of the Beauregard Rezoning Advisory Group during which open space sites, transporation, and housing will be discussed at the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Avenue.

3.  Seminary & Beauregard Transportation Improvements--24 Oct--7-9pm

Regular meeting of the Beauregard Rezoning Advisory Group during which something related to transporation in Corridor C will be discussed--perhaps the ellipse--at the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Avenue.


YoKid Challenge, 10/14

FROM YoKid:


Sponsored by Whole Foods Market

Join Yokid & Whole Foods market for a day dedicated to allowing kids to reach their full potential with healthy bodies & minds!

We challenge you to join us for 108 Sun Salutations! Get motivated to get moving by learning about the importance of setting goals. After taking on the Challenge, enjoy lots of free yummy snacks while learning how healthy food can be fun & delicious with Whole Foods Market Healthy Eating Specialists.

WHEN: 

Sunday, October 14th from 2:00–5:00 p.m.

WHERE: 

Mount Vernon Recreation Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria VA

WHO:

FREE & Open to children and adults of all ages. No yoga experience is required!

All participants get a free yoga mat, cool tee shirt & lots of other fun giveaways!

Free tee shirts and yoga mats can only be guaranteed to those who pre-register, so reserve your spot today:

SIGN UP NOW

YoKid and Whole Foods market are offering this day of healthy fitness fun totally free to raise awareness for kids health through fitness and nutrition education. If you would like to contribute to our cause, all donations are tax-deductible and will support yoga programs for children in need.

*******************************************************************************

What is the YoKid Yoga Challenge?

108 sun salutations for the whole family! The YoKid Yoga Challenge invites friends, family, community members, and all who have participated in the YoKid Yoga program, to enjoy a day dedicated to having a healthy mind and body!

What is a Sun Salutation?

It is a sequence of flowing yoga postures. The sequence has many benefits that include energizing and strengthening the body as well as calming and focusing the mind.

How Do I Get There?

It’s easy! For directions click here. There is plenty of parking and within walking distance of the metro station.
YoKid… Stretch your limits is nonprofit organization that provides yoga and meditation classes for at-risk and under-served youth in DC, Maryland, & Virginia. Students who participate in the YoKid program engage in physical and mental activities that promote their overall social, emotional, and academic growth.

Friday, September 14, 2012

365 - Train



Property Found by Alexandria Police

Check out the latest property found by Alexandria Police

http://alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/police/WebBoxes/FoundProperty09132012.pdf

Children's Music Workshop

FROM A NEIGHBORHOOD LIST SERVE: 


Emmanuel Episcopal Church is hosting a FREE

CHILDREN'S MUSIC WORKSHOP!!! - on Saturday, September 22nd 9am - 11:00am.

Parents of children (ages 5-11) from the Alexandria area are invited to
accompany their children to this morning workshop.

Handbells, Recorders, Lemme Sticks, Percussive Instruments, Boomwhackers,
Movement sessions! From 9:00am - 11:00, we will go from station to station
playing instruments (bells, recorders, percussions, etc), singing (w piano
and guitar), movement (dancing to various styles of piano while playing
percussions). The workshop will take place in the church Parish Hall.

Please call or email me, Linda Maguire, on Maguire.usa@gmail.com or
703-895-3450,
with any comments or questions or to register.
We welcome your child attending.

Linda Maguire
Music Director
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
1608 Russell Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22030

Microwave Needed

FROM CARPENTERS SHELTER:

Carpenter's Shelter, a nonprofit who provides shelter and guidance to homeless individuals and families in the City Of Alexandria needs your help. 

If you have a new or used microwave to spare please consider making a tax deductible donation to the shelter. 

Also on our needs list for September are Advil, towels(new or used) and cereal. 

If you are able to assist please contact Courtney D. Bishop atcourtneybishop@carpentersshelter.org 703.548.7500 ext. 205


Poet Laureate and Guest Readers to Participate in City of Alexandria’s Ninth Annual Alexandria Doggie Day Swim


Poet Laureate and Guest Readers to Participate in City of Alexandria’s Ninth Annual Alexandria Doggie Day Swim 

Amy Young, Poet Laureate, City of Alexandria along with Alexandria residents who have submitted poetry during the “2012 Dog Days of August”  will participate in a special salute to dogs. Ms. Young and guest readers will read poems about their favorite companion, their dog or poems about dogs as part of the City of Alexandria’s Ninth Annual Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 15, beginning at 3 p.m. The poetry readings will begin at 3:30 pm and will be held in front of the Old Town Pool, 1609 Cameron St.
For additional information about the Annual Doggie Day Swim, call the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center at703.746.5435. For more information about the “Dog Days of August” initiative or the Poet Laureate program call the Office of the Arts at 703.746.5588.
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 Ralph Baird of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.5435 (VA Relay 711) or e-mailralph.baird@alexandriava.gov.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

365 - Feed the ducks



Congressman Jim Moran's Annual Women’s Issues Conference 9/29


 
Congressman Jim Moran's Annual Women’s Issues Conference
September 29, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm. 

Congressman Jim Moran's Annual Women’s Issues Conference at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington. Representative Moran, keynote speaker Kathleen Matthews , Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer of Marriott International Inc. and other featured speakers will discuss legislation in Congress affecting women at home and in the developing world. 

Workshops will include: 
  • Communication Success
  • Networking and Your Future
  • Living My Ideal Life: Balancing Family, Career and Personal Needs
  • Making Your Voice Heard: Advocating for My Family and My Community
  • Sex Trafficking:The Global and Local Impact on Women. 

For more information and to register on line contact 703-971-4700 or moran.house.gov.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

365 - prayer?

Do you think someone is buried under that gas meter or they are just praying for a small gas bill?

Book Sale 10/18-10/21

FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE BEATLEY LIBRARY:


    ANNOUNCEMENT
 
The Friends of the Beatley Central Library will hold their October Book Sale Fest on October 18-21.  Dates and times: Thursday, 10/18:  Members Preview (Memberships at the door), 4:00PM - 8:30PM; Friday, 10/19, 10:00AM - 5:30PM; Saturday, 10/20, 10:00AM - 4:30PM; Sunday, 10/21, 1:00PM - 4:30PM.  SPECIAL NOTE:  Allan J. Stypeck, Jr. of Second Story Books, noted antiquarian book expert, will be in the Library's Periodical Room on Saturday, 10/20 from Noon to 2:00PM to talk about old and rare books and appraise customers' books.  This "Antique Book Roadshow" is free and open to the public.  Charles E. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA  22304; 703-746-1702www.alexandria.lib.va.us.
 

Story Festival Saturday at TC


Alexandria Police Investigate Assault on Jogger


ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600
NEWS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 #12-057
10:00 A.M. DONALDSON

Alexandria Police Investigate Assault on Jogger 
Alexandria Police are investigating an assault that occurred Wednesday, September 12, at 6:00 A.M. on the bike path near Holmes Run Parkway.  A 38 year-old female City resident was jogging when she was grabbed from behind by a man.  The victim screamed, broke free from the suspect and ran away from him.  He was last seen walking on the bike path towards Van Dorn Street.  The suspect is described as a medium to darker skinned male, approximately 5’6” tall and he was wearing a dark colored jacket.  The victim was not injured.
Anyone with information about this incident or who might have been in the area is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Section at 703.746.6711.
Detectives would like to remind witnesses that they can remain anonymous.
The Alexandria Police Department would like to remind joggers to remember these important safety tips while out running:
o Avoid running with headphones
o Run in well lit areas
o Try to run with a partner when possible
o Keep a cell phone with you at all times
o Let people know what routes you plan to take
For more information please call the Public Information Office at 703.746.6600.

Old Town Scavenger Hunt 9/21-9/23

FROM THE OLD TOWN BOUTIQUE DISTRICT: 



              
                                        



Alexandria, it's hunting season in the Old Town Boutique District. From Friday, September 21 to Sunday, September 23, get a stamp from each of the 35 stores. Turn in your completed passport at Periwinkle and receive a swag bag of 35 treats while supplies last. PLUS be entered to win a $3,500 grand prize shopping spree or one of 35 $100 prizes. Double your chances of winning by registeringearly! For more information, visit oldtownboutiquedistrict.com.

Survey Regarding Mark Center Area Amenities


WEBA (West End Business Alliance) has been asked to share this survey request with our Members, Friends and Contacts.  Please take a few moments to participate in the survey.

The Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance and the Alexandria City Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Alexandria/Arlington Workforce Investment Board, are working to build a stronger dialog among the businesses and agencies located in and around the Mark Center.  The interdependence of interests in the region can lead to opportunities for all concerned.

Specifically, we hope to facilitate more cases where needed services can be identified, where business opportunities can be explored and where employment options can be expanded for area workers.  We have launched a periodic Roundtable Forum at which local employers and agencies can exchange information and are searching for additional ways to enlarge that dialog.
In that regard, we are conducting a survey of area businesses and agencies to see what amenities are most needed for this area of growth in Alexandria that would generate more services available to employers and workers in the area.

We ask that you please take a few minutes to fill out a short survey, which can be accessed through this link:

Survey results will be shared with all those who participate, as well as with local government and other interested parties.  Please don't hesitate to email me with any questions.

Thanks so much, for your assistance with this effort.
Best
Miles Friedman
Miles Friedman
President
Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance
14059 Crown Court
Woodbridge, VA 22193

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

365 - 9/11


Special Education IEP Seminar


FROM THE ACPS PARENT RESOURCE CENTER: 


Back to School Means
Back to IEP

Register now to become a more powerful advocate for your child this school year.
Join us for an IEP seminar based on a curriculum developed for the office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education.

We will cover:
  • Top Ten Basics of Special Education
  • Introduction to Procedural Safeguards
  • Evaluating Children for Disability (introduction to evaluation, initial evaluation, and reevaluation)
  • The Individualized Education Program (members, components, IEP meeting, LRE decision making)
  • Universal Design and NIMAS
Friday September 28 5 pm – 9pm AND
Saturday September 29 9 am – 5 pm
Registrants should plan to attend both days

MASON GOVERNMENTAL CENTER
6507 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003


Featured Speakers:

·       Hank Millward, Virginia Department of Education
·       Patrice Linehan, National Association of State Directors
 of Special Education
·       Tia Marsili, The Arc of Northern Virginia

Questions?  Contact jenniferg@dsanv.org.

$40 registration includes meals, parking, educational door prizes, and handouts.

ACPS Special Education Newsletter

Anne R. Lipnick Special Education Family Resource Center 
Weekly Newsletter

703.824.0129

The Family Resource Center Thursday morning support group will resume on September 20th  
10:00 am-Noon, Minnie Howard, Room 134, 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria
Please join us for coffee, bagels, and sharing.

2012-2013 ACPS Special Education Staff Directory:
Please refer to the file attached

2012-2013 ACPS Special Education Lead Teacher Assignments:
Please refer to the file attached 

September 12: CARD STAR: Training for Parents and Professionals
11:30am-12:30pm Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore MD
Play with a Purpose: Being an Effective Play Partner to Your Child. Parents and caregivers will learn how to join and expand their child's play to promote higher levels of engagement and learning.Presenters: Kerry Buechler, BA and Becky Zimmerman, BSRegister athttp://kennedykriegercard.eventbrite.com/ or by calling Stacey Duvall at (443) 923-7680

September 13: Transitional Workshop Series: Social & Recreational Opportunities Workshop
7:00-9:00pm, JCCNV, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax
The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and The Washington Group Special Care Planning team presents the 2nd workshop in our transitions series on "Social and Recreational Opportunities". This is for individuals, families, case managers, and community members who want to learn about social and recreational opportunities for individuals with Special Needs. The social and recreational areas are many times a neglected area of concern. This workshop will focus on introducing many opportunities, many that you may not be familiar with. There will also be a social and recreational focused resource fair, with many participating vendors. Please RSVP to Carey Alford at (703) 279-6561, or calford@financialguide.com.

September 17: CARD STAR: Training for Parents and ProfessionalsSeptember 17:
9:30am-11:00pm Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore MD
Getting an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: Where do I go from here? Presented by: Cathy Groschan, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Worker. The presenter will lead this discussion and take your questions about getting a diagnosis, finding services, the education system and more! This is an introductory training for parents. Register at: http://kennedykriegercard.eventbrite.com/ or by calling Stacey Duvall at (443) 923-7680

September 18 Lunch Bunch Meeting at the Ability Alliance
Noon to 2pm, Arc/ ASNV/ DSANV Hospitality Center at 98 N. Washington Street, Falls Church, VA.
Get help navigating the complicated state and local service system from the experts. Bring your questions and get answers about life on the spectrum. RSVP 703-532-3214 because space is limited. UPCOMING MEETINGS---Lunch Bunch:  9/4,  9/18,  10/2,  10/16,  10/30, 11/13, 12/11 ---GPS+: 9/5,  10/3, 11/7, 12/5.  For more information:http://asnv.org/images/uploads/default_site/general_files/lunchbunchgps_flyer.pdf

September 22: Sensory Friendly Movie--Finding Nemo
AMC Entertainment 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. For more information:http://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

September 28-29: IDEA/IEP Seminar - Become a More Powerful Advocate!
Mason Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
Join us for an extensive 2-day IDEA/IEP seminar based on a curriculum developed for the Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education.
Featured Speakers:
• Hank Millward, Coordinator of Complaints Services, Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
• Gloria Dalton, Parent Ombudsman, VDOE
• Emily Fallings, MEd, Virginia Assistive Technology Services Coordinator
• Patrice Cunniff Linehan, Ed.D, IDEA Partnership
• Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, The Arc of Northern Virginia
Register now to become a more powerful advocate for your child. $40 registration includes meals, parking, educational door prizes, & handouts!
For more information contact Jennifer Greiner at jenniferg@dsanv.org or call 703-615-0187flyer attached, please distribute

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

Youth Topics is a service of the Center for Children and Families, Department of Community and Human Services, City of Alexandria. 
Sign up to receive the Youth Topics Newsletter: https://enews.alexandriava.gov/index.php?CCheck=1

Check out SCAN's Offerings for the month of September:http://www.scanva.org/downloads/parent-calendar-september2012.pdf
SCAN is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the well-being of children, improve parent-child relations and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Registration Open for Classes offered by the Arlington Therapeutic Rec:
Most classes will begin the 3rd week of September so sign up soon! 

Register for the Learning Disabilities Association of VA's 2012 Conference:
October 13: Learning Disabilities & Transition to Higher Education: What Students, Families, Professionals Should Know…
8:15am-2:00pm Marymount University, Reinsch Library
With the increasing numbers of students with learning disabilities seeking admission and being admitted to colleges and universities, it’s important for students and their families to be informed about the processes, legal information, and procedures that enable successful preparation for transition from secondary to postsecondary education. Keynote speaker: Elizabeth Getzel, director, postsecondary initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University. For more information:http://www.ldavirginia.org/events.html

Special Needs Trusts Free Informational Session:
October 16, 7:15 pm, Tuckahoe Library, 1901 Starling Dr, Henrico, VA 23229
If you are a parent planning for the future of your child with special needs, or if you work with individuals with special needs, this event is for you! Special needs trusts allow funds to be set aside for the benefit of an individual with a disability in a way that will not jeopardize eligibility for SSI and Medicaid benefits.  Join us to learn more! For more information: http://specialneedstrust.eventbrite.com 

Experienced Lose the Training Wheels Class offered by Fairfax County Parks and Recreation
Starting September 16, Lee District RECenter, 6601 Telegraph Rd, Franconia, VA 22301
Instructor and volunteer spotters assist individuals with disabilities who want to practice their biking skills and improve their fitness level. Participants must be a LTTW bike program graduate or have prior consent of the instructor. Helmets are required. Bring your own bike, helmet, and water. Class is held on the indoor track. For more information: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ada/lose-the-wheels.htm

Autism Speaks launches School Community Tool Kit: The Autism Speaks Family Services Department is pleased to announce the launch of the School Community Tool Kit 2.0 – a tool kit to assist members of the school community in understanding and supporting students with autism.  Attached, please find a one-sheet flyer that describes the School Community Tool Kit 2.0, including how to download the Tool Kit for your school’s use. For more information:http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/school-community-tool-kit

U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Provides New Glossary of Special Eduation Terms in Spanish:
The Glossary includes over 200 education- and disability-related terms translated from English to Spanish to ensure that educational terms related to IDEA are translated in a uniform and comprehensible way. For more information: http://www.neparentcenters.org/glossary/index.html

La Oficina de Programas de Educación Especial (OSEP en las siglas en ingles) ProporcionaNueva Glosario de términos de education especiales en español:El glosario incluye más de 200términos de educación y relacionados con la discapacidad  traducidos del Inglés al español para asegurar que las condiciones educativas relacionadas con IDEA se traduzcan en una forma uniformey comprensible. Para más información: http://www.neparentcenters.org/glossary/index.html

 Latest Headlines from DisabilityScoop.com
Special Education Parents Want Cameras In Classrooms

Claim: Family Barred From Plane Due To Teen's Down Syndrome
For more information: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/emailers/ds120907.html