365 - Ready!

(not showing the booze!) 

I've got paper products, toilet paper, non-perishable food, propane for the grill, the sinks and tubs will be cleaned out and filled with water, laundry is all done.  What else do I need to do?? I'm ready! 

365 - Spiders

Get out the Vote Cookout 10/27

GOTTA VOTE

GET OUT THE VOTE

COMMUTER COOKOUT

with Special Guest 

Julianne Moore

October 27

12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Ben Brenman Park 

4800 Brenman Park Drive 

(in Cameron Station)

just follow the Obama signs 

On Election Day, will you be outside the locality where you vote or unable to go to the polls? Like tens of thousands of fellow Virginians, you may qualify to vote absentee in person, and on Saturday, October 27th, we'll be hosting an Absentee- in-person Cookout, with special guest Julianne Moore, to discuss those reasons. Right after the event we'll march over to Beatley Central Library to cast our Absentee Ballots.

va.barackobama.com

City Urges Residents to be Prepared

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

City of Alexandria Urges Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

For Immediate Release: October 26, 2012

The National Hurricane Center currently forecasts Hurricane Sandy to reach the Alexandria area as early as Sunday, October 28. The National Weather Service predicts that Virginia could experience damaging winds and flooding. In advance of forecasted severe weather, residents should review storm preparation procedures to handle possible flooding, high winds, downed tree limbs, and power outages.

Flooding

Residents are encouraged to prevent flooding and sewer backups in their homes and businesses by taking the following steps:

• Clear leaves, storm drains and sewer openings to prevent clogging.
• Check gutters and downspouts; clear debris from them if necessary.
• Inspect sump pumps to ensure they are working properly.
• Move furniture and other items from basements to upper floors if located in areas of the City prone to sanitary sewer backups.

Residents are asked to bag leaves for collection and expect potential delays in leaf collection services, which are scheduled to begin next week.  Please do not rake leaves into the street.

Power Outages

Residents should keep recommended emergency supplies on hand to be effectively prepared for extended power outages. To report power outages, residents must call Dominion Virginia Powerat1.866.DOM.HELP (1.866.366.4357). If a power outage occurs, do not use candles under any circumstances because they are a fire hazard. Commercial building owners, managers, and engineers should check the emergency generators for their properties and ensure they are in proper working order.

Downed Trees and Tree Limbs

If a tree or major tree limb debris falls onto City streets, contact the Alexandria Police Department’s non-emergency number at 703.746.4444 to submit a report for tree removal.

Emergency Preparedness

Plan to be self-sustaining for at least three days by stocking your pantry with food that does not require refrigeration and ensuring that you have one gallon of water per person per day. Be sure to have emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights; a portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries; first aid kit; a non-electric can opener; essential medicines; cash and credit cards; and sturdy shoes. For more emergency preparedness tips, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov.

Other Safety Measures

Residents should bring in or secure garbage cans, lawn furniture, and other items that could be blown by high winds or become dangerous projectiles. Pets should also be brought inside for their safety.

For weather-related information, including information on cancellations and closings, visitalexandriava.gov/Storm. Residents may also follow the City on Twitter or Facebook, or sign up foreNews to get weather-related updates.

365 - snack

The best snack ever!

365 - Halloween

365 - Bat Box

look what you see when you look up when you take a walk......

Sponsors Sought for City Holiday Sharing Program

Sponsors Sought for City Holiday Sharing Program

The Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services invites the public to help make the 2012 holiday season brighter for low-income families, foster children, and senior or disabled residents by participating in the City’s Holiday Sharing Program. Individuals and groups can take part in the program by purchasing gifts or certificates for a designated Alexandria family, foster child or elderly/disabled resident. Gifts may be delivered directly to recipients or brought to the City’s Community and Human Services Center at 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue for distribution by staff.

Already more families are registering for the 2012 Holiday Sharing Program than in 2011 due to the increased number receiving benefits as a result of lower incomes. In 2012, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Community Partners for Children, the DCHS Holiday Sharing Program assisted 775 families, 201 seniors and disabled persons, and 121 foster children and teens. In addition to thousands of gift items distributed through Sponsor-a-Family, Sponsor-a-Senior-Citizen and Sponsor-a-Foster Child, donors also gave $12,700 in gift certificates through the Sponsor-a-Teen program and $12,000 in grocery cards for seniors and families.

The Department of Community and Human Services is also seeking volunteers to help sort and deliver gifts at the Community and Human Services Center on December 10, 11, and 12 in shifts from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Individuals, families and groups can request more information about the program by contacting Suzanne Kratzok at 703.746.5663, or emailing holidaysharing@alexandriava.gov or register to participate at the website www.alexandriava.gov/holidaysharing.

365 - Pirates

have you seen this display? (and this is just part of it)

City still looking for Christmas tree

For Immediate Release: October 22, 2012

City of Alexandria Continues Search for 2012 Holiday Tree

During the holidays, Market Square glistens with the sparkling majesty of a Holiday Tree, made possible only through a generous donation each year. The City of Alexandria is once again in search of a Colorado Blue Spruce, Leyland Cypress or other well-formed evergreen tree, approximately 25 to 35 feet tall, to serve as the City’s official 2012 Holiday Tree. The City will remove the tree from the donor’s property in mid-November and grind the stump at no cost. The tree will be decorated and displayed at Market Square, 301 King St., throughout the holiday season.

The lighting of the Holiday Tree officially opens the holiday season in Alexandria. The City’s Holiday Tree will be lighted during the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 23, at Market Square, 301 King St. The ceremony will feature a special visit by Santa Claus, along with entertainment and caroling.

Persons in the Washington metropolitan area who are interested in donating a tree should call John Noelle, City Arborist, at 703.746.5499 or e-mail john.noelle@alexandriava.gov.

365 - Tree

The Giving Circle Presents: "Women in Philanthropy"

The Giving Circle of Alexandria is holding a Fall Forum on Thursday October 25, 2012 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the Meade Room at Christ Church, 118 N. Washington Street., Alexandria.  

Jane Hess Collins will deliver the keynote address entitled "Women in Philanthropy" which will address how women can make a difference in their communities through philanthropy.  

Ms. Collins is an acclaimed social entrepreneur and the founder of Get Out and Give Back, LLC, which inspires people to “Connect. Contribute. Create a Legacy.” by connecting businesses and people with nonprofits and philanthropy. 

Deborah Warren, Deputy Director for Children and Families at DHCS in Alexandria will talk about preparing Alexandria’s children for success. 

The Giving Circle invests strategically in Alexandria’s youngest children to enable them to reach their full potential. As part of its ongoing mission, The Giving Circle also strives to inform and inspire its members to serve as catalysts of social change.   

Drinks and light appetizers will be served. 

This event is FREE 
Kindly register 

Have a Safe Halloween

Have a Safe Halloween

There are many ways to keep your child safe at Halloween, when they are more prone to accidents and injuries. The excitement of children and adults sometimes makes them forget to be careful. Simple common sense can do a lot to prevent tragedies from happening.

Youngsters will be out and about on Halloween during evening hours and crossing streets in the dark. Motorists frequently use residential side streets as a cut-through during high volume traffic hours.

Here are a few Halloween safety tips to remember:

~Always use crosswalks and sidewalks and walk facing traffic
~Carry a flashlight or glow sticks
~Wear light colored clothing and reflective stickers on costumes
~Use face paint rather than full-face masks that can partially block your vision
~Only trick-or-treat at houses you know and that are well lit
~Travel in groups and children should always be with an adult
~Inspect all candy and treats before children eat them
~Notify police about any suspicious person or activity

HAVE A SAFE AND SPOOKY HALLOWEEN

16th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade

FROM THE DEL RAY BUSINESS ASSOC: 

Below are all the details you will need for the 16th Annual Halloween Parade.

Please note a couple of key points that are in the below article:

1)   Deadline to nominate a home is this Sunday 10/21at 5 pm
2)   Costumes can be donated and dropped off at Caboose & A Show of Hands
3)  ***Change in time and location for Best Decorated Stroller Competition ***
4)   Spooky Bean Halloween Haunted Graveyard will once again take place
   
Plans are underway for one of Del Ray’s
favorite traditions, the Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade.  This year it will be held on Sunday, October 28th at 2 pm.  Last year, more than 5,000 participated
in this annual event which included over 2,000 children, special dignitaries
and elected officials; over 50 pets in Halloween costumes; and 25 decorated
strollers. 

The parade begins at 2 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Avenue, south
of E. Bellefonte and continues down to the Mount VernonRecreationalCenter play fields at Mt.Vernon
and Commonwealth Avenues. Children, pets, and strollers in costumes are invited
to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. 

This year's parade featured awards for Best
Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home, and Best Decorated
Stroller. Judges include elected officials & City Dignitaries.  Deadline to nominate your home or a neighbor’s
home for Best Decorated Home is October 21st at 5 pm and deadline to
nominate Best Decorated Business is October 23rd  - e-mail the addresses todelrayhalloweenparade@yahoo.com and state if it should be judged during the day or night.  Awards will be given out at a brief ceremony
at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues
following the parade, along with refreshments (hot dogs donated by 7-Eleven,
cider, and cookies) and goodie bags for the children (including as long as they
last, healthy bags that will not have any candy). Entertainment will be
provided by the popular band Mars Rodeo and again this year thanks to the
Alexandria Jaycees there will be games and activities for the children. They
will take place at the Mt.Vernon fields immediately
following the parade. The Parade and all activities are free! 

***This year, please note that there is a major change for Stroller Entries for both registration location and judging.  Based on feedback from parents, judging for the Stroller Competition
will be done prior to the parade.  Stroller entries must register by 1:30 pm at the corner of Mt. Vernon
Avenue and E. Howell - look for long string of orange balloons &
signs.  Once registered, strollers will
line up on Howell to be judged prior to participating in the parade.  Please allow extra time to get to the judging
area by 1:30 pm especially if your entry is difficult to maneuver or if you are
a large group. There is no fee to register and there are lots of wonderful
prizes donated from our local businesses.  Categories are:  “Creative”,
“Humorous”, “Best Group or Family”, “Less is More” and “Overall”.

Registration for Pets begins at 1:30 pm on
Mt. Vernon south of E. Howell Ave.  Look
for a long string of black balloons and signage to register your pet.
Categories include: “Creative”, “Team”, “How Could You Do This to Me” &
“Best of Show”.

There is no registration required for
children and families that march in the parade - they should gather at Mt.
Vernon Avenue, south of E. Bellefonte.

For the seventh year, we will collect and
distribute Halloween costumes for children who would otherwise go without. We
will be collecting donated costumes at the Caboose Cafe, 2419 Mt. Vernon Avenue and A Show of
Hands, 2204 Mt. Vernon Avenue, and distributing them on Saturday, October 27th,
from 2-4 p.m. at the Mount VernonRecreationCenter, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue.  We are especially in need of larger size
costumes.

After the parade from 5 pm to
8 pm, for the 6th year, families can enjoy a Spooky Bean
Halloween Haunted Graveyard (free!) that is
being constructed by Bean Creative and will be located next to their lot at Mt. Vernon and E. Del Ray Avenue.  It is definitely
a must do Del Ray tradition.  Special thanks to our neighbor, Bean
Creative. 
 
The parade is sponsored by
the Del Ray Business Association (DRBA). We are always looking for additional
sponsors and welcome financial contributions, goodie bag contributions, and
volunteers. Special thanks to Jen Walker as our primary sponsor & sponsor
of the Best Decorated House & to Bobi Bomar sponsor of the Best Decorated
Stroller & Paul Hair from Your Dog’s Best Friend for his sponsorships of
the Best Pet Costume. Finally, if you would like to help stuff 2,000 goodie
bags, come on Saturday, October 27th  at 2 p.m. at the Mount VernonRecreationCenter. We also need lots
of volunteers on the day of the parade. If you are able to volunteer on either day,
please e-mail delrayhalloweenparade@yahoo.com .

We look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday
at 2:00 pm either in the parade or along the route cheering us on!! For more
information or to volunteer, contact:  Gayle Reuter at delrayhalloweenparade@yahoo.comor check out our website at www.visitdelray.com 

New Water Bill

FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD LISTSERV:

Q.  Can someone explain to me how the "new" wastewater bill is determined and why my combined water usage bill is now higher than ever? Thank you!

A.  I serve as a citizen member of the Board of the Sanitation Authority (newly renamed Alexandria ReNew Enterprises) and I live in the neighborhood.   We all should have received a couple of mailers this summer with information about the new bills and why the water and sewer charges would be billed separately beginning this month.  You are correct that the rates have been rising over the years as Alexandria and other jurisdictions have struggled to meet the increasingly stringent regulations put in place to restore the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways to health.  Today the Potomac and Chesapeake are cleaner than they've been in years, due in large part to the improvements in wastewater treatement around the region.  We have a long way to go, and the trend of environmental legistation and regulation is moving towards more stringent standards over time.

To your question, The Alexandria Renew Enterprises (formerly Alexandria Sanitation Authority) website has some good information on billing:

FAQs/Alexandria Renew Enterprise Billing System
How is my wastewater treatment bill changing?
Beginning in October 2012, Alexandria Renew Enterprises ratepayers will receive a separate bill for wastewater treatment services that will include the City’s sewer collection charges as well. Currently, your wastewater treatment cost is included in your Virginia American Water bill.
Why is the billing system changing?
The new billing system is changing because Virginia American Water informed Alexandria Renew Enterprises late in 2011 that it will no longer provide third-party billing
services. We are hard at work establishing a new billing system that will allow us to provide great customer service to ratepayers while collecting the revenue
needed to provide the services we provide.
What does that mean for me?
You will receive a new bill from Alexandria Renew Enterprises, starting in October 2012. You will no longer see a cost for wastewater or sewage treatment in your Virginia American Water bill. To see a sample of the new bill, click here.
What is Alexandria Renew Enterprises?
Alexandria Renew Enterprises used to be called the Alexandria Sanitation Authority, which was established more than 50 years ago. Things have changed a lot since then. Alexandria
Renew still cleans wastewater, but also is using sustainable ways to save energy, preserve natural resources, and meet tougher water and wastewater laws.
The new name reflects those changes.
When will I first see the new bill?
You’ll receive a new bill in October 2012. In early September, we sent out an informative letter that showed you how your new bill will look.
How often will I get a bill from Alexandria Renew Enterprises?
You will receive future bills at the same frequency as you have received them from Virginia
American Water. If you have a residential account, you will receive a bill each
quarter. If you have a business account, you will receive a bill each month.
Will this have an effect on my rate?
The change in the billing system will not affect your rate. To learn more about your rates, go to http://alexrenew.com/about/news-information/rate-information/
Do I have to do anything regarding the billing change now?
No actions are needed on your part now.
Will I be able to pay my bill online?
Yes, you will be able to pay your bill online. There will be several ways to pay. Our automatic payment option will allow for your bill will be paid on time, every time, from your checking or savings account. If you’d like to pre-register for automatic payment, go tohttp://alexrenew.com/payments/ and click on the “Enroll in Automatic Payment” button.
When I enrolled to sign up for Automatic Payment, I noticed Cincinnati, Ohio in the web address. Why is that?
In 2012, Alexandria Renew Enterprises contracted with Greater Cincinnati Water Works to provide its billing management service after Virginia American Water announced it will no longer provide third-party billing services. GCWW has decades’ experience and expertise in billing management in the water and wastewater industry. This business solution provides a cost-effective and necessary approach for Alex Renew to collect its revenue.
How can I stay informed about this change?
We will keep you up to date through www.alexrenew.com, Facebook at Alexandria Renew Enterprises, and Twitter at AlexRenewCEO. We will also be sending you information in the
mail and through local advertisement. You can also contact us at 703-549-3381, extension 2204.
Does this mean we’re getting a new sewage service provider?
No. The change is that Virginia American Water will no longer bill you for sewer services. You will receive a separate bill for sewer services from Alexandria Renew Enterprises, formerly the Alexandria Sanitation
Authority.
Will this affect my trash pickup?
No. Alexandria Renew Enterprises (formerly Alexandria Sanitation Authority) does not and never has provided trash pickup. To learn more about trash pickup,
go to http://alexandriava.gov/RefuseCollection.
What is the City sewage collection fee on my bill?
The City of Alexandria collects fees from ratepayers to help pay for the pipes and sewers the city owns and maintains. This is not a new fee or charge. The fee costs $1.25 per thousand gallons of water used per home or business. It is not prorated through the winter quarter charge.

tom van wagner

Alexandria Jaycees "Goblin Games" 10/28

Goblin Games

• Sunday, October 28, 2012

  1:00 PM To 4:00 PM
• Mt. Vernon Recreation Center Fields

  2701 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA (map)
• Each year, kids from around the area participate in the Del Ray Halloween Children Parade. Once the parade finishes, they participate in the Alexandria Jaycees Goblin Games at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center Fields.

  Goblin Games is an event that allows kids to play our Halloween games such "Bowling for Bones", "Skeleton Toss", and "Ghost Drop". They are eligible to receive prizes.

  We would need your help to run the games and give out the prizes.

  Feel free to help set-up, administer the games, and/or clean up.

  Come out with your Alexandria Jaycees shirt, but you can also wear a costume to get into the spirit of the event.

  1:00-2:15 : Set up

  2:15-4:00 : Goblin Games

  4-4:30 : Clean Up

  It will be a ghoulish good time and one with plenty of treats and no tricks!