What's Next Alexandria?

What’s Next Alexandria? Your Input Needed for Online Civic Engagement Activity 
For Immediate Release: January 3, 2013

The City of Alexandria and ACTion Alexandria invite you to participate online[www.actionalexandria.org/principles] in refining the principles of civic engagement discussed at the November 15, 2012 What’s Next Alexandria Community Dialogue.  This online event, open to all Alexandrians, will run until January 14.    

Your input will form the basis of the Second Community Dialogue scheduled for January 29, 2013, 7 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St. The goal of the January Dialogue is to complete work on the principles of civic engagement and discuss the methods for achieving those principles, including the range of approaches identified by the community.  Childcare and simultaneous Spanish translation will be available.

For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/WhatsNext or contact Carrie Beach, project manager, at 703.746.3853.

Alexandria Police Charge Two Men in Stolen Cruiser Case

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

NEWS RELEASE
JANUARY 10, 2013 #13-002
3:00 P.M. DONALDSON

UPDATE:  Two Men Charged in Stolen Police Cruiser Cases

Alexandria Detectives have charged two men in connection with the two stolen police cruiser cases from December 2012.  Daniel Michael Harris, 31, was arrested on Sunday, January 6, following a traffic stop in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  He was charged with Grand Larceny Auto and Possession of Stolen Property (Felony).  Harris is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, Maryland where he awaits extradition.  Corie Gezono Yates, 33, was arrested on Tuesday, January 8, by Sheriff’s deputies at the Alexandria Courthouse.  He was charged with Grand Larceny Auto, Conspiracy to Commit Grand Larceny and Possession of Stolen Property (Felony) and taken to the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center where he is being held without bond. 

The missing police issued Remington 870 shotgun and the Panasonic Toughbook Mobile Computer have not been recovered.  The investigation continues.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the police property or with information about these cases is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Section of the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.6711.

Detectives would like to remind witnesses that they can remain anonymous.

Alexandria Singers Spring Auditions

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• Join the DC area's premier pops chorus! We invite you to join us at our regular rehearsal time from 6:45-9:30 with auditions immediately following! Please note on the flyer photo posted below, 3 dates for auditions! The event will not let us put 3 specific dates, but will let us stretch over the span of the audition cycle. 2013 Spring Auditions will be held on Tuesdays, January 15, 22, and 29! Other dates available by appointment. Please contact using information below with ANY questions or interest. New members will join us in time to audition for our Winter Cabaret, where you could be a featured act! **Save the Date: February 23rd!** For more information about joining the fun, contact: audition@alexandriasingers.com www.alexandriasingers.com www.facebook.com/AlexandriaSingers (703)941-SING (7464)

FACE Centers January Events

FACE Center Offering Yoga for Families Classes (January)The ACPS Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center will offer a free four-weekYoga for Families class in three locations: John Adams (every Tuesday January 8-29);Cora Kelly (every Wednesday January 9-30); and T.C. Williams (every Thursday January 10-31).

FACE Center Offering “Health and Wellness 101” and “Superpower Fruits and Veggies” (January)“Health and Wellness 101” is a free workshop for parents/guardians that will take place concurrently with “Superpower Fruits and Veggies”, where children will make healthy snacks. The workshops will be offered at Community Lodgings (January 10, 6:30-8 p.m.);John Adams Elementary (January 14, 6:30-8 p.m.); and Cora Kelly Elementary (January 17, 6:30-8 p.m.).

FACE Center Offering “Financial Literacy/Kid’s Marketplace (January)The Kid’s Marketplace is a hands-on educational tool that introduces elementary students to financial choices while having fun. Students learn how to make good financial decisions, understand the difference between needs and wants, and recognize the importance of math skills in everyday life. A concurrent workshop for parents and other community members is Financial Literacy 101, which will improve financial capability through budget planning and money management tools. The workshops will be offered at Brent Place(January 23, 6:30-8 p.m.); Cora Kelly Elementary (January 24, 6:30-8 p.m.); John Adams Elementary (January 28, 6:30-8 p.m.); Community Lodgings (January 31, 6:30-8 p.m.).

UpCycle Creative Reuse Center 2013 Open House Dates:

A really cool program from some really cool local moms.......

UpCycle CRC, www.UpCycleCRC.weebly.com, is pleased to announce expanded programming and Open Houses to introduce prospective families to our programs for young children. 

UpCycle Creative Reuse Center 2013 Open House Dates:

Wednesday, January 16 from 10 am – 12 pm

Saturday, February 2 from 10 am – 12 pm

At Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, 22302

Our Open Houses are opportunities for prospective families to drop-in, meet our teachers, and see what our Reggio-Inspired programs are all about.

Please RSVP to Kelley Organek, kelleyorganek@hotmail.com, if you plan to attend one of our Open Houses.

UpCycle Creative Reuse Center Winter/Spring Programs – 2013

Reggio-Inspired Explorations For Young Children

A playgroup for children with parent or caregiver

Ages 1-3

Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 am

$210 for 7 sessions, starting Feb. 6

Children will have opportunities to build, experiment and play with open-ended, repurposed objects and art materials. The activities are carefully designed to promote discovery and the development of new skills.  In our supportive environment, teachers guide children’s natural curiosity to encourage sustained attention and focus. Together parents and teachers participate with the children to nurture persistence and creativity.

Reggio Inspired Explorations for Pre-K Children

A preschool enrichment experience

Ages 4-5

Wednesdays 12:45-2:15 pm

$160 for 7 sessions, starting Feb. 6

Research shows that opportunities to work creatively with open-ended objects and art materials train the brain by developing problem-solving skills, focus, and persistence.  In this setting the children have time to engage with materials and each other to experiment and develop ideas.  Teachers participate with the children and use their observations to design challenges for subsequent classes.

Both programs are taught by former Beverley Hills Preschool teachers Eve LaMois and Suzanne Nealon. 

For more information and to obtain the registration form, visit www.UpCycleCRC.weebly.com or e-mail Kelley Organek at kelleyorganek@hotmail.com. 

Alexandria Experiences Homicide Free 2012

FROM THE ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT: 

In 2012, there were no homicides in City of Alexandria. This marks the first time in at least 42 years that the City experienced a year without a homicide. Additionally, initial crime statistics, though not final, indicate violent crime decreased again in 2012. This continues the trend of historic lows in Alexandria. The Alexandria Police Department’s success in continuing to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods is a direct result of the quality, hard work and dedication of our sworn, civilian and volunteer staff. The Police Department remains committed to keeping crime low and maintaining a safe and vibrant community.

"Study Skills and Technology Applications for Academics" Workshop

·       Commonwealth Academy and the DC Capital Branch of the International Dyslexia Association program on January 26^th --  Commonwealth Academy is sponsoring a workshop for educators and parents on “Study Skills and Technology Applications for Academic Success” on Saturday, January 26^th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Commonwealth Academy.  The workshop is being provided by the DC Capital Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.  Additional information is available at www.CommonwealthAcadamy.org/news/upcoming-events.

Winter Restaurant Week 1/18 - 1/27

$35 Dinner For Two

$35 Prix-Fixe Three Course Dinner

Presidential Hotspots 

click here for participating restaurants, menus and more information. 

(Unfortunately there aren't many participating restaurants in the West End and only a few in Del Ray.  Most of the restaurants are in Old Town.)