Alexandria Mom's Calendar of Events

Friday, January 18, 2013

How'd that get there?

just wondering how that gourd got in that tree.... did someone put it there or did a squirrel get it up there?

Alexandria Police to Host Free Child Identification Event


Alexandria Police to Host Free Child Identification Event

On Saturday, February 2, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Alexandria Police Department, in partnership with the Department of Community and Human Services, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and the Center for Alexandria’s Children, Inc., will host a SafeAssured Child Identification event for City residents.  The event will be held at Police Headquarters, located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue, in the first floor Community Room. SafeAssured Child Identification kits are being provided for free to families with children 16 and younger. The kits are available on a first come, first serve basis.

SafeAssured ID provides families with all the vital information needed by law enforcement and the media to immediately broadcast information unique to a missing child. Parents receive a completed, ready-to-use ID kit for their child. The free kit contains a privacy-protected mini-CD, which acts as a single storehouse of personal identification information essential to locating a missing child. Families also receive a photo data card and a Parents' Guidebook with prevention tips, written in conjunction with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. For more information, visit http://www.safeassured-id.com/.

Last year, 49,619 children in the State of Virginia were reported as possible victims of abuse and/or neglect.  Of these children, 6,116 were found to be victims of child abuse and/or neglect.  Thirty children in Virginia died from injuries attributable to abuse and/or neglect, and 26 of these children were age 4 or younger.  Parents can take immediate steps now to keep their child safe from abuse and protected all year long

In community events leading up to Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, police officers, deputies, social workers, and community volunteers will be providing ID kits as well as important child safety information and resources for parents and families.  Professionals will be on hand to assist families, providing them with simple safety tips and conversation starters to help parents and caregivers initiate important conversations with their children, conversations that can impact your child for a lifetime.

For more information, contact the Alexandria Volunteer Office at 703.746.1909

City of Alexandria Announces Schedule of Services for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday


City of Alexandria Announces Schedule of Services for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
For Immediate Release: January 18, 2013
All City of Alexandria Government offices will be closed on Monday, January 21, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Virginia State offices will also be closed on Friday, January 18 for Lee-Jackson Day.
Refuse Collection: Residential refuse and recycling will not be collected on January 21; collection services will be delayed one day during the week. The Household Hazardous Waste Electronic Collection Drop-off Center will be closed on January 21.
Transit: On Monday, January 21, DASH will operate on a Saturday schedule. The King Street Trolley will operate a regular schedule, from 11:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Libraries: All Alexandria Library branches will be closed on Monday, January 21.
Hotlines: All emergency hotlines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including the child protective services hotline at 703.746.5800; the domestic violence hotline,703.746.4911; the emergency services for mental health or substance abuse crisis hotline,703.746.3401; and the sexual assault hotline, 703.683.7273.
Recreation Centers: On Monday, January 21, the Chinquapin and Charles Houston Recreation Centers will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Cora Kelly and William Ramsay Recreation Centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All other facilities will be closed.
Health Facilities: All Alexandria Health Department facilities except the Teen Wellness Center will be closed on Friday, January 18 for Lee-Jackson Day. All Alexandria Health Department facilities, including 4480 King Street, Flora Krause Casey Health Center at 1200 N. Howard Street and the Teen Wellness Center at 3330 King Street, will also be closed on Monday, January 21.
Historic Alexandria: On Monday, January 21, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last tour of the day at 3:45 p.m.
Parking: The Alexandria Police Department will not enforce parking restrictions at metered spaces, as well as time restrictions in residential permit parking districts and other areas with signed parking time limits, on Friday, January 18 or Monday, January 21.
Schools: All Alexandria City Public Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 21.
State Offices: The following Commonwealth of Virginia offices located in Alexandria will be closed on January 18 and January 21: the Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, and the DMV Office at 2681 Mill Rd.
For more information, contact Nathan Carrick, Office of Communications and Public Information, at 703.746.3199 or Nathan.carrick@alexandriava.gov.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Seen in the "hood"

this owl was heard then spotted in the neighborhood.  Isn't nature so beautiful!
I wish we could have gotten a better/closer picture!


Childhood Sexual Assault Group Forming



Childhood Sexual Assault Group Forming

The effects of childhood sexual abuse often follow survivors into adulthood. They can be more pervasive and inescapable than most people could imagine. If you have suffered childhood sexual assault and are looking for a safe and supportive environment where you can discuss your experiences and how they impact you, or if you want to meet other women who share a similar past, then this confidential support group could be helpful and healing.

The group will meet Thursday evenings beginning February 7 for 10 weeks from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Sexual Assault Center in Old Town Alexandria. The group is open to City residents and City government employees at no cost. All group members must be receiving individual therapy or case management services while participating and all members must meet with a Sexual Assault Group Facilitator before beginning. For more information, contact Constance Wallace at 703.746.3126. Members are asked to commit to all 10 sessions.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Volunteers needed for 28th Annual Erg Sprints


28th MidAtlantic Erg Sprints Looking for Volunteers
Record turnout expected at world’s second largest indoor rowing competition,
which will be held on Saturday, February 2nd at T.C. Williams High School

ALEXANDRIA, VA – In anticipation of another record turnout this year, organizers of the 28th Annual MidAtlantic Erg Sprints have put out a call for more volunteers to help things run smoothly once the competition -- which will be held on Feb. 2nd at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria -- gets underway.

“The 2012 Erg Sprints featured the largest turnout ever,” stated Jeff Byron, the Director of the MidAtlantic Erg Sprints.  “In all, we had 1,572 athletes from 56 high schools, 38 rowing clubs, 10 colleges, and 6 fitness clubs competing in the event.  This made the MidAtlantic Erg Sprints the second largest indoor rowing competition in the world.  It’s also one of the reasons why we are putting out a call for additional volunteers for this year’s event.”

Byron noted that the 2012 MidAtlantic Erg Sprints were staffed by 210 volunteers -- 160 adults and 50 students.   Given the large turnout expected, he added that he hopes to match or exceed that number this year.  “We would not be able to hold this event without the great work of our volunteers,” he said.  “They have helped turn the MidAtlantic Erg Sprints into one of the premier indoor rowing competitions in the world.  They are also part of what make it such a fun event.”

This year’s MidAtlantic Erg Sprints will take place on Saturday, February 2nd, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the Gerry Bertier Gymnasium at T.C. Williams High School.  According to Byron, volunteers generally work 2-3 hour shifts, helping out in areas ranging from registering athletes to handing out awards.   This year’s shifts on Saturday, February 2nd, include: 7:00-10:00 am, 10:00am-1:00pm, 1:00-4:00pm, and 4:00-6:00pm.  

Individuals who wish to volunteer can do so at http://ergsprints.com/volunteer/contact.html.  For more information on the Erg Sprints, please visithttp://ergsprints.com/.

The MidAtlantic Erg Sprints were first held in Alexandria in January 1986.  The event is sponsored by the Alexandria Crew Boosters.

Federal Government Status and Winter Storm Watch for Tomorrow

Federal Government Status and Winter Storm Watch for Tomorrow



Tomorrow, Thursday, January 17, 2012, although the federal government will be OPEN, employees of federal agencies in the Washington, DC area will have the OPTION for UNSCHEDULED LEAVE or UNSCHEDULED TELEWORK.

This is due to the Winter Storm Watch that the National Weather Service has issued for the DC Metro Area for tomorrow. Anywhere from 1-5" of snow are expected tomorrow, primarily in the afternoon and early evening. Please stay tuned into TV, radio, or Alert DC for further updates, as this forecast is expected to be fine-tuned tonight and tomorrow morning, and it is possible that the federal government could close early tomorrow if necessary.

Solid Waste Collection info During the MLK Holiday


Holiday Solid Waste Collection Announcements
• Trash and Recycling Collection
• Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection

More Information:
• Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES), Solid Waste Division • Eco-City Alexandria Initiative
Trash and Recycling Collection
Due to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on January 21st, residents are reminded that trash and recycling will be picked up one day later during this week than regularly scheduled.
Regular collection day                    Holiday collection dayMonday                                               Tuesday
Tuesday                                               Wednesday
Wednesday                                         Thursday
Thursday                                             Friday
  
Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection
The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection drop-off center will be closed on Monday, January 21st for the holiday. 

Normal hours of operation are every Monday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. located at 3224 Colvin Street.

Alexandria Police Department Accepting Applications for the 29th Session of the Police Citizens Academy


Alexandria Police Department Accepting Applications for the 29th Session of the Police Citizens Academy
Get to know your Police Department!  The 10-week Alexandria Police Citizens Academy provides an opportunity for residents to learn about various aspects of the Police Department, such as administrative philosophy, internal policies and the guiding principles of law and ethical conduct governing the delivery of police services.  Classes are a combination of lecture and interactive activities. Class topics will include patrol operations, gangs, crime prevention, crime scene investigations, criminal investigations and the Special Operations Team. 
The academy will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m.to 10:00 p.m. at the Police Department’s new Headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Avenue, in the Community Room, located on the first floor.  Classes begin on March 13, 2013, and end with a formal graduation ceremony on May 22, 2013.
The program is offered free of charge, however, each participant will be asked to volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours per year post graduation.  This could involve assisting with events, such as parades, road races, National Night Out, Project SafeAssured, etc.
Class size is limited to twenty participants.  Due to the popularity of the class, participants are asked to commit to attending all of the 10 sessions.  Participants of the Citizens Police Academy must be at least 21 years of age and live or work in the City.  In addition, Criminal History checks will be conducted on all applicants for final approval of acceptance.
The curriculum covers the core elements that are essential for participants to gain a greater understanding of police operations.  As a result of their participation, residents can make more informed judgments about the Alexandria Police Department and its daily operations. The Police Department is simultaneously able to acquire a greater understanding of the views and concerns of the community through an enhanced relationship with the public.
For more information on the Citizens Police Academy or to request an application, visitwww.alexandriava.gov/police or e-mail the Volunteer Office at Virginia.obranovich@alexandriava.gov.  The deadline for registration is February 10, 2013.

Alexandria Youth Master Plan Community Forums


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying City of Alexandria Residents


Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying City of Alexandria Residents 
The City of Alexandria is offering free tax preparation to qualifying residents.  Taxpayers are eligible if their income is below approximately $35,000 for individuals and $51,000 for families. Expert volunteers from Community Tax Aid, Inc. will ensure that taxpayers apply for all applicable credits and deductions, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, which people often don’t realize they are eligible to receive.

Sessions will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m.to noon and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., February 2 through April 13 at 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue.  Persons seeking tax preparation assistance will be seen on a first come, first served basis. Spanish-speaking volunteers are available and electronic filing is provided.
The following documentation is required: Social Security cards for each family member, a photo ID for the taxpayer (and spouse, if filing jointly), W-2 forms and other income records, receipts or records for expenses such as child care and education,  and if possible, a copy of last year’s tax return.
The location is a 20-minute walk from the Braddock Road Metrorail Station and is served by DASH transit AT 10 and Metrobus 10A, 10B or 10E.  For DASH schedule information, call 703.370.DASH or visit www.dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call202.637.7000 or visit www.wmata.com.
In case of inclement weather, the program will be closed if the Alexandria City Public Schools are closed or if school activities are cancelled, as reported on the ACPS Hotline(703.866.5300) and on radio and TV broadcasts.

For further information, to request a disability accommodation or to receive materials in an alternative format, contact, Alia Fulwood at 703.746.5845 at least 48 hours prior to the tax session. The City of Alexandria is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Virginia Human Rights Act. 

Athletic Light Replacement at Simpson Park


Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Schedules Athletic Light Replacement at Simpson Park 

The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is replacing the existing athletic field lights at Simpson Park, 426 E Monroe Ave. The replacement lights will include state-of-the art cut off technology, improve energy efficiency and reduce the number of light poles around the field.

Work is scheduled to occur through February 15. Residents will see equipment in use and crews at work during the daytime. For your safety please use extra caution when moving around the site.

For additional information or questions about the work, contact Bethany Carton, Project Manager, at bethany.carton@alexandriava.gov  or 703.746.5492

Monday, January 14, 2013

Summer Camp info

Here is a list of local summer camps that we have compiled----
There are many more camps and programs, this is just a sampling



CAMP NAME TYPE TYPE CITY ST WEBSITE
Adventure links Day Camp www.adventurelinks.net
Alexandria Country Day School Day Camp Alexandria VA www.acdsnet.org
Animal Shelter Camp, Animal Welfare League Day Camp animals Alexandria VA www.alexandriaanimal.org
Arena Stage Day Camp theater www.arenastage.org
ArtStar Youth Camp Day Camp www.lortonarts.com
Bishop Ireton Basketball Day Camp sports Alexandria VA www.bishopireton.org
Browne Academy Day Camp Alexandria VA www.browneacademy.org
Burgundy Farms Day School Day Camp Alexandria VA www.burgundyfarm.org
Calvary Road Christian School Day Camp www.crcs.org
Camp Creativity, Corcoron College of Art Day Camp Art Washington DC www.corcoran.edu/campcreativity
Challenger Space Camp Day Camp space Alexandria VA www.launchpad.challenger.com
Chesapeake Academy Summer Session Day Camp www.qualitygraduates.org
Chinquapin Camp Day Camp Alexandria VA www.alexandria.gov/recreation
Computer Camp Day Camp writing Washington DC www.internaldrive.com
CompuWrite Day Camp writing Fairfax VA http://kihd.gmu.edu/camps
Congressional Camp Day Camp Falls Church VA www.cogocamp.org
Creative Cauldron Arts Adventure Day Camp theater Annandale VA www.creativecauldron.org
CyberCamp Day Camp computer VA www.cybercamps.com
Day Jams Music Camp Day Camp music www.dayjams.com
Discovery Creek Day Camp Vienna VA www.discoverycreek.org
Episcopal High School Day Camp Alexandria VA www.episcoplahighschool.org
Fairfax Collegiate Summer Program Day Camp www.fairfaxcollegiate.com
Fairfax County Park Authority Day Camp VA www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks
Fairfax County Public School Day Camp VA www.fcps.edu
Flint Hill School, Summer on the Hill Day Camp Oakton VA www.flinthill.org
Institute for the Arts Day Camp art Fairfax VA www.fcps.edu
Jewish Community Center of NoVa Day Camp VA www.jccnv.org
Khary Stockton Soccer Camp Day Camp soccer Alexandria VA www.kharystocktonsoccer.com
Kid Spanish Day Camp language Alexandria VA www.kidspanish.org
Levine School of Music Day Camp music Arlington VA www.levineschool.org
Living Earth Day Camp science VA www.livingearthva.com
Mad Science Day Camp science VA www.madscience.org
Modeling Camp Day Camp modeling VA www.modelingcamp.com
Mt. Vernon Community Children's Theater Day Camp theater VA www.mvcct.org
National Zoo Day Camp animals Washington DC www.fonz.org
Potomac Overlook Park Day Camp outdoors VA www.nvpa.org
Potomac School Summer Programs Day Camp McLean VA www.potomacschool.org
Rockville Skate Park Day Camp skating Rockville MD www.ci.rockville.md.us
Sailing Camp Day Camp sailing Alexandria VA www.saildc.com
School of Rock Day Camp music Alexandria VA www.delrayschoolofmusic.com
Shakespeare Day Camp theater Washington DC www.shakespearetheater.org
Sport Rock Climbing Center Day Camp climbing Alexandria VA www.sportrock.com
Sports Broadcasting Day Camp tv Washington DC www.playbyplaycamps.org
St. Stephens St Agnes School Day Camp Alexandria VA www.sssas.org
Studio Theater Acting Conservatory Day Camp theater Washington DC www.studiotheater.org
TADA! Day Camp theater Annandale VA www.americanmusicstate.com
The Langley School Day Camp McLean VA www.langleyschool.org
Theater Lab School of The Dramatic Arts Day Camp theater Washington DC www.theaterlab.org
TIC Technology Camp Day Camp technology Bethesda MD www.ticcamp.com
Torpedo Factory/Art League Day Camp art Alexandria VA www.theartleague.org
Traveling players Ensemble Day Camp theater McLean VA www.travelingplayers.org
Virginia Baseball Club Day Camp baseball various VA www.govbc.com
Washington Sailing Marina Day Camp sailing Alexandria VA www.washingtonsailingmarina.com
Wilderness Adventure Day Camp outdoors VA www.wilderness-adventure.com
ADDitude's Camp Directory Guide www.additudemag.com/directory
American Camp Association Guide www.acavirginiacamps.org
Camp Page Guide to Summer Camps Guide www.camppage.com
Frost's Summer Camp Guide Guide www.gocamps.com
National Camp Association Guide www.summercamp.org
Camp Kooch - I - ching Overnight Boys International Falls MN www.kooch-i-ching.org
Camp Sea Gull Overnight Boys Arapahoe NC www.campseagull.org
Sandborn Western camp Overnight Boys
Science Camp Watonka Overnight Boys Hawley PA www.watonka.com
Valley Forge Military Academy Overnight Boys Wayne PA www.vfmac.edu
Camp Conrad Weiser Overnight co-ed Wenersville PA www.smymca.org
Camp Flintlock Overnight co-ed MD www.campflintlock.com
Camp Friendship Overnight co-ed VA www.campfriendship.com
Camp Highroad Overnight co-ed Middleburg VA www.camphighroad.org
Camp Horizons Overnight co-ed Harrisonburg VA www.camphorizonsVA.com
Camp St Charles Overnight co-ed MD www.campstcharles.com
Camp Stauton Meadows Overnight co-ed Clover VA www.campstauntonmeadows.com
Camp Talkk Timbers Overnight co-ed High View WV www.campfallingtimbers.com
Camp Twin Creeks Overnight co-ed Marlington WV www.camptwincreeks.com
CampHidden Meadows Overnight co-ed WV www.camphiddenmeadows.com
Capital Camps Overnight co-ed Waynesboro PA www.capitalcamps.org
Chanco on the James Overnight co-ed Spring Grove VA www.chanco.org
Kamp A-Kom-Plish Overnight co-ed MD www.kampakomplish.org
Kroka Expeditions Overnight co-ed VT www.kroka.org
National Young Leaders Conf Overnight co-ed www.cylc.org
Randolph-Macon Academy Overnight co-ed Front Royal VA www.rma.edu
SOAR Overnight co-ed NC www.soarnc.org
Summer Camp on the River Overnight co-ed Christ Church VA www.christchurchschool.org
Wilderness Adventure Overnight co-ed New Castle VA www.wilderness-adventure.com
YMCA Camp Letts Overnight co-ed Edgewater MD www.campletts.org
YMCA Camp Silver Beach Overnight co-ed Jamesville VA www.campsilverbeach.org
Camp Carysbrook Overnight Girls Riner VA www.campcarysbrook.com
Camp Rim Rock Overnight Girls Yellow Spring WV www.camprimrock.com
Camp Seafarer Overnight Girls Arapahoe NC www.seagull-seafarer.org
Hameau Farm in the Big Valley Overnight Girls Belleville PA www.hameaufarm.com
Kroka Expeditions Overnight Girls Newfane VT www.kroka.org
Basic Concepts Special Needs Rockville MD www.basicconcepts.org
Camp Little Foot Special Needs Rockville MD www.ttlc.org
Capital Camps Special Needs www.capitalcamps.org
Kamp A-Kom-Plish Special Needs MD www.kampakomplish.org
Kids' Camps Special Needs www.kidscamps.com
Oakland School Special Needs Keswick VA www.oaklandschool.net
Oakwood School Special Needs Annandale VA www.oakwoodschool.com
Over the Rainbow Camp Special Needs Bethesda MD
Paladin Academic Special Needs Sterling VA www.nubellearning.com
Summit Camp Special Needs Honesdale PA www.summitcamp.com
The Lab School Special Needs Washington DC www.labschool.org
Virginia Adventures Fishing Camp Day Camp fishing VA www.virginiafishingadventures.com/