Ways to Safeguard Children During Child Abuse Prevention Month

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

Three Ways to Safeguard Children During Child Abuse Prevention Month

This April, in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the City of Alexandria is offering free child abuse prevention activities sponsored by the Center for Alexandria’s Children, the Department of Community and Human Services, the Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office.

City staff will provide families with SafeAssured child ID kits on three Saturdays: April 6 at Cora Kelley Recreation Center, April 13 at William Ramsay Recreation Center and April 27 at Charles Houston Recreation Center, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  SafeAssured kits provide families with information needed by law enforcement and media to broadcast information unique to a missing child. 

The Center for Alexandria’s Children will offer free training in Stewards of Children, a program that teaches parents and caregivers to prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse. Trainings are scheduled Friday, April 19, and Tuesday, April 30, from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at 1900 N. Beauregard St., Suite 200. On-site childcare and pizza for the kids provided. Register at:  http://cacstewardsofchildrentraining.eventbrite.com/

The popular playgroup program for children ages 0-5 will be expanded to a playgroup a day during April.  Playgroups focus on learning through play, and the key role parents play in their child’s development.  Visit http://centerforalexandriaschildren.org/ for a list of playgroups.

Last year, 49,619 children in Virginia were reported as possible victims of abuse and/or neglect.  Of them, 6,116 cases were founded.  Thirty Virginia children died from abuse, and 26 were under age 4.  “National tragedies such as Sandy Hook and the Penn State scandal remind us of our children’s vulnerability,” Center for Alexandria’s Children Executive Director Giselle Pelaez said.  “We can stop child abuse and neglect by educating our community in ways to keep our children safe, teaching children important safety tips and helping parents and caregivers create conversations with their children.”

For more information, contact Jennifer Cann, DCHS Child Protective Services Program Manager, at Jennifer.cann@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5767, or Kim Turpin-Davis, Board Chair of Communications for the Center for Alexandria's Children, atkturpindavis@aol.com or 703.549.3741.
The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, e-mail Maurice Tomdio atmaurice.tomdio@alexandriava.gov or call 571.384.5244.
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Princess for a Night Prom Dress Donations

'PRINCESS FOR A NIGHT' PROJECT SEEKS PROM DRESSES AND ACCESSORIES

The annual 'Princess For a Night' (PFAN) project is collecting dry-cleaned formal dresses, shoes, handbags, jewelry, unused make-up (for example, sample cosmetics) and "nice" shopping bags through Friday, May 3. Donations can be dropped off at the T.C. Williams Main Office, 3330 King St., Alexandria, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Read more.

 

City of Alexandria to Host 20th Annual Alexandria Earth Day on Saturday, April 20

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

City of Alexandria to Host 20th Annual Alexandria Earth Day on Saturday, April 20
Water:  Every Drop Counts

For Immediate Release: April 3, 2013

The City of Alexandria will host the 20th annual Alexandria Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr., on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s theme is "Water: Every Drop Counts,” highlighted by the third annual Upcycling Showcase. Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials. The showcase features students from Alexandria City Public Schools, who will model fashions created from upcycled materials. The showcase will also highlight music, dance, literature and visual arts produced by the students. 

Earth Day features City agencies and organizations dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Explore a new hybrid Trolley and DASH bus, an electric car fueled by energy generated from the Covanta Energy-from-Waste facility, and other green vehicles. Exhibitors will provide environmental educational activities for the whole family, which will evoke the spirit of Earth Day.

Additional activities include the Annual Earth Day Tree Sale; live animal exhibits; the fifth annual Ellen Pickering Award presentation and the Arbor Day tree planting.  Also featured will be live music by the earth-conscious band Woven Green, whose debut album was nominated for a Wammie in the pop rock category. Admission is free, food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Alexandria Earth Day is based on the need to promote education and lead us all to a green and sustainable future, in keeping with the goals of the Eco-City Alexandria Initiative.  In addition, the Alexandria Earth Day Committee has promised to make this a zero-waste, carbon-neutral event. For additional information on the Alexandria Earth Day event and tree sale, visit www.alexearthday.org.

The City’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, and the Environmental Policy Commission are sponsoring the Earth Day Celebration.

Visitors are encouraged to take public transit, walk or bike to the event. For additional information on alternative modes of transportation, visit www.alexearthday.org. Additional parking is available at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, located at 435 Ferdinand Day Drive.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be relocated to Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School. For additional information on Earth Day Activities, visitwww.alexearthday.org or call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592 or the Special Events Office at 703.746.5418.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, contact Maureen Sturgill at 703.746.5418 (VA Relay 711) or e-mailmaureen.sturgill@alexandriava.gov. 

City of Alexandria Observes 26th Annual Days of Remembrance for Victims of Holocaust

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

City of Alexandria Observes 26th Annual Days of Remembrance for Victims of Holocaust on Wednesday, April 10

For Immediate Release: April 2, 2013

The City of Alexandria will observe the twenty-sixth annual Days of Remembrance, Yom HaShoah, for the victims of the Holocaust at noon on Wednesday, April 10, in Market Square, 301 King St. This year’s theme is “The Danger of Indifference.” The Alexandria City Council hosts the annual ceremony as part of the weeklong commemoration of the National Days of Remembrance, Sunday, April 7, through Sunday, April 14. The remembrance program is open to the public.

This year’s featured speaker is Congressman James Moran, Representative from Virginia’s 8th District. Congressman Moran is currently serving his twelfth term as U.S. Representative. Formerly, he served as the Mayor of Alexandria for five years, from 1985 to 1990.

In 1988, after returning from Israel, and extremely moved by what he had experienced there, Congressman Moran initiated the Days of Remembrance program. This made the City Alexandria the first local government in the D.C. area to sponsor a civic ceremony in commemoration of Yom Hashoah.

During the ceremony, Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille and City Council members will light a candelabrum that Holocaust survivor Charlene Schiff and her husband, Ed, donated to the City. Charlene Schiff passed away in January. The 54-inch high solid brass candelabrum was given to the City in memory of Charlene Schiff’s parents, sister, and the six million Jews and millions of others who perished in the Holocaust.

The Schiff candelabrum, under the care of the City’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, is made available to schools and civic groups studying the Holocaust and to the City’s annual observance of the Days of Remembrance.

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, in accordance with its Congressional mandate (Public Law 96-388, 10/7/80), is leading the nation in the weeklong Days of Remembrance commemoration.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, contact Cheryl Lawrence at 703.746.5419 (VA Relay 711) or e-mail cheryl.lawrence@alexandriava.gov.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in City Hall, Vola Lawson Lobby, 301 King St. For additional information call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of Special Events at 703.746.4343.

Venturing Crew Information and Sign-Up

FROM NEIGHBORHOOD LISTSERV: 

Venturing Crew Information and Sign-Up

There will be a Venturing Information and Signup meeting on Tuesday,
April 16th at 8:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Venturing is
a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men
and women who are 13 and have completed the eighth grade, or are 14
through 20 years of age. This meeting is for interested boys and girls
who are (or will be this year) age 14 thru age 20, their parents and
interested adults who may want to be part of a new Venturing Crew
starting up at Westminster.

Venturing Crews decide themselves what they want to do and how often
they meet. Some Crews specialize in High Adventure, others like to do
Rock Climbing or Caving or Scuba diving. Some just like to go camping. 
Some specialize in public ser vice. There are no "ranks" in Venturing
but there are awards. Also, there is no disadvantage to any youth for
not already having been a Girl Scout or Boy Scout. For more details on
what Venturing is all about, check out this website. 
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Venturing.aspx
<http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Venturing.aspx>

Boy Scouts interested in Venturing may choose to remain a member of
their Troop and continue to work on Eagle either thru their troop or the
Crew or both. Alternatively, they may choose to move entirely into a
Venturing Crew and, as long as they have reached a First Class Rank in
the troop, they may continue to earn merit badges and work on Eagle
while only in a Crew. Likewise, Girl Scouts can remain with their
troop and continue to work toward their Gold Awar d.

If you know of other families with youth who may be interested, please
forward this message to them. Please also feel free to cross post this
to Rosemont, Del Ray, etc.

Thank you,
Jim Buchanan (jimmiebuc@gmail.com)
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-549-4766

Sign of Spring

Worms!

The Rock

Last night we saw The Rock at WWE.
I'm just amazed by the bad acting and the # of people that believe fully in this form of entertainment.
It was certainly entertaining, at times...

Alexandria Experienced Historic Lows in Part 1 Crime in 2012

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

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

NEWS RELEASE
APRIL 2, 2013 #13-024
3:00 P.M. DONALDSON

Alexandria Experienced Historic Lows in Part 1 Crime in 2012

The Alexandria Police Department reports that total Part 1 crime decreased by 9.1% or 329 offenses, in calendar year 2012.  This continues the trend of historic lows in Alexandria.  These are the lowest Part 1 crimes the City has experienced since 1966.  Homicide, rape, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and auto thefts declined in 2012; while robberies increased by eight offenses.

Part 1 Crime Statistic (January 1 – December 31)
   
Crime Type                          2011 2012   Change   % Change
Homicide                                 1       0         -1          -100.0%
Rape                                       21     10       -11         -52.4%
Robbery                                130    138        8             6.2%
Aggravated Assault                112     96      -16          -14.3%
Burglary                                 308    252     -56         -18.2%
Larceny                                2,666  2,467  -199        -7.5%
Auto Theft                              374    320     -54          -14.4%
Total                                     3,612  3,283  -329         -9.1%

“I am pleased that the City of Alexandria has continued to experience historic crime lows in 2012.  The reductions in crime and continued improvements to the quality of life in our neighborhoods are a direct result of the quality, hard work and dedication of our sworn, civilian and volunteer staff.  Additionally, our strong partnerships with the community, Commonwealth’s Attorney Office and other City agencies play an integral part of the successful reduction in crime.  We remain committed to keeping crime low and maintaining a safe and vibrant community,” stated Earl L. Cook, Chief of Police.  

April Library Programs

Mark your calendars.....
Here are the children's programs at the various branches of the Alexandria Library during the month of April

Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library 

5005 Duke Street, 22304
Tel: 703.746.1702 Fax: 703.746.1763
Mon-Thurs 10am - 9pm; Fri 10am - 6pm; Sat 10am - 5pm; Sun 1pm - 5pm 

LITTLE ONE-DERS—Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:30 to 11:00am and Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25, 11:15 to 11:45am. Ages 12-23 months, with an adult.

TIME FOR 2’s—Tuesdays and Wednesdays, April 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 & 30, 10:30 to 11:00am. Ages 24-36 months, with an adult.

BABY RHYME TIME—Mondays and Tuesdays, April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30, 11:30am to noon. Ages 0 to 11 months, with adult.

GAME NIGHT—Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 7:00 to 8:00pm. Dare to be different. Challenge yourself, challenge your friends. Play now. Ages 8-12, games change monthly.

PAJAMA STORY TIME—Wednesdays, April 3 & 17, 7:00 to 7:30pm. Get ready for bed with stories at the library - pajamas optional but encouraged! All ages, with an adult.

LEGO FAMILY NIGHT—Wednesdays, April 10 & 24, 7:00 to 8:00pm. Bring the whole family for an evening of creative play. All ages, with an adult.

SPANISH STORY TIME—Wednesdays, April 10 & 24, 1:00 to 1:30pm. Join the Beatley Library for Spanish Story Time. All abilities and levels are welcome!

STORY TIME—Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25 to 11:00am or 3:00 to 3:30pm. Ages 3 to 5 years, without an adult.

*PAWS TO READ, Thursdays—April 4 & 18, 5:30 to 6:30pm. Sign up to read to a dog! Some friendly dogs are coming to the Beatley Central Library to listen to their human buddies read to them. Pre-registration required for a 15 minute slot. Grades 1 to 6.

SATURDAY STORIES—Saturdays, April 6, 13 & 20, 11:00 to 11:30am. Enjoy stories and songs every Saturday morning. All ages welcome, no pre-registration necessary.

POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY—Thursday, April 4, 5:00 to 6:00pm. Read and listen to haiku poems before creating your own. Then carry your poem away in a pocket decorated by you! Ages 8-12, no pre-registration necessary.

JELLY BEAN MATH—Friday, April 19, 4:00 to 4:45pm. Read a story and explore math concepts using jelly beans! Grades K-3, no pre-registration necessary.

LITERACY FIESTA—Saturday, April 27, 11:00am to 12pm. Celebrate El Día de los Niños with music, stories and free books! All ages welcome, no pre-registration necessary.

James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library 

2501 Commonwealth Avenue, 22301
Tel: 703-746-1705, Fax: 703-746-1785
Mon 10am-7pm; Tues 10am-7pm; Wed 1pm-9pm; Thurs 10am-7pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm

SPANISH STORY TIME—Monday, April 1, 10:00 to 10:30am. Stories and songs in Spanish. For ages 0-5 years with an adult.

BABY TIME—Monday, April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 11:00 to 11:30am. Songs, fingerplays and bounces for babies. For ages 0 to 11 months.

STORIES & SONGS—Tuesday, April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10:00 to 10:30am and 11:00 to 11:30am. Songs, fingerplays, and 2 books. For ages 1 to 4 with adult.

MOTHER GOOSE TIME—Thursday, April 4, 11, 18, & 25, 10:00 to 10:30am. Songs, fingerplays, bounces and 1 story for ages 0 to 11 months with an adult.

STORY TIME—Thursday, April 4, 11, 18, & 25, 11:00 to Noon. Three stories or books and some active play followed by a simple craft. Ages 3 to 5 without an adult.

PAWS TO READ—Tuesday, April 9 & 23, 5:30 to 6:30pm. Sign up at the Children’s Desk or call 703-746-1783 for a 15 minute slot to read to a dog. For Grades 1 to 6.

MEET A K-9 DOG & DEPUTY SHERIFF— Monday, April 15, 3:45 to 4:30pm. Learn and ask questions about what they do and how they train. For Grades K-5 only.

NATURE PROGRAM—Wednesday, April 17, 3:30 to 4:15pm. Naturalist from Buddie Ford Nature Center comes to talk about various topics with school children; frequently she is accompanied by live animals. For Grades K-5 only.

GERMAN STORY TIME—Monday, April 22, 10:00 to 10:30am. Stories, fingerplays and songs 

all in German. For ages 1-5 years with adult.

VISIT FROM THE ANIMAL SHELTER—Monday, April 22, 3:30 to 4:15pm. An employee from the city’s Animal Shelter talks about animals they have at the shelter and the animals’ habits, care, and possibly training. Frequently animals come along on the visit. For Grades K to 5 only.

GARY LLOYD, STORYTELLER—Saturday, April 27, 2:00pm. Now Hear This – Storyteller Gary Lloyd shares what happens when you don’t listen closely to what your parents say! (all ages)

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library 

4701 Seminary Road, 22304
Tel: 703-746-1704, Fax: 703-746-1775
Mon 10am-9pm; Tues & Wed 10am-7pm; Thurs 1pm-9pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm 

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

TUESDAY TOTS—Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 2-3 only with adult.

PAJAMA PARTY—Thursdays, April 4, 11,18 and 25. 7:00 to 7:30pm. Pajamas optional. Ages 3-6 only, with adult.

MEET A K-9 DOG & DEPUTY SHERIFF—Monday, April 15. 3:45 to 4:30 pm. Learn and ask questions about what they do and how they train. For Grades K-8 only.

MATINEE SERIES: BRAVE (2012 © Walt Disney Pictures, Rated PG)—Wednesday, April 17, 4:00 to 5:50pm. Join us for a screening of this hit film. 

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library

717 Queen Street, 22314
Tel: 703-746-1703, Fax: 703-746-1708
Mon 1pm-9pm; Tues 10am-9pm; Wed & Thurs 10am-7pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm

READ, SING, PLAY, BABY!—Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 4:00 to 5:00pm. Songs, rhymes, games & a play period with toys for babies 0-11 months with an adult.

MOTHER GOOSE TIME—Tuesdays, and Wednesdays April 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 & 30, 10:15 to 10:45am. Songs, rhymes, games & more interactive fun for ages 12-24 months with an adult.

STORIES TO GROW ON—Tuesdays and Wednesdays April 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 & 30, 11:00 to 11:45am. Stories, songs, movement & more interactive fun for children ages 2 and up with an adult. Younger siblings welcome.

STORY TIME—Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25, 4:00 to 4:45pm. Stories, songs, movement & more, including a weekly craft or short film. Just for children ages 3 and up—adults and younger siblings remain in the Children’s Room during the program.

Happy Easter