365 - lots of laughs!

NoVA Soil & Water Conservation Seedling Sale

Announcing the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District

2012 Annual Seedling Sale

All the seedlings in this year’s offerings provide food for both humans and wildlife.  YUM!!

Two packages are available:

The Incredible Edibles Shrub and Small Tree package is offered for $15.95 and includes two Elderberry, two Serviceberry, two Cranberrybush viburnum and four American hazelnut seedlings.

The Incredible Edibles Tree Package is offered for $11.95 and includes two Chokecherry, two Persimmon, two American plum, and one Allegheny Chinkapin.

**All seedlings are native to Northern Virginia**

Download the order form at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/seedlingsale2012.pdf

For more information about the seedling species including pictures at maturity please visit our website at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/seedlingsale.htm

If you have any questions, please contact Nick Kokales by phone at (703) 324-1420 or by e-mail at nicholas.kokales@fairfaxcounty.gov.   

Deadline for ordering is Monday, April 16. 

365 - Look what was on sale - PEEPS!

Alexandria Police DWI enforcement this weekend

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

NEWS RELEASE
JANUARY 13, 2012 #12-001
1:30 P.M. DONALDSON

Alexandria Police to Conduct Roaming DWI Enforcement

On January 14, Alexandria police will conduct a roaming DWI enforcement effort to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers.  The DWI crackdown will begin at 8:30 P.M. on Saturday, January 14, and will continue until 6:30 A.M. on Sunday, January 15.  Motorists will be stopped and drivers will be checked to assure that their abilities to drive have not been impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Chief of Police Earl L. Cook reminds drivers that the maximum penalty in Virginia for the first conviction for driving under the influence is 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and a 12-month suspension of driving privileges. In addition, there are mandatory jail terms associated with these offenses, depending upon the blood alcohol content of the driver. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administrative fees may apply as well.

For further details, please call the Public Information Office at 703.746.6600.

Wonders of Science at Apothecary Museum - February & March

Special Tours and Programs Explore 18^th-Century Science

This winter, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street in Old Town Alexandria, is hosting two days of special tours and demonstrations exploring 18^th-century natural and medical science.

On Saturday, February 4 and Saturday, March 24, visit the Apothecary and discover curious objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood, and find out how they were used – and if they worked! On these dates, Project Enlightenment, McLean High School’s historical-reenactment society, will conduct 18^th-century scientific demonstrations which are certain to expand visitors’ knowledge about science in the 1700s.

These hour-long tours are an exciting way to explore the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, a family-run business in Old Town Alexandria for more than a hundred years. Tours will be held between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and are recommended for 3^rd grade and older. Admission is $6 per person. Reservations are recommended as space is limited, and can be made by calling703.746.3852.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is noted for its outstanding collection of medicinal herbs, shop furnishings, apothecary bottles and equipment, many still in their original location. It also has a spectacular collection of archival materials, including journals, letters and diaries, prescription and formula books, ledgers, orders and invoices. The names of famous customers appear in the documents, including Martha Washington, Nelly Custis, and Robert E. Lee.

For more information, visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703.746.3852.

Buddie Ford Nature Center Spring Break Camp

Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center Offers “Rock’n Fossil Adventures” Spring Break Camp

Wondering what to do over spring break? Children ages 7 to 10 can enjoy a week long, full day nature camp for youth ages 7 - 10 where children learn about the geology of Alexandria and the surrounding region. Activities include outdoor hikes, games, rock and fossil collecting, related crafts, journaling, and more! Camp features a field trip to the Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, and local rock and fossil collecting sites. Register early, space is limited!

Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center5750 Sanger Ave.
April  2-6
9 am to 3 pm (drop off at 8:30 am)
Fee: $275 City resident / $300 nonresidents

To register, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or call 703.746.5559 for more information. 

ACPS Special Education Tour

SPECIAL EDUCATION TOUR ON JAN. 18 The Special Education Tour was developed by the Special Education Family Resource Center to help families understand the special education process. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Special Education Family Resource Center, Room 134, at the T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus, 3801 W. Braddock Road. For more information, contact Johnathan Harris or Monica Sanjur at 703-824-6750, extension 1114, orjohnathan.harris@acps.k12.va.us or monica.sanjur@acps.k12.va.us.

Alexandria Neighborhood Groups

The following is a list of listservs in Alexandria

All are yahoo groups

@yahoogroups.com

Oldtownmoms

alexplaygroup

delraymoms

rosemontmoms

beverleyhillsmoms

ARLANDRIA

SeminaryValley

GWPark

Taylor_Run

BeverleyHills

Delraycitizens

Oldtownmoms

Rosemontva

Taylorrun

Upperkingstreet

SeminaryValley

365 - January what?

Today it was 60 degrees and its January 12th.
So warm my bulbs are starting to come up.

Registration Open for Civil War Camp

Fort Ward Museum Now Accepting Applications for Civil War Kids’ Camp

Fort Ward Museum is now registering for its annual Civil War Kids’ Camp, a week of learning and fun for boys and girls ages 8 to 12.  Participants explore the lives of Civil War soldiers and civilians with marching, drilling, reenactor guest appearances, games, crafts and other activities.

Civil War Kids’ Camp runs Monday, June 25, through Friday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fort Ward, 4301 West Braddock Road. Registration is limited to 24 participants. Spaces fill quickly, and applications are accepted on a first-come basis. Registration, including souvenirs and healthy snacks, costs $200 per child, with limited scholarship assistance based on financial need. For more information or to sign up, please contact Fort Ward Museum at703.746.4848 or visit www.fortward.org.

Camp listings

I've started seeing a lot on the neighborhood listservs about summer camps.  Parents are starting the process and some seem worried.  Don't worry - there is a camp or a few camps for everyone.

Here is a list that I have compiled over the years.

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/

365 - Apple

Requesting your Nomination for Heart of Del Ray Award

The “Heart of Del Ray Award” is annually presented by the Del Ray Business Association to the business that serves as the heart and soul of Del Ray.

On January 23rd, The Del Ray Business Association will  announce the 5 finalists and open up voting by the community .  
Before the voting process to select the winner begins, they would like to get YOUR nomination for who you think should be one of the five businesses on the ballot. The Del Ray Business Association Board will then take all the nominations and determine the five finalists.

Nominations should be based on which business best demonstrates their warm and welcoming attitude to the community/customers, their commitment and generosity to the community, and to their overall contribution to what makes Del Ray the best place in the world to live, work and shop!  In other words, what business warms your “heart” when you here it’s name?

Former winners of the Heart of Del Ray Award are as follows:
2009  A Show of Hands
2010 Jen Walker McEnearney Associates
2011  Bobi Bomar, Homes of Alexandria, Weichert Realtors

Nominations should be submitted by January 18th by emailing 

gtrdelray@yahoo.com 

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

All City of Alexandria government offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Virginia State offices will also be closed on Friday, January 13 for Lee-Jackson Day.

Health Facilities: The Alexandria Health Department,

4480 King St.

and the Flora Krause Casey Health Center,

1200 N. Howard St.

, will be closed on January 13 (for Lee-Jackson Day) and January 16. The Teen Wellness Center, 3330 King Street, will be closed on January 16.

Hotlines: All emergency hotlines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including the child protective services hotline (703.746.5800), the domestic violence hotline (703.746.4911), theemergency services for mental health or substance abuse crisis hotline (703.746.3401), and the sexual assault hotline (703.683.7273).

Libraries: All Alexandria Library branches will be closed on January 16.

Parking: In accordance with Virginia law lifting certain parking restrictions on state holidays, on both January 13 and 16, the Alexandria Police Department will suspend enforcement of:

·         parking restrictions at metered spaces,

·         HOV regulations,

·         residential permit parking districts, and

·         other areas with signed parking time limits.

Recreation Centers: The Chinquapin Park Recreation Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 16. All neighborhood recreation centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 16. The Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center and Dr. Oswald Durant Center will be closed on January 16.

Refuse Collection: Residential refuse and recycling will not be collected on January 16. Collection services will be delayed by one day during the week of January 16. The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collections Drop-off Center will be closed on January 16. Christmas trees will be collected for recycling at the curb on Saturday, January 14, and Saturday, January 21. Trees must be set out by 6 a.m. on the day of collection.

Schools: All Alexandria City Public Schools and administrative offices will be closed on January 16.

State Offices: The following Commonwealth of Virginia offices located in Alexandria will be closed on January 13 (for Lee-Jackson Day) and January 16: the Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, and the DMV Office on 2681 Mill Rd.

Transit: Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule on January 16.  

For more information, contact Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, Office of Communications, at 703.746.3961 or Jennifer.harris@alexandriava.gov

365 - Professional?

Is there a non professional model?  

Project Play Needs your Vote!

The playground nominations are in and Project Play needs your help picking the winners!

This week is your last chance to vote for your neigborhood playground to win one of four Project Play Spruce Up Grants worth a total of $15,000.  Check out the nominated playgrounds and vote for your favorites by Friday, January 13:http://www.actionalexandria.org/challenge/project-play-spruce-grants

 

Nominated Playgrounds

296 South Whiting Playground
400 South Van Dorn Playground
Angel Park
Beverley Hills Church Preschool Playground
Buchanan Street Park
Carpenter's Shelter Playground
Cora Kelly Elementary
Ewald Park
Holmes Run Park
Hume Springs Park
Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy
Montgomery Park 901 N. Royal
Mount Vernon Community School
Polk Elementary Thinking Tree
South 28th Street (James Mulligan)
South Royal Street Toddler Playground
Sunset Park
 

You must register for an account on ACTion Alexandria to vote:http://www.actionalexandria.org/join

 

Presented by ACTion Alexandria, Childhood Obesity Action Network and Smart Beginnings. For more information about Project Play, visit:http://www.actionalexandria.org/project-play

Grant winners will be selected by the Project Play Taskforce based upon a combination of online votes and recommendations from the recently completed city-wide playspace assessment.Please review the official contest rules for details.

 

Fun Snow Activities

Missing the snow?  Here are a few ideas for "snow crafts"

- make snow flakes -
use white paper
fold and cut the paper to create snowflakes
(decorate the house with them)

-glitter snowflakes
use colored construction paper
use glue to "draw" a snowflake
use glitter on the glue

-use shaving cream and ice cubes to create snow scenes on construction paper

-marshmallow painting
use marshmallows dipped in white paint on blue construction paper

Books for Kids for the month on January

Here is a list of books that are appropriate for the Winter months.

The Mitten

Tacky

Mr. Poppers Penguins

I Like it When

Flip & Flop

Polar Bear Night

No Bath for Boris

Ralph's Frozen Tail

Little Mo

365 - Clean Desk

365 - Love my new soda stream machine!

Runner Brook Fundraiser - Zumba Explosion 1/29

Here is the link for registering for this wonderful event - http://runningbrookeandzumba.eventbrite.com/

A great way to get in shape and raise funds for Alexandria charities

Alexandria PTA Council Summer Camp Fair

Families are invited to the 2012 Summer Camp Fair sponsored by the PTA Council of Alexandria.  The 2012 Summer Camp Fair is Wednesday, February 22, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of TC Williams Minnie Howard Campus, at 3801 W Braddock Road, Alexandria, 22302. Admission and parking are free.  Pizza will be available for purchase. Printed directories will be available.

At least 50 exhibitors will represent a wide range of camps including day and overnight camps. Students of all grade levels (PreK-12) will find interesting opportunities including art, academics, adventure, drama, enrichment, music, sports, special needs, and more! 

For more information, contact Marianne Hetzer at alexptaccamp@comcast.net.  Find us on Facebook at Alexandria PTAC Summer Camp Fair.