365 - is this necessary?

I think I know what a top/spout/cap/lid is... I don't think I need it labeled for me, but retrieval portal is a new and creative way to say it. 

365 - Cheap

365 - Be Strong!

Sign Up For Special Education Newsletter

FROM ACPS: 

SIGN UP FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION NEWSLETTER The Special Education Family Resource Center at the Minnie Howard Campus of T.C. Williams High School serves the diverse families of children with disabilities in the City of Alexandria community. The center promotes an understanding of the special education process by conducting free workshops and training sessions. Parent support groups, individual support and consultations are also available. Services are available at no charge to all residents of Alexandria with children ages 2 to 22, regardless of whether enrolled in public school, private school or preschool or schooled at home. If you would like to sign up to receive the center’s newsletter, please click the following link and complete the information: http://www.acps.k12.va.us/student-services/prc/sendinfo.php .

Power Up Your Teen: Parenting Strategies for Building Self-Esteem and Increasing Motivation

Commonwealth Academy's 2011–12 Speaker Series continues: FROM COMMONWEALTH ACADEMY:  Power Up Your Teen: Parenting Strategies for Building  Self-Esteem and Increasing Motivation  Speakers: Gayle Alexander, LPC, MA, NC ~ Project SAFE Steve Maczynski, LPC, MA, NCC ~ Project SAFE  Date: Thursday, February 2 @ 7:30 p.m. Admission: Free How does a parent teach life skills while also encouraging self-reliance and a positive self-esteem? Is a healthy self-esteem enough to produce the motivation students need for success? Project SAFE will discuss strategies aimed at stress management and academic success geared toward increasing the student's self-efficacy and confidence. Resiliency is a key concept where families learn how to cope with failure but turn setbacks into teachable moments. Project SAFE would like to share how it teaches youth to recognize triggers for escalating stress levels and strategies for stress management. Come hear how to gain the tools to increase self-esteem while promoting independent life skills and motivation. For more information, visit www.projectsafe4u.com.

Working Draft Beauregard Small Area Plan Released for Public Review & Comments

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

Working Draft Beauregard Small Area Plan Released for Public Review & Comments 

The City released the working draft of the Beauregard Small Area Plan on January 23, 2012 at the Beauregard Community Meeting for public review and comment. 

The working draft of the Beauregard Small Area Plan is now available online athttp://alexandriava.gov/BeauregardPlan 

In addition to the online copy, a hard copy of the working draft Beauregard Small Area Plan will be available at the Burke Library and Beatley Central Library, which are located in the West End of Alexandria closest to the Plan area. 

Input from community residents, property owners and others has formed the basis for the Plan, including dedicated affordable housing, provide for public infrastructure including a new fire station, designate open space for parks and plazas, and new retail around transit stops.

The Department is now inviting the public to continue its participation by reviewing the Plan and providing comments via an online comment board at http://alexandriava.gov/BeauregardPlanComments by the community on the working draft Beauregard Small Area Plan should be submitted by February 1, 2012. 

For questions regarding the working draft Beauregard Small Area Plan, please contact Zunilda Rodriguez at zunilda.rodriguez@alexandriava.gov  

Fundraiser at Los Tios 1/30

Fund for Alexandria’s Child Fundraiser at Los Tios (1/30)On Monday, January 30 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Los Tios restaurant will donate 10% of their proceeds to theFund for Alexandria’s Child. The Fund helps children in foster care and those at risk of abuse or neglect to have access to meaningful recreational and social activities. Los Tios is located at 2615 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria. Diners must present this flyer.

365 - Sunshine!

Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Hosts Annual George Washington Parade Day Breakfast 2/20

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Hosts Annual George Washington Parade Day Breakfast February 20

Barry McCaffrey to Give Keynote Speech

The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association invites the public to join in their annual breakfast on the day of the George Washington Birthday Parade! Witness the first appearance of the day by George Washington and enjoy a hearty breakfast before the parade! This year’s keynote speaker is retired U.S. Army General Barry McCaffrey who today is regularly seen as a guest commentator and military analyst on NBC News.

The breakfast event will be held on Monday, February 20, at 9 a.m., at Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites at 625 First Street in Alexandria. Tickets are $30 per person. Funds raised will benefit the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association. Tickets may be purchased online atwww.friendshipfire.net or by contacting Bill Kehoe at 703.751.6416.

At the three-course breakfast, the Friendship Veterans will also be recognizing the latest class of Living Legends of Alexandria, as well as presenting the Reverend Ben Lynt Distinguished Service Award to a surprise recipient.

Barry McCaffrey served in the United States Army for 32 years and retired as a four-star General. At retirement he was the most highly decorated serving General, having been awarded three Purple Heart medals for wounds received in his four combat tours, as well as twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor. He also twice was awarded the Silver Star for valor.

For five years after leaving the military, General McCaffrey served as the nation’s Cabinet Officer in charge of U.S. Drug Policy. He was confirmed for this position by unanimous vote by the U.S. Senate. For this period of public service, General McCaffrey received many honors including: the Department of Health and Human Service Lifetime Achievement Award for Extraordinary Achievements in the Field of Substance Abuse Prevention, the United States Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award, the Norman E. Zinberg Award of the Harvard Medical School, the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation's National Service Award, and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America Lifetime Achievement Award.

After leaving government service, General McCaffrey served as the Bradley Distinguished Professor of International Security Studies from January 2001 to May 2005; and then as an Adjunct Professor of International Security Studies from May 2005 to December 2010 at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Barry McCaffrey graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., in 1960; from West Point with a BS in 1964; earned an MA degree in American Government from American University; and attended the Harvard University National Security Program as well as the Business School Executive Education Program.

While no longer an active firefighting organization, the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association continues as one of the oldest fire companies in the country. The Association promotes fire and life safety education programs, awards scholarships, and maintains firefighting artifacts at Friendship Firehouse Museum. The firehouse, located at 107 South Alfred Street in Old Town Alexandria, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  It will also be open on Parade Day for free tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, please call 703.751.6416.

365 - Scale

I like it when the scale reads this! 

Del Ray Parks Need your help

FROM THE DEL RAY CITIZENS ASSOCIATION: 


Maybe you made a resolution for 2012 to get more involved in your community-- what about starting with  our parks?  We are working on scheduling a brainstorming meeting to complete the funding for the park at 1 and 7 E Del Ray (new "pocket park") as well as ideas for naming the park.  If there is enough interest we can also discuss other park efforts in our community. If you are interested in being a part of this committee (you must be a member of the DRCA- which by the way is only $25 and funds scholarships, events, etc.), please email me at amkdc05@yahoo.com and let me know if your availability to meet (mornings, evenings, weekends only, etc.).

Thank you!
Ashley
 
Ashley Klick

Whole Foods in Old Town 5% Day for Charity

Whole Foods 5% Day!

On Wednesday, January 25th, 5% of all sales at the Duke St. Alexandria Whole Foods, will be donated to Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation! Come shop for a great cause!

If your fridge is stocked, consider purchasing a gift card to use later.

There will be food demonstrations by local vendors Mom Made Foods and Pork Barrel BBQ & health screenings too!

It is also Wine Wednesday, aka Winesday, featuring the wines of Italy! It's just another great reason to shop Whole Foods! 

For more information about the work Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation does to help families fighting pediatric cancer, check out their website!

https://www.mattiemiracle.com/Home.php

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/alexandria

365 - Titans

Special Education Workshops

SPECIAL EDUCATION WORKSHOPS ACPS Autism Coordinator Erin Stone will present the first of a three-part workshop series from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, 530 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria. Please RSVP by today for child care. The program will inform parents on how, when and why to reinforce in order to improve behaviors in the home. Stone will introduce specific techniques, including visual supports that parents can use immediately. Parents will be able to bring questions or problems to follow-up sessions to develop solutions. For more information please, call the Anne. R. Lipnick Special Education Family Resource Center at 571-237-1554.

Swordsmen’s Rendezvous at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in February & March

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

En garde! Join Gadsby’s Tavern Museum for a unique living history program as you learn a skill all 18^th-century gentlemen must know – swordplay! The programs on Saturday, February 11, and Saturday, March 10 include re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display and discussion of 18th-century weapons. This popular family event is suitable for ages 2^nd grade and older and will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents.

Swordsmen tours are scheduled every half hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., with each tour lasting one hour. Admission is $6 per person, ages 5 and up. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 703.746.4242. This program sells out quickly, so don’t delay in making your plans!

In the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria and the new Federal City of Washington.  The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents – including George Washington – and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Benefit Musical to Aid Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

Benefit Musical to Aid Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy

The Friends of the Alexandria Commission for Women invite you to join them for a benefit performance of Josephine Tonight, a musical biography of showbiz legend Josephine Baker, at the Metro Stage, 1201 North Royal St. in Alexandria, Thursday, February 9. The event, which includes a pre-performance reception at 6:30 p.m. and a live auction at intermission, will help raise awareness of and funding for the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy.

Josephine Tonight draws on the early life of the internationally known singer, actress and nightclub sensation who wowed audiences in America and Europe in the first quarter of the 20th century and reveals the relationship of the young Josephine and her laundress mother who steers her toward success and then teaches her to remember her roots. The show is appropriate for high school-aged youth.

This benefit event comes at a time when Gov. Robert F. McDonnell has proposed eliminating funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs throughout the state. These programs, which are part of a state health department initiative to reduce the teen pregnancy rate in certain localities, offer sex education and birth control to teenagers. The Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP) , which is part of the City’s collaboration of agencies and organizations in this initiative, works with youth and parents to encourage better communication, community involvement, and greater understanding of pregnancy and other health issues. ACAP’s goal is to help young people see the possibilities in their lives if they avoid pregnancy and fatherhood during their teen years.

Tickets for the performance are $75, of which $40 is tax deductible. They can be purchased by contacting FriendsofAlexWomen@gmail.com. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy.

ACPS -2 Hour Delay, Monday 1/23

Sundy, January 22, 2012: Alexandria City Public Schools will have a 2-hour delayed opening on Monday, January 23 due to expected inclement weather.

Federal Employees - Delays Monday 1/23

Federal Government Closings

*HTML Formatting Removed*
The following message applies only to Monday, January 23, 2012
Due to expected icy conditions, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management recommends that Federal employees remain off the road until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 23.  Federal Government offices will open to the public at 11:00 a.m. Employees who commute to the office will be granted excused absence for the delayed arrival.  Employees have the option to use unscheduled leave and/or unscheduled telework for the entire workday in lieu of a delayed arrival.
Non-Emergency Employees:

   Excused Absence.  Non-emergency employees who report to their offices will be granted excused absence (administrative leave) for the difference between their expected arrival time and 11:00 a.m.
   Use of Unscheduled Leave.  Non-emergency employees may notify their supervisors of their intent to (1) use earned annual leave, compensatory time off, credit hours, or sick leave, as appropriate; (2) use leave without pay; or (3) request to use their flexible work schedule day off or rearrange their work hours under flexible work schedules.

Telework-Ready Employees who are regularly scheduled to perform telework or who notify their supervisors of their intention to perform unscheduled telework must be prepared to telework for the entire workday, or take unscheduled leave, or a combination of both, for the entire workday in accordance with their agency’s’ policies and procedures, subject to any applicable collective bargaining requirements.
Pre-approved Leave.  Employees on pre-approved leave for the entire workday or employees who requested unscheduled leave for the entire workday should be charged leave for the entire day.
Emergency Employees are expected to report to their worksites on time unless otherwise directed by their agencies

365 - Sunday

The most interesting people

I meet the most interesting people!
You should  meet them too.....

Laurie Chester - Sr. Certified AD/HD Coach
Get It Done ABC, LLC
getitdoneabc@comcast.net
www.laurieandkim.com

Kim Smith Kidd - Sr. Certified AD/HD Coach
coachksk@comcast.net
www.kimandlaurie.com


Karen Gardiner - Professional Organizer
Simplify for Life
www.simplifyforlife.com

Kellie Meehan - Educational Resource Consultant
CARES - Children's Academic Resource & Educational Services
kellie.cares@gmail.com

Carolyn Wilder - Transitional Coach
Great Transitions, LLC
cwilder@greattransitionscoaching.com
www.greattransitionscoaching.com

City council votes to approve waterfront plan.

Alexandria City Council Votes to Approve Waterfront Small Area Plan

For Immediate Release: January 21, 2012

Today, the Alexandria City Council voted 5-2 to approve the Waterfront Small Area Plan. In June 2011, after many residents raised concerns about the Plan, City Council deferred a vote on it and established the Mayor-appointed Waterfront Plan Work Group to identify areas of consensus regarding the Plan; and to identify, categorize and narrow differences on concerns that residents had raised.

The Waterfront Plan Work Group held 15 meetings, from July to December 2011, and released their final report on December 20, 2011. The City Council and Planning Commission held a joint work session on January 10, 2012, to discuss the group’s recommendations. With their action today, the City Council agreed with the City staff’s recommendation to incorporate all of the group’s recommendations into the Plan.

Following an eight hour public hearing, the Council also added language to the Plan that:

Protects parking for residents near the waterfront
Requires all development proposals to receive an advisory review by the Old and Historic District Board of Architectural Review
Expects a minimum of $7 million in developer contributions to arts, parks and other public benefits
Makes certain that historic buildings will be preserved
Reduces the number of hotel rooms to 300, with no more than two hotels with 150 rooms per hotel
Underscores specific building height limits for each development parcel
Encourages development of sites that foster artistic, historic and cultural uses
Directs redevelopment projects to maximize open space along the river’s edge
Calls for planning to begin on the GenOn power plant site as soon as practicable
Creates a citizen group to oversee all aspects of plan implementation
The approved Waterfront Small Area Plan provides a framework for revitalizing the waterfront by

Establishing Alexandria’s history as the foundation for waterfront planning and design
Expanding and enhancing public open spaces
Improving public access and connectivity 
Promoting the waterfront as an art/cultural destination
Ensuring quality and compatible development
Improving water access and boating facilities
Improving services and systems (including an integrated flood mitigation system)
Promoting environmental and economic sustainability
The approved Waterfront Plan balances costs and revenues, including enhanced park maintenance levels. Including flood mitigation, the Plan’s projected revenues will exceed expenditures within 20 years.

“The Waterfront Plan that the Council approved today represents Alexandria’s bright future while protecting our historic past,” said Mayor William D. Euille. “Over the last three years, countless Alexandria residents, businesses and City staff have worked extremely hard to build an extraordinary plan that provides the road map for revitalizing our waterfront gateway into a destination that honors our seaport heritage; provides complete, continuous access to the river; enhances the beauty of our shoreline; and celebrates our love of the arts. We approved a plan that will dramatically improve our waterfront experience, something that all of Alexandria can be proud of and enjoy.”

For more information about the Waterfront Plan, visit alexandriava.gov/Waterfront.