365 - adventure!

365 - Jiggler

Have you seen these?  Can't wait to make them.
(You can get them too at Target)

Beauregard Rezoning Advisory Group Meeting

The Beauregard Rezoning Advisory Group will hold a meeting on Monday, October 1, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center located at 5750 Sanger Avenue in Alexandria. The meeting agenda is to discuss the open space survey results, determine recommendations to Council, and discuss the next steps in the process. 

The agenda and materials will be posted on the City’s Beauregard Small Area Plan website under the Beauregard Rezoning Advisory Group webpage located at http://alexandriava.gov/BeauregardPlan.

The meeting is open to the public. Public comments are welcome. Spanish translation services will be provided at the meeting. Individuals with disabilities that may require assistance or special arrangements to participate in the Beauregard Rezoning Advisory Group meeting may call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703.746.4666. For meeting related questions, please contact Maya Contreras in the Department of Planning and Zoning at703.746.3816  or email Maya.Contreras@alexandriava.gov

For Immediate Release: September 28, 2012

Construction work scheduled at Mount Jefferson/WOD Greenway

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will install gravel trail surfacing at the southern end of the Mount Jefferson/WOD Greenway, 2300 Jefferson Davis Highway. The new trail surfacing will enable users to access the Greenway from Jefferson Davis Hwy. Work will also include fence repairs and gate installation.

The work, anticipated to take one to two days to complete, is weather dependent and is scheduled to occur between October 1 through 12. Residents will see equipment in use and crews at work during the daytime. Residents are encouraged to exercise caution around the construction area. For your safety, please use extra caution when near construction areas.

For additional information, contact Judy Lo 703.746.5490 or e-mail judy.lo@alexandriava.gov

365 - Pumpkin bread

Become an Election Officer

Do Something Revolutionary – Become a City of Alexandria Election Officer!

You have the opportunity to be a part of history by serving as an election officer for the City of Alexandria during the November 6, 2012, Presidential Election. The Alexandria Electoral Board is looking for civic-minded individuals with basic computer user skills who are interested in the election process and are available to help on November 6. This will be an exciting election because Alexandria residents will vote in the Presidential Election along with the election for Mayor, City Council and School Board. Turnout will be near record.

Election Officer Requirements

• Registered voter in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Basic computer user skills
• Willing to work from 4:45 a.m. until after the polls close at 7 p.m. (and results are tallied). It’s a long day, but it will go fast!
• Willing to adhere to the standards of Integrity, Neutrality, Transparency and Accuracy

Job Description

• Set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting
• Verify voter registration and check-in voters using laptop computers
• Demonstrate the voting process and provide assistance to voters\
• Produce election results at the end of the day
• Close the polling place and secure voting equipment and supplies
  • Election Officers receive $100 for their efforts but the value of their service is priceless

How to Apply

For more information or to apply please choose one of the following options:

• Visit alexandriava.gov/Elections and click “Be a Precinct Election Officer”
• Call 703.746.4050 and ask to speak with Election Staff
• Email  angela.turner@alexandriava.gov

Alexandria Circuit Court Appoints David G. Speck to Fill Unexpired City Council Term

Alexandria Circuit Court Appoints David G. Speck to Fill Unexpired City Council Term

By order entered September 27, 2012, the Alexandria Circuit Court appointed David G. Speck to fill the unexpired term of former councilmember K. Rob Krupicka, through December 31, 2012.  Krupicka was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates on Sept. 4, 2012. 

This announcement may also be found at http://alexandriava.gov/news_display.aspx?id=65462 .

365 - Weeds?

News/Events from the Parent Resource Center

The Family Resource Center Thursday morning support group will meet this week   10:00 am-Noon, Minnie Howard, Room 134, 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria Please join us for coffee, bagels, and sharing. ANNOUNCING THE 2012-2013 SPECIAL EDUCATION INVOLVEMENT SURVEY All parents of school-aged children and youth who receive special education services in Virginia’s schools are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education’s annual Parent Involvement Survey. This survey will be available September 15, 2012 to June 30, 2013 at:https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012VAParentInvolvementSurvey If you are unable to take the survey online, your child's school will provide paper versions for your use. All paper versions of the survey will include a pre-addressed, postage-paid return envelope. All responses will be sent directly to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). For more information please contact Patricia Haymes at the VDOE patricia.haymes@doe.virginia.gov or 804.786.0116. Please refer to the files attached CANCELLED: September 28-29: IDEA/IEP Seminar - Become a More Powerful Advocate! Please note that this program has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. September 28: PEATC's Cafecitos (Coffee Talk) 10:00am-Noon, 100 N Washington Street, Suite 234, Falls Church, VA Betsy McGuire, proud mother of a 29 year old Special Olympics athlete and PEATC Board member is the guest speaker. She will talk about the power of a parent's voice in a child's education, and how a parent can get involved in his child's education and school, so don't miss it!  Register with DanielaAncalle at 703-923-0010.  This event will be in Spanish. Betsy McGuire, orgullosa madre de un atleta de 29 años de edad de Olimpiadas Especiales y miembra la junta de PEATC es eloradora invitada. Ella hablará sobre el poder de la voz de los padres en la educación de su niño, y cómo los padres puedeninvolucrarse en la educación de su hijo y la escuela, así que no te lo pierdas! Registrarse con DanielaAncalle en 703-923-0010.Este evento será en español. September 29: Miracle League Opening Ceremony 20121:00pm, Four Mile Run Park (behind Cora Kelly School), 3701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, VA A brief ceremony will honor the our Miracle Baseball League players and Angel volunteers. The rain site for the program will be at the George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Avenue. For more information contact Mac Slover at 703.746.5407 October 2: Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) 7:00-9:00pm, Minnie Howard Media Room,  3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA This is SEAC's first meeting of the school year. Among the items on the agenda will be a short presentation on the building plans for the new Jefferson-Houston school and children with disabilities. Please plan to attend. For more information please contact co-chair Janet Reese jreese3286@aol.com. October 10: PEATC Webinar: Change the format; change the outcome. How mediation works. Noon, Duration: 1 hour When there are problems in developing an IEP, holding subsequent meetings with the same location, people and agenda often occurs.  This session will focus on what to expect which is unique when a mediator is invited to facilitate the discussion.  We’ll consider what each party brings to the table and how that defines the task of the mediator.  Examples of successful mediations will illustrate ways that the process can be effective in helping people to move from deadlock to resolution. Presented by Art Stewart, the Virginia State Special Education Mediation Services Coordinator. For more information:http://readytalk.com/r/2hku3ysse994?1348495218833 October 13: "Practice Flight" program 7:00-10:00am, Dulles International Airport  The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is pleased to announce the launch of its pilot “Practice Flight” program for individuals with special needs. This program is designed to give families an opportunity to practice checking-in for a flight, going through the security screening process, and boarding a plane in a controlled, yet realistic environment.MWAA is partnering with United Airlines, AirProjects, Inc., and the Transportation Security Administration for this event. Families wishing to participate in this event must pre-register in advance.For more information:http://www.mwaa.com/net/discover-dulles-special.aspx October 13: Learning Disabilities Association of VA's 2012 Conference: Learning Disabilities & Transition to Higher Education: What Students, Families, Professionals Should Know… 8:15am-2:00pm Marymount University, Reinsch Library With the increasing numbers of students with learning disabilities seeking admission and being admitted to colleges and universities, it’s important for students and their families to be informed about the processes, legal information, and procedures that enable successful preparation for transition from secondary to postsecondary education. Keynote speaker: Elizabeth Getzel, director, postsecondary initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University. For more information: http://www.ldavirginia.org/events.html October 15: Access Community Lecture: What to Do Now? Resources for Those with Special Needs 7:30-9:00pm, McLean Bible Church, Tysons Campus, Community Room A, 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA When someone learns of a disability, often the first question is "What do I do now?" There is a great deal of information available on specific disabilities, services, education, supports and laws for individuals of any age.  In fact, there is so much information that it can be difficult to wade through it all.  Come learn what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to determine which information may be best for you. Guest Speaker Suzanne Ripley, Director, Accessing Disability Services.  flyer attached, please distribute October 16: Special Needs Trusts Free Informational Session: 7:15 pm, Tuckahoe Library, 1901 Starling Dr, Henrico, VA 23229 If you are a parent planning for the future of your child with special needs, or if you work with individuals with special needs, this event is for you! Special needs trusts allow funds to be set aside for the benefit of an individual with a disability in a way that will not jeopardize eligibility for SSI and Medicaid benefits.  Join us to learn more! For more information:http://specialneedstrust.eventbrite.com October 20: ADHD ACROSS THE LIFESPAN8:00am–12:30pm, Virginia Tech, Northern Virginia Center, 7054 Haycock Road, Falls Church, Virginia 22043 A half-day mini-conference for parents of children with ADHD, adults with ADHD, educators, mental health professionals.Each presentation geared to all audiences. CEUs and recertification points for professional counselors and teachers.To register and for more information: http://wordsmth.tripod.com/chaddofnorthernvirginia/ The Virginia Ability Alliance maintains a calendar of local events . For more information:http://www.thearcofnova.org/info-referral/calendar/ Youth Topics is a service of the Center for Children and Families, Department of Community and Human Services, City of Alexandria.  Sign up to receive the Youth Topics Newsletter: https://enews.alexandriava.gov/index.php?CCheck=1 Its not too late to join TOPSoccer! 2:00-3:15pm, Chinquapin Park, next to TC Williams High School, 3210 King Street, Alexandria, VA  TOPSoccer is a non-competitive soccer skill building program for youth with and without disabilities.The season is scheduled to run for eight weeks through November 18. For more information contact Peter Abed 703.231.7354 or peter.abed@gmail.com or the Alexandria Soccer Association 703.684.5424.   The Autism Support Group continues through the year The Parents of Students with Autism Support Group offers parents of children with autism an opportunity to meet other parents within the school system to share resources and information. And engage in knowledgeable conversation with members of the ACPS Autism team. This year the monthly meetings will alternate between morning and evening sessions. The next session will be an evening session on October 30 with Dr.Erin Stone. For information on the sessions scheduled for the year, see attached file. SAVE THE DATE: Pathways to the FutureNovember 10, 9:00am-4:00pm, Chancellor High School, 6300 Harrison Road, Fredricksburg, VA A free conference and resource fair for youth with disabilities, their parents/guardians and the professionals who support them. Vendor fair and information sessions to assist you in preparing for the move from school to adult life in the community-TRANSITION! Sponsored by (FACT) Fredericksburg Area Council on Transition For information, contact the disAbility Resource Center (540) 373-2559  Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Publishes Navigating the Special Education System Guide for Parents Navigating the Special Education System is the second of three resources developed as part of OAR’s “Autism in the Schoolhouse” initiative.  The first, Kit for Kids, is a colorful, interactive program that teaches typically developing elementary and middle school children about their peers with autism.The final piece, Understanding Autism: A Guide for Secondary Teachers, is a one-hour DVD designed to help teachers support students with autism in general education settings.The project is currently in production and set for completion in December. For more information:http://www.researchautism.org/resources/reading/index.asp#Sped Latest Headlines from DisabilityScoop.com Presidential Candidates To Skip Disability Forum Billionaire Backs Disability Health Push Advocates Renew Call For Restraint, Seclusion Reform Senses Altered For Those With Autism, Study Finds For more information: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/emailers/ds120925.html Advocates Call For End To Transplant Discrimination Drug May Treat Fragile X, Autism Disability Employment Effort Gets Boost Use Of Seclusion Rooms Upheld For more information: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/emailers/ds120921.html

Annual Family Fall Festival on Saturday, October 13

For Immediate Release: September 26, 2012

City of Alexandria to Hold Annual Family Fall Festival on Saturday, October 13
Featuring Alexandria's Own 2012 Summer Olympics' Torchbearer 

The City of Alexandria’s Family Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Armistead L. Boothe Park, located at 520 Cameron Station Blvd. The event will be held rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, the Festival will move indoors to the Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Drive.

Entertainment features Beale Street Puppet Theatre and the sounds of “Skystone,” an Alexandria favorite band performing bluegrass. Admission to the event is free. Tickets will be sold for $5 each or 4 for $15 for the pony rides, moon bounce, bouncy boxing and scarecrow building; all other activities, shows and exhibits are free, including the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center, face painting, pumpkin painting, and hay rides, among others. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.

Special Feature for 2012, meet Alexandria’s own, Tony Culley-Foster, America’s Olympic Torchbearer, who ran a leg of the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on June 5 in Northern Ireland. Mr. Culley-Foster was one of only 8000, 2012 Olympic Games Torchbearers in the world. He believes strongly in not only sharing the torch with others but also to promote health, fitness, sport, community service and the Olympic ideals, especially with children. He will be conducting children’s activities utilizing the Olympic torch and theme. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera to take a photo with Mr. Culley-Foster and an actual 2012 Olympic Torch.

This festival is sponsored by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities in partnership with KinderCare Learning Center.

Armistead L. Boothe Park is located near the intersection of Edsall Rd. and Pickett St. adjacent to Samuel L. Tucker Elementary School. Limited parking is available at Armistead L. Boothe Park. The public is encouraged to bike, walk or take public transit to the event. For DASH schedule information, call 703.370.DASH or visit www.dashbus.com.  For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit www.wmata.com.

Bicyclists may visit www.alexandriava.gov/localmotion for the City’s Bikeways Map, which features the City's best on-street and off-road bikeways, as well as locations of grouped bicycle parking.

For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation, or call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592 or the Special Events Office at 703.746.5418. 

City of Alexandria to Hold Annual Fall Tree Sale

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

For Immediate Release: September 26, 2012

City of Alexandria to Hold Annual Fall Tree Sale on Saturday, October 20
"Great Trees, Great Prices, and Great for Alexandria"

The City Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Section will hold a tree sale on Saturday, October 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Trinity Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road. The goal of the sale is to promote the preservation of the Alexandria’s tree canopy by encouraging the planting of trees on private property throughout the City.

The City’s tree supplier, Denison Landscaping and Nursery of Fort Washington, Maryland, will again provide a variety of trees, shrubs and annuals that are hardy and successful in this area. Trees and shrubs are sold in three to seven gallon containers that residents can easily handle and plant. Download the List of Available Trees for purchase and email or call the City Arborist to reserve your trees.

Residents can reserve trees for purchase in advance through October 17. No deposit is necessary. To reserve a tree, call the City Arborist Office, at 703.746.5498 or email dorothy.white@alexandriava.gov. When reserving your trees, please provide your name, telephone number, and the type and quantities of the tree that you plan to purchase.

Advance tree orders must be picked up between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 20. Reserved trees not picked up by 10 a.m. on the day of the sale will be made available to the public.

For additional information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Arborist office at703.746.5498.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Jerry Dieruf, Arborist, at 703.746.5499, (VA Relay 711) or e-mail jerry.dieruf@alexandriava.gov.

365 - Colors

Its starting..... Fall and the turning of colors

5th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day 9/29

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

MEDIA ADVISORY
SEPTEMBER 25, 2012 #12-061
2:30 P.M. DONALDSON

Alexandria Law Enforcement Partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration for 5th Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

The Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office have partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the 5th National Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft.

On Saturday, September 29, from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M., the two Alexandria law enforcement agencies, with cooperation from the Substance Abuse Coalition of Alexandria, will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs and other medications for destruction at two drop location sites in the City.  The sites include Police Headquarters, located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue and the parking lot of the Del Ray Pharmacy, located at 2204 Mount Vernon Avenue.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.  This one-day effort is intended to bring national focus to the issue of increasing pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse. 

Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov. 

For more information on the environmental effects of the improper disposal of prescription drugs visithttp://alexandriava.gov/Environment.

City to Gather Public Input on Management Plans for the City’s Large Multi-use Parks

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

For Immediate Release: September 25, 2012

Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities to Gather Public Input on Management Plans for the City’s Large Multi-use Parks

In October 2012, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will kick-off a nine-month public outreach process to develop Management Framework Plans for the City’s large multi-use Parks. The parks included is this process include Four Mile Run Park, Simpson Stadium Park, Chinquapin Park, Hensley Park, Holmes Run Park, and Ben Brenman/Armistead L. Boothe Parks. The goal of this effort is to study and understand the existing conditions and plan for future needs in each of the parks.

Park Planning staff want to know how you use the parks, what you like about the parks, and what you hope to see in the parks in the future. Your input will help guide the plans and ultimately inform decisions on how the parks evolve over time.

Share your thoughts in the following ways:

1. Send us feedback! Visit www.Alexandriava.gov/65170 to provide feedback on how you “see” the park.
   
   OR
2. Beginning September 28, 2012, go to one of the parks and pick up a map at the park entrance. Marking up the map, show us how you use the Park and what improvements you hope to see. You can also print a map from the website.

Attend our workshops:

• Four Mile Run Park: October 10 at 6:30 pm
  Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Ave. 
• Simpson Stadium: October 17 at 6:30 pm
  Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2601 Commonwealth Ave.
• Chinquapin Park: October 24 at 6:30 pm
  T.C. Williams High School (Rotunda), 3330 King St. 
• Hensley Park: October 29 at 6:30 pm
  Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. 
• Holmes Run Park: November 7 at 6:30 pm
  Samuel Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Dr.
• Ben Brenman/Armistead L. Boothe Parks: November 14 at 6:30 pm
  Samuel Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Dr.

We hope to hear from you!

For additional information, contact Dana Wedeles, Park Planner, at 703.746.5491 orDana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov.

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, call Dana Wedeles at 703.746.5491 (Virginia Relay 711) or e-mail Dana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov.  

365 - bunny

Look what we came across during today's outing.... bunnies!  (And it's not even Spring)

Alexandria Police Roaming DWI Enforcement Results

FROM THE ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT: 

Alexandria Police Roaming DWI Enforcement Results

Alexandria police conducted a roaming DWI enforcement effort to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers from 10:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 22, to 6:00 A.M. on Sunday, September 23.  Vehicles observed committing traffic infractions were stopped and drivers were checked to assure that their abilities to drive had not been impaired by alcohol or drugs.

During the roaming enforcement effort, 66 vehicles were stopped and four arrests were made for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).  In addition, three vehicles were impounded and 41 summonses were issued for miscellaneous traffic offenses.

Seven Alexandria police officers and one Emergency Communications Technician participated in the mobile enforcement effort.

365 - Berries

don't eat these!

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

For Immediate Release: September 23, 2012

Public Invited to Attend 2012 City of Alexandria Beautification Award Ceremony

The Alexandria Beautification Commission will announce the 2012 Alexandria Beautification Award winners at an award ceremony to be held 7:30 pm, September 24, at the Lee Center, Richard Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Vice Mayor Kerry Donley will present the awards. Light food and beverage will be provided. The event is free.

The Beautification Commission sponsors the Alexandria Beautification Awards each year recognizing community member’s special efforts to contribute to the beautification of their neighborhoods and public vistas with landscaping and overall aesthetic design. Nominations are made by members of the Commission and the community and are judged by members on the use of plants, texture and color, neighborhood context, marked improvements, and overall appearance. Winners are limited to properties visible from the public right of way.

The Alexandria Beautification Commission is a 12-member volunteer board approved by the City Council for two-year terms. The Beautification Commission represents citizens' values in City beautification matters and coordinates projects to encourage and achieve beautification.

For more information about the Awards program contact Jennifer Pugh, Commission chairperson via email atAlexandriaBeautification@gmail.com or visit www.alexandriava.gov/Beautification.