Call to Artists

Traffic Control Box Wraps

The City of Alexandria Office of the Arts invites artists and artist teams residing in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee to submit their qualifications for a Traffic Control Box Vinyl Wrap Public Art Project. The unveiling of the traffic control box wraps will coincide with Public Works Week beginning on Sunday, May 17.

Up to three artists or artist teams will be selected to design wraps for 12 traffic control boxes located at intersections along Duke St. in the City of Alexandria.  The wraps will cover all four sides and the top of each box.  To develop their designs, artists are encouraged to use a variety of media, such as photography, painting, collage, digital imagery, etc.  Selected artists will be required to submit their artwork in digital format.  The City will be responsible for the printing and installation of the box wraps.

Visit Traffic Control Box Wraps for additional information including submission guidelines and frequently asked questions or email Matthew Harwood at matthew.harwood@alexandriava.gov.  The deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. Friday, February 6.

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 Matthew Harwood, Office of the Arts, at 703.746.5432 (VA Relay 711) or e-mail matthew.harwood@alexandriava.gov. 

Alexandria Citizens Police Academy

Alexandria Police Accepting Applications for the Citizens’ Police Academy 33rd Session

Get to know your Police Department!  The 10-week Alexandria Citizens’ Police 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 Headquarters at 3600 Wheeler Ave in the Community Room, located on the 1^st floor.  Classes begin on March 11, 2015 and will end with a formal graduation ceremony on May 20, 2015.

The program is offered free of charge, however as a condition of participating in the Citizens’ Police Academy, each participant will be asked to volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours per year post graduation.  This would involve events such as assisting with parades, road races, National Night Out, Project SafeAssured, etc.

Class size is limited to twenty participants.  Due to the popularity of the class, we also ask that participants commit to attending all 10 sessions.  Participants of the Police Citizens’ Academy must be at least 21 years of age and live or work in the City of Alexandria.  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 Police Citizens’ Academy or to request an application, visit www.alexandriava.gov/police or e-mail the Volunteer Office at Virginia.obranovich@alexandriava.gov.  The deadline for registrations is February 28, 2015.

"Frozen" Fundraiser for T.C. Williams Band, Orchestra & Choir

"Frozen" Fundraiser

The TC Williams band, orchestra, AND choir are putting on an exciting event to raise funds towards a trip to Orlando for a competition.  The event will be held on January 24. There be concessions (everything is $1) and a brief musical workshop/performance of the national anthem by members of all three musical groups, followed by a screening of the sing-along version of "Frozen".  Please share with Frozen enthusiasts who can't wait to wear their costumes and join in the sing-along version of the movie!  The event will be held in the TC Williams auditorium.  Doors open at 5:30, workshop begins at 6:30, and the movie will begin at 7:00. Free parking in the garage.  Carpooling encouraged. 

Possible Phone Scam

FROM TC PTSA Chairperson

Parents, I received an email from Greg Forbes, Director of School Counseling, regarding a phone scam where the caller identifies himself as a "TC counselor" and says he can offer the student a reduced fee for a SAT prep class.  The TC counseling department does NOT make any such calls and you should NOT give out any personal or financial information.  

ACPS cancels afternoon and evening activities

On Jan. 21, all after-school and evening activities in Alexandria City Public Schools are canceled, including adult education classes. Campagna Kids and Campagna Center's early childhood programs will close at 5 p.m. This announcement does not pertain to events and activities scheduled to be held in City recreation centers or other City facilities.  For updated information on City closures, see www.alexandriava.gov.

American Youth Philharmonic seeking volunteers

From the neighborhood LISTSERVE

The American Youth Philharmonic will be performing at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall at NOVA on Sunday afternoon. They are looking for volunteers to arrive at 1:45 and usher, sell tickets, and help out in exchange for free attendance at the concert. If you are interested, please contact Julia Robins at manager2@aypo.org.

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
Christopher Zimmerman, Conductor
Performing at Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall, NOVA Alexandria
Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 3:00 pm
Tickets are $20 Adults, $10 Students, $10 Seniors 

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra by Barber
Guest Artist: Alexander Kerr, Violin

Symphonie No. 6 "Pathétique" by Tchaikovsky

This will be a lovely concert. I hope many people from the community will attend!