Princess for a Night Project Seeking 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 2. Donations can be dropped off at the T.C. Williams High School main office, 3330 King St., Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For the past eight years, the generosity of women in the community has allowed young ladies across the region to attend prom without breaking the bank. Beginning in April, dresses and other prom essentials are collected at various drop-off points throughout the area. Then, in May, events are held at T.C. Williams High School and two other local high schools, where young ladies can select dresses, shoes, handbags and jewelry free of charge. The project especially needs dresses for full-figured young ladies (sizes 18+). Please do not donate velvet or wintry dresses, soiled items, outdated items, casual dresses or items for mature women, as they cannot be used.

If you know of a young lady in need of a dress, "shopping" and dress selection will take place at T.C. Williams on Friday, May 9, from 3:30-6 p.m., and Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Enter through the Chinquapin Drive entrance and follow the signs.) Students will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. All students from throughout the Northern Virginia area are welcome.

Parents are encouraged to accompany their daughters to participate in dress selection. Dresses are free, but donations will be accepted to support the ongoing project. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to assist with the project, please contact Eleanor Muse ateleanor.muse@acps.k12.va.us.

Parks and Playgrounds

Here are some of our favorite parks and playgrounds in Alexandria

Of course the new playground near Potomac Yards is the most recent favorite - we just can't get enough of it.


But here are some others ----

Ft. Ward - great for running around, riding bikes around the loop, looking at the azaleas, picnicking and the small playground.

Beach Park near Maury Elem. School - great for cloudy days - it gets a lot of direct sun.  Great field for playing soccer or catch.

The Pit, on N. Overlook in Beverley Hills.

Ben Brenman Park in Cameron Station is wonderful for strolling and watching the turtles.

The playground at Polk Elementary School is pretty cool - lots to do for every age.

MacArthur Elementary School has some great equipment - different climbing stuff for different stages and ages.

Windmill Park in Old Town is great but can sometimes get a little too crowded.  We like to run through the old tunnel.

Blue Park in Rosemont has a lot to do and you can see some trains go by.

Simpson playground is a nice little park with gardens close by and baseball to watch.

We LOVE taking a hike or stroll through the Dora Kelly Nature park and the Winkler Botanical Preserve, both are located off Beauregard St.  You never know what you will see and hear.  Bull frogs, birds, bees, deer, ducks, and more. There are streams to play in, rocks to collect, and just all kinds of nature to take in.

Jones Point is another favorite place to bike to, watch boats and planes, and just have fun!



Hope you find some great parks and playgrounds and get out and play this Spring!

Spring Events in Alexandria

Spring Events in Alexandria, VA

Blossoms, Boats and Baseball along the Potomac Waterfront

Alexandria, VA – As buds bloom, visitors break spring fever with refreshing escapes to Alexandria, Virginia. Just minutes from Washington, DC, the city’s scenic waterfront and exclusive seasonal tours provide the breath of fresh air needed for an extraordinary getaway.

Take to the waterfront for free deck tours of the tall ship Schooner Virginia or peek into historic homes for the Historic Homes & Gardens Tour for glimpses of flowers blooming in lush gardens. Celebrate DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival in Alexandria with blossom-centric bike, boat and food tours or embark on a boat to Nationals Stadium from Old Town for ballgame. Whether it’s stocking up a new spring wardrobe with trendy finds from chic boutiques or packing a picnic with delectable treats for an afternoon at a waterfront park, Alexandria’s colorful palette of springtime activities combined with seasonal hotel packages, create unique family-friendly spring breaks and rejuvenating weekend escapes.

For more spring events in Alexandria, visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/calendar-of-events/spring
See the Top 10 Reasons to Visit Alexandria this Spring http://www.visitalexandriava.com/things-to-do/top-10/
Check out spring hotel packages at www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/hotels/deals

Baseball Boat to Nationals Park
March 29-September 26, 2014
Times vary upon Nationals schedule
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-0580
One-way $15; Round-trip $25
www.BaseballBoat.com

The Potomac Riverboat Company offers baseball enthusiasts the chance to avoid the crowds and take a leisurely cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Nationals Park along the scenic Potomac River. Online-ticket purchases include free parking. Boats returning to Alexandria depart 20 minutes after final pitch. Boat operates for 80% of Nationals games – check website for specific available dates.


Doggy Happy Hour Opening Day
April 3, 2014
5-8 p.m.
Jackson 20 and Hotel Monaco Alexandria, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Free (drinks sold separately)
www.Monaco-Alexandria.com/alexandria-hotel/doggy-happy-hour.html

An Old Town Alexandria institution, Doggy Happy Hour at Jackson 20 and the Hotel Monaco Alexandria will resume this spring, offering specials on handcrafted cocktails and beers plus treats and water for canine companions. Dog-lovers can peruse items from local pet boutiques and learn about pet services in the area. 15% of proceeds benefit P.A.L. (People. Animals. Love.)


Old Town Alexandria Cherry Blossom Food Tour
March 22-April 12, 2014
Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m.
$49
www.DCMetroFoodTours.com/cherry_blossom_food_tour.html

New to Alexandria, DC Metro Food Tours will bring their popular Cherry Blossom Food Tour to Old Town. In celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, guests will embark on a guided walking tour of Alexandria, exploring the city’s history and 18th- and 19th-century architecture while pausing in locally-owned eateries to sample delectable cherry-centric dishes and learn about cherry blossom history in the nation’s capital.


Blossoms by Bike River Ride
April 4-13, 2014
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Departs at 1 p.m. from Alexandria
$40 (must be 13 years or older)
www.BikeTheSites.com/tours/

Join Bike and Roll on this three hour specially-crafted tour, riding along the scenic Mount Vernon Trail from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, DC, and experience magnificent views of the cherry blossoms from across the Potomac River. The tour continues into DC and around the tidal basin where bikers will see the blossoms up close and learn the history of these beautiful gifts before heading back to Alexandria.


Cherry Blossom Boat Tour
March 29-April 13, 2014
Saturday & Sunday
Departing at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30 & 5:30 p.m.
Cameron & Union sts., Alexandria, VA 22314
$26 adults, $14 children (2-11)
www.PotomacRiverboatCo.com/blossoms2014.php

In celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, the Potomac Riverboat Company offers the chance to avoid the crowds and embark on a relaxing boat cruise, viewing the gorgeous pink buds blooming along the Potomac River. As an extended version of the company’s “Washington by Water Monuments Cruise,” this cruise also includes the opportunity to view DC’s riverside monuments and disembark at Georgetown.


Spring2Action: Alexandria's Biggest Day of Giving
April 9, 2014
Times vary
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.Causetown.org/campaign/Spring2ACTion

New this year, more than 30 participating local shops and restaurants are joining Spring2Action, Alexandria’s biggest day of giving, by donating as much as 20% of purchase to any school or charity the customer chooses. To sweeten the deal, the Old Town Boutique District will give $500 to the school or charity that rallies the most customers to one of its member stores. Customers need only mention "Spring2ACTion" when paying. 100+ different schools and nonprofits are promoting Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s annual city-wide online giving campaign.


Tall Ship Schooner Virginia comes to Alexandria
April 12-13, 2014
12-5 p.m.
G/H Pier on the North End of the Marina at 201 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Free
www.SchoonerVirginia.org

The Schooner Virginia—a tall ship recreation of the Virginia Pilot Association’s last pure sailing vessel, in operation from 1917-1926—will dock in Alexandria, the first stop of its 2014 tour, where, along the historic waterfront, visitors are invited to participate in deck tours.


Lee-Fendall House 15th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 16-18, 2014
Egg hunts begin at Friday, 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.; Sunday,12:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
$12 kids (0-12); $5 adults
www.LeeFendallHouse.org

To celebrate Easter, the Lee-Fendall House Museum’s gardens will be filled with hundreds of colorful, toy-filled Easter eggs, in addition to activities like games, crafts and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Children ages 0-12 are eligible to participate; all children welcome to additional activities. Tickets available online.


Alexandria Historic Homes & Garden Tour
April 26, 2014
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria
703-746-3301
$35 in advance; $40 day of; $20 for single sites
www.VAGardenWeek.org

Celebrating the 81st anniversary of Historic Garden Week in Virginia, this tour features privately owned Old Town homes and gardens plus historic properties like the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, Carlyle House Historic Park and George Washington's Mount Vernon, offering visitors the rare opportunity to see behind the brick walls into some of the most gorgeous residences in this unique neighborhood. Tickets and information available at the Alexandria Visitors Center (221 King St.).


Historic Alexandria Attics and Alleys Tours
May 3-31, 2014
9 a.m.-noon
Departs from Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4242
$35 (Advanced reservations required)
www.AlexandriaVA.gov/GadsbysTavern

The curious are invited to visit rarely seen spaces at four of Alexandria's historic sites on this special three-hour walking tour of Gadsby's Tavern Museum, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden and Carlyle House Historic Park. Tickets reserved online at www.Shop.Alexandria.gov.


2014 Del Ray House & Garden Tour
May 10, 2014
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: $20
www.DelRayCitizens.org

This year’s tour features homes ranging from a 1940's row house to an amazing "green" renovation to one of the few Del Ray homes with an in ground swimming pool. From flights of artistic fancy to small spaces lived large, the tour has something for everyone. This biennial project of the Del Ray Citizens Association serves as a fundraiser for the Alexandria Scholarship Fund and other neighborhood projects like tree planting, park renovations and neighborhood gatherings.


Free Mother’s Day Museum Tours
May 11, 2014
1-5 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (Mothers free)
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (Mothers free)
Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (Free)
www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/calendar-of-events/spring/

In honor of Mother’s Day, moms enjoy free admission to some of Alexandria’s premiere historic sites. At the Friendship Firehouse Museum, mothers will receive a complimentary family photo.


To Inspire: Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale Featuring Classic Favorites
May 17, 2014
8 p.m.
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311
703-845-6156
Prices vary
www.AlexSym.org

In partnership with the National Gallery of Art, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will close its 70th season with pieces known to inspire renowned artist Edgar Degas, featuring selections by Beethoven, Mozart, Gounod and Verdi plus special guests Anita Johnson and Matt Harding.