Civil War Recruiting Day at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site 2/25

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

Civil War Recruiting Day at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site

Now that the Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration is underway, here’s your chance to get involved firsthand! Learn more about portraying the lives of persons who experienced the Civil War at Fort Ward’s “Recruiting Day.”

Find out about this fun hobby on Saturday, February 25, when Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site’s “Recruiting Day” gives you the chance to explore Civil War reenacting. Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., soldiers and civilians of the 3rd U.S. Regular Infantry, Company K, will be on hand to talk about a soldier’s uniform and equipment, demonstrate drills, and explain the roles of military and civilian reenactors. Visitors can also inquire about how to join local reenactment units and learn what kind of clothing and equipment a novice reenactor requires. Admission is free. The snow date is Saturday, March 3.

Nearly 50,000 men, women and children across the United States enjoy the hobby of Civil War reenacting.  As individuals, couples and families, reenactors take on the roles of persons who fought as soldiers between 1861 and 1865 or who were part of the civilian homefront.  In addition to learning more about their national heritage, reenactors can employ dramatic and interpretive skills; converse with the public; and perform activities such as campfire cooking, drilling, needlework, medical care and setting up camp.  Reenactors can pose as soldiers, clergy, politicians, laborers, doctors, farmers, sutlers (merchants), sailors, journalists, photographers, schoolchildren or civilians from almost any 19th-century walk of life.    

Fort Ward is the best-preserved fortification in the Defenses of Washington, which were built to protect the Union capital during the Civil War. The museum offers changing exhibits, tours, lectures, and interpretive programs throughout the year. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road.

For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.746.4848.

Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying City of Alexandria Residents

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying City of Alexandria Residents 

The City of Alexandria is offering free tax preparation assistance to qualifying residents. Taxpayers are eligible if their income is below approximately $25,000 for individuals and $42,000 for families. Expert volunteers from Community Tax Aid, Inc. will ensure that taxpayers apply for all applicable credits and deductions; especially the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit, which people often don’t realize they are eligible to receive.

Sessions will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., February 4 through April 14 at 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue.  Spanish-speaking volunteers are available and electronic filing is available.

The following documentation is required: a picture ID, W-2 forms and other income records, receipts or records for expenses such as child care and education, social security cards or ITIN letters for all family members and if possible, a copy of last year’s tax return.

The location is a 20-minute walk from the Braddock Road Metrorail Station and is served by DASH transit AT 10 and Metrobus 10A, 10B or 10E.  For DASH schedule information, call 703.370.DASH or visit www.dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call202.637.7000 or visit www.wmata.com.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be closed if the Alexandria City Public Schools are closed or if school activities are cancelled, as reported on the ACPS Hotline (703.866.5300) and on radio and TV broadcasts.

For further information, to request a disability accommodation or to receive materials in an alternative format, contact, Alia Fulwood at 703.746.5845 at least 48 hours prior to the tax session. The City of Alexandria is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Virginia Human Rights Act. 

365 - Oatmeal

Who left the oatmeal in the sink??  (those darn kids!)  It's like a rock!