FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2008
Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria
June 14 – 20
Saturday, June 14 – All Alexandria Reads Program Grand Finale Event!
The All Alexandria Reads 2008 Program will hold a grand finale fundraiser event at the Potomac Yard Barnes and Noble store, 3651 Jefferson Davis Hwy. All purchases throughout the entire weekend will benefit the 2009 All Alexandria Reads Program. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us to print vouchers and the shop at Barnes & Noble to support the Alexandria Library.
Saturday, June 14 – African-American Writers Event
Local African-American authors representing a variety of genres will read and discuss their works and influences at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe St.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Among the participants at this free event are novelist Vannessa Grace, author of The Dark Before the Light at Dawn; playwright Charnika Louise Hayes, author of The Other Side of Womanhood; local history writers Nathania Branch Miles and Jane Taylor Thomas, co-authors of photo histories Oxon Hill and Fort Washington from the Images of America series. The program also includes novelist, poet, and police officer Quintin Peterson, author of A Dark Place and The Kingsley Affair; and genealogist and columnist Char McCargo Bah, contributing author of Everyday Grace, Everyday Miracle. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.
Saturday, June 14 – Archaeology Family Dig Days
Help City archaeologists and trained volunteers screen excavated soil for artifacts from a real "dig" located on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (101 Callahan Dr.) from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wear comfortable clothes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a water bottle. Please, no sandals. All necessary equipment will be supplied. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Cost is $5 per person and reservations are required. E-mail archaeology@alexandriava.gov or call 703.838.4399 to reserve your space today!
Saturday, June 14 – Wilkes Street Tunnel Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The City of Alexandria invites residents to attend the Wilkes Street Tunnel Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The tunnel is located at the intersection of Wilkes and Royal Streets. This event recognizes the City’s commitment towards preservation and landmark recognition. For information about the Wilkes Street Tunnel Ribbon Cutting, contact Kathleen Leonard at 703.838.4966.
Saturday, June 14 – Eco-City Environmental Charter Public Hearing
City Council will consider adoption of the Eco-City Environmental Charter at a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. in City Council Chambers, City Hall (301 King St.) Following the public hearing, the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission, Virginia Tech, and City staff will begin work on the Environmental Action Plan and plan to forward the Plan to the City Council for consideration early next year. For more information about the Eco-City Alexandria initiative, contact Khoa Tran or Kathleen Leonard at 703.838.4334 or e-mail Eco-CityAlexandria@alexandriava.gov.
June 14-15 – Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival
Each year the Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival brings in fun rides, exciting entertainers, beautiful arts and crafts products, great food, tall ships, and other activities that are fun for the entire family! The festival’s hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 per adult and $5 per child ages 4 and older, with the first child’s admission free. Proceeds from this event go directly to support the work of the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross. For more information, please visit www.waterfrontfestival.org or call 703.549.8300.
June 14-15 – Free Bicycle Valet Parking at the Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival
The City of Alexandria invites residents to take part in a free bicycle valet parking service, which is offered to the public for the first time ever at the Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival on June 14-15. After biking to the festival, relax and check your bike in at the valet parking area on Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, June 15, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.waterfrontfestival.org.
Sunday, June 15 – West End Farmers’ Market at Ben Brenman Park
The public is invited to shop at the West End Farmers’ Market beginning at 9 a.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. Virginia farmers' spring fruits and vegetables found at the West End Farmers Market have made room for their early summer regional harvests. Complementing the beets, radishes and crunchy lettuce, visitors can now find crisp new string beans, picked right off the vine the day before, as well as yellow squash, zucchinis, leeks, onions and small red potatoes. The West End Farmers’ Market is open Sundays, May through October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. For additional information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.838.4343.
Sunday, June 15 – HistoricAlexandriALIVE
Alexandria's historic past comes to life between noon and 5 p.m.! See live, engaging performances at the Waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory. Courtesy of McLean High School’s Project Enlightenment program, meet and talk with Alexandria visitors and residents from the 18th century along the waterfront and lower King Street. For more information, visit
http://oha.alexandriava.gov/oha-main/oha-historicAlexandriaLive.html.
Sunday, June 15 – Free Father’s Day Tours
Gadsby's Tavern and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museums are pleased to offer free tours on Father's Day for all visiting dads! Treat your dad to a tour of the historic tavern (134 N. Royal St.) and apothecary (105-107 S. Fairfax St.) from noon to 5 p.m. Cost is $4 for all other adults and $2 for children (ages 11-17). For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838.4242.
Sunday, June 15 – Father’s Day Open House
Friendship Firehouse (107 S. Alfred St.) is offering free special tours for fathers on Father’s Day. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Friendship Firehouse will make every father an honorary chief of the Friendship Fire Company Bucket Brigade. Every dad, with his children, will receive a certificate, get to ring the fire bell, and have his picture taken with the Friendship fire engine. For more information, visit www.friendshipfirehouse.org or call 703.838.3891.
The City of Alexandria reminds property owners that payment of the first half of their 2008 Real Estate Tax and Refuse Fee is due Monday, June 16. To avoid late payment penalty and interest charges, payment must be received by the City or postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service no later than June 16. For information on real estate assessments, appeals or to update a mailing address, please call Real Estate Assessments at 703.838.4646 or e-mail realestate@alexandriava.gov. For information on real estate tax and refuse fee payments, late payment penalty and interest or to request a tax bill, call the Treasury Division at 703.838.4777 or e-mail payments@alexandriava.gov.
Monday, June 16 – SummerQuest 2008 Signup Begins
Sign up for the Alexandria Library’s SummerQuest 2008 program beginning June 16. SummerQuest is the Library’s free summer reading program for children ages 0-12. By signing up for SummerQuest, children receive materials to enhance their summer reading experience. Children can also learn about opportunities to register for other SummerQuest special events, such as movies, crafts, special guest entertainers, and other activities scheduled as part of the program. For further details about the SummerQuest program, visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.
Monday, June 16 – Duncan Book Discussion Group
The public is invited to participate in the Duncan Book Discussion Group at 7 p.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. The group will discuss Consequences by Penelope Lively. For more information, contact Ruth at 703.838.4566.
Monday, June 16 – Landmark/Van Dorn Advisory Group Meeting
The Landmark/Van Dorn Advisory Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Landmark Mall, middle level, next to Lane Bryant. For more information, contact Pat Mann, Department of Planning and Zoning, at 703.838.4666 ext. 303.
Wednesday, June 18 – Carlyle/Eisenhower East Design Review Board
The Carlyle/Eisenhower East Design Review Board will meet at 7 p.m. in the Sister Cities Conference Room, City Hall, 301 King St. For more information, contact Natalie Sun, Department of Planning and Zoning, at 703.838.4666, ext. 368.
Wednesday, June 18 – Four Mile Run Restoration Project Open House and Community Meeting
An open house and community meeting will be held on the Four Mile Run Restoration Project at the Arlington County Park Operations Building, Second Floor Conference Room, 2700 S. Taylor St., Arlington. Arlington County and the City of Alexandria are in the process of creating design guidelines for future improvements of Four Mile Run. The public is invited to review and provide input on the initial guidelines. For more information, contact Brandi Collins at 703.838.3866, ext. 327.
Wednesday, June 18 – Juneteenth African Film Screening & Dance Workshop
Commemorate the struggle of enslaved people and celebrate emancipation at this special Juneteenth event at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street Enjoy a demonstration and discussion of African music at 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for this or $25 for both June 18 and 19 events. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.
Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth Lesole Dance Program
The Alexandria Black History Museum continues the Juneteenth celebration by offering this exciting and inspiring dance performance by the Lesole Dance Project at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $15 for this event, or $25 for both June 18 and 19 events. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.
Thursday, June 19 - Music at Twilight Concert
Charles Bubeck will be performing a jazz concert as part of the “Music at Twilight” summer concert series. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or visit alexandriava.gov/recreation.
Thursday, June 19 - Silent Auction Event to Benefit Alexandria Walk to Fight Breast Cancer
The Alexandria community is invited to attend the 4th Annual Silent Auction event, hosted by Women Mean Business to benefit Alexandria’s Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 901 N. Fairfax St. Guests will enjoy refreshments and have a chance to bid on some fabulous Auction items! Tickets are available to the public for $30 per person in advance or $35 at the door. Checks should be made payable to “Walk Fund 08” and mailed to Donna Udvari, Burke & Herbert Bank, PO Box 268; Alexandria, VA 22314. Please call 703.746.5030 or 703.550.4949 for further information.
Thursday, June 19 - Public Hearing on Pocket Park at 48 South Early Street
The Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing held to review and discuss the park plan for the property at 48 S. Early St. The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd. The property, which is part of the City’s Pocket Park Program, was acquired in April 2007. For additional information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.838.4842.
Thursday, June 19 – Braddock East Advisory Group Meeting
The Braddock East Advisory Group will hold its fifth meeting at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of Oswald Durant Center, 1605 Cameron St. For more information, contact Andrew Spurgin, Department of Planning and Zoning, at 703.838.4666 ext. 330.
Thursday, June 19 – Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group Collaborative Workshop
The Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group will host a collaborative workshop at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2000, City Hall, 301 King St. The public is welcome to participate, but must sign up in advance. For more information, or to reserve your space, contact Carrie Beach, Department of Planning and Zoning, at 703.838.4666 ext. 325.
Friday, June 20 - Market Square Summer Concert
Alexandria Citizens Band, the “City’s Oldest Performing Arts Organization,” will perform as part of the summer concert series. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St.
Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or visit alexandriava.gov/recreation.
Friday, June 20 – Lantern Tours
Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.) by candlelight with a costumed guide and see how guests experienced the historic tavern and hotel before the advent of electricity. Tour times are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and cost is $5 per person, ages 5 and up. The museum may be closed on some occasions; call ahead to verify tour dates at 703.838.4242.
Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22 – “Running Scared, Running Free” Play
The spirit of Juneteenth is honored with this special performance at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. “Running Scared, Running Free,” a play by Sal St. George, is the inspiring, and at times harrowing, story set in the year 1850, the year the Fugitive Slave Act was imposed. Three stories are dramatically intertwined in this award-winning presentation. Tickets are $10 per person, and performances will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Call 703.838.4356 to reserve your seat.
Now Enrolling – Archaeology Summer Camp 2008
Young people ages 12 to 15 will discover Alexandria’s history through archaeology at this unique day camp. Assist professional archaeologists at a real excavation site, go on special field trips and more! Applications are now being accepted for two week-long sessions in July. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.838.4399.
Open through Friday, June 20 – “From Books to Bottles” Photography Display
“From Books to Bottles” is a photography display created by the Alexandria Youth Council that depicts teen pregnancy through the lens of a camera. The display is being exhibited at the Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St. Youth Council members took photos, interviewed teen moms and dads, and created scenes showing the consequences and responsibilities of teen pregnancy. For more information, contact Becky Griesse at 703.746.5030 or e-mail rebecca.griesse@alexandriava.gov
Open through Monday, September 8 – Living Legends of Alexandria Exhibition
The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., is hosting Living Legends of Alexandria, which celebrates and documents individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria. Living Legends of Alexandria features photographs of 48 nominees by Nina Tisara with information about their contributions by Christa Watters. The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.
Open through Wednesday, December 31 -- Drawings by William Lydston, Jr. Exhibition
The exhibition of Civil War artwork at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site (4301 W. Braddock Rd.) has been extended through the end of the year. Civil War drawings by soldier, artist and musician William Lydston, Jr., are featured in this exhibit with musical instruments and related objects as part of the statewide celebration of Virginia’s musical heritage. Admission to the museum is free. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.838.4848.
Coming Soon!
Saturday, June 21 – Dia de la Comunidad Hispana at Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center
This bilingual program for families features a walk through Dora Kelley Park, nature center tour, and live entertainment by the “Mariachi Estrellas” Band. The program will begin at 2 p.m. at the Jerome Buddie Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Ave. Registration is $5 per family (includes food and refreshments). For reservations and information, call 703.838.4829.
Un programa de la naturaleza billigue par alas familias. Ofrece un viaje en un centro de naturaleza, una caminata a traves del parque de Cora Kelley, y la partipacion del la banda “Mariachi Estrellas” en vivo. $5 por familia (incluye la comida y bebidas). Para reservaciones o mas informacaion llame al 703.838.4829.
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