[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements:July 5-11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  July 3, 2008     

Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria
 July 5 –11 

Sunday, July 6 – West End Farmers’ Market at Ben Brenman Park 
Shop at the West End Farmers’ Market beginning at 9 a.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. This week, beets, radishes and crunchy lettuce are complemented by Virginia farmers’ early summer regional harvests--new string beans, 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, July 6 – 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. Musician Stephen Christoff explores early American music, playing an octave mandolin, hand-flute, saw and more! Watch amazing feats of Italian equilibrist Signora Bella, an 18th-century acrobat, as she juggles swords and flaming torches and walks the slack rope! For more information, please visit oha.alexandriava.gov/oha-main/oha-historicAlexandriaLive.html.

Monday, July 7 – Old Town North Urban Design Advisory Committee (UDAC)
The UDAC will meet at 7 p.m. in Room 2000, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St. The UDAC reviews development projects that occur within the Old Town North Urban Overlay District for compliance with the urban design guidelines for Old Town North. The committee only meets when there is a project to review. At this meeting, the Committee will be reviewing development proposals for an addition to a building at 532 N. Washington Street and an addition to St. Anthony's Day School (321 First St.). For more information, contact Katye Parker at 703.838.4666, ext. 372.

Wednesday, July 9 – Canal Center Plaza Concerts
The Canal Center Plaza Concert Series features don't panic (Rock) at noon at 44 Canal Center Plaza. 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.

Wednesday, July 9 – “Let’s Talk Books” at Barrett Branch Library
Residents are invited to a discussion of the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert at 7 p.m. at Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St. The discussion concludes with a gourmet tasting at 8 p.m. The event is free, but registration is recommended. Sign up by contacting the Barrett Circulation Desk at 703.838.4555 or e-mail Diana Reich at dreich@alexandria.lib.va.us. 

Thursday, July 10 – Music at Twilight Concert 
The Music at Twilight Concert series will feature Swing Command (Jazz) 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, July 10 – Firefighters and Police Officers Pension Board meeting
The City of Alexandria Firefighters and Police Officers Pension Plan Board will hold an interim meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the City Council Workroom (Second Floor), Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St. The Board will discuss the 2007 actuarial valuation, technical corrections to the pension and disability plans, service credit buyback, investment issues, and other issues brought to the Board’s attention. Technical corrections are issues that are required for compliance with federal regulations or clarifications in the plan document that are not intended to change benefits, eligibility, or contributions. For more information contact Steven Bland, 703.838.4505 or e-mail steven.bland@alexandriava.gov.

Thursday, July 10 – Latin American Book Discussion Group
The group will meet from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. They will discuss stories by Latin American authors Campbell, Mendoza, and Valenzuela. For copies of the stories, please contact Mark Schwartz at 703.519.3498. This event is free and open to the public.

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
This 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, July 12 – Annual USA and City Birthday Celebration
The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 259th and the USA’s 232nd birthday on Saturday, July 12, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., located at the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton and Madison Streets. The main event features Maestro Kim Allen Kluge and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presenting an explosive night of fun and fanfare featuring “Big Band Sound,” followed by a grand finale fireworks display. Admission is free.

Friday-Saturday, July 18-19 – Comcast Outdoor Film Festival
The Comcast Outdoor Film Festival will sponsor free outdoor movies to benefit the Hopkins House. On July 18, Bee Movie will be the featured film, and on July 19, Transformers will be shown. Both movies begin at 8:30 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. For additional information, call Comcast at 703.567.4488 or the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.

Saturday, July 26 – African Heritage Cultural Festival
The City of Alexandria will host the African Heritage Cultural Festival from 1 - 7 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St.  This year’s theme is “Reaching Back, Moving Forward.” Admission is free and the festival will be held rain or shine. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or visit alexandriava.gov/recreation.