[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements, September 20-26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 19, 2008

Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria - September 20-26, 2008

Saturday, September 20 – Freedmen’s Cemetery Genealogy Workshop
Noted genealogist Char McCargo Bah presents “Their Voices Can Be Heard: Tracing Descendants to Alexandria’s Freedmen’s Cemetery,” at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In this unique African-American genealogy workshop, Ms. Bah will discuss and demonstrate genealogical techniques she used to trace pre- and post-Civil War individuals to historic Freedmen’s Cemetery. She will also demonstrate how these techniques can be used for any cemetery research. This event is free; reservations are suggested but not required. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Saturday, September 20 – Fete at the Fort
The Friends of Fort Ward are sponsoring the Fete at the Fort from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to honor the City of Alexandria for its preservation activities at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Rd. Highlights include the presentation of the John G. Barnard Award, a program of Civil War music by Douglas Jimerson and the Civil War Comrades, light refreshments, and the opportunity to join the Friends of Fort Ward support group. Admission is free. Attendees should call 703.838.4848 to make a reservation. For more information, visit www.fortward.org.

Saturday, September 20 – Family Fun Day
The Center for Alexandria’s Children (CAC), in partnership with the City of Alexandria, will host a Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John Adams Elementary School, 5651 Rayburn Avenue. The free event will feature food, live entertainment, and a variety of informative and interactive exhibits and activities that provide useful information and resources to keep children safe and families strong. For more information, contact Giselle L. Pelaez at 703.838.4381, ext. 490.

Saturday, September 20 – Tenant Forum
The Alexandria Landlord Tenant Relations Board will host a Tenant Forum on Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at the William Ramsay Recreation Center, 5650 Sanger Ave. The forum will provide important information for renters and give them an opportunity to speak with elected officials, City staff, and organizations providing services to tenants. For additional information, call the Office of Housing at 703.746.4990.

Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21 – “The Madam C. J. Walker Story” Play
The talented troupe from Sal St. George Productions returns to the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, for another historical play suitable for all ages. Set in the year 1919, “The Madam C. J. Walker Story” tells the inspirational story of Madam Walker, a child of slaves, who defied poverty and prejudice by creating her own hair care business and became the first African American self-made millionaire in the United States. The presentation is immediately followed with a question-and-answer opportunity with the actors. Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered online or by calling 703.838.4356.

Sunday, September 21 – 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. 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, September 21 – HistoricAlexandriALIVE
Between noon and 5 p.m., watch Alexandria's historic past comes to life! See live, engaging performances at the Waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory. Eighteenth-century English country dancers will demonstrate the popular dances of the day—watch and learn a few steps! Musician Stephen Christoff explores early American music, playing an octave mandolin, hand-flute, saw and other instruments! For more information, please visit oha.alexandriava.gov/oha-main/oha-historicAlexandriaLive.html.

Monday, September 22 – Tavern Toddlers
Because it’s never too early for kids to appreciate history, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum developed a special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers. Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime every Monday through April at the museum, 134 North Royal St. Cost is $7 for a group of three and the program runs 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838.4242.

Monday, September 22 – Landmark/Van Dorn Advisory Group Meeting
The Landmark/Van Dorn Advisory Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in Landmark Mall, in a meeting room adjacent to Lane Bryant, near the main entrance from Duke Street. The group will discuss plan development and refinement, with a focus on details of the framework plan and refinement. For more information, contact Pat Mann at 703.838.4666 ext. 303.

Monday, September 22 – Go Car Free in Alexandria
The City of Alexandria reminds residents to join with people from around the world get together to celebrate a day without cars on September 22! Join others in the Washington, DC metropolitan region by making a pledge to go car-free, or “car-lite,” and you will be automatically entered into a contest to win great prizes. The City's Local Motion program is offering six lucky commuters the chance to win a Local Motion prize package and their choice of a $50 SmarTrip card or $50 gift card to a local bike shop. For more information, please visit alexandriava.gov/localmotion.

Tuesday, September 23 – Alexandria Commission for the Arts 2009-2010 Grant Workshop
The City’s Commission for the Arts will conduct two Fiscal Year 2009-2010 grant workshops on  Tuesday, September 23 and Wednesday, October 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Dr. Oswald D. Durant Center, 1605 Cameron St. The workshops will provide information about the Commission’s programs and services, specifically highlighting its annual grant program that provides funding for various arts programs. All interested applicants, both new and past grant recipients, are encouraged to attend either grant workshop. For more information, call 703.838.6348, or visit www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org.

Tuesday, September 23 – Local Author Ben Justesen Hosts Book Discussion
Come and hear local author Ben Justesen talk about his book, Broken Brotherhood: The Rise & Fall of the National Afro-American Council, at 7:30 p.m. at the Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Justesen’s book chronicles the Council’s achievements and annual meetings, and provides portraits of key leaders. For more information, call 703.838.4566 or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Tuesday, September 23 – Community Meeting on Proposed Pocket Park in Del Ray
The public is invited to attend the second community meeting to review and discuss draft designs for the pocket park at 1 and 7 East Del Ray Ave. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. The property was acquired in January 2008 as part of the City’s Pocket Park Program. For additional information, call Laura Durham, Open Space Coordinator, at 703.838.5095, ext. 350.

Wednesday, September 24 – Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
The Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. in the Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St. At the meeting, the group will discuss what the signage will look like, how the wayfinding system can improve the visibility of retail stores and restaurants off the main corridor, and how it can strive for universal accessibility. For more information, contact Carrie Beach at 703.838.4666 ext. 325.

Wednesday, September 24 – Recovery Month Celebration
In recognition of National Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month, the Alexandria Community Services Board is holding a Recovery Month Celebration from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2355-A Mill Road. The event will include information, food, music, door prizes and a ceremony recognizing the successes of those in recovery, the people who support them and promotion of the message that recovery from any form of drug or alcohol dependency is possible. For more information, call 703.838.4455.

Thursday, September 25 – Confident City Cycling Class
The City of Alexandria invites residents to learn how to ride safely and skillfully through city traffic, to expand comfort and skill and become a confident urban rider! The City partnered with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association to offer the first of two Confident City Cycling classes on September 25 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Community Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. The classes are free to Alexandria residents and are designed to teach cyclists to ride safely and follow the rules of the road. For more information, contact Yon Lambert at 703.519.3400, ext. 183 or visit alexandriava.gov/localmotion.

Thursday, September 25 – Latino Recovery Month Celebration
In recognition of National Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month, the Alexandria Community Services Board is holding a Latino Recovery Month Celebration from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 2355-A Mill Road. The event will include information, food, music, door prizes and a ceremony recognizing the successes of those in recovery, the people who support them and promotion of the message that recovery from any form of drug or alcohol dependency is possible. For more information, call 703.838.4455.

Thursday through Sunday, September 25 to 28 – “Reel Politics": Alexandria Film Festival
The Alexandria Film Festival will host a kick-off event at Market Square (301 King St.) on September 25 at 7:30 p.m. that features the HBO Film “Recount.” Additional films will be showcased at the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium (1108 Jefferson St.) from September 26-28. The official Film Festival program will be available the week of September 15. For additional information, call the Commission for the Arts office at 703.838.6348 or e-mail aca@alexandriava.gov.

Thursday through Sunday, September 25 to 28 – Godspeed Ship Visits Alexandria
The Godspeed, a re-creation of one of the three ships that brought America’s first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607, will host free public tours while docked in Alexandria. The Godspeed will be docked at the City of Alexandria Marina behind the Torpedo Factory Arts Center at 105 North Union Street. Visitors will be able to explore the ship and talk with historical interpreters about the 1607 voyage and 17th-century sailing, navigation and shipboard life. For more information, call 1.888.593.682 or visit www.historyisfun.org.

Friday, September 26 & Saturday, September 27 – Alexandria Forum
The 50th Annual Alexandria Forum focuses on the decorative arts of 18th- and early 19th-century Virginia. On Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Drive), Ellen Donald gives an overview of what consumers were buying in early 19th-century Alexandria followed by a dessert reception on the terrace. On Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at The Lyceum (201 South Washington Street), Barbara Magid shares her exhaustive research into Alexandria’s thriving 19th-century stoneware industry; Newbold Richardson looks at what textiles people bought; and Betsy Davison explains the strange nautical and Tory iconography on the furniture of John Shear who worked in Virginia’s backcountry in the early 19th century. Registration is $150, and includes a reception, lunch and The Twig’s Historic Alexandria Homes Tour of 18th- and 19th-century properties. Call 703.838.4554 or visit www.historicalexandria.org.

Open through Saturday, November 15 – “Ah, THAT Jack and Jill!” Exhibition
“Ah, THAT Jack and Jill! Parents Empowering African-American Children,” is now on exhibit at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street. Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a national organization of mothers and children, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The exhibition highlights the organization’s history and the role of chapters in providing cultural, educational, recreational and community service opportunities to enhance and enrich the lives of children. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is $2. For more information, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

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, September 27 – Historic Alexandria Museum Gala
Celebrate and support Alexandria’s heritage at the first annual Historic Alexandria Museum Gala at the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 North Union St.) from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. With the theme of “Making History in Alexandria,” the gala pays tribute to Alexandria’s unique and rich past, from the discovery of a 13,000-year-old spear point to the preservation of historic properties where George Washington, Robert E. Lee, civil rights pioneers, and others made history. This dazzling evening daring 18th-century entertainment, including a swordsman and Italian equilibrist Signora Bella, a visit by the replica ship the “Godspeed,” and dancing to the big band sound of the Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra. Tickets begin at $150 per person; varying levels of sponsorship are also available. Please visit www.historicalexandria.org or call 703.838.4554 to purchase tickets.

Saturday, September 27 - Multicultural Health & Community Day
The City of Alexandria will hold a Multicultural Health & Community Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Ave. Featuring free health screenings and family activities, the festival is free and open to public. For additional information, call Cisco Fabian, Recreation Supervisor, at 703.838.6464 or Silva Portillo at 703.684.5697.

Sunday, September 28 – World Rabies Day “Fun Day Event”
The Alexandria Health Department will be hosting a “Fun Day Event” in the City of Alexandria to promote its campaign on rabies prevention and control. The event will be held in conjunction with the West End Farmers Market, 4800 Brenman Park Drive, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. A rabies vaccination clinic is scheduled later that day, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, 4101 Eisenhower Avenue. For more information about this event, contact Holly Feltner at 571.220.7077.

Friday, October 3 – Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis to Speak in Alexandria
The Alexandria Domestic Violence Program (DVP) and Sexual Assault Response and Awareness (SARA) Program invite the public to a special evening to hear Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis speak about his experience of surviving domestic violence. This free event will be held at the Hilton Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Rd. The evening begins with a silent auction to benefit the DVP and SARA programs at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, call 703.746.5030.

Saturday, October 4 - Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Steering Committee and the North Ridge Civic Association Fall Tree Sale
A City tree sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Rd. The goal of the sale is to promote the preservation of the Alexandria’s tree canopy by encouraging the planting of trees on private property throughout the City. Alexandria Tree Stewards and Master Gardeners will be on site to answer questions about tree selection, planting and care. For additional information or to reserve a tree, call Jerry Dieruf, Arborist, at 703.838.4999, ext. 451, or e-mail jerry.dieruf@alexandriava.gov.

Sunday, October 5 - Annual Scottish Heritage Fair
The City of Alexandria will celebrate its Scottish heritage at the Annual Scottish Heritage from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 West Braddock Rd. Admission is free and the fair will be held rain or shine. For additional information on the Scottish Heritage Fair, call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or the Special Events Office at 703.838.4844.