[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: November 1 - 7, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2008    

Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria
 November 1 -November 7, 2008 

Saturday, November 1 – Deadline for In-Person Absentee Voting
The Alexandria Office of Voter Registration and Elections reminds voters that the deadline for in-person absentee voting is Saturday, November 1, at 5:00 p.m. The Office of Elections is open for in-person absentee voting on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.alexandriavoter.org or call 703.838.4050.

Monday, November 3 – 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.

Tuesday, November 4 – Election Day
Election officials expect a record voter turnout today. Alexandria election officials and City departments will be prepared. However, lines of voters will still be long, especially during morning and evening rush hours. You can be prepared by confirming your polling place, educating yourself about voting procedures, voting mid-day if possible, and bringing identification with you. Visit the City's Election Day 2008 page for more information, or call 703.838.4050.

Thursday, November 6 – Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
The Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group will meet at 8:30 a.m. in Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St. A Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group was established by the City Manager to provide input on a wayfinding system and to serve as a liaison to the community on the project. The purpose of a wayfinding signage system is to project a consistent image for the entire city; reduce visual clutter; and promote walking, bicycling, and use of mass transit. For more information, contact Carrie Beach at 703.838.4666 ext. 325.

Thursday, November 6 – 18th-Century Dance Lessons
In preparation for the Governor’s Ball on November 22, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal St. The class is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and costs $12 per class, or $30 for the series of three. Reservations can be made by calling 703.838.4242 or visiting www.gadsbystavern.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, November 8 – Be Ready Alexandria/Arlington Medication Dispensing Exercise
The City of Alexandria and Arlington County need you to volunteer to help test our ability to deliver medications to residents during a public health emergency. Volunteering takes about 30 minutes on Saturday, November 8. Just walk into one of the five exercise sites between 9:00 a.m. and noon to pick up simulated medications for yourself, your family and any neighbors you would assist in the event of a real emergency. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/health.
 
Saturday, November 8 – Veterans Day Soldier-Led Walking Tours
In recognition of Veterans Day, a Union soldier in period uniform will lead two walking tours of Fort Ward Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The free, hour-long tour will introduce visitors to the history of the Defenses of Washington, the building and role of Fort Ward, 19th-century fortification engineering, and the troops who were stationed in this area during the Civil War. Walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing recommended. For more information, please visit www.fortward.org or call 703.838.4848.

Tuesday, November 11 – Veterans Day Program
Honor the service of our military heroes at the annual Veterans Day program at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street. Program begins at 11 a.m. and features guest speaker Will Gunn, a retired Air Force colonel and Harvard-educated attorney. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit 703.838.4356 or visit www.alexblackhistory.org.

Tuesday, November 11 – 22nd Annual Dementia Caregivers Conference
A special conference, “Putting the Pieces Together,” will be held for those caring for or concerned about family and friends living with dementia. The conference is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St., in the Cafeteria. The cost is $25 for family caregivers, $45 for professional caregivers, and $10 for .5 CEU from George Mason University. The deadline for conference registration is Thursday, November 6. For more information on the conference or about registration, please call Debbie Ludington at 703.838.0920.

Wednesday, November 12 – Free Foreclosure Prevention Clinic
Area residents who are experiencing difficulty in meeting their monthly mortgage payments, and those who are already in the process of foreclosure, are eligible to attend a Foreclosure Prevention Clinic, a free training and counseling service offered by Housing Counseling Services (HCS). The clinic will be held on Wednesday, November 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Nannie J. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., in Gold Room 1. For more information, or to RSVP for the Foreclosure Prevention Clinic, please contact HCS at 202.667.7006.