[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: November 15 - 21, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2008    

Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria
 November 15 - November 21, 2008 

Monday, November 17 – Eco-City Action Plan Open House
The City of Alexandria invites residents to attend the Environmental Action Plan Open House from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street. The Eco-City Action Plan will be used as a road map for City leaders, staff, and citizens to implement the Eco-City Environmental Charter. The public is encouraged to attend and provide input on the draft Environmental Action Plan, which is currently being developed to establish short term and long term policy objectives, identify programs and resources, set tentative timelines, and develop measures of success to fulfill the vision of the Eco-City Environmental Charter. For more information, please visit www.alexandriava.gov/Eco-City or e-mail Eco-CityAlexandria@alexandriava.gov.

Monday, November 17 – 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, November 17 – Second Half 2008 Real Estate Tax Due
The City of Alexandria reminds property owners that the second half 2008 Real Estate Tax and Refuse Fee payments are due today. The City's Treasury Division will be open Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to noon, in preparation for the upcoming Real Estate Tax due date on Monday, November 17. Homeowners may pay their real estate tax bill in person at City Hall, 301 King Street, Room 1510. If you have not received a bill, you should contact the Treasury Division at payments@alexandriava.gov or call 703.838.4777.

Monday, November 17 – Landmark/Van Dorn Advisory Group Meeting
The Landmark/Van Dorn Advisory  Group will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the meeting room adjacent to Lane Bryant at Landmark Mall. The advisory group will discuss plan recommendations and plan refinement, and staff will report to the group on the City Council work session. For more information, contact Pat Mann at 703.838.4666 ext. 303.

Tuesday, November 18 – Potomac Yard Small Area Plan Advisory Group Meeting
The Potomac Yard Small Area Plan Advisory Group will meet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the City Council Workroom, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St. The group will continue discussion on the amendment process of the Potomac Yard Small Area Plan. For more information, contact Valerie Peterson at 703.838.4666 ext. 338.

Tuesday, November 18 – Virginia Paving Community Liaison Committee Meeting
The Virginia Paving Community Liaison Committee will meet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the 2nd floor meeting room of Samuel Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Drive. The committee meets regularly to discuss operations and to resolve any problems, conflicts or issues identified by the community related to Virginia Paving's operations. For more information, contact Rich Josephson at 703.838.4666 ext. 301.

Thursday, November 20 – Public Hearing on Proposed Pocket Park in Del Ray
The Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission invites the public to attend a public hearing to review and discuss the pocket park plan for the property at 1 and 7 East Del Ray Avenue. The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. in the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron Street. The property, which is part of the City’s Pocket Park Program, was acquired in January 2008. The current park plan for the property is the result of comments and suggestions from three previous community meetings. For additional information, call Laura Durham, Open Space Coordinator, at 703.838.5095, ext. 350.

Thursday, November 20 – Annual Apartment Managers’ Seminar
This year, the Annual Apartment Managers' Seminar, sponsored by the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson Street. The seminar will focus on identifying and treating bed bugs. Bed bugs have made an aggressive comeback, finding their way into even the most exclusive multifamily properties and five star hotels. This seminar will provide helpful advice from experienced professionals to help property managers address this issue. For more information, or to register, contact the Office of Housing at 703.746.4990.

Thursday, November 20 – 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 Street. The class is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and costs $12 per class. Reservations can be made by calling 703.838.4242 or visiting www.gadsbystavern.org.

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!

Friday, November 28 - 2008 City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony
The public is invited to attend the 2008 City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St., officially opening the holiday season. Admission is free, and the event will be held rain or shine. Entertainment features a message from the Mayor, a visit from Santa, performance of Santa’s Frosty’s Follies by the Metropolitan Fine Arts Center, plus caroling and a community sing along. For additional information, please call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or the Special Events Office at 703.838.4844.

Saturday, November 29 - 2008 Holiday Concerts Begin in Historic Old Town Alexandria
Enjoy the music of the season in Alexandria as a break between shopping, on your way to dinner, or just to get in the spirit of the holidays. The 2008 Holiday Concerts take place during weekends and evenings from November 29 through December 19. Local performers volunteer their talent to entertain during this festive time. Outdoor concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather. All concerts are scheduled at Market Square, 301 King St. For a complete list of concerts, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.  For additional information, call the Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or the Special Events office at 703.838.4844.