[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: January 31 – February 6, 2009

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2009

Saturday, January 31 – Financial Education “Kick-Off Seminar”
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Dollar Wi$e Committee are presenting a free Financial Education Campaign “Kick-Off Seminar” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mount Vernon School, 2601 Commonwealth Ave. The event marks the beginning of the financial education and literacy program for the City. Residents will have the opportunity to hear a presentation from David G. Speck, a nationally recognized authority in the field of mutual fund investing and a specialist in individual investment planning and tax-advantaged investments. Speck, a former member of the Alexandria City Council and a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, will talk about “The Secret of Financial Health—Hint: It Does Not Come from Winning the Lottery.” Afterwards, workshops in English and Spanish are available for attendees. For additional information, call Darryl Edwards at 703.838.4350.

Saturday, January 31 – Potomac Yard Planning Community Meeting 
There will be a Potomac Yard Planning Community Meeting from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. Residents are invited to come and learn about the planning process, meet the residents serving on the Potomac Yard Planning Advisory Group, review the initial draft planning principles and provide their own ideas and input. For more information, contact Valerie Peterson at 703.838.4666, ext. 338 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/planning.

Monday, February 2 – Rescheduled: City Council Meeting, Work Session
Originally scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, the City Council Meeting and work session on Wayfinding and the Waterfront Plan will now be held on Monday, February 2. The work session will begin at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall, 301 King St., in the Council Workroom, followed by the meeting at 7:00 in the Council Chamber. For more information, contact Carrie Beach at 703.838.4666, ext. 325, or visit www.alexandriava.gov/planning.

Wednesday, February 4 – Work Session on Gadsby’s Tavern Ice Well Project
There will be an Old Historic Alexandria Board of Architectural Review work session on the Gadsby’s Tavern Ice Well project immediately following the adjournment of the regular public meeting in Room 2000, City Hall, 301 King St. The regular public meeting begins at 7:30 p.m., and could last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. For more information, call Historic Preservation in the Planning & Zoning Department at 703.838.4666.

Thursday, February 5 – Opening of “A Radiant Spirit” Exhibition
Join exhibition curators and museum staff at the opening reception of “A Radiant Spirit: The Journey of Mary Ellen Henderson” at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. This new exhibition from the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation highlights the efforts of educator and activist Mary Ellen Henderson of Falls Church. “Miss Nellie,” as her students called her, dedicated herself to ensuring educational equality for African Americans in a segregated school system and community. Enjoy light refreshments at the free reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition is open through Saturday, March 28. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and suggested admission is $2. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Thursday, February 5 – Potomac Yard Planning Advisory Group Plan Principles Subcommittee Meeting
There will be a Potomac Yard Planning Advisory Group Plan Principles Subcommittee meeting at 7:00 in Room 1101 of City Hall, 301 King St. For more information, call Valerie Peterson at 703.838.4666, ext. 338.

Ending Wednesday, February 25 – Alexandria Commission for Women Accepts Nominations for Awards Program 
The Alexandria Commission for Women seeks nominations of women who have made exceptional contributions to the City of Alexandria for its 29th Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet, taking place on March 30 at the Crowne Plaza Alexandria. Women will be recognized for their achievements in several areas, including health and safety, legislative advocacy, and providing opportunities for youth. All nominations must be submitted to the Office on Women by the close of business on Wednesday, February 25. To obtain a nomination form or further information, contact Angela Johnson at 703.746.5030 or angela.johnson@alexandriava.gov, or visit the Office on Women's web site at www.alexwomen.com.

Open through Saturday, February 28 – Jones Point Lighthouse Exhibition
A new exhibit at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, highlights the Jones Point Lighthouse and the Fresnel lenses that guided vessels into Alexandria along the Potomac. A scale model of the building and interpretative panels discuss the history of the lighthouse from its construction in 1856 to recent restoration efforts. Also on view are two original Fresnel lenses, one of which was actually used in the lighthouse itself. The Lyceum, located at 201 S. Washington St., is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Suggested admission is $2 and limited free parking is available. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.

Ending Sunday, March 1 – Undiscovered Reality Digital Video Contest
Local youth groups, after-school programs and groups of friends are encouraged to enter the Undiscovered Reality digital video contest. Youth will create videos no longer than five minutes that show the reality of issues related to teen pregnancy. Groups can film themselves or get assistance from the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP). Entries are due March 1. Each entry will have the chance to win a $500 grand prize, a $250 first place prize, or a $100 second place prize. All winning videos will be recognized at the ACAP Community Breakfast on April 1, and will be featured on www.alexgetreal.com and ACAP’s Facebook page. For entry forms, visit www.alexgetreal.com. For more information, contact Becky Griesse at 703.746.5030 or rebecca.griesse@alexandriava.gov.

Open through Sunday, March 1 – Alexandria Seaport Foundation Exhibition
Now open at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, “The Alexandria Seaport Foundation: Continuing the Boat-Building Tradition” highlights Alexandria’s 250-year tradition of close ties to the Potomac River and its vessels. The exhibition features a Staten Island Skiff built by the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. Located in the Coldsmith Gallery, the exhibition examines some of the people involved in this community’s rich history and helps to put the Foundation’s efforts into a broader context. The Lyceum (201 South Washington St.) is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested admission is $2 and limited free parking is available. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.

Open through Tuesday, March 31 – “Hail to the Chief” Mini-Exhibition
A rare 1797 medal commemorating George Washington and excavated in Alexandria is among the many local artifacts and historic images featured in “Hail to the Chief.” Located at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union St., #327, this mini-exhibition showcases American presidents such as Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, Grant and Harrison. The free exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.838.4399.

Winter/Spring 2009 - Support Groups for Sexual Assault Survivors
The Sexual Assault Response and Awareness (SARA) Program is offering support groups for survivors of sexual assault in the winter and spring of 2009. The groups offer a safe, supportive environment for participants to connect with other survivors. Members will gain further knowledge and understanding of the effects of sexual violence and how to develop healthy coping skills. All interested individuals are required to meet with the group facilitators before group begins. To see a list of support groups, visit alexandriava.gov/women. To sign up for a group or to receive further information, contact Jen McLish at 703-746-5030.

Ending Friday, August 21 – "Catch the Bus" DASH Photo Contest
Take your best shot of the DASH bus in action, customers riding DASH or the Alexandria's Transit Network! The winner will receive a free DASH pass for the month of October and an array of DASH goodies. The winning photograph will also be displayed on all DASH buses. The contest is open through Friday, August 21 and no entry fee is required. Visit www.dashbus.com for more details and photo guidelines.

Coming Soon!

Saturday, February 7 to Wednesday, April 15 – City of Alexandria Offers Free Tax Preparation Assistance for Eligible Residents 
The City of Alexandria is offering free tax preparation assistance to eligible residents during the 2009 tax season. Taxpayers are eligible for the Tax Preparation Assistance Program if their income is below approximately $22,000 for individuals and below approximately $42,000 for families. Persons requesting the assistance must bring a picture ID, W-2 forms and other income records, and records or receipts for expenses such as child care and/or education. They must also provide social security cards or ITIN letters for all family members and a copy of last year’s tax return, if possible. The sessions will be held in the lobby of the Alexandria Department of Human Services, 2525 Mount Vernon Ave. Taxpayers will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. Spanish-speaking volunteers will be available on-site, and electronic filing will be available to help taxpayers receive their refunds more quickly. Tax preparation sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays, beginning February 7, and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning February 11, through April 15.

Saturday, February 7 to Saturday, February 14 –Teen Dating Violence Prevention Week
Did you know that one in four children ages 11 to 14 say dating violence is a serious problem for people their age? Did you know that one in three teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner? Alexandria's Office on Women is recognizing Teen Dating Violence Prevention Week from February 7 to 14. Take a stand against violence! To get more information about teen dating violence contact the Office on Women's Domestic Violence Program at 703.838.4911. Look for new information on teen dating violence at www.alexgetreal.com.

Sunday, February 8 – Meet the Legends 
From 3 to 5 p.m., the public is invited to the "Meet the Legends" Reception, at the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St. The reception honors 2008 Legend Nominees: Engin Artemel; Donna and Mel Bergheim; Kathryn A. Brown; William D. Euille; Charles Euripides; Bernard M. Fagelson; Thomas "TJ" Fannon; Lillie Finklea and Louise Massoud; Carlton Funn; Arlene Hewitt; Susan B. Kellom; John D. Kling; Marlin G. Lord; Eula and Melvin Miller; James P. Moran; Michael Oliver; Del Pepper; George Pera; Alice Quint; Elbert Ransom, Jr.; Jane Ring; Charlotte Ross; Pam St. Clair; Charlene Schiff; The Steuerle Family; The Swanson Family; and Pat Troy. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at door. To RSVP, send an e-mail to ninat@tisaraphoto.com or call 703.838.8098. RSVPs are needed by February 2; make all checks payable to Alexandria Performing Arts Association and send to Living Legends of Alexandria, 1607 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

Saturday, February 7 – Lecture: Their Voices Can Be Heard, Part II: The Genealogist’s Way of Doing Oral History 
Discover your own family’s history during Black History Month! Join genealogist Char McCargo Bah at a workshop as she discusses how to use oral history in family research. The featured cases are from Char’s research of descendants of people buried at historic Freedmen’s Cemetery. The free workshop will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. For more information, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Wednesday, February 11 – Virginia Paving Community Liaison Committee Meeting
There will be a Virginia Community Liaison Committee meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the mini-auditorium of Samuel Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Drive. For more information, contact Rich Josephson at 703.838.4666 ext. 302.

Thursday, February 12 – “From Slavery to Freedom”
Travel back in time with the Prince William County Players as they re-create the lives of former slaves in “From Slavery to Freedom.” Combining oral histories of former slaves with Negro spirituals and abolitionist speeches, the presentation recalls the struggle and triumph of enslaved people. Of particular interest is the use of first-person accounts, known as the slave narratives, collected by the federal government in the 1930s. Mixing dialogue and music, the inspirational performance captures the history and spirit of African Americans from slavery to emancipation. Costing just $10 per person, the show begins at 7 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe St.). For more information, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.