[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: February 14 – 20, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  February 13, 2009

Saturday, February 14 to Monday, February 16 – George Washington’s Birthday Weekend
Alexandria is proud to celebrate George Washington’s 277th Birthday! Throughout the weekend, the City has many events planned in honor of its most famous citizen, including the annual Birthnight Ball, the Washington Birthday Classic 10k Race and 2k Fun Run, and the nation’s largest Washington’s Birthday Parade. For more information, or to learn about the many other special events planned, visit http://washingtonbirthday.org.

Saturday, February 14 – Storytelling with Baba Jamal: “African Stories in the Americas” 
Treat yourself to the magic of African-American spoken-word traditions through the storytelling of Baba Jamal Koram as he shares “African Stories in the Americas.” Great for all ages! Free! From 11 a.m. to noon at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Saturday, February 14 – Book Signing with Cheryl Barnes
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., meet Alexandria children’s author Cheryl Barnes, author of “Alexander, the Old Town Mouse,” at the History Center & Museum Store, 101 N. Union St. In honor of Presidents Day, her presidential titles, “Woodrow, the White House Mouse,” “Woodrow for President,” and “President Adams’ Alligator,” will also be available for purchase. Be sure to have your picture taken with Woodrow, the White House Mouse, while you’re there! Call 703.706.5262 for more information.

Monday, February 16 – City Closures for George Washington’s Birthday
All Alexandria City government offices will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of George Washington’s Birthday (also known as Presidents Day). For a complete list of the City’s schedule of services, visit www.alexandriava.gov.

Monday, February 16 – Open House at Friendship Firehouse
Established in 1774, the Friendship Fire Company now is housed in a firehouse that was built in 1855 and remodeled in 1871. Located at the Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred St. Come view the exhibitions and historic firefighting equipment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at this free open house! Visit www.friendshipfirehouse.org or call 703.838.3891 for more information.

Tuesday, February 17 – “Conversation on Civil Rights”
The Alexandria Human Rights Commission will host a “Conversation on Civil Rights in Alexandria,” at its February 17 meeting. The meeting will be held at the Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., at 7 p.m. The evening will feature a panel discussion facilitated by Dr. Jim McClellan, Dean and Professor at Northern Virginia Community College and a member of the Commission. Invited panelists include prominent Alexandrians Mel Bergheim, Ferdinand T. Day, and Shirley Tyler. To reserve a seat, please call the Office of Human Rights at 703.746.3140.

Tuesday, February 17 – Potomac Yard Planning Advisory Group Meeting
There will be a Potomac Yard Planning Advisory Group meeting from 7 to 10 p.m. in Room 1101 of City Hall, 301 King St. For more information, contact Valerie Peterson at 703.838.4666, ext. 338.

Wednesday, February 18 – Fort Ward Park Community Meetings
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Office of Historic Alexandria invite the public to attend community meetings to provide input on the current facilities and operations at Fort Ward Park (4301 W. Braddock Rd.) The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School, 4401 W. Braddock Rd., and the second is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Attendees will be asked for ideas and suggestions that will help City staff prioritize a draft action plan for park improvements. Residents unable to attend the meetings can send written comments to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, Attention: Laura Durham, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314, or laura.durham@alexandriava.gov through Friday, March 13.

Wednesday, February 18 – Boards of Architectural Review Work Session
There will be a Boards of Architectural Review (Old and Historic District and Parker-Gray) work session regarding Wayfinding at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Workroom of City Hall (301 King St.) For more information, contact Catherine Miliarias or Carrie Beach at 703.838.4666.

Thursday, February 19 – Metrorail Station Feasibility Work Group Meeting
There will be a Metrorail Station Feasibility Work Group meeting at 7 p.m. in Room 1101 at City Hall (301 King St.) For more information, contact Valerie Peterson at 703.838.4666 ext. 338.

Wednesday, February 20 – Marketing Fund Workshop
An informal workshop for prospective grantees of the Alexandria Marketing Fund will be held Friday, February 20, from 8 to 11:00 a.m. at City Hall, 301 King St., in Sister Cities Room 1101. The workshop will provide an opportunity for prospective grantees to network, discuss their ideas and strategies, and to meet with members of the Marketing Fund Committee and the Marketing Fund Coordinating Council. Participation in the workshop is free; however, space is limited and registration is required to attend. To register for the workshop, contact Kilo Grayson at 703.838.4300 or Kilo.Grayson@alexandriava.gov by close of business on Wednesday, February 18.

Coming Soon!

Saturday, February 21 – State of the City Address and Dedication of the New Charles Houston Recreation Center 
Mayor William D. Euille and the Alexandria City Council invite the public to participate in a special Citywide event on Saturday, February 21, as the Mayor delivers the State of the City Address before the dedication of the newly built Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.). The event will open with the Mayor’s address at 8:30 a.m., followed by the dedication ceremony, an Open House and tours of the facility. For additional information, contact Jack Browand, Special Projects Coordinator, at 703.838.5095, ext. 273 (TTY Virginia Relay 703.838.4902) or e-mail at jack.browand@alexandriava.gov.

Saturday, February 21 – “Foodways of Enslaved Virginians” 
Discover the important cultural aspects of diet and food preparation with Michael Twitty, a leading expert on African-American foodways. This lecture will explore the harvesting, preparation, and consumption of foods of enslaved Virginians. Free, 11 a.m. to noon. Located at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe St.) For more information, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Wednesday, February 25 – Complete a Survey for a Healthier Alexandria
Help the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria’s community-wide effort MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships). MAPP’s goal is to strategically identify, analyze and prioritize health needs in Alexandria. To fill out a survey concerning your view of a healthier Alexandria, visit www.alexhealth.org/partnership/mapp.html. The survey, which can be found in both English and Spanish, must be completed by February 25.

Ongoing Events

Now through Wednesday, April 15 – City of Alexandria Offers Free Tax Preparation Assistance for Qualified Residents 
The City of Alexandria is offering free tax preparation assistance to low-income 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, and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays through April 15.