[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: February 28 – March 6, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2009

Saturday, February 28 – Civil War Reenactors Recruiting Day
Ever thought about donning a wool uniform or putting on a hoop skirt? Interested in portraying the lives of persons who experienced the Civil War? Find out about Civil War reenacting at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. From 1 to 4 p.m. Soldiers and civilians of the 3rd U.S. Regular Infantry will be on hand to talk about a soldier’s uniform and equipment, demonstrate drills, and explain the roles of military and civilian reenactors. Visitors to this free event can also inquire about how to join local reenactment units and learn what kind of clothing and equipment a novice reenactor requires. For more information, please visit www.fortward.org or call 703.838.4848.

Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1 – Tea with Martha Washington
Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? What is the proper way to hold a teacup with no handles? Here is your chance to experience history with Martha Washington as she discusses 18th century tea customs at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about the clothing and dancing of the period from Mrs. Washington at this 18th century tea, which includes the museum’s special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire requested. Cost is $25 per person and reservations are required. Please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838.4242 for more information.

Saturday, February 28 & Sunday, March 1 – Railroad Days
All aboard! The Potomac Division of the National Model Railroad Association returns to The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., with working model trains and a state of the art digital command system. Parents and little ones will love the hands-on Thomas the Tank Engine area especially for toddlers. Also climbing on board for Railroad Days are Whistle Stop Hobbies to discuss the fun of miniature trains and Operation Lifesaver, a national railroad safety program headquartered in Alexandria. This free event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, please visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.

Ending 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 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.

Sunday, March 2 – 2009 Business License Renewal Applications Due
The City of Alexandria reminds taxpayers that all businesses operating in the City must submit a business license renewal application and pay the annual business license tax by March 2, 2009.  Payment in full must be received or postmarked by March 2 to avoid penalties and interest.  If you have not received an application in the mail, you may download one from our web site at www.alexandriava.gov/businesstax or contact Business Tax at businesstax@alexandriava.gov or 703.838.4680.

Monday, March 2 – Tavern Toddlers
Join us for a special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St). Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime in Gadsby’s historic ballroom every Monday (excluding Federal holidays) any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. New themes each month! Cost is $7 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or $30 for purchase of a 5-week pass. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838.4242.

Wednesday, March 4: City of Alexandria Schedules Community Meetings on Fort Ward Park and Facility Improvements
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Office of Historic Alexandria invite the public to attend a community meeting to provide input on the current facilities and operations at Fort Ward Park (4301 W. Braddock Rd.) The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. City staff will use the ideas generated from the two meetings to review community and user concerns, and to prioritize a draft action plan for park improvements. A third community meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of T. C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. 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.

Thursday, March 5 – Salute to Women Awards Nominations Due 
The Alexandria Commission for Women and the Office on Women will celebrate Women’s History Month in March by honoring Alexandria women who have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of women and girls in Alexandria. The 29th Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet will be held on March 30 at 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Alexandria. The deadline for submitting nominations for awards has been extended to Thursday, March 5. To obtain a nomination form or for further information, visit www.alexwomen.com or contact Angela Johnson or Lisa Baker at 703.746.5030.

Coming Soon!

Saturday, March 7 – Twenty-eighth Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
On Saturday, March 7, the City will hold the 28th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Activities include an Invitational Classic Car Show at 10 am; Fun Dog Show and 10:30 am; and Parade at 12:30 pm in Historic Old Town Alexandria. For a complete list of events and activities, visit www.ballyshaners.org or call 703.237.2199.

Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 13 – Celebrate DASH’s 25th Anniversary 
The Alexandria Transit Company is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the City’s DASH bus system with DASH’s Anniversary Week. On Monday, DASH Appreciation Day, a display of “DASH Around Alexandria” artwork by the City’s fourth graders will be featured in City Hall. Tuesday, the Alexandria City Council will recognize DASH in a reception in the Vola Lawson Lobby of City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday is DASH Anniversary Day. DASH drivers and staff will give tokens of appreciation to customers, free mocha shots will be provided at the King St. Metro station from 3 to 6 p.m., and passengers wearing their “I LOVE DASH” button will ride free all day. Thursday is DASH Employee Appreciation Day, and on Friday, a drawing will be held to award passengers free DASH passes and other DASH goodies. Registration for the drawing is already open. To participate, or to learn more about DASH Anniversary Week, visit www.dashbus.com.

Ongoing Events

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 N. Union St., #327, this mini-exhibition showcases American presidents, including Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, Grant and Harrison. The exhibition is free and 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.

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.