[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: November 7 - 13, 2009

November 6, 2009

Saturday, November 7 – 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.

Saturday, November 7 - Chefs Give Cooking Demonstration at Alexandria Farmers’ Market
Acclaimed chefs from Alexandria’s finest restaurants will give cooking demonstrations Saturday mornings at the Alexandria Farmers’ Market, located at Market Square, 301 King St. Local chefs will show you how to prepare a variety of culinary delights and samples will be available for tasting following each demonstration. The cooking demonstrations are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This week, the demonstration features Hanks Oyster Bar - Seafood Pasta. For additional information, call 703.746.5504.

Saturday, November 7 – Swordsmen’s Rendezvous
Experience the Swordsmen’s Rendezvous, a unique living history program at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 North Royal St.), as you learn a skill all 18th-century gentlemen must know – swordplay! The program includes re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display of 18th-century weapons. This popular family event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents. Price is $6 per person. Program recommended for 1st grade and older (adults will have fun too!). Tours are from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and reservations are required. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838. 4242.

Sunday, November 8 – West End Farmers’ Market 
The public is invited to the West End Farmers’ Market at Ben Brenman Park, located at 4800 Brenman Park Dr. The West End Farmers’ Market is open to the public, Sundays through November 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation.

Monday, November 9 – 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 Mondays, excluding Federal holidays, through November 16 any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. New themes this fall! Cost is $7 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or $30 for purchase of a five-week pass. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838.4242.

Tuesday, November 10 – Books to Film Discussion Group 
Join Alexandria Library's discussion group at 7 p.m. to discuss the movie and book, The Children of Men, a work of dystopian fiction by British mystery writer P.D. James. All participants are expected to have read the tale and viewed the movie before attending. Discussion is held at Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. For more information, please call 703.519.5900, ext 3.

Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans’ Day Ceremony
The “Friends of Rocky Versace” will host the 8th Annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. The ceremony will honor not only posthumous Medal of Honor recipient and Ranger Hall of Fame inductee, Captain Rocky Versace, but the 66 other Alexandrians who died during the Vietnam War, and all those in uniform, past and present. The event will take place at Capt. Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. For more information, call 703.838.4825.

Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day Program
Celebrate the African American men and women who fought for our country at the annual Veterans Day program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe St.) This year’s guest speaker is Air Force Colonel Charlie M. Johnson, Vice Commander, Air Force Legal Operations Agency, who will discuss why joining the Air Force was the best decision of her life. Reservations are requested, but not required, to attend this free event. For more information, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Wednesday, November 11 – 23rd Annual Caregiver Conference 
The 23rd Annual Caregiver Conference, “Shedding Light on Dementia Care,” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Rd. The conference is co-sponsored by the City of Alexandria’s Department of Human Services, Office of Aging and Adult Services. For more information, call 703.324.5425. 

Thursday, November 12 – Latin American Book Discussion Group
Join Alexandria Library's Latin American Book Discussion Group, featuring works by Latin American authors translated into English. Discussions are in English and begin at 7 p.m. at Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. For the stories in Spanish and English, please visit Beatley's Reference desk. For more information, please call 703.519.5900 ext. 3. 

Thursday, November 12 – 18th-Century Dance Lessons
In preparation for the Late Harvest Ball on November 21, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. The class is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and costs $12. Reservations are recommended. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838.4242.

Coming soon! 

Saturday, November 14 – America Recycles Day & Plastic Bag Recycling Stream Clean Up
From 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., help clean up litter along Holmes Run to reduce the negative environmental impact of plastic bags and other litter in the City of Alexandria. Volunteers should meet at the Beatley Bridge. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, e-mail Stacy Herring, Recycling Coordinator, at stacy.herring@alexandriava.gov.

Ongoing!

Donors Needed for Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Holiday Sharing Program
Be part of the holiday spirit and reach out to eligible low income families, foster children, and elderly or disabled citizens through the DHS Holiday Sharing Program. You will get “wish lists” for children or senior citizens, which will include necessary clothing (jeans, warm jacket), a toy or recreational item, a book, and perhaps one family request (used computer, towels, pots and pans). Gift cards from stores such as Old Navy, Target, and Best Buy are also needed for teens in foster care. To sign up online, visit alexandriava.gov/HolidaySharing. For more information, e-mail holidaysharing@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5663.

City of Alexandria Offers Enhanced Service Hours at the Charles Houston Recreation Center
The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation Parks and Cultural Activities offers enhanced service hours, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Participants will have use of the center’s fitness room, game room, gymnasium and computer lab. Single and multi visit admission passes are available for purchase. For additional information on the Charles Houston Recreation Center enhanced services and other programs, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation, or call Sheila Whiting, Center Director, at 703.746.5552 or e-mail sheila.whiting@alexandriva.gov.