[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: November 21 – 27, 2009

For Immediate Release: November 20, 2009

Saturday, November 21 – Behind the Counter Tours
Take time to truly explore Alexandria’s hidden jewel, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax St. Witness the evolution of the Stabler-Leadbeater pharmaceutical business through the museum’s buildings and collection. Examine the objects, archival materials, and the building itself – behind the counter! These exclusive access tours are offered on the third Saturday of the month between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 a person and include a light breakfast. Advance reservations are required. Please call 703.838.4242 for more information.

Saturday, November 21 – “The Devils of Paramin, Trinidad: Manifestation of Social Values” Symposium
Explore the customs and significance of Caribbean Carnival masquerades at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. This special program, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., will examine the Devils of Paramin, an annual Carnival tradition in Trinidad in which participants paint themselves blue. An exhibition of art photography and screening of a documentary film will be followed by an expert panel discussing historical and contemporary aspects of the masquerade tradition and its importance in the African Diaspora. Due to limited seating, reservations are requested but not required to attend this free event. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Saturday, November 21 – Late Harvest Ball
As the harvest season comes to a close, the social season in 18th-century Alexandria begins with the Late Harvest Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. This 1770s-style ball will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., in the historic ballroom where George Washington and other notable Alexandrians danced. The evening will feature a variety of English country dances, live music, seasonal dessert collation and a cash bar. Period costume optional, “after-five” attire encouraged. Cost is $45 in advance, $50 at the door (if tickets are available) and reservations are required. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838.4242.

Sunday, November 22 – West End Farmers’ Market Last Day of the Year
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, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation.

Wednesday, November 25 – Mayor’s 5th Annual Unity Breakfast
Residents of all ages, economic levels, religious beliefs and political leanings are invited to unite for a special morning of thanks and celebration at Mayor William D. Euille’s Fifth Annual Unity Breakfast. The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Hilton Hotel at Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Rd. The theme for this year’s breakfast is “Diversity in Action.” The keynote speaker is Will Gunn, General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Mistress of Ceremonies is Alison Starling of ABC Channel 7 News. The cost is $30 per person, and reservations are requested. Call 703.751.7970 to RSVP for this event.

Friday, November 27 – Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s “Black Friday” Pet Adoption Promotion
With the holidays approaching and area shelters coping with an increased number of animals surrendered due to economic problems, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) will greatly reduce adoption prices for all black or partially black companion animals. This “Black Friday” special includes any companion animal, including gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats and any other adoptable pet. Pets adopted through the AWLA are current on vaccinations and have been microchipped and altered. The shelter's adoption areas are open every day except Wednesdays. For more information, call 703.838.4774 or visit www.alexandriaanimals.org.

Friday, November 27 – City of Alexandria’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 
Kick off the holiday season by making plans to attend the 2009 City of Alexandria’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King Street. Admission is free, and the event will be held rain or shine. Entertainment features a message from the Mayor, a visit from Santa, a performance of Santa’s Frosty’s Follies by the Metropolitan Fine Arts Center, and caroling with 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 703.746.5418.

Coming Soon!

Monday, November 30 – World AIDS Day Service Awards 
The Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS will hold its third Annual World AIDS Day Service Excellence Awards Program, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King St. The awards program will acknowledge and honor the extraordinary efforts of peer-nominated HIV/AIDS providers and advocates in Alexandria. Award recipients will be recognized in three categories: HIV/AIDS Lifetime Achievement, Prevention/Education and Client Services. To RSVP, contact Nechelle Terrell, at 703.838.4400 ext. 305 or e-mail nechelle.terrell@vdh.virginia.gov.

Saturday, December 5 – City of Alexandria Hosts Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
The City of Alexandria invites the public to attend the 39th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade at 11 a.m. in historic Old Town. The centerpiece of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, the parade celebrates the City's Scottish heritage, featuring more than 100 Scottish clans, bagpipe and drum bands, living history reenactment groups, dog clubs, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. For more information, call 703.549.0111, or visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.

Monday, December 7 – “Tea and Talk” Sharing Parker-Gray and Civil Rights Stories
You are invited to share the story of your civil rights experiences in Alexandria and how it was shaped by the Parker-Gray School and Charles Houston on Monday, December 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. “Tea and Talk” is free and open to the public. Reservations are required. Please RSVP by calling 703.746.5588, or e-mailing aca@alexandriava.gov.

Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13 – Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
Take a break from the fast pace of the season and experience the unique charm and history at Old Town Alexandria’s most popular holiday event. Buy your tickets early and save up to 25%! Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House and the Apothecary Museum by candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments. Sunday features kid-friendly tours and a special activity! Tour times are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and older), and $5 for children (ages 6-17). Pre-sale discounts of $15 for adults and $12 for seniors are available before December 1. Reservations are recommended. For more information or to buy tickets, please visit www.historicalexandria.org or call 703.838.4242.

Ongoing!

City of Alexandria Searches for Poet Laureate
The City of Alexandria Office of the Arts is issuing a call for applications to serve as the City’s Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate fosters an appreciation of poetry as an art form, encourages creative writing and reading, and promotes literacy through poetry. The Poet Laureate is appointed to a three-year term and receives a modest honorarium. For additional information, visit alexandriava.gov/Arts.

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.

“Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts” Exhibition
A new exhibition at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., blends historical photographs, artifacts and reflections to tell the story of Girl Scouting in Washington metropolitan area. “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts” features a collection of Girl Scout uniforms from the 1910s, 1930s and 1960s; Brownie items from as early as 1937; a display of cookie fundraising materials; and extensive camping and hiking exhibits; and official Girl Scout gear including a canteen, collapsible cup, pocket knife, compass and more. Suggested admission is $2 and the exhibition is open through May 31, 2010. The Lyceum, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.