[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: January 9 – 15, 2010

Saturday, January 9 – “Banished” Film Screening
How did three U.S. towns make African Americans disappear? Find out at a free screening of the documentary, “Banished: American Ethnic Cleansing,” at 4:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe St.). Filmmaker Marco Williams visits some of the whitest counties in the country to confront the legacy of banishment—a wave of racial purging that tore through the South 100 years ago. For more information, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Saturday, January 9 – Expect Respect Volunteer Training
The Office on Women invites interested volunteers to a training for the Expect Respect Program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers present information on domestic violence, sexual assault/harassment and teen pregnancy to 7th graders and high school students throughout the school year. The expected volunteer commitment is four to six hours per month and volunteers must have the flexibility to present during the school day. For more information, call Kim Hurley at 703.746.5030 or e-mail kim.hurley@alexandriava.gov.

Monday, January 11 – 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 April 26 any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. 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.

Thursday, January 14 – Civil War Dance Class
In preparation for the Civil War Ball on Saturday, January 23, learn the waltz, polka, Virginia Reel and more from an expert dance master 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.

Thursday, January 14 through Saturday, January 16 – Barrett Library Book Sale
The Barrett Library (717 Queen St.) will be hosting a three-day book sale: Thursday, January 14 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, January 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, January 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 703.838.4555.

Friday, January 15 through Sunday, January 24 – Alexandria Restaurant Week
Alexandria Restaurant Week returns, and it is bigger and better than ever! Enjoy a three-course menu for $35, or dinner for two for $35. New this year, a sweet treat is being offered for just $3.50. More than 50 Alexandria restaurants are participating in this 10-day gourmet and gourmand event, where residents and visitors can choose from tantalizing multi-course meals and distinctive treats showcasing the inventive culinary diversity offered throughout the City. For a complete list of participating restaurants, menus and online reservations, visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com.

Coming Soon!

Saturday, January 16 – Behind the Counter Tours
Take time to truly explore the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 S. Fairfax St.) from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 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 and advance reservations are required. Tours are limited to 12 people. The cost is $25 per person, which includes a light breakfast. Call 703.838.4242 for more information.

Ongoing!

From Books to Film Discussion Group
Readers and film buffs are invited to participate in the From Books to Film Discussion Group, which meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except January) at 7 p.m. in Beatley’s Small Conference Room. The group discusses films and the written works that inspired them, and participants are expected to have read the works and viewed the films before attending. The Library has chosen books and films that are in the Library and also are available from bookstores, movie rental outlets, and other library systems. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, and the group will discuss The Accidental Tourist, Anne Tyler’s novel of love and recovery to Lawrence Kasdan’s well awarded film. For more information, call Mark Schwartz at 703.519.3498.

Open Through Saturday, May 31, 2010 – “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts”
A new exhibition at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., blends historical photographs, artifacts and reflections to tell the story of Girl Scouting in the 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; 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.