[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: January 23 – 29, 2010

Ongoing 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.

Saturday, January 23 – Food History Symposium
Here’s some real food for thought! At The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.), discover developments in early American food production and consumption with an emphasis on Alexandria and the Chesapeake region. Lectures are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and explore public markets, pottery vessels, bakeries, African-American foodways and chocolate. Advance registration is suggested but not required. The fee for participants is $50. For more information, please visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.

Saturday, January 23 – Civil War Ball
Enjoy an evening from the 1860s at the Civil War Ball, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the historic ballroom of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Get ready for the Civil War Sesquicentennial at this unique event, which will include live music, dance instruction, and period desserts. Period attire, either civilian or military, is encouraged. Cost is $45 in advance, $50 at the door (if tickets are available), and reservations are required. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838.4242.

Monday, January 25 – 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.

Tuesday, January 26 – Mentor the Titans: Alexandria’s First Annual Mentoring Conference
Looking for a purposeful way to start the new year? How about mentoring a child here in the City of Alexandria? Learn about mentoring opportunities at Alexandria's inaugural mentoring conference on Tuesday, January 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Minnie Howard School, 3801 West Braddock Road. Poetry, art, and movies produced by youth will be showcased along with workshops for current mentors. The event is free and dinner will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail Karen Berry at mentoring@alexandriava.gov.

Thursday, January 28 – 18th Century Dance Class
In preparation for the Birthnight Ball on February 13, 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.

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 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.