[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: March 20 – 26, 2010

Saturday, March 20 – 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 limited to 12 people. The cost is $25 per person, which includes a light breakfast. For more information, call 703.746.4242.

Saturday, March 20 – Children's Book Fair & Walking Tours
Join children’s book publisher Usborne at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum (201 S. Washington St.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Usborne will offer dozens of selections focusing on social studies and other educational areas. Kids can play “Museum Detective” on a scavenger hunt of The Lyceum and enjoy other free activities like storytelling, crafts, and hands-on artifact stations. At 11:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m., go on a family-oriented walking tour and discover what life was like for everyday people 200 years ago! Walking tour is $2 per person (7 and up), and reservations are recommended, as space is limited. Book fair admission is free and a portion of the book sales will benefit educational programs at The Lyceum. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.746.4994.

Monday, March 22 – Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet
The Alexandria Commission for Women is hosting the annual Salute to Women Banquet beginning at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Hotel, 901 N. Fairfax St. The banquet, in conjunction with Women's History Month, is an event honoring individuals who have made a significant impact on women and girls living in Alexandria. For more information, e-mail Angela.Johnson@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5030.

Wednesday, March 24 – How to Raise a Drug Free Kid
Come hear Joseph Califano, founder of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, talk about How To Raise a Drug Free Kid at 7 p.m., in the T.C. Williams High School Auditorium. Learn what you can do to teach, protect, and empower a child of any age to have the greatest chance of having a healthy, productive future. For more information, visit www.preventitalexandria.org.

Wednesday, March 24 – George Washington Lecture
Join Dr. Peter Henriques, Professor Emeritus of History from George Mason University, at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.) as he presents “The Four Key Women in Washington’s Life.” For Women’s History Month, Dr. Henriques will examine Washington’s relationship with key women throughout his life. While Washington is often thought of as a “man’s man,” he had important and revealing relationships with a number of women in his life: mother Mary Ball Washington, first love Sally Fairfax, wife Martha Custis, and friend Eliza Powell. Tickets are $12 per person. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Wednesday, March 24 – Alexandria Historical Society Lecture
Alexandria author Thomas E. Crocker will discuss his book Braddock’s March: How the Man Sent to Seize a Continent Changed American History at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.) at 7:30 p.m.  Braddock’s March is of special interest to Alexandrians because Braddock stopped in Alexandria in 1755 and used it as a major staging point for his expedition. The Congress of colonial governors that Braddock summoned at Carlyle House was a turning point in America’s relations with Great Britain. In his lecture Mr. Crocker will discuss the expedition, with particular reference to its importance in Alexandria’s history. This free event is open to all and reservations are not required. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistorical.org.

Coming Soon!

Saturday, March 27 – Sixth Annual Great Rum Punch Challenge
Just as tavern guests did over 200 years ago, try different rum punch creations from local distilleries, restaurants and caterers – and then vote for your favorite at Gadsby's Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.). This year’s participants include defending champ Bittersweet, Union Street Pub, Bacardi, Dogfish Head Spirits, Basikneads Catering and Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant. From 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., enjoy rum punch, period and modern food, and a silent auction full of great items. Tickets are $50 and reservations are required. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Saturday, March 27 – Presentation of Finalists for Four Mile Run Pedestrian-Cyclist Bridge
The public is invited to attend a series of presentations by the three finalists who will be sharing their professional works for the planned Four Mile Run Pedestrian-Cyclist Bridge from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the finalists, attend a reception at 6 p.m. and receive the decision of the selection panel at 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.4milerun.org.

Saturday, April 3 – Easter Tea
Come to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.) in your Easter finery to enjoy tasting a variety of herbal teas and sweet treats, with seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Costumed interpreters will serve tea and provide tours of the museum, and everyone will receive a treat to take home. This 18th-century tea includes the museum's special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. The cost is $25 per person. For more information, please www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Saturday, April 17 – 10-Year Anniversary of Beatley Central Library
The public is invited to Beatley Central Library to enjoy the official celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Beatley Library. The 60,200 square foot library opened in the winter of 2000 and was named for Charles E. Beatley, Jr., Mayor of Alexandria from 1967 to 1976 and 1979 to 1985. Many activities are planned throughout the day for their anniversary celebration and National Library Week. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us for details.

Ongoing!

Early Morning Fitness at Charles Houston
The Department of Recreation Parks and Cultural Activities provides early morning fitness and recreation opportunities, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Participants have access to the center’s fitness room, game room, gymnasium and computer lab. Single and multi visit admission passes are available for purchase. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation, call 703.746.5552 or e-mail sheila.whiting@alexandriava.gov.

Every Monday through April 26 – 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 on 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 703.746.4242.

Nominations for Excellence in Aging Awards 
The Alexandria Commission on Aging is seeking nominations for its Annual Excellence in Aging Awards. These awards honor individuals, regardless of age, and organizations that have demonstrated superior contributions in advancing issues and projects that favorably affect older Alexandrians. Nomination information is available at www.alexandriava.gov/Aging and nominations are due March 26.

Nominations for Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award
The City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Sanitation Authority, and the Environmental Policy Commission announce the City's second annual award program to formally recognize outstanding residents who have demonstrated their commitment to protecting the natural environment and promoting environmental sustainability. Nomination criteria and guidelines are available at www.alexearthday.org. Nominations should be submitted to the Office of Environmental Quality, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314 by Friday, March 26. The award will be presented at Alexandria Earth Day on April 26 at Ben Brenman Park.  

Nominations for John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award and Gerry Bertier Scholarship
The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities is seeking nominations for two annual awards that honor local residents. The John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award recognizes an individual who has advocated for persons with disabilities and the Gerry Bertier Scholarship. The scholarship awards up to a $1,000 merit based scholarship to a City of Alexandria resident with a disability or to a student at a school located in the City of Alexandria who seeks post-secondary education. Winners will be recognized at a reception to be held in the Vola Lawson Lobby at City Hall on Tuesday, June 22. Forms must be submitted by April 30, and are available by contacting Mike Hatfield at mike.hatfield@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3148.