[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: August 9 – 13, 2010

Tuesday, August 10 – From Books to Film Discussion Group
Readers and film buffs are invited to Beatley Central Library (5005 Duke St.) to discuss films and the written works that inspired them. Participants are expected to have read the works and viewed the films before attending.  At their next meeting, participants will discuss Catch-22 (R, 1970), Joseph Heller’s satiric war masterpiece made into a Mike Nichols’ award-winning film. For more information, call Mark Schwartz at 703.746.1770.

Thursday, August 12 – 18th-Century Dance Class
In preparation for the Jane Austen Ball on August 14, learn 18th-century English country dancing from an expert 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 703.746.4242.

Thursday, August 12 – Music at Twilight Concert
This Music at Twilight concert features an “All Scottish Night” with performances by the NOVA Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and the Alexandria Pipes and Drums (Scottish Bagpipes and Pipes & Drums). The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at Fort Ward Park Amphitheater, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592.

Friday, August 13 –  Alexandria Harmonizers Concert 
This concert features the City's own barbershop singers! The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592.

Alexandria Library’s SummerQuest Program
Alexandria Library's SummerQuest reading program is wrapping up, but it is not too late to get involved! Upcoming SummerQuest events are being held at the Burke Branch Library on Thursday, August 12 at 4 p.m. when children of all ages are invited to Andrew Wilson's Under The Sea, and on Thursday, August 19 at 3:30 p.m. when Mr. Don’s Interactive Music Show will be entertaining children from ages 1 to 5. Special event schedules are available at any branch or online at www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Coming Soon

Saturday, August 14 – First Annual Youth Arts Festival
The First Annual Youth Arts Festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jefferson-Houston School Field, 1501 Cameron Street. Designed for youth and families, this fun filled, cultural enriching, and completely engaging festival features live performances, puppet theatre, fine arts displays, interactive workshops, poetry readings and opportunities for youth to sell their art. For more information, call 703.746.5588.

Saturday, August 14 – Irish Festival
The City of Alexandria will host the annual Irish Festival from noon to 7 p.m. at Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St. The festival features traditional Irish music and dancers, arts, crafts, jewelry, paintings and souvenirs. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.ballyshaners.org.

Saturday, August 14 – Alexandria Sidewalk Sale
Alexandria will host its first-ever sidewalk sale on Saturday, August 14. Sign up as a participating retailer today, or just plan to come out and shop till you drop while looking for great deals! For more information, visit www.alexandriasidewalksale.com.

Saturday, August 14 & Sunday, August 15 – Model Train Days
All aboard! Model train enthusiasts ages 8 and up can explore this fun hobby at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St. Members of the Potomac Division of the National Model Railroad Association are displaying and running their working HO gauge trains and a state-of-the-art digital command system. Timed admission is on the hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Space is limited so advance reservation and ticket purchase of $5 per person is required. Register online at www.alexandriahistory.org and click on “Shop” or call The Lyceum to register by phone at 703.746.4994. Youths under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Families with children under age 8 are encouraged to attend The Lyceum’s next Little Conductors Day in February 2011.

Wednesday, August 18 -- Shop to Fight Childhood Obesity 
Shop the Alexandria Whole Foods Market (1700 Duke St.) on Wednesday, August 18, and support Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. and  the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria’s ACHIEVE Planning Team! The Planning Team is working on several initiatives, including a community gardening project and working with preschools and family day care providers to encourage healthier child care environments.  Five percent of the proceeds for the day will go towards supporting the ACHIEVE Planning Team's fight against early childhood obesity. For more information, visit www.healthieralexandria.org/36130 

Thursday, August 19 – Earl Lloyd Book Signing
Alexandria native and NBA pioneer Earl Lloyd will discuss and sign copies of his book “Moonfixer” at a special reception at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lloyd, a graduate of Parker-Gray High School, became the first African American to play in the NBA in 1950. In 2003, he was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, after enjoying a successful career as a player and a coach. For more information, please visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Sunday, August 22 - West End Farmers’ Market Closed at Ben Brenman Park
The West End Farmers’ Market will be closed in preparation for the Annual Cambodian Community Day Festival. The West End Farmers’ Market will reopen Sunday, August 29 and continue Sundays through November 21. For more information, call 703.746.4343.

Ongoing!

City Expands Operating Hours of Neighborhood 'Mini' Pools
The City's Neighborhood "Mini" Pools, John Ewald Pool (4500 Duke St.) and The Memorial Pool at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.), are now open on weekends through Monday, September 6, 2010. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/pools.

City of Alexandria Farmers’ Markets 
The City of Alexandria is host to a variety of farmers’ markets, including the Old Town Farmers’ market and Del Ray Farmers’ Market on Saturday; the West End Farmers’ Market and Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market’ on Sunday; and the Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market on Wednesday. Markets feature colorful displays of fresh, locally grown, in-season vegetables and fruits, gourmet coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, meat, bakery items and artisans. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/farmersmarket.

Volunteers Needed for Expect Respect Program
The City of Alexandria's Expect Respect program is seeking a group of volunteers to present an educational program that promotes healthy relationships to Alexandria youth. The volunteers present 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. Volunteers are required to complete a one day training on Saturday, August 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Kim Hurley at 703.746.5030 or e-mail kim.hurley@alexandriava.gov.