[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: October 2 – 8, 2010

Saturday, October 2 – Art on the Avenue
The 15th annual Art on the Avenue festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. The event is free and open to all. The multicultural arts and music festival features more than 350 local arts and crafts vendors selling their original works, delicious international food for purchase, and three stages with live music. Free children's craft activities and entertainment, artists' demonstrations and a pie-baking contest complete the day's program. For more information, visit www.artontheavenue.org.

Saturday, October 2 – Apothecary Open House
In recognition of October’s designation as National Pharmacy Month, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 S. Fairfax St.) will host a free open house from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are welcome to explore the Apothecary and its collection featuring a special exhibition of curious objects rarely displayed. Participate in Curator Talks, experience the wonders of “modern” science as presented by re-enactors, and talk with a pharmacy professor and discover how far the modern pharmacy has come since the Apothecary Shop closed its doors. For more information, visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703.746.3852.

Saturday, October 2 – Archaeology Scavenger Hunt
Kick off Virginia Archaeology Month at this family-friendly scavenger hunt between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum (105 N. Union St., #327). The hints to this free scavenger hunt for kids are found in the museum’s exhibits of excavated artifacts, which include a very interesting pet dog burial. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.746.4399.

Monday, October 4 – 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 November 15, any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Crafts change weekly! 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.

Wednesday, October 6 – John Yagerline Lecture Series: Federal Washington
At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.), author Fergus Bordewich will present “How Slavery Built the Nation’s Capital” as part of the John Yagerline Lecture Series, which this fall explores the early planning of the Federal City. Doors open at 7 p.m. and lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person and advance reservations are recommended. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Wednesday, October 6 – Minds on the Edge: A Community Conversation
Minds on the Edge is a national multi-media project produced for PBS that explores severe mental illness and connects the dots between personal dilemmas facing individuals and families, medical practices that can be obstacles to treatment, and public policies that often fall short in providing support. Hear from local experts and participate in a community conversation about addressing the stigma of mental illness. For more information, visit www.mindsontheedge.org and www.healthieralexandria.org.

Wednesday, October 6 - Arts Grant Program Workshop
The Alexandria Commission for the Arts will conduct a grant workshop from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. The workshop will provide information about the Commission’s annual grant program, which provides funding to non-profit arts organizations for various arts programs. All applicants, including past grant recipients, are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Cheryl Anne Colton at 703.746.5565 or e-mail cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov.

Wednesday, October 6 – Duncan Library Nature Program
Children who are in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to a special nature program at the Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. This free program begins at 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 703.746.1705.

Thursday, October 7 – Masquerade Ball Dance Lessons
In preparation for the Masquerade Ball on Saturday, October 23, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.) from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Lesson is $12 or $30 for the series of three. Reservations recommended. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Friday, October 8 – Memorial Service and Wreath Laying for Fallen Firefighters
The Alexandria Fire Department will observe National Fire Prevention Week with a Memorial Service and Wreath Laying at 11 a.m. The solemn ceremony is held each year at Ivy Hill Cemetery (2823 King St.) to honor those who have died in the line of duty and to mark the passing of those members of the department who died during the preceding 12 months. During 2010, there was one job-related death of a retiree in the line of duty; six retired members of the department also died during the past year.

Coming Soon

Saturday, October 9 – Open Houses at Fire Stations Throughout the City of Alexandria
In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, all Alexandria Fire Stations, with the exception of the Department's Del Ray Fire Station, will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each station will open their doors to the community, host family-oriented activities, and hand out fire prevention educational materials. Fire apparatus and station tours will be also be available. Check out the location of your nearest City fire station, and make plans to attend an open house near you!

Saturday, October 9 – Arts Safari & Museum Open House
The Alexandria Archaeology Museum (105 N. Union St., #327) is taking part in the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 15th annual Alexandria Arts Safari, a festival of hands-on arts and crafts activities for kids and their families. From noon to 4 p.m., the Alexandria Archaeology Museum is offering The Potter’s Art, a free activity designed for kids of all ages. Learn to identify 19th-century Alexandria’s potters from the designs applied to salt-glazed stoneware pottery and create your own take-home drawing. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.746.4399.

Saturday, October 9 – Film Screening
Watch the film “From Barbados to Carolina: The Colony of a Colony” at 4:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe St.). This documentary explores the connections between colonial South Carolina and the island of Barbados in the British West Indies and presents a detailed look at the heritage and culture of both early Charleston plantation owners and African slaves of Barbadian ancestry. This free screening is part of Movies with a Mission, a series of films about Africa and the African Diaspora that seek to inform and inspire dialogue. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

POSTPONED: Saturday, October 9 – SOAR SPA Day 
The SOAR SPA retreat for survivors of sexual assault and their families, which had been scheduled for October 9, has been postponed until spring. SOAR SPA (Speaking Out About Rape – Something Positive Afterward) is designed to enhance the healing process by rejuvenating the spirit and fostering supportive relationships and bonds. The event was being hosted by the Sexual Assault Response and Awareness Program. For more information, contact Jen McLish at 703.746.5030. 

Saturday, October 9 to Sunday, October 17 – Alexandria Boutique Week
Alexandria’s Boutique Week will tempt shoppers with discounts, prizes, and free gifts at 62 retail locations throughout the city. This second annual event features specials on fashion accessories, home décor, art and antiques, culinary goods, and more. With stamps from just five of the participating locations, shoppers can enter to win a $1000 shopping spree and an overnight getaway in Old Town Alexandria. Go to VisitAlexandriaVA.com for Alexandria Boutique Week offers, a downloadable entry form, and contest rules.

Tuesday, October 12 – Domestic Violence Awareness Month Reception
Domestic violence impacts the lives of thousands of Alexandrians each year. Please join the Alexandria Commission for Women, Friends of the Commission for Women and the Domestic Violence Program to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month at a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Vola Lawson Lobby, City Hall. Mayor William Euille will present a Proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Alexandria, and refreshments will be offered, courtesy of Friends of the Commission for Women. For more information, call Claire Dunn at 703.746.4911 or e-mail claire.dunn@alexandriava.gov.

Now Registering

Wednesday, October 13 – ACT’s Sixth Annual Nonprofit Excellence Forum
ACT for Alexandria is hosting a free, half day forum for gather nonprofit and board leaders to discuss innovations in philanthropy and strategies for building the capacity of nonprofit organizations. The forum will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Meeting Center (2932 King St.). Sign up online by October 12.

Thursday, October 21 to Sunday, October 24 – Alexandria Archaeology Institute
Do you watch the History Channel and imagine yourself excavating a real historic site? Well, here’s your chance to grab a trowel and dig in! Join Alexandria archaeologists for a unique opportunity to excavate the Shuter’s Hill site on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr.) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gain hands-on experience in site excavation methods and record keeping. Learn how to use a transit, process and catalog artifacts in the laboratory, and interpret new discoveries. Advance registration is required. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.746.4399.

Ongoing

Take the Local Motion Survey 
The City of Alexandria’s Local Motion program is currently conducting an online survey about transportation issues and services in the City. The results of the survey will be used to identify residents' and employees' travel needs and to develop new travel services. The survey will take about several minutes to complete and your answers will be completely confidential. Complete the survey and enter for a chance to win a $50 Best Buy gift card or a $50 SmarTrip transit card.

Alexandria Mentoring Partnership Seeks New Volunteers
The Alexandria Mentoring Partnership is looking for mentors for Alexandria’s children this school year—there is a shortage of 100 mentors right now! Won’t you consider helping? Mentoring is proven to keep kids in school, avoid trouble and expand their horizons. Please consider donating one to two hours a week during this school year.  Call Loralei Coyle at 703.746.4506 or Loralei.coyle@alexandriava.gov.

Assist in the Restoration of the City’s Tree Canopy
The City of Alexandria experienced the loss of hundreds of trees and extensive damage throughout the City as a result of winter snow and summer thunderstorms in 2010. Residents who want to help replenish the City’s tree canopy have a variety of options available. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

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.