October 9-15, 2010

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! Visit www.alexandriava.gov/39130 for more information.

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 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.

Saturday, October 9 – National Dollar WI$E Week Financial Education Seminar
The Alexandria Dollar WI$E committee will celebrate Dollar WI$E week by presenting a Free Financial Education Seminar emphasizing the importance of “Planning for a Dollar WI$E Future.” The seminar will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St., in the Exhibit Hall multipurpose room. For more information, contact Darryl Edwards, 703.746.4321 or email darryl.edwards@alexandriava.gov.

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 affects the lives of thousands of Alexandrians each year. Nationally, nearly 25% of women and 7.6% of men were physically assaulted and/or raped by a current or former spouse, cohabiting partner, or dating partner/acquaintance at some time in their lifetime. In Alexandria, the Domestic Violence Program responded to 1,794 hotline calls and provided legal accompaniment and advocacy services to more than 1,000 victims in fiscal year 2010. Please join the Alexandria Commission for Women, Friends of the Commission for Women and the Domestic Violence Program on Tuesday, October 12, as we commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Mayor William D. Euille will present a Proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Alexandria. Refreshments will be offered courtesy of Friends of the Commission for Women. For more information, call Claire Dunn at 703.746.4911 or email claire.dunn@alexandriava.gov.

Wednesday, October 13 – John Yagerline Lecture Series: Federal Washington
At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.), author Kenneth Bowling will present “And the Winner is...The Competition for 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 the 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.

Thursday, October 14 – 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 are recommended. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Coming Soon

Saturday, October 16 – Wonders of Science
Investigate the wonders of 18th century science at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, (105-107 S. Fairfax St.) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. See demonstrations by Project Enlightenment, McLean High School’s historical reenactment society, as they conduct scientific demonstrations which are certain to expand visitors’ knowledge about science in the 1700s. Project Enlightenment will also explore Thomas Jefferson, Man of Science! Tour the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, a family-run business for over 100 years, and be awed by a large variety of curious objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood. Tours last approximately one hour and admission is $6 per person. For more information, visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703.746.3852.

Saturday, October 16 – Family History Workshop
Personal historian Alli Joseph is conducting “Saving Your Stories for Seven Generations: A Family History Workshop,” at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This engaging workshop explores methods of preserving our individual family histories. People attending will learn how to begin the story-saving and writing process, interview techniques, and gain an understanding of online genealogy and print resources. Participants will be taught how to sort and scan photos and about various book printing options. The program wraps up with an inspiring group storytelling session using participants’ photos, and participants will leave with the knowledge and motivation to undertake their own projects. Registration is $50 per person, and family members and friends registering together can receive a 10% discount.  Participants should bring three to five family photos, legal pad and pens for note taking, and audio recording device. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.746.4994.

Monday, October 18 – 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 20 – John Yagerline Lecture Series: Federal Washington
At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.), Scott Berg presents “The City as a Work of Art: Intended and Unintended Meanings in L’Enfant’s Plan for Washington, D.C.” as part of the John Yagerline Lecture Series. This season’s series 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.

Thursday, October 21 – 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.

Now Registering

Wednesday, October 13 – ACT’s Sixth Annual Nonprofit Excellence Forum
ACT for Alexandria is hosting a free, half-day forum for 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.

Saturday, October 23 – Walk to Fight Breast Cancer
Lace up your tennis shoes and get ready to participate in the 17th Annual Walk to Fight Breast Cancer on Saturday, October 23 at 8:00 a.m., sponsored by the City of Alexandria and the Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation. Walkers can choose from a 1.5K/3.5K/5K walk or run, and the route is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The Walk will begin and end at the AMC Hoffman Center Theaters, located at the intersection of Eisenhower Ave. and Swamp Fox Rd. in Alexandria. Prizes will be given to participants who raise the largest amount in pledge dollars. All proceeds from the Walk support the Alexandria Breast Cancer Walk Fund. Registration costs $30 for adults and $15 for children, if pre-registered by October 20. On-site registration will cost $40. For more information, including registration and location details, visit www.alexcancerwalk.com or call 703.746.5030.

Ongoing

Take the Local Motion Survey 
The City of Alexandria’s Local Motion program is 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, help them to 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. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation for more information.

Out of School Time Program
The Department of Recreation Parks and Cultural Activities is now accepting registrations for the 2010-2011 school year Out of School Time Programs. Program hours begin when school is dismissed until 6 p.m. Out of School Time Programs include the Power–On Program for elementary students from 5 (registered in Kindergarten) to 12 years of age, and the Power-Up Program is for middle school students in grades 6, 7, and 8.  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 fruit, gourmet coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, meat, bakery items and artisans. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/farmersmarket.

City of Alexandria in Search of 2010 Holiday Tree
The City of Alexandria is once again in search of a Colorado Blue Spruce, Leyland Cypress or other well-formed evergreen tree, approximately 25 to 35 feet tall, to serve as the City’s official 2010 Holiday Tree. The City will remove the tree from the donor’s property in mid-November and grind the stump at no cost. The tree will be decorated and displayed at Market Square, 301 King St., throughout the holiday season. Persons in the Washington metropolitan area who are interested in donating a tree should call John Noelle, City Arborist, at 703.746.5499 or email john.noelle@alexandriava.gov.