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

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. All proceeds from the Walk support the Alexandria Breast Cancer Walk Fund. On-site registration costs $40. For more information, visit www.alexcancerwalk.com or call 703.746.5030.

Saturday, October 23 – Project Sticker Shock Kickoff
The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria's Sticker Shock campaign will kick-off with a press conference at 720 N. Saint Asaph St. at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 23.  Following the press conference, teams of youth and adults will join forces throughout Alexandria to carry out Project Sticker Shock. They will visit Alexandria stores to place stickers on multi-packs of beer, wine coolers and other alcoholic products highlighting the penalties for providing alcohol to minors. For more information, visit www.abc.state.va.us/Education/stickershock/sticker_shock.html.

Saturday, October 23 – Fall Tree Sale
Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Steering Committee (UFSC) and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will hold its 6th annual tree sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave. The goal of the sale is to promote the preservation of Alexandria’s tree canopy by encouraging the planting of trees on private property throughout the City. Alexandria Tree Stewards and Master Gardeners will be on site to answer questions about tree selection, planting and care. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Saturday, October 23 – Volunteer at the Wilkes Street Cemeteries Cleanup
Volunteers are needed to assist with annual fall clean-up activities at the City-maintained cemeteries at the end of Wilkes Street in south Old Town Alexandria. Activities include trash collection, weeding, debris removal, light shrub pruning and general beautification efforts. For more information, call Barry Stauffer at 703.629.5476.

Saturday, October 23 – Mousequerade Ball
Come to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal St., for story time, a craft and the Mousequerade Ball! Author Cheryl Barnes will be on hand to sign her book, “Alexander, the Old Town Mouse” and read the story of Alexander and his ball at Gadsby’s. Then dance in the same ballroom as Alexander...and George Washington! Recommended for ages 4-7. Costumes welcome, but not required. Reservations recommended. Hour-long program begins at 1 p.m. $10 per child (ages 2 and older); adult with paid child is free. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Saturday, October 23 – Masquerade Ball
In the spirit of the Halloween season, attend this fall ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal St., dressed in your favorite historic time period – and don’t forget your mask! Enjoy live music, dessert collation, and cash bar from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Costume optional, “after-five” attire encouraged. Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door (if available), and reservations are required. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Sunday, October 24 – Presidential Salon with James Madison
Join President James Madison in the historic Assembly Room at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street) from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. as he discusses and engages guests about political and personal issues of 1810. President Madison will explore the difficult relationship between America and Great Britain as of October 1810. The President will also be revealing information about the recent alterations to his home, Montpelier. Reservations are recommended. Madeira, Port and other libations, as well as the Salon Savory, will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets are $15 per person and $10 for high school/college students. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Monday, October 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 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.

Coming Soon

Saturday, October 30 – Volunteers Needed for Annual Holmes Run Park Clean-up
Members of the Holmes Run Community on the City’s west end are seeking volunteers for the Annual Fall Holmes Run Park Clean-up on Saturday, October 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Garbage bags will be provided but bring your own gloves, boots and other gear that may help. We will pick up only human-generated trash. Participants are automatically entered in a contest for the most unusual item(s) found. To register or receive more information, call 703.461.3283. Volunteers will meet at the Beatley Bridge.

Thursday, November 4 to Saturday, November 6 – Duncan Branch Book Sale
The Duncan Branch Library at 2501 Commonwealth Ave. will be holding book sales on Thursday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, November 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 703.746.1705.

Thursday, November 4 – Alexandria Film Festival Opens
Opening at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 Union St., on Thursday, November 4, the 2010 Film Festival exhibits both curated and juried films ranging in length from 5 minutes to 2 hours, covering a wide range of subject matter. This year, the Alexandria Film Festival’s Program and Executive Committee selected 36 films to be shown Thursday, November 4 through Sunday, November 7. For more information, visit www.alexandriafilm.org.

Saturday, November 6 – Book Signing and Discussion at Alexandria Library
Three authors will be signing recent books and discussing upcoming works at the Alexandria Library, 717 Queen St., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Michael Lee Pope, author of Ghosts of Alexandria, and George Kundahl, author of Bravest of the Brave: Correspondence of Stephen Dodson Ramsuer, will be signing copies. Barb Winters will discuss her upcoming book Letters from Virginia. The event is free and open to public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 703.746.1706.

Now Registering

Saturday, October 30 – Forgotten Cemeteries Heritage Trail Bike Ride
Cycle back in time with Alexandria Archaeology on this 14-mile guided loop of Alexandria’s forgotten burial sites, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ride includes hills and street cycling at a leisurely pace with frequent interpretive stops. Advance registration, helmets and signed waiver are required for this free event. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult. Meet at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, and please arrive by bike, if possible, as parking is limited.  For more information or to sign up, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.746.4399.

Saturday, October 30 & Sunday, October 31 – Poe in Alexandria
Actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St., to re-create Edgar Allan Poe’s visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before he died. Keltz performs varying selections each year, but the program always includes a chilling story or two such as “The Black Cat,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” or “The Tell-Tale Heart,” along with well-known poems like “The Raven” and “El Dorado.” The event is open to all; however, due to the nature of some material, the program is best suited for ages 12 and up. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and the performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 703.746.4994 or through the online shop at www.alexandriahistory.org.

Thursday, November 11 – Alexandria Caregiver Conference
The 24th Annual Caregiver Conference will be held at First Baptist Church of Alexandria at 2932 King St. on Thursday, November 11, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul” and individuals caring for or working with persons with dementia are encouraged to attend. Attendees will learn about available resources and services that can strengthen family caregivers, professionals and people with dementia. The cost of the conference, which includes breakfast, lunch and a certificate of attendance, is $25. CEU’s are available for an additional $10. Deadline for registration is November 1. For more information or to request a registration form, call the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging at 703.324.5425, or register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/DFS/OlderAdultServices.

Ongoing

Style and Identity: Black Alexandria in the 1970s, Portraits by Horace Day
At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe S., view this new exhibition of 32 paintings by Horace Day featuring Alexandria street scenes and portraits of African American Alexandrians. Described as an American scene or regional painter, Day created this body of work at a time when “Black” was becoming “Beautiful,” but when media still promoted stereotypical, demeaning images of African Americans. Day’s portraits reflect the dignity and beauty he saw in his subjects. Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Suggested admission is $2. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Volunteers Needed to Teach ESL Class
The Hispanic Orientation and Education Program seeks volunteer teachers for its English language and acculturation classes for foreign-born Alexandria residents to prepare them to move into the American mainstream, to understand American values, and to become financially secure. The English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes are conducted by a corps of volunteers. Teacher training is provided. The life skills workshops on topics such as HIV/AIDS, crime prevention, domestic violence, employment, and health issues are led by representatives from private and public agencies. Classes meet weekday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave. To volunteer, contact Ricardo Drumond at 703.746.5712 or ricardo.drumond@alexandriava.gov.

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.