[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: October 30 – November 5, 2010

Saturday, October 30 – Volunteers Needed for Annual Holmes Run Park Clean-up
Members of the Holmes Run Community are seeking volunteers for the Annual Fall Holmes Run Park Clean-up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the Beatley Bridge. 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.

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 (SOLD OUT) and Sunday, October 31 – Poe in Alexandria
Actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St., to recreate 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 online at www.alexandriahistory.org.

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 through Sunday, November 7 – Alexandria Film Festival 
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 five minutes to two hours, covering a wide range of subject matter. This year, the Alexandria Film Festival’s Program and Executive Committee selected 39 films to be shown. For more information, visit www.alexandriafilm.org.

Coming Soon

Saturday, November 6 – Book Signing and Discussion at Alexandria Library
Three authors will be signing recent books and discussing upcoming works from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alexandria Library, 717 Queen St.. 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 of their books. Barb Winters will discuss her upcoming book Letters from Virginia. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 703.746.1706.

Saturday, November 6 – Swordsmen’s Rendezvous
En garde! Experience this unique living history program at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., and learn a skill all 18th -century gentlemen must know – swordplay! The program includes re-enactment of 18th century swordplay and a display of 18th century weapons. This popular family and Scout event will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents. Price is $6 per person, ages 5 and up. Tours are from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and last about one hour. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 703.746.4242. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

Sunday, November 13 – Top of the Town Walk Around
Join Mayor William D. Euille’s “Get Healthy Alexandria!” initiative for the “Top of the Town Walk Around” from 8 a.m. to noon at the Masonic Memorial Temple at 101 Callahan Dr. In addition to the Mayor, Vice Mayor Donley, Rep. Moran, and the Wounded Warriors will be walking in honor of our veterans. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Activities after the walk include awards and raffles. The event is free and open to everyone. For more information, visit www.healthieralexandria.org/healthylifestyles.

Now Registering

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. Speakers will include LeAnn Thieman, author of one of the stories included in Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul and co-author of Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul, and neurologist James Bicksel. The cost of the conference, which includes breakfast, lunch and a certificate of attendance, is $25.  CEU’s are available for an additional $10.  The registration deadline 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 S. Wythe, 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.

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.

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.