[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: November 6 – 12, 2010

Saturday, November 6 – Veterans Day Soldier-Led Walking Tours
In recognition of Veterans Day, a Union soldier in period uniform will lead two free walking tours of Fort Ward Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Rd. The 90-minute tours are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will introduce visitors to the history of the Defenses of Washington, the building and role of Fort Ward, 19th century fortification engineering, and the troops who were stationed in this area during the Civil War. Walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.746.4848.

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 the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 703.746.1706.

Saturday, November 6 – Swordsmen’s Rendezvous
En garde! Experience the Swordsmen’s Rendezvous, a unique living history program at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. 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.

Monday, November 8 – 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.

Thursday, November 11 – Free Flu Vaccine Clinic
Alexandria City Public Schools School Health Services, in partnership with the Alexandria Health Department and Medical Reserve Corps, will be offering a free flu vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St., in the Auxiliary Gymnasium. Only injectable vaccine will be available at this event. Children age 4 and above may receive the vaccine at this clinic as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For more information, contact Robin Wallin, ACPS Health Services Coordinator, at 703.824.6650 or Cyndi Lake, Emergency Planner, at 703.746.4977.

Thursday, November 11 – Veterans Day Program
Celebrate the African American men and women who fought for our country at the annual Veterans Day program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street. Sponsored by the Alexandria Branch of the NAACP, the program includes speakers, music and a visual tribute to local veterans. Reservations are requested but not required to attend this free event. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Coming Soon

Saturday, 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.

Saturday, November 13 – “The Principal Story” Film Screening
See “The Principal Story” at 4:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe St.) and find out the difference a dedicated principal can make in public schools. Tresa Dunbar is a principal at Chicago’s Nash Elementary, where 98% of students come from low income families. In Springfield, Illinois, Kerry Purcell has led Harvard Park Elementary, a school with similar demographics, for six years. This free screening is part of Movies with a Mission, a series of films about the African Diaspora that seek to inform and inspire dialogue. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14 – Tea with Martha Washington 
Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? What is the proper way to hold a teacup with no handles? Find out at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street) as Martha Washington discusses 18th century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. This 18th century tea, scheduled from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., is ideal for families and Girls Scouts. Treat yourself to the museum’s special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire is requested and tickets are $25 per person. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Monday, November 15 – America Recycles Day
Celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15 by taking the America Recycles Day pledge throughout the month of November. Residents who take the pledge will be entered into a regional prize drawing. For more information about the City’s role in America Recycles Day, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recycling.

Saturday, November 20 – Mercury Drop-off
The City of Alexandria and Covanta Energy invite residents to drop off mercury-containing devices between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the City’s household hazardous waste collection center located at 3224 Colvin St. Residents and city-based HVAC contractors are invited to drop off mercury-containing measuring devices to prevent hazardous waste from being disposed of improperly. For more information, visit the City’s Household Hazardous Waste website.

Ongoing

Style and Identity: Black Alexandria in the 1970s, Portraits by Horace Day
At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 S. Wythe St., 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.

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.