Classes
Winter Youth Classes. Jane Franklin offers classes for children 4-7 years of age starting Jan. 15 through March 12 at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive. Visit www.janefranklin.com or 703-933-1111 to enroll.
Workshop Series. Jane Franklin Dance will hold a workshop Jan. 16-Feb. 27 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive. Open to dancers of any age or level of experience. Visit www.janefranklin.com or 703-933-1111 to enroll.
Saturday/Jan. 4
Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Show. 1-5 p.m. at Hyatt Arlington, 1325 Wilson Blvd. Browse gowns for any budget and theme. $5 donation for admission. Visit www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org for more.
Sunday/Jan. 5
Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Show. Noon-5 p.m. at Hyatt Arlington, 1325 Wilson Blvd. Browse gowns for any budget and theme. $5 donation for admission. Visit www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org for more.
Monday/Jan. 6
Application Deadline. Apply to Arlington County’s free, eight-week Neighborhood College program and learn how to become a neighborhood advocate.For more information or an application, call 703-575-8152, email ml@arlingtonnc.info or visit www.arlingtonva.us to download an application.
Capital Improvement Program Meeting. 7 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School Blackbox Theatre, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road. The CIP stakeholder meeting. Free.
Tuesday/Jan. 7
Capital Improvement Program Meeting. 8 p.m. at Education Center, room 101, 1426 N. Quincy St. CIP framework school board work session. Free.
Thursday/Jan. 9
Free Program. 7 p.m. at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. The Arlington Historical Society presents “When Metro Came to Town” with Kevin Craft. 703-228-5990. For more information, visit www.arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Saturday/Jan. 11
ESOL Tutor Training Workshop. Become a volunteer ESOL tutor, no teaching or foreign language skills required. $50/books, materials and ongoing resources. Must be able to meet for all three weeks of training. After training is complete, each tutor will be matched with a student. Takes place at James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. Visit www.lcnv.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities or call 703-237-0866 ext. 111.
Tuesday/Jan. 14
Meeting. 7 p.m. at Park Operations Building, 2700 S. Taylor St. Learn more about a proposal by Phoenix Bikes to building a building on Walter Reed Drive and the W&OD Trail. Visit www.phoenixbikes.org for more.
Wednesday/Jan. 15
Presentation. 10 a.m. at Ernst Cultural Center on the NVCC Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. LLI/NOVA will host Dr. Kalahn Taylor-Clark, who will discuss the Affordable Care Act. Parking is $2/hour. Visit www.lli.nova.org or 703-503-0600.
Application Deadline. The Alexandria Childhood Obesity Action Network is partnering with the Virginia Cooperative Extension to expand the Master Food Volunteer Program in Alexandria. Virginia Cooperative Extension is looking for applicants to become Master Food Volunteers. Volunteers help to lead Extension's many nutrition programs in the community. Training will be held in March, but applications are due Jan. 15. Contact Katie Strong at kstrong@vt.edu or 703-324-5369 or Jennifer Abel at jabel@vt.edu or 703-228-6417 for the brochure or information.
Thursday-Sunday/Jan. 16-19
Annual Citrus Fruit Sale. Arlington Host Lions will hold its annual Citrus "Sweet" Fruit sale at the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot at the corner of Lee Highway and North Glebe Road. The Lions will be selling pink/white grapefruit; Navel oranges; Honey Bells; tangelos; Hamlin juice oranges; and tangerines. They will also be selling honey maple syrup, pecans, cashews, mixed nuts and Virginia
peanuts. The proceeds from the sale benefit community non-profits supported by the Lions Club. For more information go to www.arlingtonhostlions.org or contact Liz Schindler at 703-598-8266.
Deadline Feb. 14
Nomination. The Bill Thomas Outstanding Park Service Award is calling for nominations. Nominate someone who is dedicated to park services and improving the community. This award is to pay tribute to park volunteers and encourage residents who demonstrate commitment and support for the parks programs, natural resources and public open spaces. Read more about the award at www.arlingtonva.us/departments/ParksRecreation/scripts/parks/BillThomasAward.aspx.
Monday/March 3
Application Deadline. The online application for the Military Officers Association of America Educational Assistance Programs for the 2014-2015 school year is now available online at https://scholarship.moaa.org/login.aspx. Students can apply for the interest-free loans and grants, which are awarded annually for up to five years of undergraduate study (or until a student graduates.)
Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or full-time college students working toward their first undergraduate degree. Students may apply online at www.moaa.org/education. The application deadline is Monday, March 3 at noon. Visit www.moaa.org/scholarshipfund or e-mail edassist@MOAA.org.
Race Information
Registration Now Open. Register for April’s 5K Fridays race series. They are professionally-timed and start at 6:30 p.m. at the Courtyard, 2121 Crystal Drive. $20/race or $60/series. Visit runpacers.com or 703-412-9430.
Grants
Friends of the Planetarium has recently established a new Grants for Teachers program. They have offered APS a total of eight grants, up to $500 each, available this calendar year (2013), for teacher training in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Interested APS teachers should contact Dr. Dat Le for an application for the Friends of the Planetarium Grants for Teachers.
The Friends established the Planetarium Teacher Institute in May 2013, and the first offering will be Introduction to the Planetarium for Teachers. The focus will be on middle school grades in the morning, and high school in the afternoon. Components will include a tour of the planetarium, a demonstration of the system and viewing of a full dome program, discussion of uses of the planetarium for the classroom and information about planetarium resources for teachers. The first class is scheduled for November 2013.
Visit www.friendsoftheplanetarium.org.
Ongoing
Virginia Hospital Center is offering flu shots and Tdap vaccines through its Outpatient Pharmacy. Visit the Outpatient Pharmacy Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. to receive the vaccinations. No appointment is necessary. The Outpatient Pharmacy is located on the first floor of 1701 N. George Mason Drive. All credit cards are accepted, most insurance plans are accepted, and direct insurance billing is provided. Flu shots cost $30 without insurance; Tdap vaccines cost $65 without insurance. Walk-ins welcome.Visit www.virginiahospitalcenter.com.
Free mall walking program for seniors will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd. Participants walk at their own pace. There will be a group stretch and cool down led by Virginia Hospital Center staff. 703-558-6859.
Alzheimer’s Association Support Group has meetings on the third Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Carlin Springs Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road and also the first and third Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane. They are open to people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, family members and friends. Free. Call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 703-359-4440 or 800-272-3900 before attending a group for the first time to verify meeting information, obtain directions or other information about the group. A complete list of all groups in the National Capital Area region can be viewed at www.alz.org/nca.
Arlington’s Emergency Winter Shelter will remain open through March 31. This is the final year that the County plans to operate this shelter before replacing it with a Homeless Services Center, scheduled to open in the fall of 2014.
The Friends of the Planetarium has launched its 2013-2014 membership drive. Past membership donations have saved the Planetarium from extinction, and are needed to continue the preservation of Arlington’s grassroots, community-supported source of all things science. Several levels of membership are available. Membership dues allow the purchase of new digital programming for community shows, sponsor planetarium training sessions for Arlington Public School teachers, assist with upgrades to the Planetarium facility, and support the David M. Brown scholarship for Arlington students. Members receive reduced admission fees for Friends-sponsored events and 100 percent tax deduction of membership dues. Visit http://friendsoftheplanetarium.org/become-a-friend/.
Join the Arlington Commission on Aging. The commission advises the County Board on aging issues and advocates to ensure that the needs of Arlington's older adults are included in all county planning and activities. Commission members are appointed by the County Board and must live or work in Arlington. For more information or an application, contact the Agency on Aging at (703) 228-1700, TTY (703) 228-1788, or e-mail Arlaaa@arlingtonva.us.
Pentagon Toastmasters meet Tuesdays from 5:30-6:45 p.m. in the Pentagon Main Cafeteria/food court, left of Dunkin Donuts. Toastmasters is an international organization that helps people speak, think, lead and listen better. For more info, contact Carl Sabath at carl.e.sabath.civ@mail.mil or 703-695-2804 or Bert Romero at jose.h.romero6.ctr@mail.mil or 703-695-3443.
Improve speaking and leadership skills by attending Helmsmen Toastmasters on Thursdays from 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Pentagon Library and Conference Center. Toastmasters is an international organization that helps everyone speak, think, lead and listen better. Contact Carl Sabath carl.e.sabath.civ@mail.mil or 703-695-2804 or Elizabeth Femrite elizabeth.m.femrite.civ@mail.mil or 571-256-8674.
The Friends of the Planetarium has relaunched its official website. Visit www.friendsoftheplanetarium.org to find up-to-date show times, a schedule of future events, information about Friends of the Planetarium membership, astronomy news and events, the history of the David M. Brown Planetarium, a link to the Friends’ store, and more.
Meditation and Buddhism Introductory Class. Every Tuesday at 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $10. “How to Solve Our Human Problems: The Four Noble Truths.” In this series, learn how to identify and solve real problems, and how to develop a peaceful, happy mind even in the face of difficult situations. Class includes teaching, guided meditation, and Q&A. Located at Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, Arlington Branch Location—First Presbyterian Church of Arlington 601 N. Vermont St. 202-986-2257 or www.meditation-dc.org.
AHC Inc.’s annual Back-2-School Drive is now underway. This year's drive aims to ensure 350 to 400 children start school well prepared. It costs AHC $18 for a fully loaded backpack. Helping with the cost of a back-to-school bundle will help a child get off to a good start in September with the supplies they need. Visit www.ahcinc.org.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is at capacity for cats. They have an urgent need for adopters or fosters. The adult cat adoption fee is normally $100, but AWLA is offering an adoption incentive throughout June—“Three Name Your Fee.” Folks who adopt cats 3 years old and over not only can name their price, but their adoption fee will also include: a certificate for a free exam with a participating veterinarian, spay or neuter surgery, a feline leukemia and feline AIDS test, a distemper vaccination, a personalized I.D. tag, a microchip, an information packet and an emergency sticker.
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority announces that cyclists and pedestrians will now have access to the W&OD Trail beyond normal daylight hours. The new W&OD Trail hours are from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., from Shirlington in Arlington County, all the way to the western town limit of Herndon in Fairfax County.
The Arlington Senior Golf Club, sponsored by the Office of Senior Adult Programs, is looking to expand its membership roster of players. ASGC is open to Arlington residents, men and women, 55 years of age and older. All skill levels are welcome. ASGC members play on Tuesdays and Thursdays at more than 20 courses in Northern Virginia with reasonable green fees between April and October. Tee times are available from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact President John Mashaw at 703-892-3793, johnmashaw@comcast.net_ or Membership Chairman Terry Townshend at 703-971-3124.
PFLAG of Arlington. Second Sunday at 3 p.m. PFLAG promotes the equality and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered persons and their families. Meets on the second Sunday of each month, at the Unitarian Universalist Church at George Mason Drive and Route 50. Contact aly.pflagdc@gmail.com.
Strength & Stretch For Seniors. Mondays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Improve range of motion, strength & bone health. All abilities welcome. $42. Mondays at Virginia Hospital Center, 1701 N. George Mason Dr. Thursdays at Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road.
Gentle Pilates. Saturdays at 9 and 11:35 a.m. A non-traditional mat Pilates class with modifications to suit all abilities. Learn proper form, strengthen core muscles and improve posture. $78. Virginia Hospital Center, 1701 N. George Mason Dr.
Gentle Yoga. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Restore flexibility, strength and ease tension. All levels welcome. $66. Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Call 703-558-6859.
Tai Chi. Thursdays at 6: 15-7:15 p.m. Combine slow, flowing movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong postures to foster a healthy, balanced mind and body. $80. 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Call 703-558-6859.
Yoga for Everybody. Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. This traditional approach to yoga reduces stress and increases strength and flexibility. $66. Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Call 703-558-6859.
Adaptive/Seated Yoga. Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. For older or physically challenged adults with limited mobility, chronic pain or neuropathy. Adaptive yoga emphasizes breathing, gentle stretching and going at your own pace. $66 Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Call 703-558-6859.
Lifeline Personal Alert System. Virginia Hospital Center Senior Health staff locally manage the personal emergency response system. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Monthly cost starts at $42. Call 703-558-6859 for more information.
Donations Needed. Our Lady Queen of Peace is seeking to replenish its food pantry. Particularly needed are rice (large bags appreciated, the pantry will rebag), dry beans, canned vegetables, soup, small jars of peanut butter, small jars of jelly, pasta and pasta sauce. 2700 South 19th St. Visit www.ourladyqueenofpeace.org.
Instruments Wanted. Instruments of any type or size — from a piano to a piccolo, for an orphanage in Haiti. Contact Miriam Miller, Opera Guild of Northern Virginia for pick up. 703-536-7557; mcdm1@verizon.net;www.operaguildnova.org.
Vounteers Needed
The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteer advocates for residents in assisted living and nursing facilities throughout the area, including Arlington. Volunteers can work in facilities close to where they live. Training and support is provided. Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or email Lisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov. Find more information at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/vol_ombud_program.htm.
The TreeStewards of Arlington and Alexandria are volunteers dedicated to improving the health of our urban trees through educational programs, tree planting and care, demonstrations and tree maintenance throughout the community. New volunteer training will be held on Tuesday evenings, starting Feb. 11 through April 2014, with some Saturday mornings. For more information and to complete an application, visit the TreeSteward website at www.TreeStewards.org or e-mail info@TreeStewards.org.
Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church is looking for more volunteer drivers to help senior citizens get to and from medical and therapy appointments. To volunteer, call 703-506-2199.
Volunteers are needed to serve as “Book Buddies” for the coming school year. The Book Buddies program provides support to first and second grade students with a simple structure that can help place children on the road to literacy. Book Buddies meet twice a week at the school with a student for 30-45 minutes to share an individually-tailored lesson plan. All volunteers must submit the Arlington Public Schools volunteer application. To volunteer, contact the English Language Arts Office at 703-228-8045 or michelle.picard@apsva.us.
Advocates needed for Arlington Commission on Long-Term Care Residences, to advise public officials about long-term care needs in Arlington, and support access, availability and affordability in Arlington's long-term care residences. For an application, find the commission via the Agency on Aging website at www.arlingtonva.us/aging or e-mail Arlaaa@arlingtonva.us or contact the Agency on Aging at 703-228-1700 (Susan Lane) or via TTY 703- 228-1788.
AHC Inc. is looking for volunteers to help middle- and high-school students with homework, and to be role models and mentors. Volunteers are needed once a week for about an hour and a half, from 6 -7:30 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. at six different AHC community centers. Visit AHC's Teen Tutoring Program or call Mary Zambrano at 703-486-0626 ext. 140.
Arlington Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound Mondays to Fridays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 703-522-0811 or mowvolunteers@yahoo.com.
Volunteers Needed. Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs (AMEN Inc.) seeks volunteers who will take social workers’ calls from home 1-5 p.m., one or two weekday afternoons per month. Approve requests for emergency financial assistance for their clients. Must have some computer skills to record requests on AMEN’s laptop computer. Training and ongoing consultation provided. Contact 703-558-0035 or amen@emergencyneeds.org. Visit www.emergencyneeds.org.
Arlington Commission on Long-Term Care Residences. Commission members are appointed by the County Board and must live or work in Arlington. For more information or an application, contact www.arlingtonva.us/aging or Carolyn Ferguson at 703-228-1700, TTY 703-228-1788, or Arlaaa@arlingtonva.us.
Northern Virginia Family Service seeks volunteers to serve as mentors to low-income seniors, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Volunteers will work one-on-one with seniors to help them plan and maintain monthly budgets, enroll in appropriate benefit programs and provide friendly support to lift the spirits of aging clients, among other duties. The position is located at Culpepper Gardens, 4435 North Pershing Dr. Contact Navara Cannon at volunteer@nvfs.org or call 571-748-2536.