FRIDAY/OCTOBER 3
Gadgets, Gizmos and Other Cool Stuff. Mount Vernon Chapter #3198, AARP, 1 p.m., Hollin Hall Senior Center. Guest speaker, Ruth Nelson, Virginia State AARP president. Call 703-504-6108.
<cal1>SATURDAY.OCTOBER 4
<cal2>Scottish Heritage Fair Festival, co-sponsored by the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Alexandria Scottish Heritage Fair Council will be held 10 am. - 5 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria. Admission is free. Entertainment features Gaelic singing, Highland dancing, genealogists, music, crafts and more. Call 703-883-4686 for more information.
13th Annual Gerry Hyland Lobsterfest, 1-4 p.m., Justice Snowden Farm, 2405 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, next to Mount Vernon Hospital. Tickets $35 per person. Entertainment, free hot dogs, auction. Sponsored by Gerry Hyland, candidate for re-election to supervisor's office, Mount Vernon District.
The ninth annual Art on the Avenue festival. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Potomac West community of Alexandria. The event is free. Held each fall on Mount Vernon Avenue between Bellefonte and Uhler Avenues in the Del Ray neighborhood, this annual multicultural street festival celebrates the diversity of the Potomac West community. Art on the Avenue features more than 200 artists and craftspeople, food, entertainment on electric and acoustic musical stages, and children's activities. Arts and crafts demonstrations, music and special events for adults and children are part of the day's program. For more information, contact Pat Miller at 703-683-3100, or visit www.artontheavenue.org.
The Capitol Steps are back at Bishop Ireton. Saturday to raise funds for Ireton’s student athletes. Get your tickets for this sell-out performance and join the pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices are: $30, general aAdmission; $50, reserved seating; $100, Cardinal seating. Call 703-212-5140, ext. 1113. Buy on-line at www.biboosters.org. Or mail your checks, made payable to BI Athletic Booster Club, to Bishop Ireton High School, Attn: Capitol Steps, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria, Va 22314.
Inova Alexandria Hospital is hosting a free Women's Expo. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., featuring Ask the Doctor sessions, staffed information booths and screenings. Programs will be tailored to women from their 20s to beyond their 60s. To register, go to www.inova.org and click on "Health Info and Classes," or call 703-204-3366.
Octoberest at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church and Day School. 3 p.m,. until 7 p.m. Food, fun and silent auction are all a part of this community gathering. The Day School hosts a fun filled Kinderfest from 3 -5: p.m. The Kinderfest includes face painting, pumpkin decorating, a cake walk and other fun games for kids. St. Aidan's is located 8531 Riverside Road, Alexandria. Call 703-360-4220 for further details.
Join Coptic Orphans in their race to end the cycle of poverty in Egypt. Coptic Orphans will be hosting their 3rd annual 5k run/walk at 8 a.m. at Burke Lake Park , 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. A $10 donation per person appreciated. Pledges are encouraged as well, and the participant with the most pledges will receive an award. Participants can register and download pledge forms online at www.copticorphans.org , or by calling Danyelle Ballard at 703-641-8910.
8th Annual Arts Safari. Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free and open to public. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Factory artists and the City of Alexandria Archeology Museum.
3rd Annual Pedals for Progress. Good Shepherd Catholic Church will host the bike collection of used children and adult two wheel bikes from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PfP is a non-profit organization that distributes donated bikes to third world countries. For more information please call Steve Gravini, 703-308-7570 or Mary Jane Masciola, 703-780-4055. For detailed information about PfP visit their web site at www.p4p.org.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCTOBER 5
<cal2>The Ship's Company, Living History Group Returns to Fort Ward, interpreting America's naval heritage, noon- 4 p.m. The free program will teach visitors about life on board ship, naval uniforms and weapons, nautical skills, and the history of the USS Constellation, the only Civil War-era vessel still afloat, which is now docked in Baltimore. Naval equipment, photographs and models of the USS Kearsarge and CSS Alabama will be displayed. For more information, call Fort Ward Museum at 703-838-4848.
<cal1>TUESDAY/OCTOBER 7
<cal2>Alexandria LGBT Social. Monthly LGBT community social in Old Town Alexandria from 6:30-8 p.m., Stardust Restaurant, 608 Montgomery Street, Alexandria. Open to everyone. There's a cash bar up front, but there's no cost to attend the social. Sponsored by Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association. For more information and to join the e-mail list for future event announcements, go to www.aglca.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 16, 23
<cal2>18th Century English Country Dance Classes. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Open to the general public. Singles or couples are welcome at this beginner level series. 7:30 TO 9:30 p.m. 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. $25 for the series of three classes or $10 per class. Reservations requested. See www.historicalexandria.org and click on 'Shop.' For more information, call 703-838-4242.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCTOBER 11
<cal2>Alexandria Seaport Day. On the waterfront in Alexandria. Open to the public and includes many fun and educational boat-related activities for family and friends. Activities include model boat building for children, sailboat and rowboat rides for everyone and maritime exhibits. A central activity during Seaport Day will be the building of the wooden rowboats by teams of family and friends. The Alexandria Seaport Day will be supported by sponsors from the surrounding community. Sponsoring organizations will enable deserving family and group build teams to build and own a rowboat at a greatly discounted price.To either participate as a sponsor or a boat building team, contact:Paul Weeks, Managing Director, Alexandria Seaport Foundation, 703-549-7078, or e-mail: weeks@alexandriaseaport.org.
Italian Night Singing Concert. In Celebration of Columbus Day, Saturday, Oct. 11, Knights of Columbus Concert Hall, 8592 Richmond Hwy. Featuring Melissa O'Connor, soprano; Anthony Torchia, tenor and Nikita Wells, baritone, ainging the great arias, familiar Neapolitan love songs and all-time favorite songs from Broadway musicals. Dinner served from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Entertainment from 9 to 11 p.m. $20 per person. Call Knights of Columbus office at 703-360-1964 by Oct 3, for paid reservations and tickets.
Octoberfest at Hollin Hall. 1-4 pm by the Hollin Hall Village Citizens Association at the Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. There will be a live reptile show at 2 p.m. and live music by Lesson Zero from 2-4 p.m. No admission charge, but there is a nominal fee for games, activities and food. For more information, contact Tara at 703-768-8915.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCTOBER 12 & 19
<cal2>Mount Vernon Orchestra Concert, Oct. 12, 5 p.m., Bishop Ireton High School; Oct. 19, 5 p.m., West Potomac High School. Tickets: $20; seniors and college students, $17; 18 and under, free. Contact www.mvorchestra.org or call 703-799-8229.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCTOBER 12, 19, 26
<cal2>Marine Chamber Ensembles, featuring The President's Own" performing in small ensemble settings, at George Washington Masonic National Memorial Auditorium, Alexandria, 2 p.m. Information, call 202-433-4011.
<cal1>TUESDAY/OCTOBER 14
<cal2>Mt. Vernon Citizens Advisory Committee's monthly meeting. Mt. Vernon Police Station, 2511 Parkers Lane, 7:30 p.m.
<cal1>THURSDAY/OCTOBER 16
<cal2>Fashion Show. 10 a.m. by the Yacht Haven Garden Club. There will be a luncheon, silent auction and raffle. Held at Fort Belvoir Officers Club. Cost is $25 per person. Reservation required, please call Linda McCormack for more information, 703-765-0509.
Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association will have its Annual Meeting and Election. 7:15 p.m., in the Carl Sandburg Middle School Library. Parents of players registered for any Fort Hunt Youth sport during 2003 are eligible to vote and anyone interested in Fort Hunt Youth is invited to attend to learn more about the organization. Regular meetings are held monthly on the third Thursday of every month in the same location. For more information, call 703-360-2932.
<cal1>FRIDAY/OCTOBER 17
<cal2>A Taste for Art at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. 7-10 p.m., benefiting the community outreach activities of the Friends of the Torpedo Factory Center. Tickets are $65 in advance or $75 at the door. For reservations, call 703-683-0693, or e-mail friendsTFAC@starpower.net.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCTOBER 18
<cal2>The Alexandria Family Fall Festival. Sponsored by Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Armistead L. Boothe Park, 520 Cameron Station Blvd., Alexandria. Admission is free. Call 703-883-4686.
Commonwealth Academy will host Octoberfest 2003. 6-10 p.m. to benefit the Commonwealth Academy Scholarship Fund. 1321 Leslie Ave., Alexandria. Local businesses are sponsoring the event and tickets are available for $100 per couple or $60 single. For information, call 703-548-6912.
Tauxemont Cooperative Preschool Rummage Sale, Craft Sale and Bake Sale. 8 am to noon, Tauxemont Preschool - 7719 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Buy a table for $20 and sell your own rummage or craft items. Contact Matt for table information at 703-780-2865.
Annual Country Market at Alexandria Country Day School. 10 a.m. -3 p.m., 2400 Russell Road. Fun for the whole family with games, pony rides, face painting, art and crafts and more. Outdoor cafe for lunch complete with BBQ and snacks. For more information, call 703-548-4804.
Foster Care Fair. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Alexandria Department of Human Services, 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent is encouraged to attend. Call 703-838-0849.
Huntley Meadows Park Watershed Clean-up Day. 9-11:30 a.m. Citizens invited to participate in this clean-up activity. Fairfax County Party Authority looking for volunteers. Wear boots, old clothes and gloves. Trash bags provided. Call 703-768-2525.
Mega Craft Sale, Hollin Hall Senior Center. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1500 Senandoah Road, Alexandria. More than 40 crafters, silent auction, bake sale, door prizes. Free. Call 703-765-4573.
4th Annual Target Tent Event, 8 a.m., 2 p.m., Potomac Yards Target, Jefferson Davis Highway, sponsored by Alexandria Office on Women. Support the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program. Purchase items for battered women and their children in the community. A wishlist of needed items will be provided. Staff will be on hand to receive tax-deductible donations. Call Laurie at 703-838-4811.
<cal1>SUNDAY/OCTOBER 19
<cal2>Lee-Fendall House Museum Open House and Volunteer Fair. 1-4 p.m., 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria. Free admission. Call 703-549-1789.
<cal1>MONDAY/OCTOBER 20
<cal2>"Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project: An Update." Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Rd, Alexandria at 1 p.m. Guest Speaker Alex Lee will discuss construction affecting Fairfax County. Program is free. Call for reservation 703-765-4573.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/OCTOBER 22
<cal2>The Hermitage in Northern Virginia's Health and Wellness Fair. 1:30 p.m. 4 p.m., Hermitage Auditorium. Free Blood Pressure/Sugar testing by licensed nurses; Informational talks by medical specialists; Healthy Living advice by registered dietician; Presentations by Rehabilitation Department personnel; Free Spine tests; Home Safety tips and Free Hearing tests. For more information, call Dana Frields, 703-797-3815.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCTOBER 25
<cal2>Charles Barrett Community Day. Games, prizes and entertainment, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Charles Barrett Elementary School, 1115 Martha Custis Dr. Call 703-838-4818 for more information.
The Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. 8:30 a.m., Alexandria. For information, www.alexcancerwalk.com.
The Bishop Ireton Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Fall Concert in the Garwood Whaley Auditorium, Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road. 7:30 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults adn $1 for children 12 and under. For more information, call 703-212-5162.
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/OCTOBER 29
<cal2>Free Community Program for Diabetes Patients, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, offering a free community program for people with Diabetes in order to help them prepare for the holidays. The event will be held 7 p.m. in Engh Conference Rooms 1&2. Although the program is free, registration is required. Call 703-204-3366.
<cal1>THURSDAY/OCTOBER 30
<cal2>Poe in Alexandria, 8 p.m., The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. Actor David Keltz portrays Edgar Allan Poe and recreates his visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before his death. Admission: $12. Call 703-838-4994.
<cal1>FRIDAY/OCTOBER 31
<cal2>Historic Alexandria Hauntings. Family-friendly Halloween fun to Old Town from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. The event is hosted by Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria Archaeology and The Little Maids of History. Advance tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 and under. Advance ticket sales begin Oct. 1, at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum or on-line through the Museum shop, www.HistoricAlexandria.org and click on 'Shop.' Tickets will also be available at Market Square on the day of the event from 5 p.m. until sold out. Day-of tickets are $10 for adults, and $3 for ages 12 and under. Each ticketholder will receive a complimentary bag for goodies that will be provided at the sites. Costumes are encouraged for this rain-or-shine activity. Tour groups are welcome and may make advance reservations by calling 703-838-4242, at least seven days before the event.