Dog Stolen from Alexandria Animal Shelter
Alexandria police are investigating the theft of a dog from the city’s animal shelter. The dog, a spayed 8-month-old female Chihuahua, was stolen last Friday afternoon from the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue.
Shelter staff contacted police to report that the dog, Jemma, was stolen from a fenced run area sometime between noon and 6 p.m. Police are investigating the possibility that someone visiting the shelter concealed the small dog and then left.
Jemma recently had abdominal surgery and needs veterinary follow-up. Shelter staff alerted local veterinarians and animal hospitals in case anyone seeks treatment for her.
Jemma is black and tan, with short hair, and weighs approximately seven pounds. She has stitches on her belly and a shaved spot on her front leg. Although she is a Chihuahua, she strongly resembles a Miniature Pinscher because of her black and tan markings.
Jemma’s adoption had already been arranged by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which operates the shelter. Jemma’s new family awaits her safe return.
Anyone knowing Jemma’s location is asked to call Alexandria police at 703-838-4444 or the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at 703-838-4774.
Alexandria at War
The Lyceum will be the venue for an exhibit, Friday, May 28, "Alexandria at War, 1941-1945. Planned to coincide with the dedication of the national World War II Memorial, this exhibition will look at the impact the conflict had on the Alexandria community and the contributions that local men, women, and children, both military and civilian, made toward the war effort. The artifacts featured n Alexandria at War will include items from the Alexandra Red Cross and new acquisitions, exhibited for the first time, related to civil defense and the U.S. Naval Torpedo Factory. On view through September 7, 201 S. Washington Street.
The Legion Years
Gadsby's Tavern Museum will open a temporary exhibit, "Gadsby's Tavern Through the Legion Years, Monday, May 31, as part of the regular museum tour through September 6.
The exhibit will look at the tavern when it was owned by the American Legion Post #24 (1929 – 1972) and the organization’s campaign to restore and operate the historic tavern. In honor of the American Legion and the celebration of the World War II Memorial, admission to the museum will be free for anyone with a military ID. $4/adults; $2/ages 11 – 17. 134 N. Royal Street.
A Special Father’s Day Open House
<bt>Friendship Firehouse is offering special tours for fathers on Father’s Day. On Sunday, June 20, Friendship Firehouse will make every father an honorary Chief of the Friendship Fire Company Bucket Brigade. Every dad, with his children, will receive a certificate, get to ring the fire bell, and have his picture taken with the Friendship fire engine.
This event will be held from 1-4 p.m., at Friendship Firehouse, 107 South Alfred Street. There is no charge.
For more information, call 703-838-3891.
Alexandria Fights Mosquito Population
With summer quickly approaching, the Alexandria Health Department is asking residents and businesses to help reduce the mosquito population by getting rid of places where mosquitoes breed. Homeowners can reduce mosquito annoyance from 5-50 tpercent in the yard and community by eliminating sites around the outside of the home that serve as habitats for mosquito larvae.
Scientists have discovered that mosquitoes can transmit a variety of diseases to both animals and humans, such as West Nile virus, an illness that can range from mild flu-like symptoms to encephalitis and death.
Mild symptoms of the virus include fever, head and body aches, swollen lymph glands, and occasionally a skin rash. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of contracting the disease.
Mosquitoes breed in shallow pools of standing water. Hundreds of offspring can breed in just a tablespoon of standing water. The developmental cycle of mosquitoes can be completed within a week's time under ideal conditions. Consequently, residents should change the water in their birdbaths and wading pools at least twice a week. They also should make sure that unused buckets, wheelbarrows, and other devices that might collect rainwater are turned upside down for storage. Cleaning clogged roof gutters and aerating fishponds will also help in the effort.
People can protect against mosquito bites by avoiding outdoor activities in the early morning and at dusk. If participating in outdoor activities at these times, people should wear long sleeves and long pants.
Insect repellant can help, too. It is recommended that adults use repellant with 50 percent or less DEET and children can use 30 percent or less DEET. The higher the concentration of DEET, the longer one is protected from mosquitoes.
For more information, visit the Alexandria Health Department website at www.ci.alexandria.va.us/city/health/environmental_health.html, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile.