To have an item listed, mail to the Gazette-Packet, 1604 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; fax to 703-917-0991 or e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. If you have any questions, call Elizabeth Orr at 703-917-6449.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month, at 1 p.m., at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. The next meeting is Sept. 9, with guest speaker Jeff Miller, board certified massage therapist. For more information, call Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800 ext. 3014, or Barbara at 703-913-0890.
United Ostomy Association support group will hold its monthly meeting Sunday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m., at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, conference rooms D-E-F (above Skylight Cafe). Featured speaker will be colorectal surgeon Dr. Paul Savoca, discussing the latest advances in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. For more information call UOA at 703-802-3457.
American Red Cross Annual Meeting. Monday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Goodwin House, 4800 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria. Dinner and a keynote speech by Alexandria Mayor William Euille for $20 per person. Reservations required. Special seating available for Clara Barton Society Members, past chairmen, former board members, past executive directors and Red Cross retirees.
Heartburn Treatment Options. A free lecture on the treatment options for people who suffer from Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) including lifestyle changes, medication or surgery. Inova Alexandria Hospital Auditorium, Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. To register, call 703-204-3366 or go to www.inova.org and click on "Health Info and Classes."
Breast Health. This is the first in a series of three free lectures about breast health. The first lecture, titled, "Risks, Screenings and Next Steps" will be held at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. To register, call 703-204-3366 or go to www.inova.org and click on "Health Info and Classes."
2004 Annual Healthfair. Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St., Alexandria. The event will include free health and wellness screenings including blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings, dental care, a podiatrist and a chiropractor, seated and foot massage, "Talk to the Pharmacist," and much more. For more information, call Dr. Kenneth DeSandies at 703-823-5656 or the church at 703-683-2222.
Take off Pounds Sensibly, TOPS chapter VA #280, Alexandria, meets Thursdays, at 10 a.m., at the Hollin Hall Senior Center on Shenandoah Road. For more information, call Joan at 703-751-6086.