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 Marguerite Rogers at 703-917-6407.
<lst>The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
is thankful to everyone who took part in the 2005 parade. The awards for this year's parade were recently announced.
Dr. F. J. Pepper was awarded The Chairman’s Award.
Youth Group awards were: First Place to Raices de Bolivia (Fraternida Folklorica Cultural Caporales); Second Place to Girl Scout Troop 4407; and Third Place to Brownie Troop 1193, George Mason Elementary School. Youth Band awards were: First Place to T. C. Williams “Titans;” Second Place to George Washington Middle School; and Third Place to Fishburne Military Academy. Community or Adult Bands & Corps awards were: First Place to Washington Showstoppers Community Band; Second Place to Loudoun Border Guards Fife & Drum Corps; and Third Place to Fifes & Drums of Prince Williams III. Military Units and Drill Team awards were: First Place to Alexandria Fire Department, Honor Guard Ceremonial Unit; Second Place to Fishburn Military School Honor Guard – Color Unit; and Third Place to T. C. Williams High School Jr. ROTC & Color Guard. Honor Guard and Color Guard awards were:
First Place to KENA Shrine Color Guard and Drum & Bugle Corps.; and Second Place to Alexandria Police Department Honor Guard; and Third Place to U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 13-4, Mt. Vernon. Carriage and Wagon awards were: First Place to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens; Second Place to Fantasy Carriages--Gen. & Lady Washington’s Carriage. Float awards were to First Place to Military Order of the Purple Heart; Second Place to KENA Shrine Camel Herders; and Third Place to Daughters of the American Revolution, Kate Waller Barrett. Antique Vehicle awards were: First Place to 1921 Lincoln Touring Car (Robert L. Montague); Second Place to Washington Area Collectors of Military Vehicles; and Third Place to National Association of Retired Federal Employees (Model “A” Ford). Decorated Bicycles and Motorcycle awards were: First Place to KENA Shrine Motor Corp. Community & Fraternal. Organization awards were: First Place to Friends of Alexandria Archeology; Second Place to Old Dominion Boat Club; Third Place to Virginia PT Cruisers. Historical Unit awards were: First Place to 17th Virginia Infantry, Co. D; Second Place to First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line; Third Place to Sons of Confederate Veterans, Robert E. Lee Camp #726. Equestrian Unit awards were: First Place to U.S. Park Police, Horsemounted Unit; Second Place to United Horseman’s Association; Third Place to American Heritage Riders.
“The Spirit of George Washington” awards were: First Place to USS Alexandria; Second Place to First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line; Third Place to Brownie Troop 3221, St. Rita School.
EF Foundation for Foreign Study is seeking potential host families for the 2005-2006 school year in Alexandria, Arlington County and Southern Fairfax County. Host families are responsible for providing room, board and a caring environment for the students. The students range from 15 to 18 years old and will attend area high schools. Students are fully insured, speak English and will bring their own spending money. The are selected for the program based on their academic achievement, maturity and adaptability. Host families are eligible for a tax deduction and a $500 scholarship toward EF’s outbound study abroad program. For more information, contact the EF Foundation’s local representative Erica Christ at 571-322-0006 or call the EF Foundation’s headquarters in Boston at 1-888-44-SHARE. Visit www.effoundation.org.
The Alexandria Commission for the Arts is seeking proposals from artists to create up to five works of art to be given as the 2005 Alex Awards. This annual award program is geared to stimulate interest in the arts in the artistic, business, community and educational sectors. The Alex Award program recognizes Excellence in an Artistic Discipline, Excellence Service to the Arts, Outstanding Contributions to Arts Education and Innovative Partnerships between Businesses and the Arts. The 2005 Alex Awards will be presented at a city-wide event scheduled for May 20, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 300 1 N. Beauregard St. The winners will receive a commissioned work of art from artists who work or live in Alexandria. All proposals must be submitted to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts’ office, 1108 Jefferson St., by the close of business day on March 21. To obtain a proposal form or for more information, call the Commission’s office at 703-838-6348 or e-mail alexandriacommissionforthearts@verizon.net.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation is now selling a Preserve, Protect, Play awareness wristband. The band is green and is available at many Park Authority locations, as well as the Park Foundation web site. The goal of this project is to increase awareness of the Foundation and the projects it support. The Foundation hopes to raise money in support of local parks by selling the bands for $2 each. Bulk sales are available at www.fairfaxcountyparkfoundation.com. For more information, call the Park Foundation at 703-324-8581.
The Carlyle House Historic Park achieved accreditation by the American Association of Museums. National recognition comes with AAM accreditation. The designation certifies that a museum operates according to standards set by the museum profession, manages its collections responsibly and provides quality service to the public. The team explored the finances, collections, exhibits and programs of this Northern Virginia Regional Park. Located at 121 N. Fairfax Street, the Carlyle House is open to the public Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sundays from noon-4:30 p.m. The Carlyle House is closed on Mondays. For more information about the museum, exhibits and events, call 703-549-2997 or http://www.carlylehouse.org. The American Association of Museums is the national service organization representing the American museum community.