<i>Send announcements to the Gazette-Packet, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com, by fax to 703-917-0991 or by mail to 1604 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Call Meghan Williams at 703-917-6407 with questions.</i>
<hdr15>Art
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Rulei Bu will have a solo art exhibit at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Oct. 6-Nov. 7. The opening reception will be held Oct. 9, 2-4p.m. The exhibition features the artist's figurative oil paintings. Call 703-683-1780.
Abaca Imports, a retail company specializing in Asian home furnishings and accessories, will feature the award-winning photographs of K.T. Miller. The exhibit will open to the public Oct. 7. Photos are available for purchase. The exhibit will remain on display at the showroom through October. Visit http://www.ktmillergallery.com.
Carolyn Malon Sober at Gallery West, 205 South Union St. Featuring new paintings in oils and acrylics. The show will run through Oct. 10. Contact Cary Sober at Gallery West for advance preview of these new works at cary@dcescapes.com. Call 703-549-7359 or visit www.carysstudio.com.
Celebrating Color with Diana Marta. Artwork by Diana Marta on display at Kelly's Art & Frame, 510 N. Washington St. through Oct. 13. Gallery is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. or by appointment. Call 703-549-3313.
The Lorton Arts Foundation presents The 2nd Annual Oval Palette Raffel through Oct. 15 at NVCC/Woodbridge campus, 4th Floor Gallery. The exhibit features painted pallates. Call 703-922-2030.
The Von Brahler Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., will be hosting open studio shows Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Remaining shows will be Oct. 15 and 16; Nov. 19 and 20; and Dec. 17 and 18.
Role Play: The Definition of Self in Society, at the Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St., through Oct. 16. Free to the public. Call 703-838-4565 or e-mail targetgallery@torpedofactory.org
Japanese by Design at the Torpedo Factory Scope Gallery, 105 N. Union St. through Oct. 23. Members of the Kiln Club will show traditional sushi plates, sake servers, bowls, trays and other wares. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Call 703-548-6288 or visit www.torpedofactory.org.
Art exhibition in the Historic House and Horticultural Center at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, through Oct. 31. Members of the Springfield Art Guild present their works. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
"Garden Retrospective and New Paintings" at George Washington's River Farm, 7931 East Blvd., through Nov. 4. Featuring oil paintings inspired by nature; several pieces are of scenes from River Farm's grounds and other local garden areas. Call 703-768-5700 ext. 114, or visit www.ahs.org.
“Recovered Views: African American Portraits 1912–1925,” a collection of 40 black and white photographs of portraits, views and candids of life in a black community in a small Plains city, a society rarely depicted in any medium. At The Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., through Nov. 30. Free. Call 703-838-4356.
Recovered Views: African American Portraits, 1912-1925, an exhibition, will be at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. through Nov. 30. Call 703-838-4356 or visit www.alexblackhistory.org.
<hdr15>Stage
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Hauptmann at Port City Playhouse, 1108 Jefferson St., 8 p.m. Oct. 7, 8, 11, 14, 15. $12. Call 703-838-2880 or visit www.portcityplayhouse.com.
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again, a story of a son's touching homage to his mother who nurtured his imagination and his love for the theater. Performances are at Metro Stage, 1201 N. Royal St., Wednesday-Sunday Oct. 12-Nov. 27. Single tickets range from $32-$38. Call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.
<hdr15>Museum Exhibits
<lst>George Washington’s Gristmill allows visitors to see an 18th-century water-powered mill in operation, discover how it works and learn how this particular mill played an important role in George Washington’s vision for America’s future. Colonial millers reveal Washington’s innovative approach to farming as they grind wheat into flour just as it was done more than 200 years ago. Cornmeal, ground and bagged at the Gristmill, is available for sale at the Gristmill Shop. The Gristmill, located three miles from the Mount Vernon Estate on Route 235, is open daily through October, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Additional charge to Estate admission. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
Slave Life at Mount Vernon explores the lives and contributions of the slaves. At George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Garden, Tours are offered daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
The Gardens and Landscape Tour at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Garden, highlights Washington’s creative design for his gardens at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tours available daily. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
Potomac River sightseeing cruises at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Garden, offer a refreshing opportunity to explore Mount Vernon from a different view with a 30-minute narrated excursion aboard the Potomac Spirit or Miss Christin Tuesday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Additional charge to Estate admission. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
<hdr15>Miscellaneous
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Rape Aggression Defense Training presented by The Alexandria Office on Women's Sexual Assault Response and Awareness Program. The RAD system is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assaults. The training will consist of four consecutive classes held Wednesdays, Oct. 12, 19, 26 and Nov. 2, at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. The course is free, with a $20 suggested donation. Space is limited. Register online at www.alexwomen.com, or call Patricia Lopez at 703-838-5030.
Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 2006 Belle View Blvd., will be sponsoring its first Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 14-31. Pumpkins of various sizes will be available for purchase. Special activities on the weekends. Proceeds go to missions and church programs. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays, 9-7 p.m. and Sundays, noon-7p.m. Call 703-765-1100.
Junior Jazzercise at the Sacramento Neighborhood Center, 8792E Sacramento Drive. Mondays at 3:45 p.m. Registration is required. Call 703-619-2964.
Mothers Against Unjust Laws meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. in the library of McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Women experiencing difficult litigation, legal abuse, parental alienation or custody evaluations should call 703-748-0072. Free.
Garden Sprouts at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, on Thursdays and Saturdays. Children 3-5 yrs. can discover the world of plants and nature through stories, lessons, activities, crafts and outdoor exploration. $5 per child per class. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Comedy at Zig's, 4531 Duke St., affiliated with The Comedy Zone. Nationally touring acts in Alexandria every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call 703-823-2777.
Square Dance Program for seniors 55 and over at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. For both beginners and experienced dancers. Wednesdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. September through June. Free. Call 703-838-4825.
Saturday Language and Culture Programs: Parlez Vous Saturday Language and Culture Programs. Group I include ages 3 months to 5 yrs; Group II includes ages 6-10. The schedule for Group I is: Chinese, 11 a.m.-noon; German, 12:30-1:30; Spanish, 2-3 p.m.; Italian, 3:30-4:30. The schedule for Group II is: German, 11 a.m.-noon; Chinese, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Italian, 2-3 p.m; Spanish, 3:30-4:30. $20/session when registering Wednesday or earlier; $25 when registering Thursday-Saturday. 1610 King St., Old Town. Call 703-838-9683 or visit www.parlezvous.org.
The Mount Vernon Toastmasters Club meets at the Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, at the first and third Mondays of each month, at 7:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to participate. For more information, call 202-861-5370 or e-mail mtvernontm@yahoo.com.
Babies and Movies Mondays. Weekly film showings catering exclusively to parents and their babies. Every Monday, at 1:30 p.m., at Old Town Theater, 815 1/2 King St., Alexandria. For more information, call 703-587-7507.
Free Legal Services are being offered by the Sacramento Neighborhood Center, the Fairfax Bar Pro Bono Program and the lawyers of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice. The companies have teamed to offer free legal advice and referral information to low-income residents of southeastern Fairfax county. Attorneys are available at SNC, 8972 E. Sacramento Drive, on the third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-noon. Appointments required. Service is free and confidential. Call 703-619-2964.
Parlez Vous Cafe. Parents and children are invited on the first Sunday of each month for croissants, beverages and story time in French and Spanish. 11:30 a.m. snacks, noon story time in French, 1 p.m. story time in Spanish. Suggested donation: $10/family. Parlez Vous is located at 1610 King St.
Classes for Scottish Country Dancers are held at 8 p.m., every Wednesday, at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron
St. The first two classes are free for beginners. Call 703-528-8466 or 703-379-5779. Classes are sponsored by the Northern Virginia Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, a non-profit association dedicated to the promotion of Scottish Country Dancing.
Weekly Sails on Potomac Open to All. The Sailing Club of Washington hosts weekly social sails at Washington Sailing Marina mid April-mid October, each Thursday evening, 6:30 p.m.-dusk, open to the public. Free sail boat rides and often a light dinner. Visit www.scow.org or call Commodore Steve at 703-684-5266.
Senior Strength and Conditioning Program at the William Ramsay Recreation Center, 5650 Sanger Ave. Ten-week step-by-step program offering guidance and motivation in developing a personal fitness plan and complete cardiovascular workout. The group will meet weekly Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon or Fridays 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required. Call 703-838-4831.
Senior Film Series at the St. Martin de Porres Senior Center, 4650 Taney Ave, the third Thursday of each month. Film titles to be announced. Call 703-838-4831.
Yoga Classes for seniors 55 and over at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Ave. Mondays, noon-1 p.m. Call 703-838-6464.
Tai-Chi-Chuan Classes for seniors 55 and over at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Thursdays 2:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4825.
Square Dance Program for seniors 55 and over at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. For both beginners and experienced dancers. Wednesdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. September-June. Free. Call 703-838-4825.
Art Classes for seniors 55 and over at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Mondays 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Call 703-838-4825.
Jewelry Creation for seniors 55 and over at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Mondays 1-3 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4825.
Basic Computer Instruction for seniors 55 and over at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. A 10-week ongoing introduction. Tuesdays 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4825.
Bridge & Pinochle Club for seniors 55 and over at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Learn the games and play socially on a regularly basis. Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4825.
Senior Exercise Classes at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Low impact body parts aerobic exercise program. No experience needed. Mondays 11 a.m.-noon. and Fridays 12:30-1:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4845.
Senior Nutrition Class at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. With a certified nutritionist. Mondays, noon-1 p.m. Free. Call 704-838-4845.
Tai-Chi-Chuan for seniors 55 and over at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Thursdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Call 703-838-4845.
Dun Lo Class for seniors 55 and over at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call Rhoda Seligmann at 703-751-7924.
Intermediate American Sign Language for seniors 55 and over at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Thursdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Call 703-838-4845.
Bridge Club for seniors 55 and over at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. For both beginners and experienced players. Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4845.