Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com; by fax to 703-917-0991; or by mail to 1604 King St., Alexandria VA 22314. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Thursday/Oct. 26
Dinosaurs & Dragons. Stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft, 10:30 a.m. Age 2-5 with adult. Martha Washington library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, 703-768-6700.
Pumpkin Party. Stories and songs. Costumes optional, 1 p.m. Age 2-5 with adult. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Mini-Walk. Annual "Help the Homeless" mini-walk hosted by United Community Ministries, 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, from 5-7 p.m. Help raise money for to prevent homelessness and assist individuals and families that become homeless. For more information on how to participate in this year's Help the Homeless initiative, contact Denise Hayden at 703-768-7106 ext 338 or by e-mail at grantwriter@ucmagency.org.
Computer ABCs Series - Part C. Introduction to Windows, 1 p.m. Adults. Sherwood regional library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, 703-765-3645.
Curiosity Club. Stories, activities and an age-appropriate science experiment, 4 p.m. Age 4-6 with adult. John Marshall library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, 703-971-0010.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English, 7 p.m. Adults. No registration is required. John Marshall library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, 703-971-0010.
Drinks of Choice: Tavern Beverages. Lecture series looks at the beverages served at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Chocolate with Rob Kingsbury, owner of Kingsbury Chocolates, 7:30 p.m. with lecture followed by samples and light refreshments. $15 in advance, $20 at the door, with complete series for $50. www.gadsbystavern.org 703-838-4242.
World Short Story Discussion Group. Discussing short stories from the anthology Art of the Story. 7-8:30 p.m. To discuss stories by E. Danticat, Lydia Davis, and D. del Giudice. Call Mark, 703-519-3498. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road.
Story Time, Thursdays at 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. for ages 3-5. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St.
Mother Goose Time. 9:30 a.m., ages 1-2 with adult. James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., 703-838-4566.
Story Time. Thursdays, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., ages 3-5, without an adult. Special Halloween stories: Children are invited to come to Halloween Party story times in costume and will receive a treat. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Book Event. Lee Smith will read from his book "On Agate Hill" at 7 p.m. at Olsson's bookstore, 106 S. Union St., Alexandria. 703-684-0077.
Music Concert. The Bishop Ireton Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band and Choir will perform their Fall Concert at the Garwood Whaley Auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road at 7 p.m. Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for children 12 and under. Call 703-212-5162.
Fall Shopping Fundraiser. Nuevo Mundo is hosting a Fall Shopping Fundraiser to benefit the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association at Nuevo Mundo, located at 313 Cameron St., Alexandria. The shop will be open all day with 10% of the sales benefiting the NVFAA. There will be wine, beverages and cheese for everyone to enjoy.
Doggie Happy Hour. From 5-8 p.m., the Old Town Hotel hosts the last Doggie Happy Hour of the season with a costume contest for the dogs. Free treats and water will be available for the dogs as well as the humans. For more information about the party, call 703-549-6080.
Friday/Oct. 27
Business Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn & Hotel & Suites, 625 First St., 6:30-10 p.m. The 2006 Business Leader of the Year will be honored and Alexandria's finest small businesses will be awarded. Call 703-548-6300.
The Utter Basics of Garden Design, 1:30-2:30 p.m. With some aesthetic basics, a little good planning and more informed plant choices, your garden can look better next spring. $11, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173.
Lunch Bunch. Bring your lunch and join us for a story, noon. Birth-5 with adult. John Marshall library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, 703-971-0010.
Time for Twos, 10 a.m., ages 24-36 months, with an adult. Registration required: 703-519-5900, Ext. 4. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Repeats Tuesdays and Fridays.
Music Event. Members of the Air Force Strings perform at 8 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria. Free. For more information call The United States Air Force Band's Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.com.
Grand Opening. 11 a.m. at Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon Estate. Free and includes re-enactments, music and more. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more on the event.
Alexandria Colonial Tours. Presents its extra-creepy tour at this time of year, including a visit to either Gadsby's Tavern Museum or House in the Country, to hear tales of the women who haunt these historic buildings. Tours run every 15 minutes, 6:30-9:15 p.m. For more information, contact Alexandria Colonial Tours at 703-519-1749.
85th Anniversary. Alexandria BPW will celebrate its 85th anniversary at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria. For further information and reservations, contact Chris Morris, 703-971 5936.
Saturday/Oct. 28
Walk the Alexandria Heritage Trail with the city archaeologist, 10 a.m.-noon. Free, but reservations are required. Call 703-838-4399.
John Carlyle’s Funeral Re-enactment. Part of the Death Comes to Carlyle House program. Funeral re-enactment includes burial at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Call 703-549-2997.
Historic Alexandria Hauntings. For information call the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703-838-4242. Continues Sunday.
Perennial Series, 9:30-11 a.m., Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173. Learn how to identify the perennials, diseases and pests they are susceptible to, and how they can be used in the landscape. Karen Rexrode, former owner of Windy Hill Nursery, equips you with lots of information. Sign up for one class or the full series. $16 per class, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173.
Special Family Tea – Harry Potter’s Plants and Potions, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Calling all Muggles! Conjure up some magic in the gardens, exploring the lore and magical powers of Harry Potter’s favorite plants. Then, brew up the wizard’s favorite potions for tea time at the historic house. For ages eight and up. $24, Historic Green Spring, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-941-7987.
Batty About Bats, 1-3 p.m. Try on some bat wings and see a real vampire bat skull during this on-going, self-directed program. Free, Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, Harrison Lane and Lockheed Boulevard, 703-768-2525.
Open House. Join us for our "Best of the Best" book sale, library tours, demonstrations of online resources, like Homework Help, and more. Light refreshments, noon-4 p.m. All ages. No registration is required. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Juan Bobo & Friends. Storyteller Gary Lloyd presents multi-cultural folktales, 3:30 p.m. All ages. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Saturday Stories. Saturdays, at 10:30 a.m., for all ages. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St.
Pumpkin Patch Party, ages 5-8, 1 p.m. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, 703-519-6000. Pre-register beginning Oct. 12.
Howling Good Halloween, ages 9-12, 3 p.m. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, 703-519-6000. Pre-register beginning Oct. 12.
Book Sale. Beatley Central Library book sale, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 5005 Duke St., 703-519-5900. Continues Sunday and Monday.
Annual Country Market. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Events include rides, live music from bluegrass acoustic band "City Farm," arts and crafts and more. Enjoy looking at the various vendors. Held at Alexandria Country Day School, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria. Free. For more information call 703-548-4804 or visit www.acdsnet.org.
"Birding and Bagels." 9-11 a.m. at The Kust Property, 3104 Russell Road, Alexandria. Enjoy the morning and see the abundant bird life. Expert birder, Paula Sullivan, will share her knowledge with us and lead a short bird walk. Free and bring binoculars. Breakfast is provided. Park at Inglesia Presbiteriana Church (formerly a Baptist church), 2405 Russell Road as a shuttle will be running from 8:30am to 11:30am. Visit www.nvct.org or call Alison Mize Organization at 703-354-5093 x 22.
Historic Funeral Procession. There will be a re-enactment of Col. John Carlyle's funeral, a prominent resident of Alexandria, starting at 6 p.m. with viewing and visitation at the Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Old Town Alexandria. 9 p.m. starts the funeral procession and internment at Old Presbyterian Meeting House located at 321 S. Fairfax St. Reservations required. For information call 703-683-3451.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association will be sponsoring an annual Halloween scavenger hunt for children from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will begin at the Torpedo Factory Art Center and The Art League studios as young ones look for art treasure pieces in select studios. The Torpedo Factory and The Art League are located at 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Afterwards, participants will proceed to The Athenaeum for prizes, refreshments, activities and goodies. The Athenaeum is located at 201 Prince St., on the corner of Prince and Lee Streets in Old Town Alexandria. Admission is free and for children ages 4-10. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.
Alexandria Colonial Tours. Presents its extra-creepy tour at this time of year, including a visit to either Gadsby's Tavern Museum or House in the Country, to hear tales of the women who haunt these historic buildings. Tours run every 15 minutes, 6:30-9:15 p.m. For more information, contact Alexandria Colonial Tours at 703-519-1749.
"Friend or Foe." Presented by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria from 12-2 p.m. at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. Free seminar on a variety of topics Including methods of attracting or detracting wild creatures and more. No registration required. 703-838-4774, x210.
Fall Festival. All proceeds will go to the Charles Barrett Recreation Center located in the Parkfairfax community attached to the Charles Barrett Elementary School. The event is a community event and will include, pony rides and face painting for children. There will also be a flee market for the public. Call 703-838-4818 for more information.
Sunday/Oct. 29
Historic Alexandria Hauntings. For information call the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703-838-4242. Begins Saturday.
Goblin Games. Children ages 2-7 can participate in "Goblin Games" beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Parents and children can move through the games at their own pace. Free. For more details about the Goblin Games or for membership information, call the Jaycees' 24-hour recorded event line at 703-866-7171 or www.alexjaycees.org.
Del Ray Halloween Parade. Sponsored by the Potomac West Business Association, 703-684-3535.
Oh Deer!, 12:30-2 p.m. Families will go off-trail to look for signs of deer activity and talk about how important these animals were to the American Indians living in Virginia at the time of the Jamestown settlement. For ages six and up. Reservations required. Canceled if rain. $2, Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, Harrison Lane and Lockheed Boulevard, 703-768-2525.
Batty About Bats, 1-3 p.m. Try on some bat wings and see a real vampire bat skull during this self-directed program. Free, Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, Harrison Lane and Lockheed Boulevard, 703-768-2525.
Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Telethon. Fund-raiser features performances by First Night Alexandria Teen Talent semi-finalists. At T.C. Williams high school.
Book Sale. Beatley Central Library book sale, 1-4:30 p.m. 5005 Duke St., 703-519-5900. Begins Saturday, continues Monday.
Music Concert. New Dominion Chorale begins its 16th season at 4 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. This concert includes four operatic soloists. Tickets are $25; $20/senior; $5/student; and $20 for group sales. Free parking. Purchase tickets online at www.newdominion.org; by phone, 703-442-9404.
Music Event. Members of the Air Force Strings perform at 4 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Free. For more information call The United States Air Force Band's Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or www.usafband.com.
New Hope Housing will have a President's Reception for friends and supporters of New Hope Housing, Inc., 3-5 p.m. at the residence of Larry and Kathy Hirsch, 7615 Southdown Road, Mount Vernon. Contact 703-799-2293, ext. 20 or mwooldridge@newhopehousing.org.
The 10th Annual Potomac West Halloween Parade. 2 p.m. The parade begins at East Bellefonte and Mount Vernon Avenues and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center playing field. Children, pets and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their Halloween garb. Register at the desk at the beginning of the parade at Bellefonte and Mount Vernon beginning at 1:30 p.m. Awards will be given out at the end of the parade along with goodie bags for children and refreshments (hot dogs donated by 7-11). For information contact Gayle Reuter at 703-684-3535 or gtrdelray@yahoo.com.
Alexandria Colonial Tours. Presents its extra-creepy tour at this time of year, including a visit to either Gadsby's Tavern Museum or House in the Country, to hear tales of the women who haunt these historic buildings. Tours run every 15 minutes, 6:30-9:15 p.m. For more information, contact Alexandria Colonial Tours at 703-519-1749.
Free Mini-Golf. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is offering free rounds of miniature golf to golfers dressed in Halloween costumes from noon-9 p.m.. The free rounds will be offered at Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. Non-costumed golfers can play at the normal rates of $5.50 for ages 13-54; and $4.50 for golfers over 55 and 12 and under. For information visit www.NVRPA.org.
Monday/Oct. 30
Poe in Alexandria. Actor David Keltz re-creates Edgar Allen Poe’s 1849 visit to Virginia, including recitations from classic Poe stories. 8 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. $12 admission; limited seating, advance purchase is recommended. Program is best suited for ages 12 and up, due to content. Call 703-838-4994. Repeats Tuesday.
Little Pumpkins on Parade. Halloween stories and costume parade, 11 a.m. Age 2-5 with adult. Sherwood regional library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, 703-765-3645.
School's Out Fun. Afterschool activities and crafts, 1:45 p.m. Age 6-10. John Marshall library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, 703-971-0010.
Little One-Ders, at 10 or 10:45 a.m., ages 12-24 months, with adult. Registration required: 703-519-5900, Ext. 4. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Repeats Mondays.
Family Story Nights. 7 p.m., for all ages. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St., 703-519-5900. Repeats Mondays.
Cuentos. Every other Monday at 10 a.m., for ages 2-3, in Spanish. Registration required. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Book Sale. Beatley Central Library book sale, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 5005 Duke St., 703-519-5900. Begins Saturday, continues Sunday.
Alexandria Colonial Tours. Presents its extra-creepy tour at this time of year, including a visit to either Gadsby's Tavern Museum or House in the Country, to hear tales of the women who haunt these historic buildings. Tours run every 15 minutes, 6:30-9:15 p.m. For more information, contact Alexandria Colonial Tours at 703-519-1749.
Tuesday/Oct. 31
Splendor in Nature: The EcoVoce Ensemble will perform at the Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C., 12:10-12:50 p.m.
Poe in Alexandria. Actor David Keltz re-creates Edgar Allen Poe’s 1849 visit to Virginia, including recitations from classic Poe stories. 8 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. $12 admission; limited seating, advance purchase is recommended. Program is best suited for ages 12 and up, due to content. Call 703-838-4994.
Story Time. Tuesdays, at 10 or 11 a.m., all ages, with an adult. Sign-up 30 minutes before Story Time. James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., 703-838-4566.
English Language Workshop. Adults at the beginning level of learning English can come to a free ESL Workshop in Beatley’s Meeting Room, Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Every Tuesday, 3-5 p.m. Call Mark at 703-519-3498.
Time for Twos, 10 a.m., ages 24-36 months, with an adult. Registration required: 703-519-5900, Ext. 4. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Repeats Tuesdays and Fridays.
Tuesday Tots, Tuesdays, at 11 a.m., ages 2 to 3, with adult. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, 703-519-6000.
Mother Goose Time, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 9:30 a.m., ages 12 to 24 months with adult. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Stories to Grow On. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 11 a.m., for ages 2 and up. Special Halloween stories: Children are invited to come to Halloween Party story times in costume and will receive a treat. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Alexandria Colonial Tours. Presents its extra-creepy tour at this time of year, including a visit to either Gadsby's Tavern Museum or House in the Country, to hear tales of the women who haunt these historic buildings. Tours run every 15 minutes, 6:30-9:15 p.m. For more information, contact Alexandria Colonial Tours at 703-519-1749.
Wednesday/Nov. 1.
Lecture. Marie Howland, Ph.D., Professor, Urban Studies and Planning, University of Maryland, will present a lecture on "Urban Development Challenges and Accomplishments in Post Soviet St. Petersburg, Russia," from 7-9 p.m. at Virginia Techís Alexandria campus, 1021 Prince St., Main Conference Room, 3rd floor. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Heike Mayer at 703-706-8122 or heikem@vt.edu.
Music Concert. The Mount Vernon High School music department will be having a concert entitled "Amore and Macabre" at 7 p.m. in the MVHS Bratten Hall. Free. Call 703-619-3241.
Thursday/Nov. 2
Veteran's Day Tribute. 11 a.m.-noon at the Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, 2601 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Students from the Minnie Howard School in Alexandria will present the colors and read the names on the memorial. Notes expressing appreciation for the service will be offered to the veterans and active duty personnel and a rendition of "Taps" will conclude the event. For questions e-mail elissa.webster@acps.k12.va.us.
Friday/Nov. 3
Music for Brass Quintet. The United States Air Force Band Chamber Players Series begins at 8 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Free. For more information call The United States Air Force Band's Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.com.
Wine Tasting. 7:30 p.m. at Church of St. Clement, Episcopal, 1701 Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Includes wines from around the world, live jazz and a brief talk on the wines tasted. $20/person donation. 703-998-6166.
Saturday/Nov. 4
The St. Agnes Catholic Church Parish Center Bazaar will be held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1914 North Randolph St. There will be handmade items such as Christmas gifts and decorations, knit and crochet sweaters, hats, gloves and scarves, used books, white elephants, a silent auction for a Redskins quilt, raffle for a money doll, bake sale and lunch. Call 703-524-8627.
Green Spring Gardens will offer a program on building stone paths, including planning and layout, at 4603 Green Spring Road, 9-11:30 a.m. Cost is $38. Registration and prepayment required. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Music Concert. Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will be performing "All That Jazz" at 8 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. 703-845-6229.
Fall Fair. Fort Hunt Preschool is hosting its annual fall fair from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the school, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Activities include games, crafts, raffle and more. 703-768-7584.
Sunday, Nov. 5
Opening Reception. "Peace Pieces" opens with a reception from 4-6 p.m. at the Athenaeum Gallery, located at 201 Prince St., Old Town Alexandria. This show includes all new works by local artist Marta Sewall, including a variety of mixed media pieces. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.
Opening Reception. Artist Jan Moffat will have an opening reception from 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Free. The exhibit runs from Oct. 31-Dec. 26. 703-642-5173.