Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. 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/April 5
18th Century English Country Dance Classes. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Gadsby's Tavern Museum. 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Dance Master Corky Palmer teaches dances that were popular in George Washington's era in the very ballroon where that famour first president danced with Martha. A fun way to prepare for the 18th Century Grand Ball on Saturday, April 21. $30. Registration required, 703-838-4242.
English Practice. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Registration 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion Group. 12:15 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. "Bingo Night at the Fire Hall: The Case for Cows, Orchards, Bake Sales and Fairs" by Barbara Holland. Registration 703-339-4610.
Friday/April 6
Music Competition. NOVA Idol 2007 singing competition at 7 p.m. at Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Entertainment also includes jazz music, along with the three winners. Visit www.nvcc.edu/novaidol or call 703-933-5074.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Adults. Registration 703-768-6700.
Saturday/April 7
Easter Egg Hunt for History. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, hunt for eggs while learning about Alexandria history. Bring your own basket. Reservations required 703-838-4242. $5/adult; $3/child. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
A community Easter egg hunt will be held at Harvest Church, 7401 Beulah St., at 1 p.m. Children through the sixth grade are invited to bring their baskets and hunt for eggs. Refreshments will be served. 703-971-7070 or visit www.harvestchurchag.org.
Opening Reception. 3-5 p.m., see photography by Barbara Southworth and Alan Sislen at Multiple Exposures Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or 703-683-2205.
Open House. Noon-1:30 p.m. there will be a Camp Open House at YMCA Alexandria, 420 East Monroe Ave. Free. 703-838-8085.
Festival. 1-5 p.m. at Market Square in front of City Hall. Celebrates National Tartan Day with bagpipers, fiddlers, Scottish dancers and clans, vendors and more. Free.
Meet the Artist. 2-4 p.m. Lorne Peterson will be available to chat about her art exhibit "Flora and Fauna Reflections" at Historic Manor House at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp or 703-941-7987.
Book Lecture. Talk about "How to Solve Our Human Problems" by Geshe Kelsag Gyatso from 1-2 p.m. at Sacred Circle Books, 919 King St. Free. 202-331-2122.
Speaker. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Listen to "Staying Independent, in Your Own Home to the End." Free. 703-780-6477.
Sunday/April 8
Meet the Artist. 2-4 p.m. Lorne Peterson will be available to chat about her art exhibit "Flora and Fauna Reflections" at Historic Manor House at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp or 703-941-7987.
Monday/April 9
Rise and Shine. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Storytime fun from Old MacDonald's farm. Ages 2-3 with adult. Registration 703-339-4610.
Book Discussion Group. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. "Orient Express: An Entertainment" by Graham Greene. Registration 703-768-6700.
Book Discussion Group. 7:30 p.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. "Digging to America: A Novel" by Anne Tyler. Registration 703-765-3645
Tuesday/April 10
Sounds of Spring. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Age 2-3 with adult. Registration 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion Group. 7 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. "Pompeii" by Robert Harris. Registration 703-768-6700.
Wednesday/April 11
Lecture. 7:30 p.m., Judy Woodruff presents "Women in Broadcast Journalism" at Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Free. Prior to Woodruff's appearance, Rick Franklin's jazz ensemble will play. Contact:Robert Brunner at 703-845-6045 or rbrunner@nvcc.edu.
English Practice. 10:15 a.m and 7:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Registration 703-339-4610.
Rising Words, Rising Images. 11 a.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. "F is for Fabuloso" by Marie G. Lee, followed by a related activity. Ages 9-12. Registration 703-765-3645
This Forgotten Land. 7 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Historian Don Hakenson on the Civil War in our neighborhood. Registration 703-768-6700.
Injury Prevention & Treatment for AWBC Walkers. 7-8 p.m. at Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Road. $25/person. Walkers will be provided with tips and information to prepare them for a demanding event. 703-205-8371.
Thursday/April 12
18th Century English Country Dance Classes. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Gadsby's Tavern Museum. 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Dance Master Corky Palmer teaches dances that were popular in George Washington's era in the very ballroon where that famour first president danced with Martha. A fun way to prepare for the 18th Century Grand Ball on Saturday, April 21. $30. Registration required, 703-838-4242.
Art Reception. 6-8 p.m. at the Target Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria., there will be a reception for "Roots and Branches." The exhibit explores themes of ancestry, migration and history. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
English Practice. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Registration 703-971-0010.
History Lecture. 7 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. William Bushong will lecture on Glenn Brown's contributions to historic architecture. Free. Reservations required. E-mail reservations@aianova.org or call 703-549-9747.
Second Thursday Art Night. 6-9 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. "Spring Has Sprung" is the theme. There will be an artist's talk and reception. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or 703-838-4565.
Plant Discussion. Discuss "From Bald Cypress to Boltonia" at 7:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Free. For additional information, call 703-534-8179.
Friday/April 13
Basic Gardening Series: An Introduction to Ornamental Grasses. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. How to select, plant and maintain ornamental grasses to best benefit your garden. $11. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Adults. Registration 703-768-6700.
Lunch Bunch. Noon. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and join us for stories. Ages Birth-5 with adult. Registration 703-971-0010.
Elephants. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Stories, fingerplays, activities and a craft. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration 703-768-6700.
Opening Reception. 6:30-8 p.m. at the Athenaeum Gallery, 201 Prince St. See elementary students' art in the exhibit "Small Architects Dream Big: Architecture in Schools." Free.
Opening Reception. 7-10 p.m. at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave. The exhibit will incorporate words, art, poetry, paper/bookmaking and more. Free. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org or 703-838-4827.
Music Performance. The United States Air Force Band will play music for the trumpet and tuba at 8 p.m. at Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive . Free. Visit www.usafband.com.
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce's 21st Annual Public Safety Valor Awards. 11:30 a.m. The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Lunch and event with special guest narrator, Alison Starling of WJLA Channel 7 News. RSVP by April 3. Registration required, 703-549-1000 ext 218 or www.alexchamber.com.
Book Reading. 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway. Author and poet Kwame Alexander will read from his book "Crush: Love Poems." Free. 703-299-9473.
Theater Performance. Carl Sandburg Middle School performs "Holka Polka, a Fairy Tale Mystery" at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5/adult; $3/student. Doors open at 7 p.m. 703-799-6205.
Saturday/April 14
Propagation Demonstration: Multiplying Your Garden Treasures. 9:30-11 a.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Staff horticulturist, Mary Frogale, gives a lesson on how to save money by turning a single plant into many. $18. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
The Secret Garden. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. A look into the Frances H. Burnett's popular children's book "The Secret Garden," and then a walk through Green Spring's very own. 8 years and up. Traditional English tea follows. $24. Registration and reservation required, 703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
Magic Performance. Ring 50 will perform magic with Bishop Ireton High School students will perform at 6:30 p.m. with strolling magic in the lobby. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the performance at 7:30 p.m. Located at 201 Cambridge Road. Tickets are $10 at the door. Visit www.IBMRing50.org.
Garden Party. Mount Vernon Estate is holding a Spring Garden Party from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be music, free wagon rides, opportunity to meet Mrs. Washington, games and more. Garden items and plants will be for sale. $13/adult; $12/senior $6/child 6-11. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Kaydee Puppets. 2 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Performance includes "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Little Red Riding Hood." All ages. Registration 703-971-0010.
Healthy Kids Day. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at YMCA Alexandria, 420 East Monroe Ave. Open to all ages. Games, balloon bounce, kiddie striker, ballet and karate demonstrations, art exhibits and more. Free. 703-838-8085.
Opening Reception. 6-9 p.m. at Gallery West, 1213 King St. A collection of woodturnings by Alan Becker. Free. 703 549 6006.
Art Show. The Twig is holding "Twig’s Premiere Artisans Show" from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in the auditorium of Historic Christ Church, 118 N. Washington St. Features 18 Twig artisans offering a wide variety of items created from many different mediums. Visit www.thetwig.org or contact Janet Hawkins at 703-370-8608.
Open House. Barrett Library, 717 Queen St., will have a silent auction, food, tea tasting, demonstrations and more. Free. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or 703-838-4555.
Theater Performance. Carl Sandburg Middle School performs "Holka Polka, a Fairy Tale Mystery" at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5/adult; $3/student. Doors open at 7 p.m. 703-799-6205.
Spirituality and Film Night. 6:30 p.m. at Convergence: a Creative Community of Faith, 1819 N. Quaker Lane. Watch and discuss "Lady in the Water." Free with popcorn and drinks provided. Directions at Convergergenceccf.net or at 703-998-6260.
Alive! Presents, "A Night at the Pyramids." 7-11 p.m. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Featuring Mediterranean food, silent/live auctions, dancing, and an open bar. $75 for individuals, $140 for couples. For more information, contact 703-837-9300 ext 6 or alivegala@alive-inc.org.
Sunday/April 15
Marine Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria Campus, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria. "Love is in the Air." Free, no tickets required. Parking $5. For info call 202-433-4011.
Focus Concert: Al Petty and Amy White. 7 p.m. Church of the Resurrection, 2280 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Contemporary Celtic and Appalachian-influenced acoustic concert. $12 for members. $15 in general. 703-380-3151.
Meet the Artist. 1-4 p.m. meet Torpedo Factory member Jewell Pratt Burns at The Loft Gallery, 313 Mill St., Occoquan, Va. The exhibit is entitled "Near and Far" and this is her third solo exhibit at the Loft Gallery. Visit www.loftgallery.org or 703-490-1117.
Music Performance. Hear Al Petteway and Amy White at 7 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St. $15/general; $12/members. Contact Herbat herbcl@earthlink.net, 703-380-3151, or visit www.focusmusic.org.
Garden Party. Mount Vernon Estate is holding a Spring Garden Party from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be music, free wagon rides, opportunity to meet Mrs. Washington, games and more. Garden items and plants will be for sale. $13/adult; $12/senior $6/child 6-11. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Music Performance. 2:30-5 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington. Watch Alif Laila & Ramon Tasat perform songs from around the world. $25/person and can be purchased by calling 703-838-4994.
Music Performance. 3:30 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, National Symphony Orchestra Brass Ensemble and the John Adams Orff Ensemble will perform. $25/adult; $12/child. Contact Alexandria Kiwanians Tim Wesling at 703-535-8280 or Dr. Steve Blood at 703-998-6760.
Raingardens for Homeowners. 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road. Includes information on how to design raingardens, and get some hands on experience doing some of the tasks involved. Registration required. 703-642-5173.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Enjoy music by William Hubbard. Free. Contact George Chadwick at gchadwick@verizon.net or 703-549-1421.
Open Mic Night. 5 p.m. at Convergence: a Creative Community of Faith, 1819 N. Quaker Lane. eat a great meal together and share communion. Come and see what's going on. Learn more at www.convergenceccf.net or call 703-998-6260.