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/Aug. 9
Restaurant Night at ‘Italian Pie.’ 5-8:30 p.m., visit with friends and members of UCM at The Italian Pie as you enjoy a pizza, calzone, sandwich, salad or pasta. Ten percent of proceeds go towards UCM’s programs. Italian Pie is located in 7475 Richmond Highway, 703-300-1616.
Opening Reception. 6-9 p.m. at Gallery West, 1213 King St. Meet the artists of "Personal Visions." Free. Visit www.gallery-west.com or 703-549-6006.
Dance Class. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Learn the dances of George Washington, Jane Austen and others in preparation for the Jane Austen Ball. $30/series or $12/class. Reservations required, 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Opening Reception. 6-8 p.m. for Visual Rhythms/Ritmos Visuales" at Target Gallery in Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Latin American art and culture influenced the 22 artists from around the world. There will be music, Tango lessons and more. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Kaydee Puppets. Colonial times come to life at 9:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Spoon-Puppet Fun. Children age 8-12 can create a character from Virginia history at 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Opening Reception. 5-8 p.m. meet Carol Fogelsong, of Alexandria, and see art from her exhibit at "R" Place, 8136 Old Keene Mill Road, A-209 in Springfield. Free. Visit www.rplace.us or 703-644-2361.
Live Jazz Performance. 8-10 p.m., St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Join the Not So Modern Jazz Band for a night of jazz standards and improvisation. Free. Call 703-739-9268 or visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more information.
Second Thursday Art Night. 6-9 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Browse open studios, interact with artists and enjoy refreshments as part of Torpedo Factory's "Sultry Summer Nights." Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or 703-838-4565.
Friday/Aug. 10
Friday Flicks. Children up to age 5 with adult can bring a lunch and enjoy stories and movies at noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Tales From Other Lands. Stories, puppets, activities and a craft for children 5-9 at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Lunch Bunnies. Children age 1-5 with adult can bring a lunch and listen to stories at noon at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Music Performance. Gordon Jensen, hosted by Franconia Baptist Church, will perform at 7 p.m. at the church, 5912 Franconia Road, Alexandria. Free. 703-971-4475.
Theatre Performance. 8 p.m., Kaufman Auditorium, Nannie J. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Theatrical performance of "Crimes of the Heart," a comedy by Beth Henley. $15/$13. Performances will run from August 10 to August 26. For more information, call 703-960-3398 or visit www.tapestrytheatre.com.
Live Music Performance. 8-10 p.m., St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Jim Heald will perform acoustic folk. Free. Call 703-739-9268 or visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more information.
Saturday/Aug. 11
Cemetery Tour. Alexandria Archaeology will offer guided tours of Freedmen’s Cemetery in Old Town from 2-3 p.m. Free. Reservations can be made by calling 703-838-4399.
Soldier Led Tours. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Soldier in period uniform will talk about the defenses of Washington, Fort Ward and more. Free. Walking shoes and water are recommended. Visit www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848.
Peach Festival. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 8412 Richmond Ave. The festival will include hot dogs, hamburgers, peach sundaes and other peach desserts, moonbounce, dunk tank, children’s games and crafts. Visit www.Wesleyva.org.
Music Safari. Nai Kante Davis presents music, story and movement from Africa at 2:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Annual Ball. Enjoy a 1790s ball from 8-11 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Enjoy dancing as Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Austen experienced it. Costumes encouraged, after five attire recommended. $30/advance or $40/door. Reservations recommended, 703-838-4242.
Live Music Performance. 2-4 p.m., St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Folk artist Sushmita. Free. Call 703-739-9268 or visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more information.
Live Music Performance. 8-10 p.m., St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Folk artist Mike Elosh. Free. Call 703-739-9268 or visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more information.
Art Workshop. 1-4 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Create art simply by following life and remember how it was to draw as a child with stick figures, words and more. $60/member; $75/nonmember. Register at www.thedelrayartisans.org or 703-838-4827.
Yard Sale. The Alexandria Jaycees will hold a yard sale from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at Anthony Lane Elementary School, 7137 Beulah St. Appliances, clothes, toys, books will be on sale by vendors. The Jaycees will be selling food. Visit www.alexjaycees.org or call 703-866-7171 for more.
Sunday/Aug. 12
Cool Food for Hot Days. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Eat cool foods that keep the hot away. A traditional English tea follows this program. $24 and registration required 703-941-7987.
Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m. at the Art League in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. The exhibit, "Near and Beyond: The International Landscape Show" will feature works broadly depicting the global landscape. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.
Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m., meet Lillian Elkey, exhibitor of "East Meets West" at the Loft Gallery, 313 Mill St. in Occoquan. Elkey, an Alexandria resident, showcases Oriental and Western watercolors. Free. Visit www.loftgallery.org for more.
Music Performance. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association presents The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Trombone Quartet performing works by Apon, Debussy, Kazik, Kern, Manduca and Speer at 3 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free, donations accepted. 703-799-8229.
Monday/Aug. 13
Adventure Island. Children ages 2-3 with adult can come aboard for tropical fun and activities at 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Monday Morning Book Discussion. Discuss "Mayflower" by Nathaniel Philbrick at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700. No registration is required.
Books & Ideas. "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri will be discussed at 7:30 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645. Adults. No registration is required.
Shiver Me Timbers! Pirates in Virginia waters can be discovered by children age 6-10 at 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/Aug. 14
Music Performance. 7-8 p.m. at Dulany Gardens, 500 Dulany St. Listen to New Orleans Rhythm and Blues music by Rita Clarke and the Naturals. Free. Enjoy picnic dinner. Visit www.alexandriava.gov or 703-883-4686.
Tuesday Evening Book Group. "The Crimson Petal and the White" by Michel Faber will be discussed at 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Live Poet Society Meeting. 7-8:30 p.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Share poems or just listen. Free. Call Mark at 703-519-3498.
Wednesday/Aug. 15
Flap Your Wings! Stories, activities and a craft for children ages 2-5 at 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion Group. 7:15 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. Discuss "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. 703-971-0010.
Natural Wonders: Let's Go Down Under. Stories and a craft about Australia for children age 3-5 with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Treasure Hunt. Children age 6-12 can use clues and activities to discover Virginia's past starting at 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Open Mic Night. 8-10 p.m., St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Tim Parks hosts. Free. Call 703-739-9268 or visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more information.
Thursday/Aug. 16
Garden Sprouts: Splash Party. 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Play water games and learn why water makes a garden grow. Bring a towel and wear your bathing suit. $5. Ages 3-5 with adult. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Arr, Pirate School! Wanted: Hearty young sea lo'ers ages 8-12 wantin' to be properly learned in pirating. Lessons include crafts and games. Starts at 2:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Just Twos. Stories and activities for children 24-35 months with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Poetry Group. Poems by Donald Hall will be discussed at 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700. Adults. No registration is required.
Live Jazz Performance. 8-10 p.m., St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Join the Not So Modern Jazz Band for a night of jazz standards and improvisation. Free. Call 703-739-9268 or visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more information.
Spelling Bee. Students can participate in a spelling bee from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at SCORE!, 6550 Little River Turnpike. Students will be quizzed on grade-appropriate words. Prizes will be awarded. Open to all ages. Free. For further information or to register for the event, call 703-642-3190 or e-mail Score_Alexandrias@kaplan.com
Fundraiser. The Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Auxiliary is sponsoring a leather goods sale in the main lobby of the hospital from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. The sale will feature a selection of leather and designer handbags, briefcases, luggage and small leather goods-all at 40-70 percent off regular retail prices. The hospital is located at 2501 Parker's Lane. Call 703-664-7359 for further information or directions.
Book Discussion.7-8:30 p.m. at Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Discuss "Which New Era Would That Be" by Nadine Gordimer, found in "Six Feet in the Country." Free. For information call Bill Scouton at 703-931-3559.
Friday/Aug. 17
Friday Flicks. Children up to age 5 with adult can bring a lunch and enjoy stories and movies at noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Lunch Bunnies. Children age 1-5 with adult can bring a lunch and listen to stories at noon at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Garden Splash Party. 9:30-10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-noon, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Play fun water games and learn why water helps gardens grow. Ages 3-5, $5 per child; bring your bathing suit and towel. The program also runs 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, August 18. For more information and registration, call 703-642-5173.
Live Music Performance. 8-10 p.m., St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Steve Hung will bring his Texas Fingerpicker style to St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub. Free. Call 703-739-9268 or visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more information.
Saturday/Aug. 18
Music Performance. Listen to Keith Ailer perform from 6:30-9 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. $20/person and available at www.alexblackhistory.org. Keith Ailer performs jazz music influenced by Nat King Cole, Billy Paul and more. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356.
Alexandria Surrenders. Noon to 4 p.m. at Carlyle House, 121 N Fairfax St., Alexandria. Mayor Charles Simms and the citizens of Alexandria negotiate the surrender of the city to His Majestyís Forces in 1814. Author Christopher George provides commentary for the reenactment. Free. Call 703-549-2997 or visit www.carlylehouse.org.
Perennials. 9:30-11 a.m. learn about "Perennials For the Dog Days of Summer" at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Explore the world of perennials and their allies, including cultivation, placement and more. $16/class. 703-642-5173 to register.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. The Marine Chamber Orchestra will be performing a free concert with selections by Beethoven and more. Visit www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter or 703-845-6156.
Garden Sprouts: Splash Party. 10-11 a.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Play water games and learn why water makes a garden grow. Bring a towel and wear your bathing suit. $5. Ages 3-5 with adult. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Black Authors Book Discussion Group. "The Measure of a Man" by Sidney Poitier will be discussed at 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Insect Video. 10-10:30 a.m., Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Take a close-up look at the amazing world of insects with a free video. For information, call 703-768-2525.
Live Music Performance. 8-10 p.m., St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Join Steve Gellman for an intimate folk concert. Free. Call 703-739-9268 or visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more information.
Sunday/Aug. 19
Music Performance. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association presents violinist Benjamin Scott and pianist Frank Conlon performing works by Schnittke, Prokofiev, Debussy and Sarasate at 3 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free, donations accepted. 703-799-8229.
Monday/Aug. 20
Summer Crafts. Children ages 6-12 can create fun crafts at 1 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion. 7-8 p.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Discuss "The Ox Bow Incident" by Walter Van Tilburg Clark. Free. Call Ruth at 703-838-4566.
Tuesday/Aug. 21
Mother-Daughter Book Group. Join for a lively discussion. Age 9-11 with adult. Call for book title. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Let's Go on Vacation. Stories and activities for children 1-2 years of age with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Genealogical Society Meeting. 1 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Discuss the surviving records available from a variety of different sources. Free. Visit www.MVGenealogy.org or 703-360-0920.
Wednesday/Aug. 22
Kingstowne Library Writer's Peer Review Group. For those seriously pursuing the path to publication with short fiction or novels, or writing scripts. Adults 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Shiver Me Timbers! Pirates in Virginia waters will be discovered by children age 6-10 at 2 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Thursday/Aug. 23
The Sea, the Sea. Stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft for children 2-5 with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Live Jazz Performance. 8-10 p.m., St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Join the Not So Modern Jazz Band for a night of jazz standards and improvisation. Free. Call 703-739-9268 or visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more information.
Friday/Aug. 24
Friday Flicks. Children up to age 5 with adult can bring a lunch and enjoy stories and movies at noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Lunch Bunnies. Children age 1-5 with adult can bring a lunch and listen to stories at noon at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Saturday/Aug. 25
Terrarium Workshop. 10-11:30 a.m, at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green spring Road. Learn to create an indoor gardent. Terrarium, plants and soil provided. Registration required. $18, call 703-642-5173.
Begonia Sale and Show. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Green spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Attend the 27th annual Begonia Show and Sale sponsored by the Potomac Branch of the American Begonia Society for a weekend filled with demonstrations, blue-ribbon winners and workshops. Free. 703-642-5173.
Vase Craft. 2-5 p.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Children ages 6-14 can make a vase for summer flowers. Free. No registration required. 703-519-3498.
Sunday/Aug. 26
Begonia Sale and Show. Noon-3:30 p.m., at Green spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Attend the 27th annual Begonia Show and Sale sponsored by the Potomac Branch of the American Begonia Society for a weekend filled with demonstrations, blue-ribbon winners and workshops. Free. 703-642-5173.