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/March 15
Just Twos. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washtington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Ages 24-35 months with adult. Free. 703-768-6700.
Poetry Group. 7 p.m. Martha Washtington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Poems by Louise Gluck. Free. 703-768-6700.
Friday/March 16
Lunch Bunch. Noon. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and listen to stories. Children ages birth – 5 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Free. 703-768-6700.
Basic Gardening Series: Spring Start-Up. 1:30-3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. An opportunity to prepare for spring by learning the basics of gardening, including edging, weeding, planting, mulching, watering, fertilizing, and top dressing. $11. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
Dancing in the Dark with the Mount Vernon Swing Band. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Hollin Hall Senior Center. 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Everyone is welcome to attend this fun evening of dancing and great music. $4. No registration required, 703-765-4573.
Theater Performance. Bishop Ireton High School will perform "Pippin" at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $8/student and senior and $10/adult and can be purchased at the door or in advance 703-212-5166.
Genealogy Lecture. Char McCargo Bah will lead a lecture on how to trace your ancestors from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Alexandria Library, 717 Queen St., Alexandria. Free but reservations required 703-838-4577.
Theater Performance. Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre will present the opening of "Cinderella" at 7:30 p.m. at Carl Sandburg Middle School, 8428 Ft. Hunt Road, Alexandria. $10/adult; $8/student and senior. Visit www.mvcct.org <http://www.mvcct.org/> or 703-360-0686.
Saturday/March 17
History Lecture. 1 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road in Alexandria. Learn about the "Nineteenth Century Art of Mourning" including clothing fashions and etiquette. $6/person. Reservations encouraged 703-838-4848.
Sophie the Dog. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Watch Sophie perform tricks. All ages. Free. 703-971-0010.
Shakespeare Event. Alexandria students Michaela Rothschild and Paul Perscheid will lead workshops on the plays of William Shakespeare for students in grades 1-8 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., which includes a performance by the students during the last hour. Free. at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria. Visit http://tjshakespearience.awardspace.com.
Annual Ball. The Symphony Orchestra League of Alexandria will host their Emerald ball at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Hotel at Pentagon City. The black tie event includes dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions.
Birds in My Garden. 9:30-11 a.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. A chance to learn about the characteristics and sounds of over 25 birds. $12. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
Lucky Leprechauns. 11 a.m. Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore. 2499 North Harrison Street, Suite #10, Alexandria. Songs, dancing and stories to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Featuring guitarist Marlena Thompson. Ages 2 1/2-6. Free. No registration required, 703-241-8281.
Delegate Brian Moran's 17th Annual St. Patrick's Day Breakfast. 8-10 a.m. Patrick Henry Elementary School. 4643 Taney Avenue, Alexandria. Meet special guests, Senator Jim Webb and Congressman Jim Moran, and enjoy other fun activities like face painting and magic tricks. $50 for families. $25 for individuals. Sponsorships also available at $250 for Shamrock and $100 for Leprechaun. Checks made payable to Friends of Brian Moran, and mailed to 4154 Duke Street, Alexandria. 703-549-3367.
Hansel and Gretel (performed in easily understood Spanish). 12:30 p.m. The Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre. 1611 N. Kent Street, Level LL, Arlington. Teatro De La Luna is happy to announce this special performance of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. An English study guide to this performance can be downloaded from www.teatrodelaluna.org. $10 for adults. $5 for anyone under 13. Registration required, 202-882-6227/703-548-3092.
Theater Performance. Teatro De la Luna presents "Hansel & Gretel," which is performed in easily understood Spanish, at 12:30 p.m. at Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent St., Level LL, Arlington. $10/adult and $5/child.
Virginia Opera Presents - "History Alive! A Telling of Virginia History." 11 a.m. The Kaufman Auditorium at The Lee Center. 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria. A 45-minute musical introduction to our very interesting state and its history. Registration required, 1-866-673-7282 ext 3326.
Virginia Opera Presents - "An Evening of Opera and Broadway." 7 p.m. The Kaufman Auditorium at The Lee Center. 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. Enjoy performances of highly well-known and popular Broadway musical selections and opera arias. Registration required, 1-866-673-7282 ext 3326.
Theater Performance. Bishop Ireton High School will perform "Pippin" at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $8/student and senior and $10/adult and can be purchased at the door or in advance 703-212-5166.
Art Auction. West Potomac High School Choral and Drama Boosters are sponsoring an auction at 6:30 p.m. at the law offices of Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, 1737 King St. Wine, cheese and more will be served. $10/person. Call 703-765-0649.
Sunday/March 18
Tongues of Fire. 3 p.m. First Christian Church of Alexandria, 2723 King St, Alexandria. A sacred poetry slam. Free. 703-549-3911.
Dance Performance. Jane Franklin Dance will have classes and a performance at Ainslie Arts Center, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Tickets $15/performance; $10/single class; $30/unlimited classes and performance. Classes start at 11 a.m. with the performance at 3 p.m. Visit www.janefranklin.com for reduced tickets and more information.
Poetry Event. Share a sacred poem, song or scripture from 3-5 p.m. at First Christian Church of Alexandria, 2733 King St. Register in advance 703-549-3911. Free. Visit www.fccalexandria.org.
Music Performance. By The Old Presbyterian Meeting House Adult Choir at 8:30 a.m and 11a.m. Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria. Variation of March 11 performance of The Underground Railroad Spirituals and Their Stories. Featuring percussionist Robert Novak and narrator James Thomas. 703-549-
An Intentional Garden. 1:30-3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Former Green Spring Director and longtime friend, Don Humphrey provides a detailed look of his latest - any very extensive - garden design. $11. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
The Eggs-quisite Egg. 1-3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. A chance to learn about the customs and folklore associated with the much-used product known as the egg. Traditional English tea follows. $24. Registration and reservation required, 703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
Saint Patrick's Day Brunch. Noon. The Fountains at Washington House. 5100 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria. A fun way to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day and eat some delicious food. Free. Register no later than March 15. 703-845-5075.
Pig Power! Guinea Pig Behavior and Bonding. 2 p.m. Vola Lawson Animal Shelter. 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria. The Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue conducts an information session on these lovable little animals, and gives the participants a chance to adopt one of their own. Free seminar. No registration required, 703-838-4774 ext 210.
Monday/March 19
Student Knitters. 4 p.m. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Learn to knit and share your skills with others. Bring your own needles. Ages 10-18. Free. 703-768-6700.
Music Performance. Classical guitarist Paul Galbraith will give a recital at 7:30 p.m. in the Tyler Recital Hall on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 703-845-6097.
Tuesday/March 20
Mother-Daughter Book Group. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Book Discussion. Children 9-11 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Bye-Bye Winter! 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library. 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Stories. Ages 13-23 months with adult. Free. 703-339-4610.
Alexandria Professional Women's Network Celebrates 20 Years. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Holiday Inn. Eisenhower Avenue. Enjoy a fun celebration and meet Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille; APWN founder, Jean Palmer; and State Senator, Patricia S. Ticer (Keynote Speaker). $25. Registration required, 703-287-0890.
Fundraiser. 4-9 p.m. at Zpizza in Alexandria Commons, 3217 Duke St. Sponsored by Francis C. Hammond Middle School PTA to raise funds for special programs. Participating patrons must identify themselves as Hammond supporters. Contact Hammond PTA President Mia Jones at 703-823-5261 or patrick.jones44@verizon.net.
Wednesday/March 21
Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories, fingerplays and activities. Children 13-23 months with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion Group. 7:15 p.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Adults. Free. Call for title, 703-971-0010.
Ancient Cultures. 4 p.m. Kingstowne Library. 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Activities about ancient Greece, Rome and more. Age 6-12. Free. 703-339-4610.
Natural Wonders. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washtington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. "Kite Days." Stories and craft. Ages 3-5 with adult. Free. 703-768-6700.
Thursday/March 22
Curiosity Club. 4 p.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories, science experiments and activities. Children 4-6 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Pets of All Kinds. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washtington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft. Ages 2-5 with an adult. Free. 703-768-6700.
Computer Security Class. 2 p.m. Martha Washtington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Learn how to protect your home computer form virus, hackers and other threats. Free. 703-768-6700.
Friday/March 23
Lunch Bunch. Noon. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and listen to stories. Children ages birth – 5 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30. Martha Washington Library. 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Free. 703-768-6700.
Music Performance. The Rick Whitehead Jazz Trio will be performing at 219 Restaurant at 9 p.m. Located at 219 King St. in Alexandria, Virginia. 703-549-1141 for reservations. $5 cover charge.
West Potomac Academy's Second Annual Fashion Show and Charity Benefit. 7 p.m. West Potomac High School. 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria. An innovative, student-organized presentation including fashion, music, and jazz dance. A percentage of the evening's proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area. Come a little earlier at 5:30 p.m. to do some shopping. Registration required, 703-718-2750 or mimi.boyd@fcps.edu.
Frog Fantasy. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Bryant Alternative High School Auditorium. 2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria. Frog Pond Early Learning Center hosts a musical celbration of the nonprofit preschool and child care center's seven full school years. Silent and live auctions held. Free, with donations welcome. No registration required, 703-795-3379.
Music Performance. All of the schools in the Mount Vernon Pyramid will come together in song at 7 p.m. in the Skinner Field House at Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road. This year’s concert is titled, "Colors of the World," and it is a celebration of diversity. 703-619-3100.
Saturday/March 24
Fundraising Gala. "Rhapsody in Red Gala – Tango in La Boca." Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is hosting a fundraising ball featuring tango dancing, Argentine cuisine, and an auction to benefit the Alexandria Red Cross. $200. Reservations at 703-299-2503. More information at www.alexandriaredcross.org.
Annual Gala. Good Shepard Housing and Family Services will hold "Starry, Starry Night" gala from 6-11 p.m. at Mount Vernon Country Club, 5111 Old Mill Road, Alexandria. Tickets $150, which include open bar, choice of dinner, live and silent auction and dancing. 703-768-9404.
League of Women Voters of Alexandria are having a free open meeting at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria on Saturday, March 24 from 10:30 a.m.-noon. This an update on the league position on metropolitan Washington airports. 703-548-5168.
Great Rum Punch. 7-9:30 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. Enjoy six different rum creations from local distilleries, restaurants and caterers and vote for your favorite one. $50/person includes food and drink or $100/person includes admission and patron bag. Reservations required www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Author Signing. 2-3 p.m. St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria. Michelle Katz, MSN, author of "Healthcare for Less" will be on site for discussion, questions and answers and a book signing. 703-739-9268.
Invasive Species Removal. 12-3 p.m. Monticello Park. 3104 Russell Road, Alexandria. The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust is hosting this event to remove organisms, partcicularily English Ivy, that cause harm to many valuable natural resources. Refreshments provided. Bring clippers and loppers. Free. No registration required, 703-354-5093 ext 25.
Sunday/March 25
Music Performance. "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles will perform at 2 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Free. Visit www.marineband.usmc.mil or 202-433-4011.
Music Performance. The Duke Ellington School of the Arts presents a show choir concert at 4 p.m. at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St. , Alexandria. Free. 301-420-0000.
Meet the Artists. 1-3:30 p.m., meet the artists of "Artistic Duo," Stephen and Carolyn Gawarecki from Feb. 28-April 30 at Green Spring Gardens Park, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Landscape and floral watercolors by Carolyn and photographs by Stephen. Visit www.greenspring.org.
Art Reception. 2-5 p.m. at Elizabeth Stone Gallery, 1127 King St., Suite 201, Alexandria. Katherine Janus Kahn, illustrator of Sammy Spider series will autograph books and show off new art. Visit www.elizabethstonegallery.com.
Upstairs Downstairs. 1-3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. A complex look at the history and lives of the domestic servants who were once kept "below stairs," despite the integral role they served within their households. Traditional English tea follows. $24. Registration and reservation required, 703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988. '
Theater Performance. Mount Vernon United Methodist Church presents "The 'Honest' Emperor's New Clothes" at 5 p.m. at the Church, 2006 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria. $4 at the door. Contact Dawn Meadows at 703-627-4570 or studiogolddance@starpower.net.