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 29
Spring is Here. 1 p.m. Kingstowne Library. 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Stories and activities. Ages 2-5 with adult. Free. 703-339-4610.
Music Performance. The John Adams Elementary School Orff Ensemble, a group of student percussionists, will perform at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. N.W., Washington, D.C. Free. Visit www.kennedy-center.org.
Lunch and Learn. 10:30 a.m. The Fountains at Washington House. 5100 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria. Enjoy lunch and a tour, while learning more about retirement living at The Washington House. Registration required, 703-845-5075.
Spring Fling. The Aldersgate Spring Fling will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. There will be photographers, artists, jewelers and more on site. 703-329-6768.
Theater Performance. "The Snow Queen" presented by the McKinley Children's Theater at 7 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at McKinley Elementary, 1030 N. McKinley Road, Arlington. Free however donations to the theater program will be accepted at the door. 703-228-5280.
Music Performance. Alexandria City Public Schools' All-City Chorus and All-City Band will perform a free spring concert at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Francis C. Hammond Middle School, 4646 Seminary Road, Alexandria. 703-461-4190.
Book Fair. During school hours at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. A variety of books will be available. 703-706-4500.
Friday/March 30
Basic Gardening Series: An Introduction to EcoSavvy Gardening. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. An educational program on how to garden in an environmentally-friendly way. $11. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
Music Concert. The United States Air Force Band Chamber Players will perform at 8 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Free. Visit www.usafband.com or 202-767-5658.
Music Performance. Over Under Down Yonder will perform at 9 p.m. at Tiffany Tavern, 1116 King St. Free. Visit www.myspace.com/overunderdownyonder or 703-836-8844.
Book Fair. During school hours at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. A variety of books will be available. 703-706-4500.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m-3 p.m. Mount Vernon Unitarian Church. 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Kid's books and priced merchandise in the meeting house commons. 703-765-5950.
Saturday/March 31
Workshop: Teacup Garden Ornaments. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Bring your own teacup and saucer, and learn from staff horticulturist, Nancy Olney, how to turn these two items into a unique ornament for the garden. Paint, accessories and tools provided. $20. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
Family Fun: Backyard Bird Watching. 2-3:30 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Learn how to identify neighborhood birds and make a special treat for those in your own community. $5 per family/project. Registration required, 703-642-5173.
Design and Decor Catalogue Auction. 10 a.m. The Potomack Company. 526 North Fayette Street, Alexandria. Including a portion of the historical Cliff Collection and other fabulous items from local designers. 703-684-4550 or www.potomackcompany.com
Distillery Opening. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the George Washington Whiskey Distillery, located three miles from Mount Vernon Estate, will have costumed distillers and millers operating the machines. There will be family games, music and other events. $4/adult; $2/children 6-11. Visit www.mountvernon.org.
Author Signing. 1-5 p.m. Jean Marie Ward will sign copies of "With Nine You Get Vanry" and "Illumina: The Art of J.P. Targete." There will be chocolated, prizes and a drawing. At Waldenbooks in Landmark Mall, 5801 Duke St. 703-370-6869.
13th Annual Homeownership Fair. The homeownership fair will take place from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. Admission is free. For more information call the Office of Housing at 703-838-4622.
Luminary Decorating Workshop. Decorate candle-lit bags that will honor 1,800 African American men, women and children buried in the Freedmen's Cemetery from 1-4 p.m. at the Archaeology Museum in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Free. E-mail archaeology@alexandriava.gov or 703-838-4399.
Music Performance. Wind Ensemble Concert with Paragon Brass at 7:30 p.m. at Bishop Ireton High School, Garwood Whaley Auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road . $3 adults/$1 students/seniors. 703-212-5183.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m-3 p.m. Mount Vernon Unitarian Church. 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Kid's books and priced merchandise in the meeting house commons. Closed from 12:30-1. Books half priced from 1-3. 703-765-5950.
Sunday/April 1
Palm Sunday Event. 3 p.m. First Christian Church of Alexandria, 2723 King St, Alexandria. “The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Theodore DuBois. Free. 703-549-3911.
Music Performance. The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic will perform at 5 p.m. at the Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Tickets are $15/adult and students are free and can be purchased at the door or online at www.wmpa.us.
Distillery Opening. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the George Washington Whiskey Distillery, located three miles from Mount Vernon Estate, will have costumed distillers and millers operating the machines. There will be family games, music and other events. $4/adult; $2/children 6-11. Visit www.mountvernon.org.
Music Performance. Leonard Slatkin will conduct the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra at 3 p.m. at Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Reception follows. $20/person; $15/senior; $5/student. Visit www.eclipseco.com or 703-256-2956.
Music Performance. First Christian Church of Alexandria, 2723 King St., will perform "The Seven Last Words of Christ" by Theodore Dubois at 3:30 p.m. Free. Visit FCCAlexandria.org or 703-549-3911.
Monday/April 2
AARP Tax Counseling. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Registration 703-765-3645.
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. Registration 703-768-6700.
Music Performance. The National Chamber Players will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. at Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road. E-mail arts@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4135.
Tuesday/April 3
Tiny Tots. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Stories and songs. Ages 13-23 months with adult. Registration 703-768-6700.
Storytime Adventures. 7 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Stories, games and creative activities. Ages 5-8. Registration 703-768-6700.
Wednesday/April 4
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.
Lunch Bunnies. Noon. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Bring lunch and enjoy stories, songs and videos. Ages 1-5 with adult. Registration 703-339-4610.
Virginia Treasures. 2 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Join a treasure hunt to discovr Virginia's past. Ages 6-12. Registration 703-339-4610.
Author Talk and Reading. Richard Marcinko will discuss and sign his newest book, "Holy Terror," at 7:30 p.m. at Olsson's, 106 S. Union St. Registration available 703-684-0077. $1/members, $5/nonmembers. Sign up at www.vawriters.org for discounted admission.
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.
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. "Oreint 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.
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.
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 Schoolstudents 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.
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.