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/May 17
Awards Dinner. 5 p.m. at Belle Haven Country Club. Starts with a silent auction and then the awards for Excellence in Education awards. Visit www.alexandriaedpartnership.org for cost.
Book Sale. Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., will hold a book sale from 4-9 p.m. Donations welcome. 703-838-4555.
Author Reading. Colin Woodard will read and discuss his book "The Republic of Pirates" at 7 p.m. at Olsson's Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Free. 703-684-0077.
Book Discussion. Discuss "Planning and Democracy" by Friedrich Havek at 7 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Free. Call Bill Scouton at 703-931-3559.
Story Time. 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. for children ages 3-5 at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. No registration required. 703-519-5900.
Mother Goose Time. 9:30 a.m. for children 1-2 years of age with adult at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. No registration required. 703-838-4566.
Storytime. 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. for children ages 3-5 years at Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. No registration required 703-838-4555.
Excellence in Education Awards. 5 p.m. at Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road . Includes a dinner and silent auction honoring local outstanding teachers. Visit www.alexandriaedpartnership.org or 703-606-1193.
Dance Performance. West Potomac Academy students will perform at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Dancers will perform a variety of dances choreographed by students and dance instructors.
English Practice. 7 p.m., at John Marshall public library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. 703-971-0010. Conversation group for people learning English. No registration required.
Just Twos. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Community Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. 703-768-6700. Stories and activities for ages 24-35 months with adult. Registration required.
Poetry Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Community Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Poems by Sharon Olds. Adults. No registration required 703 768-6700.
Technology Talks. 2 p.m., at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Learn about new consumer products like HDTV, digital video recorders and digital radio. Adults. Registration required. 703-765-3645.
Friday/May 18
George Gershwin Concert. 3 p.m., Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. This concert includes "Rhapsody in Blue", "Catfish Row" (from the opera "Porgy and Bess", and the "Cuban Overture." Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and free for children six and under. Call 703-938-3521 or visit www.capitalwinds.org for more information.
Alexandria Technology Achievement Awards Luncheon. 11:30 a.m., Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 625 First St. Lunch and program to begin at noon. $45. Register online at www.alexchamber.com or call 703-549-1000, ext. 218.
Mount Vernon Wine Festival. 6-9 p.m. at the Estate. Enjoy wines from over 16 wineries. Tickets are $30 per person and are available at Mount Vernon's Orientation Center or through TicketMaster (703-573-SEAT). Historic interpreters and colonial-attired 18th-century "friends" of the Washingtons will conduct special candlelit tours of the Mansion throughout the evening. There will be cheese boxes available for purchase as well.
Book Sale. Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., will hold a book sale from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Donations welcome. 703-838-4555.
Time for 2's. 10 a.m. for children ages 2-3 years with an adult at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Registration required 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Bike To Work Day. 7-9 a.m. at Market Square , 301 King St. Information on bicycle and transit commuting will be provided, along with refreshments, prizes and giveaway items. Visit www.alexride.org.
Dancing in the Dark. Dance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. with the Mount Vernon Swing Band at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. $4/person. 703-765-4573.
Dance Performance. West Potomac Academy students will perform at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Dancers will perform a variety of dances choreographed by students and dance instructors.
Lunch Bunch. 10:30 a.m., at John Marshall public library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. 703-971-0010. Stories over lunch, for newborns to 5-years-old with adult.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30 p.m., at Martha Washington Community Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. 703-768-6700. Bring your own supplies. Adults. Registration required.
Saturday/May 19
Car Wash. Bethlehem Baptist Church is holding a car wash from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 7836 Fordson Road. Free car wash, food, health screenings, music, entertainment and more. Money donated will offered to Positive Living to help those living with HIV/AIDS. Visit www.bethlemofalexandria.org or 703-360-4170.
Artist Reception. 5-8 p.m. at Gallery West, 1213 King St. See art by and meet Cindi Lewis. Music will be provided by her husband and son. Visit www.gallery-west.com or www.clewisart.com for more.
Mount Vernon Wine Festival. 6-9 p.m. at the Estate. Enjoy wines from over 16 wineries. Tickets are $30 per person and are available at Mount Vernon's Orientation Center or through TicketMaster (703-573-SEAT). Historic interpreters and colonial-attired 18th-century "friends" of the Washingtons will conduct special candlelit tours of the Mansion throughout the evening. There will be cheese boxes available for purchase as well.
Book Sale. Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., will hold a book sale from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Donations welcome. 703-838-4555.
International Festival. Noon at Queen of Apostles School, 4409 Sano St. International food, family fun and games, rides and concessions. Free. 703-354-0714.
Dance Performance. BosmaDance will perform at 8 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Tickets range between $7-20 and can be reserved by calling 571-275-9281. Visit www.bosmadance.com for more.
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m. for all ages at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Registration required 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Saturday Stories. 2 p.m. for all ages with an adult at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. No registration required 703-519-6000.
Luncheon. League of Women Voters is having a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, 138 N. Royal St. $25/person. Contact Judy Miller at rltrmiller@aol.com.
Plein Air Event. All day event where participating artists will set up within walking distance of the Waterfront and conduct workshops, demonstrations and lectures focusing on painting in various media, photography and more. Visit www.theartleague.org.
Native Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Free brochures will be available on gardening. Over 1,000 native plants will be available for purchase. 703-642-5173.
Cookout. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road. Hosted by Fairlington United Methodist Church and includes games, activities and food. A dish is appreciated but not required. Contact FUMC at 703-671-8557 or e-mail office@fairlingtonumc.org. For directions to the park, call 703-569-0285 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/accotink.
First Page Writing Group. 7 p.m., at Kingstowne Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. 703-339-4610.Group for aspiring writers of all genres. Adults. No registration required.
Black Authors Book Discussion Group. 10:30 a.m., at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. 703-765-3645. Dissussion of "Aunt Hagar's Children" by Edward P. Jones. Adults. No registration required.
Sunday/May 20
Focus Concert: Johnsmith, Special Guest David A. Alberding. 7 p.m. Church of the Resurrection, 2280 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Performance by Wisconsin-based singer/writer. $12 for members. $15 in general. 703-380-3151.
If These Trees Could Talk. 1-3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Walk around and hear stories of Green Spring's most historic trees. Also learn about the organizations that protect them. Traditional English tea follows. $24. Registration and reservation required, 703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
Guitar Workshop. Focus present's a guitar workshop with Johnsmith from 2-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, 2001 Sherwood Hall Lane. $30/members and $35/non-members. To sign up e-mail workshops@focusmusic.org or 703-799-3062.
The 37th Annual Toast to Alexandra. 4-7 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St.,, Alexandria. Celebrate the city. Tickets are available at www.campagnacenter.org. For event details or to purchase a ticket by phone, contact Maele Hargett at 703-549-0111 ext 107 or mhargett@campagnacenter.org.
Concert: Eclipse has planned a program at 3 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door by cash, check or credit card. $20, $15 seniors, $5 students. Visit www.eclilpseco.com, 703-407-2516 or e-mail eclipsecho@aol.com.
Mount Vernon Wine Festival. 6-9 p.m. at the Estate. Enjoy wines from over 16 wineries. Tickets are $30 per person and are available at Mount Vernon's Orientation Center or through TicketMaster (703-573-SEAT). Historic interpreters and colonial-attired 18th-century "friends" of the Washingtons will conduct special candlelit tours of the Mansion throughout the evening. There will be cheese boxes available for purchase as well.
Plein Air Event. All day event where participating artists will set up within walking distance of the Waterfront and conduct workshops, demonstrations and lectures focusing on painting in various media, photography and more. Visit www.theartleague.org.
Spring Fling. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at St. Mary’s School, 400 Green St. Enjoy rides, crafts, games, flea market and more. Colin Casey 3k begins at 7:45 a.m. with registration. 703-960-5528.
If These Trees Could Talk. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Walk around Historic Green Spring to hear the stories of some of our venerable trees that have seen their share of history. A traditional English tea follows this program. $24 and registration required 703-941-7987.
Monday/May 21
Ceremony. The U.S. Immigration & Naturalization ceremony will start at 10 a.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Includes a special music performance. Free with admission. 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org for more.
Little One-Ders. 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. for ages 12-23 months with an adult at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Registration required 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Family Story Night. 7 p.m. for all ages at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. No registration required. 703-519-5900.
Book Discussion. 7-8 p.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Discuss "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. Call Ruth at 703-838-4566.
Student Knitters. 4 p.m. at Martha Washington Community Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Learn to knit and share your sills with others. Bring your own needles. Ages 10-18. Registration required 703-768-6700.
Book Discussion. 7 p.m., at Martha Washington Community Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Mystery group, discussion of "The Witch's Tongue" by James Doss. Adults. No registration required. 703-768-6700.
MS Word Intermediate. 7 p.m., at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Learn how to use tables, formatting and graphics. Adults. Registration required 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/May 22
Author Reading. Mark Perry will read from his book "Partners in Command: George Marshall and Dwight Eisenhower in War and Peace" at 7 p.m. at Olsson's Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Free. 703-684-0077.
Time for 2's. 10 a.m. for children ages 2-3 years with an adult at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Registration required 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Storytime. 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. for children up to 4 years of age at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Sign up 30 minutes before the start. 703-838-4566.
Tuesday Tots. 11 a.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road, for children ages 2-3 years with an adult. No registration required 703-519-6000.
Mother Goose Time. 9:30 a.m. for children ages 1-2 years at Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. No registration required 703-838-4555.
Stories to Grow On. 11 a.m. for ages 2 and up at Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. No registration required 703-838-4555.
Excellence in Aging Awards Ceremony. 5 p.m. in the Vola Lawson Lobby at City Hall, 301 King St. Reception with light refreshments follows. Honorees include Susan Dawson, Justine Rowe and Christ Church. Call Debbie Ludington of the Office of Aging and Adult Services at 703-838-0920.
Book Discussion. 7:30 p.m., Kingstowne Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Discussion on "The Malevolent Comedy" by Edward Marston. Adults. No registration required. 703-339-4610.
Wednesday/May 23
History Lecture. 7:30 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Part of the Jamestown series titled "Archaeological Investigations at Werowocomoco, Political Center of the Powhatan Chiefdom," by Dr. Martin Gallivan, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, College of William and Mary. Free, no reservations required. 703-549-2997.
Morning Movie. 10:30 a.m. for pre-schoolers at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. No registration required 703-838-4566.
Pajama Party. 7 p.m. for children ages 3-6 with an adult at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. No registration required 703-519-6000.
Mother Goose Time. 9:30 a.m. for children ages 1-2 years at Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. No registration required 703-838-4555.
Stories to Grow On. 11 a.m. for ages 2 and up at Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. No registration required 703-838-4555.
Fish Lecture. 7:45 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park Visitor’s Center. Learn about the studies of fish at Dyke Marsh and the Potomac. Free. Visit www.fodm.org or 703-768-2525.
Award Presentation. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Cooling III will receive the first annual General John G. Barnard Award. He is an author and historian. Will be given at Fort Ward Museum. Visit www.fortward.org for more.
Farm Fun. 10:30 a.m., John Marshall public library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories, activities and craft time for ages 2-3 with adult. Registration required.
English Practice. 7:30 p.m., at Kingstown Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. No registration required 703-339-4610.
The Writer's Wing. 7 p.m., at Martha Washington Community Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Share and discuss your work with other writers. Adults. Registration required 703-768-6700.
Thursday/May 24
Story Time. 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. for children ages 3-5 at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. No registration required. 703-519-5900.
Short Story Discussion Group. 7 p.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Discuss short stories from the anthology "Art of the Story" by David Halpern. Discuss "Remember Young Cecil," "Intimacy" and "The Stump-Grubber." Call Mark at 703-519-3498.
Storytime. 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. for children ages 3-5 years at Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. No registration required 703-838-4555.
Curiosity Club. 4 p.m., John Marshall public library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories, activities and a science experiment for ages 4-6 with adult. Registration required. 703-971-0010.
English Practice. 7 p.m., at John Marshall public library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. No registration required. 703-971-0010.
Splish Splash story time. 10:30 a.m., at Martha Washington Community Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria Stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft. Age 2-5 with adult. Registration required . 703-768-6700.
Friday/May 25
Time for 2's. 10 a.m. for children ages 2-3 years with an adult at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Registration required 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Lunch Bunch. Noon, John Marshall public library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Lunch and story time for newborns to 5-years-old with adult. Registration required. 703-971-0010.
Knitting for Beginners. 12:30 p.m., at Martha Washington Community Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Bring your own supplies. Adults. Registration required 703-768-6700.
Saturday/May 26
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m. for all ages at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Registration required 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Tales in Spanish. 11 a.m. for all ages and their families at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. No registration required 703-519-6000.
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. Free. Benefits the activities for the Jaycees. Visit www.alexjaycees.org for more.
Cultural Day. 5-9:30 p.m. at Minnie Howard School, 3801 Braddock Road. Free. Learn about the Sudanese African culture with poetry, fashion show, food, music and more. 703-380-5266.
Monday/May 28
Jazz Festival. 1-7 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Free. Features performances by Kaleidoscope Orchestra Big Band, Juanita Williams, Mike Stephen’s Project, Al Williams and Chopteeth. 703-883-4686.