The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) established the Bernard "Ben" Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. This new award celebrates the contributions of the late Ben Brenman, a retired U.S. Army colonel. Brenman devoted himself to finding, preserving and sharing Alexandria’s rich and diverse heritage, and was a founding member of the AAC, serving as its chair for 21 years. The AAC, a City of Alexandria commission, was the first of its kind established in the U.S.
The Brenman Award is open to businesses, organizations, families, professional preservationists, volunteers, students and other individuals who have demonstrated work or efforts in archaeological investigation, research, site protection, education, public interpretation, open space design, collections, or conservation. Nominations will be accepted on an annual basis, however, an award recipient may not be selected every year. Nominations are now being accepted for the first Brenman Award. Nomination forms are available online at www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or by calling the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703-838-4399. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 8.
The Alexandria Choral Society Children's Chorus will hold auditions on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 2-5 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 10 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 100 West Luray Ave. Audition times are by appointment, to schedule a time call 703-548-4734 or e-mail Kevin@AlexChoralSociety.org. The audition will consist of singing "Happy Birthday" and "My Country 'Tis of Thee." The Alexandria Choral Society's Children's Chorus is open to all children with unchanged voices from the metropolitan Washington area in grades 3 through 12. For more information, visit www.AlexChoralSociety.org.
The City of Alexandria’s Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse is sponsoring a Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month event featuring psychiatrist and addiction expert Dr. Laurence Westreich on Sept. 10 at 6:45 p.m. at Minnie Howard School, 3801 West Braddock Road. Free. A book sale and signing by the author will follow the event. For additional information, call Jennifer Cohen Cordero at 703-838-4455, ext. 165 or e-mail
jennifer.cohen-cordero@alexandriava.gov.
On Thursday, Sept. 13, the Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria is hosting a joint networking mixer for the Eisenhower Partnership and West End Business Association (WEBA) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 2700 Eisenhower Ave. New City Councilman Justin Wilson will be the guest speaker and will talk about the new draft Transportation Plan prepared by the City's Ad Hoc Transportation Task Force, the upcoming Eisenhower West study and be available to take questions. There will be food, drink, raffles and free parking. RSVP to 703-684-5124 or e-mail to patk@eisenhowerpartnership.org.
Alexandria Masters Swimming begins the fall-winter season of workouts starting Monday, Sept. 10. Beginning fitness/lap swimmers, former competitive swimmers, and triathletes are invited, and can try a workout with no obligation.
* Mt. Vernon Rec Center: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6-7 a.m. or Tuesday, Thursday 12:15-1:15 p.m.
* Lee District Rec Center: Tuesday, Thursday 6-7 a.m. and Monday, Thursday 7:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturday, 8-9:30 a.m.
* George Washington Rec Center: Tuesday 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Call Ray at 703-960-4598 or visit www.alexandriamasters.com.
The City of Alexandria has mailed personal property tax bills and windshield decals (attached to the back of the bill) to City residents. Residential parking permits were also included in the personal property tax bill mailings for vehicle owners who live within City residential permit parking zones. If you are a resident of Alexandria and own or lease a vehicle but have not received a tax bill, call the City's Personal Property Branch at 703-838-4560 to obtain a copy of the tax bill. Personal property tax for both business owners and residents is due on Friday, Oct. 5.
The Finance Department urges Alexandria taxpayers to pay their personal property taxes by mail or online to avoid waiting in line. The City offers numerous convenient methods for paying the personal property tax:
* Pay by mail using the enclosed envelope, or mail payment to the Treasurer's Office, Department 34710, Alexandria, VA 22334-0710. Please make checks payable to the "City of Alexandria."
* Pay by eCheck online at alexandriava.gov/finance/eChecks to have the payment electronically deducted from a specified checking or savings account. There is no fee for using this service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
* Pay by Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 1.800.272.9829, or online at alexandriava.gov/finance/payment_info.
* Tax bills can still be paid at the Treasury Division, City Hall, 301 King St., Room 1510, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 29.
For information on assessments, appeals, late filing penalty, the Personal Property Tax Relief Act, or to request a tax bill, call the Personal Property Branch at 703-838-4560. For information on payments, late payment penalty and interest, call the Treasury Division at 703-838-4777.
The Alexandria Commission for the Arts is seeking nominations for the 2007 Alex Awards. The program recognizes individuals, organizations, schools, and businesses that have made exceptional contributions to cultural life in the City of Alexandria. All nominations must be submitted to the Commission’s office, 1108 Jefferson St., by the close of business on Wednesday, Sept. 19. To receive a nomination form, request further information, inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or purchase tickets, call the Commission’s office at 703-838-6348, by e-mail at alexandriacommissionforthearts@verizon.net, or visit www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org.
The City of Alexandria's Citizen Academy begins its 8-week fall session on Sept. 27. The Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about City government through first-hand experience and gain exposure to a wide range of government functions, services, activities and issues.
Classes will be held every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. The class size is limited to 15 – 20 people and is open to City residents over the age of 18 and owners of businesses located in the City. The majority of the classes will be held in the City Council Workroom at City Hall, 301 King Street, however, a few classes will be held at different locations throughout the City. The deadline for application submission is Sept. 13. For more information and/or an application visit www.alexandariava.gov or call Elaine Scott, in the Office of Citizen Assistance at 703-838-4800.
WomenHeart, www.womenheart.org, is a patient advocacy organization serving the 8,000,000 American women living with heart disease. The next local meeting will be held at Buzz, 901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Marianne Lawrence 703-518-8808.
The Historic Alexandria Homes Tour, sponsored annually by The TWIG Junior Auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital, provides an opportunity for the public to explore private residences and gardens in historic Old Town Alexandria on Saturday, September 29th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital.
This tour promises to be one of our most memorable. The State of Virginia celebrates its 400th Anniversary--Alexandria its 258th--and in keeping with this theme, homes have been chosen for their historical significance and Virginia character. Each home is distinctive in its architecture, renovation and interior design, assuring something of interest for every visitor.
State Senator Patsy Ticer is Honorary Chair for the 66th Historic Alexandria Homes Tour. Patsy, a past TWIG president (1966-67), has distinguished herself in service of the Alexandria community as Mayor 1991-96 and as 30th District Senator in the State of Virginia since 1996.
For the first time, The Twig Artisans Showcase will take place in the garden of Alexandria’s historic Lee-Fendall House during tour hours. Original items for sale will include paintings, jewelry, handbags, floral arrangements and other personal and home accessories. The artisans, all Twig members, will donate a portion of their sales to the hospital. Ticket-holders may tour the Lee-Fendall House and be admitted to the Artisans Showcase.
Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically (Alive!) will hold three events on Sept 29. Last Saturday Food Distribution will be held at the Church of Resurrection, Cora Kelly Recreation Center and Ladrey Senior High Rise. A Food Collection will be held at Alfred Street Baptist, Beverly Hill Community UMC, Church of St. Clement, Emmanuel Episcopal, Fairlington UMC and Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai’s. A Furniture Collection will be held at Beth El Temple, Immanuel Church on the Hill and Agudas Achim. For more information contact ALIVE! at 703-837-9300 or AliveToo@aol.com. Visit their web site at www.alive-inc.org.
The Walk to Fight Breast Cancer in Alexandria will take place on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 8 a.m. Registration costs $25 per adult and $10 for children. After October 16, the cost for registering adults increases to $35 per adult. This event is located at Cameron Run Regional Park off of Eisenhower Avenue.
The third annual Dine Out and Shop for the Walk to Fight Breast Cancer will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 16. A variety of local Alexandria restaurants and stores will be donated a portion of the proceeds from their sales to the Walk to Fight Breast Cancer.
For further details about the Walk to Fight Breast Cancer, visit www.alexcancerwalk.com , or call 703-838-5030.
Is your home in need of rehabilitation or repair? Rebuilding Together Alexandria (formerly Christmas in April) is seeking qualified Alexandria residents who need assistance with their homes. If you are an in-need Alexandria homeowner and would like free help with home repairs, contact us for an application. Call 703-836-1021 for more information. Hurry -- limited applications accepted.
The Alexandria Community Services Board is in need of volunteers to serve in the following positions:
(1) Preschool presenters to deliver the 15 minute
Al's Pals curriculum to pre-school children in Alexandria two times per weekfrom October 2007 through mid-June 2008 (flexibility for vacations). Through the use of puppet-led discussions, songs, pictures and books, Al and his puppet pals help children to develop personal, emotional and social skills, which form the building blocks for future success. The volunteers will attend the Al's Pals training on August 30-31 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.
(2)Representative payees to receive Social Security checks and pay bills for persons with mental retardation or mental illness. A separate bank account is opened with automatic deposit and there are few monthly transactions. The duties require two hours per month, per account. (3) Friendly Visitors to plan one-on-one outings and activities with residents of Alexandria group homes for adults with mental retardation. This volunteer activity requires approximately two hours per week. Currently there are two persons in need of a friend. Please inquire for more details about these individuals. By giving a small amount of time, volunteers can meet a tremendous need in the community. For more information about these volunteer opportunities,
contact Jennifer Cohen Cordero at 703.838.4455 or
jennifer.cohen-cordero@alexandriava.gov
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The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking persons who are diplomatic, assertive, and good communicators to serve as a volunteer ombudsman. Volunteers are assigned to a specific local nursing home or assisted-living facility in the City of Alexandria and make weekly visits, meeting one-on-one with residents. Applicants must be available to volunteer four hours per week. For further information and to obtain an application, call 703-324-5435, TTY: 703-449-1186, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/LTCOmbudsman.